This took longer than intended, sorry. I just want to say thank you to everyone who followed/favorited/reviewed, I really appreciate it!

The past few days went by in a flash. The cold dusky fort in the snowy forests made way for the picturesque medieval city of Ylisstol. This sudden change of environment came with new faces, streets, hallways and rooms that I all had to remember. Most of my free time was spent by reading books in an attempt to fill up that gap in my memory. Aside from reading and swinging my sword, there wasn't much to do in my free time.

I could always bother people, but meh.

It would take some time getting used to this world. From this world's inhabitants to myself; everything (still) seemed strange to me. Luckily, everyone happened to be very colorful, both personality-wise and appearance-wise. They had their own quirks and traits, making it easier for me to remember their faces. For example, Chrom has blue hair and his hobbies include defying gravity and wearing asymmetrical outfits. The list goes on and on.

Instead of an alarm clock buzzing loudly in my ears, a flock of birds were singing. The chirping started softly, but with each second that rolled by, grew louder and filled the room with sounds that were just as annoying as an alarm clock. Half-asleep, I slightly opened my eyes and took a quick look at the window. A faint-blue glow lit up the sky and contrasted with the black branches of the trees in the courtyard. Small specks were moving on the branches.

I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to fall asleep again. My mind, however, refused to drift off. After tossing and turning in my bed, I admitted defeat and got up. Still in my nightwear, I walked to the mirror with my clothes hanging over my arm.

The first time I saw myself in the mirror was pretty shocking. My own appearance baffled me and I could barely recognize the face that was reflected in the mirror. I looked like I came straight out of an anime, well, it wasn't that surprising considering this was a 'game'… In any case, I still sort of looked the same.

There weren't any changes on first glance, so the expression on my face said it all when I did notice something had changed. After taking my gloves off, a mark revealed itself in all its glory on my right hand. There was a total of seven black lines on it, they formed an upright rectangle with a four in the middle of it. The four was upside down, at least it was upside down when my hand was raised.

What it meant was beyond me. A four? I dunno. It made no sense, but then again, nothing really did. I kept that thing covered with my gloves since I wasn't sure what to do or make out of it.

As I changed into my usual attire, two quick, but strong knocks sounded on the door. While fixing the collar of my dress, I shuffled over the wooden floor to the door. With a click, the door opened and I peered through the gap between the door and the frame. A stern face with brown windswept hair stared back at me. Frederick gave a slight bow.

"Good morning, I have come to wake you up for the morning workout," he said in a low voice.

The morning workout?

"Morning," I said with my hand still on the side of the door, opening it further. "Isn't it a bit too early for that? The sun is barely up."

Frederick shook his head. "There is no better way than to start the day with some exercise. Besides you and several others were already up."

"I blame nature." I shrugged. "Oh, well, I could use some training."

"That'd be very wise of you," Frederick agreed with an eager look. "If you wish, I could schedule some additional training sessions."

"How about just some extra sword lessons?"

He went silent for a second, his eyes sized me up before he talked again, "Just sword lessons won't do. Perhaps it's better to create a training scheme specifically tailored for you."

"Sounds like an awful lot of trouble. Do you really have time for all that?"

Frederick puffed his chest, a smile rose to his face. With pride beaming on his face, he spoke, "Of course. I am in charge of training new recruits after all. Watching over everyone's personal growth and nurturing it is one of my duties."

"You make it sound like we're plants," I whispered under my breath. "Well, I'll take you up on that offer. Wouldn't want to fall over during a fight." I chuckled.

"Then it's decided. Now, as I said before, it's time for the morning workout."

The view flew by in a blur and my head rushed to meet the ground with a thump. The sweet, sweet ground was so cold, I'd choose lying down in the dirt over this any time.

I honestly don't know what I was expecting from a 'training'.

I lifted myself off the ground with great difficulty, putting more strain on my muscles. Supporting myself with both hands on the ground, I wheezed for air. My hair covered my face and through the strands, I could see someone making his way to me with a brisk pace. Metal boots clinked with every step. I cursed silently as the form of the man grew bigger in my vision.

