Blaze Gamma

Fire Embem: Arise

Felix continued to scowl, even as Katherine spoke. The whole thing wasn't right. Suddenly there was a dead king, and she was just expected to do some big journey and put herself in danger. He couldn't stand it.

"Well... The Regal's Rite in and of itself isn't normally dangerous," Emmerich said after a few tense moments. "The worst of things is climbing Mt. Ignis. However, as things are, it's likely that you'll have to do the Rite as quickly as possible, before the banditry or any foreign elements begin to act up." He sighed. "Ideally I was to act as the guide for the Rite, but as things stand, I'd likely be a liability on the field, and even if I weren't, I've a duty to uphold the safety of the town, now more than ever." He explained. "But..." He pulled out a map and a pen, with which he circled Mt Ignis and Prima. "As you can see, Mt. Ignis is relatively close. Making it there should be no more than a 2 week's journey." He marked out a route. "This is the route I took with Prince Alphin. The trails are well maintained and usually safe until you reach the mountain. Once there, the Sages will test you, and as a final test, you're to claim one of the Three Regalia. It isn't anything too difficult, in theory."

"... But there's the risk of bandits and others who may potentially try to sabotage the Rite?" Felix asked, seeming more subdued now.

"Exactly..." Emmerich said. "It would be best to travel light, without a large contingent, as not to attract too much attention... And here." He marked on the map a location 2 days from the town. "This is the manor of the Lord of Prima. It may be a good place to prepare for the longer part of the journey. If you want, I can send word to the Lord to have you sent way with one of my Captains. Once there you can meet with one of the Lord's Honor Guard, who can protect you for the rest of the journey, until you've collected the Regalia."

Fire Embem: Arise

"Lady Katherine, please, try and calm yourself," Emmerich said. "Nobody knew anything. Your mother only knew that your father, that Alphin, was a young man from the capital, and I'd only once met your mother myself until 6 months ago, after Felix joined the militia. I only had my suspicions, nothing concrete. Why say anything if all I have is an idle thought? Especially since there was no brand until today?" Emmerich pointed out. "And I am not suggesting you merely go and claim yourself heir, or even that you try and take control of the country. But... There is a way that you can help to stabilize our country, to save it from chaos...

"There was a reason your father and I came to Prima," Emmerich said as he poured more tea. "Prima is, while a simple rural village, known as the cradle of our nation. While it's somewhat of a secret, just like the Royal Crest, Prima is where future heirs to the throne begin a pilgrimage known as the Regal's Rite. If you have that mark, then you could undergo the Rite. My duty here was always to help the heir to the throne to begin the rite. If you do complete it, you may collect a proof that will show you as the true heir to the throne." He pulled another scroll from the desk, this one with three pictures, a tome, a staff, and a blade.

"Even children of Iris know of the three Regalia, the Lotus Sword, the Lotus Staff, and the Tome of the Lotus. It is from these three regalia that our ritual, of giving Lotus Bangles to those we wish to become betrothed to comes from... Collectively, the Regalia are known as the Fire Emblem, and only the true heir may wield them. Indeed, to the end of their lives, the sitting monarch carries one of the Regalia, before it is returned to Mt. Ignis... That said, the Lotus Staff is likely missing, as it was the Regalia Alphin favored... But if you are able to obtain the Tome or Sword, you can use it to prove yourself as the true queen." Emmerich explained.

"So basically you want a farm girl to go on a dangerous journey to collect a magic weapon and put a target on her back?" A voice came from the entrance. Felix walked back into the room, a tired and frustrated look on his face. "Just because some mark appeared on her leg? Don't you think that's unfair? Like forcing some grand role on someone who doesn't want it?"

"... Felix." Emmerich sighed. "How much did you hear?"

"All of it." Felix growled. "I was sitting outside by the window." He said. "... So just what choice are you giving her?" He asked.

"I am letting her choose. She can go back to her life or she can take the Regal's Rite, and-"

"You said it yourself! The country's going to descend into chaos if she doesn't do the damn rite! You're not actually giving her a real choice and you know it!" Felix snapped back.

