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As second-in-command, Titania had many responsibilities. For a long time, she had been able to share them with someone she trusted with her life—someone she had always thought would be there for her. In this line of work, however, she should have known better. It irked her beyond all reason that she was still so foolish after all the battles she had seen, and it made her feel even worse. No one was infallible. Not even Greil.
She would have wanted to talk to someone, to untangle her feelings and move forward. But who could she talk to? The younger members were out of the question. Shinon and Gatrie had left, and even if they hadn’t, they perhaps lacked a certain maturity to discuss such things with, despite their age. She could have spoken to Oscar or Rhys, but she didn't really want to burden the young men with her personal problems.
After tossing and turning in her bedroll for hours, she finally slipped out of the camp and walked deep into the woods while the rest of them slept, if only to allow herself to be vulnerable for just a moment.
She didn’t bother putting on armor over her tunic, but she grabbed her axe just in case. The night seemed calm and free of danger, however, and she soon found herself standing in a small, overgrown clearing. A half-rotted tree trunk lay next to an old campfire.
Titania remained silent for a moment before gazing up at the night sky. Tears stung her eyes, and her breathing was shallow and trembling. As if all her energy had suddenly left her, she sank onto the partly decayed trunk, burying her face in her hands.
“G-Greil”, she choked out as hot tears spilled from her eyes. “W-why…”
Even through her own inconsolable sobbing, she heard the faintest sound behind her—perhaps a dry twig snapping. She tensed, whipping her head to the left and clenching her fist around the handle of her axe.
“Mist”, she uttered hoarsely, immediately recognizing the slender figure of the girl. ”What are you doing here? You should be at the camp, not wandering alone in a forest.”
”I… I guess I couldn’t sleep either. I saw you walk away from the camp and…”
Titania quickly wiped off the tears from her face as Mist sat next to her, then felt the girl’s hand on her forearm.
”There is no need for that.”
”Mist, sweetheart, I… I know how deeply you and Ike were affected by the loss of your father. Yet, I haven’t seen your brother lose his composure even once. It’s… admirable. He is the commander now, and he has taken this role well despite his young age. That said, as the oldest and the second-in-command… I have to—”
The girl’s grip on her forearm tightened.
”We all grieve differently, and while I have learned to respect that, I…” Mist was quiet for a moment. ”Is it… is it strange to say that seeing you like this makes me feel… a little bit better, in a way? What I mean is… I can relate to it. And… if the p-passing of my dad makes someone as strong and fearless as you cry, then… then it just means he must’ve been someone really special to you, too, right?”
Titania looked at Mist and saw her blue eyes welling with tears. She wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulders and tried to say something soothing, but found herself biting back another sob. The next thing she knew, they were hugging each other tightly and crying, and somehow it didn’t feel embarrassing or pathetic at all.
It felt freeing.
Cathartic.
After they finally calmed down, they began walking back to the camp silently under the stars. Mist was holding onto Titania’s hand, and she had to admit that it felt comforting, although the notion also bothered her. As the oldest, she was supposed to be there for the younger ones, not the other way around. At the same time, she knew she was only human, and that there was no need to put on an act when it was just Mist and her.
She had the feeling that there was something on the girl’s mind she had difficulty voicing, and just before they reached their camp, Mist finally opened her mouth.
“Titania? Can I… ask you something?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Did you… Were you in love with Dad?”
Somehow, she had already anticipated that question.
”I dare say we both loved each other, but what we had between us wasn’t… exactly romantic in nature. Or if it was, it transcended the usual meaning of the word. I had never trusted anyone as I trusted him. I would have died for him if needed, and I knew he would’ve done the same for me. He…” Titania sighed softly and shook her head. “He gave me a purpose and a family. I doubt I’ll ever get to feel something like that again.”
Mist looked at her and smiled, squeezing her hand a little.
”I think I understand what you mean.”
”I have no doubt about that. You’ve always been a smart girl.”
What she definitely wasn’t going to tell Mist or anyone else, for that matter, was that she had actually had a tryst with Greil, although it felt like ancient history at this point.
It happened sometime after his wife’s death. They had both been drinking and reminiscing about Elena when they crashed in a tavern room together. One thing led to another, and soon Titania was very intimately assured of the fact that Greil didn’t mind her being a little different from most other women.
Despite the encounter turning out to be surprisingly gender euphoric, nothing like it had happened again. Still, the unexpected night had further strengthened their bond in a way that was hard to describe. It also confirmed Titania's preference for the fairer sex, though she never took a long-term partner, casual encounters with curious women they met on their travels being enough to satisfy her needs. After all, she already had her found family, and given the life she led, it was just easier that way.
As they returned to the camp, Titania tried to pull her hand free, but Mist held it a little tighter.
“Is something the matter?”
The girl cast a pleading look at her.
“I’m sorry to be such a baby, but… Could I sleep next to you tonight?”
The question took Titania mildly by surprise. It was something they had in fact done quite frequently when Mist was younger, but the last time was several years ago. Back then, Mist was still a small child, not an adolescent about to turn 16. It was still Mist, though, and the girl was practically a little sister to her.
“I’m… I’m sorry”, the girl said meekly. “That was—”
“There’s no need to apologize. I just didn’t expect that”, Titania assured her gently. “Does this mean you have trouble sleeping?”
She nodded, gaze turned down.
“Ever since… I just…”
Titania gently squeezed the girl's hand.
“I understand. And of course you can. You’ll have to bring your own bedroll, though. I doubt the two of us can fit inside mine any longer.”
Mist smiled at her wistfully.
“Yeah… I guess so. I still think about those nights sometimes. How snug, safe, and comfy it all felt.”
“You know, you had your own father right there, and still you sneaked to sleep next to me.”
“He snored louder than you do”, Mist said with a fond little smirk, and Titania couldn’t help chuckling at the comment.
“Now let’s get to bed before we wake up the whole camp.”
Mist walked to her sleeping spot, bringing her bedroll with her as she returned. She seemed to doze off almost as soon as she closed her eyes, her back snuggled against Titania's front, the woman’s strong arm protectively draped over her. Titania smiled and closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar, pleasant scent of Mist’s hair, and felt sleep come over her as well.
Neither Greil nor Elena was here anymore, and the future of both Tellius and Greil Mercenaries looked uncertain. Still, as long as she lived, she would always be there for Ike and Mist, guarding them with her life, no matter what happened. That much she could do. That much she had promised.
