This roleplay is full and is not accepting more players except for those who have been told otherwise.

To OOC for plot and information.

Prologue: Chosen for a Mission

Jehanna’s forces invaded Grado and were able to cross the distance to Grado Keep at a speed which nobody could have predicted. Even while Emperor Rioga prepares to defend the Sacred Stone with all his might, he realizes that there is no way they could win. So, with a last desperate attempt at saving the world from a horrible fate, even as Sion and his army is knocking on his doorstep, the Emperor calls ___ ___ ___ ___ to his throne room in order to entrust them with an all-important mission….


Notable individuals:

((Removed))

Jehanna’s invasion of Grado was swift and efficient. With many of Jehanna’s mercenaries already scattered across Grado, the guild leaders had heard of the plans ahead of time and the country’s few troops were swiftly incapacitated and the nation was put under Jehannan domination. Even Sir Wilhelm, a high-standing and famed general within Grado’s top circle, has been unable to win his battle against the enemy, further dealing another blow to the morale of the remaining Grado troops. And yet, the soldiers of the Fire Emblem’s nation stand firm, for they know what they are defending. … However, they also know that they cannot win. This battle is one which is doomed to be lost, for Jehanna’s strength simply overpowers any which Grado has to counter them with. With the few remaining soldiers defending Grado forced back into Grado Keep (which is apparently what Grado’s castle is called according to the game itself), and are preparing for a final battle. In the meantime, Emperor Rioga of Grado hatches a desperate scheme that should have been put together way before the enemy was knocking on their doorstep, but King Sion of Jehanna’s attack was simply so swift, this is how it became…

_________________

“… They have arrived at the gates.” General Nero informed Rioga with a professional voice, though there was a grim undertone to his voice as the black-haired armored general holding his Steel Sword against the floor, his gaze passive but judging. On his back was a Steel Lance and a Steel Axe prepared as well, this man had the full control of the Weapons Triangle, there was a reason why he was one of the most respected men in Grado with this aura.

“… So they have.” Rioga confirmed, his gaze grim as well, though more uncharacteristically so. Emperor Rioga of Grado usually seemed so sure and proud of himself, like nothing could go wrong, but this had clearly changed with the most recent development. Indeed, few men would be able to keep cool with this incident falling upon their shoulders. The Court Emperor sat at his throne for the moment and looked across the room at the individuals present, that he had called to his throne room.

To his right was one of the most skilled men of Grado, Swordmaster Garric. A man known for being overly cautious and never trusting anything, knowing it could all be trying to kill him. He was currently frowning, looking around the people present and towards various exits as if he felt he was the one who needed to detect a sneak-attack before it happened. Beside him was his student, Kalte, who had come along with the summoning of Garric. Which of course was intentional.

To Rioga’s immediate left was General Nero, of course, but opposite him was Griswal, another trusted knight of Grado. Nero had picked himself among his many knights one which would be present to listen to what was next. Rioga understood the choice completely. A bit further left was the serving girl, Calico, who was apparently serving them drinks as would have been normal in these circumstances. Truly, how dependable, even in Grado’s darkest hour… There as well was Arathyra, a young healer that was only recently employed. Really… she probably didn’t have this in mind when she sought the job.

And of course, in front of Rioga were the two princes. His own son, Alvin, along with his Wyvern. Because everyone is allowed to take their beasts anywhere in the Fire Emblem world, that’s why the castle corridors look like they do. … Rioga was trying to tell himself that it was mostly professional why he had picked him, not because he wanted him safe more than he wanted the object safe… And then Prince Marwood of Renais, who had turned his back on Renais to help Grado out in their time of need. Rioga could respect that, and would grace the prince with the permission to join In saving the world.

The door out was standing slightly ajar, so it was possible that the people on the immediate outside could hear him. Rioga didn’t mind. All soldiers of Grado knew what they had to do, and as such anyone was allowed to accidentally come across the information he had to say. (That is to say, the three who have “Throne Door” in the descriptions of where they are can listen in if they want)

“Everyone. Thank you for coming.” Rioga stood up, staring out over the little crowd, talking as if none of them had any specific position higher than another. Like the status of princes and commoners had disappeared in the times that had come.

“Grado has reached its darkest hour. I fear that even should all of us fight, it would be in vain and only result in us getting ourselves killed.” Rioga aimed a very intentional glance over the two princes as he gave the little word-less voice of warning…

“However, we can still achieve our objective. Our objective is to save the world, to ensure that the Sacred Stone of Grado, which traps the soul of the Demon King, also known as the Fire Emblem…” Rioga would reach behind him, and from SOMEWHERE pick up a small stone. Small enough to fit into a palm, a shining little stone seemingly burning with demonic dark supernatural fire that didn’t seem to injure the one holding it… “… avoids destruction.”

“This is your mission. Nero, Garric and I will be holding up King Sion for as long as we can. The rest of you…” It slightly occurred to Rioga that he may have accidentally included the serving girl in ‘the rest of you’, which wasn’t entirely intentional. Eh. “… are to break through the less defended exit and attempt escape with the Fire Emblem. After that, you will need to make your own decisions of where to head, but always keep the stone safe at all times. You may not leave the stone unprotected somewhere where you think it may not be found, for monsters have been proven to be drawn to it.” Otherwise just sealing it in the bottom of a lake would have been a viable option...

Garric would turn his head and look at Kalte with somewhat raised eyebrows, since his student had clearly been included in the people that were to defend the stone. There appeared to be some doubt as to his student’s capability to help out in the mission. … But Garric always doubted that, even during training, so it was nothing odd as the swordmaster turned and looked back towards Rioga.

“Alvin. Marwood. Princes of Grado and Renais. I will entrust the stone to you. The fate of the world will be in your hands.”
“Kalte. Garric has trained you into quite the fine swordsman. Griswal. General Nero personally volunteered you for being a trusted knight. Both of you, protect them well.”
“Arathyra. I apologize for having to request this of you so soon after you came here. But should they be injured, please support them with your staff and mind.”
“…” Rioga took a moment to look at Calico. “… The princes may possibly have trouble looking after themselves. I am not going to demand you to follow them.” He left it at that. … That was the serving girl that his son had made friends with, wasn’t it…?

“And one more thing.” Rioga would state, looking over towards his right, staring a bit. “Aldo. Take a step forward.” … From behind the pillar a Shaman took a step forward. Those who do not visit the research department would not be familiar with this individual, however, it is otherwise likely that you would perhaps have seen the trace of him, because Aldo is one of Rioga’s advisors when it comes to magical matters, but can also be informative on any and all other parts of life. He has a serious little glare in place, staring at the rest of you as if wondering if they can really pull this off.

<Aldo’s Character Sheet has been added to the NPC list> alt. <You've unlocked Aldo's Character Sheet!>
(due to not wanting to affect the player’s choice of classes, I have withheld the characters that I make for the intention of joining you unless I seen reason not to)


“Aldo. Accompany them. Use your knowledge to guide them should they hit a wall, and use your magic to assist them in times of need.” Rioga states to him, giving him direct orders that should immediately signify to the readers of this post Aldo’s role as an NPC.

“Yes, sir. I will do my best.” Assuming this trip doesn’t end before we even leave the castle, his tone seemed to say. Rioga would smirk a little at Aldo’s behavior before turning towards the rest again. “Aldo has magic that has resulted from years of research that I am sure will come to great use for you all. Please, show the fruits of your family’s research.” … With that, Aldo would turn and look towards the individuals gathered in the room, bring up a hand towards his mouth and focus the magic, before releasing it. It would be the first time any of you got to experience this. Suddenly, a mental image of the battlefield would take form inside your heads… ... Unless you dodged it, which is entirely possible.



