Shepherds Inc.

Hi everyone! This is a modern office AU for Fire Emblem: Awakening inspired by the likes of CrazygurlMadness' Hyrule Net, and more recently, Emails from Fódlan by May Ravenstaff. For some reason, I've gotten a thing for this setting with characters I like. I'll try to do something different, however: combine their "string of emails" format with either entire chapters or small segments of normal dialogue. I don't quite know how the story will develop yet, but I'll start it simple. Also, months and days will have our names.

Chapter One: Company Introductory

To: Shepherds Inc. Staff

From: Emmeryn von Ylisse

Sent: September 1st, 2021, 8:30

Subject: Our new directors

Greetings, everyone.

What a year it has been, hm? Our company's reputation has suffered heavily and we've had to fire every single department's director because of their poor business decisions. Thankfully, your hard work salvaged whatever it could, and I'm proud of that. As such, none of you will lose your job.

My siblings have recently finished their studies and have expressed their desire to work with me on managing this company. I understand appointing them as the new directors of their departments may seem like favoritism, but don't let that fool you. As soon as I get the impression they underperform, they shall receive the same level of criticism as the others. That is my promise to you.

Before we begin with our introduction at 9, I would like to inform you we'll be frequently hiring new employees and trying to expand our business in any other ways we can. It's risky, but we believe we have the power to make this work.

I shall be working extra hard to make our new start a good one. You'll see me out of my office more the coming time. Please do not panic if I stop by your desk or department, there shall be no fires for a while. I will see you all at nine in the Multicorp Conference room.

Kind regards,

Emmeryn von Ylisse

Even with all the employees in it, the conference room felt rather empty as the employees gathered. Emmeryn and her siblings stood at the head, Emmeryn stepping up to the stand and preparing to speak to her employees. The employees also noticed a man with brown hair and a somewhat frightening facial expression standing next to the siblings.

"Hello, everyone. I trust you all read my mail I sent half an hour ago? Or at least skimmed through it?"

Vaike replied with a "yup", Stahl, Frederick and Miriel nodded, Sully and Sumia gave an "Mm-hm" and Kellam waved his arms furiously. "Good. I don't have much to add to my statement from tomorrow, so I'll let my siblings and my other new hire do the talking. Oldest first?" She gestured for the brown-haired man to take her place at the stand.

"Hello. I am Frederick Adams. I'll be the new head of Marketing. I'm known for being very observant, so forgive me if I intimidate you. I just like to keep a good eye on what's happening in my workplace. I am not related to Emmeryn or her siblings, those would be the others behind me. I'll also be keeping an eye on them. And their performance." He added on that last part as if he forgot about it, his stoic facial expression making a somewhat frightening impression. He stepped down, making room for the blue-haired man behind him.

"Hello. I'm Chrom von Ylisse, Emmeryn's younger brother. I'm the new Sales director. I aim to be approachable and to have a practical approach. I'm also not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get some sh- work done, so let's do our best to bring this company back." He said, already looking much friendlier than Frederick.

Next, the other blonde girl stepped up. "Hi, everyone! I'm Lissa von Ylisse, your new HR director! And before you say it: yes, I am older than I look, I promise. If there are any problems with communication or your personal growth, let me know, okay? I'm gonna make sure to tackle those the best I can. Though of course, we need to know who we'll be working with in the coming period. Emm- err, Emmeryn, I suggest we let everyone introduce themselves."

"Bright idea, Lissa. Well, let's start with Miriel here, because I immediately have a proposition for her. Considering the IT director is now gone, I say it is high time for you to take his place, Miriel. You've more than earned it."

The bespectacled woman looked like she was going to fall off her seat. "Truly? Oh, most splendiferous. I am Miriel Kingston, and I surmise I shall discuss my new position with Ms. von - correction, Emmeryn soon. If there are any complications with your electronical devices, you must contact me and I shall make it function again."

"Miriel, why you always gotta scare off our new employees with your fancy words?"

"Vaike, I do not recall you getting clearance to-"

"Ah, let Teach introduce himself already. I'm Vaike McClark, a Sales employee, and I recognize that mug 'o yours, Chrom! Don't think I've forgotten our little high school rivalry. This is gonna be good!"

Chrom sighed. "Hi, Vaike. As long as it doesn't interrupt our work, I guess it's semi-fine. Just no childish things, please. I didn't go to uni for that."

The young man with messy green hair was next. "Hi, I'm Stahl Smith. I'm kinda known as an average everyman, but I'm an HR employee. Though I do know a little bit about the other departments as well."

"Hey. Name's Sully Jacobs. I work in Marketing, 'cause I damn well know how to market a product to people. Don't try to introduce a swear jar in my department, because I WILL break it. Again." She threatened, making Frederick clear his throat loudly.

"Um, hi, I'm Sumia Brooke. I'm the receptionist. I'll do my best to bring over any important letters and documents as fast as I can. If I fall over, don't panic. I'm used to it by now." She said sadly, clearly lacking confidence.

"It looks like we're done here." Chrom said, but Emmeryn shook her head.

"Let's see, umm… Kellam, can you try even harder to make yourself noticeable?"

Suddenly, a hulking man appeared out of nowhere, making nearly everyone jump.

"There he is."

"Hi, I-I'm Kellam Hughes. I work in Operations and sort out important emails and mail, bringing them up if Sumia's too busy with the emails and phone. I have this… talent that kinda makes people unable to see or remember me sometimes. B-but I've never missed out on a paycheck! The only exception to my ability so far appears to be Emmeryn."

"Are there any questions?" Emmeryn asked. When no one appeared to have any, she smiled.

"Should any arise, please approach me or your Directors. Please, start your work day. We will join you shortly."

After everyone left (including Kellam), Emmeryn turned to her siblings and Frederick.

"Quite the quirky team we seem to have." Lissa said with a grin.

"I can't believe you never told me Vaike worked here, sis." Chrom groaned, embarrassed.

"I just hope they're as competent as you said."

"I assure you everything will be fine. Now, come. We've got work to do, haven't we?"

To: Gangrel Çelik, Aversa Grímm, Mustafa Khaliv, Rafay Grímm

From: Validar Grímm

Sent: September 1st, 9:00

Subject: It is time.

Dear Directors,

Now that you have all taken your places at the Plegian Traders Guild, it is time to continue and expand both kinds of operations in other countries. But more importantly, as you know, it is time for another important mission to commence.

We're going to find them.

Regards,

Validar Grímm

CEO of Plegian Traders Guild

I hope you enjoyed this little teaser. I plan to commit to this story regularly, in fact I'm probably working on the next chapter right after this. I hope to develop this story in an interesting way!