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[IamanElfCollaborator]

"Well, I won't claim to understand what it is you're seeking," Emilia replied. She lifts an eyebrow at the forceful cutting of the log. "What I gave up, I gave up of my own free will. I will, however, offer my lance to you, once this is over, to seek recompense for what was taken from you. As far as I can, of course."

[Chevaleresse]

Rhian paused for a moment, looking at Emilia and debating something internally. She shook her head before replying.
"Thanks. I wouldn't blame you if you changed your mind when the time came, though."

[SirAston]

The day of departure has come, and the entourage travels with three carriages. Accompanying them were Noel and Ceodor. The remainder of the Marauders were kept under surveillance at home by the local guards. Their fate will be decided upon Sir Dunas' return.

The trek was slow, but steady and uneventful. The highlights, if one could call them that, were driving past a pair of squirrels (and preventing Eiriol from ditching the carriage upon seeing them), helping a young woman and an elderly man fix their carriage, and routing a small, inexperienced band of highwaymen without issues. If that was the height of roadside threats after the message that the Marauders got dismantled spread around, that would be a positive sign indeed.

A peaceful wind accompanies the group as the case containing the true Fire Emblem rests secured in Dunas' personal luggage...

[Now Playing: Tear Ring Saga - BMG59]

"All things considered, it went smooth."

You have arrived at Castle Lornen, seat of King Alfalm. It's still early, so preparations are still ongoing, but you have been permitted to rest at the southern guest hall until the celebration begins. The chairs and couches were comfortable, paintings and portraits adorn the walls and a fireplace provides warmth. Two servants stand ready next to the entrance, with the older one attending to minor needs you might have.

"We have some time and not much where we could go... I'm assuming the majority of you are not well-versed in Dunlandic aristocracy and politics, so until it begins, feel free to ask me anything you might want to know."

Spoiler: Details about the Royal Family (click to show/hide)

King Greoger Alfalm needs little introduction. The Hero of Light. He who rid the continent of Darkspawn. A living, walking legend. His time after the crusade 30, 35 years ago was not kind to him however. The disappearance of the Mamkute tribe seems to have affected him a lot, his joyous nature having been chipped away week by week. His ultimate loss was the kidnapping of young Crown Prince Falmer, Firstborn of Alfalm, at the tender age of six in the Year 266 who remains missing to this very day. While His Majesty still clings onto hope, all of us have faced the reality of the situation, including...


Queen Ulen Alfalm. Before His Majesty courted her, she grew up in Clavesh ready to become a scholar, and Her Majesty was blessed with Prince Falmer soon after their marriage. My youthful self remembers her as having been such a wonderful and cheery maiden. The kidnapping shattered all of it though. Melancholy gripped her, she grew desperate and self-isolated. Which culminated, on the tenth anniversary of the kidnapping, in her jumping head-first into an open fire, with only immediate assistance from nearby servants saving her life. Since that tragic day, she barely holds on, but holding on she does. His Majesty supports her tenderly, which must her give some strength to continue living.


Despite the desolate situation surrounding Prince Falmer, two more descendants emerged and grew up well. Prince Arnston Alfalm is set to be the heir to the throne, and he is a bright and cunning future monarch. He knows exactly when to speak his mind and when to sugarcoat a deal, making him a promising successor. Of course, since Prince Falmer came first, he is only of Minor Blood. It is an open secret that he wishes to make the Duchess of Angbar his future Queen, but since she is Bloodless and thus would have no chance of birthing one of Major Blood, there has been no blessing from His Majesty. The only thing where the prince is slightly rebellious about, even if he logically understands each one's position.


Last but not least, Princess Eleya Alfalm. A scholar just like her mother, and with talent in the magical art to boot. She was initially promised to a Westwind prince, but the war destroyed any hopes of such a marriage to come true now. For now, there are no plans to marry her off. It seems she does not mind. I would not be surprised if she sees her future at the Grand Library.

Spoiler: What the other Five Knights have been up to in the past weeks. (click to show/hide)

Sir Dulosta has established his outpost in the north of Wyrmpeak, near the Duchy of Lestern on the peninsula in Dunland. I guess that makes sense for personal reason, but given there's not much land to cultivate north of the Great Wyrm Forest, I question that it will become a larger town within a reasonable amount of time. Then again, it could become a major port between the northern coast of Dunland including Lestern, and the eastern coast of Westwind. And there's still potential access to the central achipelago, the Jagged Sea. Maybe he knows something we don't.


Sir Jernigan has his outpost in the mountainous southwest. A fitting place to provide more room to breed wyverns, train new riders and overall raise the capacities of the Red Wings. Other than that, there's nothing much I can say. Due to his duties as commander, he's constantly traveling between the outpost, Lestern, and his estate, so its representatives who govern the outpost. He also found several lost sites where the Mamkute Tribe held their rituals in ancient times and is dedicated to preserving them.


