#Alfonse x reader

[cherry-flavoured-thot]

Acacia - a hidden relationship

Sharena knows something weird is going on between you and Alfonse, but she can’t quite put her finger on it. As she stands in Anna's office, she can't help but feel the need to voice her pondering.

“Hey Commander, have you noticed how much time Alfonse and Summoner have been spending together lately?” Of course, she could just brush it off as the two of you both throwing yourselves headfirst into work. After recent events, it wouldn’t be strange for you both to be extra diligent in both defense and offense alike. But still… there’s more to it, she just knows it. Based on how Anna’s expression turns from one of contemplation to something downright impish. It’s safe to say, she also has her own suspicions.

“You know, now that you mention it, I did ask Alfonse if there was anything he needed to tell me.” Anna had asked the question as the Commander; it shouldn’t fall to just the two of you take on the problems of several realms. She had asked the question with a great deal of concern and sincerity, only to become perplexed when Alfonse seemed to be at a loss for words. “He started to panic, and I guess at the time I didn’t really think about it, because I just thought he was really stressed.” And in fairness to Anna, he was stressed, going through event after event in his life with little reprieve is in fact quite damaging to the psyche. Alfonse, scrambled through his brain to decide on a response to her. She had followed up with expressing her concerns that he and Summoner might be overworking themselves too greatly.

“And what did he say?” Sharena is leaning forward in anticipation, goading the Commander to continue on with her retelling.

“Well, he assured me that they weren’t overworking themselves and he promised if there was anything I could do to help that he’d ask. And off he went.” In fact, he almost ran out of the room. The two women place their hands on their chins, contemplating the strange behaviour. Sharena is the first to speak, with a cheeky grin.

“Do you think they’re together?” Before Anna even has a chance to share her thoughts, there’s a knock on the door, followed by the door opening. You enter holding against your chest a bundle of papers.

“Hey Anna, hey Sharena, look I just needed-“ neither can contain their looks of suspicion as you close the door behind you. “Why are you both looking at me like that?” You’re perplexed, even more so when Sharena starts to grin.

“You know Summoner you sure have been spending a lot of time with my brother.” There’s no visible reaction from you. Your brows are still furrowed as you try to understand what you’ve wandered into.

“I value his advice and counsel.” Your answer is curt, and almost disappointing from how little it gives away. But the two press on, ever determined.

“So that’s why you spend every chance you get together?” Sharena questions.

“It’s important for us to be on the same page.”

“Even late at night when you’re sneaking into his room?” Anna thinks she’s got you there, as you visibly freeze on the spot. You are quick to rectify this momentary pause by outright brushing off heir accusations.

“Somethings can’t wait until morning. While we sleep our enemies move.” The two almost want to sigh about how little you gave them to work with.  You press the papers you were cradling onto the desk. “Speaking of our enemies, I wanted you both to just give me your opinion on this new training regimen. Alfonse and I have been in talks with some of the more knowledge heroes about…” you’ve dismissed anymore queries from either of them completely, jumping into the conversation about training.

For a moment neither of the two women are sure if it’s intentional to dodge any further questioning, or you really have thrown yourself so deep into your responsibilities that you haven’t even given it a second thought how improper things might appear to others.

Although… you do seem to be more focused more on objects in the room then the inquisitive stare from either of them. And that enough is to continue their suspicions further.

“Alright, thank you both for your time. I’ll let some of the Heroes know we are changing some of their training accordingly.” You’re about to take your leave when you notice Anna’s facial expression change to a smirk.

“And let me guess you’re going straight to Alfonse?”

“If there’s something you need to know you should just ask outright.”

“Come on Summoner are you Alfonse together? Can you please tell us?” Sharena whines, and now it’s your turn to grin at the pair.

“Oh yes, we spend a great deal of time together. It’s the best way to get work done.” The two exchange a look, you use it as an excuse to beeline straight to the door. By the time they object to your sudden exit, you’re practically out the door.

“Hey, wait that doesn’t answer the question!”

“Sorry guys but I really have to go, bye!” The door slams shut, and your footsteps quickly dart down the hall until they disappear. Sharena frowns, throwing her arms up in exasperation.

“There is no way they’re not together. They just don’t want to tell us!” Anna nods. That would explain so much about the sudden strange behaviour, not to mention the strange staring contests between you and Alfonse during the War Council meetings.

“Yeah, I agree. But why haven’t they told us?” The two make verbal noises of contemplation, trying to rack their brains about why you both would be keeping it a secret. Of course, there are very reasonable explanations, but Sharena can’t help but latch on to a particular train of thought the second it appears in her brain.

“Maybe Alfonse is waiting to propose first?” Both are visibly excited at the idea. Sharena, at the thought of you officially becoming part of her family and the never-ending jokes she can make to her brother about him scolding her about not befriending the Heroes as they’d need to go back to their own worlds. Anna can hear dollar signs in her mind as someone is going to need plan the wedding and arrange the venue. Who better than your dear Commander? For a reasonable fee of course!

Meanwhile, as you’re walking away from Anna’s office, you run into Alfonse along the way who was heading to see Anna and Sharena for a different matter. “Unless you’d like to be interrogated about our relationship status I wouldn’t go there right now.” He raises a brow, only to then follow it up with a defeated sigh.

“Are we really that bad at keeping secrets?”

“Anna made a comment about me sneaking into your room late at night.” His cheeks visibly flush at that. He brings a closed fist up to his mouth and lets out a cough to regain some composure.

“Perhaps I’ll speak with them at a later time.”

“Good idea.” You nod continuing in your direction further away from Anna’s office. It doesn’t help the rumours that he instead trails back beside you, his hand hovering over yours begging to be held.

You really are awful at keeping secrets. Given how you don’t even hesitate to take his hand in yours.

[fire-emblem-drabbles]

By Your Side

Pairing: Alfonse x reader

Prompt: The summoner has a lot of anxiety :(

Description: When you found out there were small attacks all around Askr, you agreed it would be a good idea to stay behind at the castle to dispatch heroes to help defend the people. But when you find out that Alfonse has gone out alone to draw the enemy attack, you can't help but find yourself worrying about him.

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 1515

Notes: I finally got around to catching up in the story in feh, and when I played 8/3 I kinda lost my mind. Alfonse why would you go alone TAKE ME WITH YOU also this is not edited its...nearly 5 am. Happy cyl Alfonse!!

You couldn’t help but pace in worry at the castle. You should have known he would do something like this-- you should have insisted on going with him, or having a small unit follow him as he went off. Something, anything to ease your anxiety.

“Did he think I wouldn’t figure it out?” Between the look of guilt on Ratatoskr’s face and the serious one on his, there wasn’t much they could hide from you. More so because he asked you to stay here. You weren’t even able to join the small squad that went after his smoke signal, too nervous and jittery to join some of the heroes as they went with Anna, Sharena, and Ratatoskr to assist Alfonse. You were instead left at the castle, where the sheer amount of heroes around could assure your safety. You just wish he would have told you.

Now, all you could do was worry, anxiously watching the doors and waiting for your party to return home. Your lucky then, that not a moment later than a frown gracing your face do the doors open and welcome the party home. You rush to them, some quick words shared with commander Anna about the situation before you push past to Alfonse, taking in how he was a little worse for ware. You should have known to send a healer with them-- but that wasn’t what was important now.

“Alfonse…” You frown and take him in, seeing how troubled his features were. “You’re hurt.” You don’t know what else to say in the moment, gentle hand tracing the thin cuts along his face.

“Not too bad. Your reinforcements arrived just in time.” He smiles, soft and gentle at you. The same one that’s caused your heartbeat to pick up again and again.

“Still, come with me. Let’s get them taken care of.” It’s an obvious ploy to get him alone, that anyone could see but no one argues as you lead him away from the main entrance by hand. When the two of you are out of earshot, he speaks.

“I’m sorry to have worried you.” It’s the first thing that leaves his mouth, but you don’t stop walking with him, don’t stop holding his hand. You don’t even turn his way, least he see the emotion that’s surely taken over your features.

“I just…” You sigh, all too soon the two of you are outside the door to your chambers. “Please, come in.” You open the door and gesture for him to enter. Alfonse, the softest of frowns on his face, obliges, keeping his eyes on you even as he takes a familiar seat in your casual area. You follow in after him, closing the door and turning to him.

“I’ve been here how long, by your side, and you don’t think to tell me?” You didn’t mean to sound so accusatory, but the words seemed to have a mind of your own as the worry you once felt melts into hurt. “I know we didn’t have much time, but together we could have… could have thought of something better. Together.” You offer weakly, too pent up to sit and instead tugging at the sleeves of your cloak in attempt to stave off the excess energy you felt.

“_____…” It softens you, the way your name leaves him so gently. Even then, there’s a certain resolution to him as he speaks. “I… won’t say you’re wrong. But I would do it again.” He closes his eyes, something he tends to do when he felt serious enough. “We’re so close to peace, and I can’t let anything threaten it… knowing I was the enemies target, I had to act.”

“...Don’t you know peace will mean very little to Askr, if they lose their prince to get it?” Alfonse’s eyes seem to widen as I say the words, but I continue. “I, certainly, wouldn’t know what to do in a world where you weren’t by my side.” I sigh heavily, suddenly feeling very weary. I take a seat next to him on the love seat.

“...I know this. But I would still give my life to protect that peace, any time it was threatened. It it what a prince owes to his people.” He clutches the fabric of his pants tightly, something clearly still bothering him.

“Then you owe it to me, your tactician, to warn me when you go off defending that peace.” You reach for his hand again. In seeing this, Alfonse stops clutching at his pants and instead holds your hand in turn. “All I ask is that you try to refrain from doing something like this in the future.” Your eyes meet as you speak and suddenly you can feel warmth filling your cheeks.

“I’ll do my best.” Despite the heavy conversation, Alfonse manages a smile for you. He squeezes you hand gently as well, and you smile back.

“...I was really scared, when I heard word you were setting out alone.” I close my eyes, sitting back against the back of the couch. “For the first time in a long time, I felt kind of powerless. What could I do if I wasn’t by your side? If I wasn’t there to guide you and protect you.”

“I understand.” You can tell he’s choosing his words carefully. Was his heart beating as fast as yours? “There have been times in the past I failed to protect you, where I let the enemy get their hands on you…”

You think back to your time with Kvasir and Gulvieg. You were ultimately safe, and in fact treated rather well by both of them but the entire time, your allies were worried about you. You recall very clearly the relief on Alfonse’s face when you were reunited… And how happy you were to be with him again, too.

“But I always found you again. I was always the one fighting to get you back. I… never let anyone take that responsibility from me.” He admits freely, voice still sounding so clear. “When you’re not by my side, I also worry. I often don’t feel quite myself.” While this was something Alfonse had admitted before, it felt different all the sudden. “I need to protect this peace so I can experience it with you by my side, _____.” He smiles, shy and charming as he looks your way.

He’s not the same person you met when you were first summoned her. He’s grown, matured even more into his role as prince. You love him all the same, though. You’ve loved him this entire time. It gets caught in your throat every time though. You don’t want to ruin this. But you can’t imagine a life without him, either.

“I want to protect it with you. Always.” You hope that will suffice, with the way you squeeze his hand and emotion warbles in your tone. Even then, you want to tell him. There have been so many moments with him-- ones that have surely been more happy, more right. But you had never loved him more than you did in this moment, when the threat of losing him was suddenly so real.

You let the silence blossom between the two of you as your try to find your courage. As you clench and unclench his hand, take deep breaths and let them fall from your nose. As you close your eyes and sneak glances at him (noticing, with a flush, that he’s unabashedly studying you with a smile on his face).

“Alfonse?” You speak his name and look his way, even though you know you’ve already got his attention.

“Yes?” He hums softly in return. You swallow hard on the words that so many times have begged to leave your lips.

“I love you. I love you so much, I…” You stutter as you struggle to find the right words.

“I love you too.” He says it as if he has a million times. Maybe he has. “And I know how you feel,” He holds a sad smile, as he turns to you and cups your cheek with his free hand. “All I can say is that I’m here now. And I’m safe.”

“Don’t be so dumb again.” You close your eyes as you feel yourself begin to cry. Was it relief? Sadness? “Please?”

“Only if you promise the same.” He laughs softly, wiping your tears away. “You know… I never knew it would be so easy.” He confesses. “I had wanted to tell you for so long but…” There’s color to his cheeks, but fondness to his tone.

“I was just… thinking about how you could be gone, without me ever telling you, and I…” You shake your head. “It became more urgent, I suppose.” I laugh softly as well.

“Imagine how I felt.” He laughs as well, but it does cause you to pause and consider how he’s acted in the wake of your return from enemy encounters.

“Let’s promise to take better care of each other then.” You smile, moving in to press your forehead against his.

“Deal.”

[lovehotelreservation]

I Know He's Better Than Me - He Knows He's Better Than Me

Summary: The decision was straightforward. After graduating, you were going to marry your college sweetheart, Alfonse.

And yet, on a night meant to celebrate his accomplishments, you still find yourself straying to the side of someone you shouldn’t.

LÍf is Alfonse’s older brother after all.

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Reader/Alfonse, Reader/LÍf

[Previous Chapter]

crawling

just wanted to get a few more ideas out at last before i close the chapter on this piece!!!

thank u for years of support ; v ;

pls enjoy!!!

---------------

Spring was here.

The chills of winter had come and passed, replaced now with afternoons full of warmth and sunshine as budding flowers began to bloom with the new season.

Fitting, as Alfonse was expected to formally announce his official appointment as a member of the family company’s executive board. At last, the time of inheritance of burdensome prestige had arrived.

And with graduation looming around the corner, it would certainly be a miracle for him to have the time to take you out on a proper date.

Still, rather than lament, there was time for levity. Tonight would celebrate his ascension to the company board with a lavish party at the family mansion, helmed by Henriette and Sharena.

Of course, you would be in attendance, as the glittering diamond ring on your left finger would affirm.

With the party set to begin in a couple hours, you were about ready to head down and join Sharena with greeting tonight’s guests. You were adorned in nothing short of your best glamor--whatever you had your eye on, Alfonse was eager to buy on your behalf, even if you insisted on paying for your items yourself. At this point, all you had to do was check yourself over to ensure that you were presented as flawlessly as possible.

Perfection.

An impossible burden for anyone to achieve, let alone your darling Alfonse. But as his lover, you would do all you could to help him shoulder the responsibility that he was primed to bear.

It didn’t matter if you would spend the next few hours checking over your appearance to an excruciating degree–you couldn’t bear the mere idea of disgracing your lover on such an important night. Thus, within the bedroom of your fiancé, you gazed right at your reflection on the mirror of his vanity, making sure that not a smudge or smear of make-up had gone unnoticed.

And then the doorknob that led into the room twisted and turned.

A familiar face emerged within the reflection of the mirror’s vanity.

“Oh, Alfonse…!”

A smile immediately tugged on your lips before you pressed them together to ensure an even coat of lipstick was applied. Turning your head towards him, you continued with a twinkle in your eyes, “...finished with preparing your speech?”

His expression was blank at first.

But as he heard you speak, his eyes closed for a moment.

Alfonse sighed.

A conflicted noise.

“Yeah, about that…”

For a moment, Alfonse’s hand lingered on the doorknob, just moments before he strode on ahead towards you, making sure to leave the door open just slightly ajar.

---------------

Why did he even bother showing up here?

Líf sighed, taking a moment to roll up the sleeve of his black button-up shirt as he continued to meander along through the familiar surroundings of his childhood home, his inked arms revealed after once strategically covered upon entering through the mansion foyer. Though, the sight of astonished stares and nervous shifts from annoyingly wealthy rich faces he first received from other party guests made him wish that he tossed formality to the flames and just showed up in a muscle shirt and shorts–anything that would undoubtedly cause stifling rigid tradition to doubletake at his rebellion.

But if there was anything he refused to bear on this evening, it was attention.

That was all meant for his younger brother anyhow, especially since the only attention he cared to capture was yours alone.

And the last thing he wanted was for you to get caught up even further in the moronic politics of the family you would soon be officially a part of–even if the thought of that imminent day when Alfonse would be whisking you away in your wedding whites in matrimonial bliss clawed at his heart.

For now, he would savor every moment he could by your side, while you were still within reach, while your hand could still sneakily grasp onto his own before taking his brother’s for good.

Though he anticipated there wouldn’t be much of an opportunity for you to be alone together much, he still looked forward to seeing you.

As soon as he could find you at least.

While Líf continued onwards, he only had one destination in mind.

Alfonse’s bedroom.

While his reason for being here was mainly for you, he was originally tasked with finding his brother first by none other than Sharena. With Gustav soon set to make his toast in commemoration of his son’s grand ascension, this meant that finding the currently missing Alfonse was of absolute importance.

And Líf couldn’t exactly say no to Sharena literally pushing him on, pouting and huffing over how their brother could be late on such a momentous occasion.

An occasion that at once was originally meant for him, but one he vehemently refused.

And now his younger brother would get to bear the burden of an enforced familial legacy while also getting to marry the love of their lives.

At once a neutral smile, his lips curled down at the thought right as he–at last–finally approached the door that led to Alfonse’s bedroom. 

One tatted hand reached to grab the doorknob when he suddenly heard an all-too familiar whine from within.

Líf immediately froze, his fingers tensing while his stoic expression broke as his eyes widened.

He’d recognize that precious little noise anywhere.

As that same sound repeated–this time breathier in timbre–his lips parted as he was about to call your name while he stepped forward, until the flash of a familiar shade of blue that was akin to his own hair caught his eye and his breath through the crack in the door.

And then he peered further inside, feeling his chest become hollow while his stomach twisted into a maligned knot before plummeting down to the pit of his very being.

He could see Alfonse and he could see you.

Together, with you seated, bouncing on his brother’s lap. Whatever niceties you had planned for the evening was all in utter disarray–your hair let loose, your lipstick smeared from messy kisses, your breasts spilling forth out the front of your dress after it was likely yanked down, your dress’s hem shoved up to reveal the sight of your core swiveling up and down the long length of his cock, your expression hot and red with flustered ecstasy.

All the while Alfonse continued to imprison you within his grasp, one hand guiding you up and down his dick as he continued to squeeze and fondle your breasts with the other hand, his lips leaving a trail of kisses and bites along your neck as a sure means to be an absolute pain to try covering up at the party. Though his expression was just as pleasured, there was a certain intensity to his demeanor–while his kind blue eyes continued to admire the sight of your body rolling against his, there was a furrow to his brow that made his behavior seem more calculating.

