ＥＸＡＬＴＥＤ.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“I do not trust him, but if you do I will put aside my doubts. Though given reason I will kill him again. And this time, Grima, I will not join you.” He looked at Frederick then back to Grima. “Guess he’s too flashy.”

Grima watched Reflet in silence. He was angry, untrusting. At least he was rightfully so. The dragon quietly pet Lucina’s hair and huffed at the last words. “You have no room to talk, Sir Lights a Fleet of Ships on Fire.”

⌠❖⌡ "... Well, he's got you there Reflet." That's not a bemused tone at all what made you think it was? That whole thing about using their own ships to get across was a great idea, and carried them all across but it was a rather flashy display that had Fredrick even smiling ever so slightly at the thought. 

Lucina, on the other hand, was giggling hearing those words spoken while looking at her dad after having not seen him for a long time. But, these hair pets were so nice she merely smiles and showed no signs of wanting to leave Grima's hold.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“Good. I’m sure tiny here will be excited as well.” The dragon held her close to himself. He’d gotten the hang of holding onto her after a couple tries. “Does he know?” The beast asked not knowing his question was about to be answered.

Reflet stood in the doorway catching sight of Grima. The man felt his heart drop at the sight and quickly pulled out his tome.

“What the hell is he-!” The tactician cut off seeing Lucina in his arms. Her trust in the dragon visible. “Chrom… What happened in my absence?”

⌠❖⌡ Yeah, about that... The answer was made prevalent when Reflet suddenly caught sight of what was before them, glancing over at the other when he suddenly pulled out his tome. Both of the Exalt's hands went up in what could only be a 'wohwoh' manner, it's a good thing he can't fire with Lucina all but attached to Grima or he'd fear the tactician would be blasting this room right about now. "While you were gone I found Grima first and gave him a chance to right what was done wrong, so I offered him a place to stay here and Lucina has all but attached herself to him as you can see." 

This is where Fredrick interjects with a small cough, stepping forward into all of their views while looking to Reflet. "I still do not fully trust this dragon, but, he did an admittedly good job watching the little princess while Lord Chrom searched for you... Albeit he got his tail handed to him in hide and seek." That smirk returns.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

The dragon lifted her up into his arms and carried her to Chrom and Frederick. “Enjoy the show huh?” He said as they snickered. He seemed genuinely happy. “So, did you have any luck?” The beast asked. He felt as though he knew the answer already. Even with out his connect he could feel that presence there.

⌠❖⌡ "As a matter of fact, I did have luck with finding him, he is in the castle being looked at by the maid's to see if he has any injuries and to take care of his basic needs." So far, it seemed Reflet was unharmed and only really needed some basic human needs, but, he would not be surprised if the man wandered in here to see this sight right now. What with Lucina attaching herself to the dragon once more, utterly relaxed in his grip and absolutely refusing to leave it based on that tight grip as Fredrick finally composed himself.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

It was near silent. Finally it seemed like he was going to wi- nope never mind, he was busy springing free of the curtain like a cat that got startled. The dragon had let out quiet the cry as he did. 

He could feel his heart beating so hard in his chest. Grima’s red eyes shifted to her and he let out a laugh. “I guess that means I lost once again. Right, Princess?” The beast heard the snickering finally and looked up to see Frederick and Chrom watching. How long had they been there? Oh well.

​⌠❖⌡ Well, not that was quite the amusing sight as he watched Grima leap into the air at such a high volume, who would have thought the god known as The Fell Dragon would jolt so badly startled by a small four-year-old girl. It was hard not to snicker as Fredrick was doing by his side currently, so, a small smirk merely presented itself upon the exalt's features for the time being. 

Lucina, on the other hand, giggled in delight before she scampered up to Grima and attached herself to his leg, giving it a soft delighted nuzzle she's never won so much in her life before!

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

~ And go he did. After Chrom left Grima started to watch over tiny Lucina. The child taught him a few games, some he was good at while others he wasn’t. He was exceptionally bad at hide and seek. The dragon was soon used to making his presence know that trying to conceal himself away was a task. Lucina however was a god at it. 

Grima had hidden himself behind a curtain like a small child would in the hopes that he wouldn’t be found. Reflet let out laughter that coursed through his mind as he tried to keep himself silent. The dragon sighed a bit. This time he would win.

⌠❖⌡ Upon his return from the field where he had gone to see if Reflet was there, he had managed to find the other man and helped him back to the castle as some maids were off taking care of him for the time being. Walking to the room he assumed he'd find Grim and Lucina in, he's met with the sight of Fredrick standing outside of the door and silently pointing into the room. It seems he and Chrom have easily spotted Grima trying to hide in the curtains, but his gaze soon lands upon Lucina who was sneaking up on the hiding dragon. 

