Fire Emblem:The Blazing Sword
As a preliminary announcement- I do not own or work with the Fire Emblem game series, or any of its characters and themes, in any way. What you are reading is the upload of the script I have been writing for the Fire Emblem radioplay I will soon be producing. Thank you, and please enjoy. ~Tenkage
Episode 1: A Girl of the Plains
Cast
The Bard:
Maiu:
Lyn:
Batta:
Bandit 1:
Bandit 2:
Sacaen Woman:
Sacaen Man:
The Bard:
Once, dragons and men coexisted. They shared a peace forged in wisdom- a peace that had lasted many generations. However, all that was lost when mankind disrupted this balance in a sudden onslaught. Man fought dragon in a savage war that shook the very foundations of the world. This war was called the Scouring. Defeated and humbled, the dragons vanished from the realm. In time, man rebuilt and spread his dominion across the land, reaching even the furthest islands…
A millennium has passed, since those darkest days ended…
Opening Song
Bard:…Gather ye 'round, good folk, as I weave for you a tale. A story of fifteen years past, when a shadow had fallen across the lands of Elibe, and a villain by the name of Nergal used an organization known as the Black Fang to incite war among the many kingdoms. The only force to stand against him was a single legion, led by three young Lycian nobles; Lord Hector of Ostia, Lady Lyndis of Caelin, and Lord Eliwood of Pherae. With only a small command of soldiers, men and women thrown together by circumstance, they went on to not only confront and defeat Nergal, but prevented a catastrophe that could have very well resulted in a second Scouring.
But this story I weave is no tale of grand adventure, my dear people. It is no great ballad of heroism and romance- though certainly it has these things in great abundance! No- the story I tell today is of one- an individual within the ranks Lycian Legion, whose name has been misplaced by the bards and historians. And yet, without this solitary figure- this mysterious young woman who walked beside our great Lords- there would be no victory.
I speak to you, my lords and ladies, of the Strategist. The Tactician who served under our beloved Lord, who commanded the Lycian Legion. The woman in whose hands all our fates were entrusted…
Maiu, The Strategist…
Bard: …Our tale begins… Not, with the start of Lord Eliwood's journey, but one year before the Lycian Legion was ever formed. In the Plains of Sacae, where a young girl lived alone in the rolling fields… Listening to the endless cry of the wind across the prairie. She was borne to a Sacaen tribe, raised to know horse and bow and steel, as much as if they were a part of her own body. Proud, as all Sacaens are, and beautiful. But her Sacaen pride was marred by a great loneliness- a loneliness which only grew with each passing day, filling her heart. Until one day…
Bard: Chapter 1… A Girl of the Plains…
Setting: Wind blows across the plains, in the background, and there is rustling in grass. Then, there is a snap, and a great series of rustling as a coney tries to free itself, and Lyn walks up to it.
Lyn: Gotcha! *walks up to the rabbit* I'm sorry for this, little one. But we both have to eat, and thanks to you, I now have dinner for tonight. *the struggling stops as Lyn quickly snaps the hare's neck* There. That's two coney's, for today! Not a bad catch! I can eat rather well, for tonight. *the wind shifts, and we here more walking in grass* Hmm… the wind is changing. Smells like rain… I'd better get home quickly, if I don't want to be caught in it.
Setting: Lyn begins to shuffle off through the grass, when she pauses, hearing singing in the background.
Maiu: *Sings "Fake Wings" from .hack very softly*
Shine, bright morning light
Now in the air, the spring is coming
Sweet blowing wind,
Singing down the hills and valleys.
Keep your eyes on me,
Now we're on the edge of Hell…
Dear my love, sweet morning light,
Wait for me, you've gone much farther…
Too far…
Lyn: Huh? *stops to listen* Is that… singing? *listens, then gasps* Smoke… fire! *Lyn runs through the grass, for a while, then the steps abruptly stop*
Bard: What she came upon that day was a sight far too common in those times… The wreckage left in the wake of bandits. What she found were the remnants of a caravan. Destroyed. It's wagons looted, burning, its people slain. Their blood seeped into the earth of the plains, bringing bitter tears and unbidden memories to her.
