Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia - Twilight of the Gods

Chapter One: An Unusual Guest

*Swish* *Clang* *Claaaang*

The sound of swords clashing filled the otherwise serene silence of Ram village. The scene was set, Alm facing his grandfather in sparring session, droplets of sweat gracefully forming on his forehead and dripping down to his sword. The two were circling each other, Alm waiting for split second in which his grandfather might let down his guard, allowing Alm to land a blow. Patience was apparent in the both of them; they walked around each other for several minutes, waiting, watching, before anything happened. Only the faint chirping of birds, soft scuttle of squirrels and distant chatter from the towns center were to be heard before Alm, realizing his only opportunity to strike, swiftly rushed towards his grandfather and-

*Thwack*

The collision of Alm's practice sword against his grandfathers' hip reverberated through Alm's arm. He was left in momentary disbelief, almost shocked he was the one to land the strike. However, he quickly remembered it would be improper to allow himself to be stunned by his success, so straightened himself up, sheathed his sword and looked towards his opponent, expectantly.

Alm was a fair lad, with wavy green hair and striking green eyes. He wore his blue armor, light and mobile, for when he sparred with his grandfather, the likes of which covered his pale, moderately tough exterior. He was a natural born fighter, strong in both his physical prowess and his convictions. His strength was only more apparent when his grandfather concluded their session.

"... Well, we will finish there for today," his grandfather said, sheathing his own blade and inviting Alm in for a handshake. "Good work, boy. You impress me more each day. One day, you may even best me in skill, though you and I both know that I'm only getting better with age."

Alm chuckled, returning the gesture, "Yeah, I know Grandfather."

"I mean it, Alm. You are a formidable warrior."

Alm took a moment to consider something before speaking, however decided to let his thoughts become his speech. "So that means that you're willing to let me out of the village soon, right?" Alm half-joked, and though he knew what was coming, he wished that his grandfather would just say 'of course boy.' What he said was not that.

"No," his grandfather commanded, firm and strict in his decision. "You will not be going out of the village, not today nor tomorrow. When you are ready, you will know as well as I do that you're prepared."

"But grandfather-"

"No means no, boy. I will not send you into the world unprepared, not make you witness the tyranny that lies just beyond our borders."

Alm stopped trying to convince his grandfather about the matter. He knew as soon as he let the though out that he would be denied, but it still hurt to hear it.

"Now then Alm, why don't you go see how Gray and Tobin are faring, hm?"

"Yeah, no worries grandfather," Alm responded, an almost false smile in his voice as he passed his practice sword over to his grandfather and made his way away from their house.

As much as he might have willed himself to be angry, Alm could never shake the gratitude he felt for his grandfather. He looked back, just once more to say thank you. Looking at the tall, broad figured man, Alm almost forgot why he was upset to begin with; despite the harsh exterior, adorned in red and gold armor, with his hair and mustache graying, the man looked quite fierce. However, the famous sir Mycen, Alm knew, had a heart of gold. Alm watched his grandfather gently stroke the hair of his illustrious brown steed, a smile on his face, after which he carefully placed the training swords they used on a workbench in a small pen, alongside the matching red and gold barding for his horse. More than that however, Alm looked at Mycen with love. Mycen was the closest thing Alm ever had to a father; Alm never knew his own father, the only other relative he did know was Celica, his cousin so he was told. Mycen had diligently raised Alm as his own. That was more than enough reason to appreciate the man.