[Fire Emblem][Drabble 01] Extraordinary

[runiclore]

Extraordinary
Author: Amber Michelle
Challenge: 01 – beginnings
Word Count: 484/500
Game: Radiant Dawn

Warnings: spoilers for the end of RD. Lehran is nothing but spoilery.

Cross-posted at fe_drabble.



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Lehran spent nearly a decade searching for the missing Apostle. There were traces of her presence in unlikely places; a farm in eastern Gaddos whose owner spoke of a girl who healed him after he was trampled by a horse, a slum in southern Daein whispering rumors of a fortune teller whose prophecies came true. Silver hair spotted in Sella, an enchanting song in Nevassa. Nothing else - not even a name. Without her the task he'd set for himself was unavoidable, and enthroning a child from the lesser line would limit the time available to him considerably. Perhaps even in sleep Ashera could guide his hand, force it, twist it to do what she wanted.

He had no doubt the goddess would cleanse Tellius. She wanted to from the beginning. Maybe she knew what would happen if life were allowed to go on. After all, she knew his children would be extraordinary.

The last scion of Altina's line was placed under his protection when her mother died after a stillbirth, and Sanaki was no ordinary child. She learned to read so quickly it seemed she was remembering how to do it instead. Her voice was not suited to singing but it was lovely in its own way, a constant litany of questions, demands, and laughter. He liked to see her smile, but her serious, expressionless face was compelling too, even when she asked difficult questions. What happened to my family? Why won't anybody tell me?

Lehran told her. There was no reason to shelter her. Laguz children did not flinch at death, and neither did Sanaki. She sat still in the chair across from him, legs crossed, hands folded, her dark hair still a neat curl at her chin. And when she said, I'm sorry, Sephiran, he couldn't help laughing. What did she have to apologize for?

It's my fault, she said. They are my subjects, therefore their sins are mine.

They had known each other for two summers, and she was only five. Why was it so hard to breathe when she said that? His throat tensed, his voice coming with difficulty, and he rested his hand on the crown of her head. My lady, the blood of Serenes is not yours to bear. You're only a child-- and many children would die for the goddess, as many died in the forest, and Sanaki, how was she different?

I'm the empress, she said, her lips pouting and her eyes narrow. I will be just, and atone.

Don't be silly, you can't possibly-- She raised her hand for silence, and Lehran paused. Yes?

I'm right. Stop arguing with me.

Lehran closed his eyes and inclined his head. Of course she was right - so right he thought he might choke. As you wish.

Comments

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Love that girl. |-]