Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest

Macros · Dec 29, 2016

Ooh, quite a turnaround. Had to scrap parts of my first draft.

[X] Oh... this? T-This is our great uncle Mar-ark, yea, great uncle Mark who'll be staying with us for a while.

You open your mouth, before closing it. You want nothing more but to be honest with Cynthia, and tell her all about the einherjar, but you can't help but remember that Cynthia talks. A lot. Could she be trusted with a secret this big, without her revealing it in the days to come? You'd rather not take the chance. Still, you have to say something...

"Oh... this? T-this is our great uncle Mar-ark. Um, yes! He's staying for a while!"

You slap yourself internally, though you maintain a smiling face - even if it does feel strained. That's the best you can come up with? No wonder people call you a terrible liar. In fact, your cover story is threatened right off the bat when you see Marth's reflection opening his mouth, a confused expression on his face.

"I do not understand. I am n..."

You shut him up the only way you know how, by stomping on his foot as hard as you can, hoping Cynthia is still too confused to notice.

"Uncle, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Cynthia."
"Of... course. It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady."

Oh good, so he can learn. Still, that unconvincing display did little to assuage Cynthia's doubts.

"Ah, uh... nice to meet you? I... never heard of you, though. I mean, I know I'm not the best at paying attention to those things, but still..."
"He was away on a far-away land for a long time, actually. He was just finishing telling me about it."
"Ah... um, Lucy? Why is our uncle... kind of see-through?"
"Wh.. what are you talking about? Cynthia, are you feeling alright? Maybe you should sleep for a bit."

You feel horrible. You can see that Cynthia has a hard time believing any of this, yet she wants to trust you with all her heart. She'd probably believe you if you were to tell her the sky was green, should you press the point hard enough, and for the first time, you're taking advantage of her trust.

"Ah... If you say so. Um, it was a pleasure to meet you... uncle? I'll see you around?"

The einherjar only nods, almost as confused as her, and you both watch her exit your room. She casts in your direction another uncertain glance, and it takes her all your willpower to maintain eye contact, keeping up a smiling face as you fight on the impulse to just apologize and come clean with everything. Finally you're alone once again with 'Marth', who turns toward you.

"I am a bit confused. What was that about?"
"Just... not now, please."

Her last expression... It was painful to think of it. You can only hope it will eventually be worth it. Right now, you can't help but doubt that, though.

Secret is preserved for now.
Cynthia's mood switched from 'Shaken' to 'Afraid'

[X] To be a Justice cabalist
In the next weeks, you try to keep the guilt away by spending more time with her. After all, you're part of this 'Justice Cabal' now, you might as well play the part. And to be honest, it is a good chance for you to relax a bit. Owain and Cynthia are probably the most cheerful people you know (even if sometimes, you can't help but wonder how much is real and how much is an attempt to keep more somber thoughts at bay), and their good mood can be quite contagious. The time together is... actually really pleasant. How long was it since you really took the time to relax? Yet after several stressful weeks, getting roped in Owain and Cynthia's crazy schemes is a very welcome change of pace.

Still, you can't help but notice that Cynthia is carefully avoiding to mention that supposed great uncle of her. You're partly grateful - were she to talk about it to Owain, or worse, Lissa, you're pretty sure your story would collapse instantly - but for her to specifically avoid the subject is proof of how affected she had been by the episode. Cynthia is never careful. About anything. And now she is, and about you. You hate that feeling, and are infinitely grateful to Owain for consistently managing to lighten up the mood. Progressively, Cynthia's smiles become more spontaneous once again, and you can only hope that the worst is now behind you.

You consider taking advantage of the occasion to ask Owain for a few spars, but the time is not right, you think, not when you're more worried about your sister. The last thing you'd need right now is to make her feel excluded. Maybe next month.

Relations with Owain raised to B
Cynthia's mood switches back to 'Shaken'.
Option unlocked: Heroes in training

[X] Help Lissa in her duties

You also spend a lot of time with your aunt. Her new role as acting ruler of Ylisse is pretty overwhelming, and while the help you can provide is limited - it's not like you have a wealth of experience to call upon - she's grateful nonetheless. You're present at most council meetings, trying to support Lissa all the way with your still fragmentary knowledge of the matters of state. Yet, it seems your presence alone is somewhat helpful. You were by now a relatively familiar face in those circles, and a constant reminder of Chrom's influence. It is also rather interesting to see how Lissa is handling things compared to your father. She's less assured, due to her lack of familiarity with her new situation, but you also think she's of a more thoughtful nature. Where your father trusts his instincts, she takes more time to ponder upon facts - but then again, she doesn't have the luxury of a Robin or a Frederick to advocate prudence should she get carried away.

It's also a good occasion to keep yourself informed on the ongoing war. Each day comes with new couriers, giving the palace a rather accurate view of the conflict. So far, the news are rather positive. The first battles went well, with the Ylissean army currently advancing in Plegian's territory, fending off the attempts at harassing their supply lines. The only worrying part is the appearance of strange undead creatures, that Tharja have identified as 'Risen', found roaming through Plegia's countryside. So far those monsters are few and far between, and show no particular skill or tactical acumen, but many are worried of what it means, thinking it might be the prelude of something bigger. Nonetheless, Father and Robin are cautiously optimistic, hoping to march on Plegia's capital by the end of the summer. With luck, the Shepherds might soon be home.

Skill: politics raised to C+
Skill: diplomacy raised to C-
Option unlocked: ???

[X] Train with the pegasus knights novices
[X] Draconic warfare

You thought about it long and hard, and you finally think you're ready to follow a more specialized training when it comes to aerial combat. You pretty much reached the limits of what you could accomplish with Cu alone, and with no wyvern knight in Ylisse and Mother and Cordelia away, there's only one way to get better that you can think of: the pegasus knight formation. It is a bit unorthodox; for one, most trainees wait for at least three more years before starting their formation - but you're tall for your age, you hope that will help you not stand out too much. Mostly, you'd be operating with an entirely different mount, which may cause some problems. Still, it is worth trying, at least.

It goes rather well, all things considered. You attract many glances, but the instructor, a stern officer by the name of Berthault, makes a point of not treating you differently because of your birth, which is what you hoped for. In fact, you suspect her to maybe overcompensate a little, but you trained under Frederick. This is fine by comparison. Training side by side with soon-to-be pegasus knights is an enlightening experience. It allows you to get a rather accurate assesment of how wyverns would compare to pegasi. For one, the winged horses tend to be faster, and a lot more maneuverable, taking sharp turns and hard angles Cu would be unable to imitate. However, your wyvern displays more stamina, and you suspect she would make for a more fearsome opponent on the ground, being able to tear through enemy ranks in a way a pegasus can't.

You stay away from the spear lessons - just learning everything there is to know about sword styles would take you a lifetime, you don't think it would be wise to branch ou at this point - but watching them, it is easy to understand why they are the weapons of choice for those who fight in the sky. Your reach with a sword is greatly limited when mounted, and all the ingrained footwork you learned is impossible to use. A spear extra reach give an easier time to target specific points, and when coupled with a pegasus mobility, it is easy to see why the pegasus knights have dominated the sky up until now. Still, you do not give up. After the classes are ended, you spend many more hours with Cu, trying to find the best ways to effectively use your sword when on a wyvern's back. All of those maneuver involve getting as close as possible to the target, the main difficulty being to avoid crashing into it, but you're beginning to see results. You don't think swordfighting in the air will ever become easy, but at it's point, it's doable, which you count as a success. You also obtain good results with tome magic, improving your accuracy when moving at high speed - which isn't exactly easy to do either.

Characteristic: dexterity raised to B
Skill: riding (wyverns) raised to C-
Skill: aerial combat raised twice to D+
Option unlocked: Death from Above - sword edition
Option unlocked: Death from Above - magic edition

[X] Find a training partner
-[X] Severa and Kjelle

Still, there is a time to fly, and there's a time to wack things with a sword with your two feet on the ground. You suppose most girls would find that a strange hobby, but you're not most girls. And fortunately for you, a few around you may share your enthusiasm for martial pursuit. Your first stop is Severa, who you suspect might be as frustrated as you at your sudden lack of decent sword instructor. Indeed, you find her in the courtyard ripping through training mannequins, a scowl on her face.

"You know, you shouldn't train alone. It only embeds errors."

