She woke up with a startled gasp, and for a moment believed she was back in her circus trailer. Another bad dream, Anje thought as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The musty smell of planks and dank surroundings quickly reaffirmed where she was. Still on the ship.
"Another bad dream, my sweet Anje?" Virion asked. "My, you're even sweating. Are you sure you don't want to discuss it?"
She shook her head as she tossed the frayed burlap sack off her. "Not really," Anje said.
Anje dreaded waking up in fear with Virion looking over her with such sympathy. It made her feel soft and pitied. Things she had sworn off when she reached acclaim within her career after a grueling passage of disappointments and trickery.
Virion had looked at her each of the past three mornings with a cheery disposition and a gaze that made her feel very small. That, and his exaggerated vocabulary was beginning to wear on Anje. While she had placated the man's philosophical queries and questions of a more personal nature, her mask was quickly deteriorating into the short and aggressive attitude she had cultivated over her years in the circus. A prickly disposition meant to dissuade overly curious fans and troupe members, and now Anje felt her very defense mechanism working against her only potential ally.
Ally. She never thought she'd be in such desperate need of such a person in a situation like this, but not everyone wakes up suddenly after their death on a boat to a foreign land. Frowning as she stood up, Virion handed Anje a warm cup of tea.
She exhaled dismissively out of her nose at the gesture but took the warm liquid anyway. Of all the survival tools to bring on a venture, the nobleman had brought a tea set. Taking a sip, Anje closed her eyes and nodded. While she would never approve of such a frivolous thing in terms of survival, it did wonders to warm her belly. Not that she would ever admit that openly to Virion.
"The crew says we will reach Ylisse within a few hours. A port town that I can't deign to remember," Virion said. Snapping his fingers, Virion smiled as Anje blew on her hot cup of tea. "Speaking of remembering, do you remember any more details as to why you are on the ship?"
"N-not in particular," Anje hesitated. "It's nothing that seems to match with what you've said."
"Ah, then perhaps for another time," Virion said as he began to pack up his tea set. "Also, have you thought over my offer some more? It does come with a fresh pair of clothes." Virion flashed a slight smile at her. "No companion of mine will saunter around in roughspun rags."
"I suppose I will," Anje said, looking around the cabin anywhere that wasn't Virion's eyes.
Anje knew she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. She had spent the better part of the past three days listening to Virion's ramblings about the glory of Rosanne and what fashion would suit her most. Not to mention a demonstration of her performing abilities, where she had walked along the ship's side railing like a balance beam. The brief applause was nice, though the anxiety and panic in Virion's eyes were not lost to Anje when she did a backhand spring step-out. A small victory nonetheless.
"Marvelous!" Virion exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "I have just the idea of what would suit your elegant and lithe form-"
"I'm not letting you dress me like some kind of doll," Anje sharply said.
Virion paused as he coughed into his shoulder. "Of course not, I had just presumed that you would be using my expertise in the department of selecting lavish-"
"I can pick my own damn clothes," Anje interrupted. A scowl on her face now evident as she raised a finger. "I see what you wear, Virion, and if my clothing has half as many ruffles as that blouse of yours then I will launch myself into the ocean."
Virion's face paled a bit at Anje's harsh outburst, but he quickly recomposed himself as he ran his fingers through his long dark lavender-colored hair. Anje held her gaze on Virion to help drive home her point before he sighed and nodded. Another small victory.
Anje waited for Virion to pack up the rest of his small tea set into his travel bag in silence. Arms crossed and leaning against the door, Anje wondered to herself, Will there even be a place to dock? It all still feels like a bad dream. Maybe this is the passage to Hell.
"Ah, there we go," Virion said, slinging his travel pack over his shoulder. "Shall we commence?"
Anje nodded. "Yes, let's go topside."
The pair quickly made their way out of the small cabin room and through the cargo bay. Anje wriggled her nose as she passed by a few sailors, the stench of grime and oil permeating their vicinity. She looked over her shoulder to Virion who also seemed to share her sentiment of distaste for the local crew.
