Ashes and Kingdoms

The lower half moon faces the eastern sky.

Finn was woken up by Lena and snuck out of the bunk. What a strange mood to weave only one jacket, grab a sword and walk on the Cape at night. The moon is just caught in the mountains behind it, and the sea and the city are completely sinking into the dark.

Feeling nervous, not only for herself, but also for Lena, Finn gently extended her heart's hand. It is responsive and the warm ties provide calm.

Finn slowly walked towards the sea. The sound of the waves washing the rocks of Iso invites drowsiness by repeatedly whispering. Till time, it's going to stick and precipitate.

- And accidentally.

Dragon Marquis of Deia

Something completely heterogeneous broke into consciousness, and Finn was bored. Though there is no pain, it is as if a polar spear has pierced your body. Intense discomfort invaded by foreign bodies, not stomach, not bowel, but gut everything twisted depression.

As soon as Finn broke his body into two pieces, the signs disappeared. instead,

"Sorry, were you unfamiliar?"

A quiet voice whispered. Finn finds himself about to vomit, gasping and raising his face. Trying to blend into the darkness, one man stood at some point.

Even though there was little light, Finn's eyes clearly saw what the other person looked like. Featuring geometric woven clothing, long trousers and thick-soled shoes with a hem, and long silver hair.

How did the Sardas get here?

I guess I got suspicion in Finn's face. The man smiled all the time.

"I want to ask for a job. One winter, you'll have to spend it in the mountains."

"... what do you do"

"It's a rough thing. Prevent the Eighth Corps from crossing the line."

――

Finn unwittingly rounded his eyes. It is unprecedented that the Sardas are involved in a dispute over the lower realm. In the first place, we are not going to talk about stopping a whole legion, but on the contrary an army of Dilgius that would be more, just the Sarda tribe, the hunters of the mountains. No matter how good the earth is, it is impossible on the number.

"Yes, don't be overtly pleased."

Finn blushed and fixed his expression as the man seemed to make fun of him. Faster than he could put the question up in his mouth, a man started explaining.

"Of course we don't deal with the whole army. Perhaps until next spring, there will be no full-scale invasion. But they must send in a small advance party to secure passageways, to take care of camps, or to take away the resources we have… men, food, whatever it takes to help. I'm going to push it back and make sure it doesn't upset you before this winter arrives."

"Why would the Sardas do that?

"It's a favor. The Fourth Legion leader of Nakte, Rufus, is a distant relative of ours. Even if not, we are savages who do not like to be trampled and vandalized through the mountains. Wouldn't you?

Ironic question. Finn did not answer and flaunted his shoulders. The man in front of you doesn't look like a savage after all. Finn took one slow breath and stretched his spine.

"Do you know we're deserters and ask for the job? Or is it because I... am just like you"

To Finn, who chose the words carefully, the man replied lightly, "It's both".

"You" powderers "are better behaved and know how to fight legions than coarseness. And Phineas, if you come, it will be easier to keep the Dark Beast away from the village for a long, dark winter."

…… But so are you... "

"My partner is not a light. You realize it, but it's darkness. Only the beasts will be familiar with you, and you will not be afraid."

"Can't you make me obey?

If you are bonding with the dragon of Narug, the Dark God, I feel like I can do whatever I want with the Dark Family. When Finn was surprised, the man smiled bitterly.

"You bonded with the light, do all humans obey?... That's what I'm talking about. If you can get me a job, I'll give you more time to talk. I'll be home for a while tonight, but I'll be back to hear back from you. Make up your mind."

Just say it, and the man turns his back fluffy. Finn panicked and called it off.

"Um, what's your name?"

"Whoa, did I forget to tell you," the man turned around and stared straight at Finn. "Blue fog.... Your partner is so beautiful. Say hello to him."

Ha-ha-ha, and the blue fog laughed. It was a way to laugh that reminded me of that dark wolf. Finn was out of line on his ass, and he gently raised one hand and disappeared into the dark. Is it an illusion that your body literally seemed to melt around the dark?

Finn was stunned for a while, but eventually, the sea breeze stroked his neck and sneezed one. At the same time, Lena breathes relief in a corner of her consciousness.

He was haunted by Master Narug's power, but he wasn't scared.

You said you were clean.

When Finn teased me, I could see Lena twitching in the light. Finn smiles alone and looks up into the sky. The moon was getting higher, throwing a bright light. Moonlight and darkness converge among the twisting waves. I somehow figured out why Blue Mist chose this time, and Finn went back home with a small stretch.

The next morning, there was an unspeakable air at the powderhouse table. I was informed of Oria's offer and the request from Blue Mist, and everyone was puzzled not least.

"The Sardas are not Dragon Marquis of Narug..."

Is it true, Valt roars in suspicion? With Plast facing the day after tomorrow, he clasped his shoulders small.

