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Entry tags:
- fe7,
- fic,
- fire emblem,
- lyn/florina,
- yuletide,
- yuri
fic: Sky Song
Title: Sky Song
Series: Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword
Character/Pairing: Lyn/Florina
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lyndis meets her betrothed for the first time.
Word count: 6,355
Author's note:
This was a request in yuletide a ways back made by Phrentobe :
"I would really love an arranged marriage fic with Lyndis and Florina in an AU where it's seen as a measure of good faith between the countries they come from - though I love them being in a relationship together it would be interesting to see how duty would affect their relationship to each other and what kinds of stresses it would bring."
I didn't actually see it soon enough to fill it then. But I saved it and finally got a jolt of inspiration to finish off something which had been about 300 words of quickly jotted down fic for a while.
This is a slight canon divergence. It follows Lyn's chapters pretty smoothly, but Lyn and Florina hadn't met yet at that point, and the main story hasn't started up yet.
Also, this is late, but: wooo at Lynja winning in FEH!
There were some things which Lyndis could never get used to within the nobility, such as the treatment of the servants--though she preferred to think of them more as staff. Staffs healed, staffs supported in battle. From stableman to butler, all of them kept the entire castle in line.
Because of this, Lyndis would never carelessly take her anger out on servants, no matter what the reason. Even if a maid dropped a scalding bowl of soup upon her. She could never think of them as 'lesser' or 'beneath her' but even then, she could barely hold her temper at this news.
In the tribes, she had lived much differently. Yes, they had rulers, but they also never had the concept of the help as if they were a lower species.
Still, even then, she had difficulty keeping her temper.
"What is this announcement? A betrothal? This is unacceptable. I am not to be simply married off--to think Grandfather would--"
"But Lady Lyndis, she arrives in a fortnight. And indeed, a portrait was included with the announcement of her arrival."
Lyndis paused. "She?"
The scroll was unrolled, and drawn upon it was a demure looking woman, slightly stooped in shyness. Her thick, fluffy hair fell about her face, and her lips were slightly parted, as if in an apology. She clung tight to the reins of her pegasus.
She had never seen a person who had reminded her of spring more.
This girl was beautiful and captivating. Suddenly, all of her complaints were very unimportant.
Far less important than actually meeting her. The girl from the land of eternal winter, the woman who would be her wife.
Lyndis cleared her throat. "I could meet her before she returns home. It'd be rude to do otherwise."
However, she was not ready to yet face her grandfather. She headed out to the training grounds and swung her sword against training dummies until nightfall. The memory of her, the woman about to arrive, did not dissipate in the slightest.
(And Lyndis tried to convince herself that her quickened heartbeat, her flushed face was nothing but training.)
*
The girl clutched the fur coat tight about her, shivering despite the warmth. She was almost lost in that huge fur coat, considering how deeply bundled she was. Just little curls and tufts of purple hair, like crocuses between the last snowfall of spring. She'd long since left the cold tundra of Illia, yet the the girl clung to that coat, even as she must be sweltering beneath it.
Lyndis smiled. The girl's cheeks instantly flushed pink, and she ducked into the coat more. "U-um, you're Lady Lyndis?"
The girl pulled the collar of her coat down, at least. Enough to show her face. Even though the artist had been talented, it did not do her justice.
Her hair was thick, and like spring lilacs. Lyndis felt a sudden temptation to run her fingers through it to see. She drew back, even that thought was too daring a move.
Lyndis smiled. "Yes."
"I-I am, ahem, g-grateful to make your acquaintance, my lady..." She started to curtsy, but was almost tipped over by the weight of her coat.
"There's no need for such formality. I only have just met my grandfather. I lived in the plains with the rest, for much of my life. Until my tribe...was lost."
"Oh--I'm so sorry. That...really isn't enough. And I forgot to even introduce myself, too."
"Florina of Illia, right?"
"Y-Yes, that's my name. Of course you would know that, given that you read the letter of introduction..."
"Come, you must be famished after such a long ride."
"My poor pegasus--Huey--must have such tired wings. A storm was coming, and so we pushed on to keep from getting caught in it. There's little worse than being caught within a blizzard," Florina said in a small voice.
"Many who go through a storm like that won't ever return."
She still forgot, even now, that she was supposed to ask for servants to do even the most basic of tasks. Lyndis could not but help think this was something she would never remember, even if she lived here for the rest of her days.
"Did you say something?"
"Um, just...A part of me is happy that it wasn't a man I was betrothed to. I couldn't even imagine how that would go. Very embarrassingly, most likely."
"Then it's good to hear that won't be a problem. Come now, I'll take you to the stables," Lyndis said.
Florina took up Huey's bridle, guided him along and followed behind Lyndis.
*
Huey had been put away inside, with fresh hay and grain. Outside of the stables, Lyndis paused for a moment.
"Do you want me to guide you about the grounds?"
"Actually I'm pretty tired," Florina said.
"I can lead you to the bedrooms you are to stay in," Lyndis said.
Florina blushed bright at the mention of bedrooms. "W-Would that be too much trouble?"
Lyndis smiled. "Of course not."
"Um, what would you usually do at this hour?"
"Train," Lyndis said.
Florina nervously clutched at her hands. "I don't want to get in the way of your routine," Florina said.
The fur coat had finally been set aside due to the heat. It had been comfort, not merely warmth that Florina had clung to. Beneath the coat, she wore a small dress of white which revealed a hint of her strong thighs. Typical uniform of the pegasus riders.
"It's no trouble."
"Um, I wouldn't mind watching you train a little. As a way to unwind. I'm tired, but I also am very full of energy if that makes any sense."
"It makes perfect sense. You traveled for such a long way, after all," Lyndis said.
She gazed shyly on as Lyndis lifted her sword, and cut through the training dummy. The straw flew as the figure fell to pieces--an arm lost, then another, the torso split.
"I'm afraid I'll fall out of shape if I don't keep up my swordsmanship. Of course, grandfather would rather I take dancing lessons as well."
"With how graceful you are, I'm sure you would do wonderfully on the dance floor. I'm sure you would capture the eye of every single person there and captivate them completely. Truly, it would be an honor for anyone lucky enough to have a dance with you..."
Florina let out a little eep and covered her mouth. It didn't hide her blush. "I mean, uhhh...."
"There's no need to apologize," Lyn said.
"But it was so forward!"
Lyndis smiled. "A little, I suppose."
"The truth is, this betrothal was a surprise. I'm not even royalty. But when the call came, I volunteered to go. To represent all of Illia."
"Had you already seen me? Did that change your mind" Lyndis said teasingly, even a little flirtatiously.
Florina thawed something in her which had been long left with the tribes.
Florina blushed. "A-ah, no."
"I thought, I could finally make my sisters proud. I'm not the strongest pegasus knight around. I honestly didn't even think it through. I just...wanted to help out for once."
Florina looked shyly up. "But if I had, I think I would've worried less. I might have even been more eager to head here. You aren't mean at all. In fact you're dashing and strong and--oh! I said too much again."
Lyndis wiped the sweat from her forehead. "I think a break is in order."
"Yes, that might be for the best. Before I say something else to regret later," Florina said. Her cheeks were deep red now.
"What's to regret about the truth?"
"A-A lot. I might say something too soon, and then?"
Lyndis smiled. "And then?"
"I should increase my training as well. I feel as if maybe, I would forget how to use a lance if I didn't practice. Already, my sisters are much more skilled than I."
"Isn't the most important part of being a pegasus rider that you have a bond with Huey?"
"Well, yes, but..."
