A/N: I knew this was going to be a problem from the start. I Even have a little note on my draft that says: "You have to stretch it." Tharja joins way too late. Two chapters before the time skip, right? The pacing in the main storyline is way too fast - unlike FE 6, which is perfect. Anyway, one more chapter before B support conversation, and that has to happen before the game's chapter 11, because of said time skip. I'll use those two years for some worldbuilding, though. Awakening fell really short on that end.
Chapter 7
Robin could tell when Chrom had recently spent time with Sumia. The Prince was having trouble concentrating, he stumbled a bit when speaking, and he was close to smiling. Sumia seemed to be the only one to lift Chrom's spirits after Emmeryn's death. Although their charismatic leader never lost his composure in front of his troops, those closest to Chrom knew that there was a sense of dread hovering over him ever since his elder sister died. Robin was glad to see that his friend had found someone that brought him some happiness amongst their daily chaos. The Shepherds' tactician couldn't help but wonder if the love Tharja held for him was the same that Chrom and Sumia shared. Thoughts like that occupied Robin's mind when he wasn't too busy, which wasn't too often.
After Tharja's confession, Robin felt somewhat flattered. The Plegian mage still made him shake in his boots if she grinned for too long, but to be held in such a high regard was a compliment. However, Robin was also paranoid. Sometimes he couldn't go thirty seconds without looking over his shoulder to see if Tharja was nearby. To have her affections made his head spin, although her stalking unsettled him. If not for her, Robin wouldn't have read an entire romance novel last night. While it had been an interesting piece of fiction, Robin felt silly. He was Prince Chrom's chief tactician and a staff officer of the joint Ylissean-Feroxi army. It was ridiculous for him to spend his time reading the steamy love affair between the duchess and a simple stable boy. Robin had not been aware that romance could be romanticized so much.
Robin forced himself to focus on Chrom. The Prince of Ylisse sat by a compact desk in the large tent where the Shepherds gathered for their meetings. His friend was taking him too long to finish reading the report that Robin had written. It was a simple document that served to inform Chrom which Shepherds were going to act as support for the main force, and the reasons behind Robin's choices. Robin thought it was amazing how easily Sumia could distract someone as sharp as Chrom. Strange as it was, Robin could sympathize. Thoughts of Tharja distracted him constantly. Although he was willing to bet that Chrom didn't get chills when thinking of Sumia.
Thankfully, Robin had not seen much of Tharja since yesterday. That was both good and bad. On one hand, not having her nearby made him feel less awkward, but he was worried that he had been a little too blunt with her. After all, he had unintentionally called her abnormal. Although it was true, there were more graceful ways to say it, if that was even necessary. Also, Robin still had to meet with her and share Frederick's concerns, without actually mentioning the knight, out fear that she might curse him. Tharja's abilities were a great boon on the battlefield, but Robin also feared that she might take it the wrong way if Frederick decided to relocate her. Tharja might think that he was trying to push her away because of what she said. Nonetheless, Robin found it hard to approach Tharja for several reasons; and it wasn't out of some aversion to the opposite sex, like Lon'qu's issue with women.
Curiosity surfaced within Robin. He wanted to know what Tharja saw in him. Robin could understand why someone would love his friend. Chrom was handsome, educated, intelligent, ethical, and a prince. While most would call Sumia the luckiest woman in the world, Chrom was fortunate that he wasn't forced into a political marriage, or that the woman who captured his heart wasn't interested in him for his power and wealth. Robin didn't lack confidence, but he wasn't sure what it was about himself that warranted those strong feelings from Tharja. It was all for naught. Robin wasn't going to walk up to her and ask her for the specific reasons for why she loved him. Mostly because he was afraid that she would actually answer him.
"Robin…" Chrom said, forcing the tactician to push all thoughts of Tharja away for the moment. "I… don't know."
"Excuse me? What's the matter, Chrom?" Robin asked in confusion.
"Could you have someone else fight alongside the Khans?" Chrom looked up to meet his friend's gaze.
Robin raised an eyebrow. "Just one? I don't see why not." Robin wasn't sure why Chrom was requesting that someone be transferred. Basilio nor Flavia had asked for more support from the Shepherds when they spoke to them a few hours ago.
"It's just that..." Chrom said, sounding unsure. "It's just going to get more dangerous from here on, right?"
"We haven't faced any Plegian troops since crossing the border, but the scouts report that the desert is crawling with Risen," Robin summarized. "Short answer: yes. We apparently have to go through a bunch of Risen before meeting with Gangrel's forces." Robin was worried that the Plegians were somehow controlling the undead menaces that plagued the land.
"Just as I thought, and we will spearhead this invasion…" Chrom paused. "I'm afraid of losing Sumia," he confessed.
"You know, despite her lack of self-confidence, I believe Sumia is a superb pegasus knight," Robin stated. "She's not defenseless out there."
Chrom sighed. "Do you remember what happened before Emm jumped?"
"Well, that battle was pretty intense, so…" Robin always felt somewhat strange when someone asked him if he remembered something in particular.
