108Akiba's Notes: Hello, everyone. Welcome back to Night of Tales. I know, we've been gone awhile, but the author's been busy, and he recently purchased RPG Maker MV in the deluded hope he can make Night of Hearts, the prequel story to this starring Lady Minoo and Sultana Farah when they were younger, but to avoid too much copyright infringement with the Fire Emblem series, he'll have to change a few details. It'll take him a while to realize it's probably a bad idea, but until then, we have things like this support chapter.
That said, thanks in advance to KazeNoKishiX for helping write the Sento Supports. We're downplaying the "Roast of Sento", however, mainly by not starting that until the next Support Set, but we'll get to it. Alright, onto the chapter.
Tawni and Company Supports, Round 2
Tawni smiled as she finished writing in a book, Calypso in her lap. "{'And so, the Romani maiden and the dragon prince shared one happy, final kiss….'}" Tawni narrated. "{A happy end for all, don't you think?}"
"Of course you're a romantic, Tawni," a male voice chimed in. Tawni looked up in time to see her eyes covered by a pair of hands. "Guess who?"
"Kareem," Tawni smiled. "You do know that if those hands go ANY lower than my eyes, Father's given me the go-ahead to start cutting off fingers without any consequences?"
"And hands off," Kareem said, removing his hands.
"Oh, relax, as if I'd actually cut you," Tawni replied. "We've grown up together, and you look too much like your brother."
"Of course that's what you'd say," Kareem muttered. He then plucked the book she was working on from her hands, and teased, "So, this is what you're up to with your free time, now? Does your father know about this?" Calypso hopped on his head, blinding him.
"Hey, he knows I write!" Tawni frowned, stealing the book back from him before he could even read. After Kareem pulled the rabbit from his face, she continued, "I'm a storyteller and dancer by trade when I'm not a thief. As a storyteller, I tell tales I've heard of, but sometimes, I need to make up a story or two. But Father just has never… SEEN my writing."
"Okay, how much… you know, is in this?"
"None! I'm totally wholesome with my writing!" Tawni said, although with a blush. "Now, if you're quite finished thinking I go out of my way to put anything ABOVE perfectly young adult literature to a quill, was there a purpose for your intrusion into my tent without my consent, or what?"
"Besides me enjoying the view?" Kareem smirked. Tawni rolled her eyes with a small smile. "Alright, fine, I'll stop." He grew completely serious, which actually managed to scare the young gypsy. "I don't know if Jamal's said anything, but… I think the two of us need your help."
"Is this about… your mother?"
"That obvious, huh?" Tawni frowned at her companion. "Okay, okay! Yes, it bothers me that she disappeared YEARS ago! Unlike Jamal, I don't like expressing my pain about it on the surface."
"And thus, you hide it behind all the skirt-chasing and goofball attitude," Tawni teased.
"Hey, I'm at least ADMITTING that I find you sexy!" Kareem defended. "I bet Jamal is as big of a pervert as me! If not more so!" He then grew serious once again. "But she disappeared a long time ago with no explanation, not even to the rom baro. And Father's last request before he died was that we find the truth about why she left the caravan." He then pulled something out. An address. "I didn't want to tell Jamal, but the other day, while we were in town, I came across a lead that I found interesting."
"Wait," Tawni said, growing serious. "You actually found something!?"
"Shh!" Kareem said, placing his hand over her mouth. "Nu așa de tare, Tawni {Not so loud, Tawni}." Uncovering her mouth, he whispered, "Yes. Rumor is that someone fitting Mother's description has long set herself up as a dance instructor somewhere. Unfortunately, all I got before I was run out was the address, but I haven't had time to look it up. And the caravan's one astral plate is usually with the elders, so…."
"You need someone to distract them for you, at risk of the elders disagreeing with your search for your mother," Tawni concluded.
"Well, to start," Kareem said. "We're also going to need the trust of a mage, as well, to charge up the astral plate. Someone we both trust."
"So, a magic user and my cute face," Tawni said. "We'll find someone." She then frowned with a revelation that this plan was missing someone. "But what about Jamal? Shouldn't your brother know what you're up to?"
"It'll be a surprise for him!" Kareem assured her. "And I know you like to make him happy, so…."
"Alright, but if things get complicated, we HAVE to tell him."
"Deal," Kareem promised. Tawni smiled.
"Good, he deserves to know about his mother." She then said, "Now, I do believe I have a little bit of free time I'd like to get back to."
"I get the hint," Kareem said. "Let me know when we're ready, okay?"
"You'll be the first to know when we have someone we can trust," Tawni answered. "Now, go on, Kareem." Kareem left her tent, leaving Tawni to look at her manuscript. "Hm… now, where was I?" Calypso looked at a particular page. "Oh, there we were. Wait a second, this is the start. I guess I can start revising…." The bunny nodded. Tawni giggled. "Bine bine. Iar începem {Alright, alright. Here we go again}."
Tawni and Kareem have reached Support Level C.
"You know Sento, you are quite the sparring opponent. I could see why our world's enemies in this realm, are having trouble keeping up with you despite your… strange technique of sword-wielding," Akiba complimented. She sat down with Sento on a log while he drank some water. "But then again, you and Nasira are from different realms. I'm rather envious of both of you; you both get to come here from your own realm by your own choice." Akiba looked at the blue sky with a big sigh.
"Eh? Really Ms. Di- Ah, sorry, Akiba! I keep on forgetting that you guys don't use formality at all in the caravan. Both you and Guaril reminded me of Exalt Chrom."
"Chrom?" Akiba asked.
"The leader of Ylisse, where I'm from," Sento answered. "I served as a minor sellsword in the Ylissean League during the Valmese War. He was always trying to make some of us mercenaries drop the formality, ironically by pulling rank." Sento then thought about something. "Ah, speaking of different realms, is it true that in Nasira's realm, their Fire Emblem is a sword, and that in this realm, it is a magic lamp?"
"Ah yes, the Fire Emblem, an item that is very common yet different in many realms. I believe you may have to ask Nasira about her world's Fire Emblem, but yes. This realm's Fire Emblem is truly a lamp, but it was broken into fragments and they were spread far and wide away from each other before Gargec could repair it." Akiba sighed again and looked at Sento, who stared at her. "But, I'll spare you the full details, seeing as you aren't a strong believer of religion." Setno tilted his head as she crossed her arms and turned to her motherly glare. "So, if I may pry, what IS your history with religion?"
Sento, for a full minute, didn't answer. He looked skyward, and sighed, "When I was a kid, I too believed in religion. I was always running around, believing that Naga, my world's goddess, will spare us from violence, poverty, the works. Back then, I was training to keep that peace as a mercenary. My mentor, Mihai Pigma, saw me as a potential prodigy, saying 'Whoever this Naga lady was, she sent the right boy'." He paused and looked down at the sand. "But one day… that was ruined. Bandits attacked, slaughtering almost everyone I ever knew. Only my parents, both skilled warriors themselves, could stand up to that slaughter." Sento placed his right hand on his forehead while Akiba frowned. "I was young, so all I could do was run away. I hid in an alley that none of the bandits noticed. But it allowed me to see something. The leader of these bandits walked up to my parents, and for a minute, they lowered their guard. That minute was all the scum needed to get his goons to jump them at once, pin them down, and hold them at swordpoint. He laughed at their cries and executed them when they begged for mercy. The shock knocked me out. When I came to, it was days later and I was back in Ylisse, my homeland." He shot her a scowl. "Did Naga protect us, then? Did this world's Rerci?"
Akiba silently looked at Sento and placed her hand on his shoulder. "What realm were you in when this tragedy occurred?" The great knight asked, placing her hand on the mercenary's knee.
Sento let a few tears fall onto the sand. He answered, "Here. In Orobia. More specifically, I was in Rusnad." Ruffling his hair, he continued, "I always thought the gods would answer the people's prayers for protection. Well, where was Naga or this Rerci when everyone in my village were being slaughtered like pigs!? And why the hell would they allow scum like the Ustrosi Thieves Guild to keep active here in Orobia!? It's monsters like them that make people like me necessary!"
Akiba froze. '(This seems way too familiar… oh no… now I remember. I'm sorry, Sento… we arrived too late.)'
Before she could say anything, Sento stood up, wiped his tears away, and sighed. "I'm sorry that we have to conclude our sparring for the day on a sour note, but I'm a little tired, right now. Catch you later Akiba." He walked away, leaving Akiba lost in her thought.