My thoughts raced through my mind and I immediately regretted our earlier conversation.

Frederick with his… his, his Fanatical Fitness Hour. He must love watching people squirm in pain, that sadist.

A pair of hands pulled me up and I briefly floated in the air before my feet touched the ground. A perfectly composed face stared back at me, annoying me greatly.

"Go on," Frederick said curtly.

"Do you know how big the-" I drew a few breaths, "courtyard is?"

"I am aware of its size. I see that you still have a long way to go, but don't worry. I'll whip you up back in shape faster than you can find Kellam."

After huffing, I managed to utter a "Who?"

"A fellow Shepherd with little presence, but that's not important now. Finish your laps, we have yet to start with the fitness part."

"Frederick, you…" I mumbled and stopped myself from saying the words that popped up in my head.

Relieved to have dodged that bullet, Robin leaned back against the wall and stared out of the window. Bodies lay scattered on the courtyard and were lifted one by one by Frederick. After they were standing on the ground again, they hobbled away with a pained look.

Frederick's training would benefit everyone in the long run, but it did look traumatizing.

"Robin." Emmeryn's voice pulled him back, he turned his head to the exalt who stood hunched over a table with several plates and cups. Her fingers were folded around the handle of a teapot and poured tea in the porcelain, steam rising up from the brew. "Why don't you take a seat?"

The man crossed the room and sat down on the seat, waiting for her to finish serving the tea.

"Have you tried our famous mulberry tea blend yet?"

He scratched the top of his head. "Famous mulberry… tea blend?" It was half meant as a question to himself. "I don't believe I have," he said, shaking his head. Robin stared down at the cup, his head hovered over the teacup. A sweet smell rose up from the drink. "It smells good." Robin cracked a smile. "Thank you Emmeryn."

"There is no need to thank me."

She returned his smile and also sat down. Emmeryn added one spoon of sugar in her tea and stirred the hot drink. Her eyes absentmindedly stared at the whirlpool that formed in her tea. Although she looked preoccupied with something, her face remained calm as always.

"Did," Robin started cautiously. His voice caused her to look up and stop moving the spoon around. "Did you need to talk to me about something?"

"Yes." Picking up on the tactician's uneasiness, she smiled again. "Are you getting used to the castle? I realize everything must be pretty confusing to you, especially with your amnesia."

Robin nodded. "I'm doing just fine. You don't have to worry about me."

She was a bit displeased with this answer, the exalt straightened her back and looked straight into his eyes. "I worry because I want to, Robin." Her voice harshened, but remained gentle. "Chrom told me you've been holing yourself up in the library, reading books," she paused, waiting for an answer.

Robin shifted in his seat awkwardly, searching for words to say.

It was true that he started spending most of his time trying to catch up with the past. His hands itched to flip open a book whenever he had time to relax. It was inevitable considering his current job, after all he was the tactician of a country he knew nothing of. Gathering knowledge came with the job description and was obviously essential. Leading an army was a huge responsibility and burden for an amnesiac. Despite the pressure, he still felt grateful to Chrom and didn't want to let him down.

Robin scratched his head again. "It wasn't my intention to make you or Chrom worry about me, but I think reading and studying is something I need to do as the tactician of this army."

Emmeryn let out a small sigh, the ends of her lips curled up into a wry smile. "You worry as much about Chrom as he worries about you, but I understand your feelings. It's a good thing that you've taken an interest in reading books. Just remember to take care of yourself."

"I know I know. It wasn't my intention to lock myself up in the library." Robin nodded and brought the porcelain cup to his lips to take a quick sip to see if it was drinkable. The liquid rushed into his mouth, burning his tongue lightly. He grimaced and quickly put it down on the plate.

The two made some small talk until Robin noticed the painting hanging on the wall behind her. He fell silent as he eyed the older man that was depicted on it. A mantle was draped around him and a crown adorned with jewels sat on the top of his head. His hair had that royal blue shade that wasn't very uncommon in the exalted bloodline. There was an uncanny resemblance to Chrom, only this man's features were battered by the years. Both of his hands rested on the tip of the hilt of a very familiar sword.

