Kara rubbed the bridge of her nose as stared off into space. She could feel sleep creeping up on her and slapped her cheek lightly to wake herself back up. But even doing that she couldn't find the interest in returning back to her book in front of her so she simply leaned back and thought about her new life.
The last few weeks were the most exhausting that Kara had ever experienced, (or at least as far as she could remember.) every day was spent training with the Shepherds under Frederick the wary in the morning and afternoon, while her evenings were spent mostly in the Royal library looking for everything and everything that she had lost.
It was in this time that Kara had met the last few members of the Shepherds. There was a green haired cavalier named Stahl who constantly seemed to be hungry and always looked like he had just woken up. He was always friendly with Kara which was a nice change from Frederick's constant vigilance. There was also a woman by the name of Miriel who she had met during one of her nighttime study sessions. She had short straight brown hair and skin, while not quite as pale as her own, showed that she had spent many a day in this library. Miriel was quite the intellectual woman and had been quite curious about Kara, asking almost continuously about her knowledge of tactics and magic. She had also been curious about Kara's past but luckily she had been able to avoid the questions.
Kara had also started to room with Sumia and had been immensely enjoying her time with her. Sumia was quite the avid reader and had recommended many a book for Kara to read. But for the life of her, Kara could not figure out what exactly the woman would always trip over but she seemed to be in a constant state of slipping. She too had been asking about where Kara had originally come from but was able to get the conversation back to books before she had to reveal the truth.
She had asked Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, and The Exalt to keep her lack of memories. She did not want the people who she would be leading through battles to doubt her or pity her. Luckily, they had all agreed to keep her secret; although Frederick looked like the only reason he did so was because of Chrom's willingness and the only reason Chrom agreed was because of a certain incident that Kara reminded him of causing him to go beet red. She had felt bad about using his mistake against him but she couldn't take any chances, plus it was fun to see him panic every time he saw her.
Kara looked back down at the book she had opened before her as her smile disappeared from her face. The book before her was a history book depicting the story of Grima, the Fell Dragon. It spoke of how the first Exalt, a man by the name of Marth, fought with the power of Naga to defeat an evil dragon to save the world and how his descendants had inherited his power.
In the country of Plegia the national religion was one that worshiped this Fell Dragon, those known as the Grimleal and there was a picture of their symbol within the book. It was the same symbol that was branded upon her right hand.
She inadvertently glanced down at her gloved right hand as she clenched up. Upon looking at what she had originally thought was a tattoo with more detail she noticed that it was something that was a part of her skin similar to a birth mark but far too complex to be natural.
[Everything I find about who I used to be makes me seem more and more like my life was quite cruel.] She thought as she starred at the ceiling trying to control her emotions.
"Kara? What are you still doing up?" came a worried voice from in front of her. Looking back down, Kara saw Chrom standing before her.
"I was just looking for information of Plegia." She said as she smiled and closed the book
"Gods Kara it's nearly morning! I can't let my tactician falling unconscious during battle." Chrom exclaimed worriedly, "Go back to bed and try to get some sleep."
"Well what about you? Couldn't sleep?" Kara returned the question as she stretched out and stood up.
"Something like that; came here to find a book to put my mind at ease." He admitted as he looked over the books covering Kara's table.
"Oh? Then I would recommend this one "Wyvern Wars: Terror at High Noon" it's one that Sumia recommended to me." Kara said as she tossed a book at Chrom.
"One of Sumia's huh? She always seems to find the most interesting books." He said as he smiled down looking over the title.
Kara moved past Chrom and smiled, "well, good night."
"Ah one moment. What were your plans for tomorrow Kara?" Chrom asked as she moved for the door.
Kara blinked in surprise as she remembered that tomorrow she and the rest of the Shepherds were allowed the day off. Apparently once every seven days everyone was given a break from training to spend how they pleased, something Kara had been quite happy to hear about from Sumia after their evening training.
