TO PREVAIL.

Eirika listens carefully and then nods. Carrying a book for this is smart. She will have to remember that.

"She does, yes. As I read it, the goddess created this island, and so it is an extension of her own divinity. The Tree of the Goddess, located in the northern forest, is believed also to be linked to her. When the tree prospers, so too does the land, and vice versa when it is in decline. The magic she grants also pertains to nature, with those she blesses being able to wield earth, wind, water, and even light magic that can alter the sun's rays. It seems to be an innate ability so far as I read, not something that can be taught, but there is apparently someone going around the island teaching others magic. A Mr. Ketil, but I have not been able to find out much about him."

While she finds parts of the details difficult to fathom, it does provide her with much more than she had moments ago. She etches the name of this Mr. Ketil into her memory, raising a brow without realizing. A few seconds pass before she responds.

"The Tree of the Goddess must be diminishing at present," she hypothesizes. Where she tends to have disinterest in such things, she begins to think it may be worth at least visiting for herself. The truth is best seen with her own eyes. "If the magic is innate, how can he do that? I don't understand. Something seems astray, don't you think?"

That was Sin's first thought seeing her, in truth. He's certain he's seen her beforehand, at the Monastery, sometime before this mess... But when could it have been? It's hard to remember, with his mind occupied like this.

(also, no more drinking from suspicious water sources. that might be psyching him out a little.)

...But it seems his own curiosity has gotten the best of him, because he can't help but feel wildly out of his element here. It's his own fault he's ended up like this, but he'll do what he can nonetheless.

When she lowers her position, she sets the tool back down and rests a hand on her hips. "I read that farming and forestry has always been an important part of life on this island." She has no reason not to believe the book she has been given.

To really see what’s going on, he made his way to the poorer parts of the island. Coming from the direction of the northern forest. He tries to stand out as little as possible for once. Just walking through and looking around to get a sense of what is going on here…but that search becomes halted when he catches a very striking and familiar head of red hair turning the corner. That was Alear!! What was he doing here? He gets a bit mixed up into the crowd when he tries to follow. But he remembers the general direction he saw him go!! For the smaller boy, it takes a bit for him to make his way through. But by the time he gets there, there’s already a huge commotion! People seem to be shouting and being angry and fighting…!? What was going on!!

He shoves with a bit of urgency, finally getting into where the bulk of the battle is. Almost running right into Niles, who was in the rear of the group from the academy. His eyes widen as attacks from all three sides are being thrown at each other. 

“What happened..!? Why are-” He’s cut off when he’s pushed a bit. Frowning as he huddles closer to his group from school. He didn’t want to fight anyone without asking what was going…why was everyone so mad today? First the animals and now this…!? But they were hitting his friends…

His face scrunched when he was told how dangerous it was. That he should leave. Eyes widening as Niles chooses to take a hit head-on so he would keep standing in front of him, when it would have been better for him to back up!! He may be young…but situations like these are why he came to school! Why he wanted to get stronger so he could protect others, not be the one who was protected. Plus…the way he came looked to be a bit crowded with other bystanders watching but not entering. He wouldn’t be able to push through the crowd to leave quick enough anyway! “Alear, Uncle Niles….Sorry…! I don’t wanna leave you all behind!” He wasn’t going to abandon anyone!!

It was hard to see over all of his tall allies! But he nodded. They will make a circle together just like the Black Eagles leader said!!! He spots the head of someone who wasn’t an ally. Someone who looked like he was eyeing Niles as his first target. "Stop looking at him like that!! I think!" It's hard to see, but he's lifting up his Levin sword and bringing down a bolt of electricity! Zapping the space right next to that townsman. “Sorry!” He’ll chirp out from behind the crowd, probably not even to be seen! Even if it missed, a strike of lightning attracts a lot of attention.

He can adapt, though. This is what he always wanted. He just needs to get used to it, now.

He is used to taking orders, though again this is different - no threat of terrible punishment hanging overhead, if he disobeys. Still, what Edelgard says makes sense, and why would he choose to ignore her?

Dutifully, he forces his way into a proper position - though not without attracting unwanted notice, along the way. A gauntlet punches into his side, almost barrelling him over, before he can shove back and separate himself. Strangely, though he feels a spread of dull, bruising pain, it's not as bad as he'd expect. No time to consider why that might be.