"Then that makes you a good pegasus rider, right?" Lyndis said.
"Don't get me wrong. Keeping up your training is always a good idea. We could spar sometime. I'll go gentle on you."
"M-Maybe..." Florina said.
Florina blushed, and clutched her cheeks.
"You could...guide me to my rooms now. If it isn't too much trouble," Florina said.
Her blush remained all the way back.
*
The next morning, Florina rose early.
"Did you sleep well?" Lyndis said.
Lyndis had already been up at dawn. Traditionally, the prayers began then. The fires would be stoked for another day. Women would weave, and gather, and help with the hunts. The circle would continue.
But that was past, now. Her tribe was gone. Her grandfather was all she had left now.
Florina nodded. "I wanted to make sure Huey was fed and brushed."
"Is it all right if I come with you?"
"Of course," Florina said. "In fact, I would welcome it."
The brush was almost too big for Florina's small, delicate hands. Lyndis sat on a bale of straw in the stables, as Florina untangled Huey's coat. "Oh, no. This will not do at all, Mr. Huey. You got burs all in your mane today. I don't even remember you getting into burs. Did you fly over the fence and go grazing? You shouldn't do that, Mr. Huey. What if you got attacked by brigands and stolen away? I would be so very sad to never see you again."
Lyndis placed a sugar cube, pilfered straight from morning tea. She always took her tea as bitter as the pu'er tea she took on the plains.
"If you spoil him, he'll look for it every time you come. Huey can be very stubborn and demanding," Florina said.
"We all need to be spoiled a little sometimes."
"You've...You've got straw in your hair," Florina said.
Florina slowly reached out and brushed the little bits of straw away. Her cheeks burned in a deep blush as she came closer. Her gaze dropped to Lyn's lips.
Florina leaned in closer, and closer.
And then Huey nipped her in the shoulder.
Florina let out a shriek and jumped back. "Mr. Huey, that's not nice!"
Lyndis laughed. "I think he wants more sugar cubes."
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm used to it. Working with pegasi means you get nipped occasionally. They can be awful persnickety sometimes."
Lyndis put another sugar cube on the stall door.
Neither of them mentioned what had almost happened. The day went on as if nothing had transpired. But both of them knew.
*
Later that day, she returned to training. She couldn't let up, not when she'd seen how powerful the bandits around here could be.
They'd stolen everything from her in the end.
She took aim and sliced. It was a clean cut, but a wooden part went flying. And she felt a sudden pain, like a sting deep in her arm.
"Lyn! Are you all right?"
Blood leaked down onto her green dress. Yet again she'd hurt herself while training her swordsmanship.
"It's nothing," Lyndis said.
"No, no, no! This cannot do!"
With trembling fingers, Florina dug into her saddlebags and brought out a vulnerary.
"I always keep this on hand. For battle, but also if Huey hurts himself. Huey has tried to get into brambles for berries more than once."
Florina rubbed the vulnerary on Lyn's arm. The vulnerary had an almost prickling sensation, and was cold, as a contrast to Florina's warm and gentle touch. "P-please be careful. I don't know what I'd do if you were seriously injured."
Florina had been her constant companion these past weeks. Every day at practice, and every meal, and most of the time in between. And each moment with Florina felt right in a way that Lyndis had never known before.
"Sorry, I get carried away when I train," Lyndis said.
She smiled, and brushed her green ponytail back. "But as long as you're around, I know I'll never have to worry about being hurt for long."
"I'll fill every single saddlebag with vulneraries, until they're bursting at the seams if that's what it takes," Florina said.
Her touch lingered on Lyn's arm. Suddenly she blushed and pulled away.
"I-I was just thinking how...actually, um, isn't it almost lunch time? We should go to that. I wouldn't want to offend your grandfather so early."
Florina quickly headed off down the hallway.
*
As the weeks passed, the castle started to become unrecognizable, but with beauty. A lattice for flowers was built, an arch for roses. So many flowers were to be ordered, and the scent of food filled the rooms. At every hour there was the sound of building and creating something new.
"Grandfather certainly has gone made this a fancy affair," Lyndis said.
"Would you prefer a more simple affair?" Florina said.
"I hadn't really thought about it," Lyndis said.
Less than a year ago, she had been living with her family and the tribe. Now, she was a lady and betrothed to be married to another woman. How things changed.
"It feels a bit strange to say the words. To speak about a wedding and have it be my own," Lyn said.
"D-Does it bother you?" Florina said softly.
"No, not at all. I'm just...getting used to it. I attended plenty of plains weddings. They were so full of life, and hope. The entire tribe would gather to celebrate the lives being joined together."
"What were they like?" Florina said.
Lyndis smiled, bittersweet and filled with nostalgia. "A feast would be thrown--even in years of famine, they would always find a way. There would be hunts long, and the best clothes would be worn. The campfires would be built high, until the lights could be be seen for miles away. I always looked forward to when I would one day be able to join the hunts."
"How were marriages in Illia?"
"Lots and lots of fur coats! And naturally they were always held indoors, or everyone would freeze," Florina said.
Lyndis laughed. "I never would've guessed."
"It would always be a small break from mercenary work, and lots of food. And the rest is universal, I suppose? A pretty dress, dancing...and so much happiness..."
"Probably like this will be, but more snow."
"I wish mother and father were here to see it," Lyndis said.
"It is like you said it, we are all wrapped up by Father Sky and Mother Earth? Surely they can see you from where they are now."
Lyn said nothing.
"I'm sorry if that wasn't much comfort," Florina said in a small voice.
"No, you're right. Even though it aches that I will never see them again in this lifetime, I have to remember that they're watching over me. I have to push forward and find a way to be happy, for their sake and mine."
"Still... I couldn't even visit our ancestral land to pray," Lyndis said.
"I wish I could do more for you," Florina said.
Florina wrapped her coat more tightly about her.
"Are you chilly?"
"Oh, no. I'm used to Illia. This is nothing. In truth, it's nice to be able to wear my coat. I miss being able to curl up in my coat. People don't look at me the same."
"The same?" Lyndis said.
"Y-You know. Leering. And everything is warm and safe and comfy, and nothing hurts. Even when I'm sad, I feel a little better with the warm fluffy coat on. But in warmer places, it gets much too hot. And I miss the feeling of comfort and security the coat always gave me."
"Do you miss Illia?" Lyndis said.
Florina glanced away, in the direction of a far off land. "Sometimes. I miss my sisters, but the cold was so horrible. No crops ever grow there. All we could manage were was to keep doing mercenary work, that would often take us far from home. I guess it isn't home anymore," Florina said. She looked down, filled with sadness.
"We could visit sometime," Lyndis said.
Florina smiled. "You'd have to bundle up. A coat so big, it'd drag on the ground."
"A coat the size of a bear," Lyndis said.
Florina glanced up shyly at Lyn. "Do you miss the plains very much?"
"Every single day. I miss the plains and my family like the loss of a part of my body, my very life," Lyndis said.
"We could go there to visit often. Huey would enjoy stretching his wings. He's getting rather antsy being cooped up in the stable."
"For the honeymoon?"
Florina could only stammer and blush at that.
"I'm not sure visiting the graves of my ancestors would be much of a romantic date," Lyndis said.
"...They'd be my family, my people too. I would leave flowers and prayers there. Because they would be my family that I lost, as we are joined..." Florina said.
"I was too forward again, wasn't I?"
"No....not at all," Lyndis said.
"I-If you're cold, I could warm you up?"
Florina opened up the oversized coat, just enough that Lyndis could come closer. She wrapped them both up, until the night chill was long forgotten.
