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Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest

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Chapter 2-18: Changes in the air (winter 2623)
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    • [X] "I understand Cynthia and it's okay. People like that, the ones who, as you so aptly said, stand where others break are rare. It's a very rare person who can be a Hero. But there are also little-h heroes as well, still rare and still impactful in their own, sometimes very quiet, ways. I've done that as well, helping at the church. I wasn't the Hero of an entire nation then, I was a hero to whoever was hurt then and there and needed help. Every single day I was a hero to someone."
    -[X] "But I also know what it's like to be afraid Cynthia. Terrified to the bone until you can't even breath. A little thought whispering in your ear, a looming thought that tries to crush you entirely... You pulled me back from that more than once Cynthia. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a hug, and on those days you were my hero, saving me from my fears."
    --[X] "So I'm going to keep hugging you and ask you to do something that's very difficult: Don't let your fear rule you. It's so hard, listening and learning from it without letting it rule you, I know, but... I love you. Listen to your fear and decide if you don't want to be a Hero anymore, but please, not as the Hero, but as the sister who loves you and worries for you, don't let it rule you. Don't let it take your Dream, whatever that ends up being in the end, or your happiness, or your love. Don't let it take your Light from you like it almost did me. And if you need time, that's okay too. You're hurting and afraid and... I'm sorry I scared you. I love you little sister of mine."

    It hurts. Seeing your sister so miserable like that. The death of Father certainly was the last straw, but you can tell those feelings are older. It's a different fear than the one you grew up with, but no less potent. You want to blame yourself for not seeing sooner, but that can wait. Right now, there's something you must do. Stepping forward, you embrace your sister into a tight hug.

    "L-Lucy!"
    "Shh. It's okay. I understand. You really thought about it for a long time, didn't you?"

    The only answer is a small sniffle, and you feel her head nestling on your shoulder. Behind you, you can hear Owain stepping back a little, giving you space.

    "You know... there are a lot of kind of heroes. The ones dad was... the ones I'm trying to be... They're rare, but they're not the only ones." Cynthia shifts a bit in your arms, but remain silent, letting you press on. "There are lots of ways to be a hero. It's not always the ones people talk or write books about either. And you can be a hero for just a few people at a time as well. You know how I help at the shrine sometimes?" The small nod you feel tells you Cynthia is all ears. "In those moment, you can be the hero of just a few. Of those who needed help here and there."

    "But" your sister protests "that shows you can be both! I'm not like you! I'm scared of blood, so I can't..."

    "Mmm. Do you think you've never been the hero of someone, Cynthia?" Once again, a nod. You can tell she's trying her hardest not to cry, and is probably not entirely successful given your wet shoulder. Not that you blame her, you can feel the tears building up too. "You've been mine."

    That gets a reaction. For the first time since you held her, Cynthia raises her head, her eyes meeting yours. "I have?" You can read the confusion on her face.

    For a moment, your mind takes you back to the night with the assassin, but that's not what you want to focus upon. "Of course. There were... a lot of times... were I was scared. Terrified to the bone until I couldn't even breath anymore. I know what it is to have a voice whispering in your ear telling you to give up. And in those moments, you were often the one to help me back."

    "But- no! I did nothing! You're the one always helping me!"

    You gently shake your head, briefly noticing that you too have started crying. No matter. "You did help me. With a smile, with a hug... You helped me facing my fear. You were my hero those times."

    Your sister still seems like she can't quite believe it. "I... I know you told me you were scared sometimes, but... I kinda thought you were l-lying. To make me feel better, you know?"

    You can't quite hold back a chuckle. You can remember having thinking the same thing about your father once. And you find that you can remember his words that day perfectly. Somehow, the memory doesn't hurt right now.

    "I wasn't lying. Even heroes are scared all the time. Dad was, I am, and I'm sure those you read about were too. So now, I'm going to ask you something." Your sister nods. "I know it's hard, but I want you to listen to that fear. To learn from it. And to not let it rule you. You don't have to be a hero if you really don't want to anymore. Don't do things because you think it'll make me or mom happy, or because dad would have liked it.Whatever you decide, I'll help you, I promise. But don't give up on your dreams just because you're afraid. Don't let it rob you of your smile. Remember, I love you, no matter what."

