====


Pearl: Ah man… I feel great after that! He looked so happy

Cecil: Ahah, yeah. Wasn't it lovely? So, you’re the 7th platoon leader?

Pearl: Aye, that’d be I.

Cecil:…I must ask, what did you two spend time talking about? Why did he have an eyepatch?

Pearl: I punched him in the face.

Cecil:…

Pearl: It’s really squishy!

Cecil: I refuse to believe you are being serious with me right now.

Pearl: ……No I’m dead serious matey. *sigh* I’m happy he’s not mad. Please stop looking so down.

Cecil:  You don’t make the best first impressions, Commander.

Pearl: Eh, we all have our blind spots, like you lass, like damn. How did ya’ not get scared out there all by chaself? I didn’t see you in action, just holdin’ a kid.…

Cecil: There was a task on hand, and children to be saved. Of corse I’d focus all my attention on keeping that person safe.

Pearl:…If I wasn’t with my platoon I don’t think I’d act the same way. I wish I could just be as brave as ya’ by myself.…

Cecil: Well, I’m sure push comes to shove, I know you’d pull through. Your squad saved me too you know. Even down to Kat yelling. Thanks for havin’ everything so organized.…mmm………… Kat asked me to join your team actually.

Pearl: Oy! That a girl! And ye' I keep my ships tight when I do got a crew.

Cecil: Haha~ Alright I’m liking you.…yeah.

Pearl: What are you “yeahin’” about?

Cecil: …*sigh* …Sorry. I dislike others who don’t pull their weight. Everyone was just carrying off of me. It’s why I pushed a wall on top of them all. I was just…mad at them. They should care about becoming a knight.

Pearl: Well mate, if ya be lookin’ for a motive my platoon is full of em’

Cecil: Run them through me one by one?

Pearl: Well there’s Kat. She want’s a good home because her old one is bad… There’s Rody who really really just wants to “be” a knight. He gets on my donkey a lot about not lookin’ knightly around others, but he's perfect honestly. Best knight who ever knight. Trust the bloke with my life. There’s Ryan who’s like…his brother’s was in the last war with Marth. He really wants to be like him, and he’s been knowin' a lot of the teachers personally. There’s …Luke……I don’t know his motive. He’s a bit of a donkey too to me, but I only recently found out that he’s just jokin’. So pay no heed to his squaks.

Cecil: Does he care about being here?

Pearl: Luke? Nha, nha, nha. He cares he cares…I don’t doubt that for a second.…least not any more. He was the first to yell at Kat when she was too scared to go out there and tried to get us all not to go out and save cha’. He loves this kingdom.

Cecil: Alright~…You think I could see your team then? I think i’d be more comfortable making my choice then.

Pearl: Oy!~

``` • • • ```

Pearl: Ahoy!!! I brought a friend!
Cecil: Hey~ Don’t mind me, just want to poke around and leave. I got a date tonight.

Rody: Evening commander.
Pearl: Evening. At ease, all that. We call this bloke Rody, Cecil.
Rody: Good evening then to the both of you.
Cecil: A good one it is, Sir Rody.

Ryan: Hey Pearl!
Pearl: Ryan!! This be Ryan the archer.
Cecil: Hey little tike, how are you?
Ryan: I’m not that little!!

Luke: Sup.
Pearl: Sup, this be Luke -
Luke: The Paladin of Dawn~
Cecil: More like Paladin of Snore.
Luke: OOF, must all fine ladies carry such finer blades?

Merric: One moment, let me finish this page.
Athena: Vechnov.
Pearl: Hello! And sure take ya' time. This is Milk-rick and Athena! Our teachers. I’m pretty sure Athena just said “hello” by the-

Pearl: ……

*Merric closed his book and stood up to speak.*

Merric: I’m so sorry to pop in unannounced like this, Commander Pearl. I hope you don’t mind–

*Pearl already turned around and ran out the door.*

Athena: Tiny can not run from Pover!

*Athena sprinted past Cecil as Cecil held the wall. She looked back at the group.*

Rody: That, that, that almost worked?!
Luke: One of us needed to close the door after she came in. Dude, you said it yourself, she hasn’t change since day one.

Cecil:… Can someone tell me what is happening?

Luke: Pearl thought she forgot to share something today when we were holding our breaths to hear it. She thought we’d forget, but I sure didn’t~

Cecil: From a source I can actually trust.

Merric: I came to apologize to her since I scared her. I nearly attacked her, you see.

Ryan: That and what Luke said. She said she’d show us something that was bothering her but she never did. We want to make sure everything is crystal clear, because that’s what Athena said we should do. This was my idea.

Cecil:…Can I sit back and watch the lightshow with you all then? I’m debating if I should join or not. This might cut down on some awkwardness later down the line.

Merric: I mean…I hope the situation does not escalate, but you may, so long as she’s comfortable with you.

Cecil: I think she is~

Rody: There’s room on my bunk, you can sit next to me.
Cecil: Ah! how kind, thank you.

Ryan: See, that’s how you "get ladies". You be nice to them and don't act like a jerk.
Luke: I get all the ladies with these stunning looks.

*Cecil smacked Luke’s head as she sat with Rody.*

Rody: Haha! I’ve been waiting to do that. Thank you.
Luke: . . . OW? Why you do that?

Cecil: Pearl told me you were a donkey and I was in the mood to smack some –

Pearl: Athena no!
Athena: "Athena" yes!!

*The group saw Athena walking into the room while holding Pearl by her legs. Pearl clung onto the door frame for dear life and Athena was stuck tugging on her.*

Pearl: No! You can’t make me go back in there!
Athena: It just Snov Veasel! No Vrys! Safer! Snove Veasle can not hurt insect, or crybaby! Like you!
Pearl: NO!! NO! NO! NO! NO!!! YOU LIE!! YOU LIED TO ME! LET GO OF ME!!!
Athena:  HOV DARE YOU. VE NEVER LIE! NOT HONOR!

Merric: Miss Athena, Why is she screaming like that? She sounds horrified!
Athena: Ve don’t knov. Scared of Vrys  so ve bring only you. Old man sleep nov at hour.
Merric: “Vrys”?
Rody Luke n Ryan: Father Wrys.
Merric:…and who is the "Snow weasel"?
Athena: You.
Merric: …

*He did his best to not show his resting bitch face as he walked around and tried to talk calmly to Pearl as he kneeled in front of her.*

Merric: Commander, It’s alright, I won’t –

Pearl: EEP!

*She covered her face with her arms, then Athena was able to pull her up and put her into the room. Pearl tried to scramble away but Athena grabbed the back of her shirt but Pearl continued to struggle.*

= = = = = = = = =

MEME: https://78.media.tumblr.com/f84c64aba48e09524e4e2417fccfa416/tumblr_oxjjeq1RP71u8wfz9o4_540.gif

= = = = = = = = =

Athena: Voman no matter how much you try you cannot escape ve cold iron grasp.

*Pearl then started to take off her clothes just to try to escape said grasp*

Athena: NO VEARL, KEEP ON.

Luke: Oh yes, please do “keep on” going~

 Merric: ……

*There was a sudden banging on the door. The heavy door rattled but hardly swayed as the thick door masked the voice.*

Guard(?): What’s going on in there!?

Merric: Nothing!

Guard(?): I heard screaming and then saw Athena dragging Pearl!! Are they causing trouble again!? Open the door, NOW!!

*The rather aggressive banging continued as Merric glanced back at everyone. He left the group to talk too the worried guard. The thick doors prevented them from overhearing, but everyone heard muffled of a frantic man and calming Merric going back and forth in whispers. The room was frozen in time. Merric silently walked back into the room and softly closed the door behind them, with no guard following them. He walked to Pearl and took a very light breath from his nose.*

Merric:... I am not going to hurt you, so please, tell me, why are you scared of me? It must be something grander than what happened earlier today.

Pearl:.... Y-ye' were going to attack me be-e-e-ecause of my eyes.

Merric: But your eyes look perfectly fine.

Pearl: ... Rody, remember when we were talking on the field and I said I could still see with me eyes close?

Rody: Yes...It’s how you were able to see the town too, right?

Pearl:....

Pearl:....

Pearl:....

Athena: Pretty no?

Rody: Oh so... that’s how your able to see?
Ryan: (That’s... a little creepy...) Is that it?
Cecil: Your magic just does that to your eyes?

Luke: What Ryan said. Wow, that was anticlimactic. I thought the secret was going to be bigger!  Well, I guess not cause, you’re tiny.
Pearl: S-scupper that mouth of yours Luke!

Athena: Merric vhat you think? Pretty like moon, yes?

Merric:....

Merric: (They look... almost like... the twisted... soul corrupted... Garneff.... all that’s missing is…… the tint...)

Athena: Merric?

Merric:... Pearl.  What a lovely shade of white. I wonder, does it turn into other colors?

Pearl: Nope!

Merric: Are you sure?

Pearl: Well I haven’t seen it, but I’ve been told it turns red sometimes.

Merric: ...

Pearl: why ye’ ask- ....

Merric: ……

Pearl: NO DON’T HURT ME! I WON’T HURT ANY OF YOU!! I PROMISE!!! PLEASE DON’T KICK ME OUT! I I LOVE IT HERE! NOOO!!! ILL CLEAN UP I PROMISE I BANKED SO MUCH ON THIS NO! NO!!!

*The violent bangs on the door until both flung wide open with the thick wood around the lock snapping*

Cain: MAAAAARRIC!!!!

Merric: Cain! Everything’s FINE!

Cain: EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE! STOP HARASSING MY STUDENTS! GET OUT OR I’M THROWING YOU OUT THE DOOR!

Merric: Your just making this all worse. I’m not-

Merric: H-HAAA PUT ME DOWN!!
*Cain advanced forwarded and grabed his robes and threw him out of the room. Cain marched out to make sure he’d stay out.*

Merric: I-

Cain: GET OUT!

*They all heard footsteps running away from the door on the tile.*

Cain: ATHENA–

*Athena didn’t even think as she ran to the nearest window, opened it, and jumped out. Cain marched in right after*

Cain: WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE STUDENTS-... where is she?

Cecil: She jumped out the window, sir.

Cain: Did she take Pearl?

Cecil: No, she’s hiding under our bed, sir.

Cain: Commander, front and center!!

*Ryan, Luke, Rody and Cecil jumped as pearl hit her head on the bottom of the bunk they where all cowering on. Pearl scrambled out like the rat she was.*

Pearl: YES SIR!

Cain: You will never be kicked out because of the type of powers you have. Only on your merit! Do I make myself clear?

Pearl: YES SIR.

Cain: Dismissed.

Pearl: Wait sir! We need a door sir!

Cain: Huh?

Pearl: Kat! She likes the door closed sir! She can’t sleep otherwise, sir!

*Cain looked back at the door confused as he saw the damage he did. Mumbling to himself, he went over and tried to close it, but then the door fell off it’s hinges and fell on the floor with a slam making all the junior knight men in the room, along with pearl, gasp and jump up. Cecil was more so in awe with his power as if this was exactly what she was told what would happen.*

Cecil: Sir, I got an Idea.

*She grabbed a blanket off of the bed and pulled out the sword she was carrying and offered them to them. Cain looked at both, but only took the blanket. He marched out, then they heard a few clanks as he ripped a mace off of one of the display armor sets outside, then walked back in. He got ready to swing as he threw up the blanket into the air.*

Cain: GHAAAA!!

*Cain smashed the mace into the wall wile pinning the blanket in place. He then took Cecil’s sword  and sliced the blanket in half, allowing others to walk through. Now they had a makeshift door. He handed back the sword once his handiwork was done.*

Cain: Good?

Pearl: Perfect!

Cain: The staff shouldn’t harass you like that. If that happens again you have the right to tell them to leave. Is that clear to all of you?

Rody n’ Luke: Yes sir.
Ryan: ……

Cain: Good night then.

*Cain walked out*


Pearl: …*sniff*……

Ryan: I-…I’m sorry I just…………I was trying to help.

Pearl: W-…well……I-im not scared they’ll kick me out now! A-ahaha!  Thank you Ryan! Cha’ the best!!! BAHAHAHAH!!

Ryan: ……Huh?……

Cecil: (Is this woman for real!? She just bounced back from that and she’s laughing! Man I LOVE how psyched she is!! What a go-getter!)

Rody: (Pearl’s horrifying, how is she laughing after that?!)

Ryan: (…Is she still even mad?…I-…I can’t tell…I’m scared…I hope everything’s alright in the morning.)

Luke: (…Well she looks happy. And what Cain did was pretty metal. So I guess it all evens out.)

Pearl: (NO ONES SCARED! IM SO HAPPY!)

*Just then, the blankets started to move. To not scare the new guest, Pearl swiftly secluded herself to the corner of the room: just making her bed and tending to her gear so they wouldn’t be startled by her condition, which was a good move given who just walked in.*

Katarina: Oh my goodness, I love the new door! It feels so mystical! But guys, are we allowed to use that mace? I remember it from the hallway.…
Oh, uh – I’m getting distracted. Do any of you have a basket? I want to carry a bunch of carrots for all the horseys and I can't find – Oh, Cecil! What are you doing here?!

Cecil: Checking out my new room!

Katarina: Oh, you're deciding to stay with me?!

Cecil: Yeah, you guys are so lively. I love it!

Katarina: I’m so happy! Commander, did you hear that?! I got another one!

Pearl: Oy!~

Katarina: Let me help you move in! I can carry a whole chest full of things in one run now!

Cecil: …Wait, hold on, that’s more than I can lift! How? You said you don't do combat!

Rody: Training for combat and training to do chores workouts different parts of the body. However there is overlap.

Luke: Please, anyone can lift a chest. That’s hardly impressive.

Ryan: I uh…I can pull really well if that means anything.

Luke: That’s hardly impressive too.

Katarina: Oh no, he can pull REALLY well. The window was jammed when I was cleaning today and he got the thing wide open.

Luke: I bet I could do that. That's nothing. Little Ryan can't be stronger than me.

Ryan:……… Hey Pearl?

*Pearl glanced from her work.*

Pearl: Oy.

Ryan: C-…I’m asking as you as a commander because you’re in c-charge but…can I challenge Luke?

Pearl: Funk yeah, knock some sense into the landlubber!

Katarina: W-w-w-w-wait no please don’t beat up one another!

Cecil: Little man got BIG GUTS!! I LOVE THIS!

Luke: OHO!? This is an unexpected turn of events! What compelled you to challenge the likes of me?

Ryan: ……Let's go with "a lot of reasons".

Luke: So the little Robbin thinks they can fly with a hawk. Alright, what's your challenge?

Ryan: Pull. Who can pull the best! We have t-to find something we can pull that can't move though?

Cecil: Kat, you want to hold off cleaning my room out? I want to watch this.

Katarina: I-i want to stay to make sure everything's okay too. We can't brake any r-rules…

Rody: As do I. I'm sure if we travel as a team we'll be just okay, however. Perhaps our teachers could give us something to settle the duel. Commander, are you coming with us?

Pearl: Nah. I'll clean up Cecil's room for her. Rody- 'scuse me. Roderick, I'm puttin' cha' in charge in me leave. I trust ye' the most. Command the helm well.

Rody: !
Cecil: Oh, then my room is-

Pearl: I know where ya' sleep. I know where everyone sleeps. Just throw me ya' key.

Cecil: That's …disturbing.

Pearl: Blame my "Moon cursed" eyes.

Rody: Speaking of, may you use your moon eyes to find one of our instructors so that we're not meandering around aimlessly?

Pearl:……Kat, how spooked of you by "spooky" things?

Katarina: Hardly at all.

*Pearl cocked her eyebrows up at that response.*

Pearl: Always did like the cut of your jib, mate.……

Pearl: ……Try the basement floors. I see a real big fat cat there.

Ryan: Alright! Let’s seize the day!

Luke: It’s night, Ryan the Lucky.

Ryan: Lucky?

Luke: Yeah, because you’re going to need ALL the luck you can get to beat me!

```• • •```

Cecil: Did your commander said who she found exactly?

Rody: No, just a “fat cat”... I hope she wasn’t literal.

Cecil: Speaking of, what’s your commander like, now that she’s not here. I want to hear from you guys just so that I know what I’m getting myself into.

Rody: My, you were so excited to join not to long ago, yet have second doubts now?

Cecil: Not second doubts, but I do want to hear what I’m about to get myself into, Roderick.

Katarina: Y-you w-word that so negatively! Don’t be scared! The commander is so nice! She helps me get stronger even if I don't fight and we studying together!

Luke: Yeah, and I keep thinking your going to burn my bed down with that floating fireball you use as a lamp. I can hardly get any sleep.

Cecil: What do you think of her then, Luke?

Luke: ... Mmm... she’s pretty terrible~

Cecil: Damn, that’s strong wording. Why’s that?

Ryan: Ignore him. That’s just his nickname for them.

Ryan: I think she’s great! We spend a lot of time together and she loves hearing my stories about my brother! We also like playing board games together too. She also likes listening me talk about my bow. And she knows cool magic. She just likes to listen a lot!

Rody: Your tune of her sure has change, what about the insident that happened just yesterday with your brother and Jeorge?

Ryan: I mean anyone can mess up. I-I was gonna mess up... too when you said I-I wasn’t a good leader. But then Pearl believed in me... I don’t know, sorry. I’ll stop talking.

Rody: I'm sorry Ryan, I spoke out of line then. I shouldn't have doubt your ability.

Ryan: ....

Rody: What are your thoughts on Master Merric's "corruption" however? That…that's bothering me still...

Katarina: Corruption?

Rody: Merric had a thousand yard stare in his eyes when he saw Pearl's moon eyes. Did any of you saw that too?……

*Ryan was still feeling guilty over for what he did to Pearl. he slowed down so he was trailing behind the pack to stay out of the conversation, but kept up with them.*

Luke: Yeah it was a little too hard not to spot.

Rody: How can you not think ill of her then after that? To cause such a great man to lock up like that.…

Luke: Great man? I'm taking one from apparently "Pearl's" book from what you told me. The man did nothing for me.

Rody: Merric – saved – Altea  – with Marth – Luke.  He did something for all of us here.

Luke: Well is it wrong that I'm trusting Cain over some book worm? We just met the guy.

Katarina: Professor Merric was in the room and saw her eyes I take it?

Rody: Yes it was……my idea.

Luke: What you taking credit for Ryan's idea for?

Rody: Apparently I'm default second in command when Pearl is not around and I okayed us cornering her like that. The burden shouldn't be just on Ryan. It's a weight we carry together.

*After hearing that, Rody heard the patter of Ryan's footsteps to catch up to the gang. They both looked at one another, and once again smiled at one another. The broken ground was quickly recovered.*

Katarina: …mmm…I can see how he was scared then… maybe…

Rody: You've been studying the greats from the Shadow war, correct?

Katarina: Oh, a bit more than just "study"! Ever since it ended, I've been reading all their tales!

Rody: May you fill us in? Especially for Luke the Clueless.

Luke: It's the Pal-

Rody: Yeah, yeah.

