Today has proven to be a very busy day at the local tavern, as many of the villagers were bringing in new shipments of badly needed supplies and food for the people of Mirage Village that was ordered about several weeks ago. Various articles of food along with boxes of tea and alcohol and other goods can be seen being brought into the back for later distribution while the ones who came from the trip were taking a break. It was sometime in the afternoon, so the tavern was full of patrons, filling the place with the smell of food and drink. The ever constant chatter can be heard, whether it be the gossip of the housewives, the adventurous tales of the men who were part of the convoy who were protecting said shipment, or in the case of a certain red-headed merchant, discussing the details of business with the tavern owner.

Had it not been for the merchant, this atmosphere of pleasantness would not have been possible, as only just a few weeks ago they were dangerously close to using up all that they had in the village.

Mirage village was a somewhat small village that was close to one of the several oasis terrains that can be found throughout the Plegian desert, which provided temporary shade and water to the villagers, as well as herbs for medicine. It was not enough for the village, however, so they had to obtain supplies form the other neighboring villages from fixed routes. While it was not a main trade, as they also received most of their goods from the capital and other various locations, they were able to sustain themselves as well as providing a way to obtain news from the world outside, as they are mostly an isolated village.

The name of their village came to be because of how it was able to seemingly disappear into thin air from a distance, and it helped prevent the chance of being attack from any brigands or other enemies. Unfortunately, it also became a problem, as mot many people knew the exact location of the village, to the point where they would have to rely on those native to the village, as many believed that the Mirage village was nothing but a myth of the desert. Nevertheless, the villagers were able to make sure to prevent the neglect of their village and live their lives as they would do.

This became routine for many years until the start of the Ylisse-Plegian war broke out, and soon many began to fear their lives as they heard the news of the invasion of Plegia. The elder of the village urged everyone not to leave nor have anyone enter the village, as they could be easily found out by the Ylisseans. This also meant they had to cut ties with the other villages and ration their food and supplies. While this plan of waiting out had worked for a short while, by the time the Battle of the Plegian Capital was taking place, they soon realized they would have to find a way to restock, as their supply was slowly being depleted.

They also had no idea what was going on as they lost contact with the outside world when they cut ties with the other villages. Year after year the villagers would only receive what they were allowed to eat and drink, and they would spend most of their time either in constant fear or with their families and loved ones because they had no idea when it would be the last time they would get to be with them. At this point many were preparing for the inevitable, as many were losing hope in returning to their normal lives. It was no wonder the villagers would consider the lone merchant to be a miracle from above when she arrived.

The merchant called herself Anna, and she wanted to strike a deal with the people of Mirage Village. The villagers were worried because they did not have enough gold or had any goods to trade with, but were soon relieved when she turned down that idea. What she did want, however, was a new place of residence for her and her group when they would arrive. This was surprising to the villagers, as well as the elder himself who was present with them, but he soon replaced it with a sense of suspicion and asked her why she would want to live here.

"Well knowing how this place is, I wanted to settle down and live in a nice quiet house when I get bored of the merchant business..." she replied with a hint of playfulness in her voice. This only made the elder more suspicious of her but nevertheless had to accept her offer, as he was really not in a position to argue, and so he invited Anna to his home with his wife for dinner tonight.

After discussing the terms of the agreement at dinner, she went to work writing down orders from the elder organizing them by quantity, quality and by urgency. This took her for most of the night and was allowed to stay at the elders house before heading out the next morning. During her absence, the villagers went to work, building a house that was big enough for several people by the outer limits of the village, like how she wanted it as described in her offer. It would take about several days until she would return with a convoy of food, medicine and other goods.

At the moment Anna was at the bar counter, drinking while talking with the bartender, who was a young man in is twenties filling in for his father. The bartender wanted to know about what was going on outside the village, but soon realized that much of the news were not necessarily pleasant. Anna had just told him about the war and how it was progressing as well as the current stalemate they had at the moment.

"So all this time we were in the middle of a godsdamned battlefield?" he asked with a shocked looked on his face.

"Afraid so barkeep. They've been at it so long its a wonder how they didn't find you guys already." replied Anna in a casual tone, as she then took a moment to have another swig of her ale before continuing, "And they already are at their wits end, so I don't know what keeping them from just ending it then and there"

The bartender frowned, " The nerve of those Ylissean dogs! Haven't they had enough of bloodshed already?"

