The Eternal Hymn: Prelude to Silence

Finally, no more tie... I'm gonna go ahead and lock A3 in. Quick status update coming at ya.

Kryian Lv 1 Magic Knight
HP:32
Str:14+5
Mag:10+2
Skill:13
Spd:13
Luck:7+5
Def:8
Res:7+5
Avoid 45 ATK 25

Skills: Beastslayer, Magic+2
Weapon Level: Sword C, Tome E
Items: Drynwyn(-/- Mt 5 Hit 80 Crit 0 Rng 1-2 Rank PRF Des- The mythical sword of flame. Its true power remains sealed. Str+5), Vulnerary(3/3)
Special Items: The Ninth Scroll

Ena Lv 5 Tactician
HP:25
Str:10
Mag:9
Skill:8
Spd:8
Luck:7
Def:7+5
Red:9
Avoid 27 ATK 15

Skills: Veteran, Aptitude
Weapon Level: Sword D, Tome D
Items: Solais(-/- Mt 5 Hit 90 Crit 0 Rng 1-2 Rank PRF Des- The sacred sword of light. Its true power remains sealed. Def+5), Elthunder(35/35), Vulnerary(3/3), Seraph Robe
Special Items: Bracelet of Sealing

A few minutes later, you and Ena are waiting outside the city, standing on the lone hill. The very same hill where Darian nearly killed you only a couple days ago... And here you are again, except with a different dragon. Well, at least this one doesn't want to kill you... Yet. And she certainly makes for better company.

Neither of you speak, though there wasn't really a reason to. For someone you just met, you and she seem to have a lot in common. It's almost uncanny how in sync you are, when you barely know her. Still... For some strange reason, you do want to know her.

"Tell me about yourself, Ena."

She looks up at you in surprise, and you're a bit surprised yourself to see her eyes so guarded, to see her suddenly so suspicious. "Why do you want to know?"

You raise a single eyebrow, though the action is hidden beneath your mask. "Oh? Is it wrong of me to want to know about my own Tactician? I like to know those serving under me, Ena."

Her eyes soften, and she smiles. "Ah... Ever the dutiful Commander."

She closes her eyes for a moment, and when they open next, a faraway look passes over her beautiful face. "There isn't much to know, really. I'm a simple girl, Ghost King. I love reading, moonlight nights, beautiful Sunsets... I've been a Tactician for a long time, but you already know that. Anything else, Ghost King?"

"Kryian," you reply, smiling.

She blinks in confusion. "Pardon?"

"My name," you elaborate, laughing. "I'd rather you not call me Ghost King all the time, Ena. At least when we're alone. Deal?"

She stares up at you for a long moment, perplexed and surprised, and then she smiles. "Right... Kryian. It's a pleasure to officially meet you."

Polite as always... Well, almost always. You like this side of her a lot more than her venomous Sarcasm Queen side. Even if that side of her is hysterical. "Likewise."

Your ears suddenly pick up the sound of approaching footsteps, and a great many of them. Ena hears the same thing, and both of you turn to see your forces marching towards you, with both Zaevael and General Ayamoto at the helm. And... A horse?

Zarvael walks the horse up to you, and it neighs in protest. The horse is already fitted with shoes and a saddle, and a large leather supply pack is slung over the horse's back, just behind the saddle. The massive creature doesn't even seem to notice the extra weight. This is one incredible horse...

You slowly approach the steed, who eyes you cautiously. Upon closer inspection, she's obviously a female... You allow her to smell your hand, and she scoffs, and stomps her hoof. But she lowers her head, and doesn't balk.

"A Sallian Battle Horse," you breathe, whistling in appreciation. "A majestic creature. Sallians have been known to ride miles without needing to rest, even across the harshest terrain. And her sheer black coat marks her as a Pureblood."

Zarvael inclines his head, seemingly surprised by your knowledge of the breed. "She is a gift from the Mayor," he explains. "To speed your journey. She is called Razimere, and is descended from the horse Caraviel. She will serve you well, My Lord."