The Cruibian great knight gritted her teeth. "Mihai Pigma ... tu monstru. Ai distrus viața bietului băiat, i-ai întărit inima și l-ai făcut să-i urască pe zei, în timp ce el nu făcea decât să te privească ca un mercenar ideal! Să nu mai vorbim de ceea ce ai făcut Lento și Hana, care credeau că ești un om bun {Mihai Pigma ... you monster. You destroyed the poor boy's life, hardened his heart, and made him hate gods, all while he did nothing but look up to you as an ideal mercenary! Not to mention what you did Lento and Hana, who thought you were a good man}!" She ranted in Romani. She took a deep breath, not used to it. She then said, 'Ar trebui să-l avertizez pe Guaril. Lento, Hana, iartă-ne că lăsăm fiul tău să cadă așa departe. Vă rog, priviți-l și protejați-l de el însuși {I should warn Guaril. Lento, Hana, forgive us for letting your son fall this far. Please, watch over him, and protect him from himself}.' She then walked back towards her and her husband's tent.
Akiba and Sento have reached Support Level C.
Himli checked over his digging equipment. "Alright, everything seems to be in order. Now… where to look?"
"Himli?" a familiar, young, female voice questioned. The miner turned to see the Uprilian troubadour approaching him. He immediately bowed, which caused Arya to frown. "Himli, we talked about this… you can't really bow to me, especially because we're supposed to keep my status as a princess rather 'low profile'. Not to mention that we royals in Upril don't really do that."
"Sorry, milady… er, Lady Arya… er… Arya," Himli stammered, standing up. "It's a force of habit."
"Well, try to break it," Arya suggested. "In the meantime… what are you up to?"
"Well," Himli said, "we have a bit of a break, so I figured I'd go out of the camp for a bit, find a good spot, and dig to see what's around here. You never know what gems or treasure are buried in the desert."
"Oh!" Arya beamed, her eyes sparkling. "The idea of spelunking for treasure! And you do it for a living?"
"It's not exactly one-hundred percent safe OR always profitable," Himli said. "I'm just really lucky when it comes to finding them. However, treasure hunting seems to, especially now that we're traveling with gypsies, draw in bandits. I used to just run all the time… I ain't a fighter."
"Neither am I," Arya admitted. "But you're learning, Himli."
"Yeah… I don't really like it, but it's the only way I'm gonna survive this adventure, let alone keep my family safe."
"I understand," the princess agreed. "Trust me, I perhaps am one of the few people here who knows, given who I am and what is happening in Upril." She then whistled, and her camel approached her. "Well, then, come along, Himli. We have a treasure to find so we can continue supporting our friends' campaign so we can save those we care about."
"Uh… huh," Himli said while the princess climbed aboard her camel. "Wait, what did I just agree to?"
"Come along, Himli!" Arya called again.
"R-Right!" Himli said, following after Arya and her camel with his digging equipment.
Arya and Himli have reached Support Level C.
"Tsk. This rune is not good enough for my rain hex…" Nasira frowned, glancing at the rune in the middle of her tent's improvised nightstand. However, her concentration was interrupted by her stomach grumbling, and a yawn escaping her lips. "Ugh… why I must be starving and tired right now? I cannot let fate take over and lose all of my progress on this hex that I have spent so much time on. I have to keep going… for Nohr's sake…."
Nasira, after a few more minutes of work, snapped her fingers, causing the rune to disappear and be replaced by a new one, which she immediately began working on. She didn't get very far into her work when a pair of footsteps interrupted her train of thought. She dispersed her rune, grabbed a nearby tome, and turned around, a small tornado in her hands… only to see Sento, holding a tray with two bowls of soup and a pair of cups.
"Um, hello to you too, Nasira," Sento said.
"Good gods, I almost killed you!" Nasira breathed, dispersing her spell and closing her tome. Her worry dispersed into a rage almost immediately. "Next time, Sento Strieghart, I would strongly advise that you call out to me for permission to enter. Or better yet, not interrupt me when I'm in the middle of my research. Now, to what do I owe the displeasure of your interruption so I may get back to work?"
"Okay, writing on the wall very clear, you don't like being interrupted when you're working on your magic," Sento said. "Anyway, Nasira, we missed you at dinner. Against Tawni and Akiba's warnings, I brought you something to eat and some tea to wash it down. And in case you wanted company, I brought my own."
Nasira sat in her chair silently, thinking whether or not she should dismiss the mercenary. After about ten seconds of mental debate—and a small grumble from her stomach—the dark mage shrugged and closed her eyes. '(I suppose a bit of a reprieve wouldn't go unwelcomed. And as far as the company is concerned… well, it could be worse,)' the dark mage mused. She opened her eyes, and declared, "Very well Sento Sieghart, you have the maiden's permission to enter and dine. But any 'funny business', and you may find your destiny approach faster than you are prepared for."
Sento walked in, placing the tray down on the nightstand. "You don't have to have a full-name basis with me, Nasira," the mercenary smiled at Nasira, pulling out a napkin and silverware. "Just call me 'Sento', or 'Sieghart' if you don't feel like it. Anyway, this is a pretty good soup our gypsy friends made." Sento then grabbed a spare chair the dark mage had for guests and sat down across from her. Grabbing his own bowl, he questioned, "Do you think one of us should ask for the recipe?"
"What are you doing here in Orobia, Sieghart?" the dark mage questioned.
"...What?"
"I am many things, Ylissean mercenary, but a stutterer is not one of them," Nasira answered. She slowly pushed her bowl aside, grabbed her tome, and flicked it open to the more complicated spell pages. "What is your game Sieghart? I may have been busy with my work, today, but I am not at all ignorant of your movements. You've been running back and forth throughout the caravan, either helping out or asking questions. Not to mention while everyone else's motives are clear, my own included for the betterment of my realm, your movements and actions wouldn't be too out of place in the Nohrian court and its spy games!"
"The Nohrian… royal court?" Sento questioned.
"Oh, it's a rather dangerous place," Nasira recalled. "Makes the Poswali and Ustrosi nobles look like actually decent people, save for the Nohrian royal children when you get to know them. But the point is, I know a potential mole when I see one, and you behave like someone who has experience in the spy games!" With that, she stood up, holding a palm-sized twister in front of Sento's face. "Tawni and the others may trust you, but I do not. I know as Outrealmers, we should share that experience. But the Nohrian in me can't help but see the worst in you. So allow me to make this perfectly clear: consider betraying MY friends here for but a second, and the next second shall bring swift and brutal suffering, followed by the feeling of nothing." When she saw that he didn't so much as flinch, Nasira increased the velocity of the winds. "Does the Nohrian maiden make herself clear, Sieghart?"
Sento smirked, before giving her a reply that she didn't expect. "Why yes, the maiden of darkness makes herself perfectly clear. And she has the mercenary of House Sieghart's word, he shalt not harm the people of this caravan. They have my sword, swift as the wind, and my sense of justice, stronger than the hardest of metals, by their side." Sento coughed in embarrassment. "Gods, I guess listening to Princess Lucina's cousin TALK finally rubbed off on me." Nasira blinked, dispelling her wind, before breaking down laughing.
"What in the name of the Dusk Dragon was THAT!?" she questioned. "You sound just like Odin Dark, a mage I knew! I mean, sure, I'm guilty because I had to listen to him as Lord Leo's retainer, but not even I sound quite like that!" Wiping away her tears, she said, "Besides, that was terrible, even for we dark mages. I would give you a HORRIBLE grade for your use of our slang." She finally sat down, crossing her legs. "Well, I suppose I should at least attempt to trust you. And I shouldn't let the cooks' meal go to waste." She grabbed her soup, and finished, "As long you keep your word, mercenary of House Sieghart, we shall be allies. But the next time you wish to use this dramatic heroic flare, I would strongly advise you get an acting coach. Perhaps for one of our performances." She started eating, while Sento stared at her.
"Y-y-you are kidding, right? You guys are not actually going to make me perform, are you?"
"Sento, we are traveling with a band of performers," Nasira smiled. "We're obligated to at least help out." She then closed her eyes and enjoyed her meal, while Sento paled.
'(I can't believe she just tricked me!)' He grabbed his tea, and began sipping it, '(But then again, I did join the caravan with my own will. Might as well help out—)'
"You know Sieghart, you are quite bold to ask a lady for a date without getting to know her properly." Sento dropped his mug, barely avoiding splashing it on himself.
"D-Date!?" the mercenary questioned, blushing.
