For Great Victory

[Syrrus]

The arrow had gone just by the side of his head, that stupid Shinon and his way of having fun. The bowman often tended to try and scare him, especially when he was bored. Tormod was certain it had something to do with him being taken care of by Laguz... he missed his two best friends something awful. Tormod jumped down from the tree branch of which he had made into his personal napping spot. He frowned with his whole face towards the bowman who stood smirking not too far from him.


“Bastard!” Tormod shouted. The boy felt like he badly wanted to turn the whole forest up on smokes just to prove to Shinon that he indeed was not afraid of him and his stupid bow. But instead of doing that, seeing as he had forgotten his tome back at their base he decided to toss a stone at the bowman, who started chuckling to himself and placed another arrow against the bow. Tormod stuck out his tongue and started to run back to base. At least he could find someone there who could put Shinon back in his place.


“Help!!” Tormod shouted from the top of his lounges as he ran into the old fort, causing Elincia who was sitting by the long table to jump in her seat and quickly turn towards the entrance from where the boy came running. “Tormod! What's the problem sweetie! Are we under attack!?” Under attack by who? So far there was only rumors about something bad going on, but that was on the other side of Tallius, not this close to Laguz land. King Caineghis had even lent two of his strongest warrior, one being the right hand of his son and future King of Gallia and the other one of the most feared fighter of the so called beast-race, who would dare to attack them so close to their home lands?


Tormod threw himself in the Queens arms, pretending his best to be the innocent little boy no one believed him to be. Luckily for him Elincia's kindness made her easy to trick. “He was shooting at me!” Tormod fake sobbed into her cloths, not even mustering up any kind of tears. “Who was shooting at you?” Elincia asked carefully, trying her best not to scare the poor little thing.


Poor little thing, hah. It was almost too easy for Tormod to stir up some trouble around these parts. Never a boring moment.

 

[Ninian]

Naesala had been observing the fight between Tormod and Shinon from the skies. The situation was quite amusing, and a wicked grin spread at the boy's futile attempts to get the man to stop. Naesala should have been busy with his diplomatic endeavors, but it seemed lately there was little to be done.


Landing near Shinon, Naesala shifted into his humanoid form with a grin, "Are you having a good time?"


Meanwhile, in the fort Soren was busy making preparations. Though there was no immediate threat to the kingdom, it was still his duty to have a fully functional plan should anything happen. Passing by the main meeting area, Soren heard the commotion and entered the room with a skeptical expression, "What is—Oh, I see. A sympathy ploy. Believe him if you wish my Queen, but there are no enemy forces in the vicinity."


Laying his stratagems upon the long table, Soren sat down and began skimming its contents, keeping a close eye on Tormod.

 

[Syrrus]

Shinon hated the Laguz, no not hated, -hated-. There was nothing good about them. Sure he had found a sort of companionship with the bird-brain Janaff but that didn't mean he wanted anything to do with the rest of them. Just looking at this guy and his posture of superiority made Shinon want to go to the closest bar with or without Gatrie. The man put the arrow back where it belonged, and hung the bow over his back rather neatly before jumping of the wall of which he had been standing on.


“And how does it concern you? Sub-human.” Shinon smirked slightly as he shoved his hands down his pockets. He knew that the Queen and their beloved leader Ike hardly would agree on his choice of words but no one could stop him, really. No one had ever been able to stop him from doing what he wanted to do, he was stubborn like that. “Shouldn't you be off licking the Queens feet or something?”


Tormod looked up from his very comfortable spot in the Queens arms and stuck out his tongue at Soren. “Thanks so much Soren. Very necessary.” He moved away and bowed before the queen, causing her too look rather confused. The boy might not have been a great fake-crier but he sure was good at looking rather spoiled.