That was one of the first advice your father gave you, though you tactfully avoid to tell Severa you might have ignored it yourself from time to time. As she turns toward you, there is a small frown on her face, but you can tell her frustration isn't directed at you. Your words entice a shrug from her.

"Not like there's much choice. Stupid Gregor went away with the others, so I'm kind of out of options."
"Hmm. You still have one."

You do your best to appear nonchalant, but you can tell your eyes are a bit too bright to appear entirely honest; Severa's gaze narrows in return, as if trying to read your mind.

"Last time I asked, you directed me to someone else. What changed?"

Ugh, she's still hang up about that? Let it not be said that she had short memory, at least.

"Well, I was not so confident in my skills back then. Recent events..." you think back at your fight against the bandit leader, or your spar with the sword instructor "made me think I might be able to help more now. And I'm counting on you to help me progress too."

She still seems doubtful, as if not quite believing what you're offering.

"But... why me? I mean, Owain is better with a sword... for now."
You nod. "That may be true, but I know you, Severa. You push yourself way harder than most people. I hope you'll catch up to me in no time."

That does elicit a smile from her.

"Ah? Don't come crying when it does happen, then. I won't hold back just because you're Chrom's daughter."

You can't help but snort at that. "You never hold back at anything for anyone, Severa."
"Heh, I guess that's true. So, when do we start?"
"Soon. But first, we're going to need someone else."

That makes her raise an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Kjelle."
"... why? She doesn't even use a sword, last time I checked."
"Well, that's true, but from what I heard, she's been training her physical condition pretty intensely. That's something we could use."

Severa let out an aggravated sigh at those words, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You would say that. I'm going to regret this, don't I?"
"Come on, it'll be fun!"
"You're horrible."

***

Kjelle is not that hard to find either. The advantages of looking for someone having a rather tight training schedule is that they're creatures of habit. The next morning, you and Severa go wait for her on the path you heard she uses for her morning runs. Sure as day, it isn't long before she shows up, slowing down as she sees the both of you.

"Hello, Kjelle."
"Lucina, Severa."

She nods politely to both of you, but you can't help to think that her face seems... too neutral. As if she was doing her best to keep her true emotions from showing, which is not something Kjelle usually does. What this means, you have no idea. Well, you'll find out soon enough, you suppose.

"Severa and I want to start training regularly together. I wondered if you wanted to join us."
"Oh, so now you care?"

You blink. The sudden hostility came out of nowhere.

"What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing. Just noticing that the moment the grown-ups are away, you remember we exist. It's nice to know I'm your B-plan. No, wait, C-plan, you went to Severa's first, apparently."

... what? You're too surprised to get angry. This came out of nowhere. Did she felt ignored? It's not like you never talked before, heck, you saw her a few weeks ago at your birthday! And this rather passive-aggressive attitude is rather unlike her. Still, you can't say you particularly care for her words right now, and judging by her scowl, neither does Severa.

"Ok, what the hell is your problem, huh?"
"You stay out of this. Why don't you go complain about your oh so perfect mom elsewhere?"
"What did you just say?"

By now, Severa is looking murderous, and you're pretty sure you're getting rather angry yourself. Maintaining a calm facade is getting harder with Kjelle apparently lashing out without you even understanding the reason. You had enough reasons to feel stressed these days, you really don't need this right now.

"Kjelle. What is this about."

You do your best to keep an even voice, only partially succeeding.

"Nothing. Whatever. I really don't have time for this, so if you'll excuse me..."

Wait, after all this, she's just going to turn away?

[] Write-in

Macros · Jan 2, 2017

[X] "Fight me. Unlike a conversation, I know you won't run away from a fight. Then we'll talk."

Oh no you don't.

You have no intention of simply letting her walking away after that little display. And you know exactly how to make sure she stays. After all, if there's one thing Kjelle cannot resist, it's a challenge.

"Very well. If you don't have time for a talk, maybe you'll have some for a fight instead? I know you don't usually run from that."

That stops her, you notice with grim satisfaction. She turns back, her scowl meeting your own glare.

"Watch it, Lucina."

Oh, now she's offended? After what she just said to you and Severa, you don't feel very sorry. Instead, you distractedly notice that even when going on a run, she apparently brings her armor and spear with her. How typical. At least there won't be any time wasted.

"We'll talk about... this... after that."
"Assuming you'll be able to talk."

You ignore the taunt, instead looking at Severa, who still looks pretty furious, but is holding herself back in a rare display of control, though you can guess she'd like nothing more than to take on Kjelle herself here and now. You're pretty sure she'd lose right now... but you also know that wouldn't stop her in the least.

"Sorry Severa. You don't mind?"
"Tss. Just give her one good wack for me, will you?"
"Letting others fight your own battles, Severa? Perhaps you should spend more time with Cynthia. You play the distressed damsel so well."

That does it. You offer Severa a grim nod, the two of you wearing almost similar expressions.

"I believe I will."

You then turn your full attention to Kjelle, eyes cold.

"I don't care what you say about me all that much. But my sister jumped on an assassin to save my life, risking her own in the process. Doubt her courage again, and I really won't be able to forgive you."

To your satisfaction, Kjelle flinches at that, as if realizing she might have gone too far. Still, it isn't long before her looks of defiance come back.

"What, not going to say anything about Severa?"
"I know she can take care of herself, and I have no doubt she'll find a way to get you back for your words. But that's quite enough. Are you ready? Or would you like a moment to catch your breath?"

You get your answer as Kjelle charges you - what you have been expecting, really. As your weapon clashes, it is pretty apparent that this fight is quite different than the one you had a few years ago. That one had been intense, but a spar nonetheless. This time, it is clear that she wants to hurt you - and you're only too happy to return the favour. The calm part of your mind tells you your form is sloppy, a poor approximation of the almost flawless stances you almost mastered, but most of you don't care. Beside, Kjelle isn't exactly doing much better either. Each of you barely pay attention to defense - in fact, your opponent barely uses her shield, and only to bash you with it - instead raining blows upon each other, with as much strength as you can muster. You grunt as the knight's daughter catch your side with the shaft of her weapon, before retaliating by crashing into her, forcing her back despite her armoured weight.

"Gh. I see all that fancy magic training or time playing the lady didn't soften you up too much."
"You don't need to worry about that. Or are you vexed because I didn't make time for you?"
"As if!"

With an angry growl, she charges at you once more. Were you in a more calm state, you'd have simply side-stepped the obvious attack and stroke before she could recover. Instead, you stand your ground, swinging your weapon in a literal attempt at knocking some sense into her head. The blunt edge of her spear catch you in the stomach, knocking the wind out of you, while your wooden blade hit the side of her head, a blow that staggers her, but do not bring her down. Hmph. You should have known this would be the hardest part of her anatomy, you probably wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't. Once again, you're back at trading hits, letting in far ore than you ever should. Had Father been here, you'd know he'd been appalled by your technique right now. Well, there'll be time to be angry at yourself later, right now you're angry at someone else. With a shout, you manage to rip the spear out of her grasp. Before you can capitalize on that though, Kjelle punches you in the face, hard. Judging by the blood coming from your nose, you're pretty sure she broke something, but you can't worry about it right now. Instead you sweep her legs from under, causing her to crash on the ground, with your sword pointed at her face.

"Now are you willing-"

You cannot finish your sentence when Kjelle's foot hit your knee, making you fall away from her. As you both pick yourselves up, Severa steps in between you two, a disturbed expression on her face.

"Okay, I think this might be enough."

Kjelle looks at her with a confused expression, as if trying to make sense of her words. Maybe you hit her head harder than you thought, she seems a bit out of it. She blinks, before the fight seems to literally leave her, as she sits back on the ground, head lowered.

"Shit."

You're not long before joining her in a sitting position either. Now that your anger is fading, and with it the adrenaline from the fight, pain and exhaustion are catching up to you fast. You're pretty sure you're going to sport bruises for the next few days, not to mention the fact that you'll need to have someone to look at your nose. It wasn't like you to be so sloppy. Still, you think you've made your point.

"So, what was that all about?"

Kjelle briefly looks a you, before looking away, a vaguely ashamed expression on her face.

"It's stupid."
"I'm sure. I would like to know nonetheless."

She sighs, but there's n longer any sign of anger on her face. In fact, now that her severe expression has melted down, you realize she looks... tired. And not from the rather brutal fight you just had - though there's that too.

