Fire Emblem On The Forums: Ashes (IC)

[Stalkerkain]

Rosalvya shivered at the mention of going to Yukihana. She had grown up near the border of Dragao and Yukihana, but she wanted to avoid heading North if possible. Her reason was nothing other than the fact that she disliked the cold. Growing up so close to Yukihana, one would think that she would be used to the cold. But many nights of the merciless cold had kept her awake as a child, creating nothing but bad memories.

"Yes... nothing but bad memories," she murmured to herself. The cold also meant that she moved and reacted slower. And slow reactions meant death. If the others knew of her reasons, they'd think of her as petty and childish. But it was a secret that the others didn't have to know. She couldn't always keep avoiding her hometown, or at least what was left of it. But that day didn't have to be today.

"Caelum," Rosalvya said with indifference, pretending as if neither choice mattered to her.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"Well, it seems like majority weighs towards Caelum thus far. It would seem we hedge our bets more towards the Desert Kingdom. Personally, I'm more with Hoshiko on going to Yukihana. Caelum is volatile at the moment and one small thing could sour relations with the entirety of their people. We're gambling either way, but at least if the gamble goes sour in Yukihana, we get some to our cause, rather than no one. I'm not really the gambling type but I don't think an all or nothing bet is something we can take at the moment. If the majority remains I'd still follow... I'm just not sure it's our best option. I'd rather not be fleeing from Caelum's forces in their home turf. There's a reason Dragao has never made headway against them. Our military was never outfitted to fight in such terrain. They tend to have too much heavy equipment and many of our outfit are set as such as well. It's riskier for a lot of reasons... Be sure that's it's the right course of action before we commit to it and those risks are well known to all."

Meredith was speaking half the truth, bu the other half hiding what she knew might be a risk in Caelum. If even one person there recognized her... things could sore instantly. She didn't want to risk this operation just on the merit of being a part of it. She took a deep breath. Was she worrying to much? That was 5-6 years ago now... would anyone really remember? Would another Country remember? It was a long shot... but one that the fate of many rode on. If there was but even a small chance that a misunderstanding would happen... things could be over before they started. Or, she could be fretting over nothing.

[Stalkerkain]

"Meredith, is there something you have to tell us?" Rosalvya asked bluntly. There was always something bothering her, and Rosalvya didn't know what it was. She didn't know if there was a touchy subject that Meredith was uncomfortable with, but this was an important decision, with lives on the line. There was little time for hesitation. "Take no offense in this, but is there perhaps something you're hiding from us? You seem to be hesitant, or more directly, avoiding Caelum for reasons other than the ones you've given. If there is a more specific reason as to why you want to go to Yukihana over Caelum, then I would be glad to listen and change my decision. But we won't know unless you tell us. And if you don't want to tell us, then that is fine too. We will default with the majority then, as you've stated."

Rosalvya felt that there was no wrong choice in either. But she felt having unity was a wiser choice than ignoring the minority.

"I mean no offense to Hoshiko either, as I'm sure her clan is full of skilled warriors who may help greatly," Rosalvya said with care. "But Caelum may be able to lend an army, and that may be more useful in our offense against Dragao than the few that number in Hoshiko's clan."

Edited September 14, 2016 by Stalkerkain

[Bfroger6]

"But miss Merryberry, deserts are great and fun and like a beach but without a sea~!" Klaren bounced in with a bit of wit straight after Rosalyva made an actually constructive comment/question. "And if you can't move well, then you should just strip down that armor of yours~"

[Zetaark]

"Deserts are most certainly not a playground though Klaren. If you're not careful, you could easily get stuck in one for quite a while. Even merchants who travel through the desert often can get stuck every now again," he told Klaren, remembering the peculiar incident that introduced him to Anna. With that, he then decided to respond to the other issue that came up.

"I didn't really know if now was the best time to mention it, but since Rosa has brought it up, I suppose you could tell us whether there is some other motive for you to not go to Caelum besides what you've stated. I understand how you may feel about the chances in Yukihana, but from personal experience, the clans are very scattered around. Past that, there's also the Kuro tribe which...well I'll just say they have their own little rumors about them. If you have a good reason why we should go to Yukihana instead though, I'm willing to listen," Ecquis responded. His suspicions about Meredith's past were not something he wanted to pry into quite yet, and especially not at this point in time. However, his curiosity was starting to wonder about exactly what relation she had to this war in general.