Sir Thrum had been officially given the center-west of the southern peninsula of Wyrmpeak, but he gifted Lady Vigrid his land. He's not the governing type, I assume. Most of the time since the war, he's been patrolling the Duchy of Tavios to deal with pirates and smugglers. I personally think there's something comforting in a man that knows his limits, even if it's a man as boisterous as him.


Lady Vigrid got a lot of land to cultivate due to the deal with Sir Thrum. She's doing a fine job last I've heard though. Might be because she is also in charge of Caranbough Hills and she might be motivated to make the place where her beloved Sir Worden fell a beautiful and thriving place to honor him. Wyrmpeak deserves to flourish once more and she seems to be the best candidate out of all of us to achieve that.

Spoiler: The Duchess of Angbar (click to show/hide)

Duchess Marigold, of the Eastern Duchy, is a kind and caring noble. Development is slow in her land, but harvests are bountiful and livestock is fat and their meat soft, so the people are content and the taxes always paid. The people of Angbar would be more than delighted if Prince Arnston and the duchess would marry as they see each other as the perfect fit. Last I heard, she still occasionally weeps about the death of Sir Worden, who represented Angbar during the war.

Spoiler: The Duchess of Felworn (click to show/hide)

Duchess Eleshyn, of the Coastline Duchy, is a curious case. A miracle child of both Charos and Usala Blood, she volunteered for the Battle Maidens at the earliest opportunity and returned a strong-willed and brave Pegasus Knight. She once routed a unit of archers by herself during her days as Battle Maiden, an exemplary feat. The duchess was the most vocal about the War for Wyrmpeak within Dunland, but ultimatively yielded and provided missile and ballistic units. Lady Vigrid is like a sister to her, so it is no surprise she represented Felworn during the war. Since Sir Worden's demise, the Duchesses of both Angbar and Felworn have grown closer and the regions they rule are starting to flourish due to their generous trade agreements. As ruler of Felworn, she also observes any traffic towards Darkfall Island, and I couldn't imagine a finer vanguard for such a purpose.

Spoiler: The Duke of Lestern (click to show/hide)

Duke Laspa, ruling over the relatively young Peninsula Duchy, established about twenty years ago. It's said that he has been rewarded with land due to his extensive and exceptional service as a scout in Wyrmpeak as the Mamkute Tribe started to dwindle down, attempting to find the cause at personal risk. Alas, he was not successful, but his deeds are recognized nonetheless. He'll probably keep a close eye - pardon, no insult intended - on the activities of the Five Knights within Wyrmpeak. Especially through his close ally, Sir Dulosta. Before the Duchy got established, the mountains of the peninsula were handled by the late Marquis Riodo in cooperation with House Jernigan. While the initial establishment led to friction, Duke Laspa and Sir Jernigan now consider each other friendly acquaintances.

Spoiler: The Duke of Tavios (click to show/hide)

Duke Zornac, a divisive character within the courts. His dislike of the Mamkute Tribe was apparent since he inherited his father's seat and strained relationships for a bit while Wyrmpeak was still populated. Nonetheless, as Tavios is the Southwest Duchy, he had little influence on how the crown interacted with Wyrmpeak. And as tragic as the Tribe's disappearance was, at least it made him shut up, but do not tell him I said that. Due to the duchy's access to the archipelago of the Jagged Sea, Tavios is wealthy from trade with every nation, a trump card at courts that should not be underestimated. Approach with care, but know that getting on his good side will definitely grant you - and the Dunas Outpost - a plethora of benefits. I'm uncertain about his relationship to Sir Thrum, but they must have like-minded goals in some regard, otherwise the latter would not have represented Tavios during the war.

Spoiler: Sir Dunas' place in the royal court (click to show/hide)

Oh. I didn't expect you to ask me about it. But fair enough, that is important too. It might surprise you to hear that I have been a stable boy at the castle. But I have always been very attentive and pushed myself as I wished to serve His Majesty not only by rake, but also by blade. I'm afraid I can't tell you more as I swore an oath. All I can tell is that I can only use my prestige, not my status, to influence courtly matters. There are various reasons for that. Again, my oath. Although one reason I should be able to tell... The matters behind the oath allowed for my mother to live and work within the castle walls, something that was important for me. I will take the opportunity to meet her before the festivities, so if any of you wish to meet her, you are allowed to accompany me.

[GreenKnight]

Rork had attended dressed in a well fitting suit, but one carefully suited to fit a servant rather than a master. He had worked with the trusty shopkeep of Dunas' outpost to procure something, using what funds he had managed to claim as his out of the Marauder's many items. Considering it was a small sum and quickly used, Rork hoped there would be no complaints.

