Sorry to say it's just a short chapter this time. As much as I'd like to reward your patience with another behemoth of text, sometimes that simply isn't a viable option. Hope you enjoy all the same.


Chapter 31: New Options

I storm away from The Exalt's cart, unable to look at the state Cordelia's in longer. Emmeryn has given me her assurances that Cordelia will be fine, if only medically speaking, but I don't pay it much mind.

I hate myself.

I hate myself so fucking much right now it hurts.

Why? Why the fuck did I let that happen? Why didn't I say something? The look on her face… the agony she was in. I could have fucking warned her.

What would I have said though? People are going to die? Plegia is going to attack? They knew all of that to begin with, and I don't have a fucking clue what Cordelia really went through to get here.

No! Don't fucking justify this Ben, you let her go through hell without so much as a word of warning. You sent her on her way with a wave and a smile. A fucking smile!

Whatever the fuck she went through was enough that she damn near fell apart in my fucking arms. And holy shit did that feel wrong. Seeing such a strong woman crying like that, knowing I have blame in it. Lying to her face as she cries… God, she still doesn't know about Aurora.

As much as I know Libra would disapprove a significant part of me wants to go out there and find somebody to kill right now. All those Plegians attacking us, it'd be so convenient to just hack one to bits, to vent all the hatred I feel onto one of those bastards.

But no, Frederick and Robin still aren't sure I'm ready for the frontlines yet. Have to stay back with the healers. I'm still recovering after all, and before my fucking incident I was hardly much of a fighter either. Bloody rampages aside, that is.

They're right not to trust me out there, and I hate that too. Can't fight, can't speak, I'm too fucking useless to do anything. The most I could do was catch Cordelia before she hit the dirt…

What's that worth when I helped drag her down to begin with?

I return to my original position just ahead of the wagons to see that the others are just starting to wrap things up. Thanks to Sumia and Phila none of the wyverns are able to come close to any of our healers and back line fighters, meaning I've had a whole lot of jack shit to do besides sit back and watch. It's irritating as hell, though I'll admit it proved to be a good thing when Cordelia crashed behind us.

Thankfully my circling thoughts are interrupted by Lissa, who comes up and stands silently beside me, watching the fight just the same as I am.

"Won't be much longer now." I say.

"Mmm." Lissa replies quietly. She's upset. I think I might be at least partly responsible for that…

"Hey, Lissa." I frown, turning to face her.

"Yeah?" She replies quietly, eyes still fixed on the battle up the road.

"I want to apologize for earlier."

"Huh?" Lissa turns back to me in surprise. "What for?"

Okay, maybe I'm not responsible. Oh well, too late to back out now. "When Cordelia fell, I was yelling at you. That was… pretty unacceptable. So, you know… I'm sorry for that."

Somehow my apology only seems to upset Lissa further. She fidgets with her staff, head lowering to stare at the dirt. I hear the scuffing of her shoe against the ground, though her dress conceals it. "It's fine, Ben." She says softly. "That sort of thing is pretty common when you're a healer."

"That doesn't make it okay, though." I frown. "Are… you okay?"

"Yeah…" Lissa nods, then grimaces. "Well no, actually. But I'd rather not talk about it. It's personal."

"…Okay." I nod, turning back to the others uneasily. Usually she'd have no problem talking to me about whatever's bothering her… Well. No good looking too deeply into it. If it does involve me I'll probably hear about it sooner or later.

"Hey." I note, watching as weapons start waving in the air. "Looks like your brother's wrapping things up. Let's go see him, yeah?"

A smile finally graces her face at that. "Okay!"


Apparently I spoke too soon. Chrom has indeed finished off the Plegian soldiers, but the fight doesn't quite seem to be over. As the two of us approach I hear the sound of panicked yelling and frightened shrieks.

"What do you think's going on?" Lissa asks nervously.

"No clue, but it can't be good." I frown. "Let's find your brother."