Indeed she will... This is a rare gift. I'll have to remember to thank the Mayor.

You place your foot in the stirrup and hoist yourself up, onto the giant's back. Razimere whinnies and stamps her foot, but that's only because she's restless. You gently pat her back, feeling her muscles bunch beneath you. "Easy there, girl. We'll be off in a bit, I promise."

You turn to Ena, and lean down to offer her your hand. She hesitates for a moment, then smiles and reaches up to place her hand in yours. You help her up and Ena settles down behind you. You then turn to the young General on the ground behind you.

"By the way... What are you doing here, General? Don't you have a Fort to run?"

He shrugs nonchalantly, and scratches the back of his neck. "Yeah, but I also happen to own the Underground in town. There are such things as off days you know. Glad I decided to take some time off too, since you needed a place to stay and all. Uh... Sir."

Your eyes narrow slightly. This man... What is it he's hiding? He's not outright lying and yet... That's one hell of a powerful facade. Even you didn't pick up on it right away, and that's an impressive feat. There's only one reason you can think of that would explain why he sports a facade around allies... Especially one that was intentional, and not habitual. You file him away under your list of potential allies.

"Right. Enjoy your time off, General."

You gently spur Razimere into a slow trot, and she gladly obeys. You feel a sudden warmth at your back, as Ena leans against you, and wraps her arms around your waist. She's sound asleep and snoring softly in minutes. You're a bit worried she might fall off, so you slow Razimere down a bit, but her grip on you never lessens, and eventually you pick up the pace again. You close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the feel of her slender arms wrapped around you, the feel of her pressed against your spine, of her hair tickling your neck as she leans on your shoulder. Maybe a bit too much.

It was quite clear who the most dangerous dragon was, at least to you. And it certainly wasn't old man Darian.

You heave a heavy sigh. This is going to be a long ride...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCqrmqatK-4

You ride on through the night, with little complaint from your troops. Their eagerness to return home to their families keeps their legs moving, their mouths closed, and their eyes forward. Ena stays up with you for a while, and the two of you count the stars in the clear night sky. Ena teaches you the stories behind several constellations, stories you never even heard of, and she tells you of her homeland.

"It's a harsh place," she says softly, smiling at the memory. "But a beautiful one. They days are long and cold, and the nights are even longer and colder. But the first time you see the first rays of sunlight, after the endless winter, you start to realize just how peaceful the tundra really is. The vast plains of ice reflect the sunbeams in a dazzling display of color. The morning Sun is always blinding, and in such a harsh climate, you learn to truly love the Sun. And then there are the Crystal Caverns..."

"The Crystal Caverns? What are those?" You ask curiously, your own smile mirroring hers. The sparkle in her eyes, the wonder in her voice... It was like talking to a child who had just seen the Ocean for the first time. In that one moment, you were desperate to keep her talking. It was almost like she radiated her own light, her own aura.

"They're a giant network of caves beneath the tundra," she explains. "I can't do them justice, simply by describing them. But I can say they're a natural wonder. A sacred place, untouched by time. Perhaps some day I can show you."

"That would be... Wonderful."

You continue on in silence for another few minutes, before Ena notices a very special constellation. One of the stars shone a brilliant blue, much brighter than the rest. "The Azure Star," Ena points, beaming. "Do you know the old tale, my Lord?"

You give a subtle nod and smile, this time at your own memories. "Of course. My little sister used to love that story as a cub... We would sit out at night, in our own hidden place, and watch the stars for hours. She would refuse to go to sleep unless I told her that same story. I remember it driving my father nuts..."

To your pleasant surprise, she leaned back against your chest and closed her eyes. "My brother used to do the same for me... It's a small world, isn't it? Would you tell me the story?"

You give a light laugh, and take a deep breath. "Sure, I don't mind."

----
Long ago, long before the time of man and beast, when death did not exist and the mountains walked on two feet, the world was wild and untamed. Unparalleled beauty and bountiful nature flourished. The Prime Goddess, Creator of the Six Realms, watched over this pristine world and guided the creatures on it. One day, She found a beautiful bird gliding across a beautiful lake, with feathers as white as snow. The Goddess was perplexed; She did not remember creating this bird.