"It's ironic to tell us deserters to fight the Legion soldiers."

"Either way, we can't get along with the Eighth Legion anymore," Valt shook his head. "Except if the commander takes his place. Because you're the assholes who cocked Dilgius and put mud on his face. If he finds out about his priors, he won't have to do it. It's not a bad idea to tell them we're enemies."

I raise my eyebrows and ask him what to do. Immediately no one answered, silence descended. Slightly, Nellis reluctantly opened his mouth.

"... If we're going to the mountains, what about us? Are you waiting here until spring?

My voice and expression clearly tell me I don't like that. Finn answered carefully as he sorted out his thoughts.

"The blue mist seemed to want me to come. I guess I need Lena's help. That guy seemed more familiar with dragons, and I have a lot to ask, so I think I'll go to the mountains. Otherwise, I can't go south with Oria..."

"Why?"

Fauna asked in a voice of concern. If you want a peaceful life, if you want to live with your family, you should go south. Finn turned lonely.

"I am a dragon marquis," he answered briefly, coughing up small and deceiving. "But the aunts, I think it's safe to go south. Too bad I was able to get back to work at the mill..."

"You can't do that."

Needless to say, Oandus rejected it. Finn expected it, so wait, and control it by hand.

"Uncle, but you can't take Farnein to the mountains. I haven't found any foster parents yet, and either way, if I were in this city, Nialdo would find me, or I wouldn't be able to get rid of my worries that I'd be sold off somewhere else. So I want you to take me south with Oria."

"Wait, brother, does that mean I should go, too?

Nellis is distracted. As Finn nodded in fright, she was furiously outraged.

"So we're in the way!? Every time I have something, I just try to get somewhere just myself! Come on!! Mostly, your brother puts his vows out soon, but he can't be responsible for Farnayne's whole life, can he? I have to get my hands off me somewhere, 'cause that's the same thing we are. We can't find him in an orphanage until we find foster parents here, unless Dilgius and Niardo themselves come and wander around the city, and Farnein is more comfortable staying in the city he's used to than traveling to a village he doesn't know again."

Really your brother is an idiot, and in his usual vice, Nellis glanced straight at Finn. Then he adds, softly, "I don't hate to take care of her, I'll tell you what." Finn smiled unexpectedly.

"I know."

Nellis just doesn't want to be left alone in her family. It's unforgivable for Finn to leave because of Farnayne.

So Farnein of the day became impatient with an argument that ignored him and embarked himself on the table.

"I'm not going! I'm here!

"But Farnayne, you could be alone in an orphanage."

Finn asks if he knows what it means to stay here. Farnayne pointed her mouth.

"I have a sister. Giving me sweets, sister."

…………

I knew it, Finn dropped his shoulder. They don't understand that Oria will be gone.

And a former sentry youth who remained silent until then spoke out loud.

"Um, yeah. Phineas. If you like, I'll take Farnayne?

"Huh?"

In unexpected words, Finn makes his eyes squeeze. Gathering everyone's gaze, the young man scratched his head in illumination.

"I mean, so... both Oria and your mother's escorts go south..."

"What, Nix, you're in love with that girl!

Of course it was Valt who casually said it. Nix youth blushed all the way. My friends around me tease me with no offense and slap me on the shoulders and back often.

"Reasonably, I didn't even think I'd be swinging a race lately. Save your little money and get ready to harden yourself, you son of a bitch!

"You stink of water, say it quickly!

Nix laughs bitterly that he's weakened because of his mouth. Finn was just taken aback and watched it. Nix looked at him and smiled as he managed to escape his buddy's hand.

"I was thinking it was time to wash my feet from this kind of operation and start a small but tough business somewhere south to keep even a goat. So this time on a boat... I mean, if you're really good, but..."

"Good or nothing...... are you the one who's really good?

"Oh. Well, I don't know what Oria would say, but that... I'm going to temper you. If you can't, you won't have to worry about getting into battle if you're west of Nakte, and you'll be safer than this city, so you can live in peace. Farnayne, too."

With his verbal butt, Nix reached out and stroked the girl's head. She looked odd without following the development of the story, but still seems to like Nix and is quiet.

Watching it like that made Finn's chest twitch and warm. Instead of clearly seeing the mind, blurry and nix personalities are conveyed. A simple heart raised in the rural town of Tetna. Kindness to love a steady life and a peaceful day, even bored, and to help each other with family, neighbors and companions.

(- Oh, he would)

What he had lost seemed exactly right to him, and Finn meditated between the bundles. With small villages and families, with livestock and fields...... with children. Living surrounded by such things is very similar to this young man. He will also take care of those things.

(I'll take care of it)

I'm sure you'll do your best to protect Oria and Farnayne.

Finn smiled softly and nodded deeply.

"Okay. I'm asking you, Nix."