Alright, after the battle last chapter we'll be going through a few events that require our attention. A few curious lords in the Valmese military are going to start exploring their options while we collect ourselves.
But first, Emmeryn got some explaining to do!
Hope you all enjoy!
The Revived
The first drop of blood had barely splashed upon the earth before bedlam engulfed the Shepherds. Everyone was shouting at everyone else and not a single word could be made out in the hodgepodge of noise. Emmeryn was, despite being the source of the noise, left alone to stare in shock at her bloody finger.
It took Sumia freezing everyone's feet in place while Robin went around and smacked them all to restore order. The queen proceeded to berate the lot of them for making so much noise while they were still in enemy territory, meanwhile Chrom and Lissa were shocked into silence.
Once the rabble and mutters died down, Sumia took a deep breath and did her best to explain. "We are as shocked as the lot of you, trust me. What you need to know is that what Emmeryn said is true, up until this moment she was dead. All we had was her soul and a construct she could create in a certain radius around the Emblem."
She pointed to the relic in question. "However, neither her nor us knew anything about possible resurrection. As far as we knew, she'd be in the crystal until the day it broke, yet here we are. Unless someone would like to try and commune with Naga herself, that's the extent of our knowledge."
All eyes went to Tiki, who was observing the spectacle with a puzzled look. "Um… I've rarely been able to commune with my mother whilst awake, and even then, when I spoke to her just days ago it was the first time in two centuries. I'm afraid I cannot provide any other aid unless she deigns to explain."
Sumia clapped her hands free of imaginary dust. "There you have it! If anyone has any further questions, and I'm sure you do, please hold them until we get back to the fucking port!"
She broke the spell holding them and the Shepherds scrambled away, fearing she'd tear into them again. Only her daughters were brave enough to stick around, though even they wore grimaces.
"Mom's scary…" Cynthia muttered, holding Lucina in front of her as a shield. "I mean… this is something I'd never dream up even after a whole feast of rolls, but yikes."
Lucina nodded, her frown the only sign of emotion on her face. "Agreed, though I certainly can't blame her. Such noise was bound to catch someone's attention if she hadn't silenced them."
The fact that Sumia's sheer frustration had driven off the Volk family along with the others was not unnoticed, but there was little anyone could do. Sumia rarely, if ever, raised her voice or used her magic on friends, so she was beyond frustrated.
"Girls, come here." Sumia called, her daughters approaching cautiously. "Can you two take Emmeryn to your tent for tonight? Lissa and your father aren't able to process this right now and I think we all need a good night's sleep."
Lucina agreed to both and strode over to Emmeryn. "Aunty, we need to go. Cynthia will treat your finger, but you have to come with us."
Emmeryn nodded absently, still staring at her bleeding finger in something like rapture. It took Lucina grasping her other hand for Emmeryn to stand and start to follow. As Cynthia pulled out a roll of bandages to start treating the wound, Sumia turned to her husband and Lissa.
"You two, move. Lissa, go see Donny and get some rest. Chrom, I know you're in shock right now and so am I, but we can deal with these emotions tomorrow when we're out of enemy territory. Come on, up you go."
She pulled Chrom to his feet and started to guide him away, Donnel darting in after she was away from Lissa to take her to their tent. Sumia silently rued her need to yell at everyone, but they were all asking so many questions and spouting so many demands it was impossible to keep track of everything.
Not to mention they weren't out of danger just yet.
Though, as she made their shared tent and ushered Chrom inside, Sumia glanced towards the tent her daughters now occupied with their aunt. "What a day… but, if nothing else… I'm glad you're back Emmeryn."
She ducked into the tent and helped Chrom get ready for bed before holding him close and humming a lullaby, not closing her eyes until Chrom was fast asleep.
It was one of her favorite things, and she reveled in being able to do it even in the face of so much madness around them.
-Emmeryn-
She was bleeding…
She was bleeding.
She was bleeding!
It was with a gasp Emmeryn returned to her senses, eyes registering the now-wrapped finger and the dark canvas above her. A blanket had been placed over her shoulders. But feeling the chill of night on her skin again alongside the warmth of the blanket was almost too much to comprehend. It was such a scramble that she barely noticed the two girls sitting across from her, both asleep.
Through sheer willpower, Emmeryn was able to put aside the immense load of sensory information she was being bombarded with and looked at her nieces. They were clearly haggard from hard travel, their clothes splotched with dirt and grass stains while their hair was tangled and ratty.
Yet to Emmeryn they were the most beautiful things in all the world.
She attempted to stand, but her legs were unsteady and her mind unused to ordering actual muscles to move. It took several attempts before she came to her feet, only to wobble and almost faceplant. The impact was jarring, but with each new sensation, Emmeryn started to remember how things worked.
