*Update* Planning to update this chapter like I did chapters 2 and 3 to make it less novelization-y. Planning, so it's not done yet ;) Sorry if any continuity errors pop up!
In case the four updates within 24 hours hasn't made it obvious, I'm in a very writing-happy mood today. Trying to pack in as many chapters as I can before work starts again tomorrow T.T
Here we are! The Shepherd's Garrison!
"Well, here we are! The Shepherds' garrison!" Lissa beamed at the new tactician, spreading her arms out wide to show off their surrounding room. "Go ahead, make yourself at home."
Robin walked through the threshold, her eyes pulling her head with them as they wandered over every inch of the wooden shelves and crates. Tapestries depicting heroes, various insignias, and even world maps were hung every few feet along the walls of gray stone, partially covered at their bottoms by stray weapons and armors being stored in open crates on the ground. Through open wooden doors in the back, she could see an extensive field of trodden down grass filled with targets and stray armor.
In the middle of the room, a burly man with tan skin spoke to a beautiful young woman in pink armor. Talking vividly and loudly, he made a pounding motion with his hands, prompting the woman's eyes to widen and her skin to go paler.
In the back, a woman in riding boots sat perched on a crate with a book in her hands. As soon as she looked up at, a squeal came rushing out of her mouth. Her book slammed closed as she hopped off the crate, beginning to charge straight towards Robin.
Oh no. Robin panicked. How does she know me? Is this someone from my past? What do I say when she-
"Lissa, my treasure! There you are!"
Oh, right. Lissa... she thought, relief surely being betrayed by the look on her face.
Lissa found herself wrapped up in pink sleeves and covered in hair as blonde as her own, though much more elegant and finely groomed. Robin found herself wondering at the irony that the princess seemed to be the disheveled one of the two.
"Oh, hey, Maribelle," Lissa greeted the girl with a smile and a small pat on the back.
"Oh hey' yourself!" Maribelle pulled back, looking the princess harshly in the eyes. "Do you have any idea how many gray hairs I sprouted fretting over you?"
Lissa grinned sheepishly, evidently unashamed. "Don't you worry. I can handle a battle or two. Though I could've done without the bugs and bear meat. Right, Robin?"
Robin found herself startled at being addressed, barely managing to let out an, "Oh... yeah!" before she found herself surrounded by more people.
"Hey, squirt!"
"Welcome back, Lissa."
Two more voices, the muscular man and the woman in pink from earlier had now walked over to her side to greet Lissa as well.
"Where's Chrom?" the man asked. Clasping is hand around the handle of the axe on his back, he complained in a deep, loud voice, "I been waitin' all month for our sparring match."
Lissa let go of Maribelle and answered teasingly, "Chrom has better things to do with his time than kicking your butt at sparring, Vaike."
"Haha that ain't true! He's still got a thing or two he could learn from ol' Teach." Vaike smirked and patted his biceps. Robin couldn't tell if she was on edge with this man or comforted, his boisterousness taking away her feeling of needing to be on her most proper behavior.
Upon hearing Lissa would be taking her to meet the Shepherds, who she now knew to be elite royal soldiers and not, in fact, sheep herders, her brain immediately conjured up an image of what she would be met with. She'd expected to walk into a crowded garrison with an air of urgency, full of bustling crowds of strong men – which, if she was being honest, wouldn't have been all bad. Though she'd been worried she'd feel out of place, almost inferior to the highly trained, serious soldiers she'd had in mind. Seeing a small gathering with two young women and a sparring-hungry man... It made her feel a bit more like maybe she could fit in in the Shepherds for sure.
"Oh so you're 'Teach' now?" Lissa questioned, clearly trying to suppress a giggle. "When did that happen?"
"We don't know..." the woman in pink armor replied quietly. Robin got a strong sense this was the peacemaker of the group. From the way she stood to the way she spoke, she seemed to radiate kindness.
"Yet another act of buffoonery to add to his ever expanding repertoire," Maribelle added on, sarcasm slicing through the air like a knife.
"You bet I got an expanding-... Wait...!" Vaike's face soured, him only seeming to catch that this was not a compliment a moment after he'd begun speaking.
I'll have to remember that. Robin mentally took note of Vaike's behavior, her tactician's mind ever at work. Acts first; thinks second.
