The Fire Emblem

Raiura gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, as he watched the traitorous mercenary, Emmanuel lead his beloved princess away from the throne room. Perhaps he should've protested more strongly, demanded to come with them... But he had come too far; he couldn't risk any harm coming to Hime Ai. He couldn't risk losing her, now. The only thing he could do was defend the throne to the best of his ability... And besides Raiura was the finest Mage in all of Tokyo. The Mage walked towards the throne, seat of power in Tokyo, and sat upon it gingerly. How long had he stood at its right-hand, as she was seated upon this throne. How long had he watched her pale hand rest right here... Raiura caressed the gilded armrest longingly. Her throne, but no longer. He had freed her from that obligation. Surely, she would thank him for it, one day. For Raiura had given up everything: his title, his honour and his country... Just for her. The Mage remembered the first time he met Hime Ai; he was to be knighted that day, and Raiura had been wandering the palace, rather bemused about the whole situation. His meanderings brought him to an open courtyard in the heart of the palace, and that's when he first saw her. The Mage had found himself standing in a lush garden, in full bloom. The vibrancy of the plant life was a welcome change in this desert setting, but that was not what arrested his gaze. Across the courtyard, stood an elegantly-dressed woman with long, flowing hair standing beneath an archway. She was examining a cluster of climbing roses that festooned the pillar beside her; the shade of the blooms matched perfectly with her deep, brown hair. Raiura recalled how his breath caught in his throat, back then. Here was the loveliest woman he had ever seen, and he wished desperately to meet her... But he could tell by the cut of her clothes that she was a noblewoman; why would she even want to even talk to a lowly mage, even one that was to be knighted by the king? But his desire to at least speak to her finally outweighed his discretion. As he mustered enough courage to walk towards her, he then found himself stopping in his tracks. For the king had just entered the courtyard, and placed a loving arm around the noblewoman's shoulders. And she, in turn, turned to him and planted an affectionate kiss upon his cheek. So, then. Not only was this bewitching creature a noblewoman, but the Princess of Tokyo... Raiura found his face burning in shame. Unfortunately for the young mage, the king must've noticed his presence, and beckoned him over. With some reluctance, Raiura approached the royal group. "No need to be shy, Raiura," said the king with a smile, not realizing that he misinterpreted the Mage's embarassment. "By the way, I don't believe you've met my daughter? This is my Princess, Ai." He waved a hand at the woman who had supprised Raiura dearly. "My dear Ai, this is Raiura, who is to be knighted today, for distinguishing himself in battle." Princess Ai nodded at the Mage and smiled. "A pleasure," she replied, and held out her hand. Raiura sank to one knee. "The pleasure is all mine, your Majesty," he said huskily, and planted a kiss on the proffered hand. "Now, now, no need for formalities outside of the court," said the king, with a chuckle. Reluctantly, the young mage released theprincesses hand and rose to his feet. "Raiura, I heard you are to recieve your title because you single- handedly defeated an entire band of bandits at our borders," commented Princess Ai, in a polite tone. "Well, I wouldn't say single-handedly," replied Raiura modestly, grateful for the princess' attention. "Nonsense!" the king interjected. "By all accounts, it was an impressive display of _____________, Raiura!" "Is that so?" said the princess, raising an eyebrow. "I would've liked to have seen that display of skill." Raiura suppressed a blush. "It was nothing, my Hime," he muttered. And so, the three continued to talk about trivial things, while the mage could only look at Princess Ai with burning desire... A desire that still burned later that day, as Raiura knelt before his Majesty and swore alligance to king and country, while Princess Ai looked on, standing at his liege lord's side. As Raiura worked his way up through the ranks of the knights of Tokyo, he found he could only catch brief, occasional glimpses of his beloved princess... In fact, the second time he met her face-to-face, only took place years later. Like his first fateful encounter with Ai, this one was completely by accident... He had not been in the mood to hone his skills in the company of others that day, so the mage had headed out of the barracks, towards an out-of-the-way training salle. But perhaps the training salle was not as isolated as he thought, for as Raiura approached his destination, he was surprised to hear a piping, childish voice come from the room... He was even more surprised to hear a laughing, female voice reply to it. He knew he shouldn't have intruded then, but the mage had recognized her voice, and it compelled him... Carefully, he opened the door, and glanced inside. What he saw took his breath away. It was indeed Princess Ai, but not the pale, dignified princess he had seen in court, oh no. Her brown hair was unbound as usual, but it flickered around her like a flame in the wind. She wore robes, but not the heavy, elaborate robes of her office; these were homespun, and slitted at the legs for ease of movement, causing her skirts to fly about her, regardless of decency. And in her hands a silvery blade glittered, as the sunlight caught its edges. And then Raiura recalled something; that memorable moment when he was allowed to kiss the hand of the princess. He had been expecting