"You and I, alone, sharing a meal, pretty much qualifies as a small date," Nasira explained with a giggle. "Pretty forward, Sieghart. But I suppose as far as 'first dates' are concerned, this is an okay one." She continued eating while leaving Sento flabbergasted.
Nasira and Sento have reached Support Level C.
Reyie flew over Kizil, laughing as she did so. "Bu fırsat için teşekkürler Kızıl {Thanks for this opportunity, Kizil}!" Reyie smiled.
The templar answered, "Bir şey değil Reyie {You're welcome, Reyie}." He then looked around, and said, "Biz Argelian askerleriyken, kız arkadaşına göre her zaman daha güvenilir olanıydın {Back when we were Argelian soldiers, you were always the more reliable one compared to your girlfriend}."
"Herneyse, seninle Hace arasında neler oluyor? Siz ikiniz gizlice kanatlarımın arkasından çıkmıyorsunuz değil mi {What is going on between you and Hace, anyway? You two aren't secretly dating behind my wings, are you}?"
Kizil confessed, "Hayır, ama seninle tanışmadan önce kız kardeşimle yatmayı kullandı {No, but she DID use to sleep with my sister before she met you}." Reyie stopped flying to look at Kizil. "Evet, Peder ve ben onları ziyarete eve geldiğimden sonraki sabah çıplak yatakta birlikte bulduk. Kız arkadaşının ailesinin tapınak olduğunu bilmiyordu. Bir büyücü olarak garip olmalıydı {Yeah, Father and I found them together in bed naked the morning after when I came home for a visit. She didn't know her girlfriend's family were templars. Had to be awkward as a mage}."
Blushing, Reyie asked, "Hace'ı gördün mü ... çıplak … {You've seen Hace... naked…}?"
"Doğum günü elbisesiyle ablamı Hace hakkında endişelendiriyor diye görmek için yaşamdan biraz daha korkmuştum, ama mesele bu {I was a little more scarred for life about seeing my elder sister in her birthday suit to be concerned about Hace, but that's beside the point}." He then said, "Bir templar ve Hace olarak durumum zaten birimin bir parçası olarak hizmet ediyordu ve kız kardeşimi ayrılmaya zorladı, ama Hace her zaman asi bir baş belasıydı. Ve geçmişe bakıldığında, kız kardeşimin Dük Aksoy'un şatosundaki büyüsünü araştırdığı gerçeğinden bahsetmemenin tuhaf olduğu bir noktaya değindi {My status as a templar and Hace already servicing as part of my unit forced her and my sister to break up, but Hace has always been a rebellious troublemaker. And in retrospect, she did have a point that it was bizarre to have NOT mentioned the fact that my sister was researching magic in the late Duke Aksoy's castle}."
"Hace'ın şu ana kadar kız kardeşinin yanında olduğunu bana söylemedin {I'm a little upset you didn't mention it to me that Hace was with your sister until now}," Reyie frowned.
"Bu seninle tanışmadan önceydi ve sana söylemeliydi {This was before you and Hace met, and she should have told you}," Kizil replied. "Her neyse, Reyie, ne zaman kampa geri dönmeye hazırsan, haberim olsun. Aşağıdan bir gözetlemeye çalışacağım {Anyway, Reyie, whenever you're ready to head back to camp, let me know. I'll try to keep a lookout, down here}."
"Emrettiğiniz gibi efendim {As you command, sir}!" Reyie said, continuing her flight.
Kizil and Reyie have reached Support Level C.
Tawni hummed to herself while brushing her rabbit. Calypso seemed to cluck in joy in her arms. Hace, meanwhile, approached Tawni. "I didn't know rabbits… honked…."
"It's alright," Tawni smiled. "So, Hace, what can I do for you?"
"What makes you think that I have a problem?" the mage questioned.
"Hace, with all due respect, I seem to be almost everyone in the caravan who is in any condition to fight's confidant," Tawni replied. "I mean, besides either Mother or Father. It makes sense, since Father's rom baro, I'm his protege, and Mother is usually the only sane woman besides Jamal."
"Fair point," Hace said. "We kind of didn't have anyone to talk to back in Argelia's army, though, apart from just each other when not in battle. Your caravan is really a big family."
"Thank you!" Tawni smiled. "Still, there's an air around you that seems that you have something you want to get off your chest."
"Alright, you got me," Hace finally admitted. "So, a little bit about me: back before this whole war started, I was just a regular mage who worked for Duke Ferit Aksoy, one of the members of the Imperial Inner Circle."
"The Imperial… Inner Circle?" Tawni questioned. "There's such a thing?"
"You don't think EVERYTHING in Argelia can just be overseen by the Empress and her family, do you?" Hace giggled. "No, the empire got so big between willing countries joining us as vassal states or defeat in battle, the royal family had to let some trusted nobles be in charge of their own territories yet report back to the Empress. For instance, Duke Ferit Aksoy runs… or, rather, RAN the territory that used to be the country of Aksoy, which is where our navy's main headquarters is stationed."
"Ran?" Tawni questioned. "You mean he's… dead?"
"Sadly, just happened right before the eve of the disastrous battle that led to us meeting, so morale was low," Hace said. "Rumor is he was assassinated in Poswa, but not by Poswali soldiers. No, he was killed by a pirate that had, until recently, been under his own daughter Admiral Sema Aksoy's command. Ironic that his own daughter, who loved him very much, would bring about his end with her own leadership failure."
"And let me guess," Tawni questioned. "You want me to help you find this pirate?"
"Oh screw that!" Hace said. "The rest of the Argelians are on that chase! As much as I admired my former boss, I'm pretty sure Admiral Sema will deal with his killer in due time if not one of her brothers. That pirate is a dead man walking, and while handing him over would get us back with Argelia, I'd rather focus on my real adventure: knowledge! But right now, about Duke Ferit: he was a bit of a book collector, to the point that he had his own library island. He had acquired dozens of books on magic, science, warfare, ancient treasures, you name it, odds are there's a book in his library on it! Heck, there's a story that he met his WIFE because of that library!"
"And… you want to raid this library island?"
"Not really," Hace replied. "I just want one book from it that I've heard being in there. And you're a huge bibliophile if I've heard correctly."
"Is it that obvious?" Tawni questioned.
"You kept yourself and us alive when we were all prisoners of the Botros' by telling the future head of the house stories that kept him in suspense, and his little brother couldn't kill us or have his way with us without his elder brother's permission," Hace recalled.
"Well, my day job is that of an entertainer," Tawni replied. "But yes, I love stories. I wonder if Duke Aksoy collected a few thrilling fiction stories?"
"Then you're on board, awesome!" Hace cheered. She then frowned. "The problem, though, is that I have NO idea where it is. I'm afraid that was a secret he shared only with his family, personal servants, and the Empress and her Emperor Consort. And with me being currently on the outs with the empire because of Admiral Ugur setting my unit up to die…."
"You can't just approach this Sema woman and ask if she can show you where it is," Tawni concluded.
"Yeah, that's a problem," Hace admitted. "Sorry."
"It's alright, we'll fix it… somehow," Tawni said.
"Thanks, Tawni," Hace smiled, brushing her fingers over Calypso. "I'll make it up to you! Just let me see if I can find SOMEONE with looser lips about the location, and we'll charm them into telling!"
"That we will!" Tawni grinned. "Consider it added onto the list of things we'll do in Argelia!"
Tawni and Hace have reached Support Level C.
Akiba silent walked her camel through the camp, keeping her eyes out for any signs of suspicious behavior. She then heard rustling. Placing her hand on the hilt of the sword she borrowed from her husband, Akiba slowly approached the source of the rustling, seeing Arya's tent fluttering open, and noises coming out of it. Her instincts going into overdrive, Akiba drew her sword, and entered the tent…
Only to see Arya, tossing and turning in her sleep, tears streaming down her face. "No… no, please… don't go there…! The enemy is coming…!"
"Oh dear," Akiba muttered. She sheathed her sword, and gently knelt down, placing a soothing hand on Arya's head. "Arya… Arya…?" Arya's eyes' shot open. She then looked to see the concerned look on her face. "Bad dream?"
"...Yes," the princess nodded.
Several minutes later, Guaril and Tawni, the latter clad in her own pajamas, were in the troubadour's tent, Tawni hugging Arya the way an older sister would their younger one, and Arya holding a cup of hot cocoa. Akiba, meanwhile, explained, "So, apart from Arya having a night terror, nothing out of the ordinary so far, Guaril."
