Chapter 5) Fire Emblem

Diana POV

It happened. It actually happened. Prince Marth made it to us. His army is smaller than we would've hoped, most of which seem to be mercenaries, but they are loyal to him, and they are not exhausted by months upon months of hopeless fighting. They will be enough to spark life back into our forces, and enough to get the momentum going, providing that we can recapture Aurelis Castle.

...I hope we can do this.

"Dame Diana, do you know where-?"

"Left back corner over there."

"Thank you!" The girl scampered off, and it took me a second to remember her name, Sister Lena. She'd once broken into Archanea Castle to gather funds for the poor, and now, she served in the army. It was little things like that to make you wonder just what sort of game the gods might be playing with us.

"Diana!" Nyna raced up then, tripping slightly on the hem of her skirt. "Ah, this dress…" she muttered, glowering at her skirts. "Perhaps I should change after all."

"There's not enough time at the moment," I pointed out. I slowly crouched, feeling like my bones were creaking, and then lifted her skirts and tied them up using some cords. "I know it's improper to show your legs, Nyna, but this will keep you from tripping. I'll find you a pair of pants for you to change into later."

"Thank you." She smiled, though I could tell she was a little uncomfortable. Baring ankle was scandalous in Archanea's court, and I had her skirts gathered to just below her knee. "Oh, yes, the-"

"Right back corner."

"You're a wonder, Diana!" She helped me up, made sure I was set up in my chair, and then went off.

I sighed, and leaned back in the chair, trying not to wince as pain ricocheted through me. It was two days since Prince Marth's forces joined ours, and preparations were underway to retake Aurelis Castle. I was sitting in the infirmary since Nyna insisted on assisting with preparations for it since she'd be working in it, but I couldn't do anything. My injuries throbbed in protest, and my muscles keened bitterly at even the little bit of movement it had taken to crouch and tie something up.

I hated it. I hated myself. A mercenary's worth was determined by how they could fight, and right now, I was pretty damn worthless. Worse, I was useless since even walking was enough to strain me. The only reason I didn't curse Wolf and Sedgar for saving my life was so that I could keep my promises to Nyna and Camus, but how was I supposed to do that when a single step resulted in my body wanting to fall apart?

A little bit of laughter caught my ear, and I looked out through the open tent flap to see a flushing Prince Marth and a laughing-to-the-point-of-tears Kris just a few steps away. Clearly, she had been teasing him mercilessly, likely over Princess Caeda.

I studied the two, fascinated by them. Looking at them side by side, you'd swear they were siblings, twins even. They had the same colored hair and eyes, and they had similar enough features, though those features were fairly typical for Alteans. They were even about the same height. The main way you picked them out in a crowd was that they wore different clothing, and held themselves very differently.

Prince Marth wore clothes that were simple, but befitting his station, and held himself with an awkward sort of confidence. Kris, on the other hand, dressed to blend into a crowd, with simple armor and clothes with absolutely no extra bit of decoration, and held herself 'at ease', ready to move and yet relaxed. It was easy to see that she was a former thief; blending in was a highly valued skill in that line of work.

But even then, their cloaks matched perfectly. From behind, you'd only be able to pick out Kris because her hair was longer, drawn into a ponytail, and if they'd had their hoods up, you likely wouldn't be able to guess which one was which. The whole thing was fascinating, really, more so because it was very, very clear that this wasn't something planned, really. It was all just complete and total coincidence.

Or maybe not. While Altea had some of the strictest laws of the continent with it came to adultery (death to the adults involved, with the child basically thrown onto the streets as being 'unclean'), if a royal was the one who broke that law, they'd get away with it. It was just how these things worked. The chances were hopelessly small, but it was an intriguing line of thought.

While I'd been lost in thought, the two of them wandered off, replaced by some people I thought might be new recruits, based on how 'new' their armor looked and how they just looked about aimlessly. Glancing at the others working in the infirmary, I pushed myself out of my chair, wincing all the while, and hobbled over to ask them to help the healers set up.

We'd need all the help we could get, and new recruits always had the best information, especially when you didn't have specialized spies. Both were important, especially now.

