The Deal

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The soft dew of morning still hung onto the blades of grass when Florina walked through it, yawning and stretching her back out from the uncomfortable position she slept in. Life in Caelin had pampered her too much, and the army lifestyle did not suit her. Never did, and she would never get used to it, but she knew that would just have to live with it.

The other soldiers were just rousing themselves. It was late in the morning, though, and that was strange, considering that Eliwood and Mark usually had the group up well before the sun rose.

Matthew strode proudly past Florina and accidentally brushed past her shoulder. Florina immediately shrunk back in reflex. Matthew barely gave her any notice, though, especially after Hector chased him down, nearly knocking the docile pegasus knight over in the process.

"Matthew, did you have any part in this?" Hector hissed at him. "Eliwood is out cold, and Mark won't wake." A smirk danced upon Matthew's lips.

"I wouldn't lie to you, my lord," he said. "So I'll let you in on a little secret." He lowered his voice a tiny bit, so that everyone would think it was a secret but in reality, they would hear the whole thing. "I stole some sleeping tonic from Merlinus and slipped it into their evening meal. They'll be out cold for another few hours."

"You sure about that?" Hector questioned. Matthew nodded confidently, and Hector let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank dear Elimine. It's about time we took a break. We've running all about through these mountains and no sign of the damned castle! The troops are worn down and-"

"And you just wanted to sleep in?" the thief teased. The rest of their conversation drifted away as they walked away, but a scowl was present on Hector's face. Florina brushed herself off and paused for a moment to recollect her thoughts.

Oh yes! She had wanted to find Fiora and borrow some snacks for Huey. Merlinus usually stored their food for them, but Fiora always liked to keep a few treats stuck in her bag as she flew. She started up on her way again, head bowed as she walked briskly through the camp. Some of the girls waved hello, and Florina would always murmur a greeting back to them. But she never responded to any of the men. If they ever cared enough to say something to her, that is.

Sure, over the last year, her general fear of men had lessened. Florina would not cower in the company of Kent or Wil any longer; they were her comrades, and she had grown used to them. She never minded them anymore, never really thought of them as men. Just…people. She had even become more accustomed to Sain's presence, though his constant flirts still made her nervous.

"Ah, beautiful Florina." Speak of the Devil. "How exquisite you look this morning!" Sain smiled at her, and she took an anxious step back. She knew she looked anything but exquisite. Her clothes were stained and dirty; her hair was a disheveled web of snarls and knots. Her delicate, fair skin was burned, and there were aging bags under her eyes. Not exactly the looks of a Lady.

"Mm, hello Sain," she mumbled under her breath. She desperately thought of an excuse to get away.

"May I enjoy your presence on a walk?" he asked her, holding his hand out. Florina slumped away from it. "Please, my enchanting little knight? There is a matter I wish to discuss with you." Hesitantly, Florina nodded her head. She bit her lip. Sain's hand was still outstretched, but she did not dare take it into her own. After a moment, he took the hint and straightened out.

"Where are we going?" Florina asked him as they ambled out of the encampment.

"Away," He told her. "The camp is so suffocating. I wish for a bit of fresh air." Florina did not respond. They left the mass of tents and soldiers behind them, hiking over the rough terrain of the Bern landscape. It was cooler up here, and the mountains reminded Florina of home in Ilia.

Sain settled himself under a tree by a small brook. Florina stood for a second before slowly sitting down by his side. He stared at the rushing water for a moment before looking over at Florina, a wistful expression on his face. His attention to her made her squirm a little, and he when realized that, he looked away again.

"I'm sick of it all," he muttered to himself. Florina was not sure what he was talking about. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it as Sain spoke again. "I love women, don't get me wrong, but I'm tired of them not paying a moment's notice to me unless they are calling me a nuisance." Florina did not want to point out that his antics often were a nuisance; so, she let him babble on. "There's no respect for a man anymore," he continued to muse to himself. "And I have thought over my actions, and I have decided that I do just want a love. One true love. I never set out to have hoards of women after me. Just wanted to find the girl that was meant for me, but apparently, my ways of sweeping a girl off her feet is much different than theirs."

"Well…" Florina was at a loss for words. "Well, um…perhaps you just really need to speak to a girl. Find out how to," she hesitated. "Woo her, and then proceed." Sain let out a laugh.

"Sure," he said sharply, and Florina felt as if he were laughing at her. "No offense, Florina, but like I said, no girls pay me any attention these days unless I do spout words of continuing flattery, and then it's just to scold me. I like flirting, yes, but I'm tired of people just seeing me for that. I have other qualities, you know, but I have a reputation now, and that's all anyone cares about." Sain's tone took a spiteful turn, one Florina had never heard in the light-hearted knight before.

"M-maybe I-I could help you," Florina stuttered. The words left her lips before she could think over them, a brash move for her. She immediately squeezed her mouth shut and turned away, suddenly conscious of Sain's eyes on her once more.

"Excuse me?" he asked incredulously. Florina repeated herself, this time taking several deep breaths before speaking and saying the words in a steadier voice. Neither said anything for a moment. Florina started biting her lip again, unable to gauge Sain's reaction. Finally, he spoke once more.

"Why do you want to help me?" He asked.

"Why did you bring me here if you didn't want me to help?" Florina countered. Sain smiled.

"You speak for me when I cannot do so myself," He said. "Timid little Florina, if you save my soul this one time, however will I repay you?"

"Repay me?" She squeaked.

"Well, yes," Sain said. "You are doing me a great favor. I owe you something, something splendid. Just ask for it!" Florina thought over it. What in Elibe could she ask for? There was no material possession she wanted, and nothing else came to mind. Except…

"Sain," She said. "I-If I help you find a woman and successfully woo her, t-then you." She faltered. "Y-You must help me get over my fear of men." His grin stretched wider.

"Why of course, Florina!" he exclaimed. "We have a deal!" He held out his hand once more. Shakily, Florina slipped her small hand into his. The warmth of his palm enclosed over hers as he shook her hand, causing a little jolt in her heart.

"Yes Sain, we have a deal."

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Author's Note: Reviews are always appreciated. As always, I love constructive crit.

7/6/06: Revised! (Just fixing typos and grammatical errors really. Nothing major. The entire story will undergo such revisions, and don't worry, they will not interfere with the next chapter.)