"I'm sorry, okay? I mean... well, it's true that I was a bit disappointed that you did not come back to train together after last time. I mean, you're pretty much the only one of our age who's a challenge. Owain comes close, but he's infuriating."

You never thought so, but you can see how his more... exuberant traits would grate Kjelle's seriousness.

"And then someone tries to kill you, and we're at war and our parents are gone, and I don't know what will happen anymore."

That, at least, is something you can sympathize with, and from the look on Severa's face, you can guess she does to. In fact, you'd be surprised if any of your friends didn't struggle with the same demons - though you suppose it's just your luck that Kjelle's preferred method to deal with her problems is violence.

"And then I'm all alone, and I hear from Cynthia you're spending time in that stupid... er, I mean, that thing Owain created. Told myself I didn't care. Going on a run helps me clear my head, you know? And then you're here, acting as if everything's fine, and I just acted like..."
"A jerk?" Severa helpfully supplied. You shot her a glare, but Kjelle only smiles at that.
"Ah yes, I suppose I deserved that. For what its worth, I'm sorry. I... I didn't really mean it, you know?"

Well. You're pretty sure you've never seen Kjelle that open. And you think you can see where she's coming from, though you still think most of it was uncalled for.

[] Do you want to add something?

Lost the first half of the update to technical difficulties. Not that much, but annoying nonetheless.

Also, this vote is rather optional, if you want to add something in particular. If nothing comes to mind, Lucina will simply let bygones be bygones and renew her offer of training together, this time with more chances of success, one might think.

However, the real vote... will be here in a few minutes!

Macros · Jan 2, 2017

And now for something entirely different: an episode of Frederick Emblem!

You are Frederick, guardian of the royal family of Ylisse, and as you watch the lifeless corpse of your lord laying on the cold stones of the temple, you begin to realize the magnitude of your failure.

And to think the day had started rather well. With the Dragon Table finally in sight from the Ylissean forces, the army had begun its assault, intent on piercing Plegia's last lines of defence and drag King Validar from its hiding place. The battle started at dawn, and once again war's fortune seemed to favour Ylisse. The green troops Plegia had hastily gathered in a last ditch attempt could not hope to stand against the veterans of two wars, not when outmatched tactically and qualitatively. It appeared the battle would be a short one. That, of course, was when things began to go wrong.

From afar, the lone figure of Validar could be seen, standing at the gates of the Grimleal temple. And in his hands, shining brightly, he held the legendary Fire Emblem, thought to have disappeared that fateful night where Exalt Emmeryn was murdered. The implications of seeing it reappears now, and in those hands were not lost on any of the Shepherds, least of all Chrom. The new Exalt charged forward, intent on avenging his sister, and the Shepherds followed, Robin being the closest. The Grimleal had yet another card to play, and very quickly, the advancing group found itself fighting summoned undead abominations, those "risen" that Plegia had used sporadically during the war. It was a weak move nonetheless, barely slowing down the Shepherd's charge – despite their psychological impact and great resilience, those creatures were slow and unskilled, certainly no match for a unit boasting some of the best fighters and mages in the world. Things turned out a little trickier inside the temple, when Grima's worshippers joined the fray by casting their foul spells, but up until this point, you had no reason to doubt the final outcome of this fight.

You should have noticed the way Chrom and Robin's progression went almost unimpeded, while those monsters kept throwing themselves at your blades to slow you and the other Shepherds down. Yet at the time, you simply focused on slaying the enemies before you, confident in your lord's victory. From afar, you could see him and Robin locked into a confrontation with the Plegian King himself. Validar was a fearsome opponent, a very skilled mage in his own right with a surprisingly fit physical condition. Yet against the Exalt and his tactician, you never doubted the final outcome, and were proved right when the Grimleal leader collapsed to the ground. Then Robin stabbed Chrom through the heart, while you could only watch helplessly the scene unfolding, wondering where you went wrong, what you had missed, how you could have let this happen. Everything seems to happen in slow motion now, as you hear Sumia's desperate cry, Sully's roar of outrage or Gaius's sharp intake of breath. Even Henry has lost his legendary smile, you note distractedly. And Nowi seems utterly frozen at the sight of her husband killing his lord. Maybe you'll be able to sympathize later, but right now, the only thought going through your head is that you should have gutted him like a trout the very first day you met him.

You do your best to keep a clear head – which isn't easy considering the man who treated you like a brother just got murdered by one of his most trusted friends – and try to analyse the situation. Chrom's body lies in a pool of blood –wrongwrongwrong!- with only a few steps separating him from you. Nearby, Robin has fallen to his knees, his hood preventing you from watching his facial expression. You don't know what's going through his head, and you frankly don't care, feeling only an irresistible urge to split his head in two for what he just did. At the back at the temple, an entirely uninjured Validar –of course the one they fought was a fake, helped to create the perfect opportunity for his assassin- was standing near the altar, his laugh of triumph echoing through the building. Behind him, you can see more risen crawling back from the shadows, ready to advance on his command, while others are coming from the sides, threatening to surround the Shepherds. Still, there might be enough time for you to…

[] Retrieve Chrom's body: you will not let your lord's corpse be desecrated at the hand of his hated enemies. No matter what, you're bringing him back to Ylisse.

[] Retrieve Falchion: carrying him would slow you down. But Falchion, at the very least, must be retrieved. The Exalt is dead, but the Exalted line has yet to be ended, and with what happened today, the sacred blade will be needed against the incoming darkness.

[] Kill the traitor: you don't care at his motivations, killing the Exalt earns only one sentence, and you would be happy to carry that one out. If he insists of remaining prostrated on his knees, that will only make it easier for you.

[] Kill Validar: this day is turning into a disaster, but killing the Plegian King would certainly make it better. A risky proposition considering his magic skills, but you're feeling murderous enough to take your chance. And you really want him to stop laughing.

[] Retreat now: with Risen incoming from all sides, your window for retreating without a fight is closing fast. If you withdraw now, you still have chance to join the main encampment of Ylisse's army before the Shepherds are put under too much pressure.

[] Write-in.

Happy new year?

Macros · Jan 4, 2017

[X] Retrieve Falchion:

That was pretty unanimous.

With only a few seconds to act, you jump forward. You do your best to ignore the tactician, still looking dead to the world, kneeling a few meters from you, and who let you pass without any resistance. You do your best to ignore Chrom's lifeless gaze, telling yourself that the accusatory look you see in it is all in your head. You'd like nothing more than to grab his body and bring him home, where at least he'd receive a proper burial, but there's simply no time. He... he wouldn't have wanted for more Shepherds to die, not just for that. Instead, your gaze focus on the sword still clutched in his hand. Falchion is useless to you, you know that. It only comes alive in the hands of a member of the Exalted line, and even then, not for all of them. Chrom's father and sisters never had been able to wield it, for once. Still, the Tooth of Naga proved instrumental in vanquishing evil several times. And you could feel it, this ability would be needed before long.

Ignoring the bile in your throat, you take the sacred blade from your lord's dead hand, before moving back to your lines without a glance behind. All around you, the Shepherds are beginning to overcome the shock of the dual loss of their lord and tactician, with one dead and the other turned traitor. As Risen begin to press forward, weapons rise once again, and the battle starts anew. It quickly becomes apparent that those creatures are now far more dangerous than in your previous encounters. Whatever magic was at play there, they were faster, stronger, and even displayed some semblance of coordination. And right now, your friends are in shock, demoralized by the blow that was just dealt to them. Yet even now, they prove again and again why they are considered the most able unit in the world.

The first monster reaching their line is cleaved in two by Lon'qu, whose follow-up attack beheads the next one. An attempt at flanking him is met with Sully's furious charge, soon supported by Gregor, the jovial mercenary having lost his usual smile, instead hacking at the monsters with abandon. Behind them, Tharja and Henry unleashed a storm of fire and lightning, their combined spells tearing through the ranks of the Risen with contemptuous ease, while Miriel countered a magical retaliation from two Grimleal; near her, Gaius was firing arrow upon arrow, specifically targeting the Plegian mages. On the flank, Sumia, tears still flowing, fought nonetheless, supported by a pale-as-death, yet resolute Cordelia, keeping the enemy from achieving their encirclement. Between them all, Maribelle and Libra were moving back and forth, braving the dangers of melee in order to administer their healing arts, in an attempt to make a difference between life and death. Near the gate, Panne and Ricken fought to keep their escape route clear, fending off the attempts at cutting them off. A loud roar noticed everyone that Nowi was joining the fray too, the confused Manakete trying to drown her doubts through action.Kellam managed to save Ricken from a Risen coming from behind, before looking for another opponent.