Lyn: *shaken and upset* Great spirits… Those monsters! *sniffles, and wipes her tears, please try to simulate this* Hello! Is anyone still alive? Hellooo!!
Bard: Unflinching, she stepped through the carnage, searching amongst the fallen bodies for any survivors. And in response to her calls, was only the soft sound of someone singing- a voice of beauty, tinged with grief and heartache.
Lyn: *trying to sound comforting* Hello! I can hear you! *steps around the wagon, and pauses, gasping*
Bard: Stepping around the wagon, the girl laid eyes upon the caravan's one survivor- She knelt beside the bodies of her slain comrades, her fair face streaked with soot and tears. A deep green cloak wrapped about her shoulders, her long, chestnut hair spilling from a hood and cowl that had fallen back. Her lovely face was raised to the sky, a song of mourning on her lips. For the briefest moment, the Sacaen girl thought her a phantom- the angel of death, comforting the souls of the fallen.
Lyn: …Are you all right? *the singing stops* I'm not here to hurt you, I promise. I'm only here to help… I heard your singing, and-
Bard: And as the mysterious young woman turned her tear-filled gaze upon her, the girl caught her breath, her cerulean eyes meeting with those of deepest crimson- red, like the blood that had been spilled…
Lyn: A-are you all right? Miss? Oh! *gasps and runs forwards as the girl collapses*
Bard: She ran forward to catch the young woman, as she collapsed into unconsciousness, her body at last overwhelmed by all that had transpired. And as the Sacaen girl examined the mysterious stranger, her heart could only weep for her grief… Hers, and the grief she herself had known…
Setting: Switch to the sound of morning, birds chirping, and rustling blankets.
Maiu: *grumbles and murmurs as she wakes up* Mmmm… where? *shuffling noises as she sits up in bed* …Where… am I?
Lyn: Are you awake?
Maiu: *gasps, as Lyn enters the room*
Lyn: It's all right, I won't hurt you. I found you unconscious on the plains. I didn't know what else to do, so I brought you to my home. *the sound of dishes being set down* I am Lyn, of the Lorca tribe… You're safe now.
Maiu: *relaxing a bit* Uh… Th-thank you, Lady Lyn. I… I am in your debt.
Lyn: Think nothing of it. *gently probing* …How much do you remember? Can you remember your name?
Maiu: M-my name? *thinking* My name… is Maiu. (pronounced Mayu)
Lyn: Your name is Maiu? What an odd-sounding name… *pauses, then laughs in embarrassment, realizing she might've insulted her guest* Ah-hah-hah! Pay me no mind! It's a good name!
Maiu: …Hah… *laughing a little with Lyn, thinking to herself* She… seems nice. She's younger than me… reminds me of Nora… *remembering the caravan with that* Nora!
Lyn: *concerned* What's wrong?
Maiu: L-Lady Lyn, the caravan! The people I was traveling with, I- what happened to them?!
Lyn: *gasps, then looks away* I'm sorry, I… When I found you, you were… the only one…
Maiu: Oh… Oh Ancestors… *sobs quietly*
Lyn: …I'm so sorry…
Maiu: No… No, it's *sniffle* It isn't any fault of yours… I-I thank you for… your kindness. And for saving me, but… but I cannot leave them like that. I-I must go tend to their b-bodies…
Lyn: It isn't necessary- I've already done so.
Maiu: Huh? *surprised, touched*
Lyn: I made a funeral pyre for them- I hope you take no offense to Sacaen funeral rites.
Maiu: You… No, I… I thank you. *subdued* Truly. I can never express my gratitude for what you've done… I only wish I could have…
Lyn: *gently* You owe me no thanks… I could never just leave them in the plains, like that… *changing the subject to cheer her up* For now, you just need to focus on regaining your strength. Once you're better again… then I'll take you to see their grave…
Maiu: Yes… Thank you, Lady Lyn…
Lyn: *laughing* Just Lyn is fine, you needn't call me "lady". It makes me feel like some sort of noble, and I'm hardly that.
Maiu: *smiling in return* Very well… Lyn, then.
