Map for Re:Awakening CH 011
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The battlefield is set for the next chapter of Re:Awakening. Just need to edit the enemy sprites so I can have an easier time tracking everything as I write.

- KINGDOM of NOHR, COUNTRYSIDE, AFTERNOON -

Quentin believed himself to be an honest man and an even more honest merchant. Every deal he ever made was fair, and if his customers wanted something beyond their reach, he had the connections to get it. He had created a firm and well-earned reputation because of his skills and vast stock.

That was as much a curse as it was a blessing.

Making a name for yourself as a merchant meant higher risks as those who wished to steal from you were dead set on doing so. As was made apparent as numerous, desperate bandits assaulted his caravan.

As well as the arrow that sank itself into the thick wood sides of the wagon that Quentin hid behind with his workers.

Like most intelligent -and financially capable- merchants do, Quentin had several guards under his employ, ones that had been with him for years and ones he trusted completely. They had always remained steadfast and capable of defending Quentin, his employees, and the goods they carried from town to town.

Quentin had even received an offer of extra aid from a pair of warriors that had joined up with the caravan earlier today, ones who had quickly taken control of the sudden situation and had more than earned their keep.

"Form up and line your shields!"

As the man Quentin knew as Robin led the caravan guards, he would be sure to reward the pair handsomely once they arrived at their destination. The snow-haired mage had turned his caravan guard into a formidable force that easily routed the bandits, who now grew either desperate enough to push for one last attack, or turned tail and ran away.

"ARCTHUNDER!"

Quentin watched several magic circles appear above the bandit forces, sending down bolts of gold and purple upon them as if the heavens rained down their wrath. The group of bandits moved around in a chaotic mess, each trying to determine what to do or who currently was supposed to be in command of them. The mage seemed in his element as he then directed Quentin's guards to attack next.

"Archers. Nock and take aim."

The shield wall lowered as the five archers in the guard company rose, their bows taunt as they drew back their strings. It was like a dance, with each movement flowing seamlessly into the next, all at the direction of the snow-haired mage.

"Loose!"

Five arrows cut through the air, each striking their targets with relative ease. As bandits fell to the unforgiving, blood-soaked earth, their comrades sought retribution and sent a retaliatory volley of arrows in response.

"Raise shields!" commanded the mage. The bandit's arrows either bounced off the resolute shield wall harmlessly or dug into the leather-coated wood.

Without a word, the mage looked to the sky and nodded. Next, the bandit archers faced the wrath of an angry wyvern and a determined knight clad in crimson armor. The knight’s axe and her wyvern’s maw made quick work of the archers before they could even nock their next volley of arrows. With no more ranged support, all that remained were a mix of Mercenaries and Fighters who made a reckless charge at the knight and her mount.

Before they could reach her, the mage acted, summoning a wave of ice that froze several bandits to the ground while others slipped into their comrades.

"Now, captain!"

Quentin's eyes locked onto the captain of his guard, a skilled-enough warrior named Kleiner, as he and several of his Mercenaries pushed into the fray and easily dealt with the remaining bandits.

It amazed Quentin how simple it all seemed. Bandits ambushed the caravan only ten minutes ago, and now, they were gone, swiftly dealt with as if they were a minor nuisance. Quentin checked on his workers, relief filling his being as he happily noted that none suffered any injuries. Even their goods remained untouched, with not even a single scratch marring the crates and barrels they were transporting.

Cleaning the sweat off his brow, Quentin turned his attention back to the mage and knight he was thankful for coming across when he did. The two were speaking with Kleiner, and by the grin on the guard captain’s mustached face, having a raucous discussion. Kleiner pointed at his men as a serious look replaced his smile. The mage followed along and nodded, about to speak when his lovely companion butted in, a wide smile on her face as she did her best to upsell the mage’s skill to the captain. Quentin chuckled at her antics before returning his attention to the wagons.

As Quentin and his employees continued checking their supplies and merchandise, the traveling merchant thought about what would be an appropriate bonus to give the mage and knight. When the pair joined the group in making sure everything was fine and ready to move on, willing to put in more work than was expected of them, Quentin decided then and there that it would be a rather generous bonus.

He was a fair merchant, after all.

From under the covers of one of the transport wagons, a young woman also kept a careful eye on the snow-haired mage, her own interest growing after watching him display his skill in martial might and magic.

Gold and silver coinage clinked joyfully in the coin purse Scarlet bounced in her hands. "I gotta say, it's nice to do some good. The pay is a damn good bonus, though."

Robin nodded along with the statement. “It certainly helps.” 

He turned his attention to Quentin and his caravan, watching as the merchant and his fellow traders unloaded their wagons, passing along their wares to their clients. Villagers lined up in an orderly fashion, each more eager than the last as they browsed Quentin’s available stock. With how small and out of the way this village was, it made sense that everyone in the community treated even the simplest of pleasures, such as rare spices or new tools, as things to treasure.

Robin’s eyes landed on a healer who had come up to claim the several crates of medicines and staves Quentin had put to the side. The healer’s shoulders drooped slightly, tension leaving his body, as if a heavy weight had finally been removed. Robin couldn’t help but smile at the sight as the healer graciously shook Quentin’s hand before placing the first crate on his cart.

Yes, money for their services was certainly nice, but he was more than happy to make sure he and Scarlet could do some good in the world. With how downtrodden many of Nohr’s citizens appeared to be, Robin wanted to do all he could as he figured out what exactly needed to be done while he was in this land.

Scarlet added the coin purse to their collective funds, securing it safely in her travel pack as she spoke up. “Well, with this being a small village and all, there doesn’t seem to be much to do. We should get a quick meal and see if there’s anything troubling the people here before moving on.” She looked at Robin, her ruby-red eyes meeting his as she sought his input. “Sound good?”

Robin didn’t answer right away. He felt another pair of eyes on him over by the wagon that carried travelers that had booked passage with the caravan. He glimpsed a pale young woman, no older than a teen by his estimate, staring at him. Her long, flowing deep-purple hair swayed listlessly in the breeze as her dull red eyes stared impassively at him, studying him as if he were a riddle to be solved.

He had noticed her as soon as he and Scarlet had joined up with the caravan after offering their services to Quentin. She easily stood out among the other travelers, with her attire catching his attention at first. She wore the robes of a Nohrian Dark Mage, altered to fit her slim and smaller frame, with the standard headdress being replaced with a pointed tiara. Her long, spiky hair swept backward, cascading down her back, with her deep purple locks stopping just at her calves. Even from a distance, he could make out a series of unique, faded purple markings on her forehead, and a pair hidden behind a veil that covered her lower face.

Her physical appearance aside, it was her magic that kept his attention. He could tell she had a rather large reserve of magical power, though there was a twinge of something dark holding it back. It reminded him of Tharja, in a way.

Robin's eyes locked with the young mage's for only a moment before she turned and walked away, heading towards the village's inn.

Scarlet noticed the little interaction and couldn’t stop herself from remarking on it. “Sooo, that’s going to be a thing, right?”

Robin simply nodded. “Looks like we won’t need to go far looking for trouble. It may come to us.” He recognized the look the young mage had in her eyes. She was studying him, gauging him as he would if he were choosing the right candidates for a strike force.

The young mage wanted him for something.

Scarlet hummed in response. Sparing one last look at where the young mage disappeared too, Scarlet nudged Robin with her elbow. "Well, if she wants to talk, she'll come to us."

As Scarlet walked towards the village's tavern, Robin looked back at the inn for a moment before following Scarlet.

The two entered the rustic tavern, taking in the scent of fresh ale and the simple, yet delectable meals that tickled their senses. Robin gestured to a table near the center of the dining area, one that gave them a clear view of the entrance, while still out of the way and not as noticeable to those walking in. After taking their seats, a chipper young woman came over with a pitcher of water and a pair of cups for them, leaving it at the table before letting the pair know she would be back for their orders.