Edited September 14, 2016 by Zetaark

[Sutoratosu]

Just as she was about to concur with Rosa... Klaren left her speechless. absolutely... speechless. "I...I can't believe you just..." By the goddess, and how nonchalantly and cheerfully he said it too... either the fool was dense as a stone, or he truly did find some amusement in the jest. Regardless of the fact that yes, stripping down armor would probably be for the best under the blazing sun and in the shifting sands to improve mobility and lessen the rate of fatigue... the bastard had put it in such... context...

Ecquis spoke up soon enough though, while she stood there, staring at the truly wicked monk...ornery eyes fixed on the purple haired fool as she chimed in after the wyvern rider "Aye... if there's some reason you'd prefer the tundra Mere, none of us would blame you for your oppinion..." Just...what...how even? How did HE of all people make it in the CHURCH!? I did practically nothing and got berated every second by that awful Crone, and yet he goes making these jokes...taking hits for pleasure... what even is this? This fool's very existance would baffle Don to no end if he was alive to see it!

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"If you must know... there's a slim chance that people within Caelum may recognize who I am. I'm a solider who once fought under Dragao. And further... not just any other solider. "The Undying" means something. It was a name that has followed me around ever since the Golden Dragon Rebellion. And, I fear that if they recognize me... that'd be enough to spark conflict. I fear they'd assume I am "The Undying" that Roswell's army idolizes... rather than who I really am.If they misconstrue our efforts even slightly... we'll be running from that capital, and not peacefully walking out. I'd rather we end up with something for our cause... then nothing at all simply due to me being part of our mission. I'll still go if that is our choice, but I do not have a good feeling about."

Meredith simply ignored Klaren entirely. ((other than the smallest of eye twitches.)), She looked rather deflated at the moment. She wasn't standing nearly as tall as normal. It was clear that this was actually bothering her. She was wide open at the moment. It was a rare sight to see. She'd be all but impenetrable in how she presented herself. Like nothing could get to her. And now, suddenly vulnerability. It was always strange when those that seemed to be invulnerable... without warning, cracked... even if it was just a slight one.

[Zetaark]

Meredith's reveal was honestly slightly surprising, but Ecquis had guessed that Meredith was involved with the Dragao army in some form anyhow. From the information she know about their forces and their training and her combat ability, it would make sense. That being said, Ecquis hadn't heard much about "The Undying" during his time in Caelum, despite being there around the point of the Golden Dragon Rebellion. Granted, it could have spread to other areas, but as far as he knew the name didn't get mentioned. Still though, Ecquis did wonder how an ex-soldier would be treated by the nobles of Caelum. Ecquis was more involved with the merchant side of that area, so he could not be sure. He did however think that inside information on the soldiers of Dragao and their regiments would be interesting to them.

"Your concerns are rather valid I must say. If they recognize you, it's possible that things could go south. On the other hand though, would the nobles of Caelum refuse information about the nature of the Dragao army from one of its iconic figures? I can't say for certain, seeing as how I never interacted with the nobles in Caelum much, but this could also be a benefit to us as well. In my opinion, its still a risk, but it could have a decent payoff in the end. That's just my opinion though. I don't know what the others feel about this," he responded. Meredith being a former soldier of Dragao didn't mean too much to him now, and it could probably be beneficial for some future operation. The others however, Ecquis could not guess.

Edited September 14, 2016 by Zetaark

[Bfroger6]

Klaren followed his proposition with a hand gesture. You know, with wiggly fingers, both hands towards Meredith, threatening to touch the hell out of her rigid armor. He didn't seem to catch on that the discontent in that tiny remark made by Mayanna was directed at his display, nah, he only flashed her a wide and innocent grin. He didn't think he'd done nothing wrong. Or well, he was enjoying the freedom the world offered, probably too much so. Who could blame him when first times were always so fun, and it was his first time going to Caelum. And the first time in a desert. Granted, it would be his first time going to Yukihana as well, but there he wouldn't be able to see Meredith without her armor and on sand, like a real beach~ He'd never been to a beach either. And he'd never seen Meredith without her armor. Such a strong woman would be a blessing! Smaller than the Goddess's blessing, but a blessing nonetheless. He was pretty much excited at the very thought of it.

The monk gave a smile at Equis. "Oh, but I'm with you guys, so there no chance for me to get lost, right~? Someone would find me eventually. Like you, for example, with your wyvern." It was almost stupefying, the brainless smile he wore as he pointed a finger at Equis. On the bright side, though, at least that meant he'd seized the whole wiggly finger thing and had now put his hands down on his sides, in the pockets of his robe, from where he quickly pulled out his notebook and scribbled something inside. The juice he was getting on Meredith was getting better and better. She was even more awesome than what he initially thought~ And she clearly felt bad about what she'd done. Such a noble spirit, no wonder her disposition was so immense! Oh, if only she'd agree to show him a bit of her spear-work~ That would be just awesomely awesomelicious!