Unfortunately when we find Chrom it becomes quickly apparent that he's right in the middle of this mess. Not sure what I expected, really. It certainly wasn't to see my intrepid leader facing down three injured, frightened, and aggressive wyverns, though. The three of them are all huddled together and snapping at anyone who comes near, which mostly just means the Shepherds.

I can't help but wince as I look at the creatures, they're clearly in a bad way. The first, a deep green colored wyvern, has a wing trailing uselessly to the side, thankfully opposite to where its companions are stomping around. The next is a metallic looking shade of navy blue, and is favoring a leg. It hops around in agitation, but can't seem to find the strength to lift off the ground. The last is the worst though, a rusty red creature with a spear stuck halfway into its chest. It seems to have little strength to move, but when Chrom tries to draw closer to the group it acts the most aggressive, breathing a jet of flame that sends the prince diving for cover.

"Damn!" Chrom growls in frustration, ducking behind a rock and using it as cover. "Everyone, get back! Keep your distance!"

"Chrom!" I call out, getting the prince's attention as Lissa rushes over with her staff.

"Ben? Lissa!" He blinks in surprise as Lissa starts healing the minor burns and cuts he's been gathering. "What are you two doing here?"

"Saw you guys cheering, thought the fight was over." I say, bowing my head. "Sorry about that. Should have checked before bringing Lissa here."

"Not entirely your fault." Chrom shakes his head. "I thought the fight was over, too. Those three were hiding behind that outcrop over there." He gestures up the road. "We didn't realize they were there until we were right on top of them, and by then… Well, we're lucky nobody died."

"They chased you?" I frown as I regard them. "In that state?"

"For a little ways, at least. They don't seem to want to move anymore, but we can't get through the pass with them there!" Chrom sighs, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Damn." I regard them all curiously. "So what's the plan?"

"At this point, I think I'll have to call Miriel. There's no getting close to them, not with all three heads on lookout."

"Wait, you're just going to kill them?" I blink at that. "Chrom, they're just animals."

"Dangerous animals, yes." Chrom shakes his head. "I don't like it any more than you, but they're too aggressive for us to risk leaving them alone."

"We can't… heal them or something?"

"Not without getting close." Lissa shakes her head. "I can't use a physic spell on them, I just… don't know enough about wyvern biology. And I know Maribelle's studied that stuff even less than me! If I could examine them then maybe, but… they're a bit too angry for that right now. Sorry."

"It's not your fault." I sigh. "That's it then? Just… zap them with lightning and call it a day?"

"I don't see what other option we have." Chrom says with a sorrowful expression. "We can't waste any more time here. More Plegians could come from behind at any time. And if I'm being honest, these creatures aren't going to last long in their condition anyways." He looks back at them with a grimace. "This may be the most we can do for them."

I've already heard those words one time too many today. "God dammit, not again." I slam my fist into my leg in frustration.

"Again?" Chrom looks back at us, confused.

"Did you hear about Cordelia arriving?" Lissa asks, sparing me from recounting this disaster.

"Yes, I was about to check on her when the wyverns attacked…" Chrom looks between the two of us, trying to figure out what has us so upset.

"Her Pegasus didn't make it." Lissa says sadly, "Her heart gave out. I couldn't heal her in time."

"Oh no… she must be crushed." Chrom sighs.

"She doesn't know." I shake my head. "I didn't tell her. Didn't know if she could handle it." I snort. "Didn't know if I could handle it. I'm a fucking coward."

Chrom claps a hand to my shoulder, getting my attention again. "Ben, I have the utmost confidence that you did what you thought was best for her. You're a good man. Don't doubt that." I'm well past doubt and hovering within the realm of certainty, but I don't tell him that. I just listen quietly as he continues. "I'm sorry that you have to see this so soon after what happened. If there was a way to settle this peacefully without risking the lives of The Shepherds, you know I'd take it."

"I don't blame you for this, Chrom." I shake my head. I blame myself. "I get why you're doing what you're doing."

