A/N: Originally, this section was just going to be part of the next chapter, but it just didn't fit into the whole tone I was going for in the next section. So, I made it into its own chapter; that's why it's so short.

(Also, this section didn't really seem too terribly important to the story, but I wanted to include it anyway.)

Sumia was oddly silent as she walked with Wren down the hallways. In all honesty, it was starting to worry her. Even if they weren't very close, the clumsy pegasus knight had always been ready with a story from her latest book to tell Wren about in great detail. The only time she thought Sumia was ever this quiet was when she was calming an animal… and even then, she usually said something.

A heavy sigh finally pushed her to ask. "Sumia, what's wrong?"

The pegasus knight tripped over her own feet at that, and Wren had to stop immediately to keep from tripping over her. Sumia was up on her feet in an instant, though, having mastered the art of getting back to her feet long ago. She looked back at the shorter woman, her cheeks flushed. "Wh-what's wrong? Nothing! I mean, there's Basilio. I mean…" Sumia let out a loud sigh, the likes of which could only be rivaled by Cordelia. "Everyone's sad, and there's nothing I can do about it. But you walk into the room, and everyone's faces light up. I… I wish I could be like you sometimes."

"I'm just the tactician," Wren said automatically. It always seemed like 'humble' was written into her very being, ever since she was a girl growing up in that remote, Ylissean mountain range. Her mother had told her so many times that she mustn't get a big head or she'd float away. Part of her actually believed in that ridiculous story.

Sumia didn't believe her, though, if her shaking head was any indication. "No, you're so much more than that," she sighed again. If she kept this up, then Cordelia would have to work much harder to keep her title as 'person who sighs the most.' But she kept going, as Sumia was wont to do. "You're an inspiration to all of us. You carried us to victory when we thought we were done for. You and Chrom can do anything together."

Tired though she was, Wren could still hear the slight crack in her voice as she said Chrom's name. So that's what this is about, the tactician sighed herself. It seemed to be contagious now. "Sumia, I'm not going to replace you." While the pegasus knight opened her mouth to argue, Wren held up her hand to keep from being interrupted. "Chrom loves you as his wife. Whatever love you think he holds for me, it's just that between two good friends. How long are you going to worry about this?"

Sumia looked down at the floor. Her face was just so… blank, though Wren could see the small hints and signs that she was upset. The subtle narrowing of her eyes, the rocking back and forth on her heels, the way her shoulders bunched up… for some reason, the tactician was just good at reading people. "I'm sorry," the pegasus knight whispered. "I know it's irrational. I know I should trust you. I know I should trust Chrom. But… I still have to work to make him light up the way you make him light up just by walking into the room. I'm sorry I'm jealous."

Wren sighed, scratching the back of her neck. She never had understood why a man and woman couldn't just be friends. They didn't cover stuff like that in her strategy texts. So, she just settled on the next best thing… instinct. "It may just be words to you," the tactician said, patting Sumia on the shoulder, "but I can say, with complete certainty, that Chrom would never betray you. And neither would I. If you knew how he goes on and on about you during my visits, then you-" Wren cut herself off. Hadn't she and Chrom decided that they wouldn't let their spouses know what they talked about behind their backs? Nice time to slip up, Wren. Nice.

Sumia began wringing her hands together, her eyes pleading even as her voice did, too. "Wh-what does he say?"

"Uh…" Wren gave the pegasus knight a lopsided smile. "I… kinda promised I wouldn't tell you. But it's always good stuff!" She needed a diversion, and she needed it now. Kids! Sumia was so proud of her kids. That might work. "Lucina's doing well. Cynthia, too. Lucina said she'd look after Morgan while I'm here. I think they'll be getting along great when they get older."

Wren tried to force a laugh, but it was hollow. Sumia shook her head, but she didn't look quite as upset as before. "O-okay… I… I'd really like that." The pegasus knight also tried to force a smile. She obviously knew that Wren was trying to change the subject and was just playing along. "I bet Morgan will be just as kind as you are." As she turned back around, the tactician could just barely make out what she said next, "Th-thank you. And… I'm sorry. For doubting you."

Regardless of whether or not she was supposed to hear it, Wren replied anyway. "Water under the bridge, Sumia," she said, patting her on the shoulder. "But you were taking me to see something?"

"Right! Follow me!"

Wren only had to help Sumia up off the floor once on their way to the inner courtyard. Really, that had to be a record.

A/N: I know this chapter was short, but I'd still like your comments. Critiques are even more welcomed. Thank you.