She may have been a spirit for six years, but she'd been alive for much longer. Even now, she could feel her body starting to move like she wanted it to, though it was still with unsteady feet she approached the girls.
They looked even more fatigued up-close. Small cuts covered their faces, ointment slathered over the stinging wounds, and the beginnings of rings formed under their eyes.
"Good heavens, has it been that bad?" Emmeryn wondered under her breath. She'd heard of the difficulties the Alliance forces had been facing, but Chrom and Robin made them sound more like inconveniences. Then again, maybe the girls were working themselves too hard, as they were prone to do.
As all the Shepherds were prone to do.
Tentatively, Emmeryn reached out a trembling hand and pushed aside a strand of hair from Cynthia's face. The moment the sensation registered, Emmeryn almost burst into tears.
"I… I can hold them…"
Her words, gasped in shock, were enough to rouse Lucina. "Hm… what?"
Much to her surprise, she found a pair of trembling arms enveloping her, a curtain of golden hair tickling her face with Emmeryn's embrace. The former Exalt buried her nose into the crook of Lucina's neck, reveling in the feel of human contact and the rush of her niece's heartbeat.
She never thought the feeling would be hers to know ever again, yet here she was. It was almost euphoric, especially with the rough feel of Lucina's clothes and the ratty state of her hair. All sensations lost to her, now found again and each one more beloved than the last..
"Lucina… my dear girl…" Emmeryn hiccupped, tears gathering in her eyes. "I… I don't know… what happened… but thank Naga… I can hold you again…"
Lucina felt her lethargy burn away as Emmeryn started to shake violently, her aunt overcome with emotion. Returning the embrace, Lucina could only smile as she stroked Emmeryn's back. "And I you, Aunty. To hold you for true… it's a weight off my shoulders."
Emmeryn sobbed and held her tighter, knowing that Lucina's guilt at her death was at last absolved. "Thank you… thank you both…"
Lucina's smile remained as she freed an arm and gently shook Cynthia. "Hey, Cynthy… wake up."
Cynthia snorted and mumbled something foul sounding. "Lucy… I don't wanna wake up… I was having a good dream…"
Her eyes scrunched and opened blearily, only for the fog to burn away at the sight of her smiling aunt. "Aunt Emmy… that wasn't a dream?!"
Emmeryn smiled and ran a hand through Cynthia's hair, the warmth of the gesture all too real. "I can guess what you were dreaming about… but yes, I'm here in the flesh at last. Can I hold you now? As I've wished since the moment I first saw you?"
Cynthia threw her arms around Emmeryn, joining her aunt with sobs of her own. Whilst she'd embraced Emmeryn in her Jennifer guise many times before, this was the first time that it was as her living, breathing aunt. Just the slightest pulse of blood pumping under the surface was enough to make Cynthia cry even harder.
Emmeryn herself held her nieces as close as she could until the bombardment of sensation overwhelmed her iron-clad defenses. It was with a wide smile and tears streaming down her face that she went to sleep, Lucina and Cynthia joining her shortly thereafter.
It was much the same in the morning. With everyone rested and somewhat able to process the miracle of the previous night, Emmeryn was greeted with sob-filled hugs. Lissa refused to let go of her sister, Emmeryn having to gently pry her off whenever someone else wanted to greet her.
Admittedly it was mostly those she'd known prior to her death that greeted her that way, but even the ones whom came after greeted her warmly. The children especially took the time to ask her many questions, most of them only having known her from stories.
Even still, Emmeryn reveled in the sights, sounds, smells, and touch of the world around her. It was like being born again, which… she technically was.
"Emm?"
Lissa's voice drew Emmeryn from her musings, the sisters seated in the back of the lone wagon. "Yes Lissa? Any more questions of my health?"
"Not… quite." Lissa giggled awkwardly, remembering her emotional breakdown earlier that morning. "It's just… well, we can't just drop your rebirth on the entire Alliance's heads, there'd be pandemonium. Everyone knows you as Jennifer there and we need it to stay that way."
On cue, Panne and Cherche climbed into the wagon bed. Panne held a basin filled with a black fluid while Cherche carried a variety of small containers and brushes.
"Well, I've not had a makeover in some time." Emmeryn quipped, her erstwhile stylists shrugging. "Alright, be on with it. I'm just glad to be able to join you all in the flesh at last, I won't even have to follow Chrom all over the place like a mother hen!"
Her laughter was shared by all, the women glad to see her in high spirits. Chatter and idle discussions filled their time after that, Emmeryn's head submerged in the dark liquid up to her eyebrows while Cherche gave small touch-ups to other parts of her face.
"Lissa, Your Eminence." Maribelle greeted them as she pulled herself into the wagon. "We're almost done packing the camp up, just waiting on this business to finish. Oh, I've brought some clothes resembling what Lady Emmeryn wore in her time as Jennifer, though they're not perfect matches."
