Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete

"Knowledge is the antidote to fear."
-Runemaster Fafnara of Kepesk-Okar


You're pretty sure you know what Artemis would say about this. She'd tell you to tell Sypha not to tell anyone, and to do everything you could to force Bernard not to either. You're also pretty sure that if you could hear her Mother would be agreeing with the human girl. After everything you've learned… secrecy does seem to be the safer option.

However, as you look into Sypha's eyes, you find yourself not fearing what appears to be… but hoping for what could be. This girl… she has almost every reason to be scared of you. She'd surely heard all the stories Bernard and Artemis and everyone else had. She'd been attacked and carried off by a cousin to your dragon-form, held prisoner by that same creature's rider. You're not taking her home, and she's surely smart enough to have realized that you could have taken her against her will.

She has every reason to be scared of you… but she isn't. Honestly, even her freak-out when you first half-shifted hadn't been as bad as Artemis's, and she'd only known you for an hour!

You smile gently. "I trust you, Sypha," you say. "And I trust the people you trust. Maybe don't tell everyone, okay, just the people you think will be willing to listen." You smile. "Besides, this Mistress Flarestone sounds nice. I haven't really been able to talk to a human magic user, and I'm curious what they think about everything. I'm excited to meet her."

Sypha giggles. "I hope you remember saying that later," she says. "I love her, but Mistress Flarestone can get a bit excitable sometimes. You're going to be taking me home after everything is sorted out between Mother and the Archduke, right?"

"Of course, I promised, didn't I?"

"Well, when we get back, Mother's probably going to ask you to stay a little, to make up for what happened last time you were there. And… well, when Mistress Flarestone hears about you; she's going to come try and beat down the door to whatever room you're in with a million questions."

Okay, that sounded slightly intimidating, but at least that probably meant she would be willing to listen to you.

Bernard studies you quietly. "Did you consider asking us not to tell people about you?" he asks. "It would certainly be safer for you."

You rock your head back and forwards. "Probably," you say. "Artemis would certainly think so… but I don't want to live the rest of my life in fear. Something bad happened a thousand years ago, probably a lot of bad things. That doesn't mean things can't still be sorted out, at least a little." You gesture at Sypha. "It seems like some of the work is already being done. If people are starting to ask questions, then maybe giving them some answers will help." As Bernard starts to open his mouth, you raise your eyebrow. "Besides, would you actually listen to me if I asked?"

Slowly, the boy closes his mouth, looking thoughtful. "You have dealt fairly with Sypha and I," he says. "And… I do have some questions of my own, so I want to say yes. However, the point you're making is valid. If Father asked me, or a not insignificant number of higher lords, I would be honor-bound to answer fully and honestly. I cannot truely promise to keep your secret, and I will not lie to you." He jerked his head. "Besides, assuming the Countess's men make it back safely, they will almost certainly tell the Countess."

You nod. "So if I can't stop people from knowing about me, then at least I can make sure that people get the right story." You reach out to pat his shoulder, and he doesn't pull back. "Besides, I don't want people to be afraid of me, either. So if I can talk to someone who already isn't scared of manakete, get in touch with others… we can start making it so nobody has to be afraid anymore."

The two humans glance at each other before Sypha giggles. "You don't think small, do you Ryza?" she asks.

"It won't be easy, true," you say, "but I'm young. Even if it takes a century or two… well, I've got time." Closing your eyes, you go back to your ritual.

You hear Bernard shifting. "Well, a word of advice, even when you start this project, you should keep your dragonstone to yourself," he says.

Blinking, you open your eyes. "What?" you squeak.

The boy rolls his eyes. "You did a decent job of hiding it, true. I only noticed it yesterday, but you were always reaching into your pocket, even if you had everything you needed already." He raises a hand. "As I said, I cannot promise that I won't tell anyone about that, there are situations where I would be compelled to. However… in recognition of your rescue of Sypha, as well as the kindness you've shown… I promise that I will not willingly volunteer that information, and I will honestly attempt to convince any asker not to make me divulge it for honor's sake."

Sypha looks between the two of you, her eyes wide. "A dragonstone?" she whispers. "What-"

"Sypha, please," you say. "I will talk about many things, and maybe in the future I'll talk about this as well, but for now… please let me keep this to myself. I would also appreciate if nobody else heard about it."