Robin thanked her and let her know they would wait a moment before asking for a meal. Once the server left, Scarlet shifted on the bench, lazily lounging against Robin as they turned their attention to the tavern doors.

"So how long until our mystery mage comes to us, you reckon?" She asked before pouring herself some water.

"I would say within the hour. Maybe more," Robin replied.

Scarlet held the brim of her cup to her lips, taking a moment to consider his answer before taking a sip. Smacking her lips as she relished the refreshing, cool drink, Scarlet decided to turn it into a game. "You still owe me those crowns from our last bet. How about we go double or nothing? I bet she'll walk in right as we're about to eat."

The absolute confidence behind Scarlet's statement made Robin chuckle. "Alright. I'll take your bet." He waved down their server, who quickly came by to take their orders. As she left, Robin turned his head to look at Scarlet and held his hand out. "Time starts now."

Scarlet looked at his hand, smirked, and pressed her lips against his, sealing their bet with a kiss.

As the two settled in, Scarlet filled the air with small talk. “So... where’s Tiki at right now? Last you said she and her student were crossing the ocean yesterday.”

"They should be entering Port Ferox by the end of the day," Robin answered. 'Am I about right?' He asked his other lover through their link.

"Yes, Nah and I are almost there. The captain has assured me we shall make port by nightfall," Tiki replied. "We will make our way to the western capital, where Flavia and Basilio should be meeting."

Robin raised an inquisitive brow at that statement. 'Are they going to determine who the next Khan is soon?'

"No. Basilio is the current Khan, and as far as I know, Flavia hasn't challenged him. He and Flavia often come together now to bring up issues with their half of Regna Ferox," Tiki explained.

'Which I'm sure will lead to disputes and subsequent battles between the two,' Robin remarked humorously.

"You know how our fair battle maiden is," came the just as humorous reply from Tiki. "I just hope she doesn't cause too much trouble before Nah and I arrive."

'Knowing her, she'll be bursting with energy knowing that you're coming to visit her.' Robin could already imagine Flavia's surprisingly soft lips breaking out into a wide, excitable grin knowing that one of the two women she claimed as a sister would be visiting.

Basilio stared at his blonde-haired companion as she laughed uproariously with a letter in hand. An attendant came into his solar only moments ago and swiftly handed Flavia the letter that caused her to giggle like a maiden, all while visibly vibrating in her ornate chair.

The scene before him was a far cry from how he saw Flavia normally act. The last time she did something even remotely similar was when she was with Robin and Tiki.

The thought of the Tactician still stung, even now. Basilio stared up at the ceiling, running his hand across his scarred, bald head, his mind reminiscing over the times he shared with the young man. Three years later, and Robin's sacrifice still hit the Western-Khan hard.

"He lived and fought as a true Feroxi in the end," Basilio muttered lowly to himself.

"OLD MAN!" Flavia's sudden roar nearly caused Basilio to fall from his chair.

“Damn it, Flavia! I have plenty of years left in me before I need a cane to whoop you and the other whelps into shape, so cut it with that ‘old man’ bullshit,” Basilio remarked with a hint of annoyance.

“And that still means that you’re practically ancient by our standards,” Flavia fired back with a cocky smirk. She waved her hand dismissively, cutting off any further remarks from the Western-Khan and held the letter up. “We’ve got important work coming up.”

"We're in the middle of important work right now," Basilio said, rolling his good eye. He gestured to the various documents littering his desk and tried to keep the blonde Khan focused on their task.

Flavia looked at the documents with disinterest before giving the senior Khan a bland look. “Let me make it easier for you. I’m fuckin’ with you, you oaf.” She gestured to the stack of documents that they had already gone over. The stack itself was rather pitiful compared to the scattered ones that swamped the surface of the desk. “I already read through these proposals earlier, and aside from a few I disagree with, everything looks good. I just wanted to see how long it took you to realize it, or how long before you gave up and threw in the towel.”

Basilio stared at Flavia. His good eye twitched ever so slightly as he let Flavia’s admission settle in his now fraying mind. Taking a deep breath in through his nose, Basilio slowly exhaled, ignoring his fracturing patience as she stared at his fellow Khan. “Each time we meet, I’m reminded of why I call you a witch.” Leaning back in his chair, Basilio gestured to the letter. “Fine. What’s so important that we have to ignore our nation’s policies, Khan Flavia?”

“Tiki is on her way here,” Flavia stated excitedly as she showed Basilio the letter. “She says she has some news to share and expressed her desire that she and I head to Ylisse. Apparently, she already sent a letter to Chrom letting him know to expect us.”

Before Basilio could even finish reading the letter, Flavia turned to leave the solar. "I'm going to get a retinue ready for her arrival. I'm not about to let my sister visit without a damn grand welcome."

Basilio pinched the bridge of his nose, stood up from his desk, and followed the excited Khan. Despite being annoyed at leaving their work incomplete for now, he wouldn't mind a break. 

Besides, the blonde Khan was right. He wasn't about to let a good friend and comrade come see them without making a grand party out of it. They needed to make sure Tiki received the best Feroxi welcome she would ever experience in her long life.

"Damn. Looks like we're even," Scarlet grumbled as they watched their young mystery mage enter the tavern. While she may have lost the bet, at least she got to enjoy a meal with Robin, so Scarlet still won in her mind.

The young mage quirked a brow at the blonde knight's statement, but ignored it as she stood opposite the pair. "May I join you?" She asked.

"By all means," Robin replied, gesturing to the bench in front of the mage.

With a grateful nod, the mage sat down, smoothing out the wrinkles in her attire and waved down a nearby server. Before the server could set down an empty water cup, the mage stopped her, and Robin felt a shift in the young girl's magic as she spoke. "Wine, if you please. Red. I don't care for the vintage, but please bring it out with my meal."

The server left without even questioning the order, leaving a thoughtful Robin and a confused, worried Scarlet to stare at the mage.

"Um, I think I need to ask if you should even be considering wine," Scarlet remarked with some hesitancy.

The young girl spoke, ignoring the remark, almost as if she expected it. “I am used to partaking alcohol with my meals. Standard protocol among nobles, I assure you.”

"While that may be within one's house, you needed to cast a minor spell to influence the server into accepting such an order," Robin stated plainly.

Robin spotted a smile behind the young mage's veil for a fleeting moment before she schooled features. "A necessity. Appearances are deceiving. Mine hides many secrets that I will not share except for those pertinent to the matter I wish to discuss with you," she remarked. "But I should mind my manners. I was raised better, after all."

Her eyes looked at Scarlet and then at Robin. “My name is Nyx.” She gestured to the two warriors, recounting their names. “You are Robin and Scarlet, the valiant defenders of merchants and traders.”

Robin nodded his head. "That's correct. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Nyx."

Nyx let out a pleasant hum at Robin's manners and the way he addressed her. "Please, just stick to Nyx. While I come from nobility, I have long since given up such titles." Nyx's face became serious as she moved the conversation along. "Getting to the point, I am in the middle of searching for a rare and invaluable artifact, but during my search I came across a source of foul magic that has latched onto a Dragon Vein and requires careful cleansing. I was on my way to the site when you two joined the caravan."

Scarlet picked up on what Nyx was going to ask and cut right to the chase. “And you want to ask us for help, right?”

"That is correct," Nyx replied smoothly.

Scarlet leaned forward and leered at the young girl in front of her. Nyx simply sat impassively in her spot as Scarlet sized her up. “And what kind of little girl goes around ‘cleansing’ things? To me, it all looks like some little noble has some big ideas in her head. Why do you even need to go? Robin and I are probably more than enough to deal with whatever dark magic is causing a funk. You just need to tell us where it’s happening.”