"Basically, the catacombs below are clear of everything but sewage, corpses, and rats," Kris explained. She spoke lightly and quickly, visibly annoyed with having to give a report in the first place. It was clear that she was only giving the report at all because Prince Marth had asked, even if it was a small gathering of people. Just the three highest ranked people, minus Princess Caeda who bowed out of the discussions this time, and their right hand bodyguards. "So, it'll be easy to lead some forces there, providing they've got strong stomachs. The smell is nauseating."

"How many doors did you say were confirmed unlocked, and without guard?" Prince Marth asked. He and Duke Hardin were at the 'head' of the table here, side by side as the leaders of the army. Nyna was seated on the opposite side, listening to everything quietly, with me propped up on the arm of her chair to avoid having to stand. "Five?"

"Six, pretty boy. Stop thinking of ways to woo Caeda." Kris was standing at the corner, right by Prince Marth, mirrored by Wolf on Duke Hardin's other side. Wolf looked appropriately scandalized by how easily Kris teased her liege lord. "There's possibly more, but there were signs of patrols having recently passed by, so any who want to try those doors need to have good ears, and keen smarts."

"Pros of using those entrances?"

"Closer to everything, really. The reason why those six doors are unattended is because they're in far corners or storage rooms. Julian went ahead and picked a few of those doors, though."

"I see." Prince Marth frowned, and turned to Duke Hardin. "If they're out of the way, it would take longer for them to meet a frontal assault."

"However, they would be more likely to sneak behind and assassinating the enemy general," Duke Hardin pointed out. He frowned a little. "I worry also of the treasury. We will need funds going forward, and the Macedonians know this. If they retreat, they might take substantial parts with them."

"So, we need a task force to secure the treasury, another to sneak inside, a third to provide a distraction on front…" Prince Marth sighed. "Our numbers are few. We have heard that the Macedonians have pulled back, and there's a skeletal staff, but if they get reinforcements..."

"About that…" I began. I tried to push myself up, but couldn't, so I continued sitting on the arm of Nyna's chair. Falling wouldn't be very dignified, and I had to give a good impression for Nyna too. "I've heard a few rumors that Princess Minvera has deemed that losses here in Aurelis have exceeded 'acceptable' and is pulling out of the campaign here entirely, taking the bulk of the army with her." I glanced at Duke Hardin, and he nodded slowly. He and I both met her, and he and I both decided that seemed quite like the person we had seen and fought with. "If true, then numbers in the castle will be small, smaller than we expected, strategically set up. That'll make it easier to sneak around."

"She's right on the last part," Kris added. She crossed her arms, and glanced at the ceiling. "From what Julian and I could see, we're dealing with very few numbers for a castle. Hardin here-" She paused and glowered at Wolf suddenly. "Would you stop wincing every time I open my damn mouth?"

"You do not show proper respect," Wolf instantly growled. I facepalmed while Duke Hardin tried, and failed, to silently get Wolf to calm down. "To anyone."

"Don't see why that's your problem."

"You disrespect Coyote."

"He's not complaining, so obviously, it's not that bad."

"You-!"

"Kris, just ignore him," I finally interrupted. Both of them looked to me. "He didn't like me at first either. Thought I was too much of a maid, and not enough of a guard. Then I killed a bunch of people."

"It's not my fault you only have two moods," Wolf muttered as Kris laughed. Prince Marth and Duke Hardin both looked like they had no idea how to react; I knew Nyna was trying desperately to not laugh. "Mother and murder."

"You're just repeating Roshea."

"It's true."

"Isn't that only one mood, though?" Prince Marth asked thoughtfully. He frowned a little, and there was quite a bit of pain in his eyes. "Elice always told me that few things were more terrifying than a mother defending her own. She used it as an explanation for why Father was always scared of making Mother lose her temper."

"But Nyna is her best friend, not her child," Kris replied. She simply frowned, and it was easy to see that this concept of 'mothers being scary' eluded her. "I'm not sure that applies."

"You haven't seen Diana fuss," Duke Hardin instantly retorted. He actually grinned. "She gave my brother the third degree over silver thread."

