Matthew leaned over the rail, green in the face as the ship finally made made port. He gave off a few disgusting groans as he dry heaved over the side of railing. "Carrots... I never eat carrots and yet it always taste like carrots." He groaned going over to clean up before meeting with the guards and diplomats. He walked in, the soldiers with them lined up ready to leave. "Alright, myself and the Exalt will be taking the back streets in disguise the rest of you will be traveling along with the diplomats and the royal carriage." He explained, they had decided earlier it was best to sneak back to the castle as it was to much of a risk to travel with such a large group.

Matthew walked up Saya's room which was in the captains quarters knocking on the door he spoke. "Your grace, I'm ready to depart when you are. The soldiers will go with the diplomats and act as decoy will I return you to the palace." He said straightening his robes and pulling up his hood as to hide his face. He'd heard yesterday from Andres that a bounty had been place on his head. "Do you need anything before we go, I can go get it if you need it."

Exalt Saya hummed to herself as she went through a set of moves with her sword, the legendary Falchion. It had been wielded by heroes before her and it was only thanks her grandmother Lucina that she was even using it in the first place. She always remembered to thank the woman every chance she got. Swordplay was great stress reliever, especially for one with so much weight on their shoulders. She was a bit clumsier than usual due to the rocking movement of the ship. She was wiping the sweat off her brow when there was knock at her door. A familiar voice reached her ears, one that made her smile. She leaned Falchion up against the wall and the opened the door.

It was Matthew, a Tactician and practically her younger brother."No Matthew, I have everything I need." She said, glancing around behind him as she spoke. "There's no one around, don't worry about formalities. You're family."

"Saya your the Exalt, I do have to exercise a degree of formality even if your mother did bring me to the castle." He answered blushing a little, truth be told he enjoyed it when she said they were family. It was reassuring to hear that, she was always looking out for him even if he was supposed to be guarding her. "Were docking now so you and I will be leaving out the side with the crew." He said as he made sure he his spell books were in place and his sword neatly at his side.

"So, I guess once we get back were going your going to decide with Andres and Isa what were going to do about the coming Crusade huh?" He asked really hoping she wouldn't bring him into it and call him Naga's Champion. He'd heard the crew muttering about it for days now, it was starting to get on his nerves. He didn't want to champion anything, especially if he was going to have to lead a war effort or something like that. He always thought that was something for kings and heroes? He certainly wasn't a king, and he didn't think he looked anything like a hero.

Saya's smile turned into something a little more playful. "Yes, that's right, I'm the Exalt. And I order you to be less formal when we're alone." She said, knowing full well that it wouldn't work. This wasn't the first time they had a conversation like this. It probably wouldn't be the last. When Matthew said they were docking, the Exalt immediately went and retrieved her sword. Anything else she had brought would be going with the main group. The two of them would be traveling light. It was a lot better that way. Nothing to drag them down if they got attacked. Not that she brought much anyway, she definitely wasn't a heavy packer.

"That right, you'll be joining us of course. Not only as a Tactician, but apparently as Naga's Champion. We'll need to get everything figured out quickly. I don't want the country to be unprepared, especially when we know the attack is coming." She knew he didn't like the fact that he had been named champion, but they just couldn't help it. Saya wouldn't send him off without help of course. She just wasn't sure who was going to help him yet. They would have to figure that out at the meeting. But for now their first priority was getting back to Ylissol safely.

Matthew groaned and mumbled. "I swear this trip has been nothing but a problem. Alright Saya lets get going before they other leave. Please try to be discreet." He told her and with that he walked up slowly towards the docks following the crew down the side ramps. Knowing Saya would be right behind him he spoke. "The carrier raven reached us, let me know that a bounty has been placed on the champion of Naga. They have a rough description but no picture, so as long as I keep my hood up and we just stay quiet we should be fine." He told as if warning her not to get involved with any trouble they might come across.

"Besides, your the mission here Saya. I'm just another tactician you've got ten more graduating next month." He answered, that of course would be his class. Eleven student out of all of Ylisse had gotten to study their, it was considered a high honor. Tacticians generally got attached to units to fill gaps or make up low numbers, while they weren't the most seasoned commanders, it far surpassed the old of simply having a Knight lead squads of soldiers. Tactician trained at the academy had become an important part of Ylisse's military might, which gave it an edge when fighting, fight smarter not harder Andres always told them.

They had just entered the Ylisstol gates, apparently the soldiers that had been traveling with them were having to push back a small group of jeering people whose loyalty seemed first to the church. Matthew kept moving, taking a few back alleys he planned to bring Saya into the palace through the servants quarters. He remember when they were children, sneaking out through here to go play in the market. Saya's mother had been worried sick about them both and promptly banned Saya from leaving the castle, needless to say they went back again next week.

Saya just smiled at Matthew, it wasn't exactly easy to be discreet when just about every person in Ylisse knew what you looked like. But she would do her best. Maybe if would help if she didn't smile? Saya tried not to, but she kept finding the smile returning to her face. She stayed closely behind her Tactician, ready if anything happened. While she enjoyed swordplay, she didn't enjoy the violence it brought. But if somebody attacked, she wouldn't hold back. They'd quickly find that the Exalt wasn't as defenseless as she looked.

Saya reached up from her spot behind Matthew, wanting to pat the younger male's head. But out of fear that the hood would fall, she instead placed that hand on his shoulder. "You are far more than just a Tactician. You're my little brother. I wouldn't care if you had graduated the bottom of your class, I still would have chosen you." She put her hand down as they reached the gates, as to not give anything away. One of the hardest things she would ever do is walk past those people, and not do anything. They were angry about something, and it was her job to bring them peace. Yet, due to the threat of the church, she couldn't.

Once they were passed, she let out a heavy sigh. "Screw the church. Threatening me and my people, riling up usually peaceful people, not allowing me to do my job. If I had a sibling that could rule while I was gone, I'd join you in kicking their asses. As it is, get in some good shots for me, okay?" She said in an unusually angry voice for her. Saya wasn't the type to get mad, she was almost disgustingly patient. She could win a staring contest with a statue if she wanted. But not today.

"Saya... Were going to fight this war together... I'm here for you. I know I don't say it often but you are my family and I'm happy to have you around." The young turn and smiled at the Exalt hugging her. "Thank you for being the best sister I could ask for." He told her in a soft voice, knowing she would be happy to hear that. He knew Saya needed some reassurance with the coming war and everything that had happened lately. "Besides... You could always put Andres and Isa in charge of organizing things here. After all your Exalt! You can go to war if you want to... Besides, I don't think you could take the stress of me being out there without you." He stepped back giving her a soft smile, a gust wind blew back his hood, revealing his soft blue hair.

"Well ain't this touching?" A chuckle rang out as a large man with an axe slowly stepped into the street. "Sorry lady but the boy is coming with us. Bern's pay 20,000 gold for him and 30,000 alive so you can hand him over or we can do it the hard way. "He chuckle. At the back of the alley two lance toting soldiers took position, three sword wielding foes spread out to block the path forward. The fighter with the axe and a female mage pulled back to the end of alley, the mage have caused the gust of wind moments ago.

Matthew drew his sword looking to their opponents at the rear and the ones in front. "Damn this is bad... Saya were pinned in, they've got the number on their side. We need a way out, they might have more mercenaries coming!" Matthew told her spell book in his right hand, with his sword outwardly stretched in his left. In truth he was more worried for Saya, if she got hurt here it just make him look like trouble.

Matthew was good at that, making Saya feel better if she was upset. It was the same in opposite too. But after knowing each other for so long, it was only natural. He was right, she could go to war if she wanted. She had people who were perfectly capable of keeping things in line while she was gone. "You're right. There's another thing to discuss when we get back. Me going with you to fight this war." She knew there would be people who would oppose the idea. But she was the Exalt, she could do what she wanted. She knew at the very least her grandmother would be proud. So would her great grandfather, if he was still alive.

Saya muscles immediately tensed up when a gust of wind knocked the hood off Matthew's head. She reached up to put it back over him, but paused when she heard the voice. Lady? Obviously they didn't know who she was. She could use that to her advantage. As she drew her sword, she looked around them to see what they were dealing with. The biggest threat appeared to be the ax user and the mage. The sword wielders she could take easily, and the lances wouldn't be too much of a problem. She had fought plenty of them in mock battles before. If there was one thing that being a leader had taught her, it was to fake confidence. She glanced at Matthew, letting him know silently that she had a plan.