Reaching the open air was a relief for her as warm sunlight and a cool ocean breeze brushed against her skin. She looked out in the distance to the West and saw something she hadn't seen since her impromptu arrival. Civilization.
While small in the distance, Anje made no mistake that what she saw was a harbor in the distance. Full with other vessels, buildings, and presumably people living their lives. Making her way to the side railing, Anje rested her body weight heavily on it. It was real after all. Some twisted idea she had spawned told her that this was all a dream. Her imagination and logic told her this would most likely be the passage to the underworld, but now instead of brimstone and fire, she saw a bustling town full of people that she would walk among soon.
"I heard the sailors call it 'Eastpoint'. A trading hub for Ylisse." Virion remarked as he leaned his elbows on the railing. He cast Anje a coy look. "Beautiful isn't it?"
"Are you referring to me or the town?" Anje replied. She couldn't chide Virion for his manner whilst she was considering her place in the Universe. And the only clue I have is some vague letter, Anje thought as she tried to keep her knees from buckling. The realization of being away from home-no, away from something familiar was becoming far too real now. She knew she had no real home beside the damned circus.
"Indubitably," Virion replied with a smirk. "Though, I must suggest we try some of the local cuisines. I hear that bear steak is quite the delicacy."
Anje tilted her head to the side and hummed. "Food would be good. Anything probably beats the slop we've been eating the past few days."
"A connoisseur of food?" Virion questioned with excitement in his tone. "I implore you to tell me of some of your favorite dishes. My curiosity has been rather ravenous."
Virion laughed at his joke, though Anje merely frowned. "Not much to say, other than it's hardly different than what we've eaten here," Anje flatly said. "The circus didn't provide the most edible food. If you met with fans or clients, sometimes you could score a better meal."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that," Virion quietly replied. "No matter, this is the start of a new beginning for both of us!"
Anje nodded and focused on the town that was slowly becoming larger in view. Only perhaps another hour or so until they would dock, and then the exploration of the new world. The sentiment overshadowed her excitement as she could feel her skin begin to prickle as the ship eased its way into the harbor.
"Get ready to dock!" A sailor shouted from the crow's nest.
Anje exhaled deeply as she followed Virion off the boat and onto the bustling wooden docks. As she looked around, Anje felt more self-conscious of her outfit and appearance as she examined all the strange people bustling around. Dressed in long dresses, tunics, and other various garments associated with medieval times made it feel like a fair, yet more real. There were no performers or exaggerated gestures. No guests puttering around and interacting with actors. Just people doing their jobs and living their lives.
"You alright, Anje?" Virion asked, looking over his shoulder. "Don't tell me stepping off the boat has made you ill?"
Anje shook her head as she brushed her matted hair out of her face. "I'm fine, it's just a bit overwhelming is all."
"Ah," Virion replied as he clicked his tongue. "That it can be sometimes. Let's find a good place to eat before we go shopping? I imagine some proper food will help that demeanor of yours."
She couldn't argue with that logic. Anje could hardly remember the last time she had something decent to eat. Was it before her last performance? Frowning, Anje tried to wrack her memory as she trudged behind Virion who spouted off exposition himself about the city.
Virion managed to find the market square, where they both took in the sights of fruit and fish peddlers. The dirt plaza held maybe three or four total merchants from what Anje could tell, all wearing plain clothes as they stood behind their stands bartering with people. Fresh orange, apples, and salmon all seemed to be today's favorites.
"Quite the little market they have going on," Anje mused. "Don't suppose we are going to eat something here or were you thinking of a restaurant?"
Virion's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of 'restaurant. "But of course!" Virion remarked. "While produce is fine, I think I'll scout ahead to investigate the tavern and ask some questions. Shall you join me?"