"It was a dull muted gray that did not match Nyna's dress," I deadpanned. Nyna ducked her head to hide her smile, even as Duke Hardin laughed. "I needed silver, or at least a lighter bit of grey."

"And you yelled at him because of a green dress."

"No, I wrote him a stern letter on that one. I think." I paused. "Wait, are we talking about the bile-green one or the ugly green-grey one? I do vaguely remember snapping about the latter."

"I was thinking the blue-green one."

"That was not a true blue-green. It was a horrendous mix of greys and browns that pretended to be blues and greens." I rolled my eyes, now remembering the dress in question. "I gave up after that one."

"We are quite off topic," Nyna finally murmured. I knew that she only interrupted because she was rapidly losing the battle with her own laughter. "I am no warrior, or strategist, but it might be best to come up with two plans that start the same, to account for numbers."

"Yes, that is probably best," Prince Marth sighed. He sulked for half a second, likely because he'd enjoyed the bantering, but turning serious. "So, Duke Hardin, I was thinking…"

Talks gradually turned back to the coming battle, but it didn't escape me that Kris and Wolf exchanged glares over the map. Nyna gave me the most 'how the hell am I going to survive this?' look, and I leaned into her slightly to reassure her.

We'd make it through this, one day at a time.

The wounded came quickly after the battle began. They were herded out of the fighting, all the way back to the infirmary tent where I met them alongside some other guards, soldiers I didn't know, to help them inside. Once they were there, there wasn't much I could do. I might have a cleric's training, but that was a long time ago. I had field training, and I used what knowledge I had to buy time and to determine who needed treatment now, who could wait, and who wouldn't live even with treatment, but with my injuries, sorting the injured was about all I could do. With no enemies approaching, I simply held the hands on the dying, and let them not be alone.

The worst ones were the younger soldiers. The kids, the ones who were fifteen, sixteen, and had been so ready to fight 'for what is right'. So certain that they were invincible, that sure, people died, but not them, and not their friends. They screamed and sobbed as they died, as their friends died, all thoughts of dignity forgotten as they called for their parents with their last breaths. Those ones echoed in my head long after they ceased to breathe.

"Dame Diana, you can take a rest," Sister Lena murmured to me after another one died. She looked rather haggard, with blood smeared all over her face and neck. A patient had flailed and worsened their wound to the point of severing a vein or artery or… something. They'd splattered everything, and died. "You've been…"

"I'll rest when Nyna rests," I replied firmly. Both she and I knew Nyna wouldn't take a break, just as we both knew she wouldn't take a break. "I can't stand outside and guard, not with my legs. But I can at least comfort the dying."

"But…" She sighed, shaking her head. "No, you're right. Having someone near keeps them calmer. I just…" She stiffened suddenly and, two blinks later, I did as well. Magic. Someone was using magic near, and none of our guards were mages. "That was…"

"Move a little further back and shove the barricades up like we discussed." I pushed myself up slowly, wincing as everything protested. "Ugh…"

"You should…" She trailed off, shaking her head again. "No, never mind. But after this battle, when things are calmer, I want to give you another bit of healing, on top of whatever you'll need in a moment."

"Yeah, sure." I gave her a tight smile. "Tell Nyna I'll be back soon, okay?"

I didn't bother waiting for a reply. Instead, I hobbled my way out of the infirmary tent, hoping that battle-fever would chase away the pain and not hamper me too much. I was already a bit uncoordinated, and the battle-fever might make it worse.

Then again, I was already doing better than the others. I stepped out to charred corpses wearing blackened armor. I didn't even need to nudge the bodies to know that they were dead.

"Oh, bother, another one?" Standing not far away was a person in red robes and no armor, wielding a red tome. The emblem on the cover hinted it was an Elfire Tome, and I grit my teeth at the sight. This was definitely going to be a pain. "Well, I'm sure you'll fall as quickly as the others," they sighed, already conjuring up an Elfire. Since they were aiming only at me, I decided that a - they knew Nyna was here and wanted to capture her, b - they were going for hostages, or c - they were stupid. The tent was flammable, after all, and they couldn't sniped people as we handled evacuations if they were just here to kill people. "Die now."

