This is a re-telling of fire emblem 7 with some added scenes and a few changes, but overall it's the same story.
I do not own fire emblem or any reference I may make, they belong to their respective owners.
"We've gained two new allies in a battle earlier. First is Florina, a Pegasus knight, new to actual combat, so she requires some special attention. She's very shy and seems to be afraid of men or just extremely timid around us. I must make sure she isn't hurt too badly or killed, otherwise Lyn would be devastated. Lyn and Florina have known each other for sometime now and are very close. Are other new ally is Wil, the archer. There really is not a lot to say about him, he is cheerful and quite enthusiastic. He archery is decent, although he still needs practice, but he will better, I'm positive about that. The only other thing I can say about him is that he is normal"
It was becoming dark and after a day of walking, the mercenary band had come across a ruined fortress.
"Ah, this should suffice! Tonight's bed!" Wil said, rather excitedly.
"This mildewy old fortress? Is this the best we can do? Come, Wil! Surely you jest!" Sain complained.
"The bandits keep everything in turmoil around here. No one has time to worry about travelers. And there are rather a lot of us"
"This will be fine. Who wants to be stuck inside, anyway? I prefer a place where I can feel the wind blow" Lyn said.
"As long as I'm at Lyn's side, I'll be fine" Florina stated, she and her Pegasus beside Lyn.
"And for your protection, your man-at-arms Sain will be right here by your side, ladies" he bowed, trying to impress.
"Sain, both you and I are to remain awake. We will alternate the watch" Kent explained.
"Ah, alas..."
A foot step was heard. "Who's there?" Mark asked.
"Your pardon, milady..." she addressed Lyn. It was a frail woman with long brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a blue blouse with a long yellow skirt. Around her left leg were bandages. "I...Forgive my intrusion...My name's Natalie. I'm from a village not far from here...Ah! Ow..."
"Are you all right?"
"Hm?"
"Your leg..."
"It's fine. Don't worry. It's from a childhood sickness...I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me much"
"What are you doing here all by yourself?"
"I'm looking for my husband...I heard he was in this area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended. He left the village and hasn't returned. He's a kindhearted man, but I think he might be involved in something dangerous. I got so worried...Here's a sketch of him. It's a poor likeness at best, but...His name is Dorcas. Do you know of him?" she held a small portrait of her husband.
"I'm sorry. I don't believe I've seen or heard of him"
She looked down, disappointedly. "I see...If you do meet him, please give him a message. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him"
"I will tell him. I promise" Lyn said with a smile.
Loud noises were heard from outside the fortress. Kent ran out and quickly returned. "Lady Lyndis! Bandits!"
"What did you say?"
"Persistent bunch, aren't they? What do you think? Shall we go out and face them?" Sain said, jumping onto his horse and holding his lance.
"I'm not sure" Lyn said.
"No... Natalie cannot move well, and that would put her in danger. Let them come to us. We'll fight here, within these walls" Mark pointed out. "All we have to do is hold out until they tire and leave" Mark climbed up the fortress and looked out an opening. "Okay this fortress has two entrances. Lyn I want you to take the eastern door, its narrow, so they can only enter one at a time. The rest of you take the front entrance, most of the enemy's are axe users, so swords will do well, Wil back up Florina. Understood? Then get going!" he climbed back down. Everyone nodded and took their positions.
A lone swordsman came charging towards them. "Idiot. Wil fire and Florina finish him" Mark ordered. Wil fired his arrow, but the swordsman avoided it, unfortunately he didn't see Florina from above. She stabbed him through the chest, killing him instantly. She flew back to us, a little shaken up by what she had just down. "Florina! This is a battle, I know you are new at this, but if you don't kill, then you won't be able to protect those around you" she stopped shaking and nodded.
"I'll… I'll do my best" she joined Kent and Sain.
"Weren't you a little too hard on the poor girl?" Natalie asked.
"Yes, but this is a battle. My job is to make sure my soldiers come out alive… even if it means being strict. Now move back and stay hidden" Mark walked up, seeing how they were progressing. Florina had been injured and was avoiding all she could; Wil tried backing her up as much as possible. Kent and Sain were holding of the bandits, but they were tiring.
"Things aren't looking to good" Mark thought out loud. Footsteps were heard, Mark assumed it was Natalie again and turned, but instead he found a large man. He had short red hair, a goatee and brown eyes. He wore a yellow sleeveless shirt and dark green pants with the bottom part torn. He wore sandals and a large belt around his waist. Around his wrist were bandages and around his neck was a weird old looking necklace of some sort. He was carrying an axe.
"Oh no, Lyn!"
"So you're their tactician...I'll use my axes and fight alongside you. Direct me as you will"
"Um… who are you?"
"My name is Dorcas. I was told by that woman that you were protecting my wife. Now direct me"
"Hold off those bandits long enough for the Pegasus knight to heal. Tell the cavaliers to pull back into the entrance so there's less space for the bandits to charge" he nodded and ran, screaming. Mark watched as Dorcas swung his axe at a bandit that was attacking Florina, chopping his head off. The bandits stopped for a moment, yelling at Dorcas for being a traitor. "Use this opportunity to heal!" Mark commanded.
