At the end of the moon, You awaken from sleep and begin to prepare for the rest of the day. You frown along the way though, feeling that something is wrong.
Seraphine: You can feel it too, can't you? There's something off about today… I don't quite know how to put a finger on it, but… I know there's something strange about to take place…
Before You have the chance to question her about what could possibly be wrong, You hear a sharp knock at your door. You open it and see Grey standing on the other side.
Grey: Good, you're awake. We need you right now.
You ask what's going on as dread swells in your stomach.
Grey: The monastery is under attack. It seems Evenor decided to bring the fight to us before we could track her down first.
Your eyes go wide, and You follow Grey to the front of the monastery.
Grey: Everyone is waiting for us out front. Come on.
When You arrive, You find the Ashen Wolves clustered together as they look out over the surrounding area. Sure enough, You can see a massive army drawing nearer, and your stomach sinks at the sight of it.
Taiyin: The last time we saw this many soldiers in one place, it was the day of the Battle of Garreg Mach…
Gabriel: It certainly doesn't bode well for us that there are so many people coming for us all at once…
Quinn: Still, we have no choice but to fight. I wish we weren't in this situation either, but we need to fend them off.
Magnus: Precisely. If we can't send them retreating today, then we're never going to be able to win this war. I can promise you that much.
Ansel: It's a good thing so many of us turned our attention to building our defenses during the last few weeks then.
Tsubasa: I would go so far as to say that it's a good thing we've been so paranoid. It's probably going to keep us alive today.
Saias: Today is the day we were supposed to meet up with the other armies… I wonder if any of them will come.
Ernst: If they do, then we could certainly use their help. Trying to fight off all these soldiers on our own is a recipe for disaster.
Cyrus: In that case, I suppose the mission right now is to try and fend off the invasion until we can get reinforcements.
Druilla: That's hardly going to be an easy task even if it's simpler than fighting them all on our own. We need to be careful.
Eli: I agree. Everyone, do what you can to stay safe no matter what happens. This won't be easy, but we need to work together and win this one way or another.
You nod and say that You would be happy to help. You reach for your sword and point it at the invading soldiers. You refuse to back down even in the face of these overwhelming odds, and You make sure your allies know it.
Eli: If we can hold out long enough for our allies to arrive, we should be alright.
Gabriel: It's a shame actually doing that is such a massive issue.
Taiyin: We need to at least try. Running will do us no good right now.
Saias: We should try to figure out who's attacking us too.
Ansel: I agree. If we can identify the commander, that should put us at an advantage.
Ernst: It will take some time for us to reach them though with so many foes on the field.
Magnus: Then we can be patient until the moment comes for us to push through.
Cyrus: As long as we can maintain our defenses for long enough to tire out our enemies…
Druilla: We can accomplish anything. It won't be easy, but we'll do it.
Quinn: In that case, get into position, everyone. You know what to do.
Tsubasa: Do what you can to stay safe above all else.
Grey: I wouldn't dream of anything else.
Eli: We fight for the safety of the monastery, Abyss, and our future! We cannot afford to fall here!
You survey the battlefield and see massive numbers of enemy forces marching toward You. There is no way of saying for sure how You are going to defeat them, but You are determined to try. The commander is out of sight, and You can only assume the leader of the charge is waiting at the back of the enemy forces for the proper chance to show themselves. You cannot tell if that bodes well or ill for your forces, but You choose to not think about it too much for the time being. Instead, You turn your attention to the matter at hand, knowing what must be done.
You and the rest of the Ashen Wolves fight fiercely over the course of the next few minutes, doing all that You can to fend off the invaders while minimizing your own losses. However, this quickly proves to be much easier said than done, and You realize that You are already being pushed on the ropes. No matter how well You fight, it means little if the enemy numbers are so overwhelming that You cannot deal any meaningful damage to the group as a whole. Your army has been small since the start of the war, and being put under such strain has left everyone struggling, including You.
At the end of turn two, the following dialogue plays out.
