Disclaimer: I don't own any characters, places, etc. from Fire Emblem. Just had to make that clear :p.
Prologue – Prince of Etruria
In the midst of a rainstorm, a young man covered in dark robes ran down the streets of a rather quiet town. As the downpour firmly pierced the barren cobblestone road, the cloaked man nimbly reached into his victim's pocket and uncovered a wallet with fresh money inside. However, the victim, with his sharp sense of touch, swiftly turned around and knocked his assailant unconscious.
Fifteen minutes later, the thief awoke in a rather shabby bed, and felt a pang of pain plaguing his forehead. He winced as the sting surged through his head and noticed his poorly picked target smirking at him.
"Augh, what the hell was that for!?" The thief blurted out.
"As if you wouldn't do anything if you were robbed." The man remarked sarcastically.
"I'm a thief. I'm far too skilled to get robbed."
The banter continued on for quite some time, while the two matched wits. After one last snide comment by the thief, the two settled down.
"So who are you and why did you try to rob me anyway?"
"I'm the Prince of Etruria." The pickpocket answered nonchalantly.
"My ass you're the prince! He hasn't been seen for a whole year now. Probably dead by now."
"Believe me or not, it's your decision. I needed money to get some food and you were the most viable target at the moment. I was exiled to this small island for dead after Schwartz had gotten rid of me."
"Schwartz…isn't she the regent of Etruria?"
"Hmph, after my 'mysterious disappearance', she claimed the throne as hers."
"Why should I believe you?" the man eyed suspiciously.
"This should be enough proof." Zayn lifted a lock of hair, revealing a slight scar, nothing too obvious.
"Oh GASPO! Like that's evidence! Anyone could have fallen on the ground and made that scar!"
"You think I'd be dumb enough to make the scar just so I could pretend to be prince?"
"People are crazy these days, who knows what they would do?"
"Believe what you want, I've told you what I can…So what about you? Why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"I'm Yida, a tactician just looking for a job." He answered casually.
"Yida eh? Maybe you don't trust me yet, but I really could use your help. I have to reclaim my throne. I'm sure with my wit and your talent we can beat old Schwartz easily. And it can benefit you too! Once we regain my throne, I'll pay you as much as you want for your services. What do you say?"
"I don't know…let me think about it."
"Aw c'mon! You've gotta help me!"
"Fine. After all, I have nothing left to do on Kafti." The tactician answered with a somewhat unsure look.
"Great!" Zayn quickly shook Yida's hand. "Let's vamanos!"
"Erm…you can go if you want, but it's three in the morning." Yida said with an exasperated look.
"Oh right, hehe, then let's vamanos to sleep!" Zayn replied in high spirits. Yida simply slapped his hand to his face and shook his head.