Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete

I'd meant to send this out yesterday, but I got distracted.

Currently, reporting Melissa's behavior is winning 20 to 12, including the variants where Ryza asks for advice afterwards.

Alright, so sticking to your word and trying to work your way through this while being honest with Mother Marina wins.

"You have my word, and my word is my bond."
-Sir Kevin Avery

You force yourself not to grit your teeth as you stare at Melissa. You'd always considered yourself an honest girl at heart. Mother and Father had both taught you that lying was wrong, and even though you'd done it a few times since meeting Artemis and helping her and Agrithe with their problems, you'd never broken your word! True, it had technically been Melissa that'd done it, but she'd only had the opportunity because you'd taken your eyes off her!

"I know you want to help," you say, pushing aside the feelings of understanding that need. "But your mother wanted you to be safe, and she made me promise to keep you safe."

"I was!" the young Realmer says. "I was with Sister Selinda the whole time, and we were with the reserve force! There was never any danger!"

"But there could have been! And besides, I promised your mother that I'd look after you and that you'd stay in the Kingdoms! I promised!" you repeat.

Finally, Melissa flinches a little. "I-" she says. "I just wanted to help…"

The two of you stare in silence at each other for a few seconds before you sigh. "You know I'm going to have to tell your mother about this, right?" you say.

"Yeah…" Melissa sighs. "Don't worry, I'll back you up that it was my choice and you did everything you could to stop me." She looks around. "So, when will that be?"

You consider. "…Honestly, right now is probably the best time," you say, causing the girl to wilt a little. "It'll probably be a few days or weeks until the Empire can bring their other army near enough that I need to be around to help in case they try anything. I'll go check with Artemis, though, just in case." A small part of you hopes that she will have something that will force you to delay, because the part of your psyche focused around your dragonstone can't help but point out that Melissa's willingness and desire to help, consequences be tail-munched, is very dragon-like.

'But she doesn't have a heart to tell her when that's not the best idea,' you tell yourself as you excuse yourself from the infirmary. Melissa remains with Sister Selinda, clearly determined to do as much good as she can before having to face the music. It's honestly kind of inspiring… though it would be more-so if it hadn't led her to be so irritating to you!

Other-you "shrugs." 'We all have our challenges,' she thinks. 'Still, it's better to do something rather than sit around thinking all the time."

You sigh. 'True,' you acknowledge. 'But it's even better to accurately tell when and where the right time and place to act is. That's why we work together.'

'Finnnneeee…' Dragon-you thinks. '…Can we practice letting me be in charge of this body?'

You giggle as her emotions draw you away from your worry and frustrations with Melissa, earning odd looks from a few passing soldiers. 'You are obsessed with that,' you think.

'It's only fair! You've gotten to be in charge of my body a few times, it's only fair I get to be in charge of yours!'

'They're both our bodies,' you remind yourself. 'We're the same person.'

The other half of your mind pauses. '…Oh yeah…'

---

Thankfully, it doesn't take you long to find Artemis. She and Phoebe are just leaving yet another meeting with the rest of the nobles leading the army. You grimace, you hadn't even been told about this one. You hope you're not making a bad impression…

"Ryza," Artemis says, shifting to approach you once she notices your presence. "What's wrong? You seem tense."

You nod. "It's complicated," you say, letting your friend guide you into the shadow of a small side-tent so as to get out of the way of the rest of the milling nobles. A few of them glance in your direction, but nobody approaches, seeming to decide that Artemis can handle whatever you need. "So, you remember Melissa?"

Artemis nods along as you explain the situation, her eyes narrowing slightly. However, she doesn't speak until you're done and you ask if now would be a good time for you to go confess to Mother Marina that you weren't able to fulfill your promise to her. She starts to open her mouth, before glancing over your shoulder with a concerned expression. "What the…"

Turning, your eyes widen as you see Belle and Kelton walking towards you. That's all well and fine, but what's less fine is the red-stained cloth your soldier friend his holding to his head! Only the fact that both he and the thief have self-satisfied smirks on their faces prevents you from panicking!

"What happened!?" you yelp, White magic shining in your hand as you hurry over.