The girl looks confused, but nods. "Okay…" she says. "I guess that makes sense, and I won't tell anyone until you say it's okay." She gives you puppy eyes. "Can I… at least see it? I've never seen a real one before…"

Sighing, you put your tablet away and hold up your dragonstone, crackling with lightning. "Okay…" you say.

"Wow…" Sypha says, staring at it with shining eyes. "It's beautiful…"

"It's certainly brighter than anything that's come from the Mountain," Bernard says, studying the stone curiously.

Something about what he just said… you get the feeling that it's important, but you want to get out of this awkward moment. "It is. It's mine." With that, you tuck it close to your chest, covering it with your hands as you let its power flow through you.

As you lift off once your transformation is complete, you look around. You've been careful to keep track of where you were on the map. You're very glad that you got that extra map from Agrithe. Without its direction, you're pretty sure you'd have wandered off course despite the little arrows you drew for yourself whenever you stopped. Then who knows how long it would have taken to get back on track!

However, Father taught you the importance of always doing the background reading, so you did.

"So we're doing well," you say, pointing towards the slight trails of smoke rising in the distance. "That should be the town of Newstand over there, which means we're not too far from the border on the wing. We probably won't reach Agrithe today, but we should make it tomorrow."

"Wow, we're going fast…" Sypha says. "I guess that's why Whitewings get almost as many jobs running important messages as fighting." Glancing back, you see her peering the way you came. "I hope everyone's okay."

"I'm sure they are," you say. "Robin's with them, and Sir Ector had that weird lance that hurt the wyvern really badly. They'll be fine." At least, you sure they hope they will…

Bernard nods. "I gave them a letter that would ensure they received sanctuary at Lord Warwick's hold, if they chose to take that route. Without my injury slowing them down, and with a silver bow and wyrmbane, they'll easily make it there." He frowns. "If they try to go straight back to Legerius… they still have a good chance, but it'll be riskier."

As the three of you fly onwards, you reflect upon yourself. You… are not as bad off, as you were on the way to save Sypha, but you are starting to feel the dark clouds gather in the back of your mind. Faint whispers of malcontent are beginning to leak into your thoughts, asking you why you're going out of your way to-

"Ryza, do you want to hear a song?"

Shaking your head, you look back at Sypha. "Sure!" you say, smiling. Neither human flinches. "What kind of song?"

She smiles. "It's an old Whitewing tune," she says, gesturing around. "I thought it fitting, since we're flying. It won't be as good without the instruments, but I hope you'll still like it."

"I'm sure I will," you say, banking to catch the light a little as there was no one on the road below.

Sypha leaned back against Bernard and began to whistle. You shiver happily: she really does have a good ear for tune.

"Before I got to flying, or when flying got to me," Sypha sang, bright and warm. "I looked to find examples in the skies of chivalry…"

There is no arcane magic in the song. Whatever humans are capable of it's clear Sypha doesn't have that gift. However, as she keeps going, seemingly singing across multiple human cultures as she makes you laugh, makes you aww, and even makes Bernard blanche as she launches into a strange but amusing "sea shanty" about a "drunken sailor," you find your dragon-self calming.

It seems that the old stories are true, that good friends are the best balm for a weary soul.

---

The next day, as the Mother's Light is reaching its peak, you're following the river that leads towards Castle Agrithe. It is so much easier finding places during the day!

"We're almost there, aren't we?" Sypha says. She's sounding a little nervous again, and her fingers are gripping your spines tightly.

"Yes, we're almost there," you say. "And we'll be fine, I promise!"

Sypha leans down and hugs your neck. "Are you sure?" she asks. "I mean, Mother-"

"What your mother did was not your fault," you say soothingly. "And even if it was, I promised I'd keep you safe and get you home. Artemis'll back me on that; she wanted to help you before we left. Everything'll work out, you'll see." As Sypha nods into your neck, you look down. "Oh, there we are!" you say. "Alright, hold on, everyone, we're going down."

As you circle down, you can't help but grimace a little: there are at least four groups of humans you can spot who are looking in your direction and pointing. Most seem to be common people who are working in the fields around the castle. However, as you angle towards the grove of trees you'd launched from, you spot a man in green Agrithian yeoman garb, holding a trio of nervous-looking horses steady and staring up at you.