"Not yet, I want to walk around the market for a bit," Anje replied as her eyes locked on the apple stand. Her stomach rumbled a bit as the juicy red fruits beckoned her. Something juicy and fresh would help get the taste of stale water and lard out of her mouth.
Anxiety seemed to wash over Virion's face as his head swiveled around to inspect the crowd. He ground his teeth for a moment before he relented, "Very well, I doubt I could dissuade you. Just don't follow any strange men into alleys, okay?"
"Right, just after I strip off all my clothing and dance in the town square," Anje derisively snorted. Virion's face paled at her comment. She sighed, "I was joking. I'm not an idiot. I've grown up on the streets. I know how to not get abducted."
"Ah, of course. Sorry, but I hadn't heard you say a joke before. You caught me off guard is all," Virion said. "But like I said, just stay-"
"Go," Anje said, waiving Virion away. "Your long-winded speeches are burning daylight."
One last look around from Virion, he sighed and nodded. He patted Anje's shoulder as he walked toward a rather large log building. Now left to her devices, Anje approached the apple stand.
A rather spindly and tall man at the stand appeared to be finishing up with a customer as Anje approached. The woman dressed in a red cotton dress and black coif wrapping around her head seemed quite plain as she placed a few apples into her basket. Though in the rags I'm currently in, she might as well be a queen, Anje thought as the woman scurried off.
"Ey, you. Whatcha be wanting?" The merchant asked. His face looked stony and emotionless as Anje greedily eyed the boxes of apples laid out before her.
"Perhaps a sample?" Anje asked, using the sweetest tone her raucous voice would allow.
The merchant crossed his arms and frowned. "En' whatcha thinking I am running, eh? A charity?" He waved his hands in a shooing motion. "Be gone with ye urchin."
Anje frowned. It wasn't the first time she'd had no money and been hungry. Growing up in the streets of Sevastapol was a daunting proposition when it came to scrounging for food, even when she got with the circus. Still, there were always other ways of getting some grub.
"How about a little performance then?" Anje suggested as she deftly plucked four apples from the nearest box. The merchant seemed ready to yell but clammed up as Anje began to juggle the fruits. She smirked knowing she had the man's attention. "How many do you think I should juggle to earn a bite of one of these apples?"
The merchant raised an eyebrow as Anje inverted her juggling form. "Aye, perhaps a few more. I've seen four apples be juggled plenty of times by the local minstrels and performers."
"Oh yeah, what's the most you've seen?" Anje said with an edge to her voice. "I bet you an apple I can top it."
The people walking by slowed their pace as they passed by the juggling girl in front of the fruit stand, taking their time to gawk. Stroking his patchy beard as he noticed the attention being drawn to the stand, he nodded to Anje. "Fine lass. I've seen someone juggle at least seven things. You think you can do eight?"
Oh, this will be child's play, Anje thought as a smirk formed on her face. "To prove my point, I'll do nine. Now throw me another one to me, underhanded, when I say."
Switching back to a traditional juggling rotation, Anje look a quick look around at the small crowd that was beginning to form around the quaint apple stand. She shrugged, as this all part of the performance. At least the one they think they are all watching.
"Toss!" Anje ordered as the merchant complied and gently tossed her another apple. Five now in the cycle fluttered in the air, catching the eyes of the merchant and the crowd. Adrenaline pumped in her veins and her heartbeat pounded in her chest as she asked for another toss. And then another. Finally, the last two were thrown into the mix.
Anje was now straining her forearm muscles to create such large arcs to give all the apples proper time in the air. With a bit of a forced smile, keeping her eyes on her targets Anje asked, "Get the box ready, I'm going to throw them in!"
Shaken from his awe, the merchant nodded and grabbed the half-empty apple box, and tilted it upward. One by one the apples flew through Anje's hands and into the box, each landing with a dull thud. The crowd gasped in awe as each apple landed, and as Anje spun around to face the few dozen people that had gathered they clapped for the impromptu display. She exhaled and smugly smiled at the entertained people as she bowed quickly and faced the merchant once again.