Emmeryn glanced at Maribelle. "Maribelle, I've told you twice today to drop the formalities. I am no longer Exalt and don't plan on taking that mantle again anytime soon. You're practically family, just call me Emm. Or Emmeryn, if that's too much."
Maribelle bowed her head in embarrassment. "Um… of course, Emmeryn. Anyway, your brother wishes to speak to you after you're done. Robin and Sumia will be there too. It's about your work."
Emmeryn hummed and thanked Maribelle before looking to Lissa. "Care to accompany me to this meeting? For all I know, I'll be working under you from here on."
Lissa shrugged, not willing to guess. "Time's up. Emm, pull yourself up slowly, let the water and dye drain. Once that's done, we'll rub out the excess and Cherche can cover up the brand."
Emmeryn did as instructed, her hair and eyebrows dyed completely black as she pulled herself free. The cascade of obsidian silk had but a moment to shine in the light before Panne started to scour the stained skin from Emmeryn's face.
"Ow, a little rough." Emmeryn winced, Panne flinching and pausing her work. "Keep going, just be a bit gentler."
Lissa sighed with exaggerated annoyance. "You still have sensitive skin? Even after all that?"
"Forgive me for experiencing sensation for the first time in six years." Emmeryn shot back, unwilling to let Lissa have the last laugh. "And if I recall, you're the one who insists on visiting every spring and lake renowned for its effects on skin. How much has the Anna family conned you out of again?"
Lissa glared at her smug sister, conceding the brief duel. "It's not my fault they're so damned convincing. Only reason one of them's not here is because we need someone running logistics back home."
Emmeryn chuckled and ended the conversation there, content to let Cherche and Panne finish their work. Once she was declared disguised, the three women held up a canvas so Emmeryn could change into the clothes Maribelle brought.
It was a bit of a challenge to get the dress and cape on by herself rather than will them into existence, but it didn't take long. The canvas came down on her word and Emmeryn was swiftly out of the wagon and making for the clear sight of her brother's blue hair.
Lissa ended up following, but neither spoke as they weaved through the Shepherds. Emmeryn returned the greetings she received, secretly annoyed that everyone had returned to their reverent treatment despite acting casual with her Jennifer persona for years. Honestly, if that's what it took, she may as well change her name.
"Emm, you're thinking the thoughts again." Lissa almost sang, knowing her sister too well. "Stop with the idea of changing your name, it won't happen. I know you've been about the people enough the last five years to make the idea moot."
Emmeryn grinned sardonically. "I just don't like this sudden return to formality. I've been friends with all of them for years at this point, yet they return to protocol the moment I'm outed. It just makes me wonder…"
"They're just shocked, Emm." Lissa sighed, not willing to let her sister brood. "I mean, just look at me! I was crying so hard I almost choked, not to mention Chrom almost pulped your ribs. We're not sure how to process this, so it'll take time."
Emmeryn quietly hummed with pride, knowing Lissa wasn't the little girl she once knew. "I know, and I will be patient. Doesn't mean I can't rant and rave every so often, I reserve that privilege."
Lissa giggled but said no more. They soon arrived at the meeting place, Chrom and Sumia the first to greet them. "Emm… gods it's going to be weird to see you like this."
"In the flesh no less." Sumia agreed, a polite nod going to her sister-in-law. "You look almost exactly like Jennifer, Cherche and Panne do good work. Now the question we wanted to discuss with you is how to play out the next steps."
Emmeryn gestured to the wagon, where Tiki and Say'ri had taken over residence. "I will simply hide myself amongst the various items in the wagon. Once we are safe and settled, I have no doubt Sir Gaius can smuggle me back to my assigned room."
"The only problem with that is we never mentioned Jennifer leaving." Robin said, joining the discussion from his place behind Chrom. "You appearing here is bound to have sent people scrambling for answers."
Emmeryn glanced to him and felt something… strange. Ignoring it, she answered: "I do not think that will be an issue. Even back in my time as Exalt, I was known to wander the palace halls, being out amongst the soldiers as Jennifer is a habit as well. They won't think me missing before the coming nightfall."
"If you're sure, then that part's settled." Chrom agreed. "The next question is how you'll see to your duties. Without having to stay in the same region as me and the Emblem, you have a glut of independence. However, we're not negotiating peaceful settlements, our next moves will be attempting to steal Walhart's support. Can you handle that?"
Emmeryn bit her lip, the strange feeling growing stronger but not to the point she could identify it. "I… I will do what I must. The business of war still galls me to no end, but my experience in politics makes me well suited for it. Wherever you so choose to send me, I will endeavor to rally support."
"I know it's a lot to ask, Emmeryn." Sumia soothed her, silently noting her sister-in-law flush a bit. "We'll do what we can to limit your duties to aid missions and the like, but life doesn't enjoy giving us what we want for long. Hearing your agreement is a big weight off our shoulders."
