know that i loved you.

You make me... whole again. {closed rp}

[emeraldexalt]

ooc

((hey guuuuuys! starting tomorrow i'm gonna be on vacation until sunday so i probably wont be online much. but i'll hopefully still be able to reply to threads, so i don't think i'll need a hiatus. :'D hugs and kisses))

[ikesboyfriend]

Long Gone - Soren and Emmeryn

Having spent several weeks traveling alongside Ike in the company of Chrom’s ‘Shepherds’ as he called them, Soren had taken up much of his time by reading all he could when the army stopped moving for long enough intervals of time. It was exactly what he was doing then as well.

Sitting alone in the barracks reading over one of the tactician’s manuscripts, Soren realized what had been bothering him all along. Supposedly the land he was visiting was far in the future. When he looked around the country nothing appeared different though. He wondered why things appeared so similar to his own home of Tellius.

Not halfway through the book he heard footsteps closing in on him, and in a panic he quickly shut the book and pushed it further onto the table where he sat in hopes he would not get in trouble for touching what was not his. He turned to face the source of the footsteps which had stopped only seconds prior.

"Oh… hello. Foolish as it may sound, you had me startled there."

[emeraldexalt]

Just as surprised by the presence of another, Emmeryn stopped short, giving a hesitant smile.

"S...orry," she said haltingly, a bit embarrassed.

With footsteps lighter than a ghost's, the former exalt moved further into the barracks and picked a tome off the shelf; she had been meaning to practice her Light Magic that afternoon. Emmeryn lingered, though, watching the dark-haired stranger closely. She knew him to not be one of the Shepherds, but he had been traveling with them for quite some time. He gave off a slightly cold aura, but there was something so entrancingly beautiful about his face that Emm couldn't help but stare. She also noticed that he had a mark on his forehead - much like her own brand of the exalt.

After several moments passed Emmeryn pulled up a stool and sat across the table from the mysterious stranger. "H-Hello," she said quietly, "My n-name...Emmeryn." Silently she made a gesture with her hands, prompting the man to say the same for himself.

[emeraldexalt]

Show Me A Smile ○ Lucina and Emmeryn

[exaltedeye]

She took her aunt’s hand into hers, smiling at the warm touch. It felt as if she’s known her aunt for a long time and she was happy as well as relieved at the fact that they get along so well already.

Lucina guided Emmeryn outside, taking in the fresh air. It was so beautiful out here that she may never want to go back inside. She never did like staying in the kingdom for so long.

Feeling another tug, her gaze shifted to meet the exalt’s eyes, now growing a bit concerned. She wants to explore with her? What was she supposed to say, she knew Chrom had made it specifically clear that he didn’t want Emmeryn to leave or she could be in grave danger again. And neither one of them wanted the same mistake to happen.

"Oh, auntie, I don’t know about that… You know father’s orders. He’s only looking out for your safety-" she paused for a moment, rethinking it.

Of course Chrom meant well when he said he wanted Emmeryn to be safe from any more harm than what’s already been done to her, but it just didn’t feel right to keep her locked up in the kingdom for so long. Lucina saw the way her aunt looked when she first stepped outside, it was as if she’s never left her room ever since her recovering.

"On second thought," she started. "As long as you’re with me, I think it would be alright." She would have to apologize to her father later.

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn gave Lucina's hand a squeeze before letting go, cheeks aglow with happiness. She would deal with Chrom later; Emmeryn would rather see the sun go dark than for Lucina to get in trouble for something that had not been her fault.

Walking side by side, aunt and niece left the peaceful camp and entered the surrounding woods. Though the leaves were beginning to dry in the afternoon sunlight, the earth still smelled like rain as they strolled amongst the tall pines. Emmeryn stopped to watch a mother dear guide its baby through the trees, and then bound away when it noticed their presence.

Emmeryn took a deep breath in and let out a contented sigh. She took note that the air was starting to get colder. Autumn was coming, and winter loomed behind that - but those were thoughts for another day. For now, the weather was beautiful and all felt peaceful.

"W-Where you...want...to g-go?" Emmeryn asked quietly. Lucina probably new the area far better.

[crimsonwarlordwalhart-blog]

Your Great Self-Destruction // Walhart and Emmeryn

[crimsonwarlordwalhart-blog]

Walhart listened to Emmeryn’s quiet, hesitant greeting and he assumed that she was intimidated by him. He nearly snorted at the ridiculousness—Emmeryn had once led a nation, the thought that she could be so easily cowed by Walhart struck the warlord as pathetic. Walhart decided that the fall Emmeryn had suffered must have been even more terrible than he imagined to have transformed the regal woman into a trembling wretch.

