The night started to hang heavily on their bodies as Lissa paused to be upset with the whole thing, clearly not having enough of a time outside as people would like to believe. "I told you—it's getting dark already!" She swatted at some out coming bugs as Alexander and Christian just watched her with Chrom and Frederick. "...Ech! And now the bugs are out! Noisy, disgusting bugs that buzz around and crawl all over and bite you when—" Sadly, that was the part where a bug flew into her mouth and she started to make sounds, not thinking of releasing it from her mouth as she spat about, it getting out just fine, but she may have some remains of its tumble still in her mouth.
"Aw, come on now, Lissa." The behavior of Chrom, away from the battlefield, seemed to be caring, but also brotherly to Lissa indeed. "Hardship builds character. Want to help me gather firewood?"
Lissa, however, spat some more before she made a sound akin to swallowing, not even aware. "...I think I swallowed it..." She shook in disgust as she continued. "I'll pass on finding firewood, thanks. I think I've built QUITE enough character for one day!"
Alexander gave a small chuckle before he spoke. "We should probably think about food. I don't know you all, but I'm starving."
"Yes, I should think a little hunting and gathering is in order." Frederick spoke as he asked. "Now, who wants to clear a campsite?" Christian and Alexander volunteered as they worked to get a proper site for a fire and Alexander worked to set the fire while Christian and Chrom helped Fredrick hunt something down, Lissa unaware that the moment that Alexander attempted to light it, his hands... started to puff out flames and he raised a brow as he looked at his hand before focusing it, fire surging from his hand as it lit the site up and he glanced at his hand, covered in a pair of gloves that he got from town, to see it was smoking, some of the fiber missing as he passed it off as something to look into later when the hunting party returned with... a bear... It didn't take too long before they stripped the bear and started to cook the meat before Chrom, biting into the meat, let out a happy sigh.
It's been too long since I last had bear meat. Delicious!" He paused as he asked Lissa, who wasn't eating one bit. "What's wrong, Lissa? Dig in."
"Pass!" Lissa looked ready to haul as she held her stick with two fingers. "...Gods, couldn't you spear an animal normal people eat for once? I mean, come on! Who eats bear?!" She groaned as she placed the stick back down and glanced at Chrom. "You're meddling with the food chain. Right guys?" When no answer came, she glanced over with her question again. "Uh, guys?" Whereas Christian was stuffing himself with bear, Alexander finished off a piece before he replied to Lissa.
"It is only messing with the food chain if you are taking too much from the environment, one bear will not change the land too badly, and we made sure it was male." Lissa wore a confused look on her face as Alexander shrugged. "Eh, just being hungry right now, sorry, Lissa." Alexander resumed his eating as Lissa sighed.
"I suppose a person would enjoy just about anything after not eating for days..."
"Just eat it, Lissa. Meat is meat."
"Since when does meat smell like old boots?!" She took a whiff of it and her face made a disgusted look. "Wait, I take it back-boots smell better!"
"Every experience makes us stronger, milady. Even those we don't enjoy."
"Is that why I DON'T see a small piece of bear on your side, Frederick?" Alexander's point of observation caught Frederick as he coughed a bit.
"Me? Oh, well... I'm not hungry. I...I had a large lunch! Yes, quite." Lissa was in disbelief as was Christian as he, at times, pointed his stick at Frederick and the Great Knight looked like he was faltering to the meat. The night went on as they decided to rest for the time being, the fire doused out to prevent anything bad occurring before Chrom, as if on que of something, woke up and looked around with a single word.
"Huh?" It was strange, something was... out of place, like something was going to occur, something... abnormal in his gut as Lissa stirred as well with a yawn.
"What's wrong, Big Brother?" Chrom turned to face Lissa as he still had the confused look on his face.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, but..." He took a moment to check again, the feeling sticking to his stomach like a bad rash. "Something is amiss..."
"Define 'something'." Chrom took a few steps as he looked back.
"I'm not sure... I think I'll have a look around." Lissa quickly got up as she spoke, sharing her mind with Chrom while the other three slept on.
"Not alone, you won't!" She quickly grabbed her stave and joined him as he ensured the Falchion was still on him. "I'm coming too!"