    Those words seem to break what little control Cynthia kept. Desperately clutching to you, your sister starts bawling into your tunic, and it isn't long before you join her, your head resting on her own. "I promise!" she manage between two sobs. "I love you too! I'll try! I-"

    "Shh. It's okay. You can take your time." You smile through your own tears. "Right now... let's just... stay like this for a bit."

    And so you do, your blue hair tangled together as you comfort each other. Somehow, you think you might have needed something like this almost as much as your sister. Those last weeks... have been horrible. But maybe for the first time, you don't feel like it's a burden you carry alone anymore, and you hope Cynthia feels the same. You don't know how long you stay like this. At some point, you remember your cousin, and as you turn around to apologize to him, all you find is a note left behind. 'Due to the dark curse of Akalanor, hero training has been postponed to next week. Rest well.". You can't help but smile at that, and even Cynthia manages to chuckle. The sound is enough to make your heart soar.

    The next time you and Owain come to her, she joins you without hesitation. She's still a bit more subdued than usual, her smiles a bit more hesitant than before. You can tell that she is trying hard to sort through her feelings at her own pace. That's not something you can rush. But when Owain manages to make her laugh out loud through his antics, or when she simply comes to your side and silently rest her head on your shoulder, you know she'll get through this. You're sure of it.

    Cynthia's trait End of a Dream? removed
    Cynthia's state of mind has improved
    Complicity with Owain has improved
    Option unlocked: The long road

    [X] We that are young
    -[X] Present: Kjelle
    -[X] Present: Severa
    -[X] Focus: Severa - Try and do our best to better impart our own sword lessons onto her.

    The Justice Cabal isn't the only friendly gathering you attend, though. Your meetings with Kjelle and Severa might be less playful, but you're just as eager to attend them. Exchanging pointers with Kjelle on training regimen proves to be enlightening - from what you hear, it seems like Sully's workouts are eerily similar to what Sir Frederick put you through. And sparring with her is always a challenge - even though you think your technique is better than her, the fact that she never slows down ever make for intense training sessions.​

    Also spears are definitely a pain to deal with.

    But during those weeks, the two of you are mostly focused on helping Severa. It only makes sense, given the fact she started her training a bit later than you. So you and Kjelle decide to help her the best way the both of you know: by following the trusted recipes of Frederick and Sully. By the end of the first week, Severa called you both names that you're pretty sure Cordelia would strongly disapprove off, and you don't think the ever-polite Stahl would have taught her that either. You think Gregor is rubbing off on her. Still she soldiers on, kicking and screaming all the way. By the end of winter, you can tell her physical condition as well as her skills with a sword have noticeably improved. And you can tell she isn't the kind of person to not see things through.

    Characteristic: Endurance raised to B
    Severa's improvement rate increased
    You learned several insults you can't let Cynthia ever hear
    Option unlocked: We're gonna need a montage

    [X] Attend the regency council
    -[X] Add: Yarne

    While those moments spent training with friends are great, you're also acutely aware that there are a lot of things your role will ask of you. As such, you make a point of attending the newly formed Regency Council. Until your coronation as Exalt, Ylisse is under the rule of the spouse of the late Exalt, namely your mother; the closest blood relative when one is available, meaning aunt Lissa, and the representatives of the four major dukedoms of Ylisse. Fortunately, the time spent in the previous councils held by your father mean none are completely unknown to you. Lord Themis is probably the one you're the most acquainted with; Maribelle's father have been a regular figure in your father's meetings, and the fact that his lands are under direct threat from a Plegian invasion seems to have increased his work rate despite his age. Duke Lurelin is the younger of the four - though still a few years older than Aunt Lissa - and possibly the richer, his eastern lands being safe from invasion and open to sea trade. Lady Arnelle southern possessions would be in the same situation if not for the constant raids from Plegian warships - as a silver lining, it seems to have turned her into a naval specialist of some repute. And finally, Lord Karan, keeper of the northern borders, and who was instrumental in the making of a first alliance with Regna Ferox, before your father renewed it. All of them show no surprise at seeing you join them, addressing their condolences and offering assistance if need be.