He watched her as she peeled her apple, waiting for her to say something else. He did not move. He would not move until she showed him some measure of the Queen she had once been.

Then she spoke again and it occurred to Walhart that she wasn’t intimidated at all, no. Something in her mind was damaged, probably from the fall, and stammering, halting speech was the only speech she was capable of.

"You call yourself blessed," Walhart sneered, furrowing his brow in irritation. "What merciful Gods would leave you trapped in a broken body, barely able to speak!? What benevolent guardians would do nothing to help you while you are forced to throw yourself to your demise!? You are not blessed, Exalt. You are foolish."

Emmeryn continued to peel the apple, and Walhart took the opportunity to speak. “Everything I have, I have taken. I am my own God. I do not wait for the blessings of some smiling diety; I go out into the world and earn what you would wait for.”

When Emmeryn offered him the peeled apple, Walhart only frowned at the fruit. “I have no need for that. Eat it yourself, Exalt. For once in your life, take this opportunity to strengthen yourself.”

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn stared up at Walhart as he spoke on, berating her gods and asserting his own way of living. She was able to discern much about the conqueror in those few minutes. For one, he was as stubborn as he was immense - most likely nothing would be able to change his views on what strength was and how the world worked. Where she might have shrunk back from his harsh tone, Emmeryn stood her ground, trying her best to remain unfazed. Though less vocal of her beliefs, the former exalt was no less firm, and she wanted Walhart to know that.

"I am... n-no... fool." Emmeryn's voice was softer than the breeze but it was steady. "I-I, too...h..ave...taken." She'd taken her father's position, Chrom's council, Ylisse's support - and had been forced to sacrifice it all at the hands of Plegia. Even her newfound life was most likely taken from some power high above.

"But I...b-believe...giving is..." Emmeryn took a deep breath; she hadn't spoken this much in a long time, and the effort of pulling coherent sentences from her swirling thoughts was beginning to take it's toll. "...j-just as...import..ant."

Emmeryn stared down at the peeled apple in her hands after Walhart refused it. Steeling herself, she took a large bite out of it, silent as she took several moments to chew it. The former exalt held the apple out once more, this time placing it into Walhart's hand before he could again reject it.

"We...different," she simply said, a gentle smile on her face.

[battlefield-saint]

Radiance and Blackheart - Emmeryn & Libra

[battlefield-saint]

With even her footsteps barely making a sound, Libra was almost afraid he would look to his side and discover that Emmeryn had disappeared. Her presence was soft and gentle, akin to a distant glow in the world’s darkness. But, each time he reassured himself of her existence, she was always there—walking beside him and watching the scenery. If there was anything he could say with certainty, it was that Her Grace did not belong amidst the clamor of war.

Soon enough, they arrived at the clearing where the Shepherds had decided to stay for the next few days. Everyone was doing something to prepare either the group or themselves. The priest watched the scene with a wistful gaze before noting the former Exalt’s actions. He let her take the basket without objection and followed her to the clotheslines.

It was a bizarre experience to say the least. Not in his entire life could Libra have guessed he would someday find himself hanging the laundry alongside Lady Emmeryn. Nevertheless, he was not one to question the path the Gods set him upon. With a smile, both pleasant and confused, Libra began hanging the rest of the clothes in the basket. Not long after starting their task, Libra’s gaze followed the direction in which Emmeryn pointed, and he paused before smiling and nodding.

"I am fine, my lady. What of yourself? Would you like for me to bring something for you?"

[emeraldexalt]

Something in Emmeryn's chest felt warm and content when Libra began helping her hang up the laundry. It was such a simple task, but even this seemed more enjoyable when shared with a friend. She even began humming a bit to herself - if one listened close enough, her broken voice was able to piece together something that could resemble a melody.

At Libra's offer, Emmeryn smiled warmly and shook her head. She knew that the man's heart was in the right place, and at one point she was indeed the royal exalt of Ylisse, but those times had long since passed. Now, she was simply Emmeryn - humble servant of the Shepherds. Libra's reverent treatment of her almost felt out of place.

"N-No, let's..." She took one of Libra's hands into both of her own. "G..o... together."

[ylissean-prince]

sweet disposition | Emmeryn&Chrom

[ylissean-prince]

He watched her movements, making note of how Emmeryn struggled with its weight a tad, but much better than before. In truth, Chrom was actually surprised with just how easily she was able to keep her swing so even.