Eli: There are so many of them…! I don't know how we're supposed to fight off all these soldiers at once… We need someone else to arrive soon to try and slim down the enemy numbers. If we can't get help, we're going to be defeated before we have the chance to even cry for help…
At the start of turn three, the following dialogue plays out. Raithius and the Golden Deer appear from the back of the map near the enemy respawn points. Note: all dialogue not said by Raithius and Novalee only plays out if the specific character was not added to the party before the war began. Conrad and Calypso are also present with them, and their dialogue plays out no matter what as well.
Raithius: Phew! It looks like we made it just in time to see the remaining Malice soldiers drumming up trouble. I should have known the Empire wouldn't go down without a fight.
Novalee: It appears that Malice got here before we could though… At least we're able to fight now.
Wolfgang: Hey there, everybody! You seem to be having a bit of trouble here, so let us lend you a quick hand!
Sofia: Garreg Mach… Man, it sure has been a while since I saw this place.
Conrad: The monastery is just as impressive as I heard it was… The enemies are new though.
Adeline: I don't why Malice thought storming this place would be a good idea, but we're here to make sure nothing bad happens.
Calypso: There are so many enemies… We'll have to give our all to this fight if we want to break through.
William: We have to make sure that our friends inside of the monastery aren't hurt!
Lev: They could certainly use the reinforcements as soon as possible.
Cedric: My lance is ready for whatever needs to be done.
Raithius: I'm glad that we've come to the same conclusion. Now, let's show these Malice soldiers why you should never cross the Alliance!
Eli: It's such a relief to see you all here! I don't think I could ever thank you enough. Now that you're here, we can keep fighting!
Raithius' team joins the fight as allied units, though they are out of your control. Their assistance helps to cut down on the numerous reinforcements, but there are still far too many foes for your team to manage without issues.
At the start of turn five, Magnolia appears at the top right of the map along with Luciana and any Blue Lions who have not been recruited. Note: all dialogue not said by Magnolia or Luciana only plays out if the specific character was not added to the party before the war began.
Magnolia: I see the forces from the Empire don't intend to go down without a fight… That's a shame. At least we can stamp them out now.
Luciana: They won't have a chance to escape now that we're here.
Nora: Garreg Mach… It's been far too long since I was last here.
Aestlyn: I'm glad to see that you're all safe.
Kyle: This reminds me of the Battle of Garreg Mach, but we're going to succeed now where we failed before.
Illona: I didn't think I would ever be coming back here…
Falon: It's a relief to see this place still standing…
Cassia: If the enemy needs to be exterminated, we'll fight with you.
Karim: They aren't going to get away with this!
Magnolia: Soldiers of Faerghus, the time is now! We must reclaim Garreg Mach!
Magnolia's team aids You and the Ashen Wolves soon afterwards. Despite the help of them and the others in the area, it seems as if there is still something missing that would make this battle much simpler for all parties involved.
At the start of the seventh turn, the Knights of Seiros appear at the bottom of the map behind Evenor and the Malice forces. Cordelia is at the head of the battalion, Aisa at her side. All fighters from the Knights of Seiros and Church of Seiros who have not been recruited will be with her. Note: all dialogue not said by Cordelia only plays out if the specific character was not added to the party before the war began. Nesreen, Niko, Adrian, Yuliya, Kaeta, and Derric have no dialogue here due to their plot-based recruitment from Part One.
Cordelia: We managed to catch up at long last! Evenor has been pushed between our foes, and it's time for us to strike! Are you ready, Lady Aisa?
Aisa: Of course… She has roamed free for much too long.
Roy: Do what you can to stay safe, everyone. We can't let anyone fall after how far we've come!
Jill: Your orders are understood.
Piers: It's been too long since we were last here…
Rodain: I wish we could return on better terms.
Wynne: They aren't going to know what hit them.
Miriam: If these miscreants truly wish to begin conflict, they will feel the consequences of their actions.
Reese: How incredible it is to see familiar faces.
Cordelia: Knights of Seiros, we move! Aid the Ashen Wolves at once!
Eli: Captain Torryn, I'm so happy to see you! And is that… Lady Aisa?!
Cordelia: It is, as a matter of fact. That's a long story, and I can explain it after this battle is over. In the meantime, I know you need help clearing out Evenor's forces, and we're happy to come to your aid.