"Beg pardon, but when may we be seeing the captain?" the young woman segued, gently drawing the topic away from an impending bickering match. Definitely the nice one of the group.
"Yes, poor Sumia's simply been beside herself with concern. She's been scanning the horizon all day waiting for your arrival," said Maribelle, a look of over-dramatized sympathy on her elegant features as she looked at Sumia. She sounded honestly sympathetic until the second half of her statement came out of her mouth: "She'd probably have earned fewer bruises if she'd been blindfolded."
"Aww, Sumia! That's so sweet of you to worry about us!" Lissa's face lit up with a touched smile, sweetly bowing her head towards Sumia.
"Well, of course I'd worry! Chrom is our- you're our captain- er, royal family! And then there's Frederick and... Sully and..." Sumia's voice trailed off as her eyes ran over Robin, only just then realizing she had no idea who the strange woman in robes was. Robin tugged the edges of her sleeves down and brushed her hands over her wrists – a subconscious habit she'd begun to realize she had – before opening her mouth to introduce herself. However, the group didn't stop talking long enough for her to get a word in.
"Yeah, who's the stranger?" Vaike's loud voice questioned. Having cut Robin off, she was now left to close her mouth once again and wait for another chance to say, 'Pleasure to meet you. I'm Robin.'
"No one's stranger than you Vaike, but allow me to introduce Robin!" Lissa's arms flung to her side and gestured to the girl in question. Robin smiled kindly at the other Shepherds, hoping to make a good first impression. "We met her a couple days ago, and Chrom's decided to make her our new tactician."
"The army's tactician after a mere two days. How... impressive." Maribelle's voice would've sounded completely polite to anyone not paying close attention. Unfortunately for Robin, she had listened more intently and caught the hesitation and suspicion in that final word. A light blush crept onto her cheeks. She knew what Maribelle was implying.
Does she think I didn't earn this job honestly? Robin thought, equal parts worried and offended. I suppose it is odd to get a commanding position after such a short time, but to think she'd believe that I would cheat my way into the tactician's role! And through... unsavory methods. Please. I'm a tactician, not a harlot.
"She is impressive!" answered Lissa, completely missing Maribelle's hidden slight. Much to Robin's relief, she maintained her innocent enthusiasm and stood by her claims that the new tactician was truly worthy of the title. "You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeve!"
"Oh yeah? Can she do this?" Vaike interrupted, letting out a large belch from the depths of his stomach. A satisfied grin appeared on his face once he'd finished. Next to him, the prim Maribelle waved a gloved hand in front of her nose with a look of disgust.
"Ugh, Vaike that was abhorrent!" she scolded. Robin, however, found herself letting out a giggle, deciding that yes, she was definitely put at easy by Vaike. Somehow, the challenge of a belch-off seemed to make the environment seem so much more... familiar and open to her. She couldn't help but join in.
Letting out a burp of her own – which wasn't terribly difficult considering all the food Lissa had made her try as they passed through Ylisstol – Robin could already feel a bit of tension and nervousness within her escape. Though she worried how Maribelle might react, she couldn't help but also be a bit amused by the noblewoman's apparent dismay. The banter between the Shepherd's was quite fun to play witness to.
"And Robin, don't encourage him!" Maribelle complained, now directing her annoyance towards the tactician. Robin knew she should've felt guilty, but somehow she just couldn't bring herself to stop the smile creeping onto her face.
This might not be so bad... she thought, tentatively happy. Being here, fitting in.
"Yeah! This girl's got a mouth on her!" Vaike chuckled, patting Robin on the back and clamping a hand on her shoulder. The action itself hurt, but Robin felt a bit better for it. "And not in the bad way!"
"Honestly Vaike, you pollute even the people around you with your vulgarity." Maribelle chastised the bodybuilder, her mouth pulling into a tight frown as her eyes narrowed. Though in no time at all, those eyes were incriminatingly refocused on Robin. "Though I'd hoped our new tactician was cut of finer cloth than to join in with the likes of you."
Turning sharply on her heel, she strutted away from the group, leaving Robin feeling a bit guilty. She considered that perhaps she'd misinterpreted Maribelle's annoyance, something she'd read as being commonplace banter, almost like that between siblings. The feeling of belonging she'd felt not a moment ago seemed to have quickly turned into feeling out of place once more in the silent wake Maribelle left behind.