Robin could tell Scarlet was probing Nyx for answers of some kind, and by the subtle grimace on the mage's face, Scarlet was hitting at a sensitive point.

Nyx took a moment to consider her words, needing several seconds to do so. "Because magic, no matter the source, can be devastating if mishandled, young lady. Dark magic is only so because the caster makes it so," Nyx bit back with some venom. "And while I'm sure you can provide some support, I mostly need Robin's aid in this endeavor."

Scarlet seemed taken aback by being addressed as ‘young lady’ from one who looked younger than her, while Robin filed away the comment to the other oddities he noticed with Nyx. Her word choice was one thing, while her magic was another. Now that she was close to him, Robin could pick up more factors regarding her magic. 

One was that her reserves, those that he could feel with his own, were quite large. Too large. Even for a young prodigy. It was like Nyx had decades worth of growth within her.

Second was the twisted darkness that seemed to permeate her very being. Once more, Nyx reminded him of Tharja. While the Plegian mage had her moments of darkness, there was a glimmer of light that shone through it all.

Even so, he sensed no dishonesty in Nyx's request, but he needed more information to work with.

"What makes me worth bringing along for this cleansing? I'm a skilled mage, yes, but that doesn't guarantee I would know what I'm doing once we arrived at the site you are looking for." Robin's eyes narrowed slightly as he gauged Nyx's reaction to the question.

Nyx, for her part, maintained a straight face as she answered him. “Because you have already done so before. Your magic is very similar to a pulse I felt not too long ago.” Robin noted the humor that laced her tone. She had expected such a question, it seemed. “Add on certain rumors of a pair of shepherds battling a rogue mage that have come from the south, and you learn to put two and two together.”

She adopted an incredulous on her face just then. “Shepherds? At first, I truly thought a pair of sheep herders were truly lucky in dealing with that madman.” Her gaze fell upon Robin, her dull eyes flickering with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Is that truly the name you two are calling your little company?”

"It's a fine name and one I'm quite fond of," Robin answered firmly.

Nyx simply stared at Robin, mulling over the name several times in her head before speaking. "I suppose it is if one understands the meaning. You can share it with me later, though."

Robin nodded. “Right. We’re currently discussing your wish for my help in cleansing a Vein.”

"Yes," Nyx replied, getting back on track. "There are many similar sites across Nohr, though very few, if any, are near a Dragon Vein. The keep you two were at recently almost became such a sight."

Scarlet leaned in, surprise apparent on her face at Nyx's remark. "Wait, so, you actually went there?"

Nyx nodded. "Yes. I had heard rumors of that madman and wished to dispose of him myself before he could wreak havoc on the land, but you two reached him first. I was two days behind you, it seems, and not wanting to waste my chance, I traveled to Alnor Keep to investigate it myself." She shot the pair a rather curious look. "I even heard that Princess Camilla herself was there, and that she traveled with an odd pair of warriors."

Her dull red eyes landed on Robin as she studied him once more. "Whatever you did to cleanse the Dragon Vein of Eleus' influence still lingers there." Nyx adopted a wistful look as she continued to speak. "It... was like being enveloped in a warm embrace. It had been so long since I had experienced anything like it."

Robin and Scarlet didn't speak as they let Nyx silently relive a fonder time in her memories. Scarlet just thought it was the actions of a young girl missing her family or someone close to her. Robin, however, saw more to it. 

Snapping back to reality, Nyx shook her head and readopted her stoic expression. “Apologies...” Taking a second to gather herself, Nyx continued pleading her case. “That is why I require your aid. While you are young, you are obviously highly skilled. Between the two of us-“ Nyx paused and looked at Scarlet, acknowledging the blonde’s presence. “Three of us, if you feel so inclined to remain by your lover’s side, then it should be a simple matter.”

Scarlet narrowed her eyes. "It's not that simple. From what I know and from what Robin has told me about magic, it's never that simple."

Nyx seemed pleased to hear such a statement. “Quite. Magic thrives on intent. And potent magic, empowered by, say, a Dragon Vein, has the potential to become a living magic.” She interlocked her fingers and placed them on the table, reminding Robin of Miriel whenever she acted more like an instructor. “Now, imagine if that living magic was twisted by someone’s dark intentions.”

"Then it will act on the intent of the caster, even if they have passed on," Robin finished, his voice tense as he spoke. "How long has this site been active?"

Nyx seemed hesitant to answer, but did so with a whisper. "Decades."

Robin unconsciously clenched a fist at that. His mind raced with worry at the thought of a site being affected by dark magic for so long. He could hear a deep laugh resonating from the corners of his mind as he found himself standing in an expansive, dim chamber. His magic stirred as a smiling specter appeared before him.

He soon felt Naga's essence within him soothe his flaring magic before it could get out of control. As his mind settled, Robin shared a look with Scarlet.

The blonde just gave him a smile that told him she wasn't about to let him go into trouble alone.

"We're in," Robin stated resolutely. His eyes met Nyx's, peering into her dull red orbs as he spoke. "Where are we headed?"

"Into the wastelands. There is a temple about half a day's journey from here where the source of the disturbance is," Nyx responded. "Since I couldn't reach it myself safely when I discovered it, I made sure to-"

A sudden gasp pulled their attention to their server, who had made her way over to their table with Nyx’s meal and wine. “I-I’m sorry,” she said apologetically. “You actually mean to go to the wastelands? B-but that temple is cursed.”

“Which is why we are heading there,” Nyx replied disinterestedly at the young woman’s concern.

The answer seemed to disturb the young woman, who seemed adamant to reprimand the trio. She turned to look at Robin and Scarlet as she set the tray of food down, giving them a look of disbelief as her eyes glanced worriedly to Nyx. "You can't bring a child to such a place! It's irresponsible!"

The air seemed to chill as all eyes turned to the young mage. Even the other tavern patrons paused their conversations and meals to look over at the trio. “Don’t you dare speak to me as if I were some foolhardy child with no grasp on the world.” Her dull eyes now flashed with indignant anger as she stared down the surprised server. Even then, her voice was calm, but with a stern undertone that could make anyone it was directed at feel like a thoroughly disciplined child. “You have done your job. Now leave the adults to their business.”

The young woman looked like she wanted to argue against what she thought was a dangerous endeavor, but another glaring look from Nyx sent her scurrying away.

Scarlet let out a low whistle. "Damn," she remarked as she turned to look at the mage sitting across from her. "You really don't like being called a child, do you? Sorry if I offended you earlier."

Nyx spared Scarlet a thoughtful look. With a sigh, she removed her face veil and set it beside her and pulled her meal and drink to her. “You are forgiven. I don’t normally let such words get to me, but despite dealing with that annoyance for years, it seems I am still prone to childish, emotional outbursts. I rarely care to deal with people, so that no doubt played a role in my reaction.”

The last pieces of the puzzle clicked into place in Robin’s mind as he stared at Nyx, his lips forming a sorrowful frown. “How long have you been cursed?” he asked.

Scarlet's head whipped around to look at him and then back to Nyx as she caught on to what he had just figured out. With a remorseful huff, Scarlet shook her head, hanging it low as she avoided looking at Nyx. "Fuck... Now I really feel like an ass."

“As I said earlier, Scarlet, you are forgiven,” Nyx replied. She stared into her wine cup, gazing at her crimson reflection as she spoke. “To answer your question, Robin, it has been quite some time. The last accurate count I had, I believe, is at least sixty years, give or take two or three. Magic has a way of getting out of control when we least expect it, doesn’t it?”