Emmerich didn't have anything to say in response.

Fire Embem: Arise

Emmerich's eyes widened, then he slumped back in his chair. He didn't question her, not even to ask to see the crest. For a time, he seemed to be silently processing, then a smile appeared on his face. The man started to laugh jovially, as if he'd heard a real knee slapper. "Ah, that is... Alphin, that is just like you," He said, coughing a little bit from shortness of breath.

"No... I suppose that isn't a surprise, really," Emmerich said. "I want to tell you a story. It is of the first time I visited this village... When I wasn't a militia commander, but instead was the attendant to a foolish prince with a case of wanderlust and... Well, other lusts as well." He said.

~~~22 Years Ago~~~

"Well, your majesty, we're here." The young soldier sighed. "I suppose you're going to-"

"Hey, hey, hey, hold on!" The soldier's companion said, seeming very laid back compared to the soldier. "Come on, I'm here to just relax. You know, be a regular guy, not... That. It's not your majesty, or young master, or prince long as we're in this village. I'm just Al, okay, Emm?" He asked.

The soldier sighed. "Very well... Al... I'll acquiesce to your requests." He said.

"Jeez, no need to be so stiff about things. You need to get laid, buddy."

"That's hardly behavior one should be engaging in when they have to be babysitting a manchild such as yourself." The soldier sighed.

"You only say that because you're an unbearable stiff, now let's get to exploring. This is Prima, a rustic town in the countryside! It's so lively compared to back home!" Al said with a smile.

"It's filthy here, I'm fairly certain I saw animal droppings in the middle of the road." Emm sighed.

"See, that's what I'm talking about, calling you a stiff! You can't have a little fun! Always business."

"I'd rather be always business then see you injured." Emm retorted.

"Bah, easy come, easy go," Al said with a smile, looking at a young woman in a low cut dress with a whistle and a smile. "Hey, I've got an idea. We're friends, right?" He asked.

"You're my liege, not my-"

"Yeah, yeah," Al said. "So we're friends. So let's get a portrait done!" He said, dragging the slightly taller man over to a man with an easel. "How much for two copies of a portrait of me and my friend here?"

With that, the two began their explorations of Prima. The paintings done by an artist who knew not of the significance of the mark on the young man's arm, the two met a number of people, Al dragging Emm throughout, the shorter man enjoying the festivities of a harvest party, while the taller continued to act as alert as possible. As the sun set, Al had a woman on his arm as he approached his comrade.

"Hey, Emm," The young man said, smiling and a little red in the face. "This sweet maid and I are going to spend the night together, yea? I told her about the capital and well... We got excited."

"Ugh... I pray you didn't say too much, and I pray you not tell me any further." Emmerich said, shaking his head as he turned away. "Just... Do me a favor, and stay at this tavern." He sighed, all too familiar with Al's escapades.

"Haha! What'd I say, is he a hoot or what?" Al laughed as he led the woman to his room.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Emmerich smiled. "I suppose it makes sense though," he said to Katherine. "You'd seemed somewhat familiar when I first saw you, 12 years ago... And when Felix told me about your mother's story... About how she'd married to preserve her honor, and that you and your father knew that he was not your true father... But I never asked." He said.

The old soldier closed his eyes. "... This is very good to know... Miss... No, Lady Katherine... You're likely the last surviving heir to the throne of Iris... Your very existence might be able to save this country from disarray..." He sat back in his seat. "That said... It may be better for you if... We just didn't have this conversation. It is your choice... You may act with this knowledge or bury it. If you wish it, this will be our secret... If not... I will make the necessary preparations. Again, the choice is yours."

Fire Embem: Arise

So still running around OOC trying to muse ideas out. Because nothing is written. Least not 100% for the plot ideas.

Fire Embem: Arise

