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>>5486816
>“I’ll scout ahead and see if I can find the Professor and her men.” You volunteer yourself, pulling on Beathan’s reins. With any luck, taking to the skies will spare you from the overwhelming and oppressive heat you’re experiencing down here.

“One moment, please.” Yara adds as she walks towards you. The shaman seems unbothered by the temperature. With the sway in her hips and the pipe in her hands, you might even think she’s enjoying herself. As she reaches you, she closes her eyes and brushes Beathan’s pelt. The pegasus does not stir under her caress, and you realize that Yara is attempting to peer into the future. You aren’t sure how the woman does it, and what she usually sees is admittedly vague, however it’s safe to say she possesses a sixth sense for trouble.

“I see a silver specter…hanging over your left shoulder.” She puffs her smoke directly into your face. “Perhaps stick to your right.”

>“Helpful as always.” You take up towards the sky, leaving Judith and the Blackwings down below with the supplies. A rush of hot air and smoke assails your face as you gain speed and quickly find yourself overlooking the land. The moniker “Valley of Torment” is a well-deserved one. The terrain is completely blighted, with massive craters and rivers of lava that seem to go on for miles. It’s no wonder that most people attribute this place to a byproduct of the Goddess’ Rage. Still, if this really is the result of a Javelin of Light fired by the Agarthans, then it’s all the more reason why you need to exterminate them all.

As you scan the horizon for any signs of the Knights of Seiros, movement from the west suddenly catches your eye. You see a few shapes at first. Humans, likely scouts, peering over a steep cut of hill overlooking a large stretch of land. A particularly thick patch of smoke obscures much of the scene from your vision, but the mysterious scouts appear to be peering at something. A few scouts turn into several, and then additional mounted horsemen join them. Your first thought is that these must be calvary belonging to the Knights of Seiros, when you realize that the position that they’re holding is opposite the direction of Garreg Mach. Suddenly, a horn blows, and the loud bellow of men screaming for battle reaches your ears. Heavily mounted calvary now line the hill, as if preparing to charge downward into battle. Two of these knights carry large banners with them. One bears the unmistakable heraldry of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. The other is a similar blue looking banner, only instead of the typical Faerghus insignia, a large, gray lion is emblazoned on the front.

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>>5486820
>“Is that…the Dukedom?!” You maneuver Bethan to get a closer look at the scene unfolding before you. Huddled together underneath the mountain is a small group of soldiers, wearing armor and colors distinctly different from that of the Dukedom. The Knights of Seiros have walked into an ambush!

Suddenly, something twinkles and flashes before your eyes. Wasting no time, you instinctively pull Beathan to the right as an arrow just barely flies passed your left cheek. It seems you’ve been spotted, and by an extremely competent Sniper, no less. The Dukedom’s soldiers begin pouring into the valley before them, spears outstretched and ready to crush into the Knights. Meanwhile, from behind the mountain emerge a squadron of Pegasus Knights and Wyvern Riders, all of whom are heading towards your direction, along with cavaliers working their way over down on the ground. At a quick glance, you estimate there are over three dozen wings in the sky. Of course. If the Dukedom knows the Knights of Seiros are here, they must also know you and Judith are as well. You retreat in the direction of the supplies, where the rest of the Blackwings are waiting for you.

>“It’s an ambush!” You loudly declare, startling all as you land back on the ground. “The Faerghus Dukedom is fighting the Knights of Seiros, and they’re sending three wings of fliers our way!”

“What?” Corrine exclaims in shock. “Were we set up?”

Judith can only groan in response as she gets up from her seat atop a supply crate. “Looks like Garreg Mach has got itself a spy problem. Figures. Nothing that boy plans ever goes easy.” She turns to you. “Did you get a good look at who the enemy commander is?”

>You shake your head. “No, but the soldiers carried a flag emblazoned with a gray lion on it.”

Judith whistles. “Yeah, that’s the Dukedom alright. Count Rowe’s forces. And they’ve sent over their top knight it seems. The ‘Gray Lion’, Gwendal.”

Rowe? Gwendal?! Ashe was in service to those men! Was that sniper that nearly shot you-

“Snap out of the daydream, girl!” Judith barks. “This is your army, I’m just here for the ride. Now, what are we going to do?”

>“The force headed our way…they’re like a diversion meant to skirmish us. They’re meant to keep us away from the Knights. If we try and ignore them and push passed, those wings will capture or destroy the supplies meant for the Knights. We…can’t let that happen.”

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>>5486821
The correct move to make would be to ensure the supplies remain safeguarded. Hold the bulk of the Blackwings back until the diversionary force is defeated, and then move forward to aid the Professor. The Knights of Seiros were outnumbered, but with the Professor and the Sword of the Creator present, they could likely hold out until help arrived.

But that decision would see you joining the Knights much later. If Ashe was really down there, he’d be fighting alongside Gwendal. And if you showed up too late, it was entirely possible that he’d be dead before you could get the chance to speak to him. Like it or not, you were facing a choice between your duty and your heart.

>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights
>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers
>C): Write-in

>>5486822
>>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers
Can't we leave a few behind?

>>5486822
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights
If they don't get supplies then this whole rebellion is pretty much dead in the water, and Edel will have all the time in the world to stomp down her opposition. If we fuck up this contract the Blackwings stand to lose their biggest benefactor. If she was on her own I could see Blair going after Ashe, but not when she has the Blackwings depending her and with how politically important this battle is.

>>5486822
>>5486822
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights

After we break through whatever fliers we don't manage to take out are free to bully our backline and it's movement impaired ground units.

There's no way we can take all the distraction force out without some of our units being offed by enemy bow units. We need to wait until the knights have at least gotten rid of some of the enemy anti-air.

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>>5486822
>can't leave to find Ashe because we have Aircalibur and we absolutely need it to win this skirmish
>can't send someone else to find Ashe 'cause they'd die trying to find him, or they would die trying to convince him they were sent by us
Fuck this game, fuck you Nintendo.

Okay, can we Drive-by Aircalibur? Like, if we fly past a flank and throw as many of them at the enemy as possible before bee-lining it towards the Knights with Diana and Shelly? Or would we have to engage fully to do something like that?

So we have two Bow users and Nero who have advantage against flying units. Roxanne have the stats to tank, Uriel and Corrine can act as Off-tanks. Uriel, Corrine and Elizabeth can heal and Clay will heal himself with his cheat-sword and OP passive. Milly is an assassin so she shouldn't take much aggro, but I don't know how effective she will be in the actual fight. Mina gets to show off her force multiplier here which will hopefully be a game changer. Question is if this team is strong enough to deal with the incoming flyers without the Trio of Pegasus Knights?
Because we can't leave alone, if we do we'd have a negligible impact on the battle so we have to bring other units with us, and Diana and Shelly are the obvious choices since they're our Tri-Attack team and anyone not on a Pegasus will be too slow to keep up. But if we leave with both of them the remaining units might be too weak, and then the best case scenario is we lose the supplies and the worst case scenario is dead companions. But if we don't leave Ashe could die before we even get to him

AAAAAAAA I need to think this through. Fuck.

And what about Kate, did she survive the Battle for Garreg Mach? Did she side with Edelgard or the Professor? If she sided with Edelgard would she be here at this battle, on loan from the Empire to aid the Dukedom? If she is here and we leave to find Ashe, will she just die if our side is victorious? Corrine knows her and might not kill her if they end up fighting, but would she be able to stop anyone else from killing her in the heat of battle? I am having a breakdown here what choice is the least bad one AAAAAAAAAAAA

>>5486822
>>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights

>>5486822
>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers
Do not leave things to chance let Corine and the others know about Asche.

>>5486822
>>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers
Supplies can be foraged but friends do not!

>>5486822
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights

>>5486822
>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers

>>5486822
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights

>>5486822
>>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers

>>5486822
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights

>>5486822
Hell yeah we back boyz.
>A): We’ll focus on safeguarding the supplies, then go help the Knights
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
All right i'm gonna trust in Ashe to actually survive the battle

>>5486822
>>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers
We can go alone or with minimal supports

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A whole year huh? Time sure flies doesn't it TreeHouses? And in about 6 months this quest will be 2 years old, how does that make you feel, to have this last for so long?

>>5487981
wait a year? fuck am I saying it's only been 6 months lol i can't read dates

>>5486822
>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers

>>5486822
>B): The Knights need our help now. I’ll lead a team and breakthrough those fliers

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Bs have it. Writing.

>>5487981
Lol good question. I don't know if I necessarily knew what I was getting myself into when I started. I think I initially estimated this might run for a few months, but that was back when updates were a lot simpler and smaller in scale so I could do them more frequently. That changed and then I estimated it would take a year, and as you said we're now approaching two in June. I think at the current pace of writing and with what I have planned it'll go on a little passed that. Who knows though? This is the longest I've ever gone consistently writing and it's certainly been enjoyable.

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>>5486822
You know what the “correct” decision is. You were hired to safeguard both Judith and the supplies. If the Knights of Seiros were foolish enough to fall into an ambush, then they would simply need to dig themselves out of that situation. You’re sure that Claude wouldn’t fault you for the way things turned out. And yet…

>“These supply crates were meant for the Knights of Seiros. If they fall here, then the supplies themselves are meaningless. We need to break through those fliers and help Byleth as soon as possible.”

“Really?” Judith asks, eyebrow arched in disbelief. “And just how do you propose we do that?”

>“The Blackwings are first and foremost a mercenary company specialized in aerial combat. I’ll lead a team through the valley, taking out as many of the enemy fliers as I can. The rest of the company can stay here and ensure the supplies are guarded from any attacks.” You were opting for the riskier strategy here. You don’t necessarily believe that the Knights of Seiros will fail without your help. You’ve seen the Professor in action enough times to know that with her Sword of the Creator, she could carve through those Dukedom knights like butter. If the supplies ended up destroyed while you were gone, the blame would rest squarely on you. But given the sudden personal matter at hand, it was a risk you were willing to take. Besides, all you had to do was succeed and make it back in time. If you could just do that, then everything would be okay.

“If that’s your plan, then it’s settled. I’ll ride second on your Pegasus.” Judith says.

>“What? Lady Judith, I must insist that-“

“Shut it, girl. I’ve been fighting ever since you were a babe sucking at the teet. I won’t have you treating me like some dainty ‘lady’ in need of protection. Besides, you’ll need all the help you can get out there.”

>Sensing that the “Hero of Daphnel” won’t take no for an answer, you don’t press the subject. “Very well. Corrine, I’ll leave you in charge of leading the others. Will you be okay?”

“We’ll be fine, just don’t take too long.” Corrine moves closer to you, whispering so that only you may hear her. “I know what you’re up to. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. In case you haven’t noticed, this is no place for a romantic rendezvous. If you listen to your heart more than your head out there, you may not come back alive. And then I’d have to kill that boy myself.”