“What is this about, Tormod?” She asked gently, because something had to be wrong. She patted the seat next to her and Tormod quickly plopped himself down, slamming both hands into the wooden table to try and cause the papers Soren was reading to fly ever which way. “Oh you know, nothing really. Shinon just tried using me as target practice. But I sure showed him! Laguz-hater should shove it up somewhere were the sun don't shine. I bet he's trying to stop me from freeing all the slaves! HAH! He'll never succeed. No one can stop me!”


The Queen sighed and placed her hands together over her knees. She loved this company dearly, but it was very difficult for her to deal with all the fighting they sometimes did among themselves. Sure she knew very well that they meant nothing by it, really. They always pulled through when needs be, but she still didn't enjoy how they picked on each other.

 

[Ninian]

Letting out a chuckle, Naesala placed a hand to his head. Racist beorc were always so much fun to toy with, and he was so good at it. They were far more entertaining than the others who found him despicable. Naesala replied with a raised brow, "Sub-human? Yes, yes, I'm the scum of Tellius. You're not the first person to imply as such. However..." As the man continued to speak his tone darkened significantly, "You should watch your language. A proud laguz may take your words to heart, and find it cause to rip your lungs out." A smirk began to play across the man's face, "And if you must know, I was just on my way to lick the Queen's feet. You're just a detour~"


In the fort, Soren nodded and barely acknowledged Tormod, "Mhm." He would have further ignored the boy if he hadn't disrupted his papers. In an instant the page of his book turned, and the papers set on the table scattered. Glaring at the mess, for a few moments, Soren then fixated his ire on Tormod, "Shinon likely uses you for target practice because you're an obnoxious child, not because of your love of su—laguz."


Looking over to Elincia, Soren continued, "What do you make of this my Queen? I believe the boy needs to be sent back to his caretakers. He clearly lacks emotional maturity."

 

[Syrrus]

Shinon turned quickly and pulled an arrow even quicker. He pointed towards the sub-human in question with anger in his eyes. “I'd like to see you try.” There would be no fighting happening, even Shinon new this. The Queen would not have it and he had already been in trouble for fighting Laguz this week. Shinon therefore put his bow and arrow away, for a second time and turned his back on the winged creature. “Besides, you can't do any feet licking with an arrow through the neck.”


Tormod stuck out his tongue for the third time in the same hour. “How about we send you back home to your caretaker?” He said, perking himself up a bit like a cat does before pouncing on a mouse. His father, well not his proper father seeing as Muarim was a Laguz and Tormod was very much a beorc, was hard to find anyway, so there wouldn't be any sending him anywhere. Sorens 'caretaker' was Ike anyhow, so he didn't have to go very far, but it still sounded very much like a insult in turn.


“Tormod is here to help us and he does so with great skill. Besides, I would miss him very much would he be leaving.” Elincia said, smiling down at the boy before continuing. “And Tormod, that is not how you speak to Soren, nor anyone else. Apologize, please?” Tormod started to frown, looking up at the queen with slight annoyance before sighing. “Fine. I am sorry, Soren.”

 

[Ninian]

Letting out a chuckle Naesala extended a hand, "Oh come now, you know very well I wouldn't attack you; I'm much better at fleeing." Though his words reflected a past him, a different him, they were true all the same and he felt terribly for it. Flapping his wings slightly he spoke while running a hand through his hair, "You must be feeling a bit cooped up. I can't blame you, this peace is almost nauseating, is it not? Ah well, it's for the best."


Soren completely ignored Tormod's taunting statement in favor of cleaning up his papers. Though he would actually like to see Ike, Soren tried his best not to smother him. Stacking his papers and placing them under the book so a repeat incident would not occur, Soren turned towards Elincia, "He is above average, at best. However, if you wish to dote on someone whom you envision to be your child, I am not going to stop you." Soren's red eyes fixated upon Tormod as he 'apologized', "Apology accepted. Now go play elsewhere before you further disrupt my planning."

