Summer flew by, followed by autumn. Winter in Ylisse was unbearably cold. Plegia was always sweltering hot; save for the humid wet seasons deserts were wont to have. Aversa sat in bed with a steaming cup of tea. She had flown home as soon as she was finished with her work at the palace. Finally, some peace and quiet.
"Mother, I'm home!"
Damn and blast.
"Mother?" Morgan padded into Aversa's bedchamber. "Are you cold?"
"No, I decided to cover myself in quilts because I was sweating like a pig."
Her daughter rolled her eyes. "If you would wear a coat outside instead of what you usually wear, you wouldn't risk freezing."
"I don't need a lecture on attire from you," Aversa groused.
"Why do you wear that anyway?" Morgan mimed the rough outline of Aversa's choice of fashion on her own tunic. "It's not very efficient for protection."
"I like it, that's why."
Morgan blinked. "Mother, are you a narcissist?"
Aversa gave her a suggestive smirk. "What of it?"
"Never mind." Morgan shook her head as if casting out an unpleasant thought. "I came to ask if we had plans for supper tonight."
"I was going to make something when I had warmed up. Why?"
"Well, we were invited to a supper. You wouldn't have to cook if we go." No cooking? No slaving over a pot trying to appease a human-shaped stomach with a name? Aversa could not refuse the opportunity to be cooked for.
"What time are we leaving?"
"You're not going to ask where we're going?"
"I'd assumed we would be dining with the rest of the army. Presumably at the palace. It's the only place large or strong enough to contain a bunch of rowdy barbarians."
Morgan grunted in acknowledgement. "Of course you would have guessed that."
"I don't guess," Aversa said mildly. She didn't mind being around the Shepherds anymore. She felt more comfortable with the people she once called enemies than she had with her underlings in Plegia. It was strange how life worked, Aversa mused.
/
As usual, the dining hall was filled with food and drink. Aversa had scented the grease from roasted game before she walked through the palace gates. In the room itself, well, the aroma was overpoweringly rich. She spotted Panne, the taguel woman. Yarne's mother. Aversa hadn't spoken to her much, and Panne was one of few words. But, if Morgan continued seeing Yarne as she had the past few months, Aversa thought she should familiarize herself with the boy's mother.
Panne noticed Aversa approaching first. She gave a nod, signaling that it was acceptable for Aversa to take a seat beside her. "Hello, Aversa."
"Panne," Aversa replied, setting her plate of food and full flagon of mead on the thick wooden table. She stole a glance at Panne's plate, only to see it was piled high with carrots.
"Are you surprised?" The taguel asked, the slightest hint of amusement in her voice. "I am a rabbit, if you've ever seen one."
Aversa shook her head. "Not at all. Morgan tried to grow some carrots when the weather was warmer. I can imagine who she planned on giving them to."
Panne's eyes flicked to the other end of the dining hall, where the children had taken over some space for themselves. Morgan was cuddling up to Yarne, tugging at his ears as he protested.
"Yes," she finally said. There was a glint of affection in her eyes.
They continued speaking for a short while. Oliva and Cordelia had joined them quickly; like flies to a carcass. Panne became more talkative as time went on. Speaking with the last full-blooded taguel was interesting, to say the least. Aversa had read about the shape-shifting beings in old texts, and had believed them to be extinct. When she was the Shepherds' enemy, she had been irately surprised when she had not accounted for the Shepherds to ally themselves with such a unit. But those were darker times. Now, Aversa was free to ask the single juiciest question in the forefront of her mind.
"So," Aversa started, "you and your husband must have a lot of work to do to repopulate the taguel race." The sound of people choking on food told Aversa that nobody had said it so bluntly before.
Panne tilted her head contemplatively. "I suppose we do. I love Yarne very dearly, but he may be too…jumpy to be the sole heir to our people." Did the taguel understand her ironic choice of words? Out of the goodness of her heart (or what could be called goodness), Aversa willed herself to suppress the snicker that tickled her throat.
"Yes, well," Aversa was cut off by Panne suddenly leaning across the table, putting her face right in front of Aversa's. A warm, wet tongue licked her cheek. Aversa almost lashed out with her fist and a spell, but Olivia and Cordelia restrained her. "What in the hells was that?"
"It's a taguel habit," Cordelia released one of Aversa's arms. "You get used to it."
"A sign of camaraderie." Olivia whispered.
Aversa calmed her nerves. That was unexpected. Panne was gazing at her curiously. Was she waiting for a reaction? Or was she so used to the others in camp being comfortable with her foreign customs?
"You had some food on your cheek. I should have asked your permission to remove it first." Panne said apologetically. So maybe she was used to the Shepherds' overall open-mindedness.
Aversa slowly wiped the saliva from her face. After the initial shock of it, she didn't really mind, given the intent behind the action. She gave the taguel a small smile. "Thank you for cleaning that for me. What's this about a taguel tradition?" At that, Panne's eyes twinkled.
"Warren mates groom each other. For us, licking is not a romantic action nor is it disgusting. It is a sign of trust." Panne made a face. "When I lost my warren, I realized I was the last of my kind. I felt uneasy with the man-spawn – humans – because I feared they would shun me."
"Clearly you've integrated yourself into this group." Aversa observed blandly. What was the point of telling this story? It was obvious that the Shepherds valued Panne's abilities and regarded her as a friend. The last full-blooded taguel's tale was hardly different from the other soldiers'; how they found friends in Chrom's army.
Panne shook her head. "It's more than that. I found my new warren." She glanced at Cordelia and Olivia in turn. Then, she looked back to Aversa. "Can you say the same thing?"
After some light consideration, Aversa replied, "You and I have much in common. We've lost our birth families, made amends with enemies…and found – ugh, don't make me say it." Her tongue just about shriveled up at the sickly sweetness of her own words. Aversa couldn't believe it. She had very nearly exposed some of her deepest feelings. From what she had managed to squeeze out, the others beamed.
Cordelia clapped her hands approvingly. "Yes! I knew you liked us."
"If I didn't, you'd have died by now," Aversa muttered under her breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing." Gods take her! Aversa would never live this moment down for the rest of her days.
/
A week went by uneventfully as ever. Anticipation for the next search for Robin had been building among the Shepherds, if even it was because the journeys were reason enough to utilize their skills. Yes, the searches had morphed into campaigns to keep order within Ylisse first and hunts for their elusive tactician second.