"So? I think we both know that was impressive enough to earn me at least one apple," Anje cooed as she crossed her arms. Her smug demeanor plastered on her face as she tilted her head towards the enthralled crowd that was just starting to disperse.
"Yes, perhaps. I shall give you a discount," The merchant offered as he watched two customers line up behind Anje. "I'll only have it cost one copper instead of the normal five. Deal?"
"Thought we'd agreed on if I could juggle nine then I'd get one for free," Anje said. " I may not be able to pay, but your stand now has significantly more attention!"
"Aye, there be truth to that," The merchant replied. "But, I'm still a businessman. A generous discount is the most I can offer in these times."
"Unbelievable," Anje muttered under her breath. She sighed deeply as she hung her shoulders and trudged away, giving way to the next customer at the apple stand.
Anje made her way to the side of the tavern Virion entered early, and posted herself on the side of the building. Away from the crowd of the plaza, she reached inside her roughspun trousers and pulled out a fresh apple. Either way, I was going to get one, Anje mused as she bit into the crisp red fruit. She relished the sugary juices flowing from the core of the apple and the sweet tanginess. A reward for a performance well done.
"A rather tasty apple?"
Anje froze mid-bite. She did not recognize the voice. Certainly wasn't Virion's. She looked to her side to see a young man wearing an absurdly ridiculous pointed hat, spectacles, and well-worn robes.
"It is," Anje replied as she finished her bite. "What's it to you? I ain't sharing. Now piss off."
Doesn't matter that he looks harmless, anybody that walks up that friendly to a stranger is bad news, Anje thought to herself as she eyed the boy curiously while slowly taking another bite. The teen doesn't appear to be thrown off by her vulgarity and merely smiles as he takes off his hat, revealing matted brunette hair.
"I wasn't particularly hungry, but I wanted to praise you for your sleight of hand capabilities," The teen explained with a thoughtful look. "I was in the crowd and heard about the deal you made with the merchant. I think you earned it."
Anje nodded and relaxed. He was a fan, nothing more. "Thank you-" Anje gestured for him to speak.
"Ah, yes! My name is Laurent. A pleasure to meet you," Laurent replied as he gave a slight bow.
"Anje, but I doubt it's a pleasure. I must smell rather rank in these rags," Anje mused with amusement as she noticed Laurent's nose twitch.
The doors to the tavern swung open loudly, and Anje sighed as she heard Virion's voice arguing with another gruff yet distinctly feminine voice. Laurent and Anje turned their heads to see Virion pointing up as if to exemplify his point as beside him is a short red-haired knight looking rather angered.
Laurent's eyes widened as he hastily put his hat back on. "Sorry, I must be going," Laurent said. "Farewell, Anje."
"Anje!" Virion bellowed as he strode confidently toward Anje, with the disgruntled knight in tow. Quirking his eyebrow, Virion asked, "Making friends are you?"
Anje shook her head and took another bite of her apple. "Nah, just a fan. I think you scared him off."
"A fan you say? I didn't know you were well known here," Virion said with genuine confusion.
"I'm not. Did a little show in the plaza and earned me an apple," Anje shrugged.
Virion nodded before he motioned to the knight. "Anyways, this here is Sully! She's a knight of Ylisse that has agreed to help lead us to Ylisstol."
"Who's the waif?" Sully derisively snorted. "You said she was filthy and underdressed, but she looks like she's escaped a war camp."
Anje's eyes narrowed at the knight as Virion cleared his throat and stepped between the women. "Ladies, ladies, please have some class. We're on our way to get some food and then help dear Anje get situated in better clothes. It's been a rough trip, rougher for some than others."
"That's fine, you already paid me and I'm going toward Ylisstol anyways," Sully said as she rolled her shoulders. "I'll go fetch my horse and wait by the gates until you're done."