Kelton waves a hand. "Eh, it's nothing, I'm fine," he says. "Things just got a little intense over at the sparring circle," he says, only to hiss as you cast a Heal on his head anyways. Blinking, he pulls the cloth away, revealing an unmarred head but even more blood on the other side of the cloth. "Ended up taking on three guys at once." he continues. "They were talking some garbage about… well, I had to put them in their place."

"And I was betting that he'd win," Belle says, jangling a small bag of coins. "The other watchers didn't believe it, but I knew this lunk was too stubborn to give up."

You frown as you sweep your Heal spell up and down, finding another few bits of damage up and down Kelton's body. Nothing really serious, but enough that he was surely in some pain and would have been in a lot more if you hadn't done anything. "I know you both like winning," you say. "But we're among friends… well, allies at least, here. You don't need to go all out and get yourselves hurt!"

The two glance at each other for a second. "Eh, these were Parvei guys, so it's no big loss," Kelton says. "Besides, sometimes you can't let certain things be said without a response." You start to open your mouth to ask what he's talking about, but the soldier keeps speaking too quickly. "So, Belle was saying that she heard you saying something about leaving for a bit? Something come up?"

Making a mental note to poke more into this situation later, you summarize the key points of what Melissa had done quickly. As you finish, Belle raises an eyebrow. "No offense, boss, but I think you're overreacting," she says. "I mean, the girl was back at the rear, so she wasn't in any danger."

Frowning, you fold your arms and stare up at the bigger woman. "It's the principle of the matter!" you say. "I promised that I would keep her from wandering around, especially out of the Kingdoms! I trusted her and Sister Selinda to not do that while I was busy, and they didn't!"

Belle shrugs. "So the girl wasn't completely honest. Don't tell me you've never told any fibs in your life. She didn't go running off on any fool crusade, she stuck with the other healers and helped out. From what I've seen of her, I'd consider that a win."

"Nothing as big as that!" you say. True, when you'd been younger you'd sometimes said things that weren't true to your parents, but you'd mostly grown out of that by your sixties. Since then, you'd only lied or withheld information when you'd needed to in order to protect yourself or others as you wandered around the continent.

Kelton pats you on the head. "Of course not," he says. "But honestly, I'm with Belle on this one." The thief gives him a surprised look. "Yeah, yeah, it's bad that she didn't keep her word, but honestly I'm not sure my sister would have either in her position. Healers get like that, you know. Always having to charge around, patching everyone up and telling them off for getting hurt in the first place. I think it's something about light magic, since you'd done it yourself a bit when you started learning it, Ryza."

You frown thoughtfully. You do remember reading some stories about White manakete going out of their way to heal and protect others, most notably Solariana and her Union. You don't think you've mentally changed since you started learning White magic, you're still a Yellow manakete at heart. You just have more abilities to help people now, but maybe there is something in that mentality…

Before you figure out exactly how to respond, Artemis sighs. "I understand where you're both coming from, but this is bigger than just Cadet Melissa overstepping her bounds. In some ways, she's acting as a representative of the Divine Realm, and as much as I would wish that they would come and aid us in this war, they have not chosen to do so yet. Even more seriously, Ryza's acting as a representative of a species that has been vilified throughout human history, so she needs to put her best foot forward to the Divine Realm as well, to show them that she can be trusted." Both your friends frown at Artemis, causing her to roll her eyes. "It's unfair, I know, but the world we live in is not a fair one."

Belle grits her teeth a little, but nods. "Ain't that the truth…" she mutters. "So, do you think this is going to turn into a whole quest, or are you just going to drop Melissa off and come back?"

You shrug. "I don't plan for anything else," you say. "But if you and Kelton want to come along-"

Artemis shakes her head a little. "I wouldn't normally suggest this," she says. "But this would probably be something better handled quickly and quietly, and the more people go along, the slower it will be. We can probably peel off one of Dame Angela's Whitewings for a day or two, so that she can carry Melissa while you fly on your own. The other two, however, are helping our raiding groups to keep the Imps jumping as they retreat." Yeah, Sir Rimpler had mentioned that yesterday, hadn't he. "They're still organized enough that we haven't been able to do much, but best to keep reminding them of the body blow you dealt them. We want them to retreat far back into their own lands so that they're truly out of the fight."