Eli: Evenor is the leader of the invaders?
Cordelia: She is. She's been planning on attacking for quite some time, it seems. I would advise you to be careful when facing her though. She's still near the back of the enemy forces, but it's just a matter of time before she approaches us.
Eli: I understand. No matter what, we'll find a way to defeat her. She's escaped too many times.
Aisa: May her sins never be forgiven by the goddess in this life or the next.
The Knights of Seiros and their church-affiliated allies charge into battle soon afterwards. The battle is starting to shift in your favor, and You can tell that You are getting closer to the end of this conflict. There are still many enemies on the field, but with each new reinforcement You receive, You draw nearer to the end of the battle and the peace that comes with it, and that is more precious to You than words could ever express.
At the start of turn nine, the Black Eagles appear at the bottom right corner of the map. Chris and Polly lead them, and the unrecruited Black Eagles are accompanied by two figures: Liram and Morgana. Note: all dialogue not said by Chris, Polly, Liram, or Morgana only plays out if the specific character was not added to the party before the war began.
Chris: Alright… Now that Argades has been taken care of, it's time to get rid of Evenor and finally eliminate the forces from the Empire.
Polly: This is their attempt at a desperate final charge, it seems. They all followed Evenor even though it will lead to their deaths.
Morgana: There are fighters on the other side… I think it's the Ashen Wolves.
Liram: In that case, we'll just have to break through to them.
Zelhira: I heard that the Knights of Seiros had taken up residence inside Garreg Mach…
Aquillus: We have to do what we can to save them from the invaders.
Hegias: They're counting on us to make sure that they're safe.
Callisto: I don't know who they think the Malice soldiers are, but they aren't getting away with this.
Florence: I hope they like tasting the other end of my lance!
Tuncay: There has to be a weakness in the enemy lines for us to take advantage of.
Eli: Hold on a moment… That can't be… Unless…
Quinn: And so we've uncovered the one behind the recent rebellion in the Empire… Now that I see her here, it makes an awful lot of sense.
Raithius: Go on and color me surprised about that.
Aisa: I was certain you were…
Magnolia: I never would have imagined that you…
Chris: We can discuss this later. There's too much at stake right now, and I don't want to waste any time on shock.
Cordelia: Understood. This is something that we are going to have to talk about though… This can't be overlooked no matter what.
Eli: I agree. We can talk once the battle ends.
Chris: I wouldn't even dream of avoiding this ocnversation. For now though, the battle awaits.
You focus on getting through the remainder of the battle. The enemy reinforcements continue to come in waves for quite some time, but You manage to navigate the battlefield with ease at some points, giving You the chance to speak with a few members of the other groups that You have missed.
Once all the reinforcements have arrived, You see the enemy commander make themselves known. Your eyes go wide at the sight of none other than Evenor.
Evenor: I wasn't counting on so many of them appearing here… Damn it.
Eli: Evenor… I should have known she would be involved with all of this.
Quinn: We need to push through to her and defeat her once and for all. We can't give her the chance to retreat again.
Eli: I agree. Everyone, this battle won't end until Evenor has been defeated! The sooner we can break through to her, the sooner we can reclaim the monastery! We march forward at once!
You nod your understanding, and You begin to push through the enemy forces to try and reach Evenor as soon as possible.
You focus on getting through the remainder of the battle. The enemy reinforcements continue to come in waves for quite some time, but You manage to navigate the battlefield with ease at some points, giving You the chance to speak with a few members of the other groups that You have missed.
If you speak with Raithius, the following dialogue plays out.
Raithius: Would you look at that? I came through for you just like I said I would, and everything's been taken care of. Well, not exactly quite yet since we're still under attack, but… Oh, you know what I'm talking about. I'm here, and I'm going to fight with you until this fight is over once and for all. This might not be what we expected, but we'll charge through it regardless. The world is counting on it!
If you speak with Novalee, the following dialogue plays out.