"Don't take it to heart, Robin," Sumia calmed the tactician kindly. "Maribelle can be a bit quick to flare up, but after a while she'll warm up to you."
"I didn't mean to offend her..." Robin replied, still staring at the spot where Maribelle had disappeared into the crates and shelves. Though when she looked back to the group of Shepherds remaining by her, she saw Sumia and Lissa's comforting smiles. They didn't seem to be deterred by her behavior before, so perhaps Sumia was right. "But I suppose if she is the way you say, I'll make up with her later."
"Good idea!" Lissa replied, approving of her plan.
"In any case," Robin began, trying to get in some remaining shred of a proper introduction. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
"Yours too, Rob- buh- Captain!" Sumia began with a smile which quickly turned into a wide-eyed look of shock. Robin turned over her shoulder to see deep blue clothing and a white cape. Chrom had just entered the room behind her.
Turning back to Sumia, Robin realized a blush as pink as the girls armor had crept onto her cheeks. Robin thought back on Sumia's stuttering response when speaking about her worry at the 'royal family's absence, and now her blush when seeing Chrom... Hm. Childhood sweethearts, perhaps?
Sumia took two bold steps forward to greet the captain before a stroke of misfortune hit her in the form of loose papers on the ground. Her boots caught on the slick surface of the scraps, prompting her feet to slip out from under her and send her flying forward to land on the ground.
"Sumia! Are you alright?" Chrom inched towards the downed girl, worry written on his face. Robin could feel her theory being proven a bit more. "Those boots of yours again?"
Boots? Robin asked herself, confusion surely sneaking onto her face. How oblivious is he? Perhaps this is rather an unrequited crush.
"If 'boots' is the new word for hormo- Ow!" Vaike began to cackle before being pinched by a disapproving Lissa. Robin didn't register too much, but based on what she was learning of Vaike, she assumed it would've been a joke in ill humor.
"No, I- I mean yes! I... It's good to see you've returned." Sumia sheepishly pulled herself off the ground with a sigh. Robin felt a bit sorry for her, resolving to be extra nice to her if she ever got the chance. She seemed like the kind of girl who could be a good friend.
"And with company," Vaike added on, rubbing the pinch wound on his arm.
"So you all got a chance to meet Robin?" Chrom asked, a proud smile appearing on his face as he placed a hand on the new tactician's shoulder. Robin gave a small smile at the rest of the Shepherds, hoping they'd have good things to say about their meeting.
"Yep, they did!" Lissa confirmed cheerfully. "Except Miriel and Stahl... they must still be out."
"I'm sure Robin will run into Miriel in the library!" answered Chrom, almost with humor in his voice. "As for Stahl, I'm sure he's just at the apothecary's or in the kitchens."
"A healing chef?" Robin asked, looking up over her shoulder at the captain. She wasn't sure if she meant her question seriously or as a jest.
"Haha!" Chrom chuckled, evidently having taken it as the latter. "Rather an eternally hungry son of an apothecary in town."
"Ah. And Miriel?"
"Our mage with a talent for knowing everything there is to know."
Chrom smiled at the newest Shepherd, eager for her to meet the other two. Removing his hand from her shoulder, he continued his speech.
"Well, since it's only the four of you, this won't be the big announcement I'd thought it'd be," Chrom continued, straightening his back as his face steeled slightly. "But we're beginning a march to Regna Ferox at dawn tomorrow."
"Regna Ferox?" Robin asked curiously. Another place I've not heard of, it seems. Or simply forgotten.
"A united kingdom of barbarian tribes to our north, or so I've heard." Sumia answered with a quiet confidence, looking to Chrom for confirmation.
"Not barbarians – warriors," he corrected kindly. "And strong ones at that. Emmeryn has agreed to let us request a meeting with the Khan to request aid against Plegia."
"Why don't we bring the Exalt along?" Robin asked, seeing an opening to start testing the waters as tactician. Her mind at work was happy and eager to provide input. "She has a very peaceful presence... I'm sure she'd be a great help to us."
Robin thought back on her meeting with the Exalt earlier that day. From her voice to her posture to the way her hand rested around her staff, the woman seemed to exude an aura of peacefulness. Noble and graceful, Robin could only imagine Exalt Emmeryn would be an immense help on a diplomatic mission.
