blah blah i was lazy with this and took my time and blah blah same old, same old. not too many changes. apologies once again for catty ladies and a poor chrom. i don't like this chapter that much but... eh. (the earlier chapters are going to hem really close to the game, unfortunately, which leaves little wiggle room.)

please enjoy!


Blue skies greeted the next morning. The clouds were thick and tumulus, bringing a promise of rain, but for the moment the sun was high and the streets of Ylisstol lively as the group entered the capital. Sully had left earlier, Virion in tow, to send word of the attack to the Exalt.

Thankfully, they'd seen no more than passing merchants on the road back to Ylisstol. Frederick smiled, relieved, as they made their way through the wide streets. "It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods."

Chrom and Lissa gave little noises of agreement, a brevity to their step as they weaved through the hubbub.

"I see no evidence of the great quake." Frederick continued, ever critical, "it must've been limited to the forest."

Lissa beamed, turning to face him. "Well, that's a relief!"

A few of the townsfolk had politely shared a nod of the head or subtle bow, but many of them had barely noticed the four of them, attentive to the palace. Eucleia could just make it out, in the distance. A grand, beautiful palace, the likes of which she'd never seen. High vaulted towers and vast, beautiful gardens, the walls steeped in ivy and a guarded portcullis.

The portcullis was opened, a throng of pegasus knights leaving the palace at a steady trot. Each side of the street was lined with people- all watching the nearing procession. The muttering rose up to shouts of joy and excited chattering.

"The exalt has come to see us!"

The group of Shepherds managed to find a small space to watch from, near the entranceway of a blacksmith's. Eucleia glanced up at Frederick, who was just as imposing when off his horse as he was astride it. "The exalt is your ruler, isn't she?"

"Yes," Frederick replied, turning his gaze from the congregation to the tactician, "her name is Lady Emmeryn."

Eucleia, doubtful, watched as Lady Emmeryn waved and smiled at her people.

"Is it safe for her to walk amongst commoners like this?"

Frederick smiled, glancing back. His tone was something close to lecturing. "The Exalt is a symbol of peace- Ylisse's most prized quality. You may not be familiar with the Fell and Divine dragons, but the Divine and Exalted are beacons of peace and hope. If anything, Eucleia, Exalt Emmeryn reminds us of the peace we fought for."

Chrom, smiling fondly at Emmeryn as she knelt to speak to a child, joined the conversation. "With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her. She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war." His eyes never wavered- watching as she gave countless greetings and words of comfort.

Eucleia smiled at that, perhaps thankful to have been taken in by such a peaceful and prosperous halidom.

"The Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her."

Lissa nodded, smiling at Eucleia. "Yep! She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!"

"Yes," Eucleia agreed, "I imagine she-" Her face fell in realisation. "Wait, she's your-" She frowned, "but wouldn't that make you and Chrom-"

"The prince and princess of the realm, yes." Frederick amended for her. He raised a questioning brow, "you remember Chrom's name, and not this?"

Despite his scepticism, he smiled as he spoke. As long as she was an object of humour, and not of scrutiny, Eucleia didn't particularly mind.

She stared, worriedly, at Chrom and Lissa. "You said you were shepherds!"

Chrom chuckled. "And so we are... in a manner of speaking. We just have a lot of sheep."

Eucleia, flustered tried to bow and curtsey and scrape and kneel at the same time, "C-Chrom! I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire!" She bowed her head, "forgive my dreadful manners, I-"

"Chrom is fine," he assured her, and she lifted her gaze, "I've never been much for formalities."

Emmeryn, with a final cheer from her people, began to turn back to the palace, her procession close behind. Eucleia spared a glance for Frederick.

"The prince and princess... I suppose that explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing."

Frederick allowed himself a perturbed sigh. "Oh, indeed. The sacrifices I make for the good of the realm." He smiled, a little wryly.

Chrom turned to his tactician. "It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?"

Lissa, tugging at his arm, began to grumble indignantly. "Come ooooon!" She huffed, impatiently, "let's go see her!"

Chrom tutted with a roll of his eyes, allowing his sister to pull him along.

"So," Eucleia began, as she and Frederick followed behind. "The Divine and the Fell dragons? Care to elaborate?"

"Ah, certainly." He spared her a minute glance, but for the most part kept his eyes on the prince and princess ahead. He tugged at his horse's reins, guiding it along the cobbles. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the Fell dragon, Grima, tried to destroy the world." They stopped before a passing cart, the vendor nodding politely at them both. "But the first exalt joined forces with the leader of Divine dragons, Naga, and laid the beast low."

Eucleia nodded, considering the story. "Naga was the leader of the Divine dragons? Did more exist?"

"Well, it has been noted by some scholars that there were more manaketes- more dragonkin- but if you ask me I consider it all non-veritable prattle."

It didn't surprise her that Frederick considered it poppycock. With such a sturdy head on sturdy shoulders, it was more than a given that he had little faith in the otherworldly.

They neared the castle gates, guards promptly at attention with salutes for their prince and princess. The palace courtyard stretched long before them, the walls tall. Everything seemed at peace, invigorated, although the lingering warmth threatened to turn to cold winter.

Lissa had refused to let go of Chrom's arm, pulling him all the way along.

"Chrom!"