Chrom raised his hands, clapping in recognition. “Very, very good Emm. You’re already outshining some of our newest members. Does it feel better now that you’re getting into the hang of it? Did you want to try your hand at some training dummies?”

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn's cheeks glowed at Chrom's compliment and she gave a silent chuckle. At her brother's next question, she nodded eagerly - the sooner she became adept at self-defense, the better.

Sheathing the practice sword, Emmeryn followed Chrom across camp towards the training grounds, where several people were sparring or sharpening their weapons or cleaning their armor. Emmeryn shrank a bit under their stares; people still seemed to be getting used to her presence. But so long as Chrom was by her side, she felt like she could do anything.

[crimsonwarlordwalhart-blog]

Your Great Self-Destruction // Walhart and Emmeryn

She had been a symbol of peace, the Exalt of Ylisse. Stately, benevolent, beautiful Emmeryn. Even across the oceans, on the plains and in the valleys of Valm people spoke of her infinite grace. For her citizens, she was a beacon of hope in troubled times. For the rest of the world, she was an icon, someone nearly inhuman in her majesty. She was radiant with her love for her people, and her people loved her back just as ferociously. It was said that if anyone could bring Ylisse and the world into an era of peace, Emmeryn could.

And then she fell off a cliff and Ylisse came crashing back to join the rest of the world in reality.

Walhart had not been surprised to learn of the Exalt’s fate. He had long held the opinion that the Queen of Ylisse was a foolish, weak woman who was deluding herself if she honestly thought peace could be achieved without bloodshed. He was certain that a more aggressive nation would eventually put an end to her pacifism, one way or another. And when he heard about how she had been forced to throw herself to her death, Walhart felt only the satisfaction of being proven right.

After that, he barely gave a thought to the poor woman who had died for her ideals. Until one day at camp when he spotted a woman bearing the Brand of the Exalt on her forehead.

Those meant to rule were ridiculously hard to kill, it seemed.

"It would appear I’ve misjudged you, Exalt," Walhart said, approaching the woman. "It was reported to me that you threw yourself from an impossible height. You appear weak and frail, but surviving such a fall must have required tremendous strength."

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn jumped a little at the warlord's approach, nearly dropping the apple she held in her hands. The paring knife she'd been using to peel it nicked her thumb and quickly she brought it to her lips, sucking away the little drop of blood that welled from her fair skin. 

"H...ello," Emmeryn said shyly, meeting Walhart's eyes for just several moments before averting her gaze again. The former exalt was fairly reserved around just about everyone in camp, but this wasn't just anybody standing before her. This was a mountain, a conqueror, a being of otherworldly strength that didn't even appear human at first glance. Emmeryn's knowledge of him was hazy at best but she had heard whispers of the acts he'd committed before his apparent death.

Emm glanced up at Walhart several times as she continued to peel the apple. He spoke of strength, but she felt quite the opposite. It was still a mystery as to how she survived her fall, but it certainly wasn't because of strength, she was positive. 

"Not...strong..." she said quietly, struggling with her words, "I...m... b-blessed."

Yes, that felt more correct. Surely Emmeryn hadn't survived through any brute power of her own - her resurrection was Naga's doing. There were yet chapters of Ylisse's story to unfold and she still had a part of play, in some way or another; that had to be it.

Soon Emm held a freshly-peeled apple in her hands. She had meant to bake it into a tart for Lissa, but it appeared that her sister had run off somewhere. It would have been a shame to waste it so she held it out to Walhart.

"Y-You are...the...s-strong...one."

[battlefield-saint]

Radiance and Blackheart - Emmeryn & Libra

[battlefield-saint]

Libra let go of the basket with the hand that Emmeryn clasped with her own. The contact this time was less of a shock, but her grateful gesture made his face grow warm. He took a deep breath, lowering his hand and nodding, careful not to let his tears spill from his eyes. There was nothing more he could do to express his gratitude without risking crying in front of the former exalt. As things were now, he knew it would only serve to cause her distress.

Nevertheless, her words warmed his heart. The guilt that had plagued him for over two years had not disappeared, but it had most definitely softened. Perhaps now, he would finally be able to work towards the atonement and acceptance of his sins. He had failed Lady Emmeryn before. With the miracle of her having returned to them—he silently vowed to ensure her safety.

At Emmeryn’s prompt, Libra returned to reality—automatically smiling as he listened to her soft words and looked up at he path.