Katarina: Professor Merric is Marth's childhood friend. His skill  in magic was quickly recognized and he was allowed  to study in this castle to start his training. After his gifts were seen fully he was taken off to Khadein, the city of magic. In the desert north of here if I recall correctly. From what stories I read of him he was so brave in combat, never faltering to fear and valiantly going alone to face it's dangers. He was the only one to battle Gharnef, the evil wizard whom was trying to revive Medeus and keeping the one tool away from Marth that can kill his dark king, the Falchion. I even heard that he danced toe to toe with Medeus himself when he turned into THE shadow dragon before Marth was able to get the final blow and stop him from taking over the world. So to me, if there's any man whom know what "corruption" looks like, it would be a man who fought it face to face. Maybe there is something wrong with her…however, I'm not going to give up on her. But you're free to your own opinion.

Luke: ………mmngg…I'm having second doubts now. I mean I'm sure Cain saw corruption too…and what Jagen told us the whole "let anyone in"…but what is up with her then?

Ryan: ………That kinda explains how she was singing about murder so happily.………

Cecil: Would Marth fall into that category as well, Katarina?

Katarina: Oh but of corse.

Cecil: ………Have any of you all heard the news between Pearl and I then?

Katarina: No, what?

Cecil: Marth wanted us to be his royal guards if we passed our tests, and we both agreed.

Katarina: …*GASP*…

Luke: ……Phshahaha, shows what I know then!

Ryan: …Wow……

Rody: …You are to tell me how that happend, right this second.

Cecil: Certainly!~

\=\

Cecil: ……Marth even handed over the eyepatch at the start of the conversation.

Rody: …So Marth already knew she was trouble but let her in anyway?

Cecil: Yes.

Rody: That's a much different mental image I had of Marth then. I'm…partly grateful that I am wrong, just so that I could learn the truth of what type of man Marth is.

Cecil: What did you see him as before?

Rody: From the sounds of it, me and Katarina have the same mental image. Even with all the stories I heard from Ryan, I viewed him as a powerful and unstoppable leader.

Cecil: Well… I think you can still view him as one. What he did to protect us all has not changed. He still needs us, and he really tries to bring the best out of everyone he meets. Given how Pearl acts from little I have seen of her, maybe he just wishes to keep her "extra close" so that she doesn't scare anyone ever again.

Rody: …haha……Well we did stop Merric from seeing him so maybe if we didn't things would have been calmer……I hope I get to see Marth one day then.

Cecil: I'm sure you will, especially if I stick around. So Sir Roderick~ What do you think of your commander?

Rody: It’s Rody.

Cecil: But I heard your commander correct herself with that name and I felt you get happier.

Rody: It’s still complicated with how I feel for her and I’d rather not get into that now, but as for my name? That’s more straightforward. I’ve been told countless times that I take everything too seriously ever since I was little. So hearing a nickname reminds me to take my edge off. I thought it was silly at first but it helps a bit...

Luke: I gave him that plan and name!

Rody: *Sigh*, it was either that or “Rodster” and I knew what nick name you’d given me right after that. I chose the lesser of two evils.

Cecil: What’s the name?

Rody: “Rodster the Lobster”

Luke: OOPH! That’s a good one! I think it can work with Rody too.

Rody:.. What have I done?

Luke: You played ya’self, again, Rody the Lobster~

Rody: Why do you have to compare me to a crustacean?! Their so meek!

Ryan: I heard that their claws are really tough.
Rody: Oh yeah? From whom?
Ryan: The commander.
Rody: Of course you did.

Luke: We can change it, then just give me a second to think.
Rody: Please do so.
Luke: how about Rody the Frustrated Clownfish!
Rody: Let’s just stick with “Lobster” then, Luke.

Katarina: I don’t know about you guys but I think an "R" starting name and Lobster go pretty well together. They sound powerful… like they’d able to crush any forces that stand in their path.
Rody: Well if my “R” name doesn’t make the cut, then what other name could I have?
Katarina:... What about... "Ryoma the Lobster"?
Rody: Too foreign.

Cecil: Well, I think Rody sounds perfect. And I think Roderick gives off its own powerful air to it. Be proud in it like I am in my strength.

Rody: Thank you, Cecil. I really do appreciate that.

*There was someone trailing the group whom just suddenly spoke up.*

Ogma: Hey.

Rody: AH!!
Cecil: EEK!!
Luke: AHG!?
Ryan: AHH!!

Katarina: *Gasp*... That’s Ogma... oh my gosh...he’s so much cooler in person then in the books.

Rody: Wait, that’s what Ogma looks like?

Ogma: What'd you expect Caeda's bodyguard to look like? A cow?

Rody: I-

Ogma: If you respond to that I’m gonna knock your teeth out boy. The hell you kids doing down here? You better not be messing up any equipment for the other chicks in this coop.

Rody: What? No never! We were looking for someone to challenge.

Ogma: Challenge?....

Ryan: I-I challenged m-my friend Luke t-that uh-... to see who can pull th-the s-strong-

Ogma: Okay. Shut up,  and follow me then.

Ryan...


*Ogma took the gang to a storage room that was in disarray with a mix of piles of training equipment, silverware that was half destroyed still from the raid and kegs for fermented alcohol. Draug was trying to get everything organized and had their backs turned to them. Ogma held the door open as he let everyone walk in.*

Ogma: Hey, I got more men to help us get organized for the practical exam in a few weeks.

Rody: Wait, we didn’t agree to that.

*Ogma already locked the door on all of them and pocketed the key*

All:....

Draug: Bah! Ogma don’t scare them like that!

Cecil: Draug!!

Draug: HAHA there’s my one warrior wonder! How are ya!

Cecil: I’m not that any more! I got myself a team!.

Draug: Baahah! That’s great!  Lucky them! Carry them hard!

Katarina: Do you need any help you with your gear? You look over encumbered.

Draug: I could use a few hands yes. Thank you, Squire.

Katarina: uh... what’s a squire?

Draug: Wow you don’t know that? Man we do need those lessons! A squires a trainee knight who just waddles around being the big guy and helps tend to their gear before their ready to do proper training. Their normally little runts, not grown men and women like you lot. But the helps always welcome!!

Rody: That’s strange...

Luke: nah it isn’t, I was a squire for my brother before- eh... got tired of me.

Ryan: and I tryed to be that for my brother before he told me and my family to go in hiding for a while.

Rody: I see, then why aren’t doing the same for the knights here?

Draug: Simple their not enough knights!! That’s why we’re just trying to get more at mass.

Katarina: The war took so much away didn’t it?

Draug: Lost a lot of good buddies out there, yeah. I’m grateful my best bud Cain was able to live through that, but even he has a few nicks in his armor. If you see him off hours share the love with him alright? I don’t want his flame going out.

Luke: You sure about hat Bud- I mean Sir? Sir Cain just smashed an mace into our wall, picked up a teacher and threw them out, and made Athena jump out a window. Not in that order.

Cecil: And it was awesome!
Luke: Yeah!

Draug: Why in the Altea is he going around doing that?

Ryan:...

Rody: I was trying to get our commander to open up to something they wouldn’t share and I asked some instructors to come to our room. That uh... let’s just say some things escalated since she thought she was being kicked out of the castle.

Draug: “She”? Who’s your commander?

Rody; Pearl, were from the 7th platoon, sir. I'm Rody and these are my platoon members; Ryan and Luke.

Draug: Up! NOW I know who you all are!! YOU'RE the ones who saved the village an’ my Cecil? I couold care less for that Rat eatin' pearl but ah, what the heck! I’ll pour you all a shot to celebrate life! Squire! Get the glasses, ones no bigger than your eye!!

Katarina: Yes sir!

Rody: To celebrate what?

Draug: You all saved that village and my prized trainees' life!

Rody: You seem to play favorites a lot.…

Cecil: If it wasn't for his help I wouldn't be here right now, Rody. I hope I do keep making him proud.

Luke: Uh, not to be a debby downer, cause I – Luke the Paladin of Light – are not one, but aren’t we all too young to drink? I thought Pearl was the only one of age.

Ryan: My brother wouldn’t be too happy if he hears I was drinking.…

Ogma: Then how about you two have your little competition by pulling out those swords from the pile over there and stacking them on the wall. Sort the gear. And you both better not cut yourselves or I'll be cutting you, you hear me?

Luke n Ryan: Y-yes Sir!

Rody: I…

Draug: Bha, one baby shot wont kill ya!

*Katarina was able to give Draug the drinks he requested and Draug rummaged around in is own inventory till he pulled out a dusty bottle of meed, fill up the shot glass, and handed it to Rody. As he went to pour another glass he froze when he heard the drink being spilled to the ground.*

Draug: Why are you spilling my blood on the floor?

Rody: I'm underaged.

*Draug waved him off*

Draug: Bha! By what? A year? You're too much like Able.You rule stickler.

Rody: …That and it's also, It's for the rats.

Draug: The rats!?

Rody: Why yes, Sir Draug, I'm not thirsty, and we need to catch some for Pearl to eat later!

Draug; BHAAAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

*Draug swiftly caught Rody in a head lock and was pointing at him as he presented his catch to Ogma.*

Draug: Ogma! I like this guy!

Ogma: You should stick some poison in those rats while your at it.

*Rody quickly was able to power out of Draug's headlock from shear willpower after hearing someone threaten one of his platoon members.*

Rody: What did you just jest?

Ogma: I jest –

Rody: That's what I mean. Hence why I didn't say "Say".

Ogma: …Hey Draug, can I still knock out this guy's teeth? Bastard still sounds like able.

Draug: Rody Rody, ignore him. He dislikes her.

Rody: To my knowledge, you two never met, so–

Ogma: To my knowledge, you stood in front of her when she was about to spit on Caeda.

Ceil: Wow, she was going to do that? That sounds almost worse then the face punch.

Ogma: Who'd she punch.

Ceil: uh-

Ogma: Who'd she punch?

Cecil: Marth?

Draug n Ogma: . . . .

Cecil: She doesn't make the best first impressions?

*Ogma got over his shock, stood up, and walked to the weapon's rack Ryan and Luke were sorting out. He picked up a axe and rested it on his shoulder. He then went to grab his keys from his pocket to walk out.*

Draug: Wait where are you going?

Ogma: To have a "chat" with her.

Rody: Why are you bringing an axe then?!

Ogma: Because I have many questions to "axe" her, and I don't want a door standing between us.

Rody: We don't have a door!

Ogma:……I'm still bringing the axe.

Rody: You don't even know what dorm she's in!

Ogma: I know where she sleeps. I know where everyone in this damn castle sleeps.

Rody: Do…you have cursed eyes?

Ogma: I'm cursed myself to never sleep boy. Helps with my job.

Rody: That…does not sound healthy.

Ogma: I don't need your pity.

*Ogma turned around to not humor him any more  to exit the room, but Rody stood inbetween him and the door.*

Rody: No, I'm not having you hurt her. She is in no condition to deal with you right now, Sir Ogma.

Ogma: What if I told you she was going to kill everyone in this room boy?

Draug: E-EH EH UH …UH…

Ogma: What? I'm no knight like you. I'm not bound to your honor or policies, so I'm speaking my mind.

Cecil: Wait…what's going on?

Ogma: Pearl's a killer, and someone needs to keep her in line to keep her from hurting otheres.

Ryan: Wait what?

Luke: You're talking bull.

Katarina: . . . . What…makes you say that?

Ogma: You can see it in their eyes with someone's intent. I may have never met her but how'd you think Caeda can read people so well? It wasn't something her father taught her, that's for damn sure. She told me her eyes were harden and cold of a killer's. It's why she goes crazy when Pearl gets all happy. It's her not being that old self any more.

Rody: Yet you're willing to go confront her with an axe and jeopardize all the progess?

Ogma: Because she's taking swings at Marth, someone I was ordered to protect with my life by Caeda back during the war, and those orders still stand. That and I got another reason.

Rody: Oh, share then. Please, I implore you.

Draug: Ogma, you really going to blow your load over a twerp? Knock it out.

Ogma: …………………Some pressures are just too great.

Draug: You're unbelievable.

Ogma: Say that I had insider info saying that she was actually going to harm the royalty, but not only that, but every teacher you have met so far. Speaking purely hypothetical. Would you move out of the way for me to go and beat her back in line?

Rody: …………That sounds to exact to be hypothetical.

Ogma: Believe my words or not, but someone needs to teach her a lesson. Surely you feel the same about her, right?

Rody: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rody: …No.

Ogma: Huh?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2scO50AP6U&ab_channel=BrawlBRSTMs3X

Rody: Jagen told me that Prince Marth excepted people, regardless of their background to help them with his cause. "Overcoming status and position; being able to fight together as equals" as he said.  One day, I want to become a fully fledge knight to protect Altea. I feel that then I can not abandon Pearl's guidance regardless of how scrupulous she is. For she gives me respect. She gives me time to talk things through. She's an oddball and impulsive, for sure, but she'd never abandon me on the field. She'd give her life for me, and I'll do so in return. That's all I can ask of a commander, and that's all I can give that would be equal to her contribution to my cause: of becoming a knight for Marth. I think she'll always wear her heart on her sleeve. So when push comes to shove, here's where my cards lay. I will not let you pass.

Ogma: Then I'm going through you, because your far too idealistic to see the truth. She's playing you like a fool.

*Rody held out his hand to Luke, and his old friend didn't even need a spoken order. Luke pulled out a sword from the pile and tossed it over to Rody. He then held the sword to Ogma with the tip right in his face.*

Rody: Then I recommend you not charge on ahead because regardless of your reputation – I have the weapon advantage in this situation. May a fool I shall be, but I'm a fool with honor. For a true knight always guards the honor of fellow knights!

Ogma: . . .

*Ogma was dumbfounded, and the only sound that was heard in the room was Draug in the back giving Rody a slow but well earned clapping applause. Rody couldn't help but shoot a smirk to Draug before he locked back at Ogma. He was encouraged to keep going*

Rody: Pull out your keys–

Ogma: You're giving damn orders to me??

*The clapping increased in speed.*

Rody: Pull out, your keys. And give them, to me. Then go finish the job you forced Luke and Ryan to do. I'm going to unlock this door. I'll throw back you the keys. And we'll be on our way.

*Grumbling, he dug through his pocket and aggressively slapped them in Rody's hand. Everyone could hear Draug let out a low bellowing chuckle.*

Ogma: I'm only doing this because I'm this impressed with your swagger.

*He walked past and the whole gang ran over to his side.*

Luke: Good one, bro.

Cecil: Wow… that was impressive.

Katarina: Oh my goodness, Rody I didn't know you had it in you to do that.

Ryan: …You're so cool……

Rody: Let's head back to the room and help Cecil move in. You said you had a date tonight, right?

Cecil: Haha, with Kat! Just to help tend to the horses.

Rody: Then we should deffently be on our way, it's almost curfew. Everyone, let's seize the night!

Everyone: YEAH!

*After Rody unlocked the door he tossed back the keys as the gang ran past. He stopped and saluted to Ogma and then ran to keep up with everyone.*

Ogma: ………………… Draug, was Abel this unlikeable?

Draug: What are you talking about? Rody's his own beast! hahaha! What a great knight he'll be! Damn Cain, you're doing one FINE a job at teaching them.

```• • •```

Pearl: WOW! And that's what happened when ya'll went away!?

Rody: Haha, yeah. It was an eventful night.

Pearl: What compelled ye to do that matey?

Rody: I…honestly tried to think what you'd do in that situation. Pulling a sword on Ogma, threaten him even though he could easily bend me over like paper, not caring about his rank,… if I just acted as myself I would have been too scared and bended to his will. It was…so thrilling to do. Is that how you feel when you do it? Sorry, is that embarrassing to say?

Pearl: No not at all I – yeah it feel like that when it works for ye' favor……It hurts every other time……but uh' uh-……I've been tryin' to copy ya' a lot too.

Rody: Really?…

Pearl: Yeah, just over time. hearin' ya talk so proper. I-i, yeah, I try to blend in a lot. So I've been tryin' to talk and act like ya' ……AND I KNOW…I know I don't do the best job. But I'm tryin' to do that job. That's what it count. You keep people calm. Athena's spiff an' Marth's plite may be somthin' I do by myself …but everythin' else? I aim for the best whenever I try to do somthin' spi' I only try to copy the best people. To me ye'  be the best knight who ever knighted. And if ye' want I see if I can pull some strings after hearin' ye' honest report to me about every detail about what just happen' –

Rody: Strings? Slow down, Commander. You're talking in circles and stuttering.

Pearl: Hehe…sorry. I'm excited.

*She took a deep breath*

Pearl: Next chance I get, I'll push Marth to get a third royal guard seat, with ye' name on it.

Rody: …I……

Pearl: And I be REALLY good at nudging people,~

Rody:…For me?…

*Pearl looked up to the ceiling in thought as she tried to gather the right words*

Pearl: ……"That's all I can give that would be equal to em' contribution to my cause"………I'd……I'ma be honest. I would have given up my spot for ya if I didn't "need" it. So let me see if I can force my way through this and give ye' what ya' "need" too.

Rody:…Thank you, Pearl. So much.…I'm speechless.

Pearl: Speechless? But ya still be yappin', Rody the Lobster~

Rody:……………We had a beautiful moment, and you just go and ruin it.

Pearl: I couldn't help it. It was too open of a window.

Rody: Well then I'll shove you out the said window. Hold still.

Pearl: Oy! Gotta catch me first!!

Rody: Hey get back here! Haha!



= = = = = 5.2 = = = = == =


Marth: Merric! There you are! I’ve missed you so much!

Merric: Hello Marth it’s good to see you.…

Marth: Good heavens you look out of breath. What happened.

Merric: Well………There’s a lot to catch up on, but Marth above all else I need to ask a few questions before we dive into our small festivities.  It’s for your protection.

Marth: Very well, I’m listening…

Merric: Have you interacted with anyone named Pearl.

Marth: Yes.

Merric: Were you isolated with them for a long period of time?

Marth: Yes.

Merric: She attempted to curse you? You– now that I say this I don’t think you’d be aware… I need to check.

Marth: I was aware she attempted to cast a spell on me. And keep in mind you are the only one to know this. She claimed it “backfired” on her. Have you talked to the others about her I take it?……

Merric: Right……right…backfire…strange…then maybe……Ah, oh I came right to you so no, after–well I talked to the one named Athena and Gordin’s little brother. Nice…nice kid~…b-but……Sorry I’m in disarray. Cain just yelled at me to leave her alone. Ryan was his name wanted me to talk to her because they didn’t know what eyes she had…I’m messing up the order… Her eyes looked identical to Gharnef's  and also his subordinates; heretic bishops that I encountered back in Khadein…I’m sorry I’m late over that, ha…hah……

Marth: H…Heretics? Let’s …please. Let’s share openly from the start. I trust you can be my confidant with my interactions with her. Let me do the same.

Merric: I wasn't yours before, Marth?

Marth: Hoho…ha……ah……Is it embarrassing to say “no” to that question? I never wanted to burden you, Merric…I’m honestly glad you’re here. Your expertise is needed now more than ever with the situation we’re all caught in.

Merric: Well you always kept everything in, so I’m not shocked. And …maybe back then – looking at everything that was happening – I think seeing your weight would have made me more panicked. But now? Marth, always be open with me. We’ve been friends for years, even if we’ve been distant. My schooling will be done soon and I can come back home. I feel the passive stress in your breath as we talk…and I thought I was worked up.
Looks like you’re still good at holding it in.

Marth: ……

Merric: ……… I’m sorry I added more weight on your back with how disorganized I came to you. Please, ease your load. Tell me what’s on your mind first.…We can have this trust, right?

Marth: Without a second thought. I’m sorry I hesitated. I never once shared sensitive topics like this. Let me catch you up with everything so far with everything I know about this one individual we’re both frantic about. Thankfully, I have many different perspectives to draw on. Grab a chair.

Merric: Spare not a detail.

