It was many hours before the sounds of snarls and great impacts at the door would come to an end. No one dared fall asleep lest they be left helpless to the enemies' mercy. No one even could fall asleep, for their adrenaline spiked with every pounding against the gate, their heart racing at every snarl heard from the undead warriors outside.
Chrom and Robin M were standing guard at the fort gate when the noises came to an abrupt stop. They each exchanged a surprised and suspicious glance. "Everyone get your weapons ready," Chrom called to the assembled Shepherds. "We don't know what's out there."
Everyone nodded and did as they were told, Frederick and Sully mounting their respective horses. Robin M removed the plank holding the doors shut and held on tight.
"Ready?" he asked.
Chrom nodded.
"One…two…three!" At Robin M's cue, they pulled the doors open.
What they found was an empty field and a forest covered in ash. What was once a vibrant green environment had been transformed into a gray wasteland with sheer cliffs and trees deprived of their foliage. The sky was slowly brightening with the rising sun.
Chrom hesitantly stepped outside, his boots crunching against the dry earth. "I don't understand," he said. "Where did they all go?"
"Perhaps they are lying in wait for an ambush?" Frederick asked.
"No," said Marth, walking up to the group. Everyone looked at him in surprise, for the masked swordsman hadn't appeared before them since taking refuge in the fort.
She turned to Chrom with the same unreadable expression as before. "The force controlling those creatures realized that they would not take your life on this night."
Chrom frowned at that. "What is this 'force' you speak of?"
Marth shook his head. "Even I do not fully understand it. All I can tell you is this: the world teeters at the brink of a horrible calamity. What you saw tonight was but a prelude. You have been warned."
Lissa tilted her head and hummed in deep thought. "What's teetering where now?" she mumbled to herself. Then she looked up as she heard the crunching footsteps of the masked man. "Hey, wait! Where are you going?"
Marth stopped walking and turned his head. "I have business elsewhere. There are…others that I must seek out." This was the last thing he said before he walked away. They all watched him go as he disappeared into the line of blackened trees.
"Well," Robin M said, "I think I'm actually more confused than before he 'explained' what happened."
"He's not very proficient with words," Robin F agreed.
"His skill is impressive," Frederick said. "I wager we'll hear his name again." He looked towards the brightening horizon. "For now, I am more concerned about the capital. We should make haste."
As they began to head out, Chrom turned to Sully. "That reminds me," he said. "Sully, what were you doing here anyway?"
"When you didn't get back to Ylisstol in time, it got us all worried," she replied. "I was sent to check on you."
"We had a bit of a run in with bandits in Southtown," Chrom explained. "Not to mention we had to help reunite the Robins."
"Which you still have my eternal gratitude for, Chrom," Robin F said with a smile. "If you hadn't been there, I doubt my brother would have lasted as long as he did."
"Come on, Sis," Robin M replied. "Have a little faith in me, will you?"
Robin F shook her head. "When you start acting like an adult, perhaps I will."
The sun had completely risen by the time they had gotten to Ylisstol, and the people of the city were already up and about. Shops had opened on every street corner, everyone was milling about doing their daily tasks; it all seemed remarkably…normal. The people seemed rather upbeat considering the cavalcade of chaos that had occurred not a half day's travel to the west. Brick buildings lined every street and at the center of it all lay a mighty palace atop a sunny hill. Robin M had to admit, it was all rather picturesque and lovely.
Virion and Sully had left the group once they entered the city. Sully had claimed she was off to the training yard while Virion followed. He claimed he had nowhere else to be, but Robin M wondered if perhaps he had a strange obsession with being rejected by women who clearly didn't want him.
"Amazing," Robin F said, turning every which way to try and take in everything at once. "I've never seen so many people in one place!"
"Or you don't remember it," her brother pointed out, scrutinizing various trinkets on display at a shop. "Still, I guess anything would look vibrant after the hell we went through last night."
"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods," Frederick said with perhaps the first genuine smile on his face Robin M had seen. "I see no evidence of the great quake. It must have been limited to the forest."
"Well, that's a relief," Lissa said, smiling at the knowledge she was finally home.
"Still, with a cataclysm that massive contained to such a specific area," Robin M said, peering closely at a strangely-shaped device in his hand, "I can't help but wonder if it was more of an unnatural disaster."