Líf would know. He was his older brother.

And such was why he wasn’t all that too surprised by what he heard next.

“Are you just going to stand there, Líf? Can’t you see that I’m trying to have a personal moment with my fiancé?”

Líf immediately darted his eyes on you and you alone through the door’s opening.

Horrified didn’t even begin to describe the look that immediately swept on your face. Your wide eyes, the sudden tensing of your body, the desperate flail of your arms to try and cover yourself

“A-Alfonse…please! Líf’s right there–!”

And yet, you continued to bounce helplessly away upon Alfonse’s cock–how could you not, what with the commanding grip he had on your hip.

Whereas he simply guided you through the rhythm, it was at your response that his teeth suddenly clenched tight together as his arms then wrapped around you from behind in a tight vice, locking you further in place against him as he began to pummel away into you with a surge of vicious fervor.

“So protecting his feelings is what you care for most?!” Alfonse exclaimed just moments before he buried his face in your neck, the stern look on his features breaking with the muffled sob he then let out. “You’re really choosing the man who’s been trying to steal you away from me?”

You gasped with a vehement shake of your head. “No, that’s not–!”

“I won’t stand for it!” Alfonse lifted his head right as he grasped your chin, turning your head so you were made to look right into his tearful eyes as he declared, “I’ll never stand for it! I love you more than anything else and I’ll prove it to you right here and now…!”

And as Alfonse slammed into you even harder, so did his bedroom door shut, shoved shut with such intense fury that the hinges groaned from tremendous strain.

Yet Líf’s fist remained firmly curled at his side as he stormed away.

Too many emotions swirled within him, a tempest of fury and anguish that he had done all he could to quell over the years but was quickly spilling forth.

This damned day, this damned family, this damned life–his brother could have it all and more.

Everything except you.

Selfish guilt be damned.

The next time he saw you, those condoms were going to be trashed.

You’ve always been so damn indecisive–as you continued to leave your choice up in the air, he would gladly and vengefully make it for you.

[avisteliterature]

A Good Dream

Alfonse (Fire Emblem) x Reader)

RATING: General

GENRES: Hurt/ Comfort/ Fluff

WORD COUNT: 1,121

SUMMARY: Sometimes it feels like your time in Askr is a dream. Alfonse tries to prove to you that it isn't.

Alfonse's footsteps echo in the empty hallway as he heads towards the mess hall to sneak in a quick late night snack. The moment he goes through the doors, he finds a figure clad in darkness sitting at the table closest to him. Not having expected to find anybody here, his thoughts immediately go towards ridiculous conclusions like the one before him is a ghost or something, and he yelps out of instinct.

The figure jumps at the sound of his voice, letting out a short scream of their own. It's only then that Alfonse recognizes the one before him as none other than you, and he places a hand over his chest to calm his racing heart. "You scared me!" He accuses.

"I scared you?! You're the one that suddenly screamed behind me without warning!" you shoot back, equally accusatory.

You stare at one another in silence as you process the situation before huffing and shaking your heads in fond exasperation at both of your unbecoming behaviour. The two of you are a bit more meek now that your fears have subsided, and you both utter out a small but sincere apology to each other. Alfonse glances behind you, finding a small candle placed atop the table beside a mug of what he can only assume to be your preferred drink of choice.

You follow his gaze, note what he's staring at, and then bring your attention back to him. "Do you want some?"

"I can make my own," he answers, but you stop him before he could leave to fix himself a mug.

"Allow me," you insist, and Alfonse has no choice but to relent.

You hum, seemingly satisfied, and you leave him alone for a moment. The prince decides to take a seat and waits for you to return. You had taken your own mug with you, he belatedly notes. He idly wonders to himself if perhaps you had just finished up, in which case, he was probably holding you up. He hears footsteps approaching, prompting him to look up and finds you walking towards him with two mugs in hand. Apparently you had gone to refill yours while you were at it.

"Thanks," he offers his gratitude and accepts the drink. The two of you sit together in silence for a moment, taking occasional sips from your respective mugs before Alfonse decides to break that peace with a concerned question. "Is there something keeping you up?"

You offer a distracted hum. "Mm, I guess." You don't provide any further explanation or insight and instead change the focus to him instead. "Why are you still up?"

Alfonse sighs. "I wanted to get some more training in for the day. I feel as though I'm falling behind the more recently summoned Heroes."

"I promise you, Alfonse, that isn't true at all." You're quick to jump in and offer your thoughts on the matter. "You've been working really hard. I can see that—anybody with eyes can see that—and your efforts show in your accomplishments both on and off the battlefield. You become even more fine of a prince with each passing day."

"I-I, uh... thanks..." He's grateful that the mess hall is so dark. At least this way, you won't be able to see his bashful smile, accompanied by an embarrassed blush that reaches the tip of his ears. He doesn't know if you're truly sincere in your compliments or merely saying what he wants to hear in an attempt to comfort him, but he can't deny that your words made his heart leap in his chest.

Silence stretches over the two of you once again, the atmosphere a bit more awkward than before. The Askran prince glances over towards you. You seem to be staring intently at your half-empty mug. He wants to ask you about what's on your mind, but he knows that you won't share so easily. He knows how difficult it is for you to open up to him, and there's nothing he can do except patiently wait for you for whenever you were ready to share.

To his surprise, you actually speak up and lay out the worries in your heart. "I was remembering my home."

"Do you miss it?" He asks.

You shake your head. "Not really, no," you answer without missing a beat.

A sense of guilt and shame washes over Alfonse when he finds himself relieved at your response. He already understands that you have your own circumstances for not wanting to go back home, and although it's a pitiful kind of sentiment, he can't help but feel kind of happy over it. It would mean that you would be less likely to go back home and leave him alone in Askr, but he knows that such thoughts would be considered greedy and selfish, so he never voices them out loud.

"..." You fall quiet once again. You gather your thoughts one by one before slowly explaining yourself, your gaze not once leaving the mug in your hands. "Sometimes, I wonder if this is all a dream. Like, if I'm really here, or if all of this is really happening. Sometimes, when I go to sleep, I'm scared that when I open my eyes again, I'll wake up in my old bed and go back to the life I had before coming here to Askr."

You stop talking after that, allowing him a moment to let your words sink in. The moment they do, he reaches out to hold your hand, prompting you to look up at him with inquisitive eyes. "How does my hand feel to you?"

You bring your gaze down to the hand over yours. "It... feels warm..." you answer with a tinge of embarrassment.

"Then it's proof that you're here. That warmth is proof that this—" Alfonse squeezes your hand to emphasize his point, "—is real." Without even realizing it, he ends up leaning closer towards you. "This is real..." he repeats, bringing his voice down to a whisper, making what he says seem far more intimate. "...If it wasn't, then I would have been dreaming a very good dream ever since you came here."

Your breath catches in your throat, and you can't find the words to respond. Your cheeks become pink, and you avert your gaze. Even though Alfonse shouldn't be able to see your expression well because of the dark (the candle does little to light the scene), you still feel compelled to hide your face.

"Does this feel like a dream to you?" Alfonse questions.

You hesitate, still trying to collect yourself. "Sometimes, yes... but... as you said, it is a very good dream... and I wouldn't mind living in it for longer..."

[mecharlie-fox]

Memoirs of a Summoner: Part 2

Holy hecc it's already 2023 and I just now made part 2 due to unexpectedly breaking my writer's block (for the wrong fic) and I think I've decided on what I'm gonna do for the love interest.

Ship intention: Alfonse X Reader / Summoner X Reader / Zacharias (Bruno) x Reader

Note: The Summoner and the Reader ARE TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. The Summoner has no distinct gender or sexuality and can be you or your OC, and the same is for the reader. This will be posted in AO3 for a more organized approach in the future. Happy reading!

Ahem!

You didn't know why you even agreed to Anna's proposal. AT ALL.

A Stewardship is basically a position that meant you will do every single small detail for the Commander and the Summoner from having their breakfast scheduled to every single night report delivered to them before bed or right after they wake up the following morning.

You didn't want to sign up for it but your worry, sense of duty, perhaps a little but of pity, got the best of you by the end of it all.

By hierarchy, you automatically outrank everyone you knew except for the Commander and the Summoner. You will be with them all the time, learn every secret, be part of every council, every decision making — you found yourself from a unknown soldier to a sudden "councilor" for both the Commander and the Summoner.

In short, you are third-in-command after the Summoner who is second.

By Order rules, no title of nobility or royalty would be effective on Order grounds and jurisdiction. It goes the same for foreign heroes who were summoned or volunteered, or your local nobles and royals who feel like they wanted to be a hero. Their position outside of the Order meant nothing and should be nothing, because everyone has to work for their spot in the order.

Things were changing around you the moment you said yes.

Your quarters were suddenly placed in the fourth floor where the commanding officers sleep. You were suddenly in important meetings, training sessions, access to armor, potions, and weapons that you've never seen before. Big name heroes such as Marth or Ike were finally noticing you! And it felt weird! All too weird!

You were invisible since the day the Summoner came along and all of a sudden you were a big name with a big fancy title. "The Steward."

It wasn't as fancy as Commander or Summoner, but you didn't care anyway. It felt as if the castle you were living for the past years was suddenly foreign to you.

But the biggest, weirdest thing you've encountered was Prince Alfonse and his sister Princess Sharena.

You did not know how to act amongst the royalty. AT. ALL.

Yeah, sure the heroes came from royalty or nobility from other worlds. But that was different. They were foreigners who wanted to help, heroes who were humbled and eager to fight with you until the end. But Prince Alfonse and the Princess? The Heir and the Spare?

This was a whole different territory for you.

You internally prayed for the Summoner to waltz in the war room and save you. But you were stuck with those two, AND ONLY those two. Where was the Commander? Heck, where are the Heroes who were given captaincy positions? You were certain, VERY CERTAIN that there was a scheduled meeting today. You had to be right, you were the one who confirmed it with Anna and the Summoner. It wasn't helping that Princess Sharena kept on smiling your way and Prince Alfonse awkwardly standing by the window looking at Lord Askr knows what.

Mind you. This was your first day on the job as Steward.

"So... What's your name?" ...

...

...

...

You wanted to run away the moment the Princess asked you your name. "M-my name is (y/n)..."

The Princess simply smiled at you. "Ohhhhh~ that's a pretty name! No need to be all nervous around me though," said the princess as she had a more welcome aura compared to her brother... Who was simply sneaking occasionally glances at the two of you. "You can just call me Sharena! Is it okay if I call you (y/n)?"

The Princess' eyes were practically shining.

"Uhm..." Before you could even answer, the Summoner gave their morning greetings to the three of you. Holding a tray of tea with bread.

Now you've become nervous as to why the Summoner just did your job. You were in their bedroom this morning to wake them up, why didn't they say anything?

You've noticed Prince Alfonse finally turned his direction towards you all with a welcoming smile. To you, the Prince wasn't all that friendly. Polite, sure, but he had more walls around him than Midgard's Shield.

You immediately stood up and rushes towards the summoner in a panic. "Summoner please—"

But they just stopped you right there. You could see their lips curve into a smile under that hood of theirs. "You're mistaken, (y/n) this isn't for sharing. This is for you."

...

...

...

What? "I beg your pardon?" You were utterly confused all of a sudden.

"Anna said you didn't eat breakfast." The Summoner casually said as they put down the tray by the table since no map has been presented yet. "We don't want a hungry Steward working so hard you know."

"I ... uhmmm thank you Ma'am— Sir, I— I mean Summoner!"

Sharena wanted to laugh so bad but she was holding it in. The Summoner just waved it off. "Summoner would be just fine, you can also call me Kiran once you're more comfortable." The Summoner was happy when you nodded. They've noticed you've become flustered, perhaps out of embarrassment due to being in the presence of royalty. Or maybe it was because of them. They didn't know really.

Heroes were easier to talk to because they didn't put them on a pedestal, but it was different for Askrans who volunteered. The Summoner was their legend, their hero, it made a lot of sense that people would be on guard around them not because they were a public threat but rather... some sort of impossible idol on display. Like if you touch them, they would crack.

"Alfonse, introduce yourself." Your level of shock could not comprehend on how casual the Summoner just called the Crown Prince of Askr.

Your eyes met and you just froze there. Waiting for Askr to answer your prayer of this not going bad. Alfonse on the other hand had a different thought process.

Like you, he didn't know how to interact with you. Between him and Sharena, he was the introverted one. He acknowledged that he was distant when Kiran first came to them from another world, but after a few missions and discussions — Kiran wasn't as complicated as he thought they were. But you were a different story.

You are a citizen of his Kingdom. He is your Crown Prince, your future King. He was afraid on what he common folk would think about him. Alfonse was aware that people say he wasn't behaving like a prince should be. But he was hoping you thought differently, that you would give him a chance to at least prove himself that this is where he belongs for the time being before he becomes King.

He stretched out his hand towards you, although he smiled, you didn't know if he was even happy you're going to lessen the workload for the order. "I am Alfonse, Prince of Askr."

"They know that dummy!" Sharena couldn't help but tease from behind.

"Ack! A-apologies! I'm so used to introducing myself in such a manner — Wh—why are you laughing?!" This was the first time you saw Prince Alfonse so flustered and the Summoner practically on the floor laughing histerically as the prince failed to introduce himself to you.

Sharena was still trying to hold it in as well from where she sat.

You didn't need to be a genius to know why he introduced himself like that. You didn't even need his explanation. Considering how many heroes the Summoner would do each day, it was only natural for the prince to introduce himself in such a way — he would be a broken record at this point.

"Nice to meet you, Your Highness." You introduced yourself with a bow. "My name is (y/n), I look forward to working with you."

"L-likewise, (y/n)" The prince sounded so apologetic that you're starting to believe that the Summoner may tease him about this until the moment they both die. "S-stop laughing!"

Maybe the Summoner is a prankster? No, impossible. You refuse to believe it. The Summoner is THE Legendary Great Hero there is no way they would be so childish.

"Don't mind him, (y/n), Alfonse has always been a stick in the mud." Summoner Kiran simply patted you on the head like a child. Odd thing is that... You didn't dislike it. Their hand felt warm.

It didn't take long for the new Captains to come and arrive. None of them were the captains that you knew, and it breaks your heart. Most of them were Heroes that were summoned, very few were nobility who just joined — probably because they want to curry favor with the crown prince or his sister. It didn't sit right with you... It didn't feel right, it felt like a sin even — seeing these people standing where they stood.

"Now," the Summoner cleared their throat before facing the siblings. "I've already notified the captains about (y/n) so I'm giving you to a quick briefing. They're our Steward, anything that goes in and out of this castle, they should know. All the plans, all the names, all the resources, all the correspondence — everything. They are to receive the same amount of respect as the Commander and I as a veteran of this Order. Failure to comply with this will have consequences and you're not children for me to even say that..."

The summoner's voice sounded different for you. It had a different aura compared to earlier when they were still goofing around with the Prince and Princess. Their aura was respectable, commendable — there was something about them that just draws people in. And you were awed by it.

The Summoner explained that look like them, you were allowed to participate on missions but it's not a mandatory thing for you to do. As third-in-command, you have every authority to override the Captain's orders and decisions. You were allowed to discipline them, have access to secret files, every dark secret, every mission — you were allowed to go wherever in the castle, nor extractions whatsoever.

You were given actual authority, the same level of authority as the Commander. You were even allowed in the restricted section in the library. Not even the Summoner has access to that part of the castle!

Anna had asked for a second chance. But this wasn't the second chance you were hoping for.

It didn't felt like you earned your position at all.

You can name so many people who deserves to be third-in-command instead of you.

But they were all gone.

And you were alone.

Anna wasn't even present in the whole briefing as you finally swallowed your nervousness and brought out a parchment filled with agendas for the day, and reported it to the whole war council. It felt like every briefing you did with your old unit but at the same time, it felt so strange — not familiar. Surely these heroes are to be trusted, they're heroes after all but you couldn't help but have your own reservations.

Heroes didn't automatically mean trust.

And you trust none of them.

You only trust Anna because you worked with her before she became commander. She was one of you before any of this. But she wasn't around. She was in the capital with other Contains, trying to ease the situation with the King. She's doing her job. She's working hard.

And you should too.

"Okay!" The Summoner clapped their hands together as to catch the attention of the whole room. "You all have your missions, go and brief your team. The Steward and I will remind here to discuss our next course of action."

It was like a switch. One moment the Summoner was a professional tactics master, whenever you can call it and the next, they are a complete child. You can tell by how they smiles at you. It was a smile your own brother would give whenever he had something stupid in mind and you need to keep him out of trouble (your mother finds out anyway and you both get in trouble.) Somehow, you went from finding the summoner hateful, to them being weird, to you now just feeling scares that you're on a babysitting job with a grown adult who has the ability to control worlds.

"You, Steward, are the luckiest person in this Order. Do you want to know why?" ... you were scared to find out what's next to that sentence.

"No, Summoner." By that answer, you could have sworn you could have a pin drop all the way from Embla's capital.

"I'm telling you anyway!" They responded gleefully as they took out a map from one of the shelves. "Anna tells me that you've been doing covert assignments since you got here. Is that right?"

"Yes," you said. "I was under Captain Zacharias."

"Good. I need someone like you for tonight's assignment." Opening the map, the Summoner took out a few wooden pieces and placed them on the map as if they were trying to divise a plan on how to get to their location. "We'll be meeting an agent right around here," they pointed at the secluded forest just in the middle of Embla and Askr territory. "I figured you'd be enough as my companion."

"What?"

"What?" The summoner looked up towards you but it wasn't enough for you to even see their face. "You're trained in combat, right?"

"Yes."

"And you're trained in first aid?"

"Yes."

"And you know covert operation protocol, right?"

"Yes."

"Then you're perfect for the job!" There they go again with such a happy tone. No wonder the princess was so fond of them.

"I'm the only person qualified for the job, Summoner."

"Exactly!" Both of you weren't stupid to just realize that none of the Heroes were trained or brief in protocols such as this. Covert operations are often dangerous and kept on the dark, originally there are three separate teams of them and one of them was burnt and the other two were disbanded.

But if you were the only one that's left... Who was the Summoner's agent in Embla territory?

"You don't have to come if you don't want to you know," the Summoner's voice became... Soft for some reason. It felt unexpected.

"But isn't this assignment important?"