"Excellent," Virion added as Sully marched off toward the port's stables. He turned his attention back to Anje who was still scowling in Sully's direction. "Now, where were we? Ah yes, a meal and clothing for the lady. I know just the places."
A fresh meal, a wash at the inn, and fresh clothes did wonder for Anje's disposition. After the crab soup, a long hour of her arguing with Virion took place at the tailor's place. Anje rejected every dress that Virion threw her way, she grew excited by the challenge his companion presented. Eventually, she persuaded him to go with something tactical and not something that screamed 'please save this poor maiden'. They had settled on basic underclothes, form-fitting short sleeve leather tunic, bracers, boots, a padded kilt, stockings, and a hooded cloak.
Anje had no qualms with the result, though the colors of the crimson kilt and dark grey tunic didn't do much for her. Something brighter would have been preferable to help complement her blonde hair, but she knew that complaining more about Virion's good intentions wouldn't seem good. She'd accepted his aid and was slightly skeptical at first if he intended to hold it over her. Those thoughts were dispelled though as she discovered Virion simply adored fashion and shopping. He only wanted to show off his expertise to her, not hold the items for favors or ransom. A strange one, much like the world itself she now found herself in.
The last item Anje managed to squeeze out of Virion was buying a cheap hatchet. Practical for camping, and a good defensive tool in case of an emergency. She couldn't wait to get on her own two feet and begin purchasing the resources she desired instead of relying on Virion's goodwill. While nice for now, most people usually collect on that goodwill when it's most convenient for them or inconvenient for the other.
"Ah, there is Sully now. Let's join her and be on our way! We can make significant progress toward Southtown by nightfall and possibly reach it tomorrow," Virion said as he waved to the unamused knight.
On her steed, with her lance draped across her lap, Sully exhaled deeply as she watched her two escorts approach. "You all done in town?"
"Excellent observation, my illustrious and breath-taking knight!"
"Can it with the flattery, or I'll be taking more than your breath away, Ruffles," Sully warned as she patted her lance. "You good Anje? Tired of this guy's bravado and ready to hit the road?"
Anje smirked and walked by Virion, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm fine now that I won't be mistaken for a street urchin."
"Good, because you were one rough-looking pup," Sully remarked as she kicked her horse into a trot. "We got the rest of the afternoon, let's get moving."
The group made their way up the northwestern path into the lush forest that lay before them. The banter between Sully and Virion helped her focus on what her goals in Ylisstol are. Or at least what they should be. But that if I don't find any answers about the letter? Anje mused, casting her vision downward and placing a hand on her chin.
Questions and mystery were always non-existent when it came to her performances. You always knew whether or not you would land a move. You knew your next move. And the following. It was all rehearsed into oblivion. And yet I slipped off that bar. It was clearly greased, Anje mused as she rubbed her chin.
Which led Anje to her most bothersome detail; the figure in the darkness, with those bright orange embers for eyes. Another unexplained occurrence. Was it merely a part of her psyche in the throes of her death? Or something more sinister. Even now, her memories of that time felt like a fever dream to her. It was losing weight in her mind. All except that lone figure, watching her plummet as if holding some forlorn vigil.
"Oh, Anje!" Virion said in a singsong pitch. "Perhaps you can enlighten Sully with your dazzling perspective on women needing protectors."
"Yes, tell this dandy he's a few eggs short of a dozen," Sully groused as she shifted in her saddle. "His dated thinking has made him quite the comedian."
"Your sweet words wound my heart, my dear Sully!"
Sully snorted. "I can do more than that, pretty boy."
Anje looked between her two traveling companions with curiosity. Virion seemed confident in his argument, perhaps even expecting Anje to side with him given his haughty disposition. Sully, conversely, seemed to be mostly glaring at Virion.
"It only really matters if the person needs protecting, and even so if they offer, why turn it down if nothing is expected in return?" Anje reasoned. She shrugged her shoulders and continued, "Why not accept protection? I may not agree with their nonsensical obligations, but it's no skin off my back."