Running across the courtyard came a small boy, holding fast to his hat, a wide-brimmed behemoth that looked far too large for him. He came to a halt before them, panting. "Are you okay? We've been so worried! Well, mainly me- but it's the thought that counts!" He smiled up at the prince, gaze eager, "do you want me to take your sword to be polished? Because I was thinking of going to the bakery, anyway, to get some more-"

"Ricken."

"Talking of food, I was wondering if you'd want any extra helpings at dinner- because you've been away for a few days, so you could always have mi-"

"Ricken." Chrom tried again, but to no avail.

"And obviously I'll polish your shoulder guard and boots for you, and I'll remember to-"

"Ricken!"

The mage suddenly stopped babbling, breaking off timidly. Chrom sighed, shaking his head. "How many times? You're not my squire, or a servant. You don't have to do any of that."

"So..." He chewed his lip, "is that a no?" He gazed forlornly at the ground, and Chrom sighed.

"Well... I suppose my rapier could do with a pol-"

"I'll take it right away! You can count on me!" Chrom shook his head as he handed Ricken his rapier. No sooner had he taken the sword, he was racing off once again.

"He was colourful. You appear to have an admirer." Eucleia chuckled.

Chrom, exasperated, turned to face her.

"That was Ricken, one of our youngest. He's a little eager, I'll admit."

They continued into the palace, guards quick to open the doors for them. The large doors, thick and sturdy, creaked open with a heave.

Eucleia gazed, wide eyed, at the palace before her.

Emmeryn, conversing quietly with a white-haired woman, rose from her throne. "Chrom, Lissa!" She came down a short flight of steps, to meet them. Lissa tried to stay composed, but eventually couldn't help herself, running to meet her sister.

"Emm!" She flung her arms around her sister, head buried close to her chest. Emmeryn smiled down at Lissa, stroking her hair, and then turned to Chrom.

"Welcome home." She smiled radiantly at the other three. "And good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"

Eucleia couldn't help but notice the marking on her forehead, similar to the one on Chrom's arm. And altogether different from her own. She consciously rubbed the back of her hand.

Chrom bowed his head politely, smiling warmly at his sister. "We shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while."

Emmeryn sighed, content. "Wonderful. And our people?"

"Safe as they can be, Emm. But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia."

The white-haired woman, her red eyes calculating, had stepped down from Emmeryn's throne to greet them. She cleared her throat before continuing.

"Forgive me, milord." She bowed her head to Chrom. "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."

"No, Phila." He reassured her. "Your duty was here, with the exalt."

Phila nodded once, briskly.

"And besides," Lissa chimed in, looking up at her sister, "we had plenty of help."

"Ah." Emmeryn smiled at Eucleia, "you speak of your new companion here?"

Chrom gestured to her, in introduction. "This is Eucleia. She fought bravely with us, against the brigands. I've decided to make her a Shepherd."

Emmeryn regarded the silver-haired tactician, gaze warm and fond.

"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, Eucleia."

"Oh- no; not at all, milady." Eucleia replied, stuck somewhere between a bow and a curtsy.

"Forgive me, your grace, but I must speak." Frederick interrupted, gravely.

"Eucleia claims to have lost her memory, but it is only that; a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that she is a brigand herself, or even a Plegian spy."

"Frederick!"Chrom exclaimed, tone scathing.

Emmeryn's eyes, wisely, regarded the tactician.

"Yet you allowed her into the castle. Chrom, does this woman have your trust?"

"Yes." Chrom replied, firmly. "She risked her life for our people. That's good enough for me."

Emmeryn regarded Eucleia, rather fondly. "Well then, Eucleia. It seems you've earned Chrom's faith. And, as such, you have mine as well." Eucleia bowed her head.

"Milady."

"But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence- as always." She glanced down at Lissa, who had reluctantly let go. "Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian." She pointedly glanced to each of her siblings, "I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time."

"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, your grace."

Lissa, safe from scrutiny at Emmeryn's side, stuck out her tongue at him, playfully.

Frederick allowed himself a moment of ire, and then turned to the Falcon knight. "Phila. I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"

"Yes, milord." She replied, tone gaunt. "They've been sighted all across Ylisse."

Emmeryn turned to her brother. "Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us."

Despite the gloomy matter, her voice remained soft and gentle. It was no wonder she was a symbol of peace. Ever smiling, ever radiant- even in a time of conflict.

"Of course," Chrom replied, following his sister further into the castle.

Lissa, looking a little awash with all of the formalities, tapped Eucleia's arm. "I think that's our cue, Eucleia."

She turned to follow, still somewhat mollified by the scale of the palace.

"C'mon, there's a place I want to show you!" Lissa called back, impatiently, waiting for Eucleia to catch up.

"Sorry, Lissa- I'm coming." She followed the princess back outside, and they crossed the courtyard again, passing under stone archways.

"I suppose Sully and Virion made it back okay..." Lissa mused as they walked. A whole wing of the palace, it appeared, had been renovated into a completely separate suite. An addition that cut so far into the surrounding field, the palace pathways stopped some distance from the entrance. The garrison doors were hugged with vines, the grass still vibrant before winter approached.

Lissa was first, opening the doors. She gestured to the large room, beaming. "Ta da! Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison."

