Fire Emblem on the Forums: Sea of Crossroads [IC]

[rokubiraijuu]

Introductions, here? He straightens up with the bundle of things in his arms again, looking down, then back up. "Um, Idei," he replies. "You're . . . very talented with magic. I didn't get to thank you during the fight." With just them and the shaman defending the soldiers coming from the rear of the house, it had been a little hectic, but her skill with tomes had made those soldiers seem like nothing at all.

Edited May 10, 2017 by rokubiraijuu

[Zetaark]

"You handled yourself quite well also. I must admit that I rarely get to see much in the way of trained archers, so it was an interesting experience. Anywho..." Helena looks to see the various materials Idei had collected. "Do you make your own saddles for your horse?"

[InnocentSerenity]

“Oh, man!” Karik lied down on the floor boards after his roll, his heart beating faster from the fall. “No wonder she loved doing this.” The pirate raised himself into a seated position, looking over his clothes. His cloak seemed to still be in decent enough shape, all the tears having always been on it. His light armor also seemed to be in decent shape. Glad to see his clothes in good shape, he nearly climbed back up again before seeing the familiar wyvern.

“Oh, Myrdwyn.” Despite their rather regretful first meeting, he felt now would be a better time. Getting back onto his feet, steady on the rocking boat, he made his way towards the Wyvern Rider. “What are ye doin’ with yer dragon?”

[rokubiraijuu]

Didn't get to see much -- ?  "Yes," he replies, more curious about her words. "Veritian saddles are not fit for the backs of Arcadian horses, so I have to make my own." His brow furrows then as he addresses her earlier remark. "Are there no archers where you come from?" Even the ordinary Veritian army trains bowmen, so he can't imagine how she claims that they're so uncommon.

[Aurorix]

"Well I can't speak for everyone but as for myself I see you as our leader. But that's all I see at the moment, which is why I came over. I figured I'd learn about the man behind the leader and I'd say I'm doing a pretty decent job so far. I've learned you like starring into the ocean and don't much care for drinking. But what's with that question all of a sudden? Something on your mind?"

[Zetaark]

"Alios, the island I'm from, is primarily just a gathering places for mages. The Tetrodon Magic Institute is there, and its one of the largest mage schools in the region along with the one in Versidia. As such, those who practice disciplines of the sword or bow aren't as common. Though I did hear rumors about people using magic with bows, but I've personally never gotten to see it."

 

--------------------------------------

"Well...have you ever had the feeling that no matter what you do, you manage to screw things up? In my case, its more present in combat. I never feel like I'm fast or capable enough to make a difference and it frustrates me. As your captain, I should at the very least be somewhat reliable in a fight. Yet sometimes it just feels like I slow you all down," Madante sighs, unsure on how to continue.

[Aurorix]

Belros puts his left hand on Madante's left shoulder,  "Madante, Madante, Madante, no matter what you've done recently that you may have screwed up it's not that bad. Trust me, I've screwed up way worse in the past then any that has happened to you as of late but I keep pushing forward. Heh, heh, heh" He pauses for a moment.  "Say, if it's keeping up that's the problem I could help you train. Not to brag but I think I'm the lightest on my feet out of anyone else here. I'm sure after a couple of days you'll be passing everyone in no time! Though we did get those speedwings from the Romani's as well, I don't need it and I don't think anyone else in the group will mind if you take them. That is, if you wanna take the easy route."

[Zetaark]

"Hrm, to be honest, I don't even know how this thing works. I've never actually heard much about speedwings before, much less come into possession of one. Though, if you're offering to train me, I'll accept. Then maybe the both of us will screw up less. Wouldn't that be something," Madante chuckles before stretching out a bit.

[Aurorix]

"Heh, good choice sir, good choice." Belros spoke cracking his knuckles.  "Let's head away from the railing, don't want one of us falling overboard." Drawing his scimitar he heads into the middle of the ship. He points the blade at his commanding officer. "Alright, take your place and we'll start when you're ready!"

 

[Chevaleresse]

1 hour ago, InnocentSerenity said:

 

“Oh, Myrdwyn.” Despite their rather regretful first meeting, he felt now would be a better time. Getting back onto his feet, steady on the rocking boat, he made his way towards the Wyvern Rider. “What are ye doin’ with yer dragon?”

