The Battle of the Eagle and Lion has come and gone another year, and perhaps the proper time for the sharing of relevant sentiments, too, has gone alongside… but unfortunately, though restful, her post-battle nap carried on just a tad bit too long for her to have caught him during said ‘proper time’. Surely the social boundaries of time won’t mind just a little push. Just this once.
“Hm. Judging by the distinct lack of blue to have been seen amongst the celebrations, I see you hadn’t made it nearly as far as I’d hoped.”Sothis nods in polite greeting as she approaches the familiar once-enemy, a politeness reserved only for one of their company. The rest still fail to deserve it. “And here I thought I’d made quite the rousing speech, too. But I suppose my words were not enough in the end.”
The girl sighs, shaking her head in the most disappointed shrug she can manage — though she can’t find herself too unhappy with the outcome, in truth. Whoever could be, in the face of their own victory? Still, there’s no harm in him believing otherwise for just a moment longer, is there?
…Ah, that’s long enough. She wouldn’t want to make the poor man suffer more than he already has by being on the only team to have lost.
“Do not feel too bad, you were up against quite the barrage of enemies. In the end, you held your own just as well as one could hope.” Golden jewelry clinks as she raises a hand to pat gently on his arm (not quite the shoulder she had been aiming for, but alas, height had other plans, it seems) finally allowing the act of false despair to break, leaving in its place a smile.
“I’m sure you have done the rest proud. Just as you have I.”
There she is again. Ike struggles to look her in the eye, and moreso when she points out his failings. "Sorry." He carried her hopes, along with the hopes of the rest of them, on to his next battle. It hadn't been enough, evidently.
Ike isn't as strong as he thinks. It's a humbling experience, but he needs to get himself together.
Do not fret. Does Ike do anything other than fret, in one way or another? If he had been stronger, or even faster, maybe he could have done more. Maybe he could have helped cinch a second Lion victory. It's all a game, or an exam, or something, yet it still matters to Ike. Every lost is an ache in his chest.
Her hand touches his arm. Despite everything, her touch feels grounding, calming almost. Finally, Ike can look at her. She smiles, and something about her is reassuring. Maybe it's the ethereal aura that surrounds her, or maybe Ike just needed someone to tell him good job when he had done a terrible one indeed.
He would try to smile, but he's certain he doesn't have those face muscles anymore. "It still wasn't good enough. I could have given it a little more. But, thanks. Your speech did help a little." Awkwardly, he pats her hand - is that what he's supposed to do?
"There's always next year, right?"
