#Camilla: Light of Nohr

[goldlightwriting]

Rewriting Fire Emblem Fates

Screw it, we're doing it. Had a whole discussion with a friend about the game's plot after making that weapons post, and we bounced some good ideas off each other. So yeah, lots going on under the post.

Backstory: The Age of Blood

Long ago, in an age all but lost to the pages of history, mighty dragons fought for control of the world. Their conflict lasted an age, bringing death and devastation upon the land. Mortals lived in fear of these mighty beasts, until one, the Rainbow Dragon, took pity upon them.

The Rainbow Dragon hatched a plan to bring an end to the conflict, crafting eight sacred relics that could draw upon the powers of darkness, forests, earth, mist, lightning, wind, light and ink. These relics came to be known as the Prismatic Weapons, and were gifted to humans as a means for them to defend themselves from the warring dragons.

Seeing the new threat before them, the dragons turned their collective fury upon the Rainbow Dragon and his human disciples... Save but three: the Dragon of Dusk, the Dragon of Dawn, and the Dragon of Waves. Together, these three worked with the Rainbow Dragon to create a weapon more powerful than any other: a blade capable of harnessing the unrivaled might of the Primordial Fire.

With this mighty blade and the eight Prismatic Weapons, the humans were able to fell their draconic adversaries at last. For a time, the conflict seemed to have finally come to an end... But then the humans turned upon one-another, and a new war began for control of the land.

Witnessing this, the Rainbow Dragon was filled with immense sorrow. In a desperate bid to right his perceived wrongs, he stole away the Blade of Flames and used nearly all of his draconic power to create a seal upon the sword; a seal that could only be broken by uniting the power of the eight Prismatic Weapons he created. Now taking the form of a lowly human, the Rainbow Dragon became the Rainbow Sage, isolating himself from the world to act as the sword's keeper.

Meanwhile, the Dragon of Waves, Anankos, fled deep below the earth along with a few of his own human disciples. There, they discovered the Sacred Sea at the heart of the planet, where legends claim all life began, and founded the Kingdom of Valla. Anankos became the Valla's divine guardian dragon, and began the Vallite royal dynasty.

To protect his new kingdom, Anankos crafted a weapon called the Vanir Spear that drew upon the power of the Sacred Sea. However, to ensure that its power would not be so carelessly misused like the Prismatic Weapons or the Blade of Flames, Anankos enchanted the spear to ensure that only those of his own bloodline could ever wield it.

Meanwhile, on the surface, the remaining dragons managed to appeal to the warring humans and brokered an uneasy peace. The land would be divided into east and west, with each side taking half of the remaining Prismatic Weapons. To the west, the Dragon of Dusk, Khaox, founded the kingdom of Nohr. To the east, the Dragon of Dawn, Aetherian, founded the nation of Hoshido.

And so it was that, for a time, peace finally came to the once-fractured land. Khaox and Aetherian would, in time, relinquish their draconic power to live out the rest of their days as mortals. However, their descendants would nonetheless inherit the blood of dragons, and the ruling monarchs of Nohr and Hoshido would pass down their ancestors' Dragonstones.

Only Anankos continued to cling to his draconic power, which in time began to erode his mind...

The Curse of the Blighted Dragon

Anankos continued to watch over the kingdom of Valla for many years as its divine patriarch, though his sanity continued to whither with time. While taking on human form with the aid of his Dragonstone slowed his Degeneration, Anankos knew that the only way for him to resist the curse was to relinquish his immortality altogether... And yet, were he to do so, how could he continue to watch over the mortals who resided within his kingdom?

Seeking to find an alternative means of overcoming the curse, Anankos took human form and ascended to the surface for the first time in centuries, leaving his queen Arete and their infant daughter behind in Valla. Upon arriving in the surface world, Anankos would wander the land in search of knowledge, traveling between Nohr and Hoshido under the alias of a wandering sage from a land far across the sea...

During his travels, Anankos met the young queen of Hoshido: a descendant of Aetherian named Mikoto. Ananokos found himself captivated by Mikoto's charisma and beauty, and she likewise took a great interest in the wandering sage's wisdom and mystique. Though Mikoto was already wed to and had sired three children for the warrior-king Sumeragi, neither she nor Anankos were able to resist each other, and so it was that she became pregnant with his child...

Realizing what he had done, Anankos fled the kingdom of Hoshido, leaving Queen Mikoto to deal with the fallout. Ultimately, she bore his child and named them Corrin, unaware that this new babe had the blood of not one, but two dragons flowing through their veins... And to avoid a scandal, Mikoto and Sumeragi claimed the child was his, even though Sumeragi would remain deeply bitter about his queen's affair.

Anankos, meanwhile, returned to Valla empty-handed, unable to resist the madness overtaking him. Seeing that her husband would soon succumb, Queen Arete took their daughter, Azura, as well as the Vanir Spear, and fled to the surface world. There, she sought refuge in the kingdom of Nohr, and would eventually meet the young King Garon.

Garon, captivated by Arete's cunning, beauty and voice, took her on as one of his many consorts. He agreed to officially claim Azura as his own child, on the condition that Arete share the secret of her true parentage with him. Though hesitant, Arete would ultimately honor this deal, informing Garon of the hidden kingdom that lie beneath the world and the dragon god-king that ruled over it. She hoped to find refuge in his kingdom, and would do whatever she deemed necessary to secure it.

Seeking to find a way to combat the growing threat of Valla, Garon arranged to meet with the royals of Hoshido to discuss all he had learned, and hopefully ally with them against Valla's inevitable invasion... However, Garon remained woefully unaware that Anankos, driven over the brink by Arete's perceived betrayal, had begun to spawn monstrosities called the Faceless from the Sacred Sea in preparation to invade the surface world.

Deceptions and Schemes

King Garon arranges to meet with King Sumeragi and Queen Mikoto in the port town of Cyrkensia, which lies on neutral territory between their nations. By this point, Queen Mikoto has already birthed Corrin and became pregnant with her fifth child, who would become Sakura... King Garon, meanwhile, travels with Arete and Azura in tow, believing them vital to the task before him.

On the eve of their meeting, however, Anankos's forces strike, throwing the whole affair into complete disarray. King Sumeragi is murdered by Vallite forces, and King Garon finds him on the brink of death. Sumeragi uses his final moments to request that Garon protect Mikoto and Corrin, even though the latter was fathered by a man named Anankos...

Realization strikes King Garon just as Sumeragi passes, but before he can do anything, Garon is found standing over Sumeragi's corpse by Hoshidan warriors. With the Vallite assassins long-fled, Garon is presumed to be Sumeragi's killer, and conflict erupts across the city as Hoshidan and Nohrian forces begin to clash.

In the ensuing chaos, Garon has Corrin abducted, even knowing that it will cast further doubt on his own credibility. Queen Mikoto responds by having Azura, who she believes to be Garon's legitimate daughter, kidnapped in the hopes of negotiating a hostage exchange, and Queen Arete is killed trying to protect Azura.

Garon, however, refuses to relinquish Corrin, now knowing the truth of their origins. He escapes back to Nohr, intent on raising Anankos's child in the hopes that Corrin may one day be used as a weapon against their own father. Meanwhile, Azura is left to remain in Hoshido and grow up alongside their royal family, safeguarding her mother's spear all-the-while.

Hostilities between Nohr and Hoshido continue to fester over the next few years, all while Anankos schemes from the shadows. Garon, knowing that there is no way to truly prove his innocence, embraces the role of a harsh tyrant in the hopes of molding Corrin and his other children in warriors that can face the Mad Dragon on his behalf...

Road To A Divided Fate

Corrin grows up in Nohr alongside Garon's children: Xander, Camilla, Leo and Elise. Corrin spends their early life relatively isolated from the world, seldom allowed to leave the palace while being trained in the art of combat. In spite of that, Corrin is cared for by his siblings, and even manages to befriend a few other nobles within the palace...

On the day Corrin's twentieth birthday, they are given a special mission by King Garon: to confront a barbarian tribe causing a disturbance along the border of Nohr and Hoshido, at the Bottomless Canyon. Garon intends for this to be a test of Corrin's ability, as well as an experiment to see if any signs of draconic power will awaken in the child.

Corrin is accompanied by an aged Nohrian general, Gunther, as well as their retainers, Flora and Felicia (the former specializing in ice magic, the latter in healing.) Together, they are expected to put down this disturbance and return to the castle.

Corrin, determined not to disappoint their father, sets out immediately with the blessings of their siblings. Once they arrive at the canyon, though, Corrin senses a peculiar power pulsing within the earth. Gunther informs them that what Corrin is sensing may be Dragon Veins: wellsprings of power that only those with draconic blood may tap into. Doing so can alter the very landscape, which allows Corrin to form new paths for themselves and their allies to use in their confrontation.

Corrin and their allies confront the leader of the barbarians, Rinkah, and defeat her. However, instead of striking Rinkah down, Corrin opts to spare her on the condition that she stop causing problems. Rinkah scoffs, claiming that she and her tribe are raiding the borderlines out of necessity; her tribe's home is suffering a serious drought, and so they must steal to survive.

Before the matter can be discussed any further, Hoshidan forces led by Hinoka arrive and attack everyone present. Despite the best efforts of Gunther, Flora and Felicia, Corrin is wounded in the assault and knocked unconscious...

When next Corrin wakes, they are in a totally new location. They've been brought to a village within Hoshidan territory, and their wounds have been treated. Hinoka arrives to speak with Corrin, is is wary of her at first. However, Hinoka assures Corrin that she means no harm, and only wishes to talk.

Corrin: "Ugh... Where am I?" ???: "Ah, it seems he's waking up." Corrin: "Huh? Who are you? Where am I?" ???: "Calm yourself. It wouldn't do to have you get yourself injured again, after I just went through the trouble of healing you." Corrin: "Um... Thank you? But that doesn't answer my questions." Azama: "Ah, but the human mind does always crave answers... No matter. I am Azama, and presently, you are in Hoshido." Corrin: "Hoshido!?" *Suddenly, a red-haired enters the tent ???: "I thought I heard commotion. So, you're finally awake. That's... Good. Can you remember anything?" Corrin: "You... You were at the canyon! Where's Gunther? Where are Flora and Felicia? If you hurt them, I'll-" ???: "Hey, easy! The old man and the two women who were with you are fine... I think. Things got a little chaotic when Fire Tribe reinforcements showed up, but we didn't kill them, anyway." Corrin: "Fire Tribe? Oh, you mean those barbarians... But why did you bring me here?" Hinoka: "Let's... Star with introductions. I'm Hinoka. Princess Hinoka of Hoshido, but you don't have to bother with all the stuffy titles." Corrin: "I'm... Corrin. Prince/Princess of Nohr." Hinoka: "Corrin... So your name's really Corrin?" *Hinoka steps forward and examines Corrin closely. Hinoka: "I knew it... You look just like..." *Suddenly, Hinoka hugs Corrin, tears welling in her eyes. Corrin: "H-Hey!" Hinoka: "It's you... It's really you! I never thought I'd see you again..." Corrin: "What are you talking about?" *Before Hinoka can continue, a Hoshidan officer barges into the room Hoshidan Soldier: "Ma'am! Urgent report! More of those creatures have appeared!" Hinoka: "Ugh, again? Dammit... Wait here! Azama, come with me!" *Hinoka and Azama promptly leave the room. Corrin: "Hey, wait!"

Despite orders to remain in bed, Corrin quickly dons their armor and follows Hinoka outside. There, hoards of monsters wearing peculiar masks appear to be marching toward the village. Corrin questions what these creatures even are, to which Hinoka replies that they're monsters sent by Nohr to ravage the Hoshidan countryside.

Corrin refuses to believe such allegations, but there is precious little time to talk. The creatures will be upon the village soon, and Corrin realizes that if nothing is done, several innocents will lose their lives. Ultimately, Corrin volunteers to help in the defense, much to Hinoka's shock. She tries to refuse Corrin, but Azama argues that they could stand to accept all the help they can get.

Corrin, Hinoka, and Azama head out to meet up with Hinoka's other retainer, Setsuna, along with the ninja warrior warrior Kaze. Together, they fight to fend off the monsters, with Corrin swiftly taking command of the situation.

At some point during the battle, Rinkah appears alongside a few Flame Tribe troops. She's come to repay the debt she owes to Corrin for sparing her life, and with Rinkah's aid, the monsters are completely routed and slain.

After the battle, Hinoka and Corrin talk. Hinoka claims that Corrin is actually her sibling and a member of Hoshidan royalty, much to Corrin's shock and disbelief. At first, they deny the possibility altogether, insisting that they need to return to Nohr as soon as possible. Hinoka pleads for Corrin to return to the Hoshidan capital with her, where she can offer proof of her claims, but won't force Corrin if they remain adamant.

Despite Corrin's desire to return to Nohr as soon as possible, they reluctantly agree to go with Hinoka to Castle Shirasagi. Hinoka takes Corrin there on the back of her pegasus, and Corrin is brought before Queen Mikoto and the rest of the Royal Family.

After some brief discussion, Mikoto recounts the story of how one of her children, the young prince/princess Corrin, was stolen away from her many years ago shortly after the assassination of her husband. Now, at last, Corrin has returned to where they truly belong: to Hoshido, where their true family resides.

Corrin, still struggling to accept the possibility that they are truly of Hoshidan lineage, demands proof of this claim. In response, Queen Mikoto allows Corrin to hold her Dragonstone, which only responds to those descended of the Dawn Dragon. Corrin reluctantly agrees, and sure enough, they feel the power of their blood reacting to the stone.