"I guess that makes sense," you say. "Is there anything I can do to help once I get back?"

Your friend's lip curls for a second. "Count Sobieski was pushing for you to launch several demonstration attacks on nearby villages, to try and lure out the Duke so that we could jump him," she says. "But I talked him down from that. Not only do you need your rest, but you also made a point of telling them to leave, and now that they're doing so it's prudent for the peace that'll come after if you show yourself as some keeps her word." She sighs. "Besides, I don't want you to think you have to do things you truly morally oppose just because someone else asks you to."

"Thank you," you say. "So I'll go talk to Angela, see if she can spare someone, and take Melissa back home. I shouldn't be more than a day. Pegasi are very fast."

"True, but if you need to stay a little longer to mollify the Knight Corona, feel free," Artemis says. "I trust you. And if she gets upset with you, remember that you did your due diligence. You kept your eye on her daughter until you physically couldn't, and then found someone you should have been able to trust. Feel free to throw this Sister Selinda into the stampede if you have to to protect yourself."

It takes you a moment to figure out what Artemis means, but when you do you huff. "You don't have to put it like that," you say. "Her job is to heal as many people as possible, so I should have realized she'd want to be around to help in the aftermath of the battle. From there, Melissa convincing Sister Selinda to let her come along makes perfect sense."

Belle snorts. "See, this is why everyone tells you you're too nice," she says. "Sure, that all makes sense, but she still didn't do what you asked, and whatever my opinion on the matter, that's clearly something you see as a problem. Which means you have every right to be annoyed with her and use her in the case that the holy knight gets pissy."

"…Well, hopefully I won't have to do that," you say. "After all, I have to work with Sister Selinda after this, so if I bite her tail that'll be harder in the future."

"That's our Ryza," Kelton says, still ruffling your hair. "Always thinking ahead."

You puff your cheeks up. "I'm a Heart," you say. "That is literally my reason for being, to think about the big picture and try to make the best choices possible."

Artemis laughs. "Alright, alright," she says. "You should probably go find the Whitewings before they leave. I'll let the rest of the leadership know where you're going, though I'll leave off the details. Best not to have too many cooks seasoning the porridge when it comes to tense diplomacy. You've done well with the Realmers so far, I'm sure you'll be able to smooth everything over this time as well."

"Thank you, Artemis," you say. "Don't worry, this won't take long."

---

Thankfully, everything seems to be going to plan. You're able to catch up to Angela and the other Whitewings just before they lift off, though it's a close thing since you'd paused to grab Solariana's scroll in case it could be used to calm down the Solar Knights. The grey-haired pegasus knight huffs and puffs, but when you offer to just half-shift and fly Melissa yourself she waves a hand with a sigh. "From what I hear, that'll take longer," she says. "And as annoying as it is to take off with an incomplete flight, I want my favorite flying lightning mage back sooner rather than later, so if splitting the flight gets me what I want sooner then so be it." She jerks her head to Bucephila. "Silas's still flying a little slow from that hit he took yesterday, why don't you give him a break by doing a bit of courier work." The other Whitewing groans theatrically, but you see her stroking her mount's side as she guides him a few steps away to let her fellows begin their launching gallop and shoot into the air, turning to fly above a group of cavalry as they ride west.

"Is he alright?" you ask, moving closer to take a look at the big pegasus, who sniffs at you experimentally. He tenses slightly, causing you to step away.

"Friend, Silas," Bucephila says. "Just because she can turn big and scaly sometimes doesn't mean she's not your friend anymore." The pegasus nickers, but bows his head slightly to you. "Yeah, he's fine, just a little sore. You know how pegasi are, creatures of wind magic, so the anima energies disrupt healing a bit. Makes it harder to magically patch them up, which means that they get sore and cranky. Angela's right, he really should take a break, but with only three of us around we're having to do the job of a whole squadron."

You frown guiltily. "Sorry," you say, thinking back to the time you'd spent yesterday doing other things. "I should be helping you out more…"

Bucephila waves a hand. "It's alright," she says. "You have your own thing going on and we Whitewings are used to making do with less. Take the time you need, we'll live."