 

[Syrrus]

Shinon glared with frustration at the sub-human beside him. He turned again so he could better watch his frustrating face. Naesala was probably the biggest coward Shinon had ever heard of. It meant of course very little in a place like this. “Should you not be somewhere else, acting all charming and so forth? Because I don't think your attitude is going to work on me and I don't think that's what you want, either..”


Elincia would blush by the ridiculous mention Soren just did, she looked at him and then back at Tormod who was looking more frustrated than embarrassed by the statement of Elincia being his so called 'mom'. Elincia decided it was best to change this strange subject that was going on. “Has anyone heard from our consort? I got a letter stating that a ambassador was going to join us? ...The letter didn't mention a name or region.” It all sounded rather confused, and she spoke rather quietly, seeing as she felt a bit naive. It was probably a trick of some sort. “The letter was torn up and wet, it was hard to read in fact.”


Tormod felt like sticking his tongue out again, but decided against it, after all it was better to try and act more mature, in case the Queen would agree with Soren. Tormod decided to turn, causing his cape to flourish behind him and he hurried off.

 

[Ninian]

Naesala chuckled at the beorc's words, shaking his head with a small grin, "Perhaps you are right. I merely dropped by to ask where the Queen was presently, though our exchange was admittedly delightful."


Looking towards the sky, Naesala furrowed his brow before returning his gaze on Shinon.


With a small shrug, Soren replied to the Queen's inquiry, "No, I've not heard a thing. Was someone supposed to be visiting? That seems odd. Little is going on, I can't imagine someone seeing us at this time with good intentions."


As Tormod left, Soren watched him until he was all but a speck, "It seems he took my advice. So, Elincia, now that the boy is gone, what are your feelings towards him? I was under the impression he was an adult, despite his appearance and stunted maturity."

 

[Syrrus]

Shinon frowned and pointed, he had hoped their lovely exchange would have ended long before it started. Not even thinking twice about what possibly could go wrong he added "The Queen is back at the base. The same direction to where the brat ran. You can't miss it, really." Shinon shoved his hand back down his pocket and muttered something about no good subhumans and their lack of brains.


Elincia stroke a finger over her lips in thought, perhaps it was just a trick played by the children which followed them? Even if Rolf, Mist and Tormod was all too old for make believe but perhaps it was a old game of there's? She hoped so.


When Soren asked for her thoughts about Tormod she blinked, clearly not certain where this conversation was headed. "I believe he's a good proof that the younger generations will care for our peace with the Laguz tribes. Mist and Rolf seems to share his point of view as well, which makes me very glad." Peace was important, not only for her people but everyone and she sometimes had enough courage to be so naive to wish everyone thought the same.

 

[Ninian]

With a grin, Naesala patted Shinon on the back, "Ah! Thank you." Within a few moments after, the laguz lifted off, taking to the skies. Briefly pausing to turn and smile at the beorc, he then continued full speed ahead to the main base. Down below, he saw the hustle and bustling of preparations. For what? Naesala was unsure. He was mostly unfamiliar with Crimean lands, but assumed this is where Shinon had pointed him too and grounded himself before the fort.


Soren's crimson irises fixated upon Elincia's form. It was clear the man was judging her, though he wasn't doing it to be malicious. "Hmph, I suppose. Though you seem to have willingly taken on the role of caretaker, which I believe unwise. You have much more important matters to attend to." Fingering his strategem he continued, "That ambassador, for example."

 

[Syrrus]

Elincia sighed. Soren was often difficult to handle, not because she disliked him; there was very few people she disliked and she showed even fewer any kind of disrespect. “I don't have any stronger feelings towards the boy than the ones I have for all of you. You are very dear to me, if that so wrong for a Queen to feel? I admit it's rather unheard of but hardly from a land like Crimean?” Elincia liked to believe that her father had been a caring ruler as well, not that she had known him but she knew what other thought of him.