Running into Daein invasion forces within Gallia’s borders had been something of a surprise, but what made Titania even more worried was that she hadn’t expected Rolf and Mist to insist on joining the rest of them in battle. At least the other young people in their group were already seasoned mercenaries, familiar with many tactics, but these two… While they proved surprisingly capable, they took too many risks for Titania’s comfort. Of course, they’d learn in time, but time was a luxury mercenaries rarely had.
She had to admit, though—Mist’s healing skills already rivaled those of Rhys’s, despite the lack of proper field training and battle experience. Given the nature of Greil’s offspring and already knowing there was no turning back anymore, it was then and there she decided something.
“Die, little girl!”
“Ahh!”
The assailant who had nearly managed to surprise Mist fell to the ground, lifeless, a throwing axe embedded deep in his split skull. Effortlessly, in mid-gallop, Titania grabbed the girl’s arm and pulled her up in front of her on the horse.
“From this day on, you’re going to start training with Rhys and me, with whatever little time we have to spare”, she said with all the seriousness she could muster. “The same goes for Rolf, but I will charge his brothers with taking care of that.”
“T-Titania…”
“We’re also going to get you a horse. A reliable one, battle-tested.”
Mist glanced at her over her shoulder, a surprised look on her face. She loved animals and had learned to ride at a young age, well acquainted with both Oscar’s and Titania’s horses. The girl had always wanted a horse of her own, but had been told a ‘no’ until she finally stopped asking.
“But… can we really afford one? I have always been told that—”
“I’ll pay it with my own savings. If you’re out there, putting your life on the line under my watch, I need you to have every advantage you can.”
Since Greil’s devastating loss, Titania had been increasingly impressed—though not surprised—by the capability shown by his progeny as they assumed their new responsibilities. She would always remember the look on Shinon’s face when she told him that young Ike—not she—would take Greil’s place as commander.
In a way, it was flattering that the sharp-tongued sniper, who had been extremely wary of her at first and had referred to her as 'he' whenever Greil wasn't around, would have followed her unquestioningly. However, perhaps it was for the best that he had left if Ike's promotion bothered him so much. Regardless of the man’s suspicion, Ike had performed well, and Titania could see much of Greil in his stalwart and unprejudiced son.
Even if she had initially been a little worried about Mist’s insistence on joining them in battle, she soon became an invaluable asset to their team. Being on horseback allowed her to move faster and observe the flow of the battle more easily than Rhys could. She had also inherited Elena’s natural aptitude for healing magic. Before long, Titania couldn’t even imagine entering the battlefield without the extra confidence that came from knowing Mist was at her back, as the girl often followed closely behind Titania and Oscar, while Rhys kept closer to their non-mounted companions.
The girl also kept herself busy at their campsites, whether doing laundry, cooking, or caring for the horses. While Titania found her diligence admirable, she was also worried about her getting enough rest. Since she couldn’t convince the girl to relax, she decided to help her whenever she had time from her own duties. Despite Mist being so much younger than her, Titania enjoyed spending time with her.
Months passed by during their long employment with Princess Elincia, their small mercenary company gaining more muscle along the way. As autumn grew colder in anticipation of winter, Mist snuck to sleep next to Titania again for shared warmth, and somehow it just became a permanent arrangement. The former knight didn’t mind; after all, it was just Mist, the girl she felt like she had known forever.
Nearly a year after setting out on their journey, they were preparing to leave Begnion after Ike’s knighting, a new chapter beginning in their arduous quest.
”Why are you crying? Isn’t this a happy occasion?” Titania asked the girl soothingly after the ceremony.
”Yes… It is. I just can’t help thinking how proud Dad would’ve been of him”, the cleric said quietly as she wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks.
”He… he certainly would have been very proud of Ike,” Titania agreed after a moment, feeling emotional as well at the thought. ”But I know he would also have been very proud of you.”
“I’m not so sure about that. He would’ve been horrified if I had even suggested joining the battles alongside the rest of you”, Mist said in a small voice.
“Oh, he absolutely would have,” Titania agreed, a small, wistful smile on her lips. “But he always knew it was only a matter of time before he couldn’t hold you back anymore.”
”What do you mean by that?”
“You are just like Elena in so many ways. You may not command armies or strike fear into the hearts of our foes, but you have something equally powerful at your disposal, and it’s your fearless compassion. If things were different and both your parents were still here, there is no way Elena would’ve settled for staying on the sidelines, no matter what Greil had said. I’d even say she was… selfless and caring to a fault, but luckily, you’ve also inherited some of your father’s bite”, Titania said a little wryly. ”Just know that I have never felt as confident riding into battle as when I know you’re right there behind me.”
Mist’s eyes filled with tears again, but she smiled and hugged the older woman tightly.
“Everything okay here?” Ike asked as she walked next to them, and Mist launched herself at her brother, wrapping her arms around him next.
“We’re all so proud of you!” the girl gushed, her voice muffled as she buried her face in Ike’s scarf.
He scrunched his brow, but curtly returned his sister’s hug.
“I’m only doing this because Princess Elincia said it was necessary, but… I suppose it’s an honor. It’ll still be weird to have a bunch of soldiers around calling me ‘General’.”
“You’ll get used to it soon”, Titania assured him.
“Congrats, General Ike! Ya’ll headed to the banquet?” they heard Brom say happily as he lumbered toward them, smiling and accompanied by Nephenee.
“Yeah, suppose we are.”
“I can’t wait to see what kind of dishes there’ll be. I just bet it’s something fancier than the simple grub we have back home”, the man mused.
“Oh, oh; do you think they have those really tiny sandwiches?” Mist said excitedly, and Ike shrugged.
”Only one way to find out, right?”
The girl grabbed Titania’s hand to pull her along as the rest of them started walking toward the dining hall, then cast a questioning look at the former knight as she didn’t budge.
”Titania? Are you not coming?”
“Oh, sorry. I just remembered I have a small errand I’ll need to take care of, since we’re already leaving tomorrow. I’ll just go pick up something from the town and join you as soon as I can.”
Mist looked at her curiously.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, no, just go with Ike and the others. It won't take me long.”
When Mist turned sixteen, Titania had gifted the girl the dress she had seen her eyeing during a supply run to a nearby town. It had looked very pretty on her, and she had loved it to bits. The girl’s seventeenth birthday was just around the corner, and this time the former knight wanted to give her something more personal.
As she made her way to the merchant district, she couldn’t help but think about where she had been at Mist’s age, having been only fifteen when she had already been promoted from squire to knight. She had shown exceptional bravery in a battle against brigands that proved to be more organized than expected, saving the commanding officer in the process and earning her early knighting.
