#my sketch account gives me more confidence and reassurance than the account that i post my finished pieces on

[magicdyke]

instagram is NOT fuckin good for me lol

[kpopisamood]

Queen’s Clan { 15 }

Summary: y/n is plagued by nightmares. She realizes that the more she runs away, the less frequently they haunt her. However, in running away, she’s also running straight into her ultimate demise. Will she be saved in time by those who would lay down their lives for her, even if they don’t know of each other’s existence?

Monsta X/Reader, Human/Vampire(s), Reverse Harem

Warnings: light smut?, violence, language

Word count: 2.03k

Tag list: @noonaduck @lovinggalaxies @elenaramos1 @girlwith-thecinder-blockgarden @snowythellama @stargazersara @luvthatleader-nim @sugasheart @vincent-stargogh @perrshian

It’s been a...minute? since I posted, heh. I’m not really “good” with grieving and I didn’t know if I should post so soon given what has happened so I kinda held off on posting just to give everyone some space. It still feels a bit awkward coming back so soon but I hope you all will forgive me. This is just kinda how I move on? I don’t know, I’m weird I guess.

Also, how do y’all feel about period sex? Because the next couple of parts depend on y’all with this. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable on my first fic on here so I’m asking now just to see where your mind is at.

***

According to Miss Kudrow, the Gathering had gone off “without a hitch”. Your little confrontation with Silvia didn’t hinder your position and, if anything, aided to your status as an up and coming leader. You’d made a good impression on a few Queens other than Astor and Sonaelina and the former two had invited you over to their homes if you ever wanted to get away.

There was just one problem.

You’d unknowingly let Shownu feed from you. You weren’t sure what the rule set was for this sort of role reversal, but it caused quite a ruckus amongst your Mates.

Being the first to be taken into your Clan, Minhyuk was a bit envious; wanting your attention constantly, even when you were preoccupied.

“I’m just asking why he gets to feed from you and I don’t.” Minhyuk pouted from behind the locked door.

“I swear on all things that are holy, if you don’t let me piss in peace, you won’t be able to complain!” You threatened from your porcelain throne.

For a beat, it was quiet and that led you to believe he was gone until, “Does this mean I’ll get a taste?”

“MINHYUK!” You yelled, hearing footsteps scurrying away.

You truly didn’t know what you were doing with Shownu at the time. When Silvia had touched him in front of you, your mind had gone blank and you wanted to show him he was yours, damnit. Call it whatever you may, but you’d let him take a few licks and now the whole house dynamic was all sorts of messed up.

The only solace you had was from one of the younger ones; Jooheon. He’d stay by your side and wouldn’t ask or pout at you. He’d just simply follow you around. You would think it would get annoying, but with him around constantly glaring at the boys who tried to approach you and ask for a taste kind of comforted you. You didn’t know if he was simply trying to get on your good side, but his behavior didn’t go unnoticed by you.

***

“As you see, you have a long list of potential nesting sites. None of them have actually been built yet but these are rough sketches for you to choose from, should you want to leave this house.” Kudrow had blueprints upon blueprints laid out for you. Houses that you would have never dreamed of were within your grasp all because of your supposed lineage.

You were slowly starting to come into your role as a Queen and the bank accounts that had almost made you pass out, were something you were starting to take in stride. It was...nice to not have to worry about bills and such, but it still made you a bit uncomfortable to spend so much of your family’s money.

You’d narrowed your search down to a few homes and Miss Kudrow had asked you all the questions under the sun. Including, how big do you want your bed, bathtub, etc. and what you wanted in certain rooms that made you blush.

Apparently, Royals had nests where they settled down and made their families. This is also where all the Clan Mates stayed as well as servants who were sworn to protect your name. It was a bit daunting to think about, but you were taking things one day at a time.

“So we’ve established the people currently living and their arrangements. What do you want for the kids’ rooms?”

You nearly choked hearing Miss Kudrow’s words. They were harmless, but you weren’t thinking of kids. Not now when you’ve just been thrown into an entirely new world.

“Kids?!” You shrieked, standing up to pace the room.

“Well, of course. How else would you continue your lineage? Have you decided which of your Mates will father the children? Or if you’ll have more than one father for several?” She kept going, not really paying attention to your panicked state. “Oh, just think of a nice house with several little ones running around! It would be so wonderful to see your reign continuing on and—are you alright?” She cut herself off, finally seeing you.

