[Challenge 005] Lady Mine
Title: Lady Mine
Game: Fire Emblem 9/10
Word Count: 2,414
Pairings/Characters: Naesala/Leanne; Naesala, Sanaki
Warnings: General spoilers from the endgame of part 3 to the end of the game.
Beta:
forgotten_relic
Author's Notes: I admit, I was a bit flabbergasted when I saw the prompt. Nothing really game to mind. And then when I finally had an idea I thought that there was no way I'd get it to the 1000 word minimum - I was expecting about five hundred words, tops. Well not only did I manage the 1000 word minimum, I went quite a ways past it. Personally, I'm pleased with how this turned out - probably because I actually had time to work on it.
~*~
Naesala hated the cold. Ravens weren’t exactly built for cold weather, and yet the Raven King found himself spending an extraordinary amount of time in cold weather. First his time in Daein during the Mad King’s War, and now, for some unknown reason, he was returning to that frigid wasteland, though he couldn’t fathom why.
Closing his eyes he saw a vision of Leanne and remembered. Oh yeah, Leanne.
With a sigh he flew on, watching for any signs of the combined forces of the Apostle’s Army and the Laguz Alliance. While he didn’t care what the Apostle’s troops thought, he wanted to be as far away from the Laguz Alliance as possible. No doubt that Tibarn would rip his beak off and shove it where the sun didn’t shine, followed by tossing his sorry carcass to that hot headed lion. That was a fate he really didn’t want to meet.
Shaking the disturbing images from his head, Naesala focused his thoughts on why he was flying to his most certain death. He hated the idea of Leanne being caught in the middle of that horrid conflict all alone (even if both of her brothers were there). The others could think what they wanted of him; the only opinion that mattered to him was Leanne’s. As long as she knew that he was doing the best damn job he could under the current circumstances, that was all he cared about.
He saw the tent city in the distance and let out a sigh of relief, all the while trying to ignore the puff of white his expelled breath caused. Damn it was cold!
Landing a ways away from the heart of the camp, he wrapped his wings around him to the best of his ability to block the cold. His target was most likely in the heart of the camp, as far away from the vulnerable edges as they could possibly be. As he walked through the rows of tents, he ignored the few curious looks he got from anyone who was lucky enough to be injured and therefore not in the middle of the current fray. In the distance he could hear Leanne singing, and it took all of the self control Naesala possessed to not going running in search of her. At least he knew that she wasn’t out on the battlefield, even if some little part of him knew that Reyson was.
Sure enough he found the most elaborate tents in the center of the makeshift city. One tent bore the official seal of Crimea, the other of Begnion. He was fairly certain Tibarn and Skimir’s tents were on the other side. Poking his head into the Begnion tent, Naesala was surprised to find it empty. Groaning quietly to himself, he began to wander around, looking for the person he had officially come to see.
Leanne was just a bonus.
He found the Apostle sneaking around, looking at a few spare Pegasus that weren’t being used. She was muttering quietly to herself, which made him chuckle.
“Still no word from the battle,” she murmured as she gently petted the muzzle of a Pegasus. “What’s going on out there? I should go to my people. They may need me.” There was no mistaking the worry in her voice.
What was it about Naesala that drew spirited women to him anyway? He sighed before answering her, even if she didn’t mean to be overheard. “Hey, just where do you think you’re going? Do you think that the high-and-mighty apostle should be traipsing around the battlefield, hmmm?”
Startled, Sanaki turned around ready to deny everything until she saw it was only Naesala. Her golden eyes narrowed as she addressed him. “Wha—oh, it’s just you. Hmph! How dare you sneak up on me that way!”
The Raven King wasn’t stupid. He could see the gears working in Sanaki’s head. “That beauty from the Holy Guards told me to keep an eye on you. So, do me a favor and sit still, will you?” Yeah right, like the kid was actually going to listen to him.
“But I can’t see anything from here!” she whined, her voice reaching a pitch that made him wince. “I have to know how my people are faring down there! I…I can’t bear doing nothing!” She looked up at him pleadingly, and Naesala knew he was doomed. It was the same with Leanne. Damn it! “Hmmm…I have an idea! You! Carry me to a place where I can observe the battle!” Naesala attempted to give her a hard look that clearly said no, but Sanaki wasn’t buying it. “Don’t give me that look! You’re the one who agreed to guard me, so do your duty and obey your orders! Come on, let’s get moving!”