Emmeryn smiled demurely, noticing the heat rising in her cheeks. "It is… my utmost pleasure to aid you, as I always have. Um… I guess being in a living body is still new to me, I'm starting to feel warm."
"That you are." Robin muttered, having silently observed Emmeryn continue to flush. "Lissa, take her back to the wagon and get some water. Sumia, mind going with them and keeping Emmeryn cool? Chrom and I can wrap up the last of the packing."
Emmeryn didn't resist as Lissa led her away, Sumia conjuring an aura of cold around her hand and placing it on Emmeryn's forehead. "Oh my, you're practically on fire! Emmeryn, have you felt any stings since you woke this morning?"
"No…" Emmeryn mumbled, starting to recognize the feeling in her gut as something more than simple heat. "I was… snuggled up with Cynthia and Lucina, remember? They wouldn't… let go of me until Severa and… Yarne pried them off…"
She sounded faint, but only because Emmeryn finally realized what was going on. The pool of heat in her stomach had turned into an ache she recognized from a few… lonely nights in her time as Exalt. It had only flared while she was near Robin and the feeling made her silently despair.
It appeared death and five years of seeing him happily wed had not dulled affection's sharp edge. Ironic, considering who his wife was and her sad state prior to meeting him.
As they distanced themselves from the tactician, Emmeryn felt the ache fade and her flushed cheeks lighten, a welcome relief from the depths of her brooding thoughts. "I'm feeling… much better, thank you both. I don't know what came over me, but I'll be sure to rest."
Lissa shoved a flask of water into her hand. "Even if you do that, drink up. We'll need to run a few tests when we get back to figure out the extent of your body's abilities and see if anything's wrong. After that, everything should be ok."
Emmeryn nodded and was helped into the wagon. While Sumia and Lissa went to get the last of their things together, Emmeryn looked to Say'ri and Tiki. "Lady Say'ri, Lady Tiki. I apologize that our first meeting must take place here."
"It still amazes me that Emmeryn the Peaceful sits before me." Say'ri said, embarrassing Emmeryn with her epithet. "News of your sacrifice reached even here, and the church mourned alongside many of its followers. I greatly respect your work and was studying many of your policy decisions before Valm invaded."
Emmeryn scratched her cheek at the praise, not expecting to hear that. "Truly? I never thought my ideas and policies would ever be studied so far afield as Chon'sin. It's an honor to hear one of the revered Byakko line would think me worth the time."
"There is much to be learned from you." Say'ri countered. "All knew of the sorry state your lands were in following the Great Purge, but you not only restored peace but held it against the tragic madness of King Gangrel. Exalt Chrom has been quite clear on spreading that message abroad, and I've seen the play the late Plegian king wrote produced in my home."
Emmeryn smiled and nodded, glad to hear that. "Good… good. It is better to remember the good one does than to hold onto hate after they've passed. Mayhaps we could watch it together one day alongside Lady Tiki?"
Her question went to the elder manakete, who was watching them curiously. "I… do not know this Gangrel or Purge you speak of, but I agree with letting the past rest. My question to you is, what now? Once this war is done and peace returns, will you still pursue what you did in your first life?"
"Without question, though not on quite as grand a scale." Emmeryn answered without pause. "I will stay with my family, for that is the most important thing in the world to me. Maybe, I will follow good Libra's lead and start an orphanage, but that's not quite in the cards yet."
Tiki hummed in answer before offering a small smile. "A humble goal, but one worth pursuing. Your ideals speak much of how Marth once thought, though he wasn't as pacifistic as you. It is a good thing."
Emmeryn almost voiced her next question but Tiki giggled. "You are you, no one else. I may make more than a few references to my age-old friends, but that should hold no bearing on who you are or are going to be. Trust me, many have come asking what Marth or Minerva or others of that time would do, never asking themselves that question instead. You've done so already, and that's the first step."
Emmeryn sat back and let herself breathe a sigh of relief. Her father had, in his last year, begun extolling their ancestor and his closest allies as proof that the Purge was just and needed. Having the lone survivor from that time tell her that they should be only themselves wiped clean that stain in memory, minor though it may have been.
"We're moving out!" Frederick's voice rang, the Shepherds forming up around the wagon. "We make all haste for Alsace Lor! Ladies, please hold on, this will doubtlessly be a bit rough."
His words were swiftly proven true, the haste of the journey making the wagon buck and jostle like a wild stallion. While Say'ri was quite used to the rough conditions from her time on the run, Tiki and Emmeryn…
Well, they swiftly bonded over mutual motion sickness.
Thankfully, the trip wasn't longer than a few hours, the Shepherds riding through the wooden gates and into their home territory just before noon. While Emmeryn had to hide herself once the gates were in sight, she could hear the soldiers cheering at the sight of both them and their… mission.