>Corrine squeezes your hand, a gesture that you return. “Thank you. I’ll be fine. I promise. Just keep everything under control while I’m gone.”

“Keep everything under control? In this place?” Corrine scoffs. “Thanks for leaving me with the hard job.”

“Are you ladies done confessing your love? Let’s move!” Judith yells.

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>>5488399
The Blackwings’ fliers quickly mobilize, ready to move out and follow you into the fray. Under Nero’s command are 15 Wyvern Riders wielding a variety of weapons. Under Ava, there are 15 Pegasus Riders who are similarly equipped. Flanking your sides as usual are Shelley and Diana.

“Hah! Their fliers haven’t attacked us yet. Are they getting cold feet?” Nero laughs. Up ahead, one can unmistakably see the Dukedom’s flying knights circling the skies.

“They’re not here to wipe us out. They just want to make sure we can’t help the Knights of Seiros. As long as we aren’t moving, they’re perfectly content to sit up there and wait until the Knights are exterminated.” Shelley says. “There’s something else I’m worried about though. See those cliffs over there? The ones overlooking the path forward?” Shelley points out the landmarks in the distance. “I think some of their fliers have been dropping off soldiers on them. Best case scenario, they’re archers meant to stop our infantry from moving through the valley. Worst case scenario, they’re mages capable of using siege magic. From that distance, a well-placed Bolting or Meteor spell could wreak havoc on our supplies.”

You squint your eyes as you try and look further into the distance. Shelley seems to be right. You watch closely as an enemy Wyvern Rider flies to the side of a cliff, allowing a passenger to dismount and stand atop a rough ledge. Below them, a small line of enemy cavaliers is beginning to form, possibly readying themselves to charge into the Blackwings’ infantry.

>“If those are siege mages, they won’t need to engage us at all. They can assail us with their magic while their fliers work to keep us away from them.”

Nero grimaces. “What a dirty move. We could mop the floor with their fliers, but if they’ve set up an ambush, it’ll be a bloodbath.”

“What if we avoid fighting them? At least for now.” Ava suggests. “If our goal is to aid the Knights of Seiros, we can fly there in a different direction. They could choose to pursue us or stay behind and skirmish with the rest of the Blackwings. We’d reach the Knights at full strength, and we wouldn’t have to worry about being shot down from those cliffs.”

“That could work.” Shelley says. “But if they really are siege mages, we’ll be leaving the others left behind with no reasonable way of dealing with them. Those cavaliers will give our archers a hard time.”

“So, we either put ourselves at risk, or the supplies and the other Blackwings.” Ava mutters.

>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.
>B): The others will have to find a way. We’ll fly around the enemy and head towards the Knights.

>>5488400
>B): The others will have to find a way. We’ll fly around the enemy and head towards the Knights.

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.
If we're going abandoning everything to run after Ashe then we owe it to the Blackwings to make things as safe as possible while we're gone. Our archers will already have their hands full keeping any other fliers away, we gotta thin down the numbers a bit

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can
Ahhhh, I didn't see it in the catalogue and missed the first vote. Now that we've basically left our men to fend for themselves, let's not make things any harder.

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

>>5488400
>>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

Damn, it's been a while since I've voted in one of these threads. Glad to see I've caught on early, though!

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

This'll relieve the pressure on the Blackwings-- hopefully enough that they manage to hold onto the supplies.

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.
Think we can hit those Cavs with a bolting?

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

>>5488400
>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

>>5488400
>>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

>>5488400
>>A): We’ll cut a path through their fliers and take out as many siege mages as we can.

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>>5488400
>“You said we can mop the floor with these guys, right?” You turn to Nero. “Then that’s just what we’ll do. They’re probably hoping we ignore them so they can sneak around back and cause hell for our friends on the ground. Instead, we’ll cut right through those fliers and take out any siege mages we might find. And then after that, it’s straight towards the Knights of Seiros.”

Nero whistles. “This is gonna get messy. And fun.” He brandishes a spear with a wicked looking hook on its end. A weapon he affectionately refers to as a “Flycatcher”, that possesses the ability to rip through the scales and wings of flying mounts with great ease.

Ava nods her approval. “Very well. See you on the other side of that valley, Commander.”

You feel Judith hold onto you tightly as you take flight. “You’re a magic caster, right? It’s a good thing I’m tagging along with you, then. Light them up, Commander. I’ll deal with any of these bastards that think about getting too close to you.”

At your command, both wings of Wyvern Riders and Pegasus Knights take to the sky and begin moving forward to meet the enemy flying units head on. The three dozen or so enemy fliers ahead take formation, bracing themselves for impact. Taking the point alongside Diana and Shelley, you lead your soldiers forward as you mutter the incantation for Aircalibur. Raising your staff towards the sky, you launch razor sharp winds directly towards the enemy. The Dukedom’s Pegasus Knights look well-trained, but in the face of the anti-aerial spell, it’s all they can do to scramble out of the way, breaking their formation. One Pegasus Knight is unlucky enough to take the full brunt of the attack. The magic tears through the Pegasus, causing it to explode in a mass of red and white and send its unfortunate rider plummeting into the lava below with a high-pitched shriek.

>10xp Gained (40/100)
>Aircalibur (4/5)

Both the Blackwings and Dukedom collide in an explosion of weapons clashing, with pegasi, wyverns, men and women screaming on both sides. You watch as Nero flies ahead, Flycatcher slashing across the underside of an enemy Wyvern Rider. The creature roars in agony as its scales are ripped off, sending it crashing into the side of a cliff and splattering its rider. A Pegasus Knight clashes her spear against Nero’s, only for his wyvern to chomp down on the winged horse’s neck. With a wet ripping sound, the wyvern succeeds in decapitating the beast, sending the poor girl to her doom.

Ava stands tall upon her own Pegasus. Seemingly unbothered by the speed and velocity at which she’s flying, she plucks an arrow that catches one Wyvern Rider in the throat. Another Wyvern Rider and a Pegasus Knight target her and attempt a flanking maneuver. Before they can get near her, she’s already launched an arrow into each creature’s wing. She then glides out of the way as both enemy riders crash into each other.

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>>5489583

The skies darken to a familiar gray, and you realize that Shelley’s intuition was correct. Someone is using Bolting. A giant thunderbolt descends from the sky, and two of your own Pegasus Knights as well as a Wyvern Rider are disintegrated by the powerful siege spell. Likewise, from your right, you spot several small meteors heading your way. You move Beathan forward, avoiding the second siege spell. Most of the meteors collide with the cliff, but one unlucky Wyvern Rider takes a head-on collision, crashing into another Blackwing and sending them both to the ground. The enemy’s siege magic is devasting, but with those attacks, they’ve revealed their locations, and you can now deal with them before they cause any more trouble.

>“Take the one on the left! I’ll deal with the right!” You order Shelley and Diana. Sure enough, you spot your target standing on a small strip of cliff jutting out. He looks to be frantically trying to cast another spell, but you don’t intend to let him finish.

As you race towards the mage, an enemy Pegasus Knight attempts to intercept you. Flying towards your right side, she lunges at you with her spear, which is blocked when Judith reaches over and guards with her Rapier. Close up, you can tell the woman is your age, clad in soot-stained armor belonging to the Dukedom. She screams as Judith slides her rapier up the spear’s shaft, severing her fingers and slashing up through her face. With your assailant taken care of, you descend on the mage like a hawk. All he can do is put his hands up uselessly as you nearly bisect him with your new Killer Lance, giving the weapon its first taste of blood.

>30xp Gained (70/100)

Surveying the ground below you, you find that the Dukedom’s cavaliers have engaged in battle with your own, with Roxanne and Uriel at the front. Even from this height, you can sense the woman’s glee as she cuts down rider after rider with her polearm. Uriel slays his enemies with minimal effort, while using his own healing magic to keep his allies in the fight. The fight down below seems to only just be starting, as more Dukedom soldiers head into the fray.

Meanwhile, the Dukedom’s fliers seem to be retreating towards their main forces. Diana and Shelley have taken care of their mage and have now linked up with the others. Your own soldiers in the sky are battered, but still in working order. Of the 30 fliers you started with, you reckon you still have 20 up and able. Moving forward into the valley, you spot that the fighting between the Dukedom and the Knights of Seiros is ongoing. The Knights are surrounded and are attempting to break their way out. A squad of Dukedom archers standing across from lava are firing on the Knights’ position.

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>>5489584
Elsewhere, a group of Dukedom cavalry are racing across a thin strip of land to join the main battle. You can’t make out any familiar faces from this height, but you spot the unmistakable glow of the Sword of the Creator as it reacts to the Professor’s Crest.

>A): Aid the Professor
>B): Attack the moving cavalry
>C): Fly over the lava and attack the Snipers
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path
>E): Give chase to the fleeing Pegasus Knights

>>5489585
>>C): Fly over the lava and attack the Snipers

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path

I want to find Ashe, though I feel like if we make the wrong choice here we're going to get bogged down by the oncoming Pegasus knights and run out of time due to being unable to disengage.

Mathematically sure he's more likely to be on the ledge assuming a "fair" distribution, but I can't shake the feeling that he hasn't prospered or is being prepared for a command of his own so isn't present / with Gwendal yet.

>>5489585
>B): Attack the moving cavalry
Let's crash into their side! That way, all of their charging momentum will be lost and the professor will be able to handle her enemies. Just be careful about the sniper on the other side of the lava.

>>5489585
>>C): Fly over the lava and attack the Snipers

>>5489585
I feel like if we rush down the archers, the pegasus knights will regroup and move to intercept-- and then we'll be trapped in a mid-air dogfight while trying to avoid arrow fire from a sniper squad with a lot of juicy targets, which would be a death sentence for our flier squadron.

I might feel better about it if we had more numbers, but with only 20/30 men after our first engagement... we need to pick our next one carefully.

>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path

We should be able to clear these guys quickly, and then we can either attack the archers or reposition to another part of the battlefield if the cavalry are stuck on us.

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path
Finally, were about to reunite with Byleth and hopefully we'll make a good entrance coming in to aid... I wonder how things will go after the battle, Ashe is prolly upper left near Gwendal in my intuition but who knows.

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path
Going for the Cavs just let's these guys whale on us, going for the archers is suicide and going for the fliers just puts us in the path of the archers.

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path
My guess would be that is Ashe is Sniper 19, because in the game he is one of the first units you engage in this mission attacking the right flank of Byleth's unit. Let's go get our boi.

>>5489585
>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path

>>5489585
>>D): Attack the Generals, Sniper and Mage holding the path

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>>5489585
Holding a path nestled between two flowing rivers of lava is a small unit of Dukedom soldiers. The group is standing still, not joining the main battle occurring with the Knights of Seiros. Instead, they seem to be holding the path from any Knights of Seiros who may be trying to escape. Given their small number, you identify them as a suitable target to take out as you work on whittling down the Dukedom’s forces and freeing up the Professor. You and the rest of the Blackwings then descend on your newfound targets. Identifying an enemy armored knight, you charge a Thunder spell, when something out of the corner of your eye causes you to lose your concentration.