The Goddess called out to the bird, and the bird landed and bowed its head.

"What is my Lady's pleasure?" The bird asked.

"I do not remember you," the Goddess replied, kneeling before the bird. "Where do you hail from, O Elegant One?"

"I hail from a land far away," said the bird. "But I have no memory of how I was created, or for what purpose. Did you not create me, Mistress?"

The Goddess shook Her head sadly. "No, that I did not, little one. Do you not have any family?"

"I do not know," replied the bird. "I've tried flying home, back to my birthplace, but a strong wind prevents me from crossing the Eastern Sea. Milady, would you help me?"

The Goddess was even more perplexed. How did she come to be here, if her home is so far away, and she cannot cross the sea? "Come with me, Elegant One. I will show you the way home."

And the Goddess was true to Her word. She showed the bird to the Eastern Sea, and helped her cross. Their journey was long and difficult, and fraught with danger. Giant creatures, the size of mountains, barred their path. Terrible storms turned the cerulean waters against them. But they continued nonetheless, and the Goddess protected the bird. She calmed the hungry mountains, and tamed the unruly seas. And then, after many long years, the Goddess and Her companion came to the Edge of the World. There, the longtime friends found a fallen star.

"That's it!" The bird exclaimed. "That's where I hatched! See the egg shells?"

And so the Goddess did. Realization dawned upon Her ethereal features, and She looked up at the heavens, and cried out.

"What ails you, My Queen?!" The bird gasped.

"Nothing, my child. I'm just so happy to be reunited with you at last."

For the Goddess had lost something precious to Her long before, a piece of Her own heart. That piece had fallen to the land down below, like a shooting star. "Do you know who I am?" The bird asked in shock.

"You are a part of my soul and my heart," the Goddess said happily. "You are my daughter."

And the Goddess granted Her daughter a new image, and mirrored her after Herself. They lived happily together for many years, and the Goddess taught Her child many things. But Her child was not immortal like She, and all too soon, Her daughter aged and withered.

In Her sorrow and confusion, the Goddess cried out. "What affliction eats away at you, my child!? Why does my healing magic have no effect!?"

Her daughter only smiled and said, "I am not like you, mother. I am only partially divine. These powers within me are too strong and wild for my mortal body to contain. Very soon, I will pass from this world. But before I do... Grant me one last request. Bring me to the Eastern Sea, back to the place we journeyed across all those years ago."

And the Goddess heard Her daughter's final wish, and took her into Her arms. She waded deep into the sea, and the great ocean parted before Her. The Goddess placed Her daughter on the sandy ground, and smiled.

"Know that you brought me much joy," said the Goddess. "And I loved you. Do you require anything else to rest in peace?"

Her daughter thought for a moment, and said, "A name. And not just for me, mother. But for all. I want you to name everything, from the smallest plant to the largest tree."

The Goddess nodded, and obeyed. "So shall it be. For my daughter, my own flesh and blood, and my own soul... You shall be known as Azura, for the waters that brought us together. And I will grant you a place in the heavens, at my side, so that you may watch over the world you have changed so much."

"Then... I will name you mother," Azura said, with her last breath. "I will name you Ashunera, for in your eyes I behold the light of the Dawn."

The Goddess mourned Her loss for forty-nine nights and forty-nine days, and Her tears filled the gap in the ocean. The waters of the Eastern Sea turned a brilliant green, and the Goddess named the ocean 'The Emerald Lake'.

The Goddess never forgot Her promise that day. For when mortality was brought into the world, so was time, and change, and the world first began to turn. The Age of Creation ended, and the Age of Names began. Ashunera carved a place for Her daughter in the heavens above, and walked among her creations. She found the strongest, fastest, and healthiest of all animals, and She breathed new life unto them. The animals stood on two legs, and they knew the Names of All Things. Ashunera named this new species 'Laguz', meaning 'Transformed'. She created the Cats and the Tigers, the Lions and the Hawks, the Falcons and the Wolves. She created the Dragons and the Unagi, and made them the Stewards of Her new world. And lastly, She created another race of Laguz, fashioned after the image of Her only daughter. This final group of Laguz became known as the Heron Tribe. After centuries of traveling the new world, Ashunera fulfilled Her promise and returned to the heavens, where she waits to this very day, for Her daughter to fall to the world below once more, and be born anew.