"You always did know how to soothe both myself and Tawni whenever we had bad dreams," Guaril commented after Arya finished her hot chocolate. Turning to Arya, he asked, "So, if you don't mind me prying, Princess, what happened in your dream that you can remember?"
"...Some of my older siblings and even some of my guards and I were being pursued by enemy soldiers," Arya said. "Argelians, I think. But then, my siblings decide enough is enough, and charge at them. They disappear, and then my escort… my escort, to buy me time…!"
"It's okay," Akiba interjected. "You don't have to say anymore. It's never pleasant, losing people. As a soldier, I understand it was always a potential risk having to lay down my life for the royal family's."
"People shouldn't have to, Lady Akiba," Arya argued. "Why do people have to die for me!? I don't really have that great of a claim to the throne of Upril! I'm not really good at being 'royal'!"
"But people can tell you're a good person, Arya," Akiba said. "Right, Tawni?"
"Right," Tawni smiled, still hugging her friend. "It doesn't matter if you're a princess or a beggar, it's your kind soul that makes people like us willing to risk it all for you! You saved my father's life when he nearly got himself killed trying to save us from dragons, and you helped me figure out my new powers! Allow us to at least ATTEMPT to return the favor."
"Everyone…." Arya breathed. She teared up again, and this time lunged into Akiba's arms, crying into her chest. Akiba looked at her family, who only offered small shrugs and smiles. Akiba just hugged the princess. Once Arya was finished, she said, "Thank you…! But please, don't die on my account…."
"We're Roma," Akiba replied. "We don't die easily. We tend to trick everyone, occasionally even Death." She then said, "Alright, we should probably get everyone back to bed." She then picked Arya up and began carrying the princess bridal style.
"Where are we going?"
"You're sleeping with Tawni, tonight," the great knight answered. "No sense in sending you back to sleep at risk of another nightmare, right now." The four then left the tent, Tawni smiling as she skipped behind them.
Akiba and Arya have reached Support Level C.
Reyie moaned in ecstasy. "KESİNLİKLE sihirli ellerin var Hace {You DEFINITELY have magic hands, Hace}," the falcon woman sighed while Hace rubbed her wings.
Hace questioned, "Kanatların inanılmaz sert, Reyie. Ne yapıyordun {Your wings are incredibly stiff, Reyie. What have you been doing}?"
"Sadece bir süre oldu, gerçekten ... sadece uçtum {It's just been a while since I really just... flew}," Reyie confessed. She then got up from the massage, and said, "Elbette, Argelia ile teknik olarak feci olduğumuz için tam olarak uçamayız {Of course, with Argelia, we can't exactly go flying about, since we're technically deserters}."
"Komutan bir subay bizi kasten intihar görevine soktuğunda VE neredeyse Neredeyse öldürülmesini ve Poswali askerleri tarafından hepimizin yakalanmasını sağladığında, sanırım biz terk edilmiş olanlarız {When a commanding officer deliberately sets us up on a suicide mission AND gets you nearly killed and all of us captured by Poswali soldiers, I think WE'RE the ones who were deserted}," Hace argued. After a minute or two of thought, Hace admitted, "Adil olmakla birlikte, şu anda çingenelerle takılıyoruz {Although, to be fair, we are currently hanging out with gypsies}."
"Argelian'ı kim anlayabilir ki bu arada {Who can understand Argelian, by the way}," Tawni added as she walked by.
"Tamam, biraz gizliliğe sahip olamıyorsak, Argelian'da sohbet etmenin amacı nedir {Okay, what is the point of having a conversation in Argelian if we can't have some privacy}?" Hace called after Tawni. Sighing, she turned to Reyie, and said, "Eğer kanatlarınız hala fiziksel aktivite eksikliğinden çok sertse, onları tekrar şekillendirecek birkaç fikrim var {Well, if your wings are still too stiff from a lack of physical activity, I have a few ideas that will definitely get them back in shape}."
With a blush, Reyie commented, "Bunun hakkında konuştuk. Hala tam olarak ... henüz hazır değilim {Hace, we talked about this. I'm still not exactly... ready yet}."
"Eğitim için mi {For training}?" Hace questioned.
"... Ah. Orada başka bir şey ifade ettiğini düşünmüştüm {...Oh. I thought you meant something else, there}." Hace laughed at her girlfriend's misinterpretation.
"Daha sonra BU hakkında konuşmak için bol bol zaman var. Fakat bir sonraki savaşımızdan önce muhtemelen kanatlarınızı yeniden şekillendirmeliyiz. İhtiyacımız olan son şey, düşmanlarımıza karşı bir savaşın ortasında krampa çıkman {There's plenty of time to talk about THAT later. But we should probably get your wings back in shape before our next battle. The last thing we need is you cramping up in the middle of a fight against our enemies}." Hace then grabbed Reyie's hand, and dragged her off to go train.
Hace and Reyie have reached Support Level C.
The templar sat across from the genie, the latter glaring at him with unhidden malice. Kizil, meanwhile, continued to eat in silence, ignoring Node's glare.
A couple of hours later, Kizil trained with his sword and shield, the golden orichalcum shield shining on his left arm while he swung with his right. Several yards away, sitting on her carpet while out of his attack range, Node continued glowering at him.
Some hours after that, Kizil was a few kilometers outside of camp patrolling for anything out of the ordinary. When he didn't see anything odd but the sun was setting, he then shrugged, and turned around… only to see Node in his face, her face bright red with rage.
"WHY THE HECK ARE YOU IGNORING ME!?" the jann finally snapped.
"...Can I help you?" Kizil asked, relatively calm.
"How!? How can you not even REACT to me openly hating you for the entire day!?" Node questioned. "I've been anything but obvious!"
"Is this about me being a templar, me being an Argelian, or both?" Kizil asked.
"Both!" Node replied. "My home country is being ravaged by your empire thanks to Minister Abay! Dobi and I may have been freelancers, but we have STANDARDS! Not to mention you, as a templar, are an enemy of the free djinn!"
"In defense of the templars, humans needed protection from potentially dangerous magic," Kizil replied. "It just happens to be djinn who have been abusing magic the most at the expense of humans."
"What proof do you have?" Node asked.
"Do you wish for a list or would 'the Escen War' be enough?" Kizil asked.
"I'm not familiar with that one," Node frowned.
"Of course, most Orobians WOULDN'T know the war that led to Argelia going from small nation to starting our empire," the templar muttered. "Remind me to tell you, later. An example you probably ARE familiar with is Sizah, the Chaos Djinn who, years ago, ravaged Orobia on multiple occasions. She almost was as bad as the Magic King of Escen, Bhuzzibaf the Cruel."
"Okay, seriously, what the heck was Escen?" Node questioned.
"Again, I will tell you, later," Kizil said. Node frowned with a small growl, but Kizil raised a hand. He then said, "Look, the point here, Node, is that as bad as you may think I am, at least I'm not a ruthless set of cutthroats who see you as a meal ticket. Isn't that right, gentlemen?" At this point, a group of brigands emerged from their hiding spots.
"Good eye, templar," the leader of the brigands said. "Not that it's gonna do you any good. Kill him, boys, but the genie girl, keep alive."
"Now you get to see the OTHER part of the templar order, Node," Kizil said, unsheathing his weapons. "Cleaning up the rabble." He then charged into battle against the knights, while Node summoned her spellbook, and started casting spells.
Several dead brigands later, the two walked back into camp, Kizil's hair tingling, while Node frowned. "So… are we calm, now?" he questioned.
"...A little," Node said. "But you owe me a story. And I still don't really trust you."
"Fair enough," Kizil said. "That will be an uphill battle for another time."
Kizil and Node have reached Support Level C.
Guaril stretched after his latest meeting with the elders. "A fost o întâlnire plină de evenimente {Well, that was an eventful meeting}," Guaril said. He then looked around, and spotted Sento. "Sento, a word."
"Hm? Oh, Mr. Dighton!" Sento breathed. He turned around to reveal the two large crates he held. "I am just about to bring these crates into the convoy. Is it alright if we could talk along the way? I am kind of on a tight schedule right now. I need to help Jamal to bail out his brother from the pub, and then I'm on food duty, tonight. My apologies if I sound quite rude for a moment."
"Your apology is accepted," Guaril answered. "You are quite a busy man for someone so young, Sento. Other sellswords I know have only done half as much for whomever's paying them. I have to ask, though: why are you doing so much on your own when it would be easier to ask a few hands to take care of it?" Guaril begins to walk alongside by Sento as they are walking toward the convoy. "I appreciate that we have a bit of extra muscle around here, but you're going to overwhelm yourself."
