Chapter 4 - A Starry Moment of Peace
The Ylissean rescue party had departed while the moon was still the only source of natural light. Robin had surmised that the Plegian convoy would try to avoid any other skirmishes with organized Ylissean militias, which were being formed throughout the territories ever since the news spread that a village had been attacked. Robin hoped that with the rougher and unfamiliar terrain the Plegians had to traverse, the heavy and slow supply convoy needed to sustain them, and the less urgent motivation, the Plegians would be overtaken sometime in the next day.
The sun had finally peeked over the horizon, signalling the tired but determined Ylisseans that they could take a break.
"Whew!" Vaike exhaled as he plopped onto the ground. "Sometimes the Vaike wishes he had a horse." He started stretching out.
"Really?" Stahl asked, walking up to Vaike, a bag of figs in his hand. "I thought you preferred more personal fighting. They do offer so much more mobility and strength, though."
"Ole' Teach has plenty of that already!" Vaike exclaimed, thumping his chest with his fist. Stahl threw Vaike a fig, which he graciously caught and started slicing up. "It's just the marching though, whew!"
"More horses mean more mouths to feed," Robin said, joining the two of them. "Meaning more supplies needed, more effort required. And well, really, we just don't have that many horses."
"Yeah, yeah," Vaike said, before diving into the fig. "Just saying, is all."
"The necessity to voice one's opinion, despite being cognizant of its fallaciousness," Miriel commented, walking up to them with Sully. "Intriguing."
"Huh?" Vaike asked.
"Break time, guys!" Sully exclaimed. "Anyone want to train?"
"Now, Sully, this break is meant to get some rest. A well-rested army is an efficient fighting army," Robin said.
"I don't think we'll be well-rested anytime soon, considering we've been marching since nighttime," Sully said.
"Technically, it was the morning," Miriel pointed out. "Though your point remains valid."
"About training?" Stahl asked.
"Our deprivation of sleep," Miriel corrected. "Robin's point is also valid."
"Thank you, Miriel," Robin said. "I think."
"Hey, guys!" Lissa shouted, running up to them. "Let's get our food, they've started handing it out."
"What are we having today?" Stahl asked, having already finished a fig.
"Bread and fish and vegetable soup. And we even have some strawberries!" Lissa exclaimed.
"Wow, strawberries? Better food than our march to Regna Ferox," Vaike said.
"Since we're staying in Ylissean territory, and our journey is significantly shorter, our supplies will be better," Robin explained. "Don't get too used to it."
A line had formed around some supply wagons. Several people were present to help distribute food. When Robin reached the front, he was surprised to be greeted by the food lady.
"Thank you for your service," she said, offering a large plate of food.
"L...La…La… Lady... Your Grace!" Robin stammered. Emmeryn smiled.
"E-mme-ryn."
"Lady Emmeryn! If needed, please let me help distribute food!" Robin offered.
"My, you don't trust me with this job?" Emmeryn asked, looking hurt.
"Oh, no, not at all! I mean, not that! It's just," Robin began, only to be interrupted by a giggle from Emmeryn.
"Please, Sir Robin. This is the least I can do," Emmeryn said.
"Her Grace insisted," Phila added, while serving food next to Emmeryn. "Worry not, Sir Robin. But you will find it impossible to deny her requests."
"There must be some way I can help, though!" Robin insisted.
"Don't worry about it," Chrom said, serving food next to Phila.
"Chrom, you too?"
"If Robin insists on helping," Frederick began, also serving food, "he can always help dig a latrine."
Chrom smiled and turned to Robin. "There you go, Robin."
"Chrom! Frederick!" Emmeryn said, softly, but with authority. They immediately straightened their pose. "For now, Robin, please eat. I'm sure we can use your services later."
"Well, thank you! All of you are… You really are all amazing. Thank you so much for the food! I will enjoy it to its fullest!" Robin exclaimed.
"You're welcome. Thank you for your service," Emmeryn said.
"Oh! Right! Thank you!"
"Go, Robin, eat," Chrom said. "We'll talk later."
"Er, well, sorry. I guess I shouldn't keep the line," Robin said, turning back to Emmeryn. "Thank you!" He moved backwards to remain facing her, offering many bows of thanks as he went. Finally, he joined the others and sat down on the ground to eat.