>“A-Ashe?!”

Ashe looks different. He’s taller, and his hair has changed. But you’d recognize the boy anywhere. And right now, he’s shot an arrow directly at you.

“What are you doing?!” Judith screams. You erratically dodge, pulling Bethan too low and accidentally grounding yourself. Beathan’s momentum causes him to continue running forward, away from the Dukedom soldiers. As you try to regain control and turn him around, you and Judith are launched from the saddle, landing only a few feet away from a flowing river of lava.

>Blair (50/55 HP)
>Judith (50/55 HP)

>“Judith! Are you okay?” The woman looks slow to get up, and you reach forward to help her. Suddenly though, she launches to her feet, slashing an arrow out of the sky with her Rapier. You turn around, and there’s Ashe. He has an arrow notched and pointed at the two of you. Behind him, the Blackwings are making quick work of the rest of his unit, as well as the cavaliers that have since joined the fighting.

“Drop your weapons!” Ashe yells. Judith moves to attack him, but you manage to hold her back.

>“Ashe! It’s me, Blair!”

“I said drop-” Ashe starts, but then lowers his weapon, seemingly noticing you for the first time. “B-Blair? Is that really you? What are you doing here?!”

“Yes, what are we doing?” Judith mutters.

>“I’m here for the Professor! Ashe, where have you been? We’ve all been worried and-” You inch closer towards Ashe, who raises his bow once more, arrow nocked and ready to fire.

“D-don’t move, Blair! I’m here in service to my lord! I won’t let them down, not even for you!”

>“What?! Are you insane? Ashe, it’s me!” You move forward, only to be restrained by Judith. Ashe does not budge.

“Blair…I’m sorry. But this is the path I’ve chosen. The Church of Seiros is evil. They’re the ones that drove my father to his death. I finally understand Lonato. He knew the price of standing for his beliefs, and I intend to do the same!”

>“What are you talking about?! Do you really intend to die for the Faerghus Dukedom of all things? Listen to yourself Ashe!”

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>>5490456
Ashe smiles sadly. His arms are shaking, though whether it’s from nerves or the strain of keeping his arrow nocked, you cannot tell. “I’m sorry, Blair. I’m a knight now…this is just what knights do.”

Behind Ashe, you notice that while the fighting is still well underway, the Blackwings have the upper hand. If you listen to Ashe and surrender, the boy will just be slaughtered by Nero and the others in short order. You can try fighting him, but the only good that may do is that you may just end up killing him yourself. Now that you’re dismounted, you don’t have to worry about being shot down. You and Ashe never sparred before, and you’re not sure which of you would come out on top in a fight. But you aren’t alone. You can feel Judith growing restless next to you. Together, the two of you can likely bring him down easily. It would just be a matter of avoiding landing a fatal blow.

“What’s it going to be, girl?” Judith asks you.

>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith
>B): Attack and attempt to kill Ashe
>C): Attempt to intimidate Ashe into backing down (STR/LCK ROLL: 1-53 to Succeed)
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490456
Oh fuuuuuuuuuuuck it's him!
>>5490460
ah fuck I don't know what to choose, Subduing him sounds good but who knows how that would go when we go in to attack, if he like retaliates and hits Judith fatally thats just gonna seal his fate, what if he hits us? Intimidation doesn't feel right to me but that might be our best bet, the pleading option sounds dramatic and a bit more in line what Blair might do in her current state.
...
Fuck it, here goes nothing.
>C): Attempt to intimidate Ashe into backing down (STR/LCK ROLL: 1-53 to Succeed)
I've know this day would come and my heart is already breaking, good shit QM, good shit

>>5490460
>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

We can still "fix" him, after this we'll have the time we need to start addressing his concerns even if we need to start over.

Anyway we're not here because we think church is good, we're here because we're being payed we just happen to be here because we were ordered to go deliver & safeguard the supplies and subquently inspect conditions of their forces.

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If the subdue action wins and he doesn't die and we take him prisoner then this shits gonna turn into that yandere scenario a few threads back where Blair will slowly break him to join our side again

>>5490460
>>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

I just noticed that our Charm should be at 24? The book was supposed to add +6 to it. Last thread it started at 18.

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)
This was the thing that Blair was always gonna be stupid about.

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

At last….

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490460
Damn, didn't expect to run into him this quickly, but I suppose it works out.

>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

Time to see if our A-Rank Support will pay off.

>>5490460
>>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith
Smack him until he loves us again. This is true romance.

No matter what happens it's gonna be dramatic and I'm all for it, I chose to abandon the empire and black eagles knowing full well that it would lead to tragic shit like this, i'm getting my popcorn

>>5490460
>>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490460
>B): Attack and attempt to kill Ashe
It's over for you, Ashekeks, it's time for Blair to move on from childhood and become a real leader.
Subduing him feels like a QM trap to have Judith killed or injured imo, so may as well do the right thing right away.

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490922
You say that like it isn't obvious from a meta perspective since there is no no dice roll, something is going to happen.

>>5490460
>>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

>>5490460
>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

Time to beat him up and then make him ours.

>>5490460
>>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith
The plan was always to carry him off and go full yandere

>>5490460
>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490460
>>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

>>5490460
>A): Attack and attempt to subdue Ashe with Judith

>>5490460
>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>D): Please with Ashe to remember your time together (CHRM/LCK ROLL: 1-47 to Succeed)

>>5490485
We didn't get the book, we got the Killer Lance instead! The +4 is from the Black Pearl.

>>5492225
We put on the cute uwu face and no one can resist!

>>5492225
YOSHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>5492225
Hahahahaha YES

>>5492225
Praise be!

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>>5490460
You recall Corrine’s words. Listening to your heart could very well get you killed right now. But what alternative did you have? If the two of you fought here, there was no guarantee you’d be able to stay your hand and avoid killing him. Like it or not, you had to try one last time to appeal to Ashe’s sense of reason. If not, you may end up regretting it for the rest of your life. You walk slowly towards him, showing no indication that you intend to fight.

“Are you daft girl?! What are you doing?” Judith yells from behind. By now she must certainly think you’ve lost your mind.

“Blair! Stop, please! T-this is your last warning!”

>“If you’re going to shoot me, then do it.” By now, you stand directly in front of Ashe, who still has his arrow nocked and pointing directly at you. “You said you were a knight, right? Then do what you must. But I won’t fight you. I’ve thought about you a lot over the last few years. Where you’d gone. The things you were doing. If you were safe. A part of me thought I’d never see you again. And now you appear before me, and we’re supposed to kill each other? No. I won’t do that. You’ve told me about your hopes and dreams. How you want to protect your siblings and give them a good life. How you want to have a family of your own. I refuse to take that away from you. Even if it means my own death. So, do what you will.”

Ashe keeps his bow up. His arms are shaking again. You feel as though time has frozen, and at this point, you’re fully prepared to die. A grimace crosses Ashe’s face though, and albeit slowly, he lowers his bow down, before dropping the weapon to the ground completely.

“Blair… I surrender. Consider me your prisoner. I won’t fight against my former comrades, but I won’t stand in your way either. I thought that I was ready to die out here. If the Professor had cut me down, then I would have accepted my fate. But seeing you here, now of all times…perhaps this is the Goddess’ way of telling me there are still things I need to do.” He gives you a smile. “I figured the heat must have been making me hallucinate. But…it really is you. Did…you get taller?”

A wave of relief rushes through you, as if a thousand-pound weight on your chest has finally been released. You move to embrace your one-time crush, when you’re interrupted by Diana and Shelley, who have flown in from their battle and flanked you. Their weapons are drawn, and they surround Ashe.

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>>5492626
“Blair! Are you okay?” Shelley yells. Her sword is drawn and ready to strike down the Sniper. The two of them must have seen you go down and rushed over to provide aid.

>“I’m fine! Lower your weapons! This is…a friend of mine. He wears the Dukedom’s armor, but he doesn’t mean us any harm.” You turn towards Ashe. “How many more of you are there? What are we up against?”

“Count Rowe has sent the bulk of his forces here. They’re under the command of Gwendal, the Gray Lion. He’s further within the valley, but he’ll probably be joining the battle himself soon. We were supposed to ambush the Professor and overwhelm her with superior numbers but…that plan hasn’t been going well.” Ashe grimaces. “I’ll help you with whatever you need Blair, but I can’t fight against those soldiers. I came here with them ready to die. Despite my surrendering, they’re still my comrades in arms.”

“Hey, that hair…is this Ashe?!” Diana exclaims, lowering her weapon and leaning over her pegasus. “I’ve heard SO much about you from Blair! You’re even cuter in person!”

“Am I the only one that recalls that we’re in the middle of a battle?” Judith asks, annoyance vivid in her voice. “Get back on your pegasus and let’s move!”

>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros
>B): Move towards where Gwendal is positioned
>C): Fly over the lava and attack the Snipers
>D): Pursue the fleeting Pegasus Knights

>>5492627
>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros
Pursuing the PKs would be a higher priority if this were Blair's war, but it's not. She's a mercenary, and heroics, like flying through volleys of arrows, aren't their job

>>5492627
>>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

>>5492627
>>C): Fly over the lava and attack the Snipers

YEAHHH BOI

>>5492627
>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

Link up first, and then decide where to go from here.

>>5492627
>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

>>5492627
>>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

>>5492627
>>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros
I can't wait to commit war crimes on Ashe

>>5492627
>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros
Man... The rest of the students that are with Byleth who know about Blair from school are gonna see Blair come to the rescue with her own mercenary group along with Ashe her bf from school who is wearing dukedom armor but is apparently on their side? What a reunion amirite?

>>5492627
>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros
Well, let's just hope that we won't do anything stupid with Ashe...

>>5492627
>>A): Group up with the Professor and the Knights of Seiros

>>5492626
>Even if it means my own death. So, do what you will.”
So if the roll hadn't passed, I assume Blair would be too heavily injured to continue the mission personally?

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>>5492627
>“Judith is right. Let’s regroup with the Knights of Seiros. If we combine our forces, we should hopefully be able to push back against the Dukedom. Then we can focus on getting out of this valley with our supplies in one piece. Ashe, do you think you can stay out of trouble until the battle is over?”

Ashe nods. “I should be able to stay hidden. Just please…don’t go too hard on the Dukedom soldiers. Many of them are good people who are simply following orders. I believe if you can take out Gwendal, this battle should end.”

>“I’ll do my best. Stay close, and we’ll meet up after this is over.” You flash the boy a smile. “I look forward to catching up with you after this is all settled. Blackwings, let’s move out!”