Chrom gave a small laugh before he replied. "Thanks, Lissa." They headed off into the depths of the darkened forest as they listened for anything, but nothing was heard; no owls, no insects, nothing but their trending steps before Lissa spoke.
"It sure is dark... and quiet." She looked around, hoping to find something, but nothing came out, nothing appeared as Lissa looked about in a slight bit of panic. "Where did the birds go?"
"Something is wrong here..." Suddenly, the whole land shook in a tumor as Lissa cried.
"Chrom!"
"Gods, what-" The tumor increased as the land felt like it was tearing itself apart. "Agh! What is this madness?! Lissa, stay close!" Lissa crashed into Chrom as he held tight before he spotted, in the distance, something very wrong as several trees began to fall, whatever causing it coming their way as Chrom spoke. "Lissa, run." She could only reply with a gasp of confusion before he pushed her down the way. "I mean it, go!" She started to run as he shortly followed in the run, the ground behind them cracking open before lava surged from below and rained fire balls all over the forest, running from the flames and incoming blasts as Chrom took the lead. "Hey! This way!" They branched left and leapt off a small cliff, just as a fireball slammed into their escape, leaving them panting from the run as they watched the forest burning in the short distance before Lissa, glancing up, noticing something else and shouted in fear as she pointed at it.
"Chrom, what IS that?!" Chrom quickly glanced to where she was pointing, just as something akin to a enormous eye opened in the sky and dropped two things to the ground below, the fall alone should have killed them, but they got up and glanced at the two with red eyes and black mist flowing out the mouths.
"Lissa. You'd better stand back." The two things stumbled out of the foliage before one booked it straight for Chrom to which he countered, dodging the axe swing and slashing through the thing's torso, his eyes widened as he didn't hear a thud, a sharp glance yielded the same as the thing creepily twisted its head before swinging from the side, Chrom blocking the attack before shoving the thing backward, readied his blade and leapt toward the thing, plunging Falchion through as the thing squirmed once and died in a puff of black mist, Chrom holding still for a bit before a scream caught his ear. "Lissa!" The other one had approached her and raised its blade to kill, but none expected another fighter to enter the fray through the same way as the monsters, their speed putting them right in time as they blocked, saving Lissa and Chrom pausing in his rush as the metals rubbed against each other, Lissa looked up in surprise as she took in her saver before said being glanced to the side and spoke.
"Help!"
Chrom took a moment before agreeing. "...Right!" He let out a war cry which drew the thing's attention, a poor choice as its blow lessened on the figure to attack Chrom, but both swordsmen slashed through the fiend as it faded to mist, the battle won as the being sheathed their sword with Chrom inquiring. "Quite the entrance; What's your name?" The figure looked back once before the sound of galloping filled the air and Frederick soon arrived with Alexander and Christian right behind him.
"Milord! Milady! Are you hurt?"
"Frederick! Alexander! Christian!" Alexander grimaced as the blazing flames yielded to more of the monsters that Chrom bore witness to, some the same while others were abnormal twists of standard soldiers, all wearing masks with ghastly air pouring out their mouths.
"Are such horrific creatures commonplace in these lands?"
Chrom readied once more as he spoke. "They're not from Ylisse, I promise you that." That was a concern, if they were not from Ylisse, could they be from Plegia or someplace... far wrong.
"No one is injured, then? Thank the gods..."
"Thank the masked man who saved me! If it wasn't for him, I'd be..." But a turn around yielded an empty space as the figure had disappeared from sight. "Hey, where did he go?" Christian and Alexander briefly caught sight of the figure, but it was less than expected as Frederick readied his lance for battle.
"We can worry about him later, AFTER we put these...things...to the blade. Eyes open, now. We know nothing about this enemy." They nodded as they engaged in battle, Alexander taking note of the nearby forts that skirted the destruction of the sudden eruption. Their efforts were furthered aided by one of the other Shepherds, a Cavalier by the name of Sully, and some bumbling bard called Virion, though his skills with a bow were quite impressive, just not enough to save him from a severe kick to the head by muscly and ARMORED legs that Sully possessed, Alexander and Christian made a note to not get on her bad side too much. They fought through the terrifying hordes that came for them, but they were no match, until they faced the 'leader' of the horde, a creature that nearly resembled a Fighter as it scowled and roared in rage, like a frenzied animal as its target was Chrom for some reason, all of them, once they set their gaze on Chrom, seemed to have target him in general, the others just the ones closer when it came down to it, but like its minions, it fell just the same as it faded to dark mist. The battle won as the saver of Lissa returned, something off about them as Frederick spoke. "It seems all the creatures are vanquished. This young man took care of the others." Alexander was not too sure about this 'man', just something about them was off other than their silence, but what?