    They are however a bit more surprised to see you come in the company of Yarne. Convincing the taguel had not been an easy task, your friend almost having a panic attack when you shared your plans with him. After hours of cajoling and reassurances, he eventually relented, but it's clear that his instincts are screaming at him to hide under the table. You're sorry to put him on the spot like that, but you hope that those meetings can help him fight his nervousness, and since he manifested his intentions of helping you when he could, you figured this should be a nice, non-threatening way to start.

    You kind of forgot politics could be pretty threatening in their own ways.

    At the very least, there is no time to take things slowly. All thoughts are on the war effort. How to feed the standing army, which provinces can afford to mobilize more men to compensate for the recent losses, how to compensate for the lack of manpower... Week after week, new difficulties seem to crop up. You often have trouble to follow - though you do try your best, and your mother and aunt are always willing to talk to you afterward to answer the question you still might have - so you can imagine how lost Yarne must be. Still, he keeps accepting to escort you, so that must mean something, right?

    Skill: Politics raised to B-
    Option unlocked: Talking to the dukes
    Option unlocked: A country at war

    His presence, though, seems oddly appropriate when an unexpected topic is brought before the council. You can hear his short gasp when Frederick is announced to come before them. The knight appearance is once again immaculate, but his face still seem haunted. And when he offers his resignation as Protector of the Royal Family, you're not the only one being surprised. Still his voice is calm as he exposes his reasons.

    "Two Exalts already died on my watch. The royal princesses could have met the same fate not so long ago. And I do not believe a man who was unable to protect his own family should be trusted in such an important role."

    You desperately want to protest, but you're not sure how. He doesn't intend to retire from service, he reassures. He would appreciate the opportunity to be given a command on the frontlines - you can feel Yarne's shudder at the thought - but would understand if he was tasked with an instructor position instead. When asked about who could replace him in his previous role, he puts forward Cordelia's name, though he does not doubt several Shepherd could be suited for the position.

    Lissa is adamantly against the idea. Your mother, though, believe you are the one who should have the final say on it - after all, you are the Exalt-to-be.

    [] Accept his resignation...
    -[] ... and task him with the defense of the borders
    -[] ... and assign him an instructor position
    -[] write-in
    [] Convince him to remain Royal Protector


    [X] War-time princess
    -[X] Add: Laurent

    If Yarne had trouble fitting in on the regency council, Laurent seems to have no such problem when you invite him to the war meetings. You two studied under Robin, after all, it only seemed natural for him to be there at your side. Miriel's son remain silent for the most part, but you can see him paying constant attention to the matters at hand, no doubt trying to figure how to apply his lessons to the current situation. Right now there is little he - and you - can do beside learning, though.

    As for the war itself, Ylisse seems safe... for now. While many feared an immediate invasion following the death of the Exalt and the retreat of the army, it seems Plegia too was unable or unwilling to press forward. Only small bands of raiders crossed the mountain range during the fall, and the coming of winter make it all the more difficult. Still, those small bands proves to be pretty elusive and have an alarming knack to slip through the lines of a tired and demoralized Ylissean army, leaving them free to terrorize the countryside.

    The threat is answered by the pegasus knights. Your mother, alongside Aunt Cordelia, lead several sorties to repel the marauders. You know enough about tactics to realize this comes with serious risks - the pegasi are few in numbers, and have to operate entirely unsupported from the rest of the army. Each time you see your mother leave Ylisstol, you do your best to convince yourself that this won't be the last time you see her. Still, you're proud of her, and you know Cynthia is too, despite that constant fear. And fortunately, winters end without the worst coming to pass. The knowledge of having the queen-regent leading the charge to protect Ylisse's citizen is even a small boon for the morale of the troops - at this point, every bit helps.