Beathan has recovered from the harsh landing he suffered earlier, and you mount your pegasus with Judith riding behind you once more. The Blackwings were able to catch their foes by surprise, dealing with both them and the enemy calvary with minimal effort. Fully reinforced, you take to the skies and make your way towards the main battle, where the Professor and the Knights of Seiros are currently locked in combat. Observing the battle from on-high, it’s plain to tell that the advantage is heavily skewered towards the Knights. You’re hardly surprised by the outcome. While they may have been outnumbered, the Professor’s Crest as well as the Sword of the Creator are more than a force equalizer. Already, the Dukedom’s vanguard has been completely depleted and is currently on the verge of defeat. While you don’t believe the Professor is in need of your help, you figure you can at least speed things along. The Blackwings descend on their foe. Flanked between both your own forces as well as that of the Knights of Seiros, the Dukedom’s soldiers hardly stand a chance. Once the immediate fighting has ceased, you land your pegasus on the ground, allowing Judith to dismount. In front of you is the unmistakable form of Byleth Eisner, Seteth, as well as a few other soldiers that you do not immediately recognize.

“You must be this Professor I’ve heard so much about.” Judith says. “Let’s leave the pleasantries for later. I’ve arrived with your supplies as agreed upon. My soldiers are currently defending them from the Dukedom as we speak. The sooner we rout this foe, the quicker we can get out of here.”

Seteth speaks first. “Agreed. Thank you for coming to our aid, Lady Judith. We’ve withstood the enemy’s first attack. Now let us push forward and strike the decisive blow.”

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>>5493859
The Professor, always a woman of few words, simply nods. Despite the years passing, she looks the same as she always has. Her hair still sports the same stark shade of green that you recall it taking after the battle with Solon. She’s covered in blood, most of which is the enemy’s rather than her own. The look on her face is one of…boredom? Perhaps that might be stretching things. But she looks as though she’s in her natural habitat. She shows no signs of being worn down by the oppressive heat or even the fighting. To her, this all appears to be second nature. She nods her approval towards Judith, before looking towards you. She studies you for only a quick second, before raising her eyebrows and opening her mouth.

“Blair? Is that you?” The Professor move towards you and gives you a hug, staining your armor in blood. “It’s been so long. You look great.” She says, with barely a trace of emotion.

>“T-thanks…Professor. Y-you too.” You return the gesture, feeling Judith drilling a hole through the back of your head. The woman must think you an utter fool at this point. The moment abruptly ends when a soldier with the Knights of Seiros yells out in alarm, alerting those around him.

“The Dukedom’s soldiers are gathering for another attack! They’ll be here shortly!”

“I see you still ride a Pegasus.” The Professor says after letting you go. “Are these your soldiers as well? Take them and head around the enemy forces. I’ll attack them from the front, and we can catch them in a pincer.”

>“Ahh…yes, we can do that…” You aren’t used to the Professor speaking to you as…an equal? Perhaps that isn’t the right word, but you can tell from her tone that she wasn’t ordering you around. Rather, she was able to quickly deduce that you’ve taken a leadership role and was offering her own suggestion to you, as another army commander. “Are there any other Black Eagles with you?”

“Yes, but we can discuss that later.” Byleth says. “For now, let’s get ready to move out. Before the lady you arrived here with gets any more agitated.”

You leave Judith behind to stand with the Knights while you once more take to the skies. Observing the battlefield, it’s clear to see that the Dukedom is in utter tatters. The archers that had previously been camped across the river of lava have fled, likely looking to get away before your winged units picked them apart. Up ahead, Gwendal’s banner seems to be getting closer, though at this point in the battle, this attack seems more akin to a suicide rush than any actual maneuver. The Knights of Seiros stand strong, ready to take on the oncoming attack while you and your soldiers begin moving across the valley. You recall Ashe’s plea, asking you to spare as many of the Dukedom soldiers as possible.

>A): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, slaying every last one you can
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

Let's see if Asche's claims held any water

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

Respect the husbando's wishes.

>>5493860
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender
Huh, didn't expect the professor just and hug us, glad to know she was that fond of us then even if we didn't interact much pre-timeskip

I wonder if we'll finally build a support rank with Byleth after all this time.

>>5493860
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

Let's hope they stand down-- this place is a terrible place to die.

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
Ashe or no Ashe, this is the right thing to do.
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

>>5493860
>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender
LEOPOLD WHERE

>>5493860
>>B): Flank the Dukedom’s soldiers, offering them the opportunity to surrender

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>>5493860
At the head of the Dukedom’s charging column is none other than the “Gray Lion” himself, Gwendal. Even from your high elevation, the man cuts an imposing figure. Clad in heavy armor along with his horse, the man looks as though he could crash straight through a mountain and come out on the other side unharmed. At his back are several other mounted cavaliers, who look far less intimidating. Due to the cramped terrain, their formation is a complete mess. Likewise, many of the horses seem to be scared stiff from their proximity to the lava and are moving at a much slower pace. A great warrior is not always a great commander, and you find yourself unimpressed by Gwendal’s tactical ability. Perhaps it was common for knights to disregard all sense in their pursuit of honor and glory. After all. such thinking nearly cost Ashe his own life. Years ago, you had dreamed of becoming a knight yourself. You wonder if you’d be as foolhardy and stubborn as these two men had you embarked on that path.

Following the Professor’s suggestion, you take the remainder of your Blackwings who are still in fighting condition, and fly directly over the lava, out of the reach of any pesky archers or javelins from down below. Gwendal is a massive beast of a man, but you are hardly surprised when he is stopped in his tracks by the Professor and her Sword of the Creator. Almost at once, the column of charging soldiers seems to have hit a wall, and you take the opportunity to flank them from behind. As the Blackwings descend, you can hear the high-pitched screams of the Dukedom soldiers clearer and clearer.

“Enemy fliers! From behind! Turn around, damn you! Turn around!”

“Goddess, protect us!”

“No! I don’t want to die here!”

A pang of guilt crosses your heart. You know all too well the difficulties that come with leading soldiers into battle. But every person in the Blackwings was here of their own will. These men and women meanwhile, were forced to come to this hellish place, with many of them likely being drafted by Count Rowe. The guilt you feel quickly turns into disdain for their commander. He could foolishly rush into his death if he liked, but you’d at least do your best to offer these poor souls some form of respite. If not for Ashe’s sake, then at least for your own conscience.

>“You’re surrounded! Drop your weapons and return from whence you came or suffer the consequences!” You declare, hovering over the terrified mass of soldiers.

Almost as if testing you, two spear-wielding soldiers rush forward to try and swat you out of the sky. One has an arrow enter his eye courtesy of Ava, while the other’s head is swiped off by Nero, rolling across the ground to fall into the lava. Thanks to the additional flair from your captains, the remaining Dukedom soldiers are all too happy to comply.

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>>5495030
Little by little, they drop their weapons and begin fleeing from the Knights of Seiros. Perhaps it was better that you never became a knight, you bitterly think to yourself. Against the enemy that awaited you, chivalry would only be a crutch. But at the very least, you could afford to offer these people mercy.

As quickly as the battle started, it ended just as fast. Despite their numerical superiority and ambush, the Dukedom’s forces were utterly annihilated and sent packing. You harbor no delusions that you played a big part in the battle. Rather, this was all the doing of Professor Byleth and her Heroes’ Relic. Perhaps Claude was right. If the Professor was capable of pulling off feats such as this one, then maybe she was exactly what was needed to defeat the Empire.

“You let those soldiers go?” Judith asks, disapprovingly. “That’s rather nice of you, but don’t you think they may just come back to harass us again enroute to Garreg Mach?”

>“Doubtful. With the ‘Gray Lion’, as well as the bulk of their army, lying dead here in the valley, they’ll be running all the way back to Arianrhod.”

Judith sighs heavily. “You know, I figured you weren’t as bloodthirsty as that stepbrother of yours. But I never imagined you were so…softhearted as well. That stunt with that boy back there almost got you killed, and now you let the enemy flee when you had them cornered? I must admit, you haven’t exactly lived up to my expectations…”

>“I…apologize if I’ve disappointed you.”

“It’s fine.” Judith says, in a tone that signals it’s not actually fine. “The quicker we get out of here the better. I’m going to meet with Seteth and your Professor. Go back and make sure those supplies haven’t taken too much of a beating. Otherwise, this will all have been for nothing.”

You return to where the main bulk of the Blackwings had been engaged with the diversionary forces sent by the Dukedom. A carpet of corpses line the path back to where they wait, the majority of which are fortunately in the colors of the Dukedom. It seems that not only did the Blackwings suffer very minor casualties, but the supplies came out unscathed. It was fortunate that you stopped to deal with those enemy fliers and siege mages, otherwise things may have turned out much differently.

“Welcome back.” Corrine waves. In addition to the soot that was covering her face, she’s covered in blood, and her two axes are both drawn and bathed in gore. “How was your date?”

>“He was alive. And willing to listen to sense, thank the Goddess. He’s with the Professor now. Along with some of the Black Eagles. Though as to who’s left, I have no idea.”

“Lovely. Shall we have ourselves a class reunion?”

>A): Meet with the Professor and the others
>B): Take some time to gather your thoughts

>>5495031
damn sorry bitch we aren't a heartless killer
>A): Meet with the Professor and the others
As much as I would like to have Blair prepare for the proper reunion I'd be good to be punctual

>>5495031
>>A): Meet with the Professor and the others
Unfortunate Judith's first impression of Blair is her at her silliest and most vulnerable, but what can you do? No way this was going to go any different.

>>5495031
>>B): Take some time to gather your thoughts

>>5495031
>>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

>>5495031
>>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

>>5495031
>A): Meet with the Professor and the others
We have to get Dorothea to teach Mina not to be, you know, Mina. Have her learn some grace.

>>5495031
>B): Take some time to gather your thoughts

>>5495031
>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

Eh, as far as we're concerned, we make the right decisions when the chips are down, and despite what our reputation suggests, we're not really inclined to needless slaughter. I wouldn't worry about Judith all that much.

>>5495031
>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

Time to see who defected.

>>5495031
>>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

>>5495031
>>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

>>5495031
>A): Meet with the Professor and the others

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>>5495031
The act of transporting the supply crates through the Valley of Torment is an exhausting one, even without the Dukedom soldiers there to complicate matters further. Despite the Knights of Seiros assisting with the process, it’s still going to take quite some time before you can leave this hell-blasted land behind you. After you and Corrine clean yourselves of the gore from battle, you head over to meet with Professor Byleth and Judith to discuss the current situation. You find the two of them in a hastily constructed tent, meant to serve as a temporary headquarters for the short time left in Ailell. Along with the two of them is a dour-faced Seteth, whom you’d only previously ever seen from afar.

“Blair, how did the supplies fare?” Judith asks upon spotting you enter.