The moment you thought of running away and living in the woods the rest of your life, Jooheon came running in. He approached you slowly while giving Miss Kudrow a glare that could kill and then focused entirely on you. He gently grabbed you and pulled you into his chest, holding one hand behind your head and the other around your waist to try and somehow protect you.

“You’re alright.” He cooed, kissing the side of your head and just holding you.

“I’m not ready for kids, Jooheon.” You mumbled against his chest.

“That’s okay. We don’t have to even think about kids right now. We can just enjoy each other’s company. We’re here for you and we’re not going to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” He reassured, pulling away to look you in the eyes.

You nodded nimbly, somewhat comforted.

A throat clearing brought your attention to a weary Changkyun, trying his best not to look you in the eye.

“You have a visitor, My Lady.” He nervously shook his hair with his hand and not a few seconds later, there was a gentle knocking on the front door.

All at once, your Clan Mates joined you. Jooheon had already had a place at your side and was holding your hand, Minhyuk took your other side but let you have some space, Shownu stood in front with Wonho and Changkyun remained at the doorway.

Miss Kudrow had gone to see who it was before returning with a hesitant look.

“It’s Yoo Kihyun. Chae Hyungwon’s Clan Mate.” She announced.

Chaos erupted amongst your Mates.

“He’s not coming in.”

“Don’t trust him.”

“We can take him on.”

They were all on high alert and it worries you a bit to see them so wound up over one person.

“Who is he?” You asked, taking a glance towards the hallway where the front door was.

“He’s Hyungwon’s Queen killer.” Jooheon explained, gritting his teeth.

“Kihyun is with King, Hyungwon. He just so happens to be his Alpha, or right hand man. Anything Hyungwon won’t or can’t do himself, falls on Kihyun. This usually means killing Royals or using them for his benefit.” Changkyun rephrased.

You had read all the documents Miss Kudrow had given you, but this was nowhere in any of them. Had you have known about this, Hyungwon would not be on the top of your potential ally list.

“They’re baseless rumors, but it’s troublesome nonetheless. Royals gossip, but they never spread word of murder; their ranks are too underpopulated to even joke about killing one another. Do you want me to send him away, Your Grace?” Miss Kudrow softly asked, fully prepared to tell Kihyun where he could go.

You didn’t want someone so dangerous around your Clan, but you didn’t want to send him away and not hear what he has to say either. Were you prepared to face on someone as Kihyun? He had made quite a ripple effect on your Clan and you’d be a fool to go against him so blindly but you wanted to know more about this; more about them.

“Let him in.” You told her bravely. Miss Kudrow nodded and left the room. You could hear the front door open and closing and heard another heavier set of footsteps following behind Miss Kudrow’s dainty ones.

You made your way to the living room and sat on an oversized couch, your men taking their respective places. Shownu sat in between your legs in front of you on the floor, Jooheon to your right while Minhyuk on your left, and Wonho leaned against the wall nearest the couch as Changkyun took the opposite end of the room.

Though they didn’t show it, you could tell your decision had put your Clan on edge. They’d kill for you and die for you, but that would mean leaving you alone to face whatever Hyungwon had in mind for you.

When Kihyun had finally approached your group, you wanted to gasp. His hair was a short, dark brown with lighter brown highlights that framed his sharp features perfectly. He sported a kind smile but you could tell he had a darker being inside him. He wore a black long sleeve, dark dress pants, and dark brown boots and he strode in with a careful confidence that made you want to hide and fight all at once.

“Your Highness,” he nodded at you. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

You gave him a slight nod and waited for his next words, opting not to speak to him just yet since he was the one who sought you out in your home.

His smile slightly widened and he looked around at your Clan Mates, meeting each of their eyes. “You’ve already grown quite a Clan, I see.” He said in an impressed tone.

“What do you want, Kihyun?” You demanded, not wanting him to beat around the bush.

He nodded to himself before continuing on. “My King would like to request your presence in a private dinner with him two nights from now.”

You could feel Shownu and Minhyuk tense up around you while Jooheon gripped your hand a bit tighter.

“And why would I do that? Your King had his chance to meet me at the Gathering like all the other Royals, why does he want a private meeting now?” You challenged, and almost wished you didn’t.

His gentle smile turned into a sinister smirk and back so fast you almost got whiplash. “You were a bit...occupied when he was finally about to meet you.”