"Apparently not, but what can you do? besides, it's not like you guys have been fond of those Plegian soldiers either"

"Perhaps not, but at the very least they don't dare hurt innocent people who cant defend themselves"

Anna took another swig of her ale and looked at him with a raised brow. "Really? Heh, If that's what you think, then you might haven't been out long enough"

"My father was part of the Plegian Army many years ago" He said sternly, evidently not amused by her comment "He helped protect the people of this Kingdom as a distinguished knight, and he was far a better man than anyone else"

"Whoa there hon! No need to get all defensive. Just letting you know not everyone has the same idea as your old man" Anna held her hands up in a calming manner.

Thankfully the young man closed his eyes and took deep breaths before apologizing, "Sorry about that, its just... well all of us have been cooped up in this village for so long that I can't help but feel a bit... anxious"

"Don't sweat it, hon. All work and no play, as they say. So uhhh..."

"Jake"

"Jake, right! Um... do you know where your dad is by the way? I need to talk to him about something important"

"Well he's at the back, helping your guys unloading and organizing. Might want to wait for a bit"

"Sure thing"

The bartender then left to serve the other patrons, leaving Anna at her seat with her now empty drink. She looked around the tavern, seeing the once hopeless villagers laughing and smiling as they enjoyed their meals and drinks, almost as if they were never in any real danger to begin with. All it did though was leave a sort of melancholy feeling on her.

Glad to see they don't have to worry. Heh, if only they knew.

Thankfully her thoughts were interrupted by a man sitting next to her.

"Hey there beautiful, mind if i buy you another drink?"

She then looked to her right with a smirk on her face

"Shut the hell up, Alfred. Arn't you supposed to be helping out with your brothers unloading?"

"Well if you were paying attention instead of flirting with that guy, dear cousin, then you would see that we are done already". That earned him a strong punch on the arm, courtesy of Anna

"Ouch!"

"Ass..." She then got out of her chair and went to the back of the tavern, Alfred following close behind. As they reached the kitchen, she saw the tavern owner taking inventory while several of her other cousins were with him watching.

"I'm guessing everything is here...?"

The owner turned to see Anna and Alfred, with a pleased smile on his face, "That it is, ma'm, that it is! Thanks for helping us out in our time of need. If it wasn't for you, then this place would not have survived a few weeks longer!"

"Well, us Anna's do our best to leave our costumers happy!"

"Haha! well you've certainly made me happy lass! Although...", the owner lowered his voice a little " When i first met ya, I assumed you would just get our hopes up and leave for a meal and bed!"

Anna faked a small gasp, a hand to her heart, acting offended "Why the nerve! I would never deceive my loyal costumers for something as small as that! And here I thought we were just beginning to have something..."

That got a hearty laugh out of the owner

"Har har har! Quite the actress arn't ya?", When he calmed himself down he saw the young man next to Anna, "And who is this lad right here, eh?"

"The name's Alfred, pleasure to meet you" He offered his hand, which the owner gladly took

"The pleasure is all mine! So I assume those other boys of yours are your brothers?"

"Yes,but Anna is my cousin, so we don't have the same similarities"

"Hmmm, well either way I thank you lads for helping an old man with an errand"

"Glad to be of service"

"Well then..." His focus went back to Anna "My son Jake has told me you had something important to discuss"

"Yes I did, sir"

Anna looked at Alfred, to which he only gave her a slight nod, and handed her a map. They both had planned this years ago, and the time was right to make it happen. While they knew what was coming, they still had to gain a foothold before they can even make a move. They had already established their main hideout in Mirage Village, but they still need to have connections to move to the next phase and gain allies outside of their respective families.

The three made their way toward the kitchen table while the others left to have a well deserved break. Anna placed the map on the table and unrolled it, which turned out to be a map of the world, and several trade routes, locations and other landmarks were marked on the map. Looking at this, the owner gave Anna and Alfred a confused look.

"Your son told me that you have served in the Plegian Army, is that right?"

"Aye that is true, i've been to many places and met alot of folks during my time in service"

Anna smiled slightly at this

"Well then, perhaps you can help us out on a few things..."

Gain influence, gain allies, then proceed to the next phase...to take advantage...

Hello Hello! Kalbern Here!

Well then, here is the second chapter for you guys. Im sure you guys have some questions, but rest assured that everything will be explained soon. Again, if there is any mistakes that are seen here, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, be sure to let me know. I will do my best to answer them all and fix any mistakes.

Anyways, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Until next time!