While her parents had been proud of her, she had continued to clash with her father about her gender presentation. Part of why she was so keen to join the officer exchange program and relocate to Gallia was the tension at home; the other part was the rumor she had heard that the form-changing laguz possessed knowledge of remedies that might help her on her personal journey.
Before she left for Gallia at the age of sixteen, her mother had given her the necklace she always wore, a family heirloom passed down through the women in her family for many generations. Titania still wondered if her mother had somehow known it would be the last time they’d see each other, for both her parents died of blood fever during her time away from Crimea. She traveled back home to attend their funeral, then returned to Gallia to stay.
“Ah, you’re here for your custom order”, the jeweler said as soon as he noticed Titania walking into his workshop. “Just a moment.”
The old man disappeared into the backroom for a moment, then returned with a box, presenting its contents to her.
“Do you find it satisfactory?”
Titania smiled.
“It’s beautiful. I can see why they recommended you.”
The old jeweler looked up at her, a curious look in his eyes.
“Excuse an old man for his notions, but your lady friend must be very special to receive such an exquisite gift.”
Titania raised her eyebrows slightly, so surprised by the comment that her face flushed.
“N-no, you misund—”
“There is no need to say anything. I’m happy that young people these days have it a little easier than they did in my youth. Society still has ways to go, but all in good time. Celebrate what you have.”
Titania opened her mouth to explain herself, but then closed it, realizing it would only make it sound even worse. The man didn’t know it was for Mist or what their relationship was. It didn’t matter.
“T-thank you”, she said instead and handed the old jeweler a small leather pouch. “Here’s the rest of the payment.”
The man eyed the pouch for a moment, then shook his head.
“Keep it. I’m sure you will do everything in your power to return the Crimean throne to its rightful ruler. It will be payment enough.”
“Happy birthday, sis.”
“What… what is this?”
Titania smiled at the look on Mist’s face as Ike handed her a long box. It was early morning, and they were in the room the girl had been assigned for their stay at Sienne. Titania and Mist were sitting at the foot of the bed, Ike and Princess Elincia were standing next to them, and Soren was sulking partly behind Ike’s back. They would soon have breakfast in the dining hall with Empress Sanaki, then prepare to march with Begnion’s troops.
“I hope you like it”, Elincia said. “It’s from all of us.”
Soren got one vowel out of his mouth before Ike elbowed him firmly, if gently, and the mage nodded stiffly instead.
The girl began opening the ribbons with delicate motions, her eyes widening when she realized what it was.
“Oh my… I can’t believe you have… It’s… How can I ever even accept something like this!” Mist sputtered as she lifted an elegant and very expensive-looking sword from the box.
As soon as Mist had begun joining them in battle, Ike had insisted that his sister also learn the basics of swordfighting in case a foe got close to her, and Titania had agreed. Neither of them expected Mist to outmatch fully grown men skilled with their blades, but at least she would know how to best thwart attacks if it came to that, and at the very least be able to buy herself time until her comrades could intercept. She had started practicing with Mia to get used to an opponent her own size before she began training with Ike and Titania, both of whom had considerable weight and height advantages over her. Most of Mist’s training focused on predicting her opponent's moves, deflecting incoming blows, and learning how to best use her small size to her advantage.
“You’ve been training hard, and I want you to be able to defend yourself with a weapon specifically made for your needs”, Ike said.
“It looks just like the one Tanith’s using”, Mist noted, standing up and doing a few slow practice swings.
“It’s from the same blacksmith, also imbued with wind magic so that you can fight from a distance when possible”, Elincia said. “How does it feel?”
“What can I say… as if it was made for me.” Mist smiled, doing a few more test swings before putting the sword back in its sheath. “Thank you all so much!”
She bounced toward Ike and Soren, hugging them both at once despite Soren’s half-hearted complaints. She almost launched herself at Elincia next, but seemed to realize that would probably be misconduct and hesitated. The princess, however, just smiled at her and spread her arms.
“Okay, let’s hit that breakfast then”, Ike suggested after Mist finally let go of the Crimean princess. “There’s still lots to do.”
“We’ll be there shortly”, Titania said, and the young general nodded, disappearing out of the room with Soren and Elincia.
Mist turned to look at Titania curiously, then noticed the small box in her hands.
“I… also wanted to give you a little something.”
The girl took the offered box and carefully opened it, gasping at what she saw inside.
“T-Titania…!”
Mist picked up the ornate cloak brooch and placed the box on the side table. She ran her thumb over the valuable gem embedded in it.
“I… I don’t know what to say. It… it’s…” She inhaled, then let out a shaky breath. “I kn-know what this is. What it used to be. But how could you… Y-you always said it was the most precious keepsake you’ve ever had.”
“All that has happened has made me reassess the importance of the things in my life. It’s very unlikely I’ll ever have children I could pass anything on to, and there are hardly any occasions when I would wear such an elaborate piece of jewelry. I felt better turning it into something more practical that would actually be used than keeping it hidden in my saddlebag forever.”
”But… Why give something so valuable to me? What would your mother say?”
Titania looked Mist in the eye.
“My parents are long gone. Your parents, both of them very dear to me, are gone as well. You are the closest to me among the only family I still have. It just felt… right to give it to you.”
Mist smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. They embraced for a long time before finally joining the others.
Titania was sitting on a rock a little further away from their camp as the sun was just rising, so concentrated on what she was doing that she jumped a little when she heard Mist’s voice.
“Titania—oh, you're shaving! Sorry! I hope I didn't make you cut yourself!”
“Don’t worry about it, I’m fine.”
“Here, let me.”
Gently, Mist took the shaving blade from Titania’s hands and touched her jaw. The former knight allowed the girl to tilt her head upwards and to the other side, and finish the other side of her face with practiced movements. When Mist was ready, she gave the extremely sharp blade back to Titania and ran her thumbs across her cheeks and jawline, then smiled at her.
“Smooth as butter.”
“Thank you, Mist.”
“I’m just happy I can do at least something for you.” The girl paused for a moment. “Our faces are what other people first notice about us, so I can imagine how much that must bother you. It’s a shame that your medicine doesn’t prevent that from happening.”
“It does a lot of things to me, but it’s no magic. At least it makes it thinner and less noticeable.”
“For what it matters, I think you’re beautiful as you are”, Mist said with a beaming smile. “Your hair is so gorgeous, too, and you’re tall and strong but still soft to hug.”
Titania chuckled.
”That’s sweet of you to say.”
“I’m not saying it just to be nice”, Mist said a little self-consciously. “Maybe you haven’t been paying attention to the glances you get, but I’ve certainly noticed them.”