Still, as Belle leads Melissa over, her pack over her shoulder and a slightly resigned expression, you tell yourself that when you're done with this errand, you'll take time to help your flying friends out. Even if it's only being a healer that can keep up with them, they're risking themselves to help the Kingdoms, so it's only fair that they be helped in turn. "Are you ready?" you ask the young Solar Knight.

She nods. "Yep," she says, smiling genuinely. "And thanks for getting me out from under Mother's wing, if only for a little bit."

You sigh, why does she have to make this so difficult? "She just wants to make sure you're safe," you tell her as Bucephila helps her onto Silas's back. "My mother would never have let me do half the things I've done."

"You seem to have done pretty well for yourself," Belle says. "Maybe moms need to learn to let go a bit more?"

You consider her words. It's true that a part of you chafes a bit at the realization that, if Mother had still been alive, you wouldn't have seen or experienced any of the amazing things you have. You'd never have flown the skies above Castle Agrithe, never sensed the swirling magic of the Marble Hall. Never met so many of your new friends, never had the chance to help so many people. True, a lot of it had been tense and scary and painful, but there was plenty of good as well.

Of course, you're honest enough with yourself to know that, if given the opportunity, you'd trade everything, even Belle and Artemis and Kelton, for another few minutes with your parents.

Thankfully, Melissa rescues you from having to answer by waving a hand. "Nah, Ryza and Mother are right," she says. "Doesn't mean I accept I was wrong, since I did get to heal and save some people's lives, but they're right. I was told not to go out of the Kingdoms, but I followed my calling. Which means that I need to accept the consequences."

Belle rolls her eyes. "Boring. You stiff spines are all boring," she muttered, but there's no heat in her words. "Well, see you in a bit. I'll work with Lady Artemis to make sure the other noble muckety-mucks don't volunteer you for anything while you're gone."

"Make sure Kelton doesn't get into any more fights as well!" you say as Silas spreads his wings. A moment later, Bucephila clicks her tongue and he canters down the path between makeshift stables before lifting off into the air.

"No promises!" Belle calls after you as you lift off to join the Whitewing and your charge in the sky.

The trip towards the Solar Knight keep is thankfully calm. The day is warm, with only a few clouds in the sky to provide the occasional bit of welcome shade. Without need for a rider, you're able to mostly keep up with the pegasus carrying two humans, though you still get the feeling Silas could outpace you if he put his mind to it.

You're also grateful that Melissa doesn't seem to hold the fact that you're telling on her against you. Instead, she seems determined to get as much out of this excursion before she's grounded, and thus bombards you with more questions about the Union. You find yourself calming down a little as you fly along, sharing what you know and remember. You wish you'd had more time to look over it, but since it keeps the flight from descending into a tense silence it serves its purpose even without you having to pause to check it.

Finally, as the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, you spot the shining walled building in the distance. You glance up, frowning. You'd hoped that you'd be able to get back to Artemis before nightfall, but you'd underestimated just how far it was and how much a pegasus would be slowed by multiple riders. Well, tomorrow the flight back will be easier and quicker, so you should still make good time… assuming you aren't kicked out right away… "I'm sorry about this," you say to Melissa as you start to angle downwards.

She sighs. "I'm sorry too, that I caused you problems," she says.

You smile wryly. "Well, it could have been worse," you say. "You did have some good reasons, and at least you slipped up quickly. I'm guessing this'd be worse if I only found out in a week or two. Or worse, never found out at all and then your mother did once you got back."

You both wince at that thought.

As you fly closer, you frown as you notice that there seems to be quite a bit of activity in the courtyard. You see several banners you don't recognize fluttering in the wind and a group of horses being guided towards stables. Studying the flags, you're pretty sure they're all Divine Realm in origin, based on the sheer number of whites and golds and images of the sun. It would have been really awkward if this had been an Imperial emissary group that you'd inadvertently run into… Shaking your head, you wave to the men standing on the walls, watching you come in. They glance at each other, but a moment later wave back to you and point towards the pathway in front of the castle.