You could feel he was trying to embarrass you. He knew you were new to this and sharing your affections with your Clan so openly should have made you ashamed but you honestly didn’t care. You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

“So what you’re saying is, he had the opportunity to meet me, but he backed down. That sounds more like a problem for him rather than me. Don’t you think?” You smirked back, causing his smile to loosen a smidge. But that was all your confidence needed.

“It seems so, Your Grace.” He replied.

“Since you came looking for me, I’ll meet with your King. But on my terms. That’s only fair, right?”

“I will give him the excellent news, Your Grace.” He bowed slightly and made his way for the door. Miss Kudrow followed behind him and softly closed the door behind him, letting out a deep sigh of relief that everyone else also let out.

“Are you alright, My Queen?” Minhyuk asked, taking your other free hand and pecking the back of it in comfort.

“Tell me everything about Kihyun and Hyungwon. If Hyungwon is anything like Kihyun, I want to be prepared to face him as well.” You stated, tightening your grip on Jooheon and Minhyuk ever so slightly before dropping their hands and getting yourself mentally ready for another Royals lesson.

***

“She’ll meet with you.” His Alpha greeted from his cell. “But on her terms.”

Hyungwon chuckled and shook his head, as if he had heard an old joke. “Of course, as expected of an intellectual Queen. I’ll let our Guardians set it up.” He waved off.

“Her numbers have grown tremendously.” Kihyun told him, waltzing straight for the blacked out car awaiting him in front of your home.

“And they’re about to get more significant.” He chuckled before hanging up.

Kihyun took one last look at your home and smiled softly before entering the car and driving away.

Please do NOT repost! All rights reserved!

*PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE NOTE ABOVE THIS CHAPTER!*

[love-stone]

Sooo, I may or may not write fanfic sometimes, and figured I’d post a thing I’d been working on for a while to see if it’s worth continuing/if others like it and want more? The fandom is Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword, and the fic itself is a novelization of Chapter 4 “In Occupation’s Shadow”. 

I think the chapter can stand on its own without too much context if you’re not familiar...regardless, feedback is very much appreciated!! 

With Migal’s threatening words still fresh in their minds, the group continues their trek in earnest towards the Sacaean/Bern border. The group rides on together, with Ivy and Wil seated behind Kent and Sain respectively (Sain cannot be trusted to ride with any of the women), while Lyn rides with Florina in the sky, scouting out the road ahead.

Florina eventually turns towards her companion. “Lyn, can we stop soon? Huey’s wings are getting tired, and she’s really stressed out after what happened today!” As she addresses Lyn, she has slowly begun to descend from the air until the mare’s feet are planted safely on the ground and begins to trot alongside the two cavaliers.

            “Ah, but of course!” Sain chimes in, turning towards Florina and her mount, “we must find a village and let these lovely ladies rest Kent! Roland knows such delicate flowers need proper care in order to bloom!”

            Kent rolls his eyes, then turns towards Lyn. “While it pains me to say it, I must agree with my companion. Night is coming fast, and we’d best find somewhere to rest before long.”

            “Agreed,” Lyn replies from behind Florina with a nod. “But we won’t be staying at any of the villages” she adds, eliciting a groan of protest from Sain. “You heard what Migal said; him and his followers will be after us before long, and we don’t want any innocent villages to be threatened because of us, or worse...” she adds the last thought with a pained sigh, and everyone can tell that her late family is on her mind.

“Instead,” she adds, returning to her confident self, “we should search the hills for forts and hideouts. Most of the man-made structures around here ought to be in ruins from the bandits, but that means they’re likely abandoned and farther from the villages.”

            “Ah, such a thoughtful and resourceful woman,” Sain sighs earning himself a glare from both Kent and Ivy. He stammers on, “…eh, but still, shouldn’t we really find somewhere more luxurious for you ladies to stay at?” he says as his gaze turns towards Lyn and Florina.

            “As long as I’m with Lyn, I’m fine!” Florina announces meekly, and then quickly hides in embarrassment.

Ivy speaks up as well. “I think Lyn’s right, we shouldn’t put any villages in unnecessary danger. Besides, if we do get attacked, staging a defense will be a lot harder in an open village full of civilians. Having a tighter area of defense, especially with the high ground of the hills, will be much safer for us all.

Lyn nods towards both women in agreement, then addresses Sain curtly in return. “There you have it; us ‘delicate ladies’ are fine with these accommodations. Besides, I’d have thought you ‘rugged’ knights were used to such harsh conditions as this?” Sain puts his head down meekly in defeat, and so Lyn addresses the others, “You have no qualms with staying somewhere a little less luxurious?”