```• • •```

Merric: . . . . . . That both clears up some things and opens more questions about Pearl. I can only hope…and going to assume until otherwise, that she’s like Etzel. It’ll aid in my comprehension of her.

Marth: I am unfamiliar with this individual. Who is Etzel?

Merric: I’ll cover him more in detail later, but Etzel is a traveling spell slinger who owes a small debt to Khadein by his accord and helped me on a mission to repay Wendell. Apparently we almost met in the war. He was captured, but when we defeated Camus, the army fled fearing our numbers. He said he was able to shoot down the man who  took his possessions too. Etzel wanted me to give you a note actually. “Thank him personally for bringing peace once more to our lands. I was starving for that chaos to end. What he brought to us all was what my beloved would have dreamed of. She can now rest at ease. Thank you Marth”. He held his ring when he said it too, something he told me privately that was once his wife’s.

Marth: ……♩……
Merric: …… Did I ever tell you that when you’re speechless, your breathing sounds like a harmony.
Marth: Really? Should I perhaps try picking up singing?
Merric: Heaven’s no, I want my ears.

Marth: Hohohaha!
Merric: Hahahaha!

Merric: Hmm…so Jeorge can predict the future?
Marth: Yes…That was still extremely troubling for everyone.
Merrc: But you proved him wrong…I wonder what other actions he just brushed away saying it was “just you being you”. Even still, and after hearing Pearl’s personality, I have a feeling a lot has change from what he saw in her after she met you. The future is a fickle thing from what I was able to talk with some Time Mages during my schooling.

Merric: (Maybe when you’re weakness kicked in…when you held everything in. That’s when Jeorge couldn’t see you……you are your own individual Marth. Someone special…but then what makes Pearl the outlier to? It’s deffently not magic because Marth have to had that too.…It hast to be a common trait between the both f them……Maybe both him and her are unpredictable………not even I knew the pain he was going through, I’m surprised he’s still alive and didn’t – because of the pain…Hmmm…Let’s not jinx it, even if I’m dancing around the topic in my head…Marth, I hope your heart is alright. )

Marth:…Even if I was able to prove it wrong, hardly anyone still wants to trust her……
Merric: Not everyone is open like you are, Marth.
Marth: I know but…I can keep everyone safe, so there’s nothing to worry about with her, right?

Merric: Sure you can.
Marth: Of – course – I can.

*Merric let out a hushed laugh before he sat there, folding his arms and leg, in thought just to process everything.*

Merric: …I’ll have to interact with her more…hearing that she’s studious makes this remarkably easier to get closer to her. I’ll work with Frey when we’re teaching what students are left together. She’s passing everything else?
Marth: Yes………Merric…Have I made the wrong choices in this? Please tell me your honest opinion…
Merric: With Pearl? …Hmmm……
Marth: You understand why I picked her right? Not many people can be open with me any more or be themselves. I let Cecil in because of Draug’s worry for my safety. All I ever want however is just a friend and not “just a guard”.
Merric: There’s …nothing wrong with wanting a friend. But you do understand that she needs to keep you safe too, correct?

*Marth looked away with a long look in his eye.*
Marth: I know she’s not the best choice.

Merric: No. She was in pain and you let her in. You shared something dear with her and she’s been holding you up. I think the most telling is what you told me what happened in the cemetery, Marth. You didn’t offer her the guard position because Jeorge told you that you would remain alive no matter what. You offered it to her because you trust her. It reminds me a lot of how we met. You were struggling to read and I sat down with you and help you sound out the words, and that’s how I was able to get into the royal program and then train in Khadein.

Marth: Oh please…please no …no don’t remind me of that.  That’s still embarrassing to recall.
Merric: Has the speed reading tricks helped you still or do you need a refresher? They certainly helped Maria when she was under my wing.
Marth: It has been helping with reading all the orders and contracts I’ve been doing yes… though……not one covered anything about “Gharnef's heretic bishops”. Should I be worried for Altea?

Merric: Oh, no no. It was only an issue in Khadein.…well…If Pearl isn’t one anyway.
Marth: please tell me more.


Merric: Rumors said the Dark Pontifex still held mysterious rituals in the ruins that litter the surrounding desert. Following the orders of my teacher, I left to investigate those ruins...

Merric: My party consisted of Arlen, a friend from Khadein…or well, someone I’ve been trying to become friends with

Marth: Do you two bump heads often?

Merric: Not too much, more like he headbutts me when I wave hello.”. I…I have been trying to make some ground with him. Being with you reminded me to work together with him.



Merric: There was Linde who was there on business for Nyna. She offered her hand to help an old friend. Her Aura tomb was helpful as always. She was happy to visit the place her father called home…well…before Gharnef betrayed him there.



Merric: Etzel was our backbone as we raided the sand tribe’s hideout as we flushed out the heretics. You said Pearl was studying the dark arts, correct?

Marth: Yes.

Merric: Etzel is one whom is in that practice too–

Marth: Does–

Merric: –NO he does not do half the things Pearl. She’s just disgusting.

Marth: ………I’ll mend that I assure you–

Merric: You don’t have to assure me anything. I know you won’t have her go starving and have her result to cultivating pests like livestock.

Marth:…Right…So…what’s the half they do share in common then?

Merric: Tactical magic that can be used outside of combat. Illusion… Poison…Waste…so on.

Marth: All these spells sound like things you should be able to do if I must be honest Merric…but what is “Waste”?

Merric: Hmm……the Waste spell is………making the target suffer traumatic memories on the spot, allowing you to attack them twice in the span of one spell cast.

Marth: . . I’d rather not be inflicted by that, because I think it’d be more than two casts for someone like me. . .

Merric: That or just hit very hard. This is why resistance is nice to have. It’s not uncommon from victims to die from shock from what I heard from Etzel. This is why a Dark Mages and in extension, Sorcerers are a different beast from what I study in. They lack a slight bit of…no………their more……ehm……

Marth: Callus?

Merric: Yes, callus to what their magic does to others, yet they can hold just as much compassion as any other individual. Etzel is a fine man I assure you, a kind gentlemen, but he showed no mercy for the heretics and raiders we routed. He kept us three alive out there with both his dark arts and his healing capabilities. Oh, we also met – I’ll save that for later now that I think about it…

Marth: Well it sounded like you certainly found the Heretics, so what were they doing out there?

Merric: We found a spell ring of offering .

Marth: …

Merric: …

Marth: ………I’m going to need a bit more because I don’t do–

Merric: Oh! Haha, Sorry! Sorry…I’ve just, you know been around others whom, and…

Marth: Haha…It’s alright friend. Continue.

Merric: I’ll just recap everything I remember from that conversation since it’s coming back to me now…



\=\

Merric: "Arlen, it seems we've vanquished all the enemies in the ruins."

Arlen: "Merric, look."

Merric: "Hmm? This magic circle... Apparently, the heretic bishops were planning to hold some sort of ritual here. Not only that, but this is Gharnef's... forbidden magic..."

Arlen: "Bah. Is that all you've noticed? Look at this offering and the pattern of the circle... I'm sure Master Wendell has taught you what they mean."

Merric: "Ah! I see. This is... Dark magic to raise a dead body back to life... Were the heretic bishops trying to resurrect Gharnef's body?"

Arlen: "What fools. There's no point in resurrecting the body if the soul is no longer here. Although, had they succeeded in this ritual, they might have given birth to a monster taking Gharnef's appearance..."

Merric: "Indeed. But it seems we managed to avoid that. That's because we worked together. You too, Arlen."

Arlen: "...Hmph. Don't misunderstand. I didn't fight for your sakes or anything."

Merric: "I still want to thank you. Because you're helping me. Right now."

Arlen: "...Bah You've always been a nutter. But ever since the Shadow war ended... You've been acting nuttier than usual. Is it because of Prince Marth?"

Merric: "You're correct. Ever since I was a child... I wanted to protect those precious to me. I studied hard, here in Khadein, because I really desired that power. However, being together with Marth, and fighting that war by his side... I learned something. That the key to success, more than pursuing power alone... is to join forces with your comrades."

Arlen: "..."

Merric: "Arlen, you always rejected me when I asked you to be my friend... But, I hope we'll be able to fight side-by-side again, like we did this time. If we join forces, even Gharnef would be no match for us. That's what I believe."

Arlen: "Merric... ...Hmph. I'll think about it. There might still be enemies hiding. Merric, let's split up and search around."

Merric: "Got it!"



Marth: He sounds like a wonderful friend in the making!

Merric: He’s…a bit of a fixer upper…But, I suppose. But do you want to know why everyone’s unease with her?

Marth: Yes.

Merric: Well, with all your written reports from Cain with Ryan’s description of her powers about the squirrels…that and Elice’s reading of her book…her motive…her wanting the sword…It sounds a lot like…You know…Just like how Gharnef…?…

Marth: …But she isn’t him?

*Merric hug his head while smiling*

Marth: But she isn’t Merric. I assure you. She just wants to be a holy woman, and have her sister back.

Merric: Do you even know what that entails?

Marth: No, but whatever it is I want to help her. She looked so hurt over it…


= = = = = 6 = = = = == =


	…Then Rody picked up the whole bunk to  throw me out the window. I’m glad he was just joking around. I hate looking down as I climb from the crow’s nest. And that’s what happened over the past two days.
Note to self. stitch more papers in log book.

	Got a small letter from Kris; “Don’t make me come over there”. What is he referring to?

	Jagen had us all come together today saying that; “Training will become far more grueling”. I heard rumors that the trials are as hard as what Marth went through when training for the Shadow war. Shouldn’t be too hard.

	I saw someone being taken out on a shield today. I don’t know if their dead or not.

	This is hard.

	I wrote a letter to Kris, asking for supplies. My strings broke again.

	Today I got two meal tickets. Not from Kris. Didn’t report Error, split rations with everyone.

	Another two meal tickets. After what training we’re being forced to do I’m happily taking this. Captain feasts.

	Got two more tickets. Guess this is a normal thing now. Rationed my share to the crew. The green haired blue robed man is watching me. I feel him as I train. I’m scared of what he thinks of me.

	I got the package and a letter from Kris. He asks if I’m doing well. He said another platoon member has been sending him letters. I’m guessing it’s Kat since she gives me the mail. I don’t really care what they talk about. I’m scared still. I don’t know what to write back…I do miss him. I’m scared without him around. He’s the only other man outside of Marth who excepted me for who I was. Who wasn’t scared of my eyes. Athena is in that boat too, only because she picks to be ignorant like the rest of my crew as “just another magic thing”. And Cain just took my aid without knowing what I was. I don’t know what to do. I don't want to kill everyone. Why did this happen? Why is this happening to me? I don’t know. . . . . . I won’t tell Kris the truth of why I’m here but I’ll tell him that I miss him and I’m scared. I don’t know what else to do. I can't brake down in front of my crew.

	Milk-Rick is still watching me. Split rations with crew. Helped mend Rody's lance.

	This training isn’t harder than what Kris threw at me. If anything, the lull in difficulty made me complacent. Fed Crew. He’s still watching me.

	Fed crew. He’s still watching me. I’m scared. You’d think by now I’d get over this childish fear. I can’t. I spent too much time stunted. What is wrong with me? What have I seen any more? How much time has past? I don’t remember. I don’t know if I should run. I don’t know if this is worth it any more. I don’t know if I can become a knight. It feels wrong to even go through this because I can’t be anything like you Niv, I’m not worthy. I shouldn’t have done this. I’m in too deep. I shouldn’t have played my cards this early. I trusted too soon. I don’t know if the princess is lying to me still. I don’t know how I can ask for Marth again. I just can’t ask a guard like he can. I’m scared. I'm trapped. I miss home . . . but it's not like I'd be able to go home again. I doubt there's anything left any more. I remember. It's been around 70 years since that day it all burned down. . .

	Fed crew. He wasn’t there today. There was someone who tried to brake into the castle. I asked what people knew about it. Man dressed mostly in blue. I waited near the outer ward to see if I can find him. I heard him yelling outside. Crazy son of a lynch that Kris, I love him. He got my letter. We talked over the moat by shouting really loud. Guards didn't do anything. Maybe they were ordered not too. If so, thanks Marth. I have to ask him later if that was him next time I see him. He’s healthy again. I could cry, but I won’t. I couldn’t tell him everything there, but seeing him again made me so happy.

	Fed crew. He wasn’t there today. I hexed a paper to not show the writing all but to Kris. I sent him a letter and asked for his guidance and forgive me of my sins. I told him everything. If I trust Marth…I should trust my only other friend in this land.

	Fed crew. He’s watching me.

	Fed Crew. He’s watching me. The Drowsy Dragon Sea King appeared in my dream again today. It’s been a while…granted I have been land locked for sometime. There was no blood rush, desire too kill wrong doers, or just general lost of control like how I feel when I dock after a long voyage. All I saw after him was dreams of my sister and me back at Kris's house. He blessed me. He was …happy for a change with me. I don’t know why. I haven’t done anything new …Have I?

	Fed crew. He’s watching me. Cecil fell ill. Overexerted herself. Luke fell ill. Cough going around. Ryan, Rody, Kat are doing fine. Father Wys and I recovered what we could. Both crew members should be up tomorrow morning after day rest. The Drowsy Dragon Sea King still hates me it seems…

	Fed crew. Luke and Cecil back in action. He’s watching me. Kris’s letter came in today. It was shorter than I thought it’d be. . .


"I understand your pain, for I have lost someone dear to me too. You tried to save him after all when we first met. Even back then you held compassion in your heart for others, so please do not speak so ill of yourself. Our time together was brief, but I still reminisce of the calm days we did have together. Like while I was showing you the way of the land, the wildlife, what berries you could eat, and training from sunrise to sunset. My illness you inflicted was not the death of me, and I know that good things come to those who wait. I will have my chance at being a knight, and i can't wait to stand by your side when that day comes. As my grandfather told me; A true knight eschews unfairness, meanness and deceit. And you have been mending that by reaching out to me today.
I miss you as if you were my little sister, something I never had. To curse you for what you have done would be cursing my own reflection. We're both orphans, but I had guidance of my grandfather while you had only a 'beast in the sea that controls thee from time to time'.  That's hardly fair of a comparison for fate and lack of foresight. You need this chance more than I do to set your path right.
While others would have been crushed by the news you have just given me, I forbid myself to be. For a true knight will always keep faith. I know one day I will have my goal as well. I forgive you, Captain Pearl. May you continue on the path of righteousness, for the sake of Lord Marth, myself, your sister, us all, but most importantly, yourself.

~Kris, your loyal friend – Always.".

	. . . . And all I could think to write back was, “Thank you, I will”. I hope he does not mind the short response. I'll draw a rat in the dead space. I can't think of anything else to write.

	Fed crew. He was watching me.

	Fed crew. He was watching me.

	Fed crew. He wasn’t watching me today.

	Fed crew………



Luke: Hmmm...

Katarina: What's the matter, Luke?

Luke: Guys, guys, guys, I need an opinion! How's my hair look?

Katarina: Your... hair?

Luke: I'm a soldier of love, seeking out only the most beautiful women, but I... haven't gotten any dates yet.

Katarina: I'm sorry to say, most of the girls here think of you as small fry. I mean, people think Ryan is a "cutie," or Rody is "Ohmigosh, so cool!" Quite a few people seem to secretly lust after Pearl too.

*Pearl was taking a swig from a jug full of questionable substances at this early in the mooring and gagged on the liquid after hearing what Kat said about her.*

Luke: Exactly! I didn't get it at first. I thought, "what am I doing wrong?" That's when I realized: it's my hair!

Katarina: I'm not sure what leap of logic led you to that particular conclusion... Commander you're alright?

Pearl: Hold on hold on hold on Kitty Kat–Kat–Kat, let's pull back this conversation. WHO'S lusting over me? LUSTING?

Katarina: Uh…uh–

Pearl: GHESSSHAKAKAKKAKAKAAAAAAAAAHAHA.

*Pearl hunched over on the table and was smashing her fist on it. She was letting out a cracking witch howl of a laughter at the pure thought of anyone lusting over her. The whole room went silent as they watched this madman laugh over something that wasn't all that funny.*

Luke: …Well it's clearly not Mr. Gorgeous with a laugh like that.

*Pearl's body slid off and fell onto the floor because those words were like shooting her in the heart. Her sudden silence made Luke brake out into a snorting giggling fit. All the while, Katarina was extremely desperate to get out of this situation.*

Katarina: ………Oh, would you look at the time? Apparently, today, Sir Jagen wishes to have a word with us before training. Let's seize the day t-team.


Jagen: Three months have passed since you first came here. During this time, I've witnessed many a platoon desert because they couldn't stomach the harsh training. Not to mention platoons that failed due to miserable results... Of all who remain, there are only twenty names.

Pearl: ……
Katarina: Eep, the requirements are incredibly strict!
Pearl: Silence, that’s an order. Jagen’s talking and I can’t hear. Sorry.
Katarina: !…O-oh sorry!

Jagen: From now on the practical training will be also far more grueling. As such, we will be introducing lectures to advise you.

Frey: I am Frey, the knight in charge of lecturing. In my lectures, you will learn essential knowledge that all knights should possess, as well as background knowledge of battle tactics and other historical topics.

Est: I'M EST! I’m going to teach all you girls how to ride a pegasus, and fellas to ride a wyvern, just in case! Oh, but that’s later down the line! For now I’m here to help students not fall behind!

Merric: I am Merric, assistant teacher to Frey’s tutelage. I will be aiding the illiterate and disabled of who may be among you, as well as giving lectures of my own in the various different career classes. In addition, I am also here to aid any magic casters who still stand in your ranks. May we have a great short semester together.

Jagen: Your lessons will be interspersed between training. At the end of the 5 week program, you will be tested on the knowledge you have learned. Only those who have pass the exam are then allowed to continue to the next practical training exam. You are now to follow Sir Frey’s orders, which afterwords you are all dismissed at his will. Sir Frey, if you may, and I shall take my leave.

Frey: Thank you Sir Jagen. Commanders of individual platoons and their tacticians, step forward.

*Cat and Katarina, as well as a few other souls followed Frey’s orders.*

Frey: Now, firstly, I'll talk about the preparations you need to make before a battle. Before you fight your enemy on the battlefield, you must ensure that you are sufficiently prepared. Selecting those who will fight, organizing their weapons and items... Commanders and tacticians, you will do all these things, as part of your role as leaders. One more important thing: Pay attention to party members who wish to speak with you. Talking to your party members will often yield tactical advice. When you come to a new battlefield, it's always a good idea to check if anybody has something to say. These are your new responsibilities. From here on, this is the real thing. Prepare to be pushed to your limits. Do I make myself clear?