"Ecquis here's actually a wyvern, not a dragon. I know people like ta call 'em both dragons but there's lots of differences. For one, he ain't much of a conversationalist. Anyway, I'm just checkin' him to make sure he got outta the last battle okay. He can't exactly tell us if he's got a hole poked in him or somethin'. Also takin' his saddle off."

 

"Now hold still, you useless goddamn ball of scales. No, no, don't put your wing down. . ." No injuries seemed to be in evidence as the wyvern settled downward, evidently tiring of his rider's ministrations. 

 

[Zetaark]

"In that case, allow me to try out this new weapon," Madante readies himself with the light brand in hand.

 

Spoiler

 

(Madante is getting his weight on)

(Belros will attack twice)

 

Madante:

Attack: 22

Hit: 62%

Crit: 0%

 

Belros:

Attack: 9

Hit: 87%

Crit: 19%

 

Madante's Attack: 89, miss.

 

Belros' Attack 1: 91, miss.

 

Belros' Attack 2: 24, hit!

Madante takes 9 damage!

 

Round 2

 

Madante's Attack: 34, hit!

Madante defeats Belros with 22 damage!

 

In what turned out to be a somewhat quick duel, Madante and Belros missed each other with their first strikes, though Belros was quick enough to get in a second hit. Sadly, Belros' speed did not solve his weakness towards magic, as Madante's empowered strike takes him down in an instant.

 

"Well then. I didn't expect one swing to knock you out like that. Are you alright?" Madante asks, holding his hand out for Belros.

 

 

[Aurorix]

"N-no, I'm fine. It's just magic and I don't mix well together." Belros said taking Madante's hand and pulling himself up.  "Well, what you lack in speed you make up for in power, or maybe I'm just too weak or both. Heh heh heh..." Belros laughed wryly.  "I guess things never change huh..."

[InnocentSerenity]

Karik walked around the wyvern, getting closer to its head. “Guess I wasn’t exactly that right about yer owner when I met ya. She certainly cares a lot 'bout ya.” Karik attempted to pet the rather imposing creature’s head. Karik covered his mouth with his other hand as he mumbled to himself. Though, her temper ain't exactly that charming.”

 

“Yers would probably be the first wyvern I met, though.” Karik turned his head back over to the girl he beat in height. ”See quite a few more pegasus riders out at sea, traveling between islands. Wyvern riders aren't too often of a sight. Where’d ya get him?”

[Zetaark]

"Truthfully, I can't say that I'm too terribly strong. Still though, my speed in battle leaves a lot to be desired, and my aim isn't all that great. Even managing a hit onto you wasn't all that easy. Don't sell yourself short, you're plenty useful in combat where push comes to shove. So then, what shall we do next?"

[Aurorix]

"Actually now that I think about it I have something I need to tell you seeing as you are the commanding officer and all..." He glanced around checking to see if anyone's around, just in case.  "Preferably I want this to be private, so could you keep what I'm about to tell you between us?"

[Zetaark]

"Of course. That's fine with me."

[Aurorix]

"Look, we're heading to Z'ark right? My reputation there isn't the best, mainly because that's where the Silver Raven's main base is located. Seeing as how the guild tried to have me killed last time we met things may get worse if I'm seen affiliating with all you guys. So, I was thinking about separating myself from the group for a bit, or at least I don't want the others getting hurt because of me. I've already made some of them anger, and I wouldn't be surprised if most of them are suspicious of me because of my background. I'd feel guilt beyond measure if something did happen. I wanted to tell you this because you're the commander and the person I trust the most out of anyone here. I'll make sure to stay with the group but keeping my distance while we're here maybe best for everyone." He made sure to speak soft enough for Madante to hear clearly while making sure no one else was eavesdropping.

[Sutoratosu]

The flock continued flying overhead, apparently unnoticed despite their nature. Not that it bothered Cadence much, if no one noticed, that meant no one would come asking questions, and if no one came with questions, she'd not have to break out of the trance. It truly was amazing, being able to see things from a bird's eye view, even now she could've spotted the captain kicking the everloving shit out of the rogue, and Karik and the wyvern rider from earlier chatting. Definitely, it would prove a useful skill to have in the future, if she could refine it even more...

     Just as she was about to end the exercise however, there came the clapping of idle hands, not but a few feet away. Cade's eyes snapped open immediately, yet found nothing and no one to explain it. Only the even laugh of a woman's voice as she got to her feet.

"Who's there? show yourself!" she demanded. Only then did she feel the presence that had taken over the area- choking, crushing... much like the one she had felt earlier as Rayne worked on the coat. The one that had silenced the Anima for her...