“No ma’am!” Wil replies cheerily, and Kent nods in agreement.

“Then it’s settled,” Lyn states. “Let’s look for somewhere off the beaten path to spend the night.”

***

Shortly after, as dusk begins to creep over the horizon, the six travelers stumble upon an abandoned fort in relatively good condition, and agree to set up camp there. Wil slides off of Sain’s horse and stretches. “This should suffice just fine!” he announces, then winces as he stands straight and adds, “anything to get off these horses…”

“Is this really the best we can do?” Sain whines, “This mildewy old fortress? Surely you all jest at the thought of sleeping here tonight?”

“As we’ve already agreed Sain,” Ivy begins, making no effort to look towards him as she begins unpacking, “this place will be a lot safer than any village, even if we don’t account for the villagers that would be put in danger. We can’t ask that of them when the bandits keep them in turmoil enough as it is…”

“Plus,” Lyn adds, “who wants to be stuck inside a musty old tavern? I much prefer somewhere where I can feel the wind blow through the sky…” Her eyes become soft and slightly distant, until she feels Florina cling to her arm.

“Just as long as I can be with Lyn, I don’t mind either,” Florina adds.

“And anyway,” Kent remarks, looking towards his companion, “neither you nor I will even be sleeping tonight, remember? We are to keep watch in case anyone tries to take us by surprise.”

“Ah, alas…I may have forgotten that important detail,” Sain admits sheepishly.

Suddenly from within the fortress, a soft voice is heard. “Beg your pardon milady…” it begins.

The group quickly reaches for their weapons, and Lyn is the first to respond to the mysterious voice. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” she calls sternly.

“Ah, forgive me!” The voice calls, and a woman limps out of the doorway. “I’m from a village not far from here—ah!”

The woman’s leg gives out from under her, and she collapses to the ground. Lyn rushes to help her. “Are you okay?” she asks, “What’s happened to your leg?”

“Ah, it’s nothing,” the woman replies, “it’s from a childhood sickness. I cannot travel far on it, but it does not pain me.” She senses the concern in Lyn’s eyes and adds, “really, I’m quite alright.”

“In that case, why have you come out here?” Lyn asks skeptically.

“Ah, well…” the woman’s voice becomes softer yet, and she looks away from her saviour. “I’m out here looking for my husband. He told me he was leaving to help earn some money to help with my leg…” her voice trails off.

“Then why worry?” Lyn asks, “Surely he can take care of himself, and that’s very good of him to help care for you.”

“Yes, he is a kindhearted man,” the woman smiles, now back on her feet with Lyn’s help. Her smile then falls as she adds, “but I think he may be involved in something dangerous. He is capable, but he’s been gone for far too long, and he’s had me worried sick.” She pauses, then looks at the rest of Lyn’s companions. “You all look like travelers,” she remarks, “I don’t suppose you’ve seen him around here? His name is Dorcas. He’s tall and strong, with iron-coloured hair.” The woman produces a sketch and hands it to Lyn. “It’s a poor resemblance, but have you seen someone who looks like this nearby?”

“I’m terribly sorry” Lyn apologizes. “I can’t say that I have.”

“And the rest of you?” the woman asks hopefully.

The group cranes their necks to all see the sketch at once, but they all shake their heads disappointingly.

The woman’s face becomes solemn again. “I see…” she laments. “Well if you do run into him, would you please tell him that Natalie is worried about him?”

“I promise,” Lyn answers, “you have my word, I swear by—”

“Milady Lyndis!” Kent interrupts suddenly, looking towards the hills behind them, “it looks as if we have company!”

As the group turns towards Kent’s gaze, they can make out a rugged travelling party. The only people that would be travelling this way would have to have been following Lyn and her cadre…

“Damn them!” Wil exclaims, “How did they manage to find us?”

“No matter how Wil. They have, and we have to protect Natalie from them” Lyn exclaims in return. She turns towards Natalie; “Go hide inside, we’ll guard the entrances and keep them at bay. You stay out of sight, and keep quiet!” Lyn urges.

“Yes’m!” Natalie replies, and limps back inside the fortress.

“Ivy, we could use your advice right about now!” Lyn calls. As if out of thin air, Ivy appears and begins issuing orders to the group.

