Rioga winced to begin with when his daughter started shouting at him, narrowing his eyes and watching her take out her frustration by yelling at him. He did feel perhaps he deserved it, but… then she hesitated, and he was relieved that he got to share an embrace with his daughter at least one more time, his hands pressing onto her back one solid time, before he let go of her. In the end, she accepted the mission gracefully. This brought a smile onto his rough expression.

[color=6c9486]‘I’m proud of you, Reina,’[/color] he spoke, truthfully, then let her run off. Sorry you had to experience this.

He nodded with pride at Isolde’s statement that she’d keep his daughter safe, and then later gave a small chuckle when she wanted him to pass a message on to Tilda. See who’s the better Wyvern Rider, hah.

[color=6c9486]‘I’ll tell her, but you still have a bit of growing to do before you can match our Wyvern Commander!’[/color] he told her with a challenging smile, before he gave her a look filled with absolute confidence in her. [color=6c9486]‘Grow strong, Isolde.’[/color]

He was happy Titania gave her help. Hopefully, her air would help assure their survival rather than her own demise should enemies catch up to them.

Marwood gave his protection, and Rioga nodded to him, pleased. Hopefully, this would help garner support in Renais, and Marwood’s strength should help immensely. … Oh? Rioga looked at him curiously as he was challenged for a later duel.

[color=6c9486]‘Heh. Your father was a worthy opponent indeed. When the time comes, Marwood, I’ll gladly give you a taste of what he contended with,’[/color] the Emperor replied, his spirits somewhat lifted because of the exchanges that were had. When Marwood mentioned giving an apple to Fiona, there was a sudden twitch in Garric over there.

[color=7d6352]‘Oh, and here’s that apple,’[/color] Garric said directed towards Fiona, his voice minutely amused by the coincidence, as he took out an apple from his inventory and was about to lob it to Marwood… when his eyes frowned a little, staring at the apple. Then, in one swift motion, he gripped his Steel Blade and sliced in an arc before him, a small piece of the apple flying up into the air. Garric sheath the sword again and gripped that same piece of apple with the sword-hand before it hit the ground, then brought it to his mouth and ate it. Chewing on it with a frowning expression and then swallowing it, he still looked unconvinced.

[color=7d6352]‘Okay, not poisoned,’[/color] he remarked, before throwing the the remaining apple to Marwood. [color=7d6352]‘Remember, all of you! The unseen Dark Eye Guild now numbers among your enemies! Always poison-test your food, always be vigilant for ambushes, people out there will want you dead from now on! Be careful!’[/color] Garric stated, his excessive caution showing. Everyone knows not to take his constant warnings [i]too[/i] seriously, but this time it may be warranted.

[color=6c9486]‘Alright, off with you,’[/color] Rioga finished the statement to declare that they’d taken long enough now. As they hurried off, they could throw one more look at how the battle was developing, if they wished…

[hider=Map][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/rADeK33.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/rADeK33h.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

[color=6c9486]‘Now, then,’[/color] Rioga turned to his two allies as the party headed off with the Fire Emblem. [color=6c9486]‘Ansovald won’t reach us before Sion, so it’s him and his companions that we’re facing. Sion knows his common soldiers cannot match us.’[/color]

[color=858585]‘Reports state we are facing Sion, Nethanel and Rhodri,’[/color] General Nero stated, serious as always. [color=858585]‘We are facing two swords and an axe,’[/color] he concluded, on his body was sheathed an axe and a lance in addition to his sword depending on his opponent.

[color=7d6352]‘Tsk,’[/color] Garric clicked his tongue, [color=7d6352]‘leave Nethanel to me. Sorry, neither of you two can hit him. You because axes, Emperor, while you’re simply too slow, General.’[/color]

[color=858585]‘Hm. I cannot defeat Sion, but I can defeat Rhodri,’[/color] Nero continued from that. [color=858585]‘It will be a long and hard battle, but I can take him. Meanwhile, Emperor, I would recommend you hold off Sion until we can come to your aid.’[/color]

[color=7d6352]‘Hah, if we’re talking length of battles, mine with Nethanel will be over in an instant. I can’t guarantee I’ll be the one standing after that,’[/color] Garric warned, looking over the other two.

[color=6c9486]‘Hm, it will do,’[/color] Rioga nodded, drawing his large, trusted Steel Axe in preparation for the coming conflict. [color=6c9486]‘The kings shall clash. We shall see where the dust then settles…’[/color] 

With that, the three drew held their weapons in calm stances, awaiting Sion’s arrival.

[hr]

[hider=Prison Map][url=https://i.imgur.com/e7U3m7H.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/e7U3m7H.png[/img][/url][/hider]

Inside a prison cell, a lone woman stood turned towards the wall, one hand raised to in front of her face, a magic image flickering in her palm. She was trying to scry what happened outside the cell… but the image kept flickering away. Disappointed, the woman let her arm fall.