Queen Mikoto gently takes back the Dragonstone and embraces Corrin, glad to have at last been reunited with her lost child. Corrin, still shocked, reluctantly returns the embrace. The other Hoshidan royals, save Takumi, seem glad to welcome Corrin back into the family. Corrin, overwhelmed, flees the palace in search for a quiet place to think.

Eventually, Corrin stumbles upon a koi pond, where a blue-haired woman is kneeling. This woman is, of course, Azula, who stands up to greet Corrin. The two exchange words, and Azula recounts to Corrin of her own lineage... Partially. She tells them that she was once a princess of Nohr, kidnapped many years ago in hopes of being used a leverage for Corrin's safe return. As King Garon refused this exchange, she's been living here in Hoshido ever since.

With Azura's testimony serving as further proof of the situation, Corrin slowly comes around to the possibility that they are, in fact, Hoshidan by birth. However, they still harbor deep love for their adoptive family in Nohr, to which Azura shares the sentiment. She has likewise come to view the Hoshidans as family, as they've treated her well despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to her arrival in this kingdom.

The sun begins to set, and Corrin is convinced to spend the night at Castle Shirasagi. They can determine their next course of action come sunrise. Meanwhile, Mikoto and her other children discuss the matter at hand. Takumi seems reluctant to trust Corrin, but Mikoto remains adamant in her resolve: she will not let Nohr take her child from her again.

The next day, Corrin meets with the royal family in the throne room yet again. Before they can discuss matters too deeply, though, a messenger arrives to inform everyone that a Nohrian army is on its way to Hoshido as they speak. They are, as it happens, being led by Crown Prince Xander.

Ryoma says that he'll lead a force to meet them, and the other Hoshidan royals volunteer to join. Corrin wishes to accompany them as well, but Queen Mikoto adamantly refuses. After some heated back and forth, Azura interrupts, saying that she'll watch over Corrin to ensure they remain in the capital for the time-being.

In truth, Azura leads Corrin to a secret passage, where the two of them can slip out and follow Ryoma's force. Before they depart, Azura retrieves a curious spear from her room, claiming that it will protect them. The two wayward royals tail Ryoma's forces to the Plains of Hoshido, where both kingdoms' armies are prepared to clash.

Xander rides forth, demanding that the Hoshidan army return Corrin to them. In response, Ryoma steps forward and announces they have no intention of letting their sibling be stolen again. Amidst the squabbling, Corrin intervenes, emerging from the riverside to stand between both armies.

Here, Corrin is given a choice: to side with their adoptive family in Nohr, or to embrace their blood family in Hoshido. Or, perhaps... To reject both sides altogether.

---

That's where we're going to end things for now. I may do a follow-up post later, though I have no intention of rewriting all three paths as that would be an insane amount of work lol. This post alone took me way longer than expected, but it was a fun exercise. So, join me next time as Corrin unlocks their true draconic potential, uncovers the Yato, and sets out on a path of their own making...

[feh-alt-battle]

Poll 188 - Camilla

Please do not criticize any art you may not like or compare one art to another in terms of quality, it's unkind and downplays the amount of work that the feh artists put into them. Please treat the feh artists how you would as any other artist - with kindness and with love.

Artists in order: Maeshima Shigeki, Maeshima Shigeki, Mikuro, Mikuro, Mikuro, lack, Kozaki Yusuke, Sencha, Mai Okuma

Notes: Midnight Bloom Camilla I hate you for being op and the only camilla I don't have

[fushigidane]

various fe fates premise/worldbuilding rewritey ideas i've been pondering...

since i've been replaying conquest recently and am once again frustrated with this game's writing

first, as a way of making garon non absolutely definitively evil AND bake anankos's involvement into the game's base premise, having garon NOT kidnap corrin intentionally. corrin is separated from sumeragi on that business trip after their party was attacked by vallite soldiers as anankos wanted to either kill or retrieve his child. corrin is found by nohrians and brought to windmire when they are found to have dragon blood... POWERFUL dragon blood. they suffer the same memory loss like canon. hoshido asks for corrin back, garon refuses since their draconic blood isn't that of the dawn (or even dusk) dragon and he is concerned hoshido wants to use them as a weapon or otherwise does not have their best interests in mind. garon does not believe that corrin is hoshidan because they don't even LOOK hoshidan

corrin still going to the northern fortress but not out of malevolence. it's genuinely for their own health. the attack on sumeragi awakened corrin's dragon form for the first time, but without a dragonstone, they were unable to control it as in canon. they CONTINUE to be unable to control the instincts, which were often triggered by the stressful environment of the concubine wars, so garon sent them far from castle krakenburg to avoid more incidents for their and other's safety. visiting was restricted for a while, but as things settled they were seen often by garon + their siblings.

corrin knows their vague origin, that garon isn't their actual father, but still acknowledges him as such (and garon acknowledges them as their child). they also remember how bad things were during the concubine wars and are both accepting of why they were sent there and somewhat hesitant to leave

more general things of garon being a semi decent father. the manga had a really good part where garon recognised leo's mother in him for an instant and called him that. more please

because of garon being less definitively evil, the hoshidan Throne Of Truth being a way to purge anankos's influence and expose garon's TRUE self i.e. save him rather than expose anankos as in canon. this may be an idea raised by corrin/azura but perhaps even better would be for it to be GARON HIMSELF'S plan as he tries to rid himself of possession without anankos catching on. this being his plan in all three routes but only coming to fruition in conquest... where the throne doesn't work as planned and garon is killed when anankos is brought to the surface

garon being possessed by anankos in the first place as he tries to research what was going on with corrin. he reached many correct conclusions but unfortunately walked right into anankos's grasp. he doesn't want to be possessed, tries to resist the possession (directly and in more subtle ways as in above) but as time goes on, the more his condition degrades

fun idea => awakening trio being accepted so easily by garon as they are a) informed of valla etc., able to steer xander/camilla/leo from the same trap garon fell into with anankos and b) POTENTIALLY able to slow down anankos's possession of him?

an exploration of what the 'skies changing' mentioned in revelations even IS. it is the act of hoshido's sky becoming dark and nohr's becoming light (or vice versa). canon states it happens 'once every few decades', but nobody really knows when it will occur as there is no way of predicting it

the skies changing defining the way both nations act.

nohr, deprived of fertile land and harvest, conquers other nations to gain the resources they need to survive. inequality and poverty is rife as its citizens scramble for the limited available sustenance. even the royal family does not live in luxury and are themselves well-acquainted with not being able to secure food

hoshido, with bright skies and plentiful harvests but knowing that no matter what they do their prosper is temporary, stockpiling resources in preparation for their oncoming long night. its citizens are satisfied but on guard, particularly the older ones that recall its former famines. the royal family, understanding the duty it has to its own citizens when night falls, is reluctant to send aid to other nations. a particular incident is when mokushu had an outbreak, hoshido refused to send medical supplies despite them being allies, which is what caused mokushu's current disdain towards hoshido.

the skies changing is why the two nations have never been able to coexist. even though hoshido currently exists with a surplus, and there could well be enough resources at any given time to adequately support BOTH nations, there is no precedent for either country ever sharing their sustenance when they can access it. neither country will make the first step because there is no guarantee that the favour will be paid back when the skies change again.

garon and mikoto's rule being equally informed by past precendents and desire to survive/fear for the future respectively

garon, as alluded to in canon but never shown, is-slash-was a very good ruler that did a very good job maintaining order in the country, ensuring nobody least of all the royal family is permitted to hoard while others are left to starve. things have only degenerated in recent years as anankos's possession has taken its toll on his ability to rule and food shortages continue to worsen. YES he conquers nations but certainly in the past only when trade deals failed or were unviable => nohr had plenty struggles with these as it is currently unable to offer much except manpower and protection, which not all nations need or appreciate. nohr's view is that they would rather conquer others than allow their own citizens to starve, and for a long time garon has been appreciated by his citizens for doing what must be done

mikoto being cautious above all else, very aware of and fearing what's to come as described above. further, her coldness towards other nations being informed by corrin's kidnapping and sumeragi's death--which she believes was done by nohr. azura, by the way, was still kidnapped in retaliation for nohr's alleged actions.

mikoto also should not die in the prologue. just saying. she should be allowed to stand equally with garon as a good yet flawed ruler that is unable to see past the present and make the necessary first step to a better future

lots of general themes about smaller nations on the continent always being pushed around by the two superpowers' squabbles over resources

[synergysilhouette]

Things I'd want for a "Fire Emblem: Fates" remake

I haven't played a ton of FE games, but I really loved Fates for it's characters and branching storyline. The community gives it WAAAY too much hate. One person told me that it's a minority of people who don't like it, but it's a LOUD minority, making it seem like a majority of people hate it. That said, the discussions I've had (and gatekeeping I've experienced) have inspired me to make some of my own changes to Fates if it ever got remade. I wonder if you'll agree with any. I know some of these are MAJOR changes that results in this feeling more like it's own game, but I hope you still take them into consideration, anyway.

1. Nix the amnesia story--It only existed for gameplay purposes to teach the player how to fight. Story-wise it's not important for Corrin, since they don't remember Nohr and thus it feels as new as Hoshido, so it completely defeats the born with/raised by concept. Just allow us more time to enjoy/interact with Nohrians and Hoshidans each in order to make it a more convincing story with a conflicted protagonist, plus it helps to flesh out the characters. Considering 3H and "Engage" allow you to explore environments a bit more, that should be a given. I feel like the amnesia plot only works in the "Birthright" route since Corrin would be kidnapped more recently and it'd make the royal family the main villains, and less sympathetic.

2. Have more support-contingent branching storylines--In "Fates: Birthright," Kaze dies at some point if you don't have his A-support conversation with Corrin. If you do, he becomes Corrin's retainer. It'd be fun if socializing with the characters (ie Azura, Silas, the royal family) had more weight to it, story-wise. It'd also be cool if you could carry over your save data from the opposite game and if you have A-supports with Ryoma, Elise, Takumi, and/or Xander, you can potentially save them. But that may be pushing it…

3. More same-sex supports (with kids)--Allow for Corrin to reach same-sex S-supports with Silas, Azura, Jakob, Felicia, and Kaze, given that they all join you in every route. Plus and the royals and Flora should also be allowed to be romanced in their respective routes and "Revelations." I feel like that should be a given. And allow us to keep our kids rather than off-screen offspring as mentioned in the epilogue. It feels unfair to remove their kids from the main story.

4. (Possibly Defeats the Purpose) Make it clear that Corrin isn't related the the royals--This is mainly for romantic reasons, but maybe have Mikoto as a woman who became a noble in Hoshido, with Sumeragi treating you like one of his children. It's also revealed that when Corrin was kidnapped, the Nohrian siblings were too young to know they weren't their sibling. Plus the Nohrian siblings being half-siblings does nothing for the plot, especially since they look alike (Leo and Xander have blonde hair, Camilla has purple, and Elise has blonde and purple hair).

5. LET THE PARENTS SURVIVE! Maybe it's because of parent death fatigue in "Engage," but I'd like for Sumeragi and Mikoto to survive, and let us see Ganon as a good king before he is curropted and dies. Plus giving Corrin dreams of Anankos would be awesome.

6. Remove the Awakening connection--It's only mentioned in some support conversations and doesn't fully impact the story. I see why it's a nice nod to the game that brought the franchise back to light, but still. Asugi looks like Gaius and Rhajat looks like Tharja, but apparently they're not the same person, so it can be the same with Laszlo/Inigo, Odin/Owain, and Severa/Selena. Maybe if we had a couple more characters from "Awakening" and it coming into play for the main storyline, it'd be a different story.

7. Give more life/information on Valla--If we're going for this "secret, Atlantis-like Kingdom," make it a trapped, isolated paradise that Anankos governs, giving this Fire Nation-type of nationalism so the inhabitants want to reclaim Nohr and Hoshido for themselves. They've already conquered Nohr, explaining the aggression towards Hoshido following Ganon's corruption. It'd be fun if you could recruit/interact with characters from Valla in "Revelations."

8. Fix up the Deeprealms and it's drama--In the game, they're convenient alternate dimensions/worlds that age the kids up quick at different rates, and most of them are ignorant of their heritage and birthright (no pun intended). In my rewrite, this is simply ONE alternate world that the children are sent to, and they age proportionately; the younger ones were just taken from the Deeprealms earlier. Plus it's something that's seen as "off the radar" and a world Anankos hopes to conquer after the main setting in the game. Along with this, all of the parents visit and involve themselves with their kids, rather than the children feeling like their parents ignored them or kept them in the dark.

9. Open World like in "Engage" and "3 Houses"--It'd really help to explore the culture more and expand the world so that the consequences feel even more severe.

[iamdarkness]

Iris

Iris Chapter 7

Summoned

Summary:Emma is the new Summoner and Alfonse is having mixed feelings about it as he expected his cousin to be summoned. He battles with his feelings and the weight put on him by the Order while trying his best to be nice to the Summoner but not get attached at the same time.

-…My name is Emma.- Alfonse looked on as the girl lowered the white and gold hood of the embroidered Summoner’s coat with those dark delicate fingers, to reveal a sweet looking smile on a full lipped mouth. The expressive and intelligent dark brown eyes looked at him full of wonder. Alfonse felt something in the pit of his stomach and his eyes widen a little while his heart sped up in his chest. She felt so familiar to him. It was almost like he knew her. Then after a split second he figured she reminded him of cousin Bel and Oly and cold sadness gripped at his heart. He felt the desire to leave. Leave this girl who evoked such painful memories. He inadvertently gave a step back to distance himself from her.