    At the very least, the army is given enough time to reorganize and refill their ranks. Still, there is a fear that when the Plegian offensive come - and it will come, there is no doubt about that - their Risen-bolstered numbers might overwhelm the defenders. Fortunately, Ylisse isn't without allies. Letters are dispatched to Regna Ferox and Valm asking for support. The answers are swift: everyone seems willing to answer Ylisse's call. Khan Flavia is already mustering her forces; Queen Say'ri and Duke Virion are gathering an expeditionary force and are apparently coming in person. You can't help but wonder if that means Inigo and Gerome are coming too. You'd be glad to see them... even if you had hoped for better circumstances.

    Skill: Logistics increased to C
    Option unlocked: Visit on the frontlines
    Option unlocked: The Coming Storm

    [X] In an hour of need
    -[X] Add: Noire

    But maps and plans can only tell you so much. In many ways, your time at the shrine paint a much more vivid picture. Injured soldiers are aplenty, most of them being part of the failed offensive that ended with your father's death. While the sight never fails to stir painful memories, you can't run away from this. Libra would need all the help he can, even with the assistance of Brady. And maybe you could bring someone along? You know Noire is somewhat familiar with a healing staff - given her father, it's hardly surprising - and she had shown a desire to assist in the past. When you make your offer, you can tell she's hesitant, but she comes nonetheless. Libra seems a bit surprised to see his daughter following you when you offer your services, but accepts it with a smile.

    To your relief, Noire seems to grow quickly into her role. Her calm and quiet disposition are appreciated among the injured, and even her sudden bursts of temper seem well-timed, often shocking more difficult cases into submission. As for you, you fulfil your tasks with practised familiarity. It's also a good opportunity to talk to the soldiers about their experience. It does provide a closer, more personal image of the war... but also often bring back your thoughts to that day.

    You still can't decide if you should ask about your father's death. Part of you really don't want to know. Would it really bring you peace anyway, or just give a new shape to your nightmares? And still the thought is always there. You doubt the wounded soldiers at the Shrine could tell you much, but your entourage is full of people who would have been with him during his final moments.

    [] Ask about your father's death.
    -[] To whom?
    [] Let it go.

    Skill: First Aid raised to C
    Noire seems a bit more confident in herself
    Option unlocked: House of Healing

    [X] The tooth of Naga
    -[X] Seek out: Marth

    Finally, what little free time you have left is spent on the sole memento of your father you carry: Falchion, the legendary blade forged from Naga's tooth, passed down the Exalted line. The blade that vanquished the Dark God Grima once. It only answers to those of Exalted blood, and even not always - you remember your father telling you neither your grandfather nor Aunt Emmeryn seemed to be able to use it, though in the later case the effort had been minimal, from what you knew. As for you... You felt something the day you received the sword. Did it mean the blade deemed you worthy? Only one way to find out.

    You spend time in the palace courtyard, testing the blade against training dummies. First impression: the blade, who fitted your adult father perfectly, is still a bit large for your taste. It wasn't heavy per say - you were becoming quite strong, even by adult standards - but rather unwieldy due to its size. Oh well, you were still growing, so you hoped that problem would fade this time. As for whether Falchion had chosen you... The results were somewhat mixed. At times, the blade went through the wooden mannequins without any trouble, and sometimes it would bounce back harmlessly. The inconsistent results were somewhat surprising, but at least it worked some of the time, right? If only you could ask Father...

    And then you remembered; even without your father to guide you, you could ask someone who did wield the sword for most of his life. Pulling out your einherjar card, you focused on summoning the Hero King Marth. Its ghostly silhouette manifested into existence, still a fragile presence, yet real enough for your needs. If he is surprised to see the blade in your hands, he shows no sign of it, instead listening to your dilemma.