Before he can think of retaliation, vengance comes from another source - one of the other faction's fighters, swooping in to take advantage of a turned back, with a viciously swinging hammer. The brawler roars in pain, and Alear can't help a glimmer of satisfaction.

One might have thought that the locals would choose to band together, against outsiders. Setting aside their differences, to drive away those even more different. Evidently not. But that's to the monastery group's benefit.

Meanwhile, he can only be…exasperated? Is that what he feels, about Kanna's refusal to leave? Well, perhaps it's actually safer to stay with them, rather than disappear into those crowds alone. He's brave, if not very accurate with his weapon. It looks like he's unscathed, for now.

"They seem…less amateur than I would have thought."

The words aren't aimed at anyone specific. Still, he'd expected this island to be a peaceful place. These men and women take to violence so easily, he wouldn't believe they've never handled weapons before.

As for the talk of 'big dogs' and 'little guys', he has no idea what that could possibly mean.

To Alear's words, Edelgard hears them and extends a nod. Oh, how she wishes she had been here before the fighting began. Mourning over what-if's is a foolish endeavor, and that, she will not do. "Indeed," she agrees. Perhaps these people, too, hold fortitude in themselves similarly to those from the farmlands. "That's why we must resolve this quickly."

A woman holding shards of a broken bottle meets the Imperial Princess's gaze, tossing what remains of it in her direction. There is a mixed look in her eyes, filled with emotion that Edelgard does not have. Her crests swell as the pieces hit against her shield effortlessly and bounces back with an unmatched might. It knocks the other woman to her knees: "They're the ones… you ought to be going for… They started this whole thing, we… were just… trying to end it…"

Those words are soft; delicate, if she takes the time to examine them. Is she referring to the other people she had been fighting with? No, it's possible she means an entirely different entity. She doesn't know. She can't ask right now. Edelgard's hair falls behind her shoulders as she kicks away broken parts of the bottle. Her strong hit, landing the bottle remnants near the legs of a taller man, growls. She swerves around him to leave him with naught but the dust of her trail.

But before that, she smiles, quite pleased with Edelgard's comment. "You must be speaking of my twin brother, Ephraim. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Edelgard. I am Princess Eirika of Renais." She curtsies in greeting. "Though at the academy I am a student of the Golden Deer. In truth, I was hoping to meet you at some point."

Perhaps she would have chosen more ideal circumstances but she is happy nonetheless.

Edelgard reveals the leather-bound book she had brought with her from Garreg Mach and taps its cover with her index finger. "As it were, that is precisely the sort of information I am lacking. I haven't been to the church at all." No, she has found herself much more engrossed in the change of agriculture and the hidden secrets she still has yet to unearth.

A moment passes as she stands in the entranceway— Purposeful; observant, to see what she can witness before she bothers stepping all the way inside.

"It's obvious the tools in here have seen plenty of use," she speaks as she finally goes inside. She'll gladly seize this opportunity of information gathering if it means a concurrent chance of speaking with someone lodging in the same district as her.

She doesn't wait for a reply until fully immersing herself. Upon deeming it worthy of further inspection, Edelgard moves towards an axe and finds it much lighter than most that fall in her hands. She holds its handle idly. "Tell me your thoughts."

Settled comfortable on the chair, she seems at peace, though at the sudden appearance of another, her eyes stir.

"Ah you were the shift after us. I apologize for the state of which we left the field. I hoped you fared better than we did."

She stands, and despite her youthful appearance, her hands seem to support her lower back, like grandparents do as they rise from their seats.

"Let me get you some coffee as an apology."

"Thank you. I'd appreciate that," Edelgard says as she moves to sit in succession with her words. One leg crosses over the other with her hands resting peacefully in her lap. Oh, how she enjoys the quiet serenity of morning dew and a world still yet rising. While her own shift had been relatively calm, she couldn't help and wonder what had happened in the hours before.

In the spots she lacks knowledge, she is eager to fill it in.

What started this brawl? He can't tell. Maybe no reason at all. Certainly Alear has fought often enough, for awful and empty reasons. He can't judge anyone else, based on that.