Virion nodded and hummed, "...So you do agree with me!" Virion pat Anje on the back while flashing her a grin. "I knew you'd see it my way!"
"Whoa, hold up," Sully said while shaking her head. "Anje, so you're saying you'd rather have men fight your battles for you?"
Anje tilted her head to the side. "For me, it's about survival. So yeah. I'm not opposed to the idea."
"Ahuh. So your one of those. Got it," Sully groused. "Figured you be one of those types."
Anje raised an eyebrow. "One of 'those types'?" She said while a frown began to form on her face. "Please elaborate Sully, because I only dance for crowds, not around topics."
"You know exactly what I mean. You expect men to solve all your problems," Sully said confidently. "Or worse, you manipulate because you know you can't. I'd be careful, Ruffles."
"I'm not less capable because I'd rather accept help," Anje hotly replied. "I'm guessing you never had someone to stick up for you and you've grown rather cold to the concept of help." She sent Sully one last dismissive glance. "Not surprised looking how you talk and carry yourself."
"Oh really?" Sully challenged. A fire in her eyes seemed to ignite as she gripped her lance tightly. "Would you like to-"
"Perhaps we should move to a different topic?" Virion asked as he extended his arms out, putting himself between the acrobat and cavalier. "I think the moment has passed for talking about honor."
Anje and Sully looked at each other, neither of them diverting their glare. Locked into a brief mental standoff, Anje was the first to break eye contact and suggested, "Yes, perhaps we should look for a spot to camp soon?"
"Great suggestion!" Virion cheered, seemingly happy to move on. "I think I spot a clearing up in the forest ahead that should serve us wonderfully!"
Virion looked to Sully, expecting a response or quip, but the female knight simply shrugged and kicked her steed into a faster trot. Anje rolled her eyes as Virion sighed. Seems like this will be a long trip, Anje thought.
Camping was never Anje's strong suit, but she pitched in to help while avoiding Sully whenever possible. Gathering wood and kindling for a fire, to searching the surrounding wood for berries and fruits while Virion hunted for rabbits while Sully guarded the campsite. Anje was happy to get some time away from the others. She hadn't had much time alone the past few days, and being in nature helped revitalize her sense of the world. While foreign socially, things like trees and berries were instantly recognizable for her, granting a small semblance of serenity.
With a small pile of berries contained within her cloak that she used as a makeshift sack, Anje looked up at the dark canopy. The sun was setting and venturing back to camp would be wise. While the small familiarities of the world were beginning to comfort her, the unknowns still lingered in the forefront of her mind.
As she made her way back to camp, Anje noticed Sully had already gotten a small fire started and Virion was midway through skinning the plump rabbit he had caught.
"I've got some blackberries," Anje said while placing the cloak full of them near the campfire. "I can also go get more wood if needed."
"It'll be fine, the wood is only a little wet and should burn fine," Sully remarked, not making eye contact with Anje. She bristled slightly at Sully's comment but remained quiet as she sat down.
"Do not fret, this rabbit shall be divine. My cooking will make you weep with joy once it graces your lips," Virion said as he flourished his carving knife and set the rabbit aside. Anje's lips twitched with amusement as she watched him carefully place the rabbit on a makeshift spit.
"If you burn it, I'm gonna want extra pay. I didn't sign up to eat chewy food ontop of guiding you," Sully grumbled as she leaned back. "Still, anything is better than nothin'."
"It's probably better than whatever we got on that ship," Anje muttered as Virion placed the rabbit above the open flame.
Virion stepped back to admire his handiwork and placed his hands on his hips. "And now we wait! I do say, there must be some interesting stories to be told amongst us, or perhaps we should-"
"Shut it Ruffles," Sully barked as she gripped her lance and craned her head. "I don't think we're alone in the woods tonight."
Animals or people? Either proposition didn't sit well with Anje as she watched Sully slowly get to her feet and scan the area. Everyone remained still for a moment, and to the group's north, Anje heard movement in the forest brush. Something was approaching.
