"What's up, Flame Champion?" A cheerful voice called from behind Hugo, who was sitting some distance outside of the castle deep in thought. He had actually wanted to be alone for a moment, but that wasn't happening now, not with his strategist showing up like this. The young Grasslander sighed and lay down on the grass, and as he looked up he found Caesar Silverberg's grinning face staring down at him.

"I, uh," Hugo replied. "Being called that feels weird, you know."

The redhead laughed at that then slumped down next to Hugo and stretched his arms. "Better get used to it, because I don't think those guys over there are going to stop calling you that," Caesar said as he lay down as well. "It's necessary for morale and such, so as your strategist I'll have to ask you to bear with it. It's not that bad a title, is it?"

Hugo shook his head but was silent as he raised his hand and stared at the True Fire Rune on it. "No, it's just that," he said after a moment. "It makes me feel like I should act like some big war lord, but I'm not really something like that. I'm a warrior, and the son of the Karaya chief, but some army leader? Army leaders sound so... grand scale." He paused then let his hand fall. "If I'd gotten this rune earlier... Think I could've saved Lulu? Or the village?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. It's not easy to think of things like that, but, well." Caesar picked up a blade of grass and studied it. "Apple told me stories about the hero of my country. You ever heard the name McDohl?" Hugo nodded at that; even over at Grasslands the story of Toran Liberation Wars wasn't unknown, especially not when his mother had seen this hero participating in the Dunan Unification Wars. "So, this great hero McDohl," Caesar continued. "I just came to think of something Apple once told me. Did you know he also lost his best friend in the war? Related to this is this a cool story about the True Rune, but I can't exactly remember the details..."

That one Hugo had not heard about. "I didn't know that," he said, staring at the sky. "I guess it's never easy for the leader in these kinds of wars."

The strategist turned to look at his companion. "Well, I suppose telling you something like this doesn't really make things any better. But still, you know," he added, smiling again. "McDohl gathered a lot of companions, just like you've managed here. People who will back you up no matter what! Me included."

Hugo smiled a little. "Companions, huh. Well, to be honest, just some days ago I couldn't ever image considering the Zexen knights allies, and now..." He looked towards the general direction of the castle. "Well, I have to admit people like Thomas have had quite an effect on my idea of Zexen people. Not all of them are bad, and now that there's a common enemy..." He trailed off for a moment then looked at the redhead. "Hey, Caesar. What are we, then?"

"Let's see, uh," Caesar frowned a little. "Officially I'm your strategist and... Something. I don't think about this stuff too hard, but hey, you can consider me to be anything you like!" He then grinned. "So what shall it be, Mr. Flame Champion? Companions, partners, friends..."

Hugo stared at the other man thoughtfully for a moment. "Well," he laughed for a little. "I, uh, think just plain 'friends' is kind of too late by now. What with you, uhh. Last night and some before. I just mean, not that I'm a relationship expert or anything, but this doesn't really qualify as that now does it." He looked embarrassed then grinned. "Although I don't mind if you don't."

"Oh yeah," Caesar said, getting all thoughtful as well. "I think at this point it's supposed to be 'lovers' or something, but I'm no relationship expert either. But you have plenty friends, so you shouldn't be feeling down! And," he added with a wide grin. "...Should you need a really, really close friend around..." He got up and move closer to kiss Hugo.

The younger man went all red but he didn't pull away, and he leaned closer as well and closed his eyes - but just when they were about to get to it, there was some sound of horses going past them sometime further away, and they both pulled away, Hugo feeling even more embarrassed than before. Caesar glanced at the castle's direction to find the source of the distraction and saw as a Zexen unit rode toward the castle in the distance. Nobody seemed to pay attention to their direction, and Caesar was sure the two of them were out of sight, but it didn't change the fact that the moment was lost.

"I, aheh, better get back to the castle," Hugo said, flustered. He then cleared his throat and attempted to look serious. "But I might want to have a little talk with my, ah, strategist later. I'm the Flame Champion after all, need to be prepared at all times! So..."

Caesar smiled. "Of course. Important strategy plans! Although considering certain current important issues," he added as he got up. "We might just as well go have some strategy discussion. In the basement cave where nobody will find us. Right now."

Hugo couldn't exactly disagree with that.

Author's notes:

Caesar/Hugo, as by Elmina's request when I asked her for ideas.

- Lady Harken (May, 2010)