All: Yes sir!

Frey: Commanders and tacticians, Return to your squads.

*In unison, all the knight soldiers stepped back to their original spots.*

Frey: Now for generalized education, meaning you need no additional aid; All groups are to report to either Est or myself to come gather your supplies. You will be paired up into randomized groups for classes. For any whom need additional aid, please head to assistant Merric for your specialized guidance. At ease.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kmhhtzANU8&ab_channel=AKG

*The groups started to file out. Given how there were less than 20 people moving at once the groups were able to get themselves organized quick. The only one of those 20 that did not move was Pearl who was having her eyes locked on Merric the whole time. Individuals walked past him, some blindly past while others danced on the fence to get aid before caving to their own pride and siding with the heard mentality. Merric welcomed all he saw walk past him with a warm smile. Pearl held her gut as she squeezed her clothing. Her breathing started to quickly go off the rails. Her stress and expanding chest made her bindings come undone and her log book fell to the ground through her shirt. She jumped, then squat, and scrambled to tie the white bands back around her chest to hide her femininity.  When she was done she picked up her book but paused as she held it. She opened to the page where she stored Kris’s most recent letter and read it again. She then flipped to a earlier page and read the knight’s code she re-learned from Cain. Closing the book with a sigh she held it to her body right underneath her bosom and then walked over to Merric. Her platoon which were divided between Est and Fray cocked their heads in confusion as she took the middle path between them. Being the only student left who didn’t pick a side, Merric’s full attention was on her with the same care as he showed everyone else.*

Merric: Hello Pearl. It’s nice to see you again.

Pearl: ………

Merric: …Please take your time. If you wish, I can aid you in calming down if you follow my instructions. Inhale.………Exhale.……

*Pearl stuttered as her taking in air through her nostrils made her body tremble more than her main mass during a storm. In the background, she heard the muffled orders of Frey getting everyone to follow him, but by then she was aware that she was alone with Merric. Once she was done with the breathing exercises she forced her head to look up at him and opened her eyes*

Pearl: . . .
Merric: . . .

Merric: (What exactly do I say to her in this situation?…I don’t know if she’s ashamed of them or wants to be praised.…Middle path then, “act professional" just like my teachers said.)

Merric: Are they your disability?

*Pearl nodded her head yes.*

Merric: Then let us take the time to see how we can accommodate you. Shall we move to a more secluded location?