"Well, I had originally planned to spend the day exploring the city. My lightning tome is nearly expired and it seems prudent for the strategist of an army to know the layout of a city she's protecting." She said as she turned around "Why were you hoping to spend the day with me?" she teased with a smile.
"Unfortunately, my Princely duties will keep me busy for most of the day." Chrom said, mirroring her smile. "However, my sister asked me if you would be willing to join her for dinner."
Kara winced at Chrom's proposal. It was clear he was talking about the Exalt rather than Lissa and Kara wanted as little to do with the ruler of Ylisse as possible. It wasn't that she didn't like Emmeryn, far from it; it was simply that the more time she spent with people the more obvious it would become of how ignorant she was without her memories. Plus Kara had no interest in standing out, and dining with royalty was certainly going to turn a few heads.
Sadly, an invitation from the Exalt wasn't something the Shepherds tactician could easily ignore. So with smile she hopped wasn't to fake, Kara turned once again back to Chrom. "Of course, I would be honored."
Chrom nodded his head, satisfied. "Good, I will send someone for you when the meal is prepared. Until then have fun exploring."
The two said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Kara returning to her room to find Sumia deep asleep. Kara herself was finally feeling the inevitability of sleep as she fell into her cot and let sleep overcome her.
Kara blinked as she found herself in a barely lit stone chamber. There were only a few torches upon the wall, casting long shadows across the room. Wherever she was a supernatural chill seemed to permeate the air, sending shivers down her spine for reasons that she could not understand. Looking around she could see a group of hooded in purple robes and wearing masks that were adorned with six purple eyes. The men stood in a corner of the room, with a young girl in between them. The girl stared emotionlessly at the wall in front of her while the men discussed something amongst themselves with hushed voices that Kara could not make out. The girl was quite cute for her age, her hair looked to be almost silver under the light of the torches and her blue eyes only added to her beauty. Her skin was unhealthy pale however, and she seemed to be shaking slightly as if in fear.
"The child's power has grown much more powerful as of late." One of the masked men spoke loudly to the others. "I believe it is time for us to begin testing her power." The others did not respond as far as Kara could tell, they simply spread out along the back wall and gave the younger girl space. One of the men stayed next to the girl and pointed at a strange figure slumped against the floor in another corner of the room.
"Now then vessel, unleash your power here and now." The man commanded as he gestured at outline in the corner of the room.
The girl gave no real indication that she had heard the man. But somehow she could tell that the girl was afraid of the pain that came after disobeying the man. The girl raised a single hand slowly and pointed her palm at the shape in the corner. At first there was nothing but silence but the sounds of breathing coming from the men around the wall. But after a minute or so of waiting there was a change. The object in the corner as suddenly alight as though it had become a bonfire. This fire was not in any way natural, even by magic standards. The flames consumed the object with what seemed to be almost glee, and burned an unnatural black that seemed almost to consume the light rather than cast more of it.
It was only in the moment before the flames had fully consumed to object that Kara was able to see for certain what it was, and what it was horrified her. The object that had just been incinerated was a human body; likely dead from the fact there had been no screams, but a human body all the same. And even though the person was no longer alive the young girl showed almost no hesitation in destroy a fellow human.
"Very good Vessel," the man who had originally spoke exclaimed as he turned back to face the other men. "With this we are one step closer to realizing the dreams of all of Plegia. Soon, the master's darkness shall consume the world and remake it anew."
Every person present besides the young girl raised their hands into the air as they screamed out in joy. "ALL HAIL GRIMA!"
Kara was awoken by the sound of Sumia crying out in surprise. "Good gods, Kara! Your hand is on fire!"
Kara looked down to see the strange sight of the glove on her right hand letting off a thin line of smoke and the feeling of heat on her skin.
Kara screamed out a string of curses as she jumped up and tried to remove the glove. Sumia jumped up to help but almost instantly tripped over a pile of books by her bedside.
Kara ripped off the glove and inspected her hand. The mark upon her hand felt slightly warm to the touch but other than that Kara could see no reason for her hand to catch fire.