Despite the adverse circumstances, they were fighting with everything they got. You would have been proud of them in other circumstances, but right now, you were too busy trying to keep them alive. Cordelia's voice rang clear above the melee.

"Frederick! We can't stay here!"

That much was true. Despite the Shepherds' skills, between the Risen newfound ferocity (and seemingly endless numbers) and the Grimleal magical bombardment, their position could soon become untenable. They had to rejoin the main camp, to the relative safety of Ylissean lines. Slaying the nearest undead monster with a swing of your axe, you turned to give the order.

"Shepherds, pull back!"

The fighters on the front line made a somewhat orderly retreat, under the cover of the mages, while the ones at the gate maintained their position to keep the way open. Soon, the majority of the Shepherds were outside, only for you to realize you weren't out of the woods yet. A host of Risen were now blocking the road between you and safety - with a grimace, you realize those creatures are the corpses of the soldiers you slew but a moment ago to come here - while in the sky, a dozen of wyvern riders flew in circles, ready to fall upon the retreating Ylisseans. With the Risen inside the temple pressing them from behind, the Shepherds were threatened on three sides, and time was not their ally.

You're no tactician, but you've seen enough battlefields to know what to expect. Still, you must act, and fast.

The Shepherds are currently organized in several groups:

The assault unit, who just exited the temple: Sully, Lon'qu, Gregor
The mages, following nearby: Tharja, Henry, Miriel
The flying corps, ready to take the sky: Cordelia, Nowi, Sumia
The rearguard, still fighting to prevent the others to be overwhelmed: Panne, Gaius, Ricken, Kellam
Maribelle and Libra can be dispatched to provide healing where they're needed

It is imperative to clear the road in front of you, or the Shepherds are doomed.

[] Use the assault unit alone. They won't have an easy time, but you're confident they will manage to do the job.
[] Use the assault unit and the flying corps. The help of a manakete and two pegasus knights should shorten the battle in front f you, but might leave you vulnerable elsewhere.
[] Use the assault unit, the flying corps and the rearguard. It will be a race against time with your other flanks unguarded, but you must escape from this encirclement as fast as possible.

The wyvern riders are a looming threat, who might strike any time now.

[] Send the flying corps against them. They might be outnumbered, but they faced worse odds and prevailed.
[] Ignore them. They're mostly a distraction. If they want to take potshots at you, just let them. You'll be able to deal with them if they come close.

Your mages have proven their effectiveness. You're just not sure where to direct their firepower.

[] Focus on the front. Their spells might help clearing the road tremendously.
[] Focus on the rear. Those fighting to hold back the Risen behind might need any help they can get.
[] Focus on the air. The sooner that danger is removed from play, the better.

The Risen and Grimleal from the temple are pushing hard.

[] Let the rearguard continue fighting. The line must be held, but you cannot afford giving them reinforcements right now.
[] Reinforce them with the flying corps. If you manage to keep the enemy at bay long enough, it might be easier to focus on escaping once the pressure have been diminished.
[] Pull them back for an all-out assault on the front. Breaking the lines blocking your retreat has priority over anything else.

Where will you send your healers?

[] Write-in

Where will you personally fight?

[] Write-in

You can make a more personalized battle plan. I just tried to give you a few streamlined options as to not completely leave you in the unknown.

Macros · Jan 6, 2017

[X] Plan: Get the Heck out of Dodge
-[X] Focus on retreating as fast as possible. If our fighters stop moving at any point we're all dead.
-[X] Dedicate the Assault Unit and Flying Corp to clearing the road ahead.
-[X] Have the mages and Gaius (he has a bow) focus on clearing the skies. If there's any time to give this detailed of an order, have each unit take out 4 flyers then switch to frontal assault. Except Gaius, he should switch back to the Rearguard afterwards.
-[X] Panne, Ricken, and Kellam need to guard our backs and sides while still moving. Libra should group up with them to fight and heal as needed. Push forward, but keep an eye out for attacks from the sides and rear.
-[X] Maribelle should stay with the Assault Unit and Flying Corp for healing.
-[X] Frederick should join the Assault Unit and smash through the enemy.
-[X] have Nowi pick up Kellam after clearing the road. Kellam is the slowest unit [I worry about leaving him behind), Nowi has a good chance of being able to carry him, and it gives her something to focus on.

You need to breach the lines in front of you. You need to hold back the forces in the temple. You need to clear the sky. By all accounts, doing it all with so few soldiers should be impossible. Yet the Shepherds have made doing the impossible their trade, this last decade. It was time to see if that tradition held true despite the losses of their leader and of their tactician, and hope they'd be able to pull out yet another miracle.

"Mages, down those wyverns! Gaius, support them! Libra, help the rear! Everyone else, forward! For Chrom!"

Your cry is echoed by the others, and you charge forward, followed closely by your comrades-in-arms. One wyvern tries to swoop in on the advancing Shepherds, only to be caught by a blast of wind, sending it spiraling off course. You do not watch if that flight ends in a crash, as you focus instead on the monsters in front of you. Lifting your axe high, you prepare to meet them head on.

"Pick a god and pray!"

Well, you don't have much doubt of which one claims ownership of their souls. You'll gladly send them all to their maker nonetheless. The first Risen falls down before you with contemptuous ease, and you begin to carve a path through them, your weapon rising and falling in rhythm, killing all in your path. Right now, you are no longer Frederick the Guardian Knight. Here, you're Frederick the Reaper of the Shepherds, rumored to only smile when bringing down your axe. A gross exaggeration, and you're certainly not smiling now, but dispensing death is something you've always been rather good at, and today it's a role you embrace. As you hack left and right with brutal effectiveness, you watch your friends do the same, felling one undead after another. Nowi smashes through their ranks in her dragon form, disregarding of her own safety - fortunately, you can see Maribelle is not far behind, keeping the manakete safe for now, while Gregor is staying close, killing every creature threatening his wife. Sully and Lon'qu are just as lethal, cleaving through Risen like butter, while Cordelia and Sumia alternate attack runs, covering each Shepherd's back. And just like that, after a couple minutes of frenzied melee, the road is clear. There are still Risen everywhere, of course, but there's now a path to safety, and you're confident you can maintain it open for everyone.

Only now do you take the time to watch as the others are doing. To your satisfaction, you can see the skies are now mostly wyvern-free. Your spellcasters unleashed a torrent of elemental destruction on them, with the most foolhardy riders ending up filled with arrows when they tried to come close. By now, only two wyverns are still in the air, injured and retreating out of range. Already, the mages are running toward you, with only Henry looking injured - from his slightly burnt clothes and hair, you guess a wyvern did manage to come close enough to use her breath on the dark mage. Nonetheless, Miriel and Tharja are supporting him from both side, and you can already see Maribelle moving toward them, staff in hand.

As for the rear guard... The situation there looks considerably more grim. Despite Libra's help, the forces arrayed against them are overwhelming. A constant wave of Risen is pressing them, slowing down their fighting retreat, while Grimleal are bombarding them from afar with fire and darkness, caring little for their own undead troops. Every member of the rearguard sported serious wounds - huh? Since when Kellam had been there? No matter - with Libra himself bleeding profusely. They're on the verge of breaking, you can tell; Gaius is now firing to cover them, but it's not enough, not even close. You turn toward Cordelia and Sumia, but even the brief time needed for them to get here could be too long. You're about to give the order nonetheless, when your heart stops.

Panne apparently made the same assessment as you. And she seems to have decided that in order to give her comrades the time they need, there was only one solution. Leaving the shaky defensive line formed by the Shepherds, she charged forward in a surge of power, her beast form managing to go through the lines of Risen to reach the dark mages. The first one got teared apart, then a second, as the others started redirecting their spells on the taguel, causing no small amount of friendly fire in their desperate panic. The tactical part of your mind takes notice of the fact that the Risen too have turned toward the lone shepherd, hinting at some form of control from the Grimleal, maybe? But for the most part, you can only watch powerless as your wife falls, still roaring in defiance despite the spells raining upon her and the Risen literally piling up to get her. The whole scene is over in a few instants that look like an eternity to you.