-It is an honor to finally meet you Kiran…I mean… Emma.- Said Alfonse who had been planing to call their Summoner by the title and distance himself from more familiarities. Strangely he had suddenly felt embarrassed by his actions and corrected himself.

-Kiran?

-It is a title given to the Summoner. It means dark haired in one of the ancient tongues and Light in another. - Alfonse said blushing. 1)

- Hmp . Well she does have her own name. If I were to use a title I would use Summoner, but I find her name better. I like the sound of it.- Says Prince Takumi placing a protective hand over the Summoner’s shoulder. Alfonse felt his brow furrow at the sight. He felt an urge to reach out and take that hand off of his summoner’s shoulder.

==My Summoner?== He suddenly thought and he mentally berated himself over that sudden stray though.

-Yes you are right. I apologize Summoner Emma.

- No worries. You two can call me whatever you like. You can even call me Emmy if you want. We are going to be good friends after all.- Emma said said and prince Takumi smiled down at her and nodded. Alfonse did not like the feeling creeping up his chest. In consequence his nod looked hesitant and wooden.

Emma ended up summoning another four heroes. Among them was Chrom prince of Ylisse, his ancestor Prince Marth of Altea who had taken a liking to the Emma right away as if they had been long lost friends (which greatly annoyed Prince Takumi and secretly Alfonse as well), Male Robin and to Takumi’s chagrin, Queen Camilla of Nohr.

-Oh! Prince Takumi! It is such a pleasure knowing I will not be alone in this new world!- Takumi shank back a little, shock and anger visible in his eyes and watched intently the hand extended towards him. The two men did not seemed to notice her reaction, as minute and quick as it was but Oly did. There was suddenly a look of sadness and some other deep emotion on the lady’s face and her visible eye watered but a little. Takumi took her hand but his gesture seemed stiff and awkward.

- Since we will have to be allies in this world…

-Ah! I see. You do seem a little younger than my Takumi… I mean the…Prince Takumi of my world.- The lady said eyeing the shorter prince. Emma knew by her tone and remark that the Lady was hiding something and by looking at Prince Alfonse she knew he had noticed this as well.

-I am not so young.- Said the prince of Hoshido almost in reproach then added with a suspicious stare.- You are a Queen. Does it mean you won the war?

-Oh no Darling. No one really wins in a war. It only brings pain to all. - She says sadly. Takumi was taken aback by her answer. This woman seems different than the one he has fought against.- We both lost much, but there is finally peace.

-I…see…-Takumi said and there was a hint of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes and voice.

-Well we better get going to the castle before we get caught in another skirmish.- Says Commander Anna and gives the order to leave.

They get ready to leave and this is when Alfonse notices something. Lady Camilla’s mount had been summoned along with her, the other heroes were being given horses that the Commander had brought along. Except the Summoner was not getting on any of them. She stood back as the commander explained to her how to mount the horse Anna had select for her. Alfonse knew right away the horse would drop her and bolt right away if there was another attack on the way. The Summoner looked nervously at the animal and the animal seemed to be picking the energy up and in turn started to be nervous as well. He groaned internally but at the same time there was this thing in the pit of his stomach as the thought of offering for her to ride on his horse intruded.

-Do you not know how to ride Summoner? - Asked Prince Marth already on his horse.- I confess I am not the best of riders, but if you are unused to riding I propose you ride on my mount.

-If we are attacked on the way, it is better to have her on a more proficient rider’s mount darling. Let the Prince take her.- Lady Camilla says sweetly to Marth motioning to Alfonse. Marth agrees. She then turns to Alfonse and smiles at him knowingly.- I would offer a ride but I doubt it would feel good on someone who is not used to even ride a horse. Better get used to horses first darling. . Alfonse is speechless for a second and nods to Emma. She follows him to where his horse is and stands ready to be helped up. Alfonse is awkwardly making time because he is debating with himself how to sit on the horse with the Summoner. He of course has had to ride with other people before but riding together with Sharena is not the same as this. Sharena is his sister and she knows how to ride as well and he is not worried about her but here he has a dilemma. Does he let her hold his waist or does he hold hers? He blushes as he weights his options and decides it is better if she rides behind him. It feels unproper to him to hold her that intimately and wonders since when has he started to see riding together as something “ intimate”.

==Now how do I…==

-(sighs) Here…Get on the horse and I will help her up behind you.- Says Takumi in an annoyed tone. He wanted the Summoner to ride with him of course. Alfonse does as told and holds his hand out for Emma to hold.

The ride home was not as quiet as Alfonse would have wanted. Emma would ask him questions about this world, some of which he did not know how to answer and sometimes she would make comments in that tongue he had heard earlier. He was trying to distract himself form the arms tightly holding him from behind and the heat that seeped through his mail and tunic from the body hugging his back. He was not used to touch this intimate from anyone other than Sharena. Not since Oly and his cousins, but he felt rude squirming on the seat and if he could be honest with himself, part of the discomfort came from how nice it felt.

-.. So I wanted to thank you. You came right on time and saved me! And the way you fought them off! It was beautiful! I had never seen someone use a sword like that! Movies would never make it justice!

- I…Thank you. It was an honor. -If he remembers correctly movies where like plays but on moving pictures.

-Do you have movies and shows in Askr? Operas? Plays? Ballet?

-We have plays and concerts. Dances like ballet but not entirely so. Movies and shows and …TV…we do not have. Or phones.

-No wonder my phone is not working! Wait how do you know about those if you don’t have them?

-I… My cousin was from the world of Steel.

-Yay ! I will not feel alone then…wait…”Was”?

-...We are almost at the castle.- Announced Alfonse avoiding the question. Emma could see his face turn stern so she did not push the issue.

In the castle Sharena was waiting for them to arrive. She looked worried but exited. Alfonse could tell by how she was standing and the little bounce of her right leg. As soon as Alfonse dismounted and helped Emma down Sharena came to talk to them both.

-Brother. Who is this?- Sharena said with excitement, but as soon as Emma came down and turned to face her Sharena made a face akin to pain and gave a step back. It was only for a second and Emma who was preoccupied by her oversized coat that had gotten caught on the horse saddle strap did not noticed.

Robin noticed though. Robin wasn’t great at wanting to read people. He minded his own business unless it was something to be considered for his strategies, but his analytical mind was taking in every detail of their interaction. This observation came out of curiosity. He wanted to understand their character and personality so as to get used to working with the prince and summoner as soon as possible. He had noticed the way Alfonse had acted towards Emma from the start and although he had assumed Alfonse to be obviously nervous about meeting a person he had thought of as “Legendary Hero”. He came to the conclusion that there was something else in the Prince’s past that made this meeting difficult for him. His theory had been proved by the princess who was now being introduced to their Summoner. There was a second where her face betrayed surprise and something akin to recognition. He wondered if it had something to do with the comment he had heard while on the way back about his cousin being form the same world.

-This is our new Summoner Emma. Summoner Emma this is my dear sister Sharena.- Sharena took Emma’s hand in hers at the same time as she gave her brother a questioning look. Prince Alfonse saw it and turned away . Sharena then smiled broadly as well. Robin was intrigued.

After introducing the new heroes, Commander Anna and the royal siblings took all of them to the dinning room and instructed the siblings to give their guests a tour of the castle and lead them all to their respective chambers.

Sharena was very happy to make new friends but even as distracted by her excitement as she was; she could tell Alfonse was uncomfortable. She knew her brother was not much for making friends and she also knew he had changed after Zacharias’s disappearance but he looked ready to leave. He hastened the interactions and stayed furthest away from the Summoner as he could. What was worst she noticed Hero Robin knew something was wrong because he would not take his eyes off of Alfonse.

Finally Sharena put the prince out of his misery. She told him she would take care of the rest and he excuse himself.

Back in his room he took his time methodically cleaning himself. He did not want to think because every time he did he remember the pain of the loss. All of if. Fighting his father to be in the Order had let him know he still felt the loss of his parent’s attention and he probably never would. Now with the new arrival the pain of losing his family and best friend was more palpable. Why did this girl had to look so much like his Oly? The sweet girl that used to bring them so much happiness when they had been so alone? Like his cousin who had been a second mother to him and Sharena?

He opened the ornate mahogany dresser across his bed and from the bottom he took a parcel. He untied the rope around the paper covering and caressed first the soft fabric and then the metal of the sword. The same sword he had promised his cousin he would care for while she went to look for Oly. He always wondered what would have happened if Bel had left little Adrian with them. He was sure his father would not have let them raise the boy along Grand Uncle Andreas but it was still a nice thought. He sighted and tied up the sword again and put it back in the drawer.

[line break]

Alfonse was steaming. He had jus gotten the order to change his rooms without his consent. He knew there would be times where he had to follow orders he would not agree with as part of the Order, but he never thought this would impact his personal life. Commander Anna had given the Summoner the biggest rooms ( as expected), with a parlour adjacent to it because of course she needed the space for a personal office. That room used to be his parent’s rooms. That was not the problem here, even if the same rooms gave him a sort of bad feeling. Something in the back of his mind that made the place feel not only depressive but also uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the memory of sleeping together with Oly and cousin Bel, but he thought that would make him nostalgic not weary or uncomfortable. The real problem was that said room was connected to the one he was to change into ( his father’s). He would be in charge of the Summoner’s safety. Anna had said that he as of now was the only one she trusted with the job. The problem was he was not even asked about it. He knew it was an order he had to follow but if he had been asked Sharena would have been a better choice in his opinion. She was a girl, just like the Summoner.

Alfonse of course understood Anna’s position. Of course he did. Anna needed Sharena by her side more often than him when it came to night watches and rounds. He knew he was a difficult person to befriend and work with. Anna, he knew, did not feel as relaxed around him as she did Sharena. He also understood her reasoning when it came to the heroes. They were barely getting acquainted with the first group of heroes summoned, and as much heroes as they were Anna wanted to play it safe. In her words ‘ We never know Alfonse. The stories of the heroes only ever talk about their glories and best moments and always omit their darker side…but don’t ever forget they are human.’ She of course did not mean to stain the heroes’ reputations. She just wanted to be safe.

==’ The chances are low Alfonse, but never cero…’== He smiled at the unbidden memory of cousin Bel’s words and laughter after she had asked him a hypothetical question that he had brushed off as silly and borderline ridiculous. ==’Even if the snail never makes it close to you. You will for ever be weary of snails… wouldn’t you?’ == Came the answer to his rebuttal. Even Zacharias was thoughtful and Sharena had of course agreed that she would be afraid of snails for ever. His smile faded. It had been a silly question to amuse them, but it started a mental exercise about fear and later about depression he had never expected.

==’Fear can be useful. It can save your life in a difficult situation. But when it comes to silly rumors and uncertainty, it can rob you of your peace of mind once you let it grip your soul. Sadness is even worse.’==

Alfonse sighed and sat down on his bed. He tried blocking the memories. He watched as the servants helped him gather the last of his possessions. Which consisted of mostly books , clothes and armor. He had traveled light when he came to join the Order. He took the parcel with his cousin’s sword and placed it inside a wooden case. He looked at his cousin’s favorite book. Cousin Bel had given it to him to guard until they found Oly and Adrien was old enough to understand it. He put it inside his travel bag and left.

==’Loneliness can rob you of your sanity…’==

Alfonse tried ignoring Zacharias’s words as he closed the door behind him.

[line break]

-Where is the Summoner? She should be in her room by now.- Asked Alfonse that same night to one of the servants. He had come into the parlour to get a cup of tea and had found the tea cold and the Summoner’s room empty. It was almost midnight and she had no watch duty that he knew of. Worried he called the servant.

-I do not know your Highness. Last I saw her she said she was going to the library and has not come back. She said she was not going to be long.- The servant said a little nervous.- That was after dinner.

- I see. - Alfonse said with knitted brows.- Check with the other servants in case they have seen her. I will go to the library.- He said and went out to look for Emma.

He walked to the library. The corridors were mostly empty and no one he encountered had seen Emma. By the time he entered the library he was a little panicked and ready to give the order to search the grounds for her or for intruders. He asked the librarian in turn and he told Alfonse the Summoner had not been in the library that night.

Alfonse ran out the door and informed a guard to go search the grounds for the Summoner and to wake Commander Anna. He flew to the servant’s quarters to see if they had found something and on the way back to entrance where he was to meet the Commander he heard a sound. It was coming from the window to the Northern garden. He looked out and saw something on the ground. He jumped out the window and ran towards the white piece of cloth shinning with the torchlights of the garden.

It was Emma. She had fallen on the cobbled path towards the entrance. There was already the feel of the last Early Spring snow on her coat. It was falling faster now. She moaned from pain and he helped her get up.

- Watch it right there…It’s slippery…ow…- She says pointing to where she slipped. She was still holding on to Alfonse’s arm. She felt cold. -Oh it’s you…I am so sorry to bother you, your Highness!- She quickly lets go of the arm and looks away. Alfonse felt a pang of guilt and pain at this. He knew he wasn’t the friendliest, but he had never been rude to her. Had he?- I’m sorry…

- Why are you sorry for? Better yet. Why are you here in the cold with only this coat? It is almost midnight, you need to rest. There is much to do tomorrow.- Alfonse said and maybe it was the fact that he felt rejected by her scooting away from him, but his voice sounded cold even to him. Almost scolding. Emma was looking down at her feet. She looked uncomfortable. He sighed and offered his hand for her to hold on to, so she would not slip again. - We have …I was worried. Appologies.- Emma looked up and was he imaging things or were her eyes moist?

-You were worried?

