Robin sat upon his horse with little to do seeing as most of the Shepherds were barely functioning. It was not a grand battle against foes that outnumbered them five to one that had them so tuckered out. No, it was something Robin dreaded facing more than that: Flavia's "party" had done them in.
Robin was left standing since, despite his utter lack of memories, he avoided the ale like the plague while expertly maneuvering to never look like he was actually avoiding it. Seemed like he had made a good decision too.
The only other ones that seemed to have been spared were Lissa who had been deemed too young, Frederick who Robin really could not imagine being drunk, and the new guy the West Khan, Basilio, had sent with them. All in all, it made for a quiet journey back with the exception of Lissa making her rounds to see who she could get a rise out of.
Not that Robin minded. It gave him a chance to digest recent events. Ever since he had been found in that field, life just seemed to be going at an incredibly fast pace. Unfortunately, his time to himself rendered no answers about his past causing him to eventually shift toward thinking of their current situation. From what he gathered, things were tense – even more so with these…Risen prowling about – and war was a very real possibility. Also, from what Chrom had told him, they were woefully ill-prepared for a sustained conflict.
Robin sighed realizing that there was little he could do about that. He wondered if he was really willing to put his lot in with these people just because they found him and took him in, but he also knew he had nowhere else to go. At least, not as far as he knew. No, he would do his best to return their kindness and hope that they did not all end up dead by the end of the month.
Then he thought about that masked fighter. Everyone else seemed to have shrugged off such a vehement reaction to that wound, but Robin did not let it go so easily. It seemed he had a knack for observation as well as tactics and what he had observed from "Marth" seemed to indicate a hardened warrior – and one that may have had more to hide than simply her face – not exactly the type to freeze in pain at a single flesh wound.
In the end though, Robin doubted that it mattered. It was a mystery that he did not have all the pieces to, and he doubted if he would ever get them. It was an interesting matter to consider though, and Robin found that he apparently really enjoyed a good mystery.
Despite the rough start, the journey south was much smoother than the one north and the Shepherds made good time. Chrom dragged Robin with him to make his report though. Robin had the sneaking suspicion that it was some sort of revenge for not suffering the morning after the great Feroxi massacre as they had dubbed it.
Though, in Robin's mind, watching Chrom and Sumia stare at each other with googly eyes and not talking to each other was punishment enough. Perhaps they needed some help to get things moving….
Unfortunately, it was time to pay attention as Emmeryn mentioned a special guest had arrived. The Exalt introduced her as the voice of Naga. Given the title, Robin was expecting a crusty old woman. He was very wrong.
"Prince Chrom I presume?" A beautiful woman with long green hair and questionably sized clothes stepped out from behind the Exalt.
"Uh, yeah," Chrom spoke with the same grace Robin had come to expect from him. Meanwhile Robin was trying not to stare in general, but he was especially trying not to stare in particular directions.
The woman gave Robin a look that made him a bit uncomfortable and afraid that he had failed in his attempts, but she soon reverted to her soft smile, "And who might you be?"
"Robin," The tactician offered uncertain if he was supposed to bow or something, "Tactician of the Shepherds." That ended up sounding a lot more…right than Robin thought it would.
"Hmm," Tiki gave him one last glance before looking back to Chrom.
"Excuse me, milady, but why have you come?"
"The halidom is in distress. I have come to offer aid in whatever way I can."
"I appreciate any help you may provide," Emmeryn smiled, "I'm sure the people would love to see you, and I'm sure it has been quite some time since you have seen the halidom."
"Thank you. This land means a much to me, and I would love to see the sights."
"If you need a guide, I'd be happy to show you around the capitol," Chrom offered.
"Thank you," Tiki nodded, "I may take you up on that offer, but for now, I am tired."
Tiki then excused herself, but Robin could not help but feel that she was giving him a sidelong glance as she left. Regardless, after she left, Chrom gave Emmeryn his report to which she offered her congratulations. Robin thought she might want to hold off on those until she heard Frederick's version. Still, it was a mission accomplished.
The good mood lasted all of roughly two minutes before a messenger burst in. He bore with him news of an attack carried out against Themis – a province in southern Ylisse. Chrom immediately wanted to respond with force, but Emmeryn insisted on negotiating. Given what Robin knew of the halidom's status, a confrontation did not seem advisable, but by all accounts the Plegian king was not the negotiating type.
Whatever was to come, Robin decided it best to be prepared.
A/N: I will go ahead and say that Morgan will appear in this story, but not for some time. She will be fairly important when she does appear though.