"Hello!" you call as you land, walking closer to the gate until you're pretty sure they can hear you. "I'm Ryza! Ryza Levinheart! You might remember me from a few days ago!"

The men on the wall mutter to each other for a few seconds longer before all turning to look back. A moment later, a woman in a Solar Knight uniform peers over the crenelations. "I remember you," she calls back, her eyes sweeping over to Melissa. "And I see Cadet Melissa is with you. Is something wrong?"

Swallowing, you nod. "A little, yes," you say guiltily. "Is Mother Marina around? We need to talk to her."

The Solar Knight raises an eyebrow, but gestures to the men behind her. "She is. Come in, she should be with you momentarily," she says as the gate begins to grind open.

"Thank you!" you call up to her, waving before leading Melissa, Bucephila and Silas through the gate and into the courtyard. As you enter, you look around, curious to see more of what was going on. You see a cluster of men in ornate cavalier armor helping the servants tend to their mounts, along with a pair of Solar Knights whose armor is subtly different from Mother Marina's group.

What really draws your attention, however, is the three figures standing in the center of the courtyard, speaking quietly. One is Mother Marina, and the second is an old man in a moderately fancy robe that looks vaguely familiar… 'Wait, isn't that the weird priest guy who gave us the map?' your dragon thinks. 'Looks like him. Smells like him too.' You nod vaguely, your focus on the last figure.

He is a middle-aged man, but while Father Simon's outfit has some shine and decorations, it's nothing compared to his companion's! The man's long white robes are decorated with enough golden trimmings and swirling symbols that you're slightly surprised he can stand! Atop his brown-grey hair sits a tall hat with no brim that curves up to form a rounded wedge, with more golden writing and symbols upon it. In his hand is an ornate staff that you don't immediately recognize, made of white wood and wrapped with what looks like an entire scroll worth of parchment. Between the writing was gold etchings glinting with dragonstone dust and swirling with White magic. Atop the tip is a golden representation of the sun, with strips of parchment hanging from the points covered in more writing and marked with red wax seals.

"A Missionary!" Melissa gasps.

You look over at the young Realmer. "A what?" you ask.

"The Sun Father's personal emissaries and diplomats!" Melissa says excitedly. "They carry Sol Invictus and the Divine Realm's word to other lands! What's one doing here?!" You shrug. "Maybe the Sun Father's decided to help out the Kingdoms in opposing the Empire's expansion!" the girl contiues cheerfully.

Before you can respond, Mother Marina's eyes flick over to you, then to her daughter. Frowning, she says a few more words to the Emissary, who glances over before waving a hand. Bowing slightly, the Knight Corona makes her way over, her face taking on a slightly icy mask that makes you squirm.

"Melissa. Mistress Levinheart," she says as she reaches the pair of you. "You have returned far earlier than I had expected." Folding her arms, she looks at her daughter for a moment before fixing her gaze onto you. "I assume there is a reason for that?"

Swallowing nervously, you nod. "Y-yes, there is…" you say. "You know how you said that Melissa had to stay in the Kingdoms while she was with me. Well, two nights ago…"

You tell the story of what happened, with Melissa nodding along but not adding anything, clearly wanting to look away from her mother but forcing herself not to. Mother Marina doesn't interrupt either, simply continuing to stare you down in a way that reminds you of your own mother looking at you when you'd done something you shouldn't have. A part of you wonders if the First Mother sends visions to new parents on how to intimidate their children without a word, or if it's just something they naturally figure out on their own.

As you finish your report, you wait silently for a few seconds as Mother Marina breaths slowly, steadily and deeply through her nose. As the silence starts to stretch and become awkward, Melissa finally speaks up. "It's my fault, Mother," she says. "Ryza-"

Mother Marina makes a chopping gesture with her hand, her eyes glowing faintly with White magic as she silences her daughter. After a few more breaths, she finally speaks, her voice calm, steady and deadly. "Melissa, go to your room. Do not dawdle, no detours. Just. Go. I'll deal with you later." Swallowing, Melissa nods before scurrying off. You start to open your mouth, but as Mother Marina's eyes flick back to you you find your throat doesn't seem to work anymore…

Finally, as Melissa disappears into the old convent and the doors boom closed, the older Solar Knight's shoulders slump and she lets out a tired sigh. "Sol, please grant me Your patience in dealing with willful children," she mutters to herself, "as You are patient with us when we do not follow Your commands…"

Finally getting your mouth and vocal cords to work, you manage to squeak. "I'm sorry…" you say.