"Ah, of course. Let us return together," he said with a curt nod, propping up the basket in his grasp before leading the way at a leisurely pace.

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn walked calmly alongside Libra, her slippered feet almost silent against the soft forest floor. Sunlight streamed through the branches and birds chirped but remained unseen; walking through the forest offered such respite from the clamor and clang of warfare.

The rounded the final bend and found camp again; the Shepherds were still setting up, pitching tents and shining armor and sharpening blades and beginning the preparations for dinner. The bustling activity was both invigorating and overwhelming - everything seemed to loud to Emmeryn that she fought the urge to cover her ears. But seeing everyone working so hard also made her feel somewhat at ease.

Emmeryn graciously took the basket from Libra, heading over to where the clotheslines had been set up. As she began hanging the still-damp shirts, she pointed to the mess tent.

"You... hungry?" she asked, the content smile never faltering from her face.

[ylissean-prince]

sweet disposition | Emmeryn&Chrom

[ylissean-prince]

When the older sibling looked up, she could probably see a proud smile stretched across Chrom’s face. 

"There you go, Emm. That’s a great start! Does it feel alright? Is it too heavy? How about you try taking a few steps towards me with it? If, by then, you’re used to the weight, you can try taking a swing at me, even."

He had confidence that his sister would be able to learn the basics by the end of the day. Emmeryn was always a quick learner, even when they were mere children. Even with the tides of change, Chrom could still see the hardworking traits his sister had and still has. 

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn gave a little sigh of relief at Chrom's words. As serious as he was, he had a knack for showing optimism when she felt down - and she was grateful for that. His words put her at ease and the tension in her shoulders left. 

Tightening her grip on the hilt, Emmeryn gave the sword a steady swing, careful that the tip of the blade steered clear of Chrom's torso. The swing was slow but it arched cleanly, and made a little whoosh sound through the air.

Taking a breath, Emmeryn lowered the sword, letting the tip of the blade rest on the ground. She gave her younger brother a bashful smile.

[kriscroix]

[battlefield-saint]

Radiance and Blackheart - Emmeryn & Libra

[battlefield-saint]

A soft breeze set the leaves in the wood swaying, and the river down beside the path bubbled softly. Standing beside Lady Emmeryn in such peaceful scenery, it was almost impossible to believe they were in the midst of a war. But, it was thanks to the woman beside him that the people of Ylisse knew what peace was, and could strive to regain it with such determination. He wished he could say these things to her, but no matter… That right was not his, nor was it her duty to listen.

Libra followed Emmeyn’s gaze downwards, and he remained silent. To be here, separated from the conflict in which good people could be losing their lives—it was difficult not to feel powerless. He could not begin to imagine how she felt, being kept away from all the fighting, and being unable to even defend herself like the rest of the company. Yet, even so, her presence was indispensable to the Shepherds—to Lord Chrom and Lissa, and to himself.

He noticed her expression fall into one of dismay before it disappeared behind a gentle smile. Libra returned the gesture, hoping he might provide her with the support she had given to so many at the cost of a huge sacrifice. The priest paused at her question, mulling it over for a moment before sighing and looking into her eyes.

"Towards peace, Lady Emmeryn. Conflict has tipped the balance in its favour for a time, but we are doing all we can to restore order to the world. Whilst there is no such thing as perfect serenity, such loss and bloodshed cannot be allowed to consume this world—for which you have done so much." Though he tried to hide it, his smile faltered as he spoke. She had done so much, and yet, she had nothing to show for it. The Exalt had sacrificed herself and her future, and for what? To allow the world to be plunged into warfare once more?

With a deep, trembling breath, Libra steeled himself and bowed his head to the gentle saint before him.

"If you wish it, and you can bear to do so—please, continue to support us as you have all this time. You are dear to all of us here, my lady… And I know we cannot thank you enough for how you care with all your heart."

[emeraldexalt]

Libra's words put Emmeryn at such ease that she felt more comfortable with him than she practically ever felt. As he said, the world was more than imperfect but perhaps they would live to see it restored to its former peace and harmony.

When he bowed, Emmeryn blinked in surprise. Certainly people must have acted like this around her when she was the exalt of Ylisse, but she could hardly remember that time and she certainly didn't think she was doing much now. Still, as much as his words of deference made her feel awkwardly on the spot, they lifted her spirits nonetheless. 

She held one of Libra's hands in both of hers and leaned down to give his fingers a soft kiss.

"N...No," Emmeryn said, standing up straight again, "I... am thank...ful."

