Tranquil as a Forest, But on Fire! ...Just on fire.

[shepherd_prince]

WHO: Chrom, his new band of 'Shepherds', OPEN
WHAT: Now that there's a new team working together for the sake of the greater good, their first task is to beat the shit out of each other gather and spar, to better learn the skills, strengths, and weaknesses of their future allies on the battlefield. There may be shenanigans, there may not. But there will definitely be friendships of at least C-Rank by the end of this session.
WHEN: October 18th, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Training Hall
NOTES: Feel free to tag as many (or as few) sparring partners as you like. Chrom will be watching to take note of which people work best together for future reference. If you want him to come by and give feedback after a session, feel free to say so at the end of the spar!


The largest room of the training center had been specially reserved for Chrom and his assembled team. Kulevi was hovering just outside the front doors to direct Heroes to the proper location, advising them to stop by the armory if they needed to pick up any equipment for the training session. There weren't any refreshments, not yet, but Kulevi hinted that there might be sandwiches and punch once they concluded their sparring with one another.

Once everyone had arrived, Chrom greeted them with a smile. "I'm glad so many of you were able to attend. Given the warning we received a few days ago, I plan to have us conclude well before the appointed time if you wish to act upon that anonymous tip. In the meantime, let us begin." He produced a small tin can that rattled in his hand. "Inside are pairs of marbles with matching colors. Draw a marble, and find the person whose marble matches yours. This will be your first sparring partner. After ten minutes, the bell will ring and you will switch to someone new. Please take some time to introduce yourselves, and decide if you wish to spar with real weapons and spells, or if you would rather make use of the blunted and wooden practice weapons.

"We'll take a fifteen-minute break after three rounds. It is my hope that, by the end of our training regimen, we will all have a better understanding and appreciation of one another." He walked down the line, holding out the can to allow each person to draw a marble. When everyone had drawn, Chrom himself took the last one. He was not exempt from this exercise either.

Comments

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah bows politely.]

My name is Lailah. I come from a continent called Glennwood in my world.

[She pauses, looking around before setting her sights back on Chrom.]

I am in search of someone. From the rumors I've heard, it just might be you, but I had to come to make certain.

[shepherd_prince]

Ah... Pleased to meet you, Lailah.

[Given what she's told him, he figures it's safe to assume that she's probably a Hero of Light like the rest of them. But he's not certain if she's looking for him specifically, or just someone like himself that meets a certain set of criteria.]

My name is Chrom. I've stepped in to manage the use of this training hall rather recently. Have you come to seek combat lessons?

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah shakes her head.]

I'm handy enough in a fight, but my true strength comes forth from being partnered with someone to act as my vessel, or rather, a blade which eradicates malevolence from the land.

[Lailah gives him a smile, tilting her head slightly.]

I've recently gained approval to regain some of my lost powers from my world. However, they cannot be truly realized unless I form a partnership with someone who is strong of heart.

If this may interest you, I suggest we talk about it some more. If not, I will be on my way, never to bother you again.

[shepherd_prince]

A vessel? I'm afraid I don't understand.

[He might be a little pink in the face at being considered strong of heart. It's a very fine compliment, and he's not sure he's earned it.]

But I am willing to listen, if you are willing to explain.

[ranoutofbugs]

That's all I ask for now.

[Lailah bows once again.]

While I may have the ability to bestow the power of purification, I am not able to use it under my own volition. I need a Shepherd - a partner, if you will - to form a contract with me. By being able to house my spirit, the Shepherd may also utilize the power of purification through me.

While the dynamics of power in this world may be different than where I come from, I do believe that my flames can be of use in our quest to save this land. But I cannot do it by myself.

[shepherd_prince]

Er...flames?

[Forgive the little hitch in his voice. Chrom has not had good experiences with fire magic in general. It's a curse.]

A Shepherd. I see. That's an unusual coincidence to share such a title. What does this purification entail?

[ranoutofbugs]

I know fire has different connotations in different situations. But like most things, it really comes down to how it's wielded and for what purpose. If I were to offer sub-contract to others who wield other elements, you could use those to purify as well.

[Lailah chuckles]

What makes it a coincidence, Sir Chrom?

[shepherd_prince]

[He has to admit that he's rather curious about what his agreement would entail. He's hardly accustomed to using magical abilities of any kind, and Chrom could certainly use the practice and experience from someone better versed in such arts.]