“Is that so? I can only think of that senator from our stay in Sienne, and he was also coming on to Soren because he mistook him for a girl”, Titania answered wryly.
“To be fair, that wouldn’t be the first time”, Mist giggled. “And perhaps just anyone wouldn’t dare to approach either of you in the same way some self-important noble would.”
“You’re probably right. And honestly, I prefer it that way.”
Ike had often wondered why his father refused to touch a sword, but Titania never answered the question. It was her other promise to Greil, in addition to the one that, should he meet an untimely end, she would care for his children until they reached adulthood.
That day would haunt her forever. She would never forget the sudden, shrill screams of death and panic outside, or the chaos and severed bodies of unarmed people. Utterly bewildered, Titania had tried to stop Greil together with the guards, but in vain. Despite her strength and size, the crazed man had sent her flying like a rag doll. She had been extremely lucky, only breaking three ribs and dislocating her shoulder. Despite her injuries, she had stubbornly gone after Greil again, only to helplessly witness him impale his own wife on his sword before it was finally over. She, if anyone, knew what that medallion was capable of, and now it was gone.
Titania held Mist tight as they lay side by side in their bedrolls. She had no idea how much time had passed before she finally let go of her, the girl no longer trembling. Perhaps she had fallen asleep.
As she pulled back and observed Mist’s face, which now looked much more peaceful, the girl opened her bleary, blue eyes and smiled a little. Titania couldn’t help but smile back.
“Are you feeling any better?” she asked softly.
The girl nodded.
“I’m glad to hear—”
Titania was caught completely off guard as Mist leaned in and brushed a kiss on her lips. She froze and could simply stare at the girl with wide eyes as her mind tried to make sense of what exactly had just happened.
“Mist—” she began, finally finding her voice, but was gently cut off by another kiss, bolder than the first. The girl’s lips were soft and inviting, and Titania’s eyes fluttered shut. She threaded her fingers through the girl’s hair, cupping the back of her head and returning the kiss before suddenly realizing what she was doing. She pulled away abruptly, as if the touch had burned her.
“W-wait, Mist, this is… we—”
“Please”, the girl pleaded wearily, grabbing her arm. “Don’t say anything. Not… not now. Okay? Could you just… hold me?”
“Of course”, Titania murmured after a moment’s pause, wrapping her arms around the girl who cuddled against her.
Mist fell asleep soon after, leaving Titania wide awake with her confused thoughts, the ghost of the unexpected touch lingering on her lips.
“I think we should… rethink our sleeping arrangement”, Titania said a little awkwardly. It was very early in the morning, and she was getting the campfire ready to boil water when she noticed Mist carefully approaching her.
The girl cast her gaze at her feet.
“I’m sorry. I… shouldn’t have—”
“It’s… not just about that. It’s more about how this appears to others, especially our new recruits. You’re not exactly a child anymore, and my preferences aren’t a secret either, so I’m not surprised if our… closeness would raise some questions.”
“What does it matter, though, how it appears? Your preferences aren’t a problem for me, and I don’t see why they would be for anyone else, either. Ike and Soren are sleeping together, too, and I haven’t heard anyone comment anything on that.” She winced. “Well, apart from Shinon, at least.”
Titania couldn’t help but smirk a little despite herself before she became serious again.
“It’s a completely different matter, though. Your brother and Soren are close in age. I’m much older than you, and I swore to Greil I’d take care of you if anything happened to him.”
“Didn’t you just say that I’m not a child anymore?”
“You're still not quite an adult, either. You’re seventeen. I wouldn’t want anyone to think anything untoward about our… bond or about my intentions.”
“You’re the most honorable and disciplined person I’ve ever known. Besides my dad, at least. I don’t see how anyone could think any less of you, even if…” The girl fell silent, leaving the sentence unfinished.
“Your father left me as your caretaker. I… can’t have that duty compromised. You’ve had a very unusual upbringing for a girl, always on the move with a mercenary band with little other social contact. It’s no wonder if it’s easy to get… emotionally confused about the close bonds we all have built over the years.”
Mist looked at her, an apprehensive expression on her face as she sat down next to the older woman, and tentatively reached for her hand, but stopped before touching it.
It was the first time ever Mist had hesitated to touch her, and it made Titania’s heart ache more than anything else that had happened. If only she could fix this somehow, return the innocence and ease they had shared between them, but it was out of her hands now. The only thing she could do was to be the responsible adult.
”It’s alright, Mist”, she said and took the smaller hand in hers firmly but gently. The girl glanced at their joined hands, then met the older woman’s gaze.
”Nothing needs to change. We can be like we always have. What happened last night, though…”
”I understand”, Mist said quietly.
Titania smiled encouragingly at the girl, then let go of her hand and wrapped her arm around her. Mist snuggled against her, and the former knight rested her cheek against the girl’s head, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair.
Mist was at that age, and Titania was someone safe she could be comfortable with. She could understand that much. However, there were also things she couldn’t understand, and things she preferred not to think about.
How absurd it would be. Greil would turn in his grave. No matter. Mist is a sweet, pretty girl. She will soon find a romantic partner of her own age, and that will be the end of… whatever this is.
“Has something happened that I should know about?”
Titania glanced at Ike, who approached her as she was sitting by the campfire, maintaining her axe.
“Why do you ask?”
Ike shrugged and sat down next to his second-in-command.
“You and Mist. Is everything okay between the two of you?”
“Of course. I just… I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about us, so I suggested that we sleep separately from now on.”
Ike stared at her and tilted his head.
“What kind of wrong idea?”
The young general’s answer made her pause. Was he seriously asking that?
“She’s… Aren’t you worried she’s become a little too… attached to me?”
“Too attached?” Ike scratched the back of his neck. “You’ve known us both since we were kids, and you and Mist have always been especially close. I’m honestly not sure what you’re getting at, so maybe you shouldn't worry about it too much either.”
Although Titania hadn’t expected such nonchalance, it nonetheless helped put her mind at ease.
“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe it’s just this war taking its toll on me.”
Ike stood up, smiling encouragingly down at her.
“I know a thing that always helps me clear my head.”
Titania smirked a little, then stood up as well.
“Axes or swords?”
“I don’t mind getting some axe training in for a change; it’s good to be versatile. Father was skilled with both.”
“He certainly was. I doubt there was a weapon he didn't master.”
The two began walking farther from the camp and soon heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
'Ike! Titania! Are you going to spar?”
“Oh, hey. I thought you were all caught up in that laundry business”, Ike said as his sister appeared between them.