…Still, that doesn't mean he has to tolerate this, or stand idle. A peacekeeper is the last role he'd expect to play, but someone has to make them stop. Otherwise this could spread, become a riot, harm bystanders. This is a residential area, not a remote battleground.

And there are others from the monastery, who seem to have similar goals. He doesn't know Edelgard personally, but would be ignorant not to recognise his own house leader. The man with the eyepatch, he initially takes for one of the island thugs, but it seems they are on the same side as well. Then, lastly-

"Kanna?" Of course, Alear knows him. The little dragon from the greenhouse, who laughed and talked about collecting flowers.

"It's dangerous here." Simple words which fail to express his feelings. The sudden fear for another's safety, the dread at another's potential pain. No matter that Kanna is a dragon, and student of the Officers Academy, in his own right. Children should not be thrown into danger like this. Children should have someone to keep them safe.

Nel's words prompt him to focus. Turn thoughts into actions.

"Of course." Nothing more to say than that, no need to waste time on excess words. He draws his sword, though the motion feels a little…off. The effect of those flowers is still upon him, refusing to leave him alone. He hopes it won't prove a serious disadvantage.

He quickly studies the fray, trying to assess allegiances and dangers. Both factions of locals appear evenly matched. There's one, however… A wolf knight, momentarily stilled. Glancing from Kanna, to Alear, with a subtle sense of intent. Seeking fresh targets.

Generally speaking, Alear is not good at reading or understanding people. Except when picking up on intentions to cause harm.

Moving to engage, his steps are faster than usual, almost throwing him off-balance. His sword finds its mark regardless, and the knight's bow is useless at close range, raised in a futile attempt to block the blow. Vision blurring momentarily, he misses the chance to follow his advantage - but it's a start. First blood, staining the streets of Baile.

She must assume their fight stems from the agriculture issues rooted within this soil. These people, separated from those of higher status, are not afforded the same opportunity as others. It is not so different than Fódlan, after all. Her home has plenty of secrets of its own.

The Imperial Princess turns her gaze to her teacher, unable to ascertain if she is missing something. Either way, she trusts Professor Nel. It is a bane to lack stronger familiarity with all of her allies, but it is her duty as both a House Leader and person to aid them. So long as they are on her side, she will never turn her back on them.

Her axe glows between gloved fingertips, raising it up as an unknown man now moves himself towards her. She can hear the sound of him drawing the bow string back, fingers poised with the arrow pointed at her. She runs. Edelgard knocks the weapon out of his hands, and with it, the axe sends him into the ground with a thud. She turns her back. "So you're with them, are ya?! Gotta send in the big dogs when the little guy rises up? Creeps," someone else snarls.

".. Watch it," she calls to her peers. "Remember my face— Our faces." Aymr settles over her shoulder. "We will form a purposeful circle behind them. That is an order."

There's too much land to cover for one person. If she cannot get someone to strategize specific meetings with her, she will have to do it herself. Approaching the familiar visage, Edelgard stands in front and offers a polite nod. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she begins. "You arrived with us from Garreg Mach. Am I right?" She speaks calmly; pointed, but with a purposeful softness. "I certainly hope so. I had wanted to gather intel, and you happen to share some resemblance to a person I've met at the academy."

Bringing a hand to cover her mouth, she lets out a chuckle: "If I am wrong however, do correct me."

When she arrives at the greenhouse, floral and fruit scents near melt away thoughts of her world-ending palms. She was nowhere near as good at recognizing plants as others she knows, but she liked to think she could admire them much the same. If that thought is egotistical, it is best to accept it.

A glow in the back of the room is hidden behind a taller tree and emanates a strong, wanting aura. Edelgard taps a finger against her chin and drips interest through cautionary strides, ushered by light. She is the last person to ever find herself led by wonders not deigned by her own hand. Even so, she was curious what this oddity was. Orange and yellow flowers feel foreign against the red that is she as she walks past.

Edelgard keeps her back turned to the plants and object when the entrance creaks— No matter which way she leans, the light glistens behind her. “Professor?” She says in greeting. “Before you ask, sleep is evading me. That's all. I'll retreat to my quarters soon.”