Lissa was more grateful as she thanked the figure. "Um, I never got to thank you... for before." Lissa was wearing a shy expression as she thanked the man. "So... thank you. You were very brave."
Chrom also joined in this as he spoke. "You saved my sister's life." He rested a hand on his chest as he gave his name. "My name is Chrom. Might I ask yours?"
"You may call me Marth." An odd name, but Chrom drew back in confusion as he asked.
"Marth? After the heroic king of old?" An actual legend then as Christian looked interested while Alexander was puzzled as to why that name, using the name of a renowned hero would draw too much attention as Chrom continued. "You certainly fight like a hero. Where did you learn your way with a sword?"
"I'm not here to talk about me." 'Marth' spoke as they gestured to the destruction that currently surrounded them. "This world teeters at the brink of a horrible calamity. What you saw tonight was but a prelude." 'Marth' paused before continuing. "You have been warned." It was the wrong choice of word, but it was clear that 'Marth' wanted them to focus on the oncoming threat that was coming as 'Marth' roundabout and headed out as Lissa stammered.
"Huh? What's teetering where now? Hey, wait!" But it was too late as the figure disappeared into the shadows as Alexander spoke his thoughts.
"Not much for conversation, is 'he'?" He didn't know why he would emphasized on the gender of the being, but it was just that, something to him was off and Christian nodded as he added his own.
"Does he see himself as some 'foreseer' or something, what with that warning?"
"It appears that his skills lie elsewhere." Frederick commented as he sheathed the lance. "I wager we'll hear his name again... But for now, I'm more concerned about the capital. We should make haste." They nodded as they headed for the capital with the two new members in the party, though Virion was taking EVERY chance to try and flirt with Sully, but she just wasn't having it as they headed on through the trees and to the city in the distance as dawn soon started to rise to their approach...
(-Two Hours Later-)
Entering through the city gate, both members took it all in as Sully took Virion elsewhere in the city as Alexander commented on the place. "So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse..." Alexander was amazed at the amount of people that filled the shops, the smiths, and the market as they proceed in their daily lives. "I've never seen so many people!" Christian gave a approving whistle as well as Frederick glanced about and sighed in relief.
"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods. I see no evidence of the great quake." He hummed in pondering as he pressed on the location. "It must've been limited to the forest." Lissa sighed as well as she was delighted at the sound of it.
"Well, that's a relief!" Suddenly the people started to gather toward the main street as someone called out.
"Look! The exalt has come to see us!" They all turned to the way where a woman in wondrous garbs strolled through the street with an entourage of Pegasus knights and other members as Alexander glanced at her for some time before he turned his head to Fredrick.
"The exalt is your ruler, yes?"
Frederick nodded as he answered the question. "Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn."
"Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?"
"The exalt is a symbol of peace-Ylisse's most prized quality." He adjusted the helmet that he held and moved his hair a bit. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low." He finished with a end as he smiled a bit. "Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then." Chrom also added his own input.
"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her." He smiled as well as he continued. "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war." Alexander nodded as he understood, a beacon of hope and peace, a soothing presence to ease those who call for battle to settle and think, he frowned a bit as the thought crossed his mind that her reign must have been painful to start with before he smiled again.
"Then the Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her." That was the moment when Lissa spoke up with a smile and with a surprise.
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Alexander's brows raised up in surprise as Christian took a moment to process it in his words.
"Yes, I imagine she..." It hit him hard as he was aghast in shock. "Wait, what? She's your..." He pointed to both Chrom and Lissa in utter shock as Alexander rubbed his temples in amuse. "But wouldn't that make you and Chrom..."