He actually had to gape at her. Since when did this child get so demanding? “Wait a minute…Is that what passes for beorc logic these days? No wonder you lost your throne!” Not one to stand for impudence from anyone (save Ike due to a schoolgirl’s crush), Sanaki promptly punched Naesala in the arm. It didn’t hurt, but he pretended that it did anyway. “Ow! Stop that!”
“Are you going to obey me, or shall I have you chased back home in a cloud of feathers?” she asked haughtily, knowing that the Raven King wasn’t exactly in a position to refuse her request.
Grimacing, Naesala shook his head. “By the goddess, what have I gotten myself into?” he muttered to himself as he knelt on the cold, hard ground. “As you wish, Empress. My back is yours.” No doubt that Tibarn would find this whole situation greatly amusing.
When he was certain that Sanaki was securely on his back, Naesala launched himself into the air, taking a bit of perverse pleasure in Sanaki’s squeal of surprise. Once they were fully airborne, Sanaki relaxed her hold slightly and then sighed. “I’m sorry, Naesala. I don’t mean to abuse you.”
“I know you don’t,” he replied dryly. “I’m just glad there’s a loophole in the blood contract.”
He felt her nod in agreement. “Yes, I’m very sorry about that. But until I can force Lekian to hand it over, you’ll be stuck serving me.”
“Hey, serving you is far better than serving the likes of the senate,” Naesala smirked. “At least all you want out of me is a joyride.”
“This is more than a joyride, Naesala,” she growled. Or at least it sounded like a growl. Naesala wasn’t sure what thirteen year old girls sounded like when they were trying to be intimidating. She cleared her throat and then started talking again. “I know that you want what’s best for your people. I can relate to that.”
“I know you can,” he answered, looking over his shoulder to smile reassuringly at her.
“Because of what the senate ordered, you’re in trouble with Tibarn and the other laguz, aren’t you?” she asked quietly.
“That doesn’t matter,” Naesala answered roughly. “I don’t care what they think.”
“Do you care about what anyone thinks?” she questioned. She had overheard Tibarn and Skimir talking a few nights back, and the things that they had to say about her current guard were less than flattering. She had been tempted to rush into the conversation and defend him, but Sigrun had held her back, sadly shaking her head. It was a laguz matter, Sanaki had no right to butt in even if she was indirectly involved.
He shifted her slightly, but didn’t answer. She responded by squeezing his sides with her legs. Rolling his eyes, Naesala knew it was futile to ignore her. “There is only one person whose opinion I care about. I’ve been lucky enough not to push her away and I’m going to try my damnedest to keep it that way.”
“Ah yes,” the apostle said mischievously. “I can imagine that you value Leanne’s opinion.”
“Hey now! Who said anything about it being Leanne?” Naesala answered defensively and then immediately regretted saying anything when Sanaki giggled. He had just confirmed what she had said without saying anything. “Okay, fine, the only person whose opinion I care about it Leanne’s. Is that a problem, Empress?”
“No, not at all,” Sanaki replied, the smile obvious in her voice. “I think it’s sweet.”
Naesala couldn’t suppress his laughter. “Sweet?”
“What, it is!” Sanaki insisted. “How long have you been in love with her?”
“With all due respect, Empress, my love life is none of your concern even if you do own me,” Naesala said as he spotted a nearby cliff where he could perch so Sanaki could watch the battle. He landed gently and knelt so that Sanaki could dismount.
“Perhaps,” she said as she slipped down from his back and sat down on a nearby rock. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, occasionally wincing when she saw someone cut down.
The battle was fierce and gruesome, and in more than one place the snow was stained red with blood. Naesala looked over his shoulder to where Sanaki was sitting and then back down to the battlefield, his mouth set in a grim line. Sanaki was an infant, she shouldn’t be sitting on a cliff watching people die for her, she should be playing in the snow.