"You think someone caused that eruption?" Chrom asked.
"Or something," Robin M replied. "The creatures we saw may have been a dead giveaway."
"Brother, that was bad even for you," Robin F said with a frown.
"Yes, I am aware," the male tactician replied.
"Hey, are you going to buy something already?" the red-haired merchant girl asked, eyeing Robin M with annoyance. "We don't exactly appreciate window shoppers around here."
"Tell me, what function does this talisman serve?" asked Robin M, holding up the trinket he had.
"It's been proven to ward off magical attacks of all kind!" the merchant said with a smile. "A fine investment for any of you good warriors!"
"And how do I know this isn't ceramic that you gave a fresh coat of paint?" Robin M asked.
The merchant's smile suddenly seemed a bit more forced. "Are you implying that my merchandise is subpar, good sir?"
"It looks very lovely!" Robin F suddenly interjected. "Brother, would you buy it for me?"
"I am not spending what little gold I have on –" He was cut off when he noticed the pleading expression on his sister's face, her eyes gleaming.
"How much," Robin M asked with exasperation.
"Normally I'd say 2500 G," replied the merchant. "But I'm feeling charitable today. 1000 will do fine!"
Robin M sighed. He placed a handful of coins on the table, trying to ignore how much lighter the pockets of his coat felt. The merchant took a moment and counted every one of the coins meticulously before nodding. "A pleasure doing business with you!"
"Whatever you say," Robin M said. He handed his sister the talisman and was a bit less annoyed after seeing her grateful smile.
"Honestly, sometimes I have a hard time telling which of you is the elder sibling," Frederick said.
"I know exactly what you mean," Robin M replied, watching his sister figure out where to place the trinket on her coat.
"Thunderation!" cried out one of the townsfolk. "The exalt has come to see us!"
Everyone's heads suddenly snapped up at the commotion. They saw it: a parade of people marching through the streets. Leading them all was a woman who looked a bit older than Chrom, dressed in simple green robes and with a strange circular headdress that reminded Robin M of a halo. She was waving to the people with a kind smile. Flanking her were armored women riding on winged horses: pegasus knights.
"The ruler of Ylisse, I presume?" Robin M asked.
"Yes," Frederick confirmed with a reverent tone. "Her name is Lady Emmeryn."
"First name Lady, last name Emmeryn?" Robin M asked. When no one laughed (unsurprisingly), he continued as if nothing was said. "Is it safe for her to walk among us common folk?"
"If a ruler can't trust their own people," Robin F said, "who can they trust?"
"The exalt is a symbol of peace – Ylisse's most prized quality," Frederick continued. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then."
"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her," Chrom said, his eyes fixed on the exalt as she passed them by. "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war."
"The people of Ylisse are very lucky to have her," Robin F said.
"I can see why she is so well-loved," Robin M agreed.
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa said, cheerful at the sight of Emmeryn.
"Well, with someone who loves peace that much, I'd figure…" Robin M trailed off when he took in the full meaning of those words.
"She's your sister?" Robin F asked with surprise.
"But that would make you and Chrom…" Robin M was beginning to sweat.
"The prince and princess of the realm, yes," Frederick said with a disarming smile. "You remember Chrom's name and not this?"
"Oh gods," Robin F said, her hands covering her mouth.
"This whole time," Robin M said, hands running through his hair, "I've been rude and snarky to…to…" He bowed so quickly the others were surprised his head didn't fall off. "Please forgive me your Lordness – I mean your Majestyship – I mean…" He straightened up and paused to collect his words. "Ahem…my apologies, Lord Prince Chrom sire."
"Just Chrom is fine," the prince said, grinning slightly at the tactician's embarrassment and redundancy. "Truthfully, I've never been one for formalities."
"Oh, thank the gods," Robin M said. "If I had to remind myself to be polite around you all the time, I might explode."
"We camped out with the prince and princess of Ylisse!" Robin F shouted excitedly. "I feel so honored!"
"Yesterday morning, you didn't even know what Ylisse was," her brother pointed out.
"But it's still remarkable, isn't it?" she said. "We fought alongside royalty! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and we got to experience it!"
"Now you've done it," Robin M said. "She'll be up all night talking to herself about how lucky she is."
