Notes:

So after a few years I've decided to get back into creative writing. That means this story will be far from perfect and I would love to hear some feedback.

Shonen-ai warning. The paring is Wil/Rath. If you don't like guys falling in love with each other then you may not want to read this story.

I don't own Fire Emblem or any of its characters.

Chapter One:
The Mysterious Rider

A small gust can yield a storm of change.

It was a breezy afternoon. After a laborious journey Lyndis's Legion arrived in Araphen. The city was bursting with life. Townspeople haggled with crafty merchants, artisans made magnificent weapons, radical preachers proclaimed their beliefs, and young children ran amuck through the streets.

"You may want to pay more attention," said a mysterious voice. Wil turned around and only saw cloth salesman.

"Boo!" Wil yelped. He frantically drew his bow only to realize there was no imminent danger. His face flushed with a deep crimson. Two small children laughed at him.

"Come on Wil," another voice shouted. This time it was Mark, the tactician. "We're going to meet Marquess Araphen. We can't have you lollygagging in the city like this."

"S-Sorry. I just got a bit sidetracked." Wil and Mark hurried to catch up with the rest of the group. They found everyone near the side entrance of Castle Araphen.

"There you are Wil," greeted Kent. "Next time don't go wandering off."

"Oh Kent, don't be so serious," Sain interjected. "I bet Wil was enamored by the lustrous women roaming–"

But Sain was cut short when Kent elbowed him in the stomach. Wil ignored their bickering and focused his attentions on Castle Araphen. The exterior walls were lavishly decorated with tapestries and paintings. Wil had heard rumors that Marquess Araphen employed mages to magically imbue the walls with great art. Too bad that money wasn't spent on the poor, thought Wil.

Suddenly, the castle was set aflame and assassins appeared out of nowhere.

"Prepare to die!" A swordsman lunged at Lyn and almost struck a mortal blow. If the Sacaean was a few inches closer her head would have came right off. Suddenly, an arrow sailed through the air and pierced the assassin's heart.

Wil looked over and saw a tall figure on a beautiful horse. The man wore an intricate bandana and was clearly from the Plains of Sacae. He invoked a feeling in Wil that was difficult to describe. It was like….

"Wil! Get your butt over here. We need to survey the area and protect the beautiful Lady Lyndis." Sain's commands snapped Wil back to reality. He quickly took out his bow and clumsily got on the back of Sain's horse. It never ceased to amaze him that Sain had the capacity to be serious. They rode around the area for a couple of minutes. No assassins or bandits were found.

"Is the perimeter clear?" Mark asked when Wil and Sain returned.

"Yup," Wil responded.

"Very good." Mark turned his attention toward the entire group. "Ok, here's what's going to happen. Lundgren's men are attacking the castle and we need to kick the crap outta them. Kent I need you…." Wil sighed as the typical battle preparations began. Mark would bark out orders, Kent would disagree with Mark, they would fight like a married couple, and Lyn would finally interject with a compromise.

"Ok, it's settled then," said Lyn. "Wil, why don't you and Rath head north? You two can make sure all the villages are safe."

Wil eagerly agreed. He loved exploring villages. It was an excellent opportunity for him to meet new people and find rare artifacts. However, there was something odd about Lyn's command. She mentioned someone named Rath. Who was he?

"That sounds like a fine plan Lyn of Lorca," the horseman said. "May there be a thousand curses upon our enemy."

Wil was so excited he started laugh. He knew Kent would scold him later for not taking the battle seriously but Wil could not help himself. He would get to explore the villages and travel with the mysterious man who saved Lyn's life.

The pair left the others as the battle began. At first Wil was poised, ready for anyone to jump out and attack. He began to relax when he saw no enemies in sight.

He turned to Rath. "Hiya Rath! My name's Wil. I'm an archer just like you. Where're you from? I'm from Pherae…."

Wil was so caught up in conversation he failed to notice Rath's expression. The Sacaean plainsman was ignoring him the entire time. Rath had no desire to hear the noise that came out of Wil's mouth. Rath was disappointed that he was not fighting with Lyn.

"…archery is fun though sometimes I wish I learned how to use magic. Have you ever wanted to try magic?"

"No," Rath responded coldly.

"You're not really much of a talker are you?"
"No, I'm not."

"How about I shut up for a bit and let you say something?"

Poor Wil did not know that Rath wanted him to shut up for an eternity. Usually, Rath did not mind the company of others but Wil was too much. Rath nearly smiled when he got an idea to escape from the talkative archer.

"I'm sorry but I must take my leave," Rath said carefully. "I need to help open the secret passage to the castle."
"Okie dokie!" Wil chirped. "Don't get killed."

Wil watched the Sacaean as he quickly rode away. He suddenly felt alone. Although Rath hardly spoke Wil enjoyed his presence.

"Hey you, archer boy," a pink haired thief approached Wil from a nearby house. Wil ignored him but the thief persisted. "I'm talking to you Mr. Archer,"

"Oh hello. Sorry, I didn't think you were talking to me. My names Wil! I'm fighting with Lyndis's Legion against assassins from Caelin coming to kill Lyn."

"Yes, yes, I've been watching," the thief replied. "You're side looks like the one that'll win."

"I sure hope so!"

"Yes, that's all good." The thief's tone became more business-like. "I'll tell you what Wil, if you buy my services I'll fight on your side."

"Sure! That sounds great! I'll take you back to meet Mark and Lyn. It's so great to have a new addition to Lyndis's Legion."

Wil and his new companion made their way back toward Castle Araphen. By now, the door to the castle's great hall was open. Wil found Mark giving Erk instructions.

"Ok, so you will attack that guard with the Flammas spell from your fire tomb. Now for the love of gods, make sure you remember to dodge the lance."

Erk was about to curse the tactician when Wil shouted, "Hey Mark! We have a new companion!"

"Who are you?" Mark asked the thief. Matthew introduced himself and his abilities. "Ok great. I need you to go open these chests for us. We might as well steal treasure from our enemies."

By dusk the battle was over. Marquess Araphen had rescinded his offer to aid Lyn. She and her companions left Araphen only to be pursued by Rath.

"Rath? What is it? Are you alright?" Lyn bombarded the nomad with questions.

"I overheard the Marquess talking to himself. He arrogantly denounced the people of Sacae. Lyn of the Lorca, will you accept my strength?"

"Yes Rath. We'd love to have you come along!"

"Thanks. I enj–"

"Are you really coming Rath?" Wil rushed from the tents and enthusiastically interrupted the conversation. "This will be great!"

"…yes," Rath responded.

Lyn giggled. "You'll like Wil, Rath. He's fun to be around."

"…I see."

"Well, I'm heading back to camp," said Lyn. "Mark and Kent are strategizing. I need to make sure there aren't any casualties."

Wil happily chatted away as Rath watched the sunset. The nomad was glad he left the awful Marquess Araphen to fight alongside Lyn. However, he was not sure how much of Wil he would be able to take.


(Possibly) Humorous Endnote:

"Oh gee," says the author in a sarcastic manner. "It's been an entire chapter and Rath doesn't like Wil at all. Weren't they supposed to kiss by now?":-P