"Do you miss Illia's cold too?" Lyndis said.
"Sometimes I think not, how could I ever miss the cold. But then I remember how the sun sparkled on the snow, and think that one day I will miss it. Those memories will fade, as all do."
"My sisters remember my parents, but I don't, not even a little. I was so young. It would hurt more, if I'd known them. Right now, they're just ghosts to me. I miss that I never had a mother and father, but Fiora and Farina helped fill those roles for me. Still, when I hear other mercenaries talk about sending home money to their parents, I feel a little twinge..."
"I forget my mother and father a little more each day, and it terrifies me that one day I will be left with nothing but their ghosts," Lyndis said.
Florina rested her hand on Lyn's arm.
"Winter comes here as well. Though I doubt it's anywhere as intense as Illian winters," Lyndis said.
Florina looked out at the many floral displays and lattices being raised up. All for their wedding. "It's so strange, how I feel like I'll miss even this moment. Every day I wake up and am aware of time slipping away. I'm aware of it so much more now that I am here with you."
"We do the best we can, I suppose. When I woke that day, I didn't think it would be the day bandits attacked. I thought I would go draw water for mother and father. I thought I had so much more time."
"Lyn...I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. Maybe together, we could've saved more," Florina said.
"You didn't even know me then," Lyndis said.
"I wish I did. The truth is... Even though we've just met, it feels as if we've known each other for so very long. And I wish I knew you even longer. I think back on the days before I met you and wish that I could move back the clock and find some way to cross paths with you. Huey making me go off course, or any of a thousand other ways. It's a silly fantasy, I suppose. But I can't help feeling a little sad for all those years I didn't know you and hadn't met you yet."
Lyndis took her hand, and the warmth between them. She laced their fingers together and squeezed tight.
"I feel the same. It's strange. Even from the first time I met you, I felt very comfortable around you," Lyndis said.
"Yes, I did too! M-Maybe it was just meant to be," Florina said.
"There was a story once, of a princess. She stepped into a portal and found another version of herself, upside down. Together, they helped save the kingdom. I think about that a lot. Maybe if there's an upside-down version of me, we met when we were younger and became good friends. I'm sure that me fell completely in love with you, too. After all, how couldn't she? Who wouldn''t fall in love with you?"
Florina blushed at her admission.
"I just feel lucky. To have met you, and know you..."
Florina looked at Lyndis suddenly. Her gaze was unwavering.
"I could fly you there. Huey could, I mean. Though I'd hold the reins and guide him, of course. Mr. Huey doesn't listen to me that well, but we could try."
"I'm afraid we would give grandfather a fright. Mother ran off to the plains. He would assume I was a runaway bride. Or that I've gone on to elope with you."
"We could be back before dark, I think," Florina said.
"It's not like you to be so daring and risk getting in trouble," Lyndis said.
"No...but I want you to feel better in any way possible. This is all I could give you... And even that seems not enough."
Florina touched her fingers together in a nervous gesture. She stared down at her hands as she spoke. "When my parent died, Fiora carried on. She took the place of our parents. I know it was hard for her. That's why I volunteered. Because I wanted to pay Fiora and Farina back for all they did. It was kind of impulsive. Just imagine if it'd been someone old, or creepy or..."
Male was the unsaid word.
"Though Farina would've been fine with anyone as long as they had gold," Florina said.
"If I could fly up to the heavens and meet them again, I surely would," Florina said. "But I can't. I would do whatever I could to give you even a small amount of solace. Even if we had to fly halfway across the world."
Florina reached out to touch Lyn's arm, with a slight tremble.
"I couldn't bury my parents. I could only avenge them," Lyndis said. "I pray they haven't become ghosts that wander endlessly."
She didn't cry then, she didn't cry now.
Florina looked off into the distance.
"I once flew higher and higher into the skies. The clouds aren't as solid as they feel. You would think they would be soft, but instead they're like stepping into the rain. I thought if I flew high enough, I could meet my parents. But, eventually, I grew dizzy. I nearly fell off Huey to the ground. But he caught me."
"After my parents died, and I came to this place, I would walk outside for hours. I thought if there were a path to the stars, I would find it. If I could fly, perhaps it would be easier. I still haven't found that path. But since I met you, it seems closer," Lyndis said.
"I-I think we could make it. We wouldn't be missed for a few hours. I'll get Mr. Huey ready to ride right away," Florina said.
"Thank you, Florina," Lyndis said. She took Florina's hand in hers and squeezed it. "For everything."
Florina blushed and nodded. "I-I'll do what I can."
*
Lyndis held tight about Florina's waist as Huey's wings began to beat, and they began their ascent.
"Be nice, Mr. Huey. We've got company this time!"
Florina turned back to Lyndis. "He's a little frisky sometimes, but he's a good boy, honest," Florina said.
Huey's wings fluttered, and they were off into the skies. Lyndis held on tighter about Florina's slim waist.
The green plains spread out endlessly. The blue sky above them. Father Sky, Mother Earth. She closed her eyes and buried her face against Florina's back.
Castles became little more than piles of stone, and villages were woven into brown roads far beneath them. Lyndis reached out to touch the sky. Somewhere within the clouds would be the ghosts of her ancestors, and her parents looking down.
*
It was dark by the time they came to the place. None of the huts even were left. Only poles, that looked like ribs in the night. Nature had claimed what was once hers.
The sky was filled with so many stars. When the sun set, a chill fell over the lands. Lyndis remembered fires built high and stories told about them.
Nothing like the cold stones of the castle here.
"It took much longer than I expected, but I still don't think it will be too much trouble," Florina said.
Lyndis nodded.
Lyndis sang a song of mourning. Florina didn't know the words, but she echoed along. They held hands there, in the dark.
"I'm sorry I don't know the words very well," Florina said.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You've done more than anyone I have ever known. In truth...I'm glad to have met you."
"Your grief is my grief. Your song is my song. I'll keep their graves and memories for you, so you don't have to carry that burden alone," Florina said.
She hadn't cried then, but now tears threatened to spill from the corner of her eyes.
"I wish my parents had met you. They would love have loved you," Lyndis said.
"Mine too. Or at least, I think they would've. I'm sure they would. Because everyone who meets you would be impressed with someone like you," Florina said.
Florina wrapped her arms tight about Lyn. Even when the song ended, and there was nothing left but the scattered bones of of the tents, and the bones of animals long turned white and fragile by the winds.
They stayed there a long time, wordlessly holding each other.
"Lyn...if we stay any longer, we won't return until dawn. I-I'm sorry. We can come another day..."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Florina. You've given me so much."
Lyn's voice was choked with emotion.
They returned through starlight. The moonlight cut through the clouds. All the plains beneath them slept. Little villages, and tribes with their crackling fires in the middle. A single light amid a sleepy dark world.
Lyndis was lighter than she had for a long time. She no longer had to carry this weight alone. She laid her head against Florina's back and took comfort in that closeness.
*
Guiding Florina about had given Lyndis a good excuse to avoid facing her grandfather for a short time. At least until her anger faded slightly. At least when she lost her parents, her last words had been full of love.
She never wanted to live with the regret of a last parting being full of anger and avarice.
Grandfather had stayed to his rooms more and more, leaving Lyndis to take care of the castle. More often than not, that was a recipe for some noble being insulted by her forthrightness.
The culture of the plains and the culture of the courts were very different, indeed.
His rooms were quite elaborate, even more so than the rest of the castle. She paused as she knocked upon the door and waited for the permission to come in.
Grandfather seemed thinner, more fragile. When he looked to her, there was both a hint of joy and sadness in his craggy face.