Chrom hesitates, clearly wanting to say more, but another shriek from the wyvern catches his attention. We turn and look just in time to see Kellam hauling Sully away from the creatures, the woman yelling blue murder. A slightly singed Vaike follows shortly behind them.

"Ah, Gods. I SAID GET BACK, DAMMIT!" Chrom waves his arms in exasperation, then turns back to me. "I'm going to go fetch Miriel. Try to keep everyone else from doing anything stupid while I'm gone."

"Isn't that supposed to be Frederick's job?" I ask as Chrom runs off.

"Maribelle's looking after him right now, actually." Lissa says. "A wyvern dragged him out of his saddle and he hit his head."

"Oh geez I totally missed that. Is he okay?"

"Nothing too serious." Lissa shakes her head. "But you know we like to play it safe with head injuries."

"Definitely a good policy." I nod, trying to do a head count on all the Shepherds we have scattered about as I talk. I notice Vaike edging closer to the wyverns again and frown, calling to the nearest person I can find. "Stahl, if Vaike tries to get himself fried again you have my permission to sit on him!"

"You got it!" Stahl waves with a grin, then gives Vaike a look. The fighter scowls at me and backs away reluctantly from the half feral flying lizards.

"It's sad, huh?" Lissa notes, still watching the wyverns. "I don't think they're bad wyverns. Their riders were jerks, but that doesn't mean they should die. They look so scared."

"That's exactly why they're so dangerous." I say, despite mentally agreeing with her. It doesn't sit particularly well with me either. I watch as the red one's head dips ever lower with each breath it takes, blood dripping from its mouth. Looks like the spear punctured a lung. The others seem to realize the dire straits of their companion and huddle even more protectively around it.

"I guess." Lissa sighs. "Still, I wish we could do something."

"Yeah."

Helplessness seems to be the theme of the day.


Emmeryn rushes away, the soldiers bearing Cordelia to safety trailing closely behind her. A significant part of me wants to be there with her, helping in any way I can.

But I already promised to help with something else, and that promise has me remain.

Aurora lies on her belly, legs and wings folded around her. Her head is laying almost flat on the ground, and her body heaves with tremendous breaths. Lissa is stroking her mane with one hand as she runs her staff across her wings.

"Lissa?" I ask as I walk up.

"I don't know how she was able to fly at all." Lissa says softly. "The muscle damage in her wings is so extreme… and… and her heart and lungs…"

"What can we do?"

"I'm doing it." Her shoulders shake as she gently strokes Aurora's mane. "I just… it's too much. It's a miracle that she's lived this long. If I had someone specialized in Pegasus care with me, and… and a surgeon, th-then maybe, but…" She breaks down and tosses her staff aside, holding the animal's neck gently. "She's dying, Ben. And… and I can't do anything to stop it!"

"Fuck!" I hiss, pulling at my hair in frustration. "That'll fucking teach me to make promises I can't keep!"

Lissa whimpers, but I don't really register it. All I can hear is the desperation in Cordelia's voice as she pleads with me to save her beloved Pegasus. The lie I told her, even as the creature fell to the ground gasping for air behind her. All I can see is the creature I promised to help dying in front of me.

I knew this would happen! Why did I open my big mouth?

Because Cordelia was hurt and I wanted to help her. Any way I could. And delaying her this extra bit of grief was the only way I could think of to do that.

Aurora's gasps for air are growing weaker. I stare blankly at the Pegasus, feeling helpless. The creature's eyes meet mine. Something in the gaze seems to pull at me.

I turn to look at Lissa, still stroking the creature's mane. Providing some small comfort in its final moments. "We'll do everything we can to help her." I murmur, repeating the words I said to Cordelia only minutes ago.

My head comes to rest against Aurora's. My hands gently encircle her head. I cradle the Pegasus' head as best as I can in my arms. "It'll be okay." I murmur in soothing tones. "She'll be alright. She's safe now. You did so well. You're amazing."

I doubt the creature can understand a word I'm saying. But either way, its eyes close as I whisper. The breaths stop.