Anje's hand wandered towards the hatchet hooked onto her waist and gripped it. Virion's facade turned serious as he scrounged up his bow and quiver that he had placed near Sully's horse and stood by casually yet attentive. Whatever it is, it's not trying too hard to be sneaky, Anje thought.
Through the brush, three rugged and rough-looking men dressed in filthy studded leathers. Each armed with shortswords on their belt, Sully quickly rose to her feet and Anje's shoulders tensed as the men leered over the group. A wave of unease washed over Anje as she saw the desire in the new arrivals' eyes. Hunger. Each of their gazes squarely fixed upon the rabbit over the open flame with the hulking leader of the group licking his lips.
"Having a little campfire 'er are we?" The large man of the group asked. "Smells good too."
Sully shook her head. "I'd run along, fellas. Plenty of food in the forest for ya to choke on," Sully raised her weapon and rested it on her pauldron. "Unless ya want to get acquainted with the business end of my lance."
No matter what they called them in this world, Anje knew they were the low-life scum of this world. Predators that feasted upon the spoils and earnings of others. She knew they would not simply go away. Hunger was one hell of a motivator, as she knew from experience.
"Well that's hardly civil, isn't it lady knight?" The leader of the strangers mused with a malevolent grin. His lackey's behind him chuckled as he said, "Wouldn't it be more chivalrous if you handed over that little meal to the less fortunate?"
"I encourage you, gentlemen, to be on your way. We have no quarrel with you or your ilk," Virion said, an edge to his voice that Anje hadn't heard before. "Tarry here no longer, if you would."
The rugged men exchanged a glance amongst themselves before breaking out into a cacophony of chortles and head shaking. She knew Virion had tried to dissuade them from conflict, but it would be inevitable. Only one option remained first, and Anje would be remiss not to seize the opportunity.
Anje reached for her hatchet and unlatched it from her belt loop as the men seemed to be more amused than threatened by Virion's warning. She planted her feet firmly into the ground, feeling the center of her balance, and let out a deep breath. The noise of the forest dulled, the raucous sounds of the bandits seemed far away, and the sun seemed to finally dip below the horizon. One swift motion later, she released the hatchet with a finely trained rotation of her body and well delivered follow through. The hatchet had found its mark, and the sounds of the outside world came rushing back to her.
The leader of the three men slumped to the ground as a dull thunk echoed from his skull. Virion's eyes widened with surprise and Sully smirked as she readied her lance. The remaining bandits hastily drew out their shortswords and angrily cursed. The act had been expunged and their motives now made clear. Anje had no patience for subtleties of wordplay or being strongarmed by society's leeches. Action was her language.
Virion quickly nocked an arrow and shot it into his assailant's shoulder while Sully engaged the other taller and more gangly man in melee, keeping the bandit at bay with the reach of her weapon.
The shot from Virion did little to slow down the adrenaline-fueled anger of the bandit as he closed the distance between him and the flashy archer. Anje looked around the camp and spotted her next weapon. Virion's hunting knife. She dashed over and plucked the weapon off the ground as Virion backpedaled away from the wild slashes of his enemy.
With another quick flick of her wrist, Anje launched the knife at Virion's pursuer. On a predictable path, her knife found itself soon buried inside the bandit's throat. With one last gurgle, the foe fell to the ground clutching at his throat as the life faded from his eyes. Seems all those nights sneaking off to practice finally came in handy, Anje thought as she flashed a wry grin at Virion.
Virion grimaced at the display for a moment before smoothly nocking another arrow into his composite bow. Anje watched the archer send a well delivered shot to the remaining bandit that was refusing to risk getting inside Sully's range. The arrow embedded itself into the bandit's shoulder causing him to yelp in pain, grabbing at the new wound. Sully smiled as she raised her lance and thrust it cleanly through the distracted bandit's stomach, breaking through his poorly made leathers. Sully drove the man to the ground as he lost grip of his rusted shortsword, and quickly retracted her lance to perforate him twice more through the chest.
