Authors note: Greetings all. This is my first attempt at a Fan Fic. Been playing FE for as long as I can remember. Just recently got into reading fan fictions and I have found all the different Ideas quite engaging. I am keeping this Fic as close to the universal timeline as I can. This Fic will have most of the major plot points, those those will be altered. Everything else Lots of AU.
That said, this is my first Fic, so If anyone has any constructive criticism, ideas or see plot holes, hit me with em. If your just gonna hate to hate; Mass Effect/Naruto forums are - that way. Anywho, hit me with reviews if you feel up to it, this story is just getting started.
Rating the Entire thing as M to be safe.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything Fire Emblem. The only things I do own are my own OC's and a broken 3DS (Sobs)
June 10th, year 2168 A.G.D (After Grimas Death)
Ylisstol, Capital of Yliss
Market District
"Chrom, wait up!" Emmeryn shook her head in exasperation as she watched her younger siblings dart from shop to shop, stall to stall as they perused the various goods on display. Her younger brother Chrom, blue hair flashing in the sunlight strode through the market, Lissa, their younger sister rushing to keep up with him. Both had their hands full of sweet breads and sweet meats that they had purchased, eating and comparing as they looked through weapon and armor stalls.
"I do not believe it is wise to just let them wander like this with no guards Highness," Frederick; Her and her siblings personal guard, commented.
"Come now Frederick, surely a little relaxation is warranted after the week those two have had," Emmeryn sighed.
"I suppose," the ever studious Knight frowned.
"Frederick the Wary," Emmeryn smiled looking at the mounted Knight next to her. He towered over her, even with her on her own mount. Frederick's blue plate armor glinted in the sun, not a speck of dust or dirt on it. His sword strapped to his back shifted as he adjusted his posture to keep track of the two said trouble makers.
"It is my duty Your Grace," Frederick's respectful tone brought a quirk to Emmeryn's lips. "I would be remiss if anything were to happen to them."
"I do not think it is possible for you to be remiss Frederick," Emmeryn laughed. "So what do you think about Chrom's idea for a specialized Militia?" she turned the topic smoothly.
"It is an interesting proposal," Frederick nodded. "The state of our military is still of much contention, and as such, our borders remain largely unprotected. The militia the prince is suggesting could be very useful in bringing security to our borders."
"Yet you have reservations," Emmeryn noted the Knights worried tone.
"The militia would have to be funded by Milord Chrom and Milady Lissa almost solely," Frederick frowned again. "The council will not approve of coin from the Treasury to fund such an endeavor."
"That is not your only worry though is it."
"No, Your Grace, it is not." Frederick shook his head. "Both the Prince and Princess will be on the frontlines of combat, away from the safety of the Palace. Not to mention, they would have to recruit for said militia. That is a large number of unknown persons that will be around them at nearly all times."
"No place is fully safe Frederick," Emmeryn's quiet tone spoke of pain. "This last attempt on Lissa IN the palace alone proves that."
Frederick flinched at her words. "I know Highness," he said just as quietly. "I just do not like to see my charges put in such danger. They are the future of Yliss, and it needs them alive and whole."
"Another reason this militia may be a good idea," Emmeryn responded. "As you yourself said, our military is sorely lacking. A good strong and loyal militia, led by none other than the Prince of Yliss will bring security and raise the country's morale."
"Yes, but…" Emmeryns raised hand cut him off.
"I understand your reservations about letting others close to them Frederick, but we cannot keep them sheltered away, not if they are going to grow into their positions. We both know Chrom brings Loyalty out of the strangest of peoples. Take a look at Vaike, or Miriel," She emphasized. "He won over their loyalty and friendship after just a few hours. Not to mention Sumia, Sully or Stahl."
"It's the quickness that he chooses to trust people that has me worried Your Grace," Frederick said as they turned their horses to follow the Prince and Princess up a boulevard of the Market district, this street specializing in bread and butcher shops.
"That is what they have you for," Emmeryn smiled at said Knight. "Did you not ensure that their companions are steadfast in their loyalties?"
"Indeed I did," Frederick nodded. "I must admit, despite their varying…eccentricities, the Prince's choice in companions has so far been impeccable."
"Then keep doing that while you guard them out in the world," Emmeryn smiled. She noted Chrom was in a discussion with one of the more well-known butcher's, comparing choice cuts.
"As you wish, Highness," Frederick's resigned sigh brought another smile to Emmeryns face.
"Hey Emm," Emmeryn looked down to see her sister standing next to her horse. "Can we make a detour to the Garden Street? I want to see if they have any new staves this week."
"Of course Lissa," she smiled down at her sister.
"Yay!" Lissa exclaimed happily, hugging Emmeryns leg before darting off to grab Chrom. "C'mon Chrom, were going to see if Chloe has that recovery staff in stock yet," she said this while pulling Chrom away from the butcher.
"Send those cuts to the palace please!" Chrom shouted to the butcher as Lissa dragged him away.
"Come, it would not do for us to lose track of them," Emmeryn laughed as she heeled her mount into a faster pace. Frederick followed next to her, her guard of Knights and Pegasus Knights around them keeping pace.
Frederick dismounted and followed Chrom and Lissa into the Stave shop that Lissa had mentioned when they reached it a little latter. A few minutes after that, Frederick and Chrom exited with Lissa, the girl waving back to the shop. "Thanks Chloe!"
"A good purchase?" Emmeryn asked her sister.
Lissa nodded. "She has not gotten that shipment of Recovery Staves yet, but she was happy to part with this Iron Stave," Lissa hugged said stave to her chest.
"What about you Chrom?"
"Quite a few good orders put in," her brother nodded. "Plenty of Iron and steel weapons and armors for the Shepherds will be delivered to the unused east wing."
"Shepherds?" Emmeryns brow rose.
"It's what we have decided to call our militia," Lissa answered. "It needs a name and this way it further distinguishes and separates us from the Ylissian military."
"An interesting name," Emmeryn mused. "With guarding the Halidom, you will have quite a flock to look after."
"Yup," Chrom nodded. "We got our work cut out for us, but this will do a lot of good for Yliss."
"See Sir Frederick, progress," Emmeryn gently teased.
Frederick only sighed again before nodding, eliciting chuckles from the three siblings. They turned from Garden Street into Market Square, heading towards the gate leading through the First wall into the Uptown district which would lead back to the Palace.
Halfway across the square a commotion in front of one of the many Jeweler shops drew Emmeryns eyes. Three men clothed in brown and black leather armor were dragging a struggling girl towards an alley.
"Frederick, stop those men," Emmeryn pointed towards the three men. Frederick's head snapped to the three, his eyes taking in the situation in a second. "Anders, Makel, with me," he commanded, wheeling his horse towards the three men, the two other Knights sprint to keep up with him. They quickly closed the distance with the men, subduing them swiftly with a few well-placed brutal blows. Emmeryn dismounted when she came to them, walking to the girl.
She noticed that the girl was shaking despite it being rather warm. The girl could not be any older then Lissa, but there the similarities ended. Her sky blue hair has dark violet streaks through it, her eyes startling brilliant golden. Her heart shaped face had no baby fat left to it, and what she could see of the girls frame through her ragged clothes showed her body had almost no meat on it.
Her blue shirt and brown trousers were both so torn she wondered how they even still sufficed as clothing. The girl's hair is matted and clumped, dirt and grime covered almost every exposed part of skin. As Emmeryn knelt down in front of the girl, she extended her right hand palm up to her.
"You're safe now," she said gently, leaving her hand extended. The girl's eyes darted from her hand to her own eyes, and she could see the fear in them. "They can't hurt you anymore."
At this, the girl looked at the three men on the ground, Frederick and the other two Knights binding their hands and preparing to drag them off. "Put them in the dungeon."
Frederick nodded at this, and led the men away. She looked back to the girl and saw her eyes were wide open, shock coloring her face. "I would like you to come with me to the Palace," she told the girl, keeping her voice soothing and gentle. "Can you do that?"
She watched as the girls eyes lost some of their fear, but wariness replaced it. "You do not have to stay if you don't want to," she told her. "I would like to get you fed and put in real clothes at the least though."
The girl glanced down at her attire, and Emmeryn saw the slight flinch. When she looked back up, Emmeryns hand was still extended. She reached out her left hand, shaking like the wind as she placed it in Emmeryns own. Emmeryn gently closed her hand around the girls, noting how fragile it felt. The girl flinched quite visibly as if she expected a blow to come with her grip.
Anger flashed through her at this but she kept it buried, kept her face and voice composed so as not to alarm the young girl. "You're safe," she whispered, only loud enough for the frightened girl to hear her. The girl's eyes snapped to her own as if seeking proof of this. After what seemed minuets, the girl launched herself into Emmeryns arms, her small frame shaking from the quite sobs.
Emmeryn stood slowly, keeping her arms around the young girl. She gently nudged the girl over to her horse, looking down at her as she looked up at the mount. The girl turned her eyes on Emmeryn as if to ask her a question.
"Would you like to ride with me," her tone, soft drew a nod from the girl. Emmeryn mounted her horse quickly, extending her hand yet again to the girl. The girl, unlike last time, quickly grabbed her hand and Emmeryn pulled her up to sit side saddle in front of her. The girl wrapped her arms around Emmeryns waist while burying her face in her chest.
"Let us return," she told Frederick when he returned from dispatching six of the Knights to escort the prisoners to their new accommodations. Chrom and Lissa stood to the left of Emmeryn both looking on the girl with quizzical expressions. "Anya," Emmeryn turned slightly to address one of her Pegasus Knights. "Return to the palace, tell Sharna to have my bath ready to go, and have her prepare the guest room off of my own readied for our guest, as well as a meal for someone who has not eaten very much in a long while."
"Yes Highness," the Knight saluted as she took her Pegasus to the air. Emmeryn noted that the girl moved her head slightly to watch the young woman fly off. When she took up the horses reins the girl turned her head back into her robes as they set off to the palace. Frederick kept his vigil sharp, as well as did the other Knights and Pegasus Knights she knew were around her.
It took them a half hour to return to the palace, and when they came to the steps leading inside the grand colonnade, they all began dismounting. She felt the girl slightly trembling against her. To help ease this, she slid out of the saddle while keeping her grip on the young girl, carrying her bridal style. Shocked at how little she weighed, she was glad that the girls face was buried in her robes so she could not see the angry scowl that quickly adorned her face.
"Lissa, you two are almost the same size, can you get a set of shirts and trousers together for her and bring them to my chambers?" Her sister nodded quickly before grabbing Chrom and darting off with him.
"Frederick, I would like to know who exactly those men are and who they are working for," she told him. Frederick nodded sharply before departing with the last three knights. Her guard captain Phila directed the other Pegasus riders to take care of the mounts as she herself accompanied Emmeryn through the palace.
"These are my rooms," Emmeryn said gently as she entered her chambers. The Head Maid Sharna stood just inside as they entered. She nodded towards the door. Sharna left the room quickly, closing the door, Phila standing on the outside guarding it. Emmeryn gently set the girl on her feet, smiling slightly as the girl took in the room. Her antechamber was decorated in soft cream colors. A large rectangular table with twelve chairs situated around in took up the center. Two sets of couches with end tables sat in the back corners.
She directed the girl to the table where a meal of what smelled like tomato soup with bread and a glass of ice cold milk sat. The girl's eyes snapped to the food and in an instant she was sitting in the chair in front of it, soaking the bread in the soup as she wolfed it down.
"Eat slowly," Emmeryn told the girl. "I doubt you have had much to eat. If you eat it too fast your stomach will hurt from it."
The girl looked up at her and nodded once before turning back to her meal. She ate much more slowly, and Emmeryn could hear small groans of delight as she enjoyed what probably was her largest meal in gods knows how long. After a short while she was finished and looked to Emmeryn for what to do next.
"Next is a bath," she nodded towards the doors behind the girl. "Come, let's get you cleaned up." The girl took her hand again as she led her into the bathing chamber. The large circular stone bath that was sunken a good four feet into the floor steamed the room up from the heat of the water. She directed the girl to get undressed and into the bath as she set one of her blue robes on a stand by the edge of the bath along with the herbal cleaning solution she used for her own hair and soap next to the stand.
As the girl took her clothes off she couldn't help but flinch at how thin the girl was. She could clearly make out her ribs as that pathetic excuse for a shirt dropped to the ground. Scars adorned her back from where she could see the girl had been whipped before. Bruises marred the girls pale skin even through the layers of dirt and grime.
The girl grabbed the soap and started scrubbing furiously at her skin to get it clean. She sat in a chair off to the side, observing the girl, making sure she was there if she needed help with anything. After about an hour, the girl stood freshly scrubbed, hair clean and gleaming. Emmeryn stood up, draping the robe around the young girl, noting that a bruise covered what appeared to be some tattoo or birth mark above her left breast, right where her heart is.
She led the girl out of the bathing chamber and through the doors at the back of the room into her bed chamber. The room was sparsely furnished. A large four poster bed sat in the middle of the back wall, windows looking out on the city on either side of the bed. To the left was a desk and chair, the desk covered with papers, workings of the kingdom. To the right was a small reading table with four chairs around it, a small stack of books on it. Against the left wall was another set of doors. She saw the yawn the girl tried to hide behind her hand as her eyes fell on the bed, the clothes she had asked Lissa to gather sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Here, these are yours," Emmeryn led her to the clothes. "You are just slightly taller than Lissa so they should fit you well," she explained. The girl shucked the robe without further instruction, putting the small clothes on before drawing the pink shirt and trousers on. She noticed now that the girl's hair was not bunched up or covered in grime; it fell to just below her knees, her bangs covering a portion of her face before stopping at the shoulders. What had looked like dark violet streaks are in fact soft pink streaks, the grime had just darkened them considerably.
Her eyes though, as she gazed on Emmeryn she noticed, were the biggest change. Gone was the fear clouding those golden orbs. Now they only reflected weariness, and Emmeryn could tell the girl was almost sleeping where she stood.
"Your room is through those doors," she gestured. "But if it would make you feel better, you can stay with me tonight," she added, seeing how the girl had tensed up.
"I don't want to be alone," the girl's voice was soft and quiet.
"Then climb in, I will only be a few moments, I need to take care of a few things," she instructed the girl. The girl nodded, her hair swishing around her as she climbed into the bed. Night was falling, stars peeking through the sky as the moons rose on the horizon. She exited her room, finding Chrom, Lissa and Frederick waiting for her in the Antechamber.
"How is she?" Lissa asked.
"Getting ready to sleep," Emmeryn responded as she closed the door behind her. "Have those….men given you anything yet Frederick?"
"Yes Your Grace," the Knight nodded. "They broke rather quickly. They work for Lord Hammond. Apparently he had the girl kidnapped last July from her guardian in Bracile."
"Wait, Bracile, wasn't that a mountain town in the south eastern mountain range?" Chrom asked.
"It was Milord," Frederick nodded. "Before tonight it was thought that Brigands had sacked the town for the silver mine it was built around. According to the prisoners," here Frederick directed her attention to a group of papers he proceeded to place in her hands, "these papers where retrieved from one of the prisoners holdings at the inn they were staying. They are signed orders from Dansel Hammond. I believe the man kept them incase leverage was needed in the future."
"Smart," Emmeryn muttered as she leafed through the various pages, her hands crumpling the pages in anger as she read them. "These are instructions to pillage and burn the town, capture the girl and deliver her to his southern estate." Her eyes flashed, rage; something she rarely let herself feel, clearly showing in them. "And these" she turned to the last pages, "are orders to recapture the girl after she escaped once she had been moved towards Ylisstol."
By this time, her hands were shaking she was so angry. "Frederick, dispatch the Knights. I want Dansel Hammond arrested. Same goes for his entire family. I want them all in irons by the morning. Have Phila take two hundred of the Pegasus Corps to his southern estate. They are to seize and search it. Have them bring back any evidence they can find."
"As you will Highness," the Knight saluted, right arm across his chest, hand slapping against his armor above his heart. He turned on his heel and strode out of the room, speaking to Phila at the door as it closed.
She turned to her siblings. "Chrom, is the east wing ready to be occupied by the Shepherds?"
"It is," he nodded. "Lissa and I have been cleaning it along with the others in the Shepherds when we have any spare time."
"You did not get the servant's to do it?" her head tilted to the right.
"Those are going to be the quarters of the Shepherds. It would be a poor undertaking if we could not keep and maintain those buildings."
Emmeryn smiled at this. Her brother was much more mature and smarter then he let others believe. "Good. I want the Shepherds moved in by the end of the week. We need you to begin your duties soon, especially if our own countrymen are doing things like….this," she emphasized, tossing the papers onto the table. She took a seat at the table; her hands rubbing at her temples to massage against the headache she knew would come from this.
"Do those papers say why Hammond wanted our guest?" Lissa asked, sitting next to her.
"No, they don't," Emmeryn sighed. "Hopefully either Frederick or Phila will find out why that man would do this."
"I know we are new, but if you need the Shepherds to assist in this matter, we stand ready sister," Chrom said, resting a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to him, seeing the steely resolve in his eyes reflected on his face.
"Thank you Chrom," she nodded. "Hopefully this will be settled before that is necessary." She stood up, moving away from the table. "I don't want to leave her alone for too long. I am turning in, I will talk to you two in the morning," she told them, making her way to her bedroom door.
"Night Emm," her siblings said in unison as they exited. She returned to her bed, seeing that the girl was asleep on her side. She changed into her own night cloths and climbed in next to the young girl. Before she could do more then wrap and arm around the young girl, she moved into her, slipping her arms around her, resting her head on her chest as she slept.
"No one will hurt you anymore little one," she whispered so as not to awaken the girl. "You are safe now." As if the girl had heard her in her sleep, the girl snuggled into her. She smiled, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep, the young girl cradled in her arms.
June 11th, year 2168 A.G.D (After Grimas Death)
Ylisstol, Capital of Yliss
Throne room, Royal Palace
"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!" The man kneeling on the ground in irons in front of the seven others shouted. Dansel Hammond looked bedraggled after spending a night in the dungeon, as did his other family members. Frederick stood to the left of the group of prisoners, his knights lining the sides along with Philas Pegasus Knights. Phila herself stood to the right of the group. In front of and to the left of the throne stood the five members of the council. To the right stood Chrom, Lissa and the other Shepherds. Emmeryn herself sat on the Exalts Throne.
"We are the nobles of House Hammond! I demand you release us at once!" The man's face was twisted in anger.
"You are responsible for the razing of Bracile, a town in the mountains of the white bay cliffs." Emmeryn interjected.
"LIES!" Hammond shouted. "You have no proof of such claims!"
"Frederick," Emmeryn simply stated. At this Frederick withdrew the papers that he got from the prisoners. "These papers Dansel Hammond come from one of the Brigands you hired to sack the town of Bracile, kidnap one of its residents, and keep her confined for nearly a year." Hammond's eyes bulged as Frederick produced the papers, which clearly showed his seal and signature.
"Also," Phila continued where Frederick left off. "We found the….chambers where you kept said girl in your southern estate. We also found the," here Phila held up a leather bound tome, "and I quote 'Instruments of divine punishment' that you used to torture said girl." Hammond gapped at this, his mouth moving but no sound emitting. "This journal also depicts your various family members that joined you in your ministrations on said girl, along with many other prisoners."
At this, Emmeryn stood up, stepping down from the throne and striding to the kneeling Hammond's. In place of her usual robe and garb, she wore light mail over a cream tunic and trousers, pauldrons bearing the raised stamp of the Exalts mark on them covering her shoulders. Light mail grieves and boots covered her legs and feet, and at her side is sheathed a silver sword.
She stopped in front of Hammond, her face set into hard lines, her eyes steely. "You murdered an entire town to kidnap one child. Three thousand, four hundred and twenty-one innocents died by your order." Her voice rang throughout the Throne room as she recited his actions. "One hundred and fifty soldiers of the Ylissian military. Three hundred foreign merchants, civilians and guards. The Brigands you hired collapsed this country's most prosperous Silver mine."
Here, Emmeryn unsheathed her blade, the silver of the sword glinting in the light filtering through the windows. Every eye in the chamber tracked its progress as she drew it, the irony of the blades metal lost on no one. "What have any of you to say for yourselves?" She demanded her voice iron.
The youngest of the group, Hammonds own daughter, twenty-four years old, looked at Emmeryn in contempt. "We did what was required of true followers of Grima!" Every head snapped to her, eyes boring into her. "The Great God demanded their deaths, and we obliged."
Emmeryn strode the few feet over to the girl, placing the swords point under her chin and forcing her head up lest the blade's edge cut into her. "Explain," that single word, so cold and hard could have frozen air.
The girl gulped at the look on the Exalts face, but Emmeryn saw her eyes steel themselves. "The lord Grima wanted that girl. He would have her if my halfwit of a father had bothered to listen."
"Why would the Grimleal want a single girl?" Emmeryns head tilted just slightly to the left.
"Good luck finding out," the young Hammond spat. "We will have her back eventually."
"The Grimleal may try for her again," Emmeryn nodded. "But you will not be there to see it." At this she swung the sword up, bringing it down and severing the woman's head from her shoulders in a single swift stroke. Blood gushed from the stump of the woman's neck, spreading around her body as its dying heart pumped out its contents, her head rolling on the floor, the eyes glazing over in death as they stared at her father. Emmeryn proceeded to the front, once again standing in front of Dansel Hammond.
"Unless you wish to join your daughter in death, I suggest you answer my questions Dansel," Emmeryn's flat tone left no question as to what would happen if he held back.
"I'll talk, I'll talk!" the man screeched, starring at the Exalt in terror.
"Good," Emmeryn smiled, and it was a cold smile. "Why do the Grimleal want this girl?"
"She is connected to Naga!" he nearly shouted. His brother, the man to his right and behind him, tried to lunge against the shackles to get to him, but they brought him up short. Frederick struck him with the end of his lance, forcing the man against the ground.
Ignoring this, Emmeryn continued the interrogation. "How so?"
Hammond glanced back at his daughters cooling body, flinching away from the sightless stare of her eyes. "We received reports of a girl that could wield the fabled Water Magic from a passing Grimleal merchant who had stayed in the town." He hastened to add. "It was confirmed after a short while. The girl is a Water Mage. I was given orders to acquire her and send her back to Plegia."
"Quite you traitorous fool!" the woman in the middle of the group, her hair nearly all grey from age, spat. "Grima will flay you for this!"
"Silence," Emmeryns voice was low, but the tone shut the woman up quickly. She looked back to Hammond and nodded for him to continue.
"The girl was with a travelling weapons merchant. We collapsed the mine so that the man would have to stay longer to get his shipment. I would have just had her grabbed, but my orders where to purge the town so there would be no chance of witnesses to her power. I was only following orders!" his voice rose at the end into a screech.
"You and your ilk are responsible for over four thousand deaths. You betrayed your country. You are a murderer and traitor." She jerked her head towards the guards, and the Knights forced the reaming six to their feet.
"Please Your Grace, show mercy!" Dansel Hammond pleaded.
"Mercy?!" Emmeryns voice flecked with anger. "You don't deserve mercy, none of you do. Take them to the gallows." She directed to the Knights and their counterparts, the Pegasus Knights. "Once they are dead, take the bodies out to the eastern ravine and burn them." Frederick nodded at this, leading the procession of struggling prisoners out.
"Phila, have our three other guests remove this body and clean up the blood. If they cannot do that, tell them they will join their employers. Once that is done, I want them exiled from Yliss. I don't care how."
"Yes, Highness," Phila salutes and leaves the Throne room.
Emmeryn turns to the councilors. "Strip the Hammond holdings of everything of value. Liquidate everything you can that is not of historical value. Everything that is, deliver it to the Royal Library for cataloguing. Bring me a comprehensive list of family's you think would be good and loyal replacements for the Hammonds. We can't let those lands languish without a Lady or Lord to run them. You are dismissed."
They nod and leave, skirting around the body and blood on the floor. Emmeryn beckons for her siblings to follow her, cleaning her sword with a cloth Chrom provides, tossing it aside into a trash bin as they retire to her quarters. Once their Emmeryn begins to strip off her armor, setting it on the table. "Opinions?"
Chrom is the first to answer. "They got what was coming to them." He shook his head as he talked. "If they had not slaughtered that town, I would have argued for exiling the lot of them."
"Lissa?" Emmeryn turned to her after setting her sheathed sword on the table.
"I agree with Chrom," the petite blond nodded. "What I am more worried about is the girl. What did Hammond mean that she is a Water Mage?"
"It's an old legend," Emmeryn sighs as she sits down. She beckons to the two to take seats. Once they do, she continues. "As you know, there are five schools of magic. Fire, Thunder and Wind make up the Anima Magic's. Light and Dark make up the Spirit Magic's. What almost no one knows is that there is a fourth Anima Magic. Water."
"Hammond made it sound like this Water Magic is powerful," Chrom said, his chin in his hand.
"According to legend it is," Emmeryn nodded. "There are only four accounts of Water Mages in recorded history. The latest was just over five hundred years ago during the Second Plegian Strife. A young man left Plegia after the border town of Narcosin was destroyed in a raid by pirates. It's said he came to Yliss to plead for aid against the pirates when then Plegian military would do nothing." She leaned back in her chair, her eyes going distant as she went through her memories of the written histories.
"The third princess of Yliss, Enya, joined the young man along with a few select warriors. They left to remove the pirates. After the pirates were no more, they returned to find Yliss at war with Plegia over the destroyed border town. Plegia took it as an opportunity to start the war. The Plegian military was stopped at the river town of Marsus. It's said the Water Mage drew too much on his power, sacrificing himself to save the Princess Enya and end the battle."
"Wait," Lissa said holding up her hand. "What do you mean he 'drew too much on his power'?"
"If you believe the legends," Emmeryn explained, "Water magic is so rare because it is linked directly to Naga." At this her lips quirked when Chrom's mouth dropped open and Lissa's eyes went as wide as dinner plates.
"The legends say that no mortal can directly wield the power of a Divine dragon, thus the reason for the creation of Falchion and The Fire Emblem," Emmeryn pointed at the sword belted to Chroms waist. "The power is just too much. It's said that if a mortal ever does, the use of said power will destroy them."
"So they can only use the Water Magic is small increments?" Chrom asked.
"Precisely," Emmeryn nodded. "According to what written records there are, Water Magic is no stronger than any of the others, unless the wielder draws on it too much. Unlike Anima or Spirit Magic, which use tomes to channel the magic, and which break after prolonged use; Water Magic comes directly from the Caster."
"So the Water Mage is basically a Living Tome?" Lissa asks, horrified.
"Correct," Emmeryn nods again. "That's why using it too long, or too much of it at once kills the wielder. They are basically channeling the power of a god."
"Why is the power so rare though?" Chrom ask confused. "Surely there would be more than four in history."
"Their undoubtedly has been," Emmeryn nodded. "But think on the reasons I just explained to you. Its most likely that the reason there is only four recorded instances of Water Mages existing because the others died from using said magic before they could be noticed."
"Gods," Lissa shuddered. Her gaze turned to the doors that the girl was sequestered behind. "So the same is going to happen to her?"
"I don't know," Emmeryn shakes her head sadly. "I hope not. She's young, but if we get her to train with competent mages, we might be able to stop it from happening."
"Should probably get her trained with other weapons as well," Chrom suggested, drawing his siblings attention. "From the sounds of it, using this Water Magic Is dangerous. Getting her schooled is other weapons, or other forms of magic even, could be the difference."
"Get her used to other weapons so she's not entirely reliant on her Water Magic," Emmeryn tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That could work."
"I don't want to die," a soft voice said from behind Emmeryn. The siblings turned quickly to see the girl standing in the open doorway, her hair cascading around her. Her lips were quivering and there were tears in her eyes.
"Oh darling," Emmeryn stood up quickly. The girl ran into her harms, gripping her waist tightly and burying her face in her chest. Emmeryn ran her hands through the girl's hair, trying to sooth her as she sobbed. After a few minutes, the girl quieted down and sat at Emmeryns request. Sitting next to her, Emmeryn took the girls hand in her own.
"How about we start at the beginning," Emmeryn said. "My name is Emmeryn Enlyes. These are my younger brother and sister, Chrom and Lissa."
The girl looked over at Chrom and Lissa, ducking her head quickly in a nod, but keeping a tight hold on Emmeryns hand. "M-my name is Kay…Kaylin," she stammers, her eyes darting cautiously between the two younger siblings.
"A pleasure to meet you," Lissa said brightly, smiling at the girl, Kaylin.
"It's good to meet you," Chrom nodded, a gentle smile on his face.
Kaylin tried a smile, but it faltered halfway. She turned back to Emmeryn so she would not have to hold the two siblings gazes. "Tha-Thank you for saving me Emmeryn," she said softly.
"I am glad I did," Emmeryn smile widely. She squeezed Kaylins hand, signifying that she was not going anywhere. "Kaylins a beautiful name," she added. "Do you know where it comes from?"
"My mom told me that I was named after an ancestor that fought in the Shadow War," Kaylin smiled. "Something about her being a mighty warrior."
"I don't want to dredge up bad memories but…" before Emmeryn could continue Kaylin shook her head.
"My mom is dead. She died when I was six. We lived in some northern village until her death. She was the only family I had. After that a friend of my mom's took me in. He travelled a lot, so I went with him. Our last stop was in Bracile. We were only supposed to be there for a few weeks, but there was tunnel collapse or something in the mine, so he couldn't get his shipment of weapons." At this the three siblings exchanged a grim look. Kaylin noticed it immediately.
"Why does that elicit such a reaction?" Kaylins eyes narrowed as she looks between the siblings.
Emmeryn noted how sharp the girl was despite being in a strange place, surrounded by people she did not know. Chrom hesitated to answer, looking to Emmeryn for guidance. When Kaylin turned to her, Emmeryns face showed sadness. "What is it?"
"The men who took you from Bracile," Emmeryn began. "They collapsed the mine to keep you there. It gave them the time to get the Brigands to wipe out the town."
"So…all those people…are dead…because of me?" Kaylins eyes were wide in horror, her free hand covering her mouth.
"No, no, no," Emmeryn squeezed her hand. "You are in no way responsible for what happened." She placed her other hand Kaylins shoulder gently. "The people who committed that atrocious act and the ones that took you away have been punished accordingly."
"So…it's over?" Emmeryns heart broke at the longing in the girl's voice, the hope in her golden eyes.
"I wish I could say it was," she said honestly. She cursed herself for doing this, seeing the hope in the girl's eyes crash to despair. "The people who took you, they still want to get you."
"So…what happens then?" Kaylins voice wavered; Emmeryn could tell she was on the verge of breaking down.
"You stay here, with us," Lissa broke in, getting Kaylins attention. "We have more than enough room in the palace, and here you will be safest."
Kaylin looked at the princess in confusion. "Palace?"
"What do you remember of yesterday?" Emmeryn asked her gently.
"Not much," Kaylin shook her head. "I remember those men trying to drag me off, then you bringing me here and the food and the bath, but the events between those points is…hazy."
"We are in the Royal Palace of Ylisstol," Chrom added in to the conversation.
Kaylin's eyes went wide at this, hear head whipping back to Emmeryn. "Bu-but if this is the palace…I can't stay here!" her voice rose. "What about the Royalty! If they find you hiding an orphan you will get in trouble!"
The three siblings exchanged amused smiles and soft chuckles at this.
"What's so funny?!" Kaylin fumed.
"Kaylin, we ARE the royals," Lissa giggled.
Kaylin looked at Lissa and Chrom in confusion for a brief second before the words registered with her. Her head snapped back to Emmeryn, her mouth working silently as if to ask for confirmation.
Emmeryn herself was giggling quite loudly. Her face was split in a smile as she nodded her head. "That is Prince Chrom and Princess Lissa," she said gesturing to her siblings. "I am Exalt of Yliss."
"So…" Kaylin worked moister back into her mouth. "This palace, it's all yours?"
"It is," Emmeryn nodded. "And since I make the rules around here, I saw that you can stay."
Kaylin's eyes teared up at this, her lower lip quivering. She sniffled, her voice broken with emotion. "I ca-can have a…home?"
"For as long as you wish it," Emmeryn nodded her voice gentle.
A few tears slipped from her eyes before Kaylin could wipe them away. She blinked the remaining tears away before giving Emmeryn a full smile, something Emmeryn found beautiful with the way it lit her eyes up. "Thank you," she whispered. She rubbed her neck sheepishly, giving Chrom and Lissa smiles as well.
"What's that?" Chrom asked pointing at Kaylin.
"What's what?" the girl asked, looking down at herself. Seeing nothing but her pink pajamas she looked back up at Chrom in confusion.
"Under your shirt," he said pointing to his own chest. "Right about here," he said, pointing to where his own heart would be.
Kaylin looked back down at her own chest before her eyes snapped to Chrom, her face flushing a bright crimson and her arms shifting up to cover her own chest. "Shud-shudap!" She exclaimed loudly. "Just because I'm not as big as others in that department doesn't mean it's something to laugh at!"
"Chrom!" Lissa shrieked. She turned and slapped her brother on the arm. "That was rude!"
"Wait, you think I was talking about…Gods no!" Now Chrom flushed red, his eyes wide. "That's not what I meant!"
Emmeryn couldn't help but laugh out loud at this. She tried to stifle the laughs but couldn't stop giggling for a few minutes as the two teens flushed even redder, Lissa's own laughs joining in. After she had calmed down, Emmeryn felt it prudent to stop the two from any more mortification.
"What I think my darling brother meant was that mark on your chest," Emmeryn explained.
Kaylins eyes widened at this, her mouth in a silent O. She looked back at Chrom giving him a smile to let him know it was forgiven. "It showed up a little over a year ago," she explained, pulling her shirt down far enough for the siblings to see that mark.
Emmeryns eyes widened at seeing the mark on her chest. It was the Brand of the Exalt, but it was different from the one she and Chrom bore. While there's only had the one Tear drop in the middle of the three pronged U, hers had four smaller upside down tear drop shapes under it, two on each side of the bottom prong. Emmeryn extended her hand towards it, looking up to Kaylin for a quick confirmation. When the girl nodded her assent, Emmeryn brushed her finger tips against it.
"It's not raised, so it's not a scar," she murmured. "It's not a tattoo either, it's too natural." She finished tracing it and drew back her hand. "You say it showed up about a year ago?"
"Right when my magic did," Kaylin nodded. At this she raised her right hand, fingers in the air. She waved them from right to left slowly, and where her fingers traced the air; small streams of water were left floating in the air, glistening with moister.
Emmeryn reach her hand to the water and gently prodded it, gasping when her fingers came back glistening, water coating them. She rubbed her fingers together, her face showing amazement.
"So it's true," she absently said, looking at the water left in the air. After a few moments the waters dissipated, leaving only air. "That is astonishing."
"I was freaked out at first," Kaylin shrugged. "Suddenly I have this weird mark on my chest and everything I did with my hands left water behind. I had to wear gloves for the first week just to make sure I did not completely soak whatever I touched."
"Is it only your hands that the water can come from?" Chrom asked.
Kaylin shook her head at this. "At first it was, but as the months went by I got better control over it. Now I can leave water behind any part of my body, hair included," she smiled. "It took a while to get it under control but with practice I learned." Her face fell at this. "It was shortly after that that those bastards grabbed me and…" at this her voice fell, choked off.
Emmeryn enfolded her in a gentle hug getting muffled thanks in return. She released the young girl, settling back into her chair. Kaylin smiled at her before turning back to the other two. "I don't know much more about what this magic is," she added. "One day it was just…there."
"Have you tried stopping it or something?" Lissa asked.
"I have," she nodded. "Stop using it, lock it away, what have you, nothing works," she shakes her head. "It's a part of me. I can no more stop using it then any of us could stop…well, breathing. After a while, it becomes unbearable and I have to use it."
"Well, that presents a problem then," Emmeryn mused.
"What do you mean?" Kaylins brow furrowed.
"You heard what we were talking about earlier yes?" Emmeryn asked. At Kaylins nod she continued. "Water Mages are rare. So far as I know, you are the fifth in existence. All magic is connected to the Divine Dragons. It's why Tomes are used. Mortals cannot contain that type of power. Tomes, Staves, Weapons, Armor, they are all used because those can be replaced. People can afford to lose those. Magic channeled through a person kills the person."
"How am I alive then?" Kaylin asked.
"That's the part that relies on what information we have on Water Mages from recorded texts, and that is unfortunately almost non-existent." Emmeryns hair swayed as she shook her head. "According to legends, Water Mages perish if they draw on the power for too long, or draw too much of it."
"So I just need to be careful not to draw too much into myself."
"Do you know what the limit is?" Lissa questioned curiously.
"I do," Kaylin nodded. At Emmeryns questioning look she explained. "When I first got this Magic, I could do almost nothing. The longer I used it, the more…drained I felt. Shortly beyond that is when it actually gets painful. That's also another reason I needed to wear gloves that first week. I was almost dropping over from exhaustion."
"Has the limit grown with time and use?" Chrom interjected.
"It has," Kaylin nodded. "I hate to admit it, but while I was in captivity, they forced me to use my Magic more and more, extending my limits. They never let it hit the painful stages more than a few times, but I was dead tired every day."
"How did you escape then?" Lissa asked.
"I jumped into a White Rapids river," Kaylin shrugged. "We were crossing over a large bridge to the west of here and I saw a chance to escape, so I took it."
"By jumping into a raging river?" Chrom asked, impressed.
Kaylin nodded. "I figured I had two viable options, because staying in captivity was not one. The first was I jump, I die. No more problems."
"What was the second?" Emmeryn asked, saddened that that choice would be forced on any child.
"That I could use the river to my advantage since its nothing but water," she shrugged. "Turns out I could. Once I was in the river, I used it to push myself a good distance downstream. I hid in the back some passing merchant's caravan heading east. After a few days that brought me here to Ylisstol. I had thought I escaped them, but they caught me near that jeweler shop. And from there, you showed up and rescued me." She beamed at Emmeryn at this.
"Well I am certainly glad you managed to get away," Emmeryn smiled back at the younger girl.
"Me too!" Lissa said. "Now there is someone to spend time with beyond this dolt," she hooked her thumb at Chrom.
"Hey, I'm fun to be around," Chrom complained good-naturedly.
"Chrom, you're a boy. I need female insights and opinions. Since Maribelle is only here a few months of the year and theirs no one else volunteering." Lissa got a far off look at this. "Well, I guess you could put on a dress, but I don't think it would be the same."
Kaylin snickered at this, trying to cover it up. When Chrom raised an eyebrow at her, she only snickered more. "Sorry Chrom, but I don't think you could pull off a dress. At least, not without padding."
Emmeryn and Lissa laughed at this, both wearing smiles. Chrom just shook his head. "Anyways, we should probably head down and get some breakfast, before Kaylins stomach rebels any further."
Kaylin blushed at this, then reddened even further when her stomach rumbled, voicing its agreement with Chroms suggestion.
"Come then," Emmeryn stood up. "We will get some breakfast, and then Lissa can get you some clothes fit for the day."
"What's wrong with these?" Kaylin glanced down at her attire.
"Those, my dear Kaylin," Lissa said motioning to see if it was ok to hook her arm through the other girls. When Kaylin nodded her ascent she continued. "Those are nightclothes. Unless you plan to laze about for the day," at this she lowered her voice conspiratorially, "don't let Frederick know if you do," at Emmeryns gentle tsk she continued. "Those are good for sleeping or relaxing. You will need day to day clothes for everything else."
"Everything else?" Kaylin asked voice layered with intrigue as they exited the room. Emmeryn nodded to Phila who fell in behind them.
"Oh yes!" Lissa exclaimed excitedly. "Exploring, playing, banister sliding, shopping, classes, training, banister sliding…"
"Wait," Kaylin held up her hand to stop Lissa. "You mentioned Banister Sliding twice. What is Banister sliding?" Emmeryn groaned at this, prompting a chuckle from Chrom and a large smile from Lissa.
"This!" she exclaimed, running to the nearest polished oak hardwood banister. She jumped up in a sitting position on the slanted object, and promptly began sliding down it. Chrom followed suit, and when Kaylin reached it with Emmeryn she saw the two siblings two stories down from them, standing on the landing at the end of the stairs.
"Children," Emmeryn muttered, but Kaylin could hear the fondness in her tone.
"Yea, I think I will wait until I'm not so bony anymore before trying that, thanks," Kaylin called down to them.
"What's the matter Kaylin, afraid you will break something?" Chrom called up to her, laughter filling his voice.
"Yes," she drawled as they reached the bottom.
The two siblings chuckled at this. "Don't you worry, once we got you properly fattened up, you will get the hang of it in no time," Lissa took her arm again.
"Lissa, no corrupting the new resident," Emmeryn chided.
"Aww, but sis," Lissa pouted.
"Oh Gods please don't corrupt her Lissa," Chrom pleaded. "We don't need two of you running around. Once is more than a handful to deal with."
"Just for that I will teach her the great art of Pranking," Lissa stuck her tongue out at her brother.
"Oh Gods no," Chrom shuddered, his visage full of horror.
Kaylin turned her head to address Emmeryn. "You have to deal with this on a daily basis?" she asked.
"I have a vast amount of patience and humility," Emmeryn stated.
"Oh c'mon Emm were not that bad," Lissa smirked.
"You put itching powder in the council's headwear right before a council session," Emmeryn said flatly.
Kaylin couldn't help but laugh, her imagination showing her a bunch of old men scratching helplessly at their heads.
"That was one of her better ones," Chrom conceded.
"Even you admitted it was funny Emm," Lissa poked her older sister playfully. This got a small smile from Emmeryn showing she did find it amusing. They reached two large doors, both standing open. The smells of fresh cooked egg, sausage, bread and gravy drifted out, eliciting a rather loud rumble from Kaylins stomach.
Emmeryn's smile broadened at this as she led them into the room. Sitting at the rather large table is an assortment of differently clad individuals. First was Frederick in his armor. Next was a steel haired cavalier in green plate armor. Across from the younger man a woman with short spiky red hair sat in plate armor the same color as her hair. Further down the table sat a red haired woman with a pointy black hat on her head, spectacle's adorning her face. She is garbed in a black and grey coat/tunic with grey and white pants. Her ensemble is completed with brown knee high boots.
Across from this woman sits a man wearing a leather harness in place of a shirt, his left arm covered in the same type of metal that covered both legs. His midsection is covered with plate mail linked to the top of his leather harness which has what can only be described as a plate collar around his neck. His hair is blond and held up by a brown band, forcing it back over his head. Next to him sits a woman in what Kaylin remembers is the same light plate and leather that the Pegasus riders wear. Her hair is slightly brighter than the young man in green plate, but still the same color.
"This is everyone but Maribelle," Chrom says to her as the attention of those at the table turns to the four of them. Chrom points at the oldest at the table. "That is Frederick the Wary," Chrom says introducing the man. He nods at Kaylin.
"The young man next to him in the green armor is Stahl." Stahl smiles at Kaylin and waves.
"The woman across from him is Sully. She's got quite the attitude; I don't recommend getting on her bad side." The others at the table chuckle at this
"Yea, take it from Chrom, he speaks from experience," Sully says, cracking her knuckles. Chrom shudders at this.
"The woman in the overly large hat and glass's is Miriel, our resident mage," Lissa continues the introductions.
"It is not 'overly large' young miss," Miriel states. "It is the classic garb of us mages."
"Right," Lissa comments dryly, getting another chuckle from the people in the room. "The man wearing almost nothing up top is Vaike."
"Hey ya!" Vaike exclaims. "Good to have a new face around here. If ya need anything, just come to Teach, I'll fill ya in."
"Um, Teach?" Kaylin asks her head tilted to the right in confusion.
"Pay no attention to him, Milady," Frederick tells her. "Vaike is just…unique."
"That's one way of putting it," both Stahl and Sully chime in together.
"Last, but certainly not least is the young Lady in the garb of my Pegasus Knights," Emmeryn finishes the introductions. Said young lady perks up at this, waving at the four of them. "She is Sumia, a Knight-in-Training."
"Good to meet you," she says cheerfully.
"Everyone, this is Kaylin," Emmeryn introduces the petite girl. "She will be residing here at the palace. Please extend every courtesy to her."
"Yes, Your Grace," everyone at the table says in tandem, all saluting as well, right hands clenched to heart.
"Wow, you've got them trained but good," Kaylin smiles up at Emmeryn.
"Well of course, I am the Exalt," Emmeryn winks at her before taking a seat at the head of the table. Kaylin sits across from Frederick and next to Emmeryn at Chroms gesture. Chrom and Lissa sit further down the table. Servants bring platters of food and place them before the four new arrivals. Kaylins stomach rubles loudly at the sight of a plate full of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, all covered in gravy.
"Oh Gods that smells good," Kaylin states, her mouthwatering.
"Well, dig in," Emmeryn smiles at her. At this Kaylin attacks the food with gusto. Within minutes the plate is scrapped clean and she's calling for seconds. Not hearing any others eating, she looks back to see the others all staring at her.
"WH-what?" she stammers, shifting under all that attention.
"How did you eat all that so fast," Stahl asks incredulously.
"I learned to eat fast growing up," she shrugged, happily taking the second plate of food from a servant, thanking her. "When you spend most of your time walking from place to place you learn to eat fast so that you don't become distracted."
"Interesting," is all Frederick says before returning to his food. The others do the same, conversation opening up among everyone again. Kaylin stays quite, observing the others as she eats her second plate. Once that is gone and a third is sitting in front of her, she slows down, beginning to feel full.
"That quite the appetite," Sully comments.
Kaylin nods, down a forkful of gravy covered eggs with some milk. "I have been starved for near a year. I need to put weight back on."
"Wait what?" Stahl asks.
Kaylin looks over to Emmeryn, silently asking if it's alright and safe to tell them at the same time. At Emmeryns smile and nod, she turns back to Stahl answering him.
"I was kidnapped by the…Grimleal did you call them Emm?" she asked said person. Emmeryn nodded, a smile on her face at the girl using the shortened version of her name like her siblings. "Right, them. They took me from Bracile um…what's the date today?" she asked.
"The 11th of June" Lissa chirped.
"Ok, so they did grab me just under a year ago," she continued, finishing off the third plate. "So, these guys grab me; keep me locked up for most of that time, always pushing me to further improve my magic. They only kept me fed enough to keep me alive, but in a weakened state so I could not escape from them."
"Pushing you to improve your magic?" Sumia asks, confusion clouding her voice.
Kaylin yet again looks to Emmeryn for guidance. After a few seconds of tapping her chin in thought she nods. "News will spread soon enough. Quite a few soldiers, not to mention the council, heard the Hammonds confession."
At the mention of that name, Emmeryn notices Kaylin stiffen visibly for a second before slowly relaxing. She takes a deep breath, opening her eyes and raising her right hand.
Having some idea what to look for, Emmeryn watches as her fingers take on a faint blue sheen when she moves them. She spells her name out in the air in water; lowering her hand once the last letter is done.
She looks down the table, her lips quirking as the collective jaws of all but Chrom and Lissa have dropped. Naturally, Frederick is the first to recover.
"What, by the Gods, is that?!" he asks.
"Water Magic," comes the reply from Miriel farther down the table. "It does exist!"
"Water Magic?" Stahl asks into the silence.
"It is the rarest form of Magic," Miriel responds, her eyes fastened on the letters as they slowly dissipate. "She is only the 5th known person in recorded history to use it."
"It's that powerful?" Sully's tone is doubtful.
"It's that Dangerous!" Miriel answers her. "Water Magic kills those who draw on it to fast or too much."
"Damn," Vaike comments. "Talk about a double-edged sword."
"Indeed," Miriel nods emphatically before adjusting her spectacles. "Young Kaylin, if I may inquire, for how long have you had this ability?"
"Um…" Kaylin tilts her head from side to side thinking. "I started using it roughly four months before the Grimleal got to me, so fifteen months?" she responds. "Yea, fifteen sounds right."
"Can you do much with it?" The Scholar asks.
"Oh yes," Kaylin nods. "While I hate the methods those assholes used on me," she raises a brow at Frederick when he coughs at her use of language. "I can't deny the results. They pushed me much farther then I would have pushed myself."
"Still though, to go through such a thing…" Sumia says quietly.
Kaylin shudders in remembrance before pushing those memories to the back of her mind. "They hurt me. They whipped me. They starved me. They broke me." At this a quiver entered her voice. "In doing so however, they gave me that chance to remake myself, in my image, my way."
"Not many people would see it that way," Sully tells her.
"I didn't have much choice," Kaylin shakes her head. "As my foster father would have put it, I was dealt a bad hand." She pauses at this, taking another breath. "There were others though. Their got much worse deals." Her voice falls low at this, her eyes going distant. Emmeryn lays a hand gently on her right arm, bringing the girl out of whatever memory she had found herself in.
Kaylin smiles sadly at Emmeryn before continuing. "I lost my mother at the age of six. I watched her wither away, nothing I could do. I had to grow up fast in the next year to live before my foster father was able to come get me."
"Damn those Plegians," Chrom utters.
"Not their fault Chrom," Kaylin tells him. At his incredulous look she explains. "What happened to me in captivity was the Grimleal's fault. Everything before that, sheer happenstance. My mother's death was from a sickness, not poison or murder. I won't blame someone for a fault that is not theirs. If I do, I become no better than those who took me."
Emmeryn smiled at this. She knew taking in the girl was the right choice, but what she just said cemented it. For someone so young she was certainly mature. "How old are you?" Sumia's question breaks her train of thought.
"Sixteen," she answered. "Born on January 7th 2152."
"Too young to go through such things," Fredericks head shakes sadly.
"I'm damn lucky by my way of thinking," she answers him.
"How do you figure that?" he questions.
"I'm still alive. Others are not." Her answer is quick and completely devoid of emotion.
Frederick nods his head once before turning back to his food. At this the rest of the table returns to their food. Emmeryn gives Kaylin a worried look. The girl responds only with a sad sigh and shake of her head before getting up from the table.
"Hey Lissa, you up for taking care of that clothing problem?" The blond pops up from her chair nodding affirmatively. She grabs Kaylins arm and pulls her out of the room.