As for the current banquet, Rork was standing stony faced and listened to each explanation carefully. He knew his place well, and attempting to speak to any of the higher class nobility seemed like a fools endeavor, especially if his past was brought to light and shamed Dunas. So, instead, he stayed in his place near the Knight's side, silently indicating he would accompany the man as a servant today.

[Chevaleresse]

Rhian looked decidedly uncomfortable in a dress none bar Emilia had seen before, though she seemed to be doing a decent job at effecting the mannerisms of a noblewoman. . . even if it was obvious that she wasn't used to it to anyone who was paying attention.

"If any of you breathe a word about this, I'm going to use you to dye the next one of these the right color."

[IamanElfCollaborator]

"I can understand your discomfort. I would prefer something easier to move in."

Emilia attended in a dress that she'd had tailored for her before the war. It fit well on Emilia's well-proportioned frame even after so long, and the gem inset across her collarbone had the insignia of House Ragnvald. It had only been worn once prior, before all this happened, at the debut of one of Emilia's younger sisters. The dress extended to her feet, dark blue material flowing with her body.

Still, she was not entirely without representation of her Maiden Warrior membership. At her waist was affixed a small, golden replica of the staff-spear she normally wielded, a sign of her station.

Emilia much preferred her Maiden Warrior uniform, all things considered.

"Still, I feel we should be at least try to make ourselves comfortable. We owe Lord Dunas that much."

[Chevaleresse]

"I'd be more comfortable with my axe," Rhian grumbled. She'd worn the accursed dress of her own volition, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She needed to gather information, though, and potentially make allies, which meant playing the stupid little games of nobility.

[GreenKnight]

"You look just fine, Rhian. The dress suits you, at least better than the armor you're stuffed in most times." Rork says after an internal debate on breaking his silence or not. He means it as a full compliment, even if it sounds old fashioned. The blood stained and well used armor did lack a certain charm that the current dress Rhian wore had in spades.

[Chevaleresse]

Rhian crossed her arms and harrumphed irritably, cheeks tinging with pink.

"What exactly are you trying to imply there, huh?"

[IamanElfCollaborator]

"I would hope you don't mean to finish that sentence the way I think you will, Rork," Emilia replies with a raised eyebrow. "Rhian chose this as much as she chooses her normal attire. That said, that armor could use a good polish."

[SirAston]

"I'm sure Rork had the best intentions with his words. Aside... You give me too much credit, Lady Emilia, for saying that you all would owe me. Me being here would not have been possible without all of you supporting me. If anything, I am indebted to you for attending, Lady Emilia, since... I'm expecting that your duty as Maiden Warrior under my care will end soon, if not even today, given peace has finally returned to Wyrmpeak."

Sir Dunas lets out a light, but meaningful cough to gather attention.

"In any case, you do not have to worry too much. The court knows that many of my followers are of common birth, so they do not expect anything from you aside from a clean appearance and appropriate manners. Still, you are my followers and I will not overlook it if anyone dares to disrespect you."

He stands up and approaches a door. The servants are opening the door for him, revealing the hallway you've came from.

"With that said, I'll visit my mother now. You're free to wait here, and you're also free to follow me."


The knight and whoever decided to follow walk down the hallway. Staff is running back and forth from all kinds of doors, busy with the feast's preparation. Eventually, you walk around a corner and see Duke Laspa, of the Duchy of Lestern, conversing with a seamstress in her late 40s or early 50s. As Dunas approaches, the seamstress smiles brightly and moves towards him in return, with them embracing each other in a tight hug.

"Oh, oooooh, my dear, dear son. I was so worried with the war and everything, but you've returned safely!"
The hug ends and she gives Dunas a motherly pinch in the cheek. Then, she swiftly turns around and curtsies before the duke. Dunas quickly bows towards him too.

"Oh, please excuse me, Your Grace. I just couldn't restrain myself..."
"Hoho, do not worry, Wymera. Who am I to separate mother and son? All of you, be at ease."
Laspa approaches Dunas and offers him a handshake, a sign of trust and of seeing him as an equal. Dunas graciously returns the gesture.