Naesala knew a thing or two about being forced to grow up before it was time. He felt bad for the child, but on the same note, she reminded him a little of Leanne. The girl had spirit. Spunk. Moxie. There was something about her that was vibrant and alive, even in these trying times. No matter what the senate did to try and break her, Sanaki fought back with everything she had. She wasn’t without her doubts, or else she wouldn’t be sitting on this cliff with him, but she was a fighter. He liked that about her.
“You know, you remind me of Leanne when she was your age,” he said offhandedly.
Sanaki looked up at him curiously. “Really?”
“Yup. Leanne’s always been a bit unconventional for a heron. Most of them are like Rafiel. Delicate and serene, but Leanne’s the one who really broke the mould. She was spunky and independent, even when she was little,” Naesala explained with a grin. It had always been what he had admired about her. “Reyson used to tease her mercilessly because she was the youngest. One day Leanne decided that she had had enough and she punched him. Darn near broke his nose.”
The Apostle giggled at the mental image of delicate and demure Leanne punching Reyson in the face. “I can’t imagine that went over well with the rest of the family.”
“Well, it certainly defied the logic that herons can’t fight,” he agreed. “But Leanne about broke her hand. Herons have fragile bodies.”
“What happened?” Sanaki asked, her attention fixed on the battle.
“Both Leanne and Reyson got in trouble,” Naesala shrugged. “But for the first time there was a vibrant spark of life in the herons. It was probably for the best, though.”
“The Serenes Massacre,” she breathed.
“Yeah,” he agreed grimly. “The fact that she survived is proof enough that her spirit is strong.” He turned a kind smile to the Apostle. “You’re like her. Sure, you look delicate, but you’re a fighter. You won’t let those fat, pompous asses roll right over you.”
“Thank you, Naesala,” she said, looking up at him. “I appreciate it. All of it.” She was referring to their current position.
“I don’t think I have much of a choice,” he replied dryly.
“Well, no,” Sanaki answered slowly. “But I swear, once I take down Lekain, I’ll destroy that blasted blood pact. No one has the right to own another.”
He quirked a smile at her. “I appreciate that.”
With a sigh, the Apostle turned her attention back to the battle. “I don’t suppose you know why Daein continues to resist, do you?”
“What makes you think that I know?” he asked in mock offense.
“I’ve heard rumors that Kilvas is very good at gathering intelligence. What do you know?” she asked again.
“Fine, fine. Numida was using it as his personal piggy bank and more or less let General Jerod do as he pleased,” Naesala started. “And guess what, Daein really doesn’t have any other choice but to fight. Lekian made sure of that.”
“They’re bound by a blood pact as well?” Sanaki asked in horror.
“Lekain covered his backside. Seems Daein’s new king is a little naïve,” he answered with a shrug. Well, well, Sanaki was whip-smart as well. Spunky and smart – a dangerous combination in a woman, even one as young as thirteen. “Though I guess he made it out to be a peace treaty, and the king’s advisor was paid off by the senate to make sure that Pelleas didn’t look too closely at it.”
“This only strengthens my resolve,” Sanaki said seriously as she glared down at the battlefield. “We have all been made pawns by the schemes of the senate and I shall not stand for them.”
“If that is your will, Empress, then I shall do all in my power to aid you,” Naesala replied with a magnanimous bow.
She smiled brightly at him. “Thank you, Raven King. Perhaps now would be a good time to head back to camp. Should Sigrun or Tanith return and find me missing, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Funny to think that the Empress of all Begnion and the Apostle should fear the ire of her two guards,” he remarked off handedly as he knelt so Sanaki could once more climb onto his back. She lightly smacked the back of his head, but he still heard her giggle. “All right, Empress, let’s go.”
The flight back to camp was silent, no doubt Sanaki was mulling over the latest revelation. If Naesala had been smart, he would have told everyone what he knew about Daein as soon as he had learned it. The problem was he was very smart and he knew that after his betrayal no one would have paid his words any mind. No one except Sanaki, and even then she wasn’t in a position to do anything about it.
But now the tides were turning. There was something in the air and Naesala could feel it. He only had to hang on for a little while longer, and he found his inspiration in two of the most spirited women he knew.
End Note: I'm currently working on an epilogue that sort of ties of what I feel are loose ends from this particular story. If you'd like to read it, let me know and I'll send you the link once I get it up.