-I just ordered the whole castle to search for you…Oh and woke up the Commander! She will be angry!

-I’m so sorry!

-No! I meant she will be angry at me. Come. We need to get you in a warm place. You look very cold.- He said and lead her to the entrance.- What happened? Why aren’t you resting at this hour?

-I … I got lost trying to find the library.

- You have been lost for three hours? Why did you not ask anyone how to get back?- He asked surprised once inside. He lead her the meeting place.

-I was…ashamed.- She said in a small voice.

- You should not feel that way. It is a big place…even bigger than when I lived here. Everyone gets lost at first. From now on I will take you wherever you need to go. With me along, you won’t get lost. At least until you learn your way around the place.

- I … thank you. You used to live here?

-I…yes. It was our ‘ Summer Palace’. My parents used to come here instead of the beach house. They liked…

-There you are!!!- Came the almost scream of one Commander Anna. Sharena followed.- You two are lucky I was working late with Sharena. What was this about the Summoner being lost? Have you not been watching her Alfonse?- Asked Anna.- She looks cold! She will get sick. I was informed she has been lost since after dinner Alfonse. Have you not been with her?

- I got lost. It was my fault.- Emma says. Alfonse can feel her trembling still.

-No. It was my fault. It took me longer to get my belongings in place. I thought she was in her rooms resting. I should have checked on her sooner.- He says. His voice tight.

-Yes you should have Alfonse. - Anna stops and turns around to face the duo.- It is your responsibility. You have lived here and know the way around. It does not mean everyone else does. And this is exactly why I chose you to be her companion.- Anna says. She does not sound angry to Emma. She sounds more… Disappointed was it? Alfonse looked downcast. She felt sad all of a sudden and protective of him even if he was not friendly towards her, he did not deserve to be scolded for something that she felt was her fault. Also she did not want him to hate her.

- I don’t need a babysitter. - Emma says and lets go of Alfonse. She hears the small gasp he gave.- No offence sir. I am grateful you helped me. I’m just saying it was not your fault. I got lost. It is not a big deal. I just need a map or something. This place is huge and all the corridors look the same.

-The heroes have been getting lost as well.- Says Sharena pensively.

-Well maybe we can paint like a dot a different color or shape and name the halls . You know like : The blue Hall or Lion Hall or something.- Emma says to defuse the situation even further and hoped the Prince would not take offence to them defacing his home even more.

-You know. That is not a bad idea.- Anna though.- I will see if it is withing our budget to do something. If we do pass the idea, you three will be in charge of the painting and naming.

-Sounds fun! We can get the heroes to help and get acquainted better!- Pipes in Sharena excitedly.

-Well it sounds like a good idea.You need to get to know each other better… some more than others.- Anna says eyeing Alfonse.- I decided you will start the day after tomorrow. Alfonse it was your day off but I’m going to need you to stay and help.

-Yes Commander.

-Wait. He is not going to have his day off, because of me?- Emma asked still trembling a little. She sounded indignant. Anna looked at her and then at Alfonse who has awkwardly placed a hand on Emma’s shoulder to appease her.

-Do not worry about me Summoner.

- He can have it when you are finished. Double even.

-Yay! That way we can have the same day off and do something fun the three of us together.- Says Sharena happily. - Also remember you can ask me about whatever you need if Alfonse is not around Summoner!

After this everyone went to bed. Alfonse asked for hot tea and biscuits and sat in the parlour while Emma went to change into her sleeping clothes. She came out of her room with a blanket wrapped around herself and sat on the oposite end of the couch. Her nose and eyes looked red. She took the tea cup offered to her by Alfonse and drank a little. Alfonse watched her closely not even thinking about it. If he was honest with himself, she fascinated him. She closed her eyes , her small mouth forming a little pout and tears run down her cheeks.

- Summoner? Are you not feeling good?

-No.. yes… It’s just. I was thinking of my family.

Alfonse was speechless. How obtuse had he been? Of course she had left family and friends and probably a …

-My mother would have berated me for being too dumb to ask for help but, she would have made me tea just like this…and a blanket…My father would have come home and hugged me…- Alfonse watcher her far away look. She looked like she was about to say more but got lost in the memories.

-You miss them…- Alfonse said more an affirmation for himself than a question. Emma nodded and cried harder.-Of course you do…I… I am sorry. We have taken you from your home and family just to fight a war that does not belong to you. I wish that we could do this by ourselves and spare you the pain, but as it is…

-Oh.. don’t worry about that. I want to stay. I want to help. This place is like a fairy tale land. I want to keep it safe. If I can not do much to change matters in my home. I want to at least help keep this place safe and as beautiful as it is.

- We thank you …I thank you for your sacrifice. I can not presume to understand how you feel. But I hope you find it in your heart to give us all a chance to become…-He started but as much as he had wanted to say the rest. He could not. Emma noticed this and lowered her face to the tea..- My sister. She.. I think she already thinks very highly of you; part of the family even though she has been too busy to interact much with you. I… I appreciate what you are doing for us, and am honored to work with you.

-Thank you. - Emma says in a small voice and smiles at his bashful expression. She can se he is a little uncomfortable, as if he is not used to talk about feelings and such but is still trying hard to express himself. Emma wondered about him. Quite a lot in fact. The urge to please him was strong. To be acknowledge by him, from the moment he saved her life. She wanted to see him smile and perhaps penetrate the barriers she could se him working hard to maintain. Other times she wanted to run from him. She had already had a bad experience with a boy older than herself trying to manipulate her feelings and using her insecurities against her. She did not want to risk another experience like that. The prince was a strange person. He seemed so civil and polite. ..almost friendly. He felt like he wanted to get close and then suddenly he would avoid her for days. The voice in her head told her it was her of course. She was a commoner after all and he a prince. Perhaps this was why he did not liked her, but was as polite as he could because he needed her.

When Commander Anna had told her, she was going to be sharing quarters with him she panicked. She felt already like the start of something she should not be feeling for the boy that did not even want to be near her. She did not want to add fuel to that and much less did she want to burden him with her care. She did not get lost for three hours. She did not want to return to her rooms. She knew that as long as she was near, he would feel obligated by the Order to be her bodyguard or something. And he would do it because it was an order and she did not want that. She went out to think of what to do and to avoid being around him for longer that needed. She was sure he had not liked the idea because when the people had arrived with his belongings he closed the door to his room so hard she heard it in her rest room. She was not prepared to see his face as of yet. So she walked around the grounds until she lost the perception of time. How she missed her mother. She would know what to do. Of course her mother would tell her to ignore him. Concentrate on her work for the order and helping the heroes in any way she could, just like her mother used to tell her to concentrate on school and her art and music. And that was what she will going to do.

Until he had come to her rescue again after she lipped and fell down. She felt so ashamed. He had not disappointed her when he started to berate her for being in the cold for so long and yet when he said he was worried for her and had called a search for her she felt like she was already melting inside. She tried thinking it was because well she was important to the war effort but he seemed so sincere. Now she was even more confused.

- I am sorry the Commander put you in this position.

-It is not a problem. She is right. No one better to be your guide than me or Sharena. I was honestly thinking the task would have fallen to her being a girl like you, but she has been busy as well. Sharena and and the Commander have a better relationship than mine whit hers.

==So it is because I’m a girl? Was he expecting a man then?…Of course he was Emma! What kind of question is that? That coat was huge! I bet they were all disappointed to see you!==

-Oh. I…

- What I mean is that I thought you would be more comfortable with another girl around. It is no bother to me.

-You were expecting a male summoner I suppose.- Emma says suddenly. Alfonse looks at her a little bewildered. He did not expect this. Her voice was firm but it did not sound like she was angry.

-What? No…Why would you say that? The Summoner comes in any gender. We had no idea who would come…- He paused at her look of disbelief.- I expected a woman if I can be honest with you.

-The coat. It was very big.

-I noticed. Anna is…tight with the budget. She opted to make a big coat that would…fit anyone, instead of making several of different sizes. - He pauses. He sounds apologetic and his cheeks are rosy with shame. Oly looks at his sincere eyes and smiles.- I appologice.

-No! You don’t have to..I…I’m sorry for thinking, for assuming…So you expected a female summoner? Why?

Alfonse heard her innocent question and her pretty dark eyes that showed real curiosity. He had thought …nay he had hoped since Commander Anna had suggested to call the Summoner that the one answering the call would be his cousin Bel. She was their real Summoner after all. But he could not tell Emma this. He could not say he knew the secret. At least not yet. As nice as Emma looked to him, she was still a stranger and he could not tell her this secret. It was not just his secret after all.

-Well…The first Summoner who came to Askr to help the first King Lif was female.

[Line break]

Alfonse was in trouble. Big trouble. He knew it. Sitting here in Commander Anna’s office and looking across the desk full of scrolls and books. He also knew the question was coming and he was not ready to lie about it and much less to say the truth; but knew he could not keep her questioning at bay anymore. Not to her. If it was the Commander he may have stood a chance but there sitting on Commander Anna’s chair was his own sister Sharena.

When the note he had received while he was training alone instead of with Emma and the heroes, had said he was needed in Commander Anna’s office,; he had assumed it was Commander Anna who had asked for his presence but instead he had found Sharena sitting at the desk reading over some paper and placing them in different piles. She was organizing Anna’s papers. Her comment after she asked him to sit had been for the need of someone to do this kind of office job more efficiently than her. As soon as he asked why he was asked to be here, Sharena had turned to him very seriously ( as serious an expression as she could muster ) and the conversation started to turn towards their Summoner and his interaction and attitude towards her.

-It’s like you don’t like her and I do not understand why. She is kind and smart and intuitive and a fast learner and she has great taste even in art! What more could you want brother?- Sharena asked and now her usual demeanor showed. She sounded disappointed in him. But how could he explain what he himself could not understand?

Of course he had noticed all of those attributes in Emma. And he hated her for it. He hated her and himself for feeling what he felt. Well probably not hate, but he sure felt annoyed by it. It annoyed him that he would have to be near her for any reason and he would be prepared to be civil but distant, because he did not want to be rude but he certainly did not want to be close to her, but her ability to tear down all his barriers so easily was so efficient that he felt annoyed by it. It annoyed him that he was not only warming up to her this fast, but that he felt extremely attracted to her. Yes she was kind and smart and pretty and he hated the way she interacted with the heroes, and that he wanted to have the same thing or even a closer relationship, but at the same time he hated that he felt this way. He had made a promise to himself that he was not going to get close to anyone else and here he was feeling this way and toward their usurper Summoner no less.

And yes he hated himself for thinking such a cruel thought towards the one person who was trying so hard to help them, but he could not take the feeling out f his heart that the place belonged to his cousin. He felt like he was betraying her memory and replacing her.

-It is not…I do not dislike her Sharena. I just do not want to be close to her. She will leave as soon as the war ends.

- It is more than that. Alfonse. Brother. I was expecting cousin Bel to come too but..

-How…

-Alfonse. I am not dumb. I do not remember much about the time Embla attacked us years ago, but as soon as I saw the sacred weapon I knew. It made sense that she was from The World of Steel and could use the weapon so she was a Summoner. I also wanted her to come back and at first I felt like liking Emma was s sort of betrayal…but Emma is a great person and does not deserve us feeling this way about her.

-I can’t help it Sharena. Her looks do not help the matter either. She looks so much like… or how I imagine she would look at least.

-I know.- Sharena says and stands beside her brother and hugs him from behind the chair.- we will get through it. You’ll see.

-I hope so.- Was all Alfonse said.

[line break]

Days passed with Alfonse not getting used to Emma’s presence. Every time he saw her he felt something in the pit of his stomach and his heart, however he did not want to appear rude so he asked Commander Anna to send him on the next mission outside the castle. He needed time to analice his feelings, which he did not like doing to begin with and to just relax in a sentimental kind of way. Anna agreed that he needed to get out of the castle more and appointed him to be a guard on the next mission which would take place the next day. He was going to get provisions from the city’s warehouse to the towns nearby . They had had an influx of immigration with the towns near the border being attacked lately.

The next day came and Alfonse readied himself to go. Sharena urged him to get breakfast before going on his way. He was not looking forward to see his summoner in the Great Hall where he was sure she would be having breakfast with the newly summoned heroes. Male and female Corrin , along side Hector, Lin, Princess Lissa from Ylisse, Lord Arvis, Prince Leo of Nohr, Male Chris, General Zelgius and to his annoyance Roy the young Lion.

Do not take it wrong he admired them all but he found annoying that some of the heroes had so easily and readily befriended his summoner while he himself felt so reluctant to be closer to her or more like he felt so… angry was it? That he could not fraternizer as easily…He could not even tell what he felt. He just knew that hearing Emma say ‘ Roy’s our Boy’ when said man was training and the way he looked at her made him lose his mind.

Thinking about it he readied himself for the vision of Emma sitting between Roy and Marth or something to the like; but to his surprise his summoner was not there. Roy sat by Marth and they talked very excitedly while Chris and Takumi listened attentively. Alfonse notices some of the heroes were missing as well. General Zelgius , Robin and Chrom were among them.

- Has our Summoner gone to train the heroes or to summon more? - He asked Sharena but she did not answer him. She kept on eating and urged him to do the same with her fork.

Soon he was leading his horse to the front gate where the party was getting ready to leave city bound then to the towns. Sharena walked by his side silently. He was too preoccupied by his thoughts to really think about her silence. This trip would free him of his feeling for two weeks. He knew he was just avoiding the inevitable. He knew he had to get used to working with her daily and knew that as prince of Askr he himself was responsible for her safety and well being. Not that it was a written law, but him being less than that was irresponsible and rude. He was her host and she not only a honored guest, but a member of his family as Royal Summoner and a great ally. He just needed time to possess the situation. He felt that all of this had been shoved in his face and it felt finally like it was too much for him.