[Sutoratosu]

"I see..." The admission was enough to get her attention off the monk... for now at least. "Well, like I said, no one can blame you then. But Eqcuis may have a point... that may just be all the more reason for the nobles to believe us, if they aren't blinded by some type of nationalist pride or fervor. And even if it isn't... Mere, that was years ago. Even if one of them thinks they may know your identity, how can they be sure of anything unless they saw your face first hand? Rumors can only spread by word of mouth and gossip... and gossip has a way of twisting things, especially after so long..."

She let whatever disgust she had for klaren slip away in that moment, walking over to the older woman and putting a hand of reassurance on her shoulder... despite meredith easily being a full head taller than her. "They probably can't prove anything, not with so much hearsay... and besides, whatever you might've done, whatever you once were, that's in the past now, isn't it? You're not a solider of Roswell's army anymore... legends are but fleeting dreams, in the end, actions are what truly carve the stone of history... and yours didn't just stop after your legend was born, now did they?"

[Zetaark]

"Depends Klaren. It's very easy for one to suddenly get stuck and fade out of view. Even with my wyverns it can be slightly difficult to see where you are. Especially if there's a sandstorm," Ecquis replied, recalling the sandstorms that occurred every so often. Noticing how Klaren then got his journal again, he was reminded of the last time he saw it, and got a little curious.

"Incidentally, Klaren. Do you mind if I take a look in your journal at all?" he decided to ask.

[Chevaleresse]

"I mean no offense to Hoshiko either, as I'm sure her clan is full of skilled warriors who may help greatly," Rosalvya said with care. "But Caelum may be able to lend an army, and that may be more useful in our offense against Dragao than the few that number in Hoshiko's clan."

"Oh, it would not just be my clan. A few talented samurai does not make an army. My clan is enemies with some, but friends with more; I was simply trying to say that recruiting more to the cause of justice in Yukihana will not be as simple as asking that the Emperor send his armies our way." She elected to ignore the ongoing antics involving the rather... bizarre monk traveling with the party. Each serves the goddess in their own way, I suppose. . .? She turned to Meredith.

"You can't let the ghosts of your past haunt your future. What you did was done; you have proven your strength of heart and sided with the forces of good. That should be enough for anyone. After all, you've taken up arms against Dragao; who could possibly believe you to be a foe? Other than, well, Dragao."

[Bfroger6]

"You mean I'll fall into a sandpit? Ooooh~! That would be an experience to write about!" The monk giggled while his thoughts drifted to a scene of him disappearing beneath the sand, which slowly trickled into his robes and eventually, into him as well, and he choked on it and mmmm... Until Meredith's big strong hand came from above and swooped him up, riding a wyvern of her own. Ooooh, or a very brawny pegasus. It'd have to be a special steed to be worthy of Meredith's glory~

Klaren's daydreaming was cut short by Equis's request, though. Without much debate, Klaren handed him the journal. There was a big fat number 119 written on it. "Of course I don't mind, Q~ We're friends."

If the young wyvern tamer were to be so brave as to open the book at the last written page-the very same Klaren was just scribbling into, he'd see that there was an entire section dedicated to Meredith. Klaren seemed to refer to her as 'miss Merryberry' even in written format and it seemed to be a series of observations made by the monk on the topic of the fierce soldier. Like her height and what he imagined would be under her armor (incidentally, he imagined she wore a black bikini trimmed with red beneath it) and a newly added paragraph regarding the mysterious history which pained her so. While it was all very unusual... there was certainly a tone of respect Klaren's writing carried as he spoke of 'miss Merryberry'. The pages prior to the Meredith section (which was actually quite long, at least a dozen pages) contained the descriptions of weapons that Klaren had apparently, quote on quote 'experienced' during the last battle. Before that was a description of the prison, riddled with fantasies Klaren wrote about being strapped in there and how he hoped that the place used to be some sort of torture chamber and how it smelled yucki and how Luka, refered to as 'Lou' threw him the keys when he got tangled up in the chains. This was all weird, but again, the monk spoke highly of 'Lou' and pretty much everyone else in their group, including Mayanna, or 'miss Maya' and Equis as well, mentioned in the book near the description of the wyverns as just 'Q' and mentioned respectfully, given thanks as he allowed him to see the wyverns for real. Klaren would look at Equis with expectatious eyes. "Soo~ What do you think? It's the 119th volume of all the things I love very very much about the world."