The fact that Emmeryn asked him to come to this room made Robin wonder if she deliberately chose this room because of the painting. It was an ironic sight, considering this country's history. The ghost of the former exalt was literally behind Emmeryn.

As if she read his thoughts, Emmeryn spoke up, "So, Robin. What do you know of this country's history?"

"Not much, but I just finished reading about the last war." Robin cleared his throat. "I started with books about the most recent events since those are the most relevant to me right now," he explained.

"I see." Emmeryn took a sip of her tea. "The tea is at the right temperature now," she declared.

Robin thanked her and the two drank their tea in silence. After they both finished, Emmeryn stared out the window. Her eyes drifted to Chrom, who was running around in the courtyard.

"They are more alike than he'd ever admit," she said in a small voice, eyes still fixated on Chrom.

"Is that so?"

She cocked her head to the side before turning back to Robin.

"I'll tell you about my father another day. Listen, Robin, let me give you one piece of advice." She rose from her seat. Leaning in closer, she showed him a determined expression.

"The past is important and should not be forgotten, but the present and the future are even more important."

"Was that directed at me for the whole library hermit issue?" Robin chuckled in an attempt to lighten the mood up.

"Perhaps." Emmeryn smiled and started talking again, "With that out of our way, I'd like to start talking about the reason why I called you here."

Robin appeared out of nowhere after training and announced that almost everyone was heading out next week. Due to risens roaming around and an increase in bandit attacks lately, more soldiers were ordered to patrol the land. As for the Shepherds, they were going to be split into two groups. The first group was going to head down south to check on the situation there and the second group was going to escort Maribelle to Themis.

Much to his chagrin, Ricken had to stay behind. Poor him.

I was assigned to the escort group together with Stahl and Virion. Small groups of risens were to be eliminated if they were sighted. Soldiers often patrolled the roads to Themis, so there shouldn't be any real problems. A group of four would suffice.

I went on with my day after the announcement. Walking past paintings with gilded frames and marble statues, I headed to the library to kill some time. Dusty bookshelves with hanging cobwebs, creaking floors, it was definitely not the best looking place, but it was quiet as long no one moved and that was enough for me.

I skimmed through books, but a crushing boredom killed off any desire to read. Now that I was stuck reading and catching up to avoid any suspicion, I wondered if maybe I should've played the amnesia card in Fort Ferox.

Oh well. Too late for that now.

One hour later in the library and I ended up building a house of books. A sigh escaped my mouth as I rested my head on the table and stared at my creation. Miriel walked by several times, once with a stack of books in her hands and a second time to observe me.

The floor creaked and Miriel turned the corner, gracing me with her presence again. "Were you planning on passing the day away with fashioning books in a way they resemble houses?"

"Yes, that was totally my intention," I deadpanned as I lifted my head and brushed my hair out of my face.

"A hint of scorn hidden in words usually indicates sarcasm. Was it an attempt to be witty or a way to express contempt?" She seemed to be talking in herself, her face remained stoic as she muttered on.

"Please don't think too much about it."

Miriel blinked once, but continued muttering. Tired, I rested my face on my palm. Spotting the book in her hands, I asked her what she was reading.

"A recipe book," she answered after a while.

I raised an eyebrow. "With what kind of recipes?"

"Recipes of medicinal concoctions, vulnerary's and the likes," she paused to adjust her glasses. "The last book I read had lacking descriptions, the writer of this book however seems to have meticulously described every step of the brewing process that is needed."

What was I even expecting? Recipes for cakes?

"Sounds interesting."

"Was that another attem-"

"That was me being honest. Seriously, you're overthinking everything." I sighed.

"I am simply analyzing the situation. It is in my and every scientist's nature to question every single thing."

"Riiight."

"Hmm," she murmured lost in thought. "The vowels were stretched out, the reason for this could…." She went on and on, ignoring me.

I figured I should just leave her be. In an attempt to alleviate my boredom, I grabbed the top book of my house. As if right on cue, Miriel snapped out of her trance and watched me again.

What the... Okay then?

"... Weren't you going to read that?" I pointed at the object in her hands.

