Prologue 2 A Different Path
Just breath, I tell myself. Don't stop running. Each footfall brings you farther from danger. Get help. But worry makes a knot in my stomach. I mean, what are the chances anyone will help? No one just drops what they are doing and helps a random girl in need. But I have to try. I know I can't fight they all on my own. One against 30? Impossible. I can feel my sword jarring my hip with every step Almost to the meadow, I told myself, almost there. As I cleared the trees, I heard indistinct conversation.
"Milord, we best hasten to the doubt Lady Emmeryn is concerned."
"I know Frederick, but we should check on the towns in the area first."
"Yeah! We are already here! Besides, they might need our help."
"None the less, I advise that we make haste. The villages were fine when we checked yesterday. I doubt that has changed."
"I don't know Frederick... "
"Still…"
It sounded as if it were two men and one girl. Anyone could help, and it sounded as if they could leave soon. As I got closer, I could see that they were armed. I decide to shout, praying that they were not more brigands.
"Wait!" My attempt to shout, was little more than a whisper. Running so fast has taken its toll and it is little louder than a whisper. Still they turn.
As I get closer, I see the party more clearly. The girl I heard is a small pretty lass with blonde pigtails. She wore a brown corset and a yellow skirt , carrying a healing staff. Oh thank Naga, a healer! One of the other companions was a heavily armored man. A knight by the looks of it. He was standing with one hand on his horse, the other on his expensive lance. He had dark brown hair and a stern, commanding air. Not someone to mess with. The last man was tall and blue haired. He looked like a seasoned sword user, judging by the sword at his hip. If they help me, then I could save my family. If they help at all that is. They all looked curiously at me as I slowed to a stop in front of them, my white and silver hair settling onto my shoulders.
"You all right?" the blue haired man asked as I struggled to catch my breath.
"Please.. my town…is under attack. Brigands came last night… and have taken control. I need help." I replied panting.
"Don't worry we'll help. Where is your town.?" the sword bearer asked all humor gone from his gray eyes. Smiling with relief, I explained.
"It is a few minutes run through the forest." I pointed in the direction where I came from. Could I truly have found people kind enough to help? It sounds too good to be true!
"Well than let's go! We have to hurry!" the girl exclaimed.
"How do we know we can trust you? For all we know, you could be a brigand yourself." the knight said, looking at her suspiciously.
"Please, you have to believe me!" I replied frantically. Every minute lost my friends and family were in danger.
"We will help you," the blue haired man said looking scornfully at the knight, "but what is your name?"
"Luna. Yours if I may ask?" I said hurriedly. Every second lost was precious.
"We are the Shepherds. My name is Chrom." said the blue haired lord, wait, what was that on his shoulder? A tattoo? Like mine? "This is delicate little sister, Lissa." The girl waved, but then hearing the first part objected.
"I am not delicate!" she said throwing her hands in the air.
Smiling, Chrom continued.
"And this is Frederick." gesturing to the stern knight beside him. Narrowing his eyes, he briefly bowed his head.
I couldn't help but be curious about the name. Tending sheep, yet they are dressed in armor and well armed? Doesn't quite add up. It doesn't really matter I guess.
"Shall we go?" I asked partly anxious that they would change their minds, part worried about my town.
"Let's go." Chrom said nodding to his companions. Frederick and Lissa got on to Frederick's horse, while Chrom and I will run to keep up. My only worry is that I will be too tired to fight once we arrive. But I refuse to think about that right now. I have help now, and that is all that matter. Looking forward, I started into a run.
Sweat beads down my brow, and I can feel exhaustion creeping into my limbs. Shaking my head, I look over to my companions to see how they are holding up. Of course, Frederick and Lissa are fin. They have been riding a horse the whole time! Chrom looked looked barely flushed. What is wrong with him? I almost smile, but when I leave the trees I stop in my tracks. Many of the houses have been set alight. Smoke is rising from the rooftops, filling the air with a noxious smell.
"It appears you weren't lying" Frederick commented. I was too upset to be angry at him. Why would I lie about something like this?
"Let's go" Chrom said his hand on his sword. Lissa nodded mutely, holding on to her heal staff. Clenching my jaw, I reach for my two sword. One steel, the other Levin. All exhaustion has left my limbs as I go to protect my loved ones. I hope we are fast enough.