Emmerich raised a brow. "That boy is a handful. He always tried his best to obfuscate his talents because he didn't want to advance..." He sighed, before addressing Katherine's second question. "And as for the sigil..." Emmerich set down the hilt he'd been holding onto, which had the same mark on it. "The militia is an informal branch of the king's army, under the command of Prima's Lord." He explained. "The equipment, all of it I brought from the capital when I came here to command this base. That symbol is the Royal Crest of Iris. It's based on the divine brand that appears... Or rather appeared on the body of the true ruler of this land... For example..." Emmerich pulled out a scroll, on it was a portrait of a young man with a big smile, standing next to another young man with a stern expression on his face. A young man who looked suspiciously like Emmerich. "This jovial young man is... Or was, King Alphin." He said, pointing to Alphin's left arm, where an identical mark could be seen on the back of the forearm. "As you can see, this is the same mark those of us carry on our gear."

Fire Embem: Arise

"Oh, Miss Katherine... You're here too." Emmerich sighed, uncovering his face. "I hadn't thought there a reason aside from you knowing the news to be here, but..." He sat down and picked up a hilt off the desk, holding it to help keep his arm limber. "Anyway, my arm is alright, just still a little weak... You two should sit down though." He sighed, preparing a few glasses of tea before he began to speak.

"There was an incident last night," Emmerich explained. "In the capital city... As well as through the country, an insurgent group made a sudden attack. His majesty, King Alphin, as well as his heirs, so far as we can tell, they were all wiped out."

"You're kidding!" Felix stood up, slamming his hands on the desk. "How is that even possible!?"

"... It was an organized attack. The insurgents employed a magic known to originate from Volin, to the east, which was amplified by the meteor shower last night..." Emmerich said. "It's not known how they obtained this magic, but... It's a mess, and the country is in disarray. I do not think the gravity of the situation has hit our small town, but it's likely all of Iris will be thrown into disarray by all this. So we're going to start reorganizing the militia and beginning a conscription to defend Prima. That said, Captain..."

"Wait, Old Man... You just said Captain..." Felix mumbled.

"Yes, Felix... Captain. Due to the issues, you've been pushed forward from standard infantry to a captain for the militia."

Felix slammed the desk again. "Hold on! Were you going to ask me about this!?"

"Felix..." Emmerich sighed. "The Lord required me to name 4 new captains in restructuring. You are the most capable soldier under my command. This isn't something I can have you say no to, especially after all the fighting I've had to do to even allow your promotion."

"... Ugh..." Felix slammed a fist on the desk, then turned and headed outside, to be met with a sigh from the veteran militiaman.

"I suppose that went around as well as I could have expected..." Emmerich sighed, before turning to Katherine. "I'm sorry about all this... So tell me, Miss Katherine... If you didn't hear of the news... Why were you two here?"

Fire Embem: Arise

Felix ran a hand through his hair, then winced. He pulled a small clump of resin that had stuck on his hair out, then shook his head. "Well..." He mumbled. "Maybe we should head to HQ and ask him." He said. "We don't need to tell Emmerich everything. Just ask him what it is. I mean... I would guess the symbol is important in the capital, since that's where the old man says he got the sword. He's probably still resting from yesterday, so I'm sure he'll be there." He affirmed, before resetting his blade. "Come on," he said. "Don't want to waste any time!" With that, he headed out of the secret space and started in the direction of the Prima Markets.

Once in town, things seemed off somehow. People didn't seem vibrant as usual, and there was an air of unease. "Hmm..." Felix mumbled. "Wasn't like this last night..." He said under his breath. When they arrived at the headquarters, they saw something peculiar. There was nobody in the front room. "Huh? Nobody home? Hey, Emmerich! You here?"

There was a moment of silence, before the old man came out from the back room. He seemed tired. "Ah, Felix... It's your day off. I suppose you're here because you heard the news..." He was covering his face, and since Katherine hadn't spoken up, he hadn't seen her.

Fire Embem: Arise

"Sorry, I really can't say," Felix frowned. He seemed like he wanted to, but something was holding his tongue. Regardless, he finished the light meal and they eventually made their way to a secret spot they'd once set aside, years before. The smell of dust mixed with the familiar aroma of the cheaply carved 'furniture' hit him, flooding the young man with memories.

