"We've finally reached Caelin," Hector said as he glanced around. "Tell me, Eliwood, is that Lyndis a beauty?"
Eliwood's eyes widened and he looked at Hector incredulously. "Hector!"
"What, is she?" he asked with a grin and Eliwood blushed.
"Well…err…yes it must be her Sacae heritage…she's err…quite stunning," he grumbled quietly, looking away and Hector snickered.
"The archers are advancing!" Rebecca said as she dashed up to the lords and they frowned.
"Why would they do that?" Eliwood questioned and Hector shrugged.
"Lord Eliwood, look!" Marcus shouted, pointing up at the sky. "There's a Pegasus knight!" he said and Eliwood and Hector looked up, as did the rest of the group to find a lavender haired girl flying toward them.
"Lord Eliwood!" she shouted as loudly as she could with her quiet voice and his eyes widened.
"Florina?" he shouted back and Jasmine froze for a moment, stopping in her scan of the landscape to turn around and look up at the sky. "Florina, fly lower!" Eliwood shouted as he noticed arrows starting to fly through the air and she looked confused, glancing over her shoulder. Screaming, she quickly dodged them but lost balance and fell off her Pegasus, falling through the air.
"FLORINA!" Jasmine and Eliwood both screamed simultaneously and Jasmine frantically looked around. Her eyes widened once looking at Hector and she glanced up at the quickly falling Florina before back at Hector.
"Hector, hold your arms out!" she ordered and he frowned.
"What-"
"Just do it!" she interrupted with a snap and he shrugged, extending his arms out. A moment later Florina fell in his arms and he looked at her, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. He put her down and looked at Jasmine with a grin.
"Good one!"
"Watch out!" she shouted and before he could have the chance to say anything, a Pegasus fell on top of him.
"Florina, are you alright?" Eliwood asked as he rushed to her side and she opened her eyes, nodding dizzily.
"Yes, I-I think I'm alright," she murmured quietly, standing up.
"That was quite a fall. You lost your balance and fell."
"Yes…but…h-how am I unharmed? I fell from such a height…"
"You got lucky. I didn't," Hector said as he walked up behind her and she turned around to face him and she yelped, hiding behind Eliwood. "You fell right on top of me!"
"Hector saved you," Eliwood said with a smile and Florina took a step forth hesitantly, now standing beside Eliwood and facing Hector.
"I saved no one! I merely gave her somewhere to land! A bale of hay would've done better than me!"
"Oh…I…I'm so…sorry," Florina said quietly, looking down at the grass.
"You were lucky, Florina. If you had fallen on me, I couldn't have caught you!" he paused for a moment, smiling in amusement at Hector. "Or your Pegasus either!"
Hector rolled his eyes and looked at Jasmine. "Thanks for the warning," he said sarcastically and she smiled, shrugging.
"I tried."
Florina turned to face her and her eyes widened. "J-Jasmine?" she asked as she dashed up to her and Jasmine smiled.
"Hey Florina," she said and the smaller girl quickly embraced the tactician. Jasmine stiffened slightly before chuckling gently, hugging back. "It's been a while."
She let go of her and looked up at the tactician, smiling and nodding. "Y-yes, it has...what are you doing here?"
"I'm the tactician of this group, working for Lord Hector," she said, gesturing toward the large lord. "What are you doing here? Well, I mean, why'd you fly over here?"
"Oh! Yes! Lord Eliwood," she said and faced the redhead. "Lady Lyndis is beyond that forest. She's waiting for a chance to assault the castle," she said and Jasmine's eyes widened but she smiled in relief.
"She's what?" Eliwood said loudly with wide eyes but he paused for a moment, letting out a relieved sigh. "At least she's safe."
"Yes, she's fine," Florina said and nodded. "However, Lord Hausen's been captured and is still in the castle."
"I see. Let's go then!"
"Nice strike, milady!" Sain called out as Lyn killed an opponent and she smiled up at him.
"Thank you, Sain."
"Ah, such a lovely smile you have," he said dreamily and she rolled her eyes.
"We have no time for this, Sain. If you haven't noticed," she said as she ducked a swing from an axe man and she sliced his leg. He yelped and lost balance, allowing her to stab him in the chest. "We're in the middle of a battle."