- I did not think you would be coming with us.- The voice got Alfonse out of his musings. It belonged to Robin. He was watching Alfonse with a small smile on his face and his eyes twinkled in the sunlight in different tones of reddish brows. -I’m glad you decided to come after all.

-I asked to be here.- Was all Alfonse could says because now he could hear this voice getting louder. The sweet melodious voice of his summoner. He turns and indeed the summoner is coming closer, talking to General Zelgius . She wears the uniform of the Summoner that has been fitted to her form. The white and golds gives her dark skin a luxurious tone of bronce and rich cinnamon, while they make her hair as dark as midnight and just as shiny as twinkling stars. Alfonse furrowed his brows at the stray though.His insides felt like they were doing somersaults. He looked sideways to where Sharena was standing looking at her feet. She looked guilty.

==She knew. Of course…==

-She has been a little sad you know. She thinks you don’t like her because of her skin color.- Robin went on.- In Ylisse there are …

-What!? Why would I not like her for that reason? My best friends and family …- Alfonse starts. He feels the weight of the feelings coming down on him again and he chokes on the rest of the sentence. He closes his eyes and looks away.

-We lost three dear friends. They had dark skin. It is difficult for us…at least for me it is.- Sharena explains. - Emma resembles one of them quite a lot. She was our third cousin and our playmate in childhood. Her mother was like an older sister to us.

- Was…- Robin starts the realization hits.- Oh! My appologies. Had I known this I would not..

-Time to go ! Oh his Highness is coming too?- Asks Emma and smiles.- The princess as well?

-My brother asked to go,- Sharena answers since Alfonse is still speechless.- but I have to stay to help with the building of the orphanage; so my team will go with you only as far as the city. But you guys have fun!- Said Sharena smiling broadly.

-Yes. Prince Alfonse will be the only one going with you as your bodyguard Summoner Emma. You are in capable hands.-Answers Commander Anna from the back. She was walking alongside one of their officers that will accompany Sharena.

==What? She did this on purpose?==

Alfonse is angry but his face remains stoic. He looks at Anna and sends her a look and his anger flares when she smiles at him.

-It is an honor to be your guard Summoner Emma.- He said willing his face to soften. He knew it was not her fault. Nothing was. His words were true though. It was an honor for him. The irony was that he, as a member or the Order Of Heroes had agreed to be under the command of Commander Anna. He was a mere subordinate. He was a prince yes, and a capable warrior as well, but he knew that the honor of being the Summoner’s guard should befall a better warrior than him. A hero of her choosing. Reluctantly he walks closer to her and she meets him half way.- I will guard you with my life. Until you see fit to replace me with a better warrior of your choosing. - He added. She had to know her rights as the Royal Summoner of course. What better time than right now to let her know. Alfonse knew it was the truth but why did it hurt to even think about that?

Emma walked closer to him with a questioning gaze. The others had turned away to talk about details of the plan and route.

-Better warrior? But you saved my life! I trust you with it…unless you do not want to be my partner of course. I don’t want to make you do things you don’t want to do.- She said giving an involuntary pout that looked so much like …

==Stop!==

- It is not an inconvenience. Like I said it is an honor to me, but you only know a few heroes now and in time you will meet many that are stronger or more skilled than I. As summoner you can choose to have another one and better yet you can choose more than one partner even. The relationship is beneficial for both parties as well.

-That is fascinating can you explain this to me while we are in leisure time?

- Of course.- Answered Alfonse and they both went to their respective places. Emma would be traveling on one of the wagons while he rode his horse. They usually walked to their destination but this was an urgent business as the villages were suffering by lack of provisions, so they would go as fast as the wagons could.

On the way to the city, as guard to the Summoner, Alfonse choose to stay by the wagon where Emma was sitting. She was talking to Robin who decided to stay with her to talk about strategies of war, but Alfonse could hear them laughing at the stories shared of their worlds. Sharena had stayed behind, sensing her brother’s mood, she decided to keep her distance. He was seldom cross at her, always the patient older brother, but he was human and she would sometimes annoy him. She knew he needed space and a friend to talk to and after Zacharias, it was even worse to approach his hardened exterior. Commander Anna was a good friend but even she was not as close to him as she was with Sharena. She felt bad to see him suffer. He did not outwardly show, it but she knew him well enough to know all of this was him trying hard to shield himself from pain.

-I am sorry brother. It is for your own good.- Sharena said softly when she rode to catch up to him. Alfonse looked sideways at her still annoyed but seeing the moist in her green eyes he sighted. He could never stay angry with her. She was the only one he had after all and he loved her most than anyone else.

-I know. I will try my best Sharena. But remember as well that she is not from this world and she will leave as soon as the war is over. We should not build deep connections with her.

-Who knows when that will be brother. Besides. If we offer her something better than she has waiting for her, she may stay. And it would work better for Askr too.

-What could we give her that she does not already have there?

-Well we have to befriend her to know. Right?- Sharena says smiling. Alfonse looks pensive and by that expression she knows she has won. He is already thinking of ways to do it. It may start as a mental exercise but she knows where this will lead him. She was praying for this to end well. He needed this. Her brother may be physically stronger than her, but if he got hurt again it would be entirely her fault.

[line break]

Sharena embraced Alfonse before leaving for the site the Orphanage was being constructed. Well it was actually being modified from an existing villa. Alfonse had not wanted to come himself because the house in question was donated by great uncle Andreas and had been his cousin’s own home where Oly had been born. The solitary man had constructed a fortified Villa on the lands close to the castle of the Order of Heroes and this was where he stayed when he came to the city. His late son’s home had too many painful memories but he had not wanted to let it fall into disrepair and decided now that war was upon the land, to convert it into an Orphanage. It was big enough to house dozens of children and staff but he had sent people to enhance it to house much more kids and stores from his own pockets . The man asked only one thing in return. That someone of the order oversee the construction since he did not wished to return to the place. Sharena had volunteered before Anna had appointed Alfonse to do the job.

Now on their way to their first destination which was a day and a half away, the caravan was on the lookout for danger. They were at war and there was a very high probability of encountering the enemy waiting for them, but that was not the only danger. Alfonse knew the people of Askr were good people but he also knew that there was always people that were more than unsavory. They were thieves and brigands that preyed on the travelers and now on the refugees. Their number had risen with the war and he suspected that the longer this war was prolonged the worse the situation would get. The aid they were carrying was a as much a way to help the people as to deter the formation of more factions of thieves. It was also a very juicy temptation.

Alfonse had agreed to come because he thought that the occasion would serve to take down a couple of those groups of thieves. He wanted to use the trip and the cargo as bait, but now that the Summoner was here with them, the mission had changed in his mind.

The group stopped for the night in part of the road that ran through a thick patch of woodland area. The officer in charge of the mission had chosen a clearing by the road. Emma had heard Robin say he would have liked to make camp somewhere else not so close to the road but with the number of wagons it would be difficult. Emma thought the tree cover could also cover thieves, but said nothing.

It was dark by the time they finally finished making camp and organizing the watch. A stew was made and they took turns to eat and watch. Alfonse sat by Robin on one of the logs along the stones they had carried over to sit around the fires they had lit. Alfonse looked over his shoulder to see Emma talking to a soldier, then turning to get her own share of the herb and coney stew to take a sit. He was raising up to offer her the place but was stopped by Robin who was already standing up and offering her his own.

-No worries, I am going to sit over there by Chrom. I was going to leave him alone with Lissa -He paused. Lissa had put a frog in his pocket that morning. Robin hated frogs.- but I better interfere before she puts something in his food. -He says gesturing to Lissa who is obviously looking suspicious.

Emma sat by Alfonse. She looked nervous but Alfonse was too busy feeling awkward himself to notice. He heard her say something in that language he has been hearing.

- Siblings are the same everywhere.

-You have siblings?- Alfonse asked surprised and berating himself for not asking before.

-I have a brother. Enrique is a couple of years younger than I. he likes playing tricks on me.

- Like Lissa?- Alfonse says a little alarmed. If he was a honest he was very wary of the blond princess and was thankful Sharena was not as playful.

-Oh no! Lissa is a menace to society! Enrique is just playful. He is mostly well behaved. And he is very bright, just like Mom.

-I see. May I ask a question?

- Of course.

- The language you speak. It sounds a lot like the ancient tongue my ancestors used thousands of years ago. What is it called?

-Italian. It is derived from Latin. - Emma pauses looking pensive for a moment then adds.-Do you speak that tongue you talk about?- She asks and Alfonse nods.

- I can translate more proficiently than speak it but yes.

-Can you say something? If it is no problem that is.

Alfonse thinks for a while then starts talking. He has an accent of course but Emma can tell right away he is talking in Latin. She smiles and responds in the same tongue.

-You speak the ancient tongue?- He asks bewildered.

-It is Latin! I was taking a class to learn it. I don’t speak much but since it is close to Italian and Spanish I can learn it faster.

-Spanish? You can speak Spanish too?- Alfonse asks and he looks very exited. Emma nods and smiles. She feels so giddy that he is interested in her.

- I can speak Greek and Italian because my family speak them . Spanish and English are my native tongues.

-What do you mean?

-I’m adopted. - She says watching his reaction. He is a little taken aback and speechless. His mouth is a little agape as well and she was trying hard not to laugh at his expression.- I don’t rem…-Emma started to say but a loud noise made them both turn to their right. Alfonse was already standing and taking his sword out.

In an instant all hell broke loose. Emma did not have time to register what the first noise had been. Alfonse was taking her arm and getting her to stand behind him. She looked around and saw Robin covering Lissa who had fallen down trying to get her staff that she had left by the wagon. Which reminded her that her gun was on the ground by the log she had been sitting on but Alfonse had been backing away from it.

Emma made a run for the gun from under Alfonse’s guard and landed on her belly just in time to get the gun. She aimed from the ground to hit one of the attackers. The light blast hit the man right on the chest. She smiled at her aim and made to get up. Alfonse was by her side taking her by the waist as easily as if she was a rad doll. He was shouting something but Emma was too busy looking at the attackers getting stuff from the wagon. One of the bags was her own traveling bag.

-No! No no no no!!- Now that she was standing she tried to run toward them and shoot at the same time. Alfonse bodily took her by the waist again and put her down right inside what she could see was a ring of people. This made her miss the shot and the thief got away.

-Have you no sense of self preservation? Stay there!

Emma was shocked at Alfonse’s anger and even more frustrated at the fact that she wanted to help hut he kept holding her back. She felt tears falling down her cheeks. They had taken her traveling bag. She kept telling him she wanted to help and that the guy had taken her bag but he was too busy to hear her or was purposely not answering.

The fight went on for a while and at the end some of the thieves had gotten away. Emma was devastated.

-What were you trying to do? They almost killed you and you did not even noticed! You can’t just go around a guard without telling them either! I may have hurt you by mistake! Have you no sense at all Summoner!

-HEY! Don’t talk to her that way!- Lissa told Alfonse and she was about to get closer but Chrom stopped her.

-He is right Lissa. This could have cost her her life.- He said to her sister.

-Perhaps it is necessary that the two of you train together as a team. She has no real sense of battle tactics besides the ones we have been studi…

-HE TOOK MY BAG!!- Emma finally screamed. As tears run down her face.- It has the things I brought from home! I will never find my real parents without it!

She said this and the camp went quiet. Alfonse let go of the breath he had taken. His eyes were huge with shock. He composed himself in an instant, silently he turned around, took a horse and mounted it.

-They went that way.- Chrom said getting a horse of his own even though he detested riding. He had understood right away what the prince was about to do. Lord Arvis followed suit. - I am going with you. Robin! Lisa! Take care of Emma!

Emma saw them leave speechless. The prince had looked mildly annoyed when he was berating her for not being careful but by now she knew he was very angry and controlling himself, but as he went away he felt wrong. There was a cold anger in his posture that sent shivers down her spine. She had looked around but saw the others had failed to noticed. To the others the prince had just looked serious or even determined.

She was afraid and sad. She hoped when he came back nothing bad happened because he would be even more angry for making him go get her stuff and even more when if he finds out it was just a doll.

She felt a gentle hand leading her down to sit on one of the logs by the fire. It was Lissa. She looked up and thank her. Then she looked around and saw Zelgius giving orders to the resto of the men.

- Princess Lissa can you please come and help the wounded please?- Said a Prince Leon coming closer to them .- I can stay with her and guard her.- He added when Lissa looked reluctant to leave.

-Please go Lissa. I… I am fine.-Emma said and got up.- I need to see what I can help with. She stood up and drying her tears started to help pick up the stuff the thieves had dropped and fix the mess they had left behind while the rest of the men dragged the bodies to the side of the camp to inspect. Robin and Zelgius had agreed to wait until Alfonse came back to see what he would want to do. The officer meanwhile was helping them inspect the corpses to see if he would determine where the people belonged to. Emma ended up joining to hear about the different variations in dress and weaponry and how it could help them determine where they had come from. She thought it would be something useful later on. She was already scolding herself for her earlier actions. She thought she had looked like a fool when they expected a leader. ==No wonder the prince was so disappointed with me.==

[Line break]

==You are a fool Alfonse! How could you think she would understand proper battle etiquette if you have never taught her? Of course she has no idea want to do and what not to do during a battle! And whose fault is that!? Yours Alfonse! She almost died because of you! You failed her as a guard! You will be lucky if she ever trust you again! Robin is right! I should have trained with her before taking her on a mission. It is all my fault. And the way I talked to her! In front of the others no less! What kind of a prince am I? My father is right! I am not fit to rule. I have shamed my self. I will be lucky if Commander Anna does not send me away.==

These thought plagued Alfonse’s mind while Emma’s face kept popping up on his mind. The tears falling down her face. The hopelessness he could see in them and the hurt at his words. He tried to clear his mind so he could pay attention to where he was going and the clues the thieves had left to follow their trail but as much as he could he could not concentrate. He limited himself to follow Chrom and their tracker.