Novalee: We're back together just like years before… I didn't think that the circumstances of our reunion would be so similar to the time when we were divided in the first place, but I suppose that we don't exactly have much of a say in the matter. Let's simply take care of the battle before it grows to be out of hand. There are too many enemies on the field as it is. Consider my power yours. Lead us to victory, Professor.
If you speak with Magnolia, the following dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: I can't believe that you're actually here… I heard that you were alive through rumors from Faerghus, but I didn't want to believe them until I had confirmation. Now, I can see it clear as can be… I wish that we could have met one another again sooner. For the time being, I'll do what I can to help you and the rest of your forces to defeat these invaders. It's the least that I can do, and I won't back down regardless of what happens over the course of this battle. I swear it.
If you speak with Luciana, the following dialogue plays out.
Luciana: It's a relief to be able to see that all of you are still alright… I suppose that we haven't met yet though, have we? My name is Luciana, and I've been working as Lady Magnolia's advisor for the past few years. My apologies for not introducing myself sooner. Either way, I suppose that greater details will have to wait just a bit longer… The battle waits for no one, I'm afraid.
If you speak with Cordelia, the following dialogue plays out.
Cordelia: I heard that you were back, but I never got the chance to stop by and see you… We Knights of Seiros were really busy trying to find Lady Aisa, and by some stroke of a miracle, we were able to find her. I'm glad we were able to arrive here in time to help you fight Evenor. I'm going to do what I can to help you from here on out, and that's a promise. I hope that your skills are just as sharp as they were the last time we saw each other!
If you speak with Aisa, the following dialogue plays out.
Aisa: Professor… I didn't think that I would see you here today… I understand that you must have many questions about what has happened these past few years, and I would be happy to answer your inquiries after the fight ends. Until then, we have more important matters to attend to.
If you speak with Roy, the following dialogue plays out.
Roy: I spent a lot of time trying to find Lady Aisa before coming here, and it was only recently that I was able to find her once again. I'm sorry I couldn't be here when you appeared once more. Still, it's all worked out fine now, so I guess that's what matters most. I'm looking forward to talking with you again after the battle ends.
If you speak with Chris, the following dialogue plays out.
Chris: It's good to see you, Professor. It's been far too long since we last met. I've been rather busy as of late, but now that everything has been taken care of, I'm going to be fighting alongside you and Captain Torryn for the time being. Please try to stay safe for the rest of the battle. None of us want anything to happen to you. If you need help, feel free to call for me. I'm at your service.
If You initiate combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Evenor: I never imagined that it would turn out this way between us… I suppose it's much too late to change your mind now though. You never did back down once you got that look in your eye. So be it… You won't win this fight. That much I can promise you.
If Eli initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Eli: I should have known you would be the one behind this… You were hoping to defeat us here today, weren't you?
Evenor: Of course I was. Why else would I have come?
Eli: You're desperate… You've been put on the ropes, and you know there's no way for you to worm your way out of this.
Evenor: Perhaps you're right… Perhaps not. I would never give you the satisfaction of hearing the truth even if you wanted it.
Eli: I had a feeling you would say that… So be it. If you wish to make this difficult for yourself, then I'll simply have to tear you down here and now.
Evenor: You can try… Just know that lesser men have tried to kill me before.
Eli: Then I shall show them just how far I have come. Let us begin.
Evenor: If you insist.
If Cyrus initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Cyrus: Are you proud of yourself after everything you've done? Do you think of all the people you've hurt and smile?
Evenor: I did what I had to for the sake of progress. The world will not move forward if we are too afraid to push it ahead. Surely you understand.
Cyrus: You didn't care at all about those who had to die under your work as long as it would give you peace and prosperity. I hate you for everything that you did.
Evenor: I granted you new strength. You have the power of a Crest now, and it's because of me. Surely you should be grateful I got involved to ensure you grew stronger.
Cyrus: I won't listen to you any longer. You shouldn't have gone so far, but as long as you have, I'll be the one to stop you.
Evenor: You can try it if you so choose… Though I somehow doubt you will find the success you seek.
Cyrus: Then we'll simply have to see here and now.
If Druilla initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Druilla: I always hoped I would have the chance to see you again… So that I can finally show you how much I hate you.