"Why the hell are there so many soldiers?" Hector snarled as he chopped off a Cavalier's head.
"Watch out, Lord Hector, to the left!" Serra shrieked and when Hector turned to his left he found nobody there. "My left!" she shrieked and Hector quickly turned to his right to find a fallen swordsman, Guy standing behind the corpse. "I'd be dead if Guy weren't here," Hector said, giving Serra a look.
She pursed her lips. "I was just trying to help."
Rebecca opened her eyes to find the Cavalier in front of her dead, fallen off his horse with blood pouring out of his back. She looked up to see Lowen on his horse and she grinned widely.
"Wow that was amazing! Thanks Lowen!" she said happily and he looked a bit embarrassed before nodding.
"We seem to be done with this area," he said, glancing around. "We should continue on to the East, where the others are," he said and Rebecca nodded.
"Oswin and Eliwood!" Jasmine shouted as she ducked from a flying hand ax and the two glanced over at her. "Continue on East! I think there's a-" she was cut off when she dodged a sword attack from a Cavalier. He continued to attack and as she continued to avoid the attacks, Eliwood looked concerned, starting to run toward her. He abruptly stopped when Florina came swooping down and pierced the Cavalier in the back from behind. He let out an ear piercing shriek before falling off his horse, which ran off.
"Are you two alright?" Eliwood called out.
"Yeah, thanks! You can continue on East with Oswin now! Go buy supplies!" she shouted and Eliwood nodded before walking off with Oswin. "Thanks Florina, I owe you one," Jasmine said to Florina and the lavender haired girl blushed, looking away.
"It was nothing."
"What are you talking about? You've improved a lot!"
"You are too kind, Jasmine."
"Watch out!" she shouted as she pointed at a nearby archer and Florina turned around to face it with wide eyes. Quickly tugging on Huey's reigns, she flew up in the air and luckily avoided the arrow. However, with her flying up in the air now, the archer handling the ballista noticed her and quickly took aim. "FLORINA!" Jasmine shouted and glanced around her surroundings frantically. "Marcus, go take out that ballista!" she shouted and he glanced at her over his shoulder before nodding and running off. Looking back up at the sky, her face paled as she saw Florina falling down through the sky with her Pegasus following.
"Did you guys hear that?" Matthew asked, glancing over his shoulder and Guy glanced over his before quickly dodging an attack. Noticing a Cavalier riding toward Priscilla, he quickly dashed off to protect her and when Matthew turned back around, Guy was gone. Instead, Bartre and Dorcas were nearby, battling an enemy each.
"I only hear screams," Bartre said as he swung his ax around and the archer let out a scream before his head was chopped off. "See?"
"I heard nothing unusual," Dorcas said as he ducked a swing from a hand ax and Bartre turned around to help him out. Matthew glanced back over his shoulder but shrugged.
Erk had to admit that it was somewhat annoying that he had to be the one to guard Merlinus's tent. The merchant was surprisingly sleeping away while the fortune lady was mumbling a few things underneath her breath. Erk glanced around his surroundings and sighed. There were no approaching enemies; everyone was to the East. He paused for a moment before a silly grin stretched across his face. It was a bit quieter over here, at least. There was no Serra. And he couldn't ask for more.
Jasmine dashed through the forest and quickly glanced over her shoulder, relieved to see that the three Cavaliers were still far back. They could and would catch up with her, what with them riding horses. At least she had managed to make a quick diversion. She couldn't help but smirk proudly at herself for that.
There was a quiet groan from her left and she quickly turned, continuing to run passed the thick bushes and trees. She stopped when she noticed Florina lying down on the ground, her arm around Huey as she lied down beside her. Quickly taking out some vulneries from her backpack, Jasmine walked up to the Pegasus knight.
"Florina!" she said quietly, not wanting to draw the attention of the Cavaliers, and she jumped a bit, facing her.
"Jasmine?"
"Are you alright?" she asked and glanced down at her bleeding arm. Without another word she gently pressed the vulnery against the wound and Florina winced. "Sorry, I know it hurts," Jasmine said gently and Florina took in a sharp breath.
"Huey is hurt," she said quietly and when Jasmine looked back at Florina she saw tears falling down her cheeks. "T-this is my fault…if I had noticed-"
"This is not your fault," Jasmine said reassuringly. "Actually, this is my fault," she said guiltily and bit down on her lower lip. "I should've figured out another way to take out that archer handling the ballista."