    While he doesn't know all the exact mechanisms himself, Marth does provide some useful insight. From what he says, Falchion is somewhat tied to the user's willpower. The blade can feel the intent behind a strike, and respond accordingly. At first, maintaining its edge might require concentration, as the blade and its wielder are still familiarizing with each other. With time and training, this should become second nature. In general, Falchion tend to grow stronger with time, as long as the one wielding it remained resolute in its commitment. Meditation with the blade could also go a long way toward understanding its potential - something he seems all too happy to guide you for.

    Time and training then. Like most things in your life, you supposed.

    You have a basic understanding of Falchion
    Option unlocked: When all else is lost, the future still remains

    Fixed event

    It is during one of those meditation sessions that your concentration is suddenly broken by cries of alarm. You don't need a long time to determine the cause, as you feel a large shadow flying above you. Raising your head, you see one, no, two dragons? You barely have the time to collect your thoughts that the two creatures, losing altitude dangerously fast, literally crash into the palace's garden. Is it an attack? Clutching Falchion, you decide to rush forward and see for yourself. It isn't long before you found their point of impact, marked by a downed tree and devastated flower bed. But instead of finding two creatures of legend, you see... two girls? And as your eyes widen, you realize you know both of them.

    Morgan seems to have grown a lot since the last time you saw her, her white, wild hair not quite hiding the pointy ears marking her manakete heritage. But as she looked at you, what struck you the most was the utter exhaustion mixed with fear on her face as she eyed you warily, seemingly not recognizing you. Nah, on her hand, seemed more put together, yet her traits showed trace of the same exhaustion, and to your horror you noticed her left arm is bloodied. Still, she managed a weak smile when she saw you running toward them.​

    "Oh hey, Lucina. It's been a while."


    The bus came baaack!

    Anyway, that was exhausting. And I suspect the quality of writing plummeted mid-way through. Corrections are welcome.

    EDIT: also I don't know what's up with those spoiler boxes spontaneously dedoubling themselves, but I'll find out. After a night of sleep.


    ​
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • So Nah and Morgan need to be mother hen'd a bit I think.

    I'm actually tempted to ask Frederick about dad. It's one of those things that will either go really well or really badly. Basically it's like making him confess a sin, from his point of view, and the coming punishment (which we won't really give).

    But I also have a headache right now.

    Uhh... Also thinking we should accept his resignation. I don't like the reasons, but he's tired. He's not broken I think, but it's a near thing.

    Also, why so many new actions! Argh!

    And thank you for punching that write-in of mine into shape.
     
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    If we want the unvarnished truth, the 2 people most likely to tell Lucina are probably Henry and Tharja (even if just to twist the knife regarding Chrom's naïveté).
     
    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Henry
     
    Your successor needs to be able to beat you in the most extreme hell imaginable. Frederick's Fanatical Fitness Training Montage X-treme, while wearing clothes picked out by Lucina. The last one standing wins.
     
    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Henry
     
    ShadowAngelBeta said:
    Also, why so many new actions! Argh!
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Because I was traumatized by Paradox of Choice, and my way of therapy is to share a glimpse of that hell with others. :redface:

    And for the record, I really liked your write-in - even if hitting all the key points while going with the flow of the scene was quite the challenge!

    Prodigal Knight said:
    If we want the unvarnished truth, the 2 people most likely to tell Lucina are probably Henry and Tharja
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    The question then being, do you want the unvarnished truth? *looks at the votes* So far it seems like a yes!

    EDIT: also for those interested, Kjelle and Laurent has been added to the Companion threadmark.
     
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    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'que

    Henry and Tharja are horrible to ask, they never really respected our father. Many who did respect were also emotionally involved (all of the original Shepards), but Lon'que falls into a nice category of respecting Chrom as a warrior (at least) and us as his student without seeming to have the overpowering emotional attachment near everyone else has.

    The sticking point is he has all three where everyone else is missing either one, two, or all of those. Sully for example is probably not as emotionally compromised, but she also would't respect us enough to give us the truth of the matter.

    Gaius... might actually, but not more so than Lon'que I would think, so keep him as a backup just incase.
     
    Oh dear, a tie. It feels just like the good old days.

    Let's say twenty four hours for more votes?
     