"A-are you ok Kara? What in the world…" Sumia asked with worry in her voice before trailing off and staring down at Kara's hand.
At first Kara did not realize what had captured the woman's attention so. But very quickly she remembered that her mark was exposed for the entire world to see. She quickly covered it with her unmarked hand but the damage had been done, Sumia looked at Kara with eyes filled with both nervousness and anxiety.
"I-I can explain..." Kara stammered out as she tried desperately to think of an excuse that were placate the woman but nothing came to mind. Sighing in her head, Kara had no choice but to explain her circumstances the Sumia. Kara slowly started to talk about how Chrom and Lissa had found her in that field and how she had discovered how she no longer was able to recognize herself and the scars she had discovered upon her body.
Sumia reacted almost exactly as Kara had expected with clear shock and pity in her eyes. "Oh Kara…" she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. " I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what you're feeling right now." And she then walked over to her and hugged her, surprising Kara more than she would have thought. Kara, not really sure how to react, simply patted Sumia on the back while she cried for her.
"Oh dear…I'm sorry Kara. You're the one who's suffering and you're comforting me now." She said after she had finished crying and separated herself from Kara.
"Its fine, I understand." Kara said as she waved away Sumia's concerns.
Sumia nodded and looked down at the mark on Kara's hand. "So you have no idea how you got that or why it caused your glove to catch fire?"
Kara inadvertently rubbed her hand when Sumia brought it up. "No, the only thing I managed to learn was that it's the symbol of Grima." They both flinched at the mention of the Fell Dragon. "Other than that I haven't been able to find any clues as to who I am." Kara said with a sad smile upon her face.
"I see…does Captain Chrom know about your mark and past?" she asked in a worried voice.
Kara shook her head. "Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, and the Exalt all know about my lost memories but I haven't had the courage to tell them about the mark yet." Kara lowered her head as she waited for the brunet to respond. She understood that Sumia had to tell the others about her mark; it was something the Shepherds had the right to know about if the person who was guiding their swords was some Grimleal fanatic.
"I understand, then it will be our little secret for the time being." Sumia declared in a voice that seemed far to chipper for the situation.
Kara's eyes shot back up in shock to see Sumia smiling at her without a hint of animosity in her eyes. "A-are you sure? I can't even say with certainty that I'm not someone who could bring harm down upon Ylisse. Are you really not going to tell everyone else about what happened here?"
Sumia didn't bat an eyelid before replying. "If the Captain has decided to trust you than so will i. I'm certain after spending time with you this last week that you aren't a bad person. I guarantee it." She said as she banged her fist against her chest, though perhaps harder than she intended because she started to cough almost immediately.
Kara couldn't help but giggle at the girl's antics and smiled back with one of the most sincere smiles she had in quite a while. "Thank you Sumia."
The girl blushed and fidgeted with her hands at Kara's gratitude. "I-It's fine really, you're a Shepherd now anyway, it's only natural to help out."
The two girls then began to prepare themselves for the day. Kara, deciding to make more of an effort to be friendly, asked what Sumia had planned for her day.
"Oh I'm going to spend the day cleaning and grooming the Pegasus's and horses in the stable." She exclaimed as she put her armor on. "Those poor babies haven't been properly washed in a week's time. I'm sure they'll be happy to see me! What about you?"
"I plan to explore the city and stock up on supplies." Kara responded with a small smile as she held up her right hand. "Plus I need to buy a new glove."
Sumia giggled at that. "Well good luck, even in the Capitol here there are still some ruff parts of town. Make sure to keep your sword with you." She warned as she moved to the door.
"See you later." She said as she walked out the door with Kara waving back.
[Well then, might as well get going too.] Kara thought to herself as she emerged into the light of the day in a mood so good she had completely forgotten the dream she had last night.
Kara smiled as she stared up into the bright blue sky, simply enjoying the warmth of the day. She had just stepped out of the castle courtyard into the city streets but she could already see what a perfect day it was going to be. Like the previous time she had been outside the castle everyone moved with a bounce in their step and a smile upon their face. [I guess this really is a truly peaceful land.] Kara thought to herself as she turned and asked one of the castle guards for directions to the market.
Kara made sure to keep her right hand in her coat pocket as she quickly made her way to the clothing store that the guard had indicated. The clothing store was slightly pricier than Kara was hoping to spend, but more than new tomes or a fancier sword a new right hand glove had to be her priority. Quickly finding the cheapest one she could; Kara paid with some of the money she had been given for her time serving with the Shepherds. However, the amount she had been left with was hardly enough to afford some local food let alone pay for a magic tome.
[Great, I guess I'll just explore the town today and come back later for the rest of the stuff.] She thought pessimistically to herself as she started to explore the layout of the city. Kara had two major reasons for trying to get the lay of the land; one was that in the event of a siege she wanted to be able to understand which parts of the outer wall would be the most difficult to defend. The other reason, which was far more likely, was that if the others decided she was too much of a threat to Ylisse she had to have an escape plan prepared.
[Well, considering what happened this morning, maybe I don't need to worry about escaping.] She thought to herself as she recalled her hectic morning but it still brought a smile to her face every time she thought back to it. Unfortunately it was during one of these trips back through memory lane that Kara realized that she was in one of the areas Sumia had warned her about. The houses surrounding her were in far more rough shape than in any other place she had visited today. The people who sat around were far more haggard and eyed her with a more perverted eye than she could recall over the past weeks.
Kara sighed in disappointment, mostly at herself, as she looked around for any landmarks to aid in her escape from the ghetto.
It was during this time that Kara saw a curious sight. A hooded figure was surrounded by much larger hooded figures that appeared to be harassing the smaller person. The smaller person had yet to take any action but it was clear that the ones surrounding the smaller ones had nothing good in mind.
To her credit, Kara only hesitated for only a few seconds before walking over to the group. "All of you there!" she shouted drawing the attention of nearly everyone except for the one who was surrounded. "What do you think you're doing?" Kara questioned trying to sound as intimidating as possible while she herself became surrounded.
"We'll look at this boys! Another beautiful young lady falling right into our laps." One of the men roughly called earning a good laugh from the others.
Kara sighed in annoyance as she looked up at the one who had spoken first, a man whose looks were practically the definition of a scumbag. "I will give you one warning sir. I am a Shepherd and my lord will not tolerate such acts within his kingdom. Leave now before I force you." She said in what she hoped was an intimidating voice.
A few of the men did back away at her statement but the man who had spoken only pulled in closer. "Ah I see, so you work for the Princy do you?" the man sneered as he grabbed Kara's cheeks and moved his face in closer. "Well then you'll suffer all the more for it."
Kara desperately tried to keep the panic from her face as she slowly reached for the thunder tome at her side. The other men once again moved back in with their intentions written all over their faces but before they could act on them Kara's hand reached her tome.
"Im afraid that you seem to have underestimated me." She said with a smirk and released an electrical blast, hitting everything around her.
The men twitched as they collapsed like ragdolls at her feet and Kara couldn't help but feel boastful as she walked over their bodies, kicking as many as she could, and walked over to their original target.
"Are you alright?" Kara asked in concern as she walked closer.
The person turned to look at Kara and her face caused Kara to stop in her tracks. It was a young woman who stared out from the shadows of her cloak. Her eyes were a dark violet color that had an almost ethereal beauty to them. From what Kara could see of her hair it was a very similar color to her eyes, just slightly brighter like the color of flowers.
The woman looked just as shocked to see Kara as Kara felt at that moment when their eyes met. But after a moment a smile formed on her lips as she curtsied to Kara. "Thank you Milady; I was not quite sure how I was going to handle those ruffians." The woman said as she rose. "My name is Sina, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, I'm Kara." Kara introduced herself "Why are you here in the slums? It seems obvious that someone looking like yourself would attract unwanted attention." She asked.
Sina shrugged, "I could ask you the same but as for me I was to meet with a prospective buyer here but it appears to have been a set up from the beginning."
"Oh you're a merchant? What kind of goods do you have?" Kara asked feeling her curiosity growing.
"Mostly specialty goods or very specific orders for wealthy clients." Sina explained.
"Oh…I see." Kara said as her shoulders dropped. She had hoped that Sina might be able to provide her with the supplies she required if she was a merchant who would sell in the slums but it was actually the opposite.
"Indeed, however, I must reward you for coming to my aid." Sina declared as she reached into a large bag by her side and removed what appeared to be an ancient book. "My prospective client desired this fire tome but now that he has decided to attempt to steal it I see no reason not to award it to you." She said as she handed over the tome to Kara.
Kara starred down at the tome but couldn't see anything specific that made it seem like a powerful tome. The book looked like any other Kara had spent her evenings reading through. Even the inside of the book was simple words, not even a magic circle. "This is a fire tome? There's nothing in here." Kara asked incredulously as she looked back up at Sina.
Sina's smile grew wider as she waved a finger in Kara's face. "Indeed and that is the genius of this book. It was designed to appear to the naked eye like a simple story. However, when one wishes to use its magic it is capable of unleashing devastating flames upon their foes." She explained as she took back the tome and held her hand out in front of her. For a moment nothing happened but a second latter a ball of flame came into existence in the palm of her hand.
Kara blinked in surprise as she took the tome back and stared at it in wonder. Normally a magic tome was a very specific color and required the magical runes to be covered across the cover and inside. This book however looked entirely normal. Kara's mind reeled at the possibilities of this book.
"Wow…thank you." Kara finally managed to say as she stared up at Sina who simply smiled back.
"No, no I should be thanking you. Now then why were you here in the slums Kara? You don't seem like you should be here either." Sina questioned.
Kara smiled embarrassedly as she rubbed the back of her head. "Actually, I got lost while exploring the city." She admitted much to Sina's apparent amusement.
"I see, that makes more since rather than someone actually patrolling this area. Then if it's all the same to you I would be happy to guide you back out." Sina offered and Kara was quick to accept.
Sina waved as Kara moved away into the crowd and tried hard to keep her expression neutral. She could scarcely believe her luck in the girl finding her; she did not even need to infiltrate the citadel to give her the tome and now they had made an agreement to meet in the future. With that in her hands she was sure to move farther along the path that was required of her. Sina was overcome by laughter that drew the attention of her surroundings but she did not care. All the pieces were falling perfectly in place.
Kara squirmed uncomfortably in the light blue one piece dress she had been forced to wear as she waited outside the double doors to the room where she would be dinning with the Exalt and her family. Kara felt exposed without her cloak and without a tome on her but the maid that had come to get her when she had returned was quite strict about what she was allowed to bring with her, which meant that she could bring nothing.
Kara sighed for what felt like the tenth time since she had been brought to the door. She was not allowed entry until the Exalt was present and apparently Lady Emmeryn had been delayed. But at the very least it gave Kara time to think to herself. Kara had been debating whether or not to inform the Exalt of the mark upon her hand since she had first arrived with Chrom and Lissa. But with the events of the morning she finally decided that it was time to share what bit of information.
[It is just such a shame that I have to let Chrom and Lissa in on it too.] She thought. She did not want to admit it openly but Kara respected the two royals immensely for taking her in and giving her a home when all she had was a story that many would be hard pressed to trust in. she did not want to worry the two anymore than she had too and by extension their elder sister but with Emmeryn being the Exalt perhaps she would know more about the marks meaning.
Kara was lost deep within her own thought when the booming voice of one of the guards sounded from her side. "Her eminence, Exalt Emmeryn, has arrived!" he shouted so loud that Kara almost squeaked in surprise. A moment later the guard turned and opened the door for Kara; then promptly stepped aside to allow her entry.
Kara nervously walked into the room, where she saw the Exalt smiling at her from a table that had was large enough to fit five or more people on it. However, the only person who was present was the Exalt herself. As Kara approached she quickly scanned the room for any sign of Lissa or Chrom. Chrom would have no interest in messing with her but Lissa on the other hand would not miss the opportunity. Kara had quickly learned over the past week that if Lissa was offering to do something for you it was more than likely going to end with frogs in places where they should never be.