"The prince and princess of Ylisse," Robin F repeated with just as much awe as before. "This explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing," Robin F said.
"Indeed," Frederick said with a sigh. "Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm."
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" Chrom offered.
"Would I ever!" Robin F said, taking her brother's arm and dragging them off to the palace. "We get to meet the entire royal family…this is so exciting!"
"Ow!" Robin M cried out. "Can you think of a less painful way of expressing your excitement please?"
The entrance hall to the castle was just as extravagant as Robin F imagined. A long red carpet, ornate green banners, tall pillars holding up a marvelous ceiling. The entire place was beautiful.
"Please, Sis," Robin M said from next to her. "It wouldn't do for the exalt's first impression of you to be of an easily excitable girl who can't control herself in the presence of celebrities. Also, I think my arm might break if you squeeze it any tighter."
"S-sorry," Robin F said, loosening her grip and taking deep breaths as they followed the Shepherds to the end of the hall. "It's just…think about it! Most people never get to experience what we're doing right now; meeting the ruler of the halidom and her family…the idea just makes me so happy!"
"Well perhaps you should keep that happiness to yourself," Robin M said, "considering she's standing right there."
Robin F suddenly stood stiffly as she realized her brother was right. They had made it to the end of the entrance hall and Exalt Emmeryn herself was standing right there. Next to her stood a stern-faced woman in armor with her silver hair tied in a bun behind her head.
"Chrom! Lissa!" Emmeryn said with a gentle voice. "Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"
"Well, we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while," Chrom said.
"Wonderful," the exalt said. "And our people?"
"Safe as they can be, Emm," Chrom said.
Robin F noticed that it was this, the news of her people's safety, and not the news of the bandits being dealt with that made the exalt sigh with relief.
"But we still need to watch the borders," Chrom continued. "The brigands crossed over from Plegia."
"Forgive me, milord," the woman next to Emmeryn replied. "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."
"No, Phila," reassured Chrom, "your duty was here, with the exalt."
"And besides, we had plenty of help!" Lissa said, grinning at the tacticians. Robin F stiffened even more now that the exalt's attention was on them.
"Ah, you speak of your new companions here?" Emmeryn asked.
"Helloitisanhonortomeetyouyourexaltedness!" Robin F blurted out. Everyone stared at this sudden outburst. Robin F responded by blushing profusely and pulling her hood over her face.
"Forgive her, she's a bit…starstruck," Robin M replied, lifting off his sister's hood. She began to intensely stare at the ground. "My name is Robin M and the articulate one here is my sister, Robin F."
"You are both called Robin?" Emmeryn asked.
"Yes, I'm sure if I could remember them I would describe my parents as quite eccentric, milady," Robin M replied.
"They fought bravely against the brigands, Emm," Chrom said. "I have decided to make them Shepherds."
Emmeryn smiled at the tactician twins. "It sounds as though Ylisse owes you both a debt of gratitude."
"Truthfully, it is us who owe your siblings a great debt," Robin M replied. "Had it not been for them and Frederick, we would not have the honor of speaking with you today."
Frederick stepped forward. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak." He glanced briefly at the Robins before continuing. "The two Robins claim to have lost their memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that they are brigands themselves or even Plegian spies."
"Frederick!" Chrom protested.
Some spies we are, Robin M thought. A man who throws magic tomes at his enemies because he doesn't remember how to use them and his sister: a woman who is reduced to a stuttering mess in the presence of royalty.
"Yet you allowed them into the castle, Chrom," Emmeryn said. "Do these people have your trust?"
"Yes," Chrom answered without hesitation. "They risked their lives for our people. That's good enough for me."
Emmeryn turned and smiled to the tacticians. "It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well."
Robin M nodded in respect, quickly followed by his sister. "Milady."
"But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always," Emmeryn said. "Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time…"
"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace," Frederick replied. Chrom scratched his neck and Lissa puffed her cheeks out, but other than that the exalt's siblings gave no reply.
"Phila," Frederick said, "I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"
"Yes, milord," Phila replied. "They've been sighted all across Ylisse."
"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us," said Emmeryn.
"Of course," Chrom said. At this, he followed his sister and Phila out of the room.
"That's our cue, Robin and Robin!" Lissa said, taking their arms. "C'mon, there's a place I really want to show you!" She ran out of the castle, dragging the tacticians along with her.
