New chapter alert. Apparently, this is my 50th update for this story. Wow. Anyways, right now, I'm in a segment of the story that I only put minimal planning into, so I've been strapped for ideas that won't interfere with later events that don't feel like boring filler. It's harder than you would think. But anyways, since this is the 50th update (counting the stupid retrospective I did on the anniversary and not counting the one shots), I decided to add a heavy dose of foreshadowing in this chapter, since the last big dose of foreshadowing was around thirty chapters ago, I hope my method this time is acceptable. For the record, none of the stuff foreshadowed was made up on the spot, all of it is stuff that I've been planning for quite a while. I'm a little worried that I made my plans to obvious with that, but at the same time, I'm the writer, and what I have in my head won't necessarily be what my readers immediately think of.

In other news, I'm over 20 chapters into Path of Radiance, and I downloaded FE Heroes almost as soon as it came out in the U.S. The units I've been able to summon so far have been Lilina, Fredrick, Robin(5 star), Sophia, two Azama's, Sully, Tiki(Awakening), Selena, Saizo, Barst, and Odin (Yes I bought an orb pack, I'm pretty sure it was the 10 orb. Personally, I think the game is better played in short spurts daily. You'll get impatient to get more stuff otherwise (why I even bothered spending money). I also wish that I won more classic characters. I'm also a semester ahead in college, so I'm technically a Junior now, and well, anyone who's been to college knows how that can get sometimes, social life or not. So anyways, as always, please leave a review and enjoy!


"So who, exactly is this Firinne guy?" asked Altena.

"He's... a spirit. Meant to test the resolve of those who meet him. According to Salem and Cumha, they took their trial in a cavern near here. So that is where we are going." explained Leif.

"So are you just taking their word for it that he actually exists or-"

"We met him. We all... most of us have seen him in person. He made a grand entrance when both of our forces joined together for the first time, and he encouraged us to pay him a visit. Considering our current circumstances, now would be the perfect time to do that." elaborated Leif.

"You say that, yet you are planning to wait a few days before you actually take or send anyone there." pontificated Altena.

"Altena, there are three reasons for that. First, we have all been constantly traveling, with little opportunity for rest. Now we finally have a chance to settle down for an extended period. We want everyone to relax, if only a little bit, before we do another stressful thing." said Leif, holding up one finger. "Second, the locals say that there is a storm coming soon. The timing is vague, but it should be in the next couple of days, and we don't want anyone to be trapped outdoors in that kind of weather." he said raising a second finger.

"Alright, those make sense. What's the third reason?" she asked

Leif's complexion paled ever so slightly "We are all still a bit unnerved by him, and we need time to psych ourselves up before we see him again."

"So, what, does he look creepy or..." said Altena, moving her hand in a circle in an effort to make her brother elaborate.

"It's more to do with what he said and how he said it that unnerved us, not his unnatural appearance. Altena, he looked directly at each noble, one by one, and told them about a personal issue they had, and made some foretellings. He told us that two of our number would die, long before it actually happened." he said, looking at Altena intensely.

"...What did he say to you?" asked Altena

"Something along the lines of 'you've accomplished much, but feel to lowly about yourself... change that.' I don't remember it exactly."

"Gee THAT was certainly unnerving." said Altena sarcastically "I got the easiest. Anyways, it's been decided that I'll be the first to visit him, so maybe I can ask him to re-iterate, or it will come up when we meet."

"Wait, all that talk of him being unnerving and you are going alone?"

"I never said anything about being alone. I'm taking Delmund and Lester." explained Leif.

"Those two jokers that I decided to take drinking? Why them?"

"A lot of comedy is based on pain." said Leif "If you talk to them about their inner demons, you will find that they are surprisingly heavy ones. I'm going for some resolution, and so are they. Besides, Lester is still somewhat reliable, and I'm taking Delmund because we are almost certainly going to be in-laws, and I need to start building good will and mutual trust with him."

"Oh, wow that's... what was that about in-laws?" asked Altena

Leif put a hand behind his head "Well, you see, Delmund's mother was princess Raquesis of Nordoin. After her brother was killed, she decided to console herself with an affair. Finn was her first choice, but knowing her intent, he turned her down, and thus Delmund was fathered by a mercenary instead. At about the time our parents died, he was sent to Isaac with Seliph and Prince Shanan, and after the Belhalla massacre, she came to Leonster and reconciled with Finn, and he fathered Nanna with her. Nanna... is the girl I intend to make my wife." said Leif, blushing

"...Well isn't this a pleasant surprise?! Do they know your intent?" asked Altena.

"I am unsure about Finn and Delmund, I've been told recently that our feelings towards one another are obvious, but I can't be certain that they are. But Nanna and I have discussed where we expect our relationship to end up."

"Interesting. So when's the wedding?" asked Altena pleasantly.

Leif became a bit flustered "Oh, well, it isn't official yet, and ummm... the middle of a conflict isn't the right time."

"...Really? Because this seems like the perfect time to hold a wedding to me. What's the real reason?" said Altena.