It felt rude to call Tiki that.
As she lay amongst the bags and canvas, obscured from view, Emmeryn felt her eyes grow heavy. It wasn't a bad idea to take a bit of a nap considering it was many hours yet before she'd be able to leave. So long as some random guard didn't go poking through the Shepherds' personal things, and out themselves as a truly awful spy, she'd be fine.
With that thought, Emmeryn closed her eyes and drifted off. She just… drifted a lot further than she thought she would.
"Lady Emmeryn… you should be dead."
Emmeryn knew that voice and her eyes flew open. She was no longer in the wagon, she was on the floor of the Choral. It had been some time since she'd last attended the gathering, but there were only three besides herself this day.
The one that had spoken was just a shadow in the vague shape of a cowled robe, a sharpened spade held in ghostly hands. Eyes of balefire stared from the hood, all else lost in shadow, but they burned unjudging.
"Indeed, Yorick." The second figure agreed, its blurry outline resolving into the Scales. "There has been an unexpected change in Balance with this resurrection"
Emmeryn picked herself up and bowed to the Gods before her. "Lord Yorick, Lord of Balance, Lady Viridios. I was not expecting a summons."
"And well you shouldn't." A large bee buzzed, one of many surrounding the great flower to the left of the Scales, its petals weeping nectar. "Business for the millennium should lay concluded but now Yorick and I have felt our domains… disturbed."
"And who should be at the epicenter but you." The Scales chimed, sounding oddly amused. "Obviously there's no way you could will yourself back to life, Viridios and Yorick would have to give permission. Yet, you now have a body with all the functionality of a healthy woman."
Yorick shifted, each movement filled with the whispers of last rites. "Naga has already been interrogated, this was not her work. She was too busy informing her daughter of your company's coming. We think it the Parasite instead."
"Lady Tiki mentioned Grima's shadow grows long once more." Emmeryn muttered, queasiness tying her stomach in knots. "But surely even he is far below any of you. A god he may seem to us, but you are the governing forces of reality."
"We do not call it the Parasite lightly." Viridios buzzed, the other bees agitated. "We can feel it, leeching at us slowly. It is not enough of a trespass for us to interfere, yet. But, even drops of our might at its disposal would be enough for it to grow far stronger than it ever has."
The Scales tipped a bit, balls of light and dark springing to life in its cups, the dark weighing it down. "We do not yet know how the Parasite is leeching the power in the first place. Our duties prevent all but cursory investigations, but the world grows clouded. Even Armityle cannot see into the darkness that is by all rights his."
Emmeryn's gut knotted further. "Then… what am I to do? I am no longer a spirit and cannot see as one does."
"For now, there is little if anything. See to the Valmese." The Scales answered, Yorick and Viridios dissolving into wisps and leaves respectively. "However, as you are now alive…"
Emmeryn felt an enormous force slam into her back, forcing her to kneel. As she did, the Scales swiftly grew into a giant of brass and chains, the clank of metal joining its normally melodious voice. "You are now considered Chosen, my Chosen. As before with all those my fellows have selected, now you too must endure a trial of my design."
Emmeryn felt the force double, driving her onto hands and knees. "…Why…?"
"You are the closest to perfect balance on this earth." The Scales answered, growing even larger. "You balance many emotions and faults within you for you know they are inescapable. All save one impulse, one sin that you have yet to accept."
Before her eyes, Emmeryn saw a mirror crystalize, Robin's smiling visage staring back at her. No, it couldn't be…
"And yet, it is." The Scales answered. "You lust after the Chosen of Fenrir, with a fire strong enough Psyche took notice. From that lust comes envy of Agni's chosen, and greed for their children. Conquer your lust, and all is in balance and you are worthy. But… I am not so kind as to make this easy."
The force bearing down on Emmeryn tripled, driving her face first into the floor. "You, in some twisted way, desire that family as your own. Thus, I will not only strengthen that lust, you will lust for all in that family. Whether you like it or not."
"No… please leave them out of this…" Emmeryn choked, begging the Scales to not force such evil upon her. "They… they are my friends… the girls my nieces in all but blood… please…"
"You must be ready to do evil, girl!" The Scales thundered, metal crashing like discordant bells. "Balance does not call for what is right or wrong, only that one side of the universe gains no advantage over the other! Evil and good are mortal concepts, and to maintain balance you must go against your very morals! That is the challenge I lay before you, overcome and accept the evil that slumbers within!"
Emmeryn could do nothing but scream as her earnest affection and love for Robin was rent and scorched into a twisted amalgamation. Now, even a glance at any of the Volk family was bound to set her lizard-brain howling with desire.
"Hmph, dear Naga placed a ward over your blood to keep you from siring a mixed heir with Grima's descendants. Clever, but the time of its use has come and gone."