 

The laughter only continued though. Holding her hand out, a strong gale blew in from the sea, picking up the Rapier from the floor and firmly planting it in the girl's hand, and in an instant, she held it at the ready, still scanning the area. The anima chattered nervously all the while- all the more sign to Cadence that something was wrong.

"I'm not going to ask again!"

Spoiler

 

"Now now, child, no need to be so... hasty," the laughter died, as the voice finally spoke from behind her. A chill ran down Cade's back, as she turned around yet found nothing there "Ah, youth. Ever so talented, ever so headstrong, why you almost remind me of myself, at that age. I've been watching you for a very long while, you see, ever since you first began speaking to spirits, I knew there was something special about you..."

"Who are you?" The rapier was still at the ready, despite the fact she had no physical target or even knew where the words were coming from.

"A friend, my dear," the voice resonated with an almost honeyed quality, as Cadence found her arm lowering the blade of it's own accord, "relax now, there's no need for all the hostility- I just felt it time I finally said hello is all. It's only right, considering how long I've looked on from afar. From the moment you were born to the moment you watched your own father fall, I've seen it all. I understand how you must feel. All the anger, the grief, fear, I can see it in you. But unlike so many others, you also understand power- you don't let them overtake you, instead you've been using them as your strength... your focusing medium. Impressive, I must say, not even most mages would be able to so deftly control spirits without anything whatsoever to help, and yet..."

"Yet what? And you never answered my question- I want a name...and I want to know what you are. How've you been watching me as long as you claim, unless..."

"Indeed young Cadence. It's easy to be a fly on the wall, when you've got all eternity to sit back and watch. And of course, what poor manners. I suppose I do owe you an introduction- My name is Mara. Mara Sidow. Believe it or not, we may share more in common than you think. They never told you the family history did they? Who founded the house, when they did, how everything began? Gah, typical, not one of them appreciates their roots apparently, such a shame..."

The anima were going absolutely wild in trepidation at the woman's prescence, yet with her honeyed tones and what she'd said thus far, Cadence could not help but find her curiosity beginning to take over... just what did she mean 'family history'? "N-no... I never heard much about who started things, growing up... why?"

"Oh my dear child, you've so much to learn then. I think you'll understand soon though... now, where to begin. Hmmmm..."

 

[rokubiraijuu]

"Alios?" Tetradon Magic Institute? He shakes his head slightly, stepping out into the open deck of the ship and moving over to a corner to set his things down -- carrying them while standing there talking had started to make his arms ache. "I'm sorry . . . I'm still new to the world outside of the sands." Prior to a few years ago, he hadn't even known what existed outside of the desert tribes. The thought of it fills him with a strange combination of inferiority and reluctance. "Did something happen there for you to leave?"

[Zetaark]

"I see. I understand your concern, though it does leave me with some questions. If your former guild was stationed at Z'Ark, why would they go to Kabumu? Wouldn't he try coming here? At any rate, if you're going to distance yourself, at the very least try and get any information you can if possible. I may also ask around a bit, if it's alright with you," Madante says.

 

--------------------------------

"Oh, is that right? Well, from one traveler to another, how is the world?" Helena laughs before continuing. "I left Alios in order to do some general magic research. It's one of the last tasks I have before I graduate from the institute. Don't worry about not knowing much of the outside world, it happens to more than just people who live as nomads. It's really just a matter of whether you decide to venture out into the world or not. Personally, I'm glad I did, since I got to meet some rather interesting people. What about you, are you happy you went out to see the world?

 

[Sutoratosu]

"You see, before there was ever a house albus..."

"There was a far older clan, an eclectic order known as The Sidow..." With every word, the phantom seemed to materialize ever more in the shimmering air before Cadence. The Anima were practically shrieking, setting up the shining barrier they'd so seldom used up till then, just as the woman finally took form.

"Mages, warriors, outcasts, a few nobles, people from all different walks of life, who studied the Dark Arts in secret after the fall of the summoners so many years ago. Some members found their own way into the order's arms, but after a while, it came to be that most were born into it, took up the endeavors of their parents as they kept both the fronts they had maintained in everyday life and their research-"

"Wait, dark arts? Then that explains why the Anima is so damn terrified of you... what did-"

"Yes yes, I'm getting to that. And pay those little nature spirits no mind, like so many others in this world, they cannot understand that there is no inherent good or evil in anything... now where was I? Ah, yes... anyhoo, those who were apart of the Order were seekers of change, you see. Changing the world, themselves, their lives, who simply found that all other avenues to achieving such change were cut off for one reason or another. Men and women who wanted justice for some tragedy, or a cure for their child's malady that the priests they had put so much faith into could do nothing to stop, or perhaps even a way to reverse a life of harsh misfortune and suffering they'd known up till then.