“Kent, Sain, you two have the most combat experience, so you’ll make for our guard at the front entrance,” she instructs. “Lyn, you take the side entrance. Florina, you go with her and watch her back!” The two women race towards the eastern entrance of the fort. “Wil, your task is to keep an eye on Natalie, and watch out for stragglers. Yell if anyone manages to slip past!”

“Got it!” Wil replies, and runs to take his post. He stops partway and turns back towards the tactician. “What about you ma’am? Will you be fighting?”

“Alas, I have learned only the most basic of swordplay from Lyn.” She remarks. “I have a spare sword on me, but I don’t intend to have to use it. Instead, I’ll be inside making sure Natalie is okay. I don’t want to be a liability on the front lines.”

“Then I’ll be keeping an eye on you as well miss.” Wil replies, and he beckons her to follow. The two head for the centre of the fort, and Wil takes his place out front of the door.

***

            The sounds of fighting echo throughout the abandoned fortress. Natalie tries to seem brave, but Ivy can tell that she is frightened beyond belief. She moves closer and puts a consoling arm around her to try and reassure her.

“It’ll be alright,” Ivy tells her, “these friends of mine will keep you safe; they’re all capable fighters in their own right.”

            Natalie nods in acknowledgement, though her fears seem not to have been assuaged. As Ivy struggles to find something else to say, Natalie turns towards her.

            “Do you know anything about the local bandits here?” Natalie asks.

            Ivy replies somewhat puzzled. “Only that they go by the name of Ganelon, and that one of their leaders, Migal, had an unfortunate happening with a small band of travelers earlier today.”

            Natalie lets out a short sigh and looks at the ground, then continues. “I can’t help but worry that perhaps my husband decided to join them for work,” she says, her voice shaky. “They’re not really known for doing physical harm, mostly just intimidating villagers for their money…” she trails off and takes a breath. “It’d be dirty money, but I feel that if that was his only option, he’d put himself through that if it meant helping me…”

            Natalie begins to sob quietly. Ivy goes to console her again when—

*shuffle shuffle*

The sounds of shuffling feet sound just beyond the doorway. She bolts up with a start and calls out: “Wil, is that you?”

Nobody answers.

Ivy hesitantly picks up her sword and calls out again. “Whoever you are, I’m armed! Retreat now, and no harm will come to you!”

            Still nobody answers.

By now Natalie has crawled to the back corner and is cowering in fear while doing her best to keep her frightened sobs as quiet as possible. Ivy begins cautiously approaching the doorway, beyond which she can only see darkness. She grips her sword tight, rehearsing her brief instruction from Lyn over and over in her head, and takes a step outside the doorway. Everything is silent, and Wil is nowhere to be seen.

She can barely make out the outline of a figure in the darkness. “Reveal yourself!” she yells, putting her sword between her body and the body of the figure in front of her. The mysterious figure, aware that they have been spotted, begins to approach Ivy swiftly. Ivy stumbles back in surprise, falling backwards. She winces and grips her sword tight in both hands, hoisting it above her head, lest a foreign blade be brought down on her. Heavy footsteps begin to approach her, though she still cannot see the figure that approaches. She realizes that her breath is caught in her throat, and that she cannot scream. She shuts her eyes tight, waiting for the inevitable—

*fwhip*

An arrow whizzes overhead and falls between Ivy and her assailant who stops suddenly in their tracks. Wil’s voice calls out from behind her, “Not a step farther you rogue! Next time I shoot to kill!”

Ivy scrambles to get her footing, and turns to see Wil and Lyn swiftly approaching. As she runs towards Ivy, Lyn effortlessly draws her blade, which glows faintly in the darkened halls.

“Stop right where you are!” Lyn threatens, her blade held forward confidently. “As long as you are not Taliver, you have no need to die here tonight. But take one step further, and you will not live to take another.”

            A gruff voice calls out from the darkness. “You don’t understand,” it claims, “I have no choice, I need the girl.”

            “I know what your kind does to women!” Wil shouts back, “It’s despicable. You’ll die before you lay a hand on her!”

            “Please,” the voice almost sounds as if it is pleading, “let me have the girl. I promise to keep her safe from them, I just need the money.”

            “How can we trust a brigand like you!?” Lyn calls back. “I should cut you down where you stand you—”

            “Dorcas,” Ivy suddenly says, cutting Lyn off. “Dorcas; is that your name?”

            The voice in the darkness hesitates and doesn’t respond, and Lyn and Wil look to Ivy quizzically.