Contrary to her expectations, Kara saw no sign of the little blonde Princess or her older brother. The only other people in the chamber were maids and butlers along the walls and two guards who stood by the opposite door that Kara had entered from.
Kara slowly made her way to the seat that was indicated for her, a seat to the right of Emmeryn, and sat down along with the Exalt.
"Thank you for joining me tonight Kara." Emmeryn warmly greeted as she motioned to one of the butlers alongside the room, who promptly left to bring the meal.
"N-not at all Milady." Kara stammered out as she scanned the room once again. "Um…begging your pardon Milady, but where are Prince Chrom and Princess Lissa? Were they not to join us tonight?" she asked as she desperately avoided making eye contact.
"Unfortunately, Chrom was detained by an issue with the Shepherd's supply line while Lissa was invited to dine with the Duke of Themis and his daughter and was unable to make it. " Emmeryn explained. "It will just be the two of us tonight."
Kara's heart nearly leapt from her throat at the prospect of having to dine with just the Exalt but she could do nothing about it at this point, she was trapped.
The Dinner began without incident. Kara at first was far too nervous to really start up a conversation but Emmeryn would have none of that. Slowly and patiently she coaxed Kara out of her shell by sharing many stories about the three royals during their childhood. She spoke of Chrom seemingly endless ability to break objects while Lissa was constantly putting whatever bugs she could find down the backs of the maids. Kara couldn't help but giggle as the older woman continued down memory lane and enjoyed learning more about the people she respected, plus it would be great ammunition for later.
When they had both finished their meals Kara finally worked up the courage to reveal her right hand. "Ummm…Lady Emmeryn? Would it be alright if I ask your opinion on something?"
The older woman noticed the anxiety in Kara's face and her own smile faded. "Of course, what can I help you with?" she asked with what sounded like genuine concern.
Kara hesitated for a second before slowly removing the glove on her right hand and placing her hand upon the table for Emmeryn to see. "From the day that your siblings found me I had this mark upon my hand. I was wondering if you had ever seen anything like it."
Emmeryn's eyes widened slightly as she gently grasped Kara's hand and ran her own over the mark. "I see…are you aware that this symbol is the emblem of the Grimleal?" she asked with concern.
"I found out only recently from a book in your library. Does it mean that the person I was before was a heretic?"
"It is possible, however this mark does not appear to be a tattoo or something branded into your skin like most that bear this symbol. Rather it appears to be similar to the Brand of the Exalt that has been passed through my family for generations."
"Brand of the Exalt?" Kara questioned.
"The symbol you see upon my forehead and upon my brother's shoulder." She said as she gestured to her face. "However to see one in the shape of Grima…" Emmeryn trailed off as she contemplated what she saw before her. There was silence in the hall for a moment until Emmeryn raised her head to smile at Kara. "Regardless of what it means both my brother and sister have chosen to place their trust in you, and so shall I. so long as you live within my kingdom's borders I shall protect you."
Kara couldn't believe what she was hearing. Here she was; a person who could have been someone working against Emmeryn's land but she was still simply accepted. The woman's kindness truly knew no bounds. "Thank you…I swear to you that I will never allow harm to befall your family." Kara swore as she fought to keep her tears back.
Emmeryn smiled back, "I am certain that you will. Now then this has truly been an enjoyable evening but I believe it is about time we retire." She said as she stood.
It was at that moment however that a loud knock sounded from the door that Kara had come from. "Lady Exalt! A messenger has arrived from the Farfort! The town has fallen under the control of a large group of Barbarians and they are demanding a ransom!" a voice panicky shouted from the other side.
Kara felt as if her stomach had lurched up into her throat, it appeared that the Shepherds had a new mission, one that she would be helping to lead.
Hello everyone. hope you are all enjoying my first fanfic. feel free to Review