Strength B : you are strong enough to overpower a grown man. Is this a product of the Exalted blood?
Endurance B- : you are easily able to keep up with a trained soldier.
Dexterity B : your speed and precision are impressive, regardless of your age
Intelligence C+ : you may not be a scholar, but your tutors praise your ability to learn
Willpower B+ : your determination might be your greatest strength
Charisma B : you
Luck D- : whatever should happen will happen. But you're not too god with games of chance.
It seems the flavor text for charisma has been chopped.
[X]Go to Naga's Shrine.
Cause this might a be a good time to commune with our patron deity.
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!
My thoughts have drifted to this more than a couple of times over the years now, so I'm happy to see it coming back at least. Still not quite happy with that last omake I made, but oh well.
As for Yarne... I don't remember our current relationship with him, but with the current situation I don't think it would matter. The only things I can think of talking about are maybe thanking him for reminding us that others are also grieving for their own losses (genuinely thanking him I mean) and/or trying to help him out by leading a prayer for those gone and those left behind, specifically our two families of course.
Maybe helping out with Frederick either by explaining to Yarne why he left that morning or by going back to the castle and forcibly giving him the day off. Though we'd need to be somewhat careful if we did because he might have a guilt complex building around not being able to save Chrom and pointing out that he left Yarne alone probably wouldn't help.
Not sure which option(s) might be best here, though I think the prayer one is definite.
[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."
I think I threaded the needle with the way I said that. Fredirick is hurting a lot (and I need to re-read still to make sure I am reading Frederick right), but we don't want to invalidate Yarne's grief either (which is also all to easy as he's a kid still), so... dancing the line between explaining how much more Frederick is hurting (probably) while acknowledging Yarne's grief in the same breath.
Having finished re-reading everything I'm a bit more confident in my write-in now. I think Yarne will understand what we're trying to say. I'm less confidant about getting Frederick to take the day off, hence not saying anything about that, but hopefully it'll be a good surprise for Yarne if we pull it off.
[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."
Well, that was a good binge. And now, the journey continues.
[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."
Spoiler: Social Relations Chrom is dead. You will cherish his memory forever. Sumia : beloved mother, constant support Lissa : aunt, friendly Robin is no more. Or is he? Cordelia : godsmother, respected but distant figure Frederick : protector, trusted - but somewhat feared - teacher Say'ri : role-model Cherche : wyvern! Virion : doting, but distant uncle Libra : spiritual support, patient teacher Maribelle : challenging teacher Tharja : enmity, distrust Tiki : source of wisdom, spiritual support Henry : eccentric teacher, hard to read
Cynthia : sister, deep trust, growing distance Owain : cousin, close friend, deep trust Nah : far-away friend Laurent : comrade, study partner (strategy) Severa : vitriolic best friend, training partner Kjelle : friend, self-proclaimed rival, training partner Yarne : would-be friend, remains uncertain Inigo : far-away friend Brady : friend, occasional meetings Noire : close friend, feels indebted to you Gerome : far-away friend Morgan : don't really know each other
Naga : C (hopeful, attentive) Grima : C (contempt, threat)
The (cruel) Mother's Gift: from a very young age, Noire had to endure all sort of hexes from her own mother. While those experiments made for a very unhappy childhood, it is true that as a result, dark magic has very little effect on her nowadays, only the strongest curses having a chance to affect her, and even then, with reduced effects.
Blood and Thunder: Noire seems to suffer from some personality troubles, perhaps as a result of her continuous mistreatments. When adopting her "assertive" persona, all her physical characteristics are raised by one degree, but all her mental ones are decreased by one. It can also make social interactions hazardous.
[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.
[X] 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.
-[X] Sword training (basic)
The basic sword lessons do shit and all for us at this point.
[] 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.
[] 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.
[] 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?
[] 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.
And fuck, I cannot cut this down to six. Our sister, our friends, the time-limited Chon'sin style, Falchion, PR and healing, and the war plans and state ruling (which we really should be there for if only to know what's going on).
Dammit. Can't give up Lon'que because any of them can die any turn now, can't leave Flachion sitting (that's stupid), we should be training and socializing where we can (thank you Severa and Kjelle for doing both with the same action), our sister is our sister, not following up with the soldiers is just a bad idea at this stage, and war + regency overwatch/learning. Argh!
Maybe drop introductory tactics, history, or diplomacy? We're already C rank on most of that.
[X] 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.
-[X] Sword training (basic)
-[X] History, Laws and Politics of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] The path of the sword never ends:
[X] We that are young:
[X] Attend the regency council:
[X] War-time princess:
[X] The tooth of Naga:
-[X] Marth
[X] In an hour of need:
-[X] Noire
[X] Heroes in training:
I can't think of anyone to bring along to any of these. I... does Noire know how to use a staff actually? Though not sure if she'd like that considering how bad it's probably going to be. I'd bring her to magic lessons maybe, but she's probably so much better than us already and we don't have the actons to do it. Yarne... maybe training with us, Severa, and Kjelle. Severa might want in on our Chon'sin sword style lessons, but Lon'que and she's probably not had a chance to train with it beyond that introductory lesson back in Chon'sin. Although I don't know if she ever wants to learn it with her focusing on her first style.
The front page is up-to-date!? (I missed the staff stat on her altogether) ... I know we've pushed Lucina hard, but I didn't think it was that hard. We have like four times as many war skills and almost all of them are a full letter rank, if not more, above any of our friends equivalent ones.
Right, so she could be helpful, but now it's a matter of not being sure whether we'd want her to be in the middle of a lot of people dying. Though most of the ones who are going to expire probably already did on the march back...
I'll stick her on the action. Hopefully it goes well, I can see how it would go sideways, but... as I noted, most if not all of the deaths should have already occurred I would think. Gruesome injuries are likely still abound though, but... Yeah, should be okay I think.
Does Marth count as someone we could ask stuff about? I figure we might get something out of him on the Falchion action.
I think it is, though I'll have to make sure. Now, the gap IS wide - the only one who'd have stats close to Lucina right now is Kjelle (who I really need to add as a sheet) - but while most of it is due to a more motivated MC, the age-gap also plays a role. Even one more year helps a lot in that regard. In general the gap will be reduced as the various children begin to pick up the pace (each of them having their own 'trigger') while Lucina reaches harder-to-raise stats-cap.
[X] Plan: The Warrior Princess
-[X] Special - slack off: given the circumstances, you can't help but disagree with some of your tutors over what you reallyshould be focusing on.
--[X] Sword training (basic)
--[X] History, Laws and Politics of Ylisse (LOCKED)
-[X] The path of the sword never ends
--[X] Add: Severa
-[X] We that are young
--[X] Present: Kjelle
--[X] Present: Severa
--[X] Add: Owain
-[X] Attend the regency council
--[X] Add: Yarne
-[X] War-time princess
--[X] Add: Laurent
-[X] The tooth of Naga
--[X] Seek out: Marth
-[X] Heroes in training
--[X] Present: Owain
--[X] Present: Cynthia
--[X] Add:
-[X] In an hour of need
--[X] Add: Noire
Right then, hello! Looks like I stumbled into this quest during it's revival period, thought I'd pitch in. Anyways, fundamentally it's the same plan as Shadow's but with children added for certain actions along with those who are already present noted for my own bookkeeping. No idea who to add for Heroes In Training though, suggestions welcome.