“… After my spell is cast, an image of the battlefield will be placed in your minds for the entity of the battle. It will update as things goes along." It does not obstruct vision, just imagine it as having a map-screen on the lower screen of a DS while the upper is your vision. "Using my magic, I can also allow you to communicate with each other over the distance of the battlefield. Simply think of the people you intend to talk to, and you’ll be able to speak to this individual. Anyone can terminate this connection if they want to at any time simply by willing it. … However, it only works for people who have been affected by the spell, so you cannot talk to enemies or those not yet on your side until you’ve approached them. However, now that I have cast the spell, you can add it yourself on anyone who willingly accepts it. I myself don’t need to be on the battlefield for it to work.” And this paragraph was just mechanics that I wanted to have in the game. “… I can teach this magic to other magic-users if necessary.” If you’re going to split up…

“… The western corridors are notably light on enemy troops.” Nero inputs with a small sense of urgency. Like, ‘do not waste this chance’.

“Right, then you should get moving as soon as possible. Any questions?” Rioga says, looking towards the crown and holding forward the Fire Emblem for anyone who’s intending on grabbing it. Most possibly one of the princes.

_________________

“Everyone! Force yourselves into the treasure chamber! Grado’s known to have been a rich nation” (among bandit-myths) “and King Sion is so focused on the Fire Emblem, if we steal as much gold as we possibly can before he gets the Fire Emblem, we’ll be filthy rich!” Morag called out loudly over his troops from the furthest back, the one-eyed Guild Leader of the Spike Guild leader not at all completely considering why he was positioned here at all. “The majority of the Grado army is busy with Sion’s superior troops! We’re free to do as we like! As long as we guard this portion of the castle, we can do as we please! So, all but the bare minimum, strike at the treasure chamber!” The path to the treasure chamber is now the top-left staircase that so many enemy soldiers are trying to enter but cannot due to a number of knights standing in the way constantly being healed by the priests behind them…

“Don’t hold back! Steal! Take! There’s no focus here, we ignore the rest of the battle, the rest of the battle will ignore us! This is the chance of a lifetime! All for the treasure chamber…!” Morag calls out, the mostly bald, greedy one-eyed man raising his weapon above his head as his troops respond, fighting away, pressing at the chamber while leaving the path out relatively unguarded…

“… Hey, what if they try to escape through here? Emperor Rioga is no fool, he must know he can’t win…” The soldier to Morag’s left asked him, frowning and looking around in worry.

“What are you talking about?” Morag looked at him with a glare of how stupid the soldier was. Then he raised his weapon… “I am Morag! Undefeatable leader of the Spike Guild! Let him come! As long as I am personally guarding the western exit, the Demon King himself wouldn’t be able to get out if he tried…! Ha-ha-ha…!” And as such, Morag expressed his confidence in his fighting-ability and how the western exit was completely safe from any form of attempts to escape, the soldier beside him having no choice but to assume this to be the case as he shifted his uncomfortable weight a bit, staring forward hoping that nobody actually try to escape due to assuming this place to be swarmed with enemy troops, like it would be should Morag had followed his original orders…

_________________

“… The Spike Guild holds the western entrance, eh?” The giant, muscled form of Rhodri mumbled and a grin formed on his expression as he heard of this fact from none other than King Sion of the Red Sands himself. He thinks for himself, his absolutely giant axe hefted over his shoulder, thinking about the rowdy group he’s had to work with for a while… “… Aren’t they just a little unreliable for a mission of this sort of importance? I mean, I could place myself and the Wheel Guild there and close the lid for good! Ho-ho-ho!” Rhodri laughed a bit for himself, thinking of how much he’d outperform that silly guild. … However, the sound of a sword being drawn brought his attention back, looking at the back of the red-caped white-haired armored man who had commanded this invasion…

“The Spike Guild is unrefined, but numerous. With the Grado Military focused on us, they should do their job of filling up space… amply.” The calculated voice of this absurdly calm and focused man rang like a melody though the air, and from his tone there was absolutely no doubt that this man had complete control of this situation. It was just something around him, an aura of dominance that was hard to mistake, anyone in his presence simply felt inferior to him, and yet Rhordi grinned behind this man. This power… was why Rhodri was happy following a man like this. “… Besides,” Sion continued. “… Should they fail me in this regard, then I will know that they were not doing their jobs and will be able to punish them accordingly.” Sion’s voice sounded a touch amused as he said so. … You put them there knowing that would happen so you could deal with a growing problem within Jehanna’s ranks, huh, Sion? … Rhodri chuckled at the thought. Wasn’t that a little bit much of a risk to take for the sake of this important a mission? Still, it was amusing…

To their right, a man was smiling so very widely, a thin man with his bare upper body exposed staring with adoring eyes at his lord, white skin and creepy demeanor as the pale individual stared at him. This was Nethanel, a swordsman so utterly dedicated to Sion that it was… disturbing. Still, we was possibly the deadliest swordsman in the world as well, nobody Rhordi wanted to stand against… His eyes were filled with happiness, a reaction to Sion’s ploy about the Spike Guild, like it was the most brilliant move in the world that was so utterly like his lord to do and nobody else would have thought of such a wonderful move to make… … … Eh. Rhodri shook his head a bit at the pale swordsman’s expression and turned forward, readying his axe for battle.

“Hear me, soldiers of Grado.” Sion spoke, looking out over the armored knights of Grado. “This is a battle which you cannot win. I will spare and treat any individual who puts down their arms with dignity and respect. I have come for the Fire Emblem, not for your lives. Hand it over, step aside and allow us forward, and not a single one of you will need to die. However, stand against us, and we will not show you any mercy. So please, do stand down.” The King of Jehanna said with a stale tone, looking out over them as if he cared about them. … The soldiers of Grado gripped their weapons tighter, preparing themselves for battle, and stood firm. … A small smile came across Sion’s expression for a briefest moment before he looked at them with a stale expression, and a merciless glare. “… No?”

Nethanel smiled, fingering his blade on his right side with his left hand, knowing it would taste blood soon. Rhodri gave a smirk as he heaved his giant axe in front of him to prepare for battle. The numerous troops behind them made themselves ready in similar ways.

“Then… you have already made your choice. A pity.” … And with that, Sion took his first step towards the Grado battle-line, his boot against the floor echoing like the sound of judgment approaching…

_________________

To the left of the entrance to the throne room, there were two fighters standing staring at the Pegasus Knight and the Myrmidon in the direction of the throne room. They stood immobile, with confident grins, seemingly only in place there in order to guard the passageway while the rest of the Spike Guild were seeking to force their way in towards the stair in the top left. This is simply a report of what they’d be doing.

_________________

The ways to the left and right are directions towards different parts of the keep, like living rooms and similar, nothing that is important. For the sake of this mission, the exits are those two down there.

On the top right side of the battlefield, a certain band of misfits led by a certain archer would be going through the Keep’s corridor carrying the spoils after having stolen from a pantry. … Still, while some Grado soldiers would be surprised to see them, they wouldn’t be more afraid of them than they already are for the Jehannan army, if anything some might shout to them to get to safety or stay out of the way if they aren’t going to help fight against the Jehannans…

Also, even if these are visible on the map from Aldo’s spell, they’d probably appear as green un-unique along with the rest, it wouldn't be obvious they're odd. It was just confusing with even more green units for players to see. ... Actually, Aldo's spell probably don't bring game-colors in...