Robin nodded. Magic certainly did. He could remember several times he and Ricken had dealt with a spell the younger mage thought he could handle, only for it to backfire. Magic that became dark left marks on its user and was more likely to turn on a caster if they weren’t careful. It goes to show how skilled and controlled Tharja was as she hadn’t had a single incident with her magic when she first joined the Shepherds -and with how benign many of her curses were- showcased her skills even more.

"Is that why you are looking to cleanse the site of this Dragon Vein?" he asked the cursed mage.

“... Yes,” Nyx answered quietly. “I’ve made my peace with what has happened to me. I don’t believe there is a way to counter this curse of mine, nor do I want there to be. My penance has yet to be paid.” She raised her head, meeting Robin’s soft gaze. “What better way to use my eternal youth than to do away with other dark magicks that threaten my home...”

Robin listened intently to her words, to the sincerity that laced every syllable. Before him was someone who had touched darkness, enveloping her soul in its corrupting embrace. After facing the consequences of such practices, Nyx chose to be better, something he found inspiring.

Robin had no doubt that Nyx still battled her own demons. Dark magic left marks on its user. Nyx suffered one that would never go away.

If it meant helping her find some peace, then Robin felt compelled to help her however he could.

"We'll need a plan," he stated, his voice serious as he took command. His mind raced, forming a mental list of several factors he considered important. "How best to handle this lingering magic, what sort of layout we can expect the temple to have, and if there are any sort of defenses, physical or magical, left inside that we need to worry about."

As Robin began making a list of things to consider going forward, the subtle, commanding shift in the young man in front of her mesmerized Nyx. Even Scarlet became much more serious, throwing out possibilities that Robin took into consideration. But what held Nyx in rapt attention was the power, confidence, and experience swirling within Robin’s purple eyes.

Including a familiar pained-look she had seen within her own eyes when she gazed at her reflection.

It made her wonder what sort of life he must have lived to gain such a look.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Nyx joined in the conversation, making sure her new companions had the same information she had. "Before we go any further, you must first know what we are dealing with."

“I take it that some group of mages dabbled in things they really shouldn’t have?” Scarlet half-asked, half-joked.

Nyx gave the blonde knight a stern nod. "Indeed." Nyx paused, taking a second to gather her thoughts before speaking again, her voice carrying a heavy weight with each word. "Tell me, have either of you heard of the Silent Dragon?"

Robin and Scarlet shared a look, their brows knitting together in a mixture of confusion and intrigue.

Nyx nodded at their reaction. “I thought not. I have learned of it myself only recently. You should be familiar with the Dawn and Dusk Dragons, yes?” she asked the pair.

Scarlet was quick to answer, hoping to keep Robin’s unfamiliarity with her world’s legends out of Nyx’s notice. “Yeah. The two divine dragons that gave their blood to the royal families.”

"A very basic understanding," replied the cursed mage. Scarlet's lips scrunched together, conveying her annoyance at Nyx's words. Nyx, however, paid her no mind and continued her explanation. "The Dawn and Dusk Dragons are just two of several Divine Dragons. One can consider them the strongest of their brethren, though that is dependent on who you ask."

Nyx held her cup in hand, swirling the wine within it as she considered her next words. “However, not much is known about the Divine Dragons outside of the cultures that worship them. Nohr and Hoshido both have their own libraries dedicated to their own genealogies regarding their bloodlines and connections to the Dawn and Dusk Dragons, respectively. The Ice, Wind, and Fire Tribes have their own gods that they follow. Those gods are simply three other Divine Dragons that left their mark on the world, though not in a way that the Dawn and Dusk Dragons have.”

Thoroughly engrossed in the history of this world, Robin leaned in, intent on learning more. Scarlet chuckled at the excitable gleam in his eyes, while Nyx felt a kindred spirit with him. “And where does this Silent Dragon come in? Has it aligned itself with a tribe like the previous three? Or has it claimed a kingdom outside Nohr and Hoshido’s influence?” He asked. A thoughtful look crossed his face as another possibility came to mind. “Or, is it completely unaffiliated with humans altogether?”

Outside of magic, history -and by extension, legends- was another one of Robin's favored subjects of study. For one who had lost his memory, it made him more open to seeing what the past was like. There was one saying that he stubbornly clung to because of that.

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

History, and the choices rulers, heroes, and other famous figures made, had a way of coming around once more. Grima was a perfect example.

There was another reason he took an interest in Nyx's sudden lesson. Much like magic was turning out to be a constant between worlds, dragons were as well. With this in mind, along with his change into a draconic being in human form, there was much to glean from this discussion.

“I truly do not know,” Nyx replied with a shrug. “I only know so much about the dragons of Dawn, Dusk, Fire, Ice, and Wind because there are plenty of books and scrolls detailing their history. Even then, my knowledge isn’t complete. Aside from those five, there are three other dragons of note, but information is either limited or nonexistent. The Silent Dragon happens to be one of them.”

Scarlet nodded along. Nyx could see that the blonde knight was making connections in her head and was pleasantly surprised by her next question. “So, that means that maybe someone has information about this Silent Dragon, and that’s one reason we’re going to this temple, right?” Gauging the cursed mage’s reaction, Scarlet pressed on. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have even brought it up.”

Nyx gave the blonde knight a grim nod. "Indeed. Dragons, even when no longer a part of our world, inspire many. Some form cults."

Robin did well to hide the displeasure and rising anger bubbling in his chest at her words. Once more, the deep laughter emanating from the furthest corners of his mind returned. Robin did his best to ignore it as Nyx continued to speak.

“This cult devoted itself to the Silent Dragon and took residence in the temple nearly a century ago, from what I could learn. How they altered the Dragon Vein and what exactly they did to it is also unknown to me.” Nyx seemed rather annoyed having to confess that last part. Robin couldn’t blame her.

Information was key to many things, and as the tactician of the Shepherds, limited information meant more careful formations and tactics to ensure all his friends and their troops survived the battle. To have little to go on was risky, but sometimes you had to take risks to complete your objective.

"We'll have to play things by ear," Robin stated.

"Unfortunately," Nyx begrudgingly agreed.

Scarlet, however, was a little more optimistic. “We got this,” she said, bumping Robin’s shoulder with her own. “I got your back, Robin.” Her red eyes swept over to Nyx, and she gave the cursed mage a confident smile. “Same to you, Nyx.”

Despite her stoic and disinterested facade, a small smile broke out across Nyx's face. "Then, I suppose I should count my blessings to have such a confident knight at our side."

Scarlet beamed at Nyx. "More than that." Scarlet then wrapped an arm around Robin's neck and pulled him in close to her, still smiling broadly as she did. "You have the Shepherds."

Nyx gained a contemplative look from Scarlet’s words. She mulled them over for a moment before finally speaking. “Yes, so I do,” she said as she directed her attention to Robin. “The name. Shepherds. It is unique, but I see why you are attached to it now.”

Robin smiled as Nyx ate her meal before it got cold. Scarlet had ordered a pint of honeymead, voicing her pleasure that they had a cask or two to serve. As the two engaged each other in a round of small talk, Robin thought about what he had learned about the dragons of this world.

Unlike Naga, the Dawn and Dusk Dragons passed along their blood to the royal lines of Hoshido and Nohr through different means. Those bloodlines were still strong, but unlike Tiki, the royals only had certain boons granted to them. Camilla showed that his more draconic blood reacted to her, and it was safe to assume that the same could happen if he should cross paths with any other royals.

"You will need to learn what has happened to the dragons." Tiki's voice rang within his mind, joining her thoughts with his. "We both know that dragons, no matter how divine or godly, can be killed."

'I'll have to see if there are differences in their biology compared to the dragons of our world,' Robin commented. 'Being able to pass along their bloodlines without siring children is unique.'

