Five Gemstones/Script

Camp: Northroad
Chrom : *Sigh*

Avatar : I know that face... "Dueling with unpleasant thoughts," are we?

Chrom: You know me well, Avatar.

Avatar: Hey, remember when Lissa first brought me here? When I met all the Shepherds? And Sumia... Ha ha! Oh, what a day! ...Actually, that's my first memory, in a way.

Chrom: Heh, I suppose so. I wish all our memories since could have been as joyful.

Avatar: I know... So much needless bloodshed. So many days of pain and doubt and fighting... We would have never made it without you there to guide us, you know.

Chrom: Funny. I was going to say the same to you.

Avatar: I guess we really are two halves of the same whole.

Chrom: I've sent Frederick to search for Sable, the final Gemstone. And I've been reading more about the Awakening ritual. It seems that whoever attempts the rite must brave Naga's fire. If both body and spirit survive the agony, they are blessed with the dragon's power. Otherwise, the candidate...dies.

Lucina : What?! No! ...Er, that is... Father, must you attempt this?

Lucina enters

Chrom: Eavesdropping, young lady?

Lucina: Forgive me, Father. I didn't intend to... I came to speak with you, but I couldn't find the right moment and-

Chrom: It's all right, Lucina. And yes, I'll be all right, too. I will withstand Naga's fire. I'm sure of it.

Frederick : Milord, I have returned.

Frederick enters

Chrom: Yes, Frederick? Did you find it?

Frederick: I believe so, sire. King Valdiar has extended an invitation. He says Plegia has been guarding Sable, and now he wishes to return it to you.

Chrom: Validar...

Frederick: They sent word to me, milord. They must have caught wind of my search... In any case, Validar asks that you visit him in person, that he might formally present it. Perhaps needless to say, milord, but I don't like this one bit.

Chrom: Neither do I, Frederick the Wary. Neither do I. At best, it's selfish political maneuvering at a time when the world can ill afford it. At worst, our run-in with those Risen last visist was no accident... But we will meet with him. Send word at once.

Frederick: Milord, are you...certain that's wise?

Chrom: No, but we haven't time to be certain. ...And my sister never refused a diplomatic gesture, no matter how foul smelling. If he doesn't give us the stone, he may at least reveal where it is. ...Don't worry, Frederick. I'm not walking into this blindly. We will make certain everyone is armed to the teeth.

Frederick: Then the Fire Emblem, milord - you ought at least leave it behind.

Chrom: Unless that's what Validar expects, and he comes to steal it with my best men away... No, it's safest with me, for now. We'll learn the truth of Validar's motive soon enough...