"Hey, slow down, will you?" Robin M cried out. His protests quickly died out as the three of them left. Frederick stared at them for a time before following Chrom into the council room.
"Here we are: the Shepherds' garrison!" Lissa declared.
Robin M looked around. There were crates, barrels, and large sacks piled up in various places throughout the room. Various papers were scattered on the ground and across a long table. Equipment of all kinds could be seen in easily reached locations and a door led to the training yard.
"Go on, make yourself at home," Lissa said.
"It's not much," Robin M said, stepping inside, "but I could get used to this."
"It certainly looks lived-in," his sister said, following him.
"Lissa, my treasure!" a high-pitched voice called out. The Robins turned and saw that they were not alone in the room. Robin M noticed three others watching them. The woman who spoke was currently running up to Lissa. She was dressed in a silky pink and white shirt and pants with knee-high riding boots. Her blonde hair fell to her back in long curls and the image was completed with a parasol in one hand.
The woman threw her arms around Lissa, who returned the hug with a grin. "Are you all right?" the woman asked when they separated. "I've been on pins and needles!"
"Hi, Maribelle," Lissa replied.
"'Hi' yourself!" Maribelle said indignantly. "I've sprouted 14 gray hairs fretting over you!"
"She counted them all individually?" Robin M quietly asked his sister. She shrugged.
"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two!" Lissa reassured her friend. "Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue…"
"What are you talking about? That was the best part," Robin M said. "Enjoying the lovely pungent aroma of the bear, laughing at Sis's face when a cricket hopped in front of her. Wasn't that last part just so much –"
"Before you continue," Robin F interrupted, "I'd like you to carefully consider if you'll be needing any of your fingers in the near future."
Her brother wisely shut up.
"Hey, squirt!" greeted a man as he walked up to them with a cocky smile. "Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" The man was tall with short blond hair swept behind his head. His muscles were on full display on the count of his lack of shirt.
Lissa raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" She giggled. "And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"
"She's more ruthless with him than she is with Frederick," Robin F whispered to her brother. Robin M nodded.
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" "Teach" said. Then he looked confused. "Wait, was that last bit an insult?"
"Beg pardon," said a third individual, "but when might we see the captain?"
This woman was dressed in the same light armor Robin M had seen on the pegasus knights that were with the exalt. Her light brown hair was shorter than Maribelle's and she seemed much more approachable.
"Poor Sumia," Maribelle said. "She's simply been beside herself with concern. Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded."
"Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." Lissa said, seemingly oblivious to her friend's implications.
"Worry?" Sumia asked. "Well, I…he's our captain and our prince! Of course I'd worry!"
"Nice save," Robin M said to himself.
"So, who're the strangers?" Vaike asked, turning to face the tacticians.
"No one's stranger than you, Vaike," Lissa teased, "but allow me to introduce Robin M and Robin F!"
"They're…both named Robin?" Vaike asked. "Doesn't that get confusing at times?"
"You quickly learn to get used to it," Robin M said.
"They just joined the Shepherds," Lissa explained. "Chrom's made them the Tricky Twin Tacticians!"
"Did he really call us that?" Robin F asked.
"Nah, I came up with that title myself!" Lissa replied. "I thought it was fitting considering how many tricks you guys have!"
"Oh yeah?" Vaike said with a grin. "Can they do this?" He let loose with a loud and long belch.
"Ugh, Vaike!" Maribelle said, glaring at the fighter. "That was abhorrent."
This was immediately followed by another equally loud belch and everyone turned to the source with surprise.
"Sorry," Robin F said, a hand up to her mouth.
Her brother and Vaike began laughing, much to Maribelle's chagrin. "Honestly, must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery?"
"Only if you continue to throw pretty little insults our way," Robin M replied.
"At least try to be polite," Robin F scolded. She turned to Maribelle. "Please, forgive him, he needs to work on his people skills."
"This coming from the woman who can't put a simple sentence together in front of the exalt," Robin M retorted.
Maribelle scoffed. "Yes, well I hope you can both improve your manners when next we meet!" At this, she stomped off to the training yard.
"Don't take it to heart, you two," Sumia said. "Maribelle warms to people slowly."
"Or burns too quickly!" Lissa said. "But yeah, just give her time."