Aurora dies.

I get up and walk away.

I wash my face before my allergies can kick in.

I check on Cordelia and Emmeryn.

I go back to my post.

I ponder my uselessness.


"I'm tired of this."

Lissa looks up at me, surprised. "What?"

"I'm fed up. I'm so fucking sick of feeling useless." I reply, walking past her. "I'm saving these fucking wyverns."

"You're what!?" Lissa gapes at me, then runs to catch up. "Ben, you can't! Chrom said-"

"Chrom said to keep everyone else from doing something stupid." I find myself grinning. "He didn't say a damn thing about me."

"He shouldn't have to!"

I blink, then turn back to Lissa. "Lissa, maybe you haven't noticed, but for all my general level-headedness, I'm kinda great at doing stupid reckless shit when things get crazy. I'm honestly not sure why Chrom thinks I'm so reliable."

Lissa pauses at that. "Oh my gosh, you're right. Why do we keep falling for that? You're awful!"

"Yup." I smirk, waving a hand dismissively in her direction. "Now stand back, this could get dangerous."

Lissa leans forward like she's about to follow me anyway, but after a second or two seems to think better of it, stamping a foot and wringing her staff in her hands. "Ugh! Why do you have to be so… so… argh!"

"Just one of my many charms." I nod, drawing my sword. "Wish me luck!"

"I hope they light you on fire, just so you finally learn your lesson!"

When I emerge from behind the rocks with a sword the wyverns turn their eyes on me immediately. Their lips curl back in snarls, well, the green and blue ones at least. The red one eyes me warily, but barely musters more than a quick flash of teeth before it resumes panting for air. Despite my sudden sense of resolve I don't think there's anything I can do for that animal either.

That said, the wyverns are acting much like a single entity at the moment. Their fear and aggression are feeding into each other. So however I address this I have to make sure I'm addressing all of them.

Yeah, so I might not have a plan. Well, I have something, but it's from a fucking cartoon, so I'm probably about to get myself killed. Logic feels sound though, as cartoons go.

I hold my sword up, making sure all three wyverns can see it, and then toss it behind me. The wyverns falter, if only for a moment, then resume their rumbling growls as I pull my hand axe from my belt. That gets tossed behind me as well. Taking no chances, I even make a show of tugging my spellbook from my bag and throwing that aside. Another moment's thought has me tossing my whole bag aside, which renders the previous action kinda pointless, but whatever.

By this point the wyverns have stopped snarling at me and are instead watching warily. They still don't seem to trust me, which is obvious, that would be too easy. But they don't look like they're about to maul me anymore. A step in the right direction.

I shuffle forward inch by inch, lowering my head in submission. I almost raise my hands in a sign of surrender, before years of watching nature documentaries reminds me that animals tend to find that sort of pose intimidating. So I spread them out in front of me, holding them low to the ground, so that my hands are still clearly visible. I keep my eyes on them as I inch forward, but do everything in my power to avoid eye contact as I do so.

I really fucking hope I'm doing this right. My experience with frightened animals is limited to documentaries, a few online articles I barely remember, and my mom's coward of a lapdog that tried to bite me a few times years ago. The rest of this is shit I'm pulling from fucking How to Train Your Dragon. I have no idea how much of the logic carries over to wyverns, but I figure it should translate well enough. From what little I know of them wyverns are supposed to be very intelligent as animals go, so hopefully they're smart enough to understand that I am doing everything in my power not to be threatening.

A few of the Shepherds are yelling after me, but I ignore them. Can't afford to give attention to anything else right now.

After almost a minute of slow shuffling, the wyverns start growling again. I think I'm getting too close for them. I take a slow step back to show that I understand, then wait. It takes another minute for them to stop growling. I slide my foot forward. The growling resumes. Okay, this is as close as I'm allowed to get right now. My foot slides back again.

If I'm being honest it's closer than I expected. I'm easily within their striking distance, should they make full use of their long necks. They're practically looming over me, though they still look absolutely fucking terrified. Kinda ridiculous since I'm in far more danger in this situation than they are. A good shot of fire and I'd be done for.