*Pearl nodded her head yes*

```• • • Merric closed the door behind him • • •```

Merric: Pearl before anything else… I do wish to apologize what transpired before. Are you comfortable to hear the reasoning now or later? Or are you not comfortable enough yet around me period?

Pearl: …

*She kept holding her tome close to her body and not say a thing.*

Pearl: ……

Merric: …I’m not going to hurt you over your eyes.

*Pearl hanged her head in shame*

Pearl: When are you going to hurt me?

Merric: Never Pearl. I never wished to harm anyone……To be honest I needed to talk to Marth before I met you. I should have taken the time to understand the situation I was in rather than going in alone. Situations don’t typically pan out well when I am isolated.

Pearl: ………I can relate.………

Merric: …Also, Marth has informed me of everything that has transpired. Every detail that he could remember. And also informed me that I was the only one to hear this information.

Pearl: …?

Merric: So you don’t have to be alone, Pearl. The three of us can handle this bump together. If you have any questions or concerns you can always come to me too.

Pearl: …!

*She fidgeted with her book as she dug her heels in place.*

Pearl:…How long have you known Marth?

Merric: I've known Prince Marth and his sister Princess Elice for many years. They are truly good people.

Pearl:…How well can Marth lie?

*Merric held back his laugh by smooching his lips together before he was able to compose himself*

Merric: Marth can’t lie himself out of a broom closet in most situations.  He will never lie to you directly to your face. However, when it comes to protecting someone's life, he's willing to brake that code. He is a man who genuinely wants to have everyone around him that he knows stay alive. A small bit of a “pacifist” is still in him despite the hardship we both faced.

Pearl: That’s…calming to know.……and uh…………when you saw my eyes then Milkrick what did you see?

Merric: Pardon?

Pearl: When you saw me eyes. What did ya’ see?

Merric: Ha…You look half possessed, Are you familiar with a man named  Gharnef?

Pearl: I know him only in passing mentions by me crew.…’scuse me. By my platoon.

Merric: So you haven’t even heard about him in your travels, I see.…

Pearl: Half possessed you said?

Merric: When eyes are but one solid color, they are being controlled by either their impulsive desires amplified by a magical artifact, or are being controlled by another entity. Your eyes when relaxed look like one. But are actually two with faded pupils, meaning deep down you are "still there". When you came running at me you resembled a monster with how your eyes left a glow trail. You look quite terrifying when you are focused on something. Your small size and “different” speech pattern from the norm of this land did not help my active imagination of what was rushing to me neither.

Pearl: eh…hehe………

Merric: Still…to say you have “faded pupils” is giving a bit much. Just how much is left of you Pearl? Neither Marth or I would want you disappearing on us forever to whatever god like entity you gave a part of your soul too.

Pearl: …Not much is left, but I’m not planning on giving any more. I promise. It’s been years.

Merric:…It’s also “been years” since you’ve been out to sea, where you got your namesake from “Pearl”.

Pearl: . . . .

Merric: …I have learned a vast number of healing magic myself. I’m sure in time I can aid in recovering your soul bit by bit to prevent you from turning into a mindless Witch if you’d allow me to cast some spells on you in the coming days.

Pearl: Im …scared of a few things however if you do that. I might lose all my powers…and…and……I might shrivel up into a old hag…hag…

Merric:…How long are we talking here?

Pearl: About 70 to 80 years…I forgot to keep track……………A lot of it was spent sleeping. I’d curse myself to go into hibernation whenever I needed to act as a stowaway on another ship. It's so that I wouldn’t need food or water.  And when I used to sail by myself, id be out there for years apparently, judging how the kids turned into adults when I came to the same island twice…

Merric: For my understanding then, from the top…You’re worried that if I use the higher advance healing spells you will age forward and lose your powers, correct?

Pearl: Yes.

Merric: Hmmm…

Pearl: …I’m sorry I’m such a  blasted ship wreck… In like, more ways then one. It’s been years since I ever interacted  with so many people for such a long time…

Merric: Well you are certainly making quite a “splash” with all of Marth's and my friends here. They’d appreciate the apology more than I would however. Hmmm…

Pearl: Am I at risk at losing control? …My god spoke to me many nights ago. Well, just gave me weird illusions, then my friends got sick around me.

Merric: Did they recover the next day?

Pearl: Yes, when a cleric and I took care of them.

Merric: Coincidence then. Don’t worry yourself. You didn't attack them at the night. Hmmm…

Pearl: ……

Merric: Are there any other traits you are afraid that might show if I start the process? Then a full recovery may not be ready at this time, but as you age normally over the years I could disguise it if you wish to give up your agelessness curse. It’d fade gradually.

Pearl: My hight I guess………Still, what about my powers?

Merric: They’ll fade, but from what I have studied, theres a whole branch of magic that dives into what you work with already, Pearl. There was no need to harm yourself like that to get your powers.

Pearl: Wait what? They lied to me?

Merric: Sorcerers, something you put yourself down as on your entry slip, remember?

Pearl: ……That’s …why didn’t I know?………

Merric: You were young when you cut your soul and sacrificed it to the god, correct? You didn’t know because well again – you simply were too young to know what you were doing.

Pearl: They’ve been guiding me this whole time, I……

Merric:…and maybe they guided you to me.

Pearl: !…What are you trying to say?

Merric: I’m not one to knock down the concept of “fate”, Pearl.  Much as you were at bay to what blew in your sails to guide your ship, the wind blows through each of our lives and changes our fates. When one follows the wind, it ties our horizons together. The winds carried you to this country, far from your own, and they guided you to me today. To me, this is the winds telling me that I can help you for they lead you, for almost a century, just so that you can stand in front of me. If you let me, I can fix your soul to the best of my abilities to prevent you from becoming a Witch, a mindless puppet to a god. You will lose some of your powers, and you’ll age again like normal, like the rest of us. But you’d be free of your curse and getting rid of your hexed eyes for good. And personally, if i was in your situation I’d trust Princess Elice to fulfill her promise to you with your sister. I can teach you within this program, if your willing to study hard, to be brought back up to a little under the level you were at before as well. In my eyes, you have nothing left to lose. You are safe here under Marth's care.

Pearl: ……Safe……Y-……you are right………I……I do trust I’ll get my sister back with Marth and El…Elgin? Around……so I won’t…won’t need that curse any more…………But…but I do have one thing t-…to lose.

Merric: And what’s that?

Pearl: A-…Athena thought my moon eyes were pretty.

Merric: …I can teach you how to do the eye trick too.…

Pearl: But that’s illusions it-sash…its not the sss-s-ssame thing! II don’t want to lose the one thing I take a bit of pride in. It’s l…like a scar I guess. I don’t know.

Merric: No, you do know. And if you calm down you can tell me.

Pearl: Then they look pretty to me!

Merric: Haha, well we can keep your pretty moon eyes then, but also heal you up enough to stop you from becoming a Witch. This'll also help build your tolerance to any other hexing items like…are you familiar with the darksphear?

Pearl: You’ll teach that later to everyone right? …I want to learn with them.

Merric: Very well, shall we start?

Pearl: Just to be clear Milkrick, what are you doing to me?

Merric: I want to stop you from becoming a puppet, I want to free you from the chains you put yourself in. I’ll heal back what part of your soul that I can and reverse the bewitching process. Due to what you want to keep, your whole soul won’t be recovered. You’ll still have a meeker version of powers, your eyes, but your agelessness will go away. Something that it sounds like you offered so that you’d have enough time to save your sister. You finally found that, so all that you need is trust in Marth’s Family’s capabilities and you can finally let go of your past. You are in good hands Pearl, you don't have to look for another home. As Marth said it before to you; "You are a holy woman" so let me help you …Hmm… wash the barnacles of sin from your body to aid in that process of becoming one like you desire.

Pearl:……………Can…you still teach me how to cast…normal…magic too…better? I keep burning my books. It's embarrassing. But I can still practice dark arts too, right? Can you help me get b-back to where I was?

Merric: Of course you can, so long as you promise me you don't try to become a Witch again I'll tolerate you diving into that field. From what I've seen, watched, and heard, you're amazingly skilled at the tactical magic. So, why throw all those years of experience away? I'll help you get back to the level you were at before and I can teach you even more. I would love to. Are you now willing to trust us Alteans at last with your life?

Pearl:……. I guess it’s a good day to die then.

Merric: Any day is a lovely day to die with that mentality and in our company.

Pearl: shheehehehekeke…o-okay Milkrick.…

Merric: stay here while I grab the right staffs for the job. This shouldn’t take too long.

((STOP BGM))




Merric: ……

Pearl: ……So where exactly did you learn how to do most of your magic?

Merric: Hmmm…two primarily places, the war, and post after when I started to train Maria.

Pearl: You are gentle but I didn’t think you could heal as well as a cleric like the ones back at home.

Merric: For a long time I didn’t even know what staffs were called. Just simply “sticks”.

Pearl: Really?

Merric: Yes, much of what I learned was from Lena from the last war.

Pearl: Sorry did you say Lene?

Merric: Len-ah

Pearl: o-oh! Sorry, continue please. Who is she?

Merric: She was a kind cleric whom we saved from bandits.  Everyone she met she tried to help them including the harden like the Scarlet sword master Navarre. My master accidentally caught her brother in the cross fire as he was fleeing from Khadein after the sorcerer Gharnef took over the city. It was a rather awkward transition for both of us, but after some …ehm… “aggressive” persuasion by another party I was finally able to go and apologize to her about everything. She was just happy to have a friend as she helped me teach me about staffs, even if I was …rather embarrassed to call them “sticks” at the time. With her teaching me and Maria she picked up the sword to attempt to grow closer to Navarre. During our final confrontation with Medeus, her and Navarre stayed behind to hold back ballistas and sage reinforcements from pelting us as I ran off with Tiki to regroup with Marth.

Pearl: Wow…… just two men were able to take down the giant wooden bows?

Merric: Yes~

Pearl: That’s amazing…

Merric: Keep your eyes closed.

Pearl: Oh, sorry.

Merric: Speaking of clerics, you were searching for the Aum staff?

Pearl: Aye, that what it be called around these parts.

Merric: What about in “your parts”?

Pearl: Somthin’ similar be called a Valkyrie Staff. But ye need Major Bragi blood an’ I don’t got that. But princesses be a dime a dozen at times so I figure eventually I’d find the Aum staff and pick me up a girl. I know that the Valkyrie staff be a thing but I wasn’t too sure about the Aum. I thought it ended up just bein’ a myth until I met you guys.

Merric: …I recall reading about that Staff…

Pearl: Ah, it suck up souls in the air of the past dead and uses it to cast magic.

Merric: Ah! Quint–essence!

Pearl: Oy? You call m–

Merric: Quintessence is the element that rests in every person, like their own life force. When living things die, their quintessence is released and the power can be harnessed by skilled magic users! – close your eyes.

Pearl: Wait, that’s the name of em’ souls in ye fancy terms? Where you learn that?

Merric: Yes, I’m finishing up my studying in Khadein in a few years.

Pearl: What’s Khadein? I…I heard of it, sorry.

Merric: I studied in Khadein, the City of Magic. It was a remarkable place, with desert sand to the horizons, much like your seas.

Pearl: Boy, you sailed here too? On “rov boat”?

*Merric had to hold back from laughing but failed*

Merric: No, i didn’t sail. Hahah…




 = = = = = = == = = 6.1 = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Frey: Today's lecture is about Archanea’s most valued treasure, the "Fire Emblem".

Pearl: (…Me inner treasure hunter tingles and wiggles with glee~)

Frey: In the War of Shadows, the abominable shadow dragon, Medeus, invaded Archanea. Archanea was crushed by Medeus's troops, and House Archanea was wiped out, save for Princess Nyna. And it was Princess Nyna who entrusted Prince Marth with the proof of Archanean royalty:  the "Fire Emblem". Therefore, our connection with Archanea runs very deep. Don't forget that. Are there any questions?

Pearl: (OH! I heard about that thingy!)

*Pearl raised her hand.*

Frey: Yes Pearl.

Pearl: How much booty do you think you could get off of it if you pawned off the Emblem?

Frey:…Are you trying to say “Money”, Pearl?

Pearl: Oy!

Frey: …Enough to make an army at the very least on the material level, but on it’s true value it’s worth the entire world.

Pearl: Why is that?

Frey: Because, without the earth shield you can’t kill earth dragons. Like Medeus. The evil dragon. The “bad guy”.

Pearl:……Oh, so that’s why Nene gave it to Marth…

*Cecil blinked twice and then turned her whole chair around looking back at her.*

Cecil: Girl, how stupid are you?

Pearl: A bit dense?

Frey:…Right, now then. Are there any other qu-

*Pearl raised her hand*

Frey: ………………………………… Pearl.

Pearl: Is the rumor true that a thief founded Archanea after stealing the Fire emblem and thats why it can open every chest?

Cecil: Pearl, a thief couldn’t have founded that great kingdom.

Pearl: Well, I think I could "find" a kingdom.

Cecil: But you're not a petty thief…

Pearl: You don't know me. And thieves are good path finders.

Cecil: That's for buildings!

Pearl: What about escape routs?

Frey: (Why do I have to teach her?…She’s making this twice as difficult then It should be…and I'm already having issues…)


= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Merric: Hello class, today we’re going to talk about some different classes that a knight can take up.
When one becomes a knight there is a two tier rank one goes through. You have your starting class, then you are allowed to promote. One owns a master seal to show their certification. Today these are the following ranks we'll be talking about;

*Merric cast an illusion of images and people doing basic actions.*

Archer: Armored fighters who wield bows. They attack from a short distance away.

Sniper: Seasoned archers whose arrows fly truer than those of any other class.

Hunter: Bow wielders in light armor who fight best in the wild. Not well protected but strong.

Horsemen: Seasoned hunters who race across the battlefield armed with swords and bows.

Lord: This is prince Marth. It’s part of my curriculum to be sure to remind you who he is. I am unsure why. We all look capable at remembering at least him.

And Manakete: A fabled race said to be able to take dragon form. Once, they ruled the world.

*Pearl raised her hand*

Merric: Yes Pearl.

Pearl: Was Lopto a Manakete?

Merric: No, he needed a dragon stone to be one. He was just a dragon.

Pearl: Was Julius a manakete then?

Merric: No, he was a vessel.

Pearl:  What’s a vessel?

Merric: Hmmm…this is off topic but basically to give you an abridged version; Evil god dragon is dead and can't talk – Uses boys body to talk.

Pearl: Oh, so that’s what I was!

N: …What??

*The whole class stared at her and Merric sucked in his gut*

Pearl: ……Yeah! Some times I feel ghost go threw me and I feel empty in side!

CeciL: T-they do?

Merric: Yes! Yes they do. Vessel is another word for feeling "hollow". Is that what you are trying to say?

Pearl: Yes!

Merric: Now, lets talk about the classes in more detail…

Merric: (Oomph, we dodged a Thoron there…)

Pearl: (Ahahahah, People always buy the insanity card!)

Cecil: (SHE'S POSSESSED BY GHOSTS!??!?)

N: (…I don't know who they talked about, and I don't liked who they talked about, but Man oh man…all the rumors sound true……What did she do to you? Why did you let her in?…You should have been here…)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

*Intermssion with training with merric animation.*

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Frey: In todays class, I am going to teach you about the basics of combat and different stats you need to be aware of as you continue to grow as individuals.

Starting with basics of combat you must be aware of our lands general battle styles. Swords have the advantage for their length on Axes. Axes are able to hinder Lances and Lances have the range advantage on Swords. This is called the weapon triangle. As for different stats you must be aware of, here are the stats we use for "short hand" to describe different attributes about an individual;

You have  HP which is your constitution.
Strength which is your power with your body.
Magic which is bonds with magical artifacts, and personal magic reserves.
Skill is how well you can aim and if you can hit an enemy’s weak point.
Speed is how fast you can move in combat.
Luck is how lucky are you, which prevents enemies from hitting your weak spots. It also allows you to handle cursed weapons like the devil axe. However they are currently outlawed in Altea after the Shadow war.
Resistance is tolerance to magic
and Movement is how far you can move wile in gear.

*Pearl raised her hand*

Frey: Yes pearl.

Pearl: How can luck even be measured? And why are they called “H-points”?

Frey: …The last one is a unit of measurement.

Pearl: But what about luck sir, you skipped over that one.

Frey: …Luck is just luck Pearl.

*Cecil raised her hand*

Cecil: Actually, I like how she's thinking. What does the “H” stand for in “HP” anyway? "Health" or "Hit" points?

Frey: …

= = = = = = = = =


Pirate: Freebooters who carry axes, like fighters. Their navy skills allow them to tread water.

Berserker: Seasoned pirates who fare well in mountains or on water and often deal critical hits.

Fighter: Axe-weilding clansmen form outlying kingdoms. Strong, but poor at defense.

Warrior: Seasoned fighters with unparalleled strength and stamina.

Myrmidon: Swift and skilled warriors who specialize in the blade. They often deal critical hits.

Sowrdmaster: Seasoned Myrmidons who strike with critical hits as sure and quick as lightning.

Mercenary: Professional soldiers-for-hire with excellent abilities all around.

Hero: Seasoned mercenaries and consummate swordsmen who deftly deal critical hits.

Theif: organized rouges who raze villages. poor at fighting but  talented with locks.

Freelancer: Units with little combat skills of their own, but who can assume a comrade’s froum.

Dancer: Unit who invigorate allies with their captivating dances. Able to use swords.

*Pearl raised her hand.*

Merric: Yes Pearl?

Pearl: What about dancers on mounts?

Merric: You can’t dance on a horse. That's ridiculous.

Pearl: Maybe, but where I am from you can dance and musically perform on a pegasus. You know what they’re called?

Merric: …What are they called?

Pearl: An air-show.

Merric: ………


= = = = = =

Frey: ……Grust was with Dolhr  until the bitter end. At the start of the war Camus's Sable Order from the grand Grust waged war with Archanea……

Pearl: ……zzzz…
Cecil: Hey, Hey wake up.
Pearl: Huh?
Cecil: Come on commander you can't be sleeping.
Pearl: Sorry…I…Merric's been running me dry with privet lessons.
Cecil: I can beat everyone else up to head to bed earlier if you want too.
Pearl: Why bother everyone when I'm the only one with the problem?
Cecil: Because you are our leader.
Pearl: …Point taken…
Cecil: I'll share my notes with you after. Just do your best to stay awake.
Pearl: Thanks Cecil…

Frey: Gra was a kingdom that was once Altea’s closest ally. However during the war King Jiol ordered the army to attack us from behind and thus resulting in King Cornelius, Prince Marth’s father’s death. Being of the weakest ally to Dolhr, they were easily dispose of afterwords.

Pearl: ………

*Pearl raised her hand*

Frey: You’ve hit your quota of questions Pearl. We need to move class along.

*She kept  her hand up.*

Frey: *sigh* Yes, Pearl?

Pearl: Was Gra the one to raid Altea castle that caused Marth to go into hiding?

Frey: Yes.

Pearl: Were you there that day, Frey?

Frey: . . . . Yes. Now let’s move onto the next subject.

Pearl: ………

= = = = == = = =


Cavalier: Mounted knights with superior movement. A finely balanced class.

Paladin: Seasoned cavaliers with superior abilities all around.

Pegasus Knight: Knights who soar the skies astride pegasi. Resistant to magic. Weak against bows.

Falcon Knight: Promoted pegasus knights who are swift as the wind. Vulnerable against bows.

Dracoknight: Promoted pegasus knights who ride dragons. Vulnerable only to bows and magic.

Knight: Heavily armored knights. high defense offsets their lack of speed and mobility.

General: Seasoned knights who boast tremendous strength and defense.


Cleric: Woman of the staff who come to the aid of allies. Unable to attack.

Curate: Men of the staff who come to the aid of allies. Unable to attack.

Bishops: Seasoned curates and clerics capable to wielding tomes and staves alike.

Dark Mage: Sinister conjurers who wield magic tomes. Powerful against  those with high defense.

Sorcerer: Seasoned dark mages capable of wielding tomes and staves alike.

Mage: Magic users who wield tomes as weapons. Effective against foes with high defense.

Sage: Seasoned Mages capable of wielding tomes and staves alike.

*N raised her hand*

Merric: Yes Norne?

Norne: Why are Sorcerers so evil?

Merric: Truthfully what I am giving is a very blanket term for them for the sake of time and general understanding. Anyone with magic has the power to hurt others regardless of what class they are.

Norne: But what makes dark mages different from normal mages?

Merric: “Flavor” as one may say. Spell execution, different non-combative spells specialization, so on, so forth.

Norne: But dark mages and sorcerers often hurt people more than aid them, correct?

Merric: Sorcerers have the ability to heal others just as much as Clerics and Sages, however, their development is tailored slightly to confrontation over aiding. If given a thousand years time or more, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the eventual evolution of that magic tree phase out healing in favor of specializing in spell mastering exclusively.

Norne: I see…………

= = = = = = = = = = = = =

*Intermition*

= = = = = = = = = = = = =

Frey: Continuing from a previous lecture, today's lecture is about the Kingdom of Archanea. Today is an exceptional day, for Prince Marth will speak to you. If you would, sire.

Marth:  Archanea, was it? The Kingdom of Archanea is technically Altea's suzerain nation. Princess Nyna is the last of their royal line, and there was debate as to decide who would rule Archanea, but I hear Hardin was crowned Emperor of Archanea soon after.

Cecil: ... What kind of person is Emperor Hardin?

Marth: He's a wonderful person. In the previous war, Hardin was a precious ally of ours. As King Aurelis's younger brother, he fought to protect Princess Nyna, who had escaped to the Lea of Aurelis. I still remember our first interaction line by line…

~ ~

Marth: “Lord Hardin, I am Marth of Altea. I’ve come to offer what help I can.”

Hardin: “And I very gratefully accept it. Stories of your exploits travel fast, young prince. I feel as though I’ve gained a thousand allies in one.”

Marth: “I’ve heard a few stories of you as well, Coyote. It will be an honor to fight alongside such a courageous man.”

Hardin: “I’ve left Princess Nyna someplace safe for now. We need to decide who will command here. I was hoping it would be you.”

Marth: “Me? But, Sir Hardin, you are far more qualified-“

Hardin: “Tsk, Princess Nyna would not be pleased to hear us nitpicking over who will be listed in the history books. Take command, so we can oust this Medonian scum and be done with it.”

Marth: “You are sure?”

Hardin: “Make no mistake. Lord Marth. I consider myself an exceptionally good judge of character. If I thought you acted out of selfishness or ambition, I would not extend the offer I have. You have my trust.”

Marth: “Lord Hardin, thank you. That is an honor. If you don’t mind me saying so… I feel as though I’ve made a good friend. We share the same ideals, I think.”

Hardin: “That we do. May our friendship be a long one.”

~ ~ ~

Marth:  Hardin is well qualified to be emperor. If he puts Archanea into order, I'm sure everything will go well.


*Pearl raised her hand*

Marth: Yes-

Frey: Ehm-

Marth: It’s fine, I’m okay with answering more questions. Yes Pearl?

Pearl: How does it feel if the rumor was true and Archanea was founded by a theif that stole everything.

Marth: Hmmm…I for one not heard that rumor but that would explain why the Fire Emblem could open any chest…granted I only remembered that some ways into my liberation. I wonder if that is true…

Frey: (PLEASE PEARL, MARTH DOES NOT NEED ANY MORE DOUBT)

Marth: Even still, regardless of what past any nation has, I believe in the betterment of the future. Every new generation can build off the last  and learn from their downfalls to not repeat their mistakes.

Frey: Well spoken my lord!


*Cecil Raised her hand.*

Frey: Yes Cecil?

Cecil: Is it alright to ask off topic questions?

Frey: It uh, depends. My lord do you have the time?

Marth: This is rather fun for me, I’d love to respond to any questions you all have. Asking is how one learns after all.

Frey: (Oh……right……maybe I’ve been getting to worried about time management. I’m glad I never showed my anger externally then.……This is so much harder then I thought it’d be.)

Cecil: How much do you lift?

Frey: (But then you get questions like that were I doubt anyone is serious about this education. It’s so demoralizing…how does Merric do it so naturally?)

Marth: I lift the entire kingdom of Altea on my shoulders Cecil.

Cecil: I meant numbers!

Marth: One kingdom’s worth of weight.

Cecil: How can I be as strong as you if I don’t know how much weight you work out with Marth? I mean just look at your biceps! They’re so swollen!

Marth: …………

Marth: Sir Frey am I ill but I just can’t see it from this angle?

Frey: No, you are not ill. What she is trying to ask is why your strength is so great still.

Marth: Ah, thank you.

Marth: A king must be ready at any time to protect his kingdom. So to-must their knights must be ready too. I hope each one of you continue to get strong in their own way for I will be depending on all of you.

*Pearl raised her hand*

Marth: Yes Pearl?

Pearl: When are we going to learn about Gharnef... the Dark Pontifex? Have you seen him?

N: Pearl you just don’t ask something that out of left field

Pearl: What? We were asking off topic questions.

N: He’s like, standing right there, and you’re not asking questions about him?

Cecil: It’s the Prince, Pearl. You just don’t throw something like that out at him.

Pearl: What? It’s just Marth.

N: “Just Marth”?

Marth: …

Frey: ………

Frey: ( I am hardly qualified to talk about such a beast, but seeing Marth's unease and knowing Pearl's stubbornness …I'm…assuming it's my teachers duty to comply, especially as a knight for Marth's sake.)

Frey: If you want, Prince Marth I can cover this one for you.

Marth: Oh! Thank you!

Frey: This will be on the test so all of you better write this down. Gharnef was once one of Gotoh’s prized students, along with a wizard named Miloah. Miloah was kind and affectionate, more so than Gharnef, and thus Gotoh gifted him with the spell tome Aura. Fuled with jealousy he took one of Gtoh’s artifacts; the Darksphear which twisted his soul. He used the artifact to Imhullu. He manipulated much underneath everyone’s noses.

Marth: He was a madman–

Frey: Yes, yes he was Marth, you may relax. Prince Marth’s forces were able to triumph against Gharnef's Imhullu spell by using Starlight, Gotoh’s creation. Starlight was the only magic capable of felling Gharnef. Was…that all correct to your memory, Marth?

Marth: Yes…yes it was.

Pearl:…oooohhhh………

Frey: Prince Marth also as a surprise for you all.

Marth: I’ve been wanting to show what knights remain my home, one that you can call your home too if you all should pass.

N: We’re going on a field trip?!

Cecil: Alright!

Frey: Be sure to stay in a single file line everyone!

Marth: I’ll be fine Frey. They can handle themselves. Come friends.

N: He called us FRIENDS!

Cecil: YEEE!!!

(((STOP BGM)))

All the knights crowded to the door like ducklings as the mother duck Marth  guided everyone out of the room. Once everyone left Frey let out a heavy sigh and sat down relaxing his feet for once.

Frey: ( At least everyone’s happy with that…I hope I’m doing okay.)

*He glanced over the room, and when he saw Pearl still sitting in her desk silently staring as her white eyes that saw all, Frey jumped in his chair and nearly fell off of it. His sudden movement made Pearl blinked, shifting her eyes back to normal, and stare back at Frey.*


Frey: W-what are you still doing here?

Pearl: Hmmm? … Oh!

Pearl: That pack looked crowded, and besides it wasn’t gonna be on the test right? I can check out the castle whenever I want too.

Frey: I……I see.

Frey: (Gordin told me of what sick songs she sang, and Draug spoke nothing but ill of her.…and General Jeorge’s …Even if Marth proved him wrong, what is that I just saw? Blasted Witch…)

*Pearl was shifting her eyes around, until she raised her hand up in the air and looked at Frey.*

Frey: . . . . We’re not in class any more, you can stop that.

*She lowered her hand*

Pearl: …Can I still ask you a question?

Frey:…If you must, yes.

Pearl: Are you stressed when you teach?

Frey: …Hmmm?

Pearl: I just…I hear ye’ voice Mr. Fray–

Frey: Please speak of me as “Sir. Frey”, Pearl.

Pearl: A-ah sorry. Sir Freay…but…You sound shaky when you speak when ya’ teach. That or always stiff. I just want to make sure you were alright and …stuff.

Frey:……Well, originally I wasn't well suited to teaching, but... Because of how things turned out, I ended up being your lecturer.

Pearl: Is that so? I… mean…I feel you are, you just get scared. That’s all. I think you’re good!

Frey: I don’t fully agree…… It's just that Sir Cain showed more strength and skill... And Sir Abel, while competent, had already …”left”. Meanwhile, Sir Draug and Sir Gordin don't quite have the personalities fit for an instructor. I knew it was a troublesome task, but I hate seeing others struggle... So I figured I could do that much.