"Quite. Though we have an example of that blood being misused." Robin nodded absentmindedly, remembering how one of Eleus' companions claimed the royal blood they had that allowed them to use the Dragon Vein was a gift. That was another thing to consider regarding tomorrow. If the blood used to alter the Dragon Vein at the temple was freely given, forcibly taken, or willingly used by a royal.

‘Then, there is the matter of Corrin and her companion.’ Robin nodded at Tiki’s words. The arrival of Camilla’s sister within his and Tiki’s dreamscape was a surprise. What was more surprising was that his reaction to her was much stronger than his with Camilla. Over the last few days, he and Tiki had discussed the matter, and they had come to one conclusion that made the most sense to them.

Corrin's bloodline was stronger than Camilla's. With the new knowledge of the Divine Dragons of this world, there was a high possibility that Corrin was a child of one, just as Tiki is Naga's child.

"I still believe that is the most likely answer," Tiki remarked. "The fact that she appeared in our dreamscape and not Camilla, who you have connected with, remarkably well I might add-" Robin rolled his eyes at his beloved Manakete's words, "means that her draconic blood is stronger. Her companion is an example as well, since it appeared to us as a dragon instead of its human guise."

With that in mind, Robin focused on the crux of the matter. Which dragon Corrin descended from and if she even knows. 

The more he thought about the matter, the more his thoughts drifted to the princess. It had been a couple of days since her appearance. Robin couldn't help but wonder why that was and if he and Tiki would see her once more.

Corrin tossed around within the confines of her silky sheets, her extravagant mattress squeaking with her sudden movements. Sleep eluded her, as it had for the past three nights. Her restless mind was elsewhere, focusing on the pair of strangers in that odd dream.

Robin and Tiki, standing below what Corrin thought to be a divine tree in the middle of an infinite sea.

When she woke up the next morning, her mind had been only on those two people. While training, Gunter would chide her that she was letting her mind wander, harking it back to one of the first lessons she received from him about the dangers of doing so in the middle of a fight. Jakob acted the disappointed teacher when her etiquette and education lessons rolled around, making the ash-haired princess feel rather guilty for not paying attention to him as she should have.

Corrin just couldn’t take her mind off the two figures in her dream. 

When she shared the dream with Felicia and Lilith, the two had different reactions. Felicia gushed about how the dream must really mean something. Felicia couldn’t really settle on one idea, and some were more outlandish than the last, though each revolved, mostly, around the man Corrin knew to be Robin.

Lilith had a much more curious reaction. She gave Corrin quick answers, moving the conversation along with little thought on the matter, despite Corrin pushing for more. Even Felicia noted how Lilith did all she could to dodge the question or avoided further prodding. It made Corrin wonder why her friend was acting as strangely as she was.

While Corrin seemed to be left with more questions than answers, she believed that the best way to get those answers was to question the source itself.

However, that proved surprisingly difficult, if not annoying.

Corrin knew the first step was to dream of that towering, ancient tree and the infinite sea that blended seamlessly into the horizon. Robin and Tiki would be there, she reasoned, as it made the most sense to her. The issue she faced was that two nights ago, she had run into a barrier that prevented her from joining them. The night after that, she swore the connection she felt to the dream seemed to be like a thin thread, one that could easily snap.

Tonight, Corrin hoped her luck would change, that she would see Robin and Tiki again and finally speak to them. For now, she faced another challenge.

“Ah~.”

Before that, though, Corrin dealt with her burning arousal, same as she had the last three days after finally putting a face to Robin’s name. Add on the unexpected presence of the otherworldly beauty that was his companion, something primal stirred within Corrin’s heart.

The princess had been relieving her inflamed arousal several times during the day, much to her own embarrassment. Gunter found her quick exit from her martial training odd, and Jakob had more than once reprimanded her absence of decorum after her lessons. She even had to dodge a flustered and exasperated Flora several times.

It made Corrin blush at how many times she had masturbated these last three days. At this moment, however, she couldn't care less when her slender fingers rubbed her slick labia. She moaned into her pillow, muffling her wanton cries as her mind drifted to the image of Robin’s handsome face and the deep, purple orbs that locked their gaze onto her.

Corrin closed her eyes as she imagined Robin’s fingers in place of hers, tactically attacking each of her sweet spots as she writhed at his touch. “T-there. Right there, Robin~.”

She gasped as two of her digits poked at her soaked entrance, her nails grazing her sensitive walls before taking the plunge. She started slowly, fingering herself at a slow pace before finding a steady rhythm. As she continued her ministrations, Corrin’s body shuddered as she imagined Robin’s lips grazing her tingling skin, planting a series of butterfly kisses along her nape.

"Ye~s." Corrin moaned as she let the fantasy play out.

Her erect and pebbled nipples slid across the silky sheets of her bed as Corrin gently rocked her body. The image of Robin playing with her body now had him teasing her full bust. It went on like that for a moment before the image of Tiki appeared in her mind.

Just like how Corrin got lost in her many imaginings of Robin’s confident demeanor and his vibrant eyes that spoke volumes of worldly experience and gentle care, Tiki’s emerald green pools drew Corrin in. The divine beauty’s face was serene, expressing genuine and deep emotions with every look.

Corrin knew the facsimiles of Robin and Tiki she built up in her mind were of her own doing. Who the two truly were in reality could only be learned by finally talking to the pair. For now, though, she was content with her imagination and all the raunchy thoughts that drove her desires.

Rolling her hips back caused Corrin to bite into her pillow as her erect clit rubbed up against her palm. While her vision swam with stars, her mind continued to play out the fantasy she had concocted.

Corrin’s fantasies during this three-day period had always followed this path. Robin and Tiki would tease her until Corrin succumbed to their own desires. Sometimes, she would find herself pinned down by Tiki as she pressed her pelvis up against hers, rubbing their sexes together. Robin would then claim them as his, using them as he pleased until he -and Corrin- were thoroughly satisfied. Other times, Tiki would pull Corrin in close, cradling her as Robin thrusted into her pussy.

Her rhythm increased as Corrin remembered earlier today when Felicia had stumbled upon her right in the middle of her self-ministrations. Granted, Corrin had quickly dipped into a broom closet and hadn’t bothered to lock the door, but her surprise and minor shame at being caught were apparent. All of that was pushed aside and easily forgotten the moment Corrin dragged Felicia in on the fun. What would have been only a few minutes alone turned into nearly ten minutes of Corrin and Felicia playing with each other.

Not that either minded. Felicia was Corrin’s best friend and attendant. It was her duty as both to relieve the tension Corrin felt. It’s not like they hadn’t shared Corrin’s bed before.

'Divines~. Felicia is too good with her hands,' Corrin thought as she continued to hump her fingers as they plunged into her hole. Despite Felicia's rather clumsy nature, Corrin was well-aware of the maid's dexterous hands.

As if reacting to her memories, there was a shift in her fantasy. 

Corrin clamped her legs around her hand as the fantasy Felicia entered the scene. The Nohrian princess had included several others in her fantasy with Robin and Tiki. Felicia was the one who had made several appearances, much to Corrin’s pleasure. She even teased the klutzy maid about it earlier. Felicia's normally pale skin turned a burning shade of red, though Corrin could tell that she was into it if the way Felicia's thighs rubbed together was anything to go by.

Lilith also appeared, though that left Corrin confused and aroused. It made it difficult to look at her friend in the eyes the day it happened, though. To her slight shame and secret lust, her older sister, Camilla, made an appearance too. Even in Corrin’s fantasies, Camilla doted on her before expressing a carnal desire to be fucked hard by Robin. Corrin didn’t know why her mind conjured up such a thing, but to see her usually flirty, mature sister being ravished and using crude and raunchy language to express herself made the entire taboo fantasy even more exciting.

Especially when Camilla dragged Corrin and Tiki in on the fun.

