The Eternal Hymn: Prelude to Silence

D. Gotta be all chivalrous and stuff.

Just caught this. This sounds like you want Ena to lead, but with B, Kryian is the one leading. I just want to make sure I got your vote right.

Also, bump. If it helps, here are the pair up bonuses for both characters.

Kryian(No Support rank w/15 Affection)

Str+4
Mag+0
Skill+5
Spd+5
Luck+3
Def+3
Res+3

+10 Avoid/Hit/Crit
20% Dual Guard rate
40% Dual Strike rate

Ena(No Support rank w/15 Affection)

Str+5
Mag+3
Skill+2
Spd+2
Luck+2
Def+4
Res+3

+10 Avoid/Hit/Crit
20% Dual Guard rate
40% Dual Strike rate

Only the Bandit Leader has Gamble, and his projected hit rate does include the drop from Gamble. Only the Bandit Leader has any Crit, and it's a pitiful 10. With the pair up boosts, Ena's avoid skyrockets to 45, and Kryian is a dodge tank anyway. So it's really about who you want to train.

Let's go with A.

Lake Ilene shoreline...

"Boss! We got some trouble!"

The Bandit Leader turns at his subordinate's shout, who rushes over like the devil himself was on his heels. "Eh?! What ye blabbering about?"

"A couple fools have come calling, and they appear armed! One of them fits the description of the Canaan General who messed up our plans for Port Thrisk!"

"Wuzzzat?! Don't be daft! No stuffy furcoat General would ride out here with only one bodyguard! Ye been drinking on shift again, lad?!"

The poor, simple Bandit pales and flails wildly in protest. "Course not, boss! I swear on me mum's grave!"

The Bandit Leader rewards him with a good old fashioned thwack on the noggin. "Ye mum ain't even dead, ye blimey maggot! Now get yer sorry behind out there and tell the men to form up! We got some fools to play with!"

"Aye aye, Boss! But uh... What about the hostages?"

That earns him another thwack on the head. "Why don't ye worry about yerself, eh?! Leave the hostages to me. Ain't no man gonna get past me."

The bandit gives a triumphant laugh and hurries away, while the big bad boss barks out orders to the rest of the bandits. "Look lively, lads! We got some company! Show them what we do to enemies of the mighty Mountain King Bazba!"

------
Same, within the Lakekeeper's house...

The villagers were all huddled around a small fireplace, near the back of the large living room. The room was crowded to near capacity, mostly filled with women, children and elders. There were a few men in their prime, but there were far more sobbing wives and daughters. It was quite obvious not all of the villagers survived the initial raid.

One hostage stood out from the rest. Unlike the others, who were all clearly civilians, the young woman in the corner possessed a different air about her. She kept herself aloof from the rest, hidden by a long brown cloak. Strands of long black hair peeked out from her hood, and when she would look up from time to time, one could see her eery mercury eyes glint with annoyance. To anyone with half a brain in their head, it was clear this woman did not belong with the rest. Her clothes were a deep black with dark crimson embroidery, made from the finest silks, and she wore an ornate ruby ring on one finger. However, despite her expensive attire, not a single bandit had dared to approach her. Not even the boss. Even the stupidest of creatures possess an innate sense of self preservation, and even though she surrendered peacefully when the village was overrun, it was clear she was no hostage. In fact, she seemed to be waiting for something.

Or perhaps she was waiting for someone?
--------

"It looks like stealth is out of the question," you grunt, rolling your eyes in annoyance. "They've spotted us already."

Your eyes wander to the mammoth of a horse a few feet away from you, who was now tied to a particularly large tree. Not that you really expected her to bolt, but still. "I have a feeling I know why."

Razimere neighs loudly in protest. "Don't give me that. It's not my fault you're so damn big."

"It's not nice to say something like that to a lady Key," Ena interjects, smiling slightly. You shrug, conceding the point to her. "Raz knows I'm just pulling her reins."

Now it's Ena's turn to roll her eyes. She ignores your horrible pun, and points to the scurrying maggots with her golden blade. "We'll head around to the west flank, and draw some of the bandits off. We'll take out one at a time, and let the rest come to us."