Failing as a husband the same day you failed as a guardian. How appropriate. And yet you can't feel grief, not now, not if you want her sacrifice to have meaning. Her action might have saved the rearguard, you wouldn't be able to look her in the eyes in the afterlife if you let that go to waste. The rearguard managed to get a headstart, but they will be under pressure once more if nothing is done.

"Tharja, Miriel! Cover them!"

Dropping their injured comrade, the two mages turned around, gathering what little energy they had left for a final assault. The spells unleashed were a pale echo of what they had been able to do at the start of the day, but they did the job well enough, keeping the Risen into disarray, giving the last fighters enough time to pull back... until you notice Kellam's figure lagging behind. You bit back a curse; you're not losing anyone else today!

"Nowi! Get him!"

The manakete doesn't answer, still raging against the closest undeads, and your stomach drops. Getting Nowi to listen was hard enough under normal circumstances, in her dragon form doubly so. Her current mental state made it even harder. Godsdamnit all! You were not going to let Kellam be run through! As you prepare to ride yourself and get him back, an exhausted Maribelle stops you.

"Wait! I can still..."

The noblewoman was barely recognizable in her state, bloody robes complementing dusted hair and haggard look, but she nonetheless managed to focus, and, in a flash of light, Kellam found himself appearing next to her, momentarily confused by the sudden teleportation before he realized what happened.

"Oh. I was wondering if anyone actually saw me out there..."
"Later! We're getting out of here!"

The retreat was anything but smooth, the ones still able carrying those too injured or exhausted to keep going, with a few keeping the remaining Risen at bay. Nonetheless, you manage to break free, and it isn't long before the undead monsters stop their pursuit, apparently reluctant to get too far from the temple - or maybe to be to distant from their summoners. There is no cheers to celebrate, however. This moment is easily the Shepherd's darkest hour. With the immediate danger conjured, each of them is now hit with the full magnitude of what happened. The injuries and exhaustion were a given, but iit is emotionally that they are the most hurt. An anguished Cordelia is doing her best to comfort a sobbing Sumia, holding her close. Nowi, back in her human form, is almost unresponsive, as if unable to comprehend the events of today, letting herself be carried by Sully. Ricken, the youngest among you, is pale as death, having seen one of his role-model stab the other, before having a close friend sacrifice herself to save him. And the only thought in your mind is how you'll be able to look at Yarne in the eyes after today.

You look at your belt, finding Falchion still attached to it, secure in its sheathe. You managed to do that much, at least. And you managed to get most of the Shepherds out of there. Just... not the one you cared about the most. As you watch the first elements of Ylisse's army meeting with the Shepherds, you realize there is nothing left to do for you today. One more time, tears come to your eyes, but this time you don't hold them back.

Now you can grieve.

No vote this time, next update soon to come.

Macros · Jan 10, 2017

And we're now back to our regularly scheduled program. Sorry for the delay.

In the end, the discussion with Kjelle was probably something you both needed. Beating the crap out of each other was quite helpful in clearing the air between you two - Owain once claimed it was a boy thing; you disagree - and you have no particular trouble to call it even with her. Severa is a bit more miffed, and do warn the knight's daughter there'll be a reckoning, but you can tell most of her bite is gone by now. At any rates, this is something they'll have to work out between them, and now that you're all set to regularly train together, they'll have ample opportunities to do so. You simply hope it doesn't involve broken bones, but you can never be too sure with them. For now, you have to explain to Lissa why you came back with a still bleeding nose and bruises all over. She doesn't seem too impressed with your "I had a talk with someone", instead muttering something about the apple not falling far from the tree. You... can imagine that, actually.

... you wonder how Father is doing. You try to ignore the feeling of dread this idle thought brings to you.

***

The scene is familiar, you can't help but think. Once again, you're here, waiting near the palace's gates for the return of the Shepherds. The sun is the same as four year ago, and the people mostly the same. If not for the fact that everyone, you included, had grown quite a bit during the interval, you could have thought it a dream, a strange journey to the past. There are a few difference, though. First, it hadn't been quite as long this time. In comparison to the two years that lasted the Valmese campaign, those few months are considerably shorter.

More importantly, the Shepherds are not coming back in triumph this time.

Admittedly the reports have been rather sparse. The last message simply mentioned they were withdrawing from Plegia, but no details were given. Rumours were afloat, of course, but you didn't lend any credence to those. Clearly the Ylissean forces had suffered a setback, but from what you could tell, the army was still mostly intact, and the Shepherds were on their way back, so it couldn't be too bad, right? You do your best to ignore the knot in your stomach and maintain a strong front, if only for Cynthia's sake, who's fidgeting beside you. You want to tell her everything will be alright, but you know those words need to come from someone else. For now, all you can do is wait.

Only now do you realize how much you hate it.

Finally, the column of soldiers are coming into view, and the dark faces everyone is wearing do nothing to assuage your fears. The first few Shepherds are appearing, looking somber, but uninjured for the most part, as you frantically scan the assembly for...

"Mom!"

Cynthia is the first to locate your mother, and you can't help but breath in relief at her familiar sight. However, your smile freezes with one good glance at her. She seems fine outwardly, with no visible injury to be seen, but the look on her face tells a different story. Her eyes, in particular, are a picture of naked sorrow that you don't think you'll ever forget. You... you never saw your cheerful, caring mother looking like that. It just feels wrong. Suddenly, the anxiety you felt is back, stronger than ever. Even when Mother is wordlessly embracing you both, that feeling of dread only grows. The comforting warmth you associate with that gesture is not there, the only thing you feel is barely contained grief. Despite her gentleness, you know your mother to be strong. What could have happened to... This is when you notice Frederick coming in beside her.

The first thought coming to your mind is that he looks older. Shadows under his eyes, unshaven chin, unkempt hair... He's a far cry from the model guardian image he always projected. In fact, when you look at his face, it seems almost... empty. Then your eyes fall on his waist, and your heart stops. You... you know that pommel. You know that pommel and he shouldn't have that!

"My lady."

Even his voice sounds wrong, but at this point you don't pay attention to it. Your focus keeps shifting between the familiar sword he carries and the people behind him, desperately looking for the familiar face that would instantly clear that misunderstanding. Yet despite your desperate efforts, there's no sings of him. Your mother seems to feel your shift, though, only strengthening her hold on you and your sister, adding one more brush to the terrible picture being painted in your head.

"... Lucina..."
"He... he has Father's sword. He shouldn't... You shouldn't..."

By now, Cynthia has also caught up on that fact. You don't watch her expression changing from confused to horrified as she is struck by the same realization that came to you. Frederick seems surprised, as if he genuinely forgot what he was carrying with him. Then, almost hesitantly, he detached the still sheathed Falchion from his belt, before extending it in your direction. You make no gesture to grab it, instead recoiling as if you've just been struck.

"No."

You whisper the word. Cynthia screams it. This... this can't be happening... Father... Father is...

"Where's dad? Why... why do you have this? Mom, where is he?!"

You're pretty sure you know the answers to your sister's desperate pleas. But when you see your mother, tears flowing openly, opens her mouth, you cannot help but pray to Naga that she says nothing, as if staying silent could somehow change the past.

"Cynthia, Lucina, I'm so sorry..."

Don't say it, you silently plead. As long as it isn't said, then maybe...

"... He's gone."

You freeze, dead to the world. You don't hear Cynthia's scream. You're too shocked to notice Robin and Panne are also missing. All you know is that you can't stay here. You have to get out, somewhere else, anywhere else.

[] Retreat to your room. Two sisters in darkness
[] Retreat to Father's room. A mother's promise
[] Run to the training grounds. Flames of vengeance
[] Go to Naga's shrine. Cry to Heaven
[] ... Stay. Loneliness of an Exalt
[] Write-in. ?

ShadowAngelBeta · Jan 22, 2017

Omake!

... Tell me what you think. I feel like I had to force it in a couple of spots.

Your name was Cynthia. And your father was dead.

Tears and denial and wailing into your mother's chest.

… There were a lot of tears. Even if not all of them were shown on the outside. Fredrick was worse off than most anyone with his wife gone as well, you could see that.

And Lucina… She Stood.

You don't really know how else to say it.

Mom had gone into her room the night… that night. But… that was it. She never came to sleep with mom and you. She never burst into tears suddenly that you saw or heard of. She didn't look like she was crying at all.

And throughout it all… She had His sword at her side.

You could understand the Why. Everyone Looked at her, Saw her, Leaned on her. Even you drew some strength at first from how she kept moving, it made it easier to keep going.