"Isn't she just the greatest?" Lissa asked, her voice full of admiration.
"Perhaps you see, Robin, why we are the strongest force in the world," Sully said with confidence. "Our dedication and love for our leaders is only surpassed by their love for us."
"Indeed. Chrom, Emmeryn… really, they're beyond words," Robin agreed. "So then Lissa, why aren't you there with your siblings?"
"Hmph!" Lissa pouted. "You prank one person just one time during dinner, and you're banned from the food forever."
"Prank many people," Stahl said.
"And many times, Ole' Teach seems to recall."
"Whatever! They were just harmless pranks."
"Hmm. I guess pranks might have... some… benefit to… morale," Robin pondered aloud.
"Ooooh," Lissa hummed, looking at Robin with hopeful eyes, which soon turned into scheming eyes.
"Please, Robin, don't encourage her!" Stahl said.
"Stahl!"
"Er, don't encourage… Lady Lissa."
"Hmph, that's not much better."
The convoy ate, groomed, and fed the animals. Soon, they were back on the road. They marched throughout the uneventful day, trying to break the tension by chatting with their comrades. The weather was lovely, and were it not for the weapons that they carried, observers could easily have mistaken the convoy for recreational travelers. The hours passed, and the party finally took another break when it was too dark to move. They set up tents and prepared dinner. The weary marchers had some down time, which they used for various activities. Sully, Vaike, and Lon'qu trained. Sumia continued a fictional book she had started in Ylisstol. Miriel also read, though her book was of a completely different genre. Donnel met a red-haired logistical support person. They were similar in age, which led to them quickly becoming friends. Most other people were catching up on sleep.
Robin was not catching up on sleep. He stood by the edge of the camp with the night sentries, watching the dark sky. Stahl, one of the Shepherds on night duty, stifled a yawn.
"Jeez, Robin, you should really get some sleep," he said, stretching his arms. "In an hour, that's what I'll be doing, I can tell you that."
"I doubt I'd be able to if I tried," Robin said, continuing to gaze at the sky.
Stahl followed his gaze. "The stars are pretty, though," he commented. "There are so many stars, sometimes it makes you feel small in comparison."
"Hmm? Oh, the stars?" Robin hadn't been paying attention to the stars. "I think the royal family outshines any star out there."
"Wow, you're quite a fan," Stahl commented. "Well, good for you. You're definitely not wrong."
"Stahl, I don't think he was gazing at the stars," Chrom said. Both of them turned to see the prince walking up to them. "He's looking for a pegasus."
"A pegasus?" Stahl asked.
"Our scouts are supposed to report back soon," Chrom replied.
"I want to know the Plegians' general position, so I can figure out the most likely area where we'll intercept them," Robin explained.
"Sounds good to me," Stahl said. "But you could probably wait in a more comfortable place. Like in your tent."
"I know, I know," Robin said. "I guess I could try."
"I'm sorry, Robin, but I feel like we both know that won't work." They shared a short laugh. "So, how are we looking so far?" Chrom asked.
"Excellent. We've covered a good distance, and the troops are in high spirits. I bet if you hadn't ordered a break, everyone would just march all the way up to the Plegian capitol," Robin said. "Right, Stahl?"
"You bet, sir!" Stahl replied.
Chrom laughed. "Good. Hopefully it won't come to that."
"I don't plan on it," Robin said. "I'll make sure of that. Just as soon as we get word…" Robin was interrupted by a pegasus flying past.
"Let's go," Chrom said. The two of them followed the pegasus as it disappeared amongst the tents in the middle of the camp. Soon enough, they saw Frederick looking for them.
"Milord, a scout has returned," Frederick reported, letting them catch up and joining them in their jog back to the center of camp. "I suppose you saw already."
"We were standing watch, waiting," Chrom said. Frederick gave him a concerned look. "Sorry, couldn't sleep. I'll get some later, I promise."
They approached a large tent, set up for meetings. Phila was talking to another Pegasus Knight outside the tent. The Knight saluted, then walked away. Phila then saw Chrom, Frederick, and Robin walking up to her. "Milord!" Phila said. "Please, allow me." She held open the tent flap. Frederick joined her and held the other side of the flap, allowing Chrom and Robin to walk in first.