"That didn't work for the last person stupid enough to say that," I grumbled, thinking of Midia. I hoped she was okay, for all that I still thought her silly. "It won't work now." Of course, it almost did, because I couldn't dodge very well due to wounded legs, but I managed to dodge enough to avoid the worst of it, though my sleeve and the bandages underneath were burnt and tattered. My own resistance to magic protected me from the rest. Thankfully.

"...Well, that's new." They actually pouted. I was rapidly deciding that 'option c' was the correct choice about why they didn't attack the infirmary. "Fighters are bad with resisting magic."

"Guess I'm the gods' way of saying you don't know everything." I lunged, hoping to just kill them there, but I moved stiffly and my swings were telegraphed, so they jumped out of the way. "Damn…" If I was going to do this, I had to do it quickly and, worse, I was going to have to duck under their guard to make it work. I didn't want to risk them getting smart or being forced into a situation where I made the choice between getting hit and likely dying, or dodging and dooming the infirmary.

"You're rather pathetic, aren't you?" They laughed, and I firmly decided that they were just plain stupid. They talked too damn much. "Look at you, bleeding all over the place." A quick glance down proved they were right. My wounds had reopened already. I needed to end this in one strike or I was going to die. "Aw, poor little bird, all broken and bleeding…~"

"Well, things are broken and bleeding, but your fellows broke the wrong part of me." I settled my feet and gathered what strength I had left. "They broke my wings." I waited for them to lift their hands for a spell. Only then did I surge forward, ducking under their arms to get inside their guard. The half-formed magic whipped across my back and almost made me black out from the pain alone, but I managed to stumble the last step and run them through. "And, like you, they forgot I still had my talons." I smirked as they gasped and coughed up blood. "May you remember this lesson in your next life." I jerked the sword out of their gut and stumbled back as they flopped to the ground like a dead fish, trying desperately to remain standing. Everything was shaky, and keening in pain, and I was almost hyper-aware of the blood trickling down my arms, legs, and abdomen. My back spasmed, protesting the magic hit.

Nyna was going to kill me.

"Oh, my, that's quite a lot." A voice I didn't recognize made me jerk up, and try to swing my sword. But the movement was so weak that the person, an old man, parried it with a staff. "Be still," he chided. He wore the robes of a Khadein sage. "You have done too much."

"I'm the only guard," I hissed back. My voice even shook, but at least my anger at being patronized bled through. "The others got blasted, I fought an enemy, and then strange old men come walking up. What the hell were you thinking?" Yes, perhaps I shouldn't be hair-triggered since I was an infirmary guard and I didn't know everyone in the army, but gods damn it, I literally just got done killing someone.

"I was thinking that you needed healing before you died."

"Say that first, damn it." Still, I held still as his staff glowed, and some of my pain ebbed away. "I'm Diana, Nyna's bodyguard. You are?"

"Sage Wendell of Khadein. Merric, who I think you met briefly, is one of my students." Sage Wendell brought his staff down with a small smile. "I angered Gharnef with my refusal to assist him, and so, I was sent here to be dealt with. Strangely, though, the soldiers seemed far too busy dealing with other things, so I was enjoying tea in my cell with a young thief named Ricard before another thief named Julian freed us both. A young mage called 'Kris' told me to come help in the infirmary."

"You'll want to talk to either Nyna, pale blond, or Sister Lena, Macedonian red, inside. Or Brother Wrys, the only guy, but he's way quieter." I nodded to the tent. "I'll be back in after a moment. I want to make sure this one had no friends."

"If so, call for me. I do have a tome on hand, though my age makes me unsuited for fighting." He smiled gently and ducked inside the tent.

I simply sighed, and told my bruised pride to shut up when it tried to bristle at the idea of 'needing help'. I knew very well that I was only reacting this way because I was at my worst when injured, just as I also knew very well that if it had been Charles or any of the others in the Wolf Pack offering, I would've just rolled my eyes and shrugged it off. But, of course, it wasn't them. The Wolf Pack was gone, falling with Archanea, and any who came to help me were strangers. I'd best suck it up if I was going to protect Nyna, and keep my promises. Especially now.