"I keep thinking of when those Risen shot down Phila and the other knights." Chrom shuddered. "Gods! Just thinking that Sumia could die like that." Chrom shook their head. "We didn't see them coming…"
"I understand what you're saying," Robin said sympathetically. "As your chief tactician, I would ask you to reconsider. We need flyers, like Sumia, to alert us if flocks of wyvern riders are going ambush us from the rear. But as your friend, I have to tell you that this is a discussion you should have with her."
"Why?"
"Imagine how Sumia will react when she learns that she's no longer fighting by your side," Robin said.
Chrom's eyes widened. "She'll think I'm pushing her away."
"Exactly," Robin said. "Besides, I bet you can protect her if something like that happens again."
"Like I protected Emm," the Prince whispered. "And if it wasn't for Marth, Lissa would also be dead."
To Robin's knowledge, he had no family whatsoever. He didn't know the pain of losing a sibling, so he didn't know what to say to comfort his friend. The best he could do was promise to keep Chrom's fears in mind when coming up with strategies. "Chrom… You can't blame yourself for what happened."
"But…"
"Do you want to know what sometimes helps me move forward?" Robin asked rhetorically. "I think of how the world will be after Gangrel is deposed. For me, it makes things more bearable." Robin sighed. "Just thinking of all the soldiers that died in when we attacked Plegia Castle… I don't know, Chrom. I would get nothing done if I succumbed to fear."
Chrom smiled. "I never thought of marriage before I decided to propose."
"Really?" Robin asked. The tactician was happy that Chrom changed the subject to something more pleasant.
"It's strange when I think about it. I was always told of the importance of continuing my bloodline, yet I was so focused on other things." Chrom laughed a little. "I think she's going to be a great wife, unlike those ladies from Emm's court."
Robin smirked. "I presume you have some unpleasant stories."
"Boring ones," Chrom deadpanned. "If anyone has unpleasant stories, it would be Emm's former suitors."
Knowing that Chrom needed to talk about his good memories with Emmeryn, Robin went on. "I'm guessing it involves you."
"When the council started pestering her to produce an heir, Falchion had deemed me worthy of wielding it." Chrom smirked. "Well, rumors of the Exalt's jealous little brother began to spread."
"I think she would've loved to know that you're engaged," Robin stated.
"I don't think she ever formally met Sumia. Can you imagine? My perfectly composed sister spending time with my klutzy fiancé." Robin felt a little guilty, because he found that image funny at Sumia's expense.
"You probably have to be worried of how much Lissa is going to tease Sumia."
Chrom groaned. "That's right. She'll get like that." Chrom shook his head. "I think you might be right, Robin. I have to talk about this with Sumia. If… if she reassures me that everything will be alright, then I will have to trust her."
"That would be for the best." Robin smiled when Chrom relaxed.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is it that you imagine when thinking of the future?" Chrom queried.
"Mostly, your sister's vision," he answered truthfully. "As much as I like my place as the Shepherds' tactician, I would think the world would be better off if it didn't need my tactics. Until then, I stand by you."
"I appreciate it."
They both said their farewells, and Robin left to meet with some Feroxi officers. Much like Chrom, Robin's thoughts regarding marriage were none. Perhaps he had in his previous life. He wasn't against the idea. After all, Chrom seemed very happy.
XXXX
"I have a proposition for you," Tharja said to a surprised Sumia when the latter was leaving her tent. Tharja telekinetically prevented Sumia from tripping. The dark mage couldn't believe who she was asking for help. While she had nothing against the pegasus knight, Tharja simply stayed away from people who could destroy her tools.
"Tharja! Sorry, I almost fell on you." Sumia looked down, embarrassed. "What was that about a proposition?"
The words got stuck on Tharja's throat. Her request was too pathetic. Tharja would hex herself into becoming normal if she could, but she couldn't. From her own point of view, she was perfectly normal. She also couldn't predict the results if she hexed herself into becoming abnormal; meaning that she had to meet Robin's demands without using magic. As far as Tharja was concern, nothing in her life was simple after joining the Shepherds.
"I want you to teach me how to be normal," Tharja said through gritted teeth. "In exchange," she held out a handful of manakete scales, "I'll tell you whatever you want to know about your future." Everyone knew of Sumia's flower petal readings. For Tharja, those were silly practices non-dark mages relied on, for she could actually see the future. If Sumia wanted to see the future, then Tharja could accurately tell her whatever she wanted.
"Wow! You can really do that?" She stopped for a moment. "Wait… You want to be normal?" Sumia cocked her head. "I'm not sure I understand."
Perfect! She wants me to explain. Tharja had hoped that Sumia would not ask any questions. The Plegian mage gulped. "I want to be… friendlier, like you." Tharja felt like she was dying inside.
Sumia smiled. "That's so nice of you to say." It was a rare moment whenever someone said that Tharja was nice. "There are plenty of nicer people than me, though. Like Cordelia! Despite how good she's at everything, Cordelia has treated clumsy me with kindness over the years."
"No, it has to be you," Tharja insisted.
Sumia chuckled nervously. "Any reason in particular?"
Because plain you became the future Queen of Ylisse! "Not really," she lied.
"I'll help you. But could you instead make me less klutzy?"