“Jill and Princess Elincia wanted to help even though I tried to tell them they really didn’t need to, and Oscar insisted that he’d prepare the food, so I’m all done now.”
“I see. So, do you want to join us? We just agreed on axes, but—”
Mist quickly shook her head.
“No thanks, I’m good just watching this time.”
“Right. Which one of us are you going to root for, sis?”
“Both of you, of course!” the girl said, and to emphasize her words, she grabbed both of their hands.
Ike soon weaseled his hand free, which was not surprising. The only person he seemed physically comfortable with was Soren, even though it was unclear how the two defined their close relationship. Perhaps they didn’t even know the answer themselves.
Titania, however, held the slender hand in hers tighter, and as she quickly glanced at Mist, their eyes met. The girl smiled at her fondly, and Titania couldn’t help but smile back at her. It felt as if the awkwardness between them had melted away that instant, her heart filling with warmth.
She had been uncertain where their awkward conversation the other day would leave them, but not anymore. Ike was right—she was thinking too deeply into this. Even if Mist wasn’t aware of the medallion’s dark powers, Titania could only imagine how losing the beloved keepsake affected the girl who barely remembered her mother. It was just natural that her emotions would be all over the place.
It was just… one kiss. Nothing more.
“It’s adorable how happy Princess Elincia seems now that she’s finally united with her lady retainer”, Titania noted casually as she groomed her horse. “She seems like a formidable swordswoman, too. It will be interesting to meet her brother when we arrive at Castle Delbray.”
“She has told me a lot about Lucia and Geoffrey. Princess Elincia actually grew up with them, and Lucia even taught her to use a sword. The three of them have always been really close.”
“Oh, I didn’t know about any of that. That explains it, then. I’ve always wondered what it would have felt like to have siblings, even a step-brother or step-sister.”
Mist didn’t comment on that, falling oddly quiet suddenly, and Titania glanced at the girl.
“Is everything okay?”
“I just… I don’t think Princess Elincia really considers Lucia her sister. I have a brother I love to bits, and I’ve seen how Oscar, Boyd, and Rolf look out for each other despite their silly arguments and all that. But as soon as I saw those two together… You know. It actually kind of makes me a little sad.”
Titania felt a little perplexed.
“So you’re saying… But why would it make you sad?”
“If… when we succeed in stopping King Ashnard, Princess Elincia will be crowned as the queen of Crimea, won’t she?”
“Yes?”
“She mentioned something in passing a month or two ago. She said that if she took the throne, she would also be expected to take a king consort from an important family or another and continue the hereditary succession. There was this look in her eyes when she said it, and… I think I understand now.”
Titania hadn’t even considered the possibility that Princess Elincia might be in love with a woman. She had overheard some soldiers whispering that Ike and Elincia were romantically interested in each other, or even more than that, and some seemed to think that this was partly why the Crimean princess had knighted him. Of course, all of that was utter nonsense, but nonsense always had the potential to become something more when enough people spread it.
The more Titania thought about what Mist had said, the more she believed that it could very well be true. After all, Mist was probably the closest to Elincia aside from Ike, and the two often spent time together, talking and doing chores. Mist would probably know things about the princess that the others didn't, even if only by implication.
“Princess Elincia seems rather mature for her age. She understands and accepts what it means to become a queen, but I agree it can be a heavy burden. Despite all the power that comes with being a monarch, the role also entails duties and traditions that may require significant personal sacrifices. If what you say is true, we can only hope that she will find a way to remain true to herself.”
“Let go of me!” Soren yelled angrily, trying in vain to free himself of Titania’s grip.
“Ike is not as irresponsible as to leave his companions behind by choosing to engage in a contest he cannot win. Please, Soren, you must feel the same way. Don’t you?”
“I said… let… go of me!!”
He fought against the strong woman’s hold on him with even more vigor, but still to no avail, and finally relented as if all power had suddenly left his body.
“He has to do this.”
“I don’t like it”, the mage said with a choked voice. “This is idiocy. W-what if—”
Titania had never seen him so agitated, and his distress tore at her heart.
“I know, Soren. I—”
Elincia’s sudden shout from behind her effectively silenced her.
“Mist! Where are you going?”
She spun around and saw the girl hurrying for the door.
“Mist! You heard Ike! This is between him and the Black Knight. We are not to interfere!”
“I don’t care what he said”, she answered, her hand already on the door and fearless determination in her gaze as she looked at the older woman. “He’s my brother, and I won’t let him face that man alone. I’m… sorry.”
Before Titania could think what to say, the girl had already gone after Ike and the mysterious man who had killed Commander Greil, leaving her staring helplessly at the closed door.
“Now you know how it feels”, she heard Soren mutter bitterly.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Titania asked, perhaps a little too defensively, turning sharply to face him again. “You know that they are both equally important to me.”
“Don't insult either of our intelligences with any of that”, the mage scoffed.
“What… what exactly are you insinuating?”
“I’m not insinuating anything.”
“I know you’re upset, so I’m just going to pretend I did not hear that tone of yours.”
“Pretend all you want if it makes you feel better about yourself”, Soren said, but the bite from his words was gone. ”I’m done pretending. I just… want him back in one piece, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about that.”
Titania watched as the mage retreated to his own space, away from her and the others. She felt her palms sweating inside her gauntlets as Soren’s words kept repeating in her head, all the while worry for Ike and Mist ate at her.
“Is everything alright?” she heard Elincia ask softly.
”Y-yes. Soren just needs some space right now. He… he feels it’s his duty to protect Ike, and he isn’t used to being left out like this.”
Elincia nodded and cast a glance at Lucia and Geoffrey.
”I know what you mean. And… that he is not the only one who feels that way. After all, you, too, were once a Crimean knight, and… well.” Elincia touched her armored forearm and gave her a small, encouraging smile. “Both of them have Commander Greil's blood in their veins, and even if the Black Knight might possess strength and skills beyond common men, he is still just a man, and no man is invincible. They will see it through. I’m certain of it.”
Titania wanted to believe that more than anything, but they were talking about a man who had bested the greatest warrior she had ever seen. Perhaps Soren was right, but she still found herself helplessly bound by her honor. She had promised Ike she wouldn’t let anyone interfere, and now Mist was already there. At least she was his sister, and this was very personal for them both.
Oh, the irony of all the promises she had made—to Greil, to Ike, to herself—now beginning to contradict one another…
Every second spent not knowing what was happening felt more torturous than the last, and her hand kept nervously clenching and unclenching the handle of her axe. As far as she was concerned, what she had told Soren about caring equally for both siblings was true, and she would be devastated by the loss of either. And still, the mere thought of a world without Mist… It felt like it would be barely worth living in.
