Fire Emblem
A New Tactician's Journey
By MacrossGreen
Author's Note: After several chapters of working with a pokemon fanfic (which I will return to working on soon), I have decided to try my hand at a much older series of game. Strategy RPGs, I have found after several attempts, are quite difficult to work with, when it comes to writing fanfics based on them. However, I do believe that unlike the Shining Force series (of which I attempted one or two fanfics), this one lends itself much better to this kind of work. Fire Emblem quickly became my favorite Strategy RPG series- unlike many other Strategy RPG games like Shining Force and FFT, a dead character stays dead. Because I enjoy a game where characters can die (for example, Monster Rancher), the strength of that character can be that much more appreciated. If you can resurrect a character, then that character's overall importance is diminished and one can take certain liberties regarding their use. The setting I'm using is about 45 years after the ending of Fire Emblem 7 (AKA, Fire Emblem 1 for America).
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In a valley in the depths of the Ilian mountains
It was the cool, yet crisp mountain air that made its presence known to the young man as he stepped out from his home. It was a quaint little house, hidden in a snow-covered valley within the depths of the many mountain ranges of Ilia. A small garden behind the house provided vegetables, and hardy fruit trees were aligned carefully around the garden. This was his home, a place he had rarely ever left, save to go to the few towns that could be reached by a day or two's journey in any direction. The Pegasus Knights of Ilia flew overhead often, some coming down to meet with his father or himself at any given time- thought mostly to speak with the young man, for his skills were what they hoped to employ some day. The father was often away at arenas or at a job, for a mercenary often required a job that lasted a long time in order to make any real gold these days.
This particular boy is the grandson of The Tactician, all in Ilia knew. The Tactician, as the stories go, was the mastermind of the military tactics that allowed the then lord of Pherae, Lord Eliwood, and his company to defeat the evil man known as Nergal, who wished to bring the dreaded dragons of legend back into the world of men. After that great deed was accomplished, he retired back to Ilia, to the home his own family had built. The very house that his grandson now stood outside of, now standing there and looking at it carefully. It was well constructed and could withstand almost any amount of snow. This is what a carefully planning tactician could do, if given enough time and material to do it. Build with the utmost planning, then, when finished, see the finished product as a work of beauty and force capable of deflecting the harshest conditions.
And that was what this boy wished to do- to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, so to speak, and become a great tactician in his own right. A gust of wind sent a chill along the young man's spine, and he shivered before looking back. He could hear the gentle 'clopping' of hooves upon the hard, frozen ground, and the rustling of wings as they were closed against the Pegasus' sides. On the Pegasus' back was a girl he had known now for a while, a good friend of his. She had dark green hair, a color that reminded him of the forest, which reached down along her back in a tight, yet large braid. She carried an iron lance in her hand, a weapon not pointed at him, thank Elibe.
"Good day, Kiri." He said to her, bowing low to the Pegasus Knight that had just been knighted and must now find a house of nobility to work with. Of course, that requirement had been waived once it was found that The Tactician's grandson would soon go out on his journey of learning. The Pegasus neighed slightly, tossing its mane as it stomped the ground with a hoof. "And good day to you as well, Hewn. You know I was not ignoring you." Was the young man's response to the Pegasus, who just snorted in reply to the pleasant greeting. Kiri, the Pegasus Knight upon Hewn's back, just laughed softly.
"Well met, Loedan. And do not worry about Hewn; he is just anxious to be off. You are not the only one curious about the world. We have not seen anything of other places other than these mountains, after all." She said. Her voice was clear and somewhat commanding, almost regal even. Of course, Loedan's voice was rather soft but could be very commanding as well, in time of need. A tactician required a voice that could be heard by all on his side, so he could place his troops where they were needed most. Loedan nodded- as the tactician's son, he could show little to no hesitation when it came to quick decisions, though this was a decision long in the making.
"I see. Well then, shall we go, my friend?" he asked the knight, who simply nodded in response. He walked over to the Pegasus' side and was offered the knight's hand, which he gladly accepted. Though Pegasi suffered only women to ride them, they did not mind giving a lift to men as long as their riders agreed to it. Or so it seemed, for the three had known each other for a very long time. The sky was clear and the sun was up, beating down upon them with a heat that was uncommon this early in spring- the snow would melt soon, if the heat picked up much more.
"Up you go! And yes, we shall be off in just a moment. Be sure to hold onto me, Loedan, I want no harm to come to you should we experience some tough winds. We are going southeast, are we not? To Sacae?" she asked her friend now, who slipped up onto the back of the Pegasus. He weighed less than he might seem- he was of average build, of course, but most tacticians seemed to be overweight. His grandfather had the trick of wearing armor beneath his robes, causing him to be too slow to be much more than a tactician during his travels. Of course, Loedan was a different type of tactician in training. Unlike his grandfather, he would be a tactician that would fight alongside his troops, rather than solely directing them. At least, he would find out if it was a feasible plan or not.
"Yes, to Sacae. I wish to see the plains, an ocean of unending grass… that would be a sight that I have longed to see for a very, very, long time, Kiri." He replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was a gesture not meant for anything other than securing him to the Pegasus' back and to keep him upright, for with a motion of the knight's legs against the Pegasus beneath her, Hewn's wings began to beat up and down quickly. They were soon airborne, and the Pegasus neighed in triumph as Kiri brought it around in a slow, wide circle that would lead them to a direction of southeast. He had his grandfather's journal with him, something that The Tactician had kept secret throughout his travels, despite the fact that there had been several thieves with his troops.
This journal, he hoped, would serve as a guide as to where to go and how to get there. Bern was not the most peaceful place to be, now that the wild wyverns had begun to rebel against the humans that were expanding their cities and influence into the wilderness. There was talk of unrest in the eastern parts of Lycia as well, including Pherae and Caelin. The tribes of Sacae, however, were at peace with one another, as they had been for as long as any could remember. Bandit attacks seemed to be increasing once more, however, from the information he had heard in town. Though too young (officially) to drink alcohol, it was simple enough to listen to those who did drink the stuff. Their throats were loosened by such drink, and the news of other places that they had been to and gone through would be divulged to him.
As The Tactician had done, and had had said about him, a Tactician's eyes must ever be vigilant and open. Loedan knew these rules well, the rules of war. The different weapons that could be used to defeat others types of weapons, what would do well against certain types of people. For instance, one would not send a mage to battle a shaman unless all other options could not be used. A Pegasus Knight, however, thanks to the magical nature of their Pegasi, could withstand even the strongest magic attacks, given enough experience, and still deliver a strike to the magic user who would attack her. A tactician required the abilities to plan not only for victory, but for retreat if necessary. To keep stock of items, money, and such like that. Money would be a constant concern, of course, for any mercenaries.