"I'm sure she's a lovely person," Robin F said.
"I'll believe it when I see it," Robin M said, ignoring his sister's disapproving gaze.
Sumia looked past the Robins and suddenly perked up. "Ah! Captain!"
Everyone turned to see Chrom walking up to them, Frederick close behind him.
"I was – I mean we were so –" Sumia's next words turned to a surprised shout as she slipped over a piece of paper on the ground and fell flat on her face. She quickly stood up and dusted herself off, as if this were a routine occurrence.
"Sumia!" Chrom said worryingly. "Are you all right? Those boots of yours again?"
"No!" Sumia said quickly. "I mean yes! I mean…ugh."
Chrom shook his head and turned to address the rest of the assembled Shepherds. "All right, listen, everyone! In the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."
"Where is that in Ylisse?" Robin M asked.
"Actually, it's an empire all it's own," Frederick explained. "It lies to the north beyond a great wall."
"Inhabited by barbarians," Sumia added. "Or so it's said."
"Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace," Chrom said.
"You refer to the undead soldiers? Or the Plegians?" Robin F asked.
"Both," Chrom said. "Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events…well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital."
"Right, icon of peace and all that," Robin M realized. "So, we're to go in her stead?"
"Indeed," Chrom said. "Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So, if for any –"
"I volunteer!" Lissa said, raising her hand and jumping up and down.
"Me too!" Vaike said with a grin. "You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"
"Delicate is not the word I'd use to describe you," Robin M said.
"I'll go as well," said a voice from seemingly nowhere. Everyone was startled in unison and turned to look at the voice's source. A man with a plain face, short brown hair, and bulky armor was standing off to the side. He looked between all the faces in confusion. "What? I've been here the whole time."
"Your aid will be most appreciated, Kellam," Chrom said.
"I…I, um…" Sumia said, mumbling.
"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asked.
"It's just that…" Sumia was shifting from one leg to the other. "I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way."
"Well, you could stay behind the main group," Chrom suggested. "and if a battle is met, just watch and learn?"
"Remember, the mission is voluntary," Robin F pointed out, giving Sumia an encouraging smile. "Just realize that some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"Yes, precisely," Chrom agreed.
"W-well," Sumia said. "if you think it wise, Captain…"
"Just stay by me and you'll be fine," Chrom said with a reassuring smile.
"Oh, yes!" Sumia said excitedly. "I mean – yes, sir, I'll do that!"
Chrom nodded. "Remember everyone, we leave first thing tomorrow morning!" Chrom called out before walking out of the garrison.
Once the prince had left everyone turned to their own tasks. Robin M turned to his sister only to notice her staring at Sumia as she walked out to the training yard.
"Something on your mind?" Robin M asked.
"Hmm?" Robin F turned to her brother. "Oh, it's nothing. I'll be in the training yard if you need anything."
"Tell your fellow dummies I said hi!" Robin M said. His sister stuck her tongue out at him and left. Robin M looked around awkwardly and noticed Frederick inspecting his lance. Robin took a deep breath and marched up to the knight.
"Freddy," Robin M greeted.
"Don't call me that," Frederick said, not looking up from what he was doing.
Robin M sighed. "Look, I get it. You don't like me. But can I please have a word with you at least?"
Frederick put down the lance. "Very well. What is it?"
Robin M took another deep breath. "I…I wanted to apologize for what I said in the forest. I was caught up in my panic and…I completely disregarded your concerns for Chrom and Lissa. It was selfish of me to demand that you ignore your duty just to help me."
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "You're just…apologizing? I never took you for the apologetic type."
Robin clenched his fists. "I am well aware of your opinion of me."
Frederick averted his gaze. "Truth be told, I must apologize as well."
Robin looked at him in surprise. "What for?"
"I lost my temper at you," Frederick said. "Just as you disregarded my duty, so too did I dismiss your devotion to your sister."
Robin was completely taken aback. He had expected some kind of sanctimonious speech about duty, or perhaps a condescending lecture about controlling your emotions. This was not something he could have ever imagined happening.
"Yes, well," Robin M said, "We all made it out alive in the end. We can be thankful for that much."
"Indeed," Frederick agreed. "Now, why exactly did you choose to apologize for this now?"