But now… now it was unnerving. Both you and mom helped as well wherever you could, but both of you cried and remembered and even laughed a little when you were in private.

So, here you were. Standing outside her door again. But this time… this time you were able to knock.

"Come in."

You opened the door and slipped in, quietly closing it behind you.

Blue eyes met your own, tilted with her head, and then "Cynthia?" A light concern.

Your own tone was low, you weren't sure about this still, "Hey sis."

One of her eyebrows raised and you knew you were avoiding this. You licked your lips and spoke, "He's gone."

It hurt still, but you could say that much at least. Lucina only glanced at the sword, that you were pretty sure was humming weirdly enough, before she locked eyes with you again, "I know."

Your name is Lucina and it hurts.

Not in the sharp way, the way most everyone else is feeling and slowly overcoming, but in a distant, achy sort of way that is easy to ignore or even channel.

And you really had no idea where your sister was going with this. And now she's befuddled by your response.

"Why…" Her face twisted, already guilty over what she was about to say, before she took a small breath and spoke, "Why aren't you crying?" You rocked back on your heels mentally, and blinked in surprise on the outside.

That was… "It's… complicated in a way."

She still looked a little guilty, but she met your eyes easily, "Then explain it please!" And some desperation mixed in now, but why… "You're never with mom and me and I don't understand…" She didn't say it, but with the way she looked at you…

She didn't understand you. And it scared her.

Looking at your baby sister, and how she was almost ready to fold in on herself, you felt your expression soften, "Ah. Come here."

Sitting in front of each other on your bed you reach out and take her hand in your own, "I cried. Once."

She locks eyes with you, sharp and focused, listening to every word.

"The night mother came in and stayed with me, I cried holding father's sword." You grieved once. You missed him a lot. So much so that "ache" became "hurt" for a few moments. But then you would remember why you Stayed.

For your People. For your Friends. For your Family. ...For your Father.

You Stood strong for all of them.

… You sometimes looked at all of them grieving and wondered if you were still completely human.

Not that it mattered, you were Needed. Something called for you to Stand and you did. Even if Naga was sorry this had happened at all, it wasn't her fault.

Even if you weren't quite human anymore, you were pretty sure you knew what you were. Naga had taken to calling you the Little Hero-Queen after all, even if only slightly mournfully so far.

Your mind came back to the present as you felt your sister shift. She was staring at you with sad, but probing eyes. Probably shouldn't have slipped down memory lane, but oh well.

"I cried once and that was enough for me. It aches still, and it always will I think, but it doesn't hurt anymore."

She looked down at your hands, and then glanced back up. You heart clenched, because you knew what she was going to ask, "Why?"

You didn't want to answer, but… but she was your sister and this too, could be her legacy without even realizing what she was giving up.

Your eyes closed. "Cynthia?" Did you really want to do this? To lay out the paths before her? "Do you know why I never could really get into playing with you and Owan?" She was already going to be either a hero or a Hero.

You heard the negative hum from her throat.

Your own hardened eyes stared into hers and you saw her wilt a little bit, "Because this is what it means to be a Hero. To Stand where others Break and Run and Fall."

You saw something crack in her and begin to break, "I'm sorry! I am. There are heroes out there everyday with healing staves, and stopping fires, and saving people one person at a time. And then there are the Heroes that became something out of a Legend. That were something… other than completely human."

"What's coming… What killed Father," She had started to cry, but stopped when you mentioned father. "It hates us. It hates everyone, but especially our family. And Cynthia… you haven't even been really trying and you can already out-fly most of the entire Pegasus Knights. Everyone, but mother and aunt Cordelia."

A breath as you looked at the top of your sister's bowed head, "I felt like I was Needed. I Stayed there and now…"

You heard her mumble something, "I didn't hear you... Cynthia?"

A breath and her eyes bore into yours with a flint of anger in them. Oops?

"So. What."

Your name was Cynthia and you were a little scared, a little sad, and a little more angry.

You finally nailed down what was off about your sister. She felt distant. And if this was how every Hero felt, as your sister was implying… Well, you could see it in a way looking at the Legends you knew about, but now it just made you want to give them a hug.

That you could be one yourself, you didn't care about that much surprisingly. Or maybe you just didn't care about it right now, because right now…

"So. What." Right now you were a bit angry at her.

"So what if you're not hurting like everyone else is still." And she wasn't, you could see it. The reason you hadn't seen her look sad, was because she hadn't been.

"You're still family. You don't get to avoid us just because you feel different. That's just going to make you feel more lonely." You were not going to laugh at your older sister's pole-axed face. You were not going to laugh. ...If your lips twitched though, that's another story.

You kind of understood why she felt alone though. Ever since that night… she didn't just Stand. She Burned and Shone like the sun. It didn't happen often, but it was there.

But she was family and… "Aren't you the one who says 'With Hope, and Faith, and Family and Friends'?"

Before you could blink you found yourself buried in her chest, her arms firmly wrapped around you, and a light laughter bubbling in her throat, "Thank you Cynthia. Thank you," and a few tears as well.

You just kind of let yourself be hugged, it was nice and she needed it.

"... You're staying with me and mom tonight." You did not sound petulant from the way she was manhandling you with this hug.

You could hear the smile in her voice, "Alright."

It was going to be harder on all of you with how Lucina was… different. But to you, that was just all the more reason you needed to try. You loved her, and she loved you, and that was more than enough to never stop trying to understand.

Even if she was a bit stupid about it sometimes. Like scaring you away from being a Hero. If you were needed, you were needed. Just like she was. And that was alright. Even if it was also a little scary. But just a little bit.

You laid there for a while before poking her in the side, "Come on, mom's probably waiting."

Her hand brushed through your hair, before she got up and grabbed her sword. … Huh, "her" sword, not dad's sword.

Standing up you gave her a hug, "Love you sis."

Hugging you back, "I love you too."

Mom's smile was happier than it had been in a long time when Lucina sidled in through the door after you.

For the most part I was able to let them write themselves. But like I said, I/they stalled in a couple of spots and I had to work around them a bit.

Macros · Jan 23, 2017

[X] ... Stay

You fight back the impulse to hide. You can't. It might not be official yet, but you guess... you're the Exalt now, in spirit at least. You simply cannot run away now. It's somewhat odd, you think, how easily you manage to shove aside the sadness that threatens to overwhelm you. You can hear Lissa's muffled sobs, echoing Cynthia's desperate cry. You can taste your mother and Frederick's grief, so thick you could almost touch it. You can see the Shepherds defeated faces, and the fear that is beginning to sip among the audience at the dark news that's just been delivered. And you can feel the void that your father is leaving behind, in your lives and in your heart. Still you stand. There is no other choice.

"I... I see."

Your voice is barely above a whisper, but is nonetheless a stark contrast with your sister's broken sobs. You want to cry too... Yet you cannot. Not with the eyes of a nation fixed upon you, looking for any sign of reassurance on what may well be its darkest hour. The feeling of emptiness in your chest is undeniable, but it's as if your mind is disconnected from your body, allowing you to process the situation despite the almost physical pain you're feeling. Your subdued reaction earns you a surprised look from your mother's grey eyes, and even Frederick ends up blinking at the quiet acceptance in your voice. Yet isn't it natural? Only now you realize this might have been the root of your fear all these years along. The event you unknowingly dreaded, that you knew you wouldn't be able to change, has come to pass.

But now, you have to move forward. Maybe there's been nothing you could have done to prevent it, but from this day on, you cannot allow yourself to be passive anymore. Despite your grief, now is the time to act. Your eyes fall on the pommel of Falchion, still presented to you by the grieving knight. Slowly, you extend your hand toward it, your fingers finding their way around the guard, before you begin to slowly, almost reverently, draw the sword from its sheathe.

There's a strange feeling coursing through your body, and for an instant, it seems to you the blade is glowing blue, though this phenomenon is over so fast you're left wondering if you imagined it. You suppose that in another context, the sight might have been almost comical - a young girl holding a sword almost as tall as her. Yet no-one is laughing, as if transfixed by the moment; and there is no doubt in your mind that you have been accepted by Falchion. Father's sword... Father's burden... is now yours. You have no idea how you'd be able to fill in his shoes, how you're supposed to continue his legacy, you just know you have to. As you watch the people assembled here, you realize you're going to have to lead them, if not right now, at least a lot sooner than what everyone did think. And you cannot afford to fail them. Not now, not ever.

