Note: This would take place right before chapter 20: Darkling Woods. Some of this comes from support conversations and relationships as well.
Author's Note: Whoosh. My first full Fire Emblem fic is finally out and started, please review!
Here's the deal: if you want me to focus on certain units in each camp, let me know. I'll pick a few out from those suggested. Thanks all!
The small army led by Eirika and Ephraim was close to Darkling Woods now, and had decided to wait until dawn to press forward into the actual forest. Quite a few needed the night to rest. Others agreed so they would have time to think, or train. So they followed through with the plan, three separate camps were formed:
Camp 1: Joshua, Natasha, Lute, Artur, Garcia, Ross, Vanessa, Forde, Marisa, Rennac
Camp 2: Eirika, Ephraim, Seth, Kyle, Franz, Gilliam, Moulder, Tana, Dozla, Duessel, Cormag, Myrrh
Camp 3: Innes, L'Arachel, Neimi, Colm, Amelia, Gerik, Tethys, Saleh, Ewan, Knoll, Syrene
They thought they had camped far enough apart so they wouldn't attract attention, that's why they split up in the first place. It started off well enough, but soon it will be a race against time...
Chapter 1 - Midnight Training (at camp 1)
Joshua pivoted on his heel, the lightning strike missing him by about half a foot. Crimson eyes shining with laughter, he turned once more to face his attacker.
"See, you really don't need any of this." Artur said, standing a yard away.
Joshua smirked, "Sure I do. Did you see how close you came to hitting me?"
It was around midnight. The other eight members of camp 1 were doing various things. Still sticking to their 'agreement', Joshua and Artur were training. They were a few yards away from the small group of tents. It was dark, and no fires were lit in the camp, the stars being the onlysource of the little light they had.
Artur merely sighed, running a hand through his red-orange hair. "Well, how much longer do you plan on doing this for tonight? We've been out here for over two hours."
He immediately regretted saying that. Before Joshua even said anything, Artur crossed his arms, saying:
"If you want to bet over it, I call heads."
Joshua looked up, grinning. "Now wait a moment, Artur. Maybe I was going to agree with you and stop for the night."
"Really? I'm sorry, I just assumed that..." Artur began, but Joshua cut him off.
"No, now we're going to make a bet. So, you said heads. If I win, we train for another hour."
"An hour! Do you plan on sleeping at all?"
But Joshua had already flipped the coin. "Look here." He showed Artur.
"Heads! I actually won for once." Artur replied, sounding surprised.
"Yep. Not my lucky day, I suppose." Joshua stated, starting to walk back towards the camp.
Artur followed, quickening his pace to catch up. "So, who's on watch right now?"
That was one thing their camp had agreed on. Two people on watch at all times, switchingpairs every two hours.
"I believe it's Vanessa and Forde. Then you and Lute."
"Yes, and then you and Natasha." Artur replied, smiling.
"And you're all happy about being paired with Lute, why?"
Artur didn't answer, and they both found themselves stopping at the edge of the camp.
Joshua shrugged, dropping the subject. "I doubt any of us are going to sleep well anyways."
He pointed to Darkling Woods, the beginning tree line could be seen about two miles away. As both of them were looking towards the distant trees, a shadow moved across the sky, flying low above the trees. Artur blinked. Then it was gone.
"Did you just see that?" Artur asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
Joshua nodded. "Probably just a gargoyle."
"Well, at least it can't see us from here." Artur commented.
"Let's hope so." Joshua agreed, continuing into the camp.
They walked a ways, saying hello to several people as they passed. As Joshua had predicted, most everyone was awake still, despite the time of night. It was quiet, those that were talking almost spoke in whispers. On a small rise a little ways away, the forms of Vanessa and Forde could be made out against the dark. Both seemed to be motionless, looking in the direction of Darkling Woods.
Artur sighed again. He wasn't that exhausted, but sleep sounded good at the moment. On the other hand, the thought of the shadow above the woods seemed to give him more energy. No, they all had to keep their guard up.
"Well, I'll be seeing you, Artur." Joshua said, starting towards his own tent.
"All right." Wrapping his cloak around himself tighter, Artur watched him leave, shivering a little. It certainly was colder now that he had stopped moving around. The coldbreeze that seemed to be a constant didn't help, either.
"Artur!" A voice shouted from behind him, causing several people to look up. Artur wasn't surprised.
"Lute." He said calmly, turning to face her. "You'll never change."
"What? Oh, was I being to loud? Well excuse me for disturbing the peace!" The girl replied.
"Right, well, we've got a few hours before watch." Artur said, changing the subject.
"Right, well." Lute repeated sarcastically.
"Oh stop. Come'on. I want to pray, and I'm sure you want to read your books." Artur replied simply, leading the way to their tents.