The start of a Fire Emblem fic

Title: Fire Emblem Empire: 思い出の縛短 (Memorandum of Revelations)
Fandom: story is based off of the world of Fire Emblem 7, a few years after the adventures with the three lords Eliwood, Lyn, and Hector
Characters: all created characters, you will meet them as you read the story (though later on, there will be appearances by original FE7 characters)
Rating: PG (for this prologue chapter)

Prologue: A Journey Into The World

Pradiul. With the exception of Reglay, it is one of the most prestigious cities in Etruria. Its ruler, or Count, Lord Amarant, is a fair and just ruler. Although a bit strict, he has the heart of gold. One day, he receives astounding news from one of his messengers.

"Lord Amarant, I beg of your attention," the messenger requested.

"Stand your ground, Tully. State your message," Amarant responded.

Tully cleared his throat and began, "I just received word from representatives in Reglay. Rumor has it that a sacred artifact that once belonged to Saint Elimine is believed to be buried somewhere on the plains of Sacae, my lord."

"Truly?" Count Pradiul asked.

"Yes," Tully answered. "Count Reglay is also asking for help to excavate this sacred artifact, the Water Pendant. None but three mages from Reglay have agreed to go on this quest."

"Really? That's very strange..." Lord Amarant made a comment.

"The representative also provided me with a map of Sacae and its estimated location, my lord."

"Very well, Tully. I shall send some assistance to excavate this artifact. Unfortunately, I can only send out two citizens of Pradiul. Even still, that should suffice." Lord Amarant didn't expect for Reglay to require assistance with something so simple as an excavation, but with the few number that Reglay sent out...

"Only two? The three mages from Reglay have already began their journey to Sacae, my lord," Tully replied and continued. "Surely, you can send out more... Perhaps..."

"I'm not so sure Pradiul can afford to lose any more magicians," Lord Amarant explained. "But since time is of the essence, I shall send out two worthy members of the House to help with the investigation."

"Yes, my lord," Tully answered and departed to answer the representative.

One of the famed magicians in Pradiul returned to the Count's manse and Lord Amarant called to him. "Rainier! Come hither."

"Hmm?" Rainier turned around and saw that Lord Amarant called out to him. "Yes, Lord Amarant."

"Rainier, you and my son Azriel are to help with this excavation of the Water Pendant in Sacae. Surely, you've heard of this news floating about from Reglay," Amarant told Rainier.

"I have, my lord. But are you sure Lord Azriel is equal to this task? He's quite the scholar, yes. Though with his mischievious behavior, I can't quite imagine what blunder he'll cause with it," Rainier stated. Rainier is a famed monk here in Pradiul with extensive knowledge in light magic who serves House Pradiul.

"He may not be equal to the task, Rainier. But since you'll be going with him, I'm quite sure he'll do just fine," Lord Amarant answered.

"But Lord Amarant---"

"That's an order, Rainier. Reglay needs the help in Sacae. I don't want to disappoint Count Reglay."

"Yes, my lord." Rainier wasn't too keen on going to this journey with the mischievious Azriel. But he didn't question it any further. When Rainier began his services to Count Pradiul, his main priority was to protect Amarant's son. He wasnt aware of it at the time but when he met Azriel, they had a difference in age of only three years. This shocked Rainier, of course. Still, Rainier was complete to the task from the very beginning.

"Oh and Rainier?" Lord Amarant added.

"Lord Amarant?"

"You are both to leave as soon as undoubtedly possible. Azriel may be in the village nearby with his childhood friend, Donell. I'm sure you've met him."

"I have, my lord," Rainier answered.

"You may need to look for Azriel. Once you find him, inform him of what his happening. Then set off for Sacae as soon as possible," the ruler ordered.

"I'm right here," a voice from the front hall called. Both men turned around to see who it was.

"Ah, Azriel. Your timing is quite convenient," Amarant said.

"Father, what's going on? I overheard my name in the midst of your conversation with Rainier," Azriel said. He wanted to know what was being talked about.

"My son, you are to grab your things and head out to Sacae with Rainier at once," Azriel's father ordered.

"Eh? What for, Father?"

"Count Reglay requested some assistance with the excavation of a sacred artifact that is deemed to be located in Sacae. I'm sending you and Rainier to investigate this artifact and to assist the three mages that were sent out from Reglay," Amarant explained.

"But Father, archaeology was something I lacked. And it's all the way out in Sacae! Surely, you jest!" Azriel also wasn't too keen on the whole idea of going. "And you're having Rainier come along?"

"I shall hear no more complaints, Azriel." A voice of demand came from the ruler, though in a calm voice.

"Yes, Father..." a disappointed Azriel responded.

"Think of this as a journey to see the world," Lord Amarant added. "Since you'll be going to Sacae, you'll have to go through Lycia as well. I think it'll do both yourself and Rainier some good to see what the world is all about."

"But what about you, Father? As a child, you had told me that you wanted to see the world, too. Will you not fulfill that dream of yours as well?" Azriel asked his father. It was true that Lord Amarant wanted to travel. But his current title prevented him from doing so.

"Unfortunately, my son, that is not very possible at the moment. As the Count of Pradiul, I have duties to attend to."

"Ah, I understand. I'll be sure to write to you and tell you everything I see and witness in my journeys!" Azriel said in excitement. "That much, I can promise!"

"That will bring me much joy, Azriel. Please do tell me about the lands you see. And you should stop in Ostia and Pherae in Lycia, please give their Marquesses my deepest regards."

"Yes, Father."

"Have a safe journey. Both of you. I will see you when you get back."

"Yes, Father."

"Yes, my lord," Rainier answered. Then Count Pradiul left to attend to other political duties. After a few moments of silence, Rainier broke it. "Come, Lord Azriel. We must prepare for our leave at once."

"Oh..." Azriel answered. "Yes. But I must warn you."

"Of what, my lord?" Rainier asked.

"I cannot seem to find my book of Thunder."

"Well, you have other anima magic, do you not?"

"Well yes. I still have a book of Fire, and this book of Aquatic*."

"That should suffice. At the very least, I have a book of Fuse^ and Lightning."

"Light magic, correct?"

"Yes. Now, let us prepare for our leave to Sacae. A sacred artifact awaits us."

Both Azriel and Rainier make haste to prepare for the journey ahead of them. After saying their goodbyes to everyone in Pradiul, they make leave for the endless plains of Sacae.

*Aquatic - a Prf anima magic spell only usable by Azriel

^ Fuse - a Prf light magic spell only usable by Rainier

(it is like how Eliwood is the only sword user who can use the Rapier, Hector the Wolf Beil, etc.)