"Then I will continue his fight. This I swear on Falchion. I will give my all to protect Ylisse and its people, whatever the cost."

Your voice, carried by the wind, holds no hesitation, only resolve.

"My father... and those who died by his side... I will not let it be in vain. No matter what, Hope will never die."

You don't know what exactly happened yet, exactly. You do not know what is the threat exactly. But you can feel it in the air, this was only the beginning. Dark days are about to come, and you can only pray Naga that she grants you the strength to weather them. As you look at Falchion in your hand, you feel your resolve sharpen. You would fight. And you will save this world, no matter what it ens up costing you. But for that... You can see the surprise in the eyes of those closest to you. Through her tears, Cynthia looks at you as if not understanding what you just said. Mother wears a clearly worried expression, seemingly unsure of what to say. Most of your closest friends seem unsure as well. The only face that reflects understanding is Lissa's; she is crying, but as she looks at you, it is almost as if she's reminded of something or someone - yet that memory seems to be of no comfort to her, as she ends up lowering her head, overwhelmed by her emotions. Still, as you watch the guards stand a little straighter, the nobles looking at you not as a child, but as the heir of Ylisse, and the people seemingly finding a new source of hope in your show of defiance, you know you made the right choice.

You simply wish it didn't hurt that much.

As you stand, surrounded by the people who love you the most in the world, you cannot help but think you never felt so alone. The need to cry, to ask for comfort and help, is growing stronger by the minute, but you know that you cannot indulge in it. As the Exalt, you must be a soource of strength for those around you, and as such, cannot afford to show weakness. Is that what Father felt all these years? It never seemed so, but perhaps he was a better actor than what you thought? Or maybe it was different for him, somehow? Nonetheless, you have the feeling that the road you chose will be a lonely one. You may have family and friends, but now Ylisse needs you to be an Exalt first and foremost. That is not an easily shared burden, you suppose. But as long as you manage to do your duty, it would be alright, you think. You hope.

Only that night in the sanctuary of your room, do you allow yourself to cry, Father's sword clutched against your chest, your mother the sole witness of your tears.

[] Who do you want to talk to the next day?

Characteristic: charisma raised to B
Characteristic: willpower raised to B+
Skill: authority raised to B
Trait gained: Chosen by Falchion
Item gained: Falchion (sealed)

Alright, here we go. Not completely happy about this scene, and a bit shorter than what I wished, but I hope it comes out somewhat okay nonetheless. The vote is basically an occasion for you to request certain scenes if you have a particular one in mind, while allowing me to make a smoother transition for next turn.

Aaaand another great omake by @ShadowAngelBeta. Hmm, this one might be a little less canon than the others. While I really enjoyed some of your insights, I think the "not human" angle might be a bit overblown (well, she's certainly not normal at this point, but still), and there is one very specific psychological problem with Cynthia now that isn't addressed (though it only have been barely hinted until now, so that was to be expected). Nonetheless, I'll think of thematically appropriate rewards for that one, just give me a bit.

Macros · Feb 8, 2019

[X]Go to Naga's Shrine.

The night is anything but restful, any attempt at finding sleep plagued by nightmares. As you close your eyes, all you can see is your father dying in a hundred scenarios that your treacherous mind keep conjuring. At some point, you become vaguely aware that mother and Cynthia joined you in your bed, the three of you clinging to each other for what little support there is to find. At this point you're too exhausted to do otherwise; and it does help, if only a little, if only for a time.

Still, by the time the sun begins to rise, you're already wide awake. And despite your exhaustion, you have no desire to sleep. In fact, the need to get up, to move and do something is almost overwhelming. Your attempt at getting out of bed without waking your mother and sister is only partially successful; while Cynthia doesn't react at all – you're glad that she eventually managed to cry herself to sleep and hope her dreams were kinder than yours... though you doubt it – your mother's eyes, still red from their tears, open immediately. Caught between the need to comfort you and the necessity to not make any move that might wake her other daughter, you can sense her hesitation, that you try to answer with a weak smile.

"It's okay, mother" you whisper. "I will be alright."

It's a poor lie, and you both know it. Nothing is right anymore, nothing ever will be. Still she doesn't call you on it, only nodding once in sad acceptance as you leave the room. For a moment, you feel lost. The silent hallways of the castle suddenly seem much larger, much colder, as if the home of your childhood was no longer a refuge now that Father is gone. Then again, was it ever? You and your sister almost died here last year, under an assassin's blade. Is there any refuge left in the world?

Right now, it's hard to believe so.

The need to leave those walls becomes overwhelming, and before you could think about it, your steps led you in front of the Naga's shrine. The place you always seek when in need of calm and guidance. You doubt anything could grant you calm today, but you could use some guidance.

You are kind of surprised to not see Libra as you enter; the priest usually seems to be up well before you are, no matter at what time you show up. You can only imagine the exhaustion he must currently suffer from, after he and the Shepherds returned to Ylisstol. Still, at least he's alive. From what you know, many in the Ylissean army can't say the same.

(you clamp down hard on your small inner voice that wishes for his and your father's fortunes to be reversed.)

As you move forward, you eventually notice that despite Libra's absence, you aren't alone here. In front of the small altar, you recognize Yarne's shivering figure, seemingly unaware of your arrival. The unusual sight make pause. What is he doing here? You don't remember ever seeing him at the shrine, so what-

The realization hits you in the gut. Of course. You were so caught up in your own grief that you didn't spare them a thought, but your father wasn't the Shepherd only casualty. Robin never came back from Plegia... and neither did Panne. Is it any wonder that her son would be here today? For a moment, you stay frozen, unsure of what to do; you came here to be alone, yet not saying anything isn't an option. What comfort you can provide in your current state, you don't know, but you suppose you owe it to your friend to at least try.

"Hello, Yarne."

Even those two words barely manage to get out of your throat. Nonetheless, the half-taguel reacts as if he just heard a whole Plegian army charging. In an instant, he's standing on all fours in a hunched defensive posture, his bloodshot eyes radiating fear. It takes several instants before he seems to recognize you.

"Lu-Lucina?"

You try to smile, but can barely feel your lips moving.

"I... I didn't expect to see you. Here, I mean. Sorry to..." You make a vague gesture, unsure of what to apologize for. You simply feel like you should. "Just... sorry."

Yarne watches you as if you grew a second head, visibly feeling as lost as you are.

"Y-yeah. I guess it's the first time I... I mean, after yesterday... I felt like... you know?"

Despite the unfinished sentences, you nod. You do know. Perhaps better than any of your friends right now (you spare a thought for Nah and Morgan. Do they already know what happened to their father? Where are they right now? Is Nowi with them?). Too bad it doesn't really help you to find the right words. Then again, perhaps there are no right words.

"You're not with Sir Frederick?"
"He... we spent the night together, but he had to... to go back to the palace."

You can't help but wince at Yarne's miserable tone. You're pretty sure no-one would have blamed the knight if he had taken the day off... Yet you supposed that's how Frederick is. Perhaps throwing himself right back into work was his own way of coping.

As for your friend...

[] Talk to Yarne. Perhaps nothing you could say would really help him... but shouldn't you at least try?
-[] Write-in.
[] Stay and pray side by side. Sometimes being there is what matters. At least that's what you've been told.
[] Leave him alone for now. He might need some time on his own. That's what you went for after all.

Well, it's been two years, but I'm attempting a bit of necromancy on this quest. I can only hope people haven't completely moved on. And you know what they say, there's nothing quite like grieving characters to put you right back into the right mood! Or not. Anyway, see you soon, maybe!

Macros · Feb 10, 2019

[X] Ask Yarne if he would mind you leading a prayer for our father, his mother, and our families
-[X] Afterwards: "Yarne, a lot of people lost someone. Your father lost two people and feels like it was his personal fault. It's not, I know Frederick, but I also know he'll still feel like it is. I don't want to see both of you hurt more because of that, so please just try to keep that in mind when you see him next."

Still feeling hesitant, you slowly walk to Yarne's side. There's little you can do, but maybe...

"Would... would you mind if I said a prayer? For the ones we lost... and those still with us."

The half-taguel weakly nods, seemingly a little relieved by your offer. "No, that's fine. I... I didn't really know how... what you're supposed to do."

Truth be told, you've never been too sure yourself. Meditating alone, you knew how to do, but this? Then again, Tiki did suggest that there was no need to be overly formal when addressing Naga; maybe simply talking was okay? You could only hope your words would reach her.