She pointed back up the path and simply said, "...Camp." Emm hoped Libra knew that she meant that they should rejoin their comrades.

[ylissean-prince]

[PAIN AND SUFFERING] | Emmeryn&Chrom

[ylissean-prince]

He held up his hand, shaking his head. “Don’t apologize, sister. That was years ago. It’s been a long time since you’ve practiced with a weapon. Wait one moment.”

Chrom turned around, making his way towards the armory they set up at camp, soon returning with a lightweight sword for her to practice with. Unsheathing Falchion with his free hand, he held out the other weapon for her to take.

"Here, see if this is alright for you to hold first." 

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn waited patiently as Chrom went to the armory and back. With steady hands she grasped the hilt of the sword, but as lightweight as it was her arms still fell and the tip of the blade hit the ground with a sad thunk. 

Hiding her embarrassment at how weak she was, Emm drew in a sharp breath and lifted the sword again, this time prepared for its weight. Her grip was steady and the blade only shook a little; anxiously she looked at Chrom.

[battlefield-saint]

Radiance and Blackheart - Emmeryn & Libra

[battlefield-saint]

The sudden contact sent a shiver down the priest’s spine, but it was not unwelcome. The former Exalt’s words were soft, and almost strained. Libra smiled softly and nodded, grateful for her kindness. If possible he did not want her to exert herself. But, she knew her limits best. He trusted she would make them known, should she need to.

Libra took the basket with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. As fragile as she was, he knew it could be exhausting to be treated so delicately. He hoped she would understand his sentiments.

He followed her gaze, watching the scenery and silently wondering if he should ask her how she fared, before the lady voiced her own question. "Most of the Shepherds have gone ahead to secure the path for us to set out on. I am here guarding the camp, Your Gra—my lady." He had to remember to stop addressing her that way.

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn nodded in understanding, noticing Libra's slipup but choosing not to act as though she noticed. She was well aware that being in her presence often made people feel nervous and awkward - but she appreciated the effort they made to make her feel more comfortable.

Her gaze trailed down to the forest floor. Everyone was fighting and putting themselves in danger to secure a safe, bright future. It made her wish there was something more she could do.

Emmeryn quickly forced herself to smile, though. There was no point in dragging herself down like that.

"W-Where... we go...ing?" She asked, in relation to the Shepherds. 

[ylissean-prince]

[PAIN AND SUFFERING] | Emmeryn&Chrom

[ylissean-prince]

"Yes, Emm. I’ll be the one to teach you." Chrom said, trying to soothe her. If not him, then he’d at least have Frederick come to her aid. He assumed, however, that she’d be most comfortable with him teaching her himself. 

"Would you be okay with me teaching you now? .. Do you recall how father used to try and teach us in our younger days?" 

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn smiled tenderly at her little brother when he agreed. She knew it wasn't easy for him, and she truly appreciated everything he did for her.

However the former exalt's face fell and her eyebrow creased when Chrom prompted her to recall the past. No matter how hard she tried, all she ever did was hit a blank wall and all she had to show for her efforts was a sharp headache.

"N...o..." she said softly, eyes guiltily trailing towards the ground, "I...sorry..."

[battlefield-saint]

Radiance and Blackheart - Emmeryn & Libra

[battlefield-saint]

Were the gods testing his mettle this day? Libra felt his heart leap into his throat at the sight of the Lady Emmeryn’s slight figure approaching him upon the path. He straightened his back and swallowed hard. It would be difficult, treating her with respect, but not so much that she would find it stifling. Or perhaps she would simply walk past with a simple greeting. Nay, that was a foolish thought—Her Grace was an existence higher than his own, surely, she would not—

"Ack!" The priest started, unable to believe he had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he had failed to notice the former Exalt’s presence. Now, this was the kind of folly that had made him fail so terribly in the first place. He coughed and strapped his axe to his back, so as not to appear threatening.

 ”Forgive me, Your Grace. I was simply startled—I meant no offense. … May I assist you with your burden there?” He gestured at the basket in the woman’s hands, hoping to steer the conversation in another direction (and to salvage his first impression).

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn gave a gentle smile and put a calming hand on Libra's shoulder. There was no reason to apologize, for he had committed no offense - but how to express that?

"N...o n-need...apology..." She let out a long breath, practically exhausted just from uttering that half-sentence. 

When Libra gestured towards the basket she was carrying, Emmeryn handed it to him, slightly relieved to be free of that burden. Once it was out of her hands, though, she felt a wash and guilt of shame. What kind of person was she if she couldn't even carry a basket of laundry?