Pearl:………So you're sort to carry the burden yourself, Sir Frey?

Frey:…Perhaps.

Pearl: ………Please take more care of yourself.

Frey: Huh?

Pearl: Uhm… Think of your own happiness too, Sir Frey.

Frey: I’m happy to serve this kingdom. And doing this duty fulfills that.

Pearl: No that’s not what I meant!…S-sorry…sorry I need to work on me volume.…uh……

Frey: …Go on, spit it out.

Pearl: I just…I recently learned that I need to live differently. That a lot of my own mistakes might have - it’s because everything I was doing before coming here was hurting myself. I …I still think back to how you responded to that one question I asked.

Frey:……Hmmm, You ask a lot of questions Pearl. Which one?

Pearl: The one with Gra…I’m…sorry I made you uncomfortable with that one. I’m sorry I make you uncomfortable.

Frey: ………You weren't making me uncomfortable, I just didn’t know how everyone would react to what I have done. It’s……"heavy".………The responsibility of a knight is a heavy one, and many of them may not have been ready to hear that. It would have made them fearful and run away. I don’t want to burden that on them yet.

Pearl: You may burden me with your weight, Frey.

Frey: …You still look too frail to handle my weight yet……

Pearl: What you have to teach is invaluable. I want to learn. That sounds like a lesson that won’t be comin' in class Frey- eh, Frey Sir Frey. I may not have had many teachers in my life, but you’re the third best teacher I ever had, Mr Sir Frey. You here to teach us how to be knights right? So what did you go through? I need to know, for my job. I wanna…men…mentally prepare, there's the word.

Frey: Well…I suppose you’re right. Better now then later. When Prince Marth was still a child, we were forced to escape Altea Castle…we had to cut through a prison to get to some ports… but they were on our trail. We had no way out. We were in the jaws of death, surrounded by enemies…

 ~ ~ ~ ~

Marth: “Look there!”

Malledus: “No…Anri save us…Of all the places to be beset! Sire, that is Gra’s main force - and they are accompanied by the knights of Grust’s Sable Order. Our chances of routing them are slim, I’m afraid, and those of slipping away undetected afterward, all but nil…”

Marth: “Then we’ve no hope?”

Malledus: “I…I can think of one strategy. We could leave a decoy behind for when the enemy catches up.”

Marth: “A decoy?”

Malledus: “It’s you they’re after, sire. Were one of your men to stay behind disguised as you…Well, the enemy ought to take the bait. That would give you, and the others time to escape.”

Marth: “But Malledus, how will he find his way back to us?”

Malledus:
“Sire…He may not. You must part with one of your comrades. There is no other way.”

Marth: “…Well, I will find a way! You cannot expect me to agree to…to abandon one of our own to a death at the hands of the enemy. Surely there must be another way…”

Malledus: “Forgive me, sire…But this is our only chance. You know as well as I do that you must not die here today.”

Gordin: "(Ryan…Ma…Pa……please be safe. I can’t go. I need to see them again!) "

Abel: "(I-…I don’t want to die! Why is my training failing me… I just cant stop thinking how the sun feels on my skin. I don’t want to lose that!)"

Cain: "(Maybe if i can grab him and jump out i can swim away. I can’t have everyone and him die in here! Damn it! Cornelius!! )"

Jagen: "( !! I can’t leave Marth alone in this world – ) "

Frey: "( No one is – I must go! )"

Jagen: "( – But I guess these old bones are still worth something. )"

Jagen: "I-"

Marth: "Frey? Wait! FREY!!! Quickly, Malledus, we must head south and rescue him!"

Malledus: “No, sire. We have to press on.”

Marth: “Press on? Frey might be dying back there!”

Malledus: “If he were, then why would you be so selfish as to let him die in vain? Honor him, by allowing his life and his choice to mean something!”

Marth: “……”


Frey: I still hear Marth's younger voice call out to me in my dreams at times...The rest of my memory is a blur… I believe the enemy struck me down and left me for dead. Actually, it was a miracle that I was still alive... After countless days at the brink of death, I came about, but without my memories, and so lived a long time as another identity...... Until I had fully recovered and returned to Prince Marth, well... a few years had already passed…I’m happy they let me back in. I still feel lingering shame for leaving them during the war and suffering memory loss…

Pearl: ……And that’s what everyone else was thinking too?

Frey: That’s what I heard from them…well…Abel is from what I heard from Cain. It wasn't just me. Everyone there was ready to become a decoy. All but Malledus, but he was the tactician. We would have fallen without his guidance, much like any group without a plan. Marth was still developing as a tactician and leader, so we needed Malledus to organize everything. Everyone else? "Expendable". That was fact, life. You can see how that is a hard remedy to swallow. I'm sure however with your many years of sailing and your "special condition", you may have already encounter that very same dilemma. However... It was just like when I became an instructor. I felt it'd be a pity if any of the others had to be sacrificed. So, I figured I could do that much...

Pearl: . . . .

Frey:……Pearl?

Pearl: . . . .

Frey: P…earl…don’t…don’t look so sad. No… I'm sorry. For making you, my student, worry... I am a failure of a teacher. Calm down… It’s alright now.

Pearl: N…no…let me help you please. From now on, I'll share half of your burdens, Sir Frey. Please allow me to carry them. Please... Don't carry everything by yourself, Sir Frey... I-i made that mistake… I made it, the same one… don’t make it yourself again… or i’ll… I’ll beat it out of ya’. Just - Just don’t. Please. I-…I’m sorry. That just…hearin’ that hit the right spots…I’m okay.

Frey: (You do have a soul…I guess the others were wrong.)

Frey: I promise I won’t any more so long as you stay around, Lady Pearl.

Pearl: Ah, Haha…please don’t call me that.

Frey: What title do you wish then to be called, Commander Pearl?

Pearl: Captain for long, Sir for short. I haven't had the heart to tell me crew to not call me "Commander" still.…I already stand out Sir Frey. I didn't want to make others more mad. . . .

Frey: Am I allowed to ask why, Captain? I've never seen knights who want to be called the other gender.

Pearl: What's faster to say Sir Frey? The slick sound of "Sir", the hard "D" of "Dame", or the long "L" and hard "D" of Lady? It eases conversation. And captain be somethin' I've been called for …many years……… I miss hearin' it. I really do. It's been a long time since I had a crew be able to call me that, and I miss each member so. . .

Frey: "Lady Frey"…"Sir Frey" …"Dame Frey"…"Sir Frey"…I feel it, yes. Then how many years were you sailing then, Captain? You look rather young.

Pearl:…Let's go with about 30 years that I've been active?

Frey: …?…

Pearl: Merric's been helping me a lot, Sir Frey. If you want you can ask him about it…I don't know how much is "safe" to share. I do want to share but I don't know how much that'd scare ya'.

Frey: I faced death, Sir Pearl. Not much strikes fear in my heart any more.

Pearl: …Wow, You're so cool…

Frey: Haha. Please then, share. You said we'd carry weight together after all.

Pearl: When I sailed my body got taken over at times…According to my log book, I've only been active for about 30 years but been around for 80ish. It was…dark……I don't even know what year it is in this country … I kinda gave up of keeping track since I'd "drop dead" for so long… I'm…I'm tired of how it was, and what time I spent with Marth was more comfort than I could give to myself. It reminded me of my old crew, the only thing that snap me out of the possession. I'm-a…I'm trying to be more like you guys. I'm sorry for stepping on you and your other buddies shoes for so long, Sir Frey. I hope you can forgive me too.

Frey: First off, the year is 606. Forgiveness is something one earns through actions. When I retrieved all my memories I was hit with survivors gilt. I didn't want to head back to the castle, for the temptation to start a new life was very high. If there was another temptation to stay with my new life then I am sure I would have stuck with it. But my old life…one of a knight…I've dedicated my whole existence to. I needed to stay with it. Crawling back to the castle, inch by inch. That pain hurt more then any beating…

Pearl: …Why even go back if it hurt so much, Sir Frey?

Frey: I believe in; "Suffering gives life meaning".

Pearl: …!…" If you're not at risk to lose something then you didn't deserve to have it in the first place"…

Frey:  Exactly. Well then, I'll be sure to let the other knights that I can know about your title. In the meantime Captain Pearl, would you wish to help me carry some "weight" right now?

Pearl: Oy?

Frey: I would still like you to see the castle, for tactical reasons. Would you then like a one on one tour with me? I hope you don’t mind me walking slow. The beating I took still leaves me in pain.…

*Pearl got up from her chair and walked over to Frey. She reached into her cleavage which made the poor man conflicted to watch and confused. She pulled out a small iron canteen jug, commonly used for alcohol.*

Pearl: This might numb it a bit then before ya' walk. I'll keep ye' balanced Mr Sir! That and cheers for what cha’ did. Go on, take it! Ain’t much there! You earned it! Celebrate life!

Frey: ……

*Frey took the canteen and screwed off the cap. Pearl encouraged him to cheer*

Pearl: Oy! For Altea!

*Sir Frey then held the canteen in the air giving cheers.*

Frey: For Altea!

= = = = = = = = = 6.2 = = = = = = = = =


https://youtu.be/Ien5BAR67nw

The junior knights were divided up into their sexes and paired off with different instructors to learn how to work flying mounts. Frey and Jagen introduced the men to the wyverns while Est took the helm of the pegasi. To aid Pearl, Merric chaperone the women’s group.  The female knights and Merric  were herded to the grand open pastures of Altea. The mountain ranges rolled over the horizon as the green sea of grass swayed to the brisk air that was making dandelion fluff take off. The occasional feather danced in the wind from the pegasi that relaxed on the pasture. A lone guard watching them all: the fine lady Caeda who was fastening the harness and tending to the pegasi. The energetic youth Est sprang and hopped along as she lead her little ducklings out to play. She twirled in the air to face everyone.

Est: Don’t you feel that breeze?! It’s a perfect day for little foals like you to take flight. I’m so excited!

*She clapped her hands once, allowing her to catch her breath.*

Est: Okay everyone, it’s time to pair off into groups! We’re going two at a time so be sure you find a partner you trust!

*Pearl raised her hand*

Est: Oh! A question! Yes eh-…

Est: …

Est: Yes Pearl?

Pearl: Lady, there’s like four of us. The rest who are left are guys.

Est: I know! Isn’t it perfect?! We have the whole day to relax and fly around! Hold on, everyone grab a partner while I get your mounts!

*She turned around skipping away. Once Caeda saw Est running over she waved her off and the princess went over to her friend Merric who was taking in the wind from a relatively safe distance from the pegasi.*

Caeda: Hey Merric~

Merric: …Hello…

Caeda: Oh, you look so calm~ I know your meditating, but I could pinch your cheek.

*She went over to poke his face but he jerked back. She jabbed at him a few more times making her old friend let out a relaxed chuckle*

Merric: Stop…haha!~…

Caeda: Hehe!~ Sorry, I didn’t anticipate you being here today.

Merric: My duty is to supervise Pearl by Marth’s blessing. I don't know if the horses have a reaction to her.…That and how could I pass up an opportunity to take in this lovely breeze? If it was one thing I missed about home, it was how relaxing the tender sea salt kissed air is here. It’s not as harsh as the desert with it’s flat plains.

Caeda: …I’m sorry, I’m just speechless to hear your words reach my ears once more. You sound so different, a lot more calmer. Before there was always worry or uncertainty in your voice. It’s nice to see you again Merric. I missed you so much.

Merric: It has been a while since we talked, hasn’t it? I haven’t seen you since the war. I missed you too Caeda.  …And thank you. All that chaos cleared my head of what was important to focus on, though I fear for others it might not have…Has Marth been alright from your perspective?

*Caeda glanced away in thought as she saw the air sweep across the landscape and guide her eyes back to Altea castle where her beloved was.*

Caeda: He has been for the most part. He quickly filled in his fathers ranks and has been repairing Altea so swiftly. He spends a lot of time with me  and we’re happy together……but……His warmth inducing smiles have only been shining ever since a few weeks into this whole knight thing.

Merric: Around when you or someone told her about Pearl, am I wrong?

Caeda: Did…he tell you that?

Merric: No, just a guess. He's been isolating himself again, hasn't he?

Caeda: …

*Caeda sighed and held her arm.*

Caeda: It's really hard to get him to open up. Whenever I talk to him it feels like I have to scale a wall.

Merric: You scaled it before, correct?

Caeda: Of course I did, and I'll do it again and again because I love him! I just don't know if I'm hurting him in the process.…

Merric: You're not, and I can tell you why. Pearl climbed that same wall, by first punching him in the face, then spending time with him like you and I did in the past. He was just as happy. And the punch wasn't "metaphoric" mind you.

Caeda: ………Noted, but, If she does that again, we're having issues.

Merric: Hahahaha!~ You sound like Ogma.

*Caeda combed her hair with her finger tips*

Caeda: Can you blame me? I grew up around the guy.…

Caeda: *Sigh*. I'm sure hope everything turns out alright. I take it you know already……uhm…You said you were watching her, right?

Merric: Supervising, but yes I'm brought up to speed on the situation. I'm out here today to study if the pegasus have a negative reaction to her.

Caeda: Pegasi, Merric.

Merric: …

Caeda: Has she made any progress? What do you even do with her?

Merric: How can I give progress if you don’t know what the progress is for?

Caeda: …

Merric: Given what Jeorge's gift saw of her I have been investigating why backstabbing might be an uncontrollable factor.

*Merric closed his eyes and was sensing where everyone was in the land around him before speaking more. The winds curled around every figure around the area, allowing him him to mentally highlight where everyone was. Caeda respectfully waited for her friend to hop back into the conversation, which he did so at full speed once he felt that no one else was in ear shot.

Merric: In just asking her questions, I discovered that she was a half Witch. Thanks to Lena and Maria I had enough exposure to mending that I was able to brake the bond between the god she linked herself up with. Sadly I don't know which one, but the tie linking the two has been severed. That means she wont be randomly controlled by a third party which should greatly reduce the risk of that future playing out. But now she hast to relearn all her skills that she depended on the deity to provide, so we've been focusing on that primarily rather than pushing her offensive spell casting capabilities.

Caeda: (So she was "no good"… I'm so glad Merric's here. I wonder how Marth reacted to the news. I haven't seen anything abnormal, so maybe he's still working on her and haven't told him the news yet. Let's listen more to get more information. He seems focused.)

Merric:  I've also been trying to undo the spells she’s been casting on herself over the years. Each day I spend, with her the more I find weird and odd loop holes she found to sacrifice rather than her whole soul to whatever god she gave them too. It’s a fascinating case study in hexing and wordplay of magical contracts – which is also it's own branch of study that produces some oddities. Like say, if you were a sea monster who was banished from ever stepping on land.  The wordplay branch would be able to spot a loop hole and figure out you only need buckets filled with sea water to tread on land. Inconvenient? Maybe, but infuriating to the spell-caster whom's trying to stop the sea monster. They also–

Caeda: (Okay Merric, let's course correct you just a hair…)

Caeda: Ehh! What…what things have you heard about– excuse me. Saw with Pearl? I want to know about that! What spells can she cast? What's her progress? What makes her such an interesting "case study" to you?

Merric: Oh! Well in terms of her progress, after I healed her she was put back to "nothing". So I've been teaching her how to reuse her spells. One ability she recovered was being able to see the silhouettes of living things. Remember when I told you how I was able to pluck wyverns from the sky? It's similar to that, so it should aid Marth tremendously well from combat to even the mundane. The more I think about it, she's like a meeker version of Linde and how she's able to see the auras around everything. I wonder if I can get the two to meet later down the line and get an experiment going…

Caeda: Huh uh……Anything else?

Merric: Ah, yes, let me think…Hmmm… there’s a wraith that she can summon – ah, that’s really well behaved mind you – that lingers around her. Even when I was able to undo the curse that prevents her aging, the wraith had no ill effect on her body. She must have a high amount of quintessence stored in her from the various raids she did in the past.…that or the wraith feasts on other things. Maybe that's why I saw some flowers bend to her her as we were walking…Hmmm…

Caeda: …Merric there are several things I don’t understand what you just said.

Merric: Oh! Sorry. Let’s see, what were you confused on?

Caeda: What’s a wraith and quintessence?

Merric: Ah, well good thing those two are combined topics! Quintessence is a magical element that dwells inside every person.

Caeda: So a “Life force” that we “Live on”?

Merric: Exactly. When one dies that energy is released, and some powerful spell casters are able to use that energy to cast magic. Meaning with the right tools, like a powerful reviving staff for example, you could make someone come back to life as simple as a mage bending the elements to cast a fireball.

*He held his teachers copy of a simple fire tome  close to his body to channel the magic from within. He raised up his other hand then snapped his fingers. A Fireball then sparked into existence. The harmless whisp danced around Merric as they kept talking. The wind, as if it was given a silent order, unnaturally curved around Merric as it subtly snuffed the falling embers to prevent the grass going ablaze.*

Caeda: So how does the “wraith” come in?

Merric: A wraith – by her definition – is simply a ghost – a dead person's soul – thats "extra clingy". In actuality, wraiths are souls of dead individuals that have lost all memory of who they were when they were alive, gone feral, and then suck the quintessence from their victims so that it can linger in the mortal plain for their next meal – that is, be around us living to keep eating. Normally, you'd want to get rid of such a vile monster because it has the unpleasant tendency to murder anything it attaches itself too within a few days. Yet, she claims it's been by her ever since she first sailed out to sea. It's also physical enough  – "in our plain" – to hold objects which, is a very rare sight to see. It also can shape shift too, and produce sound. I've only ever read of sane ghosts being able to do that. Not even the captive ghosts I studied back at school were as well cared for as Pearl's creature.

Caeda: Merric.

Merric: Oh, Yes?

Caeda: Riddle me this; she has a soul sucking monster, how can you be so calm around her?

Merric:  View the wraith example as her taming wild and exotic animals if it helps you cope.

Caeda: She has a floating and invisible blood thirsty bear by her at all times, how can you be so calm around her?

Merric: Ah, because the way to put her in "check" is by simple guidance, Caeda. She's a soul tamer, a bard true and true. She knows next to no combative abilities. Severing the ties with the deity prevented that from being learned passively. Her combative capabilities are akin to a child first learning magic. I've seen junior mage  far younger than her whom are better, and all they have is enough common knowledge to know that they should throw their book at the enemy when it accidentally catches on fire rather than holding it like she does. She's only dangerous when she does not know what to do. Those are the people you have to guide the most, otherwise they hurt themselves and the others around them. I've already cut off the ties to the god who was guiding her this whole time, so now she's going to have to depend on us more then ever. Once I'm done with her fully she'll be just a normal mage, or dark mage. Whatever is in her style and liking.

Caeda: …Mmm…do you know anything about a journal she carries? That might be worth looking at if you can get that off of her.

Merric: Oh! That left my mind. I'll try to read it when I can. Thank you.

Caeda: (Okay, so he has all the technical sides down pat. But…there's one side that I don't know he's capable of handling still…)

Caeda: Has there been any other progress then Merric? …Non–magic. Because both you and I know that ones character and will bends fate.

Merric: ……

Merric: …I've been pushing her hard to care for others around her. Whenever I ask for her story her numbers of when she was aware keep constantly fluctuating. From what I know, you told her that her motive was "Come here, pass test, live here, a honest transaction".  I spent a whole night talking to her about that. How she can adapt to that mentality. How she doesn't have to hop around any more and how we can keep her safe. I don't know how long she's consciously been around, but I do know one thing, the body she's in? The type of body she made her stuck with when she stopped aging? It's the size of but a child or Teenager, no more than that. She looks as old as we did when you and I first met Caeda, back at the war. Maybe as developed, but not as tall as you.

Caeda: …

Merric: Maybe now that I'm finally being a teacher, it's making me think too much like I'm "the parent" to all my students, including her. It's maybe messing up my judgment in this situation, or I'm able to look past the imperfections as "her parent", or maybe it's just me selfishly wanting Marth to be happy because "he likes her". I don't know if that filter is there. I just want her to have the rest of her life to have guidance; and I know you, and Marth, and Elice can do a great job at giving that to her. I would have been lost without my master's guidance. If fate were any different, I wouldn't have had my tome, Excalibur. If I can change but the littlest thing about her early on, so that she sails far beyond what future that was predicted because of her actions in the past, then I'd be one of the happiest men alive, Caeda. She's also a great student too…a surprisingly great listener when she's calm. She always gives every lesson I give to her her all despite our long hours. She's trying as hard to learn as I am to teach her, and i really do appreciate that respect she gives me. If things continue how they are, I can see us becoming cohorts as your sages in your royal court. Assuming she does become a royal guard that is. Maybe we can grow to become good friends as well. She was off putting to me at first because of all the stress she was causing Marth. But after being around Pearl more, she does have a lovely air about her.

Caeda: …No wonder why Marth and Elice love you so much, Merric.

Merric: Sh-…They do?

Caeda: (Oh goodness, "She"? I was just giving a complement. I didn't anticipate – Do I cave and tease?……)

Caeda: (…Oh, I cave~. I'm caving in so hard.)

Caeda: Yes, whenever you were brought up in conversation, they'ed talk at nauseam about you. And here I am, a girl who only saw you with either your head stuck in a book or getting between me and Marth when we bickered!  But they'ed just go on, and on, and on about you!

Merric: W-………What'd they say? Like Elice, maybe first?

Caeda: Mmm?~ Why Elice first?

Merric: C-cause I know Merri- Marth. I Know Marth! Pay no mind. Mars' then first, I guess.

*He cleared his throat as he fixed his robe. He then held his mentoring book closer to his body with both hands.*

Caeda: No no, it's fine! I'll do Elice first. She'd remembered how you read all curled up in a ball and zone the whole world out. When I told her about the bear attack she thought you were the cutest thing ever.

Merric: …Just…cute? That was rather a foolish thing to do. I bet you told her how deathly shocked I was when I came back around.

Caeda: Oh she thinks your the bravest and smartest thing now to her, Merric. The faults like that add charm she says.

Caeda: Also, want to know another thing?

Merric: …I can not fully trust your build up to that delivery you clearly are anticipating.

Caeda: Sorry, I'm just giddy because I'm remembering what her and I talked about–

Merric: Still not interested.

Caeda: Last night, alone, without Marth near by, and about you. Just a little playful girl talk~. And you seem rather interested to hear about what she thinks about you, am I wrong?

Merric: ……………

*Merric exhaled out of his nose, held his palm partly over his mouth, adverted his gaze from her, and took a nibbled on her fishhook full of bait.*

Merric: You are to tell me only one fact from that conversation so I can get an understanding of what was talked about me in general. You are to never to tell anyone else how I react.

Caeda: She always had a soft spot for men who were taller than her and shared her hobbies.

Merric: . . . .

*Merric left in a brisk walk to what few trees were at the entrance of the plains.*

Caeda: Wait, where are you going?!

Merric: I'm…ah……I'm going…too uh…watch the – students…and…read my book!

Caeda: We know you can't do both!

Merric: No, I CAN NoW CaEDa! YES I CAN!




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSkFIBynJew&ab_channel=EluTran


Est: Okay girls!! Sorry that took so long! Let me hear your names again please and where you're from and what experience you have with horse back riding! Let's start with the two pretty ladies who have my hair color!

Norne: Oh, thank you! I'm Norne, commander of the 12th platoon! And-

Est: No I'm asking where you're FROM, you silly goose!

Norne: Oh! Well the mayor of my town keeps changing and so too does the name. It's really annoying, but I'm very close to Sera! I road on horse back to get here.

Pearl: Oh! I stayed there for a while!

Norne: Y-…Yeah I know.…… I saw you a lot.

Cecil: I'm Cecil, I come from Castle town that's close by. I've been riding all my life on horse back but never taken to the air.

Est: Okay! Now you two love birds!

Katarina: L-love birds!?

Est: Tehe!~ I'm just playing, you silly bee!

Katarina: O-oh, then then I'm from uh Castle town too but I …I've been traveling a lot but on foot…I'm sorry. Oh! My name is Katarina too.

Pearl: Ya' know me name apparently so I'll skip that. I'm from a town called Edda. It's in Jugdral. I wrote down that I was from Sera because that's where I moved too. My sister rode a "horse" but I'm rather scared of them. I call em' beasts.

Est: Huh, I never heard about that before! But that does add up.

Norne: Wait, Jugdral? Why didn't you tell Prince Marth that then? I'm sure he'd love to hear all the stories you might carry of that land. Do you even care for him?

Pearl: Aye, but I wanted to spend time with Sir Frey. I like personal tourers. That and well he looked lonely and a bit in pain so I helped him how I could. I was his walking cane because I'm so short. It was fun!

Est: Awhh! …That…That was very sweet of you to do. He's a really sweet man isn't he? Shucks… He's been in a real rut with this teaching thing…

Pearl: Aye, he's trying hard. He shared me his woes, n' I hoped I cheered him up.

Est: I'm sure you did……"Captain" Pearl.


Est: Okay! now who wants to ride first!

Pearl: US!!

Est: Wait? I thought you scared of them?

Pearl: With you here I'm not!

Est: AAhahaha!!! Well all righty then! Here, since you're so small I'll pick you up. Katarina you can get on by yourself right?

Katarina: S-sure!

Pearl: Okay!



Norne: So that's your leader?

Cecil: Yeah, isn't she cool?

Norne: "Cool" is not the first thing that comes to mind.

Cecil: Maybe not to you but…She did save my life on the same day all those refugees were coming in. I was by myself out there.



Est: ………Hey you foolish foals, stop walking away from me!………



Norne: Really?

Cecil: Yeah. I heard from master Athena how she guided everyone as precise as a sparrow swoops. To hear that, know for a fact that she did that because I'm alive today, and for her to be this much of a goof ball? I think that's cool she can be that relaxed.



Pearl: ………OY!………
Est: …………WoWOWOWO! Bad girl! Don't do that! Hold on, let me put you down for a second. There – and don't hold onto my leg like that.…………




Norne: …You think you can help me get a one on one with her later? There's something I need to ask her about.

Cecil: I don't like cleaning up other people's issues. Besides I got another date tonight with Katarina to the stables. But Pearl? She's a pretty talky person, like, to the point were you can just, like, walk up and talk to her about anything. So, like, you do you girl.

Norne: She is? Alright, I think I can think of something… Oh, when are you going out and can I hook up too?

Cecil: Around 6 and if you can make it, sure!

Norne: Ah! That's plenty of time! I always wanted to try braiding their hair.

Cecil: Oh my gosh, I never could do one to save my life. You have to teach–


*Pearl ran down the hill past Cecil and Norne, while screaming*

Pearl: HAAAAAAAAAAA!!! MERRRRRRRIIIIIIC!!!!!


Est: Wait no! Come back! Th-They don't normally bite like that!!

*Merric was already standing from his spot, milling slowly closer since he felt they were having some difficulties. When Pearl started to run away, Merric stuffed his tome in his sleeve and was already sprinting to her so they were able to meet at the bace of the hill. She was so small he was able to pick her up and stuffed the little tike in his robe, where she then latched onto his body. Est caught up to him.*

Est: Hey, give my student back! I need to get the pretty little girl on a pretty biggy pegasus!

Merric: They're our student, but mostly under my care.

Est: They're under –

Merric: Marth ordered me to watch over her, and I had a feeling the pegasus wouldn't like her.

Est: Wait, but I don't – hold on. Caeda! Caeda come over here??

Caeda: Yes Est?

Est: Can you help get everyone else in their harnesses please and get them in the air? I need to find out what's wrong.

Caeda: Depends, are you glad I came now?

Est: Yes, thank you so much! I really did need your help!