At some undetermined spot on the map, a thief had sneaked in. On the map, he appears to be standing on top of the wall. He wouldn’t be visible on said map. Habit can choose to move to wherever he wants, for now, and appear where he likes. That’s about it.

"C'mon Aiph, you're slowing down!" Archibald called back as his boots pelted along the smoothed flagstones of the castle, a dirty brown sack flapping on his back with heavy thuds. Though his breath was ragged, he still managed to keep up his cheery attitude. "You're not the one carrying thirteen wheels of cheese!" shouted a nasal voice from behind him. Looking back, he saw the thin, wiry frame of the thief dodge beneath the grasping hand of a knight who passed by in a flash. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his right hand man Darius shoulder charge past a myrmidon wordlessly, his eyes glaring into Archibald's back. "Archibald, this still seems to be a bad choice," he said in a gruff as he adjusted the sack over his shoulder, his footfalls much heavier than his companions', "stealing from Grado Keep is one thing, but while it's under attack? This is risky even by your standards!"
"Au contraire, dourpuss," Archibald said as he slipped between two fighters, slapping one of the over the head with his sack of potatoes, "this is the perfect time to strike! Besides, we'd only leave the spoils to the Jehannans if we didn't take it. It's win win!" With his bow slung over his body and quiver of dirty white fletched arrows slapping against his back, he seemed an ungainly figure but his natural agility and speed made sure he didn't even stumble as he ran pell mell through the castle corridors. "HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" he heard from behind him before hearing a brief "Outta my way!" followed by a thud. He grinned. That was definitely Darius alright.

As one of the two knights turned to face the source of the commotion, Archibald leapt up and planted a boot onto a contour in his chestplate, pushing upwards. As if in slow motion, the knight watched the nimble archer climb up his girth as surely as a monkey would climb a tree. "Yo!" Archibald chimed as he did a mock salute, before planting a boot into the knight's face and vaulting off. Landing with a roll, he didn't even break his stride as the myrmidon and priest pressed themselves against the wall to avoid the projectile human. "Ret! We got the stuff!" he shouted even as Aiph the thief springboarded off of the second knight, with Darius simply charging through between the two off-balance knights, forcing them to their knees to retain balance. The two were good friends and former comrades in arms, but Retario had given up the outlaw life long ago. Shame really, his 'wildness' would have made a great intimidation tool and deterrant...not that the other half of his own face didn't but at least it was less terrifying and wouldn't give him a bad reputation.

Seeing the hirsute giant grow in his vision, he flashed a happy smile before he tore his sight away to something beyond him. "Whoa!" he exclaimed as he stumbled to a halt, almost flipping head over heels as he fought his accumulated inertia. Screeching to a halt in front of Retario and grabbing Aiph's hood as he tried to stop as well, he found himself catapulted forward as Darius slammed into him, causing him to roll to the feet of a rearing pegasus which he swiftly rolled away from as it stomped back down. "Why'd you stop!?" Aiph and Darius shouted in unison as Grado forces pushed in, causing them to drop their sacks of food and ready their weapons, sending dried meats, potatoes and a wheel of cheese to scatter. "...lads I think the fights already started," Archibald said as he climbed to his feet, backing up while rubbing his head. Pointing to the two fighters beyond the startled myrmidon and pegasus, he cracked his neck and drew his bow. "Recognise them?" he asked as he nocked an arrow into his bow, retreating until he reached Retario. "Aren't those...Leonard and Carlson from the Spike Guild?" Aiph asked as he ducked under an archer's hand. Darius scoffed as he slapped away the grasping digits of a myrmidon. "More like the Spike Gang from how they act," he said as he drew his axe from its sling. But rather than looking towards the two notorious guildsmen, they looked towards the Grado forces which were now closing in on them.

Peeping through the throne room's door left ajar by careless hands, the dark fIre's image burned brightly in the eyes of a curious onlooker. Watching as the stone exchanged hands alongside parting words,

“… avoids destruction.”

The stranger tilted his helmet in habit, as if it would somehow mask his jarring appearance should he be found, but listened quietly to the details of their plans .......

He had previously been raving down the hallway, shouting "Gehenna! Gehenna! GEHENNA!" after busting through the palace doors as part of a promise to an old friend, inevitably catching the attention of more than a few guards like they had planned, as his comrades snuck off in the commotion to commit less legal deeds. Though perhaps as a unexpected boon, it had also served to warn some of the less-vigilant militia to the impending invasion and their attention turned to the Jehennan forces soon after, rather than the crazy old man who sought refuge in the safety of the Keep.

Tensions were high amongst all present, palpable even, when suddenly he heared his name called by an all too farmiliar voice:

"Ret! We got the stuff!"

He immediately turned to his right and saw a young man leaping off one of the knights with surreal agility, always the showoff as usual. 'Ret' as he was called, raised one finger to his shaggy lips as a hint to lower their voices, as he carefully pushed the door another inch closer to being shut.

"Baldy!" A moniker that Archibald had already time and again told Ret not to call him by, for it made the youngster sound like some actually hairless chump hiding beneath a blonde wig. .......But old habits die hard.

One by one, he watched them skid to a stop in front of him, leaving a trail of potatoes then comically discussing their next set of actions like they usually do.

"More like the Spike Gang from how they act,"
"So...Win win you said,..."
"I dunno, maybe we can...what's the word?"
"Parley?"
"Yeah, thats the word."

"No. No Aiph. No parley." Ret interupted, hurriedly shaking one large hand side to side. He seemed a bit more concerned than usual, like he had just found out something of note. The odd looking man then tried to explain further to his comrades by pointing a finger to the entryway behind him,

"Protect prince. Prince has stone. Prince run with stone. Keep prince safe. Keep stone safe."

He paused, "If stone not safe. World ..." Ret furrowed his brow, seemingly perplexed to find a word. "...Go BOOM!" Entertaining sound effects and gestures, courtesy of him, followed shortly.

Ret was beyond all doubt - a maestro of words.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time was pressed short, to their left beyond two battle ready Gradians, were two fighters looking at them with over-confident grins. Ret clearly did not like that, he pounded his fists together, getting ready for battle.

"I hold line. Buy time. You keep stone safe." He told Archibald without breaking eye contact with the fighters, till one of the fighters faltered and blinked, Ret responded to that with a smug grin before turning behind and hollering to the only priest in sight.

"Come! Faith man! We hold line! Show them light. Show them strength. Show them who boss!"

Alvin was standing stock straight before his father who was undoubtedly giving some speech. However it felt as if cotton had been stuffed in the prince's ear and he really only caught every third word. Jehanna was invading, heck they were already at their doorstep. Alvin suggested to his father that diplomacy was the only real option but the Emperor had shut him down with a knowing look. Then his father called a lot of people to the throne with some sort of mission, Alvin made dang sure that Calico would be serving drinks at that time, that way she'd hopefully get to go and survive what was going to be a very dark day.

Aldo came out from somewhere and Alvin was somewhat relieved to see him, he didn't know the mage that well but he was a pleasant person, if a little stuck up. Alvin took a sharp breath as he could see with perfect clarity the entire battlefield, halls he'd walked his whole life swarming with men intent to do harm.

Eventually his father held out the Sacred Stone, the Fire Emblem, in his outstretched hand towards him. Alvin put his hand on the stone and held it there, looking into the Emperor's eyes. "Father.....I..." His resolve was faltering, he wanted nothing more then to mount Medea and fly away with everyone present, all the friends he'd made. But he knew that was impossible, finally he found the words he was looking for. "I will protect it with my life."