To these things, Loedan paid little heed- he had no troops other than himself and his good friend Kiri at the moment. They had no battles to wage or opponents to defeat, but simply a long distance to travel. It was the distance that his grandfather had gone on foot- no wonder he had collapsed when he had reached the middle of the plains, for there were very few streams or rivers flowing to the east from Ilia. Most that did ended near the border of the lands of Ilia and Sacae, and he had not been able to stop to restore his supplies, for there were no villages between here and Bulgar, the largest city in all of Sacae.
The air became cooler as Kiri urged Hewn higher into the sky, causing Loedan to shut his eyes as he held on tight. Kiri smiled as she felt his arms warm around her waist, coming taught against her stomach as he held to her tighter. She was glad for this chance to leave the 'nest', as it were. She had lived in these mountains and seen little else in her life, and as a curious girl, had always wanted a chance to travel. Now, with her friend behind her, she had that chance. She hadn't really wanted to become a mercenary, but as a Pegasus Knight, she had certain obligations to work outside of her country and send the money she earns back, so that her people could live a better life.
For, after all, life was harsh where there was little food that could be grown successfully. Food to be imported, and little that could be sent from the mountains, save by those who mined metals from them. Ilian steel had a good name for itself, and sometimes gemstones were found as well. But for the majority of the money that the country earned, its own Pegasus Knights would be sent out as mercenaries to make the money for their country. There really was very little that could be done about it. For the longest time, a Pegasus Knight has always been a mercenary. None could deny that fact. For instance, 3 Pegasus Knights had accompanied The Tactician's group when facing Nergal. That was how The Tactician became known to them, and why his family had always been held with respect by the Pegasus Knights, while they did not care much for others who were land bound.
Loedan however, much preferred being on the ground rather than high in the air. It wasn't that he disliked flying (far from it!); it was simply the fear of falling from such heights. Kiri had learned long ago about this particular weakness of the beginning Tactician, and so enjoyed teasing him about it in a friendly (if misguided) effort to cure him of his fear. The feel of the cold air as it settled about them allowed Loedan to open his eyes slowly from being shut, and his breathing became a little harder- the air was a little thin, this far up. Then Kiri urged her steed forward, and together they swept towards the southeast, their speed causing the wind to pass by quickly. Colder now that the wind had picked up and they were moving quickly, his arms tightened a little more around the Pegasus Knight's waist, and he was slightly surprised when he felt one of her hands clench his and squeeze.
They were going so quickly that it was quite unlikely that he could hear her speak to him even if she tried to, but the squeeze she gave his hand comforted him somewhat. It was nice of her to be concerned for him, he thought, though once they were in battle, he would be the one worried about her. She used a spear, and he used a sword. He could also use a bow, but did not actually own one because bows are rather rare in Ilia- seasoned wood of the correct type was difficult to come by, after all, in a country that had but two seasons- frozen and snowy.
So they traveled most of the day, stopping only once in a forest near the foothills of the mountainous region of their home. His house was not even in sight any more- something that frightened Loedan more than the fear of falling had. He knew now that he may never see his family's home ever again. But then, his father knew that he would have left before he could return from his latest job. Perhaps now, the house would simply become a relic? No, not likely, for Kiri's family had elected to look over the house while they were away. It was a large place and even had some stables behind it, where any Pegasus Knights that required lodging for the knight could leave their Pegasi during the night. It was in good hands, he knew, as he lifted the skin of water to his lips and drank sparsely.
Outskirts between Ilia and Sacae
"How do you feel, Loedan? Now that we can't even see the valley we once lived in?" came Kiri's voice, and he looked up from where he stood, leaning against a tree. The entire area was warmer than he was used to so early in the season. In fact, there was hardly any snow, and he could hear the rushing of a river not far away, filled to overflowing by the snow that had melted from the mountains already. Hewn was resting comfortably for the moment as its rider stood beside it, the butt of her lance resting upon the ground, the tip in the air, above both their heads. Loedan, in response, was about to say something, when he heard something moving nearby.
But then he blinked, looking around quickly as a hand went to the hilt of his blade, drawing it upwards slightly. He glanced back to Kiri and then around again as he quietly unsheathed the blade. Kiri was instantly on guard as Hewn woke, and with a quick leap, was astride her steed as Loedan looked in the direction he'd heard the rustling. The glint of sunlight off of metal could be seen, and his eyes narrowed. The terrain of the area came to mind from what he had seen in the air and since they were on the ground. There were clearings in the vast forest not too far from here. The forest was thick- it could provide anyone trouble to attack another inside of them. The mountains behind them would be unable to provide any protection. There were no caves or boulders nearby to provide cover. The sound of grumbling could be heard, and the tactician could hear at least four, perhaps five distinct voices. One was the leader, and he trailed the pack, from the sound of it.
"Come on, boys! That Pegasus knight oughtta be around 'ere somewhere! Find 'er and capture both her and the beast. We'll make a bundle!" the voice said, and the others laughed. Now Loedan knew there were five in total, thanks to the laughter. He looked over to Kiri and motioned for her to stay low and to keep Hewn as quiet as possible, even as he slipped away, closer to the sounds of the searching bandits. It was a surprise to him when a bandit appeared in the clearing just beyond the trees that they were occupying, and Loedan knew that he'd have to deal with the man. He carried an axe, after all.
Just then, he was spotted as well! "Found 'em!" was the cry, but the man who said such was dealt with swiftly as Loedan attacked, his iron sword maneuvering inside the brigand's axe blade to strike home in a powerful thrust. The blade struck the man's left side, leaving a large wound that caused him to stagger back slightly before he swept his axe up and then down towards the aspiring tactician. Just barely, the young man managed to avoid the attack by drawing his blade back and stepping aside from the attack. He lunged forward as the brigand attempted to regain his stance, his blade scoring into the man's just below the man's right shoulder and with a cry, the man fell forward, dropping the axe and coughing up blood.
An arrow went past him a second later, and Loedan cursed as a second managed to find its mark, barely. His sleeve ripped by the striking arrow, he clutched his sword arm with his left hand, feeling the scratch left along his arm. It bled freely- no poison, it seemed, and thank goodness for that. With a yell, three more bandits came into sight- one archer and two more brigands. "Now, Kiri!" he yelled, and Loedan circled around the brigands faster than they could react, finding the archer immediately as he fumbled with his next arrow to bring to his bowstring. The bandit gave a cry in surprise as Loedan slashed with his blade, a small nick becoming apparent along the blade itself as it cut deeply into the bandit's right arm.
