This took almost depressingly long to get passed the first section, but I finally did it! Hopefully you can all forgive me. Hope you all enjoy, read and review.
The Grimleal...like this she still hated them, yet that hatred wasn't all she felt. While distinct memories of them couldn't be called upon she found herself grateful for it.
The children, save Owain and Morgan, had all attempted to convince Chrom not to go to the Dragon's Table...many quickly gave up to his stubbornness, only his own children remaining. Even they couldn't win against his faith in the vessel however, and plans to reach the place of death were made.
Everyone still seemed to think the tactician was weak when the Shepherds were gathered the next morning, each looking at her with expressions ranging from concerned to weary. Her legs, her arms...it had actually all held strong since she'd awoke, the weakness had depleted as well to a far more manageable level. The Royals had insisted on bringing extra provisions for the teenager, to the point that she eventually gave up arguing. While telling the king, queen, princess or war monk her plan had crossed her mind it might change things too much from the path she'd seen and planned for...so in the end she kept it silent.
Finally they were ready to march, gates of Ylisstol opening to allow them to exit...Henry and Owain both opened their mouths, only to be cut off by Frederick.
"Shall I carry you Milady?" The great knight offered. They weren't the only ones to stare, adults and time travelers all seemed to forget their purpose for a moment at the Royal retainer offering to carry her. After the shock annoyance flooded Robin's system.
"I've been taken into House Ylisse but I damn well don't need a retainer!" Snapped from her lips, glowing red eyes glaring. They slid to her two companions after he had taken a step back. "That includes you two. I don't need to be carried!" The two boys took a step back as well. "Now, let's get going."
Stops were limited and sleep was only as necessary while they made their way to the Dragon's Table, the less time Validar had to set up his plans the better...time spent just reading and eating seemed to mean she required more food now than she had during the war, but that was fine. The vessel barely spoke to anyone even when prompted, not wanting a detail to accidentally slip from her lips. Everyone but the King, Henry and Owain were anxious with her silence, worried that she lacked a plan and they were walking to their death...while that was far from the truth it was better to have them think as much until the plan had already went off.
Messages by crow were simultaneously easier and more complicated than had been expected...the small packages sent out at night were a little complicated since they couldn't be noticed by those who may be tailing the Shepherds or the group themselves. Luckily a bit of preplanning made quite the difference, to make the packages look like prey the crows would carry...getting the items to be sent was the most complicated part, but it turned out her old traveling partner was rather good at sneaking when the need arose.
Given that everything had to be done late at night, the tactician's sleep was suffering. If not for the white haired boy she'd have been sleeping during their travels all over again, what made matters worse was that each message or package sent caused the two sides to drift further apart despite the attempts to stop it. Soon enough vessel and fell dragon would be at odds again, both well aware of that fact.
¬NF¬
"All these strange travelers... What's happening here?" Chrom questioned, looking at the many people passing by once they had neared the so called 'Dragon's Table'.
"Let's ask-"
"Grimleal." Henry and Robin cut Lissa off before she could finish her sentence, everyone's attention turning to the smaller who wore what they'd been told was Grimleal clothing.
"Robin's clothes are from high positioning Grimleal." Henry corrected, getting a nod of understanding.
"Sire!" Frederick called, riding towards the group.
"Have the scouts returned?" The king immediately asked.
"Yes, milord, and with grim news." The Great Knight frowned. "Validar is indeed at the Dragon's Table. What's more concerning, it seems all the Grimleal in Plegia are headed there as well. It's as if they're being drawn by some unseen force..." The Royals frowned as well.
"Any idea what it all means?" The blue haired man questioned, getting a shake of the head in response.
"They speak only gibberish and plod on as if possessed." All eyes turned to the Plegians, glowing red eyes staring at where the people were all headed.
"...To be sacrificed." The eyes snapped to the owner, hands moving uncomfortably or angrily to weapons.
"Ritual Sacrifice to bring back the Fell Dragon. It's called the table for a reason. " The white haired teenager agreed, face serious.
"How could anyone give their life willingly to that...thing? That monster!"
"Right here." Robin grumbled unhappy. "It doesn't look very willing to me." She said louder, motioning to the slightly jerky movements of the people.
"It's all leading up to the Cataclysm, these are the signs." Lucina pointed out, only making the others that much more emotional.
"Damn! This destiny is a stubborn business..." Her father cursed, hand tight on Falchion's hilt.
"We cannot give up." She insisted, getting a nod.
"And we will not. We make for this Dragon's Table, and quickly! Come, everyone!" The vessel had to take a deep breath before hurrying after the others.
¬NF¬
"Validar!" Chrom yelled as soon as the man came into view.
"Fools! Do you know where you've come?" For insulting them Validar looked smug, eyes scanning over the group...it stopped on the vessel and her companion. "Perfect." His grin made the hair on the back of her neck want to stand up, but also just felt like her eyes should roll. He and Aversa kept talking, delaying, while Chrom and occasionally Lissa or Frederick piped up to disagree.
"It's a distraction." Robin finally got her mouth to say as Validar left to the inside of the building. "Aversa and her men are to take out as many of us as she can."
"Then we shall not-" The king took a step forward, the pigtailed girl shaking her head.
"He doesn't have the Fire Emblem yet, but that doesn't mean he's not preparing for this ritual. The longer this takes the worse it gets for us."
"Then what do you suggest?" It was her turn to take a step forward.
"I handle this myself. Henry, be prepared." The vessel surged forward, purple flames rolling up quickly from the Grima mark on her hand. He drew easily from the life energy piling within the building, the tripled vision and feathered wings springing up with little thought as he began to float.
"Lord Grima?!" Aversa was a useless fool, one who couldn't even get the very thing that could seal him away. But she clearly hadn't expected to fight him.
"I am the Fell Dragon, destruction itself. I am your GOD. These pathetic beings are no match for me!" The voice echoed, deep and dangerous. Purple flames flew from his body, burning the 12 undead to ash in an instant.
"Why do you help them Lord Grima?!" The wan demanded, causing his eyes to narrow.
"You DARE to demand of me!"
"No I-" She ran, clearly not knowing what to do.
"Robin!" A pulse ran through the body, collapsing to the ground as control was regained some by the vessel and she returned to normal. Henry ran to look over her.
"I am fine." Robin stood easily, brushing him off with eyes that flickered black. That same pulse hadn't stopped, running through her every minute. "Don't ask why. Let's go." She stepped ahead of the group, soon enough they would be inside.
The ending feels a little rushed, and maybe a tad out of character for Aversa. But to be fair, she wasn't exactly EXPECTING her god to fight against her. Anyway, hope you all enjoyed, read and review.