            “Dorcas, how would Natalie feel if she knew you were here!?” Ivy continues, hoping that her instincts are correct. “She’s been worried sick about you, and this is how you repay her? By risking your life and your morals on her behalf?”

            The man stammers audibly, and then slinks forward out of the shadows.

            “Dorcas, what if I told you that Natalie is the woman you’re trying to take to them?” Ivy says with a stern voice, and with that the man suddenly snaps to attention, his gaze fixating on Ivy.

            “Natalie’s here?” he exclaims, his eyes widening in shock.

            “She left looking for you because she was worried! She said she couldn’t shake the feeling that you might have stooped this low for her, joining with bandits in these parts. Oh how it would break her heart to know what you’ve been up to…” she trails off. By this point, Ivy is standing nearly face to face with the man Dorcas, despite the fact that he is nearly a foot taller than her.

            Dorcas stares Ivy right in the eyes, and drops his axe at Ivy’s feet. “Here and now, my time with these bandits is over.” He says, gesturing towards his fallen axe. Ivy finally lets out the breath that she has been holding, and turns towards the others, who are still visibly perplexed by what has just occurred.

            “What just—?” Wil begins, finally lowering his bow.

            “We’ve found Natalie’s husband!” Ivy replies triumphantly, then turns towards Dorcas, “how many came with you this evening, and where are they hiding?” she demands suddenly, “If you want to prove that you bear no ill will, you’ll fight with us to help fend off the rest!”

            Dorcas nods in understanding and picks up his axe, turning towards the others. “There’s a weak wall on the west side of the fortress,” he begins, “I was instructed to sneak through the east entrance during the confusion, but when I do not return, they will break down the walls and attack from the new entrance. They’ll attack on three sides, and should have no trouble overwhelming us with their numbers.” He explains. “Your name is Wil, yes?” he asks turning towards Wil.

            “Yes sir!” Wil replies hesitantly.

            “Your aim is good,” he remarks, “you weren’t aiming to hit me. Come with me, but shoot to injure. These men are despicable, yes, but they are only doing what they must.”

            The duo looks hesitantly towards Dorcas, and then towards Ivy as if to ask can we trust him?

            “I trust him,” she answers their unspoken question, “if he were going to harm us or Natalie, he would have done so by now.” She then begins to issue orders, “Lyn, you stay with Florina on the eastern entrance; but stay by the walls to avoid any more stealth bandits,” she says, indicating in Dorcas’s direction. “Wil, go with Dorcas and provide him with backup. I’ll go tell the knights to shadow the main entrance as well, and if anyone’s front is breached, call out and fall back. Protecting Natalie is our top priority!” she yells as she runs towards the knights at the main entrance, sword in hand.

***

            The group scatters, following their new orders, and are able to hold the fortress and keep Natalie safe from harm. As the last bits of sunlight fade from the sky, the bandits’ will to fight seems to vanish as well, and they pull a hard retreat, leaving Lyn and the others having earned their beds for the evening. As Dorcas goes to reunite with his wife, and the knights and Ivy talk strategy, Florina goes looking for Lyn. She finds her lying in the grass just outside the fort, gazing up at the stars. She goes and sits down next to her.

            “You fought well today Florina,” Lyn remarks, her gaze still fixed on the sky. “I see you’ve really been working hard at your training since you left for Ilia.” she says as she smiles.

            “I suppose,” Florina pulls her knees to her chest and stares blankly ahead, “you did most of the work though, including mine for me…” she trails off meekly.

            “What ever do you mean?” Lyn asks in confusion, sitting up to face her companion.

            Florina’s face goes red, and she looks away from Lyn and mumbles something softly. Lyn scoots closer and puts a hand on Florina’s shoulder, and the two sit in silence for a while.

            Florina is the first to break the silence. “I crashed because I had changed my mind about going.” She says matter-of-factly. “I got as far as Sacae before I doubted myself again, and when I tried to turn around to go home, I lost my balance and crashed into the tree where you found me.”

            Lyn can feel Florina trembling despite the warmth of the evening breeze. She wraps her cloak around the both of them, and lets her calm down before continuing to listen to her.

            “I was going to just head straight back and tell Fiora the disappointing news, but you were so kind to me. I mean, of course you were, why wouldn’t you have been Lyn? I couldn’t have turned down you or your family’s hospitality…” Florina fidgets nervously as she continues. “It took me a while to realize while I stayed with you, but I envied you Lyn; I still do. You’re so confident and skilled with everything you do. Your sword training, your time with the children…” she trails off, turning away again in embarrassment.