"T-this is not your fault," Florina said, wiping her tears away with her hand. "The ballista was too far away."
"But I could've…I could've used someone as bait!" she said as she realized what she could've done. "That way the arrows would've been used up!" she said and sighed in frustration, putting a hand up to her forehead. "I'm so stupid!" she said and before Florina could have the chance to respond, she continued. "You said that Huey is hurt? Can I go check on her?" she asked and Florina nodded, taking the vulnery from Jasmine and holding it down herself. Walking over to Huey, Jasmine bent down and noticed that one of her wings appeared to be crooked. "That doesn't look good."
As Florina opened her mouth to respond, she let out a small squeak. Furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, Jasmine stood up to find the three Cavaliers standing in front of them.
"It looks like our lucky day, gents," the Cavalier in the middle said, smirking. "How lucky are we to find two beautiful ladies?"
"Very lucky," the one to the right of him said.
"How about you girls come along with us? We'll let you live, I'm sure Lord Darin wouldn't mind."
"He does like beautiful girls," the one on the left pointed out and the two others nodded in agreement. Florina started to quiver and Jasmine walked up in front of her, holding her arms out protectively in front of Florina.
"I don't think so, pal!"
The one in the middle raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? If you don't, you'll just have to die right here and now."
"I'd rather die than join Darin and his nasty gang," she hissed.
"Do not insult Lord Darin!" he snarled and charged in toward her, raising his sword. She quickly turned around, grabbing Florina's arm, and she flung her aside. Florina rolled away softly through the grass and she sat up, looking up at Jasmine in horror. As the Cavalier swooped down his lance, Jasmine took in a sharp breath and protectively crossed her arms in front of her face. The Cavalier stopped with the lance a mere few inches away from her chest and he fell off his horse with an arrow sticking out of his neck. The other two Cavaliers quickly glanced around their surroundings.
"Show yourself!" one of them shouted, readying his lance. Jasmine glanced at Florina sitting in bewilderment and gestured for her to stand up. Florina stood up and the two girls, along with Huey, started to slowly creep away. Despite her broken wing, the Pegasus could still walk.
"Hey!" one of the two Cavaliers shouted as he noticed them starting to escape. "Get back here!" he said and unsheathed his sword, starting to ride after them. He was quickly stopped as two Cavaliers rode in front of him, one with his green lance held high in the air.
"Nobody lays a scar on either of those sweet angels!" he said and charged toward the enemy Cavalier, his partner quickly following. The other enemy finally noticed this and when he tried to help save his partner, a nineteen year old woman went sailing through the air, stopping in front of him. Quickly tugging on his horse's reigns, the enemy attempted to slice her head off but failed miserably and instead got his own head cut off as she jumped and sliced it. The other Cavalier fell as well and an archer emerged from the bushes with a grin. The four faced Florina and Jasmine. Jasmine looked utterly stunned as she stared at them with wide eyes, her mouth open widely whilst Florina looked mildly surprised but pleased. The first to speak was the young woman, who wore a traditional Sacaen outfit and her long green hair was put in a ponytail.
"Jasmine!" Lyn squealed as she ran up to her and embraced her so roughly that the two girls toppled over. Laughing, the two girls stood back up and grinned widely at each other. Lyn embraced her old friend once more, and feeling her body go rigid before Jasmine could have the chance to hug her back, quickly let go. "Oh, I'm sorry Jasmine! I completely forgot!"
"I don't mind hugs, they make me feel…loved," Jasmine said with a small smile. "Well, as long as it's from a friend."
Lyn's smile returned. "I missed you! I can't believe it's already been a year! And look at you!" she said, gesturing to her outfit, which now consisted of an orange shirt and a white skirt. "I like your new outfit!"
"Oh really?" Jasmine asked, glancing down at herself and back at Lyn. "Serra forced me into it. It's not weird or anything right?"
Lyn smiled reassuringly. "You look very pretty, Jasmine."
She shook her head. "I'm not pretty at all, Lyn, and I wish was at least half as pretty as you are!" she said and as Lyn opened her mouth to respond, she continued. "I've missed you so much!"