Alright so now… I guess I should talk to them? Or will that upset them? Where do I go from here? "The fuck am I even doing?" I grumble to myself- wait no! Higher pitch! If I speak in a low voice they could interpret it as aggressive! "Hey everyone." I start over in the lightest voice I can, speaking slowly. "Looks like you've had a rough day, huh? It's okay, I'm just trying to help. We're fiiiiiine."

The wyverns give me a curious look at that, and I take it as encouragement. "Yeaaaah. That's good. We're all going to be nice and calm. And not try to kill each other. I just want to be friends. Then we can patch you three up and get you back in the air. Don't worry."

From there I just babble for a while, talking slowly, but constantly. I let them get used to my voice. To looking at me. I talk a whole lot of nonsense, and hope that maybe they're warming up to me.

More voices start coming from the Shepherds as I go. This time I chance a look back and see that Chrom has arrived, along with Miriel and Virion. Chrom is watching me with visible exasperation, but Virion appears to be holding him back. I meet the archer's eyes and he gives me an encouraging nod. That has to mean something, right? He's got Cherche working for him, so he has to know a thing or two about wyverns.

Now that I feel less like I'm fucking everything up I risk taking another step forward, still talking slowly about how happy they're going to be and what good friends we are and other such nonsense. They don't start growling again, but they shift uneasily. Clearly they're still not especially interested in letting us get closer.

They're doing a good job of not freaking out anymore, but they're still clearly scared. Thing is, I'm really not sure what more I can do to convey the message "don't worry" than I already…

Huh…

No, but that would be stupid as hell.

Then again, look where I'm standing right now. Fuck it. We'll do it live.

"Oooh" I sing tentatively, then frown. Terrible pitch. God I wish I could whistle! "Okay no, that sucked, sorry. Do-over!"

It's a good thing I can't see the other Shepherds right now, because the looks the wyverns are giving me are already enough to have me feeling embarrassed. Don't care, now that I've got the idea stuck in my head I'm giving this a proper try. That top note is just a little out of my range, so I drop the whole bit an octave and try again.

Ooh ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh

I watch the wyverns closely. They've stopped looking at me like I'm some sort of lunatic, at least. Hell, they may actually be interested. An encouraging sign, enough so that I risk continuing.

Ooh ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh

The wyverns stare down at me. I stare up at the wyverns. The Green one still doesn't seem to have a clue what's going on. The Red one still just looks exhausted. And the Blue one… gives me an appraising look, and then sits on its haunches, a delicate procedure with its bad leg. Once it's situated it warbles at me, as though inviting me to continue.

There's a clatter from behind me as one of the Shepherds drops their weapon. I don't know who that was, but I can relate, buddy.

That bafflement fades quickly though, lost behind the sudden euphoria of knowing that this is actually working. Like, holy shit, I'm getting through to them!

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now

Ooh ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh

I start snapping my fingers as I get into the performance, swaying and tapping my feet to the tune. Haven't sung this song since I was a kid; it was a staple on road trips growing up. When it comes to music this may be the most comforting song I know.

... Probably singing it for myself as much as the wyverns, honestly. Watching them finally start to settle down as I continue, it seems to be working for the both of us.


When it comes to bedside manner Lissa is second to none. It takes no more than a moment's hesitation for her to get in the good books of the wyverns. She strolls up behind me, hums a few bars of Bobby McFerrin's masterpiece, and practically has them eating out of her hands. It takes us the better part of an hour to fix them up to the best of our knowledge. By Chrom's earlier logic I've wasted a good bit of time we don't really have.

When Lissa and Maribelle inform me that all three of the wyverns, even the red one, will make a full recovery though… I can't say I feel too upset about it. Chrom seems to agree, though he makes it clear that I'm still a fucking idiot for doing that. A fair assessment.