The room itself looked like a personification of war; shelves lined with tonics and concoctions, spell tomes taking up tables, lances and blades haphazardly placed amongst targets and sack dummies.

"Go on, make yourself at home." Lissa urged, stepping further into the hall. Many a door must have led into the living quarters of the army. Eucleia approached Lissa, casting a wary glance at the other soldiers, a few of them scattered in different areas of the room.

"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" Called one of them, her voice high-pitched, the very epitome of elocution. She dashed to Lissa's side, searching for bruises.

"Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa replied, nonchalantly, beaming at her friend.

Maribelle, hair collected in large coiffed ringlets, scoffed, turning up her nose. " 'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted fourteen grey hairs fretting over you!" She began to separate strands, searching for them.

Lissa giggled again. "Aw, you worry too much! I can handle a battle or two!"

Maribelle, still scrutinising her hair, didn't reply.

"Although..." Lissa mumbled, expression sour. "I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue."

Eucleia chuckled quietly at that.

A fighter approached them, blonde hair swept back, flyaway from behind a small black band.

"Hey, squirt!" He said in greeting to Lissa, wiping away a sheen of sweat from his forehead, "where's Chrom?" His tone was a little gnarled, a white scar running from his hairline until it was parallel with the end of his nose. His tongue, it seemed, had a habit of leaving his mouth- because as he paused he ran it absently along his teeth. "I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!"

"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" She giggled. "And here I thought some people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"

Vaike grinned at her.

"Never doubt the Vaike!" His face fell, suddenly. "Wait... was that an insult?"

A pegasus knight, who had been polishing lances by herself, approached the group hesitantly. "Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?"

Maribelle looked up from her hair, smiling conspiratorially. "Poor Sumia. She's been simply beside herself with concern..." Her tone, however polished and pretty, had a bite to it. "Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training." Maribelle allowed herself a small smile, "she might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded!"

Lissa smiled at Sumia, who was somewhat abashed. Then again, for one so easily flustered, Maribelle's comments were hardly going to help.

"Aw, Sumia! It's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." Lissa said, smiling warmly at her.

Sumia managed to reciprocate, but shyly turned away.

Lissa gave Maribelle a sagittal frown. Chrom himself had- and always had been- the reason behind some rivalry between the fairer Shepherds. Lissa, herself, had never seen the point in it. There were far more important things to worry about, as far as she was concerned, and Chrom didn't fall short of that scrutiny.

Sumia stuttered, trying to collect her bearings. "Worry? W-Well, I... He's our captain and our prince- o-of course I'd worry!"

Vaike, ever ignorant to matters that didn't revolve around him, was staring at Eucleia instead of listening to the others. "So, who's the stranger?"

"No one's stranger than you, Vaike." Lissa giggled, "but allow me to introduce... Eucleia!" She gestured to her, grandly. "She just joined the Shepherds; Chrom's made her our new tactician. You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeve!"

Vaike raised a brow, tone challenging. "Oh yeah? Can she do this?" He burped, loudly and awfully.

Maribelle turned her head away, very close to gagging. She held a hand over her mouth in disgust.

"Belching has never been a talent of mine, I must confess." Eucleia chuckled, "but in any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Maribelle scoffed, prudently regarding Vaike with a stern, sour look. "Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your baseborn buffonery?" She turned on Eucleia, sharply, hands on her hips, "and you, Eucleia! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth."

With a final 'Hmph!' Maribelle spun on her heel, boots clacking on the stone floor as she went.

"Don't take it to heart, Eucleia," Sumia said, smiling gently at her, "Maribelle warms to people slowly."

"Or burns too quickly!" Lissa chimed in, giggling. "Just give her time, Eucleia."

The doors to the garrison swung open, Chrom looking somewhat drained from the council.

Sumia, flustered once again, tried to curtsy and race forwards to greet him at the same time. "Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was- I mean, we were so-" In her bumbling stupor she tripped, but she stumbled to her feet before any of them could intervene.

"Sumia! Are you alright?"

She nodded at Chrom, wincing as she felt her throbbing head.

"Those boots of yours again?"

"No! I mean, yes! I mean..." She sighed, trailing off. Chrom addressed the rest of the Shepherds.

"All right; Listen, everyone!" A woman, neck-deep in parchment and books, looked up at Chrom from across the room. The cavalier next to her, yawning, suddenly snapped to attention, and in doing so knocked over a pot of ink. The woman, glaring, hissed at him. "Stahl! You maladroit oaf!" He apologised, sheepishly, wincing at her tone.

Chrom cleared his throat, and they both turned to him. "In the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."

"Regna Ferox?"

"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said." Sumia graciously informed her.

Chrom continued. "Warriors is what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But, given recent events..." He gestured blankly, "well, the people might worry, should my sister suddenly leave the capital. So the task has been passed to us."

He looked at his Shepherds, gaze firm. "Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"

"I volunteer!" Lissa immediately shot her hand up, tone bright.

"Me too!" Vaike added, "you'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"

Suddenly, startling them all, came a soft voice from across the room. "I'll go as well..." He noticed their surprise, despite him being clad in a full, cantankerous suit of armour. "I've been here the whole time!"

Sumia deliberated, fumbling with her fingers. "I... I, um..." She could barely get a sentence out.