[url=https://i.imgur.com/ATlDzhY.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/QdTPeCR.png[/img][/url]

[color=ad939d]‘… Hmpf, I can’t even do that…’[/color]

Outside, two guards stood ready, and a priest approached her on the outside of the bars.

[color=green]‘Romilda. Even in these desperate times… You won’t admit that what you did was wrong?’[/color] the Priest said, looking at her. [color=green]‘Jehanna’s forces are at our doorstep. We need every hand we can get.’[/color]

Romilda turned and gave the priest an irritated gaze, stubborn to the last.

[color=ad939d]‘I stand by my choice. It was possible that the research I was delving into could have saved us all, and for that to happen I needed cooperation. Cooperation I wasn’t getting, so I had to get it for myself. Given the choice of something similar, I’d do it all again,’[/color] Romilda told, lifting her chin in defiance. Previously, she had controlled the minds of the people, and Rioga had fought a troublesome battle against people he had to avoid killing to defeat her… but defeat her he had, and a magical seal of elder magic had been put on her by esteemed researcher Egill, and now she had trouble outputting magic.

The Priest shook his head.

[color=green]‘There’s no helping you, is there?’[/color] the Priest said.

[color=ad939d]‘There is helping [i]you[/i], however,’[/color] Romilda said, intensity in her voice, surprising the priest. [color=ad939d]‘You have to get out of here. A band of criminals are going to-’[/color]

[color=825451]‘GET THEM!’[/color]

[hider=whoa][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/m2QBSMt.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/m2QBSMt.png[/img][/url][/center]

[i]Graphics: All the red units runs in from the right[/i][/hider]

The Priest stumbled from the bars of the cell and the Knights prepared their lances, for a band of Mercenaries, Fighters, Soldiers and one Thief suddenly emerged from deeper within the prison, their blades coming to engage the Knights. As the Knights were outnumbered, the Fighters went first and smashed aside the lances of the Knights with Weapon Triangle advantage before the rest could all get their weapons to bear on the Knights, who were quickly dispatched by the band.

[color=green]‘B-BA-’[/color] the Priest tried to shout, but was quickly sliced down by the leader of the party, a strong, balding one-eyed man who held his head high and gleaming with self-proclaimed might, leading his savage band. 

[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/GjwvtDN.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/xyc2V4r.png[/img][/url][/center]

[color=825451]‘Nobody gets by Morag,’[/color] Morag claimed, looking around at his company. [color=825451]‘Oy! There was another Knight down the corridor! You three, get him so he doesn’t alert anyone, the rest will collect Romilda!’[/color] So he shouted, and at the command the other three dashed to engage the Knight. Said Knight had walked over to check the noise, but realizing he couldn’t win he slowly turned to run, but the armour didn’t lend itself to speed and he had to rather quickly turn around to engage the three enemies coming for him.

Meanwhile, Morag turned his greedy eye to Romilda, and a “smile” spread under the mask he wore. Romilda held a blank expression, unimpressed with what she saw yet troubled by her situation.

[color=825451]‘Miss Romilda. The great and noble Ansovald would be quite dismayed should your life be claimed in battle, and as such hired us, the proud Spike Guild of Jehanna, to retrieve you through the secret passway. Don’t worry, we’re not going to leak any information to King Sion, not with the amount of gold Ansovald is providing. So we’re busting you out. Please, come with us, and embrace the life of luxury Ansovald provides,’[/color] Morag said and looked plenty proud, the words numerous paygrades above what one would expect from him. Romilda kept looking unimpressed.

[color=ad939d]‘… I decline,’[/color] Romilda told simply, turning her head away so she didn’t have to look at the foul man speaking to her. [color=ad939d]‘I’d rather not be placed under the care of a man as disgusting as Ansovald. Not that it really matters, the Fire Emblem is going to be destroyed and we’re all going to die,’[/color] she continued, blankly.

[color=825451]‘HA! That old wives’ tale?’[/color] Morag mocked her. [color=825451]‘PLEASE! That’s all tomfoolery and bullocks! It’s an enchanted stone made to burn and look important so that ancient Grado could look more important than it was! I thought a dark magician like yourself would know better! As if the destruction of a dumb rock could mean the destruction or saving of the world! It’s gonna do NOTHING! Ya hear me!? NOTHING! This world will NEVER CHANGE until the day we’re all overrun with monsters, better make the best of it while you can!’[/color] Morag unpleasantly shouted out at her, causing Romilda to twitch her eyebrows. Even if it was by a total fool, being told she was wrong was irritating.

[color=825451]‘And your “I decline” means nothing, either. We’re not getting paid unless we return with you, so you’re coming with us. Heard your magic was sealed, eh? So you’ve got nothing to stop us with!’[/color] Morag declared triumphantly.