Grandfather smiled as she closed the door behind her.
"You remind me so much of my Madelyn. More and more each day you look like her," Grandfather said.
"I was angry at first, when I heard the news," Lyndis said slowly.
Grandfather chuckled. "You must not have read the entirety of the scroll. Distracted by the portrait of her?"
"What are you talking about?"
"To complete the alliance, someone from Illia would marry someone from the Lycian league. It was never specified who. When I saw the portrait, I asked to let you be considered first. It said as much right within the introduction."
"But, she said..."
"Politics are complicated," Grandfather said. "It was never to be enforced without your will. Just a possibility."
"Maybe she didn't realize either," Lyndis said.
And it was just another turn of fate. Florina could've married someone else, and they could've never met. Just the thought of such possibilities left he a little angry at what-ifs.
To be fair, she hadn't read the scroll in its entirety. She'd taken one look at Florina and been quite distracted.
Lyn brushed her hair back, and cleared her throat. "You knew about me?"
"Who wouldn't fall in love with a girl like that?"
All too true.
"I made many mistakes with my Madelyn. If I could turn back the sands of time, I would change so many things. Alas, I know of no such pain or power. All I can do is move forward and not make the same mistakes with you, my beloved Lyndis."
He took her hand and squeezed it tight. "I'm sorry for not being more open about this. I wanted to surprise you with a new friend...and potentially more."
And what a surprise it was.
"I'll forgive you this time. But no more surprises of that nature."
Mischief shone in his eyes. "Not even if they involve beautiful women?"
"I doubt Florina would approve," she said.
"Then you accept?"
"The wedding is already being prepared."
"You always had a choice, my dear. I just expanded your options."
"I like her. To a remarkable degree, in fact. I feel as if I've always known her, even though we've only met some time ago," Lyndis said.
"I suppose there's one thing I did right," Grandfather said.
They drank tea together. The old grudges were set aside.
*
"Florina, are you in here?"
Florina drew back quickly to the curtain hung for privacy. Lyndis could still see her silhouette.
"Eep! Y-you're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding!"
"I think it was just in the dress," Lyndis said.
"S-still! The last thing I want is to get any bad luck. We've had enough bad luck for the rest of our lives."
"But we're both brides, wouldn't that cancel it out?" Lyndis said.
"I don't want to take any chances, considering all we've been through," Florina said softly.
"All right, then. I'll close my eyes. This doesn't mean I have to go away and not see you until the wedding day, does it? Because that's still some time away," Lyndis said.
"I certainly hope not...I would miss you dearly if so. I would count down every second until I could see you again. Because that's how it is. I miss you even when we are parted shortly. Oh, Lyn! I'm happy, it's so strange. I didn't expect it to be like this."
Florina held out her hand past the barrier. "Technically, you aren't seeing the dress."
Lyndis took her hand. And they held hands there past the walls and the barriers until only warmth remained between them.
*
The ballroom of the castle was decorated fully, frilly and beautiful, and full of nobles.
The gala had brought much of the Lycian league there, to meet the new ladies among them. Polite nods, polite small talk, polite bragging--Lyn was entirely tired of it, and the night had only just begun.
She feared she wasn't cut out for such a life.
Florina wore a soft dress of shimmering purple. Each step she took was hesitant in her soft dancing slippers. When she caught sight of Lyndis, Florina looked relieved as she reached out and clung to her arm, as if she might drown.
Lyndis wore a dress newly made. She'd added touches of the plains to accent the blue material, that perhaps went too far for training. She could only hope she would not have to use her swordsmanship now. She could only hope that peace would remain for this night.
Because after the bandits attacked, she never fully trusted any day to be fully safe again.
"Are you all right? If anyone was rude to you, they'll meet my sword," Lyndis said.
"Oh, no. It's not like that. The truth is, I'm no good at these kinds of things. I'm always afraid I'll offend someone by accident. Talking to people...I'm really not very good at that. Especially the men. ...I'm glad you're not that kind of person."
Lyn smiled. "Me too. The customs of the plains tribes are very different. I've had to learn so much."
Florina kept close.
"You look beautiful. Though you always do."
"And you look so dashing. Though you always do," Florina said shyly.
"They're all dancing. ...I'd make a fool of myself, surely," Florina said.
"We could figure out the steps along the way," Lyndis said.
Florina took her hand. "If it's with you, I won't mind. Even if you step on my toes."
Lyn laughed. "I'll be sure to try and avoid stepping on you. And if you step on mine, I'll have nothing but forgiveness and love for you."
Florina was right. There was something akin to her training in the music. The soft waltz was easy to take the metered steps to. She hadn't stepped on Florina's graceful dancing slippers once.
Florina leaned in.
"You're so graceful, Lyn. I should've known you'd be good at this too."
"You're right; it's kind of similar to training," Lyn said.
The orchestra lifted up a lively tune. She kept up with the steps, even as captivated with Florina's beauty as she was. She could've spent the entire night in Florina's arms alone and ignored every single other person.
Florina, despite her worries, was quite graceful as well. It was like flying, like sailing over the floor together in each other's arms. Was it rude to ignore every single other person there, and simply stare into the eyes of her betrothed as they took dance after dance together?
She didn't care.
Fluffy hair fell into Florina's face. Lyndis dared to push it back. Her hair was just as soft as it looked. "Are you tired, Florina?"
"I am and I'm not, if that makes any sense? My feet hurt, but I want to keep dancing and dancing even until dawn..."
"This won't be the last time we dance. I promise," Lyndis said.
Florina looked up at her. "Truly?"
"I'll dance with you every night. We'll make our own music if need be."
"Then, I suppose we could take a little break," Florina said.
They sat on the sidelines. Florina's knees pushed against hers.
When the music stopped, grandfather rose from his seat, and clinked against his glass. He'd dressed up in such finery today. But he was still thin, and worryingly frail.
"I'd like to give a toast. To my granddaughter who I have finally found, and her lovely fiancee."
Florina blushed and leaned against her. Lyn squeezed her hand for support.
"You remind me so much of my Madelyn. I feel blessed in my old age to know you."
"And I hope for many more years to know you as well, grandfather," Lyn said.
"To both our health, then. All of us," he said.
And for once, she found the steps to keep in time with all the many different rules and manners of the Lycian league.
*
Floral displays lined the white tables. This day had come faster than expected. This celebration was filled with both new joy and old sorrows. So this was the something blue that was meant.
Sorrow that her family and tribe would never see her married, sorrow that Florina's parents as well would not be here. (Though her sisters had flown down in, Lyndis could see them in the audience.)
Joy at their new life together.
She held a bouquet in one hand. She glanced down the aisle, to see her future wife coming closer.
Florina had white flowers braided into her hair. She held her bouquet close to her chest, hunched in that slightly nervous way. Just as she had the first time they'd met. Her dress was arrayed with feathers and wings, and soft lace and white cotton cloth. She looked like a heavenly being as she shyly strode forward.
Florina looked back, and relief filled her features at the sight of Lyndis.
Lyndis had managed to have a gown which mixed both the culture of the plains, and the dress here. It was slightly more formal, and less fluffy than Florina's.
It'd been modified from an old dress of Madelyn's.
And she felt the same way she had that first time she'd seen Florina, right upon the scroll. Little had changed, it only cleared. Lyndis smiled as Florina came demurely to join her side. Side by side, as it would be for the rest of their life.
Florina gasped, and blushed deeply. "Oh no! I took one look at you and... I think I forgot my vows."
Lyndis laughed. She couldn't contain the joy of the moment.