"It is." The Summoner nodded. But they didn't want to force you into anything you don't like. "But if you feel like you're not ready, I can reassign you to Alfonse and Sharena for today."

It was the guriella warfare task that you said earlier.

This choice will affect the story

[umi-adxhira]

Hello, I hope you having a nice day/evening. How would the characters react if the MC suddenly turned into a child (4 or 5 years old) while helping Roger?

𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 | 𝐌𝐂 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ʀᴇx, ʜᴀʀʀɪꜱᴏɴ ɢʀᴀʏ, ʟɪᴀᴍ ᴇᴠᴀɴꜱ, ᴇʟʙᴇʀᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇᴛɪᴀ, ᴀʟꜰᴏɴꜱᴇ ꜱʏʟᴠᴀᴛɪᴄᴀ, ʀᴏɢᴇʀ ʙᴀʀᴇʟ, ᴊᴜᴅᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢᴀ, ᴇʟʟɪꜱ ᴛᴡɪʟɪɢʜᴛ, ᴠɪᴄᴛᴏʀ

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄:

𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊

#𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐗

Secretly enjoys this more than he should

Takes you outside in the streets, with you in his arms as you play with his earrings. He will not hesitate to tell people that you are his daughter

#𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘

Straight—up thanked Roger for accidentally turning you into a child

Feeds you sweets himself, and will play dolls with you. If you start running, he will probably let you until you're tired so you can cuddle with him

#𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐒

Takes you to work... also says you're his child that him and (older) you have

He gives you the script of his new play so that he can play the male lead and you the female lead. Everyone gushes over how cute you two are

#𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐀

Will not take you to his room. It's too messy, and any sharp objects may hurt you

Will buy you anything and everything your eyes land on. He indulges in this since when you were an adult again, you wouldn't let him spend money recklessly... now what are you gonna do?

#𝐀𝐋𝐅𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀

Can and will buy you a small monocle for funsies

Your feet will never touch the ground he always has you in his arms when doing detective work

#𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐋

Would probably ask someone else to take care of you, but since he's the one that caused you to be like this, he does it

Lowkey enjoys it, he gets to teach you medicine all over again

#𝐉𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐙𝐙𝐀

You can run around in his office as long as you don't break anything, got it?

He probably asks Ellis to take care of you since he's too busy, but when he finds Ellis making you giggle, he feels guilty and wants to spend time with you

#𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

He genuinely acts like your dad

He sits you on his lap in the gardens and makes you a small flower crown while teaching you how to make one. It comes out wrong, but he's proud regardless

#𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑

Let's you play with his hair, like braids and stuff

He does cute designs on your hair, and then you cuddle into his chest with his jacket, keeping you warm

©️umi-adxhira [10/08/2023]

[mysticpink]

Child!summaner: what if you die and I’m still here?

Alfonse:….then you’ll be all grown up.. and you won’t need me

Child!summaner: I think I’ll always need you

-later-

Lif: *looks at Child!summoner talking to Alfonse*

Child!summoner: I think I always need you…

[iamdarkness]

Nexus

Lif x Summoner, Lif x reader / Implied platonic Alfonse x Summoner, Alfonse x reader.

NSFW from first sentence.

Lif and the summoner find each other thanks to an unlikely person and Lif's questionable decisions.

Also a look into Embla's hidden night life and secrets. Set before and after the siege to Veronica's castle in book 5.

May do a second part. I know I should be working on the other ones but I swear I had this one sitting there for like a year and I was debating whether to post it of not. Hope you like it.

  Nexus

   -Say my name! Say it!- The husky voice says on the woman’s ears. He is taking her from behind. It comes muffled by the white and gold embroidered hood that covers all of her head and most of the face. She can hardly hear it over her own moans too. His trusts are relentless and rhythmic, his length reaching deeper than anyone she had ever been with. Between moans she manages to breath and utter the name he desperately wanted to hear.

  -Alfonse! Alfonse! Ahh!!

  -NO! Not Alfonse! Say it!

  Not confused by the request, the woman remembers the other times he had done this to her. She switches to his other name.

  -Lif! Oh God Lif! I… please!!- She pleads even though there is no god she believes in. This is what he wants and so she will deliver.

  A few more rough trusts on his part and she reaches her limit. When he feels her release, he takes his final trust then she feels him withdraw. After a short moment he kisses the top of her hooded head. She stays unmoving and knowing full well why he does not kiss her instead.

  - _______….My ______. My dear summoner.- She hears him come in his hand like all the other times he has done this. She does not dare to look back at his ruby red eyes. She feels drained of all energy after such a energetic session, but she stays put. A moment later she feels him lean on her back and rest his head on hers. She hears him whisper something and can make out some words he repeats like a prayer.

  -Soon my love….I will return you to me. Soon…- He sighs, a sigh she knows he does not need and remembering it, makes her shiver. This must have brought him back to reality, because he raises himself from the bed and she hears him start to dress up.

  -Take it off.- His monotone voice reach her still hazy mind. She knows what he meant and she complies. She starts taking off the hooded coat and turning a little so she can do it faster and catches a glimpse of him standing near the door.

  -Turn around. I don’t want to see your face. -He says in a rough voice. Such a different tone that some moments ago. She takes the garment off. She was wearing a night gown underneath without underwear.

  -I…You can come inside me…I am ready for this…I assure y…

  -Do I not pay you enough for your silence?

  -Yes… I just wanted to serve you better.

  -Then keep quiet. I will be back next month…here.- He lets some gold coins fall on her bed. She does not turn around but takes the coins. It is much more than she would do in a month by herself. He takes the coat and folds it neatly to place it inside a travel bag. Done this, he opens the door and leaves without a further word.

  The woman starts crying. She is not sure why her heart feels so heavy. The first time he had come to her, he had scared her, but she needed the money. He had made requests and offered a lot of money for it. The following times he had learned a lot about him even if he did not talked to her. He was dead and had been brought back to life it was obvious, but he looked like he had been a very handsome man in life. He was a great lover too. Sometimes he was gentle and loving and sometimes he was rough but not in a bad way.

He loved that woman and she knew who that woman was. She was the summoner of the Askran Kingdom. She wondered then if this warrior was one of the fallen heroes the Summoner used in the war. Her lover perhaps. If that was so, then…it meant he loved her when he was alive and his love endured after death.

  And then she understood her feelings. She was sad. Not only for him, who had died loving someone and was probably afraid to bee seen the way he was, but for his summoner as well. Did she even know he still walked the living world? Does she love him back? Did she grieve his death?….Then there was Her… She was here in the Emblian South city of Renar ; a whore not by choice, living this sad life. If only someone would love her the way this man did his Summoner…even if he was dead…

  =NO!….Do not even think about this…this is just a job…Soon we will be able to leave the city and my sister will never have to suffer what I have. We will have a house of our own and some cows…And this will be in the past and forgotten… I will forget him…just like he will forget me….but…what about the Summoner?…=

[line break]

It was almost dawn when she heard the silent footfalls of Lif’s booted feet. Her scarlet eyes did not move from her target. The Emblian Castle so much like her own home stood right in front of her. She stood on the roof of the tallest building in the South City. He was late, but she would not say anything. It was not that she feared his anger. He seldom was cross at her. She knew it was all a facade to keep others at bay and enemies afraid anyway. Besides, he new she disapproved of his monthly escapades. They not only were risky and a waste of time but she considered them … how would she word it? Oh yeah…cheating.

For all the indifference he voiced so loudly against the Summoner, she knew how he felt. He could deny it all he wanted, but he had stolen that jacket from the castle the last time he had entered it to spy on that Summoner…. err The Order of Heroes or so he had said. So if he loved that Summoner so much why visit not only other women but a common whore, only because she had the same height and constitution of the Summoner. Thrasir had never fallen in love, but she knew that if her lover where to do this kind of action she would surely dismember them…and then brake up with them.

  - Any news from Zacharias? - He asks avoiding her eyes. She looks sideways at him and does not answer.-Let it go Veronica. - He says tiredly. He had enough with his own disgust and self hatred to be judged by her as well.

  -He has not returned yet, but…Loki was telling Veronica there are rumors of war from another realm. The target may be Askr, but she said to be ready just in case. It is just as we were told. We should ask Thorr for more information. - She said as neither of them trusted Loki. Not that they trusted Thorr to begin with but at least the Goddess did not lie for fun.

  -Mmm. It may be wise. It also may be a good chance to find out more about the Alfather and his plan. Come, let us go to the base. - Their base being an abandoned country home the Askran Royal Family did not use any more. It was too close to the border and had been partly destroyed. They used the hidden bunker in the basement.

 [line break]

  - Please help my sister.- Had been Bruno’s plea and it would be answered.

[line break]

  -Reginn! Take the left side and let Dagr take the right! Takumi shoot the sniper in the clock tower please! It’s attacking the Emblian front lines! Take Claude with you and scan the other tall buildings! BE CAREFUL! Guinevere back Zelgius up! Micaiah tell the wyvern riders to take each an archer not mounted, to the roofs, when the ninjas give the go ahead. Naesala and Henry… you know what to do.

Naesala looked down to his best friend Henry and lifted him off the ground. Henry gave one of his little laughs. They were in charge of the aerial attack.

 Bruno watched you give orders to the heroes behind his golden mask with a small smile, but you knew that deep down; he was very anxious for his sister. He knew she could handle herself, but against Nidavellir, she was untested and so he was afraid. Now that he had his friends by his side; it was an easier burden to carry, and he wished he could count on you to help him on his quest, but the war started by the bad blood of Embla and his fear of harming you all was enough to dispelled those wishes from his mind. Now he was waiting for your instruction on when to strike.

 -King Dimitri, Ike lead the front lines. Savior Dimitri, Alm And King Marth will be following with their squads. Bruno Sharena and Alfonse, be ready to go when they make way. Kaze and Saizo will be waiting for you to make your way into the palace unseen.

  -You will stay? -Asks Bruno.

  -It is better I stay and lead the heroes with Commander Anna.

  - I would feel better if you were to come with us. I do not belittle your heroes’ abilities to guard you but… You have been kidnapped before.- Said Bruno with furrowed brows.

  -It was all Alfonse’s idea. Besides (M) Byleth, F Dimitri and Grima are here to protect me…just…take care of each others.- Bruno looked at Alfonse and the younger man averted his eyes, blushing a little.

  -Alfonse… a word if I may.- Says Bruno. They both retreat a little way away and even though you can’t hear what they are saying you knew what Alfonse was telling him. He was afraid of getting you hurt after being kidnapped and then sent by Commander Anna on a solo mission to fight for days without his consent. Of course you preferred to go with him, but you also did not want to worry him. You knew who would win the argument. Alfonse was stubborn once he made up his mind. Alfonse had also expressed his mistrust of Bruno’s sanity. He was not afraid for himself or Sharena but he could not trust him with you and did not want you to be near him for longer than necessary. He held his friend dearly, but what was happening to him was of great concern to him and he need to take action just in case of him being overpowered by his blood.

  -I still do not agree. -Says Bruno looking sideways at his friend, while coming back after a while. - But I trust your judgment. It has been right previous times. - Alfonse’s little scowl dissipated at this remark. Bruno did not know you would be their back up.

  - Be careful Summoner. - Was all Bruno said and turned to get ready to leave. Alfonse turned to you and gave you a small smile you returned and winked at him, which made him blush.

  - You too guys. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!

  -Well now I am concerned.- Says Fjorm smiling, with a pink tint to her pale cheeks.

  - Wow thanks. Any way, it’s great you are here. Fjorm I am a little concerned for Reginn. She looks…not her usual and well, I don’t blame her for it; but I am afraid she may have an accident or something. I don’t think she is focused.

  -I will keep an eye on her if you wish.

  - Eir can take you and if Reginn asks just tell her you are back up.- Fjorm nodded and turned to search for Eir.- And Fjorm…have I mentioned how great you are and how grateful I am you are with us? Because You are and I am.- She turns beet red at that.

  -Umm…I could hear it more often.- She says bashfully. That woman loves you and ever since Alfonse had had to accept the arranged marriage to his third cousin, she has not left your side. Alfonse does not like it but he can not say much about it.

 Kagero lands soundlessly behind you from Beruka’s wyvern and as usual she scares you a bit when she starts talking.

  -Summoner. The others give it a “clear”. Kaze and Saizo are waiting for the Prince’s group. - Says Kagero. You thank her and signal Alfonse for them to leave.- Kaze wanted to stay with you and is a bit annoyed he had to stay.

  -We’ll see him in a bit anyway.- You tell her while seeing Alfonse retreating back, his white cape being swallowed by the darkness of the night. You offer her a smile after his image is lost. -Come. Let us check how things are going.- You take your spyglass from your coat and take a look at the front lines. They are approaching the castle and while the Order attack the invading army on all fronts and surround them, Prince Alfonse and his team reach the inside by a “secret” entrance, Bruno had told you about. It was actually an old supply entrance no longer used that Bruno used to come and go whenever he came in secret to keep an eye on his sister. It had been sealed and he was the only one who could open it.

  -Look at Norne go. She is always so reliable and enthusiastic. Ike is falling behind…I wonder what’s the hold up.- Kagero takes the offered spyglass.

  It took you less than half an hour to follow Alfonse. You left the heroes to Anna who was aided by Micaiah and Robin’s capable hands. Soren would have been there too but he had joined Ike in the front lines when he noticed Ike had fallen into a standstill. The advance had flowed as expected after that.

  You were half way to rendezvous with Alfonse, making your way to the secret entrance when you hear a a woman half shouting angrily and half crying.

  -NO! Don’t you dare touch my sister! She’s just a child! Take my money but leave her alone!!

  There were shouting of men as well. Most of them were curses.

  You look around a nearby corner despite Fallen Dimitri’s warning of not getting involved and see a woman of about twenty years of age fighting off five Nidavellirian soldiers intent on taking a small girl of about 6 years of age. This enraged you to no end and turning to tell F Dimitri the number of enemies; he nodded that it was not a problem and Kagero takes to the roof of the building to take them from behind or warn you about others. You look around the corner and aim your shot at the nearest soldier. He falls in a flash of light. Confused the rest of the soldiers look around only to be met with a shadow so fast and strong they never even made a sound of alarm.

  When you get there you find the woman kicking one of the soldiers even though he’s already out cold…or dead…most probably dead given the wide gaping hole you could now see in his stomach, done by Dimitri’s lance. The rest of the men were in the same shape, even the one you had stunned. Dimitri was looking at the young woman with an arched eyebrow.

  -Hey hey! Calm down you are safe now. Did they hurt you?- You ask the woman and her angry face turn towards you about to respond and her eyes widen in surprise. She looks you over and says in a whisper. -_______….- You were surprised by her recognition, since you had really never been to Embla, so this meant she was a member of the army or something.

  -You know me? Have we met in battle?- You ask.

  -No…I mean…I have just heard about you.- Her red face is still visible even with the low light of the fires set to some buildings or the random torch or lamp on the ransacked street. This place looked like the bad side of town to be honest. -Thank you so much for saving us!

  -We need to keep moving.- Says Kagero landing soundlessly behind the woman and child.  

-Wait! You are going to enter the castle?- Ask the woman.

  -Yes but we came to help, so don’t worry. We are not trying to invade or anything.- You say.

  - We should invade them now that they are weak. It would end this stupid war.- Says F Dimitri gruffly.

  The woman gave a small smile at that but did not comment.

  - Are you taking the back alleys to get to the secret entrance?- She asks again and you nod surprised at her knowledge. She bites her lower lip nervously weighting her next move.

  -I guess it is not so secret if you know about it.- Says Dimitri with a searching look on his eyes.Then asks. -Do you work at the palace?

  -I have gone and I know things. I know of a faster and safer way to get there. I owe you my life and most importantly, I owe you Vera’s life. She is my dear sister. I need to repay you. Would you trust me to take you to that entrance?

  Confident that the your guard were with you and your skills were not too shabby either, You turn to them and agree to follow her. Grima and M Byleth already waiting for you.

  The woman who introduced herself as Zorine and asked you to call her Zoe, took you to a building down the street, apparently she had been working there when the attack started and had come to her small rented room to look for her sister as soon as she could go outside. They had waited for the people to flee and were going to a safe spot by the time they were spotted by the enemy soldiers.

  The building was a three story tavern that looked like it was a bit rundown on purpose, because when Zoe opened the door you were met with quite a different building. It looked too fancy to be a regular tavern for this side of town. Zoe looked uncomfortable and red.

  - Are you a bar maid?- Asks Byleth blankly but polite.

  -I thought I smelled something. It stinks of coupling… and vice…- Said Grima in a low voice and wrinkling his nose. Zoe’s face was scarlet eyeing her little sister.

  - My sister is a healer for the people who gets hurt in the tavern! Not a maid!- Said the little girl.- Zoe! You said I should never come here!

  ==Oh Fiddlesticks! Is she a sex worker?==

  - Hey Miss Vera. How would you like for my friend Prince Dimitri to carry you while we are inside the tavern and that way you will be safe. Maybe hide your face in his furry cape and that way you will not be scared.- You turn to Dimitri and he is a little stiff but understood your reasons. The girl looks at Dimitri and widens her eyes. You do not blame her, Dimitri is very tall and intimidating. Not a moment later her eyes shine with wonder and she smiles and agrees to it. When he has her safely in his arms she giggles at the fluffiness of the fur cloak. Dimitri reddens. Zoe now sure of her sister’s safety proceeds to show you to the basement of the establishment. While explaining in a low voice so as to hear if there is someone hiding that should not be here.

  - This place is a “tavern” for high ranking members of the empire and so they made a tunnel from the castle to the establishment. It is said the late King had a lover here that he wanted no one to know about, but the truth is that the tunnel is very old and has been here probably for centuries. The tunnel connects some other places like the High Temple of Embla and it goes all the way to the mountains and others to the South.

  - Ironic but not unexpected.- She looks puzzled at your comment and little laugh. - The temple…Well it connects the most important places right? If the rich people are at any of these places there is always a way to escape safely…but it being a church and a bro…a tavern is a little ironic, but we know rich people’s priorities…at least in my world it is that way. No offence to anyone.

  -We don’t have those in Faergus. At least no tunnels from the castle to a tavern that I know of…but we do not need them. There are enough…healers in the castle…- Dimitri says gruffly

  - Let us check if it is unlocked. The patrons of the tavern and the owner left through it, but I do not know if they locked it. There is another key in the Owner’s rooms.- The trapdoor to the tunnel was blocked as if someone had hastily piled the most rubbish they could find on top of it. It took you all less than three minutes to unblock and the trapdoor was luckily unlocked. When you get into the tunnel you think the woman and child will get away but she does not.

