Fire Emblem On The Forums: Ashes (IC)

[Chevaleresse]

"...If you don't mind, I'm going to go retrieve my arrows." The girl looked oddly uncomfortable, almost scurrying away with her bow in hand as she approached the trees in the distance. How on earth did he manage that...? Well, he'll get a good enough scolding from those two, I hope. Which leaves me alone.

[Marcello]

"Ah, I see, umm, well Klaren, that's..." Terrin babbled a bit as he was somewhat put off by the way the monk had been feeling his shoulders. He shook his head and cleared his throat as he began to process what Klaren had just said. "Wait, is that really all it takes, just having faith in the Goddess? Huh." Terrin folded his arms a bit as he thought. "So I guess most acolytes can pick up the magic quite easily? I have to say though... You're far unlike any holy man I've ever met before, Klaren. I, uhh.." Terrin paused a bit as he thought more on all the strange mannerisms. Towards anyone else, Terrin would have meant that as a compliment, but he still wasn't quite sure about how Klaren's strangeness made him feel. "I guess the order accepts acolytes of all sorts, huh?" The mage decided to close with, scratching one of his shoulders slightly uncomfortably, before looking between Feri and Klaren.

[Pyon Pyon Kyuu!~]

"From my understanding; light magic works much like our own but instead of studying tomes that contain words that summon the spirits to us, they contain holy texts." Feri explained, with a voice that fit right into a teacher. "There have been accounts of light magic refusing the call of non-faithful users and simply not working even when mimicking the same process as successful mages. Anima magic is quite easy to comprehend, while light and the more occult dark magic are much harder to grasp. They have a set of hidden rules that we mortals never quite understand."

[Bfroger6]

"Being taken in under the Goddess's grace is magic in and out of itself for a young acolyte in training~" Klaren clapped his hands happily. "And Light magic is that very same grace taken shape and form through a devout's faith~ So yes, it's easy to pick up, but, as Ferrin said, they're holy scriptures and there's a lot more to them than you could ever comprehend, even if the magic does look simple at first glance~"

Klaren turned to Terrin as he heard him make the final remark. "Hmm, thank you for saying that~! But not really, Teri. The Church is really strict." Klaren giggled as he kept talking. "After all, they did kick me out as soon as they found out what sort of activities I was really into~"

Edited September 12, 2016 by Bfroger6

[InnocentSerenity]

Luka tried not to let out an annoyed groan. I get it, don't shoot myself by accident. "I'll make sure this doesn't happen again." Pulling his sleeve back, Luka saw the small white scar. Luka made a guess for why the wound wasn't fully healed. "I guess I do deserve that." Man, this was my favorite shirt, though.

"I'll be more careful." Starting with never picking up a bow ever again. Looking towards the nearby trees, Luka saw Hoshiko walking away. I... didn't do that, right? Luka shook his head, trying not to think too much of it. I'm sure she'll be fine. I doubt Mayanna will let me go to check...

Edited September 13, 2016 by InnocentBoy

[Sutoratosu]

You'd better mean that, you fool...I already have two to keep an eye on, I don't need a third "Good, good that...now," she tossed a glance over at Hoshiko as she stood, crimson still coating her hands. Luckily enough she'd rolled up her sleeves out of sheer habit. It was obvious enough something about all this probably bothered the girl, from how eager she'd seemed to get away... perhaps she too had some fear of lifestuff, if so Maya couldn't really blame her for the reaction... she'd been like that too once. But either way, fear or no, she doubted that going over to her with the blood of the event still on her hands was a good idea. "Why don't you go talk to Hoshiko, show her you're alright? I need to wash this off this off before it dries."

She left no room for argument or protest, heading off towards the river after taking up her staff.

[InnocentSerenity]

"Oh, alright." Luka turned away, facing the trees where Hoshiko ran off to. "Thank you." A smile appeared on Luka's face, glad to be able to get rid of any bothersome emotions. Luka dashed away, hoping he could see what was bothering Hoshiko.

