Robin watched over the busy harbor as workers and soldiers alike scrambled to finish preparing for the coming fleet. There was not too much for him to do though as Frederick and Cherche had done a good job of managing the preparations in his absence. They were even ahead of schedule.

"Robin," The tactician looked away from the busy port to see the prince approaching, "I just received a status update on the fleet. It seems they'll be here late this afternoon."

"They're earlier than expected," Robin looked back at the work being done.

"Will that be a problem?" Chrom stood next to the tactician.

"No, Frederick and Cherche were more efficient than I had expected."

"They do seem almost made for each other, don't they?" Chrom snickered.

Robin raised a brow and looked at the prince sidelong, "Thinking of taking up matchmaking in addition to ruling?"

"No, I don't think I'm cut out for that," Chrom then took on a more serious tone, "So, have you figured anything out about Lucina and Sumia?"

Robin banished the unbidden images of Lucina from the prior night, "Sorry."

Chrom sighed, "It was a long shot anyway." They remained silent for a few more seconds before Chrom spoke again, "You've actually spent more time with her than I have."

Robin could not help but hear that as accusatory after their incident last night, but he did not let it show, "Oh?"

"I was just making an observation. I'm supposed to be her father and I hardly know her."

"It's not like I'm writing her biography or anything."

"True. I guess she's just really closed off. Kind of like someone else I know."

"Hey now, I can make jokes."

Chrom laughed.

After lunch, Robin decided that his supervision was no longer needed, so he set out on a more personal endeavor. He eventually found who he was looking for in one of the many sparring arenas they had set up since arriving. The Feroxi fully supported that and enjoyed the free matches without the need to travel to a coliseum.

Lon'qu lunged in a calculated strike only for it to be deflected by Owain. Lon'qu's slightly narrowed eyes were the only indication of his frustration as he quickly corrected his posture. Every move he made seemed to be predicted by this newcomer, and it was quite irritating to the veteran swordsman.

Robin watched on in mild amusement as Owain used knowledge of his father's style against him. The frustration evident in the dark-haired swordsman also seemed to indicate that the blonde swordsman had not informed him of their relation. However, if Owain was not careful, he might end up giving himself away.

The duel ended with Owain disarming his father much to the surprise of everyone else gathered around. With the duel finished, the two swordsmen exchanged a few words before Owain departed.

"Nicely done," Robin intercepted the young man as he attempted to leave, "Few in the Shepherds have ever beat him." In fact, he could count them on one hand.

"Indeed, it was a harrowing duel, but my sword hand knows little of limits."

"Really, it's almost like you knew what he was going to do."

Owain awkwardly cleared his throat, "Er, yes, well, I am a master swordsman. Was, uh, there anything you required, or were you just in awe of my skill?"

"Actually, I was hoping you could roll up your sleeve for me."

Owain did not seem to care for that idea, "What? Why would you want me to do that?"

"I want to check something. Why?"

"N-nevermind," Owain slowly rolled up one of his sleeves revealing that he too was littered with scars.

"Alright, you can put it back. I do have a question though."

"Yes?"

"What kind of leader was Lucina? I mean, did she lead battles from the front or the back?"

"Oh, she was a fearless leader!" Owain almost had a twinkle in his eyes, "She was fierce in combat and almost always in the thick of things. Few could ever hope to match her prowess in combat and seeing her at the front encouraged her allies to fight on all the harder."

"I see. Thank you. I won't keep you any longer."

Robin was not sure what to make of that. If she fought at the front as he had already suspected she did, then how could she look so unscathed? He did not care how good she was with a blade, she was not getting through her world without getting hit a few times. Especially when taking into account her learning curve, and the arms were some of the most likely places to get hit.

How did she end up not being covered in scars?

The ships had arrived that afternoon as the communique had stated. With the hard work of soldiers and Feroxi harbor workers, the first wave of ships was ready to receive their compliments by morning. The fleet was something to behold, but it would mean little without the proper crews to man them. Experienced sailors were at something of a premium, and they were already stretched pretty thin across such a massive fleet.

The Shepherds' ship was among the first to be loaded which meant that it was waiting off the coast for the rest of the ships since the harbor was not big enough to accommodate them all at once. He did not seem to mind the constant swaying as much as some had, but he had heard that Frederick was already devising a routine to make them get over any sea sickness.

As tactician, he had been given a cabin…if it could even be called that. Closet might be more accurate. It was very narrow with nothing more than a small bed and an even smaller "desk." It was cramped, but it would suite his needs as he continued to brush up on his naval warfare.

He was reading a treatise on such when he heard a knock on his door.

"Enter," He answered from his bed.

He was genuinely surprised to see Lucina standing at his door. Immediately, he closed his book and pulled himself more upright on his bed, "Lucina."

"Robin," She nodded.

"What brings you by?"

"I wanted to discuss something with you," Despite her own nerves, she closed the door behind her and stood in what little standing room there was in the small room. The action also made him slightly uncomfortable, but he did not let it show, "It's about my posting."

"What about it?" He was starting to figure out why she was here now.

"I was hoping that I might be reassigned," She stood uneasily at attention. In truth, he had somewhat expected her to be unhappy with her placement. He had put her on joint assignment with Chrom and Sumia, but he had not expected her to straight up asked to be moved.

"And where would you go?"

"I thought about that, and, looking at the roster, I…I saw that you were free."

Robin leaned back and took her in for a moment, "That is by design. Not only do I like the ability to go where I am needed, I try to keep a certain distance. I thought you of all people could appreciate that."

"I do, but who better to work with than someone who understands and shares that belief?"
She…had a point, "Okay, but if you want me to consider this, then tell me why you want a transfer."

Lucina shuffled uncomfortably, "I am sure you have noticed some…tension between myself and…Sumia." Robin gave a light nod of confirmation, "Without going into much detail…I would like some space."

"I see," Robin thought for a moment. She was a highly capable fighter, and, like she said, shared his views of the need for detachment. In the end, her family drama was not really his concern despite his intense curiosity so long as it did not impede their effectiveness. "Very well. I will grant you a transfer."

"Thank you," Lucina nodded and turned to leave, but Robin spoke up and stopped her.

"I know it's your general policy to not share future information, but if you have anything on the upcoming war that you are willing to share, then I'd appreciate it."

Lucina paused before turning back around, "I'm afraid what little I know may not be of much use. Events are already quite different here. I'm afraid it may be useless."

"Hmm, well, if you think of anything that may still be useful, please, let me know."

"Very well. Will that be all?"

"Why me?" Robin asked, "Why not ask to be assigned with one of your allies?"

"Nah will be in manakete form for her missions and Owain and Severa work rather well as a unit which you seem to have picked up on. That, and they were already assigned. Besides, as you said, we both appreciate the need for distance."

"I see. Well, that will be all. Good day."

"To you as well," Lucina left him in his cabin. Robin picked up the book again but did not open it right away. Instead, he looked out of the small porthole above his bed.

"'Already quite different,' huh?"

A/N: Not much to say this time. Hopefully the length is still okay even if it is shorter.