     Whatever their reasons, one thing always remained the same- the dark arts gave power to those who formerly had none in the world. Despite what many would have labeled us if they had known of our existence, most of us were far from the vile, base caricatures that had sprung up around the idea of dark magic after the Demon and his servants were dead and gone. And those who weren't, well... more oft than not, they set their own demises into motion, with the rest of us only having to give... a little push every now and again."

"O...kay then. So wait, what happened to the rest of you? The way you keep talking, it's almost like this order of yours doesn't exist-"

"Hmph. Smart girl, very smart. You're indeed right, it doesn't exist anymore, at least not as it originally was. Who knows, some perverted form of it may have lingered throughout all these centuries, but... that's neither here nor there. The important I'm getting to is why the Sidow fell. We had endured for decades without any issue, but eventually, things began to unravel as loyalties were challenged. There was a young man, a fine member of the order, the son of it's head, in fact. For years, he had worked on the Magnum Opus alongside his mother- a way... to make the binds of death a mere fantasy.

      A way to give a chance back to those who had life stolen from them, to reverse the injustice of time, and in some cases, stop it entirely. Imagine a world where innocent people could no longer have their lives stolen by bandits and pirates and rogues. A world where conflict and war was pointless, because death was only ever a temporary setback, if one at all, and people strived to understand and compromise with each other out of simple necessity since bloodshed would get them nowhere. A world where children stolen by disease and tragedy could have that fate nullified and reversed...

      That, my dear Cadence, was precisely the type of world I sought to create, the world I dedicated my entire life to making real... as had my son, Julius. But alas, it was not meant to be, I'm afraid, for you yourself have already seen so much of death, taken life with your own hands, and all at such a young age. A shame, really. Had Julius Sidow not have betrayed our order and allowed himself to be seduced by the honeyed words and infuriatingly self-righteous hogwash of those warriors of the church, then you and many others would've never had to spill blood as a means to an end. Your hands could've been clean. Your friends hands as well- especially, the boy, Karik was it? But as I said... it was not to be. 

      Once my own, only living son had led them to our sanctuary, that was the end of the Sidow Order. We fought to defend ourselves, of course, but those mindless lapdogs of the church had both the advantage of stronger numbers and all the knowledge I'd instilled in Julius over the years. And when the deed was done and our home burned, do you know what happened? The warriors of the church forgave Julius of what they had claimed to be 'his vices and sins within a foul Order' and gave him a gods damned title of nobility and land to boot. Even his name, he cast aside, and took up one that was spoon fed to his lips- Albus. 

      Yes... House Albus. A family built on treachery and murder, right from its very beginning. But this travesty did not end there Cadence, I know you have seen it first hand in your own mother. Once Julius had submitted to the Church's Masters, he became like a savage dog, siccing and tearing wherever they ordered, whomever they ordered, regardless of their guilt or innocence of the offenses they accused them of. A militarized, unquestioning enforcer, whose hands were ever drenched in blood afterwards. A heathen who turned his back on everything he and I had stood for, all we had dreamed of. And so too did his descendants follow in those footsteps." 

"Then... everything... I've been thinking about home up till now..."

"It's all true, Cadence. The Albus household is made up of blindly loyal deathdealers, a blight upon the world and an utter mockery of the goals Julius and I had once pursued. But that's why I'm here now, child. For, you realized all of this on your own, saw the rest of those in your bloodline for what they'd truly become... just as your father before you had...poor, poor Ramza, I had hoped he would be a bit more... discreet about things, but-"

"Wait, you? You were the voice speaking to my father, the one who gave him so many warnings about-"

"Aye, Cadence. No one else but me. Your father though, he was so torn by it all... in order to set things to rights, he would've had to turn against your mother and grandfather, and alas, it seems the title "The Stargazer" was all too fitting to him. Never before did I see a man so utterly hesitant to take proper action- but... perhaps that only spoke to how much he cared. I think that in the end however, when your mother overheard your discussion, he finally came to understand things. I just regret that it took his own wife driving a blade through him before he finally did.