One fantasy had Camilla pinning Corrin to the bed much like Tiki often did, only Camilla positioned her hips in a way that had their pussies rub together each time Robin thrust into Camilla from behind. Another had Camilla holding onto Corrin, pulling her into an intense kiss as Corrin moaned into her mouth as Robin claimed the ash-blonde princess while Tiki claimed her sister.

As Corrin edged closer to climax, her mind returned to her current fantasy.

Robin's cock was something she left to her wild imagination as that was all she had to go on. She was sure, however, that he was large and ready to send Corrin into a state of bliss. It just seemed right to her.

"So-" Corrin's breathing hitched as her fingers reached deep inside her velvety tunnel. "So big~."

"More. I need more~," Corrin became desperate as she felt herself coming close to the edge. Her sweaty, glistening body grew hotter by the second as her fingers moved at a furious rate, fucking her pussy relentlessly as her fantasy shifted once more.

"Good. I-It's so go~od!" Corrin answered the lewd specter. Her fingers moved at a blur, matching Robin's pace in her mind as she gave into her desires. She unconsciously rocked her hips back and forth, simulating the actions of her fantasy. "I'm going to cum."

Corrin let out a throaty moan in response. "I'm cumming. Robin~, I'm cumming!" Corrin declared as her walls clenched around her fingers. Lewd liquids stained her digits, flowing past them, running down her hand, and dripping onto the white sheets below her.

Her body shook as Robin slammed his hips forward, releasing a torrent of cum inside her as the fantasy ended. Corrin simply lay limply in bed, her hips twitching sporadically every so often as her climax subsided. Her breathing was haggard, with short, choppy breaths escaping her lips. Sweat coated every inch of her pale skin, highlighted by the moon’s pale light, causing her to glow.

Slowly, she rolled onto her back, chest heaving as she stared at the canopy of her bed. Raising her hand, Corrin saw the slick, slimy juices coating her fingers, with small droplets rolling down the curves of her palms. In her lust-addled mind, Corrin brought her fingers to her mouth and sucked on them, savoring her flavor with a hungry, low hum.

She felt another heat build up within her core and responded by clenching her legs together and rolling onto her side. She was half-tempted to have another go, but clearer minds won out. Grabbing another pillow, Corrin hugged it tightly to her chest and buried her face within it.

"Please... I need to see them." Corrin's eyes grew heavy as her exhaustion finally caught up with her. Sleep called out to her, another chance to dream of that divine tree and the infinite sea. 

Her breathing slowed as she finally drifted off. She clung to that last thought like a lifeline, hoping that whatever connected her to Robin and Tiki would oblige her request.

"If not tonight, then please let it be tomorrow."

A harsh wind swept across the barren and rocky grassland. The morning sun peeked over the horizon, rising slowly into the sky and bringing a dry heat to the land.

Robin stood by and watched as Nyx examined a glyph on a nearby stone that practically towered over the cursed mage. Scarlet stood next to him, idly scratching Tia’s powerful jaw as they waited for their newest companion to finish her work. This had been the last stone in a set of twenty that formed a magical perimeter around the temple Nyx wished to cleanse. Before they could even enter the temple, she had been adamant about checking each one. Understanding the importance of her request, Scarlet and Tia had ferried the group to each one.

As Nyx worked on each one, Robin intently studied every movement and listened to each incantation Nyx performed. It would serve him well to see how different Nohr's full list of magicks compared to his own world's.

That, and everything he learns now, gives him an edge in the future. That was another reason he was open to helping Nyx. If there were references to other curses or twisted magicks that Nohr’s mages might use, he needed to know.

“Done,” Nyx declared as she stepped back from the enormous stone. “The warding scheme I placed around the temple is still standing and hasn’t been tampered with.” She turned to look at Robin and Scarlet. “I am surprised, however. I would have expected one of Garon’s court mages to attempt to break through. At least it has done its job.”

Scarlet snorted. "While I kinda am iffy on your method of keeping people out, I gotta admit that it's a pretty good one. Playing into the idea that this place is cursed is something I wouldn't have ever thought of."

“Generally speaking, people tend to be superstitious if there is something they don’t understand or can not make sense of,” Nyx explained as she joined Robin and Scarlet. “You just need to play into it if you wish to keep them away from something that can hurt them. You saw how our server reacted yesterday. That is in response to this warding scheme. People have come here in search of something, trigger the scheme, and returned with nothing but fear and empty pockets.”

“I noticed some similarities to some curses someone I know uses. A small fright curse, combined with a redirection curse, on top of a befuddlement curse makes for an interesting mixture,” Robin commented. He kept the universal similarities he had been keeping track of to himself. While Nohr had its own magicks, there were too many spells that were one for one like the ones from his world. It made him wonder how much of it was because of magic being a universal constant or how the knowledge of spells transfers to other realms, much like the knowledge of other worlds. “It’s amazing how you got it to maintain itself so effectively. Is it drawing ambient power from the Vein?”

Nyx gave the snow-haired Tactician a pleased smirk. “It is. The result of many years of trial and error, I can assure you. Unlike you, I do not have the benefit of having draconic blood flowing through my veins, so while the warding scheme works, it can be much better. It has kept the solicitors away from my home for decades. Including a king.”

Scarlet's eyes widened at that last bit of information. "Garon came looking for you?"

The cursed mage’s expression soured. “Yes. He once scouted me before I went into hiding. I denied him and fled soon after. He did so again many years later, after Queen Katerina’s passing.” Her voice grew dark, her eyes swirling with magical energy as she recalled the last time Garon had attempted to invade her home. “His last attempt was much more aggressive.”

Her sudden flare of anger subsided, and she moved over to Tia's side. "Come along now. We should make our way to the temple."

"Right, right." Scarlet hopped onto Tia's saddle and pulled Robin up behind her, who then pulled Nyx up after him. "Just point us there"

Nyx settled behind Robin and wrapped her arms around him. "It is located inside the crevice we spotted earlier."

Scarlet nudged Tia with her heels, urging the wyvern to rise. With several flaps of her powerful wings, Tia ascended. Gripping the reins tightly, Scarlet responded to Nyx. "Got it. Hopefully, they built that temple with wyverns in mind. I would hate to have Tia wait for us out here."

It took only a few minutes to reach the crevice Nyx mentioned. The closer the group neared the temple, the more they could feel an unnatural energy emitting from the jagged scar in the earth. Tia let out a guttural growl, voicing her own objections.

“I know, girl. I feel it too,” Scarlet said as she tried to soothe her mount's growing agitation.

As the wyvern dived into the crevice, Robin felt his magic stir aggressively within him. Like Tia, he released a guttural growl that caught Nyx off guard. Even Scarlet spared a glance over her shoulder as she looked at him in concern. 

It became increasingly difficult for Robin to calm himself down the closer they were to the temple. He soon spotted the face of the temple, carved into the crevice itself, with immaculate pillars and reliefs creating an impressive portico that withstood the march of time. From what Robin could tell, the architecture was far older than anything he had seen in Nohr, but there were minor similarities he could note in the base design of it all.

"How old is this place?" Robin asked through a growl.

Nyx unconsciously tightened her grip on Robin after hearing his voice. The action caused Robin's tension to ease slightly, as he remembered that while Scarlet knew of his new bloodline, Nyx didn't have a full understanding. Taking a slow, deep breath and releasing it, Robin regained control of his senses and instincts.

Sensing his fluctuating magic beginning to steady, Nyx answered him. “Since the founding of Nohr. It’s one of the few sites remaining from the kingdom’s emergence.”

"And that means that this place could have seen many souls since then," Robin remarked as Tia descended to the ground.

As soon as his boots touched the rough earth, Robin felt a magical prod coming from the temple itself. He quickly stopped Scarlet from dismounting Tia's saddle, causing her to look at him and then the temple in concern.