Robin rubbed his neck. "Thing is, I'm fine enough with magic, but I've discovered that swordplay is not something I could be described as…competent at. And I was hoping that…"
"You want me to train you?" Frederick finished.
"If you wouldn't mind," Robin said.
Frederick thought about the request for a moment. Then he nodded. "You are a part of the Shepherds now, against my better judgement," he said. "I oversee all the Shepherds' training in physical combat, so I am duty bound to help you."
Robin M nodded and held out his hand. "This means a lot, Freddy."
Frederick shook the tactician's hand. "Please stop calling me that."
"I make no promises on that front," Robin M said with a grin.
Virion smiled upon seeing who was in the training yard. "Ah, most fortuitous fortune! It is none other than my dearly beloved Sully!"
Sully continued striking the training dummy with her wooden sword.
"Your floating, so like a butterfly. Your stinging, so like the bee!" Virion complimented. "Why, it's positively –"
"You got a point, Ruffles?" she asked without even looking at him.
"None save the point of my heart's compass, which strains ever toward Sully," Virion said.
"That sounds like a no." Sully began striking the dummy with twice as much force. "So get lost, I'm trying to train here."
"So cold! I feel a chill coming on," Virion said, his flirtatious smile never wavering. "I'll surely catch my death if you don't spare a few warm words, milady."
Sully didn't even dignify that with a response.
"Come now! All this training for war, all this angry grunting…it's unbecoming of a lady so beauteous!" Virion continued.
Realizing she wouldn't be getting rid of the archer any time soon, she sighed and turned to face him. "A pretty girl can stab a guy as easy as an ugly one. But she still needs to practice…so clear out!"
"No doubt the poets would write of your grace in combat. 'Stabulous,' they'd say!" Virion said. He ignored the dumbfounded expression Sully made at the word "stabulous." "But there is no need for such exertions. Not when you've a man to protect you!"
"I've yet to see a man up to that task," Sully said, unimpressed by Virion's flattery.
"Milady, you wound me," Virion said. "Such a man stands before you at this very moment!"
Sully looked around the training yard, finding no one else standing there. Then she grinned. "Wait, are you talking about…you?" She laughed loudly. "Oh, you're a funny guy, Ruffles. I'll give you that."
Virion sighed. "I wasn't joking."
"Do you have any idea how many people try to kill me on a daily basis?" Sully asked. "It'd take a certified hero just to keep up, let alone 'protect' me."
"And I vow to be just such a hero!" Virion proclaimed.
Sully shook her head. "Ruffles, I'd hire a wet nurse AND her kid as protectors before I'd consider you."
Virion's smile suddenly took on a challenging edge. "So it is proof milady desires, is it? So be it! I shall gladly furnish such! Watch closely our next battle. I'll display such heroism as makes for legend and song!" With that, Virion walked away to practice his marksmanship in another corner of the yard.
"Oh, this'll be good," Sully said as she went back to training.
Lissa sighed as she slumped on the table in the garrison. Maribelle was still nowhere to be found and everyone else was busy with their own tasks. It left her with much time to think, which could be a very dangerous thing.
"Well, that was a big one." Lissa snapped up and turned to see her brother moving to sit next to her.
"Oh, Chrom!" Lissa greeted.
"Something on your mind?" Chrom asked. "Or are you just sighing for the sheer joy of it?"
"Well, it's just…" Lissa took a moment to collect her thoughts. "Do I…do I seem like a princess to you?"
"Er, how's that?" Chrom asked, his brow furrowed.
"I'm asking if I seem like a princess," Lissa said, annoyed that she had to repeat the question.
"If you're not," Chrom said with a smile, "then you owe us some rent for your room in the castle."
"Oh, hardy har!" Lissa said, frowning at her brother's bad joke. "That's not what I mean and you know it!" She sighed again. "I'm asking if you think I live up to my station."
"What brought this on?" Chrom asked, suddenly concerned.
"When I compare myself to you and Emmeryn," Lissa said, looking at the wall with a far-off look in her eyes, "I…I feel like dead weight."
Chrom shook his head. "What a stupid thing to say!"
"Hey!" Lissa punched her brother in the arm.
"Ow!" Chrom said, holding his arm in surprise. "Well, it's the truth. You're fine just how you are, Lissa. Give yourself a little credit." He suddenly stood up. "I'm going to see how everyone else is faring. I'll see you later."
