Trusted Partner

[Okay Empress hat...is...kind of coming back, go AWAY Faeren because Svala has some diplomacy to run. She tries to sidle around Kratos so she can talk to Edward face-to-face.]

You tried to attack me, Edward. You have shunned others, when they speak to you only out of concern. This is not the Edward that values loyalty and duty above all else; you are allowing another to speak through you. Are you not the Liberator's cornerstone, the strength of the Force?

From:

vermified

[There's a few moments of debating, the indecision and hurt evident on Edward's expression. But it's not unknown how easily swayed Edward is, and how weak he is to mental attacks, and... well, the fire spirit is a prat who wants to fight.

So after said deliberating moments, Edward shakes off his uncertainty and raises his sword again, flames flaring around the blade, and abruptly lunges at Kratos.]

From:

[Oh, dammit. Luckily, Kratos was prepared in case this happens, so he moves forward to meet him halfway and blocks the attack with his own sword, keeping this fight a few feet away from Svala.]

From:

[Oh shit, that backfired. Seems like someone was antsy to get fighting, so Svala just summons some earth to put out the fire circle and dashes a safe distance away.]

From:

vermified

[Edward's young, impatient, reckless, and full of energy - all of which are a bad combination when fighting an older, far more experienced swordsman, even with the fire spirit's assistance.

Suffice to say, by the end of the fight, it's pretty evident that he's outmatched, and before too long, he gets his ass thoroughly kicked.]

From:

[Kratos didn't bother handing out pointers like he would with Lloyd. This wasn't a spar, after all.

He stands over the defeated man and sheathes his sword. Edward got in a hit or two, but it's nothing serious. Kratos made sure to only injure him enough to render him unconscious, nothing more than that.]

From:

[Svala still runs over to check. Edward is kind of like her adopted son by now, after all. She's back to her meek self, though, that fight kind of stripped her Empress hat clean off.]

E-Edward...?

From:

[Sigmund had been inside, gathering together supplies to take Edward out to the forest so that he could indulge himself away from the village. Upon coming out, he sees Edward lying on the ground, and immediately drops his things and heads over to the scene. His voice is not that of a happy man.]

What the hell is going on here?!

From:

[Svala's back to her meek self, so Kratos will do his best to explain.]

The spirit of fire had a firm grasp on Edward's mind. If I had not been here to stop him... I am certain Svala would be in far worse shape than she is now.

From:

[Sh-shouting and angry people and- too many people-

Svala cowers, wanting to fly off but knowing it would only worsen the situation; still, she's unable to keep herself from scooting away, wings open and hovering as if to encircle herself.]

From:

[In a firm voice.] Are you alright, Mother?

[Sigmund is still angry, but what can he do? Kratos protected Svala, and Edward had lost to the fire spirit. He would need to work with Edward just in case. Sigmund kneels down to check Edward's wounds, and attempt to gauge how long they have until he's able to move.]

Once he reawakens, I am taking him as far out into the forest as I can. He is too dangerous to have here, and so I'll keep an eye on him far from where he can hurt anyone. Kratos, can you guard my family while I am gone?

From:

Yes, I can.

I'll also trust you to protect yourself out there.

From:

Sigmund...I am sorry...

[Svala knows it's not entirely her fault, and that Edward had lost to the fire spirit's will, but she still felt somewhat responsible.]

From:

[Sigmund is stroking Edward's hair to keep calm.] Don't apologize. The fire spirit is at fault.

I won't let him hurt me, and hopefully not himself. We will return safe and sound. I promise.

From:

[Kratos just nods and crosses his arms. He'll be expecting Sigmund and Edward back once this is all over.]

From:

[...Edward will be burning down a forest. He'll be-

Ffff okay no no, don't think about that. Svala searches for something to say- comes up empty-

Oh screw this. She spreads her wings out, flapping them a few times and taking to the air and, consequently, the nearest tree to hide in. Then she tucks her wings around her. Like some kind of giant, colorful owl.]

From:

[Sigmund gets up briefly to go retrieve the stuff he packed for them, but then returns to Edward's side to wait. He refuses to think about losing, not when Edward is on the line.]

From: