Endings a bit rushed and will most likely be worked on later. Any comments and reviews are welcome.
I do not own Fire Emblem in any such way or form
Are you really wanting a bedtime story that badly….ugh, fine. Alright, how about…A long time ago, the Kingdoms of Rigel and Zofia prospered on the continent that would be known as Valentia, watch over by the two dragon gods, Mila and Duma. But all dragons have their fate, and both were doomed to madness. Foreseeing this, the Holy Dragon, Naga, created a prophecy that would spread across the lands. When two are born with the marks of Duma and Mila on their hands, the Age of Gods would come to an end...wait, mom told you that story last night? Gawds, why am I stuck with this. Well fine, how about I tell you daddy's story, I know mom hasn't told you that one. His, and our, story begins in the Kingdom of Valm, where a stupid Conqueror makes his way towards the Valmese Castle.
The castle walls shook from the magical explosions hurled against its walls, the stone and mortar holding them together crumbling apart. The city just outside its borders was engulfed in flame, the sky blackened with ash as the screams of its inhabitants filling all who escaped with dread. Inside, dodging crumbling walls and flames spitting out at them, a knight and maid ran quickly through the hallways looking for their liege, a nine year old boy hanging onto the knights back, and a 6 year old girl crying in the maids arm.
"Quickly Nia, Queen Celes must be around here somewhere." the knight called out as he checked that the young boy was still hanging on.
"I'm running as fast as I can." Nia called back as she held the girl tight against her.
"As much as I pain to say it we must run faster! Young Prince, are you doing alright!?" the knight turned his head towards the young boy, the only detail he could see being the light red hair of the prince.
"I'm fine...I'm scarred." the boy said softly.
"I know...so am I." the knight said back with sad eyes, looking forwards once again to see where they where. "My Queen, please be…"
He was interrupted as a voice screamed out in anger.
"ARCFIRE!"
An explosion followed the powerful incantation instantly, the knight sighing with relief. As he turned the next corner, Queen Celes stood there with the charred corpses of some of the Conquerors troops.
She was wearing her ceremonial armor, golden pauldrons, chestplate, boots, and bracers complimented by the light red skirt and sleeves connected to a long black cape, on it a golden symbol of a long dead nation. Her light red hair, bound up into a ponytail, showed her features to resemble much of her ancient ancestor. Her left hand is covered in flames from the spell she just cast, while she held a golden colored sword in her right.
"How dare you invade my home!" Celes yelled at the corpses.
"My Queen, you're safe." the knight called out as he ran over to her, Nia close behind.
"Richard, what are you doing here!? You should be with my husband!" Celes yelled.
"I'm sorry, my Queen, I was ordered by his Majesty to flee from the country with you and the children. This battle is lost, the King stands ready to die as long as you all live." Richard explained, Celes' face frozen in shock.
"No...but…"
"Please, your Highness, yell at us later if you must, but we really must be going. Little Celene is not going to be well if she inhales too much ash." Nia interrupted her, handing over the girl to her.
Celene continued to cry while in Celes' arms, and she looked at her daughter for only a moment, before closing her eyes and turning around.
"Yes...yes, you're right. Richard, is the escape ship still in the bay?" Celes asked as she looked back at him, stroking her daughter's head to try and calm her down.
"Yes, it's at the castle docks. I will guide the way." Richard replied proudly, crouching down to let Cecil stand on his own, who quickly ran over and grabbed his mother's hand.
"Please do...thank you, Richard." Celes said as Richard walked past her, sword in hand and prepared for anything.
"Always, My Queen." he stated as they started to quickly make their way towards the back of the castle.
After sneaking their way through, and having several close calls of being seen by troops that were currently sacking the castle, the five managed to find themselves in front of an inconspicuous brick wall in the middle of one of the castle corridors. Richard sheathed his sword and started looking over the wall.
"Richard, do you remember which brick to press?" Celes asked as she looked over the wall.
"I believe so...let's see here." Richard stated as he placed his hands on the wall, lightly pressing to find one that was loose and looking left and right, before sighing and focusing on the wall "Nia, please keep an eye out. I don't want us getting caught when we're so close."
"Of course." she replied as she pulled a dagger out from her dress, scanning both directions down the hall.
After several seconds, one of the bricks gave just a little. "Ah, here we are."
Richard pressed on the brick, causing it to insert itself back into the wall, a small doorway swinging open up next to the brick on the wall. Unfortunately it made quite a racket upon opening up.
"Quickly, someone would have heard that." Richard stated as he walked through and stepped to the side, allowing the others through before pushing the wall back into place.
Just as Celes and her children walked into the passageway, the sounds of metal boots clanking on the cobbled hallways came from around a corner, one of the Conquerors foot soldiers flying past the wall and looking straight at the group.
"Hey! They're ove…"the soldiers words were cut short as Nia's dagger punctured his throat.
"Quickly!" Nia shouted as she ran through the doorway, Richard hopping through and grabbing the edge of the doorway, slamming it shut and pulling a small lever on the backside of the door, locking it shut as they could hear more soldiers running up the the wall.
"That was too close." Richard sighed as he reached for a lighted torch on the wall, grabbing it and holding it in front of them to lead the way once again. "...perfect throw Nia."
"I've been practicing Richard." Nia smiled as she followed behind Celes and her children.
"And a good thing you have Nia. Thank you." Celes said as she looked back at her.
"Always glad to be of service milady." Nia smiled as they quickly made their way through the tunnel.
After several minutes of walking, the smell of sea water and light filled the tunnel as the group found themselves in a small hidden dock underneath the castle, a fair sized and beautiful ship currently docked in the cave. As they quickly moved towards the ship, a voice called out to them.
"Oh thank the Gods! Men, get the gangplank down, quickly. Queen Celes has arrived." the captain of the ship yelled out, noise immediately coming from the ship as the crew ran over to the side of the ship with the large wooden plank and setting it down so the group could get on.
"Thank you Captain Orvil." Richard called out as he made it up the plank.
"Of course Sir Richard."
As Celes made her way onto the ship, she looked over to Richard. "Richard, make sure we are ready to sail, we must move quickly or they may find a way down here."
"At once, my Queen. You heard her, let's get moving!" Richard yelled out, the crew yelling back a resounding 'Yes Sir'.
Captain Orvil walked over to Celes and her children and bowed.
"Queen Celes, a great deal off my soul to see you well, as well as Prince Cecil and Princess Celine."
"You as well Orvil. Did my husband…" Celes started, Orvil cutting her off.
"He had us bring the ship here before the fighting even started. I hate to say it your highness, but I believe the King never thought he would live through the day."
"...I don't believe he did either, Orvil."
"I'm sorry, your highness. Give us a moment and we will be ready to set sail. Where do you want us to go?"
"No where on this continent will be safe for us...set a course for Regna Ferox, maybe we can find a place to live there."
"Live? Do you not intend to fight for your throne your highness?"
"With what army? Our army stands crippled and my husband is most likely already dead...who are we to turn to? Chon'sin? Rosanne? They won't be able to stand up to Walhart, nor do they have reason unless he marches his army towards them. No, I plan to live, royal or not, so that my children may live happily."
"A loving heart as always, my queen. Let me say this then, my men and myself will always been in your service...no matter what."
"Thank you, Orvil." Celes said with a genuine smile.
"Of course. Now then, I'll make sure we are ready to set sail." Orvil bowed before walking away.
She looked around at the crew frantically trying to make sure everything was ready. As she did, however, she felt Cecil tugging at her skirt.
"Mommy...is Daddy going with us?" Cecil said with tears in his eyes. Celes' heart broke as she looked at her son, before looking over to Nia.
"Nia dear, please look after Celene for a bit." Celes stated as she handed her daughter to Nia.
"Of course. Come Little Princess, let's go make sure no ash got in your eyes." Nia smiled before walking off with Celene.
Celes turned back to her son and knelt down to look him in the eyes. "No, Cecil, he won't be coming with us. He decided to stay behind so we could make it to this ship. I'm sorry, dear." she said with a frown, tears forming in her eyes as well. Cecil looked down at the deck, tears obviously falling from his eyes.
"Cecil, look at me."
It took a moment, but Cecil slowly looked up, opened his eyes and looked at his mother, finding her smiling at him, contrasting the tears falling from her eyes.
"I know it's hard, and it's alright to be sad and afraid, my little prince, but at times like these we must be strong and always look forwards, lest we forget where our fate lies. Do you understand?" she asked, Cecil quickly nodding. He wiped any tears remaining from his eyes and smiled back at her. "Good. I will never let you or your sister come to harm, I promise you." she smiled as she bought him into a fierce hug.
"I love you, mommy."
"I love you too, my little prince." she said as she let go.
Richard coughed into his fist, uncomfortable breaking up the family scene. "Sorry for the interruption, my queen, but we are ready to set sail."
"Good...then let us head out."
"At once. Set sail men!" Richard yelled out, the entire ship filled with it's crews cries.
At the front gates of the now burning city, it's army found themselves stranded and defeated, Walhart's army staring them down with their weapons drawn. In front of the gates, on his knees from exhaustion and wounds, was the King of Valm. He looked around at what was left of his army, thanking the gods that Walhart's men had taken prisoners instead of killing them outright. His black hair was matted with sweat and blood, deep cuts and wounds filled his body, he knew that even if he wasn't killed by Walhart, he'd die by the end of the day. He looked to the open sea on the western side of the city, hoping to see the royal ship already fleeing from the city. The sea was empty, and he felt dread crept into his body. Before he could even think about what might have happened, he heard large boots land on the ground. Looking forwards, Walhart strolled over to the kneeling king.
"Hmph...look at you now Elm. Kneeling, defeated, on the ground in front of me." Walhart stated.
"I'd stand to greet you, but sadly I can't at the moment." Elm quipped before coughing up blood. "Why? Why are you doing this? What purpose is there to go on this rampage?"
"I have seen the tidings of things Elm, terrible things, and this world must be united under one banner to survive. We must prepare and abandoned the gods rule over us, just as Duma commanded long ago. I will bring us to glory, and my empire will stand eternal."
"Good luck, dear cousin. You have decimated the army you would so desperately need if those things you believe would come to pass. You will have to rebuild, and build an allegiance of the people that they would even dream of laying their lives on the line for you. It will take years to accomplish that."
"And years I have, Elm. I will rebuild and we will be ready. The Empire of Valm will once again stand over this entire continent, nothing will stand in my way."
"I only wish I could live long enough to see it all crumble, Walhart." Elm sighed as looked at him for a moment, before looking out to sea once more. On the horizon, he could see the royal ship quickly making its way out to sea, avoiding any warships Walhart had near the city, He smiled, happily knowing his family would be safe.
"Any last words Elm?" Walhart asked as he started to raise his axe.
"May Mila watch over you, my love." he stated clearly.
Walhart looked at him for a moment, before looking out to sea as well, seeing the ship rolling over the horizon, and frowned. "A noble cause, Elm. You are the only one I aimed to kill today, so long as do not get in my way they shall be allowed to live."
"I suppose I should thank you then. Farewell, Cousin." Elm grinned at him like they had when they were kids.
A pang of guilt resounded through Walharts chest, but he steeled himself for he knew what must be done. "So be it. Goodbye, Elm." he said as he lifted his axe above his head.
"Forgive me for not being there for you my love, keep our children safe. Grow up strong, Cecil..." Elm thought as the axe came down, and the world filled with darkness.
The days passed quickly on the ship, and Walhart had, thankfully, not chased after the fleeing royal family, making the journey somewhat peaceful. But to Cecil they became increasingly boring as the amount of things he could think of doing became shorter and shorter each day. Normally he'd eat breakfast with his mother before randomly wandering the ship for most of the day. He tried to help out where he could, as much as a nine year old could anyways, but with the crew constantly hard at work to get them to Regna Ferox as quick as the ship could possibly go, he found himself alone most of the time. That changed, however, when he came across Richard training one day.
Yawning, Cecil opened up one of the many doors the the deck of the ship and walked out into the bright sunny day of the open sea. He was utterly bored, his mother was still in bed, watching over his sleeping sister, so he was alone for the first time in many mornings. What he expected to be a quiet morning however was interrupted as he heard Richard grunting on the other side of the ship. Looking over to where he thought Richard was, he saw him practicing sword forms. Richard was not wearing his armor today, just wearing his standard dark blue royal guard attire. Cecil quickly thought he might have found something to make the days pass by quicker.
"Richard!" Cecil called out as he happily ran over to him, smiling as said knight looked over to him.
"Prince Cecil, good morning." Richard smiled as he gave Cecil a quick bow. "What can I help you with this morning."
"I...can you teach me how to do, well that?" Cecil questioned as he pointed to Richard's sword.
"What? To swing a sword?" Richard asked, slightly confused.
"No, to fight with one! Daddy's...gone, so I have to take charge and keep Mommy and my sister safe." Cecil said with a heartfelt smile, trying his best to make Richard to agree to this request.
"You know I'm supposed to be the one protecting all of you, Prince Cecil...however, I suppose it would be a good idea for you to learn." Richard smiled as Cecil glowing smile widened as he jumped in joy.
"Thanks Richard!" Cecil yelled happily, causing Richard to laugh.
"Yes yes, now calm down are you might hurt yourself. Now, let me go see if we have any small wooden practice swords for you to use." he said as he walked off over to a small door near the back of the ship. Opening the door and taking a quick peek inside, Richard found a small wooden short sword in the corner. He grabbed it and quickly made his way back over to Cecil. "Here you are, now listen to what I say and you'll be ready to defend yourself in no time."
An hour later, within the large royal room of the ship, Celes had finally dressed herself for the day, and had just started dressing her daughter as Nia walked into the room.
"Good morning your highness." Nia said plainly as she did a quick bow. Celes sighing as she picked up the now dressed Celene.
"I am a queen no longer, Nia. You will call me Celes, not queen, highness, or majesty from now on. Understood?"
Nia gave a smirk in the former queens direction before answering. "As you wish, Celes." she giggled.
"Good, now where did Cecil wander off to this morning? He wasn't here when I woke up." Celes asked as she walked out of the room.
"Training with Richard, if you would believe me." Nia smiled as Celes turned back to her with a puzzled expression. "Thought you wouldn't, follow me." Nia said as she lead Celes up topside. As they walked onto the deck, they overheard Richard giving pointers.
"Now when you swing make sure you keep the blade straight, it won't help you if your sword keeps bouncing off of your enemies." Richard said as he showed Cecil a few examples. "Now you try."
Cecil nodded and held his wooden sword in front of him, before slowly swinging it like Richard and showed him. He began to pick up speed from his swings, trying to keep the sword straight while Richard smiled at him.
"Good, good. Now here's a real test." he smiled before pulling a small dummy over and placing it in front of Cecil as he stopped swinging. "I want you to hit this dummy as hard as you can."
Cecil nodded and focused on the dummy as Richard walked away. With a small yell he lunged forwards and smacked the dummy as hard as he could, causing it to wiggle out of place for a moment before standing still once again.
"Good, again. Keep going until I say to stop." Richard said as he placed a hand on Cecil's shoulder, said boy turning and smiling at him before continuing the exercise.
"I see you're training my son, Richard. How is he doing?" Celes asked as she a Nia walked over.
"Very well milady, he's caught on to my lessons in only an hour or so." Richard smiled proudly.
"Did he ask you or did you offer?"
"He asked, I'm as surprised as you are."
"My son is always good for surprises." Celes smiled as she turned to watch Cecil, who had started to slow down with his swings.
"Getting tired, Prince Cecil?" Richard asked as the swings slowed even more.
"Yeah...but I'll keep going. I need to protect Mommy right." Cecil smiled as he kept swinging.
"Just so...Cecil, stop for a moment." Richard said as he he walked in front of him and knelt down to look him in the eyes. "This may be painful, but I want you to think about the person you hate most, then swing your hardest at the dummy. Our emotions can make us more powerful, but you must fully control your actions and emotions to truly show mastery of the sword." Richard stated clearly.
"Right." Cecil called out as he stopped swinging and closed his eyes. As he slowly comprehended the darkness around him, the only face he could see was of Walhart, his uncle, someone he thought cared for him. He thought of the screams he heard only a few weeks prior, the smell of ash, the sight of fire taking the castle, that was because of Walhart. It was all his fault, his fault that his father was gone, his fault that they no longer had a home. 'His fault' echoed around his head constantly as his anger grew, and a fire sparked inside of him. He opened his dark red eyes, now burning with blue flames, and screamed as he swung his sword towards the dummy. The sword burst into flames as he swung, increasing its length and slicing the dummy clean in two. As the swing came to an end, Cecil felt the world around him grow dark, his left hand throbbing in pain, as he quickly fainted, barely hearing his mother, Richard, and Nia call out to him as she ran towards him.
The ship went into a panic when all was said and done, even Orvil running down to the group to see what had happened. They quickly got Cecil to the room and Nia used one of the spare healing staff to see if she could help. Thankfully he had only passed out from exhaustion, the sudden burst of strength draining everything from him.
"Milady...are you ok?" Richard asked as he stood next to Celes. It had been over an hour since the incident, and they were now all back inside of her room, Cecil laying in bed breathing heavily while sweat pooled on his skin. "I'm sorry, if I knew…"
"It's fine Richard, no one expected it." Celes quickly cut him off. "...Scendscale...do you know how long it's been since someone of our family has been able to use that skill? And at such a young age."
"Generations, milady. I suppose we should have seen it coming, with his...well." Richard sighed as he gestured to Cecil's left hand, which was wrapped in a bandage from slight burns.
"Yes...we should have. I'm so afraid for his life now, what will happen in the future that will call him into action...but at the same time I can't help but be proud of the things he might do." she smiled as she reached forward and stoked Cecil's head. "Richard, continue your training with him, please. I will teach him magic when the time is needed."
"It will be my pleasure milady. I will leave you both alone then, I'm sure Cecil will need his sleep to recover. Nia will be in the next room for the time being, call on her if you need to use a healing staff on him." Richard smiled before bowing and walking out of the room.
Celes continued to smile as she looked at Cecil, leaning over and kissing him on his forehead. "I hope for your safety, my little prince. The future will be hard for you, but you are strong like your father, you will make it through with a smile on your face."
Cecil woke up a day after the incident, feeling no worse for wear all things considered. He continued his training with Richard, though at a slightly slower pace to make sure to not accidentally use Scendscale again. With the training keeping him busy, the next week flew by quickly, the ship finally setting its sights on Regna Ferox by the end of it.
"Land ho!" Orvil called out as one of the main ports for Ferox came into view. "Raise the royal colors men! We want them to know who's coming in." he shouted out, a resounding 'Aye Sir' coming from the deck. "Hopefully they still remember the colors." he said under his breath.
Celes and her family made their way to the deck after the call out, watching the port town coming closer and closer.
"What is your plan when we reach port milady?" Richard asked as he finished strapping on one of his pauldrons.
"We ask for an audience with one of the Khans, see if they would be willing to let us live in Ferox and if there is anything we can do to earn that privilege. If not we head towards Ylisse and request the same of the Exalt." Celes stated as she wrapped a blanket around Celene to keep her warm.
"Simple, all things considered milady."
"Simple is all I need Richard. I'm not looking for luxury." Celes sighed as Cecil grabbed onto her hand.
As the ship came into the port and laid anchor next to one of the several stone docks, what seemed to be a dock manager ran over to the ship as the crew placed the gangplank onto the dock. He stood at attention at the end of the plank as Celes walked down, giving a short bow to her as she stepped onto the dock.
"Greetings, Queen of Valm, it is a pleasure to meet you." the manager said coarsely, obviously nervous at the encounter. Celes giggled before responding.
"Please, don't worry yourself so much. I won't snap you like a twig if you mess up a sentence." she smiled as the manager rubbed the back of his neck.
"Uh, right. Umm, so how can we help you your highness? We haven't seen a royal ship from Valm in several years." the manager asked, slightly relieved but still rigged.
"I must request an audience from you Khan, things have...let us say my family is not in good graces with the new rulers of Valm." she said with a strained voice.
"Oh...I'm so sorry to hear that milady. Of course I'm sure Khan Basilio would be willing to meet with you...if he was here. He's currently at Arena Ferox for the Tournament, but we can send a messenger ahead to let him know you are here and on your way, we can also get a carriage ready to take you there."
"That sounds perfect, thank you so much for your help." Celes smiled as she bowed slightly, which the manager returned.
"The pleasure is mine, I will go and get that all ready for you and have someone retrieve you when the the carriage is ready." the manager said as he ran off.
"He sure was nervous." Nia commented as watched the man run off.
"I'm sure this is the first time meeting royalty besides one of the Khans, it's to be expected Nia." Richard stated, trying to save some dignity for the manager.
"Whatever the case we should thank the gods he was so willing to help." Celes said as she heard steps coming down the gangplank. Turning around she found Orvil coming up to them.
"Well, milady, we have safely made it to Valm. What would you like us to do now?"
"Do what you would like, Orvil. I doubt I will be traveling again off this continent, so I sadly no longer am in need to this vessel. Perhaps you could take on becoming one of the merchant vessels of this port, I'm sure they would be happy to have another ship."
"Not as honorable as transporting royalty, but a good job nonetheless. Nevertheless my crew and myself will always be loyal to you milady, call upon us if you ever need a ship and we will come running."
"Of course, thank you Orvil. And thank you all as well, may the god's bless you for the rest of your lives!" Celes called out to the crew on deck, giving them a bow.
"May the Gods bless you with good tidings, Queen Celes." the crew shouted back as Orvil made his way back up the plank.
Nia and Richard both bowed to the men as well before the group started their way down the dock, finding a small area with a few crates they could sit on while waiting for the manager to come back. Nia played with Celene to keep her occupied, while Richard continued a small training routine with Cecil. As they two children had they're fun, Celes looked out in the distance across the sea, only being interrupted as the manager came back almost thirty minutes later.
"Milady, I'm sorry it took so long for us to get the carriage ready." the manager huffed as he ran up towards the group. Celes smiled as she stood up and grabbed onto Cecil's hand.
"No worries, I assume the carriage is ready then?"
"Yes, and a messenger has been sent ahead of you to inform the Khan. Follow me please and we will send you on your way." the manager said as he gestured in the direction he was heading.
"Oh, and I hope this will not intrude on you, good sir, but please if anyone asks about us being here, please lie to them. I do not need anyone unwanted following after us." Celes stated as she put her hand on the manager's shoulder.
"Of course, milady." the manager smiled slightly as Celes took her hand off of him.
Reaching the carriage and packing everything they needed onto it, the group set off on their way to the arena, a journey that took two uneventful days to make. But soon they reached the large Arena, a large party continuing outside as the Tournament was just about to get started the day after.
Yells of merriment and songs of joy surrounded the carriage as it made its way towards the Arena, Celes and her children smiling as they looked out the carriage window the party goers.
"These people definitely know how to have a party, last time we had one this big was the day after little Celene was born." Nia laughed as she saw a drunk man fall down smiling and laughing.
"Of course, this only happens once every two years. Why wouldn't they want to celebrate, Nia." Richard laughed "They're here to watch a fight between the chosen warriors of the East and West Khans, and the winning team decides who has full control of Ferox for the next two years. You think this is bad, wait until the Tournament is actually over."
"Can't wait to see that hellstorm." Nia smiled as they reached the arena entrance. Richard hopped off from the front of the carriage and opened the doors for the others. Celes led the way, Cecil and Celene with her, up to the front gates, where the guards gave a quick salute.
"Queen Celes, Khan Basilio is waiting for you, follow us." the guards said as they opened the door for the group, allowing them to pass before closing the doors and walking in front of the group. They led them through several large hallways before reaching a large meeting room, where they found a large man they assumed to Basilio waiting for them with a young boy about the same age as Cecil talking to him. As the group got closer, Basilio looked up and grinned at them.
"Well I'll be, now what would Valmese royalty want we me." Basilio laughed as Celes walked up to him.
"Ha, former Valmese royalty, Khan Basilio. We are looking for a place to live, simple as that."
"Straight to the point I see. Jericho, take the little ones and go see Olivia, leave the talking for the adults." Basilio said as he looked down at the young boy near him.
"Sure thing, come on!" the boy smiled as he started to walk off. Cecil looked up at his mother, who gave him a smile and a slight push on the back, so he ran off after Jericho. Celes looked over at Nia next, who gave a nod and followed after then with Celene.
"So what do you mean by 'former' royalty? I've heard horror stories about you all the way over here in Ferox, who in the hell would want to go up against you?" Basilo questioned as he turned back to Celes.
"I assure you most of those stories are probably false...mostly. That said a violent coop ensued in Valm, led by my cousin Walhart. My husband is most likely dead, I had to flee my home to keep my children safe, and that tyrant now sits on the throne of Valm. I sadly have nothing left but my name and my family."
"So you decided to come here, with a tyrant on your tail who's most likely wanting to kill you, and talk to me? Do you really just want a place to live or do you want an army to get your home back?"
"...I would love to get my home back, Khan Basilio, but I am not going to risk another nations lives to get it back. For whatever reason Walhart let us go, he's made no attempt to catch us on our trip, so I believe we are seen as no longer a threat. I'm looking for a home so that I may raise my children in peace, nothing more. Is that a problem." Celes replied with a glare, Basilio gladly grinning back.
"HA, not a problem at all!" Basilo laughed loudly. "Unfortunately I don't think we'd be the best place to raise your young ones, and unless you wanna start chopping logs we really don't have anything appropriate for you to do." he said with a frown.
"So is there's nothing you can do for us?" Celes asked calmly.
"Now I didn't go and say that. Ylisse just got out of a war...well being damned honest it was more of a massacre, with Plegia four years ago, and I've heard rumors it's been hard on the new Exalt since her father died just last year. Now I'm thinking, maybe, just maybe, having someone personally involved in ruling a country would be able to give her sound advice?" he smiled with the idea.
"I...I would be honored if she would allow me. It's more than I had expected to find when we made our way over here, and it's great enough of an possiblity that I would regret not taking the chance. Richard, get the cart ready, we leave for Ylisse tomo…" Celes started, being interrupted by Basilio.
"Hold your horses, I might be able to recognize Valmese royalty since I've met you before, but Ylisse has been out of contact with Valm for generations, they won't know who you are and they might nor believe you by just stating it. So let's make a deal…" Basilio smiled widely. "You become my champion for this Tournament, and I'll get a personal letter wrote up for the Exalt with my backing of who you are. And hey, if you win that's a bonus!"
"A sound deal, Khan Basilio, I accept." Celes nodded while Richard stared at her.
"Milady, I don't want to judge your actions but are you sure that's wise?"
"Oh don't worry about me, Richard, I can handle myself, it won't be a problem. But please go fetch the Zofia for me, I need to get some practice in before the match."
"Right away, milady." Richard replied as he walked off.
"I'll make it easy on ya too, normally this is a big shebang with two small forces fighting each other, but with just how important my new champion is I think I can make it a one on one and still have everyone satisfied with the outcome." Basilio nodded to Celes, before a slight frown came to him. "Though it might be difficult, heard the kid gotta hold of a strong one this year, but she kept their identity under wraps."
"Doesn't matter who it is, I have more at stake. They will lose the match." Celes remarked with a scoff.
"Ha! Good to know you're willing to beat someone down, might request your help every Tournament if that's the case." Basilo laughed. "Now, I'll get some rooms ready for you all, then rest up and be ready for tomorrow, can't wait to see that's kids face when I win this year." he laughed as he walked off. "Oh, and I'll have someone retrieve the tykes for you when you get to your rooms." he called back as he exited the room.
"Well, at least this trip will be eventful." Celes shook her head slightly.
"Ladies and Gentlemens, are you ready for a beatdown!" Basilo yelled out with a wicked grin from the Khan's seating location in the arena, the crowds going wild with screams, whoops, and whistles of approval. "Good, cause you all are going to get one. This year's a damn special one, so we got special rules in place. One on one match, winner take all!" he screamed out again, once again getting the crowd pumped much to his pleasure.
Next to him sat the young Eastern Khan, Flavia, who sighed heavily at his bragging. He'd sent a message to her and told her he had an idea to make this more interesting, and Naga knows she was regretting even entertaining the thought that this was a good idea. She sighed as she stood up, and yelled at the crowd as well.
"As compensense for the shorter duel, more food and drink will be handed out around town!" she shouted, gaining roars from the audience. "Now let's get on with it, introducing my champion. Leader of the Greil Mercenaries and descendent of the Radiant Hero himself, Priam!"
The crowds went wild as the young man in question walked out into the arena from the eastern side. He looked much akin to his ancestor at his younger age, he himself not being more than fifteen at the time. Wearing garb similar to Ike's, Priam grabbed Ragnell from his waist and held it high for the audience to see. It's visage was worn and battered, it's hilt having been covered in wraps, but it's splendor still spilt out in waves. The crowds started cheering his name, some noticing a slight smirk appearing on his lips.
"So that's who you were hiding from me. Nice choice runt, but I got you beat." Basilio laughed as he walked to the very edge of the viewing area, Flavia giving him a stink eye all the while. "Introducing MY champion, inheritor of the will of the Twin Dragon gods, descendant of Saint-King Alm, and true heir of Valentia, Queen of Valm, Celes Dragveil!" he shouted at the top of his lungs and the roars became deafening, Flavia's jaw almost hitting the floor as said champion walked out into the arena.
Once again in her ceremonial armor, the gold plates glimmering in the firelight of the arena, she held in her hand one of her family's most prized possessions, the Beloved Zofia. A black tome on her hip, she raised the pale white blade above her head as she smiled at the crowd.
"It would seem that this is to be a battle of heroic descendants, this will be one for the ages! Now, are you ready!?" Basilio questioned the crowd, the roars of the crowd his answer. "Then give us a good fight you two, to the death or whoever forfeits first!" he yelled down to the two contestants.
Priam made the first move, rushing forwards with an underhanded swing towards Celes' stomach, who barely had enough time to dodge to the left under the blade before he swung it back around towards her. She spun the Zofia to parry Ragnell out of the way, backing up as Priam recovered and tried to continue his onslaught. Parrying each blow as best she could, she finally found an opening as Priam raised his sword above his head. She stepped forward and raised her sword to meet the oncoming swing, stopping it where the blades met and using her right foot to kick Priam in the chest which sent him tumbling to the ground back from the force. She took the opportunity and swung down at his chest, which he barely blocked with Ragnell, though sacrificing his right hand as her blade cut across the back of it. Rolling backwards to get back onto his feet, he had to quickly raise his blade to block another strike from Celes, pushing back on her sword to push her away before pressing onto the hard stone floor with his foot and launching towards her, shoulder checking her in the chest and causing her to stumble onto the ground, Priam following up with an overhead strike aimed at her chest. Using his own momentum against him, Celes blocked the strike and kicked his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and using what momentum was left from his movement to vault him over her and into the ground. Jumping to her feet, Celes looked back to Priam with a smile, who was trying to suck air back into his lungs as he slowly stood up. The roars of the crowd showed how much they were enjoying the show, seemingly half of the audience yelling out Priam's name and the other half shouting Celes'.
"Good move." Priam coughed as he looked over at her, a small smirk crossing his lips.
"You left yourself open, I used it." Celes smiled back. "Though for someone so young you are fairly well trained, I'm impressed." she stated as they started to circle each other.
"Started training with my father when deemed I was old enough, been training ever since."
"I respect the dedication, but that does not mean you will best me in this duel." Celes smiled as she lunged forwards with stab to Priam's chest, which he caught with Ragnell's crossguard and forced her back.
"Yep, that's gonna depend on who's better." Priam smiled as he lunged forward with flurry of blows, Celes blocking as many strikes as she could but one managed to break through her guard and sliced her arm open. It wasn't superficially deep, but if this battle kept going she'd lose the use of it until she could get it healed. Switching Zofia to her other hand, she planned out her options as quickly as she could before Priam launched himself forwards once again to start attacking her. She sadly wasn't used to using her left hand for fighting, so she was constantly getting pushed back from his blows as Priam kept up her onslaught. She had one chance at this, and she had to do it perfectly if she wanted to win this fight. Seconds felt like minutes as she watched every swing and waiting for the right moment to strike, finally finding one as Priam swung hard from the left and she swung to parry it. As the blades struck each other pain quickly shot through her arm, but she ignored it best she could as she swung a right hook at Priam's head with her right fist, knocking him in his right cheek and causing him to stumble back. She took this opportunity to strike, flinging her hand to the tome on her hip, her hand bursting into flame that she deftly flung towards the recovering Priam.
"Ragnarok!" she screamed as the flame turned into several fire balls that surrounded Priam, who noticed them too late as he shook his head to recover from the blow. The balls quickly rotated around him, before closing in on him rapidly.
"Crap!" he shouted as the fire balls impacted against him and flung him into the air from the resulting explosion. He landed with a thud, Celes jumping forwards towards him and noticing only small burns covering his skin from the fire.
"He's more resilient than I thought." she thought to herself as she jumped and landed her knee on Priam's stomach, a large grunt confirming that he was still conscious. She reached forwards and grabbed his neck, pointing Zofia against its side as she smiled at him.
"Or it will depend on who's smarter. Submit."
"Heh, smart move lady." Priam coughed. "I forfeit!"
The crowds roars shook the foundation as Celes stood up and held her hand out to Priam, who took it and helped himself up onto his feet. Basilio was up in the viewing area seemingly wanting to dance like a little girl who just got told her crush liked her back, Flavia slumping down with a frown in defeat.
"Hah hah hah, finally got the title back. Drink's on me tonight everyone!" Basilio shouted out as the crowd started shouting out his name.
The remaining part of the day flew by quickly, mainly due to the fact that it was a non stop party throughout the entire city. Celes was sure that Basilio drank seemingly 6 barrels of Feroxi wine himself, but he was fun to be around drunk so she couldn't complain. She also got a rough greeting from Khan Flavia, who was obviously pissed that she lost the tournament but she quickly lost herself to drink along with Basilio. Celes also heavily partook in the drinking, hoping to forgo some of the lingering memories of the past week. Thankfully she sent Nia to watch over Cecil and Celene, both of whom seemed to have become close friends with Basilio's seemingly adopted children. Jericho was just as loud and abrasive as Basilio was, but a kind heart could be seen underneath the child's rough exterior. Olivia, on the other hand, was as timid as a mouse. It made Celes laugh as she constantly found her hiding behind Jericho as if trying to hide from the world, but she found the young girl adorable in many different ways. After hours of drinking, Richard forcibly excused her and took her to her room, where she quickly passed out on her bed.
Waking hours later to a massive headache, Celes dressed herself before making her way to the main audience chamber of the arena, finding her group already up and ready to go with Basilio waiting for her with them.
"Well if it isn't my drunken champion, how's the headache?" Basilio called out to her as she walked up.
"Painful." she replied groggily.
"Good, means the wine worked. Now then, I had my men fill your wagon up with everything you need to make it to Ylisse, and you'll have armed guards with you until you reach the Longfort, after that you're on your own. And as promised.." he reached into his pant pocket and pulled out a small letter with his personal stamp sealing it. "One letter straight from me confirming who you are. That should help you get a private audience with the Exalt."
"Great, then we shall head out immediately. Thank you for your kindness, Khan Basilio." Celes nodded as she grabbed the letter from him.
"I should be the one thanking you, I got full reign of Ferox for the next two years cause of you, I'll make sure this place is run properly again instead of all the stuff Flavia was doing. I'm sure the tykes are going to miss you as well, but they had classes to attend to today so they couldn't join us to see you off."
"Let them know that we hope to see them again, I'm sure my children would love to spend more time with them as well."
"Will do, now let's get you on your way." Basilio laughed as he led them to the wagon, following them to the edge of the city before parting with a laugh and smile. The trip to the Longfort was thankfully uneventful, with them passing through without any trouble into the halidom of Ylisse two days later. Though as if bad luck kept following them, they ran into trouble as they neared Ylisse, in a large forest to the north of the city, finding a young woman running out of the trees and into their path with two young twins in her arms.
?
She ran through the forest as fast as her feet could take her, angry shouts flowing from behind her as she tried to escape the men chasing after her and her eight year old children. She was carrying both of them in her arms, both of whom were crying silently into her jacket, slowing her down but she refused to allow any harm to come to them, not after what they had finally escaped. Soaked to the core thanks to unrelenting rainstorm that had rolled in only minutes prior, her white hair, tied up in a ponytail, was matted down with sweat and rain as she had been running for almost half an hour, refusing to be caught. As she bolted past a large tree in her path she saw a clearing coming up that she prayed to Naga was a road. Breaking into a sprint despite the extra weight, she shouted at the top of her lungs as she broke through the trees.
"Help! Please for the love of Naga someone help!" she shouted with tears as she came face to face with a large wagon that had stopped on a dime as she screamed from the trees. The man driving the cart, seemingly a knight due to his armor, quickly jumped down into the mud as she ran around the cart and stopped on the other side. Holding her children close to her chest, she could hear the shouts of the men chasing her get louder and louder, but a quick movement besides her made her jump out of her skin. She was about to scream before a hand covered her mouth, a mellow voice talking to her.
"Don't worry, we won't hurt you. What's going on?"
She tried to talk but she couldn't catch her breath, tears falling from her eyes as she thought she might finally have help. After several precious seconds passed, she finally was able to get a few words out from her ragged breath.
"Please help, they'll take my children away."
An angry scowl came to the face of the woman who had just talked to her, before the woman rubbed the top of her head trying to calm her down.
"Don't worry, I won't let that happen." she said strictly as she walked around her and to the other side of the cart. "Richard, kill anyone who comes out of that forest. Not a single one is to make it out alive."
"Yes, milady." the man spoke as she could hear him pull out a sword, the shouts of the men chasing her finally breaking through the forest and onto the road. A great roar could be heard, she guessed from the knight, as she heard the tump of a body hitting the ground and the men started yelling loudly. The fighting went on for several minutes before quieting down, both the knight and woman walking back to the other side of the cart, both slightly covered in blood but no worse for wear.
"In Ylisse for barely a day and we've already killed people." the woman huffed. "No matter, are you alright miss?"
The words tumbled out of her mouth, exhaustion and relief collapsing on her at once. "Oh gods thank you, I thought I..I thought I was going to lose everything."
"No thanks needed miss, I'm glad you ran into us when you did. My name is Celes, and this is Richard, my personal knight." Celes smiled at her, Richard giving a quick nod as the rain started picking up even more. "Let's move inside before it gets even worse, we need to dry all of you off." she said as she grabbed her by the shoulder and brought her behind the wagon, a maid watching over two kids with the same hair color as Celes looking over at them as Celes called to her, quickly moving over and helping them up. The maid had to pry her arms away from her children, but she gave her a reassuring smile as she took her son away from her and sat him on the bench, then doing the same with her daughter. They both looked tired, their eyes red from tears and fear and their white hair as matted as their mothers. The maid grabbed a towel and started to dry both of them off as Celes moved over and started helping her dry off as well.
"Cecil, grab me one of the vulneraries please, and grab a few blankets for the little ones." Celes called out to the young boy sitting next to his sister.
"Right!" he smiled as he jumped off the bench and started scrounging through the bags near the front of the wagon.
"Now, may I ask your name miss?" Celes asked as she tossed the towel on the floor and looked her over, checking for anymore wounds besides the scratches on her face.
"It's...Reina." she replied as she watched Cecil walk over with two oversized blankets handing one to his mother with the vulnerary his mother had requested, who then wrapped it around Reina and told her to drink the potion, as Cecil wrapped the other one around her kids, making sure they were warm enough with a bright smile to both of them before jumping up on the bench next to her daughter, trying to get her to talk.
"Well Reina it's a pleasure to meet you, now only if we met in better circumstances. Can I ask why you were being chased?"
"I..no offense miss, but..I don't.."
"Trust me? I wouldn't blame you, if I were in your shoes. No mater, I won't pry, and we'll get you to safety We're heading to Ylisstol now, I think you can find a safe place to be there." Celes smiled at her. She wanted to protest, Ylisstol was the worst place to go to for her children, especially after the purge, but she couldn't din the strength as she slowly started to pass out from exhaustion. Noticing this, Celes moved her over next to her children, who were already asleep with her daughters head resting on Cecil's shoulder and her sons head resting on her daughters. "May I ask their names as well?"
"Robin and Raven." she said as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
"Beautiful names, Reina." Celes smiled as she walked back to the front of the wagon. "Keep us off anything bumpy Richard, I'd like them to be able to sleep."
"Of course Milady, we should be to Ylisstol in a few hours." Richard replied, rain battering off his armor as it started to slightly clear up.
Hours later Reina finally roused from her sleep, finding her son and daughter happily talking to Cecil about their likes and dislikes. Her thoughts were interrupted before she could even start to fully think on what had happened.
"Good morning Reina." Celes smiled, handing her a small ration from one of the bags to snack on. "They woke up about an hour ago, took my son almost that long to get them to open up."
"I haven't seen them this at ease in months…" Reina smiled slightly as she opened up the ration and started eating.
"My son tends to do that. We're almost to Ylisstol, is there any place you know you can stay?"
"No, if I'm honest Ylisstol is probably not safe for us. I was going to head further south to see if I can find us a place to live without...that happening again."
"Well stay with us until we get inside the city at least, I don't want to think what might happen."
"Of course, thank you." Reina smiled as the maid walked over to her, holding a small sack.
"Ah, thank you Nia." Celes grabbed the bag and handed to Reina. "This is around four hundred gold, it should keep your family fed and happy for months to come if not longer."
"Oh gods, I can't accept this Celes, not after you being the one who saved us."
"Nonsense, I'm giving you this because i know how it feels to be on the run, if anything I want to give you more than that but we don't have as much as I'd wish myself." Celes laughed as she forced the sack into her hands.
"I..oh gods, thank you. I'll repay you, somehow…"
"Don't worry about it. Now how about you tell me about yourself, just to past the time until we reach the city."
They reached the city an hour later, Reina thanking them once again as her twins gave Cecil a quick hug before they walked off to wander the streets. Smiling as they walked away, Celes hopped back onto the wagon and Richard took them the rest of the way to the palace. Riding up to the gates, the guards ran up to them with their hands outstretched.
"Hold, the Exalt isn't expecting anyone today, who are you?" one of the guards asked as Celes hopped down, grabbing the letter from Basilio from her jacket and handing it forwards.
"I am Celes Dragveil, I was wanting to request an audience with the Exalt about a possible job." she bowed as the guard looked at the letter. Turning it over and seeing the Khans stamp, he clammed up as he handed the letter back.
"I will have someone fetch the Exalt right away, please follow me milady." the guard said as he waved for the other to raise the gate. "Someone get this wagon to the stables, stat!" he yelled as some of the guards ran over and respectfully grabbed the reins from Richard, who jumped off and joined Celes as Nia brought Cecil and Celene over to her. The guard bowed before turning around and marching up the path to the palace, guiding the group to the main hall of the palace. Celes was surprised as they walked in to find a young woman, no older than fifteen, standing there regally waiting for them with an older man in fine robes and two younger children, one a boy with royal blue hair and the other a young girl with striking blond hair the same color as the supposed Exalt.
"Exalt Emmeryn, Lady Celes Dragveil." the guard bowed before walking off to the side, the young woman waking forwards.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Celes. I was told you have a letter from one of the Khans?"
"Yes, and I was not expecting te Exalt to be so young." Celes bowed slightly, Emmeryn doing the same.
"Yes, my father passed recently and as the oldest I inherited the title. Oh, this is my younger siblings, Chrom and Lissa. And this is my advisor, Winles." Emmeryn said as she gestured to the boy and girl, the boy giving a half baked bow and the girl smiling radiantly at them.
"A pleasure, and this is my knight, Richard, my maid, Nia, and my son and daughter, Cecil and Celene." Celes smiled as she gestured to each in order. "Now onto business, as I don't want to take up too much of your time if you decline, I must ask that you keep everything I'm about to tell you secret, as I do not want to risk the lives of my children."
And so Celes told her tale of the last several weeks, from the battle at her home to the winning the tournament, to the job that she so hopped the Exalt would hire her for. As the story came to an end Emmeryn had a compassionate expression on her face as she looked over to Winles.
"What do you think, Winles?"
"I think I'm getting too old to keep playing politics." Winles smiled. "I'd be honored if you would take my 'daughter' into your service in my stead." the old man laughed as Celes' jaw dropped.
"I would be honored." Emmeryn laughed. "Celes, I would be honored to have you as my advisor, and I ask that you help me make this halidom the best it can be."
"Of course, I aim the do just that." Celes smiled as she bowed, Cecil walking up and doing the same.
"Good, you will live in the palace and given Winles' last name as a cover, and I hope that young Cecil will become good friends with my brother." Emeryn smiled as she looked over to Cecil, who seemed to be focusing on her forehead. She giggled as she explained, "If you are wondering what this is, it is a brand given to me by the Divine Dragon Naga, it shows that I have sacred blood flowing through me." she said as she pointed to her forehead.
"I have one too."
Emmeryn blinked, wondering if she misheard him. "What?"
Cecil unwrapped the bandage on his left hand and held it up to her, Emmeryn's face going slack as she stared at the back of his hand.
There, emblazoned on his flesh, was a pointed cross with two curved thorns extending from the top left and right corners of it. The brand of Duma and Mila, combined as one.
Across the sea on the continent of Valm, hidden deep in the temple situated at the top of the Mila Tree, a lost swords silver blade began to glow.