Bard: …For many days, did Lady Lyn tend to the injuries of the girl called Maiu, restoring to her the health she had lost. And as she gave her care, she listened to her stories of the gypsy caravan she had belonged to. And how they had continued to care for her, even after her father's death, welcoming her with open arms, where others had shied from her unusual eyes. Together, they had traveled Elibe for many years, across all its many lands, and performing in the towns to earn their bread.
Bard: For a girl who had never been beyond the expanses of Sacae, Maiu's stories were as magic. Lyn found herself in awe, and listened with enthusiasm. And though she burst with questions, Maiu patiently answered them all with a kindly smile. They were complete strangers to one another, their worlds alien. But in the time that she was in her care, Lyn forged a friendship with Maiu, which would take them to places neither young woman had dared imagine… And, as promised, when she had recovered, Lyn took Maiu to the graves she had made for her companions…
Lyn: *wind blows through the plains in the background* …I'm sorry I could not bury them… It was more than I could do by myself, so… I gathered them up, and created a pyre for them.
Maiu: No, what you did was perfect. They were Romany, their hearts were in freedom. Had they been buried, their souls would've been trapped beneath the earth forever. By burning them, you freed them…
Lyn: …What do you intend to do now?
Maiu: …I'm not certain… I've been wandering with others for so long, that… I'm almost frightened to travel alone, again…
Lyn: …You can stay with me. For as long as you need. *short laugh* Heh, to be honest… I'd be a little sad if you simply up and left. Not that it isn't your right, but…
Maiu: Hah, I know… *pauses* Why don't we return to your Ger, for now?
Lyn: *smiling* Yes…
Setting: There is walking through the grass for a little, as the two girls begin the trek home, then they stop quite suddenly.
Lyn: *hears something* Hm?
Maiu: *wondering what's up* Lyn?
Lyn: What was that noise? *they hear what vaguely sounds like a struggle from a distance*
Maiu: …It's coming from the direction of the nearby tribe. It sounds like… fighting?
Lyn: *determined* I'll go see what's happening. Maiu, wait here for me! *she takes off running*
Maiu: Ah! Lyn, wait!
Setting: Lyn does not wait, and runs on ahead, coming across a terrible scene as she sees two bandits attacking a neighboring Ger (hut).
Lyn: *panting from her running, then stops suddenly* Ah! Oh no!
Sacaen Man: No, please! I beg you!
Bandit 1: Hah! You don't wan' us t'hurt cha? Then givvus what we want! Meat! Supplies! Gold! Whatever valuables you gots, bring 'em right out!
Lyn: *angrily* Bandits! They must've come down from the Bern mountains!
Sacaen Woman: Nooo! Let me go!
Bandit 1: Get goin', sweet'eart! Batta the Beast wants to 'have a word wif you, in private!
Lyn: They must be planning to raid the local villages! *growling* I won't watch this happen a second time! I won't! I- I have to stop them!- Ahhh! *dodges an attack from behind*
Bandit 2: Well, well, lookee what we gots 'ere. Anover (another) pretty li'l Sacaen flower, growin' outta da grass…
Lyn: Bastard! *draws her sword*
Bandit 2: *laughing* Wot's dis? You gonna fight wif me, li'l girl? Using dat toofpick uva sword? *leveling his axe, laughing* Heh. Dis aughta be fun… Hah! *attacks with his axe*
Lyn: Ughn! *blades clash, she pushes back* Grrrr!
Bandit 2: *grunting* Hmph! Not bad… Hraaahh!
Lyn: Ah! *she's shoved back* Ergh… You cur!
Bandit 2: Hah! You jes' keep yerself right dere, I'll make sure I get yer 'ead off in one blow! *emphasize the last portion, as that's where he's swinging his axe*
Lyn: Ah! *grimaces, expecting the blow, thinking* Is this it?!
Maiu: Lyn! Roll forward!
Lyn: Ah! *gasping at first, then does as she's told* Hup!
Bandit 2: Wot the?! *Lyn dives through his legs* Grrr! Why you li'l-
Lyn: *striking a deathblow* HAHH!!