Evenor: You say that you hoped to see me again… And yet, I see you shaking. You're afraid of what this encounter will bring.
Druilla: You've experimented on countless people for the sake of feeding your own ambition. How can I not tremble with rage at the sight of you?
Evenor: Is it rage, or is it fear? Don't bother with lying either. I believe we both know what the answer will be.
Druilla: It matters little. No matter how afraid or angry I am, I know what needs to be done. I look forward to sending you into an early grave… Even though this comes far too late to help most of the people you have hurt.
Evenor: You only have the power to fight me at all because of the blessings I gave you. Are you not grateful for what happened?
Druilla: I could never be grateful to you after what you did. You made your decision, and I've made mine as well. I won't let you rip anyone apart ever again.
Evenor: If you insist… Prepare yourself then. I know I will
If Chris initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Chris: I knew that it would come to this eventually… You would never let the past rest in peace.
Evenor: You wouldn't do it either. You despise me, don't you?
Chris: I do… But it has nothing to do with why you hate me.
Evenor: So you've finally acknowledged the truth… Tch.
Chris: You don't seem surprised to see me alive.
Evenor: I knew you wouldn't die that easily. You never die when you should.
Chris: I could say the same to you.
Evenor: I've had enough of this. I'll kill you here today… Something I should have done fifteen years ago.
Chris: I invite you to try.
If Polly initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Polly: You're despicable down to the core. You've done nothing positive to this world.
Evenor: I would beg to differ. The advancements of my research will change the face of science forever.
Polly: Was it worth it? Are you satisfied with the suffering you've brought upon this world?
Evenor: You won't like any answer I provide here. What's the point in responding at all?
Polly: You're a monster down to the core… And today, I'm going to make sure that you never have the chance to harm this world again!
Evenor: You say that now… Let's see how strong your resolve remains when the fight begins once more!
If Zelhira initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Zelhira: What a twist of irony… That I would find myself here fighting against you.
Evenor: One could say that.
Zelhira: I've wanted to see you burn each day after what you did to me. I'm never going to forgive what you've done.
Evenor: I'm not asking for forgiveness.
Zelhira: You're never going to stop unless we defeat you here today… So that's just what I'm going to do! Step aside or face the consequences
Evenor: I'll take my chances.
If Morgana initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Morgana: You've ruined countless lives in your pursuit of what you find to be best. I don't know how you can stand there and act like nothing is wrong.
Evenor: I recognize that hair color… The sign of a botched experiment.
Morgana: You could certainly say that… Something that you taught people how to do.
Evenor: Others used that power after it was given to them. That's something out of my control.
Morgana: I'll hate you for it to the bitter end regardless.
Evenor: I have no doubt about that.
Morgana: Prepare yourself… I'll kill you here and now.
If Liram initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Liram: After what you did to Zelhira, you don't deserve to live.
Evenor: If I recall correctly, my actions gave you the chance you needed to finally foster a relationship with your daughter.
Liram: I'm not going to thank you for something like that. I don't know if you're fishing for my affection, but I'm not going to provide it no matter what.
Evenor: It doesn't matter. The fact remains that I'll win this battle here today, and there's nothing you can do to change that.
Liram: You have an awfully skewed concept of victory… But it doesn't matter. I'll make sure this is your last day alive!
If Illona initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Illona: My uncle once learned the skills of your craft from you.
Evenor: Drake de la Brache… I do remember him.
Illona: …That was one of the worst things to ever happen to me.
Evenor: And yet, you wouldn't have ever come this far if not for something like that.
Illona: You don't deserve to live after everything you've done.
Evenor: Who are you to decide something like that?
Illona: That doesn't matter… I'm just going to do what I can to win this fight here and now!
If Wolfgang initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Wolfgang: I never liked you. I suppose part of me knew from the outset that there was going to be something wrong with you the second that we met… And would you take a look at that? I was right.
Evenor: Your hair… You were a failed experiment.
Wolfgang: That's a rude thing to call someone, you know.
Evenor: But it's true. The loss of color in the hair is a sign of a failure.