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    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'que
     
    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'que
     
    Macros said:
    The question then being, do you want the unvarnished truth? *looks at the votes* So far it seems like a yes
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    We could also see if Lissa will cry if asked.

    But anyways:
    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'que
     
    I agree that it would probably be less traumatizing to have this conversation with anyone other than Tharja or Henry but I do wonder if either of them would have any more insight into the situation than Lon'que. They are both dark mages and originally from Plegia (I think) would it be possible that they are aware some dark magic/Grima stuff went down versus the tactician suddenly deciding to turn coat and kill his close friend/king. Unless the other Shepherds already know that too. Replaying awakening now but I can't remember does anyone in this timeline even know about Robin's connections with Grima?
     
    Chapter 2-19: Revelations
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position
    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'qu

    [X] Accept his resignation...
    -[X] ... and assign him an instructor position

    In the end, there really isn't any choice, is there? You want to argue, but can't help it'd be selfish of you. to ignore Sir Frederick's wishes in favour of your own. On the other hand, you're wary about sending him in the front-lines. Given his current state of mind, you'd be afraid he would end up doing something reckless. Clearly Yarne thought so too, if the relieved look he sends your way when you announce your decision is any indication. Frederick, for his part, remains impassive, simply bowing his head in thanks before taking his leave. It's hard to focus on the council for the rest of the day after that. As long as you could remember, Frederick had been a stalwart rock, seemingly impossible to shake in his duty. Having him resign, even if only to assume a different position... Is there anything certain in the world anymore?

    After a conversation with Lon'qu a few weeks later , you are forced to conclude that 'non' seems to be the only answer.

    [X] Ask about your father's death.
    -[X] Lon'qu

    In the end, you can't run away from the truth. You simply have to know. All that's left to decide then is to find the right person to ask.

    The easy answer would be your mother, but you can't quite bring yourself to do it. It would make the whole thing even more painful, you fear. Similarly, Frederick doesn't seem to be in the best place right now to revisit what are clearly painful memories. For a moment, you consider your magic mentor - you're sure Henry would probably have no trouble telling you what happened - but then you realize that maybe there's such a thing as being too blasé. You don't dislike his usual detachment and worry-free attitude, but in such a matter, you fear it might make you quite mad. In the end, you decide sir Lon'qu is probably your best bet; you know he respected your father as a swordsman, and his no-nonsense approach might be the best way to go about such a painful topic.

    You ask the question at the end of one of your training session. The dark-haired blademaster stares at you for a while, before grunting his approval.

    "First. What I'm going to tell you cannot become public knowledge. You can tell people you trust if you want, but as far as Ylisse is concerned, the Exalt died in battle, and that's all there is to it."

    You can feel your heart beating faster. Meaning there was more to it.

    "... that day, we invaded the Dragon Table. Main Grima sanctuary, or something like that. But it was a trap. As soon as we entered, your father and Robin got separated from us, and ended up facing King Validar while we were swarmed by Risen and Grimleal."

    That certainly seemed like a tough spot to be thrust in, but from what she heard, your father had beaten tougher odds, especially with Robin at his side.

    "For a while, it seemed like they had the upper hand. Then Robin stabbed Chrom through the heart."

    You blink, half-convinced you misheard something. But Lon'qu doesn't continue or correct himself, instead staring at you as if looking for your reaction. This is absurd. That can't be right. Robin was one of father's most trusted friends. His tactics led the Shepherds through countless battles, never failing to deliver them victory. He taught you the basics of strategy himself. There was no way what Lon'qu just said was true. He must be lying, or mistaken!

    Except... you knew your chon'sin instructor would never lie about such a grave matter. And you doubted he'd speak with such certainty if he had any doubt over what he saw. Yet how is it making any sense?!

    "How?" you manage to choke out. "Why?"

    "Used some sort of lightning spell, from what I could see" shrugged Lon'qu. "Can't tell you much more about it, magic was never my thing. No idea about the why."