Remembering several counter-curses and protective spells, Robin channeled his magic, willing Naga’s essence to empower him. Reaching out to take Scarlet’s hand, Robin completed the spell, and Scarlet felt a divine warmth envelop her. Like at Alnor Keep when she last experienced the teal-colored flames Robin created, there was something comforting about the power that washed over her, protecting her from the chilling unease she had felt earlier.

Robin repeated the process with Tia, something the wyvern seemed to appreciate as she nuzzled her head against his chest when he finished. He turned to Nyx, his hand held out, offering the same protection he provided for Scarlet and Tia. Nyx's eyes turned to the open palm and took a moment to consider it.

“I...” She reached out and placed her hand in Robin’s, “wouldn’t be opposed to such a generous offer.” It was a sign of trust first and foremost. Beyond that, the seeker of magical knowledge within Nyx was curious to experience Robin’s magic in such a way. Creating a magical shield to protect his companion and her mount was difficult, but he did so with practiced ease and little care to the dip in his own reserves.

As soon as Robin cast the protective spell, Nyx let out a surprised gasp. For the first time in a long time, she experienced magic whose intent was pure. Perfectly pure.

"Trust me," Scarlet said with a smirk as she hopped off Tia's saddle. "I got to feel that without the filter." Nyx noticed Scarlet unconsciously rubbing her thighs together as she seemed to get lost in her memories. "T-That was intense."

Scarlet left it at that and quickly made her way to Robin, who had moved to study the temple's portico from a distance. Nyx slowly slid off Tia, patting the wyvern's side as she considered Scarlet's words.

“Y-yes,” Nyx parroted as she still felt the warmth behind the spell. “Intense.” She felt a sudden heat build up in her cheeks the more she studied her reaction. Shaking her head, she took a second to calm her nerves and moved to join Robin and Scarlet.

As she got closer to the pair and their wyvern, she noted the focused look in Robin’s vibrant purple eyes, noting flickers of azure dancing within them. His jaw clenched shut tightly as a frown marred his features. Her mind wandered back to the word Scarlet had used. Intense. That word seemed to describe the young mage beside her perfectly.

"It's getting quiet," Robin commented, never once taking his eyes off the earthen structure before them.

Scarlet spared him a glance before focusing her hearing. There were no animals nearby, save for Tia. The plant life was sparse, but Scarlet noticed that she couldn't hear the wind brushing through the nearby patch of grass or even the withered bush.

Then, there was the wind itself. Inside a crevice, Scarlet thought that she would hear the wind clearly. In fact, it should have been amplified, creating a haunting wail in a place like this. But there was nothing. The wind that she knew was blowing seemed dim.

“Now you see why this place has me concerned,” Nyx remarked as she looked around the area. “I have never experienced an odd phenomenon such as this. Once we enter the temple itself-“ Her eyes narrowed, sharpening ever so slightly as she spoke, “the silence will be suffocating.”

Scarlet swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. "Fucking hell..."

As Robin listened to the pair, he felt something prod his mind as the sound of deep laughter cut through the dimming silence. His eyes were drawn to the large opening, where a faint pair of sickly purple lights emerged from the shadow. The lights never moved. They focused solely on Robin before fading into the darkness. Robin's brows furrowed as the laughter lingered, echoing throughout the crevice.

“-bin. Robin!” He jolted at Scarlet’s voice. He turned his attention to the blonde knight, noting her worried expression. “Geez. You alright?”

"You hear something too?" Nyx asked.

Robin and Scarlet turned to look at Nyx, who kept her eyes on the temple. Robin didn't answer at first. Instead, his mind lingered on the question and its implications. After a moment of silence, he finally responded. "I hear a ghost I thought I buried long ago."

Robin turned to Nyx again, a question forming at the tip of his tongue. "What do you hear?"

Like him, Nyx didn't answer right away. She spent a moment trying to find the right way to answer him. "My conscience," she replied. Robin could hear the pain in her voice, the resignation behind her words with that simple sentence.

Dropping the topic there, Nyx made her way inside. Robin and Scarlet followed behind her, with a tense Tia lingering for a moment before trailing after them.

The first thing Robin noticed when he crossed the threshold of the temple's portico was the utter, unnatural silence. Nyx was correct when she said how suffocating the silence was. The wind that he could feel on his back was there. He could feel it tickling the skin of his ears, yet that was the only way he knew of its existence. His boots clacked against the stony floor, yet his footsteps didn't reverberate within the room. Even Tia's heavy clawed feet failed to create a sound.

It was maddening. His only solace was that the silence hadn’t entirely snuffed out their voices. It only dimmed them to a whisper. He was thankful that his enhanced senses were coming through for him.

Darkness blanketed the antechamber they stood in. As Robin moved to produce a new spell to give them light, Nyx stopped him with a raised hand. She gave him a look that told him to save as much of his energy as possible. Conceding her silent point, Robin gave her a nod, and Nyx called forth a ball of light that glowed softly in the darkness.

Scarlet's grip on her axe tightened as she spotted several skeletal remains within the soft boundary of Nyx's light. "Shit," she remarked dryly.

The skeletons wore clothes that looked to be the predecessors of the attire that today’s Dark Mages and Sorcerers wear. Cautiously inching closer, Scarlet crouched down and observed the nearest pile of remains. Her fingers glided across the fabric, looking for any signs of foul play, be it physical or magical.

"Anything?" Robin asked as he joined her. Scarlet jolted slightly at the sound of his voice. Reacting quickly, Robin placed a gentle hand on her shoulder in order to calm her down.

"N-no. Nothing," Scarlet squeaked out once her heart settled. "Fuck. This silence is a nightmare." Returning her attention to the skeleton on the ground, she gestured to it, looking to get Robin's input. "What do you think happened?"

"It's most likely that the spell required more than they expected, or maybe this was the cost of their meddling," Nyx said callously as she joined the two.

"Harsh," Scarlet replied with a wince.

A phantom voice emerged from the ether, mimicking the cadence and tone Nyx had as it spoke. "What a surprise. You not caring for the well-being of another who has suffered at the hands of dark magic."

Nyx went silent at the phantom voice and made her way over to an archway leading deeper into the temple. 

"Geez..." Scarlet stood up and gave the skeleton one last look while Robin continued to study it. "What do you think?" she asked him.

Robin let out a hum Scarlet could scarcely hear, though his words rang out clear. "Twisted magic comes with a cost. If they were willing to corrupt a Dragon Vein, I don't see why they wouldn't be willing to sacrifice themselves to do so. Self-sacrifice is one of the most powerful forms of intent one can use to cast a spell. Magic doesn't care if the sacrifice is for the good of the world... or its doom."

A familiar voice spoke from the ether, echoing throughout the antechamber. Once more, Robin felt another prod at his mind as the voice seemed to be both far away and right next to his ear at the same time. "Something you are intimately familiar with, Little Bird."

Scarlet readied herself, brandishing her axe as her eyes focused on the darkness blanketing the room. Behind her, Tia released a muted growl, baring her teeth at the dancing shadows. Scarlet felt an involuntary shiver run down her spine. Hearing a second Nyx was one thing, but this second voice was something else.

Something twisted.

Robin, however, slowly rose and paid the voice no mind. "Ignore it, Scarlet. It's just a ghost that refuses to die," he told her.

As he made his way over to Nyx, Scarlet couldn’t hide the look of concern on her face. Despite his words, she could tell that hearing that voice bothered him greatly. Focusing on the objective of their little expedition, Scarlet joined up with Robin and Nyx as Tia lagged behind them, her instincts still on edge from being inside such a dark place.

"Can you feel the Vein?" Scarlet heard Nyx ask Robin.