But it hurt to remember that they really were gone, much more so than the reopened wounds and strained muscles. This was why I tried to run away from it. But I was too tired to do that and protect Nyna. I had to pick, and Nyna won over myself, every time.

That's what it meant to have my loyalty. So, I'd deal with it. Slowly.

"I'll make you some better gloves later, Nyna," I murmured as I secured the make-shift… well, they were more like arm-covers than actual gloves. Gloves were my weakness when it came to sewing; I found them even harder to mend. But they would work, so I made sure they were on Nyna's arms, tucked under her sleeves to hide the bandages. "Make do for now."

"I think they're perfectly lovely as they are," Nyna replied. Her hands shook in mine, and her voice was very small and soft. "You… you're certain there was no more blood?"

"Nyna, the only blood on your arms was your own." After the battle, and after doing all we could for the infirmary, I'd claimed a guest room for Nyna so that she could change her clothes and wash the blood off. I'd made the mistake of leaving her alone, though, to confirm with Duke Hardin that we'd have formal meetings with King Stephen at a later date. I'd returned to Nyna scrubbing herself raw, so certain that the blood of all the injured and dead was still on her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone."

"You did-"

"It was your first time working in an infirmary. It was a mistake to think you could cope because you managed to make it through Archanea's fall." I finished fussing over the arm-covers and gripped her hands as tightly as I could. "I'm sorry. I should've been here for you."

"..." Nyna chose not to reply, instead shifting to lay her head on my lap and closing her eyes. "I'm glad I chose to." Her voice was a little more even now, and I rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder as she slowly began crying. "It was hard. Gods, it was hard. I can remember all those who died no matter what I or the others did. But I saved some of them. They smiled at me."

"Yes, you did well. And next time, you'll do better, because you have a better idea of what you're getting into."

"Yes." She sighed heavily, before laughing a little. "Murder and mother."

"Roshea termed that. I do rather like the phrase."

"I can see it. My own mother would have me curl up on her lap. I wonder if this is what growing up with a big sister would've been like."

"It depends on the sister." I hesitated before continuing. "I had two. My elder-eldest was distant, but the other one was basically my mother. My own was too busy playing courtly games and having affairs." Though, when I had run away, it was been my elder-eldest sister who had distracted the guards for me. She and my older brother had been the only ones on 'my' side, that day.

"How many siblings did you have, before you ran away?"

"Five. An older brother, two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. The younger two were twins." I winced as I thought of them. I prayed she hadn't been the one sacrificed in my place.

"Do you ever want to reconnect with them?"

"Not especially. I'm a different person now." I didn't even use my birth name anymore. I was 'Diana' now. Dad had been the one to rename me, naming me after the heavenly huntress of legend. Diana was who I remain, no matter what. "I suppose I wonder what happened to them, from time to time. Just my siblings, though. My parents could go die in a fire, and I'd laugh at the ashes."

"I wonder what they did, to make you hate them so." Her tone implied the question, but just as always, I couldn't quite voice it. I couldn't admit to it, even now. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Nyna. I'll be fine."

"Okay." She might've said more, but a soft knocking cut her off. "Who's…?"

"You asked Prince Marth to meet with you after dinner. That was a mark ago."

"Oh." She sighed and slowly sat up before standing and moving to sit in a chair set up in the corner. She looked small and fragile for a moment before she looked up at me. "Do I look presentable?" The knocking came again. "Oh…"

"One moment, please," I called before limping to the bathroom and wetting a towel with cold water. "Nyna, just close your eyes and leave it to me."

She did just that and, between cold water to ease the puffiness and some makeup, I had her looking mostly like she hadn't been crying. She still looked off and tired, but I figured Prince Marth wouldn't mind. Then, with a reassuring smile, I opened the door and let Prince Marth in.

"My apologies if I came later than expected," Prince Marth murmured. He walked over to Nyna and knelt to her. "You mentioned after dinner, but Caeda said you'd probably want a bit of time to yourself."