"Seven against two? Now this isn't fair. I think you need more people." She said, advancing on the axe wielder. She shoved a finger in his face. "Now listen here. I'm not in a very good mood right now, but I'm still a nice person. If you walk away now, I'll let you live. If you don't, I'll shove this sword so far up your ass that it'll never come back out." She said, making sure he got a good look at the sword in question. When they saw the blade that she had, maybe they would think twice about attacking them. Anyway, the hesitation would give them just enough time to break through the lines.

The man with the axe growled. "Fine, let them pass lads... It's the Exalt. We can't risk killing her, not even for that much gold." With that the mercenaries slowly began to disperse, the female mage however lifted her hand released a spell at Matthew. It sent him flying back into the wall his sword falling to the ground, the mage girl chuckled. "Some Champion." She huffed, not bothering to remove her hood she set a brisk pace the two soldiers following her as they left.

Matthew got up coughing, smiling up at his sister. "That's my big sister, always keeping trouble away from me." He smiled dropping his hood he walked her towards the palace. "I think we should reform the Shepherds, it would let me recruit anyone who wants to join us into a sort of special force. The main army can operate better under Isa and Andres anyway, plus I figure the Exalt ought to get lead her forces with her brother." He smiled and put his hand in hers. "I promise you were going to end this war and you'll get to see your people happy again." He told Saya, knowing that he would do his best to fulfill that promise.

Despite the fact that they were leaving, Saya kept a very close eye on the mercenaries as they left. Threatening to advance on the mage woman who knocked Matthew into the wall. Only after they were out of sight did Saya move to help her little brother. "What would you do without me?" She teased lightly. She helped Matthew to his feet, then followed him as they made their way back to the palace. She couldn't wait to tell her grandmother about the encounter. The woman would be so proud. It would have been her first real battle, but she had managed to resolve it without violence. She was proud of herself for that.

"That's a great idea!" She exclaimed when Matthew suggest they bring back the Shepherds. "We can clean up the old headquarters to use again." She could practically feel great grandfather Chrom smiling at her from his grave. The Shepherds had always been an important part of their history, but with the advances to the army involving Pegasus Knights and Tacticians, they hadn't really been needed, and eventually dispersed. Now would be a great chance to bring them back. "You'll be the leader of course, as our Tactician and Naga's Champion, but I'll be your second in command." She said, already excited about the whole thing. "It'll be the only time you get to order me around, so enjoy it while you can."

Matthew smiled. "It depends on what Andres and Isa have to say. After all they might make us share command." He answered chuckling. "Still, you handled yourself like a true paragon of peace back their." He walked back with her as they neared the throne room he spoke. "You go ahead and speak with them, I'll be along soon. I just need to clear my head." He told Saya, a he stepped out on to the balcony over looking Ylisstol, this was his home. If he didn't fight for it... They might lose it, he didn't want to be Champion but that wasn't in his control anymore.

He sat out their for nearly half an hour before he finally entered the throne room. Isa was throwing a fit. "You can't seriously be considering leaving with some newly graduated tactician to save the world! If you have to send him then make him go by himself!"

Andres spoke up. "Matthew is talented but I seriously doubt he could lead the Shepherds besides where would you get the soldiers to fill the ranks of these Shepherds?"

Matthew coughed walking over to the desk where Andres kept his notes. "According to our Grand Master, some knights have mentioned volunteering to fight under the Champion, as well rumors have spread. We send out the word we need strong people for the Shepherd were bound to fill the ranks in no time." He answered stepping between Isa and Andres.

Isa glared. "You would take some of my soldiers for your little unit?" She was not happy to turn over any soldiers to some one she couldn't directly command.

"No, the Exalt will reassign to the Shepherd which we will both be leading." Matthew said, glaring back at her. In truth the woman scared him but fake confidence was better than none. "As for if Saya should be allowed to go, I'll keep her safe on the battlefield. Beside's she believes that you and Andres are more than capable of handling the army while we head out." He smiled playing to their pride.

Andres grumbled. "Oh so I should trust you are now able a fully able tactician, you may be top of your class but you have no field command experience."

Matthew walked over. "Well then I should go with Saya and get some experience directing battles." He told Andres smiling.

Matthew took a seat on the seat leading up to the Exalt's throne. "Now why don't you both go spread the word about the Shepherd? Andres if your about to say I'm out of line I'll tell Isa about your new hobby." Matthew knew the grumpy old man had a hobby of painting women indiscreetly. If Isa found out, well their would be a large fire outside the academy that's all he knew.

Once they left Matthews facade of confidence faded, nervously he looked up at Saya. "I hope I didn't anger them to much..." He said worried Isa wouldn't speak to him anymore, she had been his teacher in how to use as a sword for as long as he could remember. "Was that okay? Was I too mean to them? I hope Andres isn't agree I threatened him with that."

Saya waved at Matthew when the two of them finally separated and made her way over to the throne. She didn't mind Matthew going off for a little while. It would have been the first he had that much pressure on him. She had grown used to it, but not everyone had, so she would be patient. Calmly, the Exalt told Isa and Andres what had happened at the meeting, about Matthew had been named Naga's Champion, and about their plans to start the Shepherds up once again. They took it all about as well as she had expected, which was to say, not at all. Saya was about to pull the Exalt card and end the entire discussion when Matthew returned.

She surprised him by taking charge and trying to convince them of their plan. Their excuses were the fact that they were young and experienced. Matthew response was an excellent one. The entire thing ended with Isa and Andres' reluctant agreement. Saya could have spoken up and ended things at any time, but instead she stayed silent, curious as to how Matthew was going to handle things. Once it was just them in the room again, Matthew's fake confidence disappeared. "You were fine. I was going to force them to agree by pulling the Exalt card anyway. You handled things very well." Saya said, "With a little bit more experience, you'll make a good leader."

Saya stood up from the throne and walked down to where Matthew was. "Shall we go check out the old Shepherds headquarters? See what needs done to fix the place up?" They had just gotten back, but Saya was eager to get things started. The sooner they started getting ready, the more prepared they would be for the church's attack.

Sophia Rose, the wandering mage, wandering into the city of Ylisstol. This was her first time in the capital of Ylisse. The tales of her childhood and what she heard of it in he travels clashed. She had to see it for herself, experience it for herself. When she entered the city, she had instantly amazed how lively the place was. She heard over all the excitement that the Exalt was returning to the city. Sophia smiled and followed the moving crowd.

Along the road, the crowd lined up to cheer for the returning soldiers and their Exalt. Sophia found a wooden crate near the back of the crowd to stand on so she could see. As she watched the soldiers, she felt a tug on the edge of her half skirt. Sophia looked down at a little boy who wanted to see. Sophia helped the boy onto the crate and then lifted the little boy in her arms so he could see. The boy cheered and pointed as the soldiers. The boy was so excited to see them all, but Sophia was disappointed. She did not see the Exalt among the soldiers.

Once the Soldiers passed, Sophia let the little boy down and got off the crate. As Sophia helped the little boy off the crate, a woman ran up to them. It had to be the boy's mother. Sophia chuckled at how panicked she looked, "My apologies, madam, he just wanted to see the soldiers. He sure thinks his father was a lot of them. Was his father a soldier?"

The mother stood up looking angry but was disarmed when she saw Sophia's smile. She weakly smiled back, "Yes, he was a soldier. Thank you for helping my son. Ylisse could use some more kind souls like you. Gossip has it that with this coming conflict, that the Exalt might recommission the Shepards. They could use someone like you." The mother left with her son. The little boy waved to Sophia and she smiled and waved back.

As soon as the boy and mother were out of sight, Sophia dropped her smile. Looking almost sad, she speaks aloud to no one special, "War humm.... Perhaps it would be better to die a hero on the battlefield, than a hopeless wanderer alongside some nameless road..."

The man arrived at the old building early in the day. Having been enlisted to Ylisse's military, but not proven himself overly useful (He'd picked up the nickname 'Useless' more than once), he'd been shipped off to the old tower that had been the headquarters of the Shepherds almost a century ago.