Sento grew silent. A few moments later, he answered, "It is because I don't want to stay on the sidelines and watch everyone else do the work while I am just standing around, swinging a sword. You guys may not hire me simply because I chose to volunteer my services, but I want to help out and make a difference in the caravan." Sento and Guaril walked into the convoy, then Sento loaded the crates atop of others. "Anyway, what is it that you wanted to talk about Mr. Dighton?"
"Guaril," the trickster answered. Sento stared in confusion. "'Rom baro' if you're feeling formal,but otherwise, call me 'Guaril'." As the two walked out of the convoy, he said, "But what I wanted to talk about can wait. Don't you need to help Jamal out with Kareem right now?"
Sento gasped. "Ah! I nearly forgot about them!" He passed by Guaril, only to stop and jog in place for a moment. "Thank for the reminder Mr. Di—erm… Guaril! We'll have to catch up later!" Sento soon began to sprint into the town.
"Very well, we'll talk, later." Guaril smiled to himself. As he walked to his tent, he muttered, "Lento, Hana, ai făcut un tânăr foarte interesant, muncitor. Dacă l-ai putea vedea, acum {Lento, Hana, you've made a very interesting, hard-working young man. If you could only see him, now}."
Guaril and Sento have reached Support Level C.
Tawni carried her freshly dried clothes, humming to herself. "Îmi place mirosul de rufe proaspete dimineața {Ah, I love the smell of fresh laundry in the morning}," the gypsy girl smiled. She then opened her eyes, just in time to see Kizil approaching her. She quickly spun out of the way, barely catching some of her laundry that she had thrown in the air. The rest, Kizil caught. "Üzgünüm, Kizil! Nereye gittiğimi izlemeliydim {Sorry, Kizil! I should have watched where I was going}!"
"Sorun değil, sana seslenmeliydim {It's alright, I should have called out to you}," the templar apologized. "Ama ... özellikle seninle konuşmak istedim {But… I wanted to talk to you, specifically}." He then looked at what laundry of Tawni's he caught, and flushed when he realized he was holding some of her… unmentionables. He hastily returned it to her, and asked, "Can we do this in Orobian? And… I'm sorry about that."
"Sure," Tawni said, not even embarrassed by what happened. "Just don't mention that to either Mother, Father, or Nasira, or at least claim it was an accident, and you will not be made a eunuch."
"The fact that YOU know what that means scares me," Kizil muttered. Aloud, he said, "I wished to once again thank you for your rescue of myself and what was left of my unit. It occurs to me that you could have easily left us to die and escaped on your own, so I owe you my life. But even with my newfound gratitude to you as well as the clear intent by the likes of Admiral Ugur and Minister Abay to commit war crimes and send those they don't like on suicide missions, I can't help but express my… reluctance about going up against my former countrymen. Which is going to be what will inevitably happen on this path we're on. I know the girls aren't as reluctant since they are far more opinionated than I, but they don't have a dad who's a high-ranking templar guardian."
"So your work runs in the family?" Tawni questioned. "Small world."
"Right, I realized that," Kizil said. "We're our father's children, you and I, which is why I felt the need to tell you this. Having said all that, are you certain you wish to go up against the might of Argelia?"
"I don't really think I have much of a choice if I want to uncover who I really am and what my story really is," Tawni replied with a frown. "Besides, your country kind of persecuted my caravan DECADES ago, so we of the Dighton caravan of Romani don't have a lot of love lost for Argelia."
"...I won't deny that," Kizil said. "Father's told me that there are missions he's not proud of as a templar. Hunting and arresting gypsies, for example. Especially gypsy sorceresses. But there were actually bad ones… like the witch Fati Blythe. She and her followers were threats to the citizens of Argelia, believe it or not."
"Wait… Blythe?" she asked.
"You know the name?"
"Well, I've heard of Roma like Blythe from Father," Tawni said. "It was people like her and her family that give us Roma a bad name."
"You mean… nevermind," Kizil muttered. "That would have been rude." He then said aloud, "Well, at least I know your resolve. I'll follow your orders as best I can, Tawni."
"You say that like I'm a general or something," Tawni smirked. "Not a teenage girl."
"You don't really see it, but you have some kind of presence that screams 'natural leader'," Kizil pointed out. "Almost everyone in this caravan has something positive to say about you. You'd make a hell of a commander if you lent your mind to actual military tactics."
"I wouldn't go that far," Tawni said. "I only fight because this life is rather dangerous, and my people and I want to be safe and free."
"Understandable," Kizil nodded. "Well, something to think about. I should probably go on patrol, here. Take care, Tawni."
"You as well, Kizil," Tawni waved, walking off with her laundry.
Tawni and Kizil have reached Support Level C.
Jamal strolled through the tents, feeling relaxed. After a while, noticed Sento sitting on a crate, inspecting his sword. However, the odd thing was that the pair of binoculars that he had on the crate next to him was a blade was popped out on the side of the binoculars. 'What is he up to?' The knight asked himself as he walked towards the mercenary. "Hello Sento. What is that you have there?"
"Heyo Jamal," The Ylissian replied. "That is one of my old spy gadgets. A pair of binoculars that, in desperation, doubles as a combat knife." Jamal looked at Sento cautiously, backing up. Sento snickered, "Don't worry, I am not planning to backstab anyone here. Especially not the girl that you are interested in." Jamal's face turned red.
"Wha… What do you mean the girl that I am interested in?!" Jamal loudly asked, backing away with a redder face.
Sento replied, "It's pretty obvious, Jamal. Or do you want me to mention it to her?" He jabbed his thumb to the left. Jamal followed his thumb to see Tawni walking towards them, concern on her face.
Tawni placed her hand on Jamal's forehead, and questioned, "Jamal, are you okay? You're getting warmer. I can get my Father and the elders, if you'd like." Jamal only turned redder.
"Hoo boy…" Sento rolled his eyes. Grabbing a bucket of water, he instructed, "Tawni, please move aside." Tawni looked at Sento, backing up, and was about to tell Sento to stop—
SPLASH!
Tawni covered her mouth, watching Jamal return to normal, albeit dripping wet. "You may thank me later," the mercenary said as he toss the bucket away. He sheathed his sword and the binocular's hidden blade.
Jamal nervously smiled at Tawni, "I… I am okay now. Thanks for your concern." Tawni gave him an awkward smile and walked away. Once she was out of earshot, Jamal slumped down onto his knees and groaned. "Ugh, I could have used ANYTHING other than that moment, Sieghart…."
Sento sighed as he pat Jamal on the shoulder. "Relax, she HAS seen you in more compromising positions before, right? I mean, didn't you two and your brother grow up together?"
"Well… yeah but…" Sento interrupted him, gripping the shoulder, now.
"No buts, it could have been worse, and you know it. You can thank me for it, later."
"Anyway," Jamal said changing the subject, "you used to be a spy?"
"I may be a sellsword here, but Ylisse and Chon'sin, I was involved in covert operations with a guild of spies. I had some mentors, including my older cousin. Then again, everyone was at least five years older than me..." Sento said, leading them away to talk in private.
Jamal and Sento have reached Support Level C.
Hace frowned, watching Nasira with her tarot cards. "How long does this take, out of curiosity?" the regular mage asked her dark mage counterpart.
"The reading of the tarot is not to be rushed, Hace," Nasira said, not opening her eyes. "I know magic is our forte, but the future is always malleable." She then drew the card, and looked at it. "The… Reversed Fool. Well, that makes sense."
"Reversed Fool?" Hace questioned. "Um… what?"
"Sometimes, the cards get flipped upside-down, and that 'reverses' their usual meaning," Nasira elaborated. "For example, the normal Fool typically expresses beginnings, innocence, a free spirit, a blank slate. But then the Reversed Fool comes. They're a risk-taker, somewhat similar to you. But that risk-taking is also rather reckless. Also like you."
"...Well, I'm pretty sure there are PLENTY of people in this caravan who are reckless assholes. I mean, there's Kareem."
"True, but he's the Devil," Nasira said. "He does stupid things from a lack of self-discipline."
"Well, what about yourself?"
"I am the Star," Nasira smirked.
"Tawni?"
"She is the Wheel of Fortune."
"Himli?"
"The Moon."
"Akiba?"
"The Empress."
"Arya?"
"High Priestess."
"Node?"
"Reversed Temperance."
"Dobi?"
"Reversed Hermit."
"Sento?"
"The Tower."
"Jamal?"
"The Chariot."