"So, what's this all about, anyway?" Felix asked, turning around. When Katherine started showing her leg, he looked away with a yelp. "Ah... Jeez, I..." He reddened, but eventually, when peeking through his fingertips, he saw the mark.

"Ah... Yeah, that's..." Felix crossed his arms, looking away soon as he could, trying to get his face to resume its normal color. "Well..." He grabbed his sword, not removing it from its scabbard. "Look at the pommel," he said. Sure enough, the same mark was on the pommel of his sword. "Old man Emmerich might know what this means... He gave me this blade when I became a member of the militia."

Fire Embem: Arise

Felix looked off to the side. "Nothing important, don't worry about it." It was blatant that he, too, wasn't being entirely honest, but it wasn't out of spite or distrust. It was the same sort as the time he'd claimed he'd forgotten her sixteenth birthday, that he'd been hiding that he'd tried to put together a present.

And failed miserably.

But that was besides the point. "Today's my day off, anyway. I can get some rest later." He said with a yawn. "Besides, I just lost track of time working on something. That's all. Nothing to worry about... But you seem like something's worrying you." He said, leaning over the table. "Come on, it's still me, you know you can tell me anything." He whispered.

Fire Embem: Arise

Encyclopedia of Iris

Introduction

The nation of Iris has been one at peace for over half a century. Led by the wisdom of King Alphin, Iris has been a safe nation where the people have been able to prosper. Still, even at times of peace, strife does strike up from time to time.

Though the king was known to be wise and fair within his country, outside their borders, he is viewed as a tyrant who distrusts his neighbors. Indeed, dissidents have arisen in the past years, standing against the king.

In the 481st year of the Arisen Land, the struggles between the crown and those who distrusted him came to a head. Backed by outside forces, those who stood against the king pushed forward with a bloody coup, killing the king and his family, all those within the castle and many of those who were away. Indeed, it was the end of the Royal Family of Iris.

Or so it was thought. More than two decades before, Alphin was a known lech. Indeed, for all the wisdom he had as a ruler, he was equally weak for women. On the very day of the coup, a young woman, barely into her twenties, awoke, the Seal of Iris appearing on her thigh, proclaiming her a rightful heir to the throne. As Iris began to descend into chaos, this girl will be forced to rise up and lead her people to take back the kingdom from those who would destroy it.

Customs & Artifacts

The Fire Emblem

The Fire Emblem is the collective name of the Three Regalia of Iris. Before ascending to the throne, the future monarch of Iris goes on a pilgrimage known as the Regal's Rite, to collect one of the Regalia from Mt. Ignis, which they carry until their death. The carried Regalia proves them as the true ruler of Iris. The Three Regalia share a lotus motif, and individually, they are known as the Lotus Sword, the Lotus Staff, and the Tome of the Lotus.

The Lotus Bangle

A traditional gift given between lovers in Iris, the lotus bangle is a ceramic bracelet designed to be given as an engagement gift. The bracelet is adorned with a small colored lotus, either made from glass or hardened cloth. In higher society, the lotus is purchased from a glassblower, whereas in more rural areas, the person asking to be wed will make his own flower from cotton or silk. Either way, the person giving the bangle assembles it himself.

If accepted, the bride-to-be wears the bangle on her left wrist until the day she is to be wed.

The Lotus Bangle itself is based upon the motif of the three Regalia of Iris

Important Figures

King Alphin di Iris

The former king of Iris. He died at age 53 in a coup under a meteor shower in the summer of 481 AL. With him, most, if not all his legitimate heirs were also killed, assumedly ending the royal line. However, his lecherous ways in his youth sired at least one unknown heir, who carries with them the chance to rescue Iris from destruction. The Regalia he favored was the Lotus Staff, which has disappeared with his death.

Emmerich Logan Eisen

A 61 year old militia captain in the town of Prima. Until 469 AL, he served as an attendant to Alphin, however,
upon Alphin's ascension to the throne, Emmerich 'retired' to the countryside. In truth though, the knight was trusted with the role of guiding Alphin's successor when they were ready to undergo the Regal's Rite. An experienced paladin who favors a Silver Lance.

History

To be added