"The prince and princess of the realm, yes." Fredrick answered as Christian was completely shocked as Alexander merely shrugged his shoulders. "You remember Chrom's name and not this?" Alexander shook his head as Christian remained vocal as he flung his arms out in a 'ARE YOU KIDDING ME' stance.
"You said you were 'shepherds'!"
Chrom chuckled a bit as he spoke. "And so we are... in a matter of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep."
"C-Chrom..." Christian dropped to his knees as he bowed to Chrom, Alexander face palming at the behavior as Christian continued. "I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!" Chrom patted Christian's shoulder for him to rise as Alexander simply gave a small bow.
"Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities."
"The prince and princess..." Alexander chuckled as he glanced an apologetic look at Frederick. "That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?"
"Indeed." Frederick shakes his head as he continues. "Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm..." The entourage headed for the palace as Chrom spoke up again.
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?"
"First question... what is that wonderful smell?" Alexander sounded as he looked around and smelled the air, Frederick smelling the same before he let out a small laugh.
"Why, that would be a Ylissean cinnamon roll, I didn't know you had a taste for such a sweet treat."
"So... could I have one?" The party chuckled a little as Chrom handed Alexander a small pouch of coin to him and the tactician disappeared for but a moment before returning with a swirling, doughy treat in hand as he happily started to bite into it before they continued through the palace gates, and straight for the Exalt who stood up and smiled as she stepped on down from the throne to greet them.
"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home." She gave a hug to both of them before turning her attention to Fredrick and nodding. "Oh, and good day, Frederick." The Great Knight bowed as Emm continued, a regal Falcon Knight, a high-grade Pegasus Knight, joining her as she continued. "How fared you all?"
"Well-we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while."
"Wonderful. and our people?"
"Safe as they can be, Emm." Chrom wore a worried face as he continued. "But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia."
"Forgive me, milord." The Falcon Knight bowed as she commented. "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them." Chrom held up a hand as he spoke in return.
"No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt."
"And besides, we had plenty of help!" This was the moment that Emm tilted her head to the two that stood behind Chrom, both bowing as Emmeryn spoke.
"Ah, you speak of your new companions here?" Chrom nodded as he introduced the two.
"This is Alexander and Christian. They fought bravely with us against the brigands. I've decided to make them both Shepherds." Emm smiled as she thanked the both of them.
"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, both of you."
"Not at all, milady!" Christian's positive mood was countered with Alexander speaking then, cutting Frederick short as he spoke.
"However, Your Grace, I would like to speak my mind on the matter." The room quieted as Alexander continued with a sorrowful look. "While it is true that Christian and I have aided in the safety of Ylisse's people, I fear that, in our lack of memories, we were not sure who or what we were prior to Chrom lending us a hand, Frederick could attest that the possibility that we could be brigands or, worse, Plegian spies, is there, but that is the error, it is only a claim yet to be understood." Chrom wheeled to Frederick with shock.
"Frederick!" The Great Knight rubbed the side of his neck as Emmeryn inquired, her face still the peaceful figure that they looked upon.
"Yet you allowed them into the castle, Chrom. Do these two have your trust?" The next words would determine their fate and it was actually in the positive.
"Yes. They risked their lives for our people. That's good enough for me." The soldiers returned to their positions at ease for if Chrom trusted them, they were truly believed.
Emmeryn acknowledged the same as she spoke. "Well then, Alexander and Christian... It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well." Alexander bowed as he thanked her.
"Thank you, Milady."
Emmeryn turned to Frederick and thanked him for his devotion. "But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always." Frederick nodded, despite the fact that he didn't vocally say a thing on the matter, Alexander had only summed it up for him. "Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time..."
"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace." He stopped for a bit before turning to Phila. "Phila, I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?" The Falcon Knight gave a solemn nod as she spoke.
"Yes, milord. They've been sighted all across Ylisse." They all grimaced at the sound of it, who knows how many of those freaky monsters are currently wandering the realm and terrorizing the people. Emm spoke as well as she looked to Chrom.
"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us." Chrom nodded as he replied.
"Of course." Chrom and Frederick followed Emm down the way as Lissa smiled and spun to the pair remaining.
"I think that's our cue, guys! C'mon, there's a place I want to show you." Both shrugged as they followed Lissa out and to the place they could call home for the time being...