[IC] Fire Emblem Fates - The Ocean's Silent Waves

[vancexentan]

How long had Audric been making his way through the country side exactly? Days...weeks? It couldn't have been too long ever since he received that call he had intended to find out the truth of the matter. Maybe if he could get to one of the Nohrian Royals before things got out of hand, he could do something. Stop this matter from getting worse. Failing that maybe he could go to Hoshido, and get Ryoma to listen to him. How long had it been since he had talked to a Hoshidan for any length of time? Most of the people who came through Cyrkensia were Nohrian in origin. Regardless the young born noble could only hope that he could do something...anything! His guards had informed him that Hoshido had re-found their long lost prince. Rumor had it Hoshido had long since suspected Nohr of kidnapping the young prince Corrin.

Audric wipe sweat from his brow his dully colored hair a mess as the breeze swept through his hair. He had decided to make his way on foot for the remaining journey. He always was a better fighter on his own two feet. Maybe that had been a mistake but he didn't want to hamper himself. Daywalker hung from his belt gleaming in the afternoon sun. His brother was probably worried sick and undoubtedly angry at the young Nestrian's sudden act of running off. Nolan always was more sensible about things. Audric...Audric preferred to pursue action immediately. He didn't immediately go to violence as his salvation but he was more than ready to use it. Maybe just maybe he could intervene before something went wrong.

Samanthia...she'd kill him for abandoning her back at the border no doubt she probably was a mess right now. He'd have to apologize to his retainer for not bringing her along. She was a competent fighter but her lack of....grace may have slowed him down. Besides Sky Knights aren't something he remembered being stealthy enough to escape notice if the situation called for it. At worse someone would think him a glorified bandit. Anyone stupid enough to challenge him would be felled by his axe otherwise. He had to stop the war from breaking out it would cause so much suffering.

The young noble came to a sudden halt as he leaned against a tree collapsing to his knees breathing in and out deeply as he shook his head. "Gotta keep going...got to...get....got to get them to stop." Audric breathed in deeply as he quickly went to his side and grabbed his canteen and drink from it greedily. "I can do it...I have to try at the very least. If I don't then...then...no don't think about that keep going!" Audric said to himself as he leaned himself up against the tree steadying himself. He didn't want to fail...failure in this moment effected more than him. Some nobles wouldn't care...some nobles in Nestra would sit back and let this happen. What did a neutral country risk at trying to stop this insanity. He had only caught wind of the capture of Corrin due to the mere fact that he had met a merchant on the way here telling him that a man in Nohrian finery was in Hoshido. Let alone the mess that had happened a couple days earlier. Why...why had Lady Mikoto...damn it! He never met the woman...but he knew her as a passionate and beloved lady of Hoshido. Then why....why did she have to die at a time like this!?

Audric kept running. He kept running because he knew he had no choice in the matter. He ran because his heart demanded it. He ran and ran but he didn't know if it would pay off in the end.

====

The time span had been short a week and a half since Corrin had gone missing. Nohr had marshaled their forces under the command of Prince Xander of Nohr. Corrin the young Prince had reappeared in Hoshido...with disastrous results. Between the apparent capture of the young Nohrian/Hoshidan Prince and the border incident causing relations to tumble into a black abyss at the Bottomless Canyon. The Nohrian Army had set out on a march towards Hoshido and were approaching a river crossing near the border between the two nations.

Corrin the fated brother of both families is unaware of this but his presence will make all the difference soon enough. Ryoma had set out with a small army of his own Hoshidan forces leaving behind his retainers and allies. His intentions are to destroy Xander's men before they get near Hoshido. The dull orange sun in the sky flutters around as fate makes it's inevitable move towards the end of the feud between the Sun Born Kingdom and the Sacred Kingdom of Darkness.

However...fate itself seems to be unwinding as things rush towards an unsatisfactory ending for all parties about to be involved in this conflict. Hoshidan...Nohrian....all will feel the sting of the branch of destiny that is about to break.

[cloudystar]

Taka

Taka was losing patience. Ever since he found out his grandfather's killer was King Garon, he never really found a proper timing to go for a kill. Then again, his constant mini heists are what took up most of his time and even gained the attention of the Nohrian Army. Not realizing it was a trap, he is now forced onto the front lines joining the others who would most likely be killed in the upcoming battle. However, Taka may be terrified of fighting in close quarters...but he still has his instincts to flee. As soon as he had the chance to, he was going to run as fast as hell can take him to a far away area of the fight...and hopefully find a way to get into a nearby village to rest. Heck, maybe another Nohrian city to rob a bit and get some more gold. Right now, he was focused on trying to survive this upcoming ordeal. Iron Bow in his hands as he does one last check on his trusty tool.

"...run as fast as the winds can take you and let your arrows fly...better take Gramps's advice to heart."

[Eisenhorn]

"'We don't need to pay you up front now, its your civic duty to fight for Nohr!' Keep me press ganged with no pay for much longer, see what happens..."

Ansgar trotted in formation with a group of other mercenary Cavaliers, part of the Nohrian army on the march to Hoshido. News traveled fast, especially as it was bad news for the Hoshidan people. Queen Mikoto dead, by a treacherous blade in the hands of some lad in Nohrian garb, captured by Hoshido after a border incident. Why that King Garon had made such an order was beyond the young Cavalier, but now it was open war between the two nations. He knew there were some Chevian knights in the army, and he had steered well and truly clear of them. If they recognized him, it would likely be as traitor, murderer, and coward. Nevermind that it was in self defense, they would judge him on his flight from the scene. He wasn't even sure the old man was dead, the blow looked fatal, and the gurgling that emitted from the helmet sounded it too. But Ansgar shook those thoughts from his mind, not like it could be dealt with now. He sold his own brand of Cheve born skills to the highest bidder, and lived his life from fight to fight, with no regard for his own fall. It was a good life, he conceded, free and fair compared to what many went through, or resorted to. But, speaking of pay, he had finished his latest contract with this band of Nohrian Cavaliers when word came for all able hands to march for Hoshido. And he was press ganged in, upon penalty of the laws Nohr held on traitors, which were very clear and left no room for interpretation.

So here would be where Ansgar found himself, riding with others, some also press ganged into service considering their mutterings during the encamped nights during the approach. But there wasn't running from this, and besides, Ansgar had been paid to try and breach Hoshido before and wreak havoc. It had failed, as Queen Mikoto's barrier had prevented them from enacting aggression against them. It sapped their will to fight, bizarre as that feeling had been, and he had never even attempted to journey to Hoshido with peaceful intentions in mind after that, let alone hostile ones. But here he was again, part of a Nohrian army, capable of breaching the borders of Hoshido, and putting the land to the sword. Which was what would happen, he knew how the Nohrians intended to operate. In the heat of hte moment, he cared little for anything other than the slaughter that surrounded him, be it friend or foe that fall, and he was in that mindset in anticipation for the massive battle that was sure to erupt from this. Hoshidan forces would not idly let Nohr march into their land, they would have a standing army in the way. That meant there would be hell to pay on both sides when forces unexperienced in fighting the specialists of both would get slaughtered. He was looking forward to it, perhaps he would get to face off with the Hoshidan Sky Knights? That would be quite the battle. Even if he wasn't getting paid for it, which was rapidly pushing him towards desertion. After all, coin was why he was working with Nohr, nothing else.

"If I don't see some coin after this, I'm finding my own way out of this mess. Maybe find some work as a guard until this blows over..."

[MechonRaptor]

"Pardon me, but what do you mean they've already left?"

Emerald and her tiny group, all of which but here was there to deliver medical supplies, stared dumbfounded at how they had essentially been late. Looking at the empty Nohrian camp, she wasn't sure how long they'd been gone and marching. All she knew was that they were marching off to war with Hoshido, and without her. Oh, she would scold herself later for being late, guilt already stinging at the thought of someone dying because she wasn't there to use her healing magic to save them. And not just on the Nohrian too, but that was a different matter entirely. Turning to the others, she looked at them as if she was fine, holding a smile while hiding her disappointment in herself.

"Stay here if they come back, I shall ride ahead and catch up with them. I do not want you all to get caught in the battle." She told them, to which the majority agreed. They weren't here to fight, they were just here to deliver medicine and other healing items for the battle before they could go back to the safety of Macarath. She understood why they would want to too, as she herself wanted to do the same thing, but obligation made her convicted to try and rush towards the Army. Petting her horse and taking one final glance at the others, she nodded to them before rushing off in the direction she supposed they went. She only knew because they had left horseprints in a direction, and she was simply following that. She didn't know, however, that at her current pace she wouldn't catch up to them before the battle started.

Perhaps that was for the best. As she rode onward, a wave of uncertainty swept across her. She wasn't stupid, she knew of the atrocities she was supporting by going off to heal the Nohrian army. Word spreads fast in Nohr, especially when it is about a supposed victory over Hoshido with the death of the late Queen Mikoto. Emerald had never met her, but she always had wanted to from the stories her aunt would tell her. And, she was supposedly a much more benevolent ruler than King Garon ever was, and just thinking of him gave her shivers. He had a villa in Macarath, and whenever he would stop to visit Emerald always made sure to stray as far away as possible from him. She didn't want to support such a brutal king, but alas that was not up to her. She had chosen the path of a healer, and where she lived affected her affiliations. Still, it didn't stop her from feeling sorrowful for the Queen all because of Garon's vileness.

She shook her head away from those thoughts, looking ahead with hope. Maybe if this war ended soon, then there would be peace and no need for a healer like her. And while that was just wishful thinking, she was determined to end this war with ever ounce of power she had. Even if she herself couldn't fight, she would make sure that everyone else could continue to do so, so that this conflict would end. Now, if only she had been on time... Then she wouldn't have to feel the slight sting of worry that gnawed at her. Nonetheless, she continued onward as fast as she could, offering a small prayer to the gods to allow her a swift and timely arrival.

[vancexentan]

@cloudystar
"Hey there you doin' alright? You don't look like you're all up there. Want a drink of water?" asked a nearby Nohrian soldier with the bare essentials on. He had a spear in his left hand, a helmet crudely placed on his messy hair, and chain mail. By all accounts he was a typical lower ranking soldier in the army. Maybe even less so as it seemed that he lacked any shield and his attire was clumsy. "I understand the march has us all going ragged but Prince Xander says it's all for the better. I'd reckon he's a guy we can trust...at least I hope so. Never was able to read rich folk all too well." the boy continued with a chuckle. His chestnut eyes, tanned, skin, and accent clearly gave away that he was a country boy. "We're almost there anyways. Just gotta keep moving trust me I got your back. Names Millow by the way." the boy smiled at the crude outlaw. It was a clearly genuine and friendly smile he didn't intend to try take advantage of his fellow soldier.

====

@Eisenhorn

"You're out of line soldier! Keep your mouth shut because if Prince Leo hears you I'm the one getting in trouble for it. God save you if Lord Xander hears you. With Prince Corrin missing he's looking for the slightest reason to go off." came the head paladin of the cavalier division. The paladin was no different than the typical soldier in the midst of combat. In front of them not to far away Princess Elise was talking to Leo in a mumbled conversation as Xander lead the entire army headway. They were close and Prince Xander's aura was terrifying. It was clear he intended to take back his brother one way or another from the Hoshidans. Never before had any of the cavaliers in the group seen Xander this way. Leo broke off his conversation with Elise for a moment, "Captain. Your men need to be ready you'll be attacking the enemy's flanks once Xander's vanguard engages the enemy." Leo stated calmly before turning back to Elise and resuming their conversation. "You heard the man get ready!"

[Eisenhorn]

@vancexentan

Ansgar would have rebutted against the career soldier, the Paladin leading the cavaliers he had fallen in with, but Leo, the younger brother of Lord Xander, rode over to dispatch orders. So they would be vanguarding the assault against the Hoshidan army, well, maybe this affair wouldn't be all bad, he thought with a sly grin. Getting to ride first into the crush would be perfect for his outlook and demeanor, and money wouldn't be an issue if he was cut down in the first crush of battle, so he wouldn't have to sweat those details afterwords. The idea of the impending slaughter through a flanking maneuver brought a grin to his face as he readied his lance, glancing at the Paladin who had talked down to him about being out of line earlier. Career solider, probably would die during the battle. Poor bastard. The closer the Cavaliers got to the battle, the more eager the expression and actions that Ansgar would show, seeming to position himself to be the first in on the charge, even past the Paladin. Let them all follow his example, he would ride hard, and drive through the enemy ranks with no regard for his own life. Such was how he fought, and the idea made him giddy. The feral look on his face as the got closer to the fight, coupled with his open wager, probably wasn't going to make him many friends.

"Not like I won't charge, hell, I'd wager I'll be on of the first into the crash. Anyone want to take me up on that?"

[MechonRaptor]

"Faster Aegis, these prints are becoming more fresh as we ride on." Emerald told her horse as they galloped swiftly in the direction of the Nohrian army's shadow, petting Aegis lightly as a sign of thanks. She soon clutched the reins in front of her, deciding it was time to take an alternate route. If she knew anything of battle, and while her knowledge was limited, she would arrive near the rear of the army, but all the conflict, if they were in battle, would be near the front. So, she thought, if she cut north a little, and then went diagonal into the middle of the conflict, she'd be right where she was needed. Either that, or she would be separated from everyone else, and while that wasn't a bad thing, it left her more open than her first plan... Even if it wasn't that sound. Though, she knew someone was bound to bite more than they could chew when it came to the Norhians and those they hired. They weren't like the Hoshidans from what Emerald's Aunt told her, and from her small encounters with soldiers passing through, they were less than ideal people she'd want to know. But, she knew she could help them, even if they were brutes in her eyes.
So, with a quick change in direction, she began to ride slightly more northward than the tracks she followed, believing that they wouldn't go in any other direction anyway. Unknown to her, she was inching forward towards the army she was attempting to catch up upon.

[cloudystar]

"Nice to meet you Millow...and he seems like a good guy compared to most of the soldiers here to be honest. You too and I'm fine...used to long marches and such like this. Nothing too crazy." He keeps very careful note of the lack of equipment on the man and shakes his head sighing. The Nohr forces were definitely able to spare the equipment to all its units, must really stink to be this guy. Taka smiles back a bit and tries to scan the horizon that they were all approaching...noticing the Hoshidan forces in the distance.
"We're going to have one hell of a fight soon...you sure you didn't leave any equipment or such anywhere? Or at least have a good partner of sorts to back you up? Not even a shield...it may be a problem. Me, I could probably dodge a few bad blows if I'm lucky...but rather not watch a good person like you to get hit or anything. Seem like a good guy after all."

[vancexentan]

"We're supporting the vanguard you blood thirsty maniac. But fine I'll wager that you're going to be the first one shot with an arrow." came a well spoke cavalier much to the chagrin of his commanding officer who decided to say screw it and let his men make last second bets on their own time. "Ten gold that Richards ends up with the most kills." came a younger cavalier with a grin on his face as the older cavalier grunted indifferently. It seemed that the group at least knew each other well enough. A few of the others in the troop went on with bets accepting and declining them at random. But not to loudly as to tip of Leo.

====

"Commander says we're just fodder for Lord Xander's cavalry units. Us conscripts are just here to lighten up the load. Quartermaster didn't even give me a second look. He looked me right in the eye and told me I wasn't going to make it to far. I aim to prove'em wrong. My daddy tells me all the time that I'm the best hunter in the village. I wager I can hold my own with others around me. I mean the Hoshidans have a cushiony life from what I hear. Don't make'em like we do in Nohr." Millow said with a chuckle as he raised his arm to show off his rather ample bicep on his free arm. "I'm glad to hear you're able to handle all of this. I use to hike in the mountains to look for game and go out into those creepy forests with my pals. Builds stamina the higher you go and the more often you go there." Millow continued with confidence. However when Taka brought up the fact that people were not going to watch his back Millow became a little bit less confident. "Huh people watchin' my back? Ain't that what the other guys are meant to do? Well if that ain't the case I'm not as full of myself as I was a couple seconds ago. How about you cover me bucko? I'll make sure none of them spear guys come at you from up close. Swords shouldn't be a problem either. Not a fan of those guys with magic though. The village mage back where I come from doesn't really talk much but he's righty dangerous. Can't imagine what military guys are like." Millow asked Taka with a bit of a shakey tone added to his voice. It was clear he wasn't expecting to be fighting any mages anytime soon.

====

As Audric ran he felt his legs grumble in response to his every step. Hours of running now had made his body sore and it was going to be a miracle if he could lift his axe soon. He had fought in prolonged chases before but never with high stakes like this. There was always someone with him on his bandit hunts. Now he was alone. It was a sobering thought that if anything happened Audric would die out here. His silver armor would fade away eventually become rusted. His beloved daywalker would shatter underneath the dirt. He...he couldn't afford to let that happen. Not because of him...but because of his family. He needed to go back home and make sure Nolan had his right hand brother back. And Keith...No he wouldn't put that on his little brother. However as he ran forward it became increasingly clear he was nearing his destination. However something unexpected was coming up. He could see....was that...a civilian?! No way...not out here! It was too close to the field! It was a woman on her horse it appeared. Audric didn't slow his pace however. He continued forward at his break neck pace. However he couldn't let her just..."Hey get moving! There's a war about to break out soon! Get out of this area!" Audric shouted loudly and as clearly as he could. He passed by the woman at this point and kept moving. "It's not safe here! Get movin-ah!" Audric stumbled as his foot got caught in a hole in the ground probably some animal's home. He fell forward and landed heavily on the ground. Pain shot through his foot but he didn't shout because his lack of breath combined with the fall made him go into a coughing fit. "Agh...damn....damn it...come on...get up!" Audric growled at himself between coughs. He felt his body hurt all over as he tried to force his body to stand up. But it was resisting him with all of it's power. He couldn't fail now...he was so close...

[MechonRaptor]

Fatigue was starting to settle in on Emerald's horse, his pace having slowed down by a wide margin since starting. Though, Emerald kept him at the speed he was now going, a feeling inside telling her that she was near. That feeling was all but confirmed when she heard a voice up ahead yelling about how there was a war about to break out, causing Emerald to give a sigh of relief. She wasn't late to the party after all, and it seemed she was almost earlier than she expected. Though, tracing where she heard the voice, she noticed some sort of knight up ahead, going full sprint. He must have passed her, which made sense seeing as her horse was tiring out.

She could only watch as he tripped and fell with a loud thud, her eyes widening when he didn't get back him. "Whoa!" She told her horse, causing him to come to a halt near the fallen soldier. Emerald swiftly jumped off his back, grabbing her heal staff in a rush as she had done a thousand times before. He didn't seem like a Nohrian, as his armor was silver, but he didn't look like a Hoshidan either. Was he some type of sellsword? Whatever the case, she did not care as he was in need of her help, and so she bent down to face him, noticing him struggle to get back up. Maybe he was just as tired as Aegis was...
"It appears like you could use some help... Here, allow me." She said in a warm, comforting voice, raising her staff up above her head and watching as her magic poured out in a burst of light towards Audric. Maybe, she thought, that would help him, or at least ease his pain.

[Eisenhorn]

"I'll take that bet, hell, I bet I'll score more Hoshidan slaughtered than you, my timid friend."

Ansgar was not stupid enough to tip of Prince Leo, that would not end well for all parties involved. After all, getting his desire to charge headlong into battle sidelined by one of the Nohrian royalty would not do at all. All bets aside, he was stuck waiting for the order to charge. And as desperately as he wanted it to come sooner, he couldn't just off and rush into a battle alone. That wouldn't even be a last stand, he'd be dead before he got close. And without slaying at least one other person, that would not do at all! He did tease the old cavalier that had made the comment on him getting felled by an arrow in the first volley. Not like he would go down that easily to a single arrow, he would not ever go that quietly into the night.

[cloudystar]

"Magic users are your weakness huh? Well, don't worry. I'll be sure to fill those magic users with arrows before they get the chance to...Millow. That and I wouldn't underestimate the Hoshidan forces, they usually send in only talented warriors after thorough training...even conscripts. Though it really is unfortunate that you have no extra equipment, remind me to see if I can get you some when we get the chance to get out of this. Plus you're forgetting that most of the other forces in the front are charging right in, so I kinda prefer hanging in the back like this."

Taka sighs as he had to point things out to the other soldier. Sure, Taka himself wasn't the best nor wisest, but he could figure out the obvious. That and he had a good meatshield to depend on that could cover up for his weakness. After all, who knows how things could turn out? Maybe he'll get down in one hit or stay true and take the hits like he guaranteed. Just time will tell after the battle actually starts...

[vancexentan]

"Hey now bad thinkin' like that ain't gonna win us this skirmish. We gotta stand strong for everyone!" Millow said proudly with a smile. "Still wish we didn't need to hurt no one but with things like they are back home...can't blame people for being edgy, and pushy with these Hoshidans. You know I never seen the sun so bright it's rather pretty ain't it? Oh I'm sorry I'm mouthing up a storm and you're just sitting there listening to me gawk at things I don't even fully get. Look let's just think positive alright?" Milow still kept his optimistic view as best he could trying to keep his upbeat attitude. Xander was at the front of the line, far up front shouted, "We're going to be nearing the border soon! Men and women of Nohr prepare yourselves for the Hoshidans! They will fight for every inch of land! But don't falter and do not surrender!" Xander said with his usual monotone but fierce voice he kept perfect calm as the soldiers in front cheered. They were the vanguard after all they got the honor to fight side by side with Xander no matter the outcome. "Today we will prove once and for all that we shall not back down from Hoshido and their false pride! Nohr will push back their finest soldiers, destroy their hope, and reclaim our lost prince! They will pay for kidnapping one our royal princes! We are the greatest nation in the world. Our swords will shatter their shields, our arrows will break their wills, our magic will smash against them and rend their lives! Together with me soldiers of Nohr! I will do my best to lead you to victory! Now forward!"

Xander's men blew a horn in the air and it reverberated around the Nohrian forces. It was a hollow and depressing sound but it signified that they had reached their destination. Xander looked around at his men his all too familiar frown plastered on his face. His intentions were simple and clear: He was going to rescue his brother and bring him back home. If he was with Hoshido however he was bound to have known the truth by now. He was not his brother by blood or any other means. It didn't matter to Xander one bit. Corrin for all of his naivete for all of his faults was Xander's brother blood or not. He was intent on doing all he could to save him even if Corrin didn't want to be saved. Elise and Camilla stood behind him ready to aid him at the moment's call. Leo was also nearby commanding the units Xander had left him in charge of. Xander knew Leo was the finest commander in all of Nohr his strategies unparalleled and his magic strong. He knew victory was going to be theirs.

They bask in their own hollowness in the sun and take for granted their wealth. Fear not their blades and spears for you are the finest soldiers in the land! Prove your strength and destroy the enemy! For King Garon! For your families! For NOHR!" Xander called out as the front lines soldiers all rushed out towards an open field. There was a line of Hoshidan soldiers already there waiting for them.

=====

Saito of Hoshido, a samurai under the command of Prince Ryoma and one of his veteran commanders, was addressing his men when he was cut short as he heard the call of a proud and noble Hoshidan horn sounding the incoming Nohrian invasion. "So it starts then? I'm sorry I must cut this brief discussion short. Prepare for your first true taste of war. Prince Xander's men are not to be trifled with." Saito said coolly as he marched forward towards Ryoma who stood at the front of the line of his men. Samurai, Ninja, and other forces prepared themselves. Yukimura himself at Ryoma's side as he prepared to address the troops one last time. "Men I make this clear and simple: Nohr will not stop here. The men of Nohr have cowardly sent waves of faceless after us and brought ruin and destruction to our capital itself. Hundreds of Hoshidans have known loss to Garon's cowardly tactics! BUT NO MORE! We have lost a queen, our beloved Queen Mikoto, but today we have a new prince at our side! My countrymen I ask of you only one thing: To defend your families! Hoshido must not and will not fall to those monsters! They are the ones who would let the world burn for their own selfish gains, and let civilians die for their damnable schemes! LET US SHOW THEM THE TRUE MIGHTY OF OUR NATION! Do not falter but do not worry if you fall in battle we will not forget you! Do not fear the darkness for the light banishes the dark with it's presence! ONWARD!" Ryoma said unleashing Raijinto from it's sheath as he himself led the troops towards the river.



=====
Audric looked back at the woman who he had warned just moments ago. He felt a calm soothing feeling wash over him like a cool fountain of water. His energy replenished to a degree and he could move on his own. One way or another he supposed he owed this woman an explanation. "Miss my name is Audric. I am the heir to the mayoral district of Cyrkensia. I am out here on my own volition. In good concious I must warn you I believe Prince Ryoma and Xander are going to clash soon. I think it will be nearby. This is a direct route into Hoshido and Xander is leading Nohr's armies to attack Ryoma's forces. Please good miss I beg of you if you do not wish harm upon yourself to get as far away from here as possible. Please. There's a temple to the clerics of the Sun Dragon nearby to the north. I will not tell you what you can and can't do. But I don't believe a woman like yourself would be fit to go into the situation I'm forcing myself into." Audric said with a calm politeness but a firm edge to his voice. He wanted to make sure he got across that he was completely serious. "If you come to my city, and be it that the gods intend I survive, I will repay you for your kindness. Fair well and good luck be with you." Audric said as suddenly a horn blew in the distance. Audric's body tensed up and he ran forward once more.


Audric huffed and nearly collapsed on his knees once more as he finally arrived his brow dripping with sweat. He could even feel it accumulating inside of his armor. "Am...Am I on time? This can't be the wrong place I know it can't be!" Audric said his grey hair clinging to his head as he shook off his exhaustion. He had fought in worse conditions before like in that bog that one time in Cheve where he chased those bandits down. He couldn't believe that he had missed his chance or he made an awful mistake. Ryoma, Crown Prince of Hoshido...where were you!? He had to get to him before things got out of hand! If he could reach him maybe he could-

Audric was cut off as he felt a hollow feeling deep inside of his gut he shook his head. "No...NO! Damn it!" Audric roared as he looked up at the sky and saw the start of the Nohrian assault. He saw the man in front and he couldn't tell if he was happy....or extremely disappointed. "Xander...I thought you were better than this! Why are you here!? Son of a dastard! But wait....maybe-" Audric's hopes were dashed rather quickly once more as he heard a counter horn bellow and soon enough he heard the sound of a march. Audric had failed...failed miserably he couldn't stop it and all of his efforts were ruined! He watched the initial clash Nohr had the upper hand but Xander quickly ordered a charged which was met by a man in bright red armor. Even from the distance Audric was at he could tell that man was not wielding a normal blade. It must have been Prince Ryoma...it had to have been him! He was too far out of ear shot to actually hear the man shout but he probably guess the jest of it. But he must admit Ryoma must've been far above him as a warrior but Audric knew the fighting prowess of the Nohrian Crown Prince all too well. "Nolan....Keith....brothers. Peoples of Hoshido, and Nohr. I'm sorry I wish I could've done more." Audric said giving up he felt the will drain out of him as he fell to his knees. To make matter worse...he saw Hoshidan reinforcements....Audric shook his head at the futility of it but then the thought came to him of what his brothers would say of the young Nestran Noble if they saw him pitying his own failure like this. What would his retainers think? Audric growled and roused himself from his state and went forward. If he could make them listen he would.

====

The cavalier forces charged at the rear lines of Ryoma's first division and unexpectedly the cavaliers Richards, and Clay were shot in the arms by arrows aimed by snipers from Hoshido. However the initial clash was far from over the Paladin in charge of Ansgar's unit was more than capable he slew a oni-savage and a samurai with two clean blade slashes and the noble cavalier was more than capable as he easily engaged in combat with two paired up Hoshidan Spearmen. It seemed that the ground soldiers nearby where being slaughtered though. Millow stood back with his men in a defensive line as he and his fellow conscripts let the enemy samurai break themselves upon a makeshift spear wall. The actual professional soldiers were busy desperately trying to fend off Ryoma's assault. The battle had begun and it had entered a quickly bloody start.

[cloudystar]

Taka kept launching arrow after arrow from his Iron Bow. Mostly taking precise clean shots over kills, he kept striking if not wounding the Hoshidans who would fight Millow...making it much easier for him to take on. Out of the corner of his eye, he kept trying to look for another way out though...because these front lines were getting much worse rather quickly. The samurai, as he expected, were demolishing the conscripts wall of defenders, and he yells out to Millow a forewarning. However, they were only able to go through the initial defenses thus far so he was able to get a quick look for an escape of sorts. This time, he did find one and tried to start making up some hasty last second plan as he always does due to his heists in the past.
Hopefully this time I won't get caught this time...otherwise it'll be death for certain.

"Hey, get ready to follow me! Trust me, I think I have a plan for us to get out of this, but you better be able to use that spear right! We're going to try and cut straight down through for a moment, to confuse the enemies...then as soon as they figure out what's wrong, we bolt out of the side to escape somewhere. I don't know where, but I do have a way to figure out which way is north...so if we can go that way, we may stand a chance. You with me Millow?! Otherwise, we'll just get slaughtered here!"

[vancexentan]

"Wha? What are you talkin' about we leave and these guys aren't going to let us! I don't intend on getting gutted like a coward. Keep your eyes on the fight!" Millow shouted as he narrowly avoided getting pegged in the head by an arrow. "Holy moly! Look you gotta just do your job like we're doing!" Millow continued as he went back to his post. The commanding conscript told his men to hold as he moved up towards the front himself.

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar roared, riding hard into the fray the moment that the call was sounded. He had his steel lance leveled eagerly at the first man he could reach, impaling the poor bastard with little effort and slamming the impaled man into the ground, throwing him off the lance. He could hear the fact that two men had gotten wounded, but that was lost in the dim blood haze that had addled his mind. Right now, he was in the thick of the fighting, thrusting and swinging his lance at the nearest in reach. The Paladin struck with experience and superior equipment, throwing his enemies aside like dolls, while he found the one noble facing off against a pair of Hoshidan Spear Fighters. It was aggravating, their reaches similar and the two defending each other readily from the Cavaliers assaults. That would not do, not at all, and a hard, short charge forced the two back and apart, apart long enough to impale the one Spear Fighter, leaving him pinned to the ground by the lance. Ansgar pulled it clear, a narrow miss cutting a gash in his cheek. Rather than recoil in pain, it drove him on, fueled him, and he roared his defiance into the shocked Hoshidan's face before it was smashed in by a vicious lance strike.

"FOR THE SLAUGHTER!" Ansgar screamed his rage and defiance into the wind, lashing out at anything within reach with his Lance, the blood fury carrying him out of formation slowly, though his speed and mounted position kept him alive more so than anything else. He thrust and swung the Lance about, spotting oncoming Oni Savages and drew his iron sword, fighting them as eagerly, finding himself at the edge of the Cavalier formation, continuing his raging against any Hoshidan in weapon's reach. Might as well give the other cavaliers and Paladin something to talk about later, after all.

[vancexentan]

Corrin rushed forward Takumi, Hinoka, and Sakura all on his heels they were marching to engage Prince Xander...Corrin's beloved brother. Xander meant the world to him but now...after the death of his mother? After all the death at the capital and the faceless? After Han's assault and the death of Gunter? No! Xander would listen to him! Takumi was still suspicious but Sakura and Hinoka loved Corrin and were convinced of his innocence just like Ryoma. He had to do something. As he reached the battlefield he saw Hoshidan and Norhian forces clashing. However they were taken aback at the sheer force of Xander and the skill of Ryoma's combat the fighting becoming less tense as it became clear that the two lords would settle it in one on one combat. However in a pause Xander looked over and saw it..."Corrin, you're alive! They haven't harmed you, have they little prince!?" Xander said with affection a smile coming across his face worry turned to relief and Ryoma stopped as well. Corrin himself was mixed with emotion. But he managed to get something out, "Xander! Big Brother! I'm...I'm fine." Corrin said with a calm voice reassuring his brother. "But why....WHY ARE YOU INVADING HOSHIDO!?" Corrin asked his brother with conflicted emotion. Xander dropped his smile and become deathly serious once more.

He had expected this. "Father says it's time to show our true strength. Hoshido has reveled in it's decadence for long enough. Join us, and we'll end this quickly. If we can conquer Hoshido here and now, we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed." Xander said to his brother as he looked back to Ryoma. Corrin couldn't believe the words coming out of Xander's mouth...was this really his brother?

"Brother...I....I need a minute to think." Corrin said as Ryoma then spoke his loud authoritative voice booming. "Be careful, Corrin. That man is a Nohrian Commander and their crown prince as well! Don't let him deceive you!" Ryoma shouted to Corrin who could only mouth Ryoma's name in return. It was then that Camila, Elise, and Leo all rushed to the front. "Corrin! I was so worried about you. Don't ever wander away from me again!" Camila said with enormous relief and affection towards her younger brother. Leo came next. "I'm glad you're OK! Corrin. You really must have the devil's own luck brother!" Leo said with equal relief a big smile plastered on his face as he carried his book.

"Yaay! WE GOT OUR BROTHER BACK!" shouted Elise as she bounced up and down on her horse. "Nohrian scum! First you kidnap him, NOW YOU DARE TO LIE TO HIM!?" Hinoka said with pure anger and distaste towards all three of the Nohr Royals."CORRIN IS MY BROTHER, NOT YOURS!" Hinoka declared with anger as Camila changed her affectionate tone changing to a deadly serious one, "You are mistaken young lady. Corrin is my sweet little brother. You may not have him." Camilla said with distaste at Hinoka who glared in return. "Don't be fooled by their words! You belong with your true family! With Hoshido!" Ryoma declared loudly as Xander snorted.

"We have loved you my little prince since you first came to us. We have loved you and raised you since you were but a child. Come home, little prince. We can live together once more. As a family once again!" Xander said with passion as Ryoma angrily countered telling Corrin to come home with him once more. Xander countered saying Nohr was Corrin's true home.

(Due to a media error it won't let me link the specific time in the video please go to 11:47 in the video and watch to the end of the scene)


Audric rushed to the battlefield as he looked around he saw a boy he could only assume was Corrin standing there. He cursed himself for not making it faster. He couldn't intervene now for the moment he just stayed back as he listened to both sides make their case. He knew he wasn't allowed to pick sides but for the moment he couldn't help but feel worried. He also felt extremely pained. This young prince forced to make a choice between two families...he couldn't imagine having to chose between two sides like this. He had to though for he knew neither of the high princes nor their siblings would simply back down. But once the prince had chosen maybe he could get the other side to back down. If not then-

"I-....I won't betray anyone." Corrin declared calmly.

Audric was at a loss for words could he truly mean to not pick a side!? Was the prince mad? Or did he know something Audric didn't. He listened though curious and hopeful.

"I won't fight against the people of Nohr. After you cared for me all these years how could I?" Corrin said as his face looked sternly at the ground. "Xander...you....Camilla, Leo,....and Elise. You-We may not be related by blood. But you ARE family to me. You've been with me for as long as I can remember." Corrin said as he looked at his hands and smiled fond memories returning. Xander smiled at his young brother, "Well said, little prince. What ties us together is thicker than blood." Xander proclaimed as Ryoma looked over to his brother unsure about how to feel a bead of sweat forming. "What are you saying, Corrin?" Ryoma simply asked. "You would so easily discard your true family, you blood and kin, and side with those who stand against us?" Ryoma asked a feeling of betrayal clutching at him but he threw that feeling aside. Corrin responded simply. "Absolutely not. I refuse to fight my Hoshidan siblings, either. Ryoma big brother....we might not have spent much time together, but too me you are my family too. I love you. I love Takumi's passion, Hinoka's will, and Sakura's kindness. I would never let that go." Corrin stated with a smile at Ryoma who smiled back his feelings dissipating. Xander on the other hand frowned. "I'm so glad to hear that. We feel the same." Ryoma said as Corrin hardened himself, "I will not and can not side with either of you against the other. I will not betray my family." Corrin stated flatly he would not hesitate from his stance. Ryoma and Xander both calmly asked him at the same time: What would Corrin do then? "I'm so sorry...BOTH OF YOU PLEASE SET DOWN YOUR SWORDS! We can come to a peaceful-" Corrin demanded as he held his own sword up as Xander groaned and brandished his prized Siegfried. "I've heard enough Corrin! I can see what you're trying to accomplish here. As your older brother, however I must show you the way. It is my duty to teach you the truth." Xander declared as Ryoma readied Raijinto. "NOT WHILE I STAND! CORRIN IS FINALLY BACK WITH HIS TRUE FAMILY! I WILL NOT LET YOU TAKE MY LITTLE BROTHER FROM US AGAIN!" He declared loudly as Corrin begged Ryoma to stop.

Xander stepped forward however, "I don't think so. Don't think for a moment that I will let you take my brother without a fight you cur. It seems only right to cross swords with my opposing equal though. As heirs to our respective families, why don't we settle this here and now?" Xander said giving up on changing his brother's mind for the moment. Ryoma gladly accepted declaring he would protect his kingdom and his brother. The two engaged once more this time however a wyvern lord and samurai both ordered their own men to charged the battle started a new. Corrin retreated to a safe middle ground between the two forces.

Audric had been inspired by the boy's speech. His will restored he decided he had one course of action left. He would side with the prince and he would stop this fight! Audric made his way down to Corrin who was talking with a blue haired woman and a light brown haired maid whom had both appeared suddenly. "Excuse me but you seem to be in a bit of a bind Prince Corrin. Mind if I assist you?" Audric said suddenly appearing from his grassy knoll over Corrin who was startled. The maid nearly tripped over herself but readied herself to fight Audric. "Who are you? Which side do you belong to?" Corrin asked of the young noble who appeared in front of him as Audric smiled at him. "I'm Audric a noble from Nestra. I am not royalty my lord but I am more than glad to assist you in this. In fact I came here to stop this war in the first place. I don't like wasting lives needlessly. So please allow me to assist you! I won't give you reason to regret it. My axe, Daywalker, will crumble any foe it needs to in order to stop this fight." Audric said proudly as he smiled at Corrin who seemed a bit perturbed by Audric's declaration.

"He is not very subtle now is he? But we are in no place to refuse help. We will gladly accept your help Lord Audric. Thank you for offering it to us." the woman said as Corrin went over and shook Audric's hand. "I'm glad to have you with us so what is our first course of action. Azura any plans?" Corrin asked the woman as she nodded and pointed out two separate units on the field. "If we can defeat the enemy commanders we can stop both parties from fighting temporarily. That will make both Xander and Ryoma listen to you. At the very least it will make them fall back to reconsider their options I believe." Azura said as Audric smiled, "Consider it done I'll hold off the bulk of the infantry. Go focus on their commanders. Please Corrin don't worry about me I'm not frail. I may be tired and a bit worn out but I'm still a force to be reckoned with. I'm glad to be working with you I don't see a lot of people willing to put aside fighting entirely and try to make peace I can respect that." Audric said as he rushed off too do his duty he didn't even bother listening to what the others had to say.

[cloudystar]

Taka shakes his head and tries to get a better view of the middle of the battlefield...to notice a strange party of people grouped up there. Plus it seemed like the group were the primary focus on both armies, making it a perfect distraction for them to escape. He stops shooting for a moment to duck and weave through the soldiers, quickly grabbing Millow as he makes his way toward that group. Use these people as bait...or maybe see if they'll give us a way out of here. Better with them from the looks of it then here, after all, they don't seem to be the primary 'kill' target of both armies.

"There! That's our way out, we get those guys to help us out and repay them! I have no desire of being slain here from a war that is pointless, I say we join up with that group and see if we'll be given sanctum. Come on, it's our only chance before the majority of the fighting comes back to us Millow! Let's get going and run as fast as hell!"

Taka may be scared of fighting in close quarters, but running fast was a specialty of his.