(And indeed, the rabbits return; but just as Celica heralded, the sun has begun to rise on the distant, starved horizon. This would be the last time, the professor concludes, so she draws Forblaze, sunlit, and begins their final round.)

Roll: 2, 1 = 3 rabbits spawned! Roll: 2 = 2 wolves spawned!

Selena attacks Rabbit J with FORBLAZE: Roll: None. AUTO-HIT. (BLINKERS) Rabbit J: 0/1HP

“They’ve arrived,” Selena declares, watching as the lingering embers of Forblaze disappear. It’s hard to tell if any are the one that escaped earlier, but it hardly matters; “I believe there are three of them, and—” (Again, those different footsteps, easier to catch in the dusk of early morning.) “—wolves. Multiple.”

As if on command, one then rushes towards her, perhaps seeking to take out the source of the flames it had witnessed. Selena is not so quick as to be able to dodge it completely—

Wolf B attacks Selena with BITE: Roll: None. AUTO-HIT. Selena: 3/5

—but she is clever enough to prepare retaliation: and it proves the wolf was right to caution.

Selena counters with FORBLAZE: Roll: 17 - 2 = 15. HIT. Roll: 4. FORBLAZE activates! Wolf B: 0/2HP

“Stand your ground, both of you.” (Daylight begins to shine, reflecting off of blades and blood and eyes alight—) “We’re almost finished here!”

She draws up her remaining focus, swiftly catching one rabbit, scarcely able to squirm before it is petrified into a boule. She turns to a second, pursued by Edelgard. Celica is readying her dagger to throw when the rising sun peaks the horizon, and she is forced to lower her aim lest she hit her House's leader. It is nothing to concern herself over, however, as Edelgard's axe punches the last stray rabbit into a furrow in the ground.

She nods. "Good work. I think that's the last—"

A growl cuts her off, followed by Selena's warning. Celica turns, and the growing light is enough to silhouette the wolf as it bounds towards her, fangs slavering as it tackles her, jaws snapping towards her neck. She yells, thrusting her dagger into its matted fur, and just as quickly her scratches mend themselves. She kicks out, pushing the wolf off her and rolling to her feet.

Warily, she circles the new opponent, but it seems her unexpected resistance and Selena's handiwork on the other side of the field has dampened its ferocity. Tail between its legs, the wolf backs away, slinking back towards the treeline. Celica watches it go, wearily sheathing her blade, straightening up. "Leave it. The wolves won't affect the crops."

Voiding herself of peering up at the welcoming sky, Aymr's glow dissolves into what an ordinary visage of an axe it pretends to be.

"With all of this—" she signals to the bread tucked underneath her arm "— we have plenty to share. Besides.." Turning her back towards the two, she begins to leave the fields behind her as she adds, "I'd have to commend the both of you. This harvest is from our hands, no?"

Her words draw in plain satisfaction. Edelgard has more than enough energy to keep going, but she is no fool to reject when a duty is done. With the wolves' howls growing into a distant whisper, she releases a silent sigh of relief.

"But still— If you and I did split our efforts, we will be able to cover more ground this way. I'd happily tell you what I find. As long as I get the same in return, you'll find yourself with much more knowledge than you had before. There's only gains— Nothing to lose." A beat, closing the book with a thud. Edelgard's index finger traces its spine before she draws it back underneath her arm.

at least he appreciates the indication that she might let him use that book of hers sooner rather than later. linhardt may find edelgard annoying, but part of the reason for why is the fact that her ruthless efficiency is actually efficient.

“understood,” they repeat, though the word is stretched around a yawn. “but first… i believe a nap is in order.”

even if dealing with edelgard was only half as exhausting this time, they've still been awake for longer than most people can stand. they allow their last sentence to serve as their farewell, pulling away from the mural and moving to return inside to where their given cot awaits.

edelgard, for all her flaws, could never count oblivious as one of them. linhardt may take a more neutral stance on the church than she, but they understand that the two of them are acutely aware of the subversiveness it's capable of. church meddling here would be only adherence to the rule. it would truly be strange if this whole affair had been a mere vacation for the residents of garreg mach.

"But still— If you and I did split our efforts, we will be able to cover more ground this way. I'd happily tell you what I find. As long as I get the same in return, you'll find yourself with much more knowledge than you had before. There's only gains— Nothing to lose." A beat, closing the book with a thud. Edelgard's index finger traces its spine before she draws it back underneath her arm.

