Robin didn't even know how that evening started. It wasn't planned. It just evolved and everyone was sucked in by the warmth and laughter radiating from the campfire until each and every shepherd was present. It was a welcome change for everyone. Everyone had stories to share and legends of their home country to tell. Robin herself was thankful for the distraction. This evening would boost everyone's moral and mood and even she could let her mind wander away from the next battle for once.
Just as Donnel pulled a bright red flushed Olivia into the circle to perform the ballad of the white swan, the tactician felt a hand on her shoulder. "Mon amie, would you allow me to take the seat next to you?"
As she looked up she saw Virion smiling down at her. Grinning back Robin slid a bit to the side so he had enough room to sit down. "Isn't this wonderful?", Virion stated looking at the pair in the middle, "Everyone is rejoicing sharing little pieces of their lives. The shepherds hail from so many different places. It's sad that so many stories will remain unheard of."
Although Robin smiled, she couldn't supress the sad sigh coming out of her mouth, "Not mine. I have neither stories nor legends to tell. I may have caught up on the present, but my past is still a blank space." Virion chuckled lightly, "Worry not, my lady. After this war you will have enough stories for a lifetime", as he took her hand in his and patted it softly. Robin tore her eyes away from his and looked back to Olivia's dancing to hide the blush that crept on her face.
Everyone cheered as Donnel and Olivia finished the ballad. Robin thought she saw some tears glisten their cheeks. "Lovely!", she sighed as the applause ceased. Virion gasped with exaggerated surprise, "Why, my lady! By all means, I never took you as an overly romantic woman."
She kicked his leg and shushed him. The chatter around them died down as well when Cherche stood up.
Although she brushed away a tear she spoke with a steady voice, "My friends, we heard so many great and moving stories tonight. Now, let me tell you a tale that every kid in Rosanne knows. Our parents sang us to sleep with it, just as their parents did. It is about a man who fell desperately in love with the north star." Cherche cleared her throat and began to sing in Rosanne's native language. It was slow and you could hear the raw emotions in her voice. Each bittersweet tune struck Robin deeply.
Robin leaned her face in her hands. "It's beautiful! Too bad I can't understand a word.", she whispered sadly. From the corner of her eye she could see Virion leaning towards her. "Mon amie", he murmured, "If you want to, I'll translate it for you." The woman looked a bit incredulously at him and protested, "But then you can't listen to it!" Virion laughed quietly, took her hand and carefully placed her fingertips on his chest, "Worry not, my sweet Robin, I know this tale by heart."
And with that he slid a little closer to Robin, gently brushed her hair away from her ear and leaned close.
Virion's low mumbling combined with Cherche's heart-breaking singing hit Robin straight in the heart. It was an enchanting mix. And when Virion whispered in her ear, "I love you.", Robin almost fell backwards of the trunk they sat on. But he was quick and she felt his arm safe around her waist as he steadied her. Seemingly not fazed at all he leaned further down and muttered, "I adore you."
Robin suddenly got very self-conscious. He was hovering above her. His fingers gripped her hip tightly and their warmth burned through her clothes. She didn't know where to look. His eyes? His lips? Robin felt dizzy from their sudden closeness. He shot her an cheeky smile and said, "I'm just translating of course." His breath tickled her neck. She tore her eyes away as he pulled her up onto the trunk again. "O-of course you were only translating", she mumbled more to herself than to him.
After Cherche finished one by one backed out, most with a thoughtful look on their face. Robin also excused herself without looking Virion in the eye.
Robin couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were running wild in her head. She tried to distract herself with tidying up her tent, but after all was done she was left alone and confused with her feelings. Why did she feel such disappointment when Virion assured her that he was only translating? What did she hope? That that was an confession of his love?
Robin shook her head. She had to get rid of these ideas before the next battle. She couldn't afford to get distracted, even though it felt really good remembering his firm grip around her waist, his low voice in her ear, the way his breath tickled her neck.
She shook her head again, this time even more forcefully. Robin decided to go on one last patrol around the camp. While she slipped her too large cloak over her nightclothes Robin left her tent.
Everything seemed quiet. No one except the night watch was outside, or at least she thought so. When she passed the fireplace she saw a familiar shade of blue hair. Tightening the cloak around her Robin approached Virion and gently lay a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong, Virion?", she asked.
"Ah, Robin mon amie. It seems my mind cannot let go of this old tale just yet.", He sighed, "Did you know that there is a dance going along with this song?" Even before Robin could give an answer Virion grabbed her hand and bent over to kiss it, "I wonder whether you could do me the honour of dancing together with me. My heart would be filled with joy." An insecure laugh escaped Robins' lips and she hesitantly drew back her hand, "I'm sorry Virion. I don't know how to dance. I don't know if I danced before I woke up on that field and I…" He gently lay a finger on her mouth to shut her up. "Hush now my dear.", he said as he put one hand on Robin's hip and took her hand with his other, "How lucky you are that I'm an expert when it comes to dancing."
And with this words he began to hum the song and waltz with Robin around the fireplace. She was a quick learner and adapted to his steps very quickly under Virion's lead.
When the song neared its finish, Virion sung only one line, "That someone as beautiful as she, could love someone like me." It was just loud enough for Robin to hear and she was sure that he wanted her to hear it. He didn't even sing it in his native tongue. But the way Virion's voice broke at the last few words let Robin look up.
One single tear rolled down his cheek. "Virion, what's wrong?", Robin inquired gently.
"Ah, my dear, you weren't supposed to see this weak side of mine. I'm just debauching in happy memories from when there was no war in Rosanne. Don't pay heed to me. I-", he falters, "I miss those times dreadfully. It's a beautiful country with even more beautiful people."
Robin carefully reached out and brushed some strands of hair out of his face. "I promise you, we will defeat Walhart and bring back peace. The people in Rosanne will be happy to have you back. You're- You're a good man, Virion. I know that.", she said genuinely.
Everyone is a coward when it comes to unfold his own feelings. Virion shared his emotions with her. Now it was her turn to respond to the gesture. Before losing her courage Robin cupped his face with her hands, raised herself on tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the forehead. "Go to sleep now.", she murmured against his skin, "And don't worry. Everything will be fine."