Bandit: Gah! Bwuh… ughhhhhn… *shocked, he collapses into the grass*
Lyn: *panting heavily from her first kill, her breathing gradually slowing down as she calms herself*
Maiu: *coming up to Lyn* Lyn! Are you all right??
Lyn: Ahh… Maiu? *truly surprised*
Maiu: Thank goodness. Don't worry me like that again!
Lyn: Maiu, what are you-
Bandit 1: Oi! Dorson! You out there?
Maiu: *both girls duck down into the grass, so as not to be seen* Bandits, I take it?
Lyn: Yes. They've attacked the nearby family's ger- I think their planning to raid the villages, next!
Maiu: Hmm… Not likely.
Lyn: Maiu? What are you doing! Stay down, or they'll see you!
Maiu: It's all right, Lyn, I know what I'm doing…
Bandit 1: Oi! Dorson! DORSON! *getting nervous* Bloody git. Where they hell is he?!
Maiu: He's nervous… Their stragglers, making a quick hit. If these guys were part of a larger group, he wouldn't be so worried. *pause* I'd say we have two more to worry about, three at most.
Lyn: Two or three, eh? If that's all of them, I think I can handle them on my own. Stay low and out of sight. You'll be safe here, Maiu.
Maiu: Don't be ridiculous. I'm going with you.
Lyn: What? You want to help?
Maiu: Why do you think I came?
Lyn: Well, can you use a weapon?
Maiu: *shaking her head, muttering an uh-uh* Strategists are versed in numerous weapons, but only so we can understand their function, and how our troops will wield them. Very few of us actually train in their use.
Lyn: *puzzled* Strategist? I thought you were a songstress!
Maiu: I'm both, I'll explain later. Now, help me get this lug's corpse into position! The other one's coming, and we've hardly any time to set this up, before he gets here!
Bandit 1: Dorson! *spies his friend* There you are, ya bastard! What's all this, then?! You takin' a nap, while Batta 'n me are doin' all the work?! …Dorson?
Maiu: Lyn!
Bandit 1: What-?!
Lyn: Haah! *surprise attack*
Bandit 1: Gah! Why you-! *attacks in return*
Lyn: Agh! *gets cut, then attacks again* Hya!
Bandit 1: Aghshhh! Uhhh… *dies*
Maiu: Lyn!
Lyn: I'm- I'm all right. It's just a scratch…
Maiu: This is more than a scratch, Lyn! Do you have anything to treat it?
Lyn: I'm carrying a couple vulneraries in my satchel…
Maiu: Mmph… *pause* …There. It's not the best I've ever done, but it should stop the bleeding… Are you all right? You're shaking.
Lyn: I'm fine… Just a little…
Maiu: *long pause* …This is the first time you've taken a life, isn't it?
Lyn: *sad* …Yes…
Maiu: …We still have to deal with whoever's inside that ger. You'll have to push aside your feelings, Lyn. The lives of those people are depending on us.
Lyn: I know… What should I do?
Maiu: In this situation, all we can do is attack straight on. Although, we could try drawing him out of there… If we can get him out onto open ground, we'll have more of an advantage.
Lyn: Can we do that?
Maiu: Of course we can. *amused* They're bandits.
Setting: There is a long pause, as the two girls square off outside the ger.
Lyn: Come on out, mongrel! We know you're in there!
Maiu: *nothing* Come and face justice- if you have the courage!
Batta: *pause* …Well… And here I thought maybe I had somethin' to worry about… But it's just two little girls!
Lyn: Hmph!
Batta: Ah-hah-hah! I shouldn't be surprised, really… You Sacaens are nothin' but cowards, after all. Leaving the fightin' to the women!
Lyn: Hrrr…!
Maiu: *quietly* Patience, Lyn.
Batta: This ain't worth my time… Dorson! Carrow!
Maiu: I wouldn't waste my breath, if I were you.
Batta: Whu?
Maiu: Your companions? They're already dead.
Batta: Huh… Yer bluffing. Two little girls like couldn't possibly take down my men.
Maiu: Oh, really? *tosses down an axe*
Batta: …Huh. *getting angry* Carrow's axe… Bitch! Who do you think you are?