The Ambassador, it sounded as if Soren believed the letter she had retrieved and as the young woman heard the familiar noise of heavy wings, she instantly believed she had forgotten to prepare the mercenaries for King Tibarn's or Reyson's arrival. Elincia quickly got out of her seat. She was dressed like a pesant, not like the Queen she was suppose to be. The orange dress seemed a lot more ill-fitting now than it had a moment ago.

 

[Ninian]

Raising a brow, Soren carefully inspected Elincia before speaking, "It is not wrong, but it is unwise. Having such emotions makes difficult decisions even more so. Hopefully for your sake Crimea will remain at peace for the duration of your rule." Upon hearing the flapping wings, Soren once more looked over Elincia's garb with a scowl.


Gently stroking his hair back into place, Naesala glided into the front door looking over the Queen with a sincere smile before taking a knee, "My lovely Queen~ How does the day find you?"


Soren watched as the former king entered, a skeptical scowl across his visage, "Why are you here." Looking from the ground, Naesala matched Soren's gaze, "Why else? To speak with your beautiful Queen. Oh, and there is a lot that must be discussed."

 

[Syrrus]

Elincia and Soren wasn't the only ones to hear the familiar noise of a Laguz's wings but most of they who did knew to stay away, unless called upon. It was rude to intervene on the Queens private business. Shinon was the only one who wouldn't care at all about intervening on anybody's business but he wasn't close enough to do it.


Geoffrey was the first to enter the room after Naesala however and he looked rather bothered by the Laguz presence, but not by the reason some would have thought. “Your highness, I would advice any visitor should go through me before seeing you, just in case it is someone with a bad name.” He said, saluting his queen before peering at the guest in question.


Elincia waved a hand dismissively at her first in command, smiling gently. “I have Soren in here with me, would something like it happen. Besides, it's just Naesala, I'm sure it will be alright.” She then nodded towards the guest, smiling all too gently. “Greetings Naesala, what brings you so far from home just to see me?” She felt the urge to bow, something she was used to before she became a queen but resisted against it

 

[Ninian]

Naesala smiled, "Perhaps your subordinate is right... however it's just old Naesala, nothing to worry about." Soren glanced at Geoffrey, then back at Elincia before speaking, "While I agree with your judgment, Geoffrey, the Queen is more than safe with me." With furrowed brows, Naesala looked between the two men present in the room, "Neither of you trust me, do you? Ah well... I suppose your feelings are none of my business. All that matters is how the Queen feels towards me and... well, of course we have much to discuss. I would prefer to discuss matters in private, but I'm sure that neither of you would allow me the pleasure." With a smile he continued, "Well then, on to the important matters. I'm sure the rumors have reached here by now? Well, I'm being told there's a riot in Hatari; I suppose finding out you're not the last Kingdom left in existence could cause tension."

 

[Syrrus]

The Queen frowned slightly. She knew that most of the tension between her friends and Naesala lay differently from the fact that he was a Laguz, or at least sort of. She still decided to use that new found power of hers. “Geoffrey, Soren, please give us some privacy.” She gave the both of them a smile and without questioning, even though he badly wanted to Geoffrey turned around and left the room.


“I know about the rumors yes, this is why I am placed so far away from the castle and so close to Gallia. As you know, the King in these lands are awfully kind and helpful. I am suppose to be safe here.” She sigh and sat down on the bench, leaning her chin against the palm of her hand as the elbow rested upon the oak table. “I much rather try to help my people, if the danger would prove to be true, but I have little choice when Geoffrey and Bastian get stubborn.”


The Queen quickly looked up at Naesala, looking worried now. “Why, is it a proper danger?”

 

[Ninian]

Picking up his books, Soren begrudgingly left the room behind Geoffrey, "Our Queen is insane. Does she not recall that man and his past history?" Glaring at the ground, he continued towards his study, clearly annoyed at the circumstance.