"Normally she would go, but given recent events..." A look of worry crept into Chrom's eyes, and Robin knew he was referencing the strange beasts they'd battled the night before. Not to mention the inferno that had appeared out of nowhere... "I think we all would feel safer if she were to stay in the capital. So the task becomes ours. Now this mission is strictly voluntary, so if any-"
"Count me in!" Lissa piped up, a smile on her face as her hand shot up in the air.
"I'm in too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach around for such a delicate mission." Vaike patted the axe on his back as a smirk took over his lips.
"Teach...?" Chrom questioned quietly.
"I wouldn't open that bag of eels again if I were you..." Robin whispered to him, a coy, knowing smile on her lips which was returned by the prince. Based on the argument that almost took place last time the topic was mentioned, she didn't think it wise to reopen it for discussion.
"I-..." Sumia's stuttering drew the captain and the tactician away from their short aside to one another as the young woman's hands began to fidget.
"Sumia?" Chrom asked, eyebrows raised expectantly.
"I think I'll stay behind this time," she replied, her voice sounding unsure of itself. Her eyes avoided contact with any of the others as she tried to make herself seem small. "I'm not sure I'm ready for such a big mission yet."
"Well, if that's how you feel... I'm sure Robin would love to have some company around the castle."
"What?" Robin exclaimed louder than intended. Whipping around to face (a startled) Chrom head on, she protested, "I'm not staying behind!"
"I- I just assumed... I mean, of course you're welcome to come along," Chrom replied, shrinking a bit under the sharp gaze of her brown eyes. "It's just you're still relatively new. I didn't think you'd feel up to such a large first task."
"Of course I am. I'm the Shepherds' tactician, aren't I?" Robin answered on the contrary, her arms crossing as her examining gaze bore deeper into her captain's eyes.
"Yes, you are." Chrom couldn't tell if he found it very intimidating or very refreshing, the pride and determination he saw in her. After such a short time, she was already ready to take on the role of the army's tactician, and moreover, proud and eager to do so.
"Then you can count me in too," Robin stated, her tone making it clear there was no room for argument. With a small teasing smile, she continued, "No time like the present to get some hands on experience."
"Well, I like your attitude!" Chrom let out a chuckle and a smile. Turning his attention back to Sumia, he suggested, "If you want, Sumia, you and Robin could work together gaining some practice. It's your choice of course, but like Robin said, there's an importance to hands on experience. Some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"I'd like that. How about it Sumia?" Robin looked eagerly at the young woman, remembering her will to be nice to her.
"Um..." She seemed to want to say no, still looking unsure of herself. However, with a deep breath and visible resolve, she replied, "Okay. If you think it wise, Captain."
"Wonderful!" Robin met Sumia's eyes and was sure to give a genuine smile, which was returned with one in equal measure.
"That's it, then," Chrom stated with a small clap, bringing the discussion to a close. "Everyone, start getting your things prepared. We march shortly after dawn. Vaike, you'll let Stahl know about the mission?" Looking Vaike in the eyes, he gently made it clear it was an order and not a question.
"Teach is on the job!" Vaike confirmed with a thumbs-up.
"Okay. If anyone sees Sully, let her and the new archer – what was his name? Ah, Virion! Let them know as well. I'm heading to the library now, so I'll tell Miriel there," Chrom replied, checking the other missing Shepherds off his list of people to tell. "Robin, would you come with me? I wanted to give you a few books on Regna Ferox before we go so you're up to speed."
Relieved to hear she would be getting guidance, Robin replied with a smile, "Of course."
As she and Chrom began to leave the garrison, she heard Vaike behind them tease, "Sure, 'give 'er a few books," followed by a wolf whistle. She blushed and found herself wanting to laugh, though she could see Chrom shooting him a dirty look in her peripheral and bit her lip to resist.
The Shepherds were nothing like she'd expected, but that was a good thing. As she made her way with Chrom to the library she found herself feeling far less out of place than before her visit to the garrison, and she knew this to be a good sign.
Between Vaike's big personality, Maribelle's odd temperment, and Sumia's kindness, she knew she had found herself in a group she'd be extremely lucky to be a part of.
Wow, that wound up being longer than I intended 0.0 Just short of 3500 words.