Maiu: *confidently* We'll give you one chance to surrender. Give yourself up now, and leave this place forever. Only then will your life be spared.
Batta: Huh! You think you can stand up to Batta the Beast?
Lyn: I don't think- I know! *draws her sword*
Maiu: Careful, Lyn… This one's of a different caliber than those other two.
Batta: Huh… Maybe you should listen to your friend there, girly. A slip like you doesn't stand a chance against me.
Lyn: Why don't I be the judge of that- hhaaahhh!!
Batta: Hrraahhh!! *several clashing sounds*
Lyn/Batta: *please make a series of sound indicating battle- grunts, attacks, blocks, pants, et cetera*
Maiu: No, Lyn! Don't let yourself be angered by him! It'll only put you at a disadvantage!
Batta: Grrrahh!
Lyn: Whew! *pants a bit* He's tough…
Maiu: Lyn!
Lyn: Maiu… if I fall, I want you to flee. You must escape!
Maiu: *now worried* Lyn!
Lyn: *especially dramatic finishing blow* Haaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!
Batta: Huhhk! *pause* ..What? How… How did… you- *collapses*
Lyn: Hahh… *sighing with relief, she sinks into the grass*
Maiu: Lyn!! *runs over in concern*
Lyn: *panting* Huff… huff… That… was close…
Maiu: Lyn… are you all right?
Lyn: *still worn out* Heh… Sorry if I worried you, Maiu… I sorely underestimated him…
Maiu: Fool… *worried and relieved* What was with those last words of yours? "If I fall"? Don't you ever say such ridiculous things to me again, do you understand?
Lyn: …Yes, hah… I'm sorry. I wasn't certain I could best him.
Maiu: But I was. I would never have suggested such a thing, if I didn't believe you were capable.
Lyn: ..Thank you, Maiu… But… If I'm to survive, I'll need to be stronger… Strong enough that… that no one can defeat me…
Maiu: Lyn…
Bard: …Their enemy defeated, the young women lapsed into a brief respite. Tending to wounds of the body and of the heart. For in that one battle, the destinies of each had made themselves apparent. A long and weary road stretched out ahead, causing an uncomfortable silence to settle between them… Until the dawn broke, the next day…
Lyn: Good morning, Maiu! Are you awake, yet?
Maiu: Ah, Lyn… Good morning. I'm sorry, did I oversleep?
Lyn: Only a little. That fight yesterday must've taken a lot of you.
Maiu: I suppose… Ugh, how embarrassing. I haven't slept in like this since I was studying under my father.
Lyn: Say, Maiu… I want to talk to you about something.
Maiu: Something?
Lyn: Yes, well… You have some experience in the ways of war, I see.
Maiu: Ah, that. *slightly uncomfortable* Yes… My father, before he adopted me, he had previously been a strategist for the country of Bern. He had been long retired by the time he found me, and had never taken an apprentice, choosing the life of a Romany instead. But he deemed me worthy enough to learn, and began tutoring me from the time I could read. However, he didn't wish for me to pursue it as a career, and instead encouraged me to pursue my singing- which is how I became a songstress… But, after yesterday… Ah! *remembering that Lyn killed for the first time, yesterday*
Lyn: After yesterday?
Maiu: …It's nothing. Nevermind.
Bard: They shared their breakfast in uneasy quiet, Maiu's pensive calm weighing heavily upon them, as she contemplated the outcome of their battle. And the scars she had forever inflicted upon her dear friend…
Lyn: …Maiu? Is everything all right? You've scarcely touched your breakfast.
Maiu: *pause, Maiu is ashamed* …Lyn, I… I'm sorry…
Lyn: Whatever for?
Maiu: Because… I am considering leaving you, today.
Lyn: *gasps slightly* But- but why??
