Pairings: Flynn/Yuri, possible assorted others.

Rated for future content (violence, mild sexual content, language).

Thanks to my Editor for listening to my mad rants/agreeing to read this monster.

1.

Ever since her wild journey, Estelle supposed she'd lost the ability to sit still for any length of time without some sort of stimuli. Sure, trying not to look bored to tears was keeping her plenty occupied; but the sun was shining outside, the vendors were setting up all manners of booths and what she wouldn't give to be with her piles of books, quills and parchment.

She'd already catalogued all of the names and faces in the room with her: noble Lords and Ladies, members of council, stewards, squires, knights, maids, prominent Guild members, honoured guests, her cousin's personal attendants, her own Ladies-in-waiting, merchants, sons and daughters, body guards and a dozen other faces, names and titles now forever burned into her head.

The Gods help her, she wished somebody could tell her the time.

Her jaw already starting to feel stiff from keeping up her constant smile, she cast a quick glance at her cousin on her left side sitting on his throne.

Ioder of course, had no difficulties at looking completely engrossed with each guest he received; greetings, compliments and gracious dismissals came to him easily. It was at times like this she was extra grateful for having the luxury to fill her head with things that were completely irrelevant to the Empire.

Nodding her head and thanking a guest for his compliment, her thoughts turned to her stories she had scattered all over back in her bedroom in Halure. However, she wasn't allowed to daydream for too long when the Herald announced a very welcome name.

One of her favourite men, her dear Flynn Scifo strode down the centre of the Audience Chamber to their seats. Stopping to kneel gracefully at the foot of Ioder's throne, he placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head.

"Imperial Majesty Ioder, Imperial Majesty Estellise," he murmured respectfully. "Your Majesty, I wish you health, happiness and the greatest of birthdays."

Ioder smiled and gestured for Flynn to stand. "Thank you Commandant. I hope you'll take some time this evening to enjoy yourself?"

Estelle thought she saw Flynn's eyebrow twitch. "Actually Your Majesty, I've been recruited by Her Majesty Estellise to help with her gift to you. Though I still have no idea what that is." He finished with a laugh that to careful ears might have sounded a bit unsure. Or desperate.

Estelle could only smile at her cousin's questioning glance. "I've promised to be gentle," she said a bit defensively. Ioder only laughed and turned back to Flynn.

"Please, take you place at our side, Commandant," he said with a kind smile.

Flynn, grateful to be out of the spotlight, walked to the side of Ioder's throne; he stood a respectful distance away, but close enough to be recognized as a person held in high honour.

Eventually, Estelle's attention span began to wane, now that her little distraction was over. Tuning out the sound of yet another birthday greeting, she turned slightly in her seat to get a better view of Flynn.

He was always someone she loved to see on her monthly visits to the capital. Whenever he was around that is. He hadn't changed much over the last year and a half, only becoming more self assured and stronger in his role of Commandant. He was still handsome in his white and blue armour, sporting a deeper tan and a slightly shorter haircut. An excited grin lifted her lips when she caught his gaze, and he couldn't help but smile back.

Anxiously she turned back around, watching the next guest approaching with impatience.

There was someone else she was itching to see, her other favourite man.

Though now, she was beginning to feel silly for thinking Brave Vesperia would show, much less Yuri. She was well aware of his dislike of all things formal and dealing with nobility, but she had hoped seeing her and Flynn after a six month absence would be enough of an incentive.

Not to mention, she though fuming, that being invited to Imperial Court was kind of a big deal. Despite the fact that during the aftermath of the Adephagos, Brave Vesperia was well known for helping with peace talks and civilian safety, they were still a large unknown to most of the nobility of the Empire.

"Captain Schwann Oltorain!" the Herald boomed. So disconnected from the reception was Estelle that nothing but confusion washed over her as the room hissed with whispers and Raven strolled up the aisle.

Then she remembered: Captain Schwann had never been officially removed from the ranks of the Imperial Knights. She was grateful to see as he got closer that he at least shaved and found a change of clothes that weren't horridly stained.

Ignoring the whispers behind his back, Raven smiled crookedly and kneeled just as Flynn had.

"Your Highnesses!" Clearly enjoying himself, he raised his head and winked at Estelle. "The greatest birthday wishes to you, Emperor Ioder."

"Captain Schwann." Ioder was finally at a loss for words. "I must say...this is different."

"I would never miss this joyous occasion, Your Highness." Estelle didn't quite buy that, but Raven continued. "I also bring greetings from Harry Whitehorse, Guildmaster of Altosk, and the unified Guilds of Dahngrest."

Estelle didn't listen to Ioder's reply, or pay any attention to the gossip now buzzing through the room as Raven stood and took his place with the knights. As someone else was announced and made their way to the throne, she tried to catch Raven's eye and somehow mentally communicate her worries. He however only winked once more. She was so preoccupied with her irritation at the man her reaction to the next name was delayed.

"The Guild Brave Vesperia!"

Most guests and onlookers quit their quiet conversation to watch the mildly infamous guild make their way up the line. They made perhaps the most interesting and impressive entrance Estelle had ever seen. They were led by Karol, who from the looks of it was nearly taller than Estelle now. Tied around his neck was a new ice blue bandanna, and he still favoured loose and comfortable clothing; flanking him was Yuri and Judith.

Judith drew jealous and lustful gazes, wearing a strange combination of neckline-plunging ocean-blue clothing and heavy scale armour on her legs and arms. Trailing from her shoulders was a cape the same colour of Karol's bandanna: Estelle realized it was the guild's new banner.

It was Yuri though who lent the air of mystery: he grinned like the cat that caught the canary. His dark clothes reminded her of what he used to wear, though his new jacket was layered with others underneath and still wide open at the neck. The material was loose and had a light sheen to it. He had grown his hair longer too; his bangs hung loose and some of the longer strands were tied behind his head. Tied to his belt and hanging from his hip was the Vesperia banner.

Two strangers who Estelle figured were new recruits followed, and finally Repede brought up the rear.

The small group finally reached the end of the line and assumed the familiar position of respect.

"Your Highness Ioder," Karol began. His voice was deeper, just past the part of puberty that would make it crack. "Brave Vesperia wishes you happiness, and the best of birthdays." His voice was not quite steady, quivering only slightly with nervousness.

Ioder smiled down at them, and Estelle could see that the expression was mirrored in his eyes. "Thank you Karol. I must say, it is a pleasure to once again meet your guild. You were of great help with recent negotiations between the Empire and the Union."

Karol flushed with the unexpected praise, and stuttered his thanks. Estelle resisted the urge to jump up and pinch his cheeks.

"Please, you are all welcome to the hospitality of the Empire." Ioder excused them with a polite gesture, and the small group moved to stand aside.

Estelle hazarded a glance at Flynn as Brave Vesperia moved; he didn't once take his eyes from Yuri, his face unreadable. Estelle could see the intensity in his gaze as he drank in the sight of his friend, and couldn't stop the nearly improper smirk from spreading across her face.