>“Not a scratch on them. It seems that the Dukedom was so focused on running down the Knights of Seiros, that the force they sent after us was ill-prepared to deal with the Blackwings. The Knights are now assisting us in moving the crates through.”

Seteth nods your way. “Thank you for your assistance today, Blair. It’s good to finally make your acquaintance. I’ve heard much about you over the years. I had hoped I would one day have an opportunity to thank you firsthand for saving our knights and clergy from execution at the hands of the Crusaders back in Magdred. And now it seems you’ve come to our aid once again.” He bows before you, an act that catches you by surprise given his rank and stature. “It heartens me that our Officer’s Academy could produce such an upstanding young lady.”

“I agree.” Byleth says, smiling. “I never thought we’d meet again like this. You’ve grown into a fine woman, Blair. You’re no longer the timid, indecisive girl I once knew. The one who could hardly decide on what weapon she wanted to use. And is that you, Corrine? You look great too. I’m happy that the two of you have become good friends. I remember when you both hated each other.” She laughs.

“Thanks, Professor.” Corrine waves casually. “You don’t look like you’ve changed a bit over the last few years. You actually even seem a little…nicer?”

Though you take issue with the way Corrine phrases it, she’s right. The Professor couldn’t have been called ‘mean’ or anything of the sort back when you knew her, but she could often be seen as distant or even cold. It was almost as if she had never spent enough time around other humans. You once chalked this up to her previous life as a mercenary, but now that you’ve lived that life yourself, you weren’t so sure that was necessarily the case.

“Thank you.” Byleth says, smiling, and seemingly oblivious to the nature of Corrine’s comment.

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>>5497348
>“Professor, where have you been for the last five years? We’d heard no word of you after the Battle of Garreg Mach.”

“It’s…a complicated affair.” Seteth interjects. “The Professor was incapacitated and out of commission following the conclusion of the battle and the Archbishop’s disappearance. It was only recently that she was fit to join the conflict. And, needless to say, there’s been no shortage of fighting to help her get caught up to speed.”

>“I’m glad things are beginning to take a turn for the better for us in this war, but I must ask, how is all this possible? With all due respect, I’d heard the Empire had the upper hand in their fights with the Knights of Seiros?”

“In addition to the return of the Professor, we’d received aid from some soldiers belonging to the Empire, led by Ferdinand von Aegir. It seems not everyone back home is happy with the way Edelgard and her minister have been conducting things. Though they aren’t numerous, Ferdinand’s forces have provided us with manpower we were in desperate need of.”

So, Ferdinand was one of the turncoats that Claude had mentioned? The two of you hardly interacted during your time at the academy, but you recall fighting him and his forces at the beginning of the war, during the Siege of Charon. It was good to know that he’d had a change of heart since then and turned against Edelgard. You just hoped he wouldn’t hold a grudge from that battle that saw you repelling his attack.

>“Are there any other Black Eagles that came with Ferdinand?” You ask, hopeful that you may meet with more of your friends.

“A few.” Byleth comments. “Why don’t you go and see for yourself? I noticed you brought Ashe to us as well. He’s being held for the time being, at least until we can get back to Garreg Mach. Thank you though, for not killing him out there.”

>“What’s our plan now?”

Seteth answers. “With the supplies secured and the way clear, we’ll be taking everything back to Garreg Mach. Once we arrive, we’ll meet to discuss our next course of action. I’d like for you to join us as well in that conversation, if possible, Blair.”

>“I’d be happy to. We’ll finish transporting these crates and have this valley to our backs in no time.”

You leave the three leaders to conclude their conversation. Before you depart the tent, Byleth informs you that you can find the other Black Eagles nearby.

>A): Visit Ashe where he is being held
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles

>>5497349
>>B): Go and see the Black Eagles
save ashe for later. the later the night, the more privacy. though it risks us being underslept for upcoming action

>>5497349
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles

>>5497349
>>B): Go and see the Black Eagles
I want to know which of our former classmates are here before meeting with Ashe, that could be a good topic to talk with him once we do.
Also... I wonder if we're ever gonna have a talk with either Seteth or Byleth about us just abandoning the monestary, of course it wasn't really a sin as it was doomed to fail but still I think it would eat away inside Blair's heart if he doesn't talk about it.

>>5497349
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles

>>5497349
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles
I hope we find Leopold alive and well back at the monestary... We've grown into someone he can hopefully look to as an equal now, and maybe more...

>>5492225
BOY OBTAINED

>>5497596
>Blairs inventory: Killer Lance+, Axereaver, Magic Staff, Blessed Lance, Elixir(x3), Ashe (x1)

>>5497349
>>A): Visit Ashe where he is being held
We dragged him into this, might as well not leave him hanging

Also, whoever archived this thread on suptg, royally fucked up and linked a completely wrong quest.

Man, it's been a loong while. Last time I've caught THQ live was when I was mad about Blair willingly walking into that kidnapping trap.

>>5497620
Kek
It's a little weird that Blair was so obsessed with her high school crush for 5(five) years, but whatever, we're working on anime logic here.
Now, when she found him again there will be no escape. Lucky for her he didn't got a girlfriend in those 5 years, that would be awkward.

>>5497596
>>5497620
Kek that made me laugh out loud
>>5497628
I mean Ashe has been like her only live in her whole life outside like her familial love for her dad, so it's not outside the question she'd be kinda stuck thinking about him expecially when they departed without any resolve.

>>5497349
>>A): Visit Ashe where he is being held

>>5497621
I didn't archive. Looks more like someone was fucking around lol.

>>5498013
You should probably archive this one early. Don't worry, it automatically updates to the latest version of the thread.

>>5497349
>A): Visit Ashe where he is being held
Go keep boy company while he's in captivity.

>>5497349
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles
Praying Bernie grew a spine

>>5497349
>>B): Go and see the Black Eagles

>>5497349
>B): Go and see the Black Eagles

We can visit the boy later, I'm sure.

>>5497349
>>A): Visit Ashe where he is being held

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>>5497349
After taking your exit of the command tent, you head over to where the Professor had mentioned you would be able to find the Black Eagles. You’re pointed over to a small cliff that overlooks the logistical effort currently being undertaken by the Knights and Blackwings. As you reach the top, you find a scattering of soldiers, some of whom are clad in armor very similar to that of which you’d seen back in the Empire. A man with stark, bright orange hair is delegating orders to those around him. He notices you approaching and calls out to you.

“Ho there! Are you from the Blackwings? An axle on one of our wagons broke. Do you think you can lend us a hand?” Up close, you can tell as clear as day that before you stands Ferdinand von Aegir.

“…Ho there?” Is that anyway to greet an old classmate of yours? Your manners must have seriously deteriorated over the years, Ferdinand.” Corrine chastises him, as he looks on utterly perplexed.

“…Corrine? Then that must mean you’re…” He turns to you, and for a second you think he’s about to react in a hostile manner. After all, the two of you did meet previously as enemies. You instinctively flinch and take a step back as he draws nearer, only to be surprised when he slaps a palm on both you and Corrine’s shoulders.

“Blair! It’s so good to see the two of you again! It’s been far too long!”

“Oh, it has. The last I recall; we sent you running with your tail behind your legs back at Charon.” Corrine says, smugly.

>“Corirne!” You almost berate your sister before Ferdinand interjects.

“I’d prefer to forget all about that if you don’t mind.” He says, placing a hand on his head as if he were suddenly experiencing a migraine. “It’s true, we were enemies for a time. But a lot has changed since then. I hold no grudge against you. You’d caught us completely unaware in the dead of night. If you’d wanted, you could have easily slaughtered my men and I while we slept. You chose instead to force us into a retreat by severely crippling our supply line. The march back to Imperial territory was difficult, but it was preferrable to the mass slaughter you could have inflicted. Though it sounds strange to say, for that, you have my gratitude.” He bows his head. “And besides, I’ve learned a lot from that encounter. I won’t be making the same mistake again; you can count on that.”

“Ferdie! We’ve finished tending to the wounded. How are things going on your end?” You hear a familiar voice call out from behind you. Turning around, you notice two women are approaching your small group. One is a radiant looking brunette, wearing a rather fancy looking red dress that seems almost comically out of place given your current location. The other is shorter, with purple, messy hair, and a concerned look on her face. Time may have certainly changed these two, but you instinctively know who they are at a mere glance. Dorothea and Bernadetta.

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>>5498763
“Hmm? Who’s this?” Dorothea asks as she turns to you and Corrine. “Are you two from the-“ She cuts herself off as she takes you in closely. Disbelief, astonishment, hope, and then finally unbridled joy all flash across Dorothea’s face in seconds as she recognizes who you are. “B-Blair? Is that…really you?”

>“Dor-“ You’re choked off as she wraps you into a tight embrace. She buries her face into your chest, and you can feel what is unmistakably light sobbing coming from her shaking form.

“I thought you were dead for so long! And then I heard all these…horrible things! Oh, Blair!” She clings onto you tighter, an act that you replicate. When she finally releases her grip, she looks up as if to study you further. “By the Goddess…you’ve grown up so much.” She sniffles. “What happened to that cute little shy girl I shared a room with all those years ago? You’ve turned into a real beauty. And is that you I see skulking back there, Corrine? You’re a sight for sore eyes. Thank you so much for taking care of my little Blair this whole time.”

“It was nothing. Someone had to do it.” Corrine shrugs her shoulders.

>“It’s so good to see you again, Dorothea. And you as well, Bernadetta. Words can’t express how much I’ve thought about the two of you.”

“Blair…” Bernadetta says. “F-for the longest time we all thought you were…you know. They said your room had burned down with all your possessions, and there were c-corpses…And then you turned up again but…everyone back home was saying all these really scary things about you. I-I didn’t believe them for a second by the way! Honest! I knew you could never really flay your enemies and bleed them dry! R-really!”

>You can’t help but laugh. Despite all the time that has passed and everything that has happened, in this one moment, it feels as though everything is as it was back at Garreg Mach. “I promise you, Bernie, I’m the same old Blair you knew before.”

“What brings you here, anyway?” Ferdinand asks. “We knew Judith would be coming with soldiers, but we never imagined it would be you and your mercenary company.”

You quickly explain to the group how you’ve been working under Claude, and how it was his idea to send you here. You also mention that he’d told you that you could expect to see former classmates again.

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>>5498765
“I see. Unfortunately, we’re all that’s left of the original Black Eagles class.” Ferdinand says bitterly. “The rest of them are…still back with Edelgard. Caspar’s father is the head of the Adrestian Military. He could never just abandon him in such a way. Likewise, Linhardt’s father is also an important minister of finance.”

“And as for Petra…” Dorothea says, sadly. “Despite everything, she’s still very much a hostage, meant to keep Brigid in-line. If she had defected, she might be putting her entire country in danger.”