The archer was forced to lose the arrow, and as a result, became an easy target for the Pegasus Knight who swept up to him from behind and stabbed the man with her lance, finishing him up as the tip barely protruded from the man's chest before being pulled back out again. He didn't even know what finished him off, Loedan knew, but then he ordered Kiri away again as the two remaining brigands came charging through the forest and into the large clearing. He saw what one of them was carrying- a hand axe!
"Oh great." He muttered, and waved for Kiri to fly higher. But, it was too late, and the bandit threw the axe with great strength, even as his partner darted in towards the tactician. A cry came from the air, and that caused Loedan to spare a glance to Kiri in the sky. She had managed to miss, just barely, and the hand axe was returning to the brigand who had thrown it. Loedan turned his attention to the man he now faced, and as the axe bore down on him, managed to deflect the attack with his own sword. Still he felt an ache in his shoulders as he had to use both hands to stop the brigand's attack. "Kiri, get that one!" he yelled out to her, before having to step back to let the man's axe fall free, and then he attacked in return.
Loedan's blade cut into the man's armored torso, leather armor absorbing much of his strike. Loedan withdrew his blade and then slashed again at the same spot. It was at this time that he became aware of movement behind him, even as his blade slid into the opening that he had created but a second ago and carved a small chunk from the bandit's side. He grunted in pain, and then sprinted off towards Kiri, who was now locked in a battle with the hand axe-wielding brigand.
"You'll not live if ye fight, boy. Give her and 'er beast up and we may yet let ye live." a gruff voice behind Loedan proclaimed. The tactician knew that this man would be stronger than the ones that they had faced yet. In response, Loedan ran after the brigand that had gone towards Kiri, even as he yelled for her to get away. Another strike from Loedan's blade struck the man in the back- a fatal mistake for the brigand, as he fell, blood staining his clothes and the ground beneath him where he lay.
It was then that Loedan gave a cry of pain, a sound that had never before left him. A normal tactician remained out of sight, directing battle from the relative safety of being near someone. A combat tactician, on the other hand, was vulnerable to attack. And so he was struck hard, a searing hot pain coursing through Loedan's thigh as he felt a chunk of his own flesh forced from him as a hand axe caught him unaware. He staggered and nearly fell- only the feeling of the moving air around him managing to make him stay upright enough to avoid the second hand axe that was thrown at him.
Indeed, the leader of this small group of bandits had a hand axe and had used it. The man was old and tough, and knew well this weapon of his trade. His conspirator, after throwing the axe, wound up on the end of Kiri's lance, the man's attention taken by his attempt to strike at Loedan. Kiri, seeing the wound that had nearly toppled her friend and tactician, strode forward to help him. Loedan waved her off, seeing the old man catch the hand axe- A Pegasus might dodge arrows well, but not a hand axe, as it had an outgoing and incoming trajectory back to the one who threw it.
"Give it up! You're dead, and yer pretty friend 'ere is gonna earn me a pretty price. Her beast, too." The man said again, and then laughed. Loedan shuddered, feeling the sticky warmth of his blood seeping along his leg, staining the fabric of his pants that he wore. Kiri hovered just beyond range of that deadly weapon that the bandit had, concerned for her friend's safety but also for her and Hewn's own safety as well. It was then that Loedan did something to fix the situation, and he reached to his side, pulling out a vulnerary and downing it in one gulp. The healing strength of the liquid in the vial coursed through him- the scratch on his arm was gone and all that was left of the wound that had been inflicted was a slight scratch and scar. His stance became steady once again as he threw the now empty bottle aside and took the sword in both hands.
"I think not." Loedan replied to the bandit leader, who now was rather angry because of the tactician's use of a healing item. The old man had the battle in the bag- if he could deal with the sword user; he had little to fear from the flying strumpet who used a lance. Now outnumbered two-to-one, the man had no choice but to run or fight- running would make him a laughingstock among his peers, and so he came forward, dropping the hand axe to the ground and pulling out an iron axe that he had had strapped to his back. The movement was all that Kiri and Loedan needed, and both came forward.
Loedan ducked to the side of the awkward downward strike of the man that had attacked with all his might. Another error, obviously- when one strikes downwards with full strength, their balance is affected, and they cannot change direction so easily. And so Loedan's sword cut deep into the man's non-axe arm, causing the man to cry out. But then a splash of blood erupted from between the man's lips, and he fell to the ground. The tip of Kiri's lance had lodged itself into the back of the brigand's neck, and not only did blood seep from the man's mouth, it poured from the throat as he staggered to the ground and twitched in his death throes before going still a few seconds later, suffocating on his own blood.
Loedan was breathing hard before he fell back to the ground, wincing as he shivered slowly. Then, as he forced himself to look upon the man that they had killed, and to the others that they had killed, he felt a sense of revulsion boil up inside of him. He had actually killed another person! The meal he had eaten hours ago began to come up, and he quickly turned around and couldn't help it. On his hands and knees, his meal escaped him the same way it had gone down the first time. Bile was what he could taste as his stomach heaved, and his body shuddered violently even as he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders.
"Loedan… it was self defense. You know that." She told him, and though the tactician knew that she was right, he couldn't help but feel that perhaps there was another way… but there wasn't. In a world like this one, living and dying took place everyday. These brigands had likely slaughtered their own share of innocents, he thought, even as he was urged back onto his feet. Still, the stench of death was in the air, and he shuddered, having to take deep breaths of it. He knew that he would need to become used to such scenes, if he was to become a tactician, to be able to order others to do as he and Kiri had just done. Protect themselves and others. Those who attack with the intent to kill should be ready to die as well, he knew, and with a swallow of the ill-tasting sweetness he felt erupt from him a moment ago, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
"You are correct, of course. Thank you, Kiri." He said to her quietly. Then, he walked from her grasp and over to the fallen archer and picked up the bow and quiver from the dead corpse. "May this bow and these arrows serve me better than you served them." He said to the dead man, sliding the quiver around to his back, settling the strap along his shoulder. The bow he slung across the other shoulder, and he sheathed his blade after wiping it clean on the back of the leader's tunic. Then, with a turn to Kiri, he nodded slightly to her, his breathing having returned to normal once more.
Kiri wore a grim expression on her face as she nodded in return. She had felt her heart skip a beat when she had heard the sound of pain come from her friend, her tactician. This young man, who was supposed to lead a troop, not from the front but from safety, had put his own life on the line to keep her safe. And when confronted with the fact that he had killed another man to do so, after the heat of battle, had been filled with such revulsion… She could tell that he hadn't fully expected this to happen. The sounds and scent of battle, of dead people lying in one's wake as they stride towards their goal; it wasn't something he was entirely prepared for. The Pegasus Knights knew, however. They were trained from the beginning to learn to deal with this fact of life.