I can't say I care though. Seeing the three of them fly off, free from the looming threat of death that seemed so inevitable, makes it all worth the risk.

It might also be inspiring me to do something else I'm not feeling particularly hopeful about. Which leads me to my current situation.

"I gotta say, this is a pretty fucking excessive setup for a tent." I frown, shifting in my armchair and eyeing a very elaborate tea set in front of me. To say that the royal tent is extravagant would be an understatement; this place is big enough to fit the one Virion and I share several times over, and is more than tall enough to stand up in and walk around.

"I can't deny that." Emmeryn smiles sheepishly as she pours me a cup. "As much as I hate to admit it though, I have grown used to a certain degree of luxury, as one might expect from my station. I know it's impractical, but I can't help but find it comforting. Here, this is that brew with the orange that you liked so much last time."

"Oh, thank you." I smile gratefully and take the offered teacup. "I hope you don't think I'm judging you. It's just not something I've seen before. A novelty, you know. For the leader of a country I can't say this feels too unusual."

"You're far too kind." Emmeryn chuckles. "I know you're not one to mince words, Ben. You can tell me how ridiculous it all is. I won't hold it against you."

"Nah." I shrug. "I'm not in much of a teasing mood at the moment."

"No, from what I've heard your mood is more of a singing one."

"Feel free to spread that story around." I nod. "Compared to some of the other tales circulating about me that is a pretty fun one, all things considered. I'd much rather be known as Ben the Wyvern Minstrel than Ben the Butcher."

"I can think of few titles more dignified." Emmeryn giggles. "I'd go so far as to say my own pales in comparison."

"What can I say, I guess I was just born for greatness." I nod solemnly. The façade slips quickly and the two of us share a hearty laugh over our tea.

Emmeryn falls into a thoughtful silence once we've had our fun. "…Thank you for this, Ben." She says after a while spent in thought. "I needed a good laugh. Especially when I think of what tomorrow will bring."

"Your mind's made up then." I say quietly. "You're heading back to the capital."

"I should never have left it."

"…Probably not." I admit. "But now that you have, returning could very well do more harm than good. Chances are high that Plegia will beat you there. If you return now your death or capture would be almost certain, especially with only a handful of knights to counter Plegia's wyvern riders."

"I appreciate that you're speaking in my best interest," Emmeryn says softly, "But I should remind you that my advisers have spent several hours giving me such speeches. I won't change my viewpoint. I need to be there for my people."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair, then take a long sip of tea. "You're wasted as the Exalt. Don't know what the fuck people were thinking pushing you into politics, you're a born humanitarian."

"I believe I shall take that as a compliment." Emmeryn replies, looking somewhat annoyed at the statement.

"It was intended as a compliment." I reply… before feeling almost compelled to clarify "Though admittedly, somewhat of a backhanded one."

"Mm." Emmeryn regards me coolly.

"I'm sorry, I just… have to wonder what your plan is, here." I put my cup down and watch her carefully. "Like, I appreciate that you want to be there for your citizens, but what does that accomplish in the long run? Gangrel will still invade, and you are in no position to stop it. And really, what do you think will put the people more at ease? Learning that the Exalt has been safely evacuated from Ylisstol, or learning that she's been captured or worse?"

"I think that the best thing I can do for my people is to be there for them in our darkest hour." Emmeryn sighs, shaking her head. "Believe it or not, I do hear your protests and understand the logic in them. As I have heard and understood the viewpoints of everyone else who has spoken to me on this matter. Perhaps continuing to protect my own welfare for the time being would be the correct move to make. But that is not who I am."

I nod my head sadly. "And that's why I say you're no politician. You're way too nice, and way too unwilling to compromise." I wish I could say I expected something else. Fact is my attempt to talk reason with her was doomed from the start. If Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, Phila, and Robin all failed to convince her I stood no chance. In Emmeryn's mind compassion will always triumph over logic.

"I've never given the idea that politicians cannot be kind much thought." Emmeryn shakes her head. "I can't help but think of it as a defeatist attitude. If kindness is not at the forefront of your actions, then what does that say of you as a person?"