Emmeryn felt a harsh tear run down her spine, breathing ragged from her screams. It was all she could do to stay conscious.
"Know that I do not do this out of cruelty, child. This is a weakness you must overcome lest it haunt you and those you care for. I have faith that you will overcome it, for your will and spirit are amongst the finest Asura has ever forged. Besides, it would not be a trial for the position of my Chosen were it not… difficult."
The pressure Emmeryn felt lessened considerably, the panting woman able to look up at the Scales again. It had shrunken back to its normal size and its voice returned to its regular tenor. "Hate me if you must, but it is what you must overcome. Your fellows had mostly internal struggles to contend with in their trials, but for you it is both from within and without. When this trial ends, only you will know, but it will end. Go in peace."
Emmeryn vanished, only to be replaced by a figure of light and a figure of darkness. "You give the Parasite an advantage?"
"Not one outside of my calculations, Armityle." The Scales answered, the dark sphere in its bowl growing slightly larger. "As it has always been, arrogance will see the Parasite fall. The only question now is whether dear Emmeryn can control herself. Whether she does or does not falls well within expectations…"
The figure of light turned blue in sorrow. "Yet, should she not, much suffering will ensue. I still pity the poor fools we have Chosen for this task."
"All will be right in time, Horakthy." The Scales soothed. "We cannot know what is to come, it is forbidden, but our faith has yet to be misplaced. I too pity them for the suffering to come, but it is all for their sake and the world's. If a bastard or two comes about, so be it."
The short meeting was adjourned, the Scales the lone member to stay in the amphitheater. In its isolation, it could not help but wonder aloud: "What will become of them I wonder? Etu keeps his vow of silence, but the crux of our fate lies on but four souls. Truly ironic that ones called High Gods must rely on mortals and their ephemeral choices."
The Scales let out a sardonic chuckle before vanishing, the amphitheater swiftly lost to the mists of time.
-Emmeryn-
She woke with a gasp, the sight of darkness driving her into a brief panic. It was only after the feel of burlap registered that the panic faded to an echo. "What… was that? A… dream?"
It made sense… the Scales had said that the living could not commune with the High Gods unless the god or goddess in question wished to speak with them. The amphitheater in particular was forbidden to all save the chosen dead.
Shaking her head, Emmeryn moved one of the sacks aside for a peek, the sight of stars marking it as night. "I've… been out for hours."
"That you have, Your Grace." Gaius's familiar voice answered, the spymaster entering her line of sight. "You looked peaceful up to the last few minutes, so I didn't want to wake ya. Nightmare?"
Emmeryn sighed and sat up, back aching from the doubtlessly bumpy rest of the trip. "Something like that, Sir Gaius. Is the coast clear to my room?"
"That it is, follow me." Gaius said while holding out his hand. "Come on, I'll help you up. Your bro's going to send a messenger there to get you caught up on what's going on, but you still have time to relax."
Emmeryn took his hand and pulled, the pair scurrying away from the wagon and into the command center. Gaius knew the building inside and out already, so he was able to slither through the shadows while keeping Emmeryn away from any guards. With him leading, the former Exalt found herself back in her room with no one any wiser she'd left in the first place.
"Thank you again, Sir Gaius." Emmeryn sighed, abandoning all pretense of elegance as she flopped onto her bed. "It's been an exhausting day. You can inform your wife I'll be available to undergo her no doubt exhaustive examinations in the morning, but not tonight."
Gaius smirked in amusement, glad to see her doing ok. "I'll be sure to tell her that. Just get some rest, I'll make sure the messenger comes by with a meal and drink. The real work starts when the Khans get back."
Emmeryn gave him a tired wave. Gaius took the dismissal and left, the door closing softly. With nothing but candle-light suffusing the room, Emmeryn had time to ruminate on what she'd be doing from here on.
I wonder if I'll have to travel…? Lady Ymir would be the most likely of the potential allies to send me after, if only because I've negotiated with more than a few isolationists over the years. Maybe even Lady Montmorency, if needed. I wouldn't be well suited for Lord Arsene, Miriel's meticulous nature would be better. Lord Sigmus, well, blunt clubs are sometimes better than the best forged dagger.
As she mused, Emmeryn got up and went to her desk, various ideas and possible plans slowly committing themselves to parchment. If there was one thing she'd picked up from her friends, it was the need to write all her ideas down lest one of them strike pay-dirt.
That had been a fun day, going panning with her little nieces, nephew, and their friends. Owain even found a small gold nugget that he kept in his pocket.
A knock on the door made Emmeryn look up from her writings. "Yes, who is it?"
"Messenger Lady Jennifer!" Called Morgan's voice, Emmeryn feeling a thrill of alarm run through her. "I brought a meal too. They wanted to send Yarne or Nah, but they're off helping to shore up some of the mines."