Mercenaries knew this code better than most. The nobility knew little of this. They would send their guards to defend them. Most earned their titles simply from being at the right time. Few, if any, ever actually earned their honorific titles, such as Paladin or General. Kiri moved back to Hewn and jumped astride him, urging him forward on the ground over to where Loedan was taking one last look to the bodies that were around the area. "We must go, Loedan." She said, holding her hand out to him as she awaited a response from the man. The brown haired young man looked up to her and nodded once, slowly, before moving to mount the Pegasus behind her. His arms went around the Pegasus Knight once more, and then they were off again as Kiri urged Hewn to gain some more altitude.
Sacae
It was not until that night and many miles away from the forests that we stopped for the evening. Kiri built a fire as I put the bow to a test against some hapless rabbits that I found- a pair of rabbits skinned within an hour of beginning the hunt, and they were cooking nicely. I worked on removing the blood from the fur of the rabbits, and then tucked them into my pack. They would become something later on, when a needle and thread could be found and utilized. She cooked the meat as we both whistled an uplifting tune that the Pegasus Knights would often play on strings and winds.
"Kiri… did I do wrong earlier?" Loedan asked her as the rabbits that were being cooked began to finish baking in the fire. He couldn't help but think that he'd had done something wrong, that he could have done more to keep her safe. The Pegasus Knight, her braid of hair falling over her shoulder to display the deep green hair that she had. She shook her head to the young man before moving over to sit beside him.
"No, Loedan… you did what you could. But you are only one person, and we were only two against five. You were lucky that things turned out the way they had, even though you did suffer a bad wound." She said. Kiri wasn't one to mince words often, and this was no exception. "You could have allowed me to battle them a bit more than you did, though. There is very little a single person can do against five, even if you do have someone around to keep all of them from attacking you at once." She told the tactician, and he nodded slightly. The wind on the plains picked up, and they listened to the song it played along the tall grass as the air weaved between the strands.
"I suppose you are right… I am sorry, Kiri. But I know that you cannot handle axes all that well." Loedan said in response, before standing and walking over to the fire, reaching to the meat that he had caught with his arrows, and he nodded, sensing that they were done as he touched them with his fingers lightly. "And my display after that; imagine, a tactician of war so repulsed by the sight and stench of death and blood that he must lose what he had already eaten earlier that day? My grandfather would likely laugh at such a showing." He said, taking the meat that was cooking on the spits and walking back over to his friend and companion, offering her one of them.
"I doubt it, Loedan. Your grandfather was a wonderful tactician. Everyone says so. But everyone begins somewhere, do they not? There are no records of his work before others decided he was important. I find it likely that he liked peace more than war. Certainly, one would think that he fought for it. Our historians say as much, after all." Kiri replied, taking the offered spit with the meat on it. "You are worrying too much, Loedan. Relax. You are not being compared to your grandfather." She told him.
That was a lie, of course. But at least it made him feel a little better, as he took a bite from the meat that he had caught. He chewed it carefully, sitting down beside the Pegasus Knight. She knew just what to say, he thought, and he smiled a little. To have a friend like her was a wonderful thing. But still, he knew that he would have to remain serious about continuing on his quest to become a real tactician.
"I will take the watch tonight, Kiri… I want you to get some sleep." He told her, smiling after they had eaten in silence for several minutes, their meal soon gone- he had only managed to catch a pair of thin rabbits, after all, and they had not much meat on their bones to go around. But it had been enough for him, at least. Kiri shook her head and grinned.
"Oh no you do not, my friend; four hours of sleep only, and then I shall wake you, Loedan. You sleep first. A tactician who has not his wits about him during a battle is not as sharp as you may think." She replied, scolding Loedan as she watched him. He couldn't help but to laugh, and then smile to her. She was right, he knew. Why was it that in battle, he was overprotective of her, but outside of it… he still was? Perhaps it would be a good thing to consider sometime.
"Fine… As you command, oh fair knight of Ilia." He replied sarcastically, and they both laughed before he rolled out his bedroll on the ground close to the fire. When he was all settled, he looked back to Kiri, who was now fiddling with the end of her braided hair, and he smiled again before pulling out his grandfather's diary. And then, he started with the first entry.
Tactician's Diary
Day 1
My name... it is something I cannot remember well. I believe that it is Mark, for it was the name that this large book had within it. This was one of my few possessions left to me after I was found by this girl, Lyn of the Lorca tribe, of the Sacae plains. She found me on the plains after I had passed out from exhaustion and thirst. I had come from Ilia, to pursue my career as a tactician, though I have had little to no practical experience yet on the subject. Lyn is very attractive girl, with a glint in her eyes that were not meant for simply any man. She carried with her stance a sense of nobility, I thought, the day we met. Thank Elimine for watching out for me on that fateful day, when I had collapsed from exhaustion after passing along the plains, so far from my home.
She cared for me for but a short while before some noise from outside the tent in which I was resting and she lived in drew her outside. Bandits, she told me, and so we both went outside. She was right- three axe wielding brigands were headed for the Ger that was Lyn's home. With a look of steel, she brought the fight to them, and I was only of limited help as she fought the bandits. The last, a man who called himself "Batta the Beast," proved to be the most trouble for Lyn, despite her skill with her blade and the speed she carried naturally. However, a missed opportunity by the bandit allowed the girl to score her victory, using a special maneuver that cut through the brigands' defenses in several locations and severing life from his body in the same instant.
I was, of course, impressed with this girl's tenacity. Unfortunately, as weak as I was at the time, I collapsed soon after returning to the Ger with Lyn. It was the next day by the time I regained consciousness, and we spoke again. She wished to become stronger, to go on a journey of training... and she wished for me to take her with me. I told her that I would, but only if she had permission from her parents, for at the time she could not be much more than 16 or 17 summers old. When she told me her tragic story, of how her family and her tribe were slaughtered by Taliver bandits, I could not help but be moved, and immediately allowed her to come with me. Two strangers united by something... perhaps a bond of fate, perhaps not, but we were unlikely allies as we took down the Ger and packed our valuables, this book among them, and headed for Bulgar.
It seems that to me that I should continue to write in this book, for perhaps someday when I am old and have need of remembering days long past, that this shall contain the truth and strength of the times when I travelled with Lyn. No matter what, though we have only known each other for two days now, I know I will treasure my time with this young girl... though really, I am not much older than she. I only hope, when she reflects upon her time with me as well, that she might think the same as I do.
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Author's Note: Well now, this is my first attempt at a Fire Emblem fanfic, as I said. I could use and reviews that can be given, so feel free to blast away with your opinions. I'm getting into the swing of things with this particular style of writing, so please forgive any inconsistencies that there might be. I'm still looking for certain storylines from previous games to help add more depth to this one, including official storylines from the Sword of Seals game to help make this one feel more correct than it is.