"Take my hand. We'll remember them together," Lyndis said.
Hand and hand, forevermore.
Series: Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword
Character/Pairing: Lyn/Florina
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lyndis meets her betrothed for the first time.
Word count: 6,355
Author's note:
This was a request in yuletide a ways back made by Phrentobe :
"I would really love an arranged marriage fic with Lyndis and Florina in an AU where it's seen as a measure of good faith between the countries they come from - though I love them being in a relationship together it would be interesting to see how duty would affect their relationship to each other and what kinds of stresses it would bring."
I didn't actually see it soon enough to fill it then. But I saved it and finally got a jolt of inspiration to finish off something which had been about 300 words of quickly jotted down fic for a while.
This is a slight canon divergence. It follows Lyn's chapters pretty smoothly, but Lyn and Florina hadn't met yet at that point, and the main story hasn't started up yet.
Also, this is late, but: wooo at Lynja winning in FEH!
There were some things which Lyndis could never get used to within the nobility, such as the treatment of the servants--though she preferred to think of them more as staff. Staffs healed, staffs supported in battle. From stableman to butler, all of them kept the entire castle in line.
Because of this, Lyndis would never carelessly take her anger out on servants, no matter what the reason. Even if a maid dropped a scalding bowl of soup upon her. She could never think of them as 'lesser' or 'beneath her' but even then, she could barely hold her temper at this news.
In the tribes, she had lived much differently. Yes, they had rulers, but they also never had the concept of the help as if they were a lower species.
Still, even then, she had difficulty keeping her temper.
"What is this announcement? A betrothal? This is unacceptable. I am not to be simply married off--to think Grandfather would--"
"But Lady Lyndis, she arrives in a fortnight. And indeed, a portrait was included with the announcement of her arrival."
Lyndis paused. "She?"
The scroll was unrolled, and drawn upon it was a demure looking woman, slightly stooped in shyness. Her thick, fluffy hair fell about her face, and her lips were slightly parted, as if in an apology. She clung tight to the reins of her pegasus.
She had never seen a person who had reminded her of spring more.
This girl was beautiful and captivating. Suddenly, all of her complaints were very unimportant.
Far less important than actually meeting her. The girl from the land of eternal winter, the woman who would be her wife.
Lyndis cleared her throat. "I could meet her before she returns home. It'd be rude to do otherwise."
However, she was not ready to yet face her grandfather. She headed out to the training grounds and swung her sword against training dummies until nightfall. The memory of her, the woman about to arrive, did not dissipate in the slightest.
(And Lyndis tried to convince herself that her quickened heartbeat, her flushed face was nothing but training.)
*
The girl clutched the fur coat tight about her, shivering despite the warmth. She was almost lost in that huge fur coat, considering how deeply bundled she was. Just little curls and tufts of purple hair, like crocuses between the last snowfall of spring. She'd long since left the cold tundra of Illia, yet the the girl clung to that coat, even as she must be sweltering beneath it.
Lyndis smiled. The girl's cheeks instantly flushed pink, and she ducked into the coat more. "U-um, you're Lady Lyndis?"
The girl pulled the collar of her coat down, at least. Enough to show her face. Even though the artist had been talented, it did not do her justice.
Her hair was thick, and like spring lilacs. Lyndis felt a sudden temptation to run her fingers through it to see. She drew back, even that thought was too daring a move.
Lyndis smiled. "Yes."
"I-I am, ahem, g-grateful to make your acquaintance, my lady..." She started to curtsy, but was almost tipped over by the weight of her coat.
"There's no need for such formality. I only have just met my grandfather. I lived in the plains with the rest, for much of my life. Until my tribe...was lost."
"Oh--I'm so sorry. That...really isn't enough. And I forgot to even introduce myself, too."
"Florina of Illia, right?"
"Y-Yes, that's my name. Of course you would know that, given that you read the letter of introduction..."
"Come, you must be famished after such a long ride."
"My poor pegasus--Huey--must have such tired wings. A storm was coming, and so we pushed on to keep from getting caught in it. There's little worse than being caught within a blizzard," Florina said in a small voice.
"Many who go through a storm like that won't ever return."
She still forgot, even now, that she was supposed to ask for servants to do even the most basic of tasks. Lyndis could not but help think this was something she would never remember, even if she lived here for the rest of her days.
"Did you say something?"
"Um, just...A part of me is happy that it wasn't a man I was betrothed to. I couldn't even imagine how that would go. Very embarrassingly, most likely."
"Then it's good to hear that won't be a problem. Come now, I'll take you to the stables," Lyndis said.
Florina took up Huey's bridle, guided him along and followed behind Lyndis.
*
Huey had been put away inside, with fresh hay and grain. Outside of the stables, Lyndis paused for a moment.
"Do you want me to guide you about the grounds?"
"Actually I'm pretty tired," Florina said.
"I can lead you to the bedrooms you are to stay in," Lyndis said.
Florina blushed bright at the mention of bedrooms. "W-Would that be too much trouble?"
Lyndis smiled. "Of course not."
"Um, what would you usually do at this hour?"
"Train," Lyndis said.
Florina nervously clutched at her hands. "I don't want to get in the way of your routine," Florina said.
The fur coat had finally been set aside due to the heat. It had been comfort, not merely warmth that Florina had clung to. Beneath the coat, she wore a small dress of white which revealed a hint of her strong thighs. Typical uniform of the pegasus riders.
"It's no trouble."
"Um, I wouldn't mind watching you train a little. As a way to unwind. I'm tired, but I also am very full of energy if that makes any sense."
"It makes perfect sense. You traveled for such a long way, after all," Lyndis said.
She gazed shyly on as Lyndis lifted her sword, and cut through the training dummy. The straw flew as the figure fell to pieces--an arm lost, then another, the torso split.
"I'm afraid I'll fall out of shape if I don't keep up my swordsmanship. Of course, grandfather would rather I take dancing lessons as well."
"With how graceful you are, I'm sure you would do wonderfully on the dance floor. I'm sure you would capture the eye of every single person there and captivate them completely. Truly, it would be an honor for anyone lucky enough to have a dance with you..."
Florina let out a little eep and covered her mouth. It didn't hide her blush. "I mean, uhhh...."
"There's no need to apologize," Lyn said.
"But it was so forward!"
Lyndis smiled. "A little, I suppose."
"The truth is, this betrothal was a surprise. I'm not even royalty. But when the call came, I volunteered to go. To represent all of Illia."
"Had you already seen me? Did that change your mind" Lyndis said teasingly, even a little flirtatiously.
Florina thawed something in her which had been long left with the tribes.
Florina blushed. "A-ah, no."
"I thought, I could finally make my sisters proud. I'm not the strongest pegasus knight around. I honestly didn't even think it through. I just...wanted to help out for once."
Florina looked shyly up. "But if I had, I think I would've worried less. I might have even been more eager to head here. You aren't mean at all. In fact you're dashing and strong and--oh! I said too much again."
Lyndis wiped the sweat from her forehead. "I think a break is in order."
"Yes, that might be for the best. Before I say something else to regret later," Florina said. Her cheeks were deep red now.
"What's to regret about the truth?"
"A-A lot. I might say something too soon, and then?"
Lyndis smiled. "And then?"
"I should increase my training as well. I feel as if maybe, I would forget how to use a lance if I didn't practice. Already, my sisters are much more skilled than I."
"Isn't the most important part of being a pegasus rider that you have a bond with Huey?"
"Well, yes, but..."
"Then that makes you a good pegasus rider, right?" Lyndis said.