Carefully, you extend your wings to shed speed as you float down into the trees. "Hello!" you say cheerfully as you land with a thump, causing the horses to nicker and pull against their ropes. You admit to taking a little pleasure in them being scared of you for a change! "I'm back, and I bring friends!"

The man swallows nervously as you settle and let the two noble children off your back. "L-Lady Ryza?" he asks nervously.

"Just Ryza is fine," you say, shifting back to heart-form. "And yes, it's me. Hello, I don't think we've met, what's your name?"

The yeoman glances at Sypha and Bernard, who both shrug slightly. "I- my name is Tuck, milady," he says. "And… wow, Lady Artemis said we'd know you when you got back, but I… I heard the rumors… didn't think..."

You land and walk over to him, letting your wings fold out of sight. "It's okay, Tuck," you say, holding out a hand. "I'm just Ryza, you don't have to be scared of me." You glance at the horses, who have calmed down somewhat but are still staring at you. "So, are you here to help us get back? Art-, sorry, Lady Artemis said that I shouldn't land in the castle itself, but Lord Bernard here could use a healer. The elixir and my herbs did their best, but he needs a specialist."

The boy grimaces. "My injuries are not that severe," he says.

Sypha elbows him. "You're still limping," she says reproachfully. The boy shoots her a look, but doesn't argue.

Tuck looks between the three of you. "Yes, yes young ladies, young lord," he says. "Lady Artemis set up a rotation of men to be on hand as soon as you got back, though we weren't expecting you for another few days at least, maybe even longer…"

You grin. "What can I say, I work fast," you say proudly.

"Of course, Lady Ryza," Tuck says immediately, blanching. "I didn't mean to cast doubt on your abilities…"

Sighing, you reach forward and pat Tuck on his nearest hand. "It's okay," you say. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not going to hurt anyone. Most of my friends are here, and you all seem nice." Your eyes widen. "Oh, quick question, do you know Axton and Lancel?"

Tuck frowns. "I… we've met, though we never worked together closely…"

"Well, I'm sure they'd want everyone to know they're okay," you say. "I haven't seen them myself, but I trust the person who told me. Hopefully they'll be home soon." You rock back and forwards on your heels, bracing yourself for what's to come. "So, we should get going. I want to make sure Lady Artemis is okay and I don't have to rescue her again."

That gets a snort out of Tuck, though he tries to stifle it. "Her Ladyship's well," he says, untying the horses and leading one over to where Bernard and Sypha are still standing. "She just got back from Rignali yesterday, and she seemed in good spirits."

You let out a sigh of relief. "That's great," you say. "But wait, sorry, introductions. Tuck, these are my friends Lady Sypha and Lord Bernard. I'm not sure how much the Archduke told you, but I was sent to save them. Well, I was only sent to find Lady Sypha, but when I found Lord Bernard I couldn't leave him."

"Well met, young lord and lady," Tuck says, bowing. Sypha smiles and nods back, and you're slightly surprised to see Bernard to the same. "But… forgive me, La-" You give him a look. "…Ryza, but did you not go with Sir Robin?"

You kick at the ground. "I could only carry two people," you say. "So… So Robin stayed behind with Countess Mantrae's men; they said they'd make their own way back. Robin promised he'd be okay…"

Tuck grimaces, but nods. "Sir Robin trained us all," he says, holding the horse steady as Bernard helps Sypha up into the saddle. "If anyone can get through hostile terrain to safety, it's him."

"Yeah, he's really impressive," you say. "I couldn't have done this without him."

The man gives you an odd look as Bernard and Sypha get settled, before he returns to his own horse. "Do you wish to ride by yourself, or-"

"Nope!" you say immediately. "Nope, do not know how to ride, don't really want to." Sypha giggles, and you feel your face heat up. "I'll go with you," you say.

Finally, Tuck gives a small smile. "If that's your wish, milady," he says, swinging himself easily into the saddle before offering you a hand. Slightly grumpy, you flick your wings open and glide up to sit behind him. You almost immediately regret it as you see him flinch. "Sorry," you say, hugging Tuck around the middle. "I shouldn't take my embarrassment out on you."

"It's alright, Ryza," Tuck says, reaching out and grabbing the reins of the last horse to tug it into following along. "Alright, let's get back to the castle. His Highness said that he wished to see you as soon as you returned."