Wolfgang: …You're a real piece of work. I would be more than happy to send you to your grave here today with that in mind… It's the least you deserve.
Evenor: I invite you to try.
If anyone else initiates combat with Evenor, the following dialogue plays out.
Evenor: D-Damn it… It wasn't supposed to… End like this…
After the battle ends, You stand before Evenor with a frown on your face. You remark on how it has been a long time since You last saw one another.
Evenor: Yes, it has… I had been hoping it would never come to this… I had been hoping we would never need to fight one another.
You shake your head and say that was already set in stone the instant she decided to betray You and the rest of your allies.
Evenor: You shouldn't have ended up with them in the first place. In an ideal world, you would have been with me forever.
You ask what really happened for You to end up at her side all those years ago.
Evenor: …You were special. When many others crumbled under the weight of everything that happened, you continued to stand tall. You were granted a new power far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. You could have done so much for the sake of furthering our ambitions… You could have been the one to grant us new strength.
You shake your head and say that You will never agree to doing something that has so much potential to hurt people.
Evenor: You were once happy at my side, you know… You were confused for a time, yes, but you were happy. We traveled the continent together, and all was well… Those were the best days of my life.
You ask what happened to your mother for You to have been brought along with Evenor to begin with.
Evenor: …She wouldn't have been able to give you what you needed in order to thrive. With me though…
You shake your head and say that You do not trust her judgement anymore.
Evenor: It's incredible how quickly everything can change… One rogue bandit attack and everything falls apart.
You frown at her silently.
Evenor: I came here knowing I would likely fail. The Empire has fallen. There's little I can do now… But I was hoping I could see you one last time. I had been hoping you would be willing to hear me out… Though I suppose we're well beyond the point of understanding one another at this point.
You nod and say that she made her decision just the same as You have made yours.
Evenor: It's tragic… I thought we could find ourselves in a better life than this. It seems that was not meant to be though.
You tell her that You are not ashamed of the path You have chosen even if it led You away from her.
Evenor: I know… You must remain confident in your beliefs no matter what happens. It's a strength I can admire… Though I must admit that I despise it just the same for tearing us apart.
You shake your head and say that it is over for her now.
Evenor: Yes… I know. At least I was able to see you one last time… For whatever it's worth. You don't remember all the time we spent together, and it wouldn't have made much of a difference even if you had. You've already made up your mind, and I know that.
You ask her what she knows about where her allies are going next. You know there are others mobilizing even if she decided to attack the monastery out of desperation.
Evenor: They have some plan or another regarding your army… They wish to see you all defeated, but I think we both know you will not give in quite so easily. If you were the sort to surrender at the first sign of danger, then you wouldn't have made it this far in the first place.
You nod your confirmation.
Evenor: I cannot say what they plan on doing next. I've been too busy trying to keep my operations running smoothly to bother with asking too many questions about their work. However, I can say that they're planning something. We've never been the type to go down easily even in the face of danger.
You tell her that it is this bad habit that has led her to the end here today.
Evenor: Yes… I know. I wish it were not so, but the situation has already been decided for me. This is where our conflict finally draws to an end.
You ask if she accepts her fate.
Evenor: As best I can… Yes. I wish we could have walked this path together. You could have been the one… You could have been so much more than this…
You shake your head and say that You never could have stayed at her side after learning the truth behind her actions.
Evenor: I know… And that's what makes this so difficult.
You point your blade in her direction and tell her goodbye.
Evenor: Yes… Goodbye for us both.
You strike at Evenor one final time, and she does not resist. Moments later, she is gone, and all You can do is stare at the ground in silent shock. You were the one who slashed the blade, but it still catches You by surprise to see the evidence of what You have done.
Seraphine: I feel like knowing that she's gone should be a relief or a weight off my chest… But instead, all I feel is hollow. I guess the truth hasn't sunk in yet.
You shake your head and admit that You do not know if it ever will.
Seraphine: It's a fascinating question, but I don't have the answer either.
You pause for a moment before saying that You need to get going.
Seraphine: That's true. I can only imagine the others are waiting for us. The attack was massive, and the damages to the monastery are no doubt many in number. We need to be ready to pick up the pieces and fill in the holes.