"Don't get me wrong. Keeping up your training is always a good idea. We could spar sometime. I'll go gentle on you."
"M-Maybe..." Florina said.
Florina blushed, and clutched her cheeks.
"You could...guide me to my rooms now. If it isn't too much trouble," Florina said.
Her blush remained all the way back.
*
The next morning, Florina rose early.
"Did you sleep well?" Lyndis said.
Lyndis had already been up at dawn. Traditionally, the prayers began then. The fires would be stoked for another day. Women would weave, and gather, and help with the hunts. The circle would continue.
But that was past, now. Her tribe was gone. Her grandfather was all she had left now.
Florina nodded. "I wanted to make sure Huey was fed and brushed."
"Is it all right if I come with you?"
"Of course," Florina said. "In fact, I would welcome it."
The brush was almost too big for Florina's small, delicate hands. Lyndis sat on a bale of straw in the stables, as Florina untangled Huey's coat. "Oh, no. This will not do at all, Mr. Huey. You got burs all in your mane today. I don't even remember you getting into burs. Did you fly over the fence and go grazing? You shouldn't do that, Mr. Huey. What if you got attacked by brigands and stolen away? I would be so very sad to never see you again."
Lyndis placed a sugar cube, pilfered straight from morning tea. She always took her tea as bitter as the pu'er tea she took on the plains.
"If you spoil him, he'll look for it every time you come. Huey can be very stubborn and demanding," Florina said.
"We all need to be spoiled a little sometimes."
"You've...You've got straw in your hair," Florina said.
Florina slowly reached out and brushed the little bits of straw away. Her cheeks burned in a deep blush as she came closer. Her gaze dropped to Lyn's lips.
Florina leaned in closer, and closer.
And then Huey nipped her in the shoulder.
Florina let out a shriek and jumped back. "Mr. Huey, that's not nice!"
Lyndis laughed. "I think he wants more sugar cubes."
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm used to it. Working with pegasi means you get nipped occasionally. They can be awful persnickety sometimes."
Lyndis put another sugar cube on the stall door.
Neither of them mentioned what had almost happened. The day went on as if nothing had transpired. But both of them knew.
*
Later that day, she returned to training. She couldn't let up, not when she'd seen how powerful the bandits around here could be.
They'd stolen everything from her in the end.
She took aim and sliced. It was a clean cut, but a wooden part went flying. And she felt a sudden pain, like a sting deep in her arm.
"Lyn! Are you all right?"
Blood leaked down onto her green dress. Yet again she'd hurt herself while training her swordsmanship.
"It's nothing," Lyndis said.
"No, no, no! This cannot do!"
With trembling fingers, Florina dug into her saddlebags and brought out a vulnerary.
"I always keep this on hand. For battle, but also if Huey hurts himself. Huey has tried to get into brambles for berries more than once."
Florina rubbed the vulnerary on Lyn's arm. The vulnerary had an almost prickling sensation, and was cold, as a contrast to Florina's warm and gentle touch. "P-please be careful. I don't know what I'd do if you were seriously injured."
Florina had been her constant companion these past weeks. Every day at practice, and every meal, and most of the time in between. And each moment with Florina felt right in a way that Lyndis had never known before.
"Sorry, I get carried away when I train," Lyndis said.
She smiled, and brushed her green ponytail back. "But as long as you're around, I know I'll never have to worry about being hurt for long."
"I'll fill every single saddlebag with vulneraries, until they're bursting at the seams if that's what it takes," Florina said.
Her touch lingered on Lyn's arm. Suddenly she blushed and pulled away.
"I-I was just thinking how...actually, um, isn't it almost lunch time? We should go to that. I wouldn't want to offend your grandfather so early."
Florina quickly headed off down the hallway.
*
As the weeks passed, the castle started to become unrecognizable, but with beauty. A lattice for flowers was built, an arch for roses. So many flowers were to be ordered, and the scent of food filled the rooms. At every hour there was the sound of building and creating something new.
"Grandfather certainly has gone made this a fancy affair," Lyndis said.
"Would you prefer a more simple affair?" Florina said.
"I hadn't really thought about it," Lyndis said.
Less than a year ago, she had been living with her family and the tribe. Now, she was a lady and betrothed to be married to another woman. How things changed.
"It feels a bit strange to say the words. To speak about a wedding and have it be my own," Lyn said.
"D-Does it bother you?" Florina said softly.
"No, not at all. I'm just...getting used to it. I attended plenty of plains weddings. They were so full of life, and hope. The entire tribe would gather to celebrate the lives being joined together."
"What were they like?" Florina said.
Lyndis smiled, bittersweet and filled with nostalgia. "A feast would be thrown--even in years of famine, they would always find a way. There would be hunts long, and the best clothes would be worn. The campfires would be built high, until the lights could be be seen for miles away. I always looked forward to when I would one day be able to join the hunts."
"How were marriages in Illia?"
"Lots and lots of fur coats! And naturally they were always held indoors, or everyone would freeze," Florina said.
Lyndis laughed. "I never would've guessed."
"It would always be a small break from mercenary work, and lots of food. And the rest is universal, I suppose? A pretty dress, dancing...and so much happiness..."
"Probably like this will be, but more snow."
"I wish mother and father were here to see it," Lyndis said.
"It is like you said it, we are all wrapped up by Father Sky and Mother Earth? Surely they can see you from where they are now."
Lyn said nothing.
"I'm sorry if that wasn't much comfort," Florina said in a small voice.
"No, you're right. Even though it aches that I will never see them again in this lifetime, I have to remember that they're watching over me. I have to push forward and find a way to be happy, for their sake and mine."
"Still... I couldn't even visit our ancestral land to pray," Lyndis said.
"I wish I could do more for you," Florina said.
Florina wrapped her coat more tightly about her.
"Are you chilly?"
"Oh, no. I'm used to Illia. This is nothing. In truth, it's nice to be able to wear my coat. I miss being able to curl up in my coat. People don't look at me the same."
"The same?" Lyndis said.
"Y-You know. Leering. And everything is warm and safe and comfy, and nothing hurts. Even when I'm sad, I feel a little better with the warm fluffy coat on. But in warmer places, it gets much too hot. And I miss the feeling of comfort and security the coat always gave me."
"Do you miss Illia?" Lyndis said.
Florina glanced away, in the direction of a far off land. "Sometimes. I miss my sisters, but the cold was so horrible. No crops ever grow there. All we could manage were was to keep doing mercenary work, that would often take us far from home. I guess it isn't home anymore," Florina said. She looked down, filled with sadness.
"We could visit sometime," Lyndis said.
Florina smiled. "You'd have to bundle up. A coat so big, it'd drag on the ground."
"A coat the size of a bear," Lyndis said.
Florina glanced up shyly at Lyn. "Do you miss the plains very much?"
"Every single day. I miss the plains and my family like the loss of a part of my body, my very life," Lyndis said.
"We could go there to visit often. Huey would enjoy stretching his wings. He's getting rather antsy being cooped up in the stable."
"For the honeymoon?"
Florina could only stammer and blush at that.
"I'm not sure visiting the graves of my ancestors would be much of a romantic date," Lyndis said.
"...They'd be my family, my people too. I would leave flowers and prayers there. Because they would be my family that I lost, as we are joined..." Florina said.
"I was too forward again, wasn't I?"
"No....not at all," Lyndis said.
"I-If you're cold, I could warm you up?"
Florina opened up the oversized coat, just enough that Lyndis could come closer. She wrapped them both up, until the night chill was long forgotten.
"Do you miss Illia's cold too?" Lyndis said.