A finger is put to her lips in a 'sshhhh' manner, as Chrom took his gaze away and tried his best not to smile. Three... Two... One... POUNCE. Lucina launches herself at Grima out of his line of sight and latches onto the dragon with a delighted squee. There goes Fredrick snickering in the background, and Chrom finally breaks into a smile.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“Oh well. He can stay in that place with all the Terrors. If those creatures are still around I’m sure his body became one.” Grima pet Lucina’s hair once more. “I think… I can do it. I can always ask Frederick if I need help after all… yes?”

​⌠❖⌡ "Of course I am sure Fredrick will be more than happy to assist you with Lucina, he often deals with her anyways since I can't always be with her." Much to his dismay on that matter, but, as Exalt he had duties that just could not be pushed aside even to be a parent. "If you are confident in doing so, I suppose I can take my leave now and go find Reflet." Standing from where he had been seated, the exalt makes his way over to the doorway before glancing back at the two. "Don't worry she'll be fine." After all, she would give anyone a run for their money even in her sleep induced state.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“Depends on the child…” Did he count? He wasn’t born after all. “I wonder if my creator feels the same. I did kill him after all.” Red eyes shifted away as he spoke. It wasn’t as if he felt bad. The man probably wasn’t a good person after all. Why else would he want a monster who could raise the dead.

​⌠❖⌡ "Perhaps, I can't say for sure because I don't know who created you." Nor the story behind it that was all lost to history long ago after all, but if Grima killed him back then there must have been a good reason for it especially if it was a man who gave Grima his rather fearsome powers. "That was then however and this is the now." The past was hard to change even if Lucina and the other children managed to do just that, but it was not easy and never would be Ylisse still had a lot of healing to do as well as the other countries...

[exaltedscion]

???

He felt eyes on him and knew he’d been noticed. The Naga looked over his shoulder and saw whom he assumed to be their leader watching him. He remembered this one. What was the name he had heard again? “Chrom, is that right?” He asked. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen your little group here.” Just in case the royal thought he was a threat, Mateus kept his distance and kept a few escape routes in mind.

⌠❖⌡ "Yes, my name is Chrom if you have seen us here before, that must have been well over two years ago." Back when he was still an Exalted Prince, back before Emm died and he took over the mantle as the new Exalt of Ylisse it was hard to lead the same way his sister had but the people thankfully liked him. Strange... This person had the upper body of a man but the lower of a snake, he thought such creatures were only a myth in the books he used to read as a young boy but this easily proved him wrong.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“You sure are strange, Chrom. Thank you.” The dragon pet her hair again. “I… am not sure how to raise a child. Is it hard?” He asked. For a time he was alone with his creator. Other then that his risen accompanied him. And Validar. What a pest that man was.

⌠❖⌡ "It can be rather difficult at first, being a parent isn't as easy as some people make it seem to be... It mostly depends on the child I suppose, in the case of Lucina she likes to wander. Not to mention running around despite being blind in one eye, but she manages to elude us with ease." When she was older she would only get better at this fact, especially considering she would not have the same experience as the future Lucina who left through the outer realm gate long ago. 

"Even if it can be hard, it's more than worth it to be a father."

[exaltedscion]

STAHL

Relief washed over him. “Thank you so much. I would say you have no idea what this means to me, but I know you do.” Chrom as a leader would icfeel about the same as Stahl in the same situation. 

​⌠❖⌡  ❛While I cannot say I know entirely how you feel, I know well enough to know when a man truly wishes to help and for things to be better.❜ To him, that type of person was more than welcome among his ranks, and he must admit thinking about this and not about what just happened... Perhaps he was being selfish, the true reason he was focused so much on the other was to not think about his sister's recent death. It was all that he could do, to keep his voice from cracking and his emotions to be filled with nothing but sorrow.

[exaltedscion]

???

@exaltedscion

Now this was a curious sight. Weren’t they done with Plegia? This wasn’t the first time he’d witnessed the Ylisse army come through here. It had been, what? Two years? Since they had come through. But the war was over, so why were they back? Curious, Mateus shifted his long scaled tail down and out of the tree he was lounging in as they came closer to the small oasis he’d laid claim to.

​⌠❖⌡ How long had it been since they were last through this area, by far too long if you asked him about two years ago during a hard time. One that he would rather not think about but knew there was no changing the past, they were walking through here once more to reach the castle where Validar had invited them over to talk. As much as he didn't like or trust this, he wanted to have peace between the two countries was that so bad of a wish? Walking on they came across a small oasis, that might be a good place to stock up on water before they leave--... Wait a moment, what was that he noticed out of the corner of his eye before looking over and--What in Naga's name was that?

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“What? Chrom you realize that you are asking literal destruction to watch your daughter. Are you ill? What if something happens? What if I… What if… I…” He stopped. What if he hurt her, what if something in him snapped and he took her life. The thought scared him.