"It was nice to spend some time in quiet, yes," Nyna replied quietly. I could see her struggling to remain calm, and almost went to her. However, she subtly shook her head, and then nodded to the cloth covered thing in the corner, the one thing she had insisted on having moved here before she took her bath. The Fire Emblem. I realized now… just what she planned on doing. "I apologize for calling you so late."

"It's fine, Princess Nyna. I'll likely be up for a few hours still." Prince Marth lifted his head slightly and smiled. "I tend to… overthink."

"I understand that. We are the ones who must bear the legacy of the heroes, and to mend this broken, bloody home of ours." She smiled politely at him. "I'm quite powerless to do this alone, though. Might I count on your aid?"

"Of course, Princess Nyna." Prince Marth bowed his head again. "Altea has always taken our fealty to Archanea seriously, and it is my destiny as Anri's heir to destroy Medeus. I will gladly give you all the aid my meager strength can grant, and welcome your support and guidance."

"You are too kind." She hesitated before nodding to me, this time more openly. "Then please, let me give you this." Her words turned a little wooden, but I knew I was the only one who noticed. "One of the sacred treasures of Archanea." I walked slowly over to the Fire Emblem and picked it up, removing the cloth to reveal it. It was the first time I'd actually seen it properly since Camus had given it to her. "This is the Fire Emblem, Prince Marth, the Shield of Archanea's Champion." She reached for it, but I shook my head and presented it to Marth myself. She gave me a small, sad-relieved smile; she knew I'd done it to try and 'split' the supposed curse between us. "We bestow it when the world is in danger, to those we believe have the light that can guide us out of the dark."

"I am honored." Prince Marth took it reverently and peered at it as he slowly stood "Is it… a literal shield as well?"

"It is. I hope it helps guard you in battle." Nyna glanced at me then, and I nodded, knowing what she wanted now. This was more in line with what I'd been expecting. "But, if we might move past formalities, won't you join me for a bit of talk and tea? It would be nice to get to know you, Prince Marth, and Diana brews quite a fine cup of tea."

"That… would be nice, actually." Prince Marth smiled slightly, and set the Fire Emblem against the wall. "Though, I'm really not all that interesting…"

I left the two of them then, carefully shutting the door behind me. I took one step away from the room, and tensed, sensing someone nearby. I relaxed, though, when I glanced around and realized the person was only Duke Hardin. I almost called out, but I faltered, noticing the strangely dark look on his face. Dark, bitter, and pained…

It only took me a second to realize what the expression was, and why he had it. He was… jealous. Duke Hardin was jealous. He was jealous that Prince Marth had been given the Emblem, and not him.

He glanced up then and saw me. He smiled bitterly and he shook his head. I nodded, understanding. Yes, he was jealous, but he would not let his pride get in the way of the job. As his smile softened in thanks, I realized that he did genuinely like Marth as well, and so, didn't begrudge him, or Nyna. He was just… jealous, and the feeling would pass, in time.

"What is it that you need?" he asked me instead. "Sister Lena asked me to fetch you for additional healing."

"She did?" I replied, startled. I would've thought she was too tired to even remember her offer, much less… actually keep her word. "I…" I hesitated before nodding. I wanted to return to full health as soon as I could. I needed to, for Nyna's sake and mine. "I was fetching tea."

"I'll get the supplies for you, and bring them to the infirmary." He hesitated a brief moment before sighing. "It might be a good idea for my own sake to ask you something, but I am also aware you can, rightfully, tell me exactly where to take my curiosity."

"You've been a good man, and friend, to both Nyna and myself, Duke Hardin." I debated crossing my arms or leaning against the wall, but my limbs twinged in pain, reminding me that it would be a very, very bad idea. "I will at least tell you politely where to shove it."

"I'm glad." He smiled briefly before it faded. "Does Princess Nyna… is she infatuated with Prince Marth?"