The place was a dump. No surprise, given what the man had heard. The leader of the Shepherds at that time, a former Exalt whose name the man couldn't remember, was well known for having all the grace of a bull in a china shop. That's why the swordsman had been deployed there.

There had been some rumors of reformation of the Shepherds, and the unit the man was from was all too willing to unload him on some other saps. He didn't mind. The fact was, the man was an outsider and an amnesiac. He'd held no particular loyalties to the unit, so being shipped off didn't hurt him. Still, he drew his aged weapon. First thing he needed to do was a bit of cleanup, and the overgrown vines were a perfect thing for him to practice his sword arm against.

As he cut away, frustration arose. He could feel himself on the crux of a breakthrough. He knew that, whoever he was before his memories escaped him, he'd been a capable swordsman. His superiors had commented as such, just from his build. He knew that he should be able to effortlessly guide his blade, but there was something in the way.

It was five hours later by the time he'd decided to take a break. Vines around the building were all cleared, and the first floor had been tidied, with some bricks relaid. He decided to sit outside next to the front door and take a breather. Construction was tired work. "So," he said to himself. "Just what is so special about the Shepherds that they'd want to put this much work into such a beat up tower?"

Andross danced across the ground, beads of sweat forming as he danced. The haunting sound of flutes echoed through the air as he gracefully hit his next step, twisting his body back, muscles rippling and fabric flowing. As the music grew louder and faster, Andross' movements grew more erratic and jerky, until he jolted to a stop. His sides heaving, he watched as the crowd clapped, some of them dropping gold coins into his collection bin.

Andross just gave them all a gentle smile, thanking each person with a small bow and a charismatic smile spreading across his face. Today was the return of the Exalt and soldiers. This meant there was a surplus of people.. and where there were people.. there was a place to perform. As the crowd dissipated, Andross dumped out half the coins and paid the local musician who had played during his performance. He didn't necessarily need music to dance, but it did make things a lot easier. From here, the two parted ways as people started to gather to watch the soldiers and Exalt move past them.

Except.. all he saw was the soldiers. Perhaps it was because of the angle he was looking on with... or perhaps it was because there were so many people standing in front of him. He attempted to catch a better

Andross glided across the ground, moving a few steps to the left to try and get a better look. He sighed as there was still no sign of the Exalt. Perhaps she had gone elsewhere.

His focus was drawn away from the soldiers and onto a woman who was standing nearby, holding a boy over her shoulders. He watched.. as the boy's mother returned for him.. her tone slightly harsh as she told the woman she should join the Shepherds. Apparently.. they were going to reform the Shepherds. Well.. that was certainly the best news Andross had heard in many years. The Church needed to be stopped.

"War humm.... Perhaps it would be better to die a hero on the battlefield, than a hopeless wanderer alongside some nameless road..." her voice echoed as she stared vaguely off into the distance.

Andross moved towards the mage, his steps light, silent, and graceful. "Excuse me miss?" He stated in a voice as smooth as chocolate with the hint of some kind of foreign accent ingrained within the words. He gave her a low and polite bow of greeting before straightening up slightly. "I apologize for overhearing your conversation. And i apologize for being so straight forward.. but if you are planning to travel to that stronghold.. would you mind horribly if i joined you? A charismatic smile stretched across his face. "I am not much of a fighter.. but in times of war.. i will do what i can to protect the peace of this land."

________

Mars was exhausted. She'd been up for almost two days straight now, running from a set of Manakete hunting bandits. She'd managed to lose them in a forest a couple of miles back, but she still didn't trust sleeping out in the open. She needed a place to rest.. just for a moment. She fumbled with her Dragonstone, which was a tiny blue stone mounted on a chain around her neck. The Dragonstone hummed with life, sending a slight surge of energy through her body. She could make it.. she had to make it.. she had to keep moving.

She let out a small cry as she saw a dilapidated building. it looked as if it had been abandoned for years, and was enveloped in vines. Mars felt a surge of elation spreading through her body. If this was an abandoned building.. that meant it was the perfect place to hide and get her much needed sleep.

She fumbled her way over to the building, her legs feeling heavy as she squeezed past the vines and entered the building. it was in bad shape, with bricks crumbling on the walls and ceiling, and dust covering every surface. From the looks of it.. this place had once been some kind of barracks for a small military force. Which meant.. they had beds. Joy filled Mars with elation and she scampered up the rapidly deterorating steps to the second floor. She let out a happy cry as she saw a bed and immediately collapsed into it face first, allowing her exhaustion to take her into a blissful sleep.

"Ye damn'd prancin ninnies, ne'er ambus' ah Feroxian..." Jerod was not too far away from Yllistol. It had been quite some time since he had ever been near the capitol of Yllise, and while the bandit numbers had dropped like a damn rock since he had last passed through all those years ago, they still seemed to enjoy skulking around the less travelled roads. They were dead now, of course, and he was wiping blood off his axe while he considered the situation at hand, especially the near abandoned road he was using. Which was precisely the kind of road that Jerod preferred these days. He never risked the big, public roads that had all sorts of folks traversing them. For all he knew someone would recognize him, and he couldn't be having that at all. Not with his current standing in Regna Ferox, he had no intention of going back there without damn good reason. Word was, of course, spreading about this Crusade that the Church of Naga had gone and declared, and the first thought in Jerod's mind when he caught wind of the plan was simple. Where could he plant himself in the way of these zealous idiots? By himself, he seriously doubted that there was any chance of him seriously being able to do much more than annoy their forces. So, that meant seeking out likely candidates that would be standing in the way of the Crusade.

Ferox? Out of the question in Jerod's mind, for reasons he had already covered. Plegia might, due to their connection to the dragon 'god' Grima, despite its defeat all those years ago at the hand of the Ylissean Shepards. That brought him to the most likely candidate on this continent, or any that he had ever walked on, Yllise. One of their tactician academy lads had been declared the Champion of Naga, according to a bounty sheet he had stumbled across on the lad. He had long since disposed of it, that kind of thing was stupid dangerous to walk around with in territory hostile to the Champion, let alone in places that would openly support him. But it had given some rather odd information that he doubted was true. He wasn't there, but word spread fast from that meeting, that the Church was hunting their own champion? Rather, the champion some ancient Manakate had gone and appointed. Whether Jerod agreed that these ancient dragon beings like Naga and Grima were truly gods or not was irrelevant, since looking at the situation made it apparent that their existence made things more complicated on their normal plane of existence. And the manakate, which as a species seemed to have a more heightened bond with this Naga (which did not surprise him at all, really), had called out this lad as the Champion of Naga before she vanished.

Typical dictatorial actions, really, Jerod sighed as he began walking again. He rested the axe on his shoulder, almost like a lumberjack would, letting his mind continue to wander as he continued along the forest path and left the dead bandits unburied and a warning against other bandits. They preyed on the weak, and deserved no mercy or respectful burials. Let the wilds claim their rotten corpses and turn them to something useful, better than they had been in life at least. These divine and accursed dragon 'gods' seemed to spend more time playing mortals against each other with their blessings and goals than they did being beneficial deity figures. Not to say all gods were good, Jerod mentally conceded to his own argument, but a group of deity like figures that none did any good for, as far as the Feroxian was concerned? Not worth giving the time of day, let alone worshiping. Jerod had yet to find a reason that these dragon 'gods' deserved any worship, so while he believed in a higher power than any of them, he refused to swear fealty to them. He also never asked or cried out to them for help, he was no hypocrite. Even if it meant finally dying.

Jerod saw Yllistol within a short, brisk walk as he broke out of the forest's dense nature, almost shielding his eyes from the abrupt shift of light. Slinging the axe onto his back proper, he let his arms rest at his sides as he made his way into Yllistol proper. It was a rather impressive city, alive with energy despite the looming war, and people carrying on with their normal lives. Rumors of the Shepards was spreading rapidly, it seemed, and while no one seemed to agree on the how and why, the general idea was that they were coming back. Some sort of independent force from the Yllise army. Going off after high value places, Jerod suspected, and that sounded just perfect for him. Throwing himself into death's gate again would do the most good there, but the only information he could really gather was there was an old building on the castle grounds that the Shepard's used to use before they were disbanded. That might work best as a place to start, but he was still on the outskirts so it took him a decent amount of walking to even get within sight of the castle.