  -You do not know the city like I do and even less the tunnel. I had to come down here to lead costumers away safely or to serve in the castle and since the tunnel forks out you may get lost. I will lead you. The tunnel goes all the way to the entrance prince Bruno may be using to get to the castle. His is the old servant entrance on the East side. I heard they closed it when the war started. Currently only one of the servant entrances remain open… and the tunnel. There is of course another way that leads directly into the castle if you need me to lead you there as well.

  -I think that the entrance would be better. We already have a plan on where we will meet. Also I would not like you to be in danger because of us. - You look at her and she is looking at her sister. The girl apparently was so exhausted by what the situation that had fallen asleep on Dimitri’s arms.

  - We still need to remain in the city. I need to repay someone, the money I owe them…I can not leave without paying the debt.

  -Is that why you are working as a….healer?-

  -I do not do it for fun!- She retorts a little too loud and it is amplified by the tunnel’s acoustics. She turns to her sister again, but the girls is soundly asleep.- …I… I apologize…

  -No no! Don’t apologize. Also I understood your position from the beginning but I was curious about the reason. You are very young. I’m sorry if I offended you. I have to say I truly respect the workers. Not many people understand the real weight they bear and the extent of the service they provide to society in general but mostly to other women and children.

  -What do you mean?- Asks Dimitri.

  -You see at court they may do it for free to gain power and other selfish reasons but it is not the same with workers like her who are not here by choice. Some like her are extortioned and others kidnapped. Whatever the reason and situations, they keep people’s lowest of instincts in check. Many of them die because of them and…well…it is in a way a protection for many… it is … a complicated situation.

  - You understand! All the people I know look down on us, like we are the vilest and dirtiest of beings.

  -I bet you the first ones to judge are the clients.- You comment.

  - Yes!… Not all of them, but most of them. There is one client…- She pauses unsure of what to say next.- He is…a little rough around the edges, but he is…he seeks companionship…

  -He is in love with you? -you ask.

  -No! He is is in love with someone else, but I think he thinks it is a lost cause or a forbidden love…he loves her so much…and I understand why…-She says quietly.-It is thanks to him I have the money to pay off our debt.

  -Is that the money you were offering the soldiers? - Asks Byleth.

  -Yes.

  -Well if he is such a great person he could have just given you the money…You know what…never mind… I am not going to judge any one here…Why do you even have a debt to pay?- You ask.

  -My father owned a lot of land close to the border, but when the fire giant came, he burned the villages and lands. We lost all the cattle and the other animals. He had already asked a Lord friend of his for a loan and hoped to sell the cattle to pay him.- She takes a moment to point to the right direction when you come to a fork in the tunnel. The light from your crystal lanterns give off a ghostly blue light that makes her look sick.- When he learned we had lost everything in the fire but the lands, his friend came to seize the lands in payment and wanted even more, so he tried to make my father give him my hand. After some talks, the friend gave him more time, but then the war and the drought prevented us from paying up the debt. Finally last year my father’s friend came and demanded his money and my hand. He took everything we owned and ran us off of our lands and house. My father was not only heartbroken, but also furious. He tried to duel him like a good gentleman does, but his friend killed him before the duel was to take place. He kidnapped me and my sister and when we managed to escape…he sold us to the owner of the tavern. I had until the end of this year to pay off my debt or my sister would join me as a ….healer.

  -Son of a bitch! Seriously? Can you tell me the names of those ass…er…really horrible men…-You end the tirade when you see her blinking face starting at you like you had suddenly sprout horns.- They kind of deserve it don’t they though?I mean, I only do it when I am really angry…sorry…- You hear Grima snicker at the back.

  -The Prince is not going to like it. - Grima chimes is.

  -He is not going to know is he? I got candy! Oh here have some for you and your sister when she wakes up and please forget I cursed. It is very natural do do it where I come from, but being part of the Order, it is a big “No”.

  The Woman takes the candy with a surprised face and then gave you a look that you could not interpret, but it looked between bewilderment and endearment.

  - I have never met anyone like you Summoner. Thank you. Umm why do you carry candy around to a battlefield?

  - For energy bursts and….the truth is because I like to treat the kids in the Order and some of the heroes who like them a lot. Some like cheese or fish but I can’t carry those around.- You hear Byleth and Dimitri laugh silently.- But seriously, tell me more about those creeps. You think we can do something, without repercussions to you?

  The talk lasted until you arrived at the tunnel’s exit. Zoe gave you instructions on where to go. She was going to stay inside the tunnel by the entrance to wait out the battle. Dimitri left them his cloak to keep Vera warm and Kagero was instructed to stay with the two. She wholeheartedly agreed to it. Before you took off you noticed Zoe was trying to say something and looked nervous.

  - Summoner…there is something you should know…no, don’t worry it is nothing to do with this battle…it is something very important you need to know, but I can’t tell you around them. I know I am not important enough for you to take the time to hear me out, but please it is not about me. It is about you and someone you may know. It is the reason I know who you are. Can you meet me after this?

  -Can you not tell me now though?

  -I am afraid it would be too long of an explanation and you need to hear all of it.

  -Ok. We will return because Dimitri can’t live without his cloak anyway.

  -Please be careful Summoner! And thank you!

  -We will!

  When you leave and before she closes the trapdoor to the tunnel Kagero can hear her whisper and it intrigues her.

  -There is someone who would suffer a lot if harm came to you…I do not think he could take loosing you…again.

  You joined Alfonse and Bruno even before the time marked and you told Alfonse how helping out the two girls had ended with you finding a safer and faster way. Alfonse was worried at first but seemed to be very happy you were safe. He was very conflicted by the past situations. He did not want you to participate in battles anymore than necessary, but could not function well if he could not keep an eye on you or was far from you. Your kidnapping had left a scar unwilling to heal and he wondered what would happen if something more final would befall you…would he be able to get past it? Would he end up turning into someone like Lif? Of course it would not be entirely that way. It had taken the trauma of losing every loved one Alfonse had held dear, but also his entire Kingdom dying as well; to turn him into Lif. Nothing could compare to that pain when you had abandonment issues in the first place and Alfonse had more than enough of those.

  The plans went better than expected. Your group came inside first and you were able to get to where Princess Veronica and her ward were keeping the rest of the court safe. She was seemingly not as happy to see you all as much as she was to see her brother alive and well, but it was understandable, even a little funny. Soon enough Reginn, her group and Fjorm came to your side to fight as well. As in per the plan Ike and Marth had opened a way for her to get inside.

  When the battle was over it was almost dawn. It had taken almost ten hours to run them off the palace and the battle had gone well into midday for them to leave the city in a call of retreat.

  When everything was done Reginn collapsed. She had a high fever caused by the stress and how hard she had driven her mental and physical limits. Princess Veronica had begrudgingly allowed you all to stay in the palace until Reginn got better with a sour expression, until you reminded her of how she got to spend more time with her brother. She had indeed proceeded to go talk to her brother and try to take him away from your group. You felt a little bad for Alfonse, who would have wanted to spend time with his old friend, but it was understandable that the time he had should be spend with his sister. Who knows how long he had been away from home this time.

  Finally after resting a bit and eating a hasty breakfast; F Dimitri had come to let you know he was going back for his cloak and wanted to know if you were going to meet up with the woman. You took some food with you and followed Dimitri.

Alfonse not wanting to let you out of his sight on enemy territory followed behind with Savior King Dimitri Byleth and Grima. Together you all had explained to him how everything had taken place in all detail, since last night you had only told him the basics and did not want Bruno to know you had knowledge of the secret tunnel. He had been a little worried when you told him about how you all had gone to help the two girls, but agreed that it had been a blessing as well. He was more than angry when you explained her situation and and reasons for them. He had already planed on giving the woman something for helping you out, but listening to your story he backtracked and decided to give the two girls a bag of gold, so that when they left the city they could have a place to stay. He also came with the idea that they should come with them to Askr in case someone found out they had lead them through the secret tunnel and incarcerated them for treason.

  -I wonder what she wants to talk to you about. She said it was about you and someone you know?- Asked Alfonse pensively.

  -Yes and I thought right away about Bruno. I mean who else can she know that I know except him and Princess Veronica…or Loki…

  -Loki…That is troublesome. I was surprised she was not at Veronica’s side.

  -Yeah! I mean, I don’t understand why Veronica still lets her be around in the first place! I would never trust her after all the crap she has done…but I guess that if I don’t trust her and she wants to hang around; I would probably want to keep her on close watch as well…

  -Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  -By that logic, she should give us our own room at the palace…oh wait…- You say laughing. Alfonse laughs quietly as well. He has gotten used to your silly jokes and strange sense of humor.

Finally you get to the place where Kagero is waiting for you. The battle had been close to the place but no one had found the tunnel.

As soon as Vera saw you; she ran to meet you hugging Dimitri’s fury cloak. She hugged you and thanked you for the candy and then went to give Dimitri his cloak, except she ran into S K Dimitri first. He looked down to her a little startled.

 -That’s the wrong Dimitri!- You called out to her smiling- We have four of them!- You tell Zoe who came to stand by your side.- All of them different age, but just as wonderful in every way.- Vera looked around the man and spotted F Dimitri behind and ran to him.

-That is my Prince! Here I took great care of your cape your highness! -And after he took his cloak she hugged him. This made both Dimitri blush.

 -Hey Alfonse. This is Lady Zorine who so graciously helped us last night. Zoe this is Prince Alfonse of Askr.- Zoe bristled at the name. Her face blanched and looked like she had seen a ghost when his smiling face turned to you and then to her. His bright deep blue eyes looked at you warmly and when he looked at Zoe; she felt like the ground would come to meet her at any moment. She felt sick. It was HIS face. but different. And that name…how could she forget that name. She knew the prince of Askr was named Alfonse but she had never seen him or even knew how he looked like. What did all of this mean? She was so confused.

-Whoa there. Are you all right? You look like you have seen a ghost!- You ask Zoe. She lowered her face and avoided looking at Alfonse. - I know he looks a little stern but he is a great guy! Alfonse I think you scared her!- You say jokingly but holding Zoe’s arm in case she needed support. You figured it may be because she had not eaten well and the excitement of the day had exhausted her. Alfonse blushed.

-Summoner!- He said flustered, but Zoe could still feel those intelligent eyes watching her. It was like he was trying to find something inside her.

-Oh here, I got you some food and drinks. I bet you are hungry. You may feel better after you eat something.- Byleth then took a satchel he was holding in his back and started taking out food from it.-  It may be better if you eat something. I am no healer but I can see what I can do if you are not feeling well.- Said Byleth standing by Zoe’s side with an apple in his hand.

-I…thank you Professor I think I will have a drink and the apple. I am just a little tired…and I have just been hiding. How thoughtless of me. You must be exhausted after such a long fight and here you are worrying about me and my sister.- She can’t help but cry about that.- You really are and angel Summoner ______…and your heroes..

- Prince Alfonse can attest to it being the other way around when it comes to me.

-She does get in trouble quite a lot.-Alfonse says jokingly because he understands you are trying to cheer her up. He smiles warmly but keen eyes analyse the woman.

-I got kidnapped two weeks ago. Gave them all a scare.- You say laughing and Alfonse pulls a face.- It was not my fault tho. I swear!

-What? Who kidnapped you?- She panicked. Had it been HIM? Had she been helping some sick kidnapper’s fantasy?

-Prince Ótr. The brother of the guy that came to attack you and a creepy lady that looks like a possessed doll.-You giggle. Alfonse gives you another look.- Sorry. I am sleep deprived and I find everything funny right now; but I almost crapped my pants at the time.- Zoe can’t help but smile at the statement and she can see the effect you have on Alfonse when you turn to his furrowed face and mouth “Sorry” while taking his hand. His face changes to one of deep fondness and devotion. He loves you, just as much as HIM. And by the look on your face, she knew you loved him just as much…she was having second thoughts about telling you about Lif.

==…What if it is important? What if something happens to her and you could have saved her? I need to tell her.==

You let her eat something and after that Alfonse who is very intrigued by what she has said she knows speaks first.

-Miss Zorine. I thank you for keeping my Summoner and my men safe.- She listened to his words, that sounded in that instant so much like HIS. The way HE said “My Summoner” like there was nothing more precious in the world.- I have heard of your plight and I want to contribute to your cause. Here. I hope this is enough for you to get a place to stay while you journey out of the city.-He hands her the bag of gold. Zoe looks at it and you motion for her to take it.

- I could not…I did not do it for money.

-I know, still I would like you to have it. Do it for your sister. I am sure _____ wants you two to be safe. In fact. We are journeying back to Askr in some days and some of our people will be leaving every day. If for some reason you feel you are not safe in Embla, you can come with us to Askr and take one of the houses that have been vacated by our losses of war. There are many of those throughout the land.

-That is a lot of money. ..-She looks to her sister. She is ashamed to accept it, but she knows she would do whatever it takes for her sister to be safe. She looks at you.- I need to talk to you and if after that, you still feel like I deserve the money. I will take it and maybe the offer too…

== …but not alongside you… I will not be able to look you in the eyes after that…==

  With furrowed brows and worry painting his face, Alfonse watched as you made your way to a place far enough not to be heard but close enough to still be safe. He felt dread pool in the pit of his stomach and waited with trepidation for whatever sign of distress you may give. He felt that whatever that woman was about to tell you, was not exactly good and it involved him as well. The way she had looked at him with recognition and fear. He wondered if it was just that the people of Embla generally thought him some horrible person. After all they were enemies. Still he had not met with that show of fear from other people in Embla, and this woman looked like they had met and was afraid of him in particular. He would understand if the woman was a soldier and they had come close in battle, but she was a prostitute. There was no way for them to know each other. Another point was that she also was way too familiar with you. Also like she knew you personally. So what did this mean?

  ==If only I had thought of bringing Beruka.==

  Now that you were away from the rest Zoe looked restlessly around as if trying hard for a way to start. She looked at Alfonse and then asked.

  -Summoner. It is not my place, but it is relevant to what I am about to tell you. Are you and the Prince…sweethearts?

  You sigh a little asking yourself why this was relevant and remembering the reason why you two could not be together answered.

  -No. He is dear to me and…but we can not…

  -I see…I do not know yet why this may matter but…I must thank you for coming back to talk to me Summoner. I thought about what I was going to tell you and how to do so, for a long time last night and I do not see an easy way to do it. So I will ask you a question instead. Do you know…is one of your heroes called Lif? - As expected, your eyes full of emotion widen at the name. Your relaxed posture changes and with this change comes the prince’s as well. With a quick side glance to where the Prince is standing near the other heroes she sees his posture now even more tense than when you had left. She noticed he was waiting for bad news but now he looked like he was worried about you.

  -Lif? Yes…how? How do you know about him? Have you seen him? Is he well?

  -Please my Lady. Listen to me. I will explain how I know of him, but you need to listen to all of it before asking questions or leaving. I swear I will tell you everything and in…detail if you wish it. It all started almost nine months ago. I was very new to the tavern and I was tasked to accompany one of the other women to the entrance to the palace. By now I was familiar with the destination of the tunnel. I was told to leave her and then go get her in the morning…she…was new to this as well and had never gone to the palace. When I was coming back by myself I noticed a light coming from the distant South side of the tunnel. It was the main branch that passes by the tavern and I had to go that same way. The light looked blue and as soon as I got near it, it disappeared, but not the glowing red ones. The red lights were smaller but I saw them perfectly when I covered my lamp. The tunnel is relatively safe since it was made for the upper class , no thieves or ruffians know about it so I thought it had been a client. I had never met a client in the tunnel but I had no idea other people may use it for other reasons, so I called out to him and told him if he needed help getting to the tavern. In no way did I wanted to have a client, but if the owner knew I did not help a client I would be fined and I did not need to pile more debt on my back. He got closer and he was covered from head to toe with a black traveling cloak and the only thing visible were his eyes. He…put a mean looking sword on my throat and asked me who I was and what I was doing in the tunnel. His voice was deep and chilly and I got so scared I thought I was going to faint. I managed to tell him who I was and where I was working. It never crossed my mind that it may be a spy or or something.

 - “There is an entrance to a brothel here? I don’t believe you. It is not on the map.”- his eyes narrowed while he spat that at me.

 -”It is a little way up from here . I passed it trying to help you to it…You…you did not come for the…service?”- And now I was scared.

  -”NO!”- He said almost offended and taking a step back.

  -”Oh…please do not kill me. I do not have money on me. I was only told to take a worker to the palace secret entrance!”

  -”I don’t want your money.”- He said angrily- “You said you know where this tunnel leads? I will let you go if you help me get around. This map is incomplete and I need it to be accurate.”

  -”I yes of course! I will…I can tell the matron I have a client and I will be back. Otherwise they will  punish me and fine me…I don’t mind the punishment but…I just …I can’t owe her more…

  -”You are a …you work in the brothel then?” I nodded at him. I was so ashamed for some reason after he had the care not to call me a whore…it may seem like a small blessing but it means the world to me you see.” I will pay you what you make in a night for you to help me.When we are done, I will be sure your matron will not punish you.”

 -I agreed to this and we took off without reporting back. You see, they don’t care if we do not come back. They will not look for us, but when we do come back, it meas we were not killed and then we need to be punished for loosing them money. I showed him the way to the palace and on the way where the tunnel branched I told him where the different ways led. I asked him if he had no need to write it down but he shock his head.

  -”I will remember it.” He said very confident of his memory. It took a long time to walk all the way to the palace and to some of the branches he was interested in. Like the Scholar’s Library. That one was a strange one. I was surprised when he actually asked me if I had ever gone inside it. I replied that  I was was not allowed to go inside. I felt like a fool when he said I could enter through the tunnel’s entrance…He stayed there looking at the entrance for a long while. Who knows what he was thinking.. although now that I know you, I understand him a little and he was probably thinking of you.- She paused for a bit then sighted.

  -Do you like reading Summoner? Did you spend a lot of time with him reading?-Zoe asks you and you nod yes. Because now you too are remembering the time spent together reading and drinking tea in the library. His favorite place in the palace. She keeps going.

-I was so distracted by this I slipped on a small slimy puddle of water when I shifted my feet and almost broke my head on a stone. He was very fast and held me by the arm.