You nod, though you'd much rather take them head on. It's not like they can pose a threat to you. You've faced down much stronger foes and much worse odds countless times before, including bandits much stronger than this sorry lot. "You're the Tactician. But we can't afford to play too defensively. Remember, we're the ones on a schedule here. We need to end this quickly."

Ena ponders that for just the briefest of moments, and then she grins. "You know what... You're right. I'm over thinking this. Let's just charge straight up the middle."

Now that sounds like your kind of strategy... And it should catch those dumb brutes off guard to boot. You give your seal of approval, and follow Ena into battle for the very first time.

"Is everyone alright?" Ena calls out, her voice calm and composed, as you enter the Lakekeeper's house. From the looks of it, all the survivors are crowded on the first floor... Survivors being the key word here. There's no way in hell that's the entire village. In hindsight, you should have expected as much. Bandits with military tactics are still bandits. Without discipline and unit cohesion, there was little chance of them pulling off a successful lightning raid.

Stunned silence answers her, and Ena gives a gentle, almost motherly smile. "It's okay now. The bandits are all gone."

Your superb hearing and vision catch a reaction from one of the villagers, a reaction that you would call surprise. Your eyes wander to what appears to be a young woman, shrouded in a long brown cloak, sitting off to the side, alone. Your eyes narrow, not because of her suspicious attire, but because of the way she was sitting. Poised, alert, ready to pounce at any given moment... She even had the sense to conceal such a pose, and that belied more than simple military training. Much more... And if that didn't set off enough alarm bells, you couldn't sense a damn thing from her. You barely noticed her intake of breath when Ena said the bandits were dead.

While the villagers all crowd around Ena, showering her with praise and gratitude, you stride over to the woman in the corner. Your long black coat billowed around you as you walked, and you did nothing to conceal your black battle armor and weapons beneath. Nor did you lower your guard, even for a second.

"You are not like the rest... Tell me, why did you not aid the villagers?"

She ignores your question, and keeps her eyes to the ground. A characteristic action of someone who doesn't want her face seen... An outlaw, maybe? A deserter? Spy? "The Duchy must be relaxed indeed, if one of their three top Generals has time to play hero in the middle of a war..."

You tense immediately, not because she knew your identity- your own attire made that obvious- but because of her voice... It couldn't be... It's not possible... She died decades ago...

"Madelaine? Maddy, is that you?" You breathe in disbelief, as long buried emotions surged within you, emotions you never wanted or thought you would feel again.

She did look up then, and the enigmatic woman bolted to her feet. "How do you know that name?!" She growls, reaching up to roughly grab your collar. Ena is by your side in a flash, the point of her sword levelled at the woman's throat.

You stare into the woman's ethereal silver eyes, unable to pull away. Her face, her eyes, her voice... She... It's like looking into a window to the past... No... She isn't identical. She isn't Maddy. Her hair color is different, as is her build... And there are subtle differences in her features... Her chin, her nose... It almost looks like...

Your eyes widen in shock, as realization dawns. "Stand down, Ena!" You order quickly, your voice shaking. Ena obeys and sheathes her sword, though she doesn't appear too happy about it. You reach for the woman's hood, desperate to know, and she darts away, out of your reach.

"A word of warning, Ghost King. A storm is brewing. One that cannot be quelled. You should seek shelter while you can."

You stare after her, watching her leave, frozen in place, your mind whirling with a trillion thoughts and possibilities, all of which should be impossible. Ena has to ask you if you're alright five times before you even hear her.

"My Lord? Key, you're starting to scare me..."

"I'm fine," you say quickly, your voice still shaky. "I just... I think I just saw a ghost."

Ena's worry only deepens. "Since when is the Ghost King afraid of ghosts?"

You don't answer, instead turning to the mob of villagers, all of whom were staring at the scene with a mixture of fear and confusion. You do your best to compose yourself and walk over. "Which of you is in charge here?"