Awkwardly Emmeryn clasped her hands together and stared around, at the trees and dirt and foliage and sky. "It's...l-love...ly," she said slowly, turning to glance towards Libra from the corner of her eye. "W-Why you... alone?"

[emeraldexalt]

Show Me A Smile ○ Lucina and Emmeryn

[exaltedeye]

She stared at her for a brief moment, slowly smiling a little warmer than before and slightly nuzzled her cheek at her aunt’s soft touch. It felt nice like this; even though Emmeryn isn’t the one to carry on a conversation, Lucina didn’t mind it.

However, there was still a tinge of regret she felt in her stomach, even after all that’s happened to her aunt was in the past now. Lucina couldn’t help but feel responsible, after all, she traveled back in time in order to stop these things from happening in her own timeline. She only wished she was there for her aunt when she needed it the most. Maybe then things wouldn’t have to be like this.

Her trance broke when Lucina felt the tug on her sleeve, her eyes peering to the now clear skies outside. “It seems like the weather has finally cleared up…” she started, shifting her attention to Emmeryn again. “Why don’t we go outside? It looks lovely.”

[emeraldexalt]

When Lucina's eyes clouded over slightly Emmeryn knew that her niece's thoughts had taken a dark turn. Unsure of what to do, though, the exalt simple held onto Lucina's hand. It was so small, and yet this girl seemed to constantly be holding the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Emm breathed a sigh of relief when Lucina agreed to go outside. "A-Ah," she said in affirmation, giving a small nod.

They stepped out of the tent and were instantly hit with a breath of fresh air. The earth had that clean, renewed scent that always came after rainfall and lingering raindrops clung to every tent and piece of armor, making the camp seem to sparkle. The sight made Emmeryn sigh in contentment - when the world capable of such beautiful sights, surely a peaceful future was attainable. 

Gently Emmeryn tugged on Lucina's hand that she still held, pointing towards a path that led into the trees. "Ex...plore...?" she asked hesitantly, wondering what Lucina would think of leaving the camp. She knew that Chrom hardly ever let her leave - for good reason, of course, but sometimes it just felt right to get away for several moments.

[plegianking-deactivated20140323]

The Fallen || Gangrel and Emmeryn

[plegianking-deactivated20140323]

Caught by surprise as Emmeryn’s hand delicately took his, he drew back. His thoughts continued to race and repeat through his mind. It was true. It was really, absolutely true. She didn’t remember a thing! His bewildered eyes shifted from her hand up to her soft eyes. The reality of the situation was starting to set in.

"You-!" he started loudly, quickly lowering his voice as she requested. A second more of silence, and he spoke again, nearly in a whisper. "It’s not just me you can’t remember… It’s everything." He spoke to no one but himself, though Emmeryn remained only inches in front of him.

He turned away from the one exalt, taking in the situation. Had it been those years ago he would have taken pride on stealing away the memories of Chrom’s beloved sister. Now that such a thing had been accomplished, it left him no feeling but one of regret and self disappointment. 

Looking at her once more, Gangrel took Emmeryn’s still extended hand in his. He had finally calmed himself. That nervousness he felt at the beginning seemed to simply fade away.

"Your brother would kill me if he spotted me so close to you… Heh, and maybe that would be just fine… But I need you to know this.” 

Gangrel struggled with his words once more. Not out of a lack of them this time, but rather the uncertainty of what might be appropriate to say. He had done so much harm. There was no way he could allow himself to cause any more.

"All this pain you feel… This struggle to remember anything… It’s my fault! Don’t you get it? You can’t possibly treat me with such… such kindness!”

[emeraldexalt]

Emmeryn breathed a little sigh of relief when the man seemed to calm down, but she frowned as he continued in a softer voice. She didn't understand - how could it all be the fault of this one man? His face was filled with such pain, such regret... Even if it was all his fault she couldn't possibly make herself feel animosity towards this man.

Daring to give a cautious smile, Emmeryn tightened her grip on his hand, which felt so large compared to her own fragile hand. 

"N...o... I want... start over."

The Shepherds were working so hard towards a peaceful future, what was the point of letting the darkness of the past drag people down? Perhaps it was true that this man had done horrible things that had led to Emmeryn'c current state. But he was here now, and clearly trying to make a change - and that was something that made her happy beyond words.

She then realized she still didn't know his name.

"Ah... Emmeryn." She pointed to herself with her free hand, before pointing towards him. "A-And... you?"