An ominous sound alerted them all. The door burst open, and Titania was surprised to see not just Ike and Mist rushing through, but also Nasir, who was carrying an unconscious, bleeding woman in his arms.
“What—”
“There’s no time to explain!” Ike shouted. “The castle is collapsing—everyone move!”
Despite the sudden turmoil and disorder around her, Titania felt immensely relieved as she grabbed Mist’s hand tightly to make sure she wouldn’t be left behind in the chaos. If they could defeat the Black Knight, then surely they could defeat King Ashnard too.
At least of that, there was no longer any doubt in her mind.
When King Ashnard finally did fall, Titania could barely hold her battleaxe anymore, and simply let it drop from her trembling hands.
Finally, it was over.
“We did it!” Mist squealed, then wrapped the weary former knight in a fierce embrace.
“Yes… we did”, she sighed, hugging the girl tightly.
“I’ll go check on Ike and Nasir.”
Her blue eyes sparkled as she gave Titania a quick peck on the corner of her lips, then dashed off.
Titania stared after Mist, trying to ignore the way her skin tingled and her heart swelled with affection.
The reconstruction of war-torn Crimea began, and while many of their acquaintances returned home, the Greil Mercenaries stayed in Melior for the time being. For the first two months, they helped to secure the land with the troops that Empress Sanaki had lent them. After that, they focused more on helping with the rebuilding work alongside the Gallians who had come to Crimea's aid.
Elincia was crowned as the Queen of Crimea, and as Ike was expected to make appearances together with her as the hero-leader of the army who freed the country from King Ashnard’s tyranny, rumors about their relationship began circulating once again. Even if it was a ludicrous notion for those who knew better, at least it distracted the public eye from Elincia’s personal knights, Lucia and Geoffrey, who both seemed to have a very close relationship with their Queen. Titania was unsure what was happening between the three, but she was quite certain it was both complicated and none of her business.
As for herself, Titania felt happy enough. It was a nice change of pace to stay in the same place for an extended period, sleeping in an actual bed instead of a bedroll, and waking up in a warm, cozy room instead of a soggy tent or a drafty barn. There was much to do and lots of opportunities to train, keeping the members of their mercenary company occupied, but they had all become accustomed to mercenary life and travel, with a certain restlessness present in each of them as months passed. It was clear to them all that this was only temporary, and that once Crimea was on its feet again, they would depart.
“Boyd seems rather interested in you”, Titania noted to Mist one day as they walked through the market square looking for something to eat. The cleric had grown out her hair and usually wore it in a high ponytail these days, and Titania thought the look really suited the energetic girl.
“And there are plenty of girls who are interested in him. He should take one of them out on a date”, Mist simply said, smiling at her brightly and slipping her hand into hers. It felt so natural and effortless, and Titania hated how it all roused conflicted feelings in her.
Part of her had truly hoped Mist would’ve reciprocated Boyd’s feelings, since it would have made everything simpler. Despite his often blunt and brash demeanor, he still had his heart in the right place. Just the other day, the young man had nervously asked Titania during sparring what to get Mist for her upcoming birthday, and she had tried to offer him ideas that matched the romantic undertone he wanted to convey. However, judging by the girl’s sentiment, his advances—no matter how sweet—would not amount to anything.
During the war, Mist had also grown close to Jill, and it had been clear enough that the former Daein soldier was rather smitten with the gentle cleric. Also, with the two of them, Titania had hoped they would end up together, but the young wyvern rider was probably too self-conscious or emotionally confused about the situation to take the first step, and nothing happened.
“Oh! Can we try those?” Mist said excitedly, stopping at a stall selling colorful skewers straight from the grill.
“Certainly. They look very appetizing.”
“Oscar made these once, and they were super delicious. I need to learn his secret so that I can make them for us when we go back into the mercenary business for real.”
Titania smiled at Mist’s enthusiasm and rubbed her thumb affectionately against the hand holding hers.
“I’ll be looking forward to that.”
After months and months of work, the rebuilding of Crimea was finally almost complete, and most of the Gallian workforce and Begnion troops had returned home. Greil Mercenaries were also preparing to head back on the road the coming week, their excitement palpable. New challenges and glory awaited the mercenary company, which had made quite a name for itself by helping Elincia defeat Ashnard and claim the Crimean throne.
There was still some patching up to do, and as her last communal contribution, Titania had volunteered to help reconstruct a collapsed bridge, moving heavy wooden beams with Gatrie for days on end. Every muscle in her body ached, but it had been a good workout, at least, and she greatly appreciated the easy access to both bath and the all-too-comfortable bed she would soon have to say goodbye to.
Her dreams were more vivid and intense than usual, as well, and for once, one such wasn’t about battles, death, or dying screams.
In the dream, she lay in her bed, just as she did now, eyes closed. A soft hand caressed her face, and a pleasant weight settled on her hips. Her groin responded to the imagined pressure of a female body against it. She felt herself getting fuller, and a small whine of arousal slipped from her lips. It didn’t happen to her spontaneously that often these days.
How incredibly real it all f—
“Titania…”
Her eyes flew open, every muscle in her body tensing as she shot upright upon recognizing the voice, nearly throwing the young woman off her lap.
“Mist!” She sputtered, startled and utterly mortified. “W-what are you doing?”
“Please, calm down. It's alright. Or have you forgotten what day it is?”
Titania inhaled deeply through her nose, desperately trying to collect her thoughts and will away the pressure she acutely felt building in her groin. At least Mist was wearing a nightgown; Titania was only wearing her bra and panties, and she had never felt as exposed in her whole life.
“What day… O-of course I know what day it is, it’s your… W-wait.”
“My eighteenth birthday”, Mist said a little shyly, blushing a little.
“S-so all this time—”
Titania felt dizzy, not objecting as Mist took her by her shoulders and gently pressed her down against the bed. The girl lifted herself off her lap and lay next to her, pressing against her side and looking at her intently with her blue eyes as she began to slide her hand down her body. The way she nervously gnawed her lower lip looked so adorable.
Soon her slender hand briefly paused, her fingers tracing the contour of Titania’s tense abdominal muscles, then continued further down.
Her groin twitched as the young cleric’s warm hand stopped just shy of the bulge covered by her panties. The fingers dragged a little higher, then slowly slipped underneath the waistband, the touch sending shockwaves all over Titania’s body.