Game: Fire Emblem 9/10
Word Count: 2,414
Pairings/Characters: Naesala/Leanne; Naesala, Sanaki
Warnings: General spoilers from the endgame of part 3 to the end of the game.
Beta:
forgotten_relicAuthor's Notes: I admit, I was a bit flabbergasted when I saw the prompt. Nothing really game to mind. And then when I finally had an idea I thought that there was no way I'd get it to the 1000 word minimum - I was expecting about five hundred words, tops. Well not only did I manage the 1000 word minimum, I went quite a ways past it. Personally, I'm pleased with how this turned out - probably because I actually had time to work on it.
Naesala hated the cold. Ravens weren’t exactly built for cold weather, and yet the Raven King found himself spending an extraordinary amount of time in cold weather. First his time in Daein during the Mad King’s War, and now, for some unknown reason, he was returning to that frigid wasteland, though he couldn’t fathom why.
Closing his eyes he saw a vision of Leanne and remembered. Oh yeah, Leanne.
With a sigh he flew on, watching for any signs of the combined forces of the Apostle’s Army and the Laguz Alliance. While he didn’t care what the Apostle’s troops thought, he wanted to be as far away from the Laguz Alliance as possible. No doubt that Tibarn would rip his beak off and shove it where the sun didn’t shine, followed by tossing his sorry carcass to that hot headed lion. That was a fate he really didn’t want to meet.
Shaking the disturbing images from his head, Naesala focused his thoughts on why he was flying to his most certain death. He hated the idea of Leanne being caught in the middle of that horrid conflict all alone (even if both of her brothers were there). The others could think what they wanted of him; the only opinion that mattered to him was Leanne’s. As long as she knew that he was doing the best damn job he could under the current circumstances, that was all he cared about.
He saw the tent city in the distance and let out a sigh of relief, all the while trying to ignore the puff of white his expelled breath caused. Damn it was cold!
Landing a ways away from the heart of the camp, he wrapped his wings around him to the best of his ability to block the cold. His target was most likely in the heart of the camp, as far away from the vulnerable edges as they could possibly be. As he walked through the rows of tents, he ignored the few curious looks he got from anyone who was lucky enough to be injured and therefore not in the middle of the current fray. In the distance he could hear Leanne singing, and it took all of the self control Naesala possessed to not going running in search of her. At least he knew that she wasn’t out on the battlefield, even if some little part of him knew that Reyson was.
Sure enough he found the most elaborate tents in the center of the makeshift city. One tent bore the official seal of Crimea, the other of Begnion. He was fairly certain Tibarn and Skimir’s tents were on the other side. Poking his head into the Begnion tent, Naesala was surprised to find it empty. Groaning quietly to himself, he began to wander around, looking for the person he had officially come to see.
Leanne was just a bonus.
He found the Apostle sneaking around, looking at a few spare Pegasus that weren’t being used. She was muttering quietly to herself, which made him chuckle.
“Still no word from the battle,” she murmured as she gently petted the muzzle of a Pegasus. “What’s going on out there? I should go to my people. They may need me.” There was no mistaking the worry in her voice.
What was it about Naesala that drew spirited women to him anyway? He sighed before answering her, even if she didn’t mean to be overheard. “Hey, just where do you think you’re going? Do you think that the high-and-mighty apostle should be traipsing around the battlefield, hmmm?”
Startled, Sanaki turned around ready to deny everything until she saw it was only Naesala. Her golden eyes narrowed as she addressed him. “Wha—oh, it’s just you. Hmph! How dare you sneak up on me that way!”
The Raven King wasn’t stupid. He could see the gears working in Sanaki’s head. “That beauty from the Holy Guards told me to keep an eye on you. So, do me a favor and sit still, will you?” Yeah right, like the kid was actually going to listen to him.
“But I can’t see anything from here!” she whined, her voice reaching a pitch that made him wince. “I have to know how my people are faring down there! I…I can’t bear doing nothing!” She looked up at him pleadingly, and Naesala knew he was doomed. It was the same with Leanne. Damn it! “Hmmm…I have an idea! You! Carry me to a place where I can observe the battle!” Naesala attempted to give her a hard look that clearly said no, but Sanaki wasn’t buying it. “Don’t give me that look! You’re the one who agreed to guard me, so do your duty and obey your orders! Come on, let’s get moving!”