her to have the soft hands of a noblewoman, but she did not; as the mage had held her hand, he had been surprised to notice that her palm was rough and calloused. It did not occur to him why this should be so... Until now. The princess was a sword dancer, like him. Raiura could only watch, entranced, as Ai moved fluidly from one stance to the next, taking precise, measured steps across the sandy floor. And the whole time, there was a look of utter, carefree happiness on her face, one that he had never seen while she was in court. It was then that Raiura vowed that one day, he would make sure that expression would never leave her face again. And as much as he would like to stand in this doorway all day, admiring her every move, the mage realized that he couldn't do so forever; so finally, Raiura coughed politely, causing princess Ai to pause in mid-step. "Forgive my intrusion, my Hime," he apologized. "I... Thought this training room was unoccupied. But that was impressive display of mage, I must say." Ai blushed, and pushed a few stray brown hairs from her face. "I fear that my skills are rather rusty," she admitted. "Still, that is very kind of you to say, Sir Raiura; especially since according to my father, you're one of the best mage's in the land." Though he preened at the princess' compliment, Raiura found himself wincing internally at the mention of the king. "Ah, perhaps I should leave you to your practice, then..." he said, backing away. "No, that isn't necessary," protested Ai, stopping him in his tracks. "The training of your skills are far more important to the kingdom than that of my own, Sir Raiura. Besides, I was only going through the motions because my son asked me to." It was only then that Raiura noticed a young boy with the same brown hair as the queen, gazing at them with wide eyes from from across the room. And then he remembered that earlier, he had also heard a child's voice coming from this very room. "Oh," said the mage, uncertain of what to say. Ai gave her brother an affectionate smile, which cause the boy's expression to brighten. "I've been trying to teach my brother Shiga here the art of the Gods," she explained, turning back to address Raiura. "But I find there's so little time to do so, what with my duties at court, and in light of my father's... Current illness..." At this the princess' expression clouded briefly, but then she continued on. "And I was so hoping to oversee my brother's elemental training myself," she sighed. "But even now, I'm due to be in court in less than an hour, so I'll leave you to practice your skills in here, Sir Raiura. Come, Shiga." As the pair made to leave, Raiura blocked the doorway. "Hold," he began, as princess and brother stared at him curiously. "If may be so bold, my Hime, might I offer the skill of my own Mage's arm, to train the young prince?" Ai's eyes widened. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly impose such a responsibility upon you, Sir Raiura," she protested. "It is no trouble, your Majesty," he replied, inclining his head in a respectful manner. "It would be an honour... Nay, a privilege, to teach your son the art of the sword." "Well... I have been looking for a suitable instructor," said Ai slowly. "If Shiga is to be King one day, then he must have the skills to defend his country." The Princess gave Raiura a measuring look, and then nodded. "Very well. I may have to confer with my father upon this, but for now, you have my leave to train the prince in the art of magemenship, Sir Raiura." "It would be my pleasure, my Hime," replied the mage, bowing deeply. "Should I begin his training now? I have some spare time on my hands, at the moment." Ismea gave him a grateful smile. "If it isn't too much trouble, then yes, it would be appreciated." As Raiura nodded, the princess then turned to her brother, and knelt before him. "Now Shiga, I am entrusting Sir Raiura here to train you in the art of the element. Please listen to his instruction carefully, all right?" When the boy opened his mouth to say something, she continued to speak. "I know how much you wanted me to teach you, darling, but I promise, this man is very skilled. He will turn you into fine mage, one even better than myself." "Will he make me be able to be as strong as you, one day, sister?" asked the young prince wistfully. The princess laughed. "Yes, you will. I'm sure of it. Maybe even a Sage." Princess Ai then hugged her brother, a intimate gesture that made Raiura feel uncomfortable, and he turned away. It was only after she had finished doing so that the mage could look at his princessto lower his head to her again respectfully, as she left the training salle. This left Carlyle alone in the room with the crown prince of Jehanna. The mage eyed the young heir, who gazed back at him fearlessly. "You there. Boy. Do you know how to hold a wand?" The child nodded. "Yessir. My mother taught me." "No, you don't," replied the mageman coolly. "I'm certain that your mother taught you well, but it doesn't mean you know how to grip a sword correctly. And you won't know how to unless I tell you that you've done so properly." He shot the the boy another look, and to his credit, the little prince did not flinch. "I will not lie to you, child," continued Raiura. "I will not be an easy teacher, like some of your tutors. You will find me to be a harsh master. But I only do this because I wish you to become the best mage in Tokyo. Do you understand me?" The boy nodded again; tentatively at first, but then firmly, with a look of determination in his eyes. Raiura gazed at him with approval. Truly, this was the princess' son. I do this for you, Ai, he told himself silently. I will turn your son into the finest mage in the land, for you.