“My…father kept a watchful eye on me for many years.” Bernadetta says. “It was only recently I was able to manage to escape his estate and join up with Ferdinand and the Professor.” She shakes her head. “I can’t…no, I won’t go back there!”

“In my case, House Aegir was stripped of all its power after Edelgard instigated her coup. I tried to serve her still…for the good of the Empire. But…she’s changed from the woman we once knew. Her personality has darkened, and I believe that her intentions for this conflict are far less noble than she claims. I could no longer standby and pay witness to the atrocities committed in her wake. So, I decided to throw in my lot with the Professor and Lord Seteth, in hopes we may be able to carve out a better future for the Empire.”

“We’d made a promise…to reunite with the Professor at Garreg Mach one day.” Dorothea says. “She’d been missing for so long, but even still, she stayed true to her word and met us there. I just know that she’s the only one who can set Edie straight. For better or worse.”

“What about the two of you?” Bernadetta asks. “Umm…why did you leave without telling anyone?”

You and Corrine share a brief look. It’s one that she’s often given you in the past, when she fears you may reveal more than necessary. Beyond the possibility of someone thinking you were crazy, there was also the very real threat of you putting them in danger by sharing information about the Agarthans.

>A): We were hunting Agarthans.
>B): We couldn’t bring ourselves to ally with Edelgard
>C): It’s a long story.
>D): Write-in

>>5498767
>A): We were hunting Agarthans.
Its silver snow, this lot is going to be going down to shambala soon enough. Sure they might think us crazy now but we're going to be validated soon enough. Plus it might get Byleth and Seteth to bring us into the fold.

>>5498767
>>C): It’s a long story.

>>5498767
>D): Write-in
>''Well, before assault on Monastery had happened I've learned of something troubling about Edelgard, it's a long story but the short answer is that I just couldn't bring myself to ally with her... But still, I want to apologize for just leaving everyone back then.''
Basically a fusion of B and C

>>5498790
>>5498767
+1, this is probably the best approach. We found out the same thing Ferdinand did but much earlier, she's not as virtuous as she makes herself out to be and she's working with some really nasty people so we ran away rather than being made to serve her. We can drop the Mole-People bomb on the crew later.

>>5498804
But dropping the secret underground mole people bomb right away would be really funny though

>>5498790
+1

Also, holy shit, Bernie WILLINGLY RAN AWAY FROM HOME. That's some character growth.

>>5498809
Just for the "Oh, Blair turned into a conspiracy nut" reaction? I guess. I would still rather not. None of them were with us when we fought Kronya and Solon, right?

>>5498767
>>B): We couldn’t bring ourselves to ally with Edelgard

>>5498790
+1

>>5498767
>B): We couldn’t bring ourselves to ally with Edelgard

>>5498767
>>5498790
Support

Missed the last couple of updates, but man am I glad that we got Ashe back, and didn't go the yandere route of locking him up in a basement, despite how many times I've joked about that.

>>5498790
Supporting

>>5498767
>>A): We were hunting Agarthans.

>>5498790
+1

>>5498767
>>5498790
Supporting

>>5486816
thread #13 links to the wrong thread

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>ashe is back
>bernie is back
>dorothea is back
i can't believe it, this is great
>>5498767
+1 >>5498790

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>>5499961
>ashe is back
>bernie is back
>dorothea is back
Wait, you just made me realize something...

>“I see. Unfortunately, we’re all that’s left of the original Black Eagles class.” Ferdinand says bitterly.
>in the game, the whole Black Eagles class joins the professor instead of just half
>we're playing Silver Snow
>the Three-Way Battle of Gronder Fields still happens in this route
>with a difference from Azure Moon and Verdant Wind though
>Knights of Seiros doesn't participate, so there's no side lead by Byleth
>instead of Byleth sweeping victory here literally everyone fucking dies. Claude goes missing, Dimitri outright die, Edelgard is grievously wounded and all three armies take massive casualties
>out of Blairs support list, all A-rank units are here
>B-rank however
>Caspar, Petra, Mercedes, Sylvain, Felix
>C-rank
>Annette, Ingrid
>unless we meet any of them before the BoGF, which happens in two months in canon they will all be there
>it's entirely likely that all off Blairs' non-Black Eagles supports die at this battle, and potentially Caspar/Petra aswell
Oh no...

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>>5500213
Haha, good thing that's just speculation, haha

You know, now I realise that the fact that Blair didn't have many friends in school might have saved us some suffering

>>5500234
Bernie had the right idea just cooping in her room lmao

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Bit of a slight delay as I move around for Christmas. Updates resume tomorrow!

>>5500213
Ferdie is here, despite having no connection to Blair, so we'll just have to see how things shake out. Benefits of being text instead of a hard-programmed game

I can only hope the reason Ferdinand is here is because he's in a relationship with Dorothea, and they got that whole perceived hatred of commoners misunderstanding out of the way.

Oh hey, Bernadetta's here! And here I thought she'd still be on Edel's side, and we'd have to save her from burning on that hill to recruit her.

>>5498767
>>5498790

Backing this.

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Bernadetta’s question doesn’t exactly catch you by surprise. You figured that if you ever ran into any of your former classmates, they’d want to know exactly where you’d gone off to on that fateful night. While you don’t believe it’s a good idea to delve into the full details regarding the Agarthans, you want to at least make sure that your friends know that you left the monastery for a good reason.

>“Before the assault on the Monastery happened, I learned something troubling about Edelgard. It’s a long story, and I can’t exactly get into the specifics. However, neither Corrine nor I could bring ourselves to fight for the Empire under the present circumstances surrounding it.” You pause before continuing. “And I want to apologize for leaving without saying anything. I think a lot about that day, and if perhaps there were things I could have done differently. It was never my intention to vanish without a trace, but things quickly took a turn for the worse, and we had no choice but to flee.”

The others take your answer in. While it’s clear that they still have many more questions on their mind, for the time being, they seem willing to accept your answer at face value.

“If you say it’s a good reason, then I believe you.” Dorothea says. “Frankly, I’m almost a bit envious of the two of you. What occurred that night was nothing short of a tragedy. I still dream about it vividly. The monastery set ablaze, the Demonic Beasts…and all those friends that we lost in the fighting as well. If I’d been given the opportunity to flee, I would have gladly taken it. Believe me, nothing good came staying that night.” Bernadetta vigorously nods, confirming she shares Dorothea’s thoughts.

“There’s no need to apologize.” Ferdinand says. “The important thing is that you’re here. We all share the same lot. We’re deserters. Traitors to the Empire. The best thing that we can do right now is support each other, and the Professor. That’s our only hope of bringing this war to an end and putting a stop to Edelgard.”

“Are you going to fight with us again, Blair?” Bernadetta asks. “A few years may have passed, but I still really hate being on the battlefield. It would make me feel a lot better if I knew you were out there.”

>“Ahh, perhaps. I am still technically under the employment of Claude and the Alliance. But it seems like our two groups may be aligning. And at the very least, I’ll be going back to Garreg Mach with you all, so you’ll have me for a bit while longer.”

“That’s great! I can show you around!” Dorothea cheerfully exclaims. “Fair warning, the monastery probably looks…quite a bit different than you remember it. We’ve been working hard at restoring the place but…well sieges do leave a bit of a mess.”

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>>5502330
>“Ahh, speaking of the other Black Eagles, would you happen to know whatever happened to Kate?” Your one-time squad mate and fellow Pegasus Knight, Kate was a dependable friend who had even saved your life back when you’d been kidnapped by Kronya. She’d expressed interest in working under you back when it looked as though you’d be joining the Imperial Army as a commander. Given how that never worked out, you’d often wondered what became of her.

You’re dismayed as you watch the smile on Dorothea’s face slowly fade. “To be honest, I don’t know. She fought in the Siege of Garreg Mach under Edelgard. And she took your leaving pretty hard. The last I’d heard of her; she was still fighting for the Empire. But as to the specifics, I really couldn’t say. I haven’t seen her ever since then.”

Your conversation is interrupted by an approaching soldier from Ferdinand’s contingent of soldiers, who salutes his commander before relaying his message. “My Lord, the supplies have been secured, and we are ready to depart!”

“Finally! I hope to never visit this dreadful place again. Blair, Corrine, let us continue this conversation back home, at Garreg Mach. We need to mobilize our men and get out of here.” Ferdinand says.

Dorothea clasps your hands. “Yes! I know you’re a big shot mercenary commander now, but please come see us at the monastery!”

>“Of course. Until then.”

The trio departs, leaving you and Corrine alone. She strikes up conversation as the two of you make your way back towards the Blackwings.

“So, what do you think of all this?” Corrine asks you. “Do you really believe that the Professor can turn the tide of this war around? Sure, she’s strong, but she’s still just one woman. She’s up against the entire might of the Empire…not to mention the Agarthans in the background.”

>“It’s as good a shot as any we’ve had. You know that.”

“Of course. But what do we do now? You heard those three back there. They want us to come back and fight alongside them. I must admit, the idea is tempting. But I fear we would be leaving too much left undone were we to join up with the Professor. At least right now. Her focus is on the Empire, which I fear would leave the Agarthans with too much room to operate. And Anemone is still seeking out the identity of the sage hiding out in Ordelia.”

>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.
>B): Perhaps we should join up with the Professor
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.
>but with the Professor directly challenging Edelgard, I imagine she will push more put into the light

>>5502331
>>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.

We just need to negotiate the release of Ashe to our loving grasp. And never let go. Ever.

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this
Nice to see my option win.
Also this is a tough choice, Agarthan's are our number one enemy but they still support Edelgard and the empire is causing mass havoc in the land so taking them out first would mean we can solely focus on the Agarthan's next, i mean in the Golden Deer route they managed to not only kill the Agarthan's but also the revived bandit heroes so it should be doable to just attack the empire and then the snakes.

>>5502331
>>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.

>>5502331
>>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>She fought in the Siege of Garreg Mach under Edelgard. And she took your leaving pretty hard. The last I’d heard of her; she was still fighting for the Empire.
Oh no. I think this one we will have to kill.

>B): Perhaps we should join up with the Professor
In character plan is:
1) fight Empire with professor UNTIL slitherers(or their influence) show up.
2) dump our conspiracy theories on everyone in attempt to show them who's the real enemy is.

Now to go talk to BOY.

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.
Ah, I miss Leopold... I hope we'll see him alive and well for a bit before leaving.

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this
If we co
Concerned for the rest of our Blue Lion supports if we go all with with Byleth, and I also want to see what Anemone digs up before I commit.

>>5502331
>>B): Perhaps we should join up with the Professor

>>5502331
>>C): I’ll need more time to think on this

>>5502331
>>C): I’ll need more time to think on this
Consult with our most trusted subordinates

>>5502331
>>A): Our priority has always been fighting the Agarthans. That hasn’t changed.