You nod and make your way back to the monastery. When You arrive, You find Eli and Quinn speaking with the other prominent members of each faction of reinforcements that came to your aid. You find yourself watching Aisa longer than all the others, but You say nothing on the matter, knowing there will be more time later to ask her if You really saw her in the town where You fought the month before.
Eli: Ah, Professor. You're back.
Quinn: Did you…?
You hesitate before nodding, telling everyone that Evenor is dead.
Raithius: And the world will be all the better for it… Though I will say that it's strange to think she launched an attack like this so brazenly. It doesn't seem to be in her style.
Chris: She got desperate, and people are willing to take drastic measures if they think it suits their levels of fear.
Cordelia: I think we have a lot to talk about now that we're here together. For example, there are a few people here who the world assumed to be dead.
Magnolia: We can leave the repairs on the monastery to the rest of the army for now. I agree that we have a lot to discuss now that the battle is over.
Eli: Of course. We can go upstairs to the cardinals' room for a bit of privacy. I have no doubt the others will be able to take care of the damages left behind from the fight. We can report back to them and hear their discoveries as well after we've spoken with one another.
Roy: Understood.
You follow Eli and Quinn up to the cardinals' room. Also with You are Chris, Polly, Magnolia, Luciana, Raithius, Novalee, Aisa, Roy, and Cordelia. You glance around the group on the way to the cardinals' room, shocked that a party like this is together at all after the last half a decade. You can already tell the conversation to come will be a lengthy one, and You look forward to the answers it will provide.
When You arrive in the cardinals' room, You and the rest of your allies settle down around the long table marking the center of the space. You turn to Eli as he begins to address the party in full.
Eli: I would like to begin this meeting by thanking all of you for coming to our aid. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't arrived when you did, but I would rather not think about it either. I am in your debt.
Raithius: Don't worry about it. We said we were going to be here, and we meant it. It would be wrong for us to just leave you out to dry in the middle of a massive fight like that, wouldn't it?
Quinn: Perhaps, but we appreciate your help regardless. The battle would have been lost if not for your swift and timely arrival.
Magnolia: The stars certainly aligned for us to arrive at the perfect moment to help you fend off the attack… I doubt you would have been able to withstand the invasion for much longer.
Novalee: As much as I hate to admit it, I'm inclined to agree. The forces here have always been minimal, and Evenor must have known that before she started her assault.
Cordelia: The fact that she came here at all bothers me though… I would have thought she would be a bit smarter than this.
Luciana: I agree. I never expected her to lead an attack against the monastery when it was so clearly doomed to end in failure…
Chris: She was desperate. The Empire fell not long ago, and she thought there was nowhere she could return to. I doubt her allies would have accepted failure easily.
Roy: The Empire… Has fallen? What are you talking about? I was under the impression Argades was ruling with an iron fist.
Polly: And we were able to stop him before he could continue that rule. He should have been more careful.
Raithius: Okay, back up. Tell us what's been going on from the beginning… Starting with how you're alive at all, Chris.
Chris: Argades should have checked for a body when he decided he wanted me dead. However, since he did not, I was able to escape. Here I am.
Magnolia: And I take it you wound up leading the rebellion once you were able to return to the battlefield… Is that correct?
Polly: Yes. We've been leading the resistance in the Empire for the last few months, and our preparations finally bore fruit.
Luciana: Is it true then? Were you really able to defeat Argades and liberate the Empire from his rule?
Chris: Yes. That happened shortly before the attack here. Like I said, Evenor decided to strike here because she was desperate and thought there was no other option.
Cordelia: She was certainly hasty to jump to a conclusion like that... Though I suppose I don't have much to complain about. She's gone now, after all.
Eli: And the Empire has been liberated… I suppose all our plans of marching south to plan an attack on Enbarr will have to be discarded now.
Novalee: I'm fine with that though. I would rather not need them than have to use them because of Argades' love of war and conflict.