With that he took the stone, it felt warm in his hand, and pulsating. Almost as if whatever the stone's purpose it yearned to be used. Finally he stuffed it in his pocket, looking over at Marwood to his right, his trusted friend. At least they were to take on this mission together.

He turned towards his father one last time, a knife in the pit of his gut telling him this would likely be the last time he would ever see him. "Don't thrash 'em too hard." A fake smirk gracing his features, he looked to Nero and Garric. "Same goes for you two troublemakers, these guys don't stand a chance against the three of you, give them some kind of handicap." With that he looked around at the group gathered, he looked each one in the eyes. "Well you all have the map, we make for the western gate."

Arathyra flushed nervously when Alvin looked at her. She wasn't anywhere near prepared for this, a simple job in the castle, not when it was under assault! She looked around nervously expecting enemies to suddenly burst from anywhere and attack them. Arathyra slowly backed away from the walls closer to Griswald until she accidentally bumped into him eliciting a tiny squeal from as she turned around and looked at the armored giant she had hit. "Umm, I-i'm very s-sorry sir." Arathyra said quickly bowing as she did so. She just wanted to get out of here as quick as possible, it was to scary thinking about all the bad things that could happen.

Marwood waited patiently as the Emperor gave them orders. He placed a hand on Alvin's shoulder as both boys carefully listened. Marwood hated it, he'd wanted to save the country, see it survive and push Jehanna back yet there was simply no way, maybe if his brother and the Renais knights had come but still might not have been enough. However as the Alvin told them he would protect the stone with his life, Marwood spoke up. "And I'll protect his with mine." he said with a certain finality, he knew Alvin would argue with him about that later but he knew Alvin was the only heir to Emperors throne, he needed to live if Grado was ever going to have a chance to be a great country once more.

Prince Marwood climbed on to his his horse as he watched Alvin take hold of the stone. He didn't want to go, but he knew that they would have to, yet perhaps... Perhaps he could save a few more he thought as his mind thought back to the image he had seen moments ago. "Alvin, outside the throne we should try and find ourselves some allies. A few people out there aren't your troops or Jehanna's we can ask there aid in exchange for getting them out of here." He said as looked at his long time friend, while Marwood had always put people before everything else and today he seemed no different.

No longer were they boy pretending at war, they would be fighting and kill people. Marwood had done that before but he worried about Alvin and the others. Still he readied his sword and rode out in to the hall, he could see a group in the hall with sacks of laying strewn he turned to look at all those present in the hall then spoke. He did his best to sound regal and strong to all of them, even if was unsure himself. "To those of you not in the employ of Grado I am Prince Marwood. I am about to fight my way out of here, join me if you wish to escape the madness that Jehanna is committing."

He didn't wait however noticing a two fighters and a another man moving towards them he quickly followed, sword in hand he opened combat with a slash the fighter. He was happy to be in his element as Eli his horse stomped her hooves. Both of them were ready, poor fighter didn't really stand a chance. "Out of my, your not stopping the Prince of Renais so easily. He said to the fighters, he got the feeling neither one had been expecting to face a Renais Cavalier.

Kalte finally understood all of his involvement in this after the Emperors speech. He looked at Garric, knowing that it was mostly his doing that he had been tasked with escorting the prince. Garric was never a man to do something without ample thought, and he knew even if Kalte wasn't around for the invasion he'd be quick to make enemies with Jehanna. Of course Kalte had no problem escorting Prince Alvin and the Fire Emblem. Knowing he'd need as many swords as he could get to get out of the current situation. When the man Aldo had joined them it gave Kalte an uneasy feeling, and when Aldo put out his hand causing a map to appear in his mind, Kalte understood why. However it took him a few seconds to come to terms with it, moving back and forth while observing the map, he accepted his fate.

After getting a full view of the situation Kalte turned to Garric, who gave him a faint smile. "Garric..." Kalte sighed. "For these past few years, you've taught me well. But I know you're never one to go without a plan, so after we get out of here, I expect you guys to make your escape too." Kalte had never seen Garric's full strength, but he knew it was up there with the Emperor and General Nero, so between the three of them it's hard to imagine an army that could take them down. "I'll be sure to take out as many as I can on the way out, so you guys should have a clear path to follow."

"Kalte..." Garric smiled. "Don't worry about us, just remember to be careful. We won't have much to escape too if you all get yourselves killed." Garric gave Kalte a slight push towards the Princes and a pat on the back. "And no slacking, a strong sword arm will keep you safer than any walls." Kalte laughed and gave a final wave goodbye. This hadn't been the first time he done this but it was something he'd never grow accustomed too.

As Kalte came back to the realization that his mission had already started. Prince Marwood, who left Renais to come to their aid, ran past on his horse. Just outside he heard him yell, trying to get any others that weren't pledged to Grado to follow him, and inherently their group. He certainly wasn't as fine speaker and Grado's own Prince Alvin, but the ones outside surely didn't have a choice. Kalte followed quickly as to not leave the Prince alone on the front line for long. Outside he saw what all the commotion was about. In front of the door there seemed to be a small band of thieves, a girl mounted on a Pegasus, and an oddly dressed fellow to say the least. A strange time to be seeing new faces but the prince ran past an attacked one of the hostile fighters. Kalte sprang into action at the first sight of the enemy.

"Get behind us and just do what you can!" Kalte yelled whilst drawing his blade. "We're getting out of here!" Kalte now stood outside the door where all the commotion had been happening.

Only two archers stood guarding the vault of Grado Keep, trying to stay calm by discussing the local politics- not a very effective tactic, mind you, as the extent of said politics was pretty much "we are being invaded and are all going to die". Still, they managed to distract themselves enough that neither was aware of the sharply dressed man who dropped into their midst.
"Archers, at the ready!" Habit barked the command in such a way that it dripped with confident authority, necessary, as he had learned, for any ruse. As the nervous archers snapped to attention, habitually saluting, Habit knew that he had them right where he wanted them. Examining them closer now, he discovered that neither was female, despite their daintiness, and was both annoyed and relieved at this revelation. He would have hated to have been distracted by his mission by his flirtatious habit, but still... Habit could never meet too many women.
"I bring you the latest orders from Rioga himself," Habit had heard gossip in passing that the Emperor of Grado would be holding some secret meeting at this time, which he knew would only add to the seeming legitimacy of his message, "you are to report to the throne room at once to assist in its defense. The Emperor's life is far more important than a few tokens of wealth, and it is all of our duties to prioritize accordingly. Do you understand?"
The terrified archers nodded and rushed down the stairs, glad to get away from this sudden, commanding presence...
Habit snickered as soon as the idiot archers were out of range of hearing. He could hardly believe they had actually fallen for it. Of course, he had practiced the ruse a thousand times, and his appearance suggested nothing of a Jehannan thief, but still, he had heard that the forces of Grado would be more disciplined than this. Ah well, that was the Emperor's problem, not his. His problem was finding that accursed stone and getting it out of the castle before some jumpy soldier ran him through. Absentmindedly whistling, he set to work on the chest, his lovely notes reaching a crescendo as his lockpick found the sweet-spot on each of the three chests, popping them wide open. Inside were... a vulnerary, an iron axe, and a mend. All worthless garbage, and Habit had no idea why the Emperor would see fit to put them in chests, instead of maybe a sewer. Still, waste not, want not, Habit was sure that he could get a good price for these somewhere, and so he stashed them away in his deceptively large pockets. Sighing, he began to climb the wall again through which he'd enter, setting his sights on the throne room. He'd really hoped he wouldn't have to head over there to search for the stone, but his job was nothing if not dangerous.