By MacrossGreen
Author's Note: After several chapters of working with a pokemon fanfic (which I will return to working on soon), I have decided to try my hand at a much older series of game. Strategy RPGs, I have found after several attempts, are quite difficult to work with, when it comes to writing fanfics based on them. However, I do believe that unlike the Shining Force series (of which I attempted one or two fanfics), this one lends itself much better to this kind of work. Fire Emblem quickly became my favorite Strategy RPG series- unlike many other Strategy RPG games like Shining Force and FFT, a dead character stays dead. Because I enjoy a game where characters can die (for example, Monster Rancher), the strength of that character can be that much more appreciated. If you can resurrect a character, then that character's overall importance is diminished and one can take certain liberties regarding their use. The setting I'm using is about 45 years after the ending of Fire Emblem 7 (AKA, Fire Emblem 1 for America).
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In a valley in the depths of the Ilian mountains
It was the cool, yet crisp mountain air that made its presence known to the young man as he stepped out from his home. It was a quaint little house, hidden in a snow-covered valley within the depths of the many mountain ranges of Ilia. A small garden behind the house provided vegetables, and hardy fruit trees were aligned carefully around the garden. This was his home, a place he had rarely ever left, save to go to the few towns that could be reached by a day or two's journey in any direction. The Pegasus Knights of Ilia flew overhead often, some coming down to meet with his father or himself at any given time- thought mostly to speak with the young man, for his skills were what they hoped to employ some day. The father was often away at arenas or at a job, for a mercenary often required a job that lasted a long time in order to make any real gold these days.
This particular boy is the grandson of The Tactician, all in Ilia knew. The Tactician, as the stories go, was the mastermind of the military tactics that allowed the then lord of Pherae, Lord Eliwood, and his company to defeat the evil man known as Nergal, who wished to bring the dreaded dragons of legend back into the world of men. After that great deed was accomplished, he retired back to Ilia, to the home his own family had built. The very house that his grandson now stood outside of, now standing there and looking at it carefully. It was well constructed and could withstand almost any amount of snow. This is what a carefully planning tactician could do, if given enough time and material to do it. Build with the utmost planning, then, when finished, see the finished product as a work of beauty and force capable of deflecting the harshest conditions.
And that was what this boy wished to do- to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, so to speak, and become a great tactician in his own right. A gust of wind sent a chill along the young man's spine, and he shivered before looking back. He could hear the gentle 'clopping' of hooves upon the hard, frozen ground, and the rustling of wings as they were closed against the Pegasus' sides. On the Pegasus' back was a girl he had known now for a while, a good friend of his. She had dark green hair, a color that reminded him of the forest, which reached down along her back in a tight, yet large braid. She carried an iron lance in her hand, a weapon not pointed at him, thank Elibe.
"Good day, Kiri." He said to her, bowing low to the Pegasus Knight that had just been knighted and must now find a house of nobility to work with. Of course, that requirement had been waived once it was found that The Tactician's grandson would soon go out on his journey of learning. The Pegasus neighed slightly, tossing its mane as it stomped the ground with a hoof. "And good day to you as well, Hewn. You know I was not ignoring you." Was the young man's response to the Pegasus, who just snorted in reply to the pleasant greeting. Kiri, the Pegasus Knight upon Hewn's back, just laughed softly.
"Well met, Loedan. And do not worry about Hewn; he is just anxious to be off. You are not the only one curious about the world. We have not seen anything of other places other than these mountains, after all." She said. Her voice was clear and somewhat commanding, almost regal even. Of course, Loedan's voice was rather soft but could be very commanding as well, in time of need. A tactician required a voice that could be heard by all on his side, so he could place his troops where they were needed most. Loedan nodded- as the tactician's son, he could show little to no hesitation when it came to quick decisions, though this was a decision long in the making.
"I see. Well then, shall we go, my friend?" he asked the knight, who simply nodded in response. He walked over to the Pegasus' side and was offered the knight's hand, which he gladly accepted. Though Pegasi suffered only women to ride them, they did not mind giving a lift to men as long as their riders agreed to it. Or so it seemed, for the three had known each other for a very long time. The sky was clear and the sun was up, beating down upon them with a heat that was uncommon this early in spring- the snow would melt soon, if the heat picked up much more.
"Up you go! And yes, we shall be off in just a moment. Be sure to hold onto me, Loedan, I want no harm to come to you should we experience some tough winds. We are going southeast, are we not? To Sacae?" she asked her friend now, who slipped up onto the back of the Pegasus. He weighed less than he might seem- he was of average build, of course, but most tacticians seemed to be overweight. His grandfather had the trick of wearing armor beneath his robes, causing him to be too slow to be much more than a tactician during his travels. Of course, Loedan was a different type of tactician in training. Unlike his grandfather, he would be a tactician that would fight alongside his troops, rather than solely directing them. At least, he would find out if it was a feasible plan or not.
"Yes, to Sacae. I wish to see the plains, an ocean of unending grass… that would be a sight that I have longed to see for a very, very, long time, Kiri." He replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was a gesture not meant for anything other than securing him to the Pegasus' back and to keep him upright, for with a motion of the knight's legs against the Pegasus beneath her, Hewn's wings began to beat up and down quickly. They were soon airborne, and the Pegasus neighed in triumph as Kiri brought it around in a slow, wide circle that would lead them to a direction of southeast. He had his grandfather's journal with him, something that The Tactician had kept secret throughout his travels, despite the fact that there had been several thieves with his troops.
This journal, he hoped, would serve as a guide as to where to go and how to get there. Bern was not the most peaceful place to be, now that the wild wyverns had begun to rebel against the humans that were expanding their cities and influence into the wilderness. There was talk of unrest in the eastern parts of Lycia as well, including Pherae and Caelin. The tribes of Sacae, however, were at peace with one another, as they had been for as long as any could remember. Bandit attacks seemed to be increasing once more, however, from the information he had heard in town. Though too young (officially) to drink alcohol, it was simple enough to listen to those who did drink the stuff. Their throats were loosened by such drink, and the news of other places that they had been to and gone through would be divulged to him.
As The Tactician had done, and had had said about him, a Tactician's eyes must ever be vigilant and open. Loedan knew these rules well, the rules of war. The different weapons that could be used to defeat others types of weapons, what would do well against certain types of people. For instance, one would not send a mage to battle a shaman unless all other options could not be used. A Pegasus Knight, however, thanks to the magical nature of their Pegasi, could withstand even the strongest magic attacks, given enough experience, and still deliver a strike to the magic user who would attack her. A tactician required the abilities to plan not only for victory, but for retreat if necessary. To keep stock of items, money, and such like that. Money would be a constant concern, of course, for any mercenaries.
