Warrior Realm.
After the battle against the Risen, the Shepherds continued their journey to Ferox. The trip was anything but short, and they had to stop to set up camp along the way. Everyone did their part in setting it up, and the meal was prepared. While Cassandra was eager for some food, Chrom and Lissa sat near the camp fire, simply watching the others for a bit.
After some silence, Chrom spoke "Hey Lissa, can I ask you something?".
Lissa gave him a curious look "Of course, what is it?".
"What do you think of Cassandra?" Chrom asked as he looked at Cassandra who was practically drooling over the delicious food that had been prepared.
Lissa blinked, a little confused by his question before she looked at Cassandra "I think she's great. She left behind a peaceful life just so she could join us. And she's already helped us out a lot, so I trust her. Why do you ask? Don't you trust her?".
"Of course I do, I was just curious. Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep, goodnight Lissa" Chrom said as he got up walked towards his tent.
"Wait, already?!" Lissa asked in surprise, Chrom never went to sleep this early. She looks at Cassandra, wondering why Chrom would ask that "Hmmm... I wonder...".
After their long trip, the Shepherds were finally approaching Ferox's borders. However, the whether had gotten a lot colder, which had not made their trip any easier... least at all for a certain princess, who was shaking uncontrollably from the cold.
"ATCHOO! Why does it have to be so cold!? I hate Ferox! I never want to come here ever again!" She complained with a runny nose.
Cassandra was freezing as well, but endured it "Hey Lissa, can I ask you something?".
"S-Sure, A-ask away... Anything to distract me from the cold" Lissa said through hacking teeth.
"Chrom and Sumia seems pretty close. Are all Shepherds like this?" Cassandra asked.
Lissa thinks about her question for a bit "I guess, we are all really good friends and we look after each other. But if you're asking if Chrom and Sumia are more than friends, then I highly doubt there is anything like that between them. Chrom isn't very good when it comes to romance".
"I see..." Cassandra said.
Lissa looks at her "Why do you ask?".
"Oh no reason, I was just curious. Anyway, let's keep moving before our feet freeze to the ground" Cassandra said as she quickly walked on ahead, much to Lissa's confusion.
"Hmmm... First Chrom, and now Cassandra... I wonder" Lissa mumbled to herself, and then she smiled deviously as she was starting to suspect something "Maybe they are-ATCHOOO! Never mind! I'll think about it later! I hate Ferox!".
They continued walking for a while until they finally reached their destination. There was an impressive wall in front of them, and it looked strong enough to hold of most attackers. However, something felt wrong about it. The guards seemed to be on edge.
"Brrr! F-F-Frebberick! I'm f-f-freebing!" Lissa said.
Frederick smiled "Stand beside my horse, milady. She'll shelter you from the wind".
"So this is the fortress?" Robin asked.
Chrom nods "Yes, the Longfort. It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox".
"The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners. Still, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy" Frederick said.
"Negotiation's not my strong suit, but I'll do my best. Remember, everyone: your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse" Chrom said.
"Understood" Cassandra said, preparing to do her best to make a good first impression.
They soon arrived at the front of the fortress. And the bad feeling from before only grew stronger. Something was wrong about this place. They didn't expect a warm welcome, but so far no one has even come out to greet them.
"Trouble in the wind, milord: the Feroxi Guard are mobilizing" Frederick said.
"What?! Why?" Chrom asked.
"Who can say? But they look ready to let fly at a moment's notice. We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe. Perhaps we ought pool our supplies and select which Shepherds to deploy? Loath as I am to trust him, Robin might offer some valuable insight in this…" Frederick said.
"Indeed, he IS our tactician, after all. So, Robin? What do you suggest?".
Robin thinks for bit before he speaks "Given the fortress' size and the warriors they have. I suggest we bring in people or are fast and mobile. And having some magic users would be good to, especially Lissa's healing. And given the amount of archers, it wouldn't hurt to have someone with a shield and strong armor".
"I'm in. I'm good at dodging and I have a shield" Cassandra said.
Robin nods "Agreed. Frederick and Sumia should have good armor for this, and their skills on horse back will also be useful. And Vaike should be strong enough to meet their close range warriors head on".