"Naga. Two of our loved ones have joined your side. Please... please grant them peace. And for those who are still, give us the strength to carry on, and honor their legacy."

It seems so little. There is so much more you want to say, so much more you want to ask. And in your heart, you can't help but hope for an answer. Yet there is none; you suppose that in these dark times, your prayer would only be one of many for the Divine Dragon. At the very least, Yarne seems to be more calm, even though his shining eyes betray his unshed tears. For a few minutes, you two remain side by side, your thoughts wandering toward the ones you'll never see again. You can't help but feel a pang of regret at how little you knew Panne; the taguel had been an intimidating woman who seemingly kept most people at arms length, but the few times you heard another Shepherd talk about her, it was only to praise her courage in the face of danger. You don't know how she died - you clamp down on the desire to ask Yarne if he was told, now is not the time - but you have no doubt she displayed her spirit until the very end.

This briefly reminds you you don't know how your father died either. You're not sure you want to know.

After a while, you feel your friend shift to his feet, and you follow suit. You have to admit, you're feeling better, if only just a little. You hope it is the same for Yarne. Maybe the only thing to do now is to let time do its work.

"Thank you Lucina. It helped. I think."

You silently shake your head. There is no need to thank you. Though now that you think about it, there is something you'd like to ask him...

"Yarne, I wanted to ask... how is your dad doing?" The baffled look he sends your way make you continue." I mean. He- he lost your mom. And I know he was a really good friend to my f-father. And I think... I think he might blame himself."

You remember the night he saved your and Cynthia's life from an assassin. How he immediately shouldered the blame for having you in danger. And how your parents had none of it. If this had been his first thought then, you could only imagine what was going through his head now. Your own grief wouldn't let you react to it yesterday, but his ashen face and haunted eyes he had when he gave you Falchion painted a dire picture. Hesitantly, Yarne nods.

"I think you're right. He asked... he asked me to forgive him. I didn't know what to say."
"Do you? Forgive him, I mean."
"I... I guess? I mean, I don't think it's his fault, or anything. I just wish... I wish he still could have saved mom. And your dad of course."

Those words make you realize there's a treacherous voice in your mind whispering exactly that. Wasn't he your father's guardian? How come he came back, when his liege didn't? You force that thought out of your mind. Sir Frederick deserves better.

"Maybe you should tell him? That you don't think it's his fault? I mean, it could help both of you."

Yarne has a doubtful expression on his face, but at the very least he seems to mull the idea over. "Maybe. I don't know. Not sure how to talk about it with him, but... I guess I'll try."

That is all you can hope for. Wordlessly, you embrace him into a hug. As you quickly realized, this was something that you both needed.

***

Ylisstol as a whole is grieving, and it is nowhere more apparent than in the palace.Your mother seems to barely let you or Cynthia out of her sight. You catch Aunt Lissa staring at the air more than once. Everyone seems to speak in subdued tones, their voices the echo of the uncertain future that awaits you all. And of course all of your friends come to offer their condolences. It is... hard to bear, but you try to accept it as gracefully as you can, even if you want to scream most of the time. You can't blame them though. You just wish there hadn't been any need for that in the first place.

You wish for a lot of impossible things these days.

Still, day after day, you can see the people attempting to move on. Ylisse is still at war, and the country still needs governing. You are still too young to be officially crowned Exalt, but you know your duties are just going to pile up from now on. In fact, you quickly find that your usual agenda seems to have been through a lot of changes.

[X] Sword training (basic) (LOCKED)
[X] History, Laws and Politics of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] Diplomacy lessons (LOCKED)
[X] Economy and Trade of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] Introduction to Military Tactics (LOCKED)
[X] Studies on the state of the Realm (LOCKED)

You're not sure how much trade might matter given the circumstances, and you somehow doubt that this 'introduction' to warfare would prove an adequate replacement for your lessons with the late Grandmaster, but you suppose it's only natural that your study load would suddenly increase. In maybe four years, you will officially lead this country after all. Not that you intend to sit idle in the meantime. You might still grieve, but you're also determined to carry on your father's legacy. He entrusted everything to you, and you will not fail him.

The only bright side to this tragedy is that the Shepherds are back in the capital - for now at least - and with them some of your best tutors. Though you can't help but wonder if some of them might not need more time. The Shepherds are a family of sort, and they are mourning too.

Pick five (5) actions. For each choice, you may also ask one of the present children to accompany you. They might refuse, or external circumstances might prevent them to attend, but there's a chance the one picked will be present, and might help and/or benefit from the chosen action.

[] The path of the sword never ends: Lon'qu is even more silent than usual these days, and that is saying something. Not that you blame him; still the need to start your lessons with him again is almost overwhelming. It's not like your usual sword lessons really challenge you these days.

[] Harder, better, faster, stronger: Frederick might no longer directly supervise your training, but right now physical activity seems like a liberation. Tiring yourself to the point where you can no longer think about your grief might no be such a bad idea... and so is getting stronger in order to protect those you love.

[] We that are young: ... though you suppose you're not the only one feeling that way. You now train semi-regularly with Kjelle and Severa, maybe you could double down on that? You know they're as willing to blow off steam as you are, and desperate to improve in order to do their part when the day comes.

[] Attend the regency council: you might not be the Exalt yet, but by now everyone knows that day will come sooner rather than later. And you intend to be the best you can ever be. You swore an oath.

[] War-time princess: the war with Plegia continues, despite the disastrous last campaign. And that is not something you intend to hide from. For now, showing up to the war room and hearing first-hand of the situation might be the best thing you can do.

[] The tooth of Naga: Falchion... is yours now. As much as that thought want to make you cry, you have to press forward. When you held the blade that terrible day, you felt something. You know the sword chooses its wielder. Were you deemed worthy? Is there more to learn about the blade? You need time to figure it out.

[] Dark arts for dark times: Henry is back, so you're now able to throw his unreadable notes back at his face. But more importantly, he can resume his magical teachings.

[] In an hour of need: as the wounded soldiers are coming back to Ylisstol, you hear that Libra is once again working all day long to provide healing and rest to those in need. Your own agenda is hardly empty, ut maybe you can find some time to assist?

[] Spend time in the library: it seems absurd to waste time reading when there are so many things you should train for. Still, your tutors often impressed upon you that knowledge was a weapon in itself. You usually prefer yours to be sharper, but maybe they have a point.

[] Any specific topic in mind? (no extra action)

[] Death from above - sword edition: as you discovered during your previous training, sword-fighting while in the air is really, really hard. Well, you didn't follow the path of the sword because it was easy. All you need is to find a way with Cu to make it work.

[] Death from above - magic edition: then again, magic is also pretty hard to use when flying. Your aim is ruined, it's almost impossible to focus, and the pages of your tomes kept getting messed up. You have to figure out something.

[] Magic of the card: you feel like you're beginning to reach the limits of how much you can improve upon the magic of the einherjar. Still, maybe you can push it a little further?
-[] Train the summon's duration
-[] Train the spirit's materialization

[] Tales of Altea: you now have a spirit holding most of the Hero King memories as a potential conversation partner. And it's hard to suppress your morbid curiosity when you think about the hard times he went through, and how they would compare with the current days.

[] Swordsman of legend: the idea comes to your mind like an evidence. Marth was renowned as perhaps the best swordsman of his time, able to slay the Shadow Dragon Medeus. More than that, it is said he was the one who established the basics of the ylissean royal style that your family trains in. Making him perhaps the last person able to guide you further on this path.

[] Heroes in training: now more than ever, Ylisse needs heroes. You do have your doubts about this whole 'Justice Cabal' thing, but maybe it can do a lot to raise Owain and Cynthia's spirits. And Naga knows your sister needs it.

[] Double down on your lessons: now more than ever, you cannot afford to take it easy.

[] Sword training (basic)
[X] History, Laws and Politics of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] Diplomacy lessons (LOCKED)
[X] Economy and Trade of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] Introduction to Military Tactics (LOCKED)
[X] Studies on the state of the Realm (LOCKED)

[] Write-in: thinking hard about it, maybe there's something else you could do?

[] Special - slack off: given the circumstances, you can't help but disagree with some of your tutors over what you really should be focusing on.

Well, it's been a while since the last full turn, so if you think I forgot to follow up on something, don't hesitate to point it out.

Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest

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