"Chrom, Robin. Good evening." Emmeryn was already present, standing behind a large table.
"Emm," Chrom acknowledged.
"Lady Emmeryn!" Robin bowed.
"Wow, you're really demanding, Emm," Chrom remarked, observing Robin's formality. "I try to drop the formalities with the Shepherds."
"Robin, please!" Emmeryn walked up to Robin and guided his head back up. "Now Chrom thinks I'm hard on you." She playfully chided him. "I hope you're happy," she said.
"Maribelle!" They heard Lissa running outside the tent. Phila and Frederick kept the tent flap open for her. When she entered, she stopped for a moment to catch her breath. "Is… is Maribelle safe?" she asked, looking up.
"Milady, she was seen in good health," Phila said, entering the tent and dropping the tent flap behind her.
"Oh, thank the gods," Lissa said.
"Lissa, you're not going to get sleep?" Chrom asked.
"I can't sleep at a time like this!" Lissa exclaimed. "At least let me see the plan. Maybe I'll feel better then."
"Very well, then," Chrom said. "Phila, the report?"
Phila laid out a map on the table, and some miniature flags with wooden triangles as their base. "Two hours ago, our scouts reported the enemy was here," Phila said, placing a triangle on the map. "They had already made camp for the night at the time."
"They're taking it easy, then," Chrom remarked.
"Hmm. They may have accepted that we'll reach them first," Robin suggested. He took a flag. "If I may?" he asked, holding a flag and looking for approval at the people gathered around him.
"Go ahead," Chrom allowed.
"Likely, we will meet them around this mountain pass here," Robin said, marking a position a little distance away from the enemy's current position. He placed several triangles there to represent the enemy forces. "Do we have information on the Plegian troops?"
"About two hundred armed soldiers," Phila said, reading from a report. "Several more servants and supply personnel."
"Did our scouts see the type of arms?"
"Axes, swords, some mages. Maybe thirty wyverns. One pegasus. No archers spotted. We should be able to gain air superiority," Phila reported.
"No archers? Strange. Are you sure?"
"I have confidence in my scouts' abilities. See, we train ourselves to keep an eye out for archers in particular. We spotted no signs of them."
"A blunder on their part," Robin observed. "Better for us, then."
"King Gangrel was present as well."
"Gangrel!" Chrom slammed his fist on the table. Robin pondered.
"Ladies, gentlemen, I'd like to remind you that our hope is to avoid bloodshed," Emmeryn pointed out.
"Our job will be to protect Lady Emmeryn and ensure she can safely communicate with… ugh… those Plegians," Phila said.
"If possible, could you develop formations that aren't openly threatening?" Emmeryn asked. "Flexible formations that could adapt to any escalation and rescue Maribelle if need be. I'm sorry for asking so much, Robin."
"Please, Your Grace, do not apologize!" Robin insisted. "Accommodating you is my greatest honor. I know I don't contribute much else."
Chrom placed a hand on Robin's shoulder. "Relax. What do you propose?"
Robin studied the map intently. "Gangrel's presence might actually be to our advantage. They'll want to protect him, and in enemy territory, our territory, he's likely to withdraw rather than engage." Robin started placing opposing triangles on the map, to represent the Ylissean forces. "But since he's gone through so much effort, he will probably send a strike force to attack Lady Emmeryn."
"Can we just kill him here and be done with it?" Chrom asked, agitated.
Robin returned Chrom's gesture and placed a hand on his shoulder. His words were less encouraging though. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can ensure that."
Chrom sighed. "Well, that's not the objective, anyway."
"Now, we can… well, if negotiations turn sour..." Robin hesitated for a moment.
"Thank you for considering me, Robin, but I still encourage you to come up with a contingency plan," Emmeryn said. She flashed a reassuring smile. "Go ahead."
"If negotiations turn sour, then Lady Phila, I suggest you send a squad of your Pegasus Knights to create a wedge between King Gangrel and Maribelle. They'll want to use Maribelle as a bargaining chip, so she'll probably be at the front, and Gangrel will be separated from her and immediately brought to the back if we suddenly attack."
"Maribelle..." Lissa said, her voice full of concern. "Will we be able to protect her?"