“Since before we even stepped past the portico,” he answered. “It’s driving my senses and magic wild. It has me worried that even if we cleanse the magic corrupting the Vein, it could take years, if not decades, for that corruption to fully subside.”

Nyx nodded at his words. It was a possibility, but the more thorough Robin was at cleansing the Vein with the same method he used at Alnor Keep, the lower the possibility of the worst-case scenario happening was. If it did take years for the corruption to recede, she would resign herself to keeping an eye on its progress.

Better to ensure their efforts here bore fruit.

Nyx's phantom voice returned, taunting the cursed mage as if having read her thoughts. "And yet you think this will matter in the long run? How much longer will you believe this lie you've told yourself?"

The cursed mage inhaled deeply before releasing an annoyed sigh. "Come. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can leave this dreadful place."

Nyx led the group further into the temple, passing under the archway and into a long hall. The darkness that enshrouded the hall from end to end, creating the illusion that while the group moved forward, they seemed to be getting nowhere. It was quite disorienting. As they continued on, Nyx’s magical light reached the walls, giving the group brief glimpses of the past as murals and reliefs decorated them in between massive columns. The only sign that they were moving forward was the faint glow of swirling energy further into the temple.

Robin's heightened sight allowed him to see the details. Rudimentary dragons were on each one, though time and the hands of men, possibly the former cult that took residence here, damaged the visual histories on display. Now, there was only one dragon that was predominantly displayed.

One with a stony head and an orb or pearl of some kind held tightly in its maw.

A faint light from ahead pulled him from his observations. It pulsed like a heartbeat, though it seemed entrenched in the darkness.

"And once more you will call upon that Divine Wyrm's power? Why? You already wield one that puts you on par with these fallen gods." Robin's eye twitched at the verbal jab at Naga. "Simply rip the magic from its source and make it yours." The more the voice spoke, the more Robin wondered why it was even there in the first place.

His first thought was that magic played a role in it. Possibly the living magic that kept itself alive through the Dragon Vein. A defense that played mind games with those that dared to tread these hallowed halls, he reasoned. The fact that the voices they heard only had ties to him and Nyx probably meant that there was another aspect he had yet to consider.

‘Or it knows we’re a threat.’  The thought rang out in Robin’s mind as the most likely. If his magic was reacting negatively to the Vein and the source of the corrupting, then whatever spell the cult manifested could be doing so as well.

The further the group trekked into the empty temple, crossing into the sanctuary, the more on edge Robin felt. The voice of his phantom didn’t help matters as it constantly goaded a reaction from him. In this utter silence, that voice only grew more thunderous and hard to ignore. “Come now, Little Bird. Why deny your true nature? Is it fear? Fear that you proved me right in the end?”

Robin took a sharp breath at those words. He could hear Scarlet grumble obscenities on his behalf, causing his lips to form a fleeting smile. The phantom's next words finally got a reaction out of the Tactician. "You failed, Robin. You are Grima. Beyond that, you are Grima perfected, wielding both Fell and Divine power within you! How long until you finally recognize that and allow your instincts to take control?"

Robin grit his teeth, his control slipping more and more with each passing second. Nyx had come to a stop, her stoic face giving way to worry as she could feel his magic react strongly to the words of the phantom. Robin ignored her, moving past her and towards the end of the sanctuary. Towards the swirling energy.

His magic danced wildly within his eyes as he beheld the anchor that corrupted the Dragon Vein and gave life to the source of the curse. Before him, standing eerily still on a dais, bathing in the light of the Vein, was an emaciated corpse. Its flesh was taut, revealing little muscle and lanky bones, with dusty and deteriorated clothes hanging loosely on its frame. The most notable feature was the stone mask attached to its face, whose simplistic details were almost entirely obscured by the wispy strands of silver hair that draped all the way to the floor.

"We need to work fast," Nyx commented.

Robin didn’t need to be told twice. Willing his magic forward, he stepped up to the dais. Naga’s power filled his being as azure flames danced along his fingers. He felt a connection form with the Vein, though there was a great deal of resistance blocking him from pushing any further. The mental prodding soon turned to a full-on assault as the Vein released a beating pulse.

Then, with the subtlest movement, the masked corpse snapped its gaze to him.

"Let us see how strong your mind truly is, AboMInATION!"

Before the group could react, an intense pulse erupted from the Vein, washing the room in a sickly green light and sending out a wave of energy. Robin and Nyx held out their grimoires, quickly casting magical shields to protect them from the pulse. Scarlet darted behind Robin, her axe at the ready as she kept her eye on the masked corpse.

The combined shield held for only a moment before a crack appeared. Robin and Nyx felt as if they were trying to hold back a tidal wave and struggled to push more of their magic into their defenses. Their efforts only brought them seconds, but it was enough for Robin to reinforce the counter-curse protecting him and his companions, overloading the spell with more of Naga's power. Their shields soon shattered, and another pulse sent the three of them tumbling back to the sanctuary's archway.

Tia recovered quickly, bellowing out a silent roar as she stared down the corpse across the sanctuary. The corpse didn't bother to move, instead remaining as still as a statue as the Dragon Vein came to life. Moving back, Tia placed herself over the unconscious and grouped-together forms of her rider, her rider's mate, and their newest comrade, her body tense and ready to strike at any sign of aggression directed at them.

High above the harsh lands of Regna Ferox, dancing through the clouded skies, Tiki felt a disturbance with her link to Robin as a stinging pain shot through her mind. The rhythmic beating of her wings faltered and the Divine Manakete struggled to regain it as some unknown magic assaulted her mental defenses. Before she could even take a moment to worry about her beloved or her own situation, she found herself form descending rapidly to the ground.

Tiki recognized the terrified and worried roar her student made. Her fluttering eyes saw said student break out into a quick dive after her, racing through the air in order to catch her. As darkness claimed her, Tiki felt her draconic form crash violently into the earth.

"So? Did you dream of Robin and Tiki last night?" Felicia asked her friend as she and Corrin lounged around in Corrin's study. 

The question caused Corrin to feel a rush of disappointment. She had a dreamless night, much like yesterday. It frustrated her to no end at this point. It made her wonder if she was simply having a vivid dream, one that was fueled by a desire to put a face to a name she somehow knew.

Corrin opened her mouth to answer, only for a gasp of pain to escape her lips. She brought a hand to her head as a stinging pain shot through her, her body growing weak as she struggled to stay upright on the cushioned couch she shared with Felicia. As she found herself carried away to unconsciousness, Corrin could make out the worried cries of her friend. She limply reached out to alleviate Felicia's worries, only for her hand to drop like a stone.

Down below, inside the stables of the fortress, a bushel of apples dropped to the ground, spilling out its contents. Lilith braced herself against a wall as she suffered a splitting headache. Instincts flared wildly, a deep rumble reverberating from her pert chest. Her golden eyes widened, a thin layer of sweat coating her paling skin as an uncomfortable silence filled the air.

Camilla stood in her command tent, surrounded by her company’s captains as her retainers flanked her sides. Her magenta eyes thoroughly studied the map in front of her, tracing her finger across the parchment as her melodic voice filled the air. “Our scouts have found signs of the Hoshidan strike force skirting our border. Their next target will most likely be-“ Camilla’s voice hitched, and she released a pained gasp, her head throbbing as an intense ringing filled her ears. From the corner of her eye, she saw the concerned looks on her captains while her retainers quickly moved to her side to help keep her steady.

"Lady Camilla? What is wrong?" Beruka asked, her normally dull tone expressing a surprising hint of worry.

Camilla didn't answer. Instead, she found her gaze moving west, her eyes lingering on the horizon as her heart suddenly grew heavy.

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Here is the first tapestry, completed. Going to work on the others while getting some writing done. Balance things out. I have an idea I will share once the others are done, so keep an eye out for that.