Maiu: *thoughtfully* …I told you that my father did not wish for me to follow in his path, and become a strategist… That was because his own experiences had left him bitter. He had been trapped in service to a lord who abused his skills, using them only for pillage and conquest. He was afraid the same would become of me, and in the end, he died at the hands of those he had wronged…
Maiu: However, yesterday… I feel that what we did was truly a good thing. We were able to save those people, and so… If I could find a way to keep doing that, to keep helping people as you and I did yesterday, I don't believe I could ever become bitter over it. Perhaps it's time I took up the strategist's path, in my father's place, and accomplish what he couldn't… My only regret… is that I forced upon you something… you were unprepared for…
Lyn: Maiu… No! You mustn't regret that! They were bandits- fiends deserving of death- *interrupted*
Maiu: *quite firm* No, Lyn. No matter what else they may have been, those men were still human beings, first and foremost. Circumstance may have forced our hand, but no one has the right to judge and condemn another. That right belongs to the Gods, alone.
Lyn: Even so… What happened yesterday… was something I would've eventually had to face, as swordsman. Were it not for your presence, your guidance, I would've fallen. There is no doubt in my mind. Without you, I and those villagers would surely have died- it was your commanding presence that saved us.
Maiu: …I thank you, Lyn.
Lyn: *uncomfortable* …So… what will you do then?
Maiu: *smiling* By your words… my path has been decided. I will take my leave of this place, and pursue my father's teachings as a strategist. I thank you, Lady Lyn. For your kindness, your care, and above all, your courage. Were it not for you, I would never have had the strength to follow this road.
Bard: Though they had known each other only but briefly, in their short time together, Lyn had come to know and love Maiu as if she were family. The realization of this came to her as she watched her newest and dearest friend prepare to depart, gathering together what few belongings she had. Her heart was weighted in sorrow, for she had no desire to lose any more of her beloved family. And with this knowledge, she strengthened herself with resolve.
Lyn: Maiu… Would you allow me to travel with you?
Maiu: *surprised* Lyn?
Lyn: I know it's sudden, but it is something I have seriously considered. My life here… has long since ended.
Maiu: …And what of your family? Your parents? You are younger than I, Lyn. Even though you live on your own, this isn't a decision you should make without consulting them… *notices Lyn's silence* …Lyn?
Lyn: *quietly* …My mother and father… died six months ago.
Maiu: *gasps*
Lyn: *as she speaks, she slowly becomes more upset, so by the end she is softly crying* My people- the Lorca- they don't… I'm the last of my tribe… Bandits attacked, and… They killed so many people. The tribe was scattered. My father was our chieftain- I wanted to protect our people! But, I-I'm so young, and our people are… old-fashioned. They would not follow a woman. No one would follow me… *sniffles* I'm sorry, I- I've been along for so long… *gathering herself* No, no more. I will shed no more tears…
Bard: Maiu enfolded her young friend into a gentle embrace, offering her silent consolation. At last, the two young women understood one another. Each had shared the same grief, the same sorrow. But it was that grief which had brought them together.
Lyn: Th-thank you… I'm better now… Maiu, I want- I must become stronger. So that I may avenge my father's death! Yesterday's battle taught me something- I won't become stronger by sitting her alone! Maiu, tell me you'll train me, that you'll let me travel with you!
Maiu: Train you? *amused* I'm hardly qualified to train you- and from what I've seen of your skill, I'd say you're already on the right path… But I would be grateful for your company. Traveling alone can be rather frightening… Yes Lyn, I will welcome you at my side.
Lyn: You will? That's wonderful! Thank you, oh thank you! *pauses as she hugs Maiu in tearful joy, then pushes back, regaining her composure* We'll be better off working together, I know it! You'll be my master strategist, and I'll be your peerless warrior! We can do it! Right?
Maiu: *laughs in amusement*
Bard: And so began the journey of the strategist, Maiu. Who one day would come to guide an army of heroes against an enemy of the world. So also began the friendship of Maiu and Lyn, whose bond would only strengthen through the dark days that awaited them ahead. But this, my lords and ladies, is only the beginning of our tale… For what lay next upon their road neither could have expected…
Bloopers
Bard: …Fire Emblem! The Blazing Sword! *torching sound*
Sain: Ouch!
Bard: Outtakes!
I kindly ask that you save your bloopers for the blooper reel, at the end of the episode! And I am more than happy to take suggestions for staged outtakes, as well! If you have any ideas, please go ahead and post them in the forums!
Fin
Finish with closing theme and cast credits.