"Guaril?"
"Reversed Death."
"...What!?"
"That one surprised me," Nasira admitted. "I guess there's a LOT he doesn't want to talk about. Well, he is the rom baro, and despite his athleticism, he is on the senior side of the line of mortality."
"Okay, that's something to think about," Hace frowned. "Still, I don't like mine! It makes me look like an idiot!"
"I can't help what I drew," Nasira said. "But I can tell you that you're not an idiot, Hace. But you are quite reckless and stubborn. You must control yourself and your temper, lest you be led by it down a path of ruin."
"That's a lot to think about," Hace said.
"Alright, enough bad thoughts," Nasira smiled. "By the way, that will be 200 Gold for the reading."
"Wait, you're CHARGING me!?"
Hace and Nasira have reached Support Level C.
Arya, spotting Kizil by himself checking over his equipment, inhaled, and exhaled. "(Alright, Arya… calm down, ask the questions you need, and avoid letting him know that you're an Uprilian princess.)" She then approached the templar, and said, "A word, Sir Kizil."
"Sir Kizil? Haven't been called by that title in a brief while," Kizil replied. "What can I do for you, Lady Arya?"
Arya paled. "H-H-H-How did you—!?"
"Figure you for a noble amongst the rough of our current company?" Kizil questioned. "Simple. Your accent isn't as plain as Miss Tawni or her friends'. Not to mention your clothing, while as pretty as Tawni's, is a bit fancier."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Tawni said behind them. Both jumped and saw Tawni innocently smiling at them. "So, you know that Arya's a noble incognito."
"I wasn't going to say anything in a public setting," Kizil said, "but yes. It was rather obvious." Turning to Arya, he suggested, "If you're going to try to dissuade others into believing you're anything other than a common vagabond, milady, you ought to change your look."
"I guess I could," Arya said. "Well, Sir Kizil, about why I approached you. You wouldn't have happened to have served in any recent battles in Upril, have you?"
"I'm afraid I was deployed straight to Rusnad about a year ago," Kizil replied. "I haven't set foot in Upril."
"So… you wouldn't really know anything about the war in Upril?" Arya frowned. Kizil shook his head.
"Unfortunately, not a whole lot," Kizil confessed. "All I know is Abay has most of Upril under his control."
"...So you wouldn't have any clues on the whereabouts of certain people?" Arya concluded.
"Certain people?" Kizil answered. He then realized it. "Oh, you must be referring to Minister Abay's 'bounty' on the royal family. Apparently, Upril's crown prince has spent his life as a major skirt-chaser, and has sired numerous… illegitimate children."
"(That's one way to describe my father,)" Arya muttered to herself.
"What?" Kizil questioned.
"Um, what was this about a bounty?" Arya asked.
"Right," Kizil replied. "Supposedly, Minister Abay found out after his attack on the Uprilian capital about these children, and that they had fled from the city before his siege. Minister Abay is convinced that Crown Prince Khai, or at least his father and sister, would be swayed into surrendering if Argelia captures these kids and hold them hostage, which is why he would prefer them alive and is willing to pay anyone who can bring one of Khai's children in a year's salary."
"...And… would you do this?" Arya questioned. Tawni looked between the two of them in concern.
"Honestly, no," Kizil replied. "I'm a soldier, not a bounty hunter. Not to mention even IF there was a chance of getting back in the army, something tells me Minister Abay has an ulterior motive for taking control of Upril that has nothing to do with the Emperor Consort or Empress' plans for the empire."
"...Oh," Arya said. "Wait, that's the only reason why?"
"Also, I kind of have standards," Kizil confessed. "Kill our armed enemies on the field of battle? No problem. Things like slay them in their sleep or strike down unarmed civilians? Take hostages our people have ill intentions for? That's a little much. Turn a nice young lady like you over to Minister Abay in the small, small chance that I'd be welcomed back into the army no questions asked? Absolutely not."
"Y-Y-You figured out that I'm a princess, too!?" Arya complained.
"You don't hide it very well," Kizil smiled, patting her on the head. "Anyway, if we're done here, ladies, I really should go on this patrol."
"...Okay," Arya said, letting him go.
Arya and Kizil have reached Support Level C.
Tawni found Node sitting in front of the young children in the caravan, showing off her magic. "Aw, Node, e atât de drăguț {Aw, Node, this is so cute}!" Tawni beamed.
"Mulțumesc, Tawni, {Thanks, Tawni}," the jann beamed. "Ești la timp, de fapt, să mă ajuți cu ceva {You're just in time, actually, to help me with something}."
"Ce este {What is it}?" Tawni questioned, walking over. Suddenly, a changing curtain appeared around Tawni. "Node, ce faci {Node, what are you doing}!?" When the changing curtain faded, Tawni was dressed in a white, midriff baring blouse and a pair of purple harem pants.
"Behold my newest trick!" Node grinned. "The quick change spell! I'm getting really strong with my magic!" The kids all clapped, but Tawni was a mix of stunned and angered.
Several minutes later, Tawni explained to Node in Orobian, "I'm not really mad about the fact that you used your magic to change my clothes, Node. I'm more upset that you didn't tell me in advance what the trick WAS."
"I thought it would have been a nice surprise," Node said, nursing the head bump Akiba gave her.
"It… was," Tawni said. "However, Node, the problem here is 'informed consent'."
"You hardly inform the boys when you use them as part of your performances," Node pointed out.
"That's because one, I don't hurt them or do anything that could be… potentially embarrassing or harmful," the gypsy explained. "For starters, neither you nor I practiced it BEFORE you pulled it off. I know you're confident, Node. In fact, you're probably a little overconfident. But my point here is 'what if something went wrong with the spell'? For example, I could have ended up NAKED. In front of a group of impressionable children. Or worse, the boys. I'm aware that I'm attractive, but these are very serious Romani rules you almost violated."
"Serious Romani rules?" the jann questioned. "You guys have them?"
"Ask Father later," Tawni said. "But anyway, Node, next time, warn me. Any other spells I should be aware of before you try to add this to our acts?"
"Hmm… well, I have a list of spells my teacher taught me somewhere," Node said, summoning her spellbooks. "I wonder where she is?"
"Your… mentor?" Tawni questioned.
"Yeah! Before I met Dobi, I was taught a few tricks by a skilled Uprilian genie!" Node replied. "Rumor is she was old enough to have played with Rerci as a kid!"
"A genie from the Rerci era?" Tawni asked. "We have to find her!"
"Why?" Node asked.
"Because a genie like that has to be incredibly powerful!" Tawni answered. "Who knows? Maybe she'll know things about… well, what happened to Rerci! Or even be able to teach us a few magic tricks that we CAN use! And besides, in times like this war, it never hurts to have a potentially powerful ally."
"I suppose I'll look up where Madam Ghassee spirited away to," Node said. "But don't expect anything too soon, Tawni. She's a hard woman to get in contact with once she goes underground."
"Do you mean that literally or figuratively?"
"Figuratively," Node assured her. "Now… since we're alone and safely in my tent, want to try that spell again, except with less risk of being indecently exposed."
"Hm… alright," Tawni said. "Thank you for the informed consent."
Tawni and Node have reached Support Level C.
Arya stared down at her third drained Heal staff for the day, frustrated with herself. She had just finished healing almost EVERYONE in the caravan after a long, hard battle that was nearly a disaster because of an ambush. "Why is it that all I'm good for is patching everyone up while they fight and nearly die for me!?" She silently clenched the staff hard enough to nearly splinter the wood of it. "Why is it that, wherever I go, chaos follows me!?"
"Arya, can I come in?" Sento called from outside her tent. The troubadour looked up.
"Sento?" Arya questioned. "Um, sure… but only for a little bit." The mercenary walked in, holding a tray of food for her. "Oh, thank you."
"You're welcome," Sento nodded, placing her tray on a nearby mat. He then noticed the small tear stains on her face and the splinters that threatened to enter her fingers. '(Hm, Arya doesn't seem like her cheery self. Probably because of that last battle. Note to self, try to avoid talking about—'
"Sento." The mercenary's train of thought ended when the sixteen-year-old princess shifted herself to face him, placing down her staff. "Be honest with me. Do you think that I am a burden to our companions?" Sento awkwardly sat down in front of her. "A LOT of people got hurt in that ambush, some of them for me. I don't know if I am truly helping Miss Tawni and the others. Everybody is fighting, even Sir Guaril. Before we came along, he was the only person trained to heal, so they had to keep an eye on him. Now, I'm here, and I feel the only reasons everyone is protecting me are because I'm a princess and thus a good meal ticket, and my Fire Emblem fragment, which I've also had to use today. A lot. I… just don't want what happened to my… to my guards… oh gods… I don't want it to happen again…!" She wept into her hands, leaving Sento to sit down and soak in her words.