She waves a hand again, this time less sharply. "I appreciate your contrition, Mistress Levinheart, as well as you're swiftly bringing this to my attention. But Melissa made her choices, and in truth some of the blame for this lies with me. I know my daughter's temperament. I knew sending her out that she would test boundaries and try to turn the letter of her promises against the spirit." She sighs again. "I should have recognized that you would need to leave her behind to help your lady fight the Empire. I should have sent someone with you, someone to keep an eye on Melissa when you could not." She gives a tired smile. "She is much like me when I was her age. Too caught up in the idea of Doing Good to think about the consequences, both actual and potential, before it's too late."

"So… so you're not mad at me?" you ask.

Mother Marina shakes her head. "No, I am not angry with you," she says. "I thank you for not trying to hide this from me, though I am disappointed in her that she couldn't prevent herself from rushing off for at least a week." She glances back thoughtfully towards the two men who were hanging back, clearly not wanting to involve themselves in a family matter. "Though… perhaps this is Sol Invictus's will…"

You cock your head. "What do you mean?" you ask. "Melissa said the man in the fancy hat is an Emissary…"

"He is," Mother Marina says, waving a hand towards them, causing the two men to make their way over. "We were just about to discuss how to balance our instincts of decorum and ceremony with the practical need of not giving the wrong impression at a… delicate time. Your being here… well, that does make everything much more simple." As the two men reach you, Mother Marina steps to the side. "Mistress Levinheart, you've already met Father Simon," she says, gesturing to the older priest. "But by the light of Sol Invictus, be known to Missionary Peter Jogby, Speaker of Truths and Voice of the Sun-Father." The man inclines his head deeply enough that you're worried his hat will fall off.

"T-thank you," you say, not sure if you should offer your hand or bow or what exactly to do. Most of the time humans in fancy outfits expect people to bow. "I'm Ryza Levinheart. It's nice to meet you."

Missionary Jogby smiles slightly as he looks you over. "Peace be upon you, young manakete, and be not afraid," he says. "I come bearing the words of my worldly lord Sun-Father Mathias." He cocks his head slightly for a few seconds before he continues in a more normal-sounding voice. "Please, forgive me for staring. It is just… strange, to see one who looks so young who is nevertheless wrapped in so much magical energies…"

You wave your cloak slightly. "Well, I am a mage," you say.

The man waves a hand. "So I see, but many wear those cloaks, even some who do not deserve them. I speak of the true power that wraps around you. You are quite blessed." You're not sure exactly how to respond to that. You wish Melissa hadn't been sent away, her mother and Simon are both listening to the man calmly without letting any emotions show. At least the younger Realmer has a face you could read! "But forgive me, that is not why either of us are here. I come bearing a message from the Sun-Father, are you prepared to receive it?"

"Yes," you say, trying not to make the word sound like a question. It's been a while since you've experienced this level of pomp and circumstance, and you're not mentally prepared for it!

The Missionary nods, smiling again. "Praise be," he says, his words echoed automatically by Mother Marina and Father Simon. Reaching into his voluminous robes, Missionary Jogby pulls out a fancy scroll wrapped in a golden ribbon and held closed by a wax seal depicting the sun. The edge of the parchment even seems to be gold! Seriously, why is there so much gold!? "What details can be spoken of safely are in the Sun-Father's letter, but in short he wishes to invite you to the Divine City to speak with him in person on a matter of… great importance."

You blink. "W-what?" you ask. "Should… shouldn't this be something for Lady Artemis, she's-"

Missionary Jogby shakes his head. "You misunderstand, young manakete," he says. "This message has nothing to do with the… regrettable conflict beyond our borders. The Sun-Father is aware of your role in that, of course, but he wishes to speak of your true heritage, rather than your adopted one."