"Yes, Sumia?"

"It's just that..." She shrugged, withdrawn, "I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet." She looked at her feet, voice quiet. "I'd probably just get in the way."

Chrom smiled fondly at her. Sumia might not have been so keen on the idea of war, but even Phila had seen some promise in her: she was handy with a lance, no matter now frequently she dropped it, and she had a wonderful rapport with the horses and pegasi.

"Well," he began, and Sumia, startled, looked back up. "You could stay behind the main group. And, if a battle is met, just watch and learn? It's your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."

"W-Well, if you think it wise, captain." She replied, abashed.

He smiled at her, trying to put her at ease. "Just stay by me, and you'll be fine."

"Oh, yes! I mean- yes, sir, I'll do that!" She blushed, perhaps embarrassed with how eager she sounded. He was a prince, after all, and she was nothing but a soldier.

"Hey, where's Frederick?" Lissa asked. He'd been in the council, same as Chrom, but hadn't returned with him. Chrom shared a knowing look with his sister.

"Phila wanted a word with him."

Lissa smiled, humoured by this. She clasped her hands together, sighing. "They're such star-crossed lovers! Shadows and secrets!" And then she giggled again. "Frederick is so obtuse- we all know!"

"Thank you for your kind words, milady."

She squeaked, hands clasped over her mouth.

"Frederick, I, um..." His gaze was thunderous. "I didn't mean it, I swear!"

"Speak of the devil." Eucleia muttered to Chrom.

Frederick had a bundle of papers in his arms, with which he hastily returned to his living quarters. Lissa, however much Frederick may have scared her, smiled once he was out of earshot, far across the room. "I bet you five gold pieces that they're all love letters."

"They most certainly are not!" Frederick shouted back, and Lissa squeaked once again, stifling her laughter, before the room fell into a fit of laughter.


"No, it's okay!" Stahl muttered, dramatically. "I'll just set the table by myself, like I always do!"

"But, Stahl, I'm right here!"

The cavalier didn't seem to hear him, creating an awful racket with the cutlery. "Obviously, it takes two people to cook dinner, and everyone else to sit around chatting, but only one to set the table!"

"Stahl, will you please cease your puerile chatter? It's enough of a task cataloguing our armament as it is, without having to hear you prattle on like a melodramatic child."

He winced, setting the next plate down gently. "Sorry, Miriel."

She stared at him, gaze disciplinary, and then returned to her quill and parchment.

No more than a few moment later, however, he began to clatter anew.

"Stahl! Honestly. What has gotten into you?"

"I didn't set down any tankards!" He exclaimed, wide eyed.

Miriel didn't seem to understand him, simply glaring down her nose at him.

"And now there are thirteen! I've only set twelve places, without tankards, and now there are thirteen!"

Miriel rolled her eyes at him with a stern 'Harumph!'. Kellam, who had been trying to help Stahl from the beginning, cleared his throat.

"Uh, Stahl? You forgot to set a place for me..."

"Aargh!" Stahl shouted, dropping a plate. Miriel, huffing, threw her quill down in rebuff.

"Kellam, do you have to sneak up on people like that?"

"But... I wasn't! I didn't-"

"Are you guys okay?" Sumia asked, on her way to the stables.

Stahl smiled, sheepishly, holding the remains of the last plate. "Fine, Sumia! We're just... fine." She nodded, if a little unsettled by Miriel's haughty glaring (directed at both Kellam and Stahl), and continued on her way.

If anything, being able to spend time with the pegasi and horses was one of the highlights of her position. She was too clumsy and lousy to help in battle (or so she kept telling herself), but she found some solace in their quiet companionship.

She turned into the stables, humming quietly. Phila's pegasi nickered happily as she approached, and she reached out to pat its muzzle.

"How about we get rid of those tangles, huh?" It made a noise of agreement as she unlocked its pen, smoothing her hand down its neck. "Who's a good pegasus?" She smiled, beginning to brush it down. "Who's a good wittle pegasus?"

She expected it to whinny again, but instead she was greeted with a voice.

"Are you talking to that thing again?"

She stuttered, turning around to see Sully hauling a bale of hay into the stables.

Sumia smiled, disarmed. "Oh, hi, Sully!"

She watched, for a moment, and then turned back to the pegasi, taking a small pouch of grain and spilling some into her palm. She offered it to the pegasi, her other hand stroking its mane.

"You're spoiling the animal!" Sully laughed, beginning to stuff hay into her horse's trough.

Sumia, abashed, could only shrug.

"He's practically died and gone to horse heaven!"

Sumia giggled quietly with her, still stroking Phila's pegasus. She'd always yearned for a pegasus of her own, but with a mount came the possibility of it getting hurt. It was the knowledge that she, and she alone, could be responsible for the death of such a beautiful creature that put her off riding one. "

He does look happy, doesn't he?" She said, softly, but Sully didn't hear her. She spoke up, "you're quite fond of your horse too, aren't you, Sully?"

The cavalier turned, ruffling her shock of red hair. "Hell yes, I'm proud! He's got smarts and guts! What more could a woman want?"

Sumia giggled, closing the pen behind her. "When you talk about him, you sound like a proud mother."

Sully shook her head, as if the notion were ridiculous. "Ha! I'm not really the... maternal type."