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"I suppose you are right. I just don't want for the beliefs of others to taint what we are working towards here. There is a chance of that in Caelum. They are the ones who have been fighting Dragao for so long now. If there was anyone who would... it'd be them. But, I guess that'd be a boon as well in the right situation. If it comes to light rather than being discovered at first glance... it is perhaps a bargaining chip we could use."

She had never really considered that it could also be a positive, or... not an issue at all. It was Maya that helped her to see that. However, she couldn't help but feel that they were all a bit too accepting of this. None of them knew just what "The Undying" meant... what terrible things she had done to earn that name. She feared i they knew the whole truth that they would despise her for it. She should've died then. Rather than live with this burden. It'd certainly be easier that way. But... maybe not better.

"The sins stay with me. I can't die until I make up for my actions in the past. For the innocent lives lost due to my actions. Too many paid for me... a much lesser person to stand here."

However, Meredith couldn't help but feel a dull note in Maya's words. Almost as if what Maya was saying... she wanted to tell herself. She felt the feeling before when she spoke to the woman before in their first battle. She felt like despite how guarded she was... Maya was a kindred spirit just like her. Something... damaged her as it had Meredith herself. She couldn't begin to guess what. But, she felt that it was true. She couldn't shake it no matter how she tried.

She put her own hand on Maya's shoulder. "Thank you. The past is the past. I can only move forward. I will not forget it, but I will not let it weigh my steps. I hope you know this as well..." she said with a pause for a moment, looking at Maya's eyes. She quickly jerked her head up and continued after the slight pause. "Because, it's important all of you know this." she spoke to all of them now. "I'd still prefer Yukihana be our destination... but I will not object to Caelum."

[Zetaark]

Looking through the journal, Ecquis was...quite honestly not sure what to think of what he was reading. Going past the parts in regards to the prison, his descriptions of the weapons he...'experienced' were rather detailed. Going through towards the end of it, he noticed Klaren's...very detailed section on Meredith. On one hand, it looks like he respected her quite a bit, but on the other...

"This is...quite an interesting journal. This is volume 119 you said? Does that mean you have 118 other journals like this somehwere?" he had to ask, though frankly he was scared to know the answer.

[Sutoratosu]

"..." She didn't respond to the last part. It wasn't so much her being taken aback by the implications... as it was the fact she'd simply hoped it wouldn't be noticed at all. Yes, you're right... I do know. Better than most. But well... I wish I could just let it be in the past, meredith. But I can't... I'm not like you... whatever you might've done. At least you can probably try to atone for whatever it was... me though? It always comes back after me. There's no making up for everything that's happened, everyone who's gone now... you can't atone for being cursed. Regardless what I do, what I try, how much blood and sweat and tears I shed over them...they're always taken.

She let her gaze slowly drift the others, lingering over each of them in turn... even that blasted Klaren. I just hope that come whatever may, this all just ends soon and I can get away before I that same fate on you all as well...no one else should ever have to die because of whatever condemnation follows my every step. Except the king... and all his little cohorts...

[Bfroger6]

"Mhm~" Klaren smiled earnestly. He seemed excited that Equis liked it. Honestly, he was sort of worried he would have reacted the same as his father did when he showed him volume 58, but those doubts seemed to have been unfounded. "The one you're holding is fairly new, so there's not much inside. But if you'd like to see more, I have several of my favourite copies with myself here! Ooooh, maybe I should write about them in my journal next, since they're my favourites~" He happily continued as he began shuffling through his robes by his magic tome, looking for the small journals. "Let's see... volume 17, 31, 78 and 90. Where could they be hiding~?"

He waved at Mayanna in the meantime when he felt her gaze graze him.

[Stalkerkain]

Rosalvya smiled a little at Klaren's antics. Given the somber revelation, she was glad there were some in her band who managed to retain some cheer. However, her smile soon disappeared, as she directed her attention back to Meredith.

"Thank you. The past is the past. I can only move forward. I will not forget it, but I will not let it weigh my steps. I hope you know this as well..."

She was glad to hear this from Meredith. Being haunted by one's past only led to stagnation and regret. Her next actions would only be a formality.

"Then one last question for you. Answer me, Meredith. Who are you?" Rosalvya asked. Such a vague question was bound to lead to confusion, but Rosalvya remained serious. "Are you still Meredith The Undying, former soldier of Dragao? If so, then I have no qualms about striking you down here. I do not know, nor care for what you've done in the past, but what I do what to know now, is where your loyalties lie," she said, placing her hand over her sword. Rosalvya hoped Meredith wouldn't fight back. She had no idea if she had a winning chance against a veteran soldier. "Or are you Meredith of the Misguided Children, one who seeks to free Dragao?"