"Is everything ready?" Chrom asked, looking at the road leading out of the capital earnestly. Aversa knew the man was raring to stretch his legs – the old wretches who had held him back to make him listen to a mudslide of complaints had released their hold on him.
She snorted. "Need you even ask?"
Chrom slapped Aversa squarely on her back. "Good! Let's find that sneaky partner of yours." With a confident smile, the Exalt waved everyone forward. For once, Aversa was riding on the ground with the rest of the group.
/
Another few days of travelling had left Aversa in a strangely amicable mood. She engaged in friendly verbal banter with the others – something that both startled and pleased the Shepherds. It helped that any of her frustrations were unleashed on unsuspecting bandits. Aversa was beginning to see why Morgan had spent much of her time surrounded by the other children to cope with her grief.
"Aren't you cold?" Panne asked, voice warped in her beast form. The taguel was a bit larger than Aversa's pegasus. It was a very unique experience, being so close to a taguel in beast form without being in immediate danger.
"Not at all. Magic works wonders." Aversa replied easily, feeling the faint hum of magic coursing through her veins, keeping her warm. "Wouldn't you be cold in your human form? You're as scantily clad as I am."
Panne made an odd sound that Aversa recognized as laughter. Really, it was much easier to hold conversations when the other person was not an enormous rabbit…thing. "No. It seems that fur works as effectively as magic."
"Is that so? Hm, it seems we're stopping here for now." Aversa's attention drifted to the halting line of soldiers. Why were they pausing in the middle of the road? There was a town close by. She was sure there would be an inn with enough space for the lot of them. Gods but it was getting colder by the day!
A familiar head of blue hair wove through the crowd, stopping before Aversa and her steed.
"What's this? Can you people go for five hours without eating something?" Aversa said with some semblance of affection.
Chrom's lips turned in recognition of the jest, but shook his head. "No, I thought we'd take you to see where we met Robin." He motioned to the pasture on the side of the road. A small hill with an old, leafless, snow-covered tree was the only bump on the horizon.
"You think he'd show up there twice?"
"It's worth a try."
Without further argument, Aversa followed the Exalt towards the fated spot with the entirety of the Shepherds in tow.
/
It was cold.
No, it was freezing! That was the first sensation Robin could discern. Was he dead? No, he couldn't be. His limbs felt heavy. Heavy was better than nothing, though. At the realization that he could think, Robin's mind went into a frenzy. He had to move. He had to open his eyes – his memories of what had happened before this wretched darkness were very present.
"Chrom, we have to do something." A high, clear voice pierced through the soundlessness. It was Lissa! Wait, her words sounded familiar. Too familiar.
"What do you propose we do?" Another, deeper voice asked. This time, Robin recognized it. Chrom! He'd said the same thing the first time they'd met. Robin did have his memory. Oh, no. Was he repeating the war on Grima all over again? He fought harder to open his eyes. All at once, his faculties came to him in a rush, like a falcon spiraling downward to scoop up its prey. He opened his eyes.
At first, only two small gray spots appeared. Then the dots became wider, merging into one window of vision. A gray sky and gently falling snow greeted his eyes. The coldness he'd felt was snow. Thank the gods for his cloak, he thought. Two pairs of eyes stared down at him. One set was gray, the other, blue. Lissa beamed at him, tears threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. Chrom was grinning like an idiot – he knew the little prank he and Lissa had played had worked.
Chrom extended his hand. "Here," Robin reached up with his right hand, as he had before, and hauled himself up. To his surprise and joy, the mark of Grima did not mar his flesh. He was free. "Welcome home."
Lissa squealed in delight and gave him a crushing hug. She'd gotten stronger, for sure.
There was the sound of rapidly crunching snow. "Father!" Morgan was barreling towards Robin at full speed. She looked a wee bit taller, yet the tears streaming down her still roundish, child-like cheeks told him that it hadn't been too long since Grima's demise. Robin's daughter slammed into him enough that the two of them were knocked over. He landed right back on his rump.
"Morgan," Robin couldn't say much more as his ribs were very close to cracking. Morgan buried her face into his chest.
"I missed you so much! I knew you would come back!" She cried, but Robin knew it was from joy. He felt his own happy tears hot on his face, warm against the chilly air.
When Morgan had relented enough so that they could both stand again, Robin noticed he wasn't alone. The entire group of Shepherds stood before him, dumbstruck. Weapons clattered to the snow covered ground as Chrom's army rushed to welcome him home.
"H-hey! Hang on! One at a," he was cut off by the first tackle.
For a good ten minutes or so, Robin was pelted with questions and thumps on the back. He couldn't answer the inquiries regarding where he'd been for what had apparently been a year and a half. He'd only gained his senses as he woke up. It felt like no time had passed between his consciousness fading out and back in. Yet, through the litany of demands and whoops of celebration, Robin was focused on finding one person in particular.
He spotted Aversa deep in the throng of armored bodies. She looked torn – like she wanted to bolt from the scene but couldn't.
"Aversa!" Robin called. It felt good to say her name again. He was going to make things right between them. She probably wasn't happy about his final choice. Well, "probably" wasn't the best word, Robin corrected himself.
At hearing her name, the Dark Flier looked up. Their eyes met, and then she was in motion. The Shepherds parted as Aversa moved towards Robin. Except they were nearly leaping. Like they couldn't get away fast enough.
Robin didn't fully understand the situation he was in until Aversa was standing in front of him and her hand came across his face with a loud crack, causing dots to come into his vision. Before he could recover or otherwise defend himself, Aversa struck him again, backhanded. The taste of copper flooded Robin's mouth.
"That one," she growled, "was for Morgan." Aversa stalked back to her pegasus and flew off without another word or passing glance.
Stunned, Robin touched his abused face. He turned his head and spat red onto the snow. Morgan came to his side, astonished.
"Did Mother hit you?"
"Yeah," Robin muttered. "Though I should have expected that."
Morgan nodded. "I knew she was angry, but I didn't think she'd hurt you."
"I deserved it, in the end." Robin asserted grimly.
"You're damn right!" Sully approached the tactician and promptly punched him in the gut. "The woman searches for you this whole time and all you got were a couple slaps to the face! You better straighten things out, you bastard." She said the last bit with affection. Her advice was quite unnecessary, Robin thought sorely as he regained his breath.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you just wanted to punch me."