  “Careful ______. Don’t hurt yourself…” It was the first time he called me by that name…by your name. His tone was… so different as well as his voice and when I looked at him questioning myself what was happening I saw him. I had noticed his crimson eyes were not like those some Emblan families have. His were …so bright they seemed to glow, but now that he was close to me and he had let go of his cloak that was covering him entirely, I could see his body. That is when I learned he was not of this world. His eyes widened when he saw my face and saw me looking at him. He let go of me and almost shoved me away…but he took his sword out again and pointed it at me.

  ”You will tell no one or you die!”

  ”I will tell no one I swear to you! Please I have a small sister I need to protect!”-I told him. Pleading for my safety. This seemed to do the trick. He lowered his weapon and told me still angry not to look at him again. So I avoided looking at him from then on. -Summoner I do not know how he looked like when you knew him but he…he

  -Lif is dead. He was one of the army of the dead . I know how he looks.

  -So you knew he was dead…

  -It is complicated. I know him from when he was alive and then I saw him dead, I did not recognized him…I lost my memories of him…he disappeared after and I have been looking for him for a long time…wondering if he was still around or if he was lost to me for ever.- You tell her. She nodded and kept going.

  -When we entered the establishment he came in with me and gave me my money. He then asked me to tell him where the matron was so he would be sure I was not to be punished. I did what he told me and went home. I suppose he did talk to the matron. She did not punish me and she looked like she had been threatened. She looked at me strangely after that. Then a week after, the matron came to me and told me that I needed to be ready that night. I was going to have a special guest…- Zoe lowered her face in shame.-Summoner…did you two love each other?- Zoe asks.

  -Yes…once, long ago…in another life…we were…we made a promise. We had a ceremony with one of the priests of the Divine Dragon Askr in one of the villages we were visiting…but it was never made official.

  -Summoner…. I did not know …I was scared and not even scared of him…just scared to have my sister pulled into the work and she merely a child of six! I was told to bathe and be prepared. They gave me the best room and was told that one night every month I would have this guest. No one else was to touch me. He paid enough for the month… The whole month.-She takes a pause when she hears you crying. - Please I am so sorry! Please do not go, you need to hear the rest. I swear on my sister…she is my only treasure …that you…please do not think badly of him…You…you have nothing to fear. I swear!- You nod for her to go on and turn around to motion for the others to stay back. They had rushed to you when they heard you crying. Alfonse looked livid and even more worried than before, but he held back. She sighs and goes on.- When I enter the room he is already there. I was scared but he told me that I can say no to him if I want to. He says he will pay a lot and I just needed to do what he asks of me. One of those things is…he does not wish to see my face, nor hear my voice. He said I was the right height and skin color…I did not know what he meant. He gave me something from a satchel he had and it was a white coat embellished with gold trimmings. He said to wear it, with the hood on and to not speak at all. I found out later he had stolen it from your castle.- She pause while you weep. Her face is downcast, unable to meet yours.

 -He did not want me Summoner. He wanted you…from the first time. He never saw my face after. I wore the coat he lent me every time. I talked when he wanted and said what he wanted..the way he wanted…and what he wanted was for you to tell him that you loved him… He loves you so deeply…He loves you still…after death. I am nothing to him, he comes because I barely look like you in the dark…

  You start crying harder and hold on to her. It was not her fault and you can’t be angry at him for seeking companionship. She is surprised by this and for a second does not know what to do. She had gotten used to people being repulsed by her, that she had forgotten how it felt to be treated like a human being by other people besides her sister. Zoe started crying too. She had her own reason and seeing you like this had made her let go of the negative feelings that she had been holding back for so long.

  -Summoner…He is…not …he is not like the other clients. They only look for pleasure and to fulfil their sick fantasies. They mistreat us and harm us. He only looks for your love and this saved me and my sister. It is thanks to him I have enough money to pay off my debt…but Summoner. There is something else.- You look up to her face.- He also goes by Alfonse…-She looks at the Prince and then back to you. -I know he looks different but his voice when he talks to you is so much like…

  -Alfonse…- You look back at him and motion for him to come.

  -Are you going to tell him?

  -It is …important to him as well.

  Alfonse comes walking fast and his confused face looks to you and Zoe questioningly. He can’t figure out why Zoe would know something about you that would make you cry except that Zoe may know someone important to you from the World of steel and… There was a knot in his stomach…

  ==Did she tell _____ something that may want to make her go back home? What if she wants to leave…Oh Askr no…I could not live without her please!==

  - Alfonse…Zoe met Lif in the tunnel.- Alfonse who was looking almost green, widened his eyes at the name. If Zoe had been looking at him she would have noticed the change. It was as if a great weight had been lifted off of him. He still looked worried but it was not the same. Lif…Lif he could deal with…even if it meant…

  -Lif! What was he doing? Is he spying on Embla now?

  -She doesn’t know. She says he had an old map and he paid her to show him around the tunnel and where it all led. If Thrasir had been with him I would suspect they were maybe spying on Veronica.- Zoe noticed Alfonse was thinking about it. Trying to

figure things out.

  -He has been here with another woman he calls Veronica.- Zoe says and is surprised by the both of you turning to look at her so fast.- she is like him, but she does not glow….she …she calls him Alfonse too.- Alfonse stiffens and you look worriedly at him.

  -When was this?- He asks when he recovers.

  -Three months after the first visit. I wanted to know what he was doing. I followed him after… you know…He met up with her.- Alfonse widens his eyes. This tells him all he needs to hear to understand why you ere crying, the way she would not look at him in the eyes. He reddens and pinches the bridge of his nose.

  ==First visit?…Great…he’s been consorting with a prostitute of Embla…how low can he get? Although, this may be a blessing in disguise…No. Do not lose focus. I can not make her stay by my side…not the way I need her to be…I can’t deny her happiness just because it is not I making her happy…Even if it kills me inside…The Kingdom is above everything…even me.==

  -Alfonse?

  - It was probably Veronica who told him about the tunnel…Although…I wonder if Zacharias know about it? Maybe he does not trust us with the knowledge.- Alfonse brows furrow even harder. It pains him to learn his friend do not fully trust him.

  -Maybe he doesn’t know about it. Remember he was exiled and well…he spend a lot of time with you in the Order. Even Princess Veronica may not know about it yet.

  -You may be right. I may be reading too much into it. Still…if he…they are spying on Embla then they may be spying on us.

  - They are.- You say.- He even got into the castle unseen. He has one of my coats.

  -What? Why?- He turns to Zoe not wanting to meet her eyes but finding her looking down in shame.- How do you know about it?

  -Memento. He uses it on her Alfonse.- He gave you a questioning look. As intelligent as this man was he was sometimes too innocent for his own good.

  -Why would he dress her up as a Summoner? It’s not like she can use the sacred weapon.

  -Sex Alfonse. He uses it for sex.- You say quietly in his ear.There really was no other way to say it. - He pretends she is…me.- Zoe glances up at him incredulously. Alfonse covers his red face with his hands and turns around. He just wants to go home and lay down to sleep for a week strait and forget about Lif and whatever he has been doing since he disappeared. And why did he not stay dead? He knew what would follow… and he did not like the prospect.

  - Great. Just when I thought this could not get more embarrassing. Do you know anything of what they do here?- He asks with a pinched expression.- Besides…

  - No. The day I followed them I stopped because I was scared they would notice me and I was very cold. I had only my nightgown on and…but I heard them saying something about her brother. I think she wants to see him. She was scolding him for wasting her time she could spend looking for her brother and he answered that she could just go by herself and let him do what he wanted. He said “ Veronica you are not a baby. You can go by your self without me holding your hand.” -Zoe shifted uneasy.

  -Whoa! I’m surprised he still had his…erm… Still ballsy as ever…-You giggle. Alfonse rubs at his face.

  - Well she told him “ Who wants to touch your hand? Who knows what you touched with it. If I was the Summoner I would never let you touch me. ”

  -Oh…that was worst than a blow to the groin for sure.

  -Can we focus on what is important here?- Asks Alfonse impatiently.- Is there something else we need to know?

  -Only that he comes tomorrow night and I will not be here anymore if I can help it. I promised him I would not talk and …I am afraid he may retaliate if he knows I told you. I would have took this to my grave but you saved me and my sister and he …you needed to know. I owe you everything. I was concerned your safety Summoner___.- Alfonse is looking at you pleadingly almost asking you to let it go, but he knows he can’t ask this of you and he turns his face away, anger and pain visible in his eyes. Zoe feels conflicted, seeing the pain in both of you and the way Alfonse was behaving it reminded her of Lif once again.

  -Are they related?- Zoe asks to no one in articular. Alfonse looks at her alarmed and then to you. You held his gaze a moment and said.

  - It is up to you.

  -No…you do not owe me an explanation. I was just wondering aloud. It’s just…he is called Alfonse as well and you …pardon my boldness Your Highness, but you look alike and the way you reacted just now and your voice…Also the way you are talking about that woman Veronica as if she was related to Princess Veronica.

  Alfonse sighs.-This time no matter what happens and for your own good…You must keep your silence and your thoughts to your self. This situation may get you and your sister killed. Remember that by helping us you are already in trouble. If someone knows about it, they may charge you with treason. This is why we are going to help you get away before someone knows about this. Also for this reason. We will tell you the truth. You too deserve to know. I will tell you sou you know who you are dealing with. Lif…may not show you mercy if if he thinks you are a danger to his plans or desires.- Says Alfonse sternly.Alfonse did not say this lightly. He knew that as much as he wanted to deny it, he was not much unlike Lif. In fact. The thought had flashed in his head that, had he met Zoe first, this situation would not be happening and HIS Summoner would not be thinking of….- Three years ago the Goddess of death Hel came to invade the world of the living. Do you remember?

  -Yes. Her army attacked close to the border and we were very scared.

  -Lif was one of the the two generals. The other is Thrasir as she wants to be called. They chose the names of the first king and first Queen of Askr and Embla.

  -Wait…you are saying this is the same person? I have heard so many tales about him!They say he was ruthless in battle and that he was not afraid of anyone! They say he could kill a whole battalion by himself! At first people thought they were on our side because it was said he wanted to kill …well…you two.The Prince and the Summoner of Askr…but then they attacked us and…It can not be the same man…They say he was a demon.- Zoe says. Her voice trembles as she shakes visibly with fear.

  -Perhaps that is what he became for a time…- Said Alfonse.- His real name is Alfonse. Prince Alfonse of Askr.- Zoe gasped.-Thrasir is Princess Veronica of Embla. They both hail from another world that would have been our future. In his world Hel came and attacked and… every person…every living thing died. His world is empty. To bring his people back, Hel told him to bring her the lives of another world like his, so he went back in time to a world in the past where he was still human, to help her kill us. We were able to convince him to help us destroy Hel instead. He did.

  -He is the reason we are standing here alive and still talking. He sacrificed himself and his world…- You tell her so that she does not think so horribly of him.

  -So…there are two of Your Highness and two Princess Veronicas?- Asks Zoe and then she looks at you.- Are there two of you too?

  -No. I died in his world and I was summoned by the sacred weapon to Askr again or…It is complicated. You can say I returned to the body of my earlier self. He does not know this because I lost my memory and I did not know it at the time either. I wanted to tell him the truth but I did not know if he had gone back to the world of the dead this time for real or…he may be looking for a way to bring back our people. It is difficult to explain…it gives me a headache every time  I think about it.

  -You died for him and for his people…that is why he keeps on saying he will come for you soon. He is looking for a way to save you them? But he does not know you are alive! And he tried to kill you.

  -Good times…No. If he had wanted to kill me he would have. He had like three chances and did not do it.

  -He…would not have been able to. No matter how twisted he may have become by his pain…He would not hurt you or Sharena.

  -How about you, Your Highness? Would he harm you?

  -He hates me…- Alfonse said turning his face away. That is all Zoe need to hear to understand.- We need to leave. We have been here in the open too long. It may be dangerous to you and your sister.

  After that Zoe took the gold offered and took her sister with her. About to say her farewells. You on the other hand had another idea. Alfonse knew this and although he said nothing about this he left the site followed by S K Dimitri with a sour expression. Kagero offered to guard Zoe and Vera. It was a lot of money she was carrying and you told Zoe your plan.

  Preparations were made and Zoe was going to leave the city the morning after with a group of Askr soldiers and other people. F Dimitri had asked to leave with her and the child he wanted to protect. You let him go and sent other heroes home so that it would not look suspicious for the two of them to be around the two girls.

   ~*~

  A barn owl cried in the night and perched on the rail of the balcony of a dark and half ruined manor house. Moments later a hand reaches for the owl and takes a note it bears on its leg. Blue light floods the owl’s vision and irritated by it, it turns its face away into the night, but waits patiently for sign of another mission.

 Lif looks at the note and without turning his head say.

  - Nidavellir is at Veronica’s South City Castle. Alfonse has come to help Veronica. Bruno is with them.

  -We were told not to intervene.

  -Will you pass up the chance then? I have business in the city any way. With all the chaos no one will notice us.

  There was no answer from Thrasir, only her retreating footsteps echoing in the empty room.

  ==Business...You only want to see her don’t you?== The voice in his head chimed in in a very good imitation of Thrasir’s own voice and tone. He growled, but inside he knew and hope twisted his stomach in knots.

==She will be there…she will be there! ….and so will Alfonse…==

The pair of red eyes glow brighter and the ghostly breath comes out in venomous vapors. The Owl takes flight scared.

~*~

  After a long nap,(well as long as a Summoner of Askr is permitted to nap with everything going on in a war that is)you get up not wanting to wake up Sharena who had fallen asleep in the same bed as you. You think Alfonse is afraid of your safety and had asked Sharena to stay with you. If he did not trusted his friend, he trusted Princess Veronica even less. You go look out of the window. It looks down to the imperial city. It looked somber and dark after such an invasion.

Night had just fallen and the dying light of the sun bathed in purple and reds the sky in the west, but your eyes were set to the South where home lay. You were thinking of everything Zoe had told you and trying to make the best plan to get to talk to Lif and may be convince him to accept your help.

Wise people say that sometimes the best proof of love you can give someone is to leave and never come back and you were willing to do that if he told you to, but he did not know all the truth. If after knowing the truth he still wanted you to leave, it would break your heart, but you were willing to do so.

 On the Eastern side of the protruding balcony where the shadows are deeper a figure hides from your view. It waits for the perfect moment and as you lean on balcony’s railing; your face between your hands. The assassin moves to strike and a hand comes to his mouth from over his head where a wide ledge is located. The assassin tries to fight off the attack but another strong hand comes to grab his throat and start squeezing until he starts feeling lightheaded and his vision blurs. It felt to him like an eternity but it has taken seconds for his vision to turn to black and his limbs to loosen and drop the knife he was about to throw. It falls among the hydrangeas and camellias under the balcony. The shadow above the ledge carries the unconscious man up to the the ledge to better get a grip. He will extract information from him and that is the only reason the assassin is still alive. Skillfully a pair of gauntleted hands tie the assassin up and gag him with his own clothes. He is about to be carried off when the shadow hears you humming a melody you would often hum when working. He scans his surroundings with his intelligent red eyes and then after making sure the assassin is not going anywhere and there is no one to spy on him, he moves down to the spot the assassin has vacated.

You were so close to him, just like the times he has gotten inside the Askran castle and yet just like those times he was unable to touch you.

- My Alfonse…where are you? When will I see you again?- You emit a sigh and his heart breaks a little more at that. He feels the sting of jealousy crawl up his chest and anger at himself for seeking you out and…

==Wait…Is Alfonse not here with her? Why?==

Your humming stops again as the sound of footsteps grow louder.

- Oh hey Alfonse. Sharena is still sleeping. I did not want to wake her up.

- I was told the servants will be bringing you food in a while. Let her sleep meanwhile.- He says as he joins you outside.- You were thinking about him.- It is not a question. You hum in response and change the subject.

-Have you been able to talk to Zacharias?- Alfonse stares at you and gives a sigh.

-...No. Princess Veronica is not too keen on letting him out of her sight…_______ he is not going to listen to you and he is dangerous.

Lif is surprised by the conversation. Who was the person you were thinking about? Who were you talking about ?

== Could it be Zacharias. Is she trying to help him in his quest? Why? Could she be…No…it can not be…=

Unconsciously he got closer as he tried to process and make out the pieces of information.

  - Alfonse we talked about this. I have been wanting to help him for years and you agreed at some point. What changed?

  == I got engaged to a woman I despise and I am afraid to loose you for ever…== Thought Alfonse.

  -I…I am afraid. I thought I was over this when I got engaged. It has been a year and …it feels the same as it felt the day I signed the treaty.

  ==What?! He..== Lif’s mind was reeling.

  - It only got worse when Ótr kidnapped you.

  ==WHAT!? That bastard will pay for this! I stay away for a while and this happens?! What are you doing Alfonse?==

  - I am worried all the time and angry and you are not making this easy ________. I know I should not be telling you this, I know it is not my place to ask you to stay…but I can’t…

- Alfonse I will try to be more careful. I swear I do not want to burden you. I know you got enough problems. That is why I am here, to help you, not to add to them, but do not ask me not to seek him out at least once. I swore I would help you until the end of the war and I will. I will not leave. I swear it still… I need to make things right with him. I have tried to help you but we both tried to undo the engagement and we couldn’t. That woman really wants to be queen and unless we find a treasure bigger than her fortune we can’t do much about it…and then there is the other matter. Let me do this please. He deserves it.

-And so do you. He is your husband after all.- The word made his mouth taste bitter.- I apologize for being so selfish…You have sacrificed everything for us and to help us and I only want more out of you…-Alfonse sighs.- Do it. I will instruct the men to do what you need and keep you safe. But rem…- His words were cut off by the sound of someone coming inside the room.

-______. I got your food and Sharena’s.- Came Fjorm’s sweet voice. You get inside to greet her and Lif is left looking at Alfonse’s sour expression. He did not miss the whispered “Sometimes I hate that woman.”

==Husband…just when I thought Alfonse was not a threat…Grrr…Alfonse ! Who did you let her marry!?…”He is dangerous”…could it be Zacharias? Dimitri… NO!…Let her do what she wants…What do I care…she is not my ______. She never was…== He thought this as if he did not care, but inside the remainder of his heart was breaking. Who was he fooling?

He looked to the assassin. He was angry and someone would pay for it.