"But you haven't missed her quite as much as you've missed me," a man around the age of nineteen said as he walked up to Jasmine. A black bandana was wrapped around his head and held back his brown hair that matched his honey brown eyes. He wore green armor and a smirk. "Ah, you still take my breath away!"
She blushed but laughed. "Oh Sain, I missed you too!"
"How about a hug for your knight in shining armor?" he asked with a grin, opening his arms. She hesitated for a moment, allowing Kent to hit Sain on the head with the back of his hand. Sain yelped and pursed his lips at Kent over his shoulder.
"Hey Jas, can you believe it's already been a year?" Wil said cheerfully as he walked up to her with a grin. The seventeen year old had brown hair with matching brown eyes and he wore a blue shirt with white pants. He wore shoulder armor and held a bow in one hand.
She smiled at him. "It's kind of hard to believe and by the way, I really missed you and that nickname," she said and gave him a quick hug, taking in a sharp breath as she did so. Sain pursed his lips and started to protest as Kent walked up to Jasmine.
"How have you been, Jasmine?" the redhead around the age of seventeen or eighteen asked with a polite smile. His armor matched the color of his hair and he wore brown pants that matched the color of his eyes.
"I've been good."
He nodded and glanced over at Florina behind her. "Are you alright, Florina?"
She gave him a small smile. "Y-Yes, I'm fine, but Huey…"
"One of Huey's wings appears to be broken," Jasmine clarified. "We should hurry and get back to the battle."
"All right," Lyn said and nodded. "Can Huey still walk?" she asked and Florina nodded. "Then let's go!"
"The castle is yours once we defeat the foes inside the castle," Eliwood said to Lyn.
"Thank you."
"I should receive no thanks. All of this happened because we routed Lord Darin at Laus. I take full responsibility."
"You told me about your father, Eliwood," Lyn said gently. "I would do the same thing in your position. What happened in Caelin is not your fault."
"Thank you," he said quietly and with a smile.
"Eliwood!" Hector said as he walked up to him. "We're moving into the castle!"
"All right," Eliwood responded and Lyn eyed Hector curiously.
"Who's that?"
"Hmm? Oh, Hector!" Eliwood called out and Hector walked back to him, looking a bit annoyed.
"What?"
"This is Lyndis," Eliwood said, gesturing toward Lyn and Hector raised his eyebrows, remembering what he had asked Eliwood earlier that day. "She's Lord Hausen's granddaughter. Lyndis, this is Hector. He's Lord Uther's brother."
"Lord Uther's brother?" Lyn asked with raised eyebrows.
"Yes," Hector replied.
"I was watching the way he fights," she said to Eliwood. "He's not like you, Eliwood. He's somewhat like my own knights, but different still. He relies on so much power. It's like he's never been…"
"I haven't. I taught myself how to fight."
"I've no issue with that. But the way you swing that ax around…you're a threat to your allies! You should be more careful!" Lyn said and Hector raised an eyebrow.
"What did you say, woman?" Hector hissed, taking a step forth but was stopped as Eliwood extended his arm out.
"Lyndis! What's gotten into you?"
"Hmm?" she asked and paused for a moment. "Oh, sorry. I didn't intend to be so critical," she said and Hector didn't respond as he narrowed his eyes.
"Hector's style may be a tad dangerous, but there's no one I depend on more. You may think of him as a careless brute, but he's aware of his surroundings."
"The more you praise me, the less worthy I sound," Hector said with a roll of his eyes and Eliwood cracked a smile.
"Lyndis, once you fight alongside Hector, I'm sure you'll understand."
"I'm sure you're right. I apologize, Hector," she said as she looked at him. "I'm honored to have your help."
"No apology necessary. I'm glad I can lend a hand," he said and Matthew walked up to Hector.
"Milord, when should we-"
"You!" Lyn gasped, pointing at Matthew, who faced her. "You're-"
"No I'm not," Matthew said quickly, turning around. "You've got the wrong fellow!"
"Stop right there, Matthew!" Lyn said and he stopped, smirking as he turned around to face her.
"You saw right through my disguise, didn't you, Lady Lyndis?"
She looked confused. "What? How could I not recognize you? You're…you!"
Eliwood looked at the two curiously but Hector seemed like he understood the situation. "You two know each other?"