Taking a seat, Naesala folded his wings so that they would not get in the way of the chair's back. Crossing a leg, he focused his attention fully on the Queen, "You should be safe here, yes. Even with the movement in Hatari, I doubt they wold reach these lands. However, you can never be too careful, especially given that your subjects may be at risk." Running his fingers through his hair he continued, "My agents have been unable to gather proper intel, but from what they were able to glean is that this group is dangerous and calls themselves the Infinites. They seem to be from all walks of life, which makes them a dangerous adversary."

 

[Syrrus]

Geoffrey sighed as he decided to stand guard, would he hear the Queens cry for help. “I highly recommend you from not calling our Queen for such insults. It is not your place to judge her loyalty. Or do you wish us to take you for a Laguz enemy and take care of you the same way we had to take care of the rebellion?” He asked without smiling or showing any resemblance of a expression of anger or teasing. “I believe the thinks everyone can change for the better.”


Elincia bit her bottom lip. She didn't like the sound of this, but was it really a big threat? And in that case what was their plan, war? She surely hoped not. War was ugly business and it seemed as if they never ended. “Have you told King of Gallia these news? Caineghis needs to hear about potential... wars... towards his people.” Elincia wasn't sure what to think of all this. Perhaps it was nothing big but Naesala had a history which said that he would only come with such news would his own people be in danger, if he needed help. His people came first, after all. "Have you Heard anything from King Tibarn or Reyson? We haven't seen Janaff or Ulki in many months. We haven't heard a word for so long I fear something has happened."

 

[Ninian]

Stopping in his tracks, Soren wheeled around on his heel and stared at Geoffrey with piercing red eyes, "No it is not my place to judge her loyalty, however her safety is my concern. Now if you'll excuse me it seems I have a war to plan." Tearing his eyes from Geoffrey he hurriedly made his way to the study. Coming from roughly the same direction, a lithe form with bright blue hair could be seen; it was Lucia. Walking up to her brother with a pleasant smile, she furrowed her brows at the closed door, "Geoffrey! I appreciate you keeping watch over the Queen, however I don't recall a meeting being scheduled for today. Is everything all right?"


Averting his gaze in thought, Naesala shook his head, "Not yet, I will speak with him once we're done." His expression darkened considerably, and his voice lowered, "No, I have not. Leanne has been trying to contact her siblings for quite some time with no avail. They could be busy, but they would not have ignored her for that long under normal circumstances. This is primarily why I am worried. Knowing Tibarn, he would have sent his best men to investigate the Hatari situation..."

 

[Syrrus]

Geoffrey simply pointed over his shoulder, standing with his back completely straight and not even letting his sister stop him from looking serious and... on duty. “Naesala.” He said calmly but he couldn't stop himself from frowning. “He arrived with news. He's in there with the Queen herself.” He said little else, but his expression told more than he wished it would. War was coming. What he feared the most was that they would have to face a great battle, probably more than one, without their hero. Seeing as Ike were nowhere to be found.


Elincia placed her hand over the table, trying to keep herself from worrying too much. Both Reyson and Tibarn were not only great allies but also strong individuals. It would take a lot to bring both of them down from the sky. Elincia's eyes unfortunately failed her as they fell upon the floor. “Have you met... Ulki or Janaff?” She asked, carefully. If there would be someone to know where Tibarn was located it was after all his two closest men.


Little did Elincia know that Tormod was sitting below the open window, trying his best to be as quite as he possibly could but it wasn't easy, worry was making his head all warm but at the same time his body all cold. Where was Ranulf? ...Were was his dad?!

 

[Ninian]

Lucia raised a brow glancing between Geoffrey and the door, "Naesala? How strange...." Creasing her brows in thought, she then looked back up at her brother, "Does it have anything to do with the rumors to the east?"