"Sir Dunas. I can see bravery and courage represented in your face. A fine man you are, what with your contribution to the war and dealing with Ghal. Know that I acknowledge you as a knight worthy of the court."
"You're too kind, Your Grace. I'm grateful for these words. However, I must ask... How do you know my mother's name?"
"Well, that's a long story. Fairly boring, too. It dates back to when Lestern did not exist, before you were born, Sir Dunas. When the Hero of Light was on his quest."
"That is indeed a long time ago. I know that my mother was a member of His Majesty's group during said quest."
"Wielding a staff like a ladle and vice-versa, hehe. Those were the times... In any case, we met His Grace when he was a mere messenger working for the late Marquis Riodo, may the Goddess bless him. When he delivered the message that we were allowed to spend the night at Riodo's estate, we got ambushed by Darkspawn. That foolish man straight-up grabbed a spare spear from one of the crusaders and charged into the fray, just so he could open a path towards the Riodo Estate for us. Of course, we repaid his valor by vanquishing all of them at once."
"I never knew..."
"Guess that story was less boring than I remembered. Memories are fickle like that, hoho. But yes, I joined the crusaders afterwards with Riodo's blessing for a while. Imagine my surprise when His Majesty declared me a Duke later in life! I assume that time combined with me scouting Wyrmpeak must have left an impression."
"Seeing him again, there was no way I could resist catching up with His Grace. I haven't seen him since the days of the crusade after all."

After all that chatting, the attention was now on those who accompanied Dunas, curtsying.

"You must belong to my son's group. Please allow me to express my gratitude, to thank you for all your hard work and keeping him safe. His Grace already mentioned it, but I'll introduce myself properly: My name is Wymera. It is my pleasure to meet all of you."


Meanwhile, in the guest hall where those who didn't join Dunas are waiting, a door inside opens up. The servants immediately kneel down upon recognizing who entered.

"... I see that the guest of honor is not here at the moment. Am I correct to assume you are the followers of Sir Dunas, the knight?"

You are now in the presence of Princess Eleya Alfalm of Dunland.

[Chevaleresse]

Rhian stands and quickly offers a deep curtsy - less polite than what a commoner ought to give, but only just.
"That is correct, Princess." Rhian spoke more softly than typical for her, her voice losing some of it's characteristic roughness. "To what do we owe the pleasure of receiving you?"

[GreenKnight]

Rork gives a hesitant nod, trying to not let it show that he's sweating bullets in the face of another renowned member of the court. Especially two veterans of the Crusade before his birth, and he at least knew better than to just dismiss Wymera's contributions. If she had battled there and lived, she was a canny fighter or at least knew how to keep herself alive.

He attempts to maintain his stony visage, but it cracks when Ghal's name is brought up. That news had reached here too?



"Fair meet. Rork, is my name." He rumbles out, trying to keep himself to as few words as he can manage.

[SirAston]

Dunas' mother eyes Rork for a moment, then delivers a big grin and gives him a hearty smack on the left shoulder with the open palm, a surprisingly casual gesture one would rather expect from a tipsy fighter.
"Rork, my dear, no need to be so reserved. The crusader days are behind us and I'm just a simple seamstress working here now... Oh, I know! Give me an honest, chipper laugh and I'll make you some fine stew once all this is over."
"Mother, Rork is a retainer of mine, not a childhood friend..."
"Oh, don't be like that, Dunas! I'll make stew to whoever I please. Plus, I know you very well. He's not 'just' a retainer for you, no one in your retinue is."

Dunas scratches his head in response and looks away a bit, knowing he couldn't say anything against Wymera's words. The Duke of Lestern chuckles in response and adresses the former bandit.
"I've been a simple commoner just like you in the past, Rork. I know what it feels like to stand before someone of high status. Small transgressions of formality will be overlooked, I promise that much to you. In fact, you could say... I'll turn a blind eye towards those. Hah!"

Wymera groans with a smile in response.


The princess nods approvingly towards Rhian.
"Very well. I have little time before the festivities begin, so I entrust my message for Sir Dunas to you. To you and no one else."
Eleya gazes towards the servants, who understand her words immediately and place their hands onto their ears, to temporarily deafen themselves.
"I am not a skilled warrior, neither with weapon nor with tomes, or a talented diplomat. However, it is still a royal's duty to provide comfort and protection to their guests. To fulfill my duty, I met with the court mages every evening since my father, His Majesty, announced the gathering to divine the stars of every guest."

To ask for guidance from the stars is an old tradition since the Age of Strife. It lost some of its appeal in an era more friendly to humans that is the Age of Blood, but is still considered a favourite pastime among the scholarly and magically-gifted, of which the princess is both.
Naturally, the art of astrology is not of high accuracy for many who practice it and it is said that only Meshel the Sage can divine someone's future with absolute certainty. Another of the many boons of his divinely-blessed nature.

"In short: I foresaw a star of change shining on the castle. An image of a blood-soaked claw flashed before my eyes. Then, I faintly saw Sir Dunas' likeness. A terrible omen that must be. I know that it is your duty anyway, but I beseech you to assist him with twice the fervor from now on. Deliver the word of what I witnessed to him as soon as possible. And with this mission entrusted to you, I shall take my leave now. May the Goddess favor you."

Eleya gives a short curtsy and then leaves the room. The servants return to proper posture, none the wiser about what had been said.

[Chevaleresse]

". . . So how many of you buy that?"