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this
Byleth will undoubtedly fight the Agarthans supporting Edelgard at some point, but we're not one of her students anymore. We're a Merc Captain, and most of our captains and other underlings didn't sign up to fight Mole People for free. If the KoS hire us there is no problem, but otherwise we keep out of the way for now.

>>5502331
>C): I’ll need more time to think on this
We need to let the people working under us know a bit more about what we're after and see who stays from there. Honestly, the easiest way we can break it to them is to ignore the mole people angle altogether and say the facts in a digestible form: they're a faction of insurgents who want to destabilize Fodlan and fan the flames of war from all sides.

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>>5502331
>“This is all a lot to take in. I mean, just a few days ago I never thought I’d see any of these people again. Whatever we decide to do, I’m going to need some time to think on it.”

“I figured as much. Just remember what I said earlier. Use your brain, not your heart. They have their fight, and we have ours.”

Reuniting with the core group of Blackwings, you’re finally able to say goodbye to the Valley of Torment. A sense of palpable relief washes over you as you put the volcanic fumes to your back and are once again greeted by clear blue skies. The march to Garreg Mach takes only a few days, much of which is spent dividing up loot found from whatever the Dukedom soldiers had left behind. You’re told that Ashe is within the custody of the Knights of Seiros. While he surrendered himself over, he refused to say outright whether he’d be defecting to their side. As such, Seteth did not feel comfortable letting him go about unattended, particularly when he might be carrying crucial information related to the Dukedom. You were at least assured by the Professor that the boy would not be tortured or interrogated. Perhaps you could talk some further sense into him?

After several days’ worth of marching, you gaze upon a sight you thought you’d never see again. The spires of Garreg Mach Monastery may be extensively damaged, but they still stand proudly. Even in its current state, you feel a sense of nostalgia you hadn’t thought possible. You’re told that the Blackwings are free to stay within the grounds of the monastery for the duration of the stay. Given the continued lack of manpower available to the Knights of Seiros, you’re sure that there’s plenty of room for your company to spread out comfortably.

“Garreg Mach.” Uriel says next to you, warmly. “Never did I think I’d live to gaze upon it once more. Even I have lost track of how many years I spent within these walls. It does my heart well to see it still standing after everything.”

>“I know what you mean. I hope you’re able to enjoy your stay here, Uriel. Even at their current number, I imagine you must be intimately familiar with many of the Knights stationed here.”

“Perhaps. But do not worry. I do not intend to go running off to join my former students. Not while you still have need of my lance.”

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>>5504032
“Well, you enjoy yourself for the both of us, geezer.” Clay says, on your other side. “Things look a bit too stuffy for me in there. I’ll camp outside the monastery’s gates. I’ll be far more comfortable, and I can even keep an eye out on any suspicious characters. We don’t want another enemy army sneaking up on us after all.”

>“Huh? You’re not coming inside?” You ask Clay, disbelief evident in your voice. “I thought you worshipped the Goddess? Do you know how far pilgrims travel to come and pray here? And you’re not even going to step inside?”

Clay shrugs, unbothered. “The Goddess doesn’t reside within those walls. She’s everywhere, watching over us all. The way I see it, I can pray to her anywhere I choose. I don’t need to be surrounded by brick and mortar to pay my respects. Besides, I already told you I’m an adventurer! Camping out under the stars is what I do!” Before you can offer any further protest, he diverts his horse and heads away by himself.

“Leave him be.” Uriel says, unbothered. “The man means well, and he has his own reasons. Best not to pry.”

>“If you say so…”

The barracks that accommodate you and your company are comfortable, and as foolish as it sounds, you’re relieved you won’t have to spend the night in the remains of your old, burned-out dormitory. After settling in and unpacking your belongings, you decide to pay Ashe a visit. You learn that he’d been transferred to the dungeons of Garreg Mach, one of the few places in the monastery you’d never actually visited. You make your way there with Corrine following behind. The meeting with Seteth and the Professor won’t be for a while, and you decide it better to speak to the boy before anyone else does. Despite the less than glamorous conditions present in the dungeon, Ashe himself still looks to be hale and healthy.

“Blair!” He calls out upon seeing you. “Thanks for visiting. Sorry I uhh…don’t have much to offer.”

>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.
>B): What were you thinking out there?!
>C): Why are you in here? Why not join us!?
>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years.
>E): Write-in

>>5504035
>>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.

No recriminations, just happiness.

>>5504035
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.

>>5504035
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.
>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years.
What have you been doing? Your siblings okay? You met anyone? Any girl? Please tell me you haven't I mean what? Hhahahahah.... You smell nice.

>>5504035
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.
>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years

>>5504035
>>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years.
SPANK HIM, COMMIT WAR CRIMES

>>5504035
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.

>“Thanks for visiting. Sorry I uhh…don’t have much to offer.”
Oh Ashe, you don't have to offer anything but yourself! Enthusiastically. In fact, a dungeon is perfect for what comes next!

>>5504035
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.
>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years.
What have you been doing? Are your siblings okay? You met anyone? Any girl? Please tell me you haven't I mean what? Hhahahahah.... You smell nice.
(Really want that write in for the comedic value.)
E): So, who got the imperial general position and noble title I was offered?

>>5504035
>D): Tell me where you’ve been all these years.

>>5504035
>>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.

>>5504035
>“Blair!” He calls out upon seeing you. “Thanks for visiting. Sorry I uhh…don’t have much to offer.”
>E); Laught at the joke
We have to laugh at the joke so he knows we like him!
>A): I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.

>>5504621
>E); Laught at the joke
We have to laugh at the joke so he knows we like him!
Support! It's how it works

>>5504621
No, we have to make an even cringier joke, that's how it works.

>>5504621
Didn't even register to me as a joke and more of him just being embarrassed he's in jail... So laughing at his 'joke' seems funny to me

Kek, Blair's options of interaction seem to be:
>1) rape
>2) instantly lose all of the edgy badassery and most of the brancells
Truly, exposure to boy does horrible things to her

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>>5504937
I do find it funny how Blair's this badass professional woman who got a reputation as a cold blooded killer with her efficiency but the moment it comes to Ashe she turns into a school girl again, i love it.
also my captcha is WarHD

>>5504974
>also my captcha is WarHD
it's a sign. we must commit war crimes for ashe.

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>>5504974
Judith never gonna hire us again lol. Worst mission for a first impression on Blair.
>but the moment it comes to Ashe she turns into a school girl
This is what she gets for not getting laid for 5(!) years. And exposure to unresolved crush I guess.

>also my captcha is WarHD
pic related

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>>5504035
You force yourself to smile at Ashe’s poor attempt at a joke. You find it a bit hard to make light of the current situation, especially after all the previous years you’ve spent worrying about him. You don’t know where to start, so you settle on the most basic emotion that you’re feeling right now.

>“I’m just happy to see you again, Ashe.”

Even in the dingy lighting of the cell, you can see surprise cross his youthful face. He smiles back at you. “I’m happy to see you as well, Blair. I’d…heard some things about you. Back in Arianrhod. Of course, I didn’t believe most of it. You look like you’ve really matured. I-in a good way, that is…”

>“You heard about me? Well, that makes one of us. I have so many questions for you, I’m not sure I even know where to start. What in the Goddess’ name have you been up to? You disappeared the night the monastery was attacked. Not even those from the Blue Lions knew what fate had befallen you. We feared you were dead.”

“I’m…sorry for leaving without saying anything. The truth of the matter is, I refused to fight for the Church of Seiros. The way I’d saw it, the Archbishop and the Church were the ones responsible for driving Lonato to his death. It was because of them that I was…forced to kill him. So, when I’d learned that the Empire was attacking, I fled. I had been exchanging letters for some time now with Count Rowe. He had absorbed Lonato’s former territory into his own following his death. The two had always been close, and he had offered me a position in his service as a knight after I graduated. I was able to use the money to support my siblings. They’re living in Arianrhod now, receiving an education.” He leans back against the wall of his cell, looking uncertain. “Of course, I never knew that Count Rowe would betray Prince Dimitri and plunge the Kingdom into chaos. But by then, I’d already made my choice. I was a knight now, in service to Rowe. And I would see my duties through to the end. I’d finish what Lord Lonato had started.”

>“What’s gotten into you?” You ask, holding onto the bars of his cell. “I know that you were upset with how the Church had treated Lonato and his son, but this is nothing like the Ashe I remember. You were supposed to become a knight for honor! For your siblings. Not…vengeance!”

“I learned the truth.” Ashe says. He reaches into his coat, and produces what looks like a worn, weathered book. “Do you remember our battle against Bishop Santiago? From the Western Church? After we killed him, I thought that was the end of it. That I’d killed the man who’d manipulated Lonato into rebelling against the Church. But as the battle was ending, one of his aides approached me. He told me he’d heard what I said about wishing to avenge Lonato, and he handed over this book. It was Lord Lonato’s diary. The man said he’d managed to retrieve it after Lonato’s death.”

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>>5505116
>“A man from the Western Church gave you this? Who was he?”

Ashe shakes his head. “I don’t know. He was an older man. He wore a cowl over his head, but I could see a white mustache and small eyes. I’d never met him before, and he disappeared before I could ask any more questions. But I’m certain it’s Lonato’s. It makes mention of me and my siblings. And the final entries written inside…they say that Lonato had found undeniable proof that Archbishop Rhea had evidence fabricated in order to condemn his son to death.”

Ashe’s revelation is news to you. He’d mentioned before that he’d received a book from a mysterious stranger but had always remained tight-lipped about the contents inside. If such a thing were true, you have no doubt that it would be the perfect catalyst to drive Ashe against the church. And yet, everything regarding how he obtained this book seems entirely suspicious to you.

>“Ashe…if this is true, I’m sorry. But how do you know this book is the real thing?”

“It’s real.” Ashe says, almost defensively. “I’ve read through it so many times I’ve lost count. But it’s real. It has to be. I’d recognize Lonato’s handwriting anywhere. And…it talks about my siblings. It talks about things that only he would know!”

“So, what now?” Corrine asks. She’d been by your side the entire time. “We gave the Professor our word that we’d handle you. Are you going to rot in that cell for the rest of your days? Even if you wanted to return to that half-rate lord of yours, the Knights of Seiros would never have it. You’ve seen and heard too much already.”

“I…don’t know. But I won’t fight for the Knights of Seiros. Not for the Professor. Not for Seteth. Not even for you, Blair. They can burn in hell for all I care!”

You had hoped you could reason with Ashe, but it seems that unless something drastic changes, his mind has already been made up. Whether or not you believe this “diary” is real, Ashe does, and it’s clouding his judgment. If you push too hard, he may end up reacting badly.

>A): Can I examine Lonato’s diary? I believe it may not be legitimate.
>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.
>C): If you won’t listen to reason, then stay in there and think things through more.
>D): Write-in

>>5505122
>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.

All we have to do is provide our evidence of the molemen. Bringing him to Arcadia should be enough, though I hope this isn't pushing too hard and too fast.

