#might need to throw up. to purge the demons. u know.

[dubacheryking]

Man I cant get to thinking Abt Richie and his potential relationship w religion as he gets older. Do u think that he eventually gave up on it, but always hoped somewhere in his mind that perhaps God still loves him. Do u think he lost his faith all at once or slowly over time. Do u think pennywise might have killed it, and moving away from the only people who have ever truly loved him for him buried it. Do u think.

[four-loose-screws]

FE8 Novelization Translation - Chapter 3, Section 2

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I call this a “section” because it is not a separate part of the chapter in the book, but divided from the rest of the chapter by a scene break.

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Chapter 3: The Stolen Bracelet

Eirika's army continued to stealthily march west. Once again, they were not once attacked by Grado soldiers along the way, granting them another brief moment of peace and quiet.

When they reached the end of the mountain road, they saw a large forest in front of them. From afar, the tree leaves were so thick they looked not green, but black, proving the forest’s old age.

"That is the Za’ha Forest.” Seth pointed at the trees and explained. "Once we pass through it, we will arrive in a town called Serafew. From there onwards, we will be in Grado territory… and Renvall Castle will be right before us."

"We're finally almost there. And I will be able to reunite with Brother…" Eirika said, voice full of excitement. But her words were cut short when something strange came into the edges of her field of vision.

Something was glowing and moving towards them from between the trees. She could not tell what it's true form was, but it sent a chill down her spine. "Seth, what is that? Ah, there it is again…"

As they continued closer the forest, and they were able to catch a better glimpse of that figure and another among the trees, they couldn’t believe their eyes.

The first looked like a rotting corpse. It wriggled through the trees by dragging itself along with stiff, awkward movements. The second was a giant eyeball, emanating a faint light as it floated through the air.

Both were grotesque, unnatural beings that none of them had ever seen anything like before.

Seth ordered the entire army to halt. The horses neighed uneasily, and their bodies were shaking. The soldiers also slowly began to shiver, one by one.

“What are they? They cannot be… human... but also not animal…?” Eirika asked.

"This is my first time seeing anything like this as well. It appears that powers we know nothing of are at work here in this forest…”

“Is there a road that goes around it?”

“Unfortunately, there is not. We can go back the way we came and choose another road, but that will take time.”

Eirika bit her lip. She wanted to rescue Ephraim as quickly as possible, meaning she couldn’t agree to turning back around down the mountain road. “Then we have no choice but to go straight through this forest…”

“Let’s go.” Seth ushered his horse to begin moving once again. 

But before he could even take a single step, a young man appeared. He had orange, wavy hair, and was coming towards them. Eirika recognized his clothing as that of a monk. He was still young, but looked suited to be a clergyman. 

When Seth stopped his horse, the monk called out to him in a worried tone, “Travelers, the path ahead of you through the Za’ha Forest is very dangerous. I am sure you can even see that from here. Unnatural creatures are roaming about within it, so It would be best if you turned back.”

“It is very urgent that we reach our destination quickly. Whatever it might take to do so, we must go through this forest.” Eirika answered.

The monk’s expression clouded. “Is that so… Then there is nothing else I can say. Please hurry directly south, and be careful not to become surrounded by these creatures.”

“We will.... But what is going on inside? What in the world are they…?”

“Monsters.” The young monk said with a sigh. “I apologize. I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Artur, and I am a monk. My monastery ordered me to purge this land of monsters. However, there are too many for me to handle all on my own…”

Eirika couldn’t believe her own ears.

She’d only ever heard about monsters in books, which explained that they existed long, long ago as the Demon King’s servants when he waged war upon the continent. However, when the Demon King was defeated, they were supposed to have vanished along with him. Was it even possible for them to appear in this age?

“Monsters are a thing of legend, aren’t they?”

“It is understandable if you do not believe it. But they are real, and wandering this forest. And they are not only here. I’ve been told that, recently, there have been sightings of them in every region of this continent.”

“What did you just say…!?” Eirika was in complete shock.

However, the unbelievable was happening. And not just as a response to the Grado Army’s sudden invasions… something much bigger and terrifying was happening across Magvel.

She wanted to ask the young monk to tell her more, but there was no time.

“Lady Eirika! A monster is coming this way!” Seth shouted.

Eirika froze. The giant eyeball monster was floating towards her.

She was already used to fighting human opponents, but she had no idea how she should fight something like this. Her entire army started to panic.

"Please leave this to me." Artur said. He turned towards the monster without hesitation.

Eirika broke out in a cold sweat. There should be no way that a young man with such a small build, without a weapon in his hands, could put up a fight against a monster...

But that which she couldn't believe happened before her very eyes.

"Leave this land, you impure beast! It is not yours to claim!" Artur said in a harsh tone that was the complete opposite of the one he'd spoken to Eirika with, then raised one of his hands.

A light so bright that it blinded Eirika formed at the tips of his fingers.

Artur swung his hand towards the monster, throwing the concentrated ball of light at it.

The light flashed, and in the moment that Eirika was blinded, the monster’s body disintegrated without a trace.

Members of the church can follow one of two paths. Some, like Moulder, are given staves with which to heal, while others learn offensive light magic. In contrast to his kind outward appearance, this young man seemed to be a wielder of the latter.

This sight filled Eirika with courage. Though these creatures may be monsters, they were not enemies that could not be damaged. They could be fought and defeated.

"All units, attack! Provide back up for Artur!" Seth yelled and dismounted his horse. Those who'd trembled at first sight of the monster returned to their usual calm.

"Go!" Ross shouted, causing Franz, Vanessa, and several others to assume a battle stance. Moulder held his staff up with one hand, preparing to immediately heal anyone who may be injured. Colm and Neimi also steeled themselves for battle, staying close together with their weapons in hand.

"There is a river to the south!" Artur called out to everyone when he saw that they were finally ready to rush into the forest. "Just beyond the river is a village. A friend of mine should be there, guarding it all by herself. Please do your best to help her!"

"Understood.” Eirika nodded. “We'll leave her to you, Vanessa!"

A pegasus knight wouldn't need to cross the bridge, and could fly over the river in a single swoop. 

Vanessa guided her pegasus to lightly take off into the sky.

The monsters continued coming as if they were bursting out of the ground. They would even cast long range surprise attacks every so often from around hidden corners.

However, Eirika’s army did not falter. Though the foul odor of the monsters made them feel sick, fortunately, these enemies were that much easier to cut down than human foes.

The central figure in the fight was of course Artur. His light magic was more effective at hitting the monsters' weak spots than swords and lances. He took no time to rest, aiming light magic spells at the oncoming monsters one after the other.

However, because his defenses were weak, Eirika and the others had to wield their swords and support him as his guard. Though they did not have any time to exchange words, they soon picked up on how to synchronize with each other’s movements. 

They defeated the monsters trying to block their path one after the other, and were able to continue south.

The bridge suspended over the river was a very small one. It looked like it might break if everyone used it to cross, so the axe unit cut down a tree to use as an impromptu bridge, and everyone decided that those who could move freely would use it.

Eirika led the group across the tree bridge and looked for the village that Vanessa had flown towards.

"Over there!"

Everyone followed Artur's directions until they were finally able to see the entrance to the village.

Vanessa’s pegasus was in a grassy patch, resting her wings. Nearby was Vanessa, talking to a girl they did not know.

'Is that the friend Artur mentioned?' Eirika approached them.

Vanessa's face showed a rare expression of bewilderment.

The woman noticed Eirika’s presence, and went on guard in an instant. 

Eirika quickly forced a smile, wondering if the woman had mistaken her for a monster.

The woman then said in a flat, calm voice, "Excuse me, but are you alive?”

"...Huh?"

"I question that because revenants have invaded this area. They even entered the village a little while ago."

"She was burning them all black just now.” Vanessa said with a disturbed look on her face.

Eirika was so amazed that she could not respond, so the woman continued speaking.

“Of course, I was able to avoid being put into any danger. Why? Because as a prodigy, the differences between living creatures and the rotting corpses of the reanimated were obvious with just one glance.”

The girl had a very odd way of speaking. Eirika now understood why Vanessa had looked so troubled.

Eirika asked in confusion, “Um… Are you… Artur’s friend…?”

“Yes, and my name is Lute. I am an unparalleled mage with superior talent, however, you have no reason to be nervous. I am not only intelligent, but also have a great personality.”

“U-Uh… um…”

"Now that two other living beings have come to me, I cannot stand idly by any longer. I shall leave this village and fight with you. Such minor monsters are as helpless as babies before my magic. Ah, I apologize, that was offensive to babies."

"...Um…"

"Please stay calm. I am a prodigy. Now let's go." Lute walked away at a brisk pace.

Eirika and Vanessa stared at each other.

"Is she really… the friend Artur mentioned?" Eirika asked.

"I think so…"

Regardless, they tried to return to the battlefield, just for a crazed scream to assail their ears.

It was Lute.

"What!? The battle's almost over already!? I didn't get a chance to shine!" She said irritatedly with her hands on her hips.

Artur rushed straight up to her. "Are you okay, Lute!?"

"Oh, hello, Artur. You should know that just by looking at me. And you are okay as well, yes?"

"I am. This group saved me."

Since the battle was over, everyone had gathered together.

They all formed a circle around Lute and Artur. 

Eirika said, "No, you're the one who saved us! Thanks to you, Artur, we were able to defeat all of the monsters. Still, I thought creatures like monsters only existed in legends…"

"Remnants, Mogals, Bonewalkers, Mauthdoogs, Gargoyles, and Baels... “ Lute rattled off the different types of monsters. Her voice actually sounded a bit excited. "The monsters that were told of in ancient texts are all being resurrected, one after the other. The world is in danger. Though I may be a prodigy, I do have a limit when I am on my own. I'd like to travel together with you, and vanquish the monsters that are reappearing across the continent. What do you think about that?"

"Take me with you as well, if you please." Artur cut in. "My order was not only to defeat the monsters roaming these woods, but across the continent. Please allow Lute and I to go with you."

"Yes, of course! I think it will be reassuring if you are with us."

They still didn't know anything about Lute, but they'd already seen Artur's true power with their own eyes. Increasing their number of allies who could wield offensive magic was a very welcome idea indeed, considering the future ahead of them.

Her army had grown once again. Eirika thought of what Seth had said about her ability to draw people to her, and it made her happy.

She still didn't know if she really had such a power, but for the journey ahead of them, it

 certainly was reassuring to gain more allies they could trust.

"Lady Eirika…" Seth called out to her in a grave voice. He seemed to want to talk to her about something. 

She broke away from the circle to stand privately with him.

"Since we arrived here, I have considered retreating back to Frelia." Seth's words came as a total shock to her.

They'd finally made it to the end of the long mountain path and through the old forest. Serafew was just ahead of them. Was turning back even an option at this point?"

Seth saw her expression and continued talking, though it clearly pained him to do so. "I know how you feel. But now, in addition to Grado soldiers, even monsters have started roaming the lands. Such a situation is too harsh for us."

Seth was not the kind of person to be scared by the sight of monsters. There was no doubt in Eirika’s mind that he’d thought a lot about this proposal.

And Eirika herself felt unsure, too. They’d managed to defeat the monsters in the forest, but they knew next to nothing about how powerful the monsters that would appear before them next time might be. They might end up in a situation where they were no match at their current strength.

The one factor that kept her heart from being fully swayed was, of course, her brother. The more difficult their battles became, the more she worried for her brother’s well-being.

If the monsters had made it to Renvall… then Ephraim would be forced to fight not only the Grado Army. In that case, no matter how strong he may be, they couldn’t be optimistic.

“...Please allow us to keep pressing onwards.” Eirika hardened her resolve and looked up at Seth. “I understand your judgement very well. But I am really worried about Brother. It may be selfish of me to put everyone in harm’s way… And the thought that I might be doing so pains me, but I…” Eirika couldn’t finish her sentence. She looked down at her feet.

Seth was silent for a moment, then said, “I understand. We will do as you say.”

“Seth...”

“I will protect you, Lady Eirika.” His words were powerful. 

Eirika was surprised. The moment the thought crossed her mind that she might be blushing, she became even more nervous. Her breathing sped up, and she looked away from him.

“Prepare yourself!”

A sudden loud voice called out that made Eirika jump.

A person flew out from among the trees. She was a young woman who looked to be about the same age as Eirika, and held a long staff in her hands.

"Evil beasts, I will not allow you to do as you please! I, L'arachel, will send you back to your world of darkness!" She waved her staff around, but stopped when all eyes fell on her. "...Huh? What happened to the monsters? Weren’t all of you being attacked by monsters? I noticed you were in trouble from atop the cliff and rushed over here, but…”

“Um, we already defeated all of them…” Eirika answered.

The girl responded by raising her staff into the air once more and yelling, “What good fortune! You were surely blessed by the gods! But it’s a shame that they didn’t last a little bit longer. I wanted to show you all a splendid performance! I knew it was a bad idea to take a detour. We should have come straight here.”

“If we’d come straight here, then we would have gone straight off the cliff!” A new voice said. When Eirika looked for the source, she noticed a man with a large, flashy cloth wrapped around his forehead, who was coming up from behind the mysterious girl.

And further behind him was a giant man with a stiff beard. “Gah ha ha, it’s too bad, innit, Lady L’Arachel?!” The giant said with a laugh that shook the air.

Eirika took a step back and asked, “Um… Who are you?”

“Me? Well, since you asked, I am of the great Theocracy of Rausten! My name is…”

“Hush, you cannot tell them, Lady L’Arachel!” The bearded giant spread out both his arms and stepped in front of her. He gestured strangely and dramatically while arguing, “You are a very special person! You cannot give away your identity in a place like this!”

“Oh, that’s right! How careless of me! Thank you for reminding me, Dozla!”

“‘Tis nothing, My Lady!”

“In times such as these, it is much sweeter to leave quickly without giving one’s name. Fare thee well, strangers! If fate wishes it, then let us meet again!”

“Let’s go, Rennac!”

The woman and the giant disappeared between the trees, their footsteps somehow both soft and loud at the same time. The young man they’d called Rennac shrugged his shoulders if to say “Good grief,” and chased after them.

There was a long pause during which no one could say anything, questioning “What just happened…?” to themselves in unison. 

The one to open her mouth and break the silence was Lute. “What weird people. My powers of observation saw right through them. They are unquestionably very weird people.”

“So are you!” Colm whispered. When their eyes met, he looked away and corrected himself. “It’s not just the monsters! Even the people in this forest are weird. There must be a poisonous gas leaking from somewhere, don’t you guys think? Everything is weird here! I can’t wait to get out! Let’s go!”

Regardless of whether or not there was poison or anything else of the sort in the forest, it would indeed be best not to stay for very long.

Eirika’s army continued further south, leaving the Za’ha Forest behind them.