In the halidom of Ylisse, I led a group of men and women to combat invaders and protect towns from bandits and supernatural creatures. We were called the Shepherds. And no need for titles; just Chrom will be fine.

[He smiles.]

What do you mean by 'purify'?

[ranoutofbugs]

In my world, things were susceptible to being tainted by a force called "malevolence". In some cases, the only way for malevolence to be wiped out from a person or being borne from malevolence - a hellion - is to purify it, thus making it revert to its unaltered state. Because malevolence was so spread due to the influence of the Lord of Calamity, it became imperative that a Shepherd make a pact with a Prime Lord in order to exorcise the impurity from the land and usher in a new age of peace.

It may not be a coincidence that your group went by the moniker of "Shepherd". It may not always make good memories, but fate may have a hand in bringing us here together.

If anything, a contract is not a binding agreement. If you try it and decide you don't like it, you may revoke it at any time.

[shepherd_prince]

Not just 'Shepherd' but 'Calamity' as well.

[It's enough for him to give the matter some serious thought, and the notion that it's not an entirely binding agreement does ease his mind somewhat. He's inclined to agree if this is what she really wants, but he wants to know as much about it as possible first.]

How would one perform this purification? Are there any other duties I would need to see to as a...Shepherd?

[ranoutofbugs]

Just by being infused with the power of purification, your very actions become able to perform purification whether you will it to or not.

[Lailah tried to explain.]

Well, back in my world, you would need to go about to destroy the Lord of Calamity. I don't think there's one here, though, so I figure your main duty is to do the thing you do.

[It's not like she heard he was a mass murderer or anything.]

[shepherd_prince]

[He's still not understanding despite his best efforts. 'Purification' is such a vague term, he can't really be sure what it means to 'purify' someone. It could have a completely harmless connotation, or it could mean complete genocide. Lailah doesn't seem like the type who'd want to slaughter people, but even so. He wants to be certain he really grasps this before making any agreements.]

Then to purify a monster would be to kill it? What happens to it if it's purified, as opposed to what normally occurs?

[ranoutofbugs]

Most of the time, if the being is still alive, it will revert to its previous state. Whether the monsters of this world used to be regular creatures or not, I can't say. But leaving them alone... I don't think that's an option either.

However, if it's been ages and their physical form has decomposed already... then it is granting them eternal rest, purification.

[shepherd_prince]

[He was paying attention before. Now he's doubly paying attention. What would such an ability do for the Risen of his world? Naturally there's no guarantee that the two of them could return there, but if the possibility exists, he'd be a fool to ignore it.]

Then there truly is little change in my actions, but great benefits if my opponents are innocent.

[This brings a smile to his face, and he's made up his mind.]

Very well. I agree. I would be honored to form this pact with you.

[ranoutofbugs]

Wonderful!

[Lailah clapped her hands together.]

Please, hold out your hands, Chrom.

[shepherd_prince]

All right.

[He does so, palms down, looking at her inquisitively to make sure he's doing this right. Should his palms be turned upward instead?]

And then?

[ranoutofbugs]

[Lailah places his hand between hers, and infuses them with mana. After a moment, the Shepherd's crest appears on the back of his hand.]

That's it.

[shepherd_prince]

Ah?

[Chrom examines the mark. That's two brands he wears now. Still, it's fairly inconspicuous, and he doesn't really feel all that different. He works his fingers open and closed a few times, but there's no stiffness or pain.]

That was surprisingly simple. There's nothing else?

[ranoutofbugs]

Not really.

[Oh, wait.]

You might come down with a fever for a few days while your body grows accustom to my power.

[and it should be starting... right... about...]

[shepherd_prince]

A fever? Because of your--

[It hits him pretty hard, and he rocks a little, blinking hard once. Twice. He puts his hand to his forehead, suppressing a small grimace.]

I...see what you mean.

[Good thing this happened after practice, he's not suitable for sparring at this point.]

[ranoutofbugs]

... Oops. I always forget to mention that until after the contract...

[Lailah tilted her head as her tongue slipped out.]

Well, thank goodness I took on that Blacksmith job so I developed upper body strength...

[And so Lailah explained the situation to people in the vicinity, hauled Chrom out of the dojo on her shoulders with little effort, and nursed him back to health... including sponge-baths.]