"You know it!"
Robin walked back to Ylisstol with the Shepherds. He could have asked to take a horse or pegasus – hells, he could have asked one of the shape shifters – to transport him home faster, but he thought Aversa needed time to cool down. It also gave Robin time to ponder why his beloved was so angry. He didn't think his absence would have the effect it had. Aversa was so aloof at times that Robin had questioned her fondness for him. No, that wasn't quite right. He knew she loved him. It was just easier to think she didn't care. That way, Robin wouldn't feel badly about risking his existence. In fact, he shouldn't have felt any ill feelings about killing Grima. It was the right thing to do. He had been the vessel for the fell dragon to return to the mortal world. Finally, his burden was lifted, his blood cleansed. The truth was, if he had let Chrom seal Grima away for however Naga's magic lasted, Robin would never be happy. He would have had to live on, knowing that he could be used to break Grima free. If not him, then Morgan or her descendants.
His thoughts were interrupted as Chrom thumped him on the back – the umpteenth time in under an hour. It didn't even hurt anymore. Robin's back was numb from the cold and repeated smacks of affection. For some reason, his Grandmaster's armor had not materialized along with his body; yet he was wearing his cloak, tunic, and trousers from before. What a shame, Robin thought; he polished those plates until they shone like jewels. Plus, the armor would help keep him warm.
"Are you worried about Aversa?" Chrom asked while smiling cheerfully. Had he spent too much time with Henry? An angry Aversa was not someone one would laugh at. Except for Henry.
Robin nodded. "Why shouldn't I be? I didn't think she would react this way."
"I'm no clairvoyant, but even I had a feeling she would be more than a little angry." His best friend said. "But then, I was here the whole time. Did you honestly think Aversa wouldn't care?"
With a frustrated sigh, the tactician replied, "I did what I knew was the right thing to do. Maybe I doubted that I would actually return, but I did and that's all that matters now." At that, Chrom frowned.
"You doubted yourself? That's not you, Robin. We believed in your choice to the letter because we trusted that you would come back. Our allies in Ferox and Valm have been searching for you this whole time as well. They're probably still looking – we need to send word – but that's not the point." Had the Shepherds put that much faith into him? Robin knew his friends trusted him to plan their battle strategies and keep them alive, but they had thrown themselves into a gamble Robin himself had a hard time wrapping his head around.
Even so, he wouldn't let anyone sway his decision. Grima was gone forever. What could have been better?
/
Aversa sat on her bed, head in hands. Anger and relief and hope smashed into her all at once. She'd thought she had dealt with her bitterness at Robin's choice a long time ago. The rage that had overcome her when she'd seen his face for the first time in what seemed like a lifetime had put her previous acceptance into question. All the possibilities of what could have happened to her and Morgan had occurred to her at that moment.
Robin assumed – in good faith, perhaps – that the Shepherds would help her and Morgan after the war. What if they hadn't? Aversa knew her behavior in the beginning would not have warranted such benevolence with rational people, but if the Shepherds had had a miraculous moment of common sense, they would have taken Morgan and left Aversa to rot in the streets. She had tried to kill them, for gods' sakes! It vexed her to no end that Robin had treated her like some burden, passing her off to his friends.
When she finally heard the main door open, Aversa refused to leave the room. With a motion of her hand and a muttered spell, she bolted the bedroom door. She didn't want to look at Robin yet.
/
"We're home!" Morgan announced as she pulled Robin through the door. They had managed to escape from the overjoyed bunch of Shepherds and deflected any offer of a grand feast for the time being. Robin had suggested to his friends that they go and have drinks on his behalf. The Shepherds had headed for the palace's wine cellar promptly thereafter.
"Is it to your liking?" Robin asked. He'd asked Chrom for the villa a long while back. It seemed like the perfect place to live in peace. The house was quite large, but cozy. The Shepherds could visit whenever they wanted. That was the life Robin had envisioned for himself and his family: surrounded by loving friends.
Morgan nodded. "Yeah! It can be tough to clean, but I like it. There's plenty of room for a whole herd of pegasi outside. Or maybe a warren of taguel." Taguel? What was Morgan going on about? Either way, Robin couldn't find a point to fixate on. He knew Aversa was somewhere in the house, and he needed to face her.
"Where's your mother?"
"Oh, in her – er, your shared – room? But I wouldn't talk to her now. She was super angry earlier. We should talk to each other! I haven't seen you in a long time!" Morgan latched onto Robin's cloak, humming in satisfaction. As much as Robin wanted to shower his child with affection she was probably deprived from for a year and some, he wouldn't feel right until he spoke with Aversa.
With a deep breath, Robin navigated his way through the home he hardly looked at since choosing to inhabit it. He could marvel at what a lovely choice it was later. He passed a number of guest rooms before coming upon a single shut door. Robin knocked once, twice, three times with no response.
"Aversa? I know you're in there. Please let me in; I want to talk." There was only silence.
"Are you going to make me sleep alone?"
Morgan came padding down the hallway, looking grim. "Father, maybe you should leave Mother alone for now. You've got me."
"Right," Robin turned to his daughter, forcing a smile. "Let's go out for tea."
/
A week went by, and Aversa still hadn't said a word to Robin. He was past feeling guilty; he was frustrated. He couldn't force her to sit down and listen to what he had to say. Robin just needed one chance to speak. Just one shot, and then he would rest his case.
In the meantime, Robin had no idea what to do with himself at home. Morgan handled most of the chores with ease, and Aversa had gone to the palace as the Exalt's tactician and advisor. Robin couldn't help but feel useless. Everyone had adjusted their lives to fit his absence.
One day, Robin had walked to the palace – it was quite a long stroll on foot – to see if he could find something to do. Morgan had gone off to be with her friends – she'd gotten a pegasus somewhere along the line as well, so she didn't need Robin to take her anywhere.
The palace guards let him through with startled gasps and words of congratulations on his safe return home from Naga knew where. Robin wandered along the main hall, taking in the familiar…largeness of the area. His steps echoed all over, reminding him that everyone else had gone to fulfill some duty or another. He was just trying to take his mind off of Aversa.
It wasn't long before Robin came across the royal meeting chamber, where he had at one time spent hours convincing the Ylissean council to make a financial commitment to the Valmese war. The elaborately carved door was ajar, and he could see a head of blue hair. Chrom.