>>5505122
>>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.
>D): Write-in Tell him about the true, hidden enemy you've been hunting down and fighting against.

>>5505122
>>5505143
>>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.
>D): Write-in Tell him about the true, hidden enemy you've been hunting down and fighting against.
Okay this is good, Ashe said he won't fight for us but maybe he could still join us as we go against those who most likely manipulated this entire situation against him.

>>5505122
>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.
>D): Write-in Tell him about the true, hidden enemy you've been hunting down and fighting against.

>>5505122
>>D): Write-in
>If you won’t listen to reason, then I will use "force"

>>5505122
>C): If you won’t listen to reason, then stay in there and think things through more.
He'll come around to it eventually. Forcing him will only make him hate us or something.

>>5505390
Ashe:''What do you mean by ''force''? Why'd you use quotation marks?''
Blair:''Oh you'll see, Corrine? Give us 5 minutes.''
Corrine:''Only 5 minutes? Whew, I almost feel sorry for you Ashe, have fun.''
Ashe:''...What did she mean by that? Why're you opening the gate? Wait hold on!''

...There's such a dichotomy between the story and reader thoughts.

>>5505122
>D): Write-in
Apply Yandere corrective procedures

>>5505122
Ok, that's not terrible. He doesn't want to fight for chirch, that's kind of bad, but our current employer is Claude, not Byleth. If we focus on mole people for now, we could prove that bullshit is afoot, and that diary is probably fake.
Problem is, he's a *knight*. Sworn to valour, all that. Doubt he'll just drop his allegiance to join a mercenary band. Uggggh, why is it so haard.
>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against.
I do find it funny, how Blair, who wanted to be a knight, now is constantly butting heads with the knightly code of different people.

I am amused that Corrine is going to see Blair fencesitting on the issue of whether her true enemy is the Empire or the Agarthans, until she can use fighting the Agarthans as a way to convince Ashe to be with her. Truly, Blair is driven by thoughts of cute boy.
>>5505548
Her school-time disputes with Ingrid were always based on not being the most 'knightly'

>>5505122
>>A): Can I examine Lonato’s diary? I believe it may not be legitimate.
>>B): Don’t fight for the Knights of Seiros, join the Blackwings. We have our own enemy we’re up against
Blair dropping some red pills

Blair be like
>''The snake people are poisoning our people and are the true rulers of the lands with the current rulers only being puppets for them oh and they have a murder cult.''
and she's right

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>>5505654
working on it, lol

>>5505680
amazing

>>5505122
>>C): If you won’t listen to reason, then stay in there and think things through more.

>>5505680
lol that is stellar

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>>5505680

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>>5505729
>>5505821
>>5505880

>>5505909
Amazing. There's so many gems in the papers it's great.

>chirch
>ashe smells good
Lmao the meta commentary

>>5505981
>>chirch
oh, that's just me being an esl. Fuck. Do I fix and reupload again now?

>>5505909
AHAHAHAHA I love this so much it's unreal. Our poor schizo pegasus knight. Thank you for making this, it's beautiful.

Blair's lower half has finally been revealed.

>>5505909
this is great
>>5505984
don't worry about it

>>5506052
>Blair's lower half has finally been revealed.
Yeah, had to come up with it. Went with skirt with the same color scheme as armor and pants with the same color scheme as glowes

Blair fighting in a miniskirt is now canon and I will fight anyone who claims otherwise.

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>>5505122
>“I’m not asking you to fight for the Knights of Seiros. I’m asking you to fight for us! For the Blackwings! We have our own enemy that we’re up against. One that I believe is the true culprit behind all of these tragic events that have been plaguing us for years. And that might even include the circumstances of your father’s vendetta against the Church.”

“Blair!” Corrine snaps aggressively. You know where her objection lies, but it’s too late. If you don’t tell Ashe the truth of things now, what alternative is there? Could you allow him to rot in this dungeon because of his own stubbornness? You were not plagued by nightmares of his fate for all these years to let him throw his life away in such a manner.

“What are you talking about, Blair?” Ashe asks you through narrowed eyes.

>“Kronya. Solon. Didn’t they strike you as different? As though they were not the same as us? That’s because they weren’t. They belong to a race of creatures known as the Agarthans. For centuries, they’ve used their abilities to masquerade as other people in order to undermine human society. You’ve seen this happen twice now already. There was Tomas, the librarian. And Monica, of course. They use this ability to set in motion plans and schemes that fit their own greater agenda, all while keeping humanity enthralled under their thumb. This entire war is of their own doing!”

By now you realize that you’re almost on the verge of yelling. Corrine, having given up on trying to stop you, now paces relentlessly, ensuring there are no eavesdroppers present. Fortunately, it is only the three of you.

“Blair…what are you talking about?” Ashe asks. Any edge that was present in his voice when speaking about Lonato earlier has now been replaced by confusion.

>“I’m saying…that the Empire isn’t our only enemy. The Agarthan menace that has taken over my homeland and subverted its leadership must be stopped. And right now, we’re one of the few people in Fodlan that are currently fighting against it. I don’t know if the Professor knows this information. Right now, her and Seteth’s priority lies in marching on the capital and defeating Edelgard. We on the other hand, have something else we must do. One of these Agarthan leaders is present in Ordelia. He’s been kidnapping villagers for a purpose that I can only imagine. And soon, we’ll be going to eliminate him. If you wish to hold a grudge against the Church of Seiros and the Archbishop, I won’t take that away from you. I understand well the pain you have been through. But if you wish to still do some good and point your bow against an enemy that deserves it, then join me.”

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>>5506150
Silence follows as Ashe seems to contemplate what you have just said. What a horrendous reunion this has turned out to be. And yet, for having often wondered how you would ever break the revelation to him, you feel a sense of relief for finally getting things off your chest.

“This is…a lot to take in, Blair.” Ashe finally says, after what feels like an eternity. “I always knew that there had been something off about those two. But it never occurred to me that they might not be…human. Do you…have any proof?”

>“No.” You bark. “At least not any proof presently with me. There’s a woman. She is Agarthan herself, only she’s turned against the rest of them. She’s allied with us and is currently in Ordelia right now. You’ve met her once before, back in Rusalka. Her name was Alena.”

Ashe paces around his cell, appearing as though he were in turmoil. “Forgive me, this is just…” He shakes his head, and then looks at you determinedly. “I don’t know if I can take all this at face value just yet, Blair. But I do know that in all the time we’ve been together, you’ve never given me reason to doubt you. So, I’ll help you. You say this guy in Ordelia is kidnapping villagers? Whether he’s a monster or a human, he sounds like someone that needs to be stopped. And if along the way, I find out more about these…Agarthans, then all the better. So yes, I’ll join the Blackwings.”

>“Ashe!” You feel a sense of joy before Corrine cuts in.

“What about your siblings?” Corrine asks. “Will they be okay while you come with us?”

Ashe nods. “I left them in the care of a trusted friend, and they have plenty of gold to get by for the time being. And hey, now that I’m a mercenary, it sounds like I’ll still have a steady stream of gold to keep sending them. I’ll write them a letter explaining I’ll be tied up for a while.”

“And your Count?”

Ashe shrugs. “After the loss he just suffered, he won’t notice one knight missing. I imagine he’s liable to think I perished in the fighting. Which works well enough for me. Regardless of my feelings towards the Church of Seiros, I’m done fighting against Prince Dimitri and the Kingdom.”

>“Then it’s settled! I’ll tell the Professor you’re coming with us, and they’ll let you out! The Blackwings are stationed at the old barracks. You can find us there.”

Ashe gives you a formal military salute. The action almost seems comical given that it’s coming from behind iron bars. “Thank you…Commander! I look forward to working under you!”

You depart the dungeon with Corrine in tow, elated at the prospect that you’ve not only been reunited with Ashe, but that he’ll be joining your company as well.

“What a strange boy.” Corrine muses. “I just don’t understand what you see in him.”

>A): I still love him
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon
>C): He’s a useful person to have fighting with us
>D): Write-in

>>5506152
>A): I still love him

You fuckers better vote correctly, Ashe MUST win the Blairbowl.

>>5506152
>>A): I still love him
Commander in the streets, lovesick schoolgirl in the sheets.

>>5506152
>Regardless of my feelings towards the Church of Seiros, I’m done fighting against Prince Dimitri and the Kingdom.
Ok, ok, thank god that didn't turn out to be an issue. I was scared he will go full knightly code on us, but it seems we are dealing with punished Ashe - a man who lost the sight of what the fuck he's doing with his life. Which is sad, but good for us.
>D): It's.. not how I imagined it would be, for sure. We've clearly both changed. But he’s still dear to me and I won’t abandon him.
Not a proclamation of love, but less of a friendzone than option B. Probably need to have more than 1 conversation with him before crushing again.

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Also I fixed the Chuch spelling. And a couple missing shadows, because of couse there were some

>>5506183
>Chuch
Genuine brain damage

>>5506259
You spelled it correctly this time around though? It definitely says "church", are you sure you aren't just accidentally transposing letters?

>>5506152
>A): I still love him

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

So we’re under impression Lonato’s journal is a fake? The description of the person that gave it to Ashe matches the Slitherer from the last thread’s Epilogue. Not that Blair would know that.

>>5505909
>>5506183
Fantastic, made me laugh kek
>my dad :(
somehow made me feel sad
>>5506152
>A): I still love him
You never forget your first love
also
> “Thank you…Commander! I look forward to working under you!”
And I too look forward to you being under us I mean working under us.
but for real tho I like how Blair changes around Ashe, it's cute.

>>5506327
Nah he meant the Chuch in the post spelling not the picture.

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon
Please please please no Ashe romance. Blair isn't a high school girl anymore.

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

>>5505909
>>5506183
Awesome work!

>>5506152
>D): It's.. not how I imagined it would be, for sure. We've clearly both changed. But he’s still dear to me and I won’t abandon him.

>>5506152
>A): I still love him

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

>>5505909
I'm fucking wheezing we've been blessed
>What the fuck is dubstep

>>5506183
>Ashe smells good
Am dying here

>>5506152
>A): I still love him

>>5506152
>A): I still love him
Antis leave the quest now, this is the only choice and you all know it.

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

>>5506612
I think I just might if he wins unironically, if he was the only option I wouldn't care but there's so many more charming characters amongst the ones Tree created that I can't in good conscience vote for Ashe. I'd hate for the quest to turn into ship wars, but what can you do. I guess you can all have fun with Blair acting OOC whenever his random guy ass is mentioned.

>>5506152
>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

>>5506152
>>A): I still love him

>>5506716
>random guy ass
??? We literally met him on the first thread

>B): He’s a dear friend I won’t abandon

>all of these first time posters
how nice

>>5506456
>>5506586
>>5506614
>>5506728
>>5506798
I wonder who could be behind these 1PBTID's.