That night the matron of the “tavern” disappeared when she was coming back into the city. A low ranking Nobleman was found dead after he ran into a couple of shadows while coming back into the city as well. They blamed robbers at first, but he still had his money on him and he had bleed to death while trying to escape whoever was chasing him. The wound was on his lower abdomen. His penis and testicles were cut off.

~*~

   The next morning, Zoe was not able to leave the city. She could not find neither the brothel’s matron not the nobleman she owed money to. The other workers who had been with her when she had left the city, had said she had just gone to pee and never came back. Then when she went to pay her debt, she learned the man had been assassinated and was told how he had died. Kagero was with her and was able to communicate, what had happened, to you.

  You leave the castle to visit the soldiers and heroes who did not want to stay at the castle. Some of them were gathering info all around the city while they were here. You took F Dimitri, Marth, Beruka, M Byleth to where Kagero had left Zoe and Vera. When you find her she is a little afraid about what had happened, but offered to help you with your plan.

  You take off to the part of the city where the brothel is located, but it is sealed off. With a small distraction you all were able to sneak in unseen. When you get there the place is obviously deserted. Zoe went to prepare the room you will stay in and meanwhile you tell your heroes the truth. Who you were and who Lif was to you. It was difficult but you manage to explain.

  - Is this why it was so easy for Alfonse to accept the engagement with that horrible…with Lady Braam?-Asks Marth.

  -No. We tried everything, to get him off of it without upsetting the treaty, before he told you about it. It wasn’t easy at all. Even without me in the picture, it is not easy to sign your life away to a loveless marriage.- Marth nodded to this.

  - I don’t see why his mother would want her as a queen.-F Dimitri mutters.- She is clearly filth.- He finishes with disgust. Even in the bad mental state Dimitri had never said anything offending to any lady that was not his worst enemy so hearing talking this way about Lady Braam spoke volumes of the type of person she was.

  -We will come up with something to help him out. You’ll see. If not just for him…for the good of Askr.

  -If a marriage is “Until death do us part”. Does this not mean you are not married any more?- Leave it to Byleth to be direct and a little tactless but practical.

  -I suppose in a way, but I still feel as if I am still married to him, and he needs to know the whole truth.

  -That is so romantic…and sad…- Says Marth with his left hand on his heart.

  -How do you know he will be here? In this place?- Asks Dimitri looking around angrily and a little jealous.

  -Zoe met him in the tunnel when he was sneaking inside the city and she helped him map it out. She told him her story and he wanted to help her and her sister. She has seen him sneak in other nights too. Every month actually.

  -So he was the one who assassinated the matron and that nobleman last night?

  -We believe so.

  -Mmm…- was all F Dimitri said. You got the feeling he did not entirely believe you.

  -Does she know what he comes to do besides…visit?- Asks Byleth. You know he does not buy the whole story. Marth looks embarrassed.

  -Not really. We believe Thrasir just wants to know about her brother. She is going to be really happy to see him tonight.

  -Oh so Thrasir comes as well?- Says Marth sending the others a look that was a little chastising.

 After a while Zoe walks you up to the room after you have given the heroes their instructions. Some of them would stay in the first floor guarding the two entrances and trying to be out of sight but giving you plenty of privacy. They will take turns as guards while the rest go to rest with Zoe and Vera. Beruka would be guarding the tunnel entrance, just to be sure no one else but him enters.

  - Thank you for not telling them about me… -You smile at her.- I readied the room and cleaned it. It has not been used in a while so do not worry about…um… things. The room is sound proof for privacy. The sheets and blankets are new. I got them from the matron’s stores. Er…just in case… I…I apologize for being so forward but…he is your husband after all. I hope everything turns out right.

  -God I wish it too. I miss him.

  -How long has it been, since you were together?

  - Last time I saw him was more than three years ago, when I still didn’t remember anything about him… More than six years for me since we were together…for him…who knows how long he has been alone with only Thrasir to keep him company. I always wondered if they were…together. I have been so jealous all this time.

  -I do not think so Summoner. If they had been together I do not think he would have…come here and she would have reacted differently as well. Well I better get going. I bet Lady Kagero must be tired of dealing with us by now. I will bring the heroes some food and then hide in one of the other houses just in case. Good luck Summoner!

  She leaves and you walk around the room looking at things. There are perfumed oils that smell very strong and kind of cheap, and bottles that look like wine. There are some things in the drawers that look like massage oils and ==Ugh! Are those toys???!!…Ugh I better not touch anything just in case…==

You sit on the bed, back to the door and ponder if you should have worn something better. The dark brown cloak you are wearing hides your garments. You are wearing only what other may call body armor and boots. A belt that houses a sword and a satchel with some items inside. You take off the belt and sword, then the satchel and open it to take out a small notebook where you have written some notes and ideas of what to do about different problems the heroes are facing. Time passes until you hear footsteps coming up the stairs and then approaching the door.

~*~

Lif went up the tunnel to the castle. He needed to see you again, at least one more time, before he stopped hurting himself this way. He needed to know who his precious Summoner had married.

 ==No! She is not my Summoner…she is just…Then why are you going to see her then…why do you want to know who it was she married and see how easy you can get rid of him… To see how it feels to break every bone in his body.==.

At the angry thought his hands made a fist, his eyes shone a bright red and he imagined all the ways he could get rid of a body without you ever finding out it had been him. He was also making a list of the probable heroes and friends that could be the offending recipient of…who was he fooling. If it was Zacharias, he was unsure if he could ever hurt his friend and he would never hurt Thrasir this way. Besides, Zacharias was a good man at the core.

When he came to where the entrance to the brothel was he stopped. There was a candle burning at the entrance. He had assumed the woman had left the city, but by this sigh he thought she must be there thinking he would be coming. He thought for a minute whether he should go inside. He spied a note by the candle. It read “ Please come up.”He thought he should go and tell that woman she was free to go now and so he entered the brothel thinking that even if it was empty, he knew full well where the woman lived down the street.

  He opened the door to find candles lit in a kind of pathway. Why was that woman here still waiting for him? Maybe she was afraid he would go out to seek her out at her house. He sighted. Sometimes being scary was very useful, but sometimes it was just annoying. He followed the path upstairs until he finally was outside the room. He opened the door to find candles burning. The room did not smell of perfume as much as other times. He took a small bag of coins from his belt and let it fall on the top of the drawer by the door. The figure in the bed did not move. She looked scared stiff. He sighted again. It was not like he ever hurt her and he had asked for her permission too. He closed the door behind him. Thinking she may need an explanation. She might have come to the conclusion that it had been him who had gotten rid of her two captors. He gave a step forward.

  -The people that own you are gone. You are free to go. You don’t have to be scared any…- There was something odd about the situation. The figure moved her head to the side a little at his faltering. For all the gold he had given her for her silence, that woman would have said something by now,she always had something to say and that smell. The smell was not one of those awful perfumes the woman always had to use…it felt familiar…it was… he found himself unsheathing his sword, but oddly enough it felt like he was warding off a demon out to get his soul, instead of trying to attack it. - Who are you?! What are you doing here?

  -Is this how you greet me now Alfonse?- You say to him and take off the hood of the cloak. You turn around to see him widen his eyes.

  He takes a step back and comes into contact with the door he had closed. He is still holding his sword up to you but his other hand is searching for the doorknob.

  -Summoner…What are you doing here? ==Of all the people who could find out I come here, it had to be you? I really am cursed!==

  -I came looking for you. I need to tell you something important…are you going to hold that sword up at me all night?

  -There is nothing to talk about Summoner.- He says, sheaths his sword and turns to leave.- You are a married woman Summoner. You shouldn’t go around looking for men in brothels, people may talk.- He says suddenly angry and jealous of this unknown husband of yours.

  ==The nerve!==

  -Well a woman just might have to go into brothels if their husband is the one visiting it! I am looking for my husband Alfonse… I heard he comes here every month.

  Lif turns around faster than he intended and looks angrily at you.-So you really married Zacharias? and he comes here every month? Do you not keep him satisfied enough Summoner? I took you for a more passionate woman, if not borderline perverted ==Marrying my best friend!==… but your marital problems are of no consequence to me. And don’t call me Alfonse.- He says angrily and steps closer to you.

  ==It has to be Zacharias! Who else would come here often…and to think he was my friend! How could they?==

 -What?! First of all…What the FUCK!? …The Hell you mean Bruno? What does he have to do with this? I am looking for you Alfonse! If you let me talk then I would…

 - I heard you talking to Alfonse last night. You were talking about his engagement and then about your wedding. He said Princess Veronica was not going to let him out of her sight and then he said he was dangerous and you said he was your husband…and stop calling me Alfonse.

  - You were spying on me?…Alfonse...Lif.We were talking about you. Yes I started out talking about Bruno to change the subject, but he switched to you because he knew I was coming here to tell you the truth. Lif I am in no way married to Bruno. Next time you listen to someone else’s conversation get all the facts and stop assuming things.

  -Why were you talking about me and what truth are you talking about?

  -Lif. You disappeared after our fight with Hel and I thought you were gone… after a time I stated having these memories coming back to me and after talking to Alfonse we came to the conclusion that I had been summoned twice to Askr. Once for him but the first time for you. I have been looking for traces of you to tell you, but I could not find any traces of you until I found Zoe by mere luck. Umm…Lif? Are you listening?

  Lif could not move. He was rooted to the spot. He stopped listening when you said you had been summoned to his Askr first.

  ==Is she? Why didn’t she tell me?…how?==

  -You…You are my summoner…and you didn’t tell me…

  -Umm, I just said I tried to find you to tell you but…

  - Why? I have been looking for a way to save you! How could you leave me alone all this time? You promised! You promised you would never leave me!- He steps back again as if he is trying to leave.

  - I know. This is why I came to see you as soon as I found out where you would be.

  - It is because I look hideous isn’t it? You rather stay with him? It that it? You love him more don’t you? He is perfect! Your perfect prince!- He is pacing around the room now, his agitated breath coming out like poisonous miasma around him.

  -Lif you were gone! How was I suppose to tell you who I was, if I didn’t even know you survived? Are you even listening to me? I love you I wanted to find you as soon as I knew you were here!

  -You love me? You love me now that he is out of your reach? Now that he left you and is getting married?

  -There has not been anything between us since I told him we were married!- You reach out to him and he pulls away.

  -Don’t touch me!- His hand hits you on the chest when he turns around to leave and you stumble and hit yourself on the drawer by the door then fall to the floor.

  -Ofhh.- He looks sideways at you and watches as you fall down. He tries to take your arm but misses it as you flail your arms in an effort to find something to hold on to. In an instant he is by your side kneeling on the floor.

  -_______! Are you hurt? I did not mean for this to happen!- He says eyes wide in shock.

  -Ow it hurts…I just landed on my butt…

  -Your arm is bleeding. Really Summoner, getting hurt in a place like this! You will catch an infection! Or something worse…

  -If I can manage to talk to you; it will be worth it.- He looks into your eyes as he helps you up and sits you on the bed. He sighs again and sits next to you.

  -You really did tell Alfonse we were married?- He ask looking sideways at you while rummaging inside your satchel for something to cure you. He knows you always bring a first aid kit.

  -Were? I told him we ARE still married…unless you don’t want me anymore.- He looks away at that.

  -The cut isn’t deep. You should head out to the castle now. I am sure he will find a way to undo that engagement if you tell him you love him.- His ruby red eyes are avoiding looking at you.

  - No. I am not going back until we talk.

  -What is there to talk about? You are Askr’s summoner. You will only go back to him.

  -Not to him. I am going back for the whole Kingdom. I made a promise , like I did you. I served you and our Kingdom until I died. I failed you and our people…I will not do so again.

  -You didn’t fail anyone…It was all my fault. I should have done more research…I was so desperate…

  - We were all desperate…but at the end you did the right thing. She is gone…we paid a high price but she is gone for good. Imagine how many worlds she would have ended before someone else stopped her… if any one ever did.

  -My people should not have to pay the price for my mistakes.

  - We all lost and you were really not wrong…it is the payment…and that type of payment is the kind that is hidden until the deal is done…Like a contract with the devil. I have been doing some research during my free time. I still can’t find the payment as a result of the rite. I also have been researching for ways to help you…- He looks you in the eyes now.

  -Leave it to you to be working on your free time.

  -Well. I don’t go to picnics or long walks in the garden anymore so I go to the library. Every day we have new heroes, many of them we never met before and they contribute to our knowledge. The library keeps on growing. I managed to summon some heroes back from the dead Lif. Including Lord Freyr, the god of dreams and fertility.

  -You summoned Lord Freyr?… dead heroes…

  - I do not want to raise our hopes but maybe one of these times …and I can try it on our pedestal, back in our Askr, to see if it works.

  -Ours - He murmurs closing his eyes.-…But you need to save this Askr first.

  -Yes and this war just stretches on like it is just pilling one on top of another. But we will try won’t we?

   - Perhaps. ..You need to leave. Do not get yourself into so much trouble and much less for me. I can’t be there to save you all the time.

  -Lif…You really don’t love me any more?- You ask him and he lowers his eyes.

==Is it Thrasir Alfonse? Have you left me for Thrasir?==

  -Does it matter?

  -Have you not been listening? I love you! Of course it matters to me.

  - You don’t love me. I am not the man you loved once. He died the day you died…You have no idea what I have done for her…just look at what she turned me into…- He takes off his mask then and closes his eyes. He does not want to see the disgust in your face.- And if it were just my appearance…

  - I can understand you do not like the way you look and have negative feeling about it, but you have to know I do not mind at all what you look like. - he opens his eyes then and you can see his feelings bared for a second.- Please my Alfonse, Do not shut me out because of this. Why do you always have to be so difficult? Sometimes I feel like I am always running around trying to get to you and you always run away from your feelings and from me.Just like when we met.- You caress his face. You feel the lips you can not see and touch the line that unites his flesh and his glowing body with your thumb and see him get closer to you. You meet him halfway.

  The kiss was tentative and slow, like he was still waiting for you to shun him and push him away and when you tried to get closer and placed your arms around his neck, the noise he made was almost a whine of need. He deepens the kiss and circle your waist with one hand and cradle your head with his other.The need to be close to you is overwhelming and he wants to be as close to you as possible. You feel his tongue exploring inside you; drinking you up like lost man in a desert. Meanwhile you feel the same way, but with the added feeling of exploring this different body. You are fascinated by the smooth and soft feel of his skin. You though he would feel cold but there is a warmth to his body just like a regular body would feel. It was very inviting. You did not want to let go and yet you feel him retreat a little and bury his face in the crock of your neck and take a beep breath.

  -I missed you. I have been so lost without you… no one to ground me…or guide me.

  -I missed you too love…- You caress his head and card your fingers through his hair the way you used to when you spend the night together. His hair looked darker and almost colorless. His vibrant blue and gold faded to dark blue and silver, but the feel was the same. All of him was this way. He looked different but he felt the same. He raises his head and before he tries to leave, you take his lips and kiss him. He seems surprised, but complies and soon you are breathless against him again. You feel yourself being lowered to the bed, but all of a sudden he stops and let go.

  - Not here. I will not let this place stain you and this moment.

  - All is clean love. I made sure of this. No one has used the sheets and blankets. They are a gift.

  -She told you…

  - She felt she owed me her life and her sister’s. I am glad she did tell me. Do not be angry at her. She is also grateful to you and wants to see you happy. -He makes a face and turns away blushing.

  - She did not have to tell you any details…

  - She didn’t. …Well only about the coat…and my name.

  - I am sorry I was….. unfaithful…would you ever forgive me?

  -For all you knew I was dead. That wasn’t being unfaithful. You did not know who I was and you were thinking of me. Weren’t you?

  - All the time.- He closes his eyes then ads.-I don’t deserve you or your kindness.

  -You can still make it up to me.- You say and wink at him.

  -You…are sure about this?

  -Yes. Unless you do not want me…I suppose..

  -I do…Gods I do. - He says and kisses you again.- I…missed….you…so …much…- He says between kisses. He lays you down and he half lays on top of you and watches you for a minute intensely.- I can not believe you are here with me.- He says quietly. He lowers himself and kisses you again while you circle him to reach his back.

His armor is full of cutting edges and pointy horns. He worries about it and so he raises himself to stand and take it all off. He starts with his fur cloak and gloves.All the while watching your reaction. You have seen his face and torso, but he was worried you would not find him attractive after seeing all of his body. He took off his armor, which surprisingly he could do by himself as if it was just placed on his body without fastening. He was left with only his boots, which he was taking off and pants. You get up to start taking off your clothes, while you hear his voice. You could only take off the boots.

  -No. Let me. I want to do it.- He had dream of this for so long. Being with you again and fantasizing about it had been one of the things that had helped him keep the little sanity he had. He sighs out of nervousness. He used to be a very self conscious man when he was alive and his new form was so repulsive to him. How he wished he could have his old body back. He stands before you a second, unsure of what to do. He wanted to see your face but at the same time he did not. He stood looking down until he growled a little and berated himself for being a coward. He looked up to your face and caught you staring at him in fascination. Your lips parted in anticipation. It was enough for Lif to feel a heat inside him flare.

  ==She…likes me…Doesn’t she find me disgusting?=

  -Sir…MY clothes will not be taking themselves off. -You say flirting, because knowing him; that pause he had taken, meant he is insecure and having second thoughts.

  He gets closer to you and kisses you again. You can feel his hands working on your top clothes. You feel them being lifted and help him, by raising your arms for him to take them off. The brief pause in the kiss to get the top off ends with his mouth once again taking your lips. His arms reach behind you  to undo the fastenings on your bra and then caress your back, before laying you down.

He let go of your lips to kiss your neck while his hand reached your breast. He hummed in pleasure at the softness of your skin and when you moaned and reached for his hair, he lowered his head to lick at your nipple. The gasp you emitted makes him smile and he looks up at you when he feels you kiss the top of his head. He meets your eyes and the ruby irises darken with desire. Holding your stare he plays with your nipple with his tongue while his hand reaches down to your pants. He unfastens them and reaches inside. Nimble fingers searching for the price he so desires.

At this point you have melted in his arms. There are no coherent words coming from your mouth but his name. His fingers play you like the strings of a guitar and your music is more precious to him than the any notes he could conjure with his violin.

-Does he touch you the way I do? Tell me. Has he made love to you?

-No…we have never…Lif …please! My Alfonse…My Lif!

