For Elibe's peace

Lilina: Marcus, what kind of couple were Lord Eliwood and his wife? Marcus: Well, my lady, when the two were youths, they were such a happy pair that just looking at them would cheer one up. The people of Pherae were truly happy for them. Lilina: Wow… That’s nice… Marcus: Lord Eliwood loved his wife deeply. And one night…before the two became engaged, Lord Eliwood suddenly disappeared from the castle. When he returned to his love three days later, he presented her with a beautiful white flower which only grows in the snowy highlands. It was the flower which she loved the most. Lilina: Lord Eliwood is so…romantic. Sigh… Now look at Roy…

Hey everyone! I know things have been quiet around here, but we’re hoping to pick back up and get back to activity within the group.

Eliwood had heard of a rare and beautiful flower that grew only in the snowy blankets of Ilia. He had read about this particular plant in a book once and even Marcus confirmed its existence. All this only fueled the young Marquess’s curiosity even more. He wanted to see it, he wanted to gaze upon this mysterious Ilian flower with his own eyes.

And so that’s why he sought it out. He rode up north by steed alone despite Marcus’s pleads to have a knight accompany him, “I’m not a child anymore. Don’t worry, I’ll be alright. Just take care of everyone while I’m away,” he told Marcus before he left Pherae and the paladin just sighed heavily in defeat. Eliwood was fully capable of defending himself, Marcus and his mother knew this but that didn’t stop them from worrying. 

A speck of red caught her and immediately knew something was off, she mounted her steed and had her fly closer to observe. Once she was close enough, she saw that is was none other than the young lord Eliwood. But… why was he out here all alone? Shouldn’t he have at least some of his men out with him? Her thoughts were full of concern, but for the time being, all she could think of was getting the lord into some place warm.

While quickly slipping off of her Pegasus, she attempted to pull the redhead up and onto his steed, but to no avail. She had forgotten that she wasn’t all that strong without her steed helping her. A wave of panic crossed her body as she decided that the only way to get him up to a safe place was to wake him. She just hoped it wasn’t too late.

Actually it felt like it was shaking, not on its own but because of someone else. His eyelids twitched in response and he could faintly hear the sound of his name being called, "Nnn?" he was able to manage out as he slowly came to his senses. He opened his eyes, the once bright sapphire hue of his irises now looked gray and dull from fatigue.

“Take these to Marcus and have him send out these documents immediately,” he told a nearby guard as he handed him a large stack of papers before exiting his work room.

He swiftly made his way through the castle corridors and made haste to where Emmeryn was. He had kept her waiting for far too long; he only wished he had been there to greet her at the entrance. 

Outside the audience chamber, two guardsmen stood silently and still. Never breaking their stoic composure until Eliwood emerged from the distance and they instantly opened the two large doors, allowing their marquess to enter, “Emmeryn, my apologies!” he said firstly, “My work kept—”

He paused, his blue eyes veering downward at the small kitten resting in the exalt’s lap, “Emmeryn, what—I mean, where did you find....”

The kitten in her arms hadn’t made much of a struggle or a notice, calmly laying in her arms despite the pain it was in. She gently glided her fingers along its head, rubbing softly to soothe it. It was so small, and rather fluffy, but also dirty and looked overall beaten down.She shifted her weight from one leg to the other, looking around.. The thought of sitting down crossed her mind, and she decided that perhaps resting for now would be quite generous of her for her body, and sat quietly in a seat moved slightly away from the table as she let the kitten rest in her lap. 

She kept quiet and played with the kitten for a while, trying to come up with a name or looking for some sort of collar or tag leading to ownership, but both led to a dead end. Just when she had run out of things to think of, she heard the turning of a handle and the opening of a door, and soon after came a noble voice she grew to love.

She erased all traces of weariness from her face and eyes, instead replacing it with a smile, as she looked at Eliwood. She watched as he walked towards her, but then abruptly and stare at the kitten. She slowly moved to hold the kitten in her arms again and stood up, approaching the marquess herself, showing him the kitten at a better view.

 "What should we name her?" or was it a boy, he wasn't sure. He knelt down beside the exalt, tentatively reaching for the kitten and stroked its soft fur slowly and carefully. It moved happily underneath Eliwood's hand and he could feel it purring lowly as he continued to rub behind its ears. 

The remaining guards in the room watched the two cautiously as if they were in danger of being attacked at any moment by the baby animal in Emmeryn's lap. Eliwood wanted to dismiss them all but decided it was best to just ignore them. They were only doing their jobs and he silently praised them for that.

A sudden tap on the shoulder caused Eliwood to turn away from Emmeryn and the kitten, "M'lord," a familiar voice began formally; it was husky and low and very urbane sounding. It was Marcus and the young marquess rose immediately and faced the paladin, "Lady Emmeryn's quarters are ready now."