Alvin was standing stock straight before his father who was undoubtedly giving some speech. However it felt as if cotton had been stuffed in the prince's ear and he really only caught every third word. Jehanna was invading, heck they were already at their doorstep. Alvin suggested to his father that diplomacy was the only real option but the Emperor had shut him down with a knowing look. Then his father called a lot of people to the throne with some sort of mission, Alvin made dang sure that Calico would be serving drinks at that time, that way she'd hopefully get to go and survive what was going to be a very dark day. 

Aldo came out from somewhere and Alvin was somewhat relieved to see him, he didn't know the mage that well but he was a pleasant person, if a little stuck up. Alvin took a sharp breath as he could see with perfect clarity the entire battlefield, halls he'd walked his whole life swarming with men intent to do harm. 

Eventually his father held out the Sacred Stone, the Fire Emblem, in his outstretched hand towards him. Alvin put his hand on the stone and held it there, looking into the Emperor's eyes. "Father.....I..." His resolve was faltering, he wanted nothing more then to mount Medea and fly away with everyone present, all the friends he'd made. But he knew that was impossible, finally he found the words he was looking for. "I will protect it with my life."

With that he took the stone, it felt warm in his hand, and pulsating. Almost as if whatever the stone's purpose it yearned to be used. Finally he stuffed it in his pocket, looking over at Marwood to his right, his trusted friend. At least they were to take on this mission together. 

He turned towards his father one last time, a knife in the pit of his gut telling him this would likely be the last time he would ever see him. "Don't thrash 'em too hard." A fake smirk gracing his features, he looked to Nero and Garric. "Same goes for you two troublemakers, these guys don't stand a chance against the three of you, give them some kind of handicap." With that he looked around at the group gathered, he looked each one in the eyes. "Well you all have the map, we make for the western gate."