"By the goddess, woman!" Virion cried as he relaxed his posture. "You didn't have to attack them. With a little more time, my charming words would have persuaded those brigands to be on their merry way!"
"Ahuh, would ya have bored 'em to death ya Rosanne windbag?" Sully said. She wiped off the blood from her lance on the bandit's leathers and shrugged. "Sorry, but Anje had the right idea. Was gonna be a fight either way."
Anje went over to the first bandit, and with a rough tug managed to dislodge her hatchet from the lead bandit's skull. She grimaced as she glanced at the man's broken face and split nose where the hatchet had delivered the killing blow. "Virion, these men were going to try and rob us. Probably talk with us to get closer before attacking," Anje reasoned as she rehooked her hatchet.
"Truly?" Virion said in an exasperated tone. "And how are you so certain?"
"Because it's what I would do if I was hungry and desperate," Anje sighed as she sat down near the campfire. She tossed on another log on the fire and eyed the rabbit curiously. Definitely a bit overcooked.
"She's right, Ruffles," Sully said. Sitting down across from Anje, Sully nodded to her. "You ain't too bad with that axe. Maybe I had the wrong idea about you. Thinking you were some helpless damsel and all."
"I said I wasn't opposed to receiving help, not that I was helpless," Anje said, holding her head high. She cast a sly glance at Virion and chuckled, "I may not be helpless, but you sir might be a little hopeless. Thinking you can talk bandits out of attacking you?"
Virion cleared his throat and placed his hands on his hips. "While I may have had some, er, difficulties having those men see the error of their ways, I have no doubt that I would have prevailed and had them see the discourse in their depraved ways."
"Ahuh. Sounds amazing. If only they were still alive," Mused Sully. "Oh, and Ruffles could you be a gentleman and move the bodies out of our camp?"
Virion paled a bit at the gruesome prospect but nodded. As he walked over to the bandit that received a hatchet to the face, Anje called out, "One last thing, Virion!"
"What else is weighing upon your beautiful yet morally questionable mind, my sweet Anje?" Virion said in a strained voice as he began to drag the body.
"Your rabbit is overcooked."
Virion groaned as Anje snickered and rotated the spit. Perhaps this world isn't so bad after all, Anje thought as she watched Virion struggle to finish dragging the first body into the brush. Yes, there were bandits, unknown cultures, and strange people, but there was still humanity at the end of the day. People trying their best to survive in the harsh world and find their place, just like her.
Anje cast one last glance at the dead bandits and shook her head. She would survive whatever this world had to throw at her. Never again be trapped in a life where she was forced upon the stage to perform for others. It was her show now, and Anje knew she wouldn't go down like one of those bandits.
A/N: Alright, next stop: Southtown. How are we liking the style and pacing so far? If you've read my other Fire Emblem OC story, then this will be a bit different as I'm writing in a different PoV style here for practice and with a vastly different character (and it won't be as bonkers with plot divergence). Critique and conjecture appreciated! This story will have more consistent updates once Stolen Remedy wraps up in the near future, so stay tuned!
Also, yes I changed slightly how Virion and Sully meet up with the rest of the Shepards. Nothing else huge here, besides how they arrive.
Also! You can now find me on a fanfiction podcast! Fanfiction Treehouse can be found on Soundcloud and Spotify! I, Narwhal Lord, RedXEagl3, and TheBobcat18 are all Fire Emblem writers and we talk about stuff relevant in the fanfiction community and stuff to improve upon. Check it out, and new episodes every Saturday! We also do fanfic reviews, so if you are curious, submit suggestions on the discord!
As per usual if want to find more quality fics in the FE genre or a place to improve your writing check out Fanfiction Treehouse discord . gg / 9XG3U7a I can be found here under my normal user name, so come by and say hi!