 How he had missed your voice calling his name. He thought he would have hated that you call him by his name, but now he knew, the Alfonse of this world had not touched you the way he has and he does not want you to call him Lif.

-Alfonse…Call me Alfonse.- He says in your ear.

-Alfonse! My Alfonse! My love!…I…I need …I Need…-He also could not wait any longer. He had waited for so long and the knowledge that it was you this time, not a mirage or a fantasy…it drove him insane to wait any longer. He rose to pull your pants and underwear off and once done, he opened your legs to position himself. He stayed there admiring your body a moment. The intensity of his stare made you blush. You were so vulnerable right now and he felt a wave or warmth to know that you still trusted him enough to let him see you this way. He took your left leg with his hand, to hold it up but he wanted so much to taste you as well.

He made up his mind and he lowered himself to plant a kiss on the inside of your thigh.He moved to your womanhood. Your smell had always turned him on, but your taste…he had never thought he would enjoy something so much. You tasted just as sweet as ever and he closed his eyes as he twirled his tongue over your clitoris. His eyes opened when he hears you moan loudly. It had been so long since he had done this, but the sweet sounds you were making told him he was doing things right.

It did not take long for his tongue to bring your release, It had been so long and the desire to have him was so strong. He smiled to himself as he saw you tremble with ecstasy by his hand and tongue alone. He climbed the bed and over your body until he was level with your face and buried his face in the crock of your neck to take a soft bite of the tender skin. He could not hold on for much longer but he wanted you to enjoy your self first. You turn your face to kiss his head and he gives you a grumble of satisfaction then he takes your lips and kisses you. It was a tender kiss that soon changed into a heated kiss. By this time you were ready to take him in.

He takes a second to look at your face as he slides himself inside you. When you move and moan with pleasure he smiles for a second and then closes his eyes in pleasure as well. You felt so right around him, so soft and warm. He moves slowly at first, taking in the feel and making it last. He opens his eyes to watch you in the same situation.

Your hands were holding on to his back and arched in ways that made him want to touch deeper inside you. He kisses you deeply to be closer to you. He can hear you moans partly silenced by his tongue and he grunts in return. It is slowly driving him insane and he wants more, much more. He moves faster and you adjust to his rhythm. You feel one of his hands cupping one of your breasts. Caressing the perked up nipple with his thumb. All the while he is not kissing you he is telling you sweet nothings in your ears.

 You wrap you legs around him when you feel that sweet spot being bombarded with waves of pleasure once again. You hear him grunt in that sexy low voice of his.

-I love you Alfonse!

He lets go and shares that moment with you. Your words brought him the final push he needed to reach ecstasy.

Moments later he holds you in his arms.

-How I love you my _______ . How I have missed you and these moments…I feel like we are one soul that have been apart for too long and finally has come together again.

You hear him sigh deeply and his hold tightens. There is a slight tremor in his chest and after a moment you hear a strangled sob. You try to see what is wrong but his hand on your head keeps you from moving.

-I…I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to return to that loneliness…I …I can not take it! Not when I know you are here, near him and…

-Don’t leave. Stay with me.

-I can’t…

-Why?

-I made a deal…with the gods…with Thorr specifically.

-Why?

-She…came to us and said they could return our people if we helped them.

-Help them? With what?…wait…Alfonse?...Love how could you?

-I was not thinking strait… I have been so lost in the shadows…I thought it was a good option…and…I…I want to destroy the gods too. I need time and information on how to do it…

-That is a very dangerous game Alfonse.

-I know. I had nothing to lose at the time…or at least I did not know I had something to lose at the time. Come with me! Together we can do this!

-You are going to help them destroy my Askr and want me to help you? I gave them my word. To this people…including Sharena.

-No. Of course not…I… I don’t want him to die anymore…I have been so jealous of him, I was willing to do anything…

- I have been jealous of Thrasir.- You say. Lif looks at you and makes a face.

-Why? She is like a sister to me…a more exasperating sister.- He says under his breath. He sighs and hides his face in your hair and the crock of your neck.

  -It would not work and the power of summoning is the least the gods need…I would never help them destroy another Askr.

  -I know. I would never let them use your power either. I… just want you near me.

  -Oh…You have been spying on me…you can still do it and well they don’t need to know what you do when you spy on me. I can give pieces of useless information that may sound interesting to them.

  -And I can give you what I find out…

  -Alfonse…I don’t like it…I don’t want to lose you again.

  -Nor I you _______…Marry me again ______.

- Marry you…bejond death… Is there a way to marry souls without the Gods knowing?

-Marry our souls?- You feel him take your face in his hands and turn it upward for him to look at you.-Bind our souls …for all eternity…so we will be together even in death.Is that what you want?- He asks hopefully. His eyes shine like they have not shined since he was alive. His lips part and his breathing deepens.

-Yes. Do you?

-It is what I most desire…for you and I to be together always…no matter what…to belong to you and for you to belong to me.

- Then let’s find a way to do it.- You say smiling. You know he will find a way.

-I…I know how to do it…I never told you because…I never thought you wanted to bind yourself to me in such an intimate and final way.

- Why didn’t you say this before? It would have saved us a lot of time and problems and…God I love you Alfonse!- You give him a peck on the nose and then look at him again.- Let’s do it then.

-Let me just prepare the ritual.- This surprises you because you thought the ritual may require items not available to you at the moment; but you say nothing because you know Lif would take this as hesitation on your part.

He gets up and rummages for something inside his clothes that are scattered on the floor, while you sit on the bed looking at his magnificent body. He takes a deep breath and reaches for the dagger he carries in his belt and returns to sit by your side. He is unsure if the spell will work if he uses his hand so he cuts his cheek instead , where he still have regular skin. Blood comes out of the small cut. He takes your hand and cuts your palm until a little blood comes out. He puts your hand over his cheek and covers it with his own. He closes his eyes to relish in the warmth of your hand on his human flesh.

 Slowly he starts to speak.There are some words in the beloved ancient tongue of his people that you can not make out. Then his eyes open. Lif’s eyes shine brighter than you have ever seen them shine before, when he next speaks.

- By the power given to me and you by Lord Askr, I give myself entirely to you. I give myself to you so my soul can bind to yours for all eternity. Do you give yourself to me completely so your soul can bind to mine?

-By the power given to me and you by Lord Askr, I give myself entirely to you as you are giving yourself entirely to me so that my soul can bind to yours.

-Let our souls bind to each other for eternity.- He says and kisses you.

There is a feeling of something being pulled away from your body and a sense of togetherness you have never felt even when at the height of ecstasy while making love to him. The pleasure was beyond carnal pleasure and so clean it felt holy. For a moment it was as if you did not know where you ended and he began and the feeling of closeness was so compelling you wanted to stay this way for ever.

  The strength of the spell drained you both and you open your eyes to see his eyes shining a bright blue. You were not even aware of the moment you had closed you eyes since you could still see him. His eyes widen when he sees the same blue light shining in yours. The light fades and he knows the spell worked and Lord Askr has blessed the union. Perhaps it was foolish of him to still have faith in Askr, but his blessing had never left him and even if his Lord had not come to his aid in his darkest of times he understood every god had a different power and different use. Askr was the only God so far that had been good to his people and so he still held respect for him.

  - I feels so happy Alfonse!- You say and it was true. You may even cry of happiness at this moment.

  -So do I.- He gives a sigh of contentment and buries his face in the crock of your neck again and embraces you tightly. This man who is almost seven feet tall manages to make himself smaller by almost wrapping himself around you protectively. - Mmm…Mine…

 There is almost a purr to his voice that makes you giggle a little. He is like a big cat that just wants to be petted and be given love. It is such a contrast to when you had first met. You think back to that time. Of course the hunger for touch had always been there but he had been hurt and so he was cautious and he was also shy so it had taken moths for his trust in you to grow enough to let you into his heart. Touching had not been his love language until he had learned from you and that is when he discovered he craved it. And now you were finally here with him; he was drinking in every touch and every word like the sands of the desert; taking them all inside himself and hiding them like a treasure.

  Lif did not need to sleep but could do it if he so wanted. He did it when he felt his mind needed the rest but sleep would bring nightmares so he slept seldom. He did not sleep while he held you into sleep. It had taken you with a smile on your face and his name on your lips.

  For some moments he would be afraid this happiness would have been only a dream and worse yet that this happiness would end in tragedy somehow and he would bury his face again in your hair until that fear would die down and he willed himself to not think those dark thoughts. Your warmth and your smell would reassure him and he would be content again.

  -Who is Alfonse engaged to?- He asks suddenly out of the blue, a while after he felt you wake up.

  -Your third cousin Elanor Braam.

  -What would possessed him to agree to an arranged marriage with her? Of all my family…Unless we count cousin Damian…Still she is the worst kind of person.

  -She knows about Sharena…and how you…handled the situation.- He knew the situation right away. Sharena being the friendly girls she was, had made friends with many nobles. Among them was a Baron’s third son, called Ambrose Von Becker, whom she came to idolize for his musical abilities. In his efforts to gain social status he had befriended the friendly girl. Knowing he had no chance in courting her, because of his status, he planned to lure her into running away with him. The plan was to make her think she was going to go on a trip with him and his sister as chaperone but planned on going the two of them by themselves. Luckily Sharena had confided her plans to Alfonse and Zacharias who was at the time still training Sharena. Together they both had made her see the truth. Zacharias told her he knew Almbrose’s sister was away on a trip to the far South as she had insisted on him accompanying her.

However the damage was already done since she had sent him letters making plans and alluding to secret meetings that although were innocent in nature, could be viewed as something entirely different. Ambrose had told no one yet but tried to blackmail Alfonse into making him help accept an arranged marriage or he would tell everyone that it had been her idea to run away and that their meetings were more than innocent. Alfonse who was still young and did not want his parents to know took matters into his owns hands. Together with the help of his best friend Zacharias and his retainer Erland, they arranged a hunt where Ambrose suffered a disastrous accident that killed him. Sharena was but 13 years of age and Ambrose 25. And now the most greedy and hateful of the courtesans had gotten hold of the few reminding letters to blackmail Alfonse herself.

  -How?- You hear anger in his voice.

  - One of the servants told her husband. The husband sold the information. Elanor went to your…to the Queen and blackmailed her into arranging the marriage or she would make the whole situation known.

  -Does she have proof?

  -The servant and her husband…they helped her get some of the letters Sharena sent Ambrose. In one of them she mentions…the meetings and…they found the woodsman who helped you set the trap that got Ambrose killed. She has him hidden somewhere…until they get married. Sharena doesn’t know. She thinks…her mother is doing it for her money.

  -Do not worry about ti. I am sure there will be a way to help him.

  -How can I not worry…- You start but he moves to hug you closer.

  -Come here.- He says and kisses you.

  Dawn came and with it the voice of one Prince Marth of Altea.

  -Summoner. Dawn comes. We need to leave before sentinels come and we are wanted in the castle. Remember we leave at midday.

  -Thank you your Highness. I will be down in…(sigh) ten minutes.

  -You have to go…

  -Mmm…five more minutes…

  -I wish we had that luxury…Love…-He was so tempted to kidnap you away and keep you for himself and away from all dangers that awaited you. But he knew not only that you would not fall for such temptation, but that it was counterproductive to both your missions. So he settles for your accord on stolen moments every once in a while. It was a huge leap from being alone…well with Thrasir.

  ==Oh FUCK! Veronica!! She is going to kill …Well…Whatever...==

  He gets up faster than he wanted to and started to dress up. You followed halfheartedly and grumbling a little.

  It took you less than five minutes to dress and it took him even less time. Lif spent the rest of the time waiting for you to dress, looking out of the window. He made a point of not looking at you or he would lose his composure and pull you down on the bed once again. Once he heard you were making the bed and tiding up the place, he turned around and pulled you into a final kiss that lasted more than he thought he could without undressing you again.

  Strangely enough he felt content and hopeful when he finally left and not the endless emptiness and hopelessness that always followed him. By the time he reached the door to the tunnel he even felt like smiling at a bewildered Dimitri. Not like the man could see his smile under the mask and light but he did so non the less.

  Still he knew he could not say anything about his plans even to Thrasir so he tried to fake shame when he met with her.

  -Do we have another ally in our plans to take down the gods?- Thrasir asked as soon as he got near and not even looking at him. Silence met her inquiry while taken aback by the question Lif had stayed silent.- I talked to Bruno. Alfonse helped me have a moment with him. I told him about the assassin. He told me about your meeting. Strange how he trusts me more than you.

  -I just got here…

  -Hmmp… You forgot to tell her about the assassination tempt I assume.

  -Err…

  -Of course…How she forgave you I don’t understand… You can tell her when we go back to Askr to “spy’ on them. And erase that stupid smile off your face. We don’t want Thorr to suspect anything.

  -Yes…of course…how?…

  - You even walk different. Also you stayed all night.

  -Oh…

- Do us a favor.Do try to give off that miasma of doom and hopelessness you always carry with you.- There was a strange sound coming from her that Lif had never heard before. It sounded like a giggle but instead of making him smile he felt awkwardly creeped out.Talking to her brother for so long had done wonders for her. She felt so happy.- Come before we give our entire mission away.

-Veronica…Thank you…

-Shut up.- Veronica never took a compliment or a thanks right and an apology much less.

-Veronica…

-What do you want.

-Don’t giggle while I am present again…

-Umm….Now I know how to get your attention…

-Fuck…

[line break ]

  It took time but eventually you could summon Bruno, Thrasir’s brother. The next time they came and found out Thrasir had smiled. The good part was that death had freed him from the curse too.

It was strange to see her smile. But it was also regarding. The more you talked to her the more you liked her.

 [Line break]

The news came two weeks before the Winter festival. A tragedy for the royal family had occurred. The Crowned Prince’s fiance had died in a fire in which her Winter residence had burned down along with many of her servants.

There was no need for an investigation. A servant confessed to have killed and then burned down the Villa with her mistress, her husband and a couple of the servants inside. Her motives were never knows as she seemed to have lost her mind after and was never able to talk again.

She had been sentenced to death but Alfonse was merciful and decided to let her live the rest of her life in prison since she had been a servant in his own household when he was younger.

On the day of the Winter Festival Alfonse found a parcel with a bow waiting for him when he woke up. It contained the missing letters that almost cost him his freedom. A single note written in his own fancy script read:

“Watch them burn.”

And Alfonse did. Smiling at the dark joke Lif had written in the note; he threw the bundle of incriminating letters immediately into the fire in the chimney. At last they were free.

[welp-back-on-my-bs]

I think I'll make one lil story for each ikemen game (maybe obey me too, haven't decided) with a disabled MC, because I personally like what I've seen of the rep (haven't completed everything but ye-)

Anywaysssss

Deaf reader x IkeVil

You were a maid that worked under the crown. Not the crown that meant the royal family or the queen however. The Crown was a group of individuals, who had their own oddities, working under the queen to 'destroy evil with evil'. You were never told this, but they did talk about it alot.

You couldn't hear, like the rest of your co workers, but you were skilled in lip reading. You weren't able to pick up everything due to mouths being coverd or them talking too slow or too fast. But, you didn't want to pay attention to everything anyways.

Master William was always so kind and sweet to everyone. He was the reason you and your Co workers had the job in the first place. He let you all do what you wanted within the realms of your job of course.

Master Victor was allways quite entertaining, he would often ask things for magic tricks, insiting you to stay and watch. He sometimes fell asleep at his desk in the middle of working on some documents, so you would go in and put a blanket on him and turn out the lights.

Master Liam was quite sweet and charming, he did everything in his power to make the maids like him. Of course, they all did. He allways asks for odd things and rarely the same thing twice except when it comes to his favorites. It was allways interesting, finding him such odd things and seeing what he does, you couldn't help but smile at the child like joy radiating off of him.

Master Harrison was quite the odd one. He liked toying around alot, but you manged to figure out some things. You often found some new books by Arthur Connan Doyale for him, or other novels he may like. He allways smiled and hugged you tightly when gifting them.

Master Elbert was... quite odd. He often had many lavish and beautiful things brought to his room. Stored there for all time. A bad habit of his was just not eating, so to conteract that, you found a way to get him to eat. You would make food that was just appealing enough to be eaten, not too perfect or beautiful to be stored away to rot, but just enough that he would eat it. He allways thanked you and fed you some aswell.

Master Alfonse often helped you out, especially when it comes to Master Elbert. He allways insisted on it even. Later on he would ask for something random if yours, being quite teasing and takeing it back.

Master Roger was the Crowns doctor, so whenever you worked with him, he was often takeing care of Jude or Liam. You have grown to become a good nurse and became quite skilled at helping him out and anticipating what he needs. He is quite grateful for your assistance and gifts you little things as thanks.

Master Jude is often doing something in relation to his buisness or sitting in the library reading. So you would often bring him tea or coffee, whatever he was feeling that day. He didn't show his thanks when there was someone else in the room, but when it was you two, he did sign it to you. Him doing that often made your day a little brighter.

Master Ellis was allways worried about everyone else happiness. So, you did what you could to make him happy in turn. The two of you often had long conversations in sign and you massaged him aswell if he looked extra stressed due to Jude giveing him alot of work. He allways seemed so happy when you were around.

Mistress Kate (that's MC's name right?? T-T) is the newest member of the crown. When she first got here she seemed so scared and alone. So you did what you could to comfort her, leaveing her little letters, tea and snacks, a book or two. Whatever you could to make it a little easier. She never really asked for much at first. When she started to get more comfortable, she fit right in with the rest of your masters. You two would often hangout and have some tea together, signing about how your days have been. She checked in to see if any of your fellow maids needed any help or anythjng if the sort. She was allways so sweet. You hoped your masters wouldn't take too big of an advantage over that.

Overall, you couldn't help but be happy to serve such wonderful masters. They made you feel right at home and that you belonged there

[cherry-flavoured-thot]

Another Day of Devotion is on the horizon and yet another year Alfonse has spent playing with the idea of using the opportunity to confess his undying devotion to you. Last year had himself regretting not confessing, for when the day was done, you and he were both standing together alone.

"Not devoting yourself to anyone this year?" You had asked, attention focused on the setting sun peaking through the arch. Alfonse, at that time noted how the orange hues danced across your face, and thought them to be different from all the times the sun had set in front of you before.

"I devote myself to my people, as I did the last." He eventually replied. You had nodded thoughtfully to his words. "Although I do hope in future to be able to have someone stand by my side." An image of you standing by his side had lingered in his mind after he had shared his thoughts. "And you?" You had turned to him at that point.