Tharja shook her head. "I curse people, not perform miracles." The Plegian mage instantly stopped talking. She wasn't going to enlist the aid of Sumia if she lost her temper. "What I meant to say is that a curse like that could change your entire personality."
Sumia looked disappointed. "Oh well, if magic can't help, then I have to continue working hard to not break things with my face." She sighed. "Anyway, I'll teach you to be friendlier with other people." Sumia gently pushed Tharja's hand away. "And you don't need to tell me anything about the future.
The dark mage scoffed, and placed the scales inside a small pouch. "Have it your way." Tharja thought that the scales were going to go to waste. She had originally asked Nowi for some of hers, in order to see what the future held for Robin and her. In the end, she didn't go through with it. Normally, she wouldn't hesitate to use her divination skills, but in this case, she felt like waiting. Her father had taught her to tread carefully when it came when looking ahead in time; madness was the least of her worries if something went wrong. "I'll observe you from now on," she announced.
"Observe me?" Sumia stuttered. "Like you do with Robin?"
"What?!" Tharja fumed. "What did you say?!"
"Eep! Don't curse me!" Sumia begged after clasping her hands.
"Explain what you said about Robin!" Tharja stressed. She was feeling nervous. If someone as like Sumia knew that she "observed" Robin, then who didn't. This is Chrom's future wife. Gods! What if he knows?
"Well, everyone knows, Tharja," she explained. "Word got around of your… infatuation with Robin once Vaike and Gaius started telling everyone." Sumia gasped because the air around them suddenly became thicker.
"Those fools!" Tharja chuckled maliciously. "I think I just found my new practice dummies for some of my more dangerous curses." She smirked. "Or I could permanently shut their mouths."
Sumia paled after seeing Tharja like that. "No! You can't!" she exclaimed.
"Why not?"
"You want to be nicer, right? Normal?" Sumia squeaked. "Friendly people don't curse comrades, even if they haven't been very nice?
"That's an understatement, Sumia!" Tharja hissed. "Those two have to pay!" She blushed in embarrassment. It was unacceptable to let those two imbeciles get away with what they did. Although a small part of her admitted that it was also her fault. If she hadn't isolated herself, then she could've stopped those fools.
"Do you think Robin would approve of you cursing our own?" That was a cheap shot. Tharja couldn't even get angry because she was right.
Let it be, Tharja. Besides, you've got other tricks. "Fine," Tharja said calmly. "Does Chrom know?"
"Yes, Vaike told him in front of me," Sumia admitted. "He thought that you were going to harm Robin."
Tharja clenched her teeth. "Is that so? I'll have to put his fears to rest… Diplomatically, of course."
"Chrom waved him off, though," Sumia assured. "He thinks you're harmless."
The Plegian mage sighed in relief. There were two people she could not anger: Frederick and Chrom. She had already miffed the former with a little insubordination. Tharja felt justified, though. He didn't understand how anything about dark mages, so his training regimen was a waste of time for her. On the other hand, she avoided Chrom altogether. She already betrayed the King of Plegia. Tharja would have to flee to Valm if she somehow managed to get on Chrom's bad side; and she didn't know if he would tolerate her stalking of one of his closest advisors. Knowing that Chrom simply shrugged his shoulders when alerted of her little hobby was cause for celebration.
Tharja grinned. "Harmless? That's a first. So you have a problem with me observing how you behave?"
Sumia scratched the back of her head nervously. "I'm nervous enough when I'm alone. Having you – I mean anyone – following me around all day will cause me to trip even more."
Tharja grumbled in a very un-ladylike manner. "Your logic is sound. Very well, what do you suggest?"
"What if I give you some lessons?" she proposed. "We'll call it 'Normal Practice.'"
That's an awful idea. "Whatever you say. When do we begin?" she asked anxiously. Tharja wanted to get this whole phase over with; become the woman Robin wanted, and gain his affections.
"How about tomorrow? I have to feed the pegasi and go on some rounds later on."
Unacceptable! It has to be now! Robin slips through my fingers the more I wait. "Alright. I'll find you after we set up camp."
Sumia gave her a friendly smile. "Sounds good. Um, it was nice talking to you, Tharja."
"Likewise, I guess," Tharja said in an attempt to sound courteous to someone who was doing her a favor.
Sumia left, and Tharja remained perfectly still for a few moments. Her mind was having trouble processing what had just transpired. She, a powerful and talented dark mage from a prominent Plegian family, had just asked a woman who she barely knew to teach her how to be… nicer. Tharja briefly considered the possibility that she had somehow angered the gods, and this was her punishment. The only thing that stopped her from feeling sick were thoughts of Robin. He said he wanted someone normal, and if this was the price she had pay, then Tharja was willing to go through with this ridiculous change in personality.
This had to be kept secret from her mother. If that woman ever found out that she decided not to hex the man she desired, then the humiliation would be devastating to her ego. Tharja could already imagine her smug face; she hated that look. Thinking of her parents was unpleasant, so she stopped. Instead, she decided to enjoy her time left as herself.
I haven't seen Vaike and Gaius in a while. Maybe I should visit them. She snapped her fingers, and a small flame appeared over her fingers. I could use some target practice.