"Hey, don't give me a lazy answer and then run away!" Lissa called. "I hope you trip and break your nose, jerkface!"
Chrom waved at his sister as he walked out into the training yard.
Lissa sat back down and set her head against the table. "Okay, that last bit may not have been the most princess-like."
Robin M started breathing heavily and let the tip of his practice sword hit the ground. He was beginning to regret asking Frederick for help.
"Your grip, stance, and breathing are wrong," the wary knight said. "Focus, Robin. Again!"
"This has to be the thirtieth time you forced me through the same exact drill, Freddy," Robin protested.
"We are here to hone your swordsmanship, not your counting skills," Frederick said. "Again!"
Robin groaned and continued attacking the post with just as much gusto as before.
"Keep it up, Robin!" Robin M turned and saw Chrom waving at him as he walked to another section of the yard.
"How come I don't see him training?" Robin asked as he continued bashing the post.
"Prince Chrom has other duties to concern himself with," Frederick said. "He is overseeing the preparations for the march out tomorrow."
"Well, isn't he just lucky," Robin said as he landed a solid strike against the post's side.
Frederick nodded as Robin finished the drill. "That's enough for today."
Robin sighed with relief and dropped the sword to the ground. He sat down next to it and tried to catch his breath.
"If I am to be honest," Frederick said, lowering himself next to the tactician, "your form has improved considerably. The pace of your progress is remarkable."
"A compliment from…Frederick the Wary?" Robin gasped between breaths. "Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming!" He took a deep breath. "But in all seriousness, thank you again for this…I have the basics down now." He suddenly fell on his back with a sigh. "But I'm just…s-so tired…I think I'm dying."
"You are exaggerating," Frederick said, seeing right through Robin's overacting. "Or at least, I pray so. Otherwise you might as well die here – you won't last long on the battlefield."
"Perhaps," Robin conceded, sitting up. "But still, I feel exhausted. I can't imagine how you can fight in that armor without getting as tired as me."
"Many years of practice," Frederick said. "I must keep in top shape if I am to serve Chrom."
"Okay, I'll admit it," Robin said. "You've impressed me. What's your secret? How did Frederick the Wary get to be so resilient?"
Frederick thought about this. "Well, I awaken before dawn each day to build the campfires," he said. "Then, whenever we march, I scout the trail ahead, removing rocks and such. Wouldn't do to have someone turn an ankle mid-campaign."
"Wait, so you don't just collect pebbles for the fun of it?" Robin M asked. Frederick fixed him with that glare again. Robin cleared his throat and continued so he could change the subject. "I owe you for this training session. In a situation like this, my sister would say that the decent thing to do would be to help you with tomorrow's fire."
"So you can remember common decency without your sibling there to remind you," Frederick said. "Frankly, I am impressed."
"Yeah, yeah," Robin said, waving away Frederick's sarcastic remarks. "I suppose I deserve that one. Anyway, I think we'll get the fire done twice as fast with me around to help. One lightning bolt against a tree will be all it takes!"
"…to start a forest fire," Frederick added.
"Well, sure, that MIGHT happen," Robin conceded. "But you can't deny the fire would get started a lot quicker."
"I think I can handle the campfire on my own," Frederick said. "You're just a walking fire hazard…and a hazard in general for that matter."
"But I still owe you," Robin said. "So…name whatever you want and it's yours, Freddy."
"You could stop referring to me by that ridiculous nickname," Frederick suggested.
"Anything but that," Robin corrected himself. "Tell you what, give it some thought and tell me what you want when we make camp tomorrow, alright?"
Frederick sighed. "I suppose I should have expected an answer like that. I am unaccustomed to asking favors, but if you insist, I shall find something."
"Great!" Robin M said, shaking Frederick's hand. "I promise, whatever it is you want, I will not rest until I get it for you."
"Why am I not reassured by that statement?" Frederick asked himself.
Chrom looked around the area of the training yard. This was where people practiced long-distance battle. He could see Virion collecting arrows from a target. At the far end of the field he found the one he was looking for. Robin F was staring intently at a large book, though it was clearly not her Wind tome.
"Finished training for the day, Robin?" Chrom asked as he walked up.
She greeted Chrom with a smile. "With combat practice, yes. But I thought I might review a few battle histories."
"The day's almost over," Chrom pointed out. "You should relax a bit. Conserve your strength for the march tomorrow. Experienced soldiers rest when they can. Once we're on the road, we'll never know when the next battle will break out."
"I suppose our business in Southtown and the forest is proof enough of that," Robin agreed. "Truthfully, I've barely had time to eat at all today."
"The road will only get tougher from here on out," Chrom said.
"You needn't worry, I'll get rest whenever I can," Robin assured the captain. "A lady needs her beauty sleep, after all."
Chrom chuckled a bit, much to Robin's confusion. "Did I say something amusing?"
"No, it's nothing," Chrom said. "It's just that…well, I never took you to be one to care after beauty and such. I suppose I've never really thought of you as a lady."
In almost an instant, Robin's expression changed to a scowl. "Excuse me?!" she demanded.
Chrom seemed to finally realize what it was he had just said. "No! I mean," he stammered, desperately trying to cover for his mistake. "I didn't mean – not like that! That is to say, a 'lady,' per se…er…"
Robin crossed her arms in indignation. "I suggest you choose your next words very carefully."
"Well it's just," Chrom said, sweat beginning to form on his brow, "you know, how you fight and strategize and…not to say a lady can't fight, but…gods, this is coming out all wrong."
"My goodness, Chrom," Robin said, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're the scion of a noble family, aren't you? Didn't they teach you manners at your fancy schools growing up?"
"Oh, gods, yes. Of course they did," Chrom said. "We spent a whole term on etiquette."
"Perhaps you could use another term, this time with focus on how to talk to a lady," Robin suggested.
"It's just that," Chrom continued, "my image of a 'lady' is someone so prim and proper…perfumed, and pretty. Nothing like you at all! When I look at you, I just don't see a 'lady.' Does that –" He took a step back when he saw what Robin was picking up from the ground. "Um, Robin? What are you doing with that rock?"
"I'm thinking that a sharp blow to the head might fix your eyesight!" Robin cried out in anger.
Chrom took another few steps back. "N-no, wait! IT was just a joke! Ha ha…ha?"
Robin did not seem amused in the slightest. She threw the rock in the air and caught it over and over as the two stared each other down.
"Er, gotta go!" Chrom said before turning around and running full tilt.
"Get back here!" Robin shouted, missing Chrom with her first throw. "Hold still you ill-mannered dolt!"
Virion watched the prince run off with Robin F in hot pursuit. He shook his head. "Some people just do not know how to talk to a lady," he remarked to himself.
Robin M watched as Chrom ran into the garrison at full sprint. He tilted his head. "What's his problem?"
"I'd better go and check on him," Frederick said.
"You two!" Both of them froze in place upon hearing Robin F walking up to them. "Did you see where Chrom ran off to?"
"I fail to see why I should –"
"Well, did you?!" Robin F demanded, cutting off Frederick and glaring at him. Surprisingly, the knight actually recoiled a bit.
"I think I saw him run into the garrison, but I don't know where he went after that," Robin M quickly said.
"I don't believe it," Robin F said, shaking her head. "The little craven actually ran away!" She stomped off into the garrison. "What kind of manners…sheesh!"
When she was gone, Frederick turned to Robin M. "What in Ylisse was that?"
"You, Freddy my friend, just got to bear witness to a rare scene," Robin M said. "My sister is sweet and full of wonder and cheer most of the time. But when you get her mad, even the most black-hearted brigand would flee with his tail between his legs." He put a hand up to his chin. "Still, I can't help but wonder just what it was Chrom did to get her so mad…"
A/N: So ends the first Support Chapter! Hope everyone is satisfied with what I've provided so far.
In response to Andromeda...well, the Robins having the same name is kind of the point. The joke is that people will get confused about the name and it will create some Who's on First shenanigans. My rationale behind giving them the nicknames Robin M or Robin F was that it was similar to how teachers can have multiple students with the same name and refer to them by their last initials. But don't worry, as the story goes on I'll think up some better nicknames for them; the F and M thing might be a temporary deal.
As for the shippings...well, you'll just have to wait and see on that front. Something I should mention: Just because two people have a support conversation does NOT automatically mean that they will eventually end up married (as much as Virion would wish otherwise). With that, I hope you all will leave a review with your thoughts.