"Alright, let's see if we can settle this without a fight first" Chrom said.
They walked over to the gates, where the commander named Raimi was waiting. She was a strong woman with heavy armor. One look at her was enough to convince Cassandra she needs to be careful around her.
"Halt! Who goes there?!" Raimi demanded.
"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!" Chrom answered.
"Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!" Raimi warned.
Frederick spoke up "Hold, milady! We are not your enemy! Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest".
Raimi scoffed at them "My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!".
Frederick was shocked by what she said "B-brigand? Now see here—".
Raimi cut him of "You think you are the first 'Ylisseans' to try and cross our border? I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand".
Frederick glares "How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood!".
Raimi did not look impressed "Ha! Yes, indeed—and I'm the queen of Valm! You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes? Mmm... Then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!".
"Rgh... Emmeryn won't like this at all... Please, good lady! If you'd just listen—" Chrom tried to clear up the clear missunderstanding, but the Ferox commander was not having it.
"I've heard quite enough! Attack!" Raimi ordered.
Several soldiers above the fortress walls throw their spears at Chrom, who braces himself. Suddenly, he is whisked away to safety by a pegasus.
"Sumia...?" He said in surprise.
Sumia who was riding the pegasus looks at him "Better hold on tight, Captain. Could get bumpy".
"Uh...right" Chrom said.
"You'll be fine" Sumia assured before more Feroxi knights throw their spears at them.
"Sumia!" Chrom said.
"Right!" Sumia said as she and Chrom dodge the incoming weapons and fly away. They regroup with the rest and Chrom gets of "Oh, Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time".
"That goes double for me, Sumia! And this—is this the same ornery pegasus we met on the road?!" Chrom asked in surprise.
Sumia smiled "Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she? ...Once you really get to know her…".
"Well, many thanks to you both" Chrom said with a smile.
"I think the pegasus is blushing!" Sumia said with a giggle.
"And I think we had all best focus on the situation at hand!" Frederick reminded.
"Chrom, they're coming!" Robin said.
Chrom narrowd his eyes "All right. The Feroxi way it is!".
Cassandra sighed "So much for diplomacy".
"Phila said pegasi can fly far afield, but they're highly vulnerable to arrows. Don't worry, girl. I'll watch out for archers for both our sakes!" Sumia declared.
"Why do I feel like I'm being watched...?" Chrom wondered.
"Um, sir? ...Sir! Right here, sir!" Came a familiar voice.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Chrom demanded.
The voice was heard again "I'm standing in plain sight, sir. Right he—".
"BWAAAH! Oh! I-is that you, Kellam? When did you arrive?" Chrom asked.
Kellam looked hurt "The same time as you. I've been with you all along. Er, I AM still a Shepherd, right? It's quite the honor, after all. I'd hate to lose it. Sometimes I—".
Chrom quickly cut him of "Of course, Kellam. Forgive me. You're just so...quiet, I completely—".
"Quite all right, sir, quite all right. I've been told I'm easy to miss" Kellam assured.
"At least the Feroxi didn't find you" Chrom said.
"I've been calling to you and waving my arms for several minutes... I don't think they've so much as glanced this way" Kellam said.
"You almost sound disappointed" Chrom noticed.
"Well, I just... I'm glad you finally saw me! Just try to keep an eye out from now on?" Kellam said.
"Still wonder how we keep missing someone that big..." Cassandra mumbled.
Everyone got ready to fight and they clashed. However someone was moving through the battle field, knocking down both Ylissian and Feroxi soldiers alike, but didn't kill any of them. It was a physically-fit young man with long blond hair and a scar across his right eye. He is clad in a suit of ornate steel plate armor and a long white scarf, with his upper body bare under the armor.
"ENOUGH!" He shouted out, causing everyone to look at him.
"Siegfried...?" Chrom said in surprise.
"What are you doing mercenary?!" Raimi demanded.
"Stopping you from making an idiotic mistake. I thought someone of your status would risk starting a war on a mere suspicion" Siegfried said before looking at Chrom "Is it really you Chrom?".
"Of course it's me, this is just an misunderstanding" Chrom answered.