"Even so," Sumia replied, "it's obvious how fond you two are of each other. Whenever you praise him, he snorts ever so happily!"

Sully replied with a quiet 'huh', turning to her horse. She patted him, from his poll to his muzzle. "You noticed that?" She considered, silent, and then turned to Sumia. "Most folks just assume he's some mindless beast."

"Oh, no, he's nothing of the sor-"

They both turned, vaguely able to hear the scraping of chairs and a faint bell.

"Looks like dinner is served." Sully began to leave the stables, but she cast a glance over her shoulder. "Comin', Sumia?"

"Y-Yes!"

She followed Sully, out of the stables and through the courtyard. The door to the garrison was ajar, candlelight streaming outside in a small pane of gold light. Inside, most of the Shepherds were already seated, with Frederick beginning to ladle stew out for them. Eucleia, in a bid to be helpful, had offered to pour the ale and chicory water.

Sumia sat herself next to Stahl. He smiled at her, and then to the food. His stomach, quietly, gurgled.

"Yeah, well it still happened!" Vaike continued, already halfway into a far-fetched story. "He came runnin' for me, all 'HIYAAARGH!', and he missed! And my axe is heavy, y'know, so it takes some strength to lift it. But I swung back, shoutin', 'GWAAAAAAR!' and finished him off!"

Miriel, who had unfortunately been landed next to Vaike, had finally had enough. "Would you be so kind as to put and end to your caterwauling?" She sniffed, caustic, and folded over the corner of her page to keep her place. "I'm trying to read, but I can't hear myself think over your incessant grunting."

He guffawed, slapping her on the back. "Har har! Can't tell a story without a few good battle cries, Miriel!"

She readjusted her hat, scowling at him something fierce. "Fascinating. Apparently your howling on the battlefield, as a modicum display of effort, isn't enough. Instead, you seek to apply such heinous, vexatious blathering in every opportunity you seem to stumble upon."

He frowned, looking to his stew for some consonance.

"Lady? From what you just said I understood 'fascinating'. And..." He frowned in thought, but after a moment decided it was a plethoric effort, "that's about it."

A few of the others laughed, perhaps in agreement with him.

"All you talk about is this maths mumbo jumbo, Miriel. Lighten up, would ya?"

She winced from another hearty slap on the back, and, resignedly, began to eat.

Suddenly, storming into the garrison, came Chrom. In his hand was a fistful of paper, face beet-red with anger (and very probably mortification).

"Frederick." He seethed, his cheeks flushed in anger. "A word. Please."

Frederick, who had been about to sit down to a much deserved dinner, reluctantly got back up. The prince scrubbed at his cheeks, scowling. His irritable and rather peculiar behaviour was beginning to make the great knight uneasy, so much that his voice quivered as he replied.

"Sire?"

Chrom led him outside, exhaling sharply. He slammed the garrison door behind them.

Frederick cleared his throat. "I completed my patrol of the city borders earlier this evening, milord."

Chrom didn't seem any the less perturbed.

"I also had some blankets procured, seeing as the winter is drawing in. I've readied a variety of colours, so you might pick that which best suits you." He lowered his tone, somewhat conspiratorially. "If I may be so bold, sire, peach would seem to best flatter your complexion."

Chrom, exasperated, let out an aggravated sigh.

"But perhaps blue." Frederick amended. "Just to be safe? Yes, that's best. Blue it is!"

Chrom shook his head, still trying to dispel the dusty tint to his cheeks.

"This isn't about blankets, Frederick!" He remembered how close they were to the others, and then reconsidered his tone of voice. "I found this in my quarters."

He offered the torn paper to Frederick, who tried to smooth down the poster. Chrom had been painted on it, stark naked, save for a scale in his one hand, and Falchion in the other.

"Oh! These." He nodded demurely. "I had them pinned inside each and every room. And I have more for the tents. Surely, milord, the troops will be thrilled to rally behind their common leader."

Chrom blushed anew, eyes wide.

"You did what?!"

He turned from Frederick, the night air doing nothing but enhance the burning of his cheeks.

"In whose... you hung this pict-" He turned back to Frederick. "In everyone's tent?!" He hissed.

"No need for thanks, milord. I was merely doing my duty." Frederick beamed.

Chrom, fatigued, shook his head. He made to speak, stuttered- and then bolstered back into the garrison.

He sat down beside Eucleia, sighing, head in his hands. She opened her mouth, to ask if he wanted ale or chicory water, but then saw the look on his face and quickly decided on ale.

"Are you alright?" She asked, pouring out his ale. He thanked her, swigging from it heartily.

"I'm fine. A small misunderstanding, is all. So, you've met the other Shepherds?"

She nodded, smiling. "They've been quite welcoming."

Chrom nodded, hands around his tankard. She took a spoonful of stew, but then dropped it.

"I hope this won't upset my, ah- what did we call it?" She paused, thoughtful. "Delicate constitution!" She laughed, quietly, and then ate her spoonful. "Though I hope I keep this down. I'm so hungry that I've started to tremble."

"It's been a tough road, to be sure. And it's only going to get harder." Chrom added, gloomily.

"Well, I'll be thankful to have my beauty sleep tonight. That meadow wasn't as comfortable as it looked." She joked.