"Yes," Lyn said, nodding. "He traveled with me to Caelin. What are you doing here?"
He only smirked and Lyn pursed her lips but she smiled slightly as she looked at Jasmine beside her. "Jasmine?" she asked and Matthew's face contorted.
"He's a spy working for Ostia," Jasmine said, smiling slightly at Matthew, who groaned.
"You just had to tell her."
"A spy? I thought you were a thief," Lyn said to Matthew.
"Shouldn't we go inside the castle now?" he said, looking at Hector, quickly changing the topic. Lyn raised an eyebrow at the spy but nodded nonetheless.
"Let's go."
"Looks like there are still a lot of Laus soldiers in the castle," Hector said and he looked at the two lords beside him.
"Where are the Caelin guards?" Eliwood questioned Lyn.
"I think about half of them were killed in the surprise attack. The survivors must be here somewhere…"
"They might be locked away as prisoners. Right, let's rescue them!" Hector said.
"I wish we had more power to make up for our poor numbers," Eliwood said with a small frown.
"Time to get inside! Let's reclaim the castle!" Hector said, throwing a fist in the air.
"Hold on Grandfather, we'll be there shortly," Lyn murmured quietly.
"Jasmine!" Hector barked at the tactician, who was looking at the map that Kent had given her. She looked up to see Hector gesturing for her to come and she did. "What's the plan?"
"Okay, well, I'd like to have Florina guard Merlinus's tent because with the walls and everything, it'd be difficult for her to fly and battle. I'd like Marcus to stay there with her. Lowen, Matthew, and Bartre," she called out and the three went to her side a moment later. "I want you guys to go in this way," she said, pointing to the large corridor on the bottom left of the map. "Matthew, I think there might be a few chests in that room…" she trailed off and he smirked widely.
"Now you're ordering me to steal, eh?"
"You know you would've anyway," she said and he shrugged, not denying it. "Everyone else will continue North, take a left here," she said, pointing to a left. "I want Hector and Oswin up front, along with Eliwood and Lyn," she said as Eliwood called his comrades over to listen to the plan. "Behind them I want Rebecca, Sain, and Kent," she said and at the mention of Rebecca's name, Wil looked at her, his eyes widening. "I want Serra and Priscilla in the back, with Wil and Dorcas in front of them. Erk and Guy, you two stay behind them. Since this is the prison," she said, pointing to it. "I would like Sain and Kent to go save the hostages. Two familiar faces would give them some hope. While we're at it, I think Matthew, or if anybody happens to have door keys, should open all locked rooms. There might a few enemies or chests. Matthew, Lowen, Bartre, Sain, and Kent, when you five are done with your areas, you head up North, where the others are battling. We continue on to the throne and finish it. Does everyone understand this plan?" she asked and looked up from her map to her comrades. They nodded and a few mumbled 'yes'.
"Where will you go, Jasmine?" Lyn asked and Jasmine paused for a moment before answering.
"I'd like to stay with the main group, in the back."
"Let's go!" Hector said with a grin and there was some bustling around before everyone managed to get in position. "Jasmine," Hector said before she walked off and she turned to face him. "We can't count on the captured Caelin soldiers to be able to fight. We'll have to protect them as much as possible."
"All right," she said and nodded.
"What?" he said suddenly, glancing around and she jumped. "That chill feeling…someone's watching…and wants me dead!" he said and her eyes widened. "No sense in worrying, though," he said and looked back down at Jasmine. "I'll deal with it when it happens. Let's go, Jasmine!" he said and she nodded.
"For Caelin!" Lyn, Sain, Kent, Florina, and Wil said simultaneously, raising their weapons.
Eliwood dodged the black ball that had appeared out of nowhere and attacked him. He furrowed his eyebrows, glancing around. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Hector grunted as he swung his ax around, missing his opponent's head as he took a step back. The swordsman took a quick step forth, ducking Hector's next attack, and stabbed him in the leg. Hector let out a loud groan and fell to the floor, his Wolf Beil dropping beside him.
"Hector!" Eliwood shouted and rushed to his side as Lyn ran toward the enemy swordsman, her Mani Katti gripped tightly in her hand. In one high jump, she brought her sword down and it sliced right through the swordsman, who dropped dead to the floor. "Serra!" Eliwood called out. "Priscilla!" he shouted desperately, glancing around for either one of the two healers. Serra came dashing out from the back moments later and quickly healed Hector. Another black ball came flashing and Serra shrieked, taking a quick step back and dodging the attack.