​⌠❖⌡ ❛The fact that you are worried is enough for me, I don't think you'd hurt her I think she'd be more liking to hurt you!❜ That's spoken like it's a good thing, but, he was not wrong that little baby girl can defend herself if need be and Grima would be in for some broken bones with the strength she inherited from Chrom.

[exaltedscion]

STAHL

“I know the consequences of my actions, but I care not. If it means that our countries be at peace with each other.” The man was surprised that Chrom trusted him at all considering the current situation. “Lord Chrom, I don’t care if you have to keep me in the dungeon, I want to fight at your side until we can stop him. Please…” Stahl didn’t expect anything from him, but still, he wanted to save his people.

​⌠❖⌡ ❛I see no reason to impression and ally.❜ Comes his reply to the matter with no hesitation to be found, after all, he liked to live by his sister's belief that people should be given a chance before you rule them out and deem them either an enemy or something else entirely. ❛As far as I am concerned you are part of the Shepard's now, you will have to go and acquaint yourself with your new allies.❜ Even if he was sure they would be less than ecstatic about the matter, but they can't really say no to him being the leader.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“Honestly… if my creator was like you, perhaps things would have been different. Maybe that is why this is happening… To turn things around.” Grima spoke softly. “In a way, I’m glad. Hopefully it stays that way.”

⌠❖⌡ ❛As I mentioned prior you are welcome to stay here, I do not plan on ever taking back that offer and it's not just because Lucina would cry if I tried.❜ After all, he liked to give people second chances it was just the way he was, sure Grima has done a lot wrong but that doesn't mean he can't start doing right. ❛How about this, while I got out and look for Reflet you can stay and watch Lucina for me? She is not very keen on any of the maids or butlers I leave her with, she always runs away and then we all have to spend a day combing the castle in a search.❜ You'd think a little girl who was blind in one eye would not get far, you'd be dead wrong.

[exaltedscion]

STAHL

“My people are suffering for this war as well. Gangrel… He’s not who he used to be. He thinks war is the only way to save us, but its killing us. And its killing Ylisse. If he isn’t stopped soon then this war will be a catastrophe for one or both sides, as it already has with the Exalt. Most every Plegian warrior that was there were outraged by what happened to her. I know it doesn’t mean much coming from us, but we’re sorry. You must understand… We can’t just… say no to him. Our friends… families…” He stopped speaking at that moment. Chrom wasn’t his father, but in this moment Stahl would understand if he cared more for a plagued rat then Plegia’s problems.

⌠❖⌡ Silently he listened to the other speaking and made no signs he was going to cut him off, not put any of his own thoughts into the matter until the man had entirely finished speaking. Once the exalted prince was sure the other was done, the expression upon his features fell from emotionless to one that carried a certain type of knowing sadness. ❛I understand you and every other Pelagians plight, you did not wish for this war and neither did we of Ylisse. To say no to your kind is as good as a death sentence, is it not? You would be branded a traitor, executed, and so would those you hold most dear.❜ 

Perhaps it sounds a little too much like he's speaking from experience, but, he remembers his father's reign all too well before the man died and passed it on to Emm. ❛I trust your word when you say these words, my name is Chrom but you likely already knew that.❜ Fredrick was giving him a hard stare after exiting the caravan, clearly, not everyone was accepting as the exalted prince.

[exaltedscion]

GRIMA

“I see.” That must have been a wonderful sight. “Yes, it is true. I can do that.” The dragon replied. “Yet she trusts me faster then her own mother… er… father.” The beast replied.

​⌠❖⌡ ❛Lucina is a special little girl, I've never seen one quite like her before.❜ That was not just because he witnessed her beat up a beat as just a little girl either, but, the way she acted more than showed and she was rather attached to her father and Reflet in her own way. Yet, something about Grima just drew her in, perhaps it was the good in him that she saw or the way he felt so sad with how people treated him and what he was created for. ❛Whatever makes her happy is what I strive for.❜ And soon, she will have Reflet back as well, he wonders how the other man will react to how attached to Grima she was.

[exaltedscion]

STAHL

Stahl watched his former general fall and felt his heart sink. The fight was won. No more blood would be spilled now. The mercenairy watched everyone from both sides sheath their blades and fall back. He began to follow Chrom but stopped. Should he follow. If he stayed outside the caravan he could make it seem like it was a Plegian transport. Stahl nodded to himself and then followed after them. 

​⌠❖⌡ Glancing out the window of the caravan he was within he stared at the mercenary following behind them all since he was not near the front, and more so the middle for safety purposes before they come to a stop outside of Pelagia's borders. Getting out of the cart first his yale gaze is locked upon the man he saw on the battlefield, a slight tilt of his head to the right in a curious manner before approaching him in a slow manner hand resting upon Falchion's holt but not drawing it. 

❛Why did you help me...?❜