[color=ad939d]‘Sure,’[/color] Romilda shrugged. [color=ad939d]‘Go ahead. You’re never getting through that door,’[/color] she continued with insulting simplicity, causing Morag’s expression to twitch in rage.

[color=825451]‘… I’ll have you know. Ansovald didn’t say a word of in what STATE you’d arrive in, as long as you were alive. THIEF! ON IT!’[/color] Morag shouted, and the Thief next to him darted to the jail’s door, bringing up a lockpick to try to get it open. The leader smirked under the mask, glaring at Romilda. Despite herself, Romilda tensed up. If they actually did get the door open, it was possible she was in deep trouble. It took a couple seconds… but then the Thief suddenly sunk down onto his knees before the door, hands stopping their movement.

[color=825451]‘… Huh? Why’d you stop?’[/color] Morag asked, frowning. The Thief gave no answer. Morag violently grabbed the clothes of the Thief and threw him into the rock floor, glaring angrily down at him. [color=825451]‘WHY’D YOU STOP!?’[/color]

… Except, looking down into the Thief’s eyes, it was as if all will had been drained out of him, all enthusiasm and desire to continue acting was just gone out of his soul, and he lay there immobile… Morag’s eye widened.

[color=825451]‘WHAT DID YOU DO!?’[/color] he instead shouted at Romilda, the most obvious target. Romilda just smirked, somewhat relieved.

[color=ad939d]‘… Looks like it worked. Well done, young Shaman. Well done,’[/color] she simply muttered, not for Morag’s ears to hear…

[hr]

Running down the stairs to the prison, they were suddenly faced with the sound of conflict. A lone Knight was fighting three rough-looking enemies which clearly looked Jehannan in nature, but not as embellished as those associated with Sion. These were more savage, not as experienced or dangerous as those behind them, but nonetheless dangerous enemies. A quick look in the vision provided by the Tactician’s Stone told of the current situation.

[color=607196]‘There seems to be enemies in the prison. They aren’t in the same caliber or numbers as Sion’s troops, however,’[/color] Aldo said, looking to Reina and the others. It was time to give a command.

[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/0xNb8EE.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/0xNb8EE.png[/img][/url][/center]

[i]Enemy Base Level:[/i] 2
[i]Enemy Base Weapon Mastery:[/i] E
[i]Enemy Equipment Quality:[/i] Iron
[i]Notable Deviations:[/i] None


Notable Individuals;
[hider=Blue, Allied Units]Blue Lord
[url=https://i.imgur.com/M8Rrx1y.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/M8Rrx1yt.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4650580]Reina[/url] - The princess of Gardo. Appreciates the finer things in life.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Sword: E
[b]Level:[/b] 1
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] Précieuse (Rapier), Vulnerary, Fire Emblem, Tactician’s Stone

Blue Wyvern Rider
[url=https://i.imgur.com/XqOFHEo.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/XqOFHEot.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4650587]Isolde[/url] - Clumsy, but reliable Wyvern knight.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Axe: D
[b]Level:[/b] 5
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] Halberd, Tactician’s Stone

Blue Cavalier
[url=https://i.imgur.com/Ic53d3U.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ic53d3Ut.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4651123]Marwood[/url] - The prince of Renais with a good heart and a rebellious streak, cares deeply for others.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Sword: C, Lance: D
[b]Level:[/b] 4
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] Reginleif, Steel Sword, Tactician’s Stone, 5,000G

Blue Cleric
[url=https://i.imgur.com/Ns75hY5.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ns75hY5t.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4657299]Titania[/url] - A tough healer from Rausten, she forges her own path to help as many people as she can.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Staff: D
[b]Level:[/b] 5
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] Heal, Mend, Tactician’s Stone

Blue Shaman
[url=https://i.imgur.com/HIQrs3e.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/HIQrs3et.png[/img][/url]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4649857]Aldo[/url] - A shaman researcher and advisor on things magic in service of Grado. Magically gifted and incurably serious.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Dark: E
[b]Level:[/b] 1
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b]  Flux, Vulnerary, Guiding Ring, Tactician’s Stone x4.
[/hider]

[hider=Green, Grado]Green Summoner in Cell
[url=https://i.imgur.com/ATlDzhY.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/ATlDzhYt.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://i.imgur.com/ATlDzhY.jpg]Romilda[/url] – Notorious dark-magic criminal. Captured and had her magic sealed by Rioga.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] N/A (sealed)
[b]Level:[/b] ???
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] ---[/hider]

[hider=Red, Invaders]Red Mercenary boss.
[url=https://i.imgur.com/GjwvtDN.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/GjwvtDNt.png[/img][/url]
[url=https://i.imgur.com/GjwvtDN.png]Morag[/url] - The leader of the Spike Guild. Proud, confident and looking for wealth and fortune above all else.
[b]Weapon Mastery:[/b] Sword: C
[b]Level:[/b] 10
[b]Equipment and Items:[/b] Iron Sword[/hider]