To these things, Loedan paid little heed- he had no troops other than himself and his good friend Kiri at the moment. They had no battles to wage or opponents to defeat, but simply a long distance to travel. It was the distance that his grandfather had gone on foot- no wonder he had collapsed when he had reached the middle of the plains, for there were very few streams or rivers flowing to the east from Ilia. Most that did ended near the border of the lands of Ilia and Sacae, and he had not been able to stop to restore his supplies, for there were no villages between here and Bulgar, the largest city in all of Sacae.
The air became cooler as Kiri urged Hewn higher into the sky, causing Loedan to shut his eyes as he held on tight. Kiri smiled as she felt his arms warm around her waist, coming taught against her stomach as he held to her tighter. She was glad for this chance to leave the 'nest', as it were. She had lived in these mountains and seen little else in her life, and as a curious girl, had always wanted a chance to travel. Now, with her friend behind her, she had that chance. She hadn't really wanted to become a mercenary, but as a Pegasus Knight, she had certain obligations to work outside of her country and send the money she earns back, so that her people could live a better life.
For, after all, life was harsh where there was little food that could be grown successfully. Food to be imported, and little that could be sent from the mountains, save by those who mined metals from them. Ilian steel had a good name for itself, and sometimes gemstones were found as well. But for the majority of the money that the country earned, its own Pegasus Knights would be sent out as mercenaries to make the money for their country. There really was very little that could be done about it. For the longest time, a Pegasus Knight has always been a mercenary. None could deny that fact. For instance, 3 Pegasus Knights had accompanied The Tactician's group when facing Nergal. That was how The Tactician became known to them, and why his family had always been held with respect by the Pegasus Knights, while they did not care much for others who were land bound.
Loedan however, much preferred being on the ground rather than high in the air. It wasn't that he disliked flying (far from it!); it was simply the fear of falling from such heights. Kiri had learned long ago about this particular weakness of the beginning Tactician, and so enjoyed teasing him about it in a friendly (if misguided) effort to cure him of his fear. The feel of the cold air as it settled about them allowed Loedan to open his eyes slowly from being shut, and his breathing became a little harder- the air was a little thin, this far up. Then Kiri urged her steed forward, and together they swept towards the southeast, their speed causing the wind to pass by quickly. Colder now that the wind had picked up and they were moving quickly, his arms tightened a little more around the Pegasus Knight's waist, and he was slightly surprised when he felt one of her hands clench his and squeeze.
They were going so quickly that it was quite unlikely that he could hear her speak to him even if she tried to, but the squeeze she gave his hand comforted him somewhat. It was nice of her to be concerned for him, he thought, though once they were in battle, he would be the one worried about her. She used a spear, and he used a sword. He could also use a bow, but did not actually own one because bows are rather rare in Ilia- seasoned wood of the correct type was difficult to come by, after all, in a country that had but two seasons- frozen and snowy.
So they traveled most of the day, stopping only once in a forest near the foothills of the mountainous region of their home. His house was not even in sight any more- something that frightened Loedan more than the fear of falling had. He knew now that he may never see his family's home ever again. But then, his father knew that he would have left before he could return from his latest job. Perhaps now, the house would simply become a relic? No, not likely, for Kiri's family had elected to look over the house while they were away. It was a large place and even had some stables behind it, where any Pegasus Knights that required lodging for the knight could leave their Pegasi during the night. It was in good hands, he knew, as he lifted the skin of water to his lips and drank sparsely.
Outskirts between Ilia and Sacae
"How do you feel, Loedan? Now that we can't even see the valley we once lived in?" came Kiri's voice, and he looked up from where he stood, leaning against a tree. The entire area was warmer than he was used to so early in the season. In fact, there was hardly any snow, and he could hear the rushing of a river not far away, filled to overflowing by the snow that had melted from the mountains already. Hewn was resting comfortably for the moment as its rider stood beside it, the butt of her lance resting upon the ground, the tip in the air, above both their heads. Loedan, in response, was about to say something, when he heard something moving nearby.
But then he blinked, looking around quickly as a hand went to the hilt of his blade, drawing it upwards slightly. He glanced back to Kiri and then around again as he quietly unsheathed the blade. Kiri was instantly on guard as Hewn woke, and with a quick leap, was astride her steed as Loedan looked in the direction he'd heard the rustling. The glint of sunlight off of metal could be seen, and his eyes narrowed. The terrain of the area came to mind from what he had seen in the air and since they were on the ground. There were clearings in the vast forest not too far from here. The forest was thick- it could provide anyone trouble to attack another inside of them. The mountains behind them would be unable to provide any protection. There were no caves or boulders nearby to provide cover. The sound of grumbling could be heard, and the tactician could hear at least four, perhaps five distinct voices. One was the leader, and he trailed the pack, from the sound of it.
"Come on, boys! That Pegasus knight oughtta be around 'ere somewhere! Find 'er and capture both her and the beast. We'll make a bundle!" the voice said, and the others laughed. Now Loedan knew there were five in total, thanks to the laughter. He looked over to Kiri and motioned for her to stay low and to keep Hewn as quiet as possible, even as he slipped away, closer to the sounds of the searching bandits. It was a surprise to him when a bandit appeared in the clearing just beyond the trees that they were occupying, and Loedan knew that he'd have to deal with the man. He carried an axe, after all.
Just then, he was spotted as well! "Found 'em!" was the cry, but the man who said such was dealt with swiftly as Loedan attacked, his iron sword maneuvering inside the brigand's axe blade to strike home in a powerful thrust. The blade struck the man's left side, leaving a large wound that caused him to stagger back slightly before he swept his axe up and then down towards the aspiring tactician. Just barely, the young man managed to avoid the attack by drawing his blade back and stepping aside from the attack. He lunged forward as the brigand attempted to regain his stance, his blade scoring into the man's just below the man's right shoulder and with a cry, the man fell forward, dropping the axe and coughing up blood.
An arrow went past him a second later, and Loedan cursed as a second managed to find its mark, barely. His sleeve ripped by the striking arrow, he clutched his sword arm with his left hand, feeling the scratch left along his arm. It bled freely- no poison, it seemed, and thank goodness for that. With a yell, three more bandits came into sight- one archer and two more brigands. "Now, Kiri!" he yelled, and Loedan circled around the brigands faster than they could react, finding the archer immediately as he fumbled with his next arrow to bring to his bowstring. The bandit gave a cry in surprise as Loedan slashed with his blade, a small nick becoming apparent along the blade itself as it cut deeply into the bandit's right arm.