An older gentleman steps forth, one in the scarlet robes of the Duchy, and you recognize him as the Lakekeeper immediately. He gives a low, formal bow. "I am, Sire. Mayor Stone did not survive the initial attack. I am the Keeper of Lake Ilene."

"Yes, I am well aware of that. Tell me Keeper, what do you know about that woman?"

"I am afraid to say not a lot Sire," he answers honestly. "I heard from the good people here she came to town a few days ago, calling herself a wanderer. She was staying in the Inn when the town was attacked."

You incline your head in gratitude. Even a little information is better than none. "Thank you for your honesty, Keeper. Send a message to the Capitol and inform them of what happened. They will send supplies and soldiers. However, I need two things from you: leave my name out of the report, and keep everyone inside. I am on urgent business, business that must remain confidential."

The Keeper bows his head, and sends one of the younger lads to go fetch a scroll and quill. "Understood, Sire. You will not be disturbed. You have my word."

You incline your head again and leave without another sound. Ena hurries after you. "How do we reach the prison?" You ask suddenly, walking to the edge of the massive lake.

"I need to break the seal first," Ena replies quietly, seemingly a bit distracted herself. "I'll need some time, Key."

You nod, and plop down on the soft sand, crossing your legs. A second later, Ena kneels on the ground, with her back to yours. "This will consume a lot of energy... I'll need to rest for a bit afterwards, Key."

A quick rest may be best for you as well... You need some time to think. If you have to fight Malphas in this state, you'll be too distracted to win. "All right. Do what you need to do, Ena. I'll support you."

You feel her relax behind you. Soon, she starts to sing, just ever so softly, and your eyes water. I... I know this song. My mother used to sing it to me... And I... I used to sing it to Val. Maddy would always laugh at my terrible singing voice... The Eternal Hymn. How fitting... That this would be the key to break the seal.

You sit silently at the edge of the lake, with Ena asleep in your lap. Whatever magic she had used to break the seal must have really taken a lot out of her. You've heard stories about such magic before... Tales of the ancient Laguz, who knew the Names of all things, and could bestow their voices with ancient power. Their songs were called the Galdr, and it was said they could sing the very stars down from Heaven. After watching Ena's little display... You're starting to believe those old stories might have had a ring of truth after all.

You play with Ena's hair while she sleeps, a tad absentmindedly, and you smile. The Sun was beginning to sink below the horizon, its beautiful rays reflecting off the lake's surface, heralding the end of yet another day. Shadows danced across the lake, skirting around the edge of the new staircase, leading deep underwater. The water too skirts around the edge of the stairs, as if blocked by an invisible wall.

Ena stirs in your lap. She yawns and sits up, rubbing her eyes. "Have a good nap, sunshine?" You ask, grinning.

She gives a sleepy smile, and yawns again. "Hm-hm. I haven't slept that well in ages... Thanks, by the way. You really know how to make a girl feel loved."

You blink, unsure what to say to that. Her smile widens, and she rises to her feet. "Well, I'm up now. Ready to go?"

You don't know... She still seems a bit... Out of it. Although maybe it just seems that way, because she's staring at you like you're the greatest person on the planet... "Uh... You sure you're awake enough? Without you, I'll be completely blind in there. I wouldn't know north from south. I kinda need you at your best."

She gives a small laugh, and leans down to offer you her hand. "I'm awake, and feeling better than ever. I promise."

Well, there isn't much you can do about it if she isn't, so you'll just have to trust her. You accept her outstretched hand and she helps you to your feet. You let Ena go first, and the two of you descend the white stone steps. The portal above closes on its own, enveloping you in murky darkness.

The Oubliette BF2

"What else can you tell me about Malphas?" You ask suddenly, some time later. "I don't want to fight him Ena... But in case we're forced to, I want you to tell me everything you can about him beforehand. His battle tactics, his strengths, weaknesses, everything."

Ena bites her lip, as she runs her hand along the smooth surface of the wall, tracing the barely visible pattern with her fingers. She had found the pattern not long after entering the first tunnel, and since then, she's been guiding you true. The pattern is a network of ancient runes scribbled onto one wall, and while you can't read the language, apparently Ena can. According to her, it's the 'thread' that was used by the Labyrinth's creator when he needed to escape. As long as you follow the wall with the runes, it will lead you deeper into the Labyrinth, and eventually to both Malphas and the treasure room. Hopefully, you'll find the treasure room first. You could really use some more light.