”M-Mist”, she groaned hazily, her reservations beginning to wane. She could already imagine how blissful the grip of the soft hand would feel around her when a moment of clarity washed over her clouded mind. Gathering every ounce of her willpower, Titania tore herself away from the girl, decidedly ignoring the dejected look on her face.
“Mist, n-no, we can’t”, she grunted, desperation in her voice as she quickly bunched the blanket in front of her to hide any indication of her traitorous body disagreeing with her sentiment.
“But… I don’t understand”, the young woman said, and she sounded so hurt that it wrenched Titania’s heart. “I thought you… You said we couldn’t because—”
“Because you were not of age? Mist, please, I’m over thirty years old, and you’re still barely an adult. I have looked after you since you were a small child; it… It just wouldn’t be right.”
“Wouldn’t be right because of… some promise you made to my dad, or because you don’t want to? Are you saying I got it all wrong? That I just imagined everything between us? That you don’t actually… care for me?”
“Mist, sweetie, I… I do not merely care for you. I love you. I love you so much”, Titania blurted out in the heat of the moment, then swallowed, realizing what she had said. The words that had slipped out so easily sounded exactly like what they shouldn’t, and she needed to quickly fix her slip of the tongue somehow. “Just n-not... that way.”
The young woman turned away, her eyes welling with tears. The air between them hung heavy and oppressive as silence fell over the room. Feeling horrible about it all, Titania reached out to her in an attempt to placate her.
“Please, Mist, let me—”
The young cleric flinched away from the touch and left without another word.
In four days, the Greil Mercenaries finally left Melior. After a few days of traveling, the mercenary company arrived in a small town at the outskirts of Crimea and decided to stay there for a day or two. Titania and Mist hadn’t spoken to each other since the incident, and the former knight could only hope they could mend their friendship and that Mist would understand one day why she had to do this.
While they were having venison stew at the tavern they would stay in for the night, their dinner was suddenly cut short as a panicked townsman ran in.
”Brigands!” he managed to yell before blood spurted from his mouth and he fell dead on the floor, three long arrows jutting from his back.
Titania and the others were already on their feet with weapons in their hands before the man’s body even hit the ground. Led by Ike, they poured out of the tavern, surprising the attackers who hadn’t expected to meet any considerable resistance besides the poor guards. There were still many of them, and their numbers bolstered their confidence after the initial surprise of meeting properly armored and armed individuals from among the townspeople.
Soon Titania’s attention turned to a woman who was fearlessly fighting a bandit with a pitchfork, managing to dig its tines into the thigh of a man nearly twice her size. He roared angrily and swung at the woman with his large blade, only barely missing her head. As she dodged, still holding fiercely onto the pitchfork, she lost her balance, stumbling onto something. Before the man could swing his blade at the woman again, Titania’s throwing axe split his face in half, and the dead man dropped to the ground without making another sound.
“Are you alright?” Titania asked, offering her hand to the woman and helping her up.
“Y-yes, thank you”, she said, accepting the extended hand and staring at her savior with curious interest. “You are the Greil Mercenaries, aren’t you?”
“Yes, we are, and while I do admire your bravery, please leave the fighting for us.”
The bandit raid was soon thwarted, and the mercenaries helped the townspeople remove the bodies of the dead brigands, loading them on a cart that would take their remains to be buried further from the town’s bounds.
It turned out that the woman Titania had saved was Hilda, the granddaughter of the old Baron who owned the town. After her father's recent death, she was appointed the new mayor in the absence of a suitable man for the role.
They talked at the tavern until late that night, where the mercenaries were offered free food and drink. One by one, the others excused themselves to go to bed, Mist the first to quietly leave the table.
“I suppose I should bid you goodnight and retreat to my room”, Titania finally said, stifling a yawn and getting up from the table. “Thank you for your hospitality; it’s greatly appreciated.”
“W-wait”, Hilda said as Titania was about to head upstairs.
“Yes?”
“It's been a rough day, and you’ve fought hard for our humble little town, but I would be happy to also offer… a reward of more personal nature. Unless you’re already… spoken for, of course.”
So this was what this was about. She sat down on the bench again.
”I’m… not.”
”Oh, good then. That cleric girl just seemed like she… well, never mind.”
Even the implicit mention of Mist made Titania’s chest tighten painfully, and she quickly pushed her out of her mind.
”If I may ask, why are you so interested in me? People of noble blood are rarely interested in mercenaries beyond paying them to get their problems eliminated.”
The woman leaned closer to her. “I’ve heard… some stories about you.”
“Is that so? I wonder what kind of stories those are.”
“That you’re a… nyūhāfu.”
Titania raised her eyebrow at the word.
“I’m… sorry, is that… not a proper way to say it? Forgive me, us small town folk, we—”
“It’s alright”, Titania murmured, regarding the woman. With her curves, easy smile, and luscious hair, Hilda was undeniably attractive. She was a whole head shorter than her and at least a few years younger. “So, you’re curious, is that it?”
“Why yes, I am”, she admitted, unfazed. “So, does your, um… does it work the same way as a man’s?”
The woman’s bluntness left Titania both amused and taken aback. She didn’t even have any real experience with the subject. The only man she could compare herself to was Greil, and since nothing about that man had been average, she highly doubted that part of him had been either.
”More or less, I suppose. And I wouldn’t take unnecessary risks with it unless you have medicine to prevent any unwanted surprises.”
“That won’t be an issue”, Hilda assured with a flirty smile, reaching over the tavern table and touching Titania’s hand.
Titania looked first at the hand, then at the assertive woman. Admittedly, Hilda’s eagerness had taken her by surprise, but she couldn’t deny that she felt more than a little touch-starved. If the attractive woman was that willing, maybe it wasn’t the worst idea. No commitment. No complex emotions. Maybe it would help clear her head. After all, she hadn’t been intimate with anyone since they first met Elincia.
Since…
“Well? What do you say?”
Titania was quiet for a moment. She glanced around the tavern, then met the woman’s gaze.
“Not here.”
“It wasn’t my intention. Come.”
The night sky was filled with stars, and the moon was still shining its ethereal light before it would have to make way for dawn once more.
Titania had no idea how long she had been sitting on the bench outside the tavern, lost in her thoughts, staring at the twinkling celestial bodies as if looking at them hard enough would give her answers to everything. She heard the tavern door open, then boot steps that stopped near her as someone sat beside her. She glanced to her side and was surprised to see Ike.
Titania had no idea what to say, so they both sat in silence for a while.