Edited September 14, 2016 by Stalkerkain

[Marcello]

Terrin had stayed more or less silent during the discussion of where to head, listening to what everyone had to say before finally speaking up.
"It seems most of us are pretty set on Caelum, then." The mage remarked with a small sigh. "I should be able to help us if and when we deal with any lesser noble families. I'm not the most well-liked noble in Caelum, but people trust me. They trust my family, my mother. If nothing else, I should be able to get us audiences with anyone we need, I would hope. We may only be one of the lesser noble families, but there was a time my mother was famed as the the most beautiful woman in Caelum and... Well, I have a lot of siblings. We're a very large family." Terrin just shook his head and cringed at the general implications of what he had been saying, folding his arms a bit as he began pacing around.
"My brothers and sisters don't much like me, but they're all good men and women, if we can get in contact with any of them, they'd likely be willing to offer whatever aid they can. The nobility of Caelum can be prickly, and difficult to deal with, but if Saffron was able to convince the Misguided Children with her passion and honesty, I think we could make many allies in the same way." Terrin explained reassuringly. He was, in truth, a little nervous about the possibility of reuniting with his family. The siblings who had no love for him but trusted and would protect him almost unconditionally, the mother who adored him but was shrewd and practical enough that getting her to throw her weight behind Saffron would be a far greater task. Even some old friends and acquaintances of Terrin's could easily be met. And while he had hoped to not meet all these people again for a while yet if his connections and name could help their cause, he was glad to do so.

[Zetaark]

"As much as I would like to, it seems that Luka has been glancing this way. Perhaps he wants to talk to you?" Ecquis notes, trying to get out of the situation he was currently headed in. He may be curious, but even that has limits. At any rate, Ecquis looked over to Rosa and Meredith, curious to see what Meredith's response would end up being.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

" "The Undying." " Meredith removed herself from Maya embrace as gently as possible before when went to Rosa. " I am The Undying. " She removed a sword from her own person and shoved the handle in Rosa's hand. Se placed the blade square on her chest, not even holding her lance in her hand. The tip of the blade rested right over her heart. She had placed it here, on purpose. She could feel it beating. Not panicked... not even a bit. She spoke calm and serene, as if the blade wasn't even there.

"However, I was never Roswell's Soldier. I joined the army in the last few years we knew peace. Under the rule of Brandon. For the majority of my soldiering life there were no wars. What happened, The reason I am known as "The Undying"... is why I oppose Roswell's rule. While "The Undying" may be a name that the army created to tote my misdeeds as a triumph to their ranks, the example of a hero, a good soldier... I was never that "Undying". My heart is in the right place. Dragao's army... knew nothing about what happened that day. The things I truly saw... if they did... they'd know I was no true hero. Though.... in their sick twisted minds... they'd probably still call me one all the same. The thought disgusts me."

She took a deep breath. "The Misguided Children are the cause I fight for. If you don't believe me... Kill me with the sword I gave you. I won't stop you. If you do believe me. Keep it."

[Bfroger6]

"Oh, oh, Lou's been glancing here?" Klaren burst out, turning his head around to try and catch a glimpse of the dancer giving him 'the look'. When Klaren saw the guy, he didn't seem to be looking over... Slightly confused, the monk turned back to Equis, only to find that he'd gone over to Rosalyva and Meredith. "Aww. Well, I'll show them to him some other day, then. I gotta take care of Lou first!"

Klaren waved at Luka. "Hey, Lou! Heey!"

[Stalkerkain]

"Is that so," Rosalvya said coldly, as she winded back the sword and swung. A flash of steel passed by, a little too quickly for the untrained eye to see, followed by a gentle breeze to accompany her swing. In another fluid motion, she sheathed the sword given to her and belted it at her waist. One might have thought Rosalvya had actually cut Meredith, but she had only swung at the air in front of her. "To me, The Undying does not stand before me any longer. I accept your determination, and you, as Meredith. One of my allies."

With nothing more to say to Meredith, Rosalvya nodded in acknowledgement, and extended her hand in a welcoming gesture.

[Zetaark]

Ecquis was relieved to see that Rosa and Meredith were able to handle this little issue. In all honesty, he had expected this to go very differently. No matter, so long as everyone has worked it all out, it's fine, he thought idly. With that issue dealt with, there was one last matter that had to be settled.

"So then, where is it that we all want to go, Caelum, or Yukihana?" he asks everyone around.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The woman didn't even flinch at the moving of the blade. She was ready for with option. She'd not be remiss with either. Not to mention she had plenty a blade swing her by over the years. It was old hat being at the end of one. She didn't say anything and only accepted the handshake that had been offered. A silent moment between the two warriors, one that words need not impede.