A/N: I'm sorry if the events are a bit off now and in the future because my memory of all the past chapters are a bit poor. There are minor spoilers so if you don't want to find out what happens then please turn away from this until you feel like you want to come back. Thank you for your short time and please enjoy!

Chapter 1: Worry

It was said that making a sacrifice for the sake of loved ones was heroic and justified. The men and women who were saved by that sacrifice would tell their stories to their children in hopes of preserving the legacy of their personal savior. They would sit on their wooden chairs and lean forward towards the eager little faces, telling the story of a sacrifice that saved their lives as well as their future.

Years before the children were born, there was an evil ruler who wanted power for himself. He started the great war by killing a symbol of peace, the Exalt Emmeryn of Ylisse. For each passing day, the amount of bloodshed between the Ylisseans and the Plegians had steadily decreased due to her last words. Despite the decrease, a group of warriors, the Shepards, had never lost their chances at securing victory. As the one who organized the battle strategies, Robin had been trying to improve his tactics to ensure their safety to the best of his abilities.

"Hmm…because of his strength I should place him upfront…but just in case he needs a ranged fighter to back him up…I could position …no wait!"

Robin sighed and began ruffling his silver hair in frustrated manner. It was always a challenge for him to come up with new strategies with the terrain and the obstacles involved. Although Robin was considered a genius tactician and a decent warrior, it took years of study and practice to achieve that level of knowledge. His mind depended on muscle reflexes to fight after the loss of his memories, but even that alone would not protect his friends in future battles.

" Well…I could try to team each person according to their strengths and weaknesses but there are a few individuals who need the experience…"

His head fell with a thud on the newest book he purchased from the merchant passerby. Robin squinted his dark brown eyes in concentration, trying to devise a new line up so they could travel to the nearest town safely. Although the number of troops on the opposing side was diminishing, he didn't want to let his guard down.

"Should I bring her? No…I don't want to risk her but…"

The young tactician was grabbing a fistful of his hair and mumbling incoherently. Olivia had been falling behind in terms of defense and he felt she should try to boost her experience. Her shy, timid exterior fueled his need to shelter her from the dangers of battle, but at this point he felt the troops needed a moral boost.

"I could position her near an obstacle so the mages can't touch her and the archers can't aim…it's a risk but I want her help to move forward…especially since the Exalt passed away not long ago…"

Robin's thoughts were interrupted with a sudden noise near the entrance of his tent. His teammates knew that he would rather not be disturbed during his studies, but because of his strict schedule their worries had increased. The small opening of the tent's flaps caused the flame of his candle to flicker, but Robin did not seem to mind.

"Hey are you alright?"

The blue haired royal's presence was obvious in the candle lit tent. His armor glinted in the direction of the fire and his shadow was shielding Robin's other belongings from the light. Robin lifted his head off the book and turned around to face his commander.

"Could not have been better….just a bit puzzled on what to do for the next encounter. Are you sure you're okay? Your sister…"

Chrom's calm expression immediately turned grim. His blue eyes glanced at the candle wax dripping from the intense flames.

"She did what she could for the sake of her people, and for Lissa and I. There was nothing more she wanted than peace…but that…"

Robin quickly stood up from the wooden crate he was seated on and started bowing towards the solemn man.

"I'm sorry for mentioning it Lord Chrom! Forgive me…I didn't mean to bring up the Exalt's sacrifice so soon. I will try to do my best to ensure that her message for peace was not in vain."

Chrom sighed then suddenly chuckled at his comrade for his sudden act of formality.

"It's alright. I hold my confidence in your abilities. Also, I have told you countless times before to not address me as a lord, but as an equal."

Robin rubbed the back of his head and chuckled in embarrassment.

"It's hard to address someone with royal ties as a commoner, but I try to respect your wishes."

Chrom gave a small smile and turned his back to Robin, making his shadow move along with him.

"The others insisted that you eat with us this evening. I suggest you take a break and join us. Frederick even hunted some bear meat for you."

Robin's ears perked up at the words "bear meat" and followed Chrom out his tent. As the two men exited, the wind extinguished the flames from the candle. However there was no need for a fire because the moonlight had lit their path to the others, and their shadows melded together as one.