"You're joking," said Chrom. Robin paused. He would wait to hear who Chrom was with before barging in uninvited.
"I assure you that I am not." It was Aversa! Robin recognized the smoothness in her tone. It was velvety soft, like the petals of a Bella Donna flower…and could be just as deadly when she used her magic.
"Lord Lynol? A corrupt man? I have a hard time believing it."
"I know my way around people, love. You can trust me. Besides, I had a run in with him some years back."
"I'll look into it. Thank you, Aversa." There was a pause. "I know it isn't my place to ask, but out of concern for you and Robin, how have things been between you two?"
Robin could practically feel Aversa freeze up. He took the opportunity to walk into the chamber. Chrom looked back at him with surprise, but his mouth quickly curved upwards in a smile of welcome. Aversa, on the other hand, shifted her eyes to Chrom's face.
"I suppose you have no need of my services from now on. You've got your other tactician eagerly waiting to help you." Aversa began to rise from her seat.
Chrom stood up abruptly, tipping his chair over with a loud clatter. "Please, sit. Both of you." He looked at Robin, who took a seat opposite of Aversa.
After Chrom had righted his chair, he sat and flicked his gaze between Aversa and Robin. The Exalt wasn't the sharpest sword on the rack, but Robin knew he was aware of the tension in the air.
"First of all, Aversa, I don't intend on sacking you. Your guidance is priceless to me. As is Robin's." Chrom started slowly, "and that is why I want both of you to work as my chief advisors. Is this acceptable?"
Robin jumped at the prospect of a job. "Yes,"
Aversa kept her focus on Chrom. "I'll do it."
"Good. I'll leave you two to talk to each other. I've got, um, royal duties to attend to." Robin's friend promptly left the room. What a dignified exit from the king, he thought.
Nevertheless, Robin appreciated Chrom's sentiment. He looked to Aversa, who was already out of her seat. Robin blocked the door.
"We need to talk," he said, looking up at Aversa. She was always a bit taller than him…it didn't help that her Shadowgift made her more intimidating. Robin almost lost his resolve.
Without a word, Aversa flicked her wrist and Robin felt an invisible force move him aside. The Dark Flier strode out without so much as a backwards glance.
"Don't treat me like I don't exist!" Robin called after her, his patience lost. It was going to be a long walk home.
/
Aversa arrived home to an empty house. She shouldn't have been surprised that Morgan wasn't home, but the fact that she hadn't stopped over for lunch was odd. The food in the pantry hadn't been touched since morning. Aversa was aware that Morgan had been going off with her friends for longer periods than usual lately. She didn't understand why, though.
It was good that she was alone for the time being. Morgan would pester her about Robin and Aversa wasn't in the mood for the girl's antics. She found a wine glass and poured herself a nice, full cup of sweet Ylissean wine.
/
Robin stumbled across Cherche and Minerva at the market on his way home. He'd been reluctant to make the walk for a bunch of reasons; mainly because it was lengthy and his body wasn't quite up to it after being magically restored.
"Hello, Robin." The pink haired woman greeted him. She wore her usual, pleasant smile.
"Hello, Cherche. What brings you and Minerva here?"
"Well, we were looking for some meat. Normally we would go fetch it ourselves, but we thought the family would appreciate something special from the butcher." Minerva cried sharply in agreement, which scared everyone around them.
Robin had learned a little about wyvern communication and body language; enough to know Minerva wasn't angry. Still, Minerva's cry struck fear into his heart.
"What are you here for?" Cherche asked lightly as she browsed.
"No reason, really. I was taking the long way home."
"Hm? Are you avoiding Aversa? That's not very nice."
"Well, she's the one doing the avoiding," Robin sighed, "but it's not entirely her fault. I may have told her about my decision a bit late."
Minerva snorted her hot, moist breath all over Robin. He didn't know what that meant, but it was disgusting.
Cherche nodded contemplatively. "Minerva was wondering why you didn't say anything earlier. Even she was surprised by your choice. Me? Well, I had a feeling you would do something like that." Did everyone and their wyvern expect Robin to let Chrom seal Grima away?
"I had my own reason for doing that," Robin said a tad defensively, "but it's the easiest way to prevent the fell dragon from rising again. At least Grima won't be a problem in the future."
"And we're all very grateful for that. Gerome was a little upset that he didn't get to land a blow on the other you for killing his other parents, but he shed a tear for your sacrifice."
"Thanks, Gerome," Robin muttered under his breath. He had wondered why Cherche's son used to shoot death glares at him before.
"Speaking of which, Morgan has been coming over more frequently. You and Aversa must be making her uncomfortable. I don't mind Morgan coming over – she's such a sweet, affectionate child. Not like Gerome. At least Morgan contributes to dinner conversation like a civilized person." Was that true? Robin didn't know that Morgan's absence at home was a strange occurrence. He wasn't too familiar with her habits since they were on campaign. The last thing he wanted was to scare Morgan away.
"So what do you suggest I do to make things better?"
"Have you tried groveling? I rather like it when people grovel for my forgiveness." Cherche's somewhat twisted side hadn't faded a bit.
Robin shook his head. "I don't want to grovel. I don't want to feel sorry for what I did, because I'm not. I needed to kill Grima for good. Was that so wrong?"
"Oh, I don't think that'll go over well with Aversa."
"Thanks," Robin sighed.
"But," said Cherche, "you should still express to her what you just told me. Come, Minerva and I will take you home." At hearing that, Robin felt weak at the knees. He wasn't sure if it was the idea of flying on a wyvern with an irascible temper or giving Cherche an excuse for why he didn't want to accept her generous offer.
"Er, many thanks." It was better he graciously take the offered escort home.
/
Cherche was gentler in the air than Nowi tended to be. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she could not transform into a dragon and perform loops and dives as safely, but that made Robin feel safe. Cherche was carefree in the air, but had considerable control. Robin attributed that to the bond between wyvern and rider. He recalled riding with Aversa – it was a very similar experience.
The lightness Robin had felt as Cherche guided Minerva through the air was replaced by dread as they touched down. He didn't know if he would get blasted at the door or worse. Minerva nudged him with her scaly snout.