Of all the things I expected, that had not been among it. I closed my eyes briefly as I put together the pieces from there. Despite Nyna's efforts to keep her distance, it seemed Duke Hardin… had developed at least an infatuation with Nyna. I wished I had noticed sooner, so that I could've nipped it before it took any real hold, but I'd been focused so much on taking care of Nyna that I honestly hadn't paid attention. I could only hope, now, that there would be no long-term consequences to this…

"No, she is not," I whispered slowly. I opened my eyes and looked right at him. "She is in love with someone else, someone we met in Archanea, and had to leave behind." The words were hard to say, especially as his expression fell slightly. I hated this. But someone had to. It would be far more unfair to him to keep it quiet. "I'm sorry."

"No, no." Duke Hardin shook his head. "I'm glad you were so honest." He still looked hurt, but he masked it well with a smile. The smile told me he really was grateful to me. "I'll go get those things for you. You get to the infirmary. I wish for you to not limp everywhere again, and I know I'm not the only one who hopes for it."

"Thank you." I hesitated a moment, not quite liking ending things here, especially since I was certain we'd likely rarely, if ever, speak of this again. But if this is what he chose, then I should respect it, especially since I did need to get those things for Nyna. So, I smiled and limped off to the infirmary, trying to focus on the things I could change now. But I found it hard. I just… had a very, very bad feeling, enough to make me feel nauseous.

Something bad was going to come from all of this, because I didn't pay enough attention to Duke Hardin. I was certain of it.

Records on Caeda:

15 year old Pegasus Knight, the Princess of Talys

Kind and gentle, with an uncanny ability to win allies through her determination and her smile

Skilled with a lance, but even more skilled with words, her willingness to look past a person's past earns her the unshakeable loyalty of all of her citizens, who used to resort to unsavory things in order to survive before her father united the Clans.

Incredibly close to Marth, having a crush on him. She supports him quietly, always making sure he knows he isn't alone.

Records on Ogma:

22 year old Mercenary, bodyguard of Princess Caeda

A former gladiator turned mercenary, he's known as one of the most skilled mercenaries in all the lands, with only the Scarlet Swordsman as his rival.

His trust is not easily earned, and it's even harder to earn his loyalty. According to many, Princess Caeda is the only person in the world to earn both, but some will note that he shows that same loyalty to Prince Marth, if only for her sake.

A jack of all trades with a specialization in swords, he is rarely ever in a situation that he cannot fight himself out of

Records on Barst:

22 year old Fighter

Ogma's second in command, calm and skilled. He has a very, very colorful past.

Actually dislikes fighting, but his loyalty is absolute, meaning he'll throw himself into battle alongside those who have earned it

Records on Bord:

21 year old Fighter

Rival of Cord

Quite the worrier, though he hides it with insults

Records on Cord:

21 year old Fighter

Rival of Bord

Dislikes people meddling in his life, but acknowledges when people do so to protect him

Author's notes: In game, this is the chapter where Nyna is actually introduced to the player. The Fire Emblem in game also acts as an infinite chest key, but we're not bringing that in. Ricard is your second thief, and generally inferior to Julian in every way gameplay wise. We're also reaching a point where characters are nothing more than faces and names, thanks to how low on characterization the early Fire Emblem games are. While I'll provide little tidbits on them all, don't be surprised if the bios become very sparse for certain chars, particularly ones that the POV girls don't interact with.

Hardin being jealous of Marth receiving the Fire Emblem is a tidbit revealed in FE3/FE12. Given that Marth never knew until that point, and considering Hardin a friend, I'm certain that it was a brief feeling that passed, and did not marr their friendship. We also have here a… change from the actual game canon, namely that Hardin is told that Nyna is in love with someone. This is related, slightly, to what I warned in the beginning where I would be shifting canon around. (I promise; I have it planned out.)

A couple of people have asked about what I imagine Kris and Diana's 'growth rates' as, so… here (these are based on the Avatar's growths for FE12, modified to fit the two):

Kris: HP - 65%, Str - 30%, Mag - 60%, Skl - 50%, Spd - 45%, Lck - 60%, Def - 10%, Res - 20%

Diana: HP - 70%, Str - 40%, Mag - 5%, Skl - 55%, Spd - 50%, Lck - 70%, Def - 15%, Res - 35%

Next Chapter - In War's Grip (Gaiden Chapter)