The Ashen Wolves

Heh, I don't believe it. Little Hilda herself. Why didn't you speak up sooner?

Baltie, this isn't the time to catch up. What would Holst think?! I bet you didn't consider that, did you?

Yeesh... I dunno, but it wouldn't be nice.

Hilda
...

Look, sorry. OK? Just don't tell Holst. If he knew I raised a hand against you, he'd have my head.

Ha! Like he'd stop at your head. Fine though. Just this once, and just for you, I'll keep quiet.

Claude

Now that that's sorted... What did you mean about it being lucky that you found me?

Oh, that. One of the guys I owe gold to is Count Gloucester.

He said something about forgiving my debt if I could dig up some dirt on you. Figured this was my shot.

Claude

Aha, so it was purely selfish. But then, was a fight really necessary?

Really was. Best way to acquaint yourself with someone is to get into a tussle with 'em. That's common sense right there.

That makes sense.
That doesn't sound right...

Huh. I had no idea there were others like B out there.

Byleth (Female)
Byleth (Male)

Who knew such a refined lady could be so backwards.

That's the correct response for a reasonable person. We're not all as far gone as Balthus here.

Say what you will, but I learned all I need to know. It's clear this lot has nothing to do with the church's intentions.

But that means those other creeps could always attack us at any moment.

What creeps?
Who would attack you?

Someone's targeting Abyss. Mercenaries keep sniffing around and causing trouble here. They won't let up.

It's a real problem, and we have no clue who's pulling the strings.

There are many within the church who would love to see this "filthy" underground city purged.

When you first showed up, we thought you were here to do just that. Apologies for the confusion.

So that's why you came at us with that nasty "kill the outsiders" act.

As Yuri-bird said, we're sorry. We're all pretty on edge these days.

Indeed! That someone would descend to Abyss out of pure curiosity was far too outlandish to consider.

What is the purpose of Abyss?

No idea. These tunnels have been around for ages. They could be older than the monastery for all we know.

None remain who know the complete truth. However, I shall tell you all that we know for certain...

Abyss is home to those who shun the light of day. It is the secret shadow of Garreg Mach, if you will.

The church quietly tolerates us. They think they need a place like this for Garreg Mach to thrive.

The deal is simple. Abyssians never get involved with the surface, and the surface never gets involved with us.

Alas! For some foul reason, surface dwellers have been after us of late.

Further oppressing those souls who can only find solace beneath the ground? I cannot abide it!

Though it pains me to admit, we, too, harbor valid reasons for not venturing into the light.

That is why, by the grace of our esteemed patron, we have been granted sanctuary here in Abyss.

I see... Baltie, does that mean you've got a reason for being here too?

Afraid so, Hilda. I'm here because...there are more bounties on my head than there is hair. Needed to lay low. Real low.

Baltie... That's awful.

Enough with the niceties. Let's get these surface dwellers out of here.

Nonsense! Intolerable nonsense! Whyever would we let slip this chance to acquire their aid?

You need our help?
We refuse to get involved.

Easy there, pal. Can't say no before we've even asked for anything. Talk is cheap, but listening's free, yeah?

Like we said, recently this place is being targeted by mercenaries.

Myself excluded, a lot of the folks who live here can't defend themselves. They're here to avoid conflict.

The elderly, the infirm...orphans, lost souls... merchants who were chewed up and spit out by the nobility. The works.

It rests upon us to protect those who cannot protect themselves...and to safeguard our home.

To that noble end, I must insist that you lend us your strength!

Dimitri

I feel for your cause, truly. However, I cannot help but wonder why you would trust us so readily. We are from the surface, after all.

Trust is a choice. We're choosing to trust you. For now. It's clear you're not here by command of the church.

And you're not just a bunch of noble twerps, either. You can hold your own. It's in the way you fight. How you carry yourselves.

Still... I'm reluctant to get you involved with this madness. It's our problem, not yours.

It's too late now—we already told them everything. Let's at least give them a chance to decide for themselves.

Most true. Wander about Abyss for a time and I am certain you will come to the only correct conclusion.