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"Welcome to the Somniel, Lady Veyle." I greet her graciously as Alear and the remainder of the warriors gathered from across the land returned to the castle where the Divine One once slept for a thousand years. While I had stayed back for this battle, I knew of the young black- and white-haired girl that Alear often came across in her travels. You could recognize those unusual but dazzling purple eyes anywhere.
This was my first time meeting her in person, and the circumstances could hardly be worse. Alear's past was being unveiled at an alarming speed, and this girl was her sister, apparently. They looked just about nothing alike, but I suppose Dragons were beings beyond plain old human genetics, right?
Not that I would know, of course.
Anyway, even though chaos was stirring up with each passing day, I continued being the caring guy I've always been, trying to tame the case of jitters everyone had when another clash with the remainder of the Four Hounds or mass numbers of the Corrupted that were only increasing as more innocents died with each passing day.
"Thank you, um..." She trails off, appearing a little ashamed that she wasn't familiar with my name while I was.
"The name's (Y/N)." I grin assuringly, taking notice of her skittish demeanor that never really faded unless she was speaking with her older sister. I hoped she'd be able to adjust to living here since I'm certain there's quite a vast difference from where she was not too long ago to this majestic stone palace in the sky.
Veyle dips her head in a polite nod, saying in her soft voice, "(Y/N). I'll remember that. On another note... Please, let me know how I can be of help here."
That was when we first met, but now, not even a month later, things have spiraled into even more confusion. With an invitation from Lumera, a queen whom we all saw die, and the peril of mid-war twisting our thoughts, it made sense that some of us in Alear's army were falling apart at the seams.
I was aware of Veyle's poor mental health after defeating her wicked other self that Zephia provoked with curses and cruel tools. And nowadays, the Dragon is frequently lost in thought, but the day I found her crying in the gardens, I was surprised.
Her soft, muffled sobs couldn't be located until finally I found her balled-up form behind one of the bushes. At first, Veyle didn't notice my presence as I stood over her, frantic. Her head was buried in her hands, and her long, long hair fell around her frame, so I could hardly see her beyond her strands of black and white.
I hesitated not a moment longer, but reached out and plucked a gorgeous pale white lily flower in full bloom — despite it being early autumn already — from nearby, then knelt down before the crying girl and tapped her shoulder.
"Lady Veyle?"
"Oh!" Her head snaps up, and her dazzling deep violet gaze locks with mine.
Lifting the flower to hand it to her, I smile kindly and say, "This is for you, Lady Veyle."
Her tear-filled eyes search my face for a moment, but hesitantly, she accepts the pearl-colored flower with one hand, using the other to wipe the remnants of sorrow from her face. I let the silence envelop us, allowing her to arrange her thoughts that were surely racing. Having someone approach you when knee-deep in sadness can be jarring.
I didn't even ask if she was okay, knowing full and well she wasn't. However, she spoke up. Twirling the delicate lily between her pale, slender fingers, she mumbles, "I'm all right. I'm just sorry I made you worry about me."
"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask, tone laced with concern.
"Well, um..." Veyle glances at me then her gaze darts away just as quickly. "Truth to be told, it's... it's my birthday today. Although, I suppose I shouldn't expect anyone here to know. My sister isn't able to remember, and the rest of you don't know me that well, so..."
"Right. Well, Veyle, I know what we're doing today." I assure her with a knowing smile, and she gasps, eyes stretching wide with alarm.
"Y-you want to celebrate my birthday?! Oh, oh, thank you!" She exclaims, voice quivering with the sudden joy. Then, she deflates once more. "But, (Y/N)... You're, um... You're not scared of me? I'm a Fell Dragon. A child of Sombron!"
I shake my head, wondering why she would ask such a foolish question. No one could fear such a sweet girl like her. "No, you don't scare me," I answer firmly, but she isn't convinced.
"Oh? Then... Why is your heart beating so fast, (Y/N)?"
That makes me pause. Then, with a curt exhale, I decide to go with the truth. With an earnest grin, I tell her clearly with a half-hearted laugh, "Because you're kinda cute,"
If it's even possible, she becomes even more flustered and sunned at the same time. "Wha-? I, uh, don't know what you mean..." Before I can reply, she continues, eyes glued to her lap. "You don't know this, but I was born over a millennium ago. It is moments like this that make me happy I was born even with such a bitter history. I truly couldn't ask for a more wonderful gift. But... I'm sorry, this is too much for me. Really. I'm not that attractive, and I'm evil, and I'm the wretched daughter of-"
"Please, Veyle. Stop it." I interrupt, placing a hand on her arm. Her whole body was trembling, and she looked miserable beyond words.
She sucks in a breath, furrowing her eyebrows almost as if she were in physical pain. "But- but it's true! I'm a monster!"
"No, it's not. You're not a monster, and I assure you, no one here thinks that." I say consolingly in the most even tone I could manage. "You're gorgeous, have a pure heart, and value your friendships. Everyone here fights on the same side, and we support each other. We're here for you. I'm here for you."
"Wait, really? Y-you're not pulling my leg?" Veyle whispers. I merely smile. "Thank you ever so much. I'm so happy I think could start crying again!"
I stand up, offering her a hand. "Shall we go celebrate your birthday, then? Let's get a meal at the cafe terrace, c'mon. I'll order anything you want!"
Veyle stares at my hand, dumbfounded, then timidly accepts it, rising beside me with a growing smile. "That sounds delightful, (Y/N). I thank you."
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Author's Note:
Hello there! This is another request for Cosmic66
Did'ja notice that the reader loses the 'Lady' part way through the story when referring to Veyle? Just a random detail... also, there's an obvious reference to a totally unrelated cartoon in here. If you've watched it, I think you'd see it. Did you find that one too?
Anyway... Today's question for you to answer: Who's you're favorite villain in FE Engage? I thought Marni was great, and then she up and *spoilers* died!! I'll never forgive you, Zephia! Even though you died too!
Um. Thank you for reading as always,
LillianWord count: 1230 words
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Fire Emblem Oneshots
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