Although... In all honesty, you should probably be more thankful. The deeper into the Labyrinth you get, the more stabilized it becomes, oddly enough. The lower floors are more like normal rooms and corridors, instead of the insane madness that is the upper floors. But it also gets darker the deeper you descend, and the pressure from the lake above builds. Your sword is also back to emitting normal light again, which doesn't exactly help matters.

"I'll try," Ena says finally, her voice soft and distant. "Unlike me, Malphas is a White Dragon. He is almost entirely immune to magic, and his scales are harder than most as well. If we are forced to fight him at full power... We wouldn't even be able to scratch him, of that I am certain. He is a cunning man, and he taught me most of what I know about strategy. He has lived for untold eons, since the Age of Names, and has witnessed much. He is a master of war and wisdom that rivals even the Dragon King Himself."

"So, in other words, he's invincible," you reply, bitterly amused. Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. From the sound of it, I'd have an easier time subduing the Blood General.

Ena shakes her head, deep in thought. "Not necessarily. He does have one weakness, two if you count his fondness for me. Remember Key, he was sealed away because he lost himself and lost control of his power. While even I don't know the specifics, as I had already left Valgarde before it happened, I do know that something, or someone possibly, caused him to snap. If he awakens, and he does attack us, then it's safe to assume he is still lost. He will not have full control of himself, and therefore, he will be considerably weaker. Especially since he's been sealed away for so long. He will fight as a wild dragon, not a Laguz. We should be able to outsmart him in that state."

She doesn't sound too confident... But it's better than nothing. "I've heard of it before," you admit begrudgingly. It's not exactly a pleasant topic for two Laguz to discuss... "A Laguz who loses his or her humanity, and reverts to a wild beast... It's a horrifying idea to think about, and a terrible tragedy when it does happen. The last I heard, no one has been able to find out the cause of such a transformation. They call them the Lost... But something doesn't add up for me. I thought the Lost were supposed to be far stronger than their Laguz counterparts? Without their emotions and morality, they have nothing to hold themselves back. All the power of a Dragon or Lion, without any of the remorse or fear of a human... I heard a tale once, of a Lost One who had destroyed an entire town in a single night. It took an entire Platoon of trained warriors to put him down."

"It depends on the type of Laguz I think," Ena replies after a moment. "It depends whether or not their wild side is more dominant than their human side. For dragons, our human half is generally stronger. Our true strength is derived from our longevity, and our ability to learn and adapt at rapid rates. Our minds tend to have a much better processing speed than most, which is why we are so intelligent as a species, even among Laguz."

And without that capability to think and learn, a dragon is merely a brute... Strong and powerful yes, but easy enough to outsmart and overwhelm. That does make more than a bit of sense...

You're about to ask Ena if she knows anything else about the subject, when she stops so suddenly you almost run into her. "Ena? What's wrong?" Spacing out wasn't like her at all... And upon closer inspection, she wasn't.

"Do you hear that?" She asks, turning to you, a hint of urgency in her voice.

You concentrate on the dark passage ahead of you, allowing your senses to expand. For a second, you don't smell or hear anything, except the quiet pitter patter of dripping water, from somewhere far ahead. Then, you hear it. A rhythmic thrumming, almost like the sound of a war drum.

Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum.

Your brow wrinkles in concentration, and your ears prick up. There's something else too... It almost sounds like... Shuffling? No... Chains? "I hear it," you confirm. Whatever it is, you really don't want to stick around and find out. "You mentioned Sentinels, Ena? Guardians of the Labyrinth, I take it? What else could live down here?"

"N-Nothing," Ena replies quickly, though she doesn't sound very certain. "The seal was intact when I released it... I didn't sense any weakness from the seal, and even if it had somehow weakened, nothing could have..."