He actually had to gape at her. Since when did this child get so demanding? “Wait a minute…Is that what passes for beorc logic these days? No wonder you lost your throne!” Not one to stand for impudence from anyone (save Ike due to a schoolgirl’s crush), Sanaki promptly punched Naesala in the arm. It didn’t hurt, but he pretended that it did anyway. “Ow! Stop that!”
“Are you going to obey me, or shall I have you chased back home in a cloud of feathers?” she asked haughtily, knowing that the Raven King wasn’t exactly in a position to refuse her request.
Grimacing, Naesala shook his head. “By the goddess, what have I gotten myself into?” he muttered to himself as he knelt on the cold, hard ground. “As you wish, Empress. My back is yours.” No doubt that Tibarn would find this whole situation greatly amusing.
When he was certain that Sanaki was securely on his back, Naesala launched himself into the air, taking a bit of perverse pleasure in Sanaki’s squeal of surprise. Once they were fully airborne, Sanaki relaxed her hold slightly and then sighed. “I’m sorry, Naesala. I don’t mean to abuse you.”
“I know you don’t,” he replied dryly. “I’m just glad there’s a loophole in the blood contract.”
He felt her nod in agreement. “Yes, I’m very sorry about that. But until I can force Lekian to hand it over, you’ll be stuck serving me.”
“Hey, serving you is far better than serving the likes of the senate,” Naesala smirked. “At least all you want out of me is a joyride.”
“This is more than a joyride, Naesala,” she growled. Or at least it sounded like a growl. Naesala wasn’t sure what thirteen year old girls sounded like when they were trying to be intimidating. She cleared her throat and then started talking again. “I know that you want what’s best for your people. I can relate to that.”
“I know you can,” he answered, looking over his shoulder to smile reassuringly at her.
“Because of what the senate ordered, you’re in trouble with Tibarn and the other laguz, aren’t you?” she asked quietly.
“That doesn’t matter,” Naesala answered roughly. “I don’t care what they think.”
“Do you care about what anyone thinks?” she questioned. She had overheard Tibarn and Skimir talking a few nights back, and the things that they had to say about her current guard were less than flattering. She had been tempted to rush into the conversation and defend him, but Sigrun had held her back, sadly shaking her head. It was a laguz matter, Sanaki had no right to butt in even if she was indirectly involved.
He shifted her slightly, but didn’t answer. She responded by squeezing his sides with her legs. Rolling his eyes, Naesala knew it was futile to ignore her. “There is only one person whose opinion I care about. I’ve been lucky enough not to push her away and I’m going to try my damnedest to keep it that way.”
“Ah yes,” the apostle said mischievously. “I can imagine that you value Leanne’s opinion.”
“Hey now! Who said anything about it being Leanne?” Naesala answered defensively and then immediately regretted saying anything when Sanaki giggled. He had just confirmed what she had said without saying anything. “Okay, fine, the only person whose opinion I care about it Leanne’s. Is that a problem, Empress?”
“No, not at all,” Sanaki replied, the smile obvious in her voice. “I think it’s sweet.”
Naesala couldn’t suppress his laughter. “Sweet?”
“What, it is!” Sanaki insisted. “How long have you been in love with her?”
“With all due respect, Empress, my love life is none of your concern even if you do own me,” Naesala said as he spotted a nearby cliff where he could perch so Sanaki could watch the battle. He landed gently and knelt so that Sanaki could dismount.
“Perhaps,” she said as she slipped down from his back and sat down on a nearby rock. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, occasionally wincing when she saw someone cut down.
The battle was fierce and gruesome, and in more than one place the snow was stained red with blood. Naesala looked over his shoulder to where Sanaki was sitting and then back down to the battlefield, his mouth set in a grim line. Sanaki was an infant, she shouldn’t be sitting on a cliff watching people die for her, she should be playing in the snow.