---
You finish the story and yawn, only to find Ena asleep in your arms. You give a small smile and say a quick prayer, something you used to say to your sister all those years ago. "Pleasant dreams, little star. May you awake to a glistening new dawn."

Maybe it was your imagination, but she almost seemed to smile, just for a moment.

*Kryian's Affection for Ena increased by 10*
*Ena's Affection for Kryian increased by 10*

Pardon for interrupting, but that was just a beautiful backstory of the world. Expanding on Ashunera was amazing, Neo.

(Continued)

"Bottling up your emotions never helps Kryian," Ena comments gently, as you rummage through your large wooden desk. A desk that you rarely use, in an office you seldom visit. The office is really only a formality, since you are a high ranking General, but you do keep a few emergency supplies in here, just in case. You're really thankful for that now.

"I know," you reply, sighing. "But it's not in my nature to confide in others, Ena."

She inclines her head in understanding, though you notice a hint something in her eye... Is that... Hurt? "Have I not earned your trust yet?"

You retrieve the pouch of gold from the desk and stuff it in the leather bag, along with any other supplies you can find. You then sling the bag over your shoulder, tucking it beneath your cloak, and turn to Ena.

"I do trust you Ena. So much so that it's completely out of character for me, especially since we just met only a few days ago. But I can't change overnight, not when I've lived on my own, without trusting anyone with the truth for decades. Not even my sister knows the full truth."

"Your sister?" Ena asks curiously. Her eyes widen in realization. "The one you need the medicine for... The hostage."

You nod, and walk over to her, stopping at her side. "Yes, and I need to get this medicine to her fast. She's been without it for too long. But... There's a slight problem. She lives in Stonevale, a city many miles to the north. With my full power, I could easily transport us there in a matter of seconds. But, I'm clearly not at full strength, and a journey to Stonevale would take days, even on Horseback. It will take us weeks out of our way."

Ena closes her eyes briefly in thought. "And you can't leave General Azura in enemy custody... Especially if she's in as much danger as you seem to believe. I... I know what you want, Kryian. And if I could, I would... But I can't transform. Forgive me."

You shake your head, and sigh. You seem to be doing an awful lot of that lately. "No, it's fine. I suspected as much. I may have an idea, but it's a long shot at best. I know an old Hawk who lives in Fortuna, a large city not far from Fort Saar, as it happens. He still owes me a favor or three, but..."

"Let me guess," Ena finishes, a note of amused sarcasm lining her voice. "This Hawk doesn't like you very much. That about sum it up?"

You give a bitter laugh. Oh, she has no idea how much of an understatement that is... "Pretty much. He'll probably attack us on sight. Me, because he hates my guts, and you, just because you're with me. However, he is a bird of his word, and he doesn't hate my sister as much... Well, when he's not stonefaced drunk, that is."

Ena gives a laugh of her own at that, and she grins slightly. "Wonderful. At least traveling with you will never get boring. I may have another option, though it's not much better. Actually, scratch that. It's much worse."

Oh? Now you're interested... There isn't much worse than a drunk Laguz with a love for sharp objects, who also has a seriously bad obsession with you, and likely fantasizes about slaughtering you at night. "Worse than someone who wants my spleen for breakfast? What the heck are you trying to do to me, woman?!"

Instead of laughing at your joke, as you had intended, she bites her lip in hesitation. "I'm possibly getting us both killed," Ena admits worriedly.

You sober instantly. That doesn't sound pleasant... At all. "What is it?"

Ena takes a deep breath, but to her credit, she doesn't look away. She meets your gaze directly. "I'm not the only dragon left, Kryian... There is one other, besides the one who attacked you. My teacher, Malphas, still lives. And he can transform. But... He's um... Currently sealed away... And I um... I don't know if breaking his seal would be a wise idea."