Siegfried eyed him for a moment before he spoke "While I personally do not doubt your words, these people will need convincing. So I challenge you to single combat. That shall leave no doubts of your identity".
Chrom understood, the Ferox people believes in action above words "Very well, I accept your challenge. I shall prove myself right here and now".
"You sure about this Chrom?" Robin asked.
"Yes, I know Siegfried, and we both know this is the best way to settle it" Chrom said as he stepped forward to meet Siegfried.
Siegfried pulled out his large sword and got ready. Chrom got ready as well, and everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the duel.
Chrom dashed at Siegfried, and swung Falchion swiftly, Siegfried pulled held up his sword and used his bigger weapon to block and parry Chrom's swings, the two briefly locked blades as the two men looked in each other's eyes for a moment, the two broke off their swords, and Chrom spins around and spun his weapon before assuming a stance where the Falchion was tucked under his arm, Siegfried held his weapon with hands and surged forward, Chrom then bolted forward, with Falchion firmly striking outward.
Chrom's attack struck Siegfried's armor, and would've pierce straight through it, had he not move out of the way, allowing Chrom's sword to simply grace his armor. Chrom knew Siegfried would be able to dodge it, so he spun himself around, to land another attack, but Siegfried quickly rolled to his side, Chrom's swing was firm, but not overextending, Chrom performed an overhead swing aiming for Siegfried's side, but Siegfried quickly blocked it and landed a solid kick to Chrom's chest, taking the full brunt of the kick, Chrom's momentum was reserved and Chrom slid back from the impact.
Chrom brushed away the dirt from his clothing "You are as strong as ever, Siegfried".
"And you are as random as ever" Siegfried replied.
The two swordsmen went at each other, swords blazing, Chrom delivering a swift horizontal swing, moments from being hit, Siegfried leaned back, avoiding the swing, Siegfried then delivers an upward strike, which knocked Falchion out of Chrom's hands and into the air. Chrom looked up, and saw that his blade would soon fall, Chrom took one step back, and then ran forward, and jumped into the air, with his hands outstretched. Chrom grabbed hold of the Falchion, and then quickly turned his jump into a somersault, and landed powerful strike that Siegfried blocked, but the force of the impact made him go down on one knee. Grunting, Siegfried pushed Chrom away and they began clashing blades again.
The duel lasted for several minuts before both delivered one last strike... which ended with their blade less than an inch away from each other's necks. The duel was a draw, but the message was clear.
"Yes... you are the real Chrom. No one else can fight like that" Siegfried said as he and Chrom removed their blades.
"Then your claims were...true..." Raimi said as she walked up to them "A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand impostors. But no frauds could ever challenge the legendary Siegfried like this, nor would they fight with such clear respect and honor. I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally".
"That would be most appreciated, thank you" Chrom said and as Raimi leaves he looks back at Siegfried "Thank you. Without your help, I dread to think what could've happened".
"Would be a wasted if Ylisse and Ferox went to war due to an misunderstanding. But this is how things work in. Mere words isn't going to be enough" Siegfried said.
"Amazing. Her whole demeanor changed" Robin said.
"Like Siegfried said. In Ferox, strength speaks louder than words. I should have known better than to overestimate the value of diplomacy here…" Fredercik said.
"So, you know this guy, Chrom?" Cassandra asked.
Chrom smiled "Know him? He's like the brother I never had. Me and Siegfried has known each other since we were children, mainly thanks to our fathers being close friends".
Siegfried finally smiled "And you haven't changed at all since we were kids. I guess that should be comforting".
Cassandra giggled a little "Somehow I can believe that Chrom never grew up that much".
Chrom gave her an annoyed look but shook his head in mild amusement "Anyway, it's good to see you again, Siegfried".
"Likewise, Chrom" Siegfried said.
"So can we get going, Chrom?" Lissa asked, once again shaking from the cold.
"Yes, it's not getting any warmer" Chrom agreed.
With that, everyone moved on. All were relived that they managed to avoid anything to serious. Now they just needed to speak with the leader and hope for an alliance... Little did they know, even that would prove harder than it sounds.
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Tell me what you think.