"She said to go on with it." Cherche interpreted, "and I say you can't afford to wait much longer."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"Hm? No, I was paraphrasing for her – she'd said some blunt words that I find are too vulgar for polite conversation." That didn't make much sense to Robin, but what did he know about wyverns and curse words?
With a firm nod, Robin thanked Cherche for the lift and watched as she and Minerva flew away. Then, he turned to the door of his villa with resignation. Maybe getting blasted wasn't such a bad thought.
"I'm home," Robin announced as he entered the house. No one answered him; though he was sure someone else was there. His best bet was Aversa, since Morgan would have piped up already.
The kitchen yielded no results, except for a corked wine bottle on the table. It must have been newly opened, since there was only about one generous glass' worth of liquid missing. Robin took a moment to put the bottle away as a means of delaying the possible firestorm he was going to get himself into. He was scared – of Aversa leaving, of whether Morgan would follow her mother – and yet, he wouldn't have done anything differently. Yes, he'd been selfish to hope that his family would wait for his return, but he hadn't expected it of them. They could have gone their own ways, unaware if Robin existed anymore. At the moment, Aversa and Morgan abandoning him during his absence seemed less painful than them walking out in the present.
Robin's feet betrayed him as he walked to Aversa's room. He wanted to wait a few more minutes, to compose himself and arrange the points of his argument. But no, his treacherous feet led him closer and closer to what Robin was sure would be one hell of a conversation.
/
"Aversa?" Robin found that the bedchamber's door was unlocked. He saw Aversa, sitting on the large, comfortable-looking bed in far center of the room. She'd been reading something before he'd come in. Whatever it was, Aversa closed the tome and glared at him icily. Now she was acknowledging his presence, at least.
"I suppose you want to talk."
"I do," Robin answered, "and I would appreciate it if you would wait until I have presented my logic before interrupting me. Or slapping me." He edged further into the room, shutting the door behind him. If Morgan came home and they happened to be shouting, the heavy door would mute some of the noise.
Aversa stood up to meet him. Robin used to complain about their height difference, but he learned he didn't much care, unless Aversa was trying to intimidate him. As she was doing at the moment.
"Talk, then." Aversa said, "I haven't got all day."
Robin grit his teeth, biting back the hurt that came from hearing such words from his lover.
"I'm sorry that you and Morgan felt abandoned," he began, "but I cannot apologize for what I did. This world is better off without Grima, and I think you can agree with that."
"Besides," Robin continued, "Morgan is safe as well." Aversa remained impassive, save for her tight lips and cold gaze. "That's all I have to say on my actions. Now, if you don't care for me anymore, I understand. I'll find another place to live,"
"You think," Aversa interrupted quietly, "that I am this way because I don't care for you anymore?" Fire had replaced the ice in her eyes, and her teeth were all but bared as she bit out each syllable.
Robin took a step back, but didn't make a move to leave. It was about time he let Aversa unleash out her frustrations. He just didn't want to get cursed. Or punched.
"I put my faith in you – I put aside all my fears of being in love for you." Aversa growled, voice rising incrementally. "I am not getting any younger, you know."
There she went, thought Robin, going on about her age. Aversa was only four years his senior, and she looked exactly as she had before facing Grima. But Robin understood that Aversa's vanity was permanent. He never teased her about it because he knew it was a touchy subject. The only thing he'd said on the topic was that he didn't give a damn about what she looked like because he loved her for her whole self.
"Then you went and dropped us on the Shepherds like some abandoned creatures." Aversa went on, "you never considered that they might refuse your last request."
"They didn't," Robin chided softly.
"I trusted you," Aversa's voice was louder than the generally accepted conversational tone, "I trusted you and you left. If I had known you would up and leave like that, I never would have consented to this arrangement!" She held up her left hand for emphasis. Robin hadn't seen Aversa so livid since he'd personally killed Validar once and for all. He half expected her to rip the ring off again, but she didn't. In fact, Aversa's hand was trembling. Robin wanted to hold her so badly, to kiss away the hurt, but he was unsure what kind of state their relationship was in – if it was still in existence. He fiddled with the hem of his cloak to occupy his hands.
"And you know what the worst part of it all is?" She was nearly whispering at this point. "I still love you." Robin didn't know if he was overjoyed or heartbroken.
"And I feel the same way." Robin braced himself for the next thing he was going to say. "So, do you still want to be with me?"
"Of course, you stupid man! A thousand times yes! I want you! I want to be with you! But," she said, "I am not sure that I can trust you again." Grima was gone, Robin thought, he didn't have any other reason to leave!
"You can trust me, Aversa. I told you I would come back and I did. I won't ever leave again – and you can kill me if I do." Robin fought to keep his voice in check. He really did not mind dying if he broke his promise. But, he resolved, if Aversa rejected him once and for all, he would just have to accept it and move on. It would be hard – so incredibly difficult – but that was a fact of life.
Aversa looked at Robin for a good, long time. "Let us meet again tomorrow. I need time to think about this." She gave him what appeared to be an apologetic glance. Or whatever Aversa's equivalent of that was. She never apologized for anything.
"Right. Good idea." Robin turned to leave.
"Hold," Aversa said. Robin met her eyes quizzically. "For better or worse, I am glad you came back."
"Me too."
/
Aversa watched Robin leave the bedchamber. She was faced with another bout of new emotions. Well, to call them new would make it seem like she hadn't been capable of feeling them before. Anyhow, she was not used to her current predicament. No matter how she reasoned it, she wanted Robin in every way imaginable. His little self-righteous speech on his decision hadn't changed that fact. It was vaguely irritating that love was so stubborn.
The more she thought about it, however, Aversa pondered if she even had the right to be angry with Robin for doing what he did. She was used to controlling others; enough said. Maybe that was why she was so fond of him. Robin wasn't easily swayed by appearances alone. It took effort to get her way with him, which Aversa liked. In that case, she shouldn't have been upset by his choice to kill Grima. Then it dawned on her.
Aversa had been afraid of losing Robin for good. She had been angry because Robin hadn't given her concern a second thought. It was selfish of both of them – Aversa for trying to keep Robin from finding peace with himself, and Robin for risking his friends and family to make himself feel better. It was a noble vice, Aversa conceded, among other possible flaws. But it was all over – the fell dragon was long dead. She knew Robin wouldn't willingly destroy himself again. Moreover, she wanted Robin beside her that instant – she didn't want to wait until the next day, nor the day after that. Her anger left her like water off a duck's back, which left her empty for a moment, but was quickly replaced by the overwhelming desire to go after her silly tactician.
/
Robin had his hand on the door to the guest room he had been using for the past week or so. A great weight had been lifted off of his chest. He just needed to hold out until the next day, and his path from there would be set.
Before he could enter the room, however, a hand settled itself on his shoulder. Robin spun around to see Aversa, a wild, burning passion in her eyes. It made his heart pound against the confines of his chest. Her choice was clear to him then and there. She wouldn't be as she was otherwise. But Robin was nothing if not a cautious man; he did not want to misinterpret anything.
"Does this mean," he began, only to get cut off by Aversa's mouth connecting with his.
They broke apart. "Yes," Aversa breathed, steering him in the direction of the larger bedchamber.
/
Aversa pushed Robin onto the mattress with little ceremony. It had been a long while since she'd been with the man. The last time they'd lain together had left a bad taste in her mouth. To Aversa's delight, Robin was responding to her advances eagerly. She had her hands fisted in his fair hair, deepening their contact. Robin's hands traveled down her torso and paused at her waist. His fingers ghosted a faint, teasing drumbeat over her clothes. She recognized the action right away: Robin was confirming the intent of their current position. He wouldn't dare go farther if she did not give him a signal back. It was much subtler than asking her verbally – the first time Robin had done that, Aversa was put off for a second and demanded that he come up with some sort of wordless code. Naturally, that had resulted in a long and detailed conversation that had previously been alien to Aversa. She found that being forthright with Robin about her personal desires and dislikes had been a good idea. Besides, she'd learned a thing or two about Robin as well.
She pulled away for a brief moment. "Excited, are we?" Aversa smirked as she nudged her knee between Robin's legs and made tiny movements, creating light friction and eliciting a low groan from the tactician.
"I-is that a yes or a no?" Robin panted, clearly trying to contain himself. "You never told me what your definite 'yes' signal would be." Seeing him so unwound, so desperate because of her actions made Aversa's desire burn hotter.
"I'm trying to be creative, love. Do you not like this one?"
"Honestly, I'm getting confused."
"Fine, fine, I shall think of one – later. For now, it is worth mentioning that I am ready and more than willing…" Aversa looked at her partner with unexpected patience, given her increasing need for release.
Robin grinned. "So am I." And they resumed where they left off.
/
Robin lay comfortably beside Aversa, bathing in the afterglow of their passionate reunion. His partner's arms were looped about him, her head nuzzling his neck. Aversa wasn't usually so affectionate, so Robin was enjoying it to the fullest. He could smell the faint aroma of sandalwood and musk – one of his favorite scents.
Glancing outside, he noticed that it was getting close to suppertime. Another thought came barreling into his head: Morgan wasn't home yet. Robin kept himself from shooting up from his position, but he needed to make sure his child wasn't being put off by recent events.
"Aversa," he muttered urgently. "Where is Morgan?"
Aversa lifted her head to meet his eyes, blinking lazily. "She is probably with that half-taguel boy. Panne's son."
"Yarne?"
"Yes, him. She fancies him, you know." What? Morgan fancied Yarne? Robin doubted it. Morgan was still so immature! She was too young to be chasing after someone else!
Robin shook his head. "That can't be. She'd laugh at the idea."
"You keep thinking that," Aversa rolled her eyes. "Though I have a feeling you want to know her whereabouts in any case." She let go of him and slinked out of bed. After a quick change into a robe, Aversa went about preparing materials for a spell.
Robin watched on with interest. He'd never been good at the dark arts. It was a tad disappointing, considering his father had been a very successful dark wizard. Then again, it was probably better that Robin did not excel at dark magic.
His partner returned with a small crystal bowl filled with water. She set it on the beside table and gave Robin a quick look of annoyance.
"It's difficult to scry at this time of day, I'll have you know."
"I just need to be sure Morgan is safe."
"I am quite confident that she is," Aversa replied smoothly, "you haven't seen her growth this past year or so." That stung a little. "Just pray we don't catch her doing something, ah, private. It happens," she seemed to think better of whatever she was going to say. Her insinuation made the blood drain from Robin's face.
"Don't say things like that!"
"I was kidding, love. Morgan and I had a chat some time ago. Now, if you will let me continue," Robin nodded his understanding, embarrassed about the whole thing. Gods take him!
Aversa chanted lightly under her breath, and the water's surface appeared to become a mirror. With another moment, Morgan's face appeared on the reflective water. She was running around, playing with Cynthia and Owain. She was riding on the back of a monstrously large rabbit while the other children chased her on pegasus-back. The images flitted on the glassy surface before fading away. The water returned to its natural state and Aversa turned to him with a smug expression.
"I told you she was fine."
"I'm glad you were right," Robin said. He didn't mean to offend Aversa by asking her to take a peek at what Morgan was doing. It was a habit. Robin had lost track of the girl more than once when they'd been on campaign. Morgan would run off chasing some sort of insect she found interesting at times. But then, that was over a year ago.
Aversa put her scrying tools away and came back to bed. She came very close to Robin's face, that ever suggestive half-smile on her lips. Robin swallowed hard.
"Now," said the Dark Flier, "where were we?"
"Er, I don't know?" Robin had an idea of where he wanted the two of them to be.
"Oh, I know," Aversa drawled, "we were about to discuss the cooking shifts. Now that you are a functioning member of this household, you ought to do some work around here."
Robin blinked. That was not what he'd been expecting to hear, but he was glad to pitch in now that Aversa would let him. It had been terribly awkward before.
"Of course," he said. "What did you want me to make?"
"Something you did not learn to cook from the Shepherds. Good-hearted folks they may be, their cooking is awful."
"You know, Cordelia, Cherche, Panne, Virion, Stahl, and Frederick aren't half bad. They just never had the rations shifts when you joined us. Stahl makes a delicious stuffed potato." Robin's mouth watered at the thought of Stahl's cooking. For someone who could eat anything and everything, it must be important to make good food.
Aversa chuckled to herself. "Why don't you live with Stahl, then? You can eat his potatoes every day."
"Was that a dirty joke?"
"Take it as you will." Leave it to Aversa to fluster Robin with the slightest remarks.
Robin got up from the comfort of the mattress. "I'll go fix us some supper, then."
"Oh, and make something with carrots in it, will you?" Aversa called from the bed.
"Why?"
"No reason."
/
"I'm back!" Morgan announced as she waltzed through the doorway. "Something smells good."
Aversa heard her daughter from the kitchen, where she'd been entertaining herself by watching Robin cook. It wasn't as amusing as she had hoped – Robin was actually skilled in the art.
"I brought a friend," Morgan's head peeked into the cooking area. Aversa was pleased that her prediction was correct – and that she had put on her usual attire for the occasion. Morgan seemed to be looking for something; she kept glancing back and forth between Aversa and Robin.
Finally, Aversa had had enough of the girl's suspicion. "We aren't fighting anymore," she said smoothly, arching an eyebrow at her daughter to confirm that her declaration was what Morgan wanted to hear.
"Really?"
Robin turned his attention from what he was doing and replied, "yes. Who did you bring with you?" Aversa didn't know why Robin needed to ask. The answer was painfully obvious.
Morgan led Yarne in by the hand and seated him at the table across from Aversa. The half-taguel boy looked nervous – more so than usual. And so, in her usual manner, Aversa fixed him with a paralyzing gaze. This was enhanced by the use of a tiny amount of magic energy to make her eyes flash with red light. She wouldn't get tired of making people uncomfortable for a long time.
"Mother!" Morgan whined. "You're doing that on purpose."
Aversa ceased her mischief, giving her daughter a very insincere pout. "Aw, you never let me have any fun."
Morgan glared right back. "Yeah, because you scare my friends. It'd be different if you weren't trying to intimidate them."
"Yes, yes, I'll be good." Aversa leaned into her chair, observing her child and her friend. She briefly wondered how someone as calm and deadly as Panne could have offspring as fearful and cravenly as Yarne. Morgan had mentioned that the boy had been under a great deal of pressure as the last person with any hint of taguel blood. Aversa supposed that was a somewhat acceptable reason to be afraid of one's dinner fork.
"How have you been, Yarne?" Robin asked as he finished his cooking. He brought a large plate of roasted beef over to the table. On the rim of the plate were dozens of little circles of chopped carrot.
Yarne fidgeted before he replied. He really did look like a rabbit, Aversa mused. "I've been well. Just, you know, scared of anything sharp or heavy enough to hurt me."
Morgan put a hand on the taguel boy's arm, which seemed to soothe his nerves. "Don't worry, I'll protect you." She said sweetly. At that, Robin glanced at Aversa. She gave him a casual wink; it was quick enough to avoid being picked up by the younger ones.
Robin cleared his throat. "Let's eat." He handed out plates and goblets. Aversa decided that she might as well do something useful, so she brought out a bottle of wine and set it on the table. She was hardly the type to serve anyone.
"So, Yarne," Robin had finally taken a seat beside Aversa. "You look taller."
Morgan's companion looked ready to choke. "Taller? Oh, no! That means if I fall, I'll have a longer way to go – I might break more bones,"
"Yarne, it's okay." Morgan assured him.
"Where are the others?" Robin continued his inquiry, this time using a gentler tone. Aversa suppressed a grin all the while. She couldn't help that the dinner conversation was pitifully amusing, nor could she help her twisted sense of humor.
Morgan replied, "they're all busy packing."
"For what?"
"To leave." Morgan went on. "They figure they can't stay with their parents since all of you are gonna start having your own children." Aversa saw Morgan's eyes drift for a moment before snapping back to attention.
"I don't plan on going any time soon!" Yarne blurted out, "it's dangerous out there! Especially for me!"
"I'll stay with you," said Morgan. At that, Robin visibly tensed. Aversa bit the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from snickering. It looks like Robin had to face reality for moment, she mused.
To prevent any possible calamity, Aversa finally deigned to say something. "That's very kind of you, isn't it? Loyalty like that is hard to come by these days."
Morgan seemed to swell with pride. "I guess that's true."
"Well I'm happy you're planning to stick around for a while yet." Robin said after collecting himself. "I feel like we've just met."
/
After supper, Morgan insisted that she take Yarne home to make sure he was safe. Robin had wanted to go along, but Aversa had stopped him. She knew Morgan would be strongest at night, especially when there was ample moonlight. The girl was old enough to go around Ylisstol at night, but definitely not ready to travel the world on her own.
"This can't be happening," Robin paced the dining room floor agitatedly. "Morgan is too young to court someone else."
Aversa lounged in her seat, legs crossed. "Calm yourself. I don't know what strange drink you've had, but everyone else can see that Morgan is in the beginning of her adolescent years. She is going to seek out the attention that she cannot get from us."
"It disturbs me that you would say that, but you have a point. But she isn't ready for this! Morgan isn't prepared for a serious relationship."
Again, Aversa took a twisted pleasure in watching Robin fret when the solution was so simple. It was the little things Robin did that made him so attractive. "Who says she is serious about Yarne? She's young! Morgan is bound to experience heartache at some point. You cannot shelter her forever. Or," she gave him a wicked smile, "is it that you don't want Yarne for a son-in-law?"
Robin ceased his pacing. "Yarne is a promising young man. I suppose I'm so worried because we just met Morgan and I like our little family. You, me, Morgan."
"There you go. Now we're getting to the bottom of it." Aversa drawled sarcastically. She wasn't going to agree with Robin up front! "Now, are you sure you have nothing against Yarne? Nothing about his pedigree, I'm certain."
Aversa's partner frowned. "Well, I am a little worried that Yarne would abandon Morgan if they were ever in a pinch. Once, I paired myself up with him and the second an enemy mage came into view, he bolted. Left me with a nasty burn, too."
"Aw, poor you. Do you need me to kiss it better?"
"Are you serious about that offer?"
"That depends on if you stop trying to control our daughter's learning process."
Robin gave her a wry smile. "If you'll keep me in check."
"Challenge accepted. Now, come here you silly, overprotective man." Aversa beckoned him over, watching as the little bob in Robin's throat moved up and down excitedly.
Just as they were going to embrace, the door slammed open. "I'm home – again!"
"Damn and blast," Robin mumbled. Aversa gave him a peck on the lips for his trouble.
"We are still in the kitchen, love." She rose from her seat to stretch her legs. Aversa noted that she hadn't walked too much that day, though she was sure her amorous activity with Robin counted as enough movement to get her blood flowing.
"I know,"
Morgan approached the two of them curiously. Aversa knew the girl was trying to discern if their cordial demeanor had been a show for Yarne.
"So you and Father made up?" Morgan asked in Plegian. Aversa had been teaching her daughter her native tongue, mostly for the purpose of reading unique Plegian magic spells, but also for befuddling Robin.
"Yes," Aversa replied in the same dialect, "you don't need to worry your little head." And in Common she added, "you have a heavy Ylissean accent."
"It's not my fault. Your Plegian accent is obvious, too."
"Excuses."
"Hey, when did Morgan learn Plegian?" Robin didn't seem upset that Aversa and Morgan had just had a side conversation undoubtedly involving him, but instead he took interest that his child had learned another language.
Morgan grinned wide, puffing her chest out with pride. "Mother taught me. It's hard learning a whole new language. You can't speak Plegian, Father?"
"If I could, I would've understood what you said. When I woke in the field the first time, I remembered how to fight." Robin shrugged. "Isn't that convenient? I couldn't remember anything but my own name, Chrom's name, and how to fight. Granted, the other me had some overlapping experiences." When Robin spoke of his memory loss now, he didn't sound at all bitter as he had when he'd found out that he was Grima's vessel. Aversa had always been surprised that the tactician hadn't figured that out earlier.
"Mother, I kind of like having secret side conversations." Morgan switched to Plegian again. Her thick Ylissean accent made it hard to understand, but at least she was trying. "Are you gonna teach him?"
Aversa patted Morgan on the head before replying in her native tongue, "it's a part of your father's heritage as much as it is ours."
Robin watched, fascinated. "Can I learn, too? Tharja and Henry weren't very good teachers."
"Of course," Aversa said, "I'll have you know my lingual skills are very sharp." Just to prove it, she spoke in a rural dialect found in Chon'sin, "Can you tell?"
Morgan's jaw dropped open. "How many languages do you even know?"
"Enough to get by,"
"Whoa,"
"Your mother did do plenty of traveling in the past," Robin said mildly. "It's not surprising that she learned how to speak with the local people."
Aversa raised an eyebrow. "You flatter me, darling."
"I think," Morgan began, "I have the best parents in the Shepherds. No! The whole world!" She dove between Robin and Aversa, gripping them tightly. No longer did Morgan look withdrawn, her mind somewhere far off. The girl looked so genuinely happy, content with her situation. Aversa ran her hand through the hair so similar to her own, combing out the tangles. Showing just a hint of motherly affection now and again wouldn't hurt. The other Shepherds didn't need to see her soft spot for her family. Family. Aversa never thought the day would come when she would have such a thing. And yet, her lover was beside her and her child was before her. It made her think that maybe, maybe, she had changed for the better. Even the tiniest iota. And what satisfied her the most was that it was her choice to improve her life. Aversa was no longer dwelling in the dark, but in the shadows. And she thrived in the shadows.
/
Robin smiled down at Morgan. He was glad that she had forgiven him for leaving. Moreover, he was proud to call her his daughter. Morgan was bright, talented, and willing to better herself. To Robin, Morgan was the best of both Aversa and himself. The thought of Morgan leaving with the other children so soon crushed Robin. They'd met only a short time ago! It made Robin think about possibly having a child – in the conventional manner – with Aversa. Was she willing to have another child? Were the two of them prepared for actually raising an infant? Well, Robin thought, if Chrom's baby Lucina was still alive by this time, surely he could handle the same tasks.
When the family embrace ended, Robin cleared his throat," he said, "do you feel pressure to leave because you think we're going to have another child?" He could feel Aversa's eyes on him, dangerously so.
Morgan nodded, as if ashamed. "I figured you'd want to have a Morgan of your own sooner or later. I don't wanna get in the way."
Aversa scoffed. "And where, my dear, did you get that idea?"
"Gerome." Morgan said. Robin wasn't at all stunned that Gerome had suggested something so negative.
"Well," Aversa drawled, "if you want to be our only Morgan, then consider it done." She shot Robin a sidelong glance. Robin nodded. He loved Morgan – he would never kick her out simply to raise another child. Moreover, it seemed clear that Aversa liked the idea of having a child without the birthing process.
"You can stay with us as long as you want." Robin added.
"But please," Aversa cut in, "if you decide to settle down with someone, do get a house of your own. You cannot leech off your parents forever."
Morgan looked back and forth, and then squeezed her eyes shut. Her eyelashes glistened with tears.
"Thank you so much!" Morgan coughed and sniffed for a few moments before calming down.
"Though," said Morgan, "I'll leave you in a few years to travel around the world like the others. It sounds like an amazing journey – a memorable one. But first, I want to make lots of memories with my parents."
/
Robin fell into bed. "This is nicer than sleeping on the ground in a tent." He spoke into his pillow.
"Indeed," Aversa agreed, climbing in beside him. "Though I'll need to get used to sharing a bed once more." When she had settled down, Robin wriggled closer. He pressed their lips together briefly – they had plenty of goodnight kisses to make up. No matter how Aversa teased him about being a child, Robin was convinced a peck before bed improved rest.
"Don't worry, this bed is bigger than one bedroll."
"I'd hope so. If I get another knee to any part of my body, you're sleeping elsewhere. Or," Aversa pressed herself to Robin's back and put her arms around him, "we could try this arrangement. Your knees will face out."
Robin didn't mind either way. It was just warmer having someone there. "We can try." He felt Aversa's slender fingers tracing patterns over the front of his nightshirt. "Hmm? Do you need something?" Robin was met with a short period of silence.
"Just making sure you're real," Aversa's reply was very quiet, and her grip was firm enough so that Robin couldn't turn around to see her face. Robin reached for one of Aversa's hands, twining their fingers and bringing the back of her hand to his mouth. Aversa made a tsking sound – resigned annoyance, perhaps.
Robin couldn't resist chuckling. "So I was worth the wait? Hey!" He yelped the last part when a small spark of magic jolted across his midsection.
"Don't push your luck."
Robin grinned. He could feel Aversa smirking against his neck. The night was still young.
/
And that's the main story! I've got one last chapter in this for you all, and it'll be about the original timeline. Yep, Robin and Aversa's relationship was very different in the children's universe – in my head canon. Anyway, thanks for reading!