(Not that she should grow complacent.) The rabbits prove ever persistent, and she announces as such: “Rabbits again.”

Roll: 2, 1 = 3 rabbits spawned!

She knows what to do at this point, had there ever been any doubt before. Forblaze is conjured, flickering and igniting in her grasp, before it is hurled for the front of the pack, flashing light against the other, “Two more,”—

Selena attacks Rabbit H with FORBLAZE: Roll: None. AUTO-HIT. (BLINKERS) Rabbit H: 0/1HP

Selena's call informs her of their number, and her gaze their location; Celica readies herself to try to catch both in a single strike, but something — perhaps the smell of freshly-baked bread on the wind —drives them to flight. They split off in opposite directions, and Celica is forced to choose one to follow, turning flesh to dough with practiced efficiency.

Keeping her own share of bread underneath her free arm, Edelgard's neutral lips turn the tiniest bit upright. Oh, how the moons yearn for the sun. "Leave that one to me. If they do confront us one more time, I don't need to emphasize where we should place focus."

“…we can discuss what i'd do to borrow that book later,” he begins, looking back to edelgard's face to appraise whether or not his reading has out-sped hers.

he pauses, just in case, to be polite, and then says, “regardless, it's rather handy, eh? that depiction looks like no goddess i've ever seen…”

they shift, thoughtfully touching their fingers to their chin. 

There is an ulterior motive. With the Church, there always is.

Roll: 1, 1 = 2 rabbits spawned! Roll: 1 = 1 wolf spawned!

Not good. (It was tricky enough protecting the harvest when it was only rabbits appearing every now and again; but her eyes travel the dark, picking apart the individual shapes, and she finds their conclusions are not quite so ideal.)

Selena attacks Rabbit E with FORBLAZE: Roll: None. AUTO-HIT. (BLINKERS) Rabbit E: 0/1HP

Could she assume the cause of the wolf’s appearance? When Forblaze is cast, removing, again, a rabbit from the field, she sees the canine not too far from the body, and it only makes logical sense. “Wolves,” she explains simply, and then: “Or rather, just one, but it was likely attracted by the rabbits.”

"I'll handle it," she calls as soon as she hears the word. She knows what to do; how to stop its force from reaching anyone. The wolf veils itself into the nightly fog, aiming for the girl but finding itself with the company of her sturdy shield. Its howl comes closer and closer. Even if she cannot see it immediately, she would be remiss not to hear the clank of her armory colliding into something. She's heard it more times than she can count.

Surprise colors her face, albeit brief. She waits for it to fall back. When it finally does, Edelgard prevents it from a second attempt.

Aymr glows onto the shadows of Selena and Celica.

after all, it's probably one of the most fascinating things the island has to offer.

the giant woman reminds linhardt of the goddess, but in a metaphorical way than anything. she doesn't resemble depictions he'd seen before (and he'd seen a bunch), so the natural assumption is that this deity is unique to the island.

that, they believe, is a reasonable place to start, given that the implication seems to be some manner of divine guidance that directed its inhabitants to settle here in the first place.

a few questions arise, obviously, but linhardt doesn't have the opportunity to muse on them before some one redirects their thoughts.

they greet her with an eye roll. it seems setting matters little to her. they bite back a snarky remark promising that they don't know what she could possibly ask of them.

“why not just ask me for my opinion?” he responds with a frown. “i'm certain you, too, possess the basic experience with visual metaphors that means i don't have to spell it out for you. it is rather obvious.”

Perhaps, in the moons to come, Baile would remember the benefits of Emperor Edelgard. Until then, this world requires the hand of a girl who will move mountains.

Edelgard unveils a leather-bound book stuffed underneath her left arm, now swinging it between both of her hands. "Tell me. Do you recognize this? I assume not. It was made for me. If it is knowledge I seek, I will get it. Therefore.." Pressing her left palm onto its cover, she stares at it intently: "What I need is history. Give it now."

The pages of the book begin to glow, casting a light onto the princess's face for a few seconds. As soon as it dissipates, she opens its pages with cursive written text. She stretches her arms out so as to allow the both of them to view its contents.