After an inhale, he answered, "No, I don't believe that you are a burden. If anything, you're the one CARRYING a bigger burden than most of us, even me." Arya looked up, tears still adorning her face, while Sento rested a hand on her shoulder. "In fact, you and Guaril saved our lives in that disaster. People overlook a good medic's contribution, but I've learned not to." Sento sat down next to her. "Besides, is it not natural for any of us to protect each other no matter what? We are all in this together. You are no exception to the caravan as well Arya." Sento nodded while closing his eyes. "What you could do, of course, is to start learning self-defense techniques!"
Arya wiped away her tears, and nodded, "Yes… you are right Sento! I should try to get stronger! That way, everyone won't just protect me… I'll protect them!" She quickly grabbed her staff, and took a few semi-descent twirls with it before taking a mock fighting stance. Sento then slowly backed away from her. Arya pouted, "Sento, please! I need a sparring partner!"
"Um, Arya… I'm glad you're feeling better, but we shouldn't do this in the middle of a small tent, to start. Second, wouldn't you rather an ACTUAL combat weapon instead of a staff? And third… why right now!? We just barely survived that ambush!"
"No time like the present, Sento!" Arya replied. "That's what my oldest brother would say about learning how to fight!"
"Oh, right, I forgot, multiple half-siblings," Sento muttered. "Who happen to be semi-to-really-skilled combatants… oh crap." He then yelped as Arya hit him on the head with her staff.
Several minutes later, the two were sitting in front of the three Dightons, Arya apologizing while bandaging up Sento. "And that's what happened?" Guaril questioned with an angry glare, making sure his wife's arm was bandaged properly. "And then you chased him through the camp?"
"I'm sorry," Arya replied.
"Well, I for one am glad you decided to start learning techniques," Tawni said. "But baby steps, Arya. It's how I learned, and it's how you'll learn." She then turned to Sento, and said, "If you need help tutoring her, let one of us know."
"Wait, ME tutor her!?" Sento questioned.
"You brought the idea up to her, you take responsibility," Akiba answered. Sento groaned while Arya smiled.
Sento and Arya have reached Support Level C.
Node starred at Reyie, an angry pout on the former's face. Reyie, meanwhile, tilted her head. "What's wrong, Node? You're normally a ball of… well, overly energetic sunshine…."
"What's wrong, Reyie, is that I'm bored!" Node replied. "Everybody else is too busy to spend time with me!"
"Well… I'm free," Reyie offered.
"Everyone that I TRUST," Node corrected.
"And what's that supposed to me?"
"Well, no offense, but you're a former Argelian soldier, and Upril's suffered a LOT at your empire's hands. It's a little hard to block out."
"None taken," Reyie said. "A few military commanders have given Argelia a very bad image. But not all of us are heartless monsters. Just a couple of major players. Like that bloodthirsty, misogynistic jerk of a former commanding officer we had."
"Misogynistic?" Node questioned.
"Someone who is strongly prejudiced against women," the falcon woman explained. "Not exactly the most positive trait in Argelia, because our empire has been mostly matriarchal since its founding."
Node tilted her head. "Well, I know that. But how are you so sure this person hates women?"
"An air around him is all," Reyie replied. "Ugur hates the idea of women outranking him, thinking them too soft to embrace the true idea of an empire: an ever-expanding force of bloody conquest. As such, he despises East Admiral Sema Aksoy for her more merciful strategies and approaches to this war."
"...Merciful?" Node questioned.
"You're surprised?" Reyie said. "Perhaps I can tell you more about the real players some time. But for now, I think we should resolve your boredom issue." She then spread her wings. "If you'd like, Node, we can have a race."
"A race?" Node questioned. "You want to race?"
"It gets my wings a chance to stretch, and you get to do something fun," Reyie answered. Drawing a line in the sand with her foot, she explained, "So, first to make a full lap around camp and back here, wins."
"Okay," Node nodded. "So… what do I get if I win?"
"Wait, what?" Reyie asked. "W-Why are we betting?"
"Oh come on, live a little!" the jann argued. "If we're going to at least get along, why not give us a real reason to race?"
"I have one," Guaril said as he walked up. "The loser of this race has to help Tawni set up and break down her stage for her next performance. By themselves."
"Mr. Guaril?" Node questioned. "You overheard all of that?"
"You're very loud, ladies," Guaril said. "Also, you're not doing anything. But if it gets your built-up energy out to let the two of you race, I may as well make it productive. I'll count you down." Node summoned her carpet and Reyie spread her wings. "On my three. One… two… three, bye!" He then threw a smoke bomb, causing the two girls to begin coughing. When they recovered, they saw Guaril flipping over a few of the tents before turning back to them. "Looks like, at the rate you're going, you BOTH are going to be helping Tawni!" He then continued running.
"Wait… did the infamous Guaril Dighton just JOIN our race and is cheating?" Reyie questioned.
"Apparently yes, but to be fair, he can't fly," Node said. She then jumped on her magic carpet and flew off after him. Reyie followed behind, her wings flapping ahead.
Node and Reyie have reached Support Level C.
"Kono mama aruki tsuzuketeiru
Kon'ya mo maasugu Hitori no ashiato tadotte…
Hateshinai dakedo kimi dake wa
Dokoka de matteru Egao tayasazuni
There you will...
{Tonight, I continue to walk, Straight ahead like this,
Leaving behind only a single set of footprints.
It's endless, but somewhere out there,
Only you are waiting for me, With an unfading smile.
There you will...}"
Sento swept the stage after another successful performance while singing a song that Tawni, who was returning to the stage after changing back to her usual dress, took for Xuhuan.
"Be The One, Be The One
All right!
Ashitano no chikyu o nagedasenai kara
Be The Lights, Be the Lights
All right!
Tsuyoku nareru yo Ai wa makenai!
Nanika tasukete sukutte dakishime
Kokoro ni fureruyo todoku yo, tstawere
Be The One, Be The Lights
Message, Okoru yo hibiku yo!
{Be The One, Be The One
All right!
I won't give up to save tomorrow's Earth
Be The Lights, Be The Lights
All right!
I wanna get strong! Love won't lose!
To save, rescue, embrace something,
You've got to touch, reach, send something to the heart!
Be The One, Be The Lights!
Send the message and let it ring!}"
Sento was interrupted by clapping, and he turned to Tawni. Bravo! Bravo! A fost uimitor, Sento {Bravo! Bravo! That was amazing, Sento}!"
"Hey, Tawni, just finishing cleaning up, and we should be good to go," Sento smirked. "How can I help you?" Sento turned around and spun his broom. "You did a hell of a performance, by the way. I think a few boys and girls have crushes in the audience."
Tawni smiled and curtsied. "Thank you, 'Songbird Sento'. But don't worry, nothing needed from me. Actually, I was coming to help YOU when I heard your tenor that would compliment Father's baritone and my soprano." She performed a cartwheel before leaping into the air, landing in front of Sento while snagging the broom from him, continuing to sweep while dancing. "However, I've listened to quite a few Xuhuan songs, but never have I heard THAT one, since I think I would know a dual Xuhuan-Orobian pop song. May I ask what it is?"
Sento, realizing she heard him, answered, "It is called 'Be The One', a song my mother wrote. She sang it to me whenever I was just a young boy back in our home realm. But you're actually off with the language. It's a mix of Chon'sinian and Ylissean, not Xuhuan and Orobian. I guess the reason why we don't have a hard time speaking each other's language is because of Plegia in my homeland is actually a desert region and the Orobian trade language is similar to the common tongue of Archanea." Tawni blinked, finishing her sweeping. As Sento rolled up the rug, he explained, "Mother told me that it reminded her of the blending of cultures between Chon'sin and Ylisse, and Empress Say'ri of Chon'sin loved it. It was dedicated to the legendary tactician of the Ylissean League."
Tawni frowned as she mused. "I think I've heard the legends of that tactician. I've told THAT story before… it always varied if the tactician was a man or a woman, as well as how the story ended, but they stayed consistent in that the tactician was always connected to the Ylissean royal family and fighting off a dragon bent on destroying humanity for very little reason. I mean, if Rerci was going to do it, it was because we betrayed Her, killed Her Mother, and locked Her away in the Eternal Forge because we believed Her scheming uncle."