Chrom frowned, a little taken aback.

"What?" She asked, watching him. "Did I say something?"

He toyed with his spoon.

"Er, no... no, it's nothing." He cleared his throat. "It's just that..." He shrugged. "Well, I just didn't consider you the type to care after beauty and such... I suppose, I didn't really think of you as a lady."

And he hadn't, really. She'd fought as well as any other brother in arms. She was a woman, of course, but not what he'd call a lady.

She scowled, taking offence. "Excuse me?!"

At least half of the table had turned to them, to see their prince cowering and trying to apologise to their new tactician.

"No! I mean- I didn't mean- not like that!"

Sully, in particular, seemed to find some amusement in his flustering.

"That is to say, a 'lady', per se... uh..." He gestured blankly with his spoon. "You know, how you fight and strategise, and..."

Eucleia blinked, scoffing.

"Not to say a lady can't fight, but-" He sighed, dragging a hand over his face, "Gods, this is coming out all wrong."

"My goodness, Chrom. You're the scion of a noble family, aren't you?" She asked, somewhat rhetorically. "Didn't they teach you manners at your fancy schools, growing up?"

"Oh, gods, yes," he replied, hoping to start digging his way out of his self-made grave, "of course they did. We spent a whole term on etiquette."

Eucleia nodded, lips pursed.

"Perhaps you could use another term. This time, on how to talk with a lady."

Chrom tried to soften his remark, taking another sip of ale. "It's just... 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 looked at her, to see her expression was grim and resentful. "Eucleia?"

She stared into the depths of her tankard, deliberating, and then threw it at him, chicory water dripping from his face. He wiped his eyes, sighing. From across the table Sully gave a hoot, but was quickly hushed.

Chrom watched as Eucleia left her seat, walking off into the night.

He exhaled, despondent.

"Well, well, someone isn't all too valiant with the ladies!" Virion chortled. "Fear not, my prince! For there is none other better suited to teac-" Sully jabbed him in the side.

"Put a sock in it, Ruffles."


"Lissa, darling, whatever is the matter?" Emmeryn asked, combing her hair. Lissa watched through the mirror of her boudoir, threading her ribbons between her fingers.

"I don't think I'm ready, Emm." She said, quietly.

Her sister bent down, meeting Lissa's gaze in the mirror.

"Chrom tells me you fought bravely." She ran her fingers gently through Lissa's tangle of blonde hair, the ends unruly and haphazardly curled. "And that you readily volunteered for the mission to Ferox."

"I did, yes..." Lissa replied, twirling a strand of hair. "But I don't think I'm ready."

"How so?" Emmeryn asked, still brushing.

"Well, in Southtown... Everyone looked so... unhappy. Their houses were ruined, and they were scared, and- and..." She sniffled, quietly, "it's too much."

"Now, now. Don't cry, Lissa." Emmeryn told her, gently. She stroked a hand through her hair, smile warm. "You were so eager to help. To save your people. Have you really changed heart so easily?"

"Well, no..." Lissa mumbled, eyes downcast. "But I'm not like you. Or Chrom. I can't fight for them."

"Who said that you had to fight?" Emmeryn asked. Lissa looked up at her, expectantly. "You are your own person, Lissa. And I think you'll do a splendid job."

"You think so?" Lissa asked, looking back at her reflection.

She parted her hair, so that her curls fell on either side of her shoulders. Instead of lovely ringlets, like Emmeryn's, her hair fell into two lengths of slapdash curls and flicks of hair. She pouted, tugging at them.

Emmeryn, smiling, began to tie them in low bunches. Lissa tried so hard to be like her siblings: always striving to be anything but herself.

"I know so, darling." She tied the second bow, stroking her sister's head again, affectionately. "You're wonderful. Just as you are."

Lissa smiled, her blue eyes alight.

"I'll have Phila take your crinoline to your room." She smoothed down the sleeves of Lissa's nightgown, the silken fabric catching the moonlight.

"Now, to bed." Emmeryn proclaimed, clapping her hands together.

Lissa grumbled. "But, Emm-"

"No grousing, Lissa. We need you well rested for tomorrow." She ushered her sister forwards, holding her protectively to her side.

Lissa, protesting drowsily, followed suit.


"Miriel!"

She looked up, ceasing her scribbling to dip her quill in ink. Stahl hurriedly strapped his other spaulder on, as best as he could with one hand.

"I slept in, for heaven's sake! And I missed breakfast!" If anything, he seemed more upset about the latter. He struggled with his gorget, just about managing to get it over his head in his hurry.

"Where is everyone?"

She glanced up, again, dipping her quill. "They left on their expedition to Ferox. Surely, you were informed?" Her scowl was, for the most part, present because of the interruptions. "Now, Stahl, I really must finish this. I'll be along as soon as I can, but if paperwork is no longer paramount to bludgeoning every other man who comes across the Northroad, then I want no part in it."

"Ah! Why is it always me?" He snivelled, as his goodbye, and set off through the palace courtyard.

Not only had he missed breakfast, the leaving party, and had to to saddle his horse (which added more time to how late he already was), but he was certain that he'd also miss second breakfast, brunch, elevenses, high tea and supper, too. He spared a thought for his poor stomach, before hurrying on.