"If you're devoted to your people, I guess that means I'm devoted to you." His heart had almost leaped out of his chest. The mere idea of your devotion enough to eat away any sensibility the prince may have had. "Well your cause anyways." But you had rephrased your words, and as disappointment slithered itself around his heart, he regained his composure.

"And for that you have mine and Askr's gratitude." As the sun disappeared behind the horizon Alfonse had vowed to himself that next year he wouldn't squander this opportunity.

Now all he has to do is follow through with that vow and hope you feel the same.

[fire-emblem-drabbles]

Day 4

Pairing: Alfonse x reader

Prompt: Contentness

Description: After speaking with Ash and thinking it over just a moment, you decide that after all these years, you have to let your feelings be known; you have to tell Alfonse how much you love him.

Rating: sfw

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 1196

Notes: I think I could write about being in love with Alfonse a million times and never get tired <3

It felt so right to be by his side; loving someone had never felt so right, so pure and sweet. Almost like it was your first love all over again. But it wasn’t-- this was Alfonse. Prince of Askr. Leader of the Order of Heroes. One of your best friends.

He didn’t know you felt this way, of course. There was always other things to take care off… Tactics to consider, Heroes to train with or summon, meetings and papers… Not to mentions battles and wars. It was a lot, for one prince, for one tactician. So for the time being, you kept these feelings under lock and key.

But, you were content with this. You had felt this way for years, after all, so you doubted they would go away any time soon. As long as you got to stay by his side, support him and see the day he smiled again. Well, that was enough.

“Summoner?” You blinked away from your thoughts, seeing Ash before you.

“Hello Ash! Was there something I could help you with?” You smile politely at her, trying to pretend you weren’t just lost in your thoughts. What were you doing again?

“Oh, well you see I saw you staring off into space, so I thought to bring you back with us.” She smiled sweetly. “So actually, can I help you summoner? That is why I called you from your thoughts.”

“Ahh, well…” You frown slightly. You did adore Ash, but you hesitated in sharing your thoughts with her. If only because you didn’t want to bother her with your feelings. Still, a little insight would be… nice.

“Ash, have you ever loved another person?”

“Loved?” She seemed taken aback at your question. She took a moment, and spoke again though. “I… cannot say that I have, at least not in the sense your seem to speak. I loved Lord Askr like a father, and I adore you mortals as he did but… I’ve never fallen in love, so to speak.” You nod at her words, a soft sigh leaving you.

“I see… I’ve been in love with someone for a long time.” You admit, a soft smile meeting your lips at thoughts of Alfonse. “I’ve never tried to confess to them or anything because our lives are always so… so hetic.” You frown a little. “I don’t want to complicate his life by admitting my feelings.”

“Oh, Summoner…” Her voice goes soft. “Don’t feel as if I’m pressuring you, but I think you admitting your love might help this person.” You meet her gaze, Ash smiling reassuredly at you. “Love is a very precious thing… I think you only have something to gain by sharing it.”

“You think so?” You sigh softly. “It never bothered me in the past but lately… I don’t know.” You sigh softly. “I guess I’ve just been getting angsty.” You admit to her.

“If you don’t mind me asking… Who is it?” Ash looks at you with big, wide eyes.

“I’ll give you three guesses.” You wink. She probably already knew, after all.

“Is it… Prince Alfonse?” She asked.

“Yup. It’s always been him.” You smile softly. “Knowing that now… do you still think I should confess?”

“Hm…” She closed her eyes a moment, considering all that had happened. “Well… I know he cares for you very much Summoner. I can’t say that it’s love but… I think it would be worth it, in the end.” She decides, nodding.

“You think so?” You can’t help but get a little excited at her words. “You know what… I think you’re right!” You grin softly. “I think I’ll go find him right now! Thank you Ash!” You can’t help but leave with a pep in your step, off to find your beloved prince.

“Don’t do anything too rash!” Ash calls after your retreating form. She can’t but smile as you bound off though. Things would be okay, wouldn’t they?

“I’ll be fine!” You assured her, hurrying on your way. This time of day Alfonse should be…

“Whoa!” You bump right into someone, the both of you stumbling a little but luckily not tripping (despite the speed you were going).

“Goodness, ____, what’s got you in such a hurry?” You can’t help but grin as Alfonse stands before you, bracing you by the shoulders.

“I was looking for you, sorry.” You breath out, breathless and nervous now that you were in his presence.

“Oh, is everything okay?” He frowns at you, but your shake your head.

“It’s great, actually!” You assure him, grin on your face. “Fantastic, even. I came to a realization. But ah…” You look around at the space you were in. “Follow me, to somewhere more… private.” You decide, cheeks darkening. You take his gloved hand in yours and all but drag him towards the castle gardens.

“What’s gotten into you?” Alfonse follows along side you despite being confused.

“You’ll see! It’s nothing bad, I swear!” The two of you pass Ash, and she can’t help but smile as she sees the two of you talking-- and walking, rather quickly away.

“You keep avoiding my questions.” He sighes softly. “Suppose I’ll just have to trust you.” He smiles softly, the sight making your heart pound.

“I’ve never lead you astray, have I?” You smile right back at him, now outside in the castle gardens. You lead him straight to your special space, hiding behind the blooming roses.

“No, you haven’t.” Alfonse chuckles and looks at where you’ve taken him. “So, why the special scenery? Why sneak away with me all the sudden?” He looks to you. He still hasn’t dropped your hand. You dare to dream.

“Well…” You shift on your feet a little, nerves hitting you now that your initical wave of excitement had died down. “You know how happy I am by your side, right?” You ask him.

“...Yeah? I’m happy to be by your side too. There’s no better summoner, or friend, I could ask for.” You take his other hand in your own, being brave and facing him eye to eye.

“I’ve felt this way for a long time, Al. I’m content to stay by your side for as long as you’ll have me… but I want more than that. I love you.” You give him a shy smile, fighting against the urge to look away.

“...Love me? You love me?” He repeats. As if the words aren’t real.

“I do. I really, really do.” You laugh a little. Does that mean, he…?

“_____…” The way he says your name makes you melt. “Of course I love you. I always thought that… I don’t know. That you wouldn’t feel the same.” He laughs softly. “That feels so silly now, having heard you say it.”

“Doesn’t in?” You can’t help but squeeze his hands in yours, and he does the same in turn. “Feeling this way now… knowing you love me like I love you.. I’m so happy.” You drop his hands, only to pull him into a hug, one he happily returns. The two of you squeeze one another a long moment, far too content to think of letting go.

[lovehotelreservation]

"Heh, I won't break! You could even bend me in half and I wouldn't give in!" Alfonse will then prove you wrong by putting you in a mating press. Maybe even Lif will join in on the fun

"And so another point is proven for you to leave the fighting to us. How could I have forgotten how adorably pathetic that your endurance is."

Even as he scoffed beneath you, Líf continued to savor the sweet mewls and whines that spilled from your lips as you continued to bear the full brunt of him and Alfonse vigorously pounding away into you, helping keep your thighs spread wide for his counterpart to push into your core while he kept your ass stuffed full with his cock.

While far be it for Alfonse to ever talk down on your capabilities, he couldn't help but chuckle in light agreement as he proceeded to cup your cheek tenderly, even while his thrusts were anything but.

"Now, now, not that I'd mind--I'll protect you from everything so we can continue to lie together like this, day after day, Summoner."

[avisteliterature]

Adoring Care

Alfonse (Fire Emblem) x Reader

RATING: Teen

GENRES: Fluff/ Hurt/ Comfort

WORD COUNT: 407

SUMMARY: You accidentally cut yourself with a knife while cooking, and Alfonse is concerned over your injury.

You hiss sharply, your brows knitting together as you immediately set the knife down. You're quick to wash the fresh wound and retrieve a clean rag to press against your finger. It doesn't necessarily hurt, but it's still more than enough to make you wince in discomfort. You shift your weight to one foot, lamenting your luck.

"Ah, Summoner—!" While they might not have seen, the other Heroes in charge of kitchen duty can easily surmise what happened, judging by your state and rush over to your side. "We'll take over things from here. Please go and rest and continue to apply pressure."

Although a bit disgruntled and embarrassed at having bothered the others by your blunder, you graciously take them up on their kind offer and leave the kitchen to not get in the way. You've barely taken a step forward when Alfonse calls your name, coming down from the halls to check up on you and greet you. His eyes fall upon the rag you're pressing around your finger, and concern crosses over his features.

"What happened?" He asks, trying to inspect the wound from where he is, not wanting to intrude on your personal space. He knows how defensive you can get whenever you're hurt and tries to respect your boundaries.

"I, uh... was a bit dumb and accidentally cut myself with the knife," you answer rather straightforwardly, if not a bit hesitantly out of fear that he would judge you for being so careless.

"Does it hurt?" The prince questions further.

You shake your head. "It doesn't really hurt, but it's... a bit uncomfortable, I guess?" You give a weak and feeble laugh. "I'm just a bit shaky right now because it was bleeding a bit, and uh... yeah, well, you know how it is."

Alfonse nods his head, offering his sympathies. You don't deal well with blood, especially seeing your own. As such, you're always careful in making sure you doesn't get any cuts. Other injuries are a bit more tolerable, but anything that breaks the skin and makes you bleed is too much for you.

"Well, I'm glad you're okay for the most part," Alfonse says, carefully reaching out to stroke your cheek with his palm as a small gesture of comfort. "I hate seeing you hurt or in pain."

You break out into a smile, leaning further into the prince's touch. "Thank you..." you breathe out. "For caring about me."

[dear-mrs-otome]

(Oh god Alfonse with the mysterious second man... or that event where Jude has to step in to prevent Roger from... yeah) This isn't a yuck anyone's yum thing, I just want it to be called what it is is all. For, y'know, safety and comfort reasons so people know what they're getting into. Especially when MC says "no" several times before finally giving in because the suitor (coughElliscough) refuses to stop. It really scares me that some readers think that counts as consent. It's cool if that's your kink but like... remember to have a safe word and talk that sort of thing through with a partner before trying it in real life, folks

I agree in that I don't want this to be a yuck someone's yum. What does it for one person won't for another and that's absolutely okay. I'm also a firm believer that cybird has the right to make whatever style of game they want...and to be fair, there are certainly characters in the game who don't seem to fall into this camp.

My concerns are twofold: the first mainly lies in making sure that people are able to know in advance what a route may contain in a narrative genre where people often identify so personally with the protagonist. I think that cybird has begun that endeavor with some of their content warnings in English... but on occasions it falls woefully short, so I am always glad for fans making others aware - with the caveat that what sets one person off will absolutely not always set another. I think it's most useful not for people to say 'SUCH AND SUCH CHARACTER IS AWFUL BECAUSE THEY DO X' and turn things into judgement than it is to clearly delineate what happens and let people decide for themselves if that is beyond the pale - for them - or not.

Secondly, my concern lies in the industry as a whole forever conflating 'dark' with SA. That the easiest way to mark a character as a Bad Boy is to have him assault the MC. That I feel is a shortcoming on writers and frankly a bit lazy (although there's an entire thing to be written somewhere, certainly by people far smarter than me, about conflating rape/assault fantasies with a culture where women/othered feel less free to express their own sexual desire BUT I DIGRESS) I do give Ikevil props for allowing their suitors to do other equally shocking things though, and allowing them other means of expressing their 'villainy'. At the end of the day I suppose we do have to remember that the game isn't called 'Ikemen Heroes' and so the warning is somewhat right on the label. 😂

I think conversations like this are important though too. I'm less worried about people perceiving something as consent or applicable to real life, because I do believe that almost everyone is able to draw a clear line between fantasy and reality, but I also think that makes it even more important to have discussions outside of that media where we pick it apart (lovingly) so that we can reinforce that boundary. Variety is not only the spice of life but it also gives us more context with which to frame our own patterns of thought.

Whew I really didn't mean for that to turn into a whole Thing, but thank you for the ask Nonny 🥰 I hope we're all looking forward to a (well-warned) launch of a fun new game!

[umi-adxhira]

𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 | 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐘

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ʀᴇx, ʜᴀʀʀɪꜱᴏɴ ɢʀᴀʏ, ʟɪᴀᴍ ᴇᴠᴀɴꜱ, ᴇʟʙᴇʀᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇᴛɪᴀ, ᴀʟꜰᴏɴꜱᴇ ꜱʏʟᴠᴀᴛɪᴄᴀ, ʀᴏɢᴇʀ ʙᴀʀᴇʟ, ᴊᴜᴅᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢᴀ, ᴇʟʟɪꜱ ᴛᴡɪʟɪɢʜᴛ, ᴠɪᴄᴛᴏʀ

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: I've always wanted to do this and they're English so yippee 😍. Some of these (most of these) are based on experience I had in my secondary school so yeah

𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊

#𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐗

Year 11

That kid that did the absolute bare minimum but somehow got decent grades

The Year 7s and 8s all had a crush on him, and it genuinely made him feel uncomfortable 💀

The teachers fucking love him idk what to say he's a good boy ig

The typa guy to adopt future roadmen Year 7s and hang with them during lunch to make them seem cool

#𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘

Year 11

The annoying-ass kid that would cheat off you in every test yet somehow got better grades than you

Flopped Year 9 and decided he needed to get his shit together (he did the same thing in Year 10 and 11 but git better grades)

Snaps random girls in different schools, especially ones that went to his friend's primary schools to piss them off

Would ask you if he can borrow a pen but never give it back

#𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐒

Year 10

Got adopted by William in Year 7 but never became a roadman

He did all the non-exam based options for GCSE's (Music, Drama, PE, Art, Photography)

He was obnoxiously loud during class until one time he was alone, so he had no one to talk to, and a group of girls were being loud as fuck and he realised how annoying he was so he stopped

Joined Year 7 thinking Food Tech was gonna be sick, then ended up finding out that it's shit and anyone who did that for an option deserved to jump off a cliff

#𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐀

Year 10

Literally only hangs out with Alfonse in the library because he hates the outdoors (same)

Got all 9s in Year 9 and somehow is hoping for a 10 in Year 10 (no one told him a Grade 9 was the maximum)

Genuinely pissed during Covid so many people got high because the grade boundaries were low even though they bat shit dumb (his words not mine)

Stares daggers into the loud girls because they cannot shut up

#𝐀𝐋𝐅𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀

Year 11

Got 4s and 5s in Year 9 but somehow got 9s in Year 10

Hangs out with Elbert because he thinks he makes him cool, hanging out with an older person

School senior, doesn't contribute at all unless it's an opportunity to skip lesson (me)

Always got picked on to read in class because he reads well and fast so that the slow-ass people don't read

#𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐋

Year 10

Got good grades in the mock exams and flopped the real exams (blamed it on the grade boundaries) (same)

Always raises his hand to answer and gets pissed if he isn't picked on

Only good at Chemistry and Biology so he wants to do Triple Science in Year 11

Helps out in school holing for extra credit (he didn't realise this ain't the US so there's no such thing here)

#𝐉𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐙𝐙𝐀

(GOD I HAVE A LOT SO SAY ABOUT THIS MAN I CAN LITERALLY MAKE A WHOLE POST ABOUT HIM IF ALL WANT IT LEMMIE KNOW) (OMG I WANT TO MAKE A JUDE X READER SECONDARY SCHOOL POST AAAAAHHHH I LOVE THIS)

Year 11

Roadman

Sells vapes to Year 7s at a stupidly expensive price but since they're Year 7 they think this is the normal price

Only one in the group that got good grades and not ending up working in their dad's haircut shop

Talkes in class then when the teacher moves him he's like "Miss I wasn't even talking" 💀

#𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

Year 11

Everyone had a crush on him. Jude often tutors him in private and threatens to spread rumours about him if he ever told anyone

Did Art in Year 10 for funsies and Economics because he wanted that one teacher who is physically impossible to help you get a 9 (no one got a Grade 9 in his class) just to prove everyone wrong (he did)

Buys food for his friends if he finds out they don't eat during lunch because the lines are so fucking long

Probably in a long—term relationship with a girl (me) and everyone is jealous of them

#𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑

Year 11

Like William adopted the Year 7s but a significantly more amount (like half the damn school)

Everyone knows who he is. Every lunch time he goes to this one Year 9 girl who sits on the bench lonely and lets her do his hair

She's like his favourite child he buys her food so she doesn't feel lonely and stands up for her when the annoying popular kids talk to her (she gets uncomfortable)

He tutors her as well, even if she's good in class he does this because he wants her to be successful and have a good future (I love this sm)

©️umi-adxhira [17/09/2023]

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | @nightghoul381 , @serynhe , @kookie-my-little-sunshine , @cy-inky, @aquagirl1978 , @abundance-pathchooser, @lapis-da-lazuli , @ellisgivesmelife013 @surviving-off-ellis-crumbs, @yuan134

[mysticpink]

TW: death, blood, child death

_______________________________________________

“What if you die and I’m still here?”

He ran.

Alfonse ran as fast as he can.

“Then you’ll be all grown up”

He broke down the doors, “SUMMONER!!” He cries out, voice breaking.

Tired from running, so tried from fighting. Just tired.

‘Please be alive. Please be alive’

“And you won’t need me”

He saw them. A child no older then 8 in a white and gold robes. Laying near a red headed woman dressed in white.

He slowly walked to them, heart beating faster and faster, “no, no, no, no”

“..I think I always need you….”

“…Alfonse”

The child was in fact, his summoner. They lay next to Anna, who was also dead. For a while now. It looked like she carried them before being killed herself and the summoner rolled out of her arms. Anna looked to be in very bad shape, one of her notable injuries is that she had a slash mark on her back. A big one for that matter. It looked like to be from a sword or a axe.

The summoner looked no better than Anna. They had some arrows in their back and battle markings on their face. Blood on their front, looking like they took a sword swing to the chest.

He feel on his knees, covered his face in his hands. He lost his sister, his mother, his commander and now his summoner.

In the first time in a long while. Alfonse cried. He actually fully broke down.

Why was Hel so cruel?

_______________________________________________

Lif was summoned to Askr only a few weeks ago. Honestly if you ask him, he is still very much in shock he was summoned here if all places. A world very much like his. But only everyone he cared about is alive.

He was on his daily patrol around the castle until he stop to hear familiar voices. He turned to see the Child!Summoner and Alfonse having a conversation that he couldn’t help but overhear.

What he heard broke him.

“I think I always need you….”