"Sometimes I think not, how could I ever miss the cold. But then I remember how the sun sparkled on the snow, and think that one day I will miss it. Those memories will fade, as all do."
"My sisters remember my parents, but I don't, not even a little. I was so young. It would hurt more, if I'd known them. Right now, they're just ghosts to me. I miss that I never had a mother and father, but Fiora and Farina helped fill those roles for me. Still, when I hear other mercenaries talk about sending home money to their parents, I feel a little twinge..."
"I forget my mother and father a little more each day, and it terrifies me that one day I will be left with nothing but their ghosts," Lyndis said.
Florina rested her hand on Lyn's arm.
"Winter comes here as well. Though I doubt it's anywhere as intense as Illian winters," Lyndis said.
Florina looked out at the many floral displays and lattices being raised up. All for their wedding. "It's so strange, how I feel like I'll miss even this moment. Every day I wake up and am aware of time slipping away. I'm aware of it so much more now that I am here with you."
"We do the best we can, I suppose. When I woke that day, I didn't think it would be the day bandits attacked. I thought I would go draw water for mother and father. I thought I had so much more time."
"Lyn...I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. Maybe together, we could've saved more," Florina said.
"You didn't even know me then," Lyndis said.
"I wish I did. The truth is... Even though we've just met, it feels as if we've known each other for so very long. And I wish I knew you even longer. I think back on the days before I met you and wish that I could move back the clock and find some way to cross paths with you. Huey making me go off course, or any of a thousand other ways. It's a silly fantasy, I suppose. But I can't help feeling a little sad for all those years I didn't know you and hadn't met you yet."
Lyndis took her hand, and the warmth between them. She laced their fingers together and squeezed tight.
"I feel the same. It's strange. Even from the first time I met you, I felt very comfortable around you," Lyndis said.
"Yes, I did too! M-Maybe it was just meant to be," Florina said.
"There was a story once, of a princess. She stepped into a portal and found another version of herself, upside down. Together, they helped save the kingdom. I think about that a lot. Maybe if there's an upside-down version of me, we met when we were younger and became good friends. I'm sure that me fell completely in love with you, too. After all, how couldn't she? Who wouldn''t fall in love with you?"
Florina blushed at her admission.
"I just feel lucky. To have met you, and know you..."
Florina looked at Lyndis suddenly. Her gaze was unwavering.
"I could fly you there. Huey could, I mean. Though I'd hold the reins and guide him, of course. Mr. Huey doesn't listen to me that well, but we could try."
"I'm afraid we would give grandfather a fright. Mother ran off to the plains. He would assume I was a runaway bride. Or that I've gone on to elope with you."
"We could be back before dark, I think," Florina said.
"It's not like you to be so daring and risk getting in trouble," Lyndis said.
"No...but I want you to feel better in any way possible. This is all I could give you... And even that seems not enough."
Florina touched her fingers together in a nervous gesture. She stared down at her hands as she spoke. "When my parent died, Fiora carried on. She took the place of our parents. I know it was hard for her. That's why I volunteered. Because I wanted to pay Fiora and Farina back for all they did. It was kind of impulsive. Just imagine if it'd been someone old, or creepy or..."
Male was the unsaid word.
"Though Farina would've been fine with anyone as long as they had gold," Florina said.
"If I could fly up to the heavens and meet them again, I surely would," Florina said. "But I can't. I would do whatever I could to give you even a small amount of solace. Even if we had to fly halfway across the world."
Florina reached out to touch Lyn's arm, with a slight tremble.
"I couldn't bury my parents. I could only avenge them," Lyndis said. "I pray they haven't become ghosts that wander endlessly."
She didn't cry then, she didn't cry now.
Florina looked off into the distance.
"I once flew higher and higher into the skies. The clouds aren't as solid as they feel. You would think they would be soft, but instead they're like stepping into the rain. I thought if I flew high enough, I could meet my parents. But, eventually, I grew dizzy. I nearly fell off Huey to the ground. But he caught me."
"After my parents died, and I came to this place, I would walk outside for hours. I thought if there were a path to the stars, I would find it. If I could fly, perhaps it would be easier. I still haven't found that path. But since I met you, it seems closer," Lyndis said.
"I-I think we could make it. We wouldn't be missed for a few hours. I'll get Mr. Huey ready to ride right away," Florina said.
"Thank you, Florina," Lyndis said. She took Florina's hand in hers and squeezed it. "For everything."
Florina blushed and nodded. "I-I'll do what I can."
*
Lyndis held tight about Florina's waist as Huey's wings began to beat, and they began their ascent.
"Be nice, Mr. Huey. We've got company this time!"
Florina turned back to Lyndis. "He's a little frisky sometimes, but he's a good boy, honest," Florina said.
Huey's wings fluttered, and they were off into the skies. Lyndis held on tighter about Florina's slim waist.
The green plains spread out endlessly. The blue sky above them. Father Sky, Mother Earth. She closed her eyes and buried her face against Florina's back.
Castles became little more than piles of stone, and villages were woven into brown roads far beneath them. Lyndis reached out to touch the sky. Somewhere within the clouds would be the ghosts of her ancestors, and her parents looking down.
*
It was dark by the time they came to the place. None of the huts even were left. Only poles, that looked like ribs in the night. Nature had claimed what was once hers.
The sky was filled with so many stars. When the sun set, a chill fell over the lands. Lyndis remembered fires built high and stories told about them.
Nothing like the cold stones of the castle here.
"It took much longer than I expected, but I still don't think it will be too much trouble," Florina said.
Lyndis nodded.
Lyndis sang a song of mourning. Florina didn't know the words, but she echoed along. They held hands there, in the dark.
"I'm sorry I don't know the words very well," Florina said.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You've done more than anyone I have ever known. In truth...I'm glad to have met you."
"Your grief is my grief. Your song is my song. I'll keep their graves and memories for you, so you don't have to carry that burden alone," Florina said.
She hadn't cried then, but now tears threatened to spill from the corner of her eyes.
"I wish my parents had met you. They would love have loved you," Lyndis said.
"Mine too. Or at least, I think they would've. I'm sure they would. Because everyone who meets you would be impressed with someone like you," Florina said.
Florina wrapped her arms tight about Lyn. Even when the song ended, and there was nothing left but the scattered bones of of the tents, and the bones of animals long turned white and fragile by the winds.
They stayed there a long time, wordlessly holding each other.
"Lyn...if we stay any longer, we won't return until dawn. I-I'm sorry. We can come another day..."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Florina. You've given me so much."
Lyn's voice was choked with emotion.
They returned through starlight. The moonlight cut through the clouds. All the plains beneath them slept. Little villages, and tribes with their crackling fires in the middle. A single light amid a sleepy dark world.
Lyndis was lighter than she had for a long time. She no longer had to carry this weight alone. She laid her head against Florina's back and took comfort in that closeness.
*
Guiding Florina about had given Lyndis a good excuse to avoid facing her grandfather for a short time. At least until her anger faded slightly. At least when she lost her parents, her last words had been full of love.
She never wanted to live with the regret of a last parting being full of anger and avarice.
Grandfather had stayed to his rooms more and more, leaving Lyndis to take care of the castle. More often than not, that was a recipe for some noble being insulted by her forthrightness.
The culture of the plains and the culture of the courts were very different, indeed.
His rooms were quite elaborate, even more so than the rest of the castle. She paused as she knocked upon the door and waited for the permission to come in.
Grandfather seemed thinner, more fragile. When he looked to her, there was both a hint of joy and sadness in his craggy face.
Grandfather smiled as she closed the door behind her.