"Hoshiko!" Can you not be a loner for a bit and talk to me? "Why'd you run off like that?"

Edited September 13, 2016 by InnocentBoy

[Chevaleresse]

"Like I said, I just needed to retrieve my arrows. The only ones the Goddess sends raining from the heavens are the ones that are coming off of my bowstring. . . and, well, I don't think it would be a good thing if they fell from the sky on their own." She fixed Luka with a suspicious look. "Why do you ask?" She turned to begin the process of plucking her various arrows from the tree, glancing over her shoulder at the dancer occasionally and making an irritable noise every time she discovered one of them had been ruined on impact.

[InnocentSerenity]

"You just walked off on your own with an uncomfortable look to yourself. I was worried about you." Well, more so that I might have done something bad, but me worrying about you sounds better. Luka sat himself down by one of the trees as he watched Hoshiko take her arrows back. Wouldn't kill ya to say 'Thank you', maybe?

[Chevaleresse]

"Heroes don't need people to worry about them. Idiots that shoot themselves do, so maybe you should worry about yourself!" She tore another arrow from the tree with a huff; it was as if the poor plant had somehow offended her grievously.

[InnocentSerenity]

"That was one time, and it's not happening again!" Luka jumped up to his feet, his inner thoughts escaping him as he spoke to Hoshiko. "And sorry if a hero isn't allowed to be thankful that a nice guy such as I doesn't like seeing people alone."

[Sutoratosu]

You know... perhaps this was a mistake. She sighed, washing the last of the blood off as she watched their bickering. Perhaps...I should... She gazed down at the crimson flowing in the water, staff leaning by the shore. They were like small children, as she watched them... certainly acted like it. And children were certainly apt to hurt themselves through the type of foolishness they displayed...but the thing was, both of them were far too old for any of their antics to be endearing or forgivable like a tots. It was just taxing at their stage. No. No... I think this incident has already provided me enough drama for one day. Whatever it is, they'll have to get over it themselves... I just hope I won't have to patch up another Arrow wound somewhere in the process.

[Chevaleresse]

"Well maybe I WANT to be alone! Did you ever consider that, 'nice guy?"" She jammed the usable arrows back into her quiver as if driving them into a foe, and then threw said container to the ground as she alternated between glaring at Luka and the arrows lodged higher up in the tree.

[InnocentSerenity]

"And why's that?" Luka returned a glare as Hoshiko took back her arrows. "You're here fighting with us. You had a reason to work with us." Luka felt his emotions calm down as he continued speaking to Hoshiko. "Mind if I ask what it is? Not just why you're fighting with us, but why you're fighting at all."

[Chevaleresse]

"Because the Goddess told me to," she replied, a distinctly irritable note still in her voice. "I dreamed that she told me to travel to Dragao and that I would see injustice and villainy there, and that she needed me to help destroy it for good. Satisfied?"

[InnocentSerenity]

"That's all you're gonna tell me, huh?" Luka sat himself back down by a tree. "I hope you know that I kind of doubt that's your only reason." Luka let out a sigh, knowing he wasn't going to get an answer any time soon. I screwed up again. "Sorry for snapping at you. Again." Now I remember why I tried to stop doing that.

Luka stood up, walking away to stop bothering Hoshiko. "See ya on the battlefield."

Edited September 14, 2016 by InnocentBoy

[Chevaleresse]

The girl felt a slight pang of regret as she watched Luka walk off. Maybe I spoke too quickly. . . She didn't move to rectify the situation, however, instead turning back to her task at hand. She adjusted her scarf a bit to ensure it was secure, then hopped up and grabbed a limb of the tree, climbing toward the top to retrieve the projectiles pinned out of reach of the ground.

[Pyon Pyon Kyuu!~]

[Chapter 1 Clear!]