"...Well, you see, her mother went missing a few years ago, and I said that I want to find her and ask her for Nanna's hand."

"Aw, how believably sentimental of you... but I can tell that there is more to it than even that, I can practically hear you dodging the matter. I'm guessing that the underlying reason is something a bit more embarrassing. Leif, I'm your sister, you can tell me."

Leif's face reddened. "...Two reasons. One, I'm afraid to tell Finn, he's like a father to me and-"

"He shouldn't mind becoming your father-in-law then. Plus, it would give him a much needed boost in pride. What's the other reason?"

Leif's face was now crimson "...Nanna loves kids and wants several of her own, most likely sooner rather than later. I... I don't think I'm ready for that. Not at this point." he said in a hushed tone. He looked up to see Altena's face in her hand, making an odd sound. "Altena? Are you-"

Altena gasped out loud, in a way that made it clear that she had been laughing, "You know, I was reluctant to come here, I thought it would never feel like home. But you guys... have not made it difficult at all. I haven't been this mirthful since I was a little girl!" she proclaimed, laughingly.

"You... You... You think this is funny? Altena, this is-"

"Seriously overdramatic? Yes. Yes it is! I can understand some embarrassment, but don't let that stop you from claiming the girl you want! We all need to be embarrassed at some point in our lives, but we have to get over it. In this case, I can assure you that you'll get over it VERY quickly. So go, confront the spirit guy, and once you've come back, kiss her in public. That'll get things moving fast. Hell, I can guarantee that everyone will cheer you on." said Altena

"...Because you're going to tell them to expect it, aren't you?" asked Leif.

"You catch on quick. I'm your sister, it's my job to help you in situations like this, and it's about time that I started helping!"


"So, you think that this is a time for you to be happy, do you? Oh, you shall learn the folly of that belief shortly. Relax for now girl, because my men have foolishly decided to, but come the new year, and you shall know the true meaning of misery!" echoed Loptyr in Julia's head as she slept.

In her dream, she whimpered "No, why can't you leave me alone, why can't you let me be at peace? GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

"Never! I will never let you have peace! You are a blight to my world, and as long as you hold on to your existence, I will ensure that it is a tortured one!"

"You forget yourself, Loptyr." said a strong, kind, feminine voice. A warm light washed over both of them. Julia immediately felt calm while Loptyr recoiled violently. "Remember, this human is the one you only have a small hold over. I am the dominant one here. Return to your own human immediately!" the voice demanded. Loptyr hissed furiously at this, but he obeyed and he left Julia's mind completely. "Fear no more, my child. You are safe, for now."

Julia looked at the speaker, a brilliantly golden dragon, with warmly glowing eyes. Her very presence radiated comfort.

"Who are you?" asked Julia

"You already know, Julia. For I am a part of you."

"Naga. You are the chief goddess, Naga."

"Chief goddess? Is that really what they call me these days? So be it. But yes, I am Naga, and while Loptyr does great harm to you and your companions, worry not, he will bother you no more in less than six months time."

"How can you be certain?" asked Julia "He said that the future belongs to him."

"Who are you going to believe, the dark 'god' or me? Loptyr is blinded by avarice and bloodlust, and limited power he can only see the future as far as he can envision it. My vision, however, is not clouded, and my power, unrestrained. I can see time. I can see the near future as it SHALL be." declared Naga.

"Could you show that to me? So that I will have that foreknowledge to comfort me if he ever visits me again?" asked Julia

"...Knowledge of the future isn't something that human beings should be granted. I'm willing to show you some of it, but only in the form of several short visions." said Naga, her eyes glowing.

The visions started. First, Julia saw Leif facing a faceless dragon rider. He held aloft a sword that like it was made from freshly forged steel, suddenly, it seemed to melt into the shape of an axe, which he brought down, annihilating his foe. Then the blade began to glow green, and he spun around and sent a wave of what looked like wind magic into another rider.

-SHIFT-

She saw Skaro, standing over Ulster's body, grinning. Looming behind him was his shadow. Two of them, and one looked solid and bore his grin. Skaro reached his hand out, and a bolt of lightning struck Ulster's body. When the view cleared, Skaro had another shadow. Another grinning shadow. Then a monstrous form stalked out of the background and sat beside him. It resembled something that she had recently heard described in a story. Julia thought she could also detect one more, enormous humanoid figure lurking behind them, almost completely hidden by the shadows.

-SHIFT-

A child with wings shot Larcei in the chest with an arrow. Infuriated, she viciously attacked it, screaming the words 'YOU TRAITOR!' but was unable to overcome it, despite all of her best efforts.

-SHIFT-

Church bells ringing, it appeared to be a wedding. Julia could see three couples at the alter, but for some reason she had the notion that it wasn't another triple wedding. She thought that she could make out Leif and Nanna, but she couldn't make out who the other two pairs were. In the assembly, she saw all the male figures had their arms linked with a female's, with one exception, but like the other two couples, she couldn't make out who was who, she only had a vague notion that these were all of her friends. And that she herself was somewhere in the scene.

-SHIFT-

Teeny of all people bore a terrifying death glare across her face. Her hand was emitting smoke, and Julia thought that she could smell burnt flesh.