```• • •```

Est: Okay so it's …not that or that……Maybe its, like, how you look…

Pearl: How I look?

Est: Yeah. Pegasi are scared of men, only women can ride them. And like, girl, I felt your bindings. Let them out, have em' puppies jiggle!

Merric: …What?

Pearl: Yea but, I mean, you look like a guy too.

Est: *Gasp* What!? How dare you!

Pearl: Yeah, short hair? Your physique? That's like a total guy build if we cover ye' hips. I bet if we put Merric in a skimpy outfit we can get him to ride one.

Est: …You know, that's worth testing-

Merric: I refuse, and highly doubt that's the issue to this predicament. If it were true, then cross dressing would be far more common then just in stage play and certain communities.

Pearl: …OH! Now I remember! I stole a man's smell after I gave up my own! So that's why they don't like me!

Est: ……What?

Merric: It's uh, she had a lot of "magical accidents" growing up and I've been trying to fix them. I'm afraid that she'll be unable to fly on a pegasus.

Est: …That's horrible!

Pearl: It's fine! It's fine…I'm not one to fly anyway. I be specializin' with Merric for a while and it's fun teachin' and learnin' from him!

Est: But…but. No. I need to do something with you Pearl. I just can't leave you hanging. I'm teaching everyone and you're going to learn nothing. I can't tell that to Jagen. You need to learn something!

Pearl: Or else?

Est: I'm going to get yelled at!

Pearl: Uhhh……Do you know any stories then? I could learn about the war from you if cha' know a short story. I take it you fought in the last war?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS3c5TsOGfk&t=70s&ab_channel=EluTran

Est: *Gasp* I know a butt load of them! I took back one of Archania's sacred treasures all by myself and I threw a javelin at Camus's face!

Pearl: Oh, was that impressive?

Est: YES! YES IT WAS! I WOSHED IN BEHIND ENEMY LINES, PELTED BY ARROWS, AND GOT THE SWORD! I plucked Mercurius right from Grust's grasp and flew all the way back to Marth's side to give it to him!! Then later in the war I waited stealthily for Marth's orders. Waiting to ambush the great man, Camus! When I saw the great beam of light from the sky I SWOOPED down and got a hit off. That gave Marth his grand opening!!

Pearl: Okay, okay haha, uh…tell me one of …do you know anything more about Hardin? Marth seems to like him.

Est: MMMMMM……………… Oh! Yes Yes I do know of one! It was waaaaay back when the war was braking out.


Est: My great ex-commander Minerva, The Crimson Dragoon, was being forced to fight because of her brother trapping her lovely sister Maria in his wicked dungeon.


Est: As we were going on our campaign we saw villages being raided by renegade so called "Macedon" forces, but they were no Macedonians like us!


Est: Oh, And everything was on fire!!!

Pearl: On Fire?!

Est: Yes! Because they had a dragon!!

Pearl: The renegades had a dragon!?

Est: YES!  My elder sister, Palla, FLEW OFF to slay the beast by herself as my sister Catria, Commander and I routed the dastardly foes who were robbing and burning the villages!! Within the chaos I spotted the great Coyote, leader of the rebel army. Oh, butIdidn'tknowthatatthetime. STILL! He was slashing the bad guys left and right. I valiantly flew my pegasus out and landed right in his path.


Est: "HALT!", I shouted.  "You don't look like mer ruffians!" And he said in his big gruff POWERFUL voice. "I have no name worthy of –"

Est: *GASP* OhmygoshIalmostforgot!

Est: Right behind him were two other horsemen. I forgot the name of the other one but right next to him was Wolf. THE WOLF. Oh my gosh, he's such a hottie!!

Merric: Est.

Est: Whaaaaaaa!! Don't interrupt Merrrrriiiiiccc!! I'm in the groove!!

Merric: Wouldn't your lover not particularly like you describing Wolf like–

Est: Oh shush and let me keep telling the story. I have to describe what he looks like to Pearly after all! I landed right in front of them and shouted "HALT!!"

Est: Then BAMN! Pop! Right there! Wolf pulled out his bow and looked me right in the eyes, READY to shoot me dead, RIGHT on the spot! Jokes on him though I had my javelin ready RIGHT HERE, PEARL! YOU SEE ME? YOU SEE MY FIST SHAKING?!?! YOU HOLD IT JUST LIKE THIS WHILE ON HORSEBACK!! I landed right there just like this, ready to WHIP IT AT HIM!   If he was going to shoot me dead I was gonna kill him first! AND YOU THROW IT LIKE THAT! JUST LIKE THAT! REMEMBER THAT! I WAS GONNA KILL HIM JUST LIKE THAT! But! But! But! But! then Hardin walked right in-between us, a man who clearly feared NOTHING!

Est: "Stand back Wolf, I'll handle this fine lady!" And then Wolf twirled his bow away on the spot. "Oh anything for you, my darling!" He loved saying darling a lot pearl. He was such a sweetheart!

Est: And then I bolstered; " You don't look like simple ruffians! What is your name?" and he's like"I have no name worthy for your ears". And I'm like "A SHAME! But tis seems that you were here on the hunt first to beat these dastards!" And he's like, "That I am, I am hunting these scoundrels who spill blood of the innocent! By any chance, are you... Dame Est, guided by the great Minerva? I heard the Macedonian army had a beautiful woman. Her hair a fruity scarlet, like a peach!" And I said, "YES! I am EST! Good sir!" And he said: "And are those Macedonian scum I see, are they deserters?" And then I said "YES! Those are not with EST!" Then he said all gruffly "I see. Then, I believe I have a firm grasp of the situation! These rats are kidnapping village maidens and are having their way with them! I shall slice their heads from their shoulders! Lady Est, I beg of you, join our cause so we may clean this mess together". "WITH PLEASURE" I shrieked!!


Est: And then I got Minerva to join in and we saved the day, together!! Hooray!!

Merric n Pearl: ……

Est: Okay so like if Jagen asks you if I taught you anything just tell him I taught you that!! I should really get back to everyone else now. Merric, you take good care of her now! Bye!!



Merric: …I highly doubt any of that was factually correct.

Pearl: I know it's not, but the essence of the story was. Hardin and his hands sound like good men.

Merric: Hands?

Pearl: His crew.

Merric: Understood. Well, I hope you saw something of value from that. In the mean time, I was just going to read out here since it's such a lovely day. Would you want to join me?

Pearl: Do you have the basic dark magic book on you? I saw a section on mind reading that I really wanna learn.

Merric: Hmmm…That seems like a dangerous thing to teach you at this time.

Pearl: But–

Merric: However, I heard a lot about your journal. May I read your adventures as you gain more knowledge of the dark arts? Seems like a fair trade.

Pearl: ……………Sure! I trust ya' Teach!



= = = = = = = = 6.3 = = = = = = = = =



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVq7P8GDO84&ab_channel=AlexanderWoodgate


Luke: …What type of bow strings are there again.
Ryan: I told you 5 times already.
Luke: Well clearly this study session isn’t helping.
Ryan: It’s your fault for not studying when the test’s that’s tomorrow.

Katarina: I could make you some note cards again.
Luke: That won’t do. You know what, I’m just going to coast.

Cecil: Luke you can’t just slack off like that. Don’t you care about being a knight?
Luke: Of course I do.
Cecil: Then you should study more.
Luke: I ain’t feeling it.


Pearl: Luke.
Luke: Oh lovely now Pearl the Terrible is going to yell my ear off.
Pearl: I ain’t if cha’ take me serious for like 5 seconds mate.
Luke: Cut your fake accent and I will.
Pearl: Ye’ think I wear a mask?
Luke: Of course I do. You can talk all proper on a dime. You try to copy anyone you like. You’re really terrible at hiding that.
Pearl: Hmmm…
Luke: Yeah like right there, that’s something Merric says.
Pearl: Guess it takes a mask to know another mask.
Luke: You think I the great paladin of light blinds myself from my justice by wearing a mask? Perrish the thought.
Pearl: Riiiight. Well, You payed attenton well in class?
Luke: of course I did.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVq7P8GDO84&ab_channel=AlexanderWoodgate

Frey: Good morning. Now starts your written exam. You have two hours to complete it. Once you are done  you are free to leave.  We will then tell you your scores in two days.
Your time starts now.

```• • •```

Katarina: So how did the test go? You were taking a really long time in it…

Pearl: Oy, thanks for waitin' for me. Ya didn't have too! I just be dottin' my T's and crossin' me  I's.

Katarina: …What? You can’t dot a T and cross your I's

Pearl: No you can, by doing this.


Katarina: …! Hahahah! you’re too silly!

Norne: Hey, wait up!

Pearl: Ahoy. How can I help ya'?

Norne: Listen, I need to ask you something important.

Pearl: Sure, what?

Norne: What did you do to Kris?
Pearl: …?…

Norne: !!! Don’t lie to me. You know who exactly I'm talking about. Kris trained his whole life to be here, Pearl.  I saw him cutting wood near my village and thats how I met him. He then later saved me when I got lost in the woods when we were kids…… He always kept me safe.. We made a promise that we'd  be here as knights together. A-and I know he was plenty strong enough to pass any of these tests!
…But then you came and just…I only ever saw him with you for a few years. His grandpa died during that time and when - I know for a fact word got out to Sera village for recruitment! I knew it did! But…Only you came…not him. Something happened to him Pearl. I know he was out side the castle a few weeks back yelling to you…I know he's fine. But again, with all these stupid rumors going round, and how the staff gives you shifty looks–

Pearl: You think I'm a dangerous person and I gone hurt him?

Norne: Yes. Why else would someone like Draug even so much as cringe when your platoon or you were brought up? I heard you use curses like a dark mage. You did something to him. I – Tell me you didn't do something to him, Pearl. What happened? Why isn't he here? He should be here.

Pearl: ( I know from Rody how Ogma feels about me……and…but…what do I even say in this situation?……Wait, I'm recallin' another conversation from another guy I look up too……)

Pearl: ……Rumors spread like wildfires, Norn'. There be no point to tryin' to fix or fight em'. I’m sure he be fine.

Norne: But, you're the only one in this whole kingdom who'd know what happened to my friend! What did you do to him? I've been worried about him ever since I got here. He should have been here…Please, I’m begging you. Say something.

Pearl: (Well…I'm in a situation for sure. I can't tell her that I did curse him because Merric told me not too. Katarina I know is mailing him…but now the one thing that's making this all sticky is not knowing what Kris said to Katarina. . . I don't know if he shared or talked behind my back. Damn it, I should have asserted power over Kat to share me what they wrote. Instead of turnnin' a blind eye to it 'cause I wanted to give em' some privacy. Gha, I can hardly lead a crew well. No, I can, I'm just crap at keepin' me own hide safe while doin' it. I just gonna have to take a blind leap of faith on this and hope Kat can clean up this mess for me.)

Pearl: (Kris, if you betray me on this and told Katarina anything…)

*Pearl beckoned Katarina to come stand in front of her which she did so on command without a second thought.*

Pearl: Are you so sure that they'ed be the only one?

Norne: Huh?…I never saw you before here though.

Katarina:  I …I picked up the mail for her and I saw that that she was mailing this one man a whole lot. I asked her about it and I found out they were her friend. S-So I …I’ve been sending him letters too because I wanted to know who he was. I know that's like maybe weird but They were sending a lot of letters so I wanted to…wanted to make that choice by myself. I found out he's a really nice guy.

Norne: I …Know he's a nice man, but just knowing him isn't going to help me in this situation.

Katarina: I know. I asked him why he wasn't here and he told me that he didn't want to outshine Pearl. She came here for a purpose, while for him he just "wanted" to come here.

Norne: …That…that sounds exactly like him.…Okay…To be honest I should have asked him rather than pressuring you guys. I'm sorry. You two have a good day. And uh…good luck with the rest of your tests…

*Norne walked off waving them and Katarina waved her goodbye. Pearl started to let out chuckle*

Katarina: What's wrong Pearl?

Pearl: If there be two people I could always trust on, it's Kris and me first mate. Thank ye'.

Katrina: Hehe…I'm glad I can be helpful…say uhm…Can i ask a question?

Pearl: Sure. What up?

Katarina: On the topic of trust because hearing that jogged my memory…uhm……you said a really long time ago that you acted nice to reduce "mutiny", right?

Pearl: Aye.

Katarina: …What exactly had you so uh…worried about that when we first met?

Pearl: I've been sailin' for a long time. Given my sex, females aren't looked at too kindly out at the sea. I told everyone that I was a sailor, but yer ears ill bless ya' with the truth because you told me a bit about yourself. I was a pirate for some time due to reasons. Betrayals happened often there. I commanded many different crews. And when there's mutiny, they want to kill the captain first. I sym– No, I empathized with where you were coming from Kat. It was one of the reasons why I helped you out. Even if you smelled like a rat…I was one too.

Katarina: ………Do you mean that?

Pearl: Aye. I don't like stowaways which what you felt like, but you proved your worth Kat. Bustin' your donkey day and night to be here, ye really wanted to mend your ways. I Can respect that. You remind me of this pup named Ching who was with me crew for a long time. Raised on my ship, helped me with everything, followed every order I ever gave, ood with magic too. I feel that spark in yer' soul lass, you sure you don't want to give spell slingin’ a try. Point is thoughI trust you with me life.

Katarina: I-i'm sure……do you feel safe telling me this?

Pearl: Yes. I feel safe with you.

Katarina: …Then  uh if I can ask why did you agree to be M-Marth's royal guard?

*Pearl rubbed her nose and let her inner smirk show*

Pearl: Pretty straightforward transaction, Kat. I'm willin' to clean up me act if it's in the name of a new friend.

Katarina: What would have you done if you didn't get that spot?. . .

Pearl: Reasons~

Katarina: ………I-…I see…then you don't need to say I…I won't tell anyone I promise. U…huh……uh…what did you…did you ever encounter others trying to overthrow you?

Pearl: Yes.

Katarina: …

Pearl: I can tell by the look in yer eye you want me to keep goin' I take it. Okay. What do you want to know?

Katarina: What…how many turned on you?

Pearl: Whole crew? That happened about 5 to 6 times. Half of them was them discovering me sex and thought they could use me or I weren't fit to run cause of air' pride. Two of em hated how I shared booty – the normal reason, really. The last one …

Pearl: …I ended up losin' Ching 'cause of something stupid I did. Lost half of the crew or so that day too. My memory my be off on the numbers but it was a livin' nightmare. The rest that lived wanted my head. Thankfuly what spells I did had was able to subdue everyone as I left them to rot on the sandbar. But …that's life. It was either them or me.

Katarina: How are you alive when the other uprisings happened?

Pearl: I kill backstabbers without a second thought.

Katarina: Oh, so you're a capable fighter?

Pearl: (… ! … She be scoping me out.)

Pearl: (Why? She's been seeing how I fight all the time. No need to ask that question outside of wanting more infomation. Why'd I always feel an abnormal amount of magic in you anyway? Is she just a stowaway or a snake I gotta worry about?)

Pearl: (…Calm down. I have no evidence of her being a backstabber. If I said anything to anyone that'd be like me acting like a madman. No one ever draws the same dots as I do. Besides, her motive checks out, she has been bustin' her butt just to clean up her act. New name, new life…she really is me. …No, her name is "Katarina". She's nothing like me, she still has her name. That good luck spell did work on her, and she was able to find Wrys all by herself with me lucky aid. )

Pearl: (Hmmm…If she is scoping me out then I need to confuse her. Making it look like I was lying or being silly or joking around should reduce her suspicion on me. Not all of that can be salvaged, but I can play up my act. Id rather have her fear me because she cant understand me, then think less of me or worse, plan around me. Oy, for once I'm glad I kept me crew from learning about em'. Only Marth n' Merric know about Vin'. Oy! Oy Viny. Pop out for a wee sec!)

*The wraith, only visible to her, flew into her mental view.*

Pearl: (You can cover me captains quarters as always, right Viny?)

Wraith "Vin": … ♪…

Pearl: (Ke-he~)

Pearl: Kehehaha, the sea be scary mate and what it does to yer mind. But hey, don't worry I trust you. You've been helping me so much. Just keep helpin' me and you don't gotta worry about me pullin' a blade to your pretty little neck. Cross me heart.

Katarina: That's comforting to know.…I …I want to share something then …bu-but later.

*Pearl beckoned for her to walk with her*

Pearl: That's fine. Let's then talk about our load out for the next practical exam.

Katarina: Our battle plans?  Already? We don't even know if we passed.

Pearl: I know we passed, and if someone we're gonna use didn't? I can fix that.

Katarina: And what's that plan?

Pearl: I stage my own small mutiny and threaten to leave here if they get kicked out. I know the prince wouldn't want me to go cause he want me as a royal guard. Id order you to come with me, then Ryan would cave to my guidance. Cecil will get prideful and cave in defectin' with me, and her leavin' too will be another dink in their armor. I'll convince Rody over by arguing that I'm defendin' the mates knight honor, and It's either Luke would just follow the pack or be the one who's getting kicked.
If we do get kicked out we start our own pack and find meaning in our lives. I get me a boat and we can bugger off if it all fails. If it work out then we saved the guy and we do whatever we plan right after.

Katarina: …That seems oddly very well planned out but a tad foolish.

Pearl: Kahaha, I work in extremes. I rely on folks like you to even me out.

Katarina: I-i can tell. I know by now Pearl. We've made a few of these plans already.…but very well, let's talk strategy.

Pearl: Who's the next guy anyway?

Katarina: Ogma or Draug. I wasn't told who yet. I heard from the grapevine that it might be Draug…

Pearl: ………Oh. We're not ready for him. We're damn too weak.

Katarina: You think?

Pearl: Aye. Remember class? Knights got stupid defense and I ain't too good with me magic. Welp, we had a good run.

*She clapped her hands and turned around to walk away. Katarina reached out and held on Pearl's clothing to pull her back*

Katarina: No no no no we're fine! I-i can think of something.

Pearl: Khahaha, just what I wanted to hear.

Katarina: Uhmmm… mmm… I have some connections so I think I could get some better equipment.

Pearl: Oh? Connections?

Katarina: Y-yeah………

Pearl: Kahaha! Now I see why you were scared of me thoughts on mutiny!  Ye company fine in my book Kat even if you got some skeletons you walked over to get here.

Katarina: …Thank you for understanding. I knew you would…

Pearl: Yea, so just help me get that gear, oh also! How kind the company be?

Katarina: As in how safe they are?

Pearl: Oy. I take it they be from yer background.

Katarina: That wouldn't be too far off the mark, yes and…uh…………The…"usual"?

Pearl: I see. Hold on then, come with me.