Quinn: I suppose that explains most of what we needed to know… The recent rebellion was led by the Imperial princess who came out of hiding to spearhead the charge. The Kingdom and Alliance finished their sides of the war and came to reinforce us in the name of a battle in the Empire, but that will no longer be necessary thanks to the rebellion.
Roy: But there are still a few things you need to be caught up on… Specifically, you need to hear about Lady Aisa.
Aisa: …Yes… I suppose it is high time we discussed where I have been these last five years. Much has changed in that time.
Raithius: I must admit that I was surprised to see you here… I was under the impression you were long gone, but I guess I should have known better.
Novalee: If today has caught us anything, it's that you should never assume someone is dead unless you can see the body for yourself.
Magnolia: Nothing less than complete certainty will suffice… Though I suppose that element of surprise has done us a lot of good recently.
Luciana: I still don't understand the full context though… Would you mind explaining just what has happened since the fall of Garreg Mach?
Cordelia: After the final battle five years ago, Lady Aisa went into hiding. She was hoping to leave her position behind once and for all, but that didn't end the way she was hoping.
Roy: Many people continued to search for her after that, and Captain Torryn and I were foremost among them.
Cordelia: So when we finally heard rumors about where she had been hiding out all this time, we decided to follow her.
Aisa: And they caught up to me shortly before this battle. They convinced me to come with them to the monastery, and so, we set our sights here.
Polly: I'm glad you decided to come. I doubt the fight would have been won without the added forces of the Knights of Seiros.
Chris: I have to wonder though… Why did you spend so much time in hiding, Lady Aisa? I would have thought you would want to claim your leadership position when the people needed you most.
Aisa: I… I had my reasons. I wished to step away from the position of archbishop, and the Battle of Garreg Mach… It offered the perfect excuse.
Cordelia: We've already discussed it at length. Don't worry. She won't be pulling a stunt like that again.
Quinn: I take it we can rely on all of you to stand at our sides from this day forward then? We could certainly use the help.
Magnolia: Of course. No matter what you need, we'll be here to do what we can. Consider it a promise.
Raithius: What Maggy said. We're here to do what we can to pitch in, so we'll follow your lead, Eli.
Eli: Thank you… I look forward to working with all of you to pursue a brighter future in the months and years to come.
Chris: Where are you planning on setting your sights? I know for a fact there's something else going on that we haven't heard about yet in the other nations, so… What is it?
Eli: There's a dangerous group trying to take over Fódlan from the shadows, and I imagine they were working together with the insurgents in other nations to start this war.
Aisa: Yes… That is correct. I fought the primary leader of Malice before joining with the Knights of Seiros, and she confirmed as much to me.
Eli: The leader of Malice?
Aisa: Yes, but that is a story for another time. The point of this is that there is an attacking force seeking to destroy this world. The best thing we can do now is try to fight through it.
Eli: I agree. We need to turn our attention to Shambhala to defeat the people responsible for all of this. It won't be easy, but we need to try.
Cordelia: Understood. We can start drafting a plan after we've fixed up the monastery. I imagine we have a lot of repairs ahead of ourselves after that last battle.
You nod and say that You will do everything in your power to help the monastery to recover once again.
Eli: We can meet again soon to draft a plan for what is to come. Prepare yourselves, everyone. We have a long, bitter battle waiting for us, and we need to be ready for it.
You nod once more and make your way to the door. You spend the next few hours helping to restore the monastery to its former glory, but the work is long and exhausting. Afterward, You return to your room with heavy eyelids and a desperation for sleep.
Seraphine: We're so close to the end of this war… And everyone is back together again. I never thought we would see the day…
You tell her that You are happy to be able to see people who You once thought were long gone.
Seraphine: As am I… We have a lot to catch up on when we see them again. For now though, we need to rest. We'll never get anywhere if we're exhausted.
You nod once again and lay down for the night. You fall asleep almost immediately, too tired to fight against your rising exhaustion. You allow slumber to claim You, and You enjoy dreams filled to the brim with the light and love that comes with seeing your friends again. The occasional image of Evenor haunts You as well, but You are quick to change directions when need be, celebrating the joyous occasion despite the hardships of the day. You have earned this, and You know it better than anything…
update time
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