Her eyes widen suddenly, and you get that oh crap feeling you get, whenever you're about to receive some particularly nasty news. "This lake," Ena breathes, the urgency more prevalent in her voice now. "It was the site of a major battle in Canaan's history... Wasn't it?"

Right then, in that moment, you feel like punching yourself in the face. Of bloody course it is... How in the hell did I, of all people, forget about that?!

"It was called the Morning of Red Sand," you say grimly, in sudden clarity. "It's one of the most infamous massacres in Canaan's history. It was the very same battle that marked the end of Canaan's monarchy. More blood has been shed on this ground than all the recent battlegrounds combined. I really, really want to kick myself for forgetting this. Even now, Lake Ilene has another name, a different name; the Lake of Corpses."

Ena's face darkens, and for a moment, you see a twinge of fear in her beautiful gaze. "We need to find someplace to lie low for a bit, and we need to do so now." You literally watch her change gears, switching to battle hardened strategist. "There are a couple rooms in this hall, but I doubt they would do us much good against an army of undead, even if we barricaded the doors, which would only trap us anyway."

She closes her eyes, just for a moment, and you have a feeling she's scanning the corridors ahead in her mind's eye. Your own eyes widen in realization. I've seen something like this before, back when Azura and I fought in the Arena... It was almost as if she could sense my moves before I made them, like she was seeing the future before it happened... But this... It's on a completely different level.

"There is a large chamber up ahead," Ena replies softly, her voice even more distant than when she was reminiscing before. "The chamber is supported by large pillars, and it has three entrances, including this corridor. One entrance leads to another corridor, which seems to lead to an even larger room... The treasure hall, most likely. And the other... It leads to a vast chasm beyond, traversable only by a single stone bridge. The bridge is well built and sturdy, and would provide a good chokepoint. We should have enough time to make it to the bridge before it is overrun. However, it would make retreating difficult, if we opt to make a stand there. Alternatively, we could use the large chamber to our advantage, and use the entrance as a chokepoint. We would be susceptible to an attack from our flank and rear though, and that could prove deadly if we get surrounded. Or, we could simply hide somewhere and hope they pass us by..."

Yeah... Because that would so work. The horde of undead beasties just happens to be out for a stroll, it certainly has nothing to do with the two pieces of tasty fresh meat roaming the halls. Your eyes wander to the nearby doors, one on each side of the corridor, and to what must be the large chamber beyond. "Can you sense their numbers? Or what kind of Undead we're facing?"

Ena shakes her head in disappointment, slowly opening her eyes. "No... Forgive me, My Lord. I can only sense a vague mass of darkness and bodies. But... If I were to guess, I'd say they number in the dozens. I'm honestly not sure what we should do in this situation... What are your orders, Key?"

Well, at least this will be fun...

--------

A: Hide away in one of the nearby rooms, and try to wait the horde out. If you barricade the room and mask your presences, it should be fine.
B: Make your stand in the large chamber, and use the Northern Entrance(Bridge entrance) as a chokepoint. Ena and Kryian pair up(Choose who leads).
C: Quickly secure the bridge, and hold it against the horde. If the enemy begins to overrun your position, retreat back to the large chamber.(Ena and Kryian will have to fight separately in order to avoid getting surrounded. The bridge is 2 Spaces wide, and can be destroyed. It has 500 HP. The enemy will prioritize attacking the bridge)

D(Tactician): Quickly secure the bridge, but destroy a small portion of the bridge near the opposite side, large enough to force the enemy to engage you with ranged weapons only, but small enough to allow two athletic Laguz to jump across.

E(Gambit): Move to secure the Treasure Hall instead. You can use the weapons stored inside to your advantage, and you will have multiple chokepoints to work with(The large chamber, the western entrance and hallway, and the Treasure Hall itself. The Treasure Hall is roughly the same size as the large chamber, but it only has 2 Support Pillars, instead of the large chamber's 6 pillars. There is a heck lot of gold on the floor of the Treasure Hall, and it reduces the Movement range of walking units by 1, and mounted units by 2).

F(Affection): Leave the decision up to Ena.

Bump. Where be my votes?!