Thankfully, there's no need for galloping on the way back, so all you have to do is deal with the slightly uncomfortable swaying motion and bouncing of a trot. Soon, however, you're being let in through the gates of Castle Agrithe. You don't recognize any of the guards, but they seem to be happy to see you. Sypha looks a little nervous, but Bernard keeps a steady hand on her shoulder, icily meeting the eye of anyone who gives her anything other than a respectful nod or bow.

Finally, Tuck helps you off the horse in a building that seems to be full of them. "Please, this way," he says, handing the reins off to a pair of men, who lead the mounts away. "His Highness should be in his reception chamber. There are some preparations ongoing, but he said if you returned he would consider that a priority."

"Okay," you say as you follow him into the castle. "Lead the… the way…" Slowly, you cock your head, perking your ears... You hear an achingly familiar voice coming from a nearby corridor. "Artemis?" you whisper, automatically turning and hurrying towards the sound. You faintly heard Sypha and Bernard following after you, but for the moment you can't care.

As you round the corner, you see her. Artemis is there, leaning with her back against a wall, her arms folded as she stares dryly at a man about her own age leaning on his arm nearby, grinning at her.


"I'm just saying, milady, nobody was ever hurt by getting a few pointers in the… finer, aspects of swordplay," the young man was saying, wiggling his eyebrows. "And since I'm here anyways…"

Artemis rolls her eyes. "Perhaps not, Rignali," she scoffs. "But swords don't really help when a good archer could put an arrow between the wielder's eyes from fifty paces."

The man dramatically put a hand to his chest. "As fierce as ever, Lady Artemis," he says. "But you need not waste another arrow, as yours has already pierced my-"

"ARTEMIS!" you squeal happily.

The noblewoman's eyes widen as she looks at you. "Ryza?" she whispers.

You hurry down the corridor towards her, and a moment later she meets you halfway, wrapping you up in a hug. "Artemis!" you say. "It's good to see you again!" Then, you wave to the armored woman standing nearby. "Hi Phoebe, I'm glad to see you too! How are you doing?" She shrugs and waves back, starting to grin.

Artemis, meanwhile, is rubbing your hair gently. "Ryza, you're back," she says. "You're safe…"

"Of course I am," you say. "And Robin's okay too, even though he's not here. I could only carry two people back, and I had to bring Sypha and Bernard." Wiggling out of Artemis's arms, you step back and gesture at the pair as they approach. "You've already know Sypha, but I don't know if you've ever met Lord Bernard Rickman before."

Artemis raises an eyebrow as she looks them over. "I can't say I have, though I know of him. Second son of Baron Rickman of the Imperial Barony of Mt. Wyrmbone, I believe," she says, her voice cooling slightly. "Welcome to Agrithe, though I can't say we were expecting you."

The boy nods sharply. "Well, with my cousin being so kindly invited, Lady Cartese," he says, smothering the ice you know he wants to put in those words under a curtain of calm. "I felt it prudent to come along. Especially since the alternative was staying behind with the angry mercenaries who had kidnapped us. That seemed like a poor life choice."

You decide not to embarrass him by pointing out that he'd tried to do just that.

"You were taken too?" Artemis says, frowning. "But you're-" she shakes her head, glancing between him, you and Sypha. "Well, either way, I'm glad you're all safe. Have you spoken to Father yet?"

You shake your head. "No. We were just going to, and then I heard you and got excited." You glance past her, at the man who's watching you with interest. "Who's your new friend?"

Artemis rolls her eyes. "A bit of a reach there, Ryza," she says, standing and gently tugging you to stand next to her. "But he is a halfway decent man, if an irritating one. Ryza, this is Lord Alejandro Rignali, first son of Marquess Diego Rignali. Lord Rignali, this is my friend Ryza."

Grinning, the man stepped forwards and crouched down to be eye level with you. "So, this is the mysterious young lady that dear Lady Artemis alternates between singing the praises of and being secretive of," he says, offering a hand. "You must be quite something, if you were able to bring back young Lady Sypha, I had heard she'd been spirited away by some Imperial types." He glances at Bernard. "No offence."

"Some taken."