"I don't know that I'm qualified to be the judge of that." I frown pensively. "I am guilty of a great many unkind acts, many of which are very well known. What do my own actions say of me as a person?"

"An unkind person would not have risked his life in a half-baked scheme to save three injured wyverns." Emmeryn chides. "You don't give yourself enough credit."

"A kind person wouldn't…" I trail off uselessly, then growl. My teacup is swiftly emptied, and I begin pouring myself the most aggressive refill of my life. Which basically amounts to careful mixing while trying to set the table on fire with my eyes. "Yeah, fuck that. I'm too tired to start getting into that tonight."

"I'm sorry Ben." Emmeryn says with a sad sigh. "It wasn't my intention to cause distress."

"I'm the human equivalent of a minefield right now, I won't hold it against you." I roll my eyes and take another sip of my cup.

"A minefield?" Emmeryn blinks curiously.

"Oh right, shit. Phrase from back home, sorry." I frown. "It's… let's just say it's dangerous terrain, and that a single misstep can often lead to violent and deadly explosions."

She hums in understanding, though the mental image causes an unpleasant expression to flit across her face for a moment. "I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way, Ben. But I have faith that you'll find happiness again."

"Bold claim." I shake my head. "I think I'm one of the only people in the world whose situation rivals yours in how fucked up it is. And… I don't think there's a happy ending to your story."

Emmeryn gives me a small smile as I look up from my teacup to meet her eyes. "I think that may be a matter of perspective. I have faith that my pleas will reach Plegia. And even if I should never see my siblings again, if my words and actions can help bring about a world where Chrom and Lissa can live a long, full, peaceful life…" Her smile broadens a little. "I think that's as happy an ending as I could ask for."

The declaration stuns me. Not because it strikes me as out of character for her, that obviously couldn't be further from the truth. But because… she means it. She truly means with every fiber of her being that her own death is irrelevant to her. That she'd be happy even if she never sees her family again…

I don't know what it is about this that moves me, not specifically at least. Maybe it's the sincerity in her statement. Maybe it's something in the wording that gets my brain going in a new direction. Maybe I'm still just feeling stubborn about the whole fatalism thing I've been suffering under lately.

Doesn't matter. Point is: I suddenly have an idea. The old hint my future self left me finally seems to make sense; as if what I needed to do was obvious from the start. I can't begin to imagine how I'll make things work, but that's not important right this minute.

The important thing is I may have just come up with a way to save Emmeryn's life without fucking things up for the rest of humanity.

"That's an interesting expression." Emmeryn muses as she watches me have my silent epiphany. "Did I say something odd?"

"Emmeryn, in many ways you may be the most odd person I know, and that is no small feat." I grin, then drain my teacup. "And I hope to see you hold that title for a great many years to come!"

"Oh my!" Emmeryn blinks in surprise. "That was a rather rapid turnabout, not that I'm complaining! Was it something I said?"

"No. Yes. Maybe." I shake my head. "I don't know. Don't care either." A chuckle bursts from my lips unbidden, and I hastily tamp down my newfound excitement before I make the Exalt too nervous. "Emmeryn, I'm sorry to say that I must call our conversation to a close early."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that?" Emmeryn continues to blink at me in bewilderment. "Are you alright Ben? I must confess I'm not sure what's come over you."

"Schemes!" I declare with a smirk, rising to my feet. "Brilliant, twisted schemes! I wish you the best of luck in Ylisstol, Lady Exalt. And I want you to know, if your decision falls apart the way I think it will, there will still be hope. I will make sure of it!"


Wild crazy schemes are actually something of a passion of mine, though I regrettably find precious few opportunities to enact them in my day to day life. Anybody who's played Dnd with me can attest: it's something I'm quite good at.

As to how Ben's scheme will play out... well you'll see in due time.

Join the discord! It's a good group for smart people! Many of my good friends and fellow writers are there!
discord .gg/9XG3U7a