Emmeryn gulped but gave permission. "You can come in."
The door opened and Morgan ducked inside, all smiles. "Hey, glad to see you ok. Let me set this down and I'll catch you up."
She shut the door and placed the modest meal next to Emmeryn, the former exalt staring at Morgan with interest. After a moment, Emmeryn asked: "So… what have they decided?"
"Well, until the Khans get here, not much!" Morgan said with her usual enthusiasm. "We've gotten some initial reports though. Apparently, the Valmese Dark Knights are a lot more experienced than ours, to the point one of them torched a lot of supplies. Khan Flavia had to send back two-thirds of her forces just to make sure everyone was able to be fed."
Emmeryn narrowed her eyes in thought. "But… why not just pull back to a more easily supplied position? Was the battle already joined?"
"It was." Morgan confirmed. "They couldn't retreat without the entire plan getting thrown out, not to mention opening themselves to the Valmese horsemen. On the bright side, we got a messenger in this afternoon telling us the Khans won. With that, we're expecting the central lords to send a probe or two to gauge our interest while the Valmese get clever with their plans."
Emmeryn took the news in stride, already thinking of a new set of idea. Robin had rubbed off on her more than she thought. "I see, then we will have to be clever as well. I wonder how many more times we can win before the Conqueror faces us personally?"
"Who knows?" Morgan said with a shrug. "But much as its galled Father and Uncle Chrom, that's all we can really do without the Khans here. We also need to wait and see if the central lords do as Lady Say'ri thinks, though having Lady Tiki in our corner is bound to speed that up. Otherwise, most of us Shepherds are going to be working on the fortifications and supply lines."
Emmeryn nodded and scooted the meal tray closer to her work. "I see, then there is little for me to do right now beyond coming up with diplomatic overtures. Can you ask Exalt Chrom if he can lend me Lady Say'ri and Sir Ricken? Lady Miriel too, if he can. We need to start coming up with envoys and possible points of contention with our potential allies."
Morgan nodded before hopping forward and embracing Emmeryn, voice low. "I'll do that, but… it's still so good to actually meet you in the flesh. We all look up to you and can't wait to get to know you again, especially when this is all over."
Emmeryn returned the hug shakily, the only outward sign something was bothering her. "I… look forward to that too, Morgan. Now go on, I'm sure you're needed elsewhere."
Morgan giggled and gave Emmeryn a big smile before leaving, the door closing with a clunk. A moment later, when Emmeryn was sure she was alone, she almost collapsed out of the chair.
"That dream… was real…" She gasped, desire hanging in her breath like a musk. Just seeing Morgan had sent a fire through her stomach and hearing her voice was like the greatest of seductions. Hell, when Morgan had left, all Emmeryn could do was watch the roll of the young-woman's hips.
It had been an exercise of sheer will that she hadn't melted into a puddle of panting lust during the conversation.
"The curse… is real… I am being… tested…" Emmeryn panted, the desire slowly fading away. "Gods… I can only hope it doesn't get stronger… if there's more than one of them…"
It didn't help that images flew through her mind during the conversation. How easy it would've been to pretend she was checking the door for any other visitors, only to lock it. Then a quick anesthetic spell to dull Morgan's senses while Emmeryn's lips quelled any protests.
The very idea of feeling that virgin, squirming flesh under her hand and control…
Emmeryn swept the tray off the table, the wood clattering on the floor as the food splattered the wall. What was she thinking? That was her fucking niece! With Robin joining the family, it was sick to think of Morgan that way!
"So that's the test huh…?" Emmeryn growled, an ache begging for relief rising in her. "You sick twisted being! Were it just Robin and Cordelia I could manage, but now you place these wretched thoughts in my mind as well?! Have it your way, I will overcome this. Should I fail even once though…"
She sighed and began to disrobe, locking the door before setting to her lurid task.
"Then may I be damned and dead before sunrise."
-Robin-
"Something's not right."
Cordelia's words snapped Robin out of his work, the grandmaster looking to his wife in concern. "How do you mean? Was something off about the meeting?"
"No…" Cordelia sighed, not quite sure herself. "I just noticed Cherche get very quiet shortly after Morgan went to inform Lady Jennifer of our plans. She wouldn't look at me and excused herself right after."
Robin didn't like the sound of that. "She… has a way with the Shepherds only Lissa and Kellam can match. I hope the news didn't upset the good lady."
"I hope the same, though Morgan appeared very chipper when she came back." Cordelia said, standing from her spot on the bed to wrap Robin in a hug. "I just feel like our luck's going to run out. When, I don't know, but… when it does it's not going to be pretty."
Robin took her hand and ran his thumb over the back. "When has war or battle ever been pretty? We'll get through it, Cordy, we always have. Our girls, all of them, will see peace again. I promise."