    Suddenly you think you understand Frederick's attitude a lot more. If that happened, did that mean he missed something crucial about Robin during all these years? But then, why now? He could have betrayed the Shepherds at any point during the first war against Plegia, or during the Valmese campaign. Why wait until now to make a move? Unless...

    A horrible thought suddenly strikes you. The fact that Robin was from Plegia was not widely known outside the Shepherd circle; but had it been just that? Lucina knew he was an user of dark magic, which was something that she never thought to question until now - after all, he wasn't the only dark mage she knew, and was even training to master that discipline now. But the group most closely associated with that sort of magic was the Grimleal. Had Robin been one all along?

    It made a twisted sort of sense, you realized with a pit in your stomach. From what you read, the mad King Gangrel had kept the Grima cultist at arm's length, using them when convenient but more often than not keeping them on a short leash. And Walhart the Conqueror never hid the contempt he had for religion and divinities, the needs for humans to break their divine shackles being a leitmotiv of his crusade. When you looked at it that way, every action Robin took led to the rise of Validar, head of the Grimleal, to the throne of Plegia, and the main threat from Valm all but crushed. All he had to do...

    You have to bit your lips to stop yourself from screaming, ignoring the faint taste of blood in your mouth. Had it been a lie all along? Robin had always seemed somewhat distant, almost haunted at times. Had it simply be a way to mask his treachery? Signs of regrets for what he was about to do perhaps? Unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable.

    "And... what happened to him?"

    Lon'qu expression darkened, which had hardly seemed possible a few seconds ago. "Still in Plegia, as far as I know. W couldn't get to him through the Risen. We had to pull back. Panne covered us."

    One more death due to this betrayal. Shaking with rage and grief, you can't help to make one wish. That you'd have the chance to confront your former mentor sooner or later. It is a selfish thought, but it's the only thing providing comfort in this moment. And Naga willing, you hope that one day, you'll get to return the favour and drive Falchion through his own black heart. Surely Father would approve.

    From that day on, the face of the white-haired grandmaster is never far from your thoughts. But you didn't expect to receive an even more vivid reminder so soon after that conversation.

    ***

    Meeting face to face with Nah and Morgan certainly comes as a surprise, and comes with a lot of mixed emotions.

    On one hand, you genuinely missed them. After more than four years apart, you can't quite suppress the sudden surge of happiness at their sight. You always got along well with Nah, and while Morgan had been quite young the last time you saw her, you remember thinking she was absolutely adorable.

    On the other, their sudden appearance, their tiredness and Nah apparently having been injured is worrying. You don't know what happened, but you can't be sure it was nothing good. Also, where is Nowi? Does she know about this?

    And finally, you can't quite erase the instinctive thought of your father killed mine.

    You're spared the need to pick up a reaction by the rushing attendants and guards coming to investigate the crash. You do your best to defuse the situation - it's clear the sight of so many armed people put the two sisters on edge, with Nah protectively standing in front of Morgan despite her obvious exhaustion - and fortunately it isn't long before Lady Cordelia shows up to restore a semblance of order. As things begin to settle down, you can see the two half-manakete relax a bit. Morgan in particular seems fascinated by her new environment, before giving her sister an hesitant smile.

    "Hey, we finally made it, right?"

    "That we did" pleasantly answered her sister. "Great job."

    Well, that was both vague and potentially worrying. But before any question can be asked, the first order of the day is to feed two starving manakete. You can honestly say you were not ready for the sight, as you watch the two girls tear through anything the cooks managed to cobble together without giving any sign of slowing down. After a while though, fatigue seems to overcome hunger for Morgan, Nah agreeing to provide answers while her sister is given a chance to sleep. After a quick, yet heartfelt promise to be there when she'd wake up - another worrying sign concerning their recent experiences in your opinion - Nah find herself surrounded by your mother, aunt Lissa, Lady Maribelle and aunt Cordelia, while you, Cynthia and Owain hang in the background, listening to her tale.

    As it turned out, you were right to fear for the worse.