The thieves were on foot and soon the group were upon them. Chrom jumped off the horse to intercept but Alfonse lost no time and fell the first thief by trampling him with his horse. Then he got down and finished him with his sword.

-No fire Lord Arvis if you please. We do not want to burn the Summoner’s belongings.- He asked aloud.

-Shame… They dance so prettily among my flames.- The redheaded lord said with a smirk as he took his tome and blasted three individuals with a ball of poisonous green energy.

- Remind me not to anger the man.- Comments Chrom as Alfonse approached him to help with the three men he was fighting.

-I am sure all of us will be able to remember it.- Says one of the soldiers who was helping them.- Except his foes.- he ads watching the Lord fell another thief very close to the three of them. The three remaining thieves tried escaping again but Alfonse and Chrom were able to take them down.

As soon as Alfonse saw the men were all taken care of he started to search for Emma’s belongings. Chrom tried to do the same but was stopped by Lord Arvis.

- My appologies conrad. - Alfonse heard him start while he searches under one of the men. Indeed this one had the traveling bag in his hand and had fallen on top of it. - I fear you may think I put you at risk with one of my attacks. I can assure you I calculate the strength, angle and distance perfectly fine. You were never in any danger.-Alfonse pried the bag from the thief and was searching the inside. He felt something soft to his touch ad he took it out to inspect.

-Oh don’t worry Lord Arvis. I can see you are a very capable and skilled mage.Besides I work beside my sister. I am ready for anything at this point.

-Your Majesty?!- The soldier exclaimed and ran towards Alfonse as the teen let go of the bag he was holding on one hand and sunk to the blood covered ground on his knees.

-Prince Alfonse!? Were you wounded!?- Asked Lord Arvis unable to see any wound on the man. Chrom got on his knees as well to inspect the Prince and notice the look of shock on the teen’s face. Chrom was worried. Alfonse would not answer. He was lost in his own mind watching the green clad elf sewn with care and love. He knew it well. His own cousin had made it with her own hands just as she had done two other plush toys for him and Sharena. The fabric was unique. It was the mix of modal fabric from beech trees and silk from the hardy moths that nested on the same beech trees that grew on the skirts of the Nivel Mountains. The result was a soft and warm yet durable fabric.The anti wear spell still keeping the doll as good as if newly made.

-...Link…- Alfonse says as he takes the doll and hugs it close to his chest as he closes his widened eyes.

[line break]

The ride to camp was quiet and oddly charged with an energy none of them could describe. They all had conflicting emotions about what they have experienced. It had taken a while to get Alfonse to move. After they had heard him say just that one word he seemed to wake up fro his stupor and intermediately took the bag and its contents and told them all he was ready to return. He did not elaborate or say anything else except to thank them for helping him return Emma’s belongings.

If they thought that had been odd on his part the return itself was even worse. As soon as they returned he turned to the small group and asked them to do him a favor and not talk about the situation to anyone. He told them it was a delicate matter and he would explain later. They had all agreed to not say a word mostly because they had no idea what was going on but they all had theories. Especially after they had heard Emma say something about her family. After this Alfonse went to talk to the officer and Zelgius in private. He did not even give Emma her bag right away. Instead he called her to join them. After a moment Chrom saw Zelgius and the officer leave and stand guard outside the tent they were using.

Chrom was worried and he saw quite well that Lord Arvis was as well and he looked even annoyed by the whole ordeal. Robin came and asked what had happened but Chrom who had given his words said he did not know what was going on and it was mostly true.

When Emma entered the tent she was afraid and a little annoyed at Alfonse’s attitude. He had not given her her bag and had just bypassed her to talk to the officers instead of her. She readied herself for whatever he would throw at her. She was sure he would scold her for putting him and his group in peril just to retrieve a doll. Her suspicions came true when as he turned to talk to her and she saw the doll in his hand. She readied her self for the explanation.

- Is your name really Emma?- He asked. His expressionless99 face betrayed nothing but there was something in his eyes she could not name. The question was also not what she expected at all.

-No. My adoptive ,mother gave me that name because it was written on a scarf I was wearing when she found me.-I see.- How did she find you and how old were you?

- I was about five or six years old. She found me in the woods near the school she was attending at the time. She said she heard me crying and…I was near this lady who was too hurt to talk. Mom says they took her to the hospital and never heard about her again. The police told her they believe she kidnapped me. I don’t remember anything before my seventh birthday. I was holding that doll when she found me. I guess one of my parents liked to play videogames of maybe me. I don’t remember.

She saw as Alfonse sink into a chair. He was looking the doll and her confusion grew as he started to caress it tenderly.

- Did she describe the woman to you? How she looked or perhaps what she was wearing?

-She told me she believed she was Amish or something because she was wearing a long dress that looked almost Victorean.It was long and puffy. Light blue in color. The police told her she most likely escaped a cult because we were both showing signs of violence. Mother said her hair was strawberry blond. Why are you asking me all of this?

After a moment he stood up and walked over to her. He gave her the doll and took her hand . He was shaking a little and would not meet her eyes. Then suddenly he sighted shakily and looked her in the eyes.

- Your mother. She liked videogames. She would tell us tales of the games she used to play when she was a child. She sew this doll for you before you were born. Emma was the your grandmother’s name. Your father’s mother. It was Emmaneline but she was called Emma by her closest relatives I was told.

-How… How do you know this?

-The woman they found you with. She saved your life, but she also took you away from your family. From us. I know this because you are part of my family and your real name is Olintzin Stelle 2) Andreas. Your mother thought it was a very serious name so she called you Oly.

-My mother…We are related? You and I?

-She was like a mother or older sister to me. She was from the World of Steel but you…you are Askran. Your Grandfather is the Earl of Nibelheilm My own Great Uncle. Your father’s name was Alfonse he was my mentor and third cousin. Your mother’s name is Bel.

Notes:

A/N: 1)I am taken the meaning of the name Kiran from the Gaelic source because it suits the story line. Although I do like the Sanskrit meaning of Ray of Light better. 2)Olintzin comes from the Nahuatl word Olin that means either movement or fluidity or Earthquake. The ending ‘tzin’ is a honorific that means ‘Our Lady of’. Since Stella means star. The name comes to mean ‘ Our Lady that moves the star’ or ‘ Our Lady that Shakes / Quakes the Star’.

[valflaame]

jakob casts a glance around, cloth folded over right arm and stood dutifully in place. the hallway is quiet, just the two of them. good. he speaks quietly. "lord leo and lord camilla will be beside me at this table. they are nohrian royalty. in fact, lady camilla is next in line for the crown were anything to befall king xander," which is to say, it is unlikely. but it pays to tell him, to make him aware of the importance of the fact. "they are not my lords nor lady. i respond only to my liege, but i've still taken an oath to the nohrian royal family as is . . ."

a pause. "that isn't to say, i have not had my disagreements with some royalty. because i have." oh, camilla.

back on topic. "nohrians prize being stern or a stalwart leader. we enjoy brutality, coldness and the dark. lord leo is the bookish type, perhaps you ought to ask him about brynhildr if you desire to form some decent relations between my kingdom and yours... lady camilla is generally talkative and you'll find no issue in speaking to her."

at that, he turns his head back to the table. "i'm only telling you this as your.. friend," and even the words come out a bit difficult. "because i had thought you'd see it as important to form some relationship with foreign royalty."

jakob waits a moment, before looking away. it still felt weird to directly call someone that. he takes a step back with a curt bow, before heading back to the light of the hallway. "or don't talk to them. i don't care," jakob is always quick to seal over brief acts of kindness with that blunt edge of his. "it's no bother to me."

at that, he leaves.

Arvis is not surprised that Jakob tells him of the internal politics of Nohr. That he offers suggestions. That he speaks with Arvis plainly, no frills attached. He's warning him, in part, but giving him opportunities to expand his reach.

Jakob is honest. It's refreshing.

"Thank you," he says, and feels his brows furrow as Jakob calls him 'friend'. He supposes they are now, aren't they? He cares about him -- more than others he's met, and certainly more than he cares to admit. It feels nice to have someone like that.

Deirdre would be so pleased if she knew.

"I will take your words to heart. It is good to interact with foreign royalty; it makes it easier when one has powerful allies, does it not?"

A pause. He looks at Jakob's outfit, how he stands with all the formalities befitting of a servant of Lord Corrin. Arvis frowns, just a slight imperceptible thing as he reaches out and adjusts the broach that holds up his friend's cravat. "Slightly askew," he says, teasing. Light. Almost boyish. "Consider my watching out for you an apology for the sub-par tea I've brought. I've heard you were bringing a Nohrian blend, I cannot wait to try."

He lets him go, motions for him to lead. "After you."

[chorusmusarum]

Reverse Uno time 👀 how much did Camilla and Xander try to hide of the concubine wars from their siblings? Or would they have perhaps warned them in order to learn how to defend themselves?

Leo was there from the start; there was nothing to be hidden.

Elise knows nothing. She was too young to truly remember the in-fighting, and with the tender age at which she lost her mother, there was nobody to turn her against her surviving siblings. Knowing nothing of the bloodshed, Elise could grow up happy and without a worry in the world... A new light for Nohr. Why would anyone ruin that by speaking of those lost to the grave?

Corrin is a similar case, albeit they were in Nohr during the worst of it, just... Absent. Locked away in the Northern Fortress, the only way news of what was taking place in Krakenburg could reach them is if a visitor (or Gunter) informed them, and what was the point? Sure, a concubine may see them as a threat, but they had Gunter to keep them safe and besides, what good was a motherless, "sick" child to the king? There were much higher priority targets to remove from the line of succession. That, and hardly any knew if this child even existed. To most, Corrin was little more than a rumour.

However, having been introduced to them as the crown prince, Xander had acted as their elder brother from the very start. At times, he vaguely mentioned the existence of more siblings, but dodged specifics. Who knew if they'd be alive by his next visit?

Once things calmed down (for lack of a better phrase), the rest of their siblings began their visits, and they became one big happy family... Depending on the route. Regardless, Corrin received a similar treatment to Elise and in Camilla's case, she practically latched onto the idea of a sibling who was ignorant to their bloody past, and never close enough to someone who could poison them against her.

[overtsexting]

What is life like for Camilla and Leo, IF, and big IF, they can marry and rule openly as a brother-sister King-Queen duo?

Considering how unstable their position likely is, I imagine it depends heavily on how much support they get from Hoshido. Probably Corrin would have to be the one to vouch for them.

I imagine that their people would be pretty iffy about either of them ruling actually. Considering the horrors they experienced under Garon’s rule, his two most notoriously ruthless children would both be terrifying prospects for the throne.

So because of this, I imagine they’d take it very slowly. They’d rule together at first as brother and sister—probably with Leo as king and Camilla in an influential supporting role. And as the people gradually begin to accept the rule of this duo, who are surprisingly wise and gentle when it comes to their own people, eventually they’d discuss the idea of bringing their relationship to light.

People wouldn’t love it, but their king needs a queen, and heirs. And clearly he and Camilla have shown that they rule well together. Introducing some other woman could upset the already delicate power balance—not to mention the political turmoil that the process of selecting a wife would cause. Surely the nobility would be the most upset, considering it’s their daughters who could have potentially become queen, but Leo marrying his sister actually ends up preventing excess conflict between the them. (Actually, this is part of why the Hapsburgs married each other so much! Much less drama if you just marry your cousin)

So I imagine it would be rocky at first. And people aren’t thrilled. But their lives are better under the rule of a brother married to his sister than they were under their father. So what’s there really to complain about?

The royal wedding is a massive affair, partially funded with the help of Corrin, and even the most sceptical find themselves enjoying the festivities. After everything that’s happened, their king usually wears a cold expression, with something broken in his eyes. But when he looks at Camilla, he smiles. His eyes shine. And people can see this. Isn’t it better if the king known for being ruthless is allowed to be happy?

Within a few years I think they find relative peace. There is hardly any dissent to their union. Their friends on the other side of the bottomless canyon probably still aren’t thrilled about the idea, but they hold their tongues for Corrin’s sake.

They get to be happy, and their children get to grow up with the full knowledge of their parentage and without any shame. They manage to wave in a new era of prosperity for Nohr, the likes of which hadn’t been seen in decades. And they may incidentally start a trend where it’s not uncommon for a Nohrian ruler to take a sibling as their spouse every few generations.

[maligknightsthorns]

[ 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦 ] : sender has killed someone who threatened the receiver.

Brynhildr's magic fades, greens and purples and golds flashing across his face before it's gone completely. A body lays where the tree had burst forth.

Retainer trials, while a chance for Nohr's deadliest to prove their worth, come with the occasional risk of a fanatic bent on ruining the royal family. (Leo tries not to think about the immediate years after the Concubine Wars, when grieving family members aimed all their ire on the surviving children.)

The ancient tome thumps closed. Leo looks over his shoulder at his older sister, expression inscrutable. "Be careful when you turn your back, Sister. Traitors are known for being unable to face their quarry."