Cordelia reached up and turned his head, kissing him deeply. With a full heart, she pulled away smiling. "Of course, I don't doubt you. The only ones I doubt are these central lords we don't know and that Lady Ymir. We may need their support long-term, but who knows what they or the Valmese could try to pull?"
Robin smiled back at her. "Even the best tricks won't win the day, not with our home on the line. I don't know about you, but I want to see if Sev ever works up the courage to share those scores she writes."
"I want to see if Morgan can get into the Royal Orchestra." Cordelia said as she nuzzled his neck. "She's been practicing on that old grand in the foyer for so long I can't help but wonder if she was going to audition. Before all this happened."
The couple held each other close, not willing to let go, until someone cleared their throat. "Loathe as I am to interrupt this very sweet moment, there's business to attend to."
Robin and Cordelia leapt back, lightning and fire summoned forth. The one who'd spoken threw up their hands in surrender, a cloak hiding their face in shadow. "Wait, I'm not here to harm anyone! Do you think any assassin worth their salt would announce themselves?"
Robin didn't let his fistful of divine wrath dissolve. "No, but you managed to sneak in here despite a great many guards and lookouts. That tells me you're stealthy, and I know all of Shade's spies."
The figure nodded, their voice feminine. "Agreed, I am not a spy of the Chain-holder. I am simply a scout for my liege and come bearing a message. I apologize for the very rude entrance, but it took me ages to find your headquarters."
Cordelia advanced slowly, a lance of fire held before her. "Remove your hood then and speak plainly. What is the message and who sent it?"
The informant slowly reached up and pulled the hood away. She, for this was a woman, had long blue hair tied in a ponytail braid and bright yellow eyes set into a plain face. "My name is Lilith, Grandmaster Volk, Commander Volk. I bear the message within my cloak on behalf of my liege Lady Ymir, Lord Sigmus, Lord Arsene, and Lady Montmorency. Please, search my pockets and read."
Robin shared a glance with Cordelia before motioning her to search. Cordelia extinguished her flames, but Robin made a point of increasing the shine of his lighting while she searched Lilith's pockets.
Once the message was found, Cordelia popped the wax seal and scanned the contents. "Hm… Robin, this appears legitimate, but Say'ri will need to look over it to be sure. It appears that the central lords and Lady Ymir have requested an audience… though they're all asking for Lord Chrom and Lady Sumia."
"Of course they are." Robin sighed, expecting as much. "Can't just have diplomats, no sir, you require the leaders of the freaking invasion force to travel to your lands, which are under Valmese protection, like they owe you something."
Lilith looked unimpressed with his little tirade. "Those are the conditions set forth, though I'm sure you can think of something to fudge it. Though, if it helps, Lady Ymir doesn't mind meeting with any of Alliance leaders, Exalt Chrom is just her first choice. Now then, I've done my job, so can I go home now?"
A hand holding the Mani Katti rose from the shadow under her hood, Gaius stepping out from behind her. "Not so fast, babe. You got past my lookouts, something that stings my pride as their teacher. Care to explain where the holes in our net are?"
Lilith looked back and smiled at him. "Wouldn't you like to know? How's this? You come with whoever the delegation to Lady Ymir is and maybe I'll tell you. Before that, though, I'll have to politely decline. Good night."
With that, she was gone, vanished into thin air. Robin and Cordelia stared at the spot she once occupied before looking to Gaius.
"Hey, don't look at me like that." Gaius growled, equally bewildered. "I don't have a damned clue how that happened. From my experience, no one's able to up and vanish, and I've seen some shit."
Robin groaned and let go of his magic, hand cradling his face. "Well at least we have something of an answer. Gaius, have your acolytes scan the area top to bottom. After that, get some rest. Cordy, the same goes for us."
He nodded to the letter she held, its very existence a representative of the paths before them.
"There's work to be done. Again."
Ch. End
Before anyone starts baying for blood with Emmeryn's trial, know that I do nothing without it having a spot in the plot, I learned that lesson. Her trial will have a profound effect on what happens in the future, be sure of that.
Regardless, we're about to head into the fun part of the first half of the Valmese campaign. The various Alliance leaders are going to have to negotiate with our four lords before heading for the centerpiece of this half.
Fort Steiger.
After that we move into the second half, taking down Walhart. Should be good fun.
Anyway, there will be more battles during the negotiations, the Valmese aren't prone to laziness. Get ready for a lot of defensive battles because the Alliance will be on the defensive most of the time.
That's all I have minus a review response, so I'll see you all next time. Ciao!
Zero8000: I actually planned Emmeryn to resurrect for some time, she's very important. As for the Valmese use of the dead, it's a big motivation for the levies. Without that in place, they'll break at the first cavalry charge and be useless so better to give them reason to lay down their lives that doesn't involve direct payment. Looting rights are a thing too, though obviously no one got to loot with them all dying.