    Apparently, a team of Grimleal managed to infiltrate Ylisse's borders, and went straight for the foster home that was taking care of Nah and Morgan. Nah has no idea how they found the place, or why they came here to begin with, but given what you learned a few weeks ago, you think you can hazard a guess. In the end, they only escaped thanks to the timely intervention of Nowi, who had been back with them for the last weeks. The two sisters escaped while their mother stayed behind to cover their escape. The fact that she gave no sign of life since then isn't lost on anyone, but Nah manages to keep her composure during the whole tale, though you don't miss the way her fingers are literally digging into the wooden table she's sitting to as she recall that night. After that, the two sisters walked for a while under the cover of the woods to avoid pursuit, before flying straight to Ylisstol as soon as it seemed safe enough to do so.

    ... it's hard to resent her for her father after that.

    Cordelia orders an immediate dispatch to check on the site, but that will take some time. In the meantime, you volunteer to escort back Nah to the quarters prepared for her and Morgan. The walk is made in an awkward silence, both of you seemingly unsure of what to say after four years, not to mention the dramatic circumstances of your reunion. Finally Nah settles for an awkward "We heard about your dad. I'm sorry."

    You weakly nod. "Yeah. I am too. About your mother..."

    "We can't be sure yet." Her denial is only half-hearted though. You don't know if the way she manages to stay strong even now is admirable or painful. Probably both. Just as you're about to usher her to her room with Morgan, Nah interrupts you, an uncertain expression on her face.

    "Lucina, I just wanted to ask... did you hear anything about dad?"

    Your eyes widen.

    [] Tell her the truth
    [] Be ambivalent
    [] Say you know nothing
    [] Write-in

    ​
    And the fun times for everyone continues, wooo.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Lucina's smart enough to know that the puzzle pieces she has for Robin betraying them aren't quite fitting. That being said she doesn't have the pieces to do anything but guess at what did happen.

    I could see her suspecting Validar might have possessed Robin or something else, but Lon'que never mentioned them actually killing him, just getting the upper-hand. And it still leaves too many questions like "How?" and "Why not earlier?"

    Though that could be put down as "Needing the Dragon Table to do it."

    [X] "We don't know what happened to him, not really. He betrayed us for Plegia, but everything I know about him just makes that make next to no sense. What happened to both of you makes it make actually no sense. If he was planning to betray us and take you with him he would have set something more foolproof up well in advance."
    -[X] "I'm sorry Nah, take care of your sister and get some rest if you can. There's more that needs to be talked about, but... not today."

    Lucina's confused, lost, and more than a little upset, but she can still think even at the worst of times.
     
    [X] Tell her the truth
    I think it's best to just tell her the truth.

    I know out of character that there isn't any reason to suspect them for Robin's betrayal, but I could see people reasonably thinking its suspicious that Robin's daughters just happen to arrive soon after his betrayal. Like he needs more spies in Ylisse after he revealed where his loyalties lie.

    Or for less paranoid folk to demonstrate the innocence of Nah and Morgan that they had nothing to do with it since they didn't join the Grimleal when they came for them.
     
    Prent said:
    @Macros, could you specify what voting for "Be ambivalent" will do? Is it just a non-answer, or is it something else?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Basically, it's Lucina trying to dance around the subject, and that last time she checked he was still alive, but might be unable to return home for the time being because of reasons. All while internally screaming the whole way.
     
    [X] "We don't know what happened to him, not really. He betrayed us for Plegia, but everything I know about him just makes that make next to no sense. What happened to both of you makes it make actually no sense. If he was planning to betray us and take you with him he would have set something more foolproof up well in advance."
    -[X] "I'm sorry Nah, take care of your sister and get some rest if you can. There's more that needs to be talked about, but... not today."
     
    [X] "We don't know what happened to him, not really. He betrayed us for Plegia, but everything I know about him just makes that make next to no sense. What happened to both of you makes it make actually no sense. If he was planning to betray us and take you with him he would have set something more foolproof up well in advance."
    -[X] "I'm sorry Nah, take care of your sister and get some rest if you can. There's more that needs to be talked about, but... not today."
     
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