"Don't worry, Lissa. I promise we'll get her back safely," Robin said. "When the Pegasus Knights attack, the Shepherds will move in and rescue her."
"I'll personally make sure they don't touch so much as one hair on her lovely head," Chrom said.
"Oooh, I always thought you acted nicer around Maribelle! I'll make sure you get to her safely so you can be the dashing hero and save the damsel!" Lissa said, determined and enthusiastic.
Chrom gave Lissa a chop on the head.
"Heyyy!" Lissa said, rubbing the top of her head.
"Lissa, your magic has grown greatly from what I've observed," Robin said.
Lissa looked down at the ground. "Aww, Robin, you don't need to compliment me." She punched his arm playfully.
"Have you mastered the Rescue staff?"
"Oh!" Lissa looked up again. "Yeah, I can definitely do it! I know Maribelle the best, I'll definitely be able to cast Rescue on her!"
Robin exhaled in relief. "Good. Then Lady Emmeryn, I won't have to ask you to do it."
"Robin!" Phila said, protesting the very consideration of asking Emmeryn to do something.
"Phila." Emmeryn stopped Phila's one word protest. She looked at her little sister, concern in her eyes. "Are you sure, Lissa? I really wish you didn't put yourself in danger so often."
"This is for Maribelle, Emm," Lissa said, determination in her eyes and her voice. "And I learned about danger from the best."
"Chrom..." Emmeryn said, turning to her brother.
"Emm, she's referring to you," Chrom said with a laugh.
Emmeryn put a hand to her mouth, a slight blush appearing on her face. "Oh. I see…"
Robin was entranced for a moment. "The royal family really does love each other. They're so… happy… together." He shook his head and returned his thoughts to the strategy. "Lady Emmeryn, when the Pegasus Knights cause Gangrel to retreat, and the Shepherds step in to rescue Maribelle…" Robin moved the wooden pieces on the map to simulate their actions. "Lady Emmeryn, you will be withdrawing with the rest of our troops to protect you."
Emmeryn was silent, thinking things over.
"I will be with you, Your Grace," Phila said, noticing Emmeryn's hesitation. "We will keep you safe."
"Yes, Lady Emmeryn, you do so much for us. Please allow us to do our task, so that we can support you to do yours," Robin added.
"Peace for Ylisse first, the world later," Chrom said.
"Very well," Emmeryn relented. "If battle commences, I will withdraw and observe from a safe place. But let us hope that it does not come to battle."
After covering other details, the meeting concluded, and most people walked out. Robin stayed to study the maps and hypothesize possible situations and responses. Finally, the lack of sleep was getting to Robin, and he yawned and stretched. He walked out of the tent and found that even the most hard-working of soldiers had turned in for the night as well. Only the soldiers patrolling for the night shift were still up. Robin stretched out toward the moon and looked at the silhouette of his hand in front of the moon.
"Robin."
Robin turned to see that Emmeryn was still awake as well. "Lady Emmeryn," Robin said, dropping his hand and walking up to meet her. "You should be getting some sleep."
Emmeryn smiled. "You should follow your own advice sometime," she said. She looked up at the moon and the stars. "I believe you will be in need of rest much more than I. The effort of the mission falls on your shoulders."
"I suppose you're correct," Robin agreed.
"I hope we're not demanding too much of you."
Robin was shocked for a moment. "Oh, no! No, of course not!" he insisted.
Emmeryn returned her smiling gaze to Robin. "Well, nevertheless, I appreciate it. All of us do. You've kept Chrom, Lissa, everyone safe. And I know you will keep Maribelle safe as well."
"Lady Sully said it well. We are strong, because our love for our leaders is exceeded only by your love of us. Or something like that. But we are only strong because we have strong leaders, worthy of our service."
"I am glad our love and dedication is rewarded," Emmeryn said. "Your words really do make all the effort worth it." Robin opened his mouth to speak again, but Emmeryn raised her hand. "I'm afraid we may just speak in circles about how great we both are."
"Hah!" Robin allowed a laugh.
"Which is a lovely activity. One we should continue when we're back in Ylisstol. But perhaps our time is better spent doing something else."
"Of course," Robin agreed. "Dare I ask, what keeps you awake tonight?"