Sento lifted the rolled up rug, placing it on his shoulder. "And we're done! Let's get the others to finish tearing down the stage." Both of them walked off the stage to drop off their equipment. "So, is my song really that good? You're the only person who's heard me sing."
"Yes, it is quite lovely and upbeat," Tawni answered while they placed their respective items into the wagon. "Is there any way you can teach me or at least share the sheet music? I don't think it will be that hard for me to learn. I am sure that it will knock the audience's shoes off when we perform it!" She spun around, and leaned in near Sento's face. "I bet your mother would be honored to see it performed, should we ever go… to… Ylisse…?" She slowly paused once she saw Sento frown. "Sento, did I say something wrong?"
Sento shook his head and replied, "It is nothing… just that my parents are watching me from the sky." Tawni gasped. Sento assured her, "But I don't mind if I can teach you the song later. Just give me some time, and I will deliver the lyrics and sheet music to you! In the meantime, I'm sure everyone's hungry, and Himli can't feed the whole caravan by himself! Later!" Sento took off towards the camp.
Tawni frowned, looking down. "De ce sună familiar acest {Why does this sound familiar}…?" She gasped once again, remembering something. "Oh nu, acum știu că l-am cunoscut pe Sento de undeva! Pun pariu că și Tatăl și Mama știu deja. Mă întreb dacă băieții știu și ei {Oh no, now I KNOW that I knew Sento from somewhere! I bet Father and Mother already know, too. I wonder if the boys know, as well}?"
Tawni and Sento have reached Support Level C.
Kizil walked around the camp, sighing in content. He then turned towards Guaril's tent, where he was having a meeting with the elders. "Bir parçam yardım edemez ama orada neden bahsettiğini merak ediyorum {Part of me can't help but wonder what they're talking about in there}..." the Argelian muttered.
"Rom baro, esti sigur de templieri argelici {Rom baro, are you certain of the Argelian templar}?" a male voice questioned. "Nu pot să nu observ că a fost rătăcit de lagăr, uitându-se în jurul tuturor suspectelor {I can't help but notice he's been wandering about the camp, looking around all suspicious}."
"Păi, cred că ne putem întreba ce face {Well, I guess we can ask what he's been doing}," Guaril replied. He then looked outside, and said, "Kizil, you're not my daugther, you can't eavesdrop for a damn."
"You… you knew I was here?" Kizil said.
"As I said, you're not my daughter who I trained in stealth for YEARS," Guaril repeated. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to explain WHY you're walking about like a lost puppy, the elders will be satisfied."
"Oh," Kizil realized. "Well, it's a… force of habit to go on bi-hourly patrols about camp. I'm an ex-soldier, so it's something that, if we're going to be working together, I'm either going to have to break or you're going to have to deal with."
"And how do we know you're NOT going to just, in an attempt to get back in your former employer's good graces, wave your Argelian comrades over to attack us?" a different male questioned.
"Because Admiral Ugur wants me dead for disobeying his orders to raze villages and slaughter dozens of innocents," Kizil replied. "Again, I'm an ex-soldier, so I'm expecting the war to be brutal and I'm not afraid to kill people on command. Apart from Akiba and Guaril, here, I probably have the highest kill count of anyone here. But I have STANDARDS. Ugur likes the idea of an incredibly bloody war and has struck a deal with one of the most powerful nobles in Argelia to get his kicks off in conquest. I understand that, as bad as you gypsies have it here, your people have faced even WORSE persecution in Argelia, so you have no reason to trust me. But I owe my life to Guaril and his daughter. I'd be either dead or being tortured by the Poswali if not for Tawni choosing to save me. The least I can do is help keep the people they care about safe."
"Interesting," the female elder smiled. She then turned to Guaril, and said, "Foarte bine, rom baro, am încredere în decizia ta de al păstra în preajmă. Dar ar trebui să-l ții cu ochii pe el. E un cățeluș plictisit {Very well, rom baro, I trust your decision to keep him around. But you should still keep an eye on him. He's a bored puppy}." The elders then left the tent.
"Congrats, you can stay," Guaril sighed. "But you need to better use your time here in the caravan, Kizil. You're making people wary going around in full orichalcum plate mail heavily armed all the time."
"What about your wife?" Kizil replied.
"Akiba took some getting used to as well," Guaril recalled. "Still wears her upper armor around everyone but me and Tawni. But all things considered, she's lightened up. She doesn't carry her weapons around in camp outside of patrol."
Guaril and Kizil have reached Support Level C.
Sento walked into his tent, while humming a song to himself and taking off his coat.
"Haruka sono saki e to kimi no michi wo oikaze ni notte yukou
Sagasu kotae tayasuku mitsukari wa shinai hajime kara wattete fumidashitanda
{Following your path that leads far beyond here, let's ride this tailwind and go!
The answer we seek, won't be simple to find. But we knew it when we started and began
to walk.}"
While Sento took a breath to prepare for his next verse, Node poked her head in, a small smile on her face.
"Nandomo toomawari shite yume no ashiato
Kakitashiteita sekai chizu wo hirogetara
{Taking detours many times, leaving footprints in our dreams.
But when we open the world map we've been sketching a long time…}"
Sento stopped singing, and turned to his trunk. However, he gasped in horror as he saw it wide open. "What in the world?!" He ran over to it, and knelt down, staring at the clearly rummaged through contents. "Who touched my stuff!? My possessions, my pictures… my MANUSCRIPTS!? I was saving those for Ylisse!"
"Oh, why wait?" Node questioned. "They're good! Like, really good! Especially Dragonfly." Sento turned to Node, seeing her holding up a manuscript and a few books, all of which had different covers, but all were titled Firefly. "Oh, Sento, if you were shy about this stuff, all you had to do was come to your friendly neighborhood genie, and ask HER to take your work to a publisher. I already know how you'll thank me." After clearing her throat, she said, in an exact copy of Sento's voice that disturbed him for a moment, "Oh, Node, thank you! I'm going to be FAMOUS when this hits the shelves! Will you marry me?" Returning to her normal voice, she said, "Well, how can I possibly turn that down? But we may be moving a little too face, but we start by picking out what cover you—"
"You violated my privacy, broke into my stuff, and you stole one of my manuscripts without my consent!?" Sento interjected. Node frowned.
"Well, I got bored, trying to figure you out," Node explained. "So, I snuck in here, one day, and spotted your trunk. However, you thought ahead and used an orichalcum lock. So I asked some of the others to help me out. The Romani girls here are really nice… and great at lockpicking, reading, and suggestions." Ignoring Sento's growing rage, she said, "After we took turns reading, we all voted Dragonfly was your best one. So, I found a publisher in Cruibia, and after a few edits and negotiations thanks to a few negotiations, we think we're ready to publish it. Of course, there are a few fees to work around, but we'll manage. I just borrowed your manuscript again just to give it a once-over and send a copy to the Cruibian royal family! The Poswali haven't gotten back to yet, though." She then pulled out a letter. "Oh, that reminds me, you got a letter from Princesses Yasmin and Janiya for your story! It took a lot of effort to smuggle it in Cruibia, but they loved it! We just need your opinion on the cover!" She handed him the letter, only now noticing him shaking. Tilting her head, she asked, "Sento… I'm sorry for breaking in here, but… I wanted to grow closer to you and help. We all did. Are you ok—"
"Node?" Sento finally spoke.
"Yes?"
"Get out!" Node jumped back, fear on her face. He glowered, "You've been nosy before, but this is too freaking far!"
"...Sento," Node whimpered, tears on her face, "I'm just… as a genie… I just want to help people… you too. You seem so lonely and sad I thought you would like having one of your stories published."
"You can help me by staying the HELL away from me!" he roared. "Leave. NOW!" Node let the tears fall, and floated out of the tent. Sento, realizing he was too harsh with her, groaned. However, it only got worse when he saw that several female Romani were starring in horror at Node's retreating form, and then they plus a few of the members of Tawni's group turned to look at him. "Oh, no…."
Node and Sento have reached Support Level C. The Roast of Sento will begin.
Akiba's Notes: Alright, that should be the chapter. You know, I personally think Sento had a POINT in being a little ticked off at Node for violating his privacy, but we'll have to discuss that later. As we'll discuss reviews.
Anyway, an announcement. The author will be focusing on Mega Man Star Network, but he will eventually get the Howe Support Chapter up by mid-July. If you wish to help write support for that, please PM or email the author.
Hope you enjoy your day!