Jerod made his way onto the grounds, he seriously doubted that he was supposed to be here but curiosity drove him so he found a way onto the grounds, finding the tower folks had been talking about. Seems like repairs had already begun, by some fellow with a sword who seemed to be resting. If he had done all the work himself, than the break was warranted the Feroxian fighter reckoned. But he approached, an easy grin on his face as his greeting boomed readily across the distance between the two of them as it steadily closed. "G'fternoon t' ye, lad. Seems I ain' t'e only one ferretin' out ol' legends, eh?"

---

"Brother, you really are making this difficult..." A tall, lithe looking woman in light armor and with a bow slung over her shoulder was walking down the biggest road leading towards the capitol of Yllise, muttering to herself as she looked for that familiar armor and Feroxian gait that she remembered her brother having before he vanished. She refused to say died, as no body was ever found, and rumors of a man matching how he would likely look at this point in his life had been taking her farther and farther away from major civilization. And then, just as she caught wind of the Church of Naga declaring a crusade, his trail went cold. It was only by blind luck that a traveling merchant had spotted the man matching the description she provided, and a few gold had loosened his tongue and set her on the path to the center of peaceful civilization. And here she was, walking in a progression of visitors, merchants, and mercenaries seeking to aid the kingdom as word spread of the coming Crusade. It would make sense, knowing Jerod as she did, that he would seek out a course like this. But even so, why under the banner of Yllise and not Ferox, which was his homeland!

Nori was confused by her brother's actions as she grew more able in tracking down her dear brother and figuring out why he had run after faking his own death. After all these years away from home, he had missed both parents passing on and leaving her as the only living blood relative he had. And Jerod was the only kin that Nori had left, and she was going to figure out why he had faked his death and ran. But Yllistol was a huge place, from what she could see already, which left her one plain question. Where in Naga's name would she begin her search? Nori doubted that he would be hanging around long, so she pretty much went about her business as usual in places like this. Asking after her brother, and the Shepards when she realized that rumor was going around. It sounded like the perfect place to track her brother down. Nori wouldn't even know the Champion or Exalt by appearance, so she very well might end up asking them about both her brother, and the Shepards for that matter. So the young woman would walk around, asking for the same information on two questions. "Excuse me, have you seen a Feroxian man a few hands taller than I, wearing a special set of armor that has seen many years wandering? And what do you know of this whole Shepard rumor going around?"

In the Sky knight barracks, one could hear a pair of voices speaking behind the wooden door to the room and the eventually groans. "So what did the the Grimleal say to the Nagalite?" The first voice spoke, then the second voice could be heard letting out a deep sigh. "What did the Grimleal say to the Nagalite..." The first voice was holding back laughter at the second voice's contempt. "Stop Nagaing me!" The first voice let out a light hearted laugh while the second voice let out a pained groan, rightfully so.

The jokes lasted for a torturous hour but once things quiet down the door to the room was opened slightly to reveal the pair speaking, who were a male Sky knight, Bradley, and a female city guard, Clementine Terra. They were speaking to each other more seriously now that any snoops left after hearing Bradley's horrible jokes.

"So that was fun~" Bradley was the first to speak with an impish grin which was offset by Clementine's glare. "No. It wasn't." she growled back in response deepening her glare, which could now be used to cut though armor. "Teehee, it really was, I wanted to see how long you last before you tried to shut me up... which didn't even last a minute which is a new record for you!" Bradley responded with a laugh. Clementine tried her best not to punch across the face with her armored fist. "Why did you really make me endure that?" Clementine muttered, if there's one thing Bradley's good at that she knows, it his ability to make others think he's a simpleton. Bradley responded with a causal wave of the hand and a grin. "Nothing major, just wanted you to join me in the revival of the world famous Shepherds~" Bradley spoke bluntly. Clementine raised an eyebrow and glared at him again. "you couldn't have said that an hour ago? Why make it such a huge secret? You know I would've said yeah. Right?" Clementine has heard about this and she was honestly considering joining once she heard the news from Andres and Isa a few hours ago. After a long silence Bradley responded with, "I know, but I wanted to mess with with you!"

For a few moments of silence, a loud noise could be heard throughout the barracks, it was the sound of a fist hitting somebodies face.



Bradley was rubbing his still sore cheek as he walked down the halls of the castles. Clementine ran off after punching him square in the face. "Totally worth it..." He muttered under his breath as he thought back to his pun making that lasted for a solid hour, most people left before he could finish one pun let alone 42. He let out a low chuckled but then let out a pained groan as his cheek pulsed in pain. Lucky for him Clementine was holding back or else he would be in the clinic getting his jaw put back into place. Which he knows full well of, but it made it all the more fun to ruffle her feathers, from time to time, her reactions are always great, and she greatly over estimates him.

Bradley knew where he was going. The old part of the castle where nobody ever goes due to how old and dusty it was. It is also the Shepherds old barracks is located. He always wondered why it was left in such disrepair, but he never bothered to ask or anybody ever answer it, so it was easy to forget about. But to his surprised it was active, if you could call it that. As a pair of men were talking to each other and the outside walls looked better then it did in almost a hundred years. Normally Bradley would ask the men questions but he dedicated to go into the barracks and study it before it gets busy. While it wasn't crawling with people per say but it did have a person in it. And sleeping away on the old dusty beds, which must be crawling with bedbugs and dust bunnies.

Bradley looked over the woman with a worried expression for a second but then his expression changed to a more relaxed expression. He walked up to the bed and said softly. "There are better places to sleep then on those beds... And is that spider in your hair?"

Sayuri smiles tossing her money bag as she left a rather dejected looking merchant, "Sorry about that mister but try to under cut me and I bite back. At least you'll still make a decent profit on what I sold you!" closing the door she looks around to reorient herself. It was her first time in the capitol of Ylisse. Once getting her bearings again she starts to make her way back to the Inn to grab her horse as there were a handful of places she'd wanted to visit and she didn't have enough time In the day to do that without using her pack horse. About 20 minutes later she was on her way to the first spot she wanted to check out. A friend of hers had told her about a nice spot on a hill along the road between the capital and the shepards barracks. Pulling on the hood of her cloak making sure it covered her ears and kicked her horse to move a little faster. As she was exiting the capital a black crow dived down at her be for slowing and landing on her shoulder. Smiling she pets the crow with an armored hand, "Hey there Tsugi. Do you have something from Reito or are you just tired of him?" Tsugi nuzzled into her hand and cawed. Arriving at her destination she looks around and at the flower bed and nods, " Hmm... It is pretty but I was expecting it to be a lot nicer. Well whatever guess it's a nice place to stay For a little while. She climbed off her horse and sat in the field and admired the field. She sat there until she noticed a pair traveling towards where the shepards barracks were supposed to be. Moving down to stand by the road and stretches revealing a Grimleal pendant to the passing pair. The sword the girl was wearing caught her eye, 'Is that...

Sophia was startled when someone spoke to her. She involuntarily jumped. Slowly she turned to see who dared to address her. She saw perhaps the most pretty man she had ever seen. What did she do to attract attention to herself?

Sophia head what the man asked and smiled widely. Her smile brightened up her face like the sun rising in the morning. With complete politeness, she replied, "Oh! Well, last I checked my magic served me well in a fight. Anyways, I am not getting tired of wandering around yet. It would just be nice to wander with a purpose for once. Now, I just arrived in town in time for the parade. I have not even eaten or gotten a place to sleep tonight. Also, as a foreigner, I have no idea where the Shepards would even be located." Sophia extended her right hand playfully, "I am Sophia Rose. Would you mind showing me the way, kind sir?"

@Draconequis

---

---

---

---

"That lady over there is giving me the willies..." a brunette guard mumbled to his red haired partner. Both of the lightly armed men gazed at the white haired woman striding down the streets of Ylisstol, clad in a illustrious, black dress and wearing a fierce expression. The eerie sound of rattling shackles emanated with every step she took, something that perturbed the duo immensely. Unbeknownst to the guardsmen, the source of the noise came from two small, slender chains beneath each of her lengthy sleeves that held two tomes dangling, freeing the woman's hands and concealing her prized possession. "Aye. Somethin' about 'er is menancin'. Best not bother 'er." the other man replied to his comrade, chills running down his spine. The two guards kept watching her until she was out of sight, but neither dared halt her advance.

