A Bird's Flitting Dream

by Neph Champion

Beloved was the first thing Robin can remember seeing so of course she would fall in love with him. But she is not by any means shy and will do anything to make sure that her dream never comes to pass. And who knows, perhaps she will win Beloved's heart along the way…

11. Foreseer

Title: A Bird's Flitting Dream

Writer: Neph Champion

Idea: Awakening: Robin has never been shy, she is confidant and controls powerful magic. She is clear spoken and articulate and has no problem making her opinion knows. Unfortunately, she can't remember anything but a horrible dream, her new commander Beloved and her own name. But there's a problem, if she's not talking tactics with Beloved she gets tongue tied, can't seem to string two words together without stuttering, and she seems to almost lose her voice! What is going on?

Summary: Beloved was the first thing Robin can remember seeing so of course she would fall in love with him. But she is not by any means shy and will do anything to make sure that her dream never comes to pass. And who knows, perhaps she will win Beloved's heart along the way…

Disclaimer: Fire Emblem is the property of Nintendo.

Warning: Robin is Build 1, Face 1, Hair 3, Hair Color: 12.

(Foreseer)

A week and a half later

Chrom left his room in the castle to wander the halls and found his way into the courtyard when it was just passed midnight. He was so deep in thought he didn't notice Robin as he sighed forlornly.

"Beloved?"

Chrom started and turned. "Oh, it's just you, love."

Robin wrapped her arms around him. "What's wrong, beloved? Why are you out so late?"

Chrom's shoulders slumped as he pulled away from her. "Just dueling with some unpleasant thoughts I suppose." He turned back to her.

"Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers, but..." Chrom hesitated.

"What is it?" Robin asked softly as she ran her fingertips down Chrom's back.

"There's something you should know," he smiled down at her sadly. "Not everything Gangrel said was a lie."

Robin hugged him from behind. "Go on." Why should she care?

"My Father, the Exalt before Emmeryn, waged war with Plegia for many years." He rested a hand on one of Robin