[IC] Song of Betrayal | Fire Emblem

[Solace]

Zaino had sensed the presence of wyverns and pegasi within their proximity from the sounds they made, at the same time that Ambra had noted, and though he assumed that it was simply a Plegian military patrol, he would have to see for himself. Who knows, maybe Plegia's after us as well. Maybe these people are spies or assassins. Even if Ambra had patched him up, cured the poison, and essentially saved his life, he still couldn't come to grips that they were able to be trusted enough as his allies. After all, two Shepherds of whom he had been friends with for years had tried to kill him, and he'd been forced to turn his sword on them. Anyone on the entirety of the two continents were potential hostiles, and if he had to make the whole world his enemy, so be it.

As Ambra flocked out of the room, armed with a bow, Zaino turned to the corner where his clothes were. The only portion of it that could've been considered armor was the gauntlet that fit around his left hand and the shoulderguard for the same arm, while the rest was a relatively simple garb wrapped with his family's symbol. This made it easy to tell that he was from Chon'sin, where heritage was said to be everything, but it didn't matter much to him. He had loved his mother dearly, but he had no memories of his father except for the dream he had or whatever it could've been considered. He didn't even have a single memoir.

Seeing that his clothing was still stained with blood, Zaino moved it aside to reveal his sword, which had been hidden underneath the pile. He drew the sword and, leaving the scabbard behind, slashed the air a few times, his body complaining from not being fully rested. He shrugged and took off through the door, hearing the shrieks of a pegasus and its rider as another sound of landing followed suit. It was either Ambra or the other archer, but he didn't waste time to find out. Weak gusts of sand rippled across his bandaged body as he turned to face the other wyvern and pegasus riders, estimating their numbers to be between twenty to thirty. Bearing the emblem of Ylisse, the unit of fliers spotted him and proceeded to mobilize their forces into a military formation.

Though Zaino was still in a weakened state, he figured that he could still take on a number of them without failure. Though his swordplay was still far off from mastery, his agility was second to none, and he didn't need to sacrifice any strength for it, though it might have been questionable in his current condition. Plus, he could tell that their enemy right now was a bunch of pushovers; they were low-ranking grunts, relying on strength in numbers. Though, experience and determination didn't win battles...

"May Naga have mercy on you, because I won't." Zaino said, dashing towards the first pegasus knight within his range and turning the sword over so the blade face his opponent, keeping it lowered and beside his leg. He sidestepped a javelin and just as the knight reached for another one, he slashed upwards and into the winged beast, cutting right through as he jumped. As the pegasus fell down, he turned his body and shifted his weight to the right, using his shoulder to shove the soldier from her mount and onto the ground. She began to beg for her life, as most individuals did when they were about to lose them. Typical.

Now standing atop of the soldier, Zaino proceeded to thrust his sword into the pegasus knight's throat and twisted the blade to ensure the kill, retracting the sword just as quickly. He wasn't one of those people to show mercy to women, simply because they were women. If someone was prepared to take his life, he shouldn't of and wouldn't of granted them that opportunity. He used his feet to move the body aside, groaning when more pain shot up from all parts of his body and nearly losing his balance. Fight... until I die.

[vancexentan]

As Carn arrived at the Plegian capital city he pulled on his headband once more to protect his forehead from damage. Of course he was wearing his usual ragged myrmidon outfit but beyond that he looked no different from any ordinary beggar with a sword and or a low keep mercenary. The guards let him into the small city without much trouble on his part be these demon worshipping bastards would like Carn to give him a good fight if he had given them the chance to. However something, he wasn't sure what, seemed to be egging him like the sense of there being a fight or something nearby. The sort of feeling that Red Fist beat into his thick Feroxi brain as a young lad. And that made him want to get out of this city immediately but his eyes spotted nothing in the immediate vicinity...so then that's how this was going to be hm? If that must be so than he would take his position near the gates until either something blew up in his face or something tried to kill him. Or if he killed them and he made a quick escape either or he didn't intend to die in this hellish sand pit that these demon worshipping fucks decided to live in. "My senses never lied to me before. Why would they now? Better wait for a bit rather than risk a reprisal from someone or look suspicious." Carn thought aloud as he went into a nearby stable and put his old horse friend into it so that he could rest.

[TwilightDragon]

"Hmph."
There was a battle then, wasn't there? The woman watched from above a larger and sturdier building than the rest, her green eyes flitting lazily over the battlefield. Already two pegasi had fallen, one nearly torn in half and another with an arrow protruding from its chest. Lumara yawned widely, not bothering to cover it. She leant heavily on her Killer Lance as she watched the fight unfold. It had been a while since she had been in a fight. Well, she had been in barfights, but she didn't consider that to be an actual fight to the death.
Lumara was a good warrior, really. She was fierce, strong, and... loyal, to a point. Yet, she had a horrible drinking habit she obtained after her beloved bandits were killed. It was meant to be a glass of wine to calm her nerves, but it soon evolved to whiskey and jack chugging. She embraced the blackouts she received, thinking that they were the only way she could rest, and dealt with hangovers pretty well. It was funny. She wasn't even sober at the moment. But a sober Lumara was basically useless. With alcohol in her blood, she was swifter, had more cunning, was more deadly. She was also more lopsided...
A grunt dragged her attention from the fight to the basking brown wyvern that lay next to her. Caius's wide, amber eyes watched the fight as he unfurled his wings and laid them gently on the ceiling of the building. His mouth gaped open and drool hung in strands from his maw. He was thirsty, so Lumara pulled out her flask of rum and unscrewed it. Pouring the remaining liquid into Caius's mouth [which the wyvern greedily swallowed], she heaved another sigh and yawned the millionth time that day. "We', 'ooks 'ike we got 'selves a 'lil bit of 'tion, bud." she slurred as she patted the wyvern on his nose. He bobbed his head and grunted again.
Lumara drunkenly mounted him, straddling just above his shoulders with her legs. The Wyvern Lord had enough practice with straddling things that she knew how hard to hold on to Caius. With a little press of her heels, the wyvern roared and leapt off of the building, beating his wings and heading straight at a landing wyvern rider. "You're at my mercy now, fool!" she cried, holding out her killer lance. The other rider turned in surprise to see another coming at him.
Yet... Lumara didn't exactly... hit him with the lance. Mount and rider smashed into the enemy, sending both into a flurry of scales and teeth and claws. Lumara cursed as Caius tumbled to the ground, talons locked with the other mount. The ground hit her... hard. She squeaked as she skinned her knees and elbows- she was so used to the feeling that she could immediately diagnose said pain. Pain ran up and down her left arm, but it wasn't her sword arm, so she brushed it off and bounced... or stumbled to her feet. The other rider had been launched from his saddle as well, confused by her method of attack. Behind them, the two beasts fought, screeching and biting as they tumbled on the floor.
Suddenly, the rider came running at her, carrying his lance such a way as to run her through. Lumara dodged, but the man brushed against her. The bump caused her to become unbalanced, and the enemy's upward slash with the tip of his lance was clumsy but effective. This time he tore skin, and Lumara hissed under her breath. Bouncing back a few feet, she pulled out her Short Axe and threw it at the man. It embedded itself in his stomach, making him scream a curse and the sand splatter with blood, but it wasn't lethal enough. She bounded around him, and ripped the axe from him while he was still distracted. The edge sliced into him soon after, ending his life in a fatal blow to the back of the head.
Lumara glanced up, rubbing her wound on her side. Caius held the other wyvern by the neck now, blood pouring from the gouge marks on its neck. So they both won. Thank Naga. She ran to him, bending down to pick up her Killer Lance from the ground, and mounted him once again. "Need help?" she called to the men and women, Caius roaring a battle cry as he beat his wings and taking to the air once again.

[phillmyster]

the sounds outside cought everyones atention, Phill turned to Alicia " Something's amiss, get to the stable Alicia, you there" Phill took both his lances and walked past Leon, and said "I thank you stranger for the good word, if you excuse me, I have to find out what's going on here" with that he put two fingers in his mouth and whistled as loud as he could, running out to the main street where the battle was taking place. He saw Ambra and the bandit already out and some Ylisean pegasus and wyvern riders. Perfect, a chance to fight, his blood boiled with excitement. He saw another figure, kind of wobly too,..... a drunken rider ir a... drunk wybern?!.... well that didn't matter, she seemed friendly.

At the stables a few minutes before, Greyer noticed the pegasi flying in from outside the city, sensing the imminent battle, put on Andrews armor and let him and Bellerophon, out of the stables, at that moment Andrew heard Phills whistle and ran out to him.

Phill, noticing Andrew, quickly mounted him and charged towards the pegasi riders, charging past Ambra and Zaino at top speed, two pegasus attacked, the one on the right threw a spear at Andrew as the left one charged at Phill. Andrew jumped, evading the spear while turning his back end as Phill used the momentum to horizontly Slash the left pegasus with Beastkiller, instanlty killing it as the rider fell trapped bellow his steed. Then when Phill and Andrew landed on the ground facing the way they came, Phill threw his Iron lance at the other rider, piercing him and pushing him of his mount falling beside him. Pulling out his lance he stood brave above his proud steed, turning to the other riders he shouted " IS THIS ALL YLISE HAS TO OFFER, COME " as Andrew huffed with might.

[Rethel34]

Vellia had only just entered within the borders of the city, and already there was a ruckus. Just great, she thought to herself as she went running to see what everything was about. It didn't take long before she found what she was looking for: a group of flying Yllisian soldiers. Vellia shook her head as she drew her axe, charging toward the battlefield.

One of the wyvern riders must have seen her, as it didn't take long for one of the large mounts to take to the air again, hurtling toward her at an alarming rate, maws wide open. Vellia didn't retreat, but instead threw her axe high into the air, leaping after it above the low-flying beast's head. Grasping the thick handle, she began her descent. The rider lifted his poleax in an attempt to parry, but the weight and power behind Vellia's axe just splintered the shaft of the weapon, and it split even the armor that the man wore, driving deep into his chest.

She would have thrown the corpse from the saddle, but his feet were strapped to it. Vellia swore under her breath as she hacked at the back of the wyvern's neck before leaping from it. The great beast came down with a clatter, scaring many of the nearby townspeople, but luckily without injury to anyone...no promises made about the architecture.

That's one. Not too bad. Vellia turned and continued her run toward the remainder of the poorly fairing fliers. "Ha," she said aloud. "They don't seem to know an arrow from a fly."

As a pegasus took its turn to attack, Vellia could only smile. She dodged to her right just as the swooping pegasus passed, and she swung her axe back around, felt it meet something, heard a crunch, and another crash. She turned to find that she had almost completely severed one of the wings of the pegasus, and its rider was now struggling to get her leg from beneath it. Good luck with that, Vellia thought.

[Vincanity]

“Manakete” Neo whispered to himself as he heard the wings appraoched. “No... armor clinking and braying... growling... Pegasi and Wyverns.” he deduced, flying from the table he sat at. Running up the stairs he found Trin partially in the hallway and in a room that wasn't theirs. As he approached her a young lady came darting out of the room and Trin pressed herself against the wall to be out of their way. “Trin! Fliers! We need to get going to the stables now!” he said, grabbing her arm and making their way back down the stairs as a man with a sword came storming by. Following his way out Neo and Trin made their way quickly toward the stables to see a horrifying site. One mage was working together a fire spell, Elfire it looked to be, and was hurling the spell onto the stables. Brash tactics. Destroy was little supplies whoever they were chasing had and cut off any quick escapes. Smart. And idiotic. “Father, the Shepards, they need us!” It didn't take long for Neo to figure out who she meant. And at worst, a few good distractions could save him, Leon and Trin.

“Trin, take up Elwind and keep fliers away.” He commanded, reaching into his own cloak and pulling out a thunder tome. With his grip tightly on the book he said the words he summoned the magic from his fingers, pointing his index and middle finger forward and using his thumb as a guide, aiming at the mages arm to injure, not kill. The mage was blasted onto his side by the lightning and laid on the ground convulsing for a moment. Running at the mage quickly Neo delivered a kick to the back of his head, knocking him out for the remainder of the fight hopefully. As he did so a calvalier seemed to join the fight, running into the battle headlong at the Pegasi. Unfortunately, the spell had already begun taking his toll on the stables, flames building up high. Lighning, Fire, Wind will all just cause more damage...

Using the thunder tome again with an open palm Neo used blunt force to knock down the stable doors. Inside he found a man who took care of the animals. “Sir, release any of the steeds into the main building for now. They can be used for a quick escape then, but this stable is going to come down and you will all die with it!” he shouted to him as he moved towards Gia and Talvin, letting them lose before anything permanent happened.

---

Leon readied his arcfire when the man with lances walked by, assuming he meant to attack him. As he walked passed, however, Leon tuned into his senses and realized what was going on. Dashing outside he found Neo riding out of the burning building with both steeds as Trin, against the wall of the inn so she couldn't be surrounded, cast some of her wind magic to keep some of the pegasi at bay. And then there were the other random defenders of the inn. A drunken wyvern rider it seemed, a swordsman, an archer, and cavalier from before that he assumed was going to stab him.

“....interesting.” he said in a happy tone. Leon was always up for a good skirmish. Near thirty against less than ten? Perfect odds. Running up to Talvin and quickly jumping on his back Leon nodded to his brother, leaned over into the saddlebags and picked up Bolganone. At the same time as he went towards Trin, Neo could be seen finding his way towards the drunken wyvern rider, assuming she would need help at some point. “Trin! Up here!” he said, riding by his niece and holding out an arm for her. She quickly took it and join him in the saddle, flinging an Elwind blast with the open palm, blunt force technique. Putting the tomes under his shirt Leon allowed his to have contact with the book. Holding out a hand like it had a ball in it, a large flame formed in it, slowly growing from redish orange to a bright blue. “Only target the riders! Leave the steeds unharmed!” Neo could be heard yelling from behind to the other fighters. As if to show what he meant, a long bolt of lightning found its way into a flying pegasus knight dropping her to the ground and, most likely, killing her. The pegasus remained unharmed besides a few minor shocks.

With a loud sigh of annoyance, Leon threw the Arcfire to a wyvern knight and ignited the armor. Trying to fan off the flames, eventually the wyvern knocked the rider off his back, apparently tired of being burned. Drawing his armorslayer, Leon galloped by the wyvern rider as he stood, and took the head off. Happy brother? I've no idea what you're planning, but lets see how it goes...

---

Trin tried to concentrate on her defending and attacking, but soon she saw the injured swordsman from before in the middle of the action. Zaino, she thought his name was. He seemed to be succombing to more of his injuries, which wouldn't be good where he was. Looking back over her should, Trin saw that her father was currently mounting an attack on the rightmost portion of the battalion. With a sigh at the idiocy of her idea, she allowed herself to fall off of Talvins back on a high jump, letting her land with less grace than she would have liked. Reaching toward her iron sword, she used it to steady herself as she ran toward Zaino. With her free hand she cast another Elwind towards the Pegasus in front of Zaino, hoping to deter them for a moment. Her approach became slow as she was only a few feet from him, her sword pointing at the pegasi. I wish I knew how to use axes... it would be a nice advantage right now. Then again, magic at least keeps me at a distance

For now though, she had a difficult decision to make. She kept her soothing sword attached at all times. Whatever her ailment with walking for long periods was, it kept it in check during most confrontations. She should be fine without it for a short while, but would the roguish man give the sword back?

“Zaino, take the sword that’s on my back. It's a soothing sword. It has properties that will heal wounds during the course of a battle whether you wear it or fight with it.” Another Pegasus Knight tried to throw a javelin in their direction, but Trin used her Cecilia's Gale and produced two large, blade sharp blasts of air that flew both into the javelin and the rider, knocking them aside. A small, greenish wind encircled her hand, readying for another assault.

[Psyker Landshark]

Alicia's first thought after Phill's explanation was that the man was idealistic, but foolish. If he had given up everything for the sake of friends and comrades, she would have understood, but for utter strangers that he had just met? Madness. And then another complete stranger had the gall to insert himself into their conversation. Suppressing the urge to berate the man for his rudeness, Alicia instead gave Leon a flat stare.

"And just who exactly are you?" She narrowed her eyes, suspicious of the man. And then her eyes glanced past him to the window...where a squadron of Ylissan fliers could be seen. They were mostly Pegasus Knights, but a few Wyvern Riders could be seen among then. Paling at the sight of the wyverns, Alicia nevertheless grabbed her lance and followed Phill out to the stable, quickly mounting her own pegasus when she arrived.

"To the skies, Bellerophon!" She cried out, gripping her lance tightly as they took to the air and dashed straight towards an Pegasus Knight that was caught out of her formation. To her credit, the Ylissan flier realized her situation, and she veered off, trying to evade Alicia and her mount. Both Pegasus Knights clashed in the skies, their pegasi soaring at each other as the riders thrusted lances. The Ylissan knight came around for one last pass, but Alicia pulled back on her mount's reins, forcing Bellerophon up, and evaded a lance strike entirely before retaliating with a thrust of her own, catching her foe in the chest with her lance. The Ylissan rider coughed out blood, but before she could retaliate, Alicia whirled her lance around with a cry, sending the knight hurtling to the side before she slipped off the lance entirely, falling to the ground below and through an overhang, crashing with a sickening crunch right next to Ambra.

Back up in the sky, Alicia glared at the incoming fliers, brandishing her blood-covered lance with a whirl. No more running away. No more being chased for days on end. With the allies she'd found, she could finally fight back.

"Come! Face the daughter of Ylisse's greatest general!" Alicia roared, sending her pegasus hurtling towards the ground where the Ylissan riders were landing.

[TwilightDragon]

Ambra strung another arrow, stretching out the bowstring and letting it fly at another Pegasus Knight. Yet, the beast cleanly dodged and, with a flutter of wings, came rushing at her. The winged horse was a blur to her vision; this was obviously an animal who was quicker and had more experience in dodging. Ambra hissed a prayer under her breath and attempted to dodge. The lance that had been coming at her chest had missed, but the pegasus’s hoof caught her on the head. She cried out and fell to the ground, her ears ringing and her head swimming.
The red headed woman swore that she saw stars when she opened her eyes. The Pegasus Knight flew away, attacking a new enemy quite a ways off. She probably thought that the archer had been killed. It was surprising that she had lived. A kick to the side of the head often proved fatal. Thank Naga I’m still alive… she thought she said it out loud, but she didn’t feel her lips move. Ambra staggered to her feet and struggled to maintain balance. Her feet hitched and she fell to the floor again, coughing and groaning.
She raised a hand to her head and felt blood pouring down the side of her face. Her heart fluttered in panic once she saw the warm life fluid on her hands. I’ll faint if I keep on bleeding like this. a body fell from the sky and came crashing through the overhang, slamming onto the warm sand. Ambra looked up to see who had done such a thing, but all she caught sight of a shadow flitting away in the sky. The archer ripped a cloth from the body and wrapped it around her head, hoping that it would stop the blood flow.
Another enemy saw her weak body stumbling to its feet, this one a wyvern rider. The beast grunted and hissed, teeth gaping at her as it stared at her like a well cooked meal. The rider’s eyes flashed at her as he raised his axe and aimed to throw it at her throat.
And then, just like that, the man was in the air, screaming. When she glanced up at the too-bright sky, she saw another wyvern, brown in color, with the man dangling in its claws. What the… she rubbed her head again, clutching her bow tightly. Too many things were happening at once. Had a rider committed treason and went against his own? The wyvern that remained sniffed and looked after his master, then looked back at her. It was obviously lost. ”It’s okay…” she wheezed out, patting the green lizard on the head. It simply blinked at her. Okay… what now? she asked herself, slumping to the floor and cradling her head. Pain ran through and over her skull, as if the hoof was slamming into her cranium again and again.

[Asura]

Laius groaned as the carriage which he had been sat in came to a stop. It seemed as though they had arrived at their current destination. Home, sweet home. The driver of the carriage dismounted from his position in the front of the vehicle and made haste through the sandy street below to get to the side of the wooden box on wheels. He opened the door to it, allowing the prince within to get a nice breath of fresh, sandy air. Gods, did he hate the sand. Always with the sand. He was born around the sand, grew up around the sand, had to deal with the sand. Was a patch of grass now and again so much to ask for? He would have it imported when he became king. Bundles of grass to be laid over the sand. Miles and miles of the highest quality of grass gold could buy. But he was monologuing again. Plegia's prince hopped from the carriage, his feet hitting the hardened sandstone of the road below. He brushed himself off, although frankly his transport was far cleaner than the street could hope to be. Indeed, his home city was in a deprived state. Things would only get worse as time went on, with the Ylissean dogs now howling their war songs. When news of the current events had arrived of the current state of affairs to him during his long vacation to the south of the country, he hurried home to be at his father's side. Hopefully the shameless Ylissean League wouldn't cast their blades against proud Plegia again so soon. Exalted his ass, they were crooks.

Several monologues later about the political state of the world, the poor quality of the sandstone below his foot and the rising price of apples within the capital later, the dashing prince was brought from his thoughts by the sound of wings beating the air above. Wyverns? No, he knew wyvern wings when he heard them. Something else was with them. A quick look upward revealed a sickening truth. Ylissean Pegasus riders in league with what he could only assume were Ylissean wyvern riders. Taking their animals, too? Did their neighbors to the east have no shame?! As the deliciously handsome and incredibly masculine heir to Plegia's great people, he would not accept the audacity of these riders. Who did Darrian think he was to march his soldiers into the capital? He'd teach them what for, even if he had to deck their schnozes himself!

By the time the robe clad mage had caught up to the riders, the sound of combat hit his ears. So, the proud Plegian military was giving those winged rats a firm spanking? As to be expected of his people! Unfortunately, it wasn't the case at all. When his eyes finally fell upon the scene all they caught were stragglers battling the riders with all their might. He witnessed several of them cut down the riders with every turn. The incompetence of Ylisse's military aside, he had a bone to pick with these people. How dare they fight in Plegian streets in place of proper soldiers! Glory stealing was not something to be tolerated! Not in his kingdom! If anyone was to bask in the glory of Ylissean blood, it would be he!

"Fools!" Laius exclaimed at the top of his lungs, gaining the attention of a few of the riders. "You dare spill the blood of my enemies on my streets? Do you not know that the right to do so belongs to I, Laius of Ple-" He was so RUDELY interrupted from his scolding by a failed javelin throw, which not only RUINED the glorious speech he was unloaded upon these unworthy combatants, but tore his royal robes! The audacity! The sheer and utter AUDACITY of these girly horse riding SCUM.

"FOOL! You dare assault Plegian royalty?! May the gods have mercy upon your unworthy soul, for when I am done with you there shall be-." Another javelin thrown by the same rider pierced his robes AGAIN. The nerve of this woman! To do such a thing to him! Did she not understand whom she was messing with?! He was- another javelin sped through the air, this barely grazing his arm.

Not only did this INSIDIOUS WHORE interrupt his speech, but his inner monologue?! Not only did she tarnish the pride of his people by flying her SWEAT RIDDEN BOTTOM into his kingdom, but she had the sheer GAUL to draw his blood? No! He refused to give her time to assault him again. With the fury of one thousand, sexy gods he raised his hand to the sky and called upon his magics. Archaic surrounded him as he chanted briefly, before unleashing a vicious wind upon the rider. A cyclones of rending winds extended from the sands below to encompass the terribly inaccurate javelin thrower. They shredded her and her mount, sending the two to the sands below in a bloodied heap.

"WHO ELSE DARES INTERRUPT ME?!" He screeched, attracting the attention of one of the wyvern riders, who dove for him. Needless to say, he didn't like interruptions and the man soon found rest within the magical maelstorm of Laius' Rexcalibur spell.

[TwilightDragon]

Okay… maybe she was getting a bit dizzy. With the rum and whisky and all of the sort that was currently in her stomach, Lumara found herself a bit… shaken up. She couldn’t just throw up here- she was too into the battle to let go of the contents of her stomach. And, if, for some reason it came to the point where she had to vomit, she sure hoped it was on top of one of those Ylissean soldiers. Her green eyes focused on the battle. She saw a few people kill some of the mounts and then stop when a very… attractive man told them not to. She grinned, looking down at the prey that she had in her claws.
The wyvern rider that was going to attack that archer chick was locked in Caius’s sharp talons, looking up with fear and horror. “Please…” he gasped, the ivory claws tightening around his chest. “Let me… go…”
”Let you go?” Lumara smirked even deeper, giving him a devious look. She turned back to Caius and flicked behind his head. ”M’kay, boy, ya heard the man. Le ‘em go, eh?” the man fell silent, and then blabbered out pleads for his life as the claws slowly began to loosen. He screamed as he fell, giving a horrible sound as he smashed against the sandy ground. She sighed and stretched, arching her body much like a lazy cat would do.
She perked when she heard someone screaming on the street. When she did look down at the ground, she noticed that magic users had taken to the streets; streams of wind swam across the field and bolts of lightning illuminated the ugly walls of the buildings. There was this one man whose voice couldn’t get any louder…
Lumara rolled her eyes and sighed. ”What a loud mouth, eh, Caius?” she spoke to her wyvern again, pulling out a flask that she had on a different part of her body and tipping it against her lips. She hadn’t remembered what was necessarily in the flask, but as soon as she felt the sharp bite of rum on her tongue, she couldn’t help but grin. ”Oy! Feather-Asses! ‘s the matter? Can’t take a few hits?” she boomed with laughter as she swung toward a Pegasus Knight, this time successfully running the woman through with her Killer Lance. It tore through her throat and left her airborne, dangling from the tip. ”Ew. Ya got all of ya juices on me.” Lumara cringed, looking at the dull eyed woman as she tipped her lance downwards. The body slid off and fell to the floor much like the man had.
”Oi!” she barked, looking around. ”Who’s my next enemy?!” sure, her wound was gaping open and blood was staining her clothes and Caius, but she hardly noticed the pain. She probably would when she passed out from blood loss.

---

Talbot’s clothes had dried after a while, clean and fresh. He pulled them back on and, even though they were still a bit damp, provided him with extra refreshment. At least it would be a while until the clothes completely dried, so he wouldn’t be as hot. Pulling on his hat, he made sure that everything was in his satchel. Okay, he had Thoron, Arcfire, and Arcwind for now. He didn’t take on the dark arts for a reason. Spells like Mire and Flux just… weren’t for him. Black magic, he called it. He rather stay with the elements. His favorite was Thoron, as he loved the idea of lightning shooting out from his hands.
The man was finally going to go to what the Plegians called a lobby before he heard screaming and fighting outside. Fear shot through his heart and he looked outside the window. Blurs of white and black and green and brown shot through the air and raced on the ground. Pegasi and wyverns. Their marks obviously show they’re from Ylisse. he ground his teeth and pulled on his boots. In a matter of moments, the sorcerer was out of the room and down the stairs faster than a Pegasus itself. No. No one else would die at the hands of Darrian if he could help it. The image of a pretty, brown haired woman with the most beautiful green eyes flashed before his gaze, but he blinked it away. The picture of his late love made him become even angrier, and he darted outside with tome in hand.
Hissing a few words under his breath, he released Arcfire onto a wyvern rider. That didn’t necessarily take the enemy down, but the blast of flame severely hurt both mount and rider. The woman on the wyvern shrieked as the fire burned her flesh, and she turned toward him. Talbot dodged out of the way of her axe, only avoiding it by a hair’s breadth. Being hit by such a thing would hurt. He sent out an Arcwind for his next attack. The gust of air ripped the rider from her beast, sending them both tumbling backwards. The wyvern fell in such a way that it broke its neck, and the rider was crushed under the draconic beast. It was only then that he heard the man say that they should spare the mounts, and he promised himself to keep that in mind.
Talbot was jolted from his thoughts when a wave of heat smashed against his tome carrying arm. The heat soon became fire, and he screamed in agony as his flesh burned. The wind tome fell to the floor with a dull thud as he cradled his arm, glowering up at the Dark Flier than loomed over him. Yet, he didn’t need the tome- he had the specific spell for Arcwind memorized already. ”Leave me alone!” he screeched, sending another storm of air at her. The woman was basically shredded by the spell, falling off of her mount in a bloody mess of clothes and armor and flesh.
The sorcerer groaned, staggering a bit back and pulling up his sleeve to see his flesh red and blistering on his forearm and arm. Cursing Naga, Grima, and all of the gods he could think of, he ground his teeth and struggled with the pain. Damn it…

[Vincanity]

At a tree nearby the battle Neo had a few of the mounts tied up from their reins. Two pegasi and one wyvern as of right then along with Gaia, as she wasn't a warhorse. Using one hand to massage his temple Neo inwardly chastised himself for stopping and helping these people. He should have taken the quickest road out of here with Trin and Leon. They have obviously went away, since he hadn't seen them for the last minute. Hopefully they remain safe... turning back to the battle at hand he heard overlaying screaming from someone who appeared to be royalty and the female wyvern knight. She apparently had an uncanny ability to fight drunk. There was a martial art style that used this technique, Neo could remember, but he didn't think it called for actually being drunk. Shaking the thought from his head Neo found another wyvern, its owner disposed of and laying dead on the ground nearby. Approaching the beast in a soft but quick manner, Neo took hold of the reins on its side before being startled back. Ambra sat on the floor in a fetal position, reminding him too much of Trin for him to ignore.

"Milady, is this steed yours?" he asked, holding up the reins. "You were helping a young swordsman upstairs earlier, correct? I saw you rushing outside with your bow..." with the long reins in hand Neo moved to a crouching position next to Ambra, using the wyvern to block anyone's view of them from one side. Reaching out, Neo put his hand only on the woman's shoulder lightly, making sure he didn't need to resort to magic for any reason. "Are you hurt? If you need assistance, let me know. I can bring you indoors and bandage that wound for you." he spoke softly, as a father learns to do with a young daughter. His eyes continued to dart towards some of the battle that could still be seen, including the other's that seemed to indiscriminately obliterate opponents. And there goes Leon... without... Trin?

---

Leon was actually paused, watching Laius for a moment. "Hmm... and I thought I was the dick to end all dicks. I stand corrected... Not sure if that is good or bad however- oh god I'm monologuing! " he shouted to himself, turning away from the impressive large prick and heading back into the battle. With another Arcfire in hand Leon did a motion similar to a karate chop, but horizontally, causing an arc of fire to escape his hand to create a barrier between some of the fliers and the defenders. He hated that Trin jumped off somewhere in the center of the battle. Leon was an aggressive attacker on his own, however, so it was better she didn't come into the front lines with him. With a few seconds of concentration, Leon had a ball of blue flame waiting as the first Pegasus knight came over the flaming arc with an iron lance coming at him. Having Talvin turn quickly to the side Leon missed the lance but still dealt with the impact of the mount ramming into his own. At this close of a range the lance's reach meant nothing, but Leon couldn't allow an explosive blast to happen either, or he would feel the burn too. Instead he made another horizontal chop at neck level, severing and cauterizing the slice in one motion. "Whew... close one, eh Tal?" he said, both backing off from the pegasus who was very confused at its owner's sudden stillness. He gave Talvin's neck a scratch while he nickered at him in response. "Yup. Definitely."

[TwilightDragon]

The pain simply got worse and worse. It had the strength of a thousand stinging bees and a hundred raging fires. Her ears still rang, blood still flowed. Ambra whimpered and clutched at her head, begging Naga to make it stop. There had been herbs to soothe pain in her bag before, but now they were gone. Some had been external medication, and she had coated Zaino's wounds in them. The other was taken into the mouth and ingested. Why the hell did she have to be so noble? She had to start thinking about herself for once. Thinking about her own health and well being. She hoped that the kick would not make her blind as she had seen it happen before. Something about your brain. It was something about how it got hurt.
A man approached, asking if the wyvern was her steed. She forced her eye opened and looked up at him, shaking her head. From the sounds around her, it seemed that the Shepherds were winning- but that didn't mean that they were doing well. The stench of blood hung in the air like the fragrance of perfume on a harlot. Screams punctured her ears like Silver Swords. Then he asked if she needed aid.
Ambra didn't like being seen as weak. She always wanted to help and prove useful in one way or another. Whether it was through combat or medical treatment, she didn't care. But what she hated the most was when someone asked if she needed help. What we're they thinking of her? Did they think of her as weak and useless? Tears came to her eyes at that, but she blinked them away.
"Yes, I need help... please, it hurts so much..." she pleaded, pulling her hand away from her head and looking down at it. It was covered in a thin film of blood and dirt. She knew that if she bled too much, she would be done for. If she fainted, she would most likely not be able to wake up. "Hurry please... I... see black in the corners of my eyes..." she whimpered, clutching her hair now. This further agitated the gash on her temple and made her whine even more.

[phillmyster]

Phill was at a disadvantage, the pegasi and wyverns flew just above his reach, throwing javelins and unleashing magic attacks at him, Andrew galloped into an alleyway to avoid the attacks as they passed back to the stables, gaining some distance between them and the riders, but that distance would not last long. While galloping, he recognized Talbot's scream, his heart sunk, how could he be so stupid! In his thirst for fighting he left those who were weaker behind, not again, he thought “to Talbot" he told Andrew “he might need assistance".
Galloping out of the alley he saw the Stables on fire, worry sank even further, seeing the frightful scene he noticed with some relief that thankfully the horses were out and some pegasi and wyverns were... tied to a tree?.... most peculiar but, the tree scene apart, that meant Greyer most likely had escaped and let the horses out so checking on Talbot and the inn came first. Turning towards the street which lead to the inn, he saw as Talbot unleashed a powerful magic that tore a rider to pieces, but he was also in pain, his arm seriously burned, Phill stopped next to him and extended his hand "Talbot, this jackass here is offering to help " he said with a smile " let us fight together, I can't reach these bastards but, you, you can clearly destroy them, Let me be the shield while you're the sword, get on " he said with charismatic grace as more Pegasus riders and wyvern riders approached them.

[Fisk]

Silas couldn’t piece together what was going on. In one moment, he had gone from having a very good audience room to what sounded like the greatest softcore porn ever, to the noise of—Wait, fighting? Maybe a brawl started in the lobby. Or a fire?
Frustrated with himself, Silas conked himself on the forehead with his hand. Of course it wasn’t a fire, it sounded like battle. The clanking of iron, the sound of hissing wind and screeching beasts…

Silas stood up and cast away his peasant clothes, his armor being underneath it the whole time. He’d tucked the raggedy beige tunic under his scarf and couldn’t remove it, and with a frustrated swipe, he decided to let it stay there. What’s the worst a cape could do to him besides make him look cool, right? Grabbing his bow from his back, he took another quick look around the room, to see a bucket full of water. His eyes shifted back and forth, as though someone were watching, and quickly snatched it before leaving and shutting the door behind him. Maybe it was a really really weird fire.

“Ah crud, this isn’t a fire..” Silas lamented, his eyes right with fear. He looked on at the scene, as it looked as though he’d missed an entire army’s worth of corpses in this fight. Desperately, he looked around, looking for a familiar face. He couldn’t fight, not alone. He need someone—someone he knew was friendly. Even as he held his bow in his hand, his arm quivered. He had no experience with battles, and now he’s in this mosh pit of morbid violence and death. Silas ran outside, the bucket of water he was holding spilling slightly. He’d stumbled next to Talbot, although his focus was all spent on trying to fathom the chaos of this scene. “I don’t… I don’t know what to…” He whimpered, taking another look around. He didn’t end up looking Talbot’s way, however, as he caught sight of Ambra, not far off. His eyes went flush with concern and fear, seeing her head bludgeoned and bleeding. He’d seen someone come behind where she had been laying, and instinct kicked in. He dropped the bucket of water onto the ground, and dashed madly in Ambra’s direction. He didn’t know where to begin with the fight, but he’ll be damned if he didn’t try to save a friend.

Soon enough, Silas had reached the scene. His mind flashed to before, when Ambra had been sprawled on the ground, threatened by Zaino. This time, he would be quicker to the draw. Bow and arrow primed, he stared down at who he had assumed was assaulting her. Only a few moments after he’d arrived, though, his intense gaze softened, and he lowered his bow.

’ Are you hurt? If you need assistance, let me know. I can bring you indoors and bandage that wound for you.’

Shaken, he returned his arrow to its quiver, dropping his bow and kneeling down. Abandoning all of his aggression, he looked to the man, and then to Ambra. “I’m sorry, I… I thought you were going to…” Casting his gaze sideways, Armin slowly collected himself again. “Please don’t hold that moment there against me, I thought you had different intents for her..”
His composure regained, Silas sighed. He hadn’t the courage to pick a fight in the front, quite yet, so the least he could do was help his friend like he meant to. He knelt down in front of Ambra, trying to make sure she wouldn’t strain herself to look to him. “Stay still, okay, Ambra?” He spoke softly, taking a quick, wary glance to the other man before looking back to his friend. “It’s going to be alright, we’re going to help you.”

[Solace]

And once again, Xanxus found himself between the two other men, standing in a yet another awkward silence. He didn't understand why the two would suddenly grow quiet, and frankly, he had enough of it; they were starting to piss him off with that, the lot of them. He snickered at Darrian and wandered off from Lantus and his friend, running a hand through his hair as he decided to be the one to break the silence. "If you don't mind, I'll go do something."

Xanxus reached for his sword and placed it back onto its scabbard on the left side of his waist, storming out of the tent and fetching his horse. Setting himself on to the mount, he set course for the Plegian capital, eager to meet an old friend, not caring whether or not the confrontation would stain his sword tonight. Parnell, King of Plegia. "Fear is a liability in leadership. Have you learned your lesson?"

---

With the sudden influx in opposition against the Ylissean force, Zaino only grew more and more cautious about his surroundings, finding himself more on the defensive rather than the offensive. He wondered, where were the guards of the town? Were they convinced of Ylisse's "authority" in extraditing "criminals", and would lend the real enemy a hand? He raised his sword in hopes of deflecting a Pegasus Knight's dive before a blade of wind clipped the wings of his opponent's mount, prompting him to locate the source before closing in for the kill. Just then, the (other) same blue-haired woman from the inn ran towards him, advising him to take her sword and heal himself with it.

Before Zaino could respond, though, another Pegasus Knight charged in their direction and hurled a javelin straight at them. He watched as two more blades of wind stopped both the lance and enemy in their tracks, half-impressed by the display.
"I'm fine, it's better than it looks. Besides," He referred to his bandaged wounds, refusing to accept the sword and returning to finish off the Pegasus Knight from before, slashing her throat with no hesitation. He briefly turned to the blue-haired woman before returning to the heat of the battle. "I don't need your help."

[Asura]

Having sent two Ylissean scumdumpsters to their graves, Laius surveyed the battlefield once more. Didn't seem like all that many riders remained in the skies. Perhaps these ragtag scoundrels were more than mere mercenaries who decided to give these uninvited troops a proper spanking. He would have to resist the urge to defeat more of these illborn buttboils in order to understand the situation better, which likely meant talking to one of the combatants taking up arms against the coalition of pegasus knight and wyvern rider alike. Of course, there was the chance they would turn on him as well, as they seemed to be slaughtering without remorse or care, but as the prince of glorious mother Plegia, he would have to take that risk! He was almost offended that the enemy hadn't paid him much mind. Did they not understand he was their biggest threat? Capable of demolishing their unit and sending them to the afterlife with a flick of his mighty wrist? They truly were incompetent to not assault him first and foremost. They would come to regret it! Oh boy would they, once he conversed with one of mysterious group's members. A few of them were women at the very least. Very lovely women. Like the archer! One could argue the blood streaming from her skull took away from her looks, but if she survived the head wound he would definitely seek her out later! There was the wyvern rider. She seemed a tad drunk, but she was suitably bouncy and plump! The woman shooting wind from her blade, while older, also seemed rather lovely, not to mention the experience that came with women her age. Then there was the pegasus knight with the blonde hair and the bloodied lance. Hrrrrr. He would definitely give her something better to ride on than a frilly flying horse...

He was losing focus. Thoughts of jiggling bodies and aerial coitus aside, he had to get to the bottom of this skirmish! Spotting a Plegian soldier amongst the fray, he marched right up to the horse mounted man who seemed to be offering aid to the wounded. "You there, fool!" He exclaimed towards the cavalier. Surely a man of Plegian colors could explain to him what was going on. Then there was a war cry from above the duo... followed by an explosive gust of wind and a thorough splattering of blood, directed unfortunately for Phillip and his mount. At least the body of a mutilated pegasus and its master didn't crash down on him. "WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT INTERRUPTING?!" Screeched the furious prince, who returned his attention to Phillip.

"You! Explain! Who are these people, and why do they bathe my capital in the unworthy blood of Ylissean swine?" He asked, tapping his foot on the sand like a furious mother. Considering he had just executed one of the airborn knights with the wrath of a thousand suns and a well placed Rexcalibur spell, it was probably best not to piss this mother off any further with an incorrect answer.

[TwilightDragon]

The pain continued to sear up and down his arm. The Arcfire had surely caused some damage, and, even though he did not bleed, he felt as if he could die from the pain. The skin was peeling away now, and he was pretty sure that he smelled like burned sorcerer. Not a stench he would like to smell when someone announced that they were cooking dinner. What was he supposed to do now? He knew that one was to douse a burn with water, but was it hot or cold water? He remembered his mother comforting him as he scampered up, wailing, and holding a burn on his tiny finger from playing with a fire tome.
The sound of hooves rang in his ears, and he looked up to see a horse and rider. The rider, red haired and brown eyed, held out a hand toward him and offered a second seat on the saddle. Talbot didn’t refuse it. He bent down and took the Arcwind under his arm, and grabbed Phil’s arm. He pulled himself onto the horse and sat behind the cavalier. He didn’t say anything; not a thank you, or a complaint. If he were to part his lips, he would let out a groan. He made sure to keep the tome close to him, and made sure not to brush his arm against anything of the sort.
Something fell from the sky and landed on him. It was a thin substance, and he winced. For some reason he knew what it was. Ew. he winced as the wiped the blood away from his hair and clothes. He felt very clumsy, only being able to use one arm to hold his book and onto the horse. The one who attacked the Pegasus Knight was demanding information. He watched the regal man, and huffed loudly.
”We are… the Shepherds.” Talbot grunted. The sorcerer didn’t know what else to tell him. That they were just a band of… well… bandits? ”These people are chasing us. They want us dead. We’re defending ourselves.” his brown eyes watched him closely. He wore the colors of Plegia. Was he the prince…? ”Who are you?”

[phillmyster]

Phill noticed Talbot was lost in thought and pain, the burn was too severe, he had to get him to a healer, Ambra was nearest one but, where was she? Then blood splattered all over them, pissed off for the sudden blood on them Phill angrily turned towards the one responsible only to stop in sheer horror of who it was, he and Andrew quickly took a Saluting position being careful not to move so much for Talbot’s sake.
The fabulous prince exclaimed You! Explain! Who are these people, and why do they bathe my capital in the unworthy blood of Ylissean swine?
This man, the tales passed from soldier to soldier inside the military could be passed off as tall tales but, Phill and Andrew knew full well what the prince was capable of, they were anything but tall : once when Phill and Andrew were stationed in the capital, they had a report that the most beautiful women from the brothel were being held captive by a large group of slave sellers known throughout Plegia, there were 20 men settled in an abandoned farmhouse, when Phill and a small group of the guards marched to free the women, they arrived to a horrific scene, all the bandits dead, the sand wet with blood to the point of almost being mud, the farmhouse looked like the entrance to a monsters den, corpses all around, and from within, HE came out, two women wrapped firmly to his legs, dressed in fine silk, the monster known as the Prince of Plegia! My fellow Plegians, Thy Prince has freed the right then a barely surviving bandit screamed as he tried to get up, interrupting him, the next second, he was 20 feet away in pieces, the future king's face filled with anger, as I was saying, I the merciful and masculine Prince of Plegia has saved (and tasted) all these fine women Phill was speechless, all the men instantly cheered but, Phill cheered out of fear and respect for the man, he was a demi-god, if not a God outright.
Talbot asked the man who he was, Phill quickly interrupted Talbot.
“My Prince, these people are of noble and kind hearts, as you have heard, they are shepherds, they are being hunted by these Ylisean riders. This man is injured and in need of healing, please excuse us for our lack of courtesy towards your grace” then Phill whispered to Talbot with a fixed grin, "Do not piss this guy off, and for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT INTERUPT HIM"

[Rethel34]

Vellia's axe split open the skull of yet another wyvern, and as the rider, who had escaped injury thus far, attempted to wriggle free of his saddle, she swiftly decapitated him with a swift move of her axe.

Her left arm twitched again, and she felt the stinging pain course its way even further. The fang of one of the wyverns had unfortunately pierced her skin, and its venom was coursing through her veins. Though it spread, she was not worried, as not enough of it had entered her to be detrimental to her health. It would wear thin enough soon, and then she would no longer feel it.

The fliers were dwindling to the point that it was almost a strenuous hunt to find one worthy of her axe. Vellia just grinned. The battle couldn't be going better for her.

But that was just the thing.

She was one of the few who was still okay.

And she realized that when she rounded a street corner, finding a concerned man crouched over a woman who had curled herself into a ball. She ran over, clipping her axe back to her hip, and when she realized the blood on the girl's head, she turned to the man. "If you can heal her, then you'd better do it quickly, here and now. If not, then stand out of the way. She won't have much longer with an injury like that, and she needs a healer" she said bluntly.

She knelt down, ready to pick the girl up and start carrying her if necessary. "I don't want you to speak unless necessary," Vellia said to her. "It'll use too much of your energy." She pressed a gentle hand to the girl's temple to hopefully slow the blood loss. "Just don't go to sleep, for Naga's sake."

[Asura]

Laius' face would've shown disapproval, had it the ability to express anymore of that particular emotion. So these wanderers were Shepards, Ylisse's elite fighting group.. .Or formerly. Word through the grapevine had reached him on his way back to the capital. Not only was Ylisse threatening Plegia with conflict, but they had done so after purging a significant portion of their military's finest for no reason at all. They thought Gangrel was a 'Mad King'? How could one justifying such actions? Either Darrian was stupid or too caught up in his own ego to realize the faults in his ideas. How shameful for nobility to be caught up in hubris. Perish the thought. Laius would never do such a thing. The presence of these straggling Shepards did explain the presence of Ylissean troops, however. Apparently Darrian was willing to commit acts worthy of war declaration to bring these men and women to an early grave. Frankly, it worked wonders for his opinion of the group. Any way he could spite the Ylissean ruler, he most certainly would. Fly riders into his kingdom, eh? He'd learn.

"Ylissean dogs cast out and hunted by their own pack. A pack they brought to my city, endangering my people in their desperate attempts to avoid their master's wrath. Truly shameful." He lashed verbally at the burned mage. "However, as the gallant and fair Prince that I am, I could not turn away people in such desperate need for respite. Plegians are far from the barbarians you Ylissean scoundrels peg us for, after all."

Reaching into his robes, the prince removed a pouch of salve from the fine silk of his garments. He tossed it in the direction of the cavalier. "Fool! Apply this to his wounds and ensure his safety, as well as the safety of the other wounded. I shall stave off these treacherous trespassers like the common scum they are!" With that, the proud royal turned around to face the remaining sky-born infantrymen, marching off to them with tome in hand and a glorious expression of awe inspiring masculinity and dread inducing strength upon his charming features. Lightning crackling around his fingers, he shouted fourth a chant of ancient magics and released a stream of lightning from his hand, one which clipped a pegasus' wings and gained the attention of its rider, whom flew towards the prince. He responded with another bolt and a rousing "FOR PLEGIA!" To strike fear into the rider's heart as she was blown off of her steed's back and sent crashing to the earth below.