"Natalie! Are you all right? What were you thinking, coming out all this way?" Dorcas yelled in concern.
"I was worried about you. Please, don't let my leg trouble you anymore. You mustn't put yourself in such danger. Please!"
"I'm sorry. I must have been out of my head. I didn't realize...That girl Lyn made me open my eyes"
"It's okay. I'm just glad you are safe" she smiled.
"All's well that ends well. Right, Natalie?" Lyn said. Natalie nodded.
"Hey Lyn! Are you hurt?" Mark asked.
"Not too badly. I just need to rest"
"Alright, everyone get your rest. Sain! Leave Florina alone, she can use her a vulnerary by herself"
Dorcas picked up Natalie and began leaving the fortress. "Our village is close. I'll take Natalie home and return tomorrow"
"Hm? Why can't we just say our farewells today?"
"Well, I...I spoke with I... I've been invited to join your group" Lyn looked at Mark. He just smiled and nodded.
"But we're going to Lycia..."
"I have to go somewhere to earn money. If you think I'll be of use, I'd like to fight for you. You helped my wife...I owe you"
"Dorcas..."
"Please, Lyn. We are both in agreement on this. Watch over my husband"
Some time had passed and it was the middle of the night. Kent and Sain were alternating watch over the camp ground. Mark had gone up to the higher floor and sat next to an opening in the wall, with a bottle of whiskey and a book.
"Things are getting a little weird. There are more bandits than usual these days. Maybe there's something wrong with the ruler of this land" he sat there, pondering the thought before heading to bed.
There was a noise, the sound of paper tearing and chewing. Mark woke to see a winged horse next to him, eating one of his books. He shot up.
"What the Hell!" he yelled. Everyone jumped at the screaming. Florina ran up and hugged her Pegasus.
"W-W-What… Happened?"
"Your Pegasus was eating my book! That's what happened!" she flinched at his tone.
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Mark calm down" Lyn said, putting her hand on his shoulder.
He looked at her, still angry. "Her Pegasus ate my book! Why should I calm down?"
"Because it wasn't her fault!" she yelled back at him. She made a point.
"Well she should control her horse better" he walked away. "We're leaving as soon as Dorcas arrives, prepare yourselves"
There was an awkward tension within the group. Mark was feeling uneasy about they whole situation. "Dammit… they didn't know. I need to apologize" He walked over to where Florina was walking. As he approached, Lyn glared at him.
"Florina" he called. She flinched and looked at him nervously.
"Y-Yes"
"I'm sorry for yelling at you" he sighed. "It was an accident and I shouldn't have yelled. I'm very touchy when it comes to my books, so please try to keep your Pegasus from eating them"
"Yes… I-I'm sorry about Huey eating your book"
"Who's Huey?"
"Her Pegasus" Lyn answered.
"Oh… Okay then"
"Now please avoid yelling at her again. Okay Mark" Lyn said sternly. He nodded.
"Now that that's been cleared up" Kent said, catching our attention. "We've almost reached the Lycian border"
"Once we cross, we'll be safe from the bandits, right?" Lyn asked.
"I doubt they'll be willing to pursue us across the border" Wil said with a cheery expression.
"Lycia at last!" Sain cried in excitement. "It's been a long time. Tomorrow, we'll on a feast of Lycia's finest foods! And the mistress of the inn at the crossing is said to be a beauty. Ah, yes… Food and love. No better way to restore a man's soul! This is going to be a fine evening, eh, Kent?"
"Don't think I'm the same as you. If your behavior is as deplorable as ever, we'd best stay elsewhere. We're not here for sightseeing!" he said rather harshly.
"Oh, come now! That's not fair"
"Kent, the inn will be fine" Lyn said.
"As you say, milady"
"Lyndis, you are truly an angel from on high!"
"It's nothing. Forget it"
"Man they are really pushing the royalty thing on her, but looks like she wont change a bit" Mark smiled at this thought.
"Ah! We'll finally be able to get a good night sleep" Florina sighed in relief.
Lyn tensed up and turned. "Oh no… Those bandits are persistent, I'll give them that much"
"Aw crap… I'm not in the mood for this" Mark complained, still bitter about losing his book. He looked off in the distance. "Looks like there are quite a few bandits coming our way, they're charging at us, but looks like there may be a small group staying still on the other side of the lake"
"My goodness" Wil said. "If someone didn't know any better, they would think you only wore those glasses to look intelligent" everyone laughed, except for Kent, who smirked.
"Shut it! All of you, I'm not in the best mood"
"AAhhhhhh" a screamed was heard in the distance. "Looks like we're going that way" The group ran towards the scream. When they reached the spot, there were two people and a dead bandit.
"Um, excuse us… Hello?" Lyn said. "Why are you fighting these bandits?"