"What the hell was that?" Hector grumbled as he stood back up, shouldering his Wolf Beil as Serra left in order to heal somebody else.
"That's the same thing that just attacked me!" Eliwood exclaimed and Lyn frowned. Another one popped out in front of them and everybody took a few steps back. Annoyed, Hector swung his ax through the black floating ball but it was useless, merely going right through it.
"I know what that is!" Lyn said suddenly and the two looked at her. "That's dark magic from a Shaman!"
"Great. Now all we have to do is find out where he's hiding," Hector grumbled, glancing around.
"You," a redheaded mercenary said as he faced Priscilla and she looked confused. The young man had a hard face, his brown eyes cold, but he looked a bit surprised as he looked at her.
"Hmm?"
"Can it be?"
"I…"
"You don't…recognize me. That's not surprising. You were so young when we were separated."
Her eyes widened and she did a double take. "What? Are you…are you Raymond, my brother Raymond?"
"You've grown, Priscilla," he said quietly and her eyes widened. As she opened her mouth to respond, a male voice intervened.
"Priscilla, there you are! We need you to heal Erk!" Dorcas said and paused for a moment as he noticed Raven. "I'll deal with him," he said and as he took steps forth, Raven unsheathed his sword, and Priscilla let out a squeal.
"NO!" she shouted and the two both paused, looking up at her. "Sir Dorcas, this is Ray-"
"Raven," he interrupted and her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at him. "I know Priscilla."
"Priscilla," Dorcas said hastily, remembering why he had come. "Erk."
"Yes," she said, nodding and she pulled on the reigns of her horse. Glancing down at Raven for one last time, she hurried off after Dorcas. Looking after where she had gone, Raven looked down at the sword in his hand and he lifted it, looking at it curiously.
"But we can fight, sir!" a knight protested and Sain looked down at him from his horse.
"I appreciate your dedication to Caelin, soldier, but I have orders from Lord Hector that you three should rest."
"But sir-"
"Do as you are told, soldier!" Kent interrupted with a snap and he quickly fell silent.
"I apologize, Commander Kent, Commander Sain," he said quietly and Sain grinned down at him.
"It's no problem! Like I said, I appreciate your dedication to Caelin."
"Here come the reinforcements," Marcus said, raising his silver lance. "Are you with me, Lady Florina?" he asked, glancing up at Florina, who nodded.
"Y-yes," she said quietly, lifting her lance.
He nodded. "Good," he said and charged off toward the Cavaliers, quickly followed by Florina on her healed Pegasus.
"I am Bernard, Knight Commander of Laus!" a large and heavily armored man shouted as the three lords walked into the throne room. "I am much stronger than Bauker. You pesky children cannot defeat me!"
"We'll see about that!" Hector roared, raising his Wolf Beil as he charged toward him and Bernard swung his lance toward him as if it were a baseball bat. It hit him and Hector was flung back against the wall with such force that he created a dent in the wall.
"You'll pay for that!" Eliwood said as he ran forward and slashed his Rapier at the Knight Commander. It hit his armor and didn't even dent it. Laughing, Bernard struck his lance forth and Eliwood took a quick step to the left, barely avoiding the attack. As he tried to strike again, Lyn ran forward, her sword high up in the air as she attempted to slice his throat. Her attempt failed when he flung her back with his lance the same way he had done with Hector, who was now running toward Bernard. He swung his ax around and it hit Bernard square in the chest armor. As he pulled his ax out, there was a visible cut made in Bernard's armor.
"This is for Caelin!" Lyn shouted as she ran toward Bernard and as he turned to look at her, she was nowhere to be seen. Little did he know that she was up in the air and was now coming down, her sword colliding with the top of his head. He fell off the throne and lied in his puddle of blood that came oozing out his head.
"Grandfather," Lyn whispered suddenly, looking up from the dead body as she looked around her surroundings. "GRANDFATHER?"
"Look…there's blood on the throne," Hector said quietly as he noticed a few drops of it and Lyn looked horrified.
