- Main article: The Heart of Crimea/Script
- See also: The Heart of Crimea/Conversations
Having arrived in Castle Gallia, Ranulf informs King Caineghis of Begnion's plan to flank Gallia, as well as Crimea's inaction. Skrimir is infuriated by this, and Ranulf explains to him that Begnion is Crimea's suzerain. Caineghis commands Skrimir to calm down, and states that he trusts Elincia's judgment. Nailah asks Caineghis about Elincia, and he extols her virtues and her dedication to uniting the beorc and laguz. When Rafiel expresses his skepticism, Reyson and Ike also vouch for Elincia. Tibarn suggests taking the offensive and striking down Begnion's forces before they can reach Gallia; the Greil Mercenaries and Caineghis agree, and Caineghis asks that Tibarn lead a strike force in the north while leaving some forces to deal with the southern flankers. Skrimir requests to be let into battle again, and Tibarn agrees to keep watch of him.
The Laguz Alliance then march on to the border, where they meet the Begnion army. Atop a hill, they also see the Crimean army approach. Elincia flies down by herself into the field, delivering a message to both armies: that both are to leave Crimea immediately. Valtome loses his patience, and declares that he will attack her once Begnion is finished defeating Gallia. Tibarn commends her courage, but similarly refuses her command. In response, Elincia lays her sword on the ground, declaring that Crimea will hold steadfast to their ideals, without resorting to violence. Thoroughly impressed by her, Tibarn and Skrimir to accept her ultimatum and retreat for the moment. General Zelgius similarly orders Begnion to withdraw out of respect for her. Infuriated by this, Valtome orders the remaining troops to kill Elincia, declaring her a traitor to Begnion. In response, Ike and Geoffrey call each of their forces to defend her.
As the battle begins, Levail informs Zelgius of Valtome's actions; Zelgius is disgusted, and still commands the men under his authority to leave. As Valtome's strike force begins taking heavier and heavier losses, he retreats while continuing to condemn Zelgius for not aiding him. As Ike and his army finish the Begnion force off, he notes that there are clear leadership issues going on in the empire. Geoffrey also reunites with Ike, who commends him for his actions. Back at a Begnion camp, Valtome begins to execute Zelgius. Levail urges Valtome to reconsider, though Valtome scoffs at him, saying he could easily bury the execution as Zelgius dying valiantly in battle. As a knight is about to kill Zelgius, the apostle Sanaki arrives along with her Holy Guard, including Sigrun and Tanith. Sanaki explains to the soldiers that she did not order the current war, and that it was instead spurred by Lekain and the senate, who wanted her dead. As the soldiers listen to her, Valtome attempts to declare her as a false apostle, but as he also begins to blame Sephiran, Zelgius grabs him up by the neck, threatening to kill him. After dropping him, Zelgius greets Sanaki personally, and the soldiers cheer her on.
Beginning log
After Elincia's meeting with Valtome, the Crimean Royal Knights return to the capital of Melior, leaving the border villages between Crimea and Gallia completely undefended. The Begnion Central Army crosses the border once more, but Crimea makes no move to march against it. Valtome sees this inaction as a sign of Crimea's capitulation to Begnion's demands. The Begnion forces occupy the Crimean castles and forts on the border with Gallia and prepare to launch their attack. The Laguz Alliance finally makes its way back to Gallia, but word of Begnion's approach allows them no time to rest. The news that Gallia's ally, Crimea, has allowed Begnion to travel through its lands comes as a great blow to the Laguz Alliance.