Camilla sets her jaw at the scene. The retainer she had taken on, torn to bits by Brynhildr’s magic. In her hand, a sinister blade with a purple sheen that was no doubt venin.

Her whole body tenses as she struggles to contain her wrath. Her breathing is deep, each breath burns in her lungs. Was her kindness not enough? Was she so vile that she needed to be stabbed in the back? She felt trapped, trying to brace herself against a narrowing tunnel.

Farther down the hall, there’s the shadow of a former assassin lurking in the shadows. The girl she had saved with an act of kindness. Maybe they had saved each other that night. The thought helps Camilla to relax, a blinding sudden light as the tunnel she felt trapped in widened.

Leo was right. This was no time to let her guard down. “Thank you Leo.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “I’ll call for a maid to clean this up. In the mean time shall we have some tea?”

[arget-star]

The Future is Forgiven

Relationships: Nohr Siblings (Xander, Camilla, Leo, Elise)

Gen Audiences/No Warnings Apply

This for the Day 2 Prompt of Fates Route Week, Family!

While enjoying a ""leisurely"" afternoon, the Nohrian princes bond over a sparring match while their sisters cheer them on.

wc: 1,944 (also crossed posted to ao3!)

By Nohr’s standards, it’s a beautiful day. The thinned cloud cover allows weak rays of sunlight through, dappling the sparse grass in spots of light yellow. There’s a hint of summer on the air, promising brighter days ahead. 

One such sunbeam cuts across the corner of the book propped in Leo’s lap, making the white pages glow. He shifts, adjusting his seated position underneath a large tree until the book no longer glares up at him. Rough bark digs into the space between his shoulder blades. Annoyed he’s no longer comfortable, he lifts his head, observing his siblings scattered across the training field. 

Xander stands alone, proud, Siegfried held loosely in one hand. His chest heaves from practicing various forms with rigorous precision. Camilla sits primly atop a blanket laid over the haybales used for striking practice, her axe laid lengthwise across her lap. A whetstone runs rhythmically up the blade’s already deadly edge while Elise watches, asking a million questions about whatever topic has recently captured her attention. Something relating to being a lady, most likely, since Elise hasn’t pestered him about it. 

Somehow, throughout the war, it had become an unofficial tradition for them to gather once a week. Neither the activity or day was set in stone; so long as they made a point of spending some measure of time together, it satisfied whatever arbitrary requirement had been laid out. 

Leo is positive Camilla organized the whole thing without any of them quite realizing it. She’s far more cunning than anyone gives her credit for—especially when it comes to her family. And since he was not the one responsible for keeping the training grounds mysteriously clear, the only other person capable of instilling such a healthy dose of fear and respect in their army is Nohr’s eldest princess. 

Their awe for Xander sometimes outweighs the more sensible respect. He would not risk alienating those serving him (and Corrin) by appearing vain in asking for some privacy while he trains. 

He must sense Leo’s scrutiny, for he looks over one broad shoulder, expression less stern than usual. “Enjoying your book, Leo?” 

The whetstone continues its metallic scraping, but Leo sees Camilla tilt her head in their direction from his peripheral vision. “I am, Xander, thank you.” 

“What subject are you so enthralled with today?  

It’s still jarring, interacting with a relaxed version of his normally stoic brother. Speaking of their interests not for the sake of competition or out of duty, but merely for a conversation between siblings. 

(The little boy yearning for love, for acceptance, that still resides in Leo’s heart preens at the attention.) 

Leo suspects this was Camilla’s ultimate goal. 

Still, the younger prince hesitates. He’s sure his hobbies are already well known to Xander–observation was a skill hammered into all the Nohr royals from a young age. “...Botany,” Leo finally replies, letting the book fall shut with a muted thump. “Specifically, the unique flora found in Nohr.” Gloved fingers trace the title etched into the cracked leather cover. He should be going over strategy, dissecting mistakes from yesterday's battle, but it felt—not wrong, merely incongruent—to lug his notebooks and maps out here. 

This is as close to leisure as any of them get. 

Xander nods his acknowledgment, then plants Siegfried into the ground. A faint purple aura illuminates the great blade for a moment. It’s imposing, just like its wielder. A challenge tinges Xander’s expression. 

“Come, Brother. I cannot recall the last time we sparred together. It is my duty to ensure you’re still polished.” 

The whetstone ceases its song. She props her axe against the haybale, blade glinting menacingly in the weak sunlight. With sinuous grace, Camilla stands, mouth curled in amusement. “Now, promise me you two will take care of each other. I cannot have my only brothers sliced into ribbons.” 

Nohrians are not known for training lightly; many a soldier has gained all manner of cuts and bruises from a sparring session. 

Leo glances between his eldest siblings. Initial surprise fades, leaving only resigned acceptance in its place. He cannot deny Xander, no matter how much he wishes. Biting back a sigh, he removes the book from his lap, placing it neatly down, and pushes upright. 

“Certainly.” 

“Don’t look so dour about it,” Xander chides with something Leo might call amusement if he didn’t know better. “We will use wooden swords; this is a test of skill, not a battle to the death.” 

A cynical eyebrow raises before Leo can stop it. There was certainly no difference in past mock fights; not that they had any choice as children used for political gain. He’d grown out of that lingering bitterness, but the insecurity refused to leech from his veins. 

Elise, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet, finally bursts. “I’ve never seen you two spar each other! Ooooooo, I don’t know who I should cheer for!” She bounces in place, clapping her hands. Her enthusiasm pulls a chuckle from Xander, and even Leo softens. 

Something crosses her mind, then, turning her serious, making it harder not to laugh when her cheeks puff out. “Wait! Wooden weapons still cause damage, and I left my staff in my tent. Pleaaaaaaaaase don’t do anything reckless, okay?” 

“Don’t worry, dear,” Camilla replies, sauntering over to the rack of training weapons. “We’ll stop them if things get rowdy.” She selects two swords, examining them for splinters and cracks before deeming them worthy. 

“Watch carefully, Elise. It will be good for you to learn a few things.” Xander accepts one weapon, testing the weight in his palm. Camilla lingers when handing off Leo’s; he gives a curious glance and she pats his shoulder, then strides away. 

Frightening, how well she knows what goes on behind his impassive mask. 

Old anxieties clamor for attention as he wraps his hand around the wooden sword’s hilt. The faint echo of his mother’s voice threads through, demanding more, do better, surpass that boy!

Leo tightens his grip. Settles into a fighting stance–knees bent, shoulder width apart, body angled. Xander’s form is, as ever, absolute perfection, not one movement wasted. They eye each other, taking in a dozen little details in the space of an inhale. 

Stillness descends. 

Exhale, and the stillness shatters like a pane of glass as Xander darts forward. Leo neatly sidesteps, fake blades knocking together with a stilted clack. Approval shines in Xander’s eyes. He pivots, sword held aloft. 

On lighter feet, Leo edges into Xander’s reach, feinting left before quickly stabbing right. Xander catches it in time, batting away Leo’s sword in an effortless flick of his wrist. “You leaned into the stab before finishing the feint. Do not lack conviction even on false attacks.” 

The younger prince shakes hair out of his eyes. “Understood.” There is nothing else he can say; he knew going in this was an assessment. Improvement matters far more than his petty irritation. 

Seeing an opening, Xander attacks again, aiming for Leo’s exposed shoulder. Another sharp clack rings across the field as the wooden swords meet. There’s a cry of encouragement from Elise, though Leo can’t tell who it’s for. 

He’d like to tell her not to waste her breath on him. Xander will win, it’s just a matter of how long Leo can hold his own. Neither of them are holding back—had his brother dared pull such an insulting ploy, Leo would have stalked away immediately. 

They break apart, circling each other like wolves, falsely starting forward solely to make the other twitch. Xander finally commits, performing some elegant, sweeping arc Leo could never hope to imitate. He blocks it in time, shockwaves radiating up his arms from the force of the blow. 

Quickly, he searches for a clever countermove, one that might give him a brief upper hand. Xander moves to step back and Leo seizes his advantage, ducking underneath the wooden sword and lightly tapping his own weapon against Xander’s ribcage. 

Surprise ripples across stern features. A breath of a laugh escapes Xander, true satisfaction softening the corners of his mouth. He keeps his guard up. “Well done, Leo.” 

“GOOOOO BIG BROTHER!!!” Elise yells. Camilla offers muted applause. 

Wary, Leo spares his sisters a dip of his chin, attention still mostly focused on Xander. “Do you yield?” 

“Not yet.” 

His attacks come faster now. He’s not teaching any longer; every blow is meant to land. Leo keeps the first handful at bay, giving up precious ground in doing so. Scowling, he opts to mount his offense, aiming for a simple yet effective horizontal slice across Xander’s stomach. Easy enough to block, which would set up the follow-through for a jab or a fake blow to the neck. 

The first half goes according to plan. Xander easily knocks aside the slice, stepping back as Leo anticipated. Younger prince flicks up the sword, only to meet empty air. Brows furrow in confusion just as he feels a blunt sword tip land squarely at his back. 

“Do you yield?” Xander asks, voice even despite his heavy breathing. 

Leo swallows. Lowers his weapon. “I yield.” 

The pressure at his back disappears. A tangled knot of emotions settles in his stomach—relief, disappointment, apprehension. Their sisters are quiet, though he can feel their eyes on him. 

Xander’s throat clears. Leo uproots himself from his spot, finally turning to witness his family’s reactions to his pitiful display. 

Camilla looks immensely satisfied, like her wyvern relaxing in a rare patch of sunlight. Barely contained excitement practically spills from Elise, who is kept in check by Camilla’s arm around her thin shoulders. He steels himself for whatever disapproval he’ll find on Xander’s face. At last he meets his brother’s gaze, inner turmoil tucked neatly away behind a mask of perfect composure. 

There is no derision. No trace of the disappointment he expects. Only a quiet pride evident in the curve of Xander’s smile, the faint flush sitting high on his cheeks. “Well fought, Leo. Your reflexes are as sharp as I remember.” A lock of hair lays flat against his forehead. His circlet is just askew enough that Leo can notice it, and the reminder that his infallible brother is human shocks him more than the compliment. 

“...thank you, Xander.” Sweat trickles down his temples in time with the pleasant feeling blooming inside his chest. They stare at each other, letting their adrenaline fade with every labored breath. Something unspoken passes between them—a realization that neither of them are the boys they once were. 

Elise barrels out of nowhere, knocking into Leo, sending him stumbling back a step. She hugs him fiercely, and he drops the wooden sword, returning her embrace. Camilla appears at Xander’s side. 

“Well, I say we need some tea after all this excitement. Are you two done?” 

Leo looks up from where Elise clings to him. Later, he’ll attempt to draw the truth out of her, if she’d hoped he and Xander would make the first moves towards settling whatever broken thing frays strains their relationship. 

Drawing himself fully upright, Xander smooths his wrinkled shirt. “Even the crown prince can find time for a brief break.” 

“Nothing too sweet this time, please,” Leo acquiesces. Elise squeals in delight, untangling herself from Leo. 

“But the kind you like is so bitter!” 

“You and I will have something more suited for our tastes, dear Elise.” Camilla soothes, returning empty-handed from the weapons rack. Xander makes for the tree Leo had been sitting underneath earlier. Younger prince trails after him, watching in silence as Xander bends, retrieving the discarded book. 

He brushes a stray blade of grass off the cover and hands it to Leo. 

[goldlightwriting]

What if the sisters had their own sacred weapons?

You know, it always kind of bugged me that in Fire Emblem Fates, only the brothers of each faction got sacred weapons. I know that the Yato only has four notches to hold each weapon's power-up, but that honestly feels like a lazy excuse. Just give it four notches on each side of the blade, so you get one side filled up in Birthright, one side in Conquest, and both sides in Revelations.

So, with that in mind, I decided to make four new weapons for each side to use, and even wrote little bios for each of them.

Nohr

Siegfried (Sword) One of the eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Prince Xander. Siegfried commands the power of shadow, and is capable of launching beams of pure darkness upon its wielder's enemies.

Brynhildr (Tome) One of the eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Prince Leo. Brynhildr can conjure the power of the forest, robbing foes of their vitality and granting it instead to the wielder.

Skrymir (Axe) One of the eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Princess Camilla. Skrymir can shake the very earth, causing magma to erupt upon the wielder's foes.

Hildisvini (Staff) One of the eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Princess Elise. Hildisvini can summon a sacred mist that heals a group of allies and its wielder.

Hoshido

Raijinto (Katana) One of the eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Prince Ryoma. The Raijinto harnesses the power of storms and can call down bolts of lightning upon the wielder's foes.

Fujin Yumi (Yumi) One of the Eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Prince Takami. The Fujin Yumi is blessed by the power of gales, and can fire arrows of piercing wind at the wielder's enemies.

Omikaminata (Naginata) One of the Eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Princess Hinoki. The Omikaminata can unleash projectiles of sacred light when swung at its wielder's enemies.

Benten Scroll (Scroll) One of the Eight Prismatic Weapons created by the Rainbow Sage, wielded by Princess Sakura. The Benten Scroll channels the power of ink to strike the user's foes, dealing minor damage but significantly sapping their strength.

Vala

Yato A sacred sword crafted long ago by the Rainbow Sage, with the aid of Anankos. The Yato was designed to wield the might of primordial fire, but its power was drained long ago when it proved too devastating for mere mortals to handle. Only with the aid of the other Prismatic Weapons can its true glory be restored. Currently it is wielded by Prince/Princess Corrin.

Vanir Spear A sacred spear created long ago by Anankos, to be passed down by the Vallite Royal Family. The Vanir Spear draws upon the power of the Sacred Sea, from which it is said all life in this world once emerged... Presently, it is held by Princess Azura, who uses its power to shield herself from harm.