```• • • They walked back to their dorm when no one else was there • • •```

Pearl: Here, take this on for size with ya when ye' go to see your dealer!

Katarina: I-is that a Killing edge IN your mattress!?

Pearl: Just a fake!

*She forced her to hold it*

Katarina: No, this is just a dull Killing edge. W-why do you even have this!?

Pearl: Self defense.

Katarina: You…It's a display sword then, right? You can't even use it for combat! I never once saw you wield swords…a-and I can't even fight, remember?

Pearl: Oh, no, you don't fight with this. You chuck it at the guy!

Katarina: …What?

Pearl: Oy! If things go south with yer dealer you just whip it at the guy and you book it. Throws em off their rhythm! Every time! Street smarts!

Katarina: …Pearl that's…wow. I'm from "the streets" and that'd be so stupid to do. Am I allowed to say that as your tactician? I feel like I should be. That's a stupid plan. I can't believe the same person who saved the village is also saying I should whip a fake sword at someone at the first signs of trouble.

Pearl: But–

Katarina:  Please stop talking. Trust me, they wont hurt me.  Uhmm…there was another thing. If we're lacking fire power how about we ask for help?

Pearl: Who else could we ask?

Katarina: Norne's group?

Pearl: … I mean that'd be good and I could make that work if we're under one banner as platoon 7. Easy enough meeting to set up…but I don't want to be throwing bodies at Draug. That's a bit mindless.…N' maybe say we would suddenly have the numbers advantage on him, what the bloody hell will our next test look like? A mock war? We can't handle that. They balance the lessons around these squad sizes, not two groups merging. We'd be massacred if they saw us organized. Best we stay divided and let the other groups fail.……Oh, Crap.

Katarina: Mmm?

Pearl: I see why they held lessons right before the test, it's to see if we'd keep up with our routines of workin' out by ourselves. Which none of us did…

Katrina: I know…

Pearl: (And I didn't learn any new attackin' spells…I got reseted to "nothing" and been distracted by tryin' to learn more cause it was that much fun with Merric. Damn it. I at least have my powers back but I doubt they'd be much help in this spot.)

Katarina: I've been watching this for a while. Hence why I've been thinking of calling "my dealer". You can cover me when I try to get the goods, right? Cecil said she'd help me and I wasn't sure how you'd react. I don't want to join the fray since I can't fight but she can bring them in. It's so that Cain won't ask too many questions…

Pearl: Yeah. Easy easy. Thanks for having foresight.

*Pearl scratched her head.*

Pearl: Still, havin' the right gear be only one step. It's too up in the air for my liking…

Katarina: Have you maybe thought of asking your teacher?

Pearl: Frey?

Katarina: That's "our" teacher. I meant yours!

Pearl: Who the hell you talkin' about?

Katarina: Merric!

Pearl: …OH! Oi hE be PerFECT! I'll find him while eh- you can get everyone else ready?

Katarina: Yes Commander!

Pearl: Thanks matey!

Pearl: (Mmm…She knew the blade's name…then said "Dull"… but then corrected herself to say "just a fake"…Hmmm…)

```• • •```

Merric: Hmmm………So you are asking because you fear Draug will be your challenger?

Pearl: Aye, that be what me tack-tishy said. I know these classes be done  and so too our lessons……and I don't know if your busy but I'd……But to be honest I wouldn't mind you stickin' around me more Merric.…I'd really love if you stuck around… Time with ya was fun. I like readin' with ya. Ye be a calmin' soul to be around even if in silence… Please?

Merric: It sounds like your asking one thing, but then defected to another question.

Pearl: …

Merric: Speak what your heart is wanting to say, and that should ease the turbulence you are feeling. Even now you tremble, and there's no need to fear the drafts that circle around me, Captain.

Pearl: …Can you call me "Pearl"?…Because I want you to be my friend, and friends need no formalities when it be just us.

Merric: Hmmm…may you then answer me a few questions this then before I respond?

Pearl:…Sure.

Merric: Let's just get the heavy one out away, because I'm worried for my friend still. What ritual where you trying to craft with the Falchion?

Pearl: Oy oy!……

Pearl: ………

Merric: I checked already. It is just us out here.

Pearl: Oh…okay.……uhm…from the book? Aye aye…tryin' to remember off the top of me head I don't wanna dig for it at the second…

Use the tooth of the great god to chew out a tableau.
Blood of ichor, none be left. So the dead, accept some from the bold who followed that dame.
Spirits heed me. Free her. Let me see her once more. The one that I adored.

Merric: …You were going to find others who believed in Naga for their blood and use the sword to – Are you aware that Naga is also a man Pearl?

Pearl: I felt the spirit of Naga. I feel she be a woman every time I prayed. Call me nuts but that's what I see. That and that's what me god told me too in me dreams.

Merric: …That's what Maria and what Marth said too…

Pearl: Huh?

Merric: In the last war we had a Manakete on our side, and i remember the two of them interacting with him. Maria more so then Marth. Maria being the princess that was held captive from Est's story. The Manakete's name was Bantu. He wore a robe just as red as her hair. He was a nice old man. Maybe he was around long enough to know her or him or well "them…hmmm…why would our records be wrong then I wonder…

Pearl: Gods be a fickle thing, Merric.

Merric: I suppose you are right. But even then, everything involving with Naga was always referred to as "King".

Pearl: But a woman can't be King?

Merric: That'd be a "Queen" Pearl?

Pearl: You call me Captain not too long ago Merric, so Frey told ye' what to call me.

Merric: I'm not going to call you "Sir" because you're a woman.

Pearl: Sir or not I be a knight still, right? Titles be a frivolous thing when judging who cha’ be. Naga be a woman, records be damned.

Merric: Hmmm…We could spend hours debating this, could we?

Pearl: Fun, no?

Merric: It is, but to respect our time I'll concede for now. Still, with that said, I'd deeply value that you'd never try to take that sword from Marth. Ever. Even if things start to look "south".

Pearl: Your tone, you speak as if if you bent over backwards to get it for him.

Merric:…It's because I did. I nearly died for it, and I'd appreciate if my hard work didn't go to waste.

Pearl: Oh, you have to tell me that story now!

Merric: *Sigh* Another time…

Pearl: …Sorry. I promise I wont then Merric. I swear I wont bail.

Merric: How can I know you're telling the truth?

Pearl: . . . . .

*Pearl took out her tome and use one of her nails to cut her finger and write on the page with her blood*

Merric: …What curse are you writing?

Pearl: Spirits, heed me. Curse the being falsely named Pearly. Damn them to tell the truth or death will crush their heart in. Now it's activated.

Pearl: ………
Merric: ………

*She gave him the book.*

Pearl: Just rip the page out and destroy it to stop the curse.

Merric: I……I don't feel comfortable following through with this.

Pearl: Well I do. I want you to be my friend.

Merric: You're willing to risk your own life to be my friend. Is that –

Merric: (No no no no no we can't ask her any questions.)

*Merric started to frantically go through the book.*

Pearl:  Why are you flipping through the pages?

Merric: Stop talking. I need you to be silent so that you don't accidentally kill yourself.

Pearl: …………………………

*Merric looked hyper focused on reading through the pages. She reached over  and rested her finger on his forehead to test out her mind reading spell she learned how to cast without a book. He looked at her confused for he was not adding two and two together yet.*

Merric: (Why is she…No, She's just trying to get me to ask her something. I can't respond, I can't give her fuel to say anything. I don't want her getting hurt. )

Merric: (But I need to see if she's like this normally, if there's any passed records. If she'd throw her life in the fray like this or is this a special case. If this is then I can trust she would go down the right path.)

Pearl: (Oy~ Got what me wanted.)

*She went to let go but his mind whispered another thought as he was blazing through her knowledge.*

Merric: (Why are you such a handful at times, Pearl? I hope you're worth all this trouble…)

Pearl: …

Merric: …?…

Pearl: Oh,

Pearl: I'm–

*With everything snapping in his head inline of what just transpired, his gut reaction was to get her to shut up as fast as he could. He swung out and slapped her across the face. Pearl fell too the grass floor and just laid there in shock as Merric held his follow through.  All that they could hear were the birds chirping and the peaceful nature. Both remained there as Merric stared at her body with harden eyes…that slowly grew into a hollowed expression.*

Merric: …Pearl?

*She raised up her hand and then let it fall to the ground to show she was alive. He let out a massive sigh and opened up the book, aggressively flipped to the right page, tore it out, ripped it to shreds, then lit the scraps on fire with a quick spell cast. He only spoke as he was snuffing the flames out by stomping on it. With his aggression exerted on the paper and not her, his tone was mostly recovered back to it's usual sounding song.*

Merric: I never quite anticipated that I'd slap a student today.……Are you-

Pearl: "Today" being the key word?~

Merric: Okay, so you apparently can bounce back from a lot of things – based off of that tone and you joking around. Good to know.

Pearl: Actually I'm lyin' on the ground to show that I didn't "bounce back" internally, but health wise – yes – I am fine now. Karma had that comin' to me eventually to be honest. I'm glad it was you and not another man if that calms ya' jitters a little.

Merric: I see, then stay down there so that you don't build up more any negative karma.

Pearl: Yes master Merric.

Merric: Now were was I?…

Pearl: …I'm sorry for bein' a handful. And thank ya'- …Thank you for working with me through all this chum. I promise I will be worth it. I want to make it up to you…

Merric: …

Pearl: And no, I don't damn me'self often. In fact, this be the second time I ever done this. First being for Marth.

*Merric opened her journal again and flipped through it once more, back a couple of pages.*

Merric: Well that explains this "bit" better…Hmmm…

Pearl: I be loyal.

*He closed the book right then afterwords.*

Merric: You are. Then one last question.

Pearl: Oy?

Merric: If you had to choose between having me as a friend but not fight, but have me as a fighter and we don't interact outside of work, which would you rather want?

*She remained silent for a short while thinking to over*.

Pearl: I'll take it as a hard "no" you don't want to fight then. The first option is the one I pick.

Merric: Then as your newly appointed friend, I will now confiscate this tome from you for I am worried about your safety.

*She sprang to her feet.*

Pearl: WHAT?!

Merric: You hurt yourself with it too much. Don't worry, I'll provide a new – lesser hexed – book so you may write in it.

Merric: Oh, another thing. I graded your squad already. You all passed. There's one last thing also.

Merric: In addition, since I am putting you at a disadvantage; I'll happily aid you in the rest of your exams. May we be victorious fighting side by side together, my friend.

```• • • Two days later • • •```

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOh7klO3qTk&list=PL09DA3267151ABB1F&index=24&ab_channel=PlayJammerUK

Athena: Tiny Voman! It be too long since ve last seen you!!

Pearl: Power woman!

Athena: Vearl, learn new tricks, yes?

Pearl: Actually, I didn't learn anything new.

Athena: …………

*Athena ran up and picked the munchkin by her neck*

Athena: VEARL BRING SHAME TO "ATHENA"! DISGUSTING! HOV DARE YOU!

Pearl: I-I SUFFERED AN INJURY!! I RECOVERED BACK TO FULL I-IN RECORD TIME!!

*Athena placed her on the ground and started to pet her head.*

Athena: Oh!!! Such a good girl. Ve very proud. Strong recover. Nov better not be veak.


Cain: Well then, let's begin today's practical training! Your opponents from here on will be the toughest yet, so show me that fighting spirit of yours! The 7th Platoon's opponent, today, is Draug. A man who needs no  introduction.

*Draug walked out of the out cove looking over the group*

Draug: (Cecil was registered to be out here today but she's not here, huh?.…Bit too late to turn tail from this group…I should have encouraged her to get out of this earlier more but…*Sigh* No one would have taken her in.)

Draug: (Tis' a pity she hast to fall with them but I can't have Pearl pass, for Marth's sake. Everything Ogma said was right, It'd would have just been rude if I blindly agreed with him back then. This looks weak enough to power through…except for Merric. Still, one slight misstep and she'll lose a man, and that'd be enough to knock the  other platoons up higher the candidates list.)

Pearl: What if we do need an introductions?

*Before Cain could respond Draug spoke up*

Draug: I am but a humble knight of Altea. There is nothing more of note outside of my undying devotion to Lord Marth. Come! Let us engage!

Pearl: (Crap baskets, I couldn't delay for Cecil! WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!)





Draug: How in the…

Luke: BOOYAH!!!! WE PASSED!

Pearl: OY, YE DID NOTHIN!

Luke: I KEPT THE BENCH WARM!

Draug: You did not past. I have one final test for you all.

Pearl: Oy! You can't be throwin' new rules at us! Teach!!

*Both her and and Draug looked at Cain and he stared at Draug's determined eyes.*

Cain: (…Well if it gets him to shut up about her and get him to see what I see in her…)

Cain: There will be no one–on–one dueling or jousting, Sir Draug, but I will allow an additional test, since a true knight should be prepared for any situation.

Pearl: "Any" …huh?~…I'll live up to that better then…

Draug: (Dang…a one vs one is what I wanted. Well, I guess there's another strength of hers that I could depend on…)

Draug: You and your platoon are to convince me to join your ranks in just 6 words. You all must convince me over individually.

Pearl: Just 6? That's hardly fair!

Draug: Any words spoken to me from hence forth will be added to the count. Scared of the challenged, my fair lady, Dame Pearl?

SFX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYJ0N1JiYEI&ab_channel=ImmaVegeta
(((First second))))

Pearl: ……

Pearl:………

Pearl: Alright everyone gather up.


```• • •```

Katarina: . . .

Draug: …………

Katarina: W-

Draug: No.

Katarina: Okay sorry…

Draug: Huhuhu…Timid as ever…

Luke: Draug don't be a kill joy.

Draug: I will kill all the joy. You have not convinced me.

Ryan: Mr Draug… You're like family to me!

Draug: Even if Gordin is like a brother to me, and I care for you just as much; I am sorry, but I refuse.

Rody: Sir Draug I want to improve with you.

Draug: ……………Forgive me, Sir Rody, for denying you this chance to grow. It pains me so. But not enough to fold.

Cecil: ………

Draug: …………

Cecil: Dragy please………

Draug: Forgive me Cecil. This will not be the end for your career. I'll assure you.

Cecil: Assure me by coming…

Draug: …I refuse.

Cecil: Dragy…

Pearl: …………

Draug: ……………………

Pearl: …………………

Draug: ………………………………

*She counted on her fingers her words*

Pearl: I

Pearl: can

Pearl: mix

Pearl: a mean bumbo.

Draug: . . . . . . .

Draug: . . .

Draug: ……………………………………………………

Draug: You are to prepare it for me now and not leave the area, for a true knight always comes prepared.

*She pulled out the ingredients from her cleavage that were safely stored in her*

Draug: (SHE HAS EVERYTHING ON HAND?!)

*When she went to get the alcohol she stopped in place as she was holding the jug. She ranked it out and spiked it on the floor*

Pearl: DAMN THE DEPTHS OF THE DEEP AND THEIR TWISTED BLOODY SCREAMS! I GAVE ALL ME DRINK TO SIR FREY!!!!!

Draug: Wait! Sir Frey took succor from you?

Pearl: I swear me heart he did Sir.

Draug: How? He didn't trust you at all!

Pearl: I stay behind class one day askin' if he was okay. I ask a lot of people where they come from – since I be new to this land and I don't know a thing. I thought I was makin' him feel uncomfortable when I asked about what he did in the last war. Well, I thought I be makin' him feel the jitters, period. He told me everythin' that happened at the prison ya'll had to cut across.

Draug: Everything?

Pearl: Everythin', matey.

Draug: Everything…Really? Okay. What was …Abel thinking about? Exactly. What was he – exactly – thinking about?

*She responded without hesitation*

Pearl: He wanted to feel the sun on his skin.


*Pearl kept talking as she disappointingly looked at her jug. Draug, awestruck, shook himself out of it*

Draug: (No, it's as what Jeorge said. This can all be a blasted trick. I bet Cain told her!)

*He turned around to confront Cain but stopped when he saw his reaction.*

Pearl: So oy oy, where was I? Yeah. So He told me what was bothering him and we talked more. He said he was in pain but still wanted to give me a tour of the castle since I skipped out on bein' with Marth.

Draug: Wait, you did? You skipped out on getting personal a tour by Marth?

Pearl: Aye, I wanted to make sure he was okay.

Cecil: I CAN COVER FOR HER SIR DRAUG, SHE WASN'T THERE AT ALL!!!!

Pearl: OY! We failed, stop tryin', it looks pathetic. Shut your trap.

Cecil: WHAT'D YOU JUST SAY TO ME!?

Katarina: C-calm down please…

Cecil: *Mumble mumble*…

Pearl: Where was I? So yeah I agreed but the poor guy always looked so tired after class. I offered him a drink. I tried givin' it to him before we talked but he rejected it. It was only after we opened up to one another when he took it. Sorry for wastin' ya' time, Sir.

*Draug reached out and held Pearl's shoulder. The two just blankly stared at one another for a while until Draug reached into his armor and pulled out his own alcohol bottle.*

Draug: Mix me a bumbo, squire.

Pearl: Yes sir.

*She mixed it in her canister and handed it too Draug. Draug sloshed it around in the bottle before he bottoms up the canister and drank every last drop. A smile was slowly growing on his face*

Draug: …heheheh……

Pearl: mmm?

*Draug caught pearl in a head lock.*

Draug: HAAAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA.

Pearl: I-Is that a yes!?

Draug: Yes Sir Pearl!

Pearl: OY, REALLY?!

Draug: ANYONE WHO CAN MIX A DRINK IS GOOD IN MY BOOK!! AAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAAAAAAAHAHHHA.



```• • • Menwhile in the castle • • •```

??: ……AAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAAAAAHAHA!!!!!!

Elice: What is …that roaring I hear?

Marth: That's not roaring. That's laughter, and I know that laugh.

*Marth ran to a window and opened it. Though the man was behind hills and trees to be seen, Marth knew it was Draug's laugh. He turned to his beloved sister.*

Marth:  Do you recall who was training today with Draug?

Elice: …I think it was Platoon 7 today from what I remember managing.

*Marth looked back out the window to appreciate Drugs laugh. Then he excitingly turned back to Elice in the hopes she'd burden his over excitement. She did, but only because his happiness was so infectious.*

Elice: She seems to be getting along well with the others.

Marth: You think we should have her meet Ogma then to get him to change his mind too?

Elice: Let's wait until she becomes a knight.

Marth: I simply can't wait.