Chapter 2: The Condition of Our Kingdom

Year 1020, 4th of First Heat

Travel map:

Blue: Point of Origin (Laguna Bay)

Yellow: Path traveled

Red: Current location

The next day, preparations were already being made for departure. The Misguided Children supplied the group with everything they would need; casks for water, packs filled with provisions and food, medical supplies and fresh clothes. The small group was on the road. The eight who defeated Maris, the trio from the capital, and the ever swift Dash always scouting ahead for trouble. The boss recommended keeping the group small;

"Travel small and fast; don't make many waves or the soldiers will be on you like sharks." Samwell had said. "Good winds! I guess that saying applies more to sailing than walking; ha ha!"

Slowly the season started to change and the days started to become warmer. Traveling under the sun wasn't always the easiest of ordeals but so far it was doable. The road was mostly surrounded by forests with very few villages or inhabitants. Most of the people in these parts lived near the coast; that was how they made their living.

One question that arose, specifically from Dash, was one that probably everyone was thinking.

"Uh hi Miss Princess Saffron?" Meekly, Dash approached the girl during one of the breaks. "Where exactly are we going?"

Saffron frowned at the use of 'Princess' but she let it slip by. "Do not worry Dash, just please trust me. Our destination will be for the good of everyone."

Every time someone asked the Trio what this destination was they would avoid the question. 'You'll soon see', 'Please have faith', 'Do not trouble yourselves'.

On the 4th a very troubled Saffron sat everyone down in a circle at midday. "My friends I am sorry, we've traveled for over a week now and no one knows where we are going. I am truly sorry for deceiving you like this." She bowed her head slightly. "In truth I don't even know where we are going. N-not to say that I am leading us astray or randomly!" Saffron quickly corrected herself. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "We have one of two destinations. For the nobles to even consider joining our cause, we are going to need bigger numbers. The Misguided Children won't do. So we must seek help from outside our Kingdom."

Saffron nodded towards Feri, who gave a smile of anticipation. "As you know, Dragao is currently at war with the Kingdom of Caelum. Caelum is in a very strategic position and is very unlikely to lose the war; the armies of Dragao have to fight in hot desert terrain to which they are not used to. Caelum soldiers employ hit and run tactics, quickly wearing down Dragao soldiers. So it is no surprise that our Kingdom has only conquered a single city from the Caelum people. If we were to ask them for help, they might see it as a way to end this war for good." Feri seemed to be enjoying his speech; any chance to show his inner historian put him in a giddy mood. "However Caelum is a proud country filled with complicated traditions and the nobles are very easy to offend. One wrong move at their court and we could be labeled enemies instead of allies."

"Not to mention how difficult crossing the desert will be for us." Keagan stepped in. "Traversing it during this time of year will be hard. We will probably have to cut through a few Dragao soldiers as well."

Feri nodded in agreement. "Alternatively, we could go North instead to the Empire of Yukihana. The recently formed Empire has voiced their disgust at the new King and would probably aid us. They say that Emperor Takehiko is a simple man; but a kind and grounded one who will never hesitate to help anyone. Be they noble or small. The path up North would be longer, but at this time of year the cold shouldn't be too hard on us. The roads are filled with bandits and rogues so we won't avoid a fight there either. I am also not sure of the true size of the Yukihana army. Caelum's military is massive and they could surely spare us men; I am not so sure about our Northern neighbors."

"With all these problems you can see why I have my head in a twist. Which is why I want us to make the decision; together. What do you think? I understand some of you are from Caelum and Yukihana. Would you like to return home?"

[Zetaark]

Yukihana or Caelum, that was their choice. Having been to both places, Ecquis was able to recall some of his knowledge of the areas in question. Yukihana, while not as cold now as the winters, would still be a rather cold area. There was also the matter of the mountain range that separates Dragao and Yukihana, which may not be an easy trip. Caelum at this time of year would certainly be warm, but the deserts would be even worse. Even past that, people who are used to traveling that desert can sometimes get stuck in it. Despite that, Ecquis did know a few people in Caelum, so that may come in handy at this point in time. It also didn't help that the trip to Yukihana would likely take him close to his own home...