"Well, she was," you say, awkwardly taking his hand, only to squeak slightly as he tenderly grips it and plants a soft kiss on your knuckles. "Um…"

"Don't worry about him," Artemis says, though she tugs your hand out of Alejandro's grip and gives him a hard look. "He's an incorrigible flirt who spends too much time thinking he's the lead of some swashbuckling roma- tale. Leave her alone, Rignali."

He stands and gives a flourishing bow. "Of course, my dear hostess," he says.

Rolling her eyes again, Artemis looks back at your questioning gaze. "Father's convening a meeting of the Southern Kingdoms. It isn't happening for a few weeks, since most people will need more time to get the message and find someone to represent them." She jerks her head in Alejandro's direction. "In order to impress the seriousness of this, I was sent over to deliver the message to Rignali, and I happened to run across this one on the way. He sent his little brother back with the letter and invited himself along to attend the meeting as his family's representative." She gives him a dry look. "I am beginning to regret being talked into the idea."

He waves a hand, grinning. "You know you love my company, Lady Artemis," he says.

She looks to the ceiling for a moment before turning to Sypha. "Sypha, I'm sorry, I've been ignoring you," she says gently. "I'm glad to see you're alright."

Sypha smiles hopefully. "Really?" she asks.

"Of course," Artemis says, offering a hand. "I was worried about you. I know how good Ryza is at what she does, but it's still good to know that you're safe here. Don't worry, we'll get you home as soon as we can, I promise." Standing, she takes your hand. "Come on, let's go talk to Father, I'm sure he'll have ideas for what happens next. Then, Ryza, you should take a rest, you look exhausted…"

As you follow Artemis, you snag Sypha's hand, tugging her along. Grinning, you mentally pat yourself on the back. You'd done it! You'd gone and gotten Sypha and brought her back safely and everything was just great!

Father and Mother would be so proud of you.

---

You promised to keep Sypha safe, so you'll need to stay at Castle Agrithe as long as she does. This means that you'll almost certainly have a few weeks of rest time. Aside from cooling down from the days and days of stress and catching up with your friends, what are you interested in doing?


[] Downtime Plans: (Vote for as many as you want, top four will be chosen.)
-[] Knuckle down and get to learning White magic: it would have been really useful in helping Bernard! Besides, it'll be nice to have more peaceful magic to show people, rather than just lightning bolts.
-[] Re-read the scroll discussing your dragon-self and begin taking the steps towards Awakening. You had a few close calls on the trip to save Sypha, and you and your dragon-self will need to work together.
-[] Make more time for your friends. There are a lot of people you like here right now, and you want to make sure you don't neglect any of them.
-[] Try to meet new people. There are so many humans here! You are feeling a bit overwhelmed… but on the other hand, you have made a lot of friends. Maybe you can make some more.
-[] Put serious effort into figuring out what humans think about manakete. You're going to be meeting with this Mistress Flarestone at some point, and you want to know in advance what sorts of misconceptions you should work on correcting.
-[] Learn more about the rest of the world. While you won't be able to see it for yourself while your oath binds you here, from what you've heard, things are fascinating out there! Besides, the more you know, the more likely you might recognize the signs of a manakete enclave in hiding.
-[] Find some work to do to help keep Agrithe functioning. You don't feel like just sitting around. Artemis and her family are letting you stay here, it's only fair that you do something to give back to them. You don't know what exactly you'll find, but you're sure you'll find something useful to do.
-[] Focus on yourself. You've been under a lot of stress recently, ever since you woke up to find your parents dead, to the rush to Agrithe, then back into Legerius and the Empire, then back to Agrithe again. You… need to rest.
-[] Write-in (Plans)


You will, of course, take time to spend time with friends. As much as you want to speak to them all equally, you'll inevitably end up spending more time with some than others. Who will those people be?


[] Downtime Interactions: (Vote for as many as you want, top two will be chosen. Top three if "Make more time…" is chosen from Plans)
-[] Artemis
-[] Sypha
-[] Bernard
-[] Phoebe
-[] Archduke Letoro and Dione
-[] Pincana the Librarian
-[] Kopoi He seems to be away…
-[] Write In (Interactions)


AN: Obviously, I don't own Heather Dale's song, I just modified it a bit to fit with the Whitewings. Also sadly, Sypha doesn't have the Yellow magic to be a true Bard/Dancer. She's just a nice girl who likes to make her friends and family happy.

Last thing, if I could get a d6 to see if any unexpected guests show up before the big meeting.