A small spike of anger flashes through you, causing your dragon-self to growl slightly. However, you channel those emotions to the side to be dealt with later, as annoying as it is for the Missionary to speak so dismissively of your friends and their struggles right now you have to figure out what he wants! There's something about this… "What do you mean, 'great importance?'" you ask. "What's going on?"

The man frowns slightly, but continues on. "I am afraid that there are some things that cannot be spoken of, outside of the proper locations," he says. "Normally, they would not even be discussed with one who is outside the Faith. However, the Sun-Father believes that your… unique perspective is a gift from Sol Invictus, and thus exceptions can be made."

You take a slow step back. "May I speak with my friend on this?" you ask, gesturing to Bucephila.

Missionary Jogby nods. "Of course," he says. "Though if it is any reassurance, allow me to say this: in Sol Invictus's name and by the will of the Sun-Father, sanctuary is offered upon you if you should return to the Divine City with me. No harm will befall you, the oath of the entire Divine Realm and the Faith upon it." With that, he gestures for Father Simon and Mother Marina to join him a few steps away, outside of human hearing.

Still, as you scuttle back to Bucephila's side and take cover by Silas, you find yourself whispering anyways. "What do you think?" you ask as you open the scroll and look at it. Written in fancy lettering and decorated by several more ribbons held on by wax seals at the bottom, it almost looks more like a work of art than a message!

A Solar Missive, written in the spring of the Year of Divinity Three Forty-Two

Written by the hand of Sun-Father Mathias, unto the manakete known as Ryza Levinheart.

May the Light of Sol Invictus be upon you.

Through trusted sources, both personal and professional, I have heard of your awakening as well as your nature. I have read your work, and found your depictions of a culture long lost to history to be of great interest, and I would speak with you in person to learn more, if you be willing.

Unlike the Empire of Theodore Wyrmblood, the Divine Realm has no ancient grudge against your people, and so I pray that you do not think of this invitation as a deceitful cover for some trap or villainy. I give my word, as the mortal representative of Sol Invictus upon this world, that should you accept my invitation, every effort will be bent to ensure that you have sanctuary throughout the entire journey to the Divine City, your stay here, as well as your journey back to wherever you wish to go.

I hope to hear from you soon, as there are matters that I believe would be to the Divine Realm's benefit, as well as your own, that we discuss face-to-face.

May our Lady's Sun shine brightly upon you and yours.

"Wow that guy knows his purple prose…" Bucephila says dryly as she reads over your shoulder (well, your head, since she's taller than you). "I've seen exactly one official letter from the Sky Marshal, and she didn't write anything like that!"

A part of you wants to giggle, but you're too busy chewing your lip. "What do you think I should do?" you ask her.

The Whitewing sighs. "Sorry, kid, way above my hiring price," she says. "All I can say is that, based on the wording, they really want you to show up, and I'm guessing they want you to get there sooner rather than later." She shrugs. "Other than that, well, from the fact that both the big boss and his mouthpiece said that you'd be protected if you went along means that you will be, the Divine Realm's always been a bit holier-than-… has always prided itself on keeping its word."

As you stare at the fancy-looking words on the gold-trimmed letter in your hands, you find yourself thinking back to when you told Artemis that this wouldn't take long.

Why had you tempted fate like that?! Hadn't you learned not to tempt fate!?


What do you do?

[] Accept the invitation. Artemis has been talking about how important an alliance with the Divine Realm is, and the Realmers do seem to like you. Perhaps, if you help the Sun Father with whatever he wants done, you can convince them to come and help Artemis and the Kingdoms sooner rather than later! This will take time, though, especially since you can't justify keeping Bucephila with you, she needs to get back to her friends. You also have no idea what you're getting into…

[] You promised you wouldn't be gone long. True, it hadn't been a big, official promise, but you had told Artemis that you'd be back soon so that you can help her. You have no idea how long it will be before the Empire can get another army over to threaten the Kingdoms again. You can't afford to be gone too long, not when your friends might need you at any minute! At the very least, you should check in with Artemis first, though something tells you that you may not get the chance to come back if the Empire's on the move.