-SHIFT-

Ishtar laid on the ground, cuddling with a man who seemed... very familiar. Something about each of them felt... off.

-SHIFT-

Arthur and Skaro fighting viciously in what appeared to be a kitchen. The scene was consumed by flames, and Julia had the feeling that only one of them would leave alive.

-SHIFT-

Rand was offering a weeping girl his hand. They walked along the road for a little bit, talking before Lewyn loomed overhead, and he pointed. Rand sighed, and said something to the girl. She shook her head and something in return. A hole appeared in the air next to them and they walked through and disappeared. Julia thought she could detect the presence she had seen in the vision relating to Skaro.

-SHIFT-

Ares was bringing his sword down with all of his might. At the last moment, the enemy turned into two infants who were sliced in half. Ares fell to his knees, horrified and wept two white tears. Suddenly the halves turned into four individual children, who stretched their arms out to him as if asking to be picked up.

-SHIFT-

Twelve dark figures loomed ahead, some of them familiar looking. Several members of the liberation army looked upon them with horror, especially Larcei, who looked absolutely mortified. A human with Loptyr's head lurked in the background.

-SHIFT-

She saw three statues. Suddenly, they shattered, reveling human beings. Two reached to the side and grabbed ahold of someone of the opposite gender. The third looked around a bit, before looking at the ground and pulling a body from it.

-SHIFT-

Larcei seemed to be playing with two little boys in a courtyard. She looked at Julia, smiling and asked "Can I hold her?" Julia looked down to see that she was holding an infant that bore a resemblance to her. Her belly also looked slightly swollen.

-SHIFT-

"You see, child, you do not have to worry about the future. It will bear grief and happiness, and the later will outlast the former. Rest now, Julia. Rest and think of a bright tomorrow." said Naga.


"So, are you boys ready to take my brother to that Firinne guy?" asked Altena once they were seated with their drinks.

"Sure, whatever." said Delmund.

"I... still need to psych myself up more." said Lester, taking a sip. "Last time I saw Firinne... he reminded me of something that I'd rather he not have." said Lester

"And what was that?" asked Altena.

"...Seriously? I just said that I'd rather not be reminded." said Lester, taking another sip.

"He was reminded that his method of having fun was actually a misguided attempt to make his daddy come home." said Delmund

Lester's face turned completely deadpan "You're a real asshole, you know that Delmund?"

"I'm so glad you noticed. I've been working on it for years."

Lester sighed "Why do I even hang out with you anymore?"

"Because I make you seem pleasant to be around in comparison."

Lester sighed and drained the glass. "So, yea. When I was a kid, my dad scolded me for pulling a prank, and told me that he'd figure me out and find me if I did it again and tried to hide from punishment. Of course, I took him literally, and shortly afterwards he went missing... so, yea. That's why I'm going, Firinne ripped open a wound that I hope the he can help close. Apparently these trials are psychological as well as physical." he told Altena.

"Hmm. I can understand that. You have my sympathy. I hope that things work out as you hope. So Delmund, why are you going?" she asked

"We're hoping that we'll get a cure for his personality." said Lester. The response was a two snorts of different meanings.

"Actually, Leif asked me to come." said Delmund "I don't know why- scratch that, he's probably trying to get on my good side so that he can woo my sister... who he's know for much longer than I have. One, I don't have a good side. Two, They could be making babies right in front of me for all I care. Three, I'll admit, I have some personal problems of my own, and I need someone to vent at. I suppose this will work just as well as anything else."

Altena and Lester remained silent for several moments. Lester opened his mouth, and "Oh Lester!" a female voice rang out. "I heard about what you plan to do tomorrow, and I wanted to wish you good luck. Come back safe, OK?" said a pretty girl in a dancer's outfit.

"Oh, thank you Laylea. It shouldn't be anything deadly dangerous, so hopefully I'll be back quickly and safely. Take care of yourself in the interim, alright?" said Lester

"I will." said Laylea cheerily, and then she left.

"... So... who was she?" asked Altena.

"Lester's lover." said Delmund

"She's not my lover." said Lester

"Well, she certainly seems like she loves you, and wishes for it to be returned." said Delmund.

Lester sighed, he turned to Altena and he explained his relationship with Laylea.

"Aww, that's really sweet of you, Lester." she said

"Is it really? I just saw it as giving aid to someone who desperately needed it. I didn't expect for her to be grateful to the point of-" Lester's jaw clamped shut

"The point of what?" asked Altena. Lester made a signal that he didn't want to explain in front of Delmund, so Altena turned to him and said "Delmund, if you could leave us alone for a couple of minutes, we can have a drinking contest afterwards. I'll pay for the whole thing." With that, Delmund grinned, grabbed his stuff and left. Altena put money on the table and told the bartender "Once he comes back, keep serving us new rounds of the same until one of us falls asleep." he nodded and took the money.

"Umm, Altena, aren't you drinking-"

"I said drinking contest, I didn't specify what we'd be drinking." she said. "So tell me Lester, how do you really feel about this girl?"