"Hm?" one of the two said. It was a girl, dressed like a priestess of some sort. She had long pink hair that was put in side pigtails, with blue eyes. She wore a long white dress that stopped above high ankles, with a purple strip along the bottom. At her waist was some sort of accessory belt. She had brown shoes and long white gloves. Around her neck was a purple scarf that reached to below her knees. She held a staff.
"… It just happened" the girl's companion said. He looked to be a mage with shoulder length purple hair and purple eyes. He wore a blue long sleeve shirt, long brown shorts, stopped just below the knee, and brown boots. Around his waist were bandages and a loose belt. He had fingerless gloves, which held a book, and large red robe.
"That's not true!" the girl yelled. "Those ruffians thought that we were with you! You got us into a terrible situation! Now how are you going to get us out?" she demanded, stomping her foot.
"Oh great… this isn't going to help my mood" Mark thought.
"Serra, if you'd not been so meddlesome, this all could've been avoided" the boy scolded the girl, Serra. "My apologies. Please trouble yourself with us no more" he said to Lyn, ignoring the rest of the group.
"But… if you're going to have to fight anyway, shouldn't we team up? It will end things faster, right?"
"Dammit Lyn! Don't do it"
"That's true" Serra put her finger to her chin, thoughtfully. "Yes! That's a good idea. Erk! Go and help these people"
"But I… Fine!" he sighed. "Great, just my luck, a meaningless fight that could get me killed" Erk mentally complained.
"Very good. My name's Lyn, it's a pleasure to meet you"
"Of course it is. My name is Serra. This is my escort, Erk. Be a good boy and go fight now, Erk" Lyn and Serra ran to the rest of the group.
The boy, Erk, sighed. "Why are you with her?" Mark asked.
"I'm escorting her… But I'm starting to think the money isn't worth it"
They rejoined the group and Serra ran up to the two. "Oh Erk, I had almost forgotten your injury. I will heal you free of charge" she held her staff up and the orb glowed. A small light quickly covered Erk and faded.
"You couldn't have done that earlier"
"Hm? Why do you respond in such a way? You should be praising my generosity" she crossed her arms and turned her head. "Hmph"
"Alright everybody shut up!" Mark yelled.
"'Shut up!' How dare you speak in such a way to me!" Serra complained, hands on her hips. "Who are you to give me orders?"
"I'm the tactician of the group. So unless you want to die or be put in the front lines, listen to me"
"Arrogant man"
Mark turned to Erk. "They already paid you, right?"
"Half when we started, the rest when we get to the location" he explained. "So no, you can't do it"
"Damn" "Whatever then. Erk! What kind of magic do you use?"
"Anima"
"Alright. Wil shoot that bandit charging towards us, Erk, finish him off" Wil shot the bandit leg, causing him to tumble. Erk then opened his book, chanting a verse and summoning fire from his hand. He threw it at the bandit, setting his body on fire and burning him to death.
"Huh… Very useful" Mark commented.
"Alright the lay out is very simple, the idiots are coming from one direction. I've already sent Kent, Sain, Dorcas, and Wil to take out the main group. I want Lyn and Florina, with support from Erk and Serra, to go around through the forest and attack the small group across the lake, that is our main objective. Understood? Then go!" he pointed forward while yelling.
"Gaaah… Scum… You're all scum…" the bandit's leader barely said with his last breath as he fell from being stabbed in the chest.
"Nicely done Mark"
"Thanks, who would've thought there would be a shop out here, oh well, it's not too far away from the village"
"What a surprise. You are very strong Lyn" Serra complimented.
"And your staff is a wondrous thing. Healing powers amaze me"
"Only those in the service of good can wield them"
Lyn bowed. "You helped us tremendously. Well, its time for us to go"
"Take care. Good bye Lyn" she waved.
"Good bye and to you too Erk"
"Good bye" he followed after Serra.
Mark let out a sighed of relief. "Finally… so lucky there were bandits for me to take out my frustrations on or I would've snapped at her. Possibly killed her" "Alright let's go"
"Mark… you seem a bit irritated" Lyn asked.
"That girl was annoying. Constantly complaining about something, how were you able to stand her?"
"Yes she was slightly spoiled, but she wasn't that bad overall"
"Lyn you are too kind"
Kent rode up to the pair. "Excuse me milady, but have you seen Sain, he seems to be missing"
"I thought he was with you. I wonder where he might have gone off too"
"Maybe he already went to the inn" Wil joked.
"Probab-" Mark was interrupted by someone yelling.
"Lady Lyndis!" it was Sain. "I have great news" he rode up to them, behind him were two people. "I've invited two more to join our group" he said with a smile.
"It looks like we'll be joining you a while longer Lady Lyndis. My presense will surely help the gou-"
"!" Mark held his head as he screamed to the sky.
"How rude, interrupting me" Serra complained.
"At least she'll have other people to bother for a while" Erk thought. He sighed in relief.
So two more people have joined the group, a mage and a healer.
Don't take this the wrong way. Serra is awesome.
Anyways next time, the next map.
Please Review.