Even among my confidence in my new companions, there is doubt in my mind. I have never kill a human. Chickens and hogs, yes. But I have never hurt anyone. But I have to help. I'll be fine, I think. Feeling the warm sun on my neck I step through the gate to my town.
Smoke fills my nose and eyes as I head toward the marketplace. Coughing, I use memory to guide me along the cobbles stones.
"You guys all right? We are almost there." I say, looking back. Everyone nods, and I notice they all grip their weapons tighter. Or in Lissa's case, her staff. We emerge out the alley to an unwelcome sight. All the fresh crops in the market stall have been knocked to the ground and trampled upon. All doors and windows are barred, everyone trying to survive. No one is to be seen, save for the barbaric scum. They all are laughing and pointing at something, and when I see what my disgust deepens. Mary, one of my closest friends was struggling to free herself from their leader Garrick. She she caught my eye, she cried,
"Luna, help please!" At this, Garrick turned his attention to me and my companions. He sneered and said.
"Oh there you are" releasing Mary, he pulled out his throwing ax. "I do believe there is something I need to show you. But first, we will have you humbled."
"We shall see who is humbled here." I replied, drawing my weapons. Chrom walked up next to me and drew his sword as well. Readying myself for the coming battle, I pull on my gloves tighter.
"Chrom, I have studied battle tactics from my mother. Will you permit me to advise you?"
He looked at me curiously, but nodded. Again, Frederick looked wary, but after seeing the threat he nodded as well. Inhaling I began.
"Lissa, travel with Frederick. Heal him when necessary. Frederick, go attack that myrmidon. Chrom can you help me with that fighter?" I said in a hushed voice.
"Yes, I'll help you." Chrom replied. Nodding, I watched as Frederick charged at the sword myrmidon. Not only was Frederick strong, he had the weapon advantage. I almost felt bad for the bandit. Almost.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I run toward the ax man. Smiling he swings his ax.
"You think you can hit me, gorgeous? I'd like to see you try" he taunted.
I know it shouldn't, but his taunting sets me off. I dash toward him and slash his exposed chest. He clearly expected it and tries to dodge. Not successfully thought. I slice him from shoulder to hip. Blood gushes from the wound and his scream rings in my ears. He sloppily swings his ax, but I dance out of the way. Chrom jumps into action, leaping forward and stabbing the man through his throat. Staggering to his knees, the life flickers out of his eyes.
"Good job" Chrom congratulates me, looking me in the eye.
"Thanks" I say, and wait am I blushing? Not in the middle of battle. Not after I just killed a man. "Let's go help Frederick."
"Not that he really needs it." Chrom said, almost smiling.
"Too true." I smile, brushing my hair out of my face. Frederick is plowing through the brigands. The enemies were more wary approaching him. But whenever one of them tried to go after Lissa, they were killed in a second. Chrom and I rushed over to Lissa, Chrom in the lead. Soon, we had killed all of the bandits save for their horrid leader, Garrick.
We all closed in on him, yet he continued to laugh as if he was winning. He is either completely mad, or over confident. Probably both, I thought to myself.
Frederick hit the first blow. He trotted up to Garrick and aimed for his chest with his lance. Garrick clearly knew something, so he tried to dodge. Of course, he went to the right instead of back. Instead of killing him, the blow hit his shoulder, crippling him. He shrieked in pain and his ax clattered to the ground. I leap forward to finish him off.
"You think you are a hero? Well you were too late for your dear mother. Her rotting body is my proof!" he cackled madly. Don't think, just finish him, I thought. Running out of anger and adrenaline, I reached him in a second. Swinging my sword, I beheaded him with one clean stroke. No longer can he terrorize innocent people. But my mother, I gods, I have to find her!
Turning to face the others, I see their congratulatory faces. But I was solemn.
"I have to find my mother. I think she is in danger." I say shakily.
"I'll join you." Chrom adds. Wait what, I think to myself, why? "Frederick, Lissa, help the townsfolk and tell them the threat has passed."
"Yes mi lord." Frederick replied.
"I'll heal whoever is hurt." Lissa added, looking happy to be useful.
I turned to Chrom. "Are you sure you want to come?" I asked him.
"Yes, unless you don't want me to accompany you." he said tilting his head. Well I can't very well say no to that face! I don't get why he wants to come though.
"It is not that I don't want you to come, it is just that … I don't know why you want to."
"In case there are any bandits left. I am sure you can handle them, but just in case." Well I suppose that makes sense. I think there is more though…
"Okay, why not! I am sure my mother would love to meet you." I reply. Besides, I enjoy company.
We duck through alley ways, weaving our way toward my house. I lived near the edge of town, on the border of the woods. My mother said it was best that we keep to ourselves. I have always assumed it was because of my markings.
Chrom's Point of View
I had tried not to stare, but it was very difficult. A beautiful woman runs out of the forest, pleading for you to help her defend town? Not something that happens every day. I had thought of the tiny chance that she was a spy or assassin, but if she was it would have been a three against one fight. So I trusted her. And now, walking on a cobblestone road leading out of the village, I couldn't help but look at her more closely.
She had long silver hair done in ponytail that cascaded down her back. Clear, light blue eyes that looked like the sky above. She had a small quaint nose and dainty lips, that smiled even after the events of the day. Not to mention her skill with swords and magic was impressive. I'll have to ask how she learned. Clearing my throat, I asked.
"So where did you learn you skill with the sword? You were amazing in battle."
Smiling humbly she said "Thank you, though I know you are more skilled than I. As to where I learned, my mother taught me. As well as magic and healing."
"Your mother sounds like an amazing woman." I complimented truly meaning it.
Her face lit up like the sun, making me smile. "She truly is. My father died when I was a child, so she is all that I have left in this world."
I was unsure how to reply but I understand how she must feel.
"My own parents died when I was young as well. I hardly remember them." I decided to leave out the fact that they were the exalts. Whenever I did tell anyone they closed themselves off. Then it was always 'your majesty', 'your grace'. It made it impossible to get to know anyone. And I truly wanted to get to know Luna without out titles or status.
"I am so sorry." she replied, taking her eyes off the trail and turned to look me into the eyes.
"We are almost there." she said a few seconds later. I presumed that she meant the hose on the hill top. "Would you mind if we ran?" she asked, clearly anxious to see if her mother was alright..
"So long as you don't mind losing." I said, starting up the hill. Laughing, she followed.
Luna's Point of View
I was exhausted from my earlier run and the battles, but I am determined to win. Pounding up the hill, I turned to my right. Expecting to see him at the base, he was already clearing the top! How is that possible? Breathing in the fresh air that I grew up in, I hurry to the top of the hill.
I emerge smiling, but when I see the house I stop in my tracks. The door is askey and there are scorch marks on the walls. They must have tried to burn it down. There is a gaping hole in the roof, illuminating something in the corner.
I step closer to see what it is, and my hand flies to my mouth. Mother. Running over, I pray to Naga that she is still alive. As if in response, I feel a wave of sadness rush over me.
"No,no,no! This can't be happening!" I see her face and I nearly burst into tears. She is burned and scorched. They used fire magic against her. Burn marks and wounds are all over her clothes and skin. My eyes stinging from tears, I put my head to her chest trying desperately to hear a heartbeat. Nothing. Nor is she breathing.
"No,no" I whisper over and over, letting the tears flow. I had heard Garricks threats, but I had hoped that… oh gods! Pain racks my limbs limbs as I silently sob. Curse those bandits! What were my last words that I said to her? "I'll return in time."
Oh, fate is cruel! My last words to her, a lie! A lie that should have been true. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder and someone sits beside me.
"I am so sorry." Chrom says.
Nodding mutely, I stare at my mother's blank face. Never again will I hear her laugh at my attempts to best her in tactics. I'll never know her full story either. She would always tell me she would explain our past when it is safe. I don't know how long I sat there, consumed by grief.
"Thank you for staying with me." I said, breaking the silence.
"Your welcome. How would you like to honor her?" Chrom replied solemnly, yet kindly.
"How she always wanted." I said, standing. After wiping the grime off her face, and closing her eyes, I get her favorite blanket. It is one of her and I in every fix imaginable. Stuck in the muck, run away chickens. She had made it herself. While Chrom was helping me wrap her, I said.