Naesala knew a thing or two about being forced to grow up before it was time. He felt bad for the child, but on the same note, she reminded him a little of Leanne. The girl had spirit. Spunk. Moxie. There was something about her that was vibrant and alive, even in these trying times. No matter what the senate did to try and break her, Sanaki fought back with everything she had. She wasn’t without her doubts, or else she wouldn’t be sitting on this cliff with him, but she was a fighter. He liked that about her.
“You know, you remind me of Leanne when she was your age,” he said offhandedly.
Sanaki looked up at him curiously. “Really?”
“Yup. Leanne’s always been a bit unconventional for a heron. Most of them are like Rafiel. Delicate and serene, but Leanne’s the one who really broke the mould. She was spunky and independent, even when she was little,” Naesala explained with a grin. It had always been what he had admired about her. “Reyson used to tease her mercilessly because she was the youngest. One day Leanne decided that she had had enough and she punched him. Darn near broke his nose.”
The Apostle giggled at the mental image of delicate and demure Leanne punching Reyson in the face. “I can’t imagine that went over well with the rest of the family.”
“Well, it certainly defied the logic that herons can’t fight,” he agreed. “But Leanne about broke her hand. Herons have fragile bodies.”
“What happened?” Sanaki asked, her attention fixed on the battle.
“Both Leanne and Reyson got in trouble,” Naesala shrugged. “But for the first time there was a vibrant spark of life in the herons. It was probably for the best, though.”
“The Serenes Massacre,” she breathed.
“Yeah,” he agreed grimly. “The fact that she survived is proof enough that her spirit is strong.” He turned a kind smile to the Apostle. “You’re like her. Sure, you look delicate, but you’re a fighter. You won’t let those fat, pompous asses roll right over you.”
“Thank you, Naesala,” she said, looking up at him. “I appreciate it. All of it.” She was referring to their current position.
“I don’t think I have much of a choice,” he replied dryly.
“Well, no,” Sanaki answered slowly. “But I swear, once I take down Lekain, I’ll destroy that blasted blood pact. No one has the right to own another.”
He quirked a smile at her. “I appreciate that.”
With a sigh, the Apostle turned her attention back to the battle. “I don’t suppose you know why Daein continues to resist, do you?”
“What makes you think that I know?” he asked in mock offense.
“I’ve heard rumors that Kilvas is very good at gathering intelligence. What do you know?” she asked again.
“Fine, fine. Numida was using it as his personal piggy bank and more or less let General Jerod do as he pleased,” Naesala started. “And guess what, Daein really doesn’t have any other choice but to fight. Lekian made sure of that.”
“They’re bound by a blood pact as well?” Sanaki asked in horror.
“Lekain covered his backside. Seems Daein’s new king is a little naïve,” he answered with a shrug. Well, well, Sanaki was whip-smart as well. Spunky and smart – a dangerous combination in a woman, even one as young as thirteen. “Though I guess he made it out to be a peace treaty, and the king’s advisor was paid off by the senate to make sure that Pelleas didn’t look too closely at it.”
“This only strengthens my resolve,” Sanaki said seriously as she glared down at the battlefield. “We have all been made pawns by the schemes of the senate and I shall not stand for them.”
“If that is your will, Empress, then I shall do all in my power to aid you,” Naesala replied with a magnanimous bow.
She smiled brightly at him. “Thank you, Raven King. Perhaps now would be a good time to head back to camp. Should Sigrun or Tanith return and find me missing, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Funny to think that the Empress of all Begnion and the Apostle should fear the ire of her two guards,” he remarked off handedly as he knelt so Sanaki could once more climb onto his back. She lightly smacked the back of his head, but he still heard her giggle. “All right, Empress, let’s go.”
The flight back to camp was silent, no doubt Sanaki was mulling over the latest revelation. If Naesala had been smart, he would have told everyone what he knew about Daein as soon as he had learned it. The problem was he was very smart and he knew that after his betrayal no one would have paid his words any mind. No one except Sanaki, and even then she wasn’t in a position to do anything about it.
But now the tides were turning. There was something in the air and Naesala could feel it. He only had to hang on for a little while longer, and he found his inspiration in two of the most spirited women he knew.
End Note: I'm currently working on an epilogue that sort of ties of what I feel are loose ends from this particular story. If you'd like to read it, let me know and I'll send you the link once I get it up.