            Lyn still sits in silence next to her friend, and Florina is silent for a while before speaking again.

            “I envied you Lyn, I really did.” She begins. “But…at the same time, you became someone for me to look up to and to admire. I thought ‘If Lyn can be this strong and confident, then so can I!’” By now Florina’s eyes are sparkling dreamily in the moonlight, and Lyn can’t help but feel herself smiling.

Florina turns to face Lyn and continues, “You made me change my mind again Lyn. You made me determined to go become a knight! Because I finally had decided that my goal was to…” she stops short and her gaze falls to the ground between them.

“Yes?” Lyn asks, trying to meet her friend’s gaze.

“…my goal was…to be by your side and protect you.” Florina stammers, becoming increasingly flustered. She quickly adds, “I, uh…I didn’t w-want…anything to ever…uhm, happen to you, s-so I wanted…to be the one to…protect you.”

At this point, Lyn can no longer hide her smile, and embraces her dear friend who reacts with surprise. She then looks at Florina and tells her, “With you by my side, I don’t think I’ll ever have anything to fear.”

Florina’s face is solemn, and a few stray tears fall down her cheeks. “But that’s just the problem.” She replies, her voice shaking, “I’m not doing a very good job of protecting you. If anything, you’re the one always having to protect me.”

“Nonsense!” Lyn replies, “you’ve grown so much since I last saw you Florina. And you shouldn’t compare yourself to me, you’re just barely a knight-in-training, and I’ve been training since I was a little girl—”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” She cuts Lyn off, “you’ve been training to be a leader for so long, and here I thought that I of all people could become a knight worthy to protect you.” She wipes the tears from her eyes and looks away, mumbling softly. “I guess I really was mistaken…”

At this Lyn takes Florina’s hand and looks her in the eye. “Florina, listen to me,” she says, waiting until Florina turns meekly to face her before continuing, “when this is all over, I want you to return to Ilia and complete your training.”

“But!—“

“No buts!” she says, “I know you’re capable of becoming a knight, but you won’t get anywhere without the proper training first, okay?” Florina nods in agreement, and Lyn continues. “And after you graduate from the academy, I’ll take you back to the plains together, and I can train you to become a knight as skilled as the one she guards”

“What about your grandfather and Caelin?” She protests. “You’re heir to the title of Marquess Caelin Lyn, you can’t just run away with me to the plains!…”

Lyn pauses, she hadn’t forgotten about her grandfather, but she had never before thought about the fact that she would be inheriting his title of Marquess. Were women allowed to be Marquess? Would they listen to her, or would they shun her just like her tribe had? Who would ever want to be in charge of a whole province anyway? Her father could barely keep the respect of their tribe, imagine if he had to ask it of all of Sacae. It was—

“Lyn, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry…” Lyn puts a hand to her check and finds it damp; she had been crying and not realizing it. She dries her eyes and looks to Florina with a pained smile.

“When I officially inherit the title of Marquess Caelin,” she begins, “I’ll need personal retainers to guard me day and night from assassins!” Florina’s eyes widen skeptically, and Lyn continues, “and what better guard than a knight who swoops down from the skies and lands on them before they know what hit them?” Florina lets out a small giggle, and nudges Lyn,

“Hey, that was one time!”

Lyn’s smile becomes more genuine, and she continues, “and I won’t feel safe unless I train my personal knights myself. I’ll have to make sure to take them to my ‘secret training grounds’ and give them proper lessons.” She says, winking at Florina, who smiles back at her. “And as Marquess, I can go wherever I want without question, and everyone will have to follow my orders!” The two laugh together as they think up and recite to each other the ridiculous orders that Lyn would give to her imaginary servants at the castle.

Then, Lyn takes Florina’s hand in her own, and looks at her in earnest. “Promise me that you’ll complete your training, and then become my personal knight Florina?”

“I promise Lyn.” She says with a nod and a smile. She then hugs Lyn close and the two sit in silence under the stars.

***

            When Kent makes his rounds later that night, he stumbles upon Lyn and Florina side-by-side and fast asleep. Lyn has her arms held tightly around Florina, who looks the most relaxed and comfortable she has looked since he met her. He wraps an extra blanket around the two, and they sleep soundly snuggled together until dawn.