Cynthia paid no mind to the leering idiots. She was returning from Plegia after a failed attempt to join in on the so-called Sword of Naga's expenditure against the remains of Grima's cult. Too many times she had been mistaken for one of the Fell Dragon's acolytes, which had resulted in a number of attempts against her life, all of which backfired. Moreover, the Crusaders were particularly fond of destroying any and every relic that may have had some dark source of power, much to Cynthia's annoyance. Her trek had been nothing but a disaster from the start, but now she was back in the bustling city of Ylisstol. She could enjoy a short recess in her sanctuary until the time was ripe for her to continue her quest for overwhelming power.

However, the Dark Mage's eyes narrowed in extreme displeasure when she saw what was happening to her beloved, crumbling sanctuary. The once tranquil ruin of the Shepherd's garrison was being rebuilt, the once wild plant overgrowth had been trimmed, and miscreants were bumbling around the barracks' once glorious grounds. What was the meaning of this?! This monument to the past was typically empty and avoided, the perfect place for a Dark Mage such as Cynthia to practice her dark arts. But now, it was infested with lice and being transformed into something it should not be. Spotting the tall, barbaric warrior and his assumed sword-faring sidekick by the front door, her long legs took her forward. The noise that the chains within her sleeves made her approach less than subtle.

"You imbeciles, the Shepherd's garrison has long been a testament to Chrom and his companions' ardor. I will not stand idle while you and your goons desecrate the greatest reminder of their actions. Your men and yourself will disperse from here and now, regardless of where your orders come from, lest you wish to incur my wrath." her notably soft, mousy voice threatened the much larger man. Though Cynthia's tone was not especially sinister, her face was expressionless, her sea green orbs cold and icy, and her right hand grasped a purple tome hidden from sight. She was clearly not intimidated by the barbarian or the swordsman, and every ounce of her was prepared for war. After all, they should be the ones that feared her.

As she stood there, glowering at the two, it was quite apparent that Cynthia hadn't heard any of the rumors that surrounded the reformation of the Shepherds in her travels.

_{@Eisenhorn@BlazeGamma}

Today was a good day for Amelia and for business all around. The return of the Exalt and soldiers gave her the opportunity to sell some of her booze on the crowded streets of Ylisstol. She had set up a small wooden table off to the side of the street with bottles of ale neatly lined up for display. It was a typical sale stand you would see kids use to sell lemonade. There was even a crooked sign hanging off the edge of the table with a crude drawing of a beer pitcher and the price of each drink.

Her drinks sold quickly once the word got out, she never expected to sell so many drinks at once and ran out of stock within minutes. She was overwhelmed with requests to make more. On normal days people tend to ignore her and never bought any of her drinks, mainly because of the combination of selling at a cheap price and advertising that it was good. Yeah, too good to be true. Many assumed it tasted like pisswater.

After all the attention diverted away from Amelia's stand, she decided it was a good time to pack up and start brewing some more ale asap. While Amelia was putting away her belongings, she realized there were actually three full bottles left in her stash.

"Oh right...I completely forgot about these...the experimental version...I should've put these up too, maybe next time."

There was no use for the table anymore for today, so she tried to pushed it back in the alleyway where she found it. A pair of table legs unexpectedly snapped while she was pushing it, causing poor Amelia to fall forward and face first into the table. She laid there on a slope for a brief moment aching in pain before the remaining legs of the table gave out, leaving Amelia lying on the ground with her hands covering her face, too embarrassed to move. She didn't want to face anyone who watched that humiliating, yet comical train wreck.

O-Ow...I really hope no one saw that...ow...

One of the bottles containing the experimental ale slipped out of her bag and rolled not too far away from her. Anyone who took just one sip of it would instantly know the taste beats any other liquor brand the local bars serve. Not only that, but you would feel pretty buzzed. The amount of ethanol put in her drinks were definitely higher than most brands, so you could get absolutely hammered in no time.

Bern stood outside his tent, one of his cavaliers rode up and got off bowing. "My lord... We found another village in need of cleansing. It is to the south, three hours march. If we leave now we can take the village before night fall." The soldier said his head remained bowed.

Bern smiled. "Good work brother, Naga will reward your service. Drink and rest we will leave in an hour." He patted the man on the shoulder, nodding for the other riders to do the same. There mounts could also rest, they were camped at oasis where the horse could move easily and drink freely. Bern stepped up the center of the camp, a top a few boxes that held rice and other goods they carried. "The main army will leave with me in thirty minutes, the scouts report heretics to the south of us. We will teach them the error of there ways to save our children and all future generations pain that the Fell dragon has caused." He told them as the fighter and soldiers cheered, proud to serve the young Monk who would give such a great future.

Bern smiled and then stepped down, he prepared his travel bags. In the true style of a Monk he then began to walk, leading the band of holy warriors forward, marching them across the sands until they saw it. A large village probably three hundred people or so, it even had walls and a bell tower. Bern called for Genna, his archer. "Genna, be a dear and kill the watch man in that tower so our advance is not spotted." He smiled cruelly knowing that with no warning this would be a slaughter.

The young archer, she couldn't have been over eighteen nodded and pulled back her bow. The arrow flew swiftly and cleanly, striking the old man mind who was minding the bell. He collapsed to the floor, the arrow through his neck as he reach for the string trying to warn his sons, his granddaughter, all of them. He couldn't reach however and darkness soon took him.

With the alarm down a sand storm approaching he nodded. "All forces forward, use the storm as cover get up to the gates and knock them down!" He said throwing his arm forward as casting the wrath of his warriors upon them. With that they charged, Genna stayed at Bern's side. She was his bodyguard, loyal to the end no doubt Bern had rescued her of course she couldn't remember but everyone said he had saved her and thus she believed it. When the storm had passed the gates were broken, blood running into the streets.

Bern slowly walked into the town, brushing the sand from his white robes. "Bring all survivors to the square." He said, crying and the occasional scream was heard as about ten women, two men and three children were brought into the square. "The men first." Bern said as both were brought forth drawing forth his book. "Do you renounce Grima and accept Naga as your savior?" He asked them both, the first blood into eyes. The second had gotten free of bonds, producing a knife from his sleeve lunge up trying to stab at Bern. The Monk didn't even flinch when Genna shot an arrow threw the mans hand and in to the others mans neck. "Women next." Was all Bern said as he wiped the blood from his face.

"Surely you ladies wish to renounce Grima and join the Church." He said giving them a warm smile, as it would rub away the mass murder he was committing in their own homes. One woman cried, the other just stared defiantly. "Execute them away from the children." He said as then looked at the kids. "Release them, they can wander the desert perhaps Naga will save them. We won't kill more than we have to he said if some kind of saint. With that he turned Genna left to go help perform the executions. Yet when Bern turn his back a young girl gripped the book she had hidden and cast her dark magic at the Monk. It hurt for a moment yet it only surveyed to annoy him. "You little animal! I was going to let you live!"

The child shrunk back as scared, she didn't want to die... She just wanted him to pay for killing her mother and father. She hugged her brothers trying to shield them as the Monk prepared to cast. Then it happened a raven rushed down from the sky and took the spell meant for her. "What is this?"

A boy smiled. "Heya dead man!" He giggled as suddenly more and more dark mages teleported in, bandits began to jump the walls and attack his soldiers. "My names Sules, guess your the jerk whose been killing my people?" His smile didn't fade as if magically plastered on. "Do you want to know how it feels to be eaten alive by ravens... Cause I can do that." His voice sounded angry as he lifted his other hand, hundred of the feathered fiends circled over the town now. One of the priests and Genna rushed to his side, the priest prepared to teleport them as the swarm of bird parted and began to dive at random warriors. They teleported away abandoning the troops quickly as the three headed back towards the camp.

Meanwhile among the army they had left Vera had arrived. The queen of the bandits laughed as she positioned herself by the gates. "Slaughter them to the last boys! Make these Naga loving bastards pay for it all! No one raids Plegia and lives to speak of it!" She cut down two clerics who scream and tried to escape, Sules laughed as the dark mages weaved curse's and defiled their opponents with black magic. Vera and Sules, two of the most feared warriors in Plegia renowned for there lack of remorse and love of violence.

Bern cursed as they trudged back towards camp, he would have to rejoin the main force now. The one he had positioned near the border between Ylisse and Plegia. Damn those Grima worshiping mad men, they had cost him some of his best warriors in this battle. Still he had Genna and one healer left, perhaps he could tell the others that a traitor caused this failure. Cast blame on to another and then simply force them in to admitting so they might die in peace, a simple plan, though unoriginal, perhaps he could think of a new one.

Chloetta went around the Church Camp tending to the wounded. "Wounded" made it seem a little bit less serious than it was as most of these men were able to fight through the pain for Bern and the Church of Naga overall. Some wounds though could not be most easily healed through magic and made them unable to fight.

Still, it was the desert and Plegia was not the most caring of places, with neither the landscape nor the natives. Regardless of Grima worship or not, the people of the country were not happy to have their citizens attack. If Chloetta could do anything more to stop the violence she would, but sadly there was little she had the ability to do.

"The main army will leave with me in thirty minutes, the scouts report heretics to the south of us. We will teach them the error of there ways to save our children and all future generations pain that the Fell dragon has caused." A voice called from the center of camp. A voice she was all but too familiar with at this point.

"So it's another slaughter, is it Bern?" The troubadour asked herself. If she were to say that to Bern himself. . . Well, she didn't want to think of that branch of fate. Still, she thought that she needed to stay behind to make sure the injured didn't try something stupid and told one of the soldiers to spread that she would stay back in the camp. As they left, she wondered just what horrible atrocities the soldiers would commit in the name of Naga.

---

Hours later and Chloetta had mostly finished all that she could do for her patients. For now, she just needed to keep a eye on them and sit back for a bit. The injured that were awake were thankful enough and praised Naga for her abilities. In their place, she'd have done the same but could only wonder why Naga continued to allow those that called themselves her servants to go about executing others for their beliefs. "With everything calm, perhaps now was a good time to check on Franz." Chloetta considered to herself before letting the conscious soldiers know what she was doing and to call if something happened. Some gave a smile and let her know they'd call if needed. The horse hadn't been fed much, so now was as good a time as any to make sure that happened. She placed out his food when she heard noises from one of the entrances to the camp.

"So the army returns." She muttered to herself and grabbed her staff, ready to heal the injured. To her surprise though, there was no army. Just a few people. Bern, the stubborn and malicious man he was, Genna, his archer, and a priest. So many things could have happened but she only needed to ask. "What happened? Though, I guess before that I should ask if any of you are injured." She showed her staff to them offering aid if they needed it.

---

Really, of all the places to land, it had to be Plegia. It wasn't like that was the exact opposite of where he wanted to go. Not at all. When he left the army, he had done so to get away from that blasted crusade, not towards it. Of course, he hadn't really bothered to ask the Captain exactly where they were going. In fact, he hadn't asked him much of anything. He had just hopped the first boat across the ocean he could find.

He hated the term 'stowaway'. He much preferred the term "Clandestine Passenger". Far less callous.

Still, he couldn't change the past, so as soon as he was in Plegia, he made the decision to be out of Plegia. Easier said than done, of course, but people were happy to point him towards the border ("East!" seemed to be the general consensus). It had been some time since he had landed, but he had managed to find his way from village to village, stopping at night to rest. People were more than willing to accommodate him, which wasn't that surprising, really: Nobles were a varied sort, and one could be a saint while the other starts a 100-year war because some bint looked wrong at him. Folks, though, were always the same. They don't much care for who's king so long as they can live their lives away from the wrong end of a spear.

That's why he couldn't bring himself to stay in the military any longer. He had joined to live a life of glory and wonder. Even when those dreams had worn off, he stayed for the camaraderie and prestige soldiering brought. But when news of a crusade spread, he knew he couldn't, in good conscience, stay. People believed things because that's all they've ever known. Besides, there wasn't ever really a question to Grima's existence, even if he did try to destroy the world.

Not, of course, that he'd be willing to stay. Plegia was hot, and not in the "My, what a day out! Make sure to bring water before you go a-tilling!" sense, more of a "Stay inside, the sky itself is on fire". And the sand! It was course, dry, and it found itself into the most cumbersome of places. Part of him understood why the Plegians must've wanted to end the world; it had to be better than living here.

He kicked the ground in frustration.

The desert regarded him dryly.

At the very least, he took some solace in the fact that he was, apparently, awfully close to Ylisse. The last place he had visited had told him that the border was only a few days away. He could stop at one of the smaller towns on the way, and be across the border in a day or two. Or, at least, that had been the plan.

But even from a distance, he could something was off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the town as a whole just didn't seem right. Whether it was paranoia or providence, he elected to march ever towards the border, praying to whatever god was listening that he wouldn't catch ill-fortune on the way there.

Matthew was making his way towards Shepherd barracks, he'd decided to go around into the town first however then make up to the old part of the castle. He was constantly moving through alleys and only talking to the few shopkeepers he trusted. Collecting his book orders, he'd put out of several volume's on heroes of old like Marth, Mark, and Ike. It was mostly for a study he had been doing before hand, however now they would be useful for him to learn to lead soldiers in the field.

As he made his way down an alley, when saw a rather strange girl trying to push a table back into the alley. The back legs snapped and she fell face first, then went the back legs. It left her laying on the ground covering her face, poor girl could be hurt. Matthew jogged down the alley, carefully. "Miss are you alright? Are you injured?" He asked in worried tone, offering her a hand up. That's when he notices the time, past midday, he'd taken to long getting these books! Saya could already be waiting for him at the barracks, it would be rude to keep the Exalt waiting, worse so if you were supposed to be her family. "I'm really sorry miss, but I'm very late reporting to Shepherds barracks!" He said before running off in a hurry, he hoped he wasn't to late he didn't need a repeat of Saya's birthday party.

Out of breath the tactician managed to get there in just a few moments, what he saw surprised him. The place was being cleaned up some it seemed while a large group of people milled about. "Uuummm hello?" He said to the whole group in particular, wondering if they were bounty hunters or people who wanted to help. "I'm the Tactician put in charge of getting the Shepherd set up... Who are you all?" He asked carefully looking into the building some as he stood outside. If anyone had seen the wanted posters, well there was you perfect match to the description. He looked between them putting his weight on his back foot and his left hand on his sword hilt, his right hand held about six books clutched under his arm.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Bern looked between what remained of his camp. "Plegia's forces countered attacked us. They trapped us into the town and began slaughter the healers then continued the rampage. The Raven Lord himself and the Queen of Bandits led the attack." He answered Chloetta. "They teleported their soldiers in used dark mages to attack our normal units and sent barbarians and mercenaries after monks and healers." He said walking towards his tent.

"Genna let everyone know we are packing up camp and reuniting with the bulk of our forces along the border. With our plan in Ylisse about to be complete we can take our best troops and the and good number of the recruits back into Plegia. It's time we killed the Raven Lord before he causes us anymore trouble and pain." With that Genna put up a sign and instruct other to help move the wounded or ready them for transport.

Bern sat in his tent writing up his next speech, cursing about the Grima loving dogs and their stupid sand filled backwards country. He hated it here, just because he was native didn't mean he wanted to stay here. In truth when they returned they would attack the Raven Lord and then go south. He Chloetta one of the commander with the force in Ylisse, perhaps she could bring down the Heretic champion and make Bern's life easier. With that little tactician around it would only undermine the Church's power. Lady Tiki may have named him that but the whole backing of the bishops and cardinals were behind the Crusade and how could they be wrong? He scoffed chuckling to himself knowing that if he could just make sure Plegia fell easily then he could probably receive a sainthood.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Sules had wandered out from the town, mostly bored with the corpse looting and giving his ravens a chance to eat before he continued. He danced a little, bored until he saw someone walking towards the town a new friend! Or someone to murder violently! Both were of equal joy. He skipped towards the man Sules swung his arms like a school as he did humming until he neared the man. "Hello mister! What's your name and what are you doing here?" He asked as one of his ravens landed on his shoulder. "I'm Sules, this is Pinky he's actually the smartest of the Ravens I own but he's kind of a grumpy gus." Smiled the Dark mage as he extend a covered hand to Guillame. "So are you just passing through on your way to Ylisse or are looking for somewhere to stay Plegia? Cause if you keep going the way you are now you'll reach the border." He finished now waiting for the man to reply, he silently wondered what his screams sounded like compared to his voice. No, he couldn't waste time on random wanders, black magic torture was current reserved for any who survived he and Vera's attack.

"Nah, nothing like that," The resting man said to the axe holder. The thing looked grisly. It had been recently used by his reckoning. He didn't care, but it was worth notice. "Bunch of military types told me to come clean up this place because someone heard that her excellency and the... Uh... Dragon boy? Mack or something? Yeah, told me to clean up this place because there was a rumor one of those two were going to be setting up shop here." He explained as another person slipped through the front door. "Huh... That's different," he mumbled, a bit surprised that there was so much activity going on all of the sudden. He guessed the rumors must have been true.

It was not long after that another arrived, immediately going into some rant or another.

"You imbeciles, the Shepherd's garrison has long been a testament to Chrom and his companions' ardor. I will not stand idle while you and your goons desecrate the greatest reminder of their actions. Your men and yourself will disperse from here and now, regardless of where your orders come from, lest you wish to incur my wrath."

"Eh?" The man looked up, a bit confused by the sudden hostility. "Yeah, so I'm the appointed ground keeper here as of today, so it's less desecration and more cleaning this place up for her excellency and Mack." He said, taking a look at the speaker. A smile crept across his face. "Though I'd be happy to show you all the work I've done, milady," he said, standing with a small bow.

Before any chance came for more discussion, yet another arrived, this one carrying more books than was reasonable for someone. "Ah, I've seen you before. You're Mack, then," the swordsman said with a small wave and a smile (Though not one as big as he'd given the threatening woman). "Guess you guys really were going to be using this place then. Still with all the books, eh?" He asked. He'd met the tactician and the exalt exactly once during some joint meeting of the Ylisse military divisions. The most interaction he'd had, of course, was accidentally stealing a meat pie from one of them and getting chewed out, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember if it was Mack's or the exalts. The two had been stuck together like glue, after all. "Been a while."

@MarsAdept

Andross

His presence seemed to startle the woman at first, but she soon recovered, a similar smile to his own dancing across her face. And then she extended her right hand. Andross did as he had been taught, bowing low and deep, taking her hand ever so delicately in his own and brushing his lips against the back of her hand. "Greetings, lady Rose. I am Andross Lylat." He moved away from her hand after introducing himself, straightening up. "I am at your service, my lady. I would be more than happy to show you the way. So long as you do not mind i remain at the Shepards with you." he smiled, giving her a low bow.

He moved delicately and gracefully down the street, light on his toes as he skirted around some children who scampered past him. He turned to glance back at Sophia, making sure she was following him. After watching her for a moment he gave a gentle and charismatic smile, continuing on down the street. "If I may pry, my lady.. why has a young woman such as yourself decided to become a mage?" A bit of chatter would pass the time that it took to walk from the main square to get to where the Shepherds were located. It was about a fifteen minute walk, and talking a bit among themselves might pass the time pleasantly. Andross only hoped he had not brought up a sore subject for the woman, as he hated to offend people.

_________



Mars dreamed of shadows assaulting her on all sides, faceless men clawing at her greedily with wyvern-slaying blades. She saw the face of her mother, using her body as a sheild as her back was riddled with arrows. Mars watched as the light died from her mothers eyes and the blue Dragonstone glinting in the light as it clattered into her hands. Her mother heaved her final breath, protecting Mars from harm.

As the Dragonstone fell into her hands, Mars roared, her body doubling in size as a surge of Draconic Rage caused her to transform. White scales covered in gold filigree, feathered wings stretching to the skies. And then... nothing but pain as their anti Manakete weapons pierced her skin.

Mars fell out of bed and to the floor with a thunk, scrambling to all fours as she half transformed, sprouting a tail and wings, her arms slowly growing scales. For a moment she was in a mode of panic, her heart beating a thousand miles an hour. And then she remembered where she was. Safe.. away from their eyes. She shifted slowly back to normal, standing to her full height and rubbing her eyes. The sleep she'd had.. was good.. though she could have done without the nightmares. She shook her head, wandering out of the bedroom and heading down the crumbling stairs with a light step. The fresh scent of human filled her nose and she stiffened, her Dragonstone glowing as she prepared to activate its power. The sound of voices echoed outside the door and she shifted, not wanting to risk being unprepared or getting attacked. She noted the state of the bottom floor, clear of dirt.. someone had been in here doing something.

She didn't want to reveal her Manakete status just yet though.. because these men smelled different than the ones who had been chasing her. So she tucked her Dragonstone beneath her armor, poking her head out of the door to survey the group of humans who had gathered outside. Not a single one of them had anti-Manakete weapons. So she felt an instant surge of relief. She watched the group, hoping none of them would recognize or notice her as a Manakete. If so.. she could already feel the prickle of her Dragonstone's energy, and the scales slowly forming on her back. If they tried anything funny.. she would be on them faster than they could react. She'd taken this many humans before. More than one time.. and these humans had weapons designed to hurt her species. If she could handle them.. she could handle these humans. She'd have to handle them or else she'd end up dead, with her head mounted on someone's wall and her scales used as their armor. Just like her parents.

Though she had wanted to, Saya wasn't able to head to the Shepherds headquarters right away. There were several things she had to handle first. They were only small things, but still ones that needed the attention of the Exalt. Matthew went ahead of her in order to get things started, see what needed to be done in order to get things ready for recruitment. She had really wanted to go with him, but unfortunately her other duties came first. For now. Things would be changing quickly, since she would be going off to war with him at some point. It was an exciting and scary prospect. One that she couldn't wait to get to.

Finally she was able to get on her way. Her legs carried her quickly through the castle grounds, to the old abandon part that was now semi open for public use. It didn't take her long to get to the Shepherds old headquarters. She wasn't surprised to see Matthew here, but she was however surprised to see three other people there as well. Two male and one female. One male was swordsman, the other an axeman. The female was some sort of mage. Judging by Matthew's stance, something was going down. Saya quickened her pace and went to stand next to Matthew. She stood with her feet spread apart and her hands on her hips. "Excuse me, is there a problem here?" She said, eyes meeting with each of the three people. "You all better have a good explanation as to why you are here. Or you will all be arrested for trespassing on castle grounds."

They weren't doing anything wrong by being here actually, her grandmother had opened up this part of the castle after becoming Exalt. Everybody should have gotten the chance to see the Shepherds headquarters. But Saya didn't like the number of people that were here. The word about the Shepherds reforming couldn't have gotten out this quickly. Something else must have been happening, and she needed to find out what that was. Though her hands were still on her hips, her right one that close enough to her sword that it wouldn't take too much time to draw it.

---

It was cold, as always, the wind only adding onto that. But, Elesia didn't mind. She had been born and raised here in Regna Ferox, the cold, wind, and snow, were her constant, and comfortable, companions. The wind caused her hair to blow in her face, and the long pieces of her dress to flap around her legs. But she hardly noticed either, her thoughts were far, far, away from here on the ramparts of Regna Ferox's capital. With the Church of Naga and their so called Crusade. She had nearly said something at the meeting, if not for a well timed hand from her West counterpart, Vraig. As much of a menace he could be on the battlefield, off the field he was a fatherly figure to everyone.

Speak of the devil... A very familiar voice suddenly sounded right behind Elesia, causing her to jump. "You're thinking, that's not a good sign. I take it you're thinking about this Church of Naga business."

Elesia sighed and nodded, turning to face Vraig. "I know my place is here, but I feel like I should be doing more. That dragon girl did appoint a champion of Naga after all. Shouldn't we be supplying soldiers to him or something?"

Vraig pat her on the head, causing her to grimace. She hated it when he treated her like a kid. He was a fatherly figure, not an actual parent. "That boy doesn't need common soldiers, he needs warriors who's hearts are for the cause. Warriors like you."

Elesia knew exactly what Vraig was talking about, even before he said it. "You should go as representative of Regna Ferox. It would be a good experience for you. And it isn't like I need you here, I'm in full power right now."

Elesia smiled, he really was a good leader. "Maybe I will."

Jerod smirked, chuckling and shrugging in a good natured manner as the sword wielder went and explained himself a bit. Jerod wasn't overly concerned about it, in the grand scheme of things, and it certainly made sense that cleaning the place up prior to actually going about using the place would make sense. Jerod really didn't have a chance to get a word in edgewise when the sound of a creepy mage girl cut in, threatening hte both of them like they were petty bandits or something. Well, now wasn't that just rude, and Jerod spun rather lazily on heel, facing off with the mage girl. Young, looked off her rocker. Probably dark magic of some sort or another, and she wasn't very subtle about moving either. Leave it to mages to not concern themselves with that sort of thing, then, and Jerod fixed her with a grand old grin, one he always used on mages. Seemed to annoy them, especially the ones who threatened him. Jerod took the threat of mages very seriously, since their magic was as dangerous up close, if not more so, than it was far away. But that danger did not really concern him either. If it came down to a brawl, he would manage, but he did at least try to diffuse the situation first.

"Ach, unfurl ye bloody knickers fer a moment lass, 'fore ye go on 'bout threatenin' folks an' such, savvy? Investgatin' rumors m'self of t'e Shepards goin' 'bout reformin', sword lad 'ere is cleanin' up fer 'is reasons. Ye wan' t' see some testament o' ardor in such ah sorry shape? Ah certainly wouldn't, sure ah m' name." Jerod, of course, did not readily volunteer his name yet, and as the two were squaring off, some woman came waltzing up with the champion lad himself and began talking and going on about her own little spiel of some sort or another. Trespassing, arrest, all the things that would make life subtly more complicated. Jerod was not unusually concerned about that, the guards didn't seem to have any issue letting him out over to this part of the grounds. The fighter would have hazarded the guess that it was open area of the castle for the common folks to see the testament to the old Shepards. But he wasn't certain, the guards might have just been under other orders, but he stepped forward, hands palms forward to show he was not bearing arms against the two of them and spoke easily enough, the grin still on his face but far more friendly.

"Ah dinna' mean any 'arm, lass. Seems folks are bein' 'erded t'is way fer yer grand ol' project. W'eter ye intended as such er not. As fer ye, lad, ye mig't wan' t' be careful, aye? Lot o' folks puttin' bounties out fer ye, 'ell, ah ended up t'is far 'cause o' one. Not fer huntin' ye, granted, but ah reckoned ye mig't be needin' a 'and, savvy? Ah'm 'ere t' 'elp, t' put it blunt like. Jerod, at yer service." Jerod was roundabout in his offer, for now, before throwing that to the wind in the same sentence since he wasn't just some mercenary. He never did work for pay, which had always usually devolved into killing bandits, or other undesirables, for some poor village that was getting harassed by them, especially those outside the jurisdiction of the Halidom of Ylisse. But that did leave it up to them whether he was sincere or not. The Feroxian figher was, but he wasn't going to be surprised if they didn't buy that in a heartbeat. He might be surprised if they did, since that would be unusually trusting.

---

Naga curse this lack of information that Nori was finding! The Feroxian archer was having trouble getting anything useful out of folks as they passed, either unconcerned with the young woman looking for her brother and her askings after the Shepards, or were unable to help beyond what she already knew. A few folks had spotted the Feroxian man in armor running about briefly, so she was convinced he was in Yllistol. But whether that meant she would find him or not, was another matter completely. She had gotten close a few times before only for her brother to vanish again, like the winds had picked him up and deposited him elsewhere in the world. In other words, not in anyway remotely helpful to her cause of tracking him down. She happened down one alleyway to catch the glimpse of some kid running off and a woman on the ground, hands covering her face. Nori bolted forward, but the boy was gone and left a very questionable opinion in her mind about what the hell just happened. But that was shunted, as Nori nearly tripped over a bottle as she skidded to a halt. Kneeling down, she looked at the bottle but knew better than to just take random drinks from things that weren't hers to begin with.

"This is yours, I believe? And what happened, did that boy hurt you?" Nori would ask this woman about the Shepards, or her brother Jerod, later. Right now she was just going to try and help out where she could. If that meant putting an arrow in some jackasses, well, ass, than so be it. But if he wasn't at fault, then Nori would get the young woman sorted out before continuing about trying to track down her brother Jerod. Whether that was with the Shepards, or not, was yet to be decided. There was almost no word about the group out besides a vague rumor of reformation. But Jerod might be pursuing such a vague rumor. Curse his thought processes, the Feroxian archer mentally sighed, since she found it really hard to try and track down someone who would change direction, purpose, and intent on an apparent whim without any rhyme or reason. That, and she wasn't ever within visual or audible range to track his train of thought at all, so it just appeared like that to her, as an outsider on her own brother's life.

---

---

---

---

"Mm." was the only noise that came from the Dark Mage's mouth, leering intensely at the "Groundskeeper" that beamed at her. He could not be more of a fool if he thought she was truly intrigued by his offer. The other one, the brute, was reasonable enough. However, his accent was so thick, Cynthia could only make out a fraction of what he was saying. She was fortunately able to catch his mention of the Shepherds' reformation, a concept that absolutely caught her fancy. No sooner than she was about to open her mouth to gather more information, a dark haired man sauntered onto the premises, holding a rather large stack of books in one hand and the other on the hilt of his sword.

At once, Cynthia recognized his face. He'd been a hot topic of discussion back in Plegia, something about him being a notable Tactician and the false Champion of Naga, a heretic worthy only of death. Moreover, a manic leader of the Crusaders had a hefty bounty on his head. She was quite surprised to see the man was still alive. When he spoke, she released her grip on her tome of Nosferatu, letting it swing from its chain. Any enemy of those wretched zealots was a friend of hers. Behind him, a woman with pure white hair and delicate features appeared. From her aggressive demeanor though, the Dark Mage could tell the Exalt was anything but delicate; she was a rose with thorns. Cynthia could respect that: the fire in her eyes, the ability to act on a whim.

"I am Cynthia Nocturne. I was merely returning to my sanctuary, this abandoned barracks here, to drink in the solace of solitude. However, I was met with... this." A pale hand emerged from the recesses of her sleeve, gesturing first towards the swordsman and barbarian and then to the revitalized section of the garrison. "Truly grotesque, is it not? I will forever reminiscence on the memory of these rotting ruins." her emotionless, soft voice uttered before she began to ominously step towards the Exalt and Tactician. Halting within a foot of their faces, her blank expression studied them, devouring every last detail of their forms. "If you are absolute in your decision to restore the Shepherds, then I shall forgive the ravaging of my sanctuary and serve under your banner. As the most prestigious Mage of the dark arts, you have acquired a great ally." Cynthia's terribly pale hand emerged once again, revealing for a split moment the chain and purple tome within her sleeve, to shake their hands in an attempt to gain their trust.

_{@Eisenhorn@AirBender@BlazeGamma@Apollosarcher}

Matthew looked first at the swordsman who called him Mack. "My names Matthew..." He said rather carefully pulling his hand away from the sword as he then looked to the giant of a man in front of him. Jerod he said his name was, his accent was thick, he must have been from Ferox, probably further north than your average Feroxi citizen. They both seemed nice enough, it had been about a couple hours since his and Saya's return of course Andres always had a talent for spreading the word fast. No doubt Isa would sending some of her soldiers to join them, she probably wanted to be here herself but she was needed to help the army.

He decided to trust the large man, he might not have been a mercenary but no one would volunteer for this unless they really wanted to help. "Alright Jerod, I would be happy to have you along!" The tactician answered giving him a smile, as he started past Saya and towards the door. Of course, he was soon cut off when a young woman, Cynthia, as she introduced to him and Saya. She talked as if the old barracks were some sort of hide out, perhaps she had been using them for research of some sort.

He would question her on why she was using the old barracks later, for now he shook her hands and bowed his a little. "Thank you for offering your service lady Nocturne, I'm sure having a dark mage along will be of great help to us all." The books were getting really quite heavy now, so he started quickly towards the door hoping to go inside and put them down. Little did the tactician know he was about to be rather surprised, he saw the unmistakable head of Manakete watching from the door.

It startled the young man greatly, his books flying in to the air as he fell back. "Manakete!?" He said staring at the female Manakete he had spotted as he sat on the ground. He started to brush himself off as he looked at her. "Wow... She looks so different from lady Tiki." He said then blushed as he stood up looking at her. "Sorry about that... I'm Matthew, what's your name?" He asked Mars with a gentle smile. Before he start to try and collect his dropped books, this volumes were rather rare he hoped he hadn't damaged them badly when he dropped them.