“Ever since we left Melior, the mood in the company has been pretty downbeat”, Ike finally said. “It’s affecting everyone, and as the commander, it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone’s in the right headspace.”
“I know, and I apologize”, Titania murmured. “I have been thinking about this for some time now, and… I have come to a solution.”
“What do you mean, ‘a solution’?”
“First thing in the morning, I will ride back to the capital and plead to be reinstated as a knight. Perhaps I could even serve in the royal guard and protect Queen Elincia. You have all grown so much during the war. Greil would be so proud. There’s nothing more I can teach you, nothing you really need me for anymore.”
“Just like that? After all this time? You’d just… leave us? Leave Mist?”
“It’s… Listen, Ike, I—”
“No”, the young commander said sternly, cutting her off. “You listen. My father trusted you more than anyone else in this world, and you know what? I trust you, too. I always knew you’d do whatever was necessary to protect and care for us if anything happened to him. But I’m not a kid anymore, and neither is Mist. She’s eighteen and a war veteran. She’s outgrown your protection, but I don’t think she’ll ever outgrow her feelings for you.”
“Ike… But… She’s your little sister. I’m thirty-three and—”
“I don’t care if you’re three hundred and thirty-three. If there’s one person in this world who I know would always treat Mist the way she deserves... Actually, as your commander? I'm making it an order: Go and talk to my sister.”
With that said, Ike stood up and left, leaving his deputy commander staring helplessly after him.
As Titania returned to the tavern, she felt more anxious than she had in a long time. How did one navigate situations like these? What should she even say? What would Mist say?
She walked upstairs and, after gathering her thoughts for a moment and taking a deep breath, knocked on the door to Mist’s room. There was no answer, and she almost turned away, but decided to try the handle anyway. The door wasn’t locked, and steeling herself, Titania stepped inside the room.
The small space was dimly lit by a candle on the nightstand, with some help from the moonlight filtering in through the window. Mist was sitting on her bed, holding something in her hands.
“Boyd, I—”
“It’s… me”, Titania said, and Mist lifted her gaze, her eyes widening a little. “I can leave if you were expecting someone else. It’s not a problem.”
“I thought you were spending the night with... that woman.”
“I… I was more tired than I had thought.”
Mist turned her gaze down again, rubbing the item in her hands with her thumbs. Light from the window reflected off its surface, and Titania realized it was the brooch she had given her a little over a year ago.
Finally, the awkward silence ended as they both apologized in unison, then fell silent again.
“Listen, Mist, you… you have nothing to apologize for”, Titania said quietly.
“That’s not true”, the young woman said, at last lifting her gaze from the brooch she was still rubbing fondly. “And I will say it again: I’m sorry, Titania. I really am.”
“What is this about? Has something happened?”
“Boyd came by a little earlier. He wanted to check up on me, and I think it was sweet, but then… he kissed me. I felt bad because I really like him and didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but it just made me a little… uncomfortable, and I had to tell him I didn’t feel the same way. That I never would. And then… I just couldn’t help thinking how it must have felt to you when I… and… I’m just so sorry”, Mist said, her eyes tearing up and her voice breaking. “I never meant to break everything between us.”
Titania couldn’t bear the distance between them any longer. She strode to the bed and sat beside Mist, pulling her into a tight embrace. After a moment of hesitation, the young woman wrapped her arms around her and pressed her face into the crook of Titania's neck.
“I’m s-sorry for being so childish”, Mist sobbed, “always c-crying like a baby; I’ll try t-to—”
“Mist, please. It’s not childish; it’s just who you are, and… I think it’s very endearing that you’re so emotional and thoughtful of others. If anyone here should apologize, it would be me.”
“Why do you say that?” Mist asked quietly, pulling back a little and wiping the corners of her eyes.
“I've spent so many years trying to be the woman I thought your father would want me to be for you, that the mere thought of redefining what we are or… what we could become to each other… I just didn’t think such a possibility even existed.”
“W-what do you mean? Before we left the capital, you said—”
“I have been saying many things, because it was the right thing to do. Or so I thought, at least… until recently. But the truth is that…”
Titania felt her heart hammering in her chest. There would be no coming back from what she was about to say, but denial wasn’t an option anymore. She took Mist’s hands in hers and looked her straight in the eye.
”I’m… in love with you. And I’m so sorry for all the heartbreak I caused you, because I kept saying to myself that I’m not allowed to feel that way about you.”
Titania waited nervously as the young woman stared at her without a word, more tears welling in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.
“Please, Mist, sweetie… say something. Anything.”
Mist sniffed, her blue eyes looking deeply into Titania’s, her voice barely above a whisper.
“S-so… C-can we kiss now?”
The former knight was taken by surprise by the unexpected answer, then laughed softly. Releasing Mist's hands, she gently cradled her face, brushing her thumbs over the woman’s cheeks. The cleric carefully wrapped her arms around Titania’s back, and the two slowly leaned in towards each other. When their lips finally touched, Titania felt as though she would melt from her overwhelming affection for the sweet young woman. The kiss was tender and unhurried, their hands lovingly caressing each other, still careful not to go too far. There was no rush, and there would be the right place and time for everything, especially if she was going to be Mist’s first.
“Will you stay with me for the rest of the night?” Mist asked as they finally pulled apart.
“I would like nothing more.”
They shared another long, tender kiss, then stripped down to their underwear and lay down next to each other, with Titania spooning Mist comfortably against her larger frame.
“I’ve missed this so much”, the cleric murmured contentedly, snuggling as close as she could.
“I have missed this, too”, the older woman agreed and pressed a gentle kiss to Mist’s shoulder.
“Are you… worried about what the others will think?”
“I have a feeling that they already know.”
Warm, slender fingers wrapped around Titania’s muscled forearm.
“This still feels so unreal. If this is just a dream, I'll be so upset when I wake up," Mist mumbled happily, her voice slurred and sleepy. “I love you... so much..."
Titania waited for a moment and smiled when she heard a soft little snore. It would be dawn soon, but perhaps Ike would let them sleep a little longer than usual.
She held the young woman gently, breathing in her scent. Deep down, she wanted to believe that, like Ike, Greil would have accepted her and Mist's feelings for each other. When the late commander slept with Titania all those years ago, she was only nineteen, and he was thirty-six, the age gap between them even larger than the one between her and Mist. It felt strange and surreal to think that such a thing had happened and that she was here now, but it didn’t really matter. The only thing that mattered was that both she and Mist were happy and where they wanted to be.
And so, having fulfilled her promise to Greil, she silently made one to the woman she held in her arms; a promise she would cherish for as long as she lived.