"Nero."

The general remained stock still, but aware and listening to his student's speech. All typical for him, but Griswal was certain there was some hint of forlorn gnawing at him from behind his eyes, as if there was a chance his words would be the last they shared. And such a chance there was, however strong Grado's commanders could prove to be. Jehanna had both the skill and numbers that Grado couldn't come close to affording as a whole, and staying in the keep with this plan underway was a death sentence.

"I trust you will keep our lords safe, Griswal?" Nero asked, as if he held any sort of doubt of the idea.

The knight opposite him nodded once. "Just as you have, sir," Griswal confirmed, with something of a heavy heart. When you were within a company of stocky armor knights, you learned to read your comrades with no need for speech. And so it was how Griswal knew that as much as he wanted Grado's famed commanders to accompany them, they could not.

He seemed to be snapped free when the young cleric thumped into the knight's huge chestplate awkwardly in her fear of the situation. Griswal broke his gaze away from Nero, fearing he would not be able to do so again otherwise. "There is no need for apologies," the gruff man spoke lightly to the faithful lady, "You are safe among us allies. We will all protect each other." As he turned to the door with the heavy clunking of his armor, Griswal called out, "Time we hastened from the Keep!"

The armor knight tromped out from the throne room as quickly as he could afford, not able to look back. His armor rendered him the slowest of the escapists, but it made Griswal by far one of the most sturdy and tough, provided he could get to the front lines. As he entered the hall outside the throne room, Griswal witnessed the young prince of Renais already rushing into the western fray atop his mount. Of course, there was no shortage of action over where Griswal was, either - A wild-looking man speaking in hard, fragmented sentences stood his ground hardily outside, in the near company of a small band of delinquents and several confused Grado troops.

"I hold line. Buy time. You keep stone safe," The pelt-cloaked man spoke out. It wasn't a far guess to the Grado knight that he must've somehow meant the Sacred Stone, in which case he must've been something a bit more than he seemed. "Come! Faith man! We hold line! Show them light. Show them strength. Show them who boss!" As the wild man stood fast to intercept the incoming Jehannan fighters, Griswal thundered up beside him to complete the holding line.

"Don't think you'll do it alone. We're all here to protect the Sacred Stone," the knight announced to Ret. Unhooking his chestplate to reveal it as a massive shield, Griswal drew his iron lance and prepared for combat. "And you lot-" Griswal shouted behind him, primarily to the delinquents, "I hope you're planning to make yourselves useful!"

Move next to Ret, attempt Talk to recruit.

Calico had known something was up when the head butler informed her that she was relieved from her regular duties and would instead be serving drinks to Emperor Rioga, Prince Alvin and the rest of the individuals that the Emperor had specially summoned to the throne room.

Or, more specifically: she’d known something was up, and she’d known it pertained to Prince Alvin. After all, who else would bother pulling the necessary strings to get a mere serving girl into the throne room while the Emperor delivered what was clearly an incredibly important and highly classified mission?

By the time the Emperor had finished delivering his speech, Calico’s hands were shaking, and moreso than usual. The only thing that kept her from spilling anything on her rather hefty tray was some very carefully used dark magic, and even with that, it was a close call.

She’d known Jehanna was invading: of course she had! That much had become obvious to anyone with half a brain over the course of the past few days: even if Jehanna had once been Grado’s allies, their troops marched across Grado’s lands, letting nothing stand in their way. Their destination was clear: Grado Keep, the castle that Grado’s royalty called home.

Even now, there were enemies practically at their doorstep. Plenty of servants had fled: Calico’s own family had been one of the few that had stayed behind, loyal to the very end. They had been serving the royal family for decades, after all. But by now, even Prince Alvin was being ordered to flee, and take with him some sort of priceless artifact.

When the Emperor looked directly at her towards the end of his speech, Calico blinked, startled. “The princes may possibly have trouble looking after themselves,” said Rioga. “I am not going to demand you to follow them…”

…but that was the unspoken implication, wasn’t it?

Go with them? Well, that certainly made sense. Prince Alvin and the visiting Prince from Renais had been pampered all their lives: without at least one person to wait on them, how would they be able to cope? She highly doubted that either of them knew how to cook, or do laundry.

And besides, Prince Alvin was her friend. He’d helped her a lot over the past years. Perhaps she would be able to return the favor. Her powers would certainly be useful to them: if there ever was a good time to reveal one’s self as secretly a shaman, it was probably now.

Somewhere, in the back of her mind, Calico had to admit to herself that she was afraid. At least this way she would have a chance to fight, instead of simply being taken prisoner if Jehanna managed to take the castle.

Wait. No. She couldn't do that.

How could she... how could she even think about running off to fight in a war, when her family needed her? Her father, her mother, Kiel...

She couldn't leave them. There was no way she could do something like that.

She had to go. Run. Warn them. Kiel worked in the stables, maybe they could steal a few horses and run for it? She was sure the Emperor wouldn't mind.

She took a deep breath, and carefully set down her tray of drinks. Almost instinctively, she smoothed out her skirt: it was something of a nervous habit of hers. Some people were already streaming out of the throne room to throw themselves into battle, but Prince Alvin still remained, and he was the one that Calico needed to talk to.

“Milord,” she said, her voice trembling. “I cannot come with you. I apologize for my cowardice, but I have to go. My family... I have to warn them.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel. The door of the throne room was heavy, but she pushed it open and slipped out anyway.

She had to run. She was just a servant, they probably wouldn't even stop her on her way out.

She had to warn her family.

Exit screen. Somehow.

If nothing else, Lexa was glad the Frelian emissary she had to protect insisted on having a drink by the local tavern instead of going straight to the castle. At least he was somewhere safe. She wasn't supposed to be in Grado Keep either, but she wanted to find the prince as soon as possible. And it wasn't even for some selfish reason, like wanting to snoop about the castle to maybe get a glimpse of the king and the grumpyface general. At least not entirely. She volunteered for the envoy mission to Grado for her princess' sake. Natalia had been rather upset as of late and she hoped arranging a visit from her childhood friend would lift her spirits, even just a little.

Perhaps she should have been more pure with her intentions? If she hadn't taken a detour through the foyer to look at the royal portraits, she might have reached the throne room in time and alerted the king of the large number of guests he had.

It took a while, but Lexa eventually realized that this was an invasion. How could such a thing happen? From the quick glimpse she had gotten before she flew deeper into the castle, it would seem they were Jehannan forces, something the myrmidon beside her had affirmed. Had Grado and Jehanna's relationship become this strained already? She heard only whispers in Frelia about the growing dissent among the two nations, but it was something most have dismissed as they had their own arguments to worry about. Lexa was certain word had not yet reached Frelia. Should the king or Captain Mariona know of their circumstance, of how it has escalated to the point of such aggression, surely they would not turn a blind eye to this. Ever the idealist, Lexa still believed they were not the cowards the other nations have come to think they were.

Her nose scrunched in thought as she focused on the situation at hand and tried to properly assess it. Everything was a lot different from when she was sitting in a classroom, discussing hypothetical scenarios. For instance, she didn't learn what to do when enemies were currently staring her down. Wait, were they even enemies? Her first instinct had naturally been to attack, but they showed no sign of aggression beyond the smirks on their faces, and suddenly she wasn't so sure. What if these were Grado soldiers in disguise?

"They're not with you, are they?" she whispered to the myrmidon, who replied with a tentative shake of his head after giving her a slightly disparaging glance. Lexa only smiled gratefully before turning to face them again. "Okay, good. Just checking."