      But... some good did come out of all that mess. He used the last of his strength to protect you... and I did what I could to get you away as well. For once he had fallen... you were the only one who might have had the heart to change things. The last one I could come to now... do you... understand where I'm going?"

"..." It troubled her to admit it, but, she had ever since the woman had touched upon the treachery of the founder. Still, it took no shortage of willpower to finally make the words leave her lips, as she sighed at the grim conclusion.

"I'm afraid I do..."

"House Albus has to be destroyed, along with everyone in it, is that it? Kill them all and put an end to whatever threat they posed and you warned my father of..."

"Well... yes, and no. It... brings me no pleasure to have to advocate the fate of death. Killing all of them... I think that would be rather uncalled for at best, and a gratuitously cruel punishment at worst. You could likely talk reason into your sisters, if you tried hard enough, turn them away from the path that Julius set all his other descendants on... well, most of them you probably could.

     Your mother and Regis though... I don't think there's any real way to avoid a bloody conflict there. Both of them are far too indoctrinated in the service of the Church Masters to realistically be broken out of it. Ironically though, Ramza may have already set into motion what could well lead to Lucretia's downfall. Regis however... he remains an issue, regardless of the outcome of that. A very big issue... one that as you are now, you lack the power to even hope to survive. It would be like an Ant trying to overcome a Lion...but if you truly wish to put things to rights Cadence, truly stand by what you've already realized about the family name, then... you must develop that strength to defeat a living legend."

"Then... my sisters, they don't have to... yeah, yeah, I think... I could agree to that... Mother and...Regis though," She thought about it, just for a moment. what had she meant that her mother's downfall could already be in the works? Even more, was it even possible for her to ever hope to defeat Grandfather in single combat? Hells, she and her sisters had known the man literally all their lives, and not once during that time had any of them really seen him give a demonstration of his full might... but the portions he had shown had been utterly frightening regardless. "I...."

Quote

"Please, remember what I always told you... Even when it seems to be the harshest, you can't simply give in. You've too much will for them to ever suppress you, it has always been that way... by giving up, you lose far more than if you press on......I'm not asking merely for yourself... remember the book, my dear. Remember that evil only wins, when good men do nothing. Or wait too long to even try. Make not the same mistakes I did... please, for more than just your own sake"

Even now, her father's words echoed through her mind. Taking a breath, she braced herself. It was... as he said she supposed. 

"This power you speak of..."

"Can it be taught?"

"Not by an Albus, no. Luckily though, I am no Albus. Come, we've much to discuss...and you've much to learn."

 

 

 

[Anstane]

 

Darius stared out into the wide blue sea over the railing of the ship, on the opposite side of Madante. He had no desire to partake in sampling the wines as his mind was focused on figuring out a few things, chief among which: Why did the spirits suddenly gain such a vested interest in him? Not only the displays of power, but the spirits just felt...easier to command, almost like they want to be commanded. Why, though? These thoughts swirl in his mind as he looks out into the sea, a look of confusion and worry on his face.

[Aurorix]

"It's probably Rico's doing, he's plotting something and he's using the people in the guild as pawns."

 

"Also, I'm way ahead of you on information gathering but you can do you're own research as well." He was a bit hesitant on the last part but oh well. He can't stop them from looking into things while they're there so might as well let it happen naturally.  "Anyways, lets relax while can. I myself want to try at least a glass of that wine and you should come too. But if you'd rather not that's fine, though I'll be very sad if you didn't join me for at least a glass."

[Anstane]

 

As Darius was gazing out over the ocean, he was able to hear Helena speaking to someone. He snapped to attention and looked over in her direction and saw her talking to the nomad. Having nothing better to do but a desire to keep his mind occupied, he walked over to them and joined in on the conversation.

 

"Hey, guys. It was quite a battle that we just came away from, huh...good job there, both of you." he spoke out, not really knowing a good way to initiate a conversation.

[rokubiraijuu]

A final task . . . he nods -- it must be like a coming-of-age ritual of some kind. He thinks about what she says; so she's glad to see the world, then? If he'd had a choice, he never would have left the sands, would have spent his entire life there like his parents and his parents' parents. What has brought him here, where he's so out of place? After giving her question serious consideration, he opens his mouth to answer --

 

Only for the arrival of the shaman to catch him off guard, and he quickly closes it again. He recalls from the battle that these two are already friendly with each other; as two magic users, he's not too surprised. "You too," he replies with a nod. "I know little of magic, so fighting alongside you both was . . . a new experience."