Additional Notes

Okay so you might have noticed some things while reading this. I'll be honest: I didn't initially plan to to start making lore changes or even alterations to characters' classes, but... Well, I started having ideas in the process of making this post, so allow to briefly explain some things.

I tweaked Brynhildr a bit so that it specifically uses plant magic. It always bugged me in the original how the tome just has a bunch of different elements/powers attached to it, including earth, gravity and "life." So yeah, I changed it to just plants since it only hits the enemies with trees in battle.

I was a little bit torn about what to do with Sakura, to be honest. I know she's more of a healer than a mage, so making her special weapon a scroll instead of a staff/rod might be a touch controversial. That said, I think giving her a scroll that debuffs enemies still fits her as a support unit. I based this one off of the Ink Painting Scroll, which already has ties to the Rainbow Sage anyway.

I thought it would be cool to give Azura her own special weapon, rather than just having her wield a Blessed Spear. It sort makes sense for her to have a Blessed Spear to oppose the Faceless, sure, but... I think a weapon that raises defense/evasion makes more sense for a Dancer Class. Just stick a blue gemstone in it and the Vanir Spear can replace her magic water pendant.

Anyways, maybe I'll do a follow-up post later on regarding some idea for potential plot changes to Fates. Until then, Stay Bright.

[nagargent]

toa anniversary munday!

Celebrating TOA and the people who contribute to make our group what it is.

Repost, don't reblog. Only fill in what you feel comfortable sharing!

Happy anniversary, TOA! Here's to many more years spent together.

Name: Nic

Pronouns: they/them

Birthday (no year): 14th July

Where are you from? What is your time zone? The UK (BST)

Roleplay experience: I started around like '06 via msn or stuff doing Harry Potter or Naruto rp with my friends.

Got any pets?: Catcat!

Favorite time of year: Summer - I hate the heat but like, I need the sunlight to keep myself together

Some interests and things you like: Reading, writing, languages and linguistics, astrophysics, mythology, history, animals uh... I find almost everything interesting and it definitely keeps me awake a lot.

Some funfacts & trivia about you: I fell asleep at a scout camp once in the toilets and didn't hear the tannoy that was sent out for me. My grandfather taught me how to stroke bees. I love water/the oceans/seas/rivers but never learned how to swim. Peas scare me. I'm pretty good at -- and rather competitive about trivia games and quizzes.

What non-Fire Emblem games do you play?: The Sims! Dragon Age, Persona, Story of Seasons, Rune Factory, Stardew Valley, Wildermyth

Favorite Pokemon type & Pokemon: Fire or Fairy and I just think Dreepy is very endearing.

How did you get into Fire Emblem?: I saw a review of it on a news channel and decided to try it out. Then I became obsessed and haven't looked back since.

What Fire Emblem games have you played? I've watched playthroughs and read scripts for all but I played about half of fe5, fe7 (lyn and eliwood modes only though), fe8, 3/4 of fe9 before my emulator crashed, fe10 and everything post Awakening.

First Fire Emblem game: Fates

Favorite Fire Emblem game: Either Genealogy, Radiant Dawn or Three Houses

Any Fire Emblem crushes?: Ayra, Mercedes, Camilla, Lucia, Diamant, Jeorge, Sonya and oh my god I hate myself for this but Sylvain.

If you’ve played the following games, who was your first S support? Who would you S support nowadays? - Awakening: Chrom but now I'd probably opt for Libra or Henry? - Fates: Takumi before I knew what an S support was. Kaze as a neutral pick, Subaki for Hoshido and Niles for Nohr - Three Houses: Dimitri or Mercedes ? - Engage: Yunaka was my first!

Favorite Fire Emblem class: DARK FLIER. but also any pegasus class is so chefs kiss for me

If you were a Fire Emblem character, what would be your class? I'd want to be a pegasus knight or a mage but I could see myself being an armoured unit tbh

If you were a Three Houses character, what would be your affiliation? LION PRIDE LETSSSSSGOOOOOO

If you were an Engage character, which Emblem would you Engage with? Micaiah :D

How did you find TOA? I just searched the fire emblem rp tags on a whim one day and found the group. Had a nosy around and was really impressed and excited to join :)

Current TOA muses: Elincia, Goldmary and Julia

Who was your first TOA muse? If you don’t have them anymore, could you see yourself picking them up again? Lincie! :D

Have you had any other TOA muses? I've had quite a lot um... Eirika, Ares, Orochi, Mercedes, Mae, Manuela, f!Shez, Macuil, Lana, Forrest, Constance, Tana & Celine

Do you think you have a type of character you gravitate towards? I do feel a big pull to healers usually? Or pegasus knights.

What do you believe you enjoy writing the most? Character's bonding and forming relationships.

Favorite TOA-related memory: Unlocked 2021 Cha Cha Slide

How do you pronounce TOA? 🤔 Usually like noah but with a t but sometimes i call it twaaah just to be silly.

Got any delusions that didn’t see the light of day that you’d like to share? 😉 Tatiana, Safy, Rodrigue, Altena and Yunaka all have either blogs or partial apps. Of them Tatiana and Rodrigue whilst still outliers could potentially hit me with a steel chair at some point in the future.

[feh-alt-battle]

i am so excited for the camilla show down💜

any predictions for the winner of her poll?

honestly her new one is my favorite but i don’t think it’ll win cuz ppl are kinda tired of her alts (but ninja is my bet)

I've got a bias for Light of Nohr, she looks so distinguished! Because Ninja Camilla is so notorious I suspect she'll get a lot of votes and has a good chance of winning

[ceescedasticity]

Anyway a couple other crossover classpect selections I have with no attached scenario—

Fire Emblem 3 Houses. I actually feel pretty clever about this, because to start with

Byleth: Lord of Space (Prospit) Sothis : Muse of Time (Derse)

and then other rosters which don't include Space or Time players — the session Byleth joins is the one that will succeed. The other sessions are

Claude: Heir of Breath (D) Hilda: Maid of Rage (D) Lorenz: Prince of Blood (P) Leonie: Witch of Hope (P) Lysithea: Mage of Doom (D) Raphael: Page of Light (P) Ignatz: Rogue of Life (P) Marianne: Sylph of Void (D)

Dimitri: Heir of Blood (P) Felix: Seer of Breath (D) Sylvain: Bard of Mind (D) Ingrid: Maid of Heart (P) Annette: Mage of Light (D) Mercedes: Witch of Hope (D) Dedue: Rogue of Rage (P) Ashe: Knight of Void (P)

Edelgard: Witch of Rage (D) Hubert: Thief of Life (D) Ferdinand: Page of Blood (P) Dorothea: Rogue of Mind (D) Bernadetta: Sylph of Void (P) Caspar: Knight of Heart (P) Linhardt: Mage of Breath (D) Petra: Maid of Hope (P)

Cyril: Page of Blood (P) Yuri: Prince of Mind (D) Constance: Maid of Doom (D) Hapi: Witch of Breath (D) Balthus : Heir of Heart (P) Flayn : Sylph of Life (P)

Fire Emblem Fates because why not (Hoshido+Corrin are Prospit, Nohr+Azura are Derse):

Corrin: Witch of Life Azura: Rogue of Doom Xander: Prince of Time Ryoma: Bard of Space Camilla: Maid of Mind Hinoka: Seer of Blood Leo: Mage of Void Takumi: Knight of Heart Elise: Page of Breath Sakura: Sylph of Light

Fire Emblem Tellius with a roster I'm not 100% happy with (and haven't picked moons for)

Ike: Rogue of Heart Soren: Thief of Doom [or Mage. Mage works fine, I'd kind of prefer Mage, but Thief may be better — he certainly fits the "asshole with talent" description] Mist: Sylph of Life Micaiah: Seer of Hope Leanne: Witch of Space Elincia: Knight of Mind Sothe: Heir of Light Kurthnaga: Bard of Time Lethe: Maid of Rage Pelleas: Page of Blood

Ummmmmm FFXIV Scions:

Alphinaud: Heir of Space (P) Alisaie: Rogue of Time (D) Y'shtola: Witch of Light (D) Thancred: Mage of Void (D) Urianger: Page of Life (P) Tataru: Sylph of Mind (D) Krile: Seer of Heart (P) G'raha: Knight of Hope (P) Estinien: Prince of Doom (D) Lyse: Maid of Breath (P)

Owl House:

Luz: Witch of Hope (D) Amity: Seer of Heart (P) Willow: Maid of Rage (P) Gus: Rogue of Light (P) Hunter: Heir of Void (D) Collector: Bard of Life (D) King: Knight of Blood (P) Vee: Sylph of Breath (D)

Yu-gi-oh (first half Prospit, second half Derse):

Yuugi: Rogue of Space Anzu : Maid of Breath Jounouchi: Knight of Hope Honda: Sylph of Void Otogi: Heir of Blood Ryou: Page of Doom Malik: Bard of Heart Kaiba: Seer of Life Atem : Prince of Time Thief King: Thief of Rage

Tower of God with a roster I'm not 100% happy with and haven't picked moons for:

Bam: Lord of Life Khun: Mage of Time Rak: Bard of Breath Shibisu: Rogue of Mind Hatz: Knight of Light Anaak: Prince of Doom Endorsi: Maid of Heart Wangnan: Heir of Space Yihwa: Witch of Rage Hwaryun: Sylph of Void Miseng: Page of Blood

so. yeah. character-study sudoku.

[eway]

Smash Bros Corrin's Supports

Vs Palutena

Female Corrin Version

Corrin: WOW! A-A-A-A-A-A-A-

Leo: A goddess!

Elise: One that never seems to visit Nohr!

Camilla: Calm yourself, Elise. If you want light, we can go to Hoshido

Xander: Still, from what I hear, she is something of a trickster, though she has a good heart.

Leo: And a good Neutral Air!

Corrin: Wait what?

Elise: If you get caught in it, you're pretty much done for!

Corrin: Ok so, keep my distance. Got it.

Camilla: Oh, and watch out for Explosive Flame! It's a ranged attack that will trap you and deal damage.

Corrin: Wait then how DO I win?

Xander: You are fighting a Goddess. I don't think you stand a chance…

Corrin: (sarcastically) Thanks for the support guys…

[bakuliwrites]

Day Seven- Camilla

500 Follower Event, 30 Day Writing Prompts Prompt: Oil, Radiant, Peach, Camilla (FE:Fates) Pairing: Camilla x You Tags: Fluff, kisses, picnics Word Count: 517

A gentle breeze rustles the leaves high above, sending pink flower petals raining down around your picnic blanket. The sun is bright, but dips behind the huge, fluffy clouds that float languidly through the sky, providing you with a brief reprieve. Spring is in full swing in Hoshido, from the twittering of birds to the blooming of flowers in the meadows. With the bond between Nohr and Hoshido repaired, it’s been nice to spend some time exploring. And who better to explore with than Camilla?

The Nohrian princess lounges by the burbling creek you’ve set your lovely afternoon picnic near. She skims her fingers through the water, smiling softly when she meets your gaze. In her white sundress, with her curly bangs held back by a gilded headband, she looks utterly radiant. You reach down, plucking a pale, pink flower from where it’s landed in the grass, and reach to tuck it behind Camilla’s ear. Before you can pull your hand away, she gently grasps it, pressing a featherlight kiss to your wrist. 

“It’s lonely, down here in the grass,” she pouts, mischief glimmering in her amethyst eyes, “Come join me.” 

You’ve long been finished with your picnic, the only thing left being a small vial of oil for the salad and a few crumbs from the slice of cake the two of you shared. You shuffle off the blanket and make yourself comfortable in the grass beside Camilla, careful not to lay down on the locks of her lavender hair that form a halo around her head. When she pulls you close, you smell the sweet scent of her perfume, peach and honeysuckle mingling with orange blossom. For a while, the two of you lay there, eyes closed, dozing in the warm light of the sun. Camilla’s fingernails tickle your scalp as she runs her fingers through your hair. Occasionally, she’ll steal giggly kisses from you before sighing wistfully and smoothing her thumb along your cheek.

You know you’ll have to be getting back to the palace soon. You’ve both got duties to attend to, and everyone will be wondering where you went. So you savor this quiet, relaxing moment with Camilla, not sure when you’ll get another one like it. The life of a princess is busy and there’s much to be done both in Nohr and Hoshido for you, too. Most days, you hardly see one another, so any time you get to spend in each other’s company must be honored, accordingly.

“We should probably head back soon,” you begrudgingly venture after a while. The sun is starting to dip in the sky, inching closer to the mountains on the horizon. 

“Just a few more minutes,” Camilla murmurs back, wrapping an arm around you and holding you close, “They don’t need us for a while.” 

If her words weren’t enough to convince you, her kiss certainly is. You melt into her touch, whatever protest was on the tip of your tongue lost to her tender embrace. 

“I guess they can wait,” you concede, smiling against Camilla as she leaves you utterly breathless once again.

A/N: I have some plans for a longer Camilla fic at some point in the future. I'm hoping I can get around to writing it soon, because it's been in my WIPs for like years now haha. Camilla was one of my first Fire Emblem crushes, and actually kinda helped me realize I was gay. I think I struggle to write for her sometimes because there's a bit of a deeper connection with her for me. She holds a special place in my heart in a way that is sometimes painful for me to convey. I struggled writing even this little drabble, which was sort of a surprise for me. Maybe I should prioritize that fanfic. Might be healing :) Anyway, enough of me rambling! Thank you for reading! Up next is Suguru Geto from JJK!