At the gates of Ylisse, the other Shepherds were congregated before Chrom. Eucleia, eyes bleary, was still half asleep. Vaike didn't have the dignity to stifle his yawns, and did so loudly, in intervals.

"Is everyone ready?" He asked, concerned about the amount of yawning and muttering between them. "We've a long march ahead."

The group gave a unanimous, (if drowsy) utterance.

"Now, I-"

"W-Wait for me!" Stahl shouted, lumbering through Ylisse on his steed. He stopped, suddenly, before them, and his horse whinnied in provocation.

"Stahl?"

"Why am I the last to hear about the expedition to Ferox?"

Lissa turned to Vaike, dubious and somewhat aporetic. "Huh? Vaike was supposed to..." She drew in a sharp breath. "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"

"Hey!" Vaike exclaimed, insulted. "The Vaike never forgets!" He tried to laugh it off, despite the group's unamused looks. "… I just don't remember, is all..." He added, in quiet afterthought.

Lissa sighed, folding her arms. "I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself!"

"Okay, okay. That's enough." Chrom intervened. "Let's march, Shepherds."

With that, they began on their march, the early morning cold and took the lead, the sides of the group flanked by Sully and Stahl.

Lissa turned to Vaike as they walked. "Speaking of remembering... Vaike, are you sure you remembered your axe this time?"

"Hey!" He moaned, "That was one time!"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, twice- but training sessions don't count."

She giggled at him, and he seemed to take it in good humour.

"Anyway, I got it right here." He nodded towards his axe, slung over his shoulder. He turned to his right, smiling at Stahl. "Glad to have you along, Stahl ol' buddy."

Stahl, gazing down from his horse, didn't look so glad himself. "That makes one of us." He grumbled. "I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! I could've done with a muffin, or a cake... ugh, now my stomach's rumbling."

Eucleia, a little way ahead of them, turned back to address the cavalier. "Stahl, isn't it?"

"Hello!" He turned to face her, trying to smile despite his empty stomach. "Uh, Eucleia, right?" She nodded, smiling. "Miriel told me we had a new Shepherd." He looked apologetic. "I didn't really get to talk to you over dinner..."

She smiled, sweetly. "I'm sure we'll have many dinners to get acquainted over."

"Oh, I hope so. Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon."

She nodded, understanding, and took her place back at Chrom's side.

Chrom deliberated, casting short sidewards glances at her. She looked on ahead, lifting a hand to comb her long hair away from her face.

"Eucleia?" He asked, unable to meet her eye.

"What is it, Chrom?"

"Well... I, uh... I wanted to apologise."

She didn't reply, and he took that as a good enough omen to continue. "For last night. I was... well, I was rather rude."

"Rather is an understatement." She huffed.

Chrom made to grab her arm, to get her to face him, but he thought against it. "Well, I am sorry. I was ill spoken, and-"

"Stop." She muttered, and Chrom, startled, moved at least a pace away.

"No, please- I want to ap-"

"Company, halt!"

The group stopped, eyes on the road ahead. The early morning may have been murky, but the congregation of smoggy figures ahead was unmistakeable.

"Gods!" Chrom exclaimed, able to make out the monsters ahead. "Have the risen spread this far?"

"Risen?"

"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one." He explained.

Frederick, still firmly leading the Shepherds, turned to face the group. "Everyone, remember what we're up against."

Eucleia blanched. Remember? I'm not like to forget.

"Mya ha!" Vaike chortled, "they'll remember me, once I drive my axe into their-" His face fell, disheartened, "wait... my axe... where's my axe?!"

He looked around, the dilemma as ridiculous to him as it was to the others. How anyone, even such an idiot as Vaike, could misplace a heavy iron axe was beyond them.

"I had it a second ago!"

Chrom spun round to face him, expression stern. "Vaike, this is no time for jokes!"

"I'm serious!" He maintained, "it's gone, but I just had it!"

"Keep to the rear, then!" Chrom chided, "the battle is nigh!"

He turned to his tactician. "Well, Eucleia? Guide our swords."

"Might I advice patience, milord? Eucleia is a fine tactician, but we have been working her mercilessly." Frederick cautioned the prince.

Eucleia tried not to show her reaction to the insult. He still didn't trust her, and she was fully aware of the fact. Then again, they had only known one another for little over a day. She didn't expect to earn his trust in a heartbeat.

"Frederick, you and Sully keep watch from the left. Stahl, keep close behind." She pulled her tome from her cloak, eyes on the approaching Risen. "Lissa, Vaike and Sumia, I want you all to hold back. At least for the time being."

"Gods, what an ugly bunch!" Sully sniffed, lance at the ready.

One of the monsters ran for them, its sword missing by whole inches. Sully reared up her horse, and then struck for it. It cowered, wounded, until another blow from Frederick put it out of its misery. Chrom and Eucleia, to the right of them, neared a barbarian close to the clearing of trees. It howled, racing forwards, but two bolts of lightening were all it took to ground it.

The Risen were fast approaching, Sumia keeping Lissa close. Vaike, if need be, was ready to use his fists.

Stahl slashed down at another Risen, but it had the sense to stab at him before it died. Stahl yelped, holding his side.

Despite his armour, it had managed to hack above the shield on his thigh, hitting him in one of his few vulnerable spots. Lissa tried to get to him, but Sumia held her back.

"Eucleia told us to wait, Lissa. She wouldn't want you running into danger."

Lissa nodded, unable to do much else but watch on. Further south of them, just approaching the Northroad, came Miriel.

She spotted the group ahead, and allowed herself a small smile. "Splendid! It seems I've caught up. Now, to extirpate these brutes."

Her gaze fell to the path, and she frowned. "Is that an axe?" She neared it, picking it up. The weight of it disagreed with her, causing her to lug it along with both hands. (Hands that, she would ascertain to the utmost degree, were only suited to perusing and penning texts.) "Why, yes, it is." She remarked to herself, trying to keep a constant pace despite the strain.

"Perhaps someone mislaid it?" She scoffed at the thought. "I'd not thought such dereliction permissible amongst the Shepherds. Still, I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner."

As she neared the closest group, her discerning gaze fell on Vaike. "Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!"

Finally, arms beginning to ache, she was before them. "Good morning!" She called, the three of them turning to face her.

Vaike's face lit up. "Whoa! My axe."

Miriel handed it to him, more than thankful that it was in capable hands. She sighed at him, pressing a thumb to her palm, assessing the damage. "I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon." She rolled her eyes, haughtily. "Now I know."

"Thanks, Miriel!" Vaike grinned, and then seemed to understand what she'd said, "er, for the axe, anyway."

She sighed, procuring her tome from her robes. "Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands..." She stared at him, pointedly. "Permanently."

"You guys go on ahead." Sumia said. "I'll stay here, keep an eye on Lissa."

The princess gave her an unimpressed glare.

"Not that you can't keep an eye on yourself!" She giggled, but then seemed to remember her place, as well as theirs.

Miriel and Vaike carried on through the woodland, striking down another monster. Stahl, bested for the most part, cantered back to Lissa and Sumia. Despite the numerous risen ahead, Lissa hurried to him, Sumia left to fidget and bite her nails. How she wished she could help. She didn't even have her own pegasus, and the thought of killing left her uneasy.

Stahl, healed, thanked Lissa and set off to the north-most trees, regrouping with Chrom. The fighting was awful, and rancorous. Naught but fire and thunder and the clattering of weaponry.

The Shepherds began to rescind, the Risen howling and swinging from the bridge ahead.

Chrom and Eucleia limped towards the group, the prince's arm slung around her back. Lissa hurried to them, raising her staff.

More Risen began to spill from the bridge. Eucleia turned, Stahl and Sully still keeping watch from the east trees.

"Wait! I'm not finished!" Lissa urged her, her staff casting off a green light.

"Vaike and Miriel need to go on ahead. Lissa, I don't want you any closer to the fighting." She nodded, finished healing, and watched as they faced the approaching threat.

A barbarian lumbered forwards, swinging for Chrom, but Eucleia shoved him aside in time. She held her partial wound, seething, as Chrom slashed at the monster.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded, wincing.

"No, Eucleia, you're hurt." He said, brows furrowed, and made to reach out for her.

She knocked his hand away. "It's not important!" She grimaced, carrying on ahead with Chrom hot on her heels.

To their left, Stahl stabbed at another monster, Virion slaying it with a well-executed twang of his bow. Frederick and Sully, safe under a canopy of trees, could scout out the Risen beyond the bridge.

The rest of the Shepherds continued onwards, the monsters blundering over the bridge towards them.

Sully, boldly, galloped from their forest canopy, striking one clean in the chest. It cowered and howled, throwing its axe at her. Sully gave a shout, her arm deeply gouged.

Virion, with a leap, sent off another arrow, and it departed in a cloud of black smoke.

Vaike and Miriel, at Eucleia's behest, attacked the next. Vaike yelled as he swung his axe, Miriel scoffing at him as she conjured a ball of fire, hurling it at the creature.

The creatures seemed to have no sense of direction, aside from their ability to seek out prey. And so they yelled and brandished their weapons, reluctant to cross the stream. Seeking this advantage, they tended to their injured, briefly, before filing across the bridge.

Chrom and Eucleia took the lead, Vaike and Miriel close behind. From both sides came the abominations, but they were quickly put to rest.

The chieftain, the most robust and grisly of them, merely watched on from a distance, guffawing wickedly. The onslaught was, for the most part, easily dealt with.

Chrom took a beating, though, but Eucleia was quick to offer him her remaining vulnerary.

The chief, yelling and garbling whatever words it was able to sound, came running for them.

Miriel, caught in the line of fire, managed to throw a burst of flames before one of its axes came whirling overhead and Vaike pulled her aside. She thanked him, wide eyed, as prince Chrom approached.

Despite the terrible wailing and swinging of its remaining axe, it took no more than a stab of Falchion and a sudden slash from Stahl to send it crashing to its knees. It gurgled, bleeding, and collapsed to the floor.

Chrom, huffing, allowed himself a small smile. "Finally." He panted, "and good riddance!"

He considered the woodland, his Shepherds attending to their wounds. "But, if they're appearing this far up the Northroad..."

"Then no path is safe." Frederick supplemented, his gaze discerning, "we'll need to stay wary."

Chrom nodded. "Agreed."