"You remind me so much of my Madelyn. More and more each day you look like her," Grandfather said.
"I was angry at first, when I heard the news," Lyndis said slowly.
Grandfather chuckled. "You must not have read the entirety of the scroll. Distracted by the portrait of her?"
"What are you talking about?"
"To complete the alliance, someone from Illia would marry someone from the Lycian league. It was never specified who. When I saw the portrait, I asked to let you be considered first. It said as much right within the introduction."
"But, she said..."
"Politics are complicated," Grandfather said. "It was never to be enforced without your will. Just a possibility."
"Maybe she didn't realize either," Lyndis said.
And it was just another turn of fate. Florina could've married someone else, and they could've never met. Just the thought of such possibilities left he a little angry at what-ifs.
To be fair, she hadn't read the scroll in its entirety. She'd taken one look at Florina and been quite distracted.
Lyn brushed her hair back, and cleared her throat. "You knew about me?"
"Who wouldn't fall in love with a girl like that?"
All too true.
"I made many mistakes with my Madelyn. If I could turn back the sands of time, I would change so many things. Alas, I know of no such pain or power. All I can do is move forward and not make the same mistakes with you, my beloved Lyndis."
He took her hand and squeezed it tight. "I'm sorry for not being more open about this. I wanted to surprise you with a new friend...and potentially more."
And what a surprise it was.
"I'll forgive you this time. But no more surprises of that nature."
Mischief shone in his eyes. "Not even if they involve beautiful women?"
"I doubt Florina would approve," she said.
"Then you accept?"
"The wedding is already being prepared."
"You always had a choice, my dear. I just expanded your options."
"I like her. To a remarkable degree, in fact. I feel as if I've always known her, even though we've only met some time ago," Lyndis said.
"I suppose there's one thing I did right," Grandfather said.
They drank tea together. The old grudges were set aside.
*
"Florina, are you in here?"
Florina drew back quickly to the curtain hung for privacy. Lyndis could still see her silhouette.
"Eep! Y-you're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding!"
"I think it was just in the dress," Lyndis said.
"S-still! The last thing I want is to get any bad luck. We've had enough bad luck for the rest of our lives."
"But we're both brides, wouldn't that cancel it out?" Lyndis said.
"I don't want to take any chances, considering all we've been through," Florina said softly.
"All right, then. I'll close my eyes. This doesn't mean I have to go away and not see you until the wedding day, does it? Because that's still some time away," Lyndis said.
"I certainly hope not...I would miss you dearly if so. I would count down every second until I could see you again. Because that's how it is. I miss you even when we are parted shortly. Oh, Lyn! I'm happy, it's so strange. I didn't expect it to be like this."
Florina held out her hand past the barrier. "Technically, you aren't seeing the dress."
Lyndis took her hand. And they held hands there past the walls and the barriers until only warmth remained between them.
*
The ballroom of the castle was decorated fully, frilly and beautiful, and full of nobles.
The gala had brought much of the Lycian league there, to meet the new ladies among them. Polite nods, polite small talk, polite bragging--Lyn was entirely tired of it, and the night had only just begun.
She feared she wasn't cut out for such a life.
Florina wore a soft dress of shimmering purple. Each step she took was hesitant in her soft dancing slippers. When she caught sight of Lyndis, Florina looked relieved as she reached out and clung to her arm, as if she might drown.
Lyndis wore a dress newly made. She'd added touches of the plains to accent the blue material, that perhaps went too far for training. She could only hope she would not have to use her swordsmanship now. She could only hope that peace would remain for this night.
Because after the bandits attacked, she never fully trusted any day to be fully safe again.
"Are you all right? If anyone was rude to you, they'll meet my sword," Lyndis said.
"Oh, no. It's not like that. The truth is, I'm no good at these kinds of things. I'm always afraid I'll offend someone by accident. Talking to people...I'm really not very good at that. Especially the men. ...I'm glad you're not that kind of person."
Lyn smiled. "Me too. The customs of the plains tribes are very different. I've had to learn so much."
Florina kept close.
"You look beautiful. Though you always do."
"And you look so dashing. Though you always do," Florina said shyly.
"They're all dancing. ...I'd make a fool of myself, surely," Florina said.
"We could figure out the steps along the way," Lyndis said.
Florina took her hand. "If it's with you, I won't mind. Even if you step on my toes."
Lyn laughed. "I'll be sure to try and avoid stepping on you. And if you step on mine, I'll have nothing but forgiveness and love for you."
Florina was right. There was something akin to her training in the music. The soft waltz was easy to take the metered steps to. She hadn't stepped on Florina's graceful dancing slippers once.
Florina leaned in.
"You're so graceful, Lyn. I should've known you'd be good at this too."
"You're right; it's kind of similar to training," Lyn said.
The orchestra lifted up a lively tune. She kept up with the steps, even as captivated with Florina's beauty as she was. She could've spent the entire night in Florina's arms alone and ignored every single other person.
Florina, despite her worries, was quite graceful as well. It was like flying, like sailing over the floor together in each other's arms. Was it rude to ignore every single other person there, and simply stare into the eyes of her betrothed as they took dance after dance together?
She didn't care.
Fluffy hair fell into Florina's face. Lyndis dared to push it back. Her hair was just as soft as it looked. "Are you tired, Florina?"
"I am and I'm not, if that makes any sense? My feet hurt, but I want to keep dancing and dancing even until dawn..."
"This won't be the last time we dance. I promise," Lyndis said.
Florina looked up at her. "Truly?"
"I'll dance with you every night. We'll make our own music if need be."
"Then, I suppose we could take a little break," Florina said.
They sat on the sidelines. Florina's knees pushed against hers.
When the music stopped, grandfather rose from his seat, and clinked against his glass. He'd dressed up in such finery today. But he was still thin, and worryingly frail.
"I'd like to give a toast. To my granddaughter who I have finally found, and her lovely fiancee."
Florina blushed and leaned against her. Lyn squeezed her hand for support.
"You remind me so much of my Madelyn. I feel blessed in my old age to know you."
"And I hope for many more years to know you as well, grandfather," Lyn said.
"To both our health, then. All of us," he said.
And for once, she found the steps to keep in time with all the many different rules and manners of the Lycian league.
*
Floral displays lined the white tables. This day had come faster than expected. This celebration was filled with both new joy and old sorrows. So this was the something blue that was meant.
Sorrow that her family and tribe would never see her married, sorrow that Florina's parents as well would not be here. (Though her sisters had flown down in, Lyndis could see them in the audience.)
Joy at their new life together.
She held a bouquet in one hand. She glanced down the aisle, to see her future wife coming closer.
Florina had white flowers braided into her hair. She held her bouquet close to her chest, hunched in that slightly nervous way. Just as she had the first time they'd met. Her dress was arrayed with feathers and wings, and soft lace and white cotton cloth. She looked like a heavenly being as she shyly strode forward.
Florina looked back, and relief filled her features at the sight of Lyndis.
Lyndis had managed to have a gown which mixed both the culture of the plains, and the dress here. It was slightly more formal, and less fluffy than Florina's.
It'd been modified from an old dress of Madelyn's.
And she felt the same way she had that first time she'd seen Florina, right upon the scroll. Little had changed, it only cleared. Lyndis smiled as Florina came demurely to join her side. Side by side, as it would be for the rest of their life.
Florina gasped, and blushed deeply. "Oh no! I took one look at you and... I think I forgot my vows."
Lyndis laughed. She couldn't contain the joy of the moment.
"Take my hand. We'll remember them together," Lyndis said.
Hand and hand, forevermore.