Lexa readied her lance and prepared to strike, but was momentarily distracted when she caught wind of a faint but imposing voice drifting from the throne room. From where she stood, the voice had not been properly audible. But she did pick up certain things, like how General Nero was in there right now, within a couple of feet from her. She distinctly heard his name being called. If she could just retreat a couple of steps, to join the oddly dressed man standing by the door, perhaps she could get a quick peek of the general. Alas, she was currently in a deadlock with the two fighters. They still made no move to attack, but surely she couldn't just leave them be.

Just as she was about to attack again, a chain of events had unfolded just behind her. Everything happened at a faster pace in Grado, Lexa would learn.

It started with someone spooking Nightmare, causing him to rear up and almost throw her off his back. He recovered quickly enough, but her pegasus was, in a word, pissed. Nightmare turned slightly to crane his neck and look at the offending human, an archer clad head to toe in green, and pointedly stomped on a couple of potatoes that have scattered near him in warning. He looked menacing with his fixed stare and he squealed once in annoyance. Lexa would have warned the man about making her pegasus' hit list—it was quite a bit of bad news, as many Frelian can attest to—but then the throne room door swung open and out came a motley band of fighters that burst into action.

No General Nero, though. Boo.

First out had been the Renais prince, one she had come to know from Natalia's stories. He zoomed by with his steed, causing Nightmare to fly as high up as the ceiling allowed so they would avoid him. He gave a rushed speech, which nonetheless worked on spurring Lexa on, before he attacked the fighter with whom she'd been having a staring contest. Next was a rather intimidating knight who popped out next, then a… serving girl? Mix in the oddly dressed man from earlier who spoke in a strange tongue and the archer (currently the top of Nightmare's hit list) with his consort, and Lexa was reeling.

Truly, Grado was such a hectic nation. It was sort of exciting!

Lexa flew right behind the Renais prince, lance at the ready. He seemed to have gotten things in control for now, but she spied more soldiers in the northwestern corridor and she was ready to offer assistance where she was needed.

"Don't think you'll do it alone. We're all here to protect the Sacred Stone,"

Through the gates came an individual, a male it seems, clad heavily in armor - as he dislodged a shield from out of nowhere. He was speaking to Ret apparently, who just awkwardly stared back at him for a moment. Having spent most of his life in less civilized areas, Ret got a bit suspicious of strangers the first time he meets them. Yet this one seemed to want to help, not swing something sharp at him. Unsure to nod in acknowledgement or shake in denial, Ret just ...vibrated for moment.

Another pressence, this one somewhat darker, crept up behind him. He almost looked behind till the armored one abruptly turned around and called to his friends, somewhat rudely too. Ret furrowed his brow at him, rather displeased.

But the moment passed. Right now seeing the two enemies ahead engaged yet standing their ground instead of proceeding forward, there was a reckoning at hand.

"They scared! We strike!"

Ret bellowed before taking several long strides forwards, unhinging the lock on the metal book hanging by his side. It's pages fluttered wildly as he ran, as he squeezed past two Gradian soldiers who were at the forefront. When he finally reached the midst of battle where he could see the two fIghters, the book had began humming with an all too farmiliar sound ....

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Through the visor of his helmet, Ret looked at the ever distant heavens and nodded like he was responding to someone. Then he closed his eyes and placed his right hand on the book, mummuring what oddly seemed to be complete sentences, only for a second - his hand began to glow a faint yellow.

When Ret opened his eyes, he pulled his step back and swiftly drew patterns in the air as he turned. Light coalesced in trails, symbols of hidden knowledge brought to life.

I am he who stands before the abounding light ...

When all this was all done, Ret clenched his hand.

"RRRRRRRAGGGGHHH!!!"

Bringing one knee down, he violently slammed his fist into the floor - with it a grandious circle of runes erupted. Transforming physical might into a force of nature.

There was but a flash before a spear of lightning erupted from the heavens and crashed into the Jehannan before him!

@Draconfound
Arathyra nervously followed the charge of people outside only to encounter a several people who didn't seem to be very friendly at first glance. She hid behind her allies and just hoped they would get out of here quickly. It seemed that her allies were very skilled at fighting and had the situation somewhat under control and then to her fright she saw a somewhat shady looking man climb over the wall into the middle of the fray. "Umm, I don't suppose you would mind helping us get out of this mess?" she asked the strange man somewhat nervously, Arathyra was really hoping that he was the reasonable sort and help them. Although if he did turn out to be some kind of ruffian she could hide further behind her big strong friends,

They were on their way soon enough. Emperor Rioga smirked at the initiative taken as they were already entirely on their way out. His son, Alvin, had taken the Fire Emblem (feel free to add it to your inventory) and Rioga was somewhat proud of how his son, his friend, and the rest of them pretty well dedicated themselves to this task. I didn’t seem like he had very much else to say. Except for that…

“Renais is filled with good people, but they do not have the martial might to stand against Jehanna in a war and there are Jehannan Mercenaries in Renais as well. The nation of Frelia has a much more fickle and distrustful leadership, but therefore have trusted no Jehannan Mercenaries and they may be able to stop Jehanna with their land’s defensive advantage. Rausten has an impressive army and the many monsters make invasion difficult, but they’re geared to fight monsters and have ties with Jehanna.” Not to mention you have to go through Jehanna to get to Rausten. And that the individuals that first claimed destroying the Fire Emblem would rid the monsters from this land were from Rausten. “Carcino…” Rioga paused a bit. He did intend to speak of every nation, but… “… Has little army, nowhere to hide and enlists Jehannan mercenaries constantly, although they trade with almost all of the world.” They don’t get deep into Frelia, but the villages in eastern Frelia are used as outposts to trade with the rest of Frelia. In any case. “I’ll trust you all to make a decision of where to go or what to do depending on the circumstances.” Just basic information.

And since Kalte and Griswal already did their conversations with their respective NPC to look up to, guess I don’t have to worry about that. Nero would nod with satisfied calmness as Griswal was on their way, while Garric would drop his smile as Kalte turned away and ran. “Tsk…” He had held the smile to encourage his student, but frankly, Garric didn’t think any of them had any chance of surviving. The swordsman reached down into his pocket and picked up an apple from it, glaring at the enemies in his current internal map of the place. Sion was attacking forward towards the Throne Room, completely ignoring the passage to the left. … Suppose that was a good thing.

“I make no promises, Sir.” Nero responded to Alvin’s request to hold back on them, his usual attitude clear as day. Garric was a bit more raw. “Handicap? Let me tell you, giving people handicaps gets you killed! We’re going to sweep them up so badly they’ll be mopping the rocky floors with their decapitated faces…” … Garric was more annoyed than normal, having had to see off his student like that. Rioga smirked at him a bit, lifting his axe a bit to prepare for combat. “Now, now, don’t be like that, Garric. We’ll show them what we’re capable of. Don’t you worry about us, Alvin.” Garric looked clearly annoyed as he looked towards the prince and then at his own apple… and then he bit into the apple, chewing a bit as he stared down at it. “… Any poison? No? Great.” … And then he threw the apple into the air, gripped the sword that wasn’t even drawn, sliced through the air and perfectly cut off the part where he had chewed, grabbed the apple again after having sheeted his sword and then lobbed the apple to Alvin. “Always poison-test the apples before eating them! You’re a hundred times more likely to be poisoned than I am!” That was delivered with a warning glare at the prince. If he caught it or whatever he did was up to him. Rioga chuckled a bit, and then raised his hand in salutation to his son and anyone who hasn’t already escaped. “Good luck.”

“Now, let’s worry about how I have a Weapons Triangle disadvantage against two out of three of our opponents.” Rioga said as he turned to the other two in the room. At this, Nero closed his eyes a bit to focus on the opposition. “… Sion, Nethanel and Rhodri… Powerful opponents, all three.” Garric inspected that image and… “Tsk. Leave Nethanel to me. Sorry, neither of you can hit him. You because Axes, Emperor, and you’re simply too slow, General.” He didn’t look very happy at this conclusion. Nero stared at the match-up a bit… “… I cannot defeat Sion, but I can defeat Rhodri.” He turned his head towards his Emperor. “Sir, you will not be able to defeat Sion either, but you can survive him for long enough for us to defeat his assistance. Then we will assist you in the final battle.” … Rioga smiled at this. “… So the Kings shall clash?” Nevermind that one is an Emperor. “It was inevitable, I suppose. Alright, I accept this plan. They’ll no doubt be going for a match-up of their own design. We won’t let them have their way.” Garric rolled his eyes a bit. “Just a warning, my clash with Nethanel will be over in an instant. Who’s standing after it may be able to attack the remaining enemies at once.” Both the others acknowledged this with nods. “Alright, that’s how we’ll do this…” Rioga smiled for the upcoming battle, despite knowing how it would likely end…

___

Aldo would shake his head slightly at the conversation that were and run off after the rest of them, currently in silence due to everyone else making way too much noise out there. As he was coming out, apparently he was seeing a bunch of potatoes strewn across the floor, the three obviously not thieves as well as the bags they had stolen. Everyone else was obviously moving soon enough, but apparently there was an amount of Grado forces intending to capture the thieves… Aldo got an expression that sincerely expressed ‘Seriously?’ as he stared at them. The researcher and adviser perhaps didn’t have the authority to actually do so, but he stated.

“Don’t you all have better things to do than to try to capture this meaningless rabble!? Let them go! You have greater enemies to face!” … The angered Grado soldiers would hopefully realize that going after these thieves when Jehanna was attacking was perhaps not the brightest of ideas and return to their posts. Aldo would then continue with simply follow along, running behind the rest of them unless commanded otherwise.

___

The priest Ret called for would first be staring, wondering what was up, but start heading over. Then he was left behind as the person who had called left to shoot magic at a Fighter. Then he’d see that you guys already had a healer, gruff a little and then head back to the position which he had.

___

On the left, the two Fighters, apparently named Leonard and Carlson (They’re even named in my map-files now XD) had been simply looking at the Pegasus and Myrmidon there, not expecting any trouble. But the first sign of trouble had come in the shape of a running archer and his two companions, who clumsily spilled potatoes everywhere and bothered the Pegasus…

“Hold on, aren’t those…” Carlson said, staring an excited glare after realizing something. Because if you know them, it’d make sense that they’d know you in turn, right? Possibly not by name, but…

“Yeah. Funny seeing them in a castle about to be conquered… And with them locked in…” Leonard would grin and stare as well, feeling mildly happy that those pesky beings had drawn the short straw.

“If we capture them, we’d get a pretty penny, right?” Carlson said, a wide grin appearing on his face as he considered.

“Yeah, lesse, Pegasus, Myrmidon, Brigand” (because he assumed Ret was a Brigand) “and them… We could get a few more guys, and we could take them.” Leonard said. “If we act now, we could do it before Sion arrives…”

… There was no future in that plan, however. For the door was bashed open and a Cavalier came riding through towards them with a sword ready to slice. Behind them, more warriors appeared, and the Brigand came running at them and threw a magic bolt (!?) while the Pegasus came up behind to support him…

Leonard barely escaped a lethal cut from Marwood, jumping back instead of countering, bracing himself against the wall. Carlson intended to strike back, raising his axe, but was suddenly struck with a bolt of lightning, yelling out in pain as he stumbled backwards onto the same wall, charred and would probably have been incapacitated if not for a Fighter’s endurance (HP, I guess XD). The rider announced that he was the Prince of Renais… … … Carlson and Leonard exchanged a glance.

“We’re not paid for this.” “We’re not stopping them and we’re not dying.” … In immediate agreement the two Fighters spun on the spot and dashed down the corridors, Carlson shouting out “They’re trying to escape!” making the nearby soldiers and mercenaries group up trying to stop the attack while Leonard and Carlson escaped behind the formation.

Further in, the two soldiers fighting the Knight realized that rather than trying to break into the Treasure Chamber they should be doing their actual mission of trying to stop people from getting out, being fairly more disciplined and loyal than Carlson and Leonard. They dashed down, lances raised, intending to strike at the riding prince with their lances, because… Weapons Triangle. You guys need axes, badly. Also, do keep from naming random enemies you come across, you make me spend excess time on things like this. XD

___

“WHAT!? They’re trying to escape!?” Morag called out, angered, staring forward in what was apparently disbelief.

“… May I suggest requesting reinforcements-” The soldier to his left tried desperately, fearing for his life and position.

“HOW DARE YOU! Would you like it to get out how THE GREAT I, MORAG OF THE SPIKE GUILD, couldn’t complete my mission and had to ASK for REINFORCEMENTS…!? NO! NEVER! I’LL STOP THEM RIGHT HERE, WITH THE POWER OF THE SPIKE GUILD!” … The Spike Guild currently trying to get into the Treasure Chamber and was otherwise locked from assisting by two Knights up there.

“… Yes, sir…” The soldier said, silently.

“Let them come! I am Morag, leader of the Spike Guild! I cannot be breached through, I’ll stop them all here, and continue to live a rich and lively life in a mansion all of my own…!” Morag raised his voice and held his weapon above his head, not even noticing that Soldier to his left just ran off behind him, leaving in hopes of living another day…


Notable individuals:

“Ret…I thought I told you not to call me that,” Archibald said as a vein popped up on his forehead, raising his eyebrow, his other aggressors pressing in even as he spoke. This…was getting bad. Strapped in a corridor full of Grado soldiers with their only way out blocked by the Spike Guild and with no momentum to keep running…things were turning out rather grim for Archibald and the two merry men with him. Ret’s voice suddenly cut into his situation assessment, causing everyone, including the Grado soldiers to turn and look at the gruff man. After delivering his message, Archibald could only blankly stare, blinking rapidly. He always knew that Ret had a…way with words, but at this point he was sounding like he was recounting some sort of hero tale. “…Did you eat something weird again?” he said as his mind thought back to that time Retario ate that blue mushroom Archibald warned him not to eat, “because I’m pretty sure some random rock can’t possibly-“

With a sudden crack and clopping of hooves, the doors next to him burst open and vomited forth a tide of well dressed, well armed people causing the bandit to shield himself thinking retribution had come…only their noises receded into the distance. Opening his eye a crack to look down the corridor to see that some people had engaged Leonard and Carlson, Archibald raised an eyebrow and cracked a grin. “Looks like lady luck just handed us a golden egg boys,” he said to Aiph and Darius. “What!? Where!? How much do you think its worth!?” shrieked the nasal voice of Aiph. “…figure of speech Aiph, figure of speech,” Archibald replied as he slapped the thief over the back of the head. The Grado forces around them looked bemused, like they were watching a comedy act, but one of them shouted: “Why aren’t we seizing them yet!?” In response, the soldiers fell in.

It was then that a slow measured voice reprimanded the soldiers. “Don’t you all have better things to do than to try to capture this meaningless rabble!? Let them go! You have greater enemies to face!” Almost sheepishly, the troops muttered amongst themselves and returned to their posts, causing Archibald to turn towards Aldo and give him a mock salute. “Cheers mate! Not only did Lady luck give us an egg, she also sent us a distraction!.” He could almost feel Aldo’s contempt as he started to gather up the scattered food. Remembering a black Pegasus, Archibald paused and looked towards it. The two seemed frozen in time as they glared at each other, bearing their teeth. There was another splat as Nightmare deliberately and slowly stomped on a potato. “Hey you bastard of a pigeon,” Archibald said as he closed, his fist clenched, “you looking for a fight?” Pressing his face up against the Pegasus, it snorted in response as the two fiercely pressed their foreheads against each other, their teeth bared. “Boss, what are you doing?” Darius said with a sigh as he hefted the sack of potatoes over his shoulder, “Leave the Pegasus alone.” Shifting his eyes away and towards Darius, his pupils quickly snapped back. “We’ll settle this later you…hoofed potato destroyer.” With that, the archer rejoined his companions. “Lets get out of here while the goings good lads.”

Then it happened. When he got back, he saw some random guy pull his pants open in front of a lady and…pull his rod out. It was a beautiful ornate rod with a bulbous head and a rigid shaft that extended far out of his pants. How he got it in there the first time was beyond Archibald. It glittered in the light before he presented it to the woman in front of him. And she didn’t even seem to question it. “Some people…” he muttered to himself before turning away.

Sauntering forwards in a relaxed manner, Archibald came to a stop beside Retario. “Sup Ret,” he said as he folded his hands behind his head, “why you punching the ground…and why do I smell burnt flesh?” Between the heads and bodies of the people in front of him, Archibald saw that two random Jehannans had replaced Leonard and Carlson. He raised an eyebrow, his arms still behind his head. “Have we hit a roadblock?” he asked. “Archie you lazy lummock!” boomed the voice of Darius, “carry your own damn potatoes!” Looking down towards his second in command, Archibald smiled. “Sorry mate, a bow requires both hands if you want me to be useful, while your axe only needs one!”

Alvin wore a very sad smile as he looked upon his father for the last time before turning away, he knew it was entirely possible that he wouldn't see any of them ever again. These men had been his mentors, his parents, his guardians and his friends. The young Prince felt himself start to choke up but he quickly composed himself, a prince must never show his emotions, he told himself.

He couldn't help but smile at the three's nonchalant attitude about the situation, about how despite the odds they believed they'd win. Alvin heard the whooshing and metallic slicing and looked up just in time to see and catch the apple flying towards him. He examined it, just the right shade of red, oh how he loved apples. "Right, always poison test the apples, I'll keep that in mind." Without sparing any of them a glance Alvin mounted his Wyvern, deft hands gripping the reins and locating the lance within it's mount on the saddle.

"Come Medea, let us show these Jehannans what a Grado Wyvern Knight can do. Heyah!" With a roar Medea half flew, half hopped out of the throne room, turning west around the corner and into the hall with the rest of his allies. He made his way past the tapestry on the wall and over towards where he saw his best friend Marwood engaged with a few soldiers.

However as he drew his lance to join in, an odd sight caught his eye. There was what appeared to be a Frelian Pegasus Rider helping him, Alvin couldn't help but wonder who she was and what she was doing here so he decided to ask. "Hail Pegasus Knight, those are the colors of Frelia if I'm not mistaken, Prey tell, who are you and why are you here at such an hour?"

-----------------------------------------
(I'm behind Lexa if that wasn't clear.)

Marwood watched the two fighters flee, and as the soldiers advanced he traded his sword for the lance fixed on the side of his horse and prepared to receive their attacks. However before they began their assault he decided to converse with Pegasus Knight alongside him. She was most likely Frelian and they had always been a friend to Renais.

He softened his expression and smiled at her, she must have thought him rude to come barreling through the hall like that. "Sorry my lady, I should have watched where I was going, I'm attempting to escape the castle with a few others. I invite you join us, I am close friends with your Princess and I could never turn a blind eye to Frelian in need. I can escort you back to Frelia if you like, once we escape together that is." He said his politely, while he may not have been much of a gentleman he knew how to treat women properly. Even if he didn't always take such a formal tone.

Lexa gently tapped Nightmare on his left side, signaling him to descend and plant his hooves back onto the ground. Her pegasus spotted the bothersome archer not far away, but he held his temper as there were more pressing matters currently at hand. His human was radiating idiocy again, he could feel it, and it was no doubt caused by the Renais prince engaging her in conversation. Lexa openly stared at the cavalier, cheeks slightly flushed and eyes practically twinkling in delight, and for a moment, that was all she did. Stare.

This was the Prince Marwood, the one she had gotten to know through Natalia's stories, smiling at her. She had seen him once or twice before, from afar, but this was the first time he had directly spoken to her. It was sort of strange, she thought, knowing so much about him when they have yet to properly meet. What should she say to him? That she had been debating who, between him and Prince Alvin, was the better fit for her princess, and she has come up with numerous romantic scenarios involving them? Or that she has always imagined him as this classic, gallant prince, where Prince Alvin was the charismatic, troublemaking one?

As always, Nightmare would see to it that she didn't appear too much like a fool. He bucked up slightly to snap her out of her reverie. "No!" Lexa blurted out in surprise. Her words all came racing out at once, each vying to be first, and it was getting hard to keep them in order. "Wait, not no. I mean, yes, I will. Join you, that is. But I don't need an escort, though it's really, really nice of you to offer. That's sort of my job, you see, and--"

Before she could say any more, the soldier she espied earlier had come rushing in, finishing what the previous fighters had started. Both raised their lances to attack the prince, spurring Lexa to retaliate. She pulled on Nightmare's reins and swooped forward, aiming her lance at the second soldier. As soon as she had charged, however, a voice came from behind, calling out to her and effectively distracting her.

Was it horrible of her to think this was a lucky day? ...probably. Even so, Lexa couldn't believe her good fortune when yet another prince deigned to speak with her. She quickly fell into old habits, momentarily disregarding the armed soldiers just to watch the two princes have a friendly chat in the middle of the battle.

Marwood readied his lance as Alvin came along behind them. "Ah Alvin, a little late I'm afraid. This kind Pegasus Knight is aiding in our escape." He said turning to give Alvin a cheeky smile. "So shall we discuss where we're head while slaughter our way through these fools?"

He turned his back to the Soldiers, his horse back stepping just in time to avoid the thrust of the lance. Yet with a quick turn he countered back with quick jabs of his own. Turning to the Pegasus Knight he smiled. "By the way my lady you can just call me Marwood here. I've never been one for formal titles, now why don't you, me, and Alvin clear the way? Should be a interesting fight."

"Hnn... clear the way, yes, of course," Lexa replied distractedly. She couldn't help it; they were already sparkly when they were alone, but together, they were blinding. If it were any other time, and they weren't in the middle of fleeing from a hostile invasion, she would have been swooning. Especially after a prince had just smiled directly at her, again.

"Ah, right!" It wasn't until Nightmare intervened once more that Prince Marwood's words sunk in. She raised her fingers to her forehead in a salute, probably an incorrect one at that, and finally refocused on the enemies. Lexa charged down at the soldier once more, sweeping with her lance before flying back up. "Pegasus Knight Lexa at your service, your highnesses. I'll help keep you safe!"

Marwood looked back at Alvin and smiled. "By the way whichever one gets the most kills hunts for the other's dinner tonight." He laughed turning back to the fight, Marwood was just trying to lift his friends somber mood. He needed a friend and a challenge to get his mind off his parents. No way better than betting who had to go hunt for dinner tonight.