"I was, but something sparked my curiosity." Miriel turned her head away from me. "I shall excuse myself now," she said and left without another word.

That was awkward.

I fiddled around with the book in my hands before rising up and clearing away the house made of history books.

Maybe I should pick up a novel, to break through the monotony of only reading informative books.

I left the library around noon. Still sore, I sank down on a chair behind an empty table on the far end of the mess hall. The tables itself were long and plain, but resembled conference tables. The left wall of the hall was covered in glass, the windows let the sunlight in. A pleasant atmosphere hung in the air.

Surprise surprise, I was the first one to arrive and grab some food. I put down my plate with two sandwiches on the wooden table Lettuce, slices of cucumber, tomato and cheese were sandwiched (pun intended) between two slices of bread, they looked great. Apparently Frederick and some Pegasus knight made them.

Just thinking about Frederick made me squirm.

I took a bite of my sandwich. A savory taste filled my mouth until the juicy bits of the tomato attacked my taste buds. I absolutely used to hate tomatoes, but they are sort of manageable now. Still, unless they are on a pizza, I prefer to avoid them.

A hand tapped me on my right-shoulder. I glanced to my right, there was no one. Just a seat and the corner of the hall.

Maybe I just imagined that?

While I turned my attention back to my sandwich, my eyes fell on an extra plate in front of the empty seat next to me. I broke out in a cold sweat.

When did… that…

"You look awfully pale," a man's voice laced with concern said out of nowhere.

Startled, I jumped up and swallowed my bread too fast, resulting into me choking on it. After coughing violently, I raised my head and still saw no one next to me.

Nope nope nope.

I picked up my plate and walked away as fast as I could, while fighting the muscle pain, to another table on the other side of the hall. After sitting down and sighing, Nathan joined me. With a fox mask hanging on his shoulder and a rather cheery expression on his face, he sat down on the other side of the table in those ninja-like clothes of his.

He looked so out of place, but by now, seeing someone else reassured me.

Chrom and co. picked him up together with Robin on the same day. While Robin was found in a field, Nathan called for help in a village attacked by bandits not too far from there. What a coincidence.

Nathan waved his hand to get my attention, but stopped after he saw my worn-out face.

"Is the food that bad?" He asked in the grimmest voice possible.

I shook my head and forced a smile. "No, this sandwich is pretty great. Something just… startled me. Yeah, that's it."

"Startled?" He took a bite of his sandwich and the expression on his face told me he was enjoying it. "There are apparently rumors floating around about a ghost. You didn't happen to-"

"I don't believe in that sort of stuff," I said gruffly. "Well, I mean, I don't know. Let's just not talk about this."

"Sure, whatever you say." He grinned and continued to eat.

Vaike sat down with big movements on the chair next to Nathan. He talked while eating, which was anything but a pretty sight.

The mess hall continued to fill up. Stumbling over the doorstep was Sumia, a helping hand provided by Frederick stopped her from falling. Virion walked with Sully and whispered sultry words into her ear. A well-deserved kick was her reaction and Virion lay down on the ground, cringing in pain. Miriel intently studied his reaction and proceeded to inspect the contents of her sandwich.

It didn't take long before the background was filled with laughter and small talk. This view only supported my statement about the Shepherds being a colorful and lively bunch. A grin tugged at the corners of my mouth as I watched them.

Guess I was worried for nothing back in Regna Ferox.

The chair next to me scraped over the floor and Robin settled on it.

"You seem to be in a good mood. Did someone tell you a good joke?" He asked.

"Nope, it's nothing. I was just thinking about some stuff."

Things slowed down this chapter, but the story will move on next chapter. Exams start next week, so I'm afraid the next chapter will be delayed. I'll try getting it up as soon as possible.

I never described Nathan's appearance and I don't really want to shoehorn it into a scene, so I'll vaguely describe it here. Auburn spiky-ish hair, just think of the male avatar number 5 hairstyle. Has brown eyes. Dread fighter clothes, that's about it.

Anyway, thank you for reading! Leave a review if you want. The year is nearing its end, so a happy New Year in advance guys!