Oh man... Absolutely-flipping-amazing. Just what you need; to get killed by another dragon. "Who was the one who sealed him away?" You ask, just in case. If the seal is too powerful, then it's a moot point anyway.

Ena gulps, and this time, she does look away. "Sky Queen Ismaire."

She couldn't have stunned you more if she had told you the Dragon King Himself had sealed him away. "Yeah... We probably shouldn't mess with someone sealed away by the oldest and most powerful Laguz in existence. I'd like to keep my tail attached, thank you. Er... Metaphorically speaking, of course."

Ena smiles slightly, and relaxes a bit. "I agree... But I might be able to reason with him, and his prison isn't far from here. It's only a couple hours journey on horseback, if we head west from here. I'll leave the decision up to you, my Lord. I will follow you, whatever you decide."

-----
A: Head south to Fortuna, and seek out the Hawk.
B: Head west, to the Eternal Prison.

*Received 5,000 gold!*
*Received Leather Bag x1(Allows 1 character to hold up to 20 items)*
*Received Elixir x2, Might Tonic x1, Ashunera Icon x1, and Vulnerary x3!*

1: Use the Seraph Robe on a character(Raises HP by 5).
2: Use the Ashunera Icon on a character(Raises Luck by 2).
Current Characters: Kryian, Ena

Note: You can choose both 1&2.

Important Note: Neither the Dragon nor the Hawk are recruitable right now, but you can recruit them later. However, you cannot recruit them both, and both characters eventually lead to a special character, that can only be recruited with them. So choose carefully.

While I like people like A, he seems like the kind of person we could potentially recruit later, so B, because YOLO.
Also, which way is Saar?

B, she's too mysterious. I need more info about her!

All it said (that I could find/remember) was that they were near, so I was unsure if it was maybe closer to being south-west, thus making me wonder if either one is closer to Saar.
But now I know it's further. And in my head I still see Malphas as a possible recruit unless he dies off or something, and we're not going horribly out of the way, so I'll stick with my vote.

This... Is actually quite difficult. Bohan would probably be our best bet... If he isn't drunk and trying to kill me. But... What are the odds of getting him in a good mood? And if he doesn't help, or if he can't help... Then it could cost either Val's life, or mean irreparable harm to Azura. There would be no time to turn around and look for someone else to help. And I haven't even seen Bohan in decades, not since that black night... For all I know, he could have lost the ability to transform. But... Ena knows her teacher can transform, and if his prison is only a couple hours away, then we could still have time to seek out Bohan if necessary. Not to mention, another dragon would certainly prove helpful in taking down Vaas.

You inhale sharply, and nod. "Alright, Ena. We'll free your mentor. But tell me... What do you think our chances of recruiting him are? For that matter, what are our chances of surviving, should he attack? I'm going to hazard a guess and say this is the same Malphas from the New Order scriptures."

Anger briefly flares in her ethereal lavender eyes, though you can tell it isn't directed at you. "I've always hated those damn bastards, and what they put my family through. I promise you My Lord, he isn't evil. He's a great person, and a wonderful teacher. But... Well, it's complicated. As per your question... The Eternal Prison was built specifically to contain him, My Lord. Even without the seal, the prison will drain his power. If he does lose control and attack, then we have a good chance to fend him off, with some decent strategy. The prison's Inner Sanctum is also quite cramped, so a large dragon will have difficulty moving around."

Her family? I see... Interesting.

You smile fondly, and gently lift Ena's chin. She looks up in surprise. "Well, I'm glad I have the best Tactician around then. I'll leave our battle strategies to you, and focus on protecting you. Sound good?"

She gives a subtle nod, and you step back. You take one last look around your 'office', and your good mood deflates almost instantly. "Right then. Let's make like a hurricane and blow this place. Staying here for too long makes me sick."

Ena giggles slightly. "I'm not cleaning up any hairballs, Kryian. That is one duty I am not required to perform."

You give her a droll stare.