"Well, I don't mind too much where we end up going, but I might have a preference towards going to Caelum," he finally spoke.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Meredith didn't really have ties to either of the other lands. Nothing concrete that she'd pursue anyway. Nothing like the ties of blood, family awaited her in either place... only a few scattered battles. She was more familiar with Caelum of the two, but... as a result that made her all the more hesitant to want to go there. She wasn't good in any political situation and further she was worried for being recognized. However... she was pretty sure that was unfounded. After all none of Saffron's entourage knew who she was, or at least... they didn't let on that they did. So, it was probably a bit much to assume she'd be recognized. But, she couldn't help it. Since if she was she felt that going to Caelum could end extremely badly solely due to that.

"I'm sure in either scenario, we're going to find some resistance. I think it's just what we think we can handle that should end in our decision. However... I worry about my presence in this band if we go to Caelum."

[Zetaark]

"Really? Did you do something to anger a few nobles from Caelum at any point in the past? If not, I can't see a reason why you would cause problems," Ecquis responded. From his time in Caelum, he didn't often hear much about the happenings of Dragao. Perhaps it was due to where he was or what he was doing, but unless she angered someone, he didn't see too many problems. Well, at least not with information he knew for certain.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"It's... not as simple as that." She sighed... maybe this wasn't the time? It'd be rather strange to let this out now if none of them knew. How would she put this? She couldn't really find an answer to that question. She mulled it over in her head a bit but couldn't really come up with much. Maybe this was just too much of a long shot to be concerned about. "It's nothing like that... It's probably not really even a reasonable concern. Forget I mentioned it."

[Chevaleresse]

"I would be glad to go to Yukihana and recruit more aid from among my people, but there is one thing you have to keep in mind. You call Yukihana an empire, and indeed, we will follow the Emperor, but the clans themselves often have little love for one another. You could likely convince the Ishikawa clan, for example, to lend their strength - my clan is known for their skilled swordsmen and, of course, archers - but this would earn you the emnity of the Ryuuyama clan and chill your relations with the Kori. It would not be a simple matter."

[Sutoratosu]

She mulled it over as the other's debated. In truth, her and freyl had never been outside the borders of their homeland, not even during their wandering. Not even the Greys and Donalto had risked leaving the country... there had been nothing beyond the desert or tundra they'd needed, and most of their work had concerned in Dragao and Dragao's suffering people anyway. All she'd heard of either land was her mother's stories of the desert and it's people, how she'd left her home and sailed wherever the first ship she could find saw fit to take her... and just kept wave hopping from there. But there was something else drawing her towards the hot sands as well... something far more important than just some maternal relations she'd never even met, and probably wouldn't much like if mother's anecdotes were true.

"I think the desert may be the better of our options" she began, shortly after Hoshiko finished "If what she says is true, even with the emperor's support, it may be hard to keep tensions between rival clans within reasonable levels and prevent any infighting...tempers flare enough between enemies in time of war, and in the right conditions it can do precisely the same among unlikely allies."

Yes... that should be logic and reason enough, shouldn't it? It certainly wasn't like she was going to outright admit the fleeting hope she clung to. With her luck, or curse rather, chances were that the moment she did it would be doomed to be crushed...and it was already enough of a long shot as it was, after all these years.

[Bfroger6]

"Oooooh!" Klaren suddenly popped up. Were they gonna go to the desert? That would be kind of cool (yowch the pun~), and definitely better than some winter wonderland. They mages were better equipped than most for traversing such terrain~ Even as such, in the heat, Klaren would definitely have to make a few minor modifications.

"There, better~" The monk exclaimed most excitedly after loosening up his robe's collar and tying up a band over his forehead. His hair was still gonna be a nuisance in the heat, but he wasn't looking forward to cutting it, so he wasn't going to~ Simply simple. "I vote desert~"