The archer was forced to lose the arrow, and as a result, became an easy target for the Pegasus Knight who swept up to him from behind and stabbed the man with her lance, finishing him up as the tip barely protruded from the man's chest before being pulled back out again. He didn't even know what finished him off, Loedan knew, but then he ordered Kiri away again as the two remaining brigands came charging through the forest and into the large clearing. He saw what one of them was carrying- a hand axe!
"Oh great." He muttered, and waved for Kiri to fly higher. But, it was too late, and the bandit threw the axe with great strength, even as his partner darted in towards the tactician. A cry came from the air, and that caused Loedan to spare a glance to Kiri in the sky. She had managed to miss, just barely, and the hand axe was returning to the brigand who had thrown it. Loedan turned his attention to the man he now faced, and as the axe bore down on him, managed to deflect the attack with his own sword. Still he felt an ache in his shoulders as he had to use both hands to stop the brigand's attack. "Kiri, get that one!" he yelled out to her, before having to step back to let the man's axe fall free, and then he attacked in return.
Loedan's blade cut into the man's armored torso, leather armor absorbing much of his strike. Loedan withdrew his blade and then slashed again at the same spot. It was at this time that he became aware of movement behind him, even as his blade slid into the opening that he had created but a second ago and carved a small chunk from the bandit's side. He grunted in pain, and then sprinted off towards Kiri, who was now locked in a battle with the hand axe-wielding brigand.
"You'll not live if ye fight, boy. Give her and 'er beast up and we may yet let ye live." a gruff voice behind Loedan proclaimed. The tactician knew that this man would be stronger than the ones that they had faced yet. In response, Loedan ran after the brigand that had gone towards Kiri, even as he yelled for her to get away. Another strike from Loedan's blade struck the man in the back- a fatal mistake for the brigand, as he fell, blood staining his clothes and the ground beneath him where he lay.
It was then that Loedan gave a cry of pain, a sound that had never before left him. A normal tactician remained out of sight, directing battle from the relative safety of being near someone. A combat tactician, on the other hand, was vulnerable to attack. And so he was struck hard, a searing hot pain coursing through Loedan's thigh as he felt a chunk of his own flesh forced from him as a hand axe caught him unaware. He staggered and nearly fell- only the feeling of the moving air around him managing to make him stay upright enough to avoid the second hand axe that was thrown at him.
Indeed, the leader of this small group of bandits had a hand axe and had used it. The man was old and tough, and knew well this weapon of his trade. His conspirator, after throwing the axe, wound up on the end of Kiri's lance, the man's attention taken by his attempt to strike at Loedan. Kiri, seeing the wound that had nearly toppled her friend and tactician, strode forward to help him. Loedan waved her off, seeing the old man catch the hand axe- A Pegasus might dodge arrows well, but not a hand axe, as it had an outgoing and incoming trajectory back to the one who threw it.
"Give it up! You're dead, and yer pretty friend 'ere is gonna earn me a pretty price. Her beast, too." The man said again, and then laughed. Loedan shuddered, feeling the sticky warmth of his blood seeping along his leg, staining the fabric of his pants that he wore. Kiri hovered just beyond range of that deadly weapon that the bandit had, concerned for her friend's safety but also for her and Hewn's own safety as well. It was then that Loedan did something to fix the situation, and he reached to his side, pulling out a vulnerary and downing it in one gulp. The healing strength of the liquid in the vial coursed through him- the scratch on his arm was gone and all that was left of the wound that had been inflicted was a slight scratch and scar. His stance became steady once again as he threw the now empty bottle aside and took the sword in both hands.
"I think not." Loedan replied to the bandit leader, who now was rather angry because of the tactician's use of a healing item. The old man had the battle in the bag- if he could deal with the sword user; he had little to fear from the flying strumpet who used a lance. Now outnumbered two-to-one, the man had no choice but to run or fight- running would make him a laughingstock among his peers, and so he came forward, dropping the hand axe to the ground and pulling out an iron axe that he had had strapped to his back. The movement was all that Kiri and Loedan needed, and both came forward.
Loedan ducked to the side of the awkward downward strike of the man that had attacked with all his might. Another error, obviously- when one strikes downwards with full strength, their balance is affected, and they cannot change direction so easily. And so Loedan's sword cut deep into the man's non-axe arm, causing the man to cry out. But then a splash of blood erupted from between the man's lips, and he fell to the ground. The tip of Kiri's lance had lodged itself into the back of the brigand's neck, and not only did blood seep from the man's mouth, it poured from the throat as he staggered to the ground and twitched in his death throes before going still a few seconds later, suffocating on his own blood.
Loedan was breathing hard before he fell back to the ground, wincing as he shivered slowly. Then, as he forced himself to look upon the man that they had killed, and to the others that they had killed, he felt a sense of revulsion boil up inside of him. He had actually killed another person! The meal he had eaten hours ago began to come up, and he quickly turned around and couldn't help it. On his hands and knees, his meal escaped him the same way it had gone down the first time. Bile was what he could taste as his stomach heaved, and his body shuddered violently even as he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders.
"Loedan… it was self defense. You know that." She told him, and though the tactician knew that she was right, he couldn't help but feel that perhaps there was another way… but there wasn't. In a world like this one, living and dying took place everyday. These brigands had likely slaughtered their own share of innocents, he thought, even as he was urged back onto his feet. Still, the stench of death was in the air, and he shuddered, having to take deep breaths of it. He knew that he would need to become used to such scenes, if he was to become a tactician, to be able to order others to do as he and Kiri had just done. Protect themselves and others. Those who attack with the intent to kill should be ready to die as well, he knew, and with a swallow of the ill-tasting sweetness he felt erupt from him a moment ago, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
"You are correct, of course. Thank you, Kiri." He said to her quietly. Then, he walked from her grasp and over to the fallen archer and picked up the bow and quiver from the dead corpse. "May this bow and these arrows serve me better than you served them." He said to the dead man, sliding the quiver around to his back, settling the strap along his shoulder. The bow he slung across the other shoulder, and he sheathed his blade after wiping it clean on the back of the leader's tunic. Then, with a turn to Kiri, he nodded slightly to her, his breathing having returned to normal once more.
Kiri wore a grim expression on her face as she nodded in return. She had felt her heart skip a beat when she had heard the sound of pain come from her friend, her tactician. This young man, who was supposed to lead a troop, not from the front but from safety, had put his own life on the line to keep her safe. And when confronted with the fact that he had killed another man to do so, after the heat of battle, had been filled with such revulsion… She could tell that he hadn't fully expected this to happen. The sounds and scent of battle, of dead people lying in one's wake as they stride towards their goal; it wasn't something he was entirely prepared for. The Pegasus Knights knew, however. They were trained from the beginning to learn to deal with this fact of life.