"There is a tree in the grove that she always loved. WE can bury her there.
"Of course." he replied, holding my mother.
Nodding, I grab my mother's necklace to ward off misfortune and we set off down the hill.
Chrom's point of view
Those minutes walking in the forest were quiet serene ones. The fest was beautiful. SUn filtered through the trees, illuminating a well traveled path. Birds fluttered in the branches overhead and sang their songs. I would have enjoyed myself if not for the tragedy that I had just witnessed. I was unsure what to think. I feel as if I had invaded a private moment, and for that I feel guilty. But I know from experience that you need someone to there to help you. I have Lissa and Emm, but Luna has no one. Suddenly, Luna stops, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"We are here." she whispered,"I'll carry her now."
Handing her the woman, she gingerly carried her over to an enormous tree in the clearing ahead of us. The colossal tree stretched at least 50 feet into the hair. It's branches made a cocoon around its trunk. The roots were the strangest part however. The roots separate to small room under the tree. Luna steps forward, crouching to step into the room below the tree. Following her, I was in a state of awe. In the center of the room, there was a curtain of vines falling down shielding something from view. Parting The vines, Luna laid her mother in the hole below the center of the tree.
"Good bye mother. Thank you for everything you have ever done. I love you with all my heart." Kissing the pendant, she places it over her mother's heart. After a moment's hesitation, she rose and said
"Let us go. Frederick and Lissa are waiting." she looked at me and attempted to smile, but sadness was written on her face. Tears threaten to pour down her cheeks, but I couldn't bear to watch her cry again. Strange as it is , I feel as if I knew her from somewhere. Wiping away her tear, I whispered.
"It's okay. You'll make it through. I'll be here to help." She smiles up at me, and we head back to her home town.
Luna's Point of view
When we arrived back at town, it was unrecognizable. The market place was cleared and repaired. The fires had been put out, and the buildings were already under repair! It was as if the bandits had never came. Frederick Lissa were across the square helping, but when they saw us approach they ran toward us. Well Lissa ran, Frederick speed walked. Could you run in armor like that? Lissa was the first to speak.
"Hey, welcome back! The people here are so nice! The baker, what was his name Paffaro? He gave me a slice of cake for healing his daughter! Anyway, how is your mother, Luna?"
Damn, I knew she was going to ask. Not that I blame her of course. Taking a deep breath and trying not to burst into tears, I replied
"My mother was killed by the bandits."
Both Lissa and Frederick looked shocked and saddened by this. I am constantly surprised by these strangers kindness.
"I am so sorry, Luna. I shouldn't have asked." Lissa said, crestfallen.
"No, you had no way of knowing." I soothed. "However, it sounded like you two were successful?" I said, eager to change the subject.
"Yes, all the villagers are safe and taken care of. I advise we be on our way." Frederick stated. Chrom was about to reply, but Lissa interrupted.
"Wait, we aren't staying? But Frederick it's nearly dark!" she complained.
"When night falls we will make camp. Eat off the land, make our beds out of twigs. You will get used to it.
"Frederick, sometimes I hate you." Lissa replied hotly.
"You are quite the stern lieutenant there." I observed, trying to put it in a way that wouldn't make him mad.
"Well stern is one name for it. I can think of a few others." Lissa added, glaring at Frederick.
"Frederick only smiles when he is able to bring down the ax." Chrom said almost teasingly.
"Duly noted." I replied. I had sensed that from the beginning.
"Ahem, you do realize I am right here?" Frederick interrupted, looking mildly offended.
"Oh, we realize." Chrom said with a smile.
I couldn't help but laugh at this conversation. It looked as if Frederick got teased like this alot. I wonder why he tolerates it. Couldn't he just serve a different family? So many mysteries!
"My lord remains as amusing as ever. Shall we go?" Frederick replied dryly.
"I suppose. Would you like to accompany us Luna? You would be welcome to join the Shepherds."
Lissa chimes in "Yes, please do! I'll need a girl to talk to, other wise I won't last the trip!"
Smiling at Lissa's comment, I replied "I would be delighted and honored."
I said a quick goodbye to all my old friends and set off with my new ones.