"No…no! Grandfather!" she shrieked and Eliwood put a hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, Lyndis! He might only be injured. Come, let us find him."
"Yes, you're right," she said, calming down. "I must be calm," she said and paused for a moment as she noticed something move in the shadows. "There…someone's there!"
Quickly putting a hand out in front of Lyn, Eliwood stepped in front of her. "Who's there? Show yourself!" A young woman emerged from the shadows, her bright magenta hair covering nearly half of her face.
"Leila!" Hector said as he recognized the woman and she smirked slightly.
"It's been a long time, Lord Hector."
"You know her?" Eliwood questioned.
"Yes, she works for Ostia…all right, she's a spy," he said after the look Eliwood gave him.
"Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lady Lyndis of Caelin, am I correct? I am Leila, and it's an honor and pleasure to meet you," she said and bowed. "Lady Lyndis, Marquess Caelin is back there receiving treatment."
"My grandfather is safe?" Lyn said with wide eyes and Leila nodded. "Ah, Father Sky and Mother Earth, I thank you for your mercy!" Lyn cried, looking up.
"Leila, what are you doing here?"
"I'm following Lord Uther's orders, of course. I'm investigating Marquess Pherae's disappearance," she said, her eyes flickering toward Eliwood, who took a step forth.
"My father? What have you learned?"
"…come, we should talk in private," she said as she noticed their army emerge in the doorway, curious of whether or not they won the fight.
"We'll be back," Hector told his comrades before following Leila, Lyn, and Eliwood into another room through the throne room.
"We should survey the castle," Marcus said as he glanced down at his comrades. "Just to make sure there aren't any hidden enemies left."
"Good idea," Jasmine said and nodded. "How about you, Lowen, Sain, and Kent? You guys are all riding horses so it'd much faster than on foot," she said and the four nodded before turning around and riding off.
"Lady Jasmine, is that you?" a quiet male voice came from behind her and she turned to face him.
Her eyes widened. "Lucius?"
"It is you! My, it's been a long time!"
"Yeah, it's been far too long!" she said with a smile and a nod before pausing for a moment. "Have you been here the entire time and I haven't noticed?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "No, I have only just joined this group."
"Oh, okay! That's great!"
"Ah, that's Lucius, isn't it?" Wil said as he walked up to them and looked at the blond. "It's been a year too long!"
"Wil?" Lucius said as Kent and Sain rode back up to them, finishing their survey of the castle. "Sain? Kent? Wow! Are you all doing well?"
"Yes, we've all continued to work at Caelin. What about you, Lucius? What have you been up to?" Sain asked and the monk smiled, shrugging.
"I've just been traveling around with a friend of mine."
"What's everyone crowding around?" Serra asked as she pushed her way into the small circle, glancing over at everyone.
"You, of course, sweetest Serra!" Sain said and she glanced up at him. "How can we take our eyes off of you?"
Serra giggled. "Oh Sain, it's going to be nice to have you in this army! You actually have the nerves to tell me that I'm beautiful!"
"Ah, Sister Serra," Lucius said from behind her and she twirled around to face him. Her eyebrows rose before a large grin formed on her lips.
"Lucius!" she squealed and hugged him roughly, causing him to stumble back a few steps. He chuckled quietly and gave her a few pats on the back. "Did you miss me? Well of course you did! I mean who wouldn't?" Serra babbled as she let go of him.
"Jasmine?" Florina asked quietly and the tactician looked at her.
"Yes, Florina?"
"Um…what's going on?"
"Look for yourself," she said, gesturing to the monk and Florina's eyes widened.
"L-Lucius?" she said quietly as Matthew and Erk both joined the now large circle.
"Oh, hey Lucius!" Matthew called out and the monk turned to look at him. His eyes widened and he looked at everyone around him.
"Wow, this is nearly everyone we traveled with last year!" he said and Jasmine smiled.
"Maybe this trip isn't going to be so bad after all."
All right. I've recently started to play Fire Emblem again and I realized that I missed a chapter because I was getting the past chapters from Eliwood's version without realizing it. So, Heath was supposed to come up in the chapter I skipped (I'm playing Hector mode and this story is supposed to be Hector mode). I'll just put him in the chapter he's supposed to come up in Eliwood's story in the game.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed! Raven and Jasmine haven't met each other yet...but will soon!