Naesala thought for a few moments before speaking, "They're Tibarn's eyes and ears correct? I have not seen them in at least a month, though I have not visited either Phoenicis or Kilvas in the past week." With his heightened hearing, Naesala heard labored breathing from outside, "It appears we have a visitor." Picking himself from the chair, he made his way towards the window, peeking down to see the boy, "It's rude to eavesdrop."

 

[Syrrus]

Geoffrey nodded, slowly. He at least assumed it was. He tended to do his best not to listen in on conversation that had little to do with him, especially if it was the Queen's private business. Though he figured war was everybody's business.


Elincia nodded. Yes, eyes and ears. Or at least that's what she had been told. To be honest it was rather hard to remember everything. She didn't have time to respond until Naesala had walked towards the window. The queen blinked with confusion and got out of her seat just to notice Tormod popping up with a very angry impression. She walked up o the both of them and tilted her head with a worried look on her face. “Tormod...”


“I am not rude! I just want to know if this had anything to do with Muarim. You must have seen him, you must have!” Tormod shouted before quickly bowing before the queen. “My Queen.” He then continued to stare angrily at Naesala. “If I figure out that you've left Tibarn and the rest behind because you're still a big coward I'll break your face with my book!” “Tormod!” Elincia said, loudly as she folded her arms. “That is not a way to talk to Naesala, you should know better.” Tormod frowned angrily at her. “But it's true!”

 

[Ninian]

Furrowing her brow, Lucia sighed, "I... see." With a rather worried expression, Lucia grew silent, unsure of what to say, or even if there was anything left to say. Pressing herself against a wall, she looked upward, hoping for the best.


Raising his hands defensively, Naesala replied, "I did not see your friend that I am aware of and I certainly did not leave anyone. I will have you know I am an ambassador, and such meetings are now in my job description." Twisting his visage into a frown he continued, addressing Elincia, "I may be a coward, but I will not leave my people to die. On that you have my word."

 

[Syrrus]

"Perhaps you should sent a letter to our dear friend." Geoffrey said, for some reason it felt necessary even if it might have been just a childish idea. Bastian could surely tell them what was going on, they duty was to protect the Queen, first and foremost. If there was anything that could make such a duty difficult, Geoffrey rather would have known beforehand, preparation was the key to everything, cooking and protecting Queens.


Elincia quickly started to wave hr hands back and forth. "I never thought such a thing, Lord Naesala!" It was rather silly that she called him Lord, it was his title granted but she was a queen, she could already feel Soren's usual eyes of judgment upon her, even if he wasn't even there.


Tormod wasn't so certain, and it was obvious to notice. "I don't belie-" "Lucia!" Elincia shouted, she had to get the boy away from there before he caused any damage. She understood his worry, she herself felt rather shaken by news such as this, but to insult someone who carried the news was hardly going to help.

 

[Ninian]

"Perhaps you're right..." Lucia genuinely liked Bastian, but it seemed as of late any time she contacted him, he tried everything in his power to woo her. It was getting awkward, and she wasn't sure how to get him to stop. Perhaps if the situation was dire enough, she would have nothing to worry about. "I will begin writing at once. Once the Queen has finished her meeting, please come for me. The thought of another war weighs heavily on my mind."


Furrowing his brow Naesala spoke, "I am aware, but given the present accusations I felt as if I should clarify."


The call of her Queen hit Lucia at once, and she immediately rushed into the room, "My Queen! Are you unharmed?!"

 

[Syrrus]

Geoffrey was close behind his sister, so worried for his queen it almost made his face go red. Though when he noticed nothing seemed to have happened he quickly made sure it looked like he simply had let Lucia in.


"Could you please take care of Tormod for a while...?" The queen asked and pointed out the window at the mess of red hair with very angry green eyes. "I don't need a baby sitter!"


Elincia sat back down by the table and sighed into his hand. She understood Tormod's worry and she could understand why everyone acted so tense but it was starting to get on her nerves. She couldn't understand how a new problem could bloom just as soon as one ended. "I apologize Naesala." She said, smiling up at him.