Mercenaries knew this code better than most. The nobility knew little of this. They would send their guards to defend them. Most earned their titles simply from being at the right time. Few, if any, ever actually earned their honorific titles, such as Paladin or General. Kiri moved back to Hewn and jumped astride him, urging him forward on the ground over to where Loedan was taking one last look to the bodies that were around the area. "We must go, Loedan." She said, holding her hand out to him as she awaited a response from the man. The brown haired young man looked up to her and nodded once, slowly, before moving to mount the Pegasus behind her. His arms went around the Pegasus Knight once more, and then they were off again as Kiri urged Hewn to gain some more altitude.
Sacae
It was not until that night and many miles away from the forests that we stopped for the evening. Kiri built a fire as I put the bow to a test against some hapless rabbits that I found- a pair of rabbits skinned within an hour of beginning the hunt, and they were cooking nicely. I worked on removing the blood from the fur of the rabbits, and then tucked them into my pack. They would become something later on, when a needle and thread could be found and utilized. She cooked the meat as we both whistled an uplifting tune that the Pegasus Knights would often play on strings and winds.
"Kiri… did I do wrong earlier?" Loedan asked her as the rabbits that were being cooked began to finish baking in the fire. He couldn't help but think that he'd had done something wrong, that he could have done more to keep her safe. The Pegasus Knight, her braid of hair falling over her shoulder to display the deep green hair that she had. She shook her head to the young man before moving over to sit beside him.
"No, Loedan… you did what you could. But you are only one person, and we were only two against five. You were lucky that things turned out the way they had, even though you did suffer a bad wound." She said. Kiri wasn't one to mince words often, and this was no exception. "You could have allowed me to battle them a bit more than you did, though. There is very little a single person can do against five, even if you do have someone around to keep all of them from attacking you at once." She told the tactician, and he nodded slightly. The wind on the plains picked up, and they listened to the song it played along the tall grass as the air weaved between the strands.
"I suppose you are right… I am sorry, Kiri. But I know that you cannot handle axes all that well." Loedan said in response, before standing and walking over to the fire, reaching to the meat that he had caught with his arrows, and he nodded, sensing that they were done as he touched them with his fingers lightly. "And my display after that; imagine, a tactician of war so repulsed by the sight and stench of death and blood that he must lose what he had already eaten earlier that day? My grandfather would likely laugh at such a showing." He said, taking the meat that was cooking on the spits and walking back over to his friend and companion, offering her one of them.
"I doubt it, Loedan. Your grandfather was a wonderful tactician. Everyone says so. But everyone begins somewhere, do they not? There are no records of his work before others decided he was important. I find it likely that he liked peace more than war. Certainly, one would think that he fought for it. Our historians say as much, after all." Kiri replied, taking the offered spit with the meat on it. "You are worrying too much, Loedan. Relax. You are not being compared to your grandfather." She told him.
That was a lie, of course. But at least it made him feel a little better, as he took a bite from the meat that he had caught. He chewed it carefully, sitting down beside the Pegasus Knight. She knew just what to say, he thought, and he smiled a little. To have a friend like her was a wonderful thing. But still, he knew that he would have to remain serious about continuing on his quest to become a real tactician.
"I will take the watch tonight, Kiri… I want you to get some sleep." He told her, smiling after they had eaten in silence for several minutes, their meal soon gone- he had only managed to catch a pair of thin rabbits, after all, and they had not much meat on their bones to go around. But it had been enough for him, at least. Kiri shook her head and grinned.
"Oh no you do not, my friend; four hours of sleep only, and then I shall wake you, Loedan. You sleep first. A tactician who has not his wits about him during a battle is not as sharp as you may think." She replied, scolding Loedan as she watched him. He couldn't help but to laugh, and then smile to her. She was right, he knew. Why was it that in battle, he was overprotective of her, but outside of it… he still was? Perhaps it would be a good thing to consider sometime.
"Fine… As you command, oh fair knight of Ilia." He replied sarcastically, and they both laughed before he rolled out his bedroll on the ground close to the fire. When he was all settled, he looked back to Kiri, who was now fiddling with the end of her braided hair, and he smiled again before pulling out his grandfather's diary. And then, he started with the first entry.
Tactician's Diary
Day 1
My name... it is something I cannot remember well. I believe that it is Mark, for it was the name that this large book had within it. This was one of my few possessions left to me after I was found by this girl, Lyn of the Lorca tribe, of the Sacae plains. She found me on the plains after I had passed out from exhaustion and thirst. I had come from Ilia, to pursue my career as a tactician, though I have had little to no practical experience yet on the subject. Lyn is very attractive girl, with a glint in her eyes that were not meant for simply any man. She carried with her stance a sense of nobility, I thought, the day we met. Thank Elimine for watching out for me on that fateful day, when I had collapsed from exhaustion after passing along the plains, so far from my home.
She cared for me for but a short while before some noise from outside the tent in which I was resting and she lived in drew her outside. Bandits, she told me, and so we both went outside. She was right- three axe wielding brigands were headed for the Ger that was Lyn's home. With a look of steel, she brought the fight to them, and I was only of limited help as she fought the bandits. The last, a man who called himself "Batta the Beast," proved to be the most trouble for Lyn, despite her skill with her blade and the speed she carried naturally. However, a missed opportunity by the bandit allowed the girl to score her victory, using a special maneuver that cut through the brigands' defenses in several locations and severing life from his body in the same instant.
I was, of course, impressed with this girl's tenacity. Unfortunately, as weak as I was at the time, I collapsed soon after returning to the Ger with Lyn. It was the next day by the time I regained consciousness, and we spoke again. She wished to become stronger, to go on a journey of training... and she wished for me to take her with me. I told her that I would, but only if she had permission from her parents, for at the time she could not be much more than 16 or 17 summers old. When she told me her tragic story, of how her family and her tribe were slaughtered by Taliver bandits, I could not help but be moved, and immediately allowed her to come with me. Two strangers united by something... perhaps a bond of fate, perhaps not, but we were unlikely allies as we took down the Ger and packed our valuables, this book among them, and headed for Bulgar.
It seems that to me that I should continue to write in this book, for perhaps someday when I am old and have need of remembering days long past, that this shall contain the truth and strength of the times when I travelled with Lyn. No matter what, though we have only known each other for two days now, I know I will treasure my time with this young girl... though really, I am not much older than she. I only hope, when she reflects upon her time with me as well, that she might think the same as I do.
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Author's Note: Well now, this is my first attempt at a Fire Emblem fanfic, as I said. I could use and reviews that can be given, so feel free to blast away with your opinions. I'm getting into the swing of things with this particular style of writing, so please forgive any inconsistencies that there might be. I'm still looking for certain storylines from previous games to help add more depth to this one, including official storylines from the Sword of Seals game to help make this one feel more correct than it is.