Emmeryn looked at the stars again. "A troubled peace is still better than a just war. I just want to appreciate these moments of peace, however troubled they may be."
Robin joined her gaze. "The night sky will be the same, even during times of war. You can find moments of peace, no matter the times. Well, at least I'd like to think."
Emmeryn giggled. Robin looked at Emmeryn, confused.
"Perhaps I'm silly," Robin said, scratching his head.
"No, I like what you said. But did we not meet in similar circumstances, just last night?"
"Hmm. I suppose so. Same sky, same people. Well, a few more people, that's one difference."
"And you aren't bending forward like a table." Emmeryn giggled again.
"Like a table…" Robin thought for a moment, before the simile registered in his mind. "Lady Emmeryn!"
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it! But maybe jokes at your expense are the key to making you relax."
"Hmph. Perhaps Lissa did learn from the best." Robin pretended to pout, but his struggles to keep a smile from appearing on his face failed after a brief moment.
Emmeryn breathed out in satisfaction and stretched her arms. They were silent for a moment, taking in the peaceful moment. Finally, Emmeryn spoke again. "I will be asking much of you in the future," she said.
"Lady Emmeryn…"
"This moment of peace, it's too precious. Too short. And too lonely." She paused for a moment, then reconsidered her words. "I mean, I appreciate your company, Robin!" she reassured in a brief panic.
Robin smiled. "Don't worry, I think I know what you mean. You want to share it with others."
Emmeryn nodded. "The Plegians. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I want them to be at peace as well. And I know they'll need some convincing." She placed her hands on Robin's shoulders, startling him for a moment. She looked into Robin's eyes. "But I know with your help, all of your help, we'll be able to convince them." She let go of Robin's shoulders and placed a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Well, so long as you don't tense up so much and relax a little."
"Eheh," Robin laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head as he looked at the ground. "I'll try to relax more."
Emmeryn raised an eyebrow. "Promise?"
Robin met her look. "Promise," he replied.
Emmeryn gave Robin a curt nod. "Good. Then you should go get some sleep. If you hadn't promised, I would have ordered you to, and I don't often give orders."
Robin came to attention. "As you wish, Your Grace!" he said, snapping a salute.
Emmeryn giggled once again, the giggle that Robin was gradually getting familiar with but would always melt any tension away. "You may relax, Sir Robin." She waved her hand in front of Robin, gesturing for him to ease up. "Other than the time in front of Chrom and the others, I think you've improved greatly. There may be hope for you just yet."
"Thank you, Your Grace!"
"I'll take it." Emmeryn shoved Robin playfully. "Good night, Sir Robin."
Robin finally eased his posture. His eyes met Emmeryn's, and he smiled. "Good night, Lady Emmeryn. May the night sky be the same tomorrow."
Emmeryn returned the smile and walked off. Robin, glad that Emmeryn was the first to part ways, turned to walk to his tent. Realizing that his tent was in the same direction as Emmeryn's, he decided to take a longer route back to his tent. He finally plopped onto the mat on the ground that composed of his bed. Lying on his back, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
"Hmm, I don't think I'll be able to sleep anytime soon," he thought. He sighed, then smiled. "At least it's because my heart's feeling warm and excited, rather than tense and worried. Ugh, why can't there just be a happy, sleepy medium?"
Author's Note:
I was a little unsure about the first part of this chapter, only in that it seems to have a different tone than the second half. I had thought of just cutting it and starting it right when the scout arrives. Buuuut I didn't. So let me know what works and what doesn't work with this chapter and this story so far!
And I tried to think what Emmeryn would do when everyone made camp. I sincerely doubt she would just do nothing, but I couldn't think of anything else she'd do. So... hopefully she'd offer to help give out food.
Also, at first I was gonna include the battle to save Maribelle, but then it was becoming too long. So, no action in this chapter. Just build-ups?
Writing this chapter made me read into medieval marches and logistics. Interesting stuff. This particular march might be too short for what I read to apply, but I tried to put some of it in there, and would like to put more in later. We'll see.
Thank you, RedRomanPyro, for appreciating the existence of this story. Guest, I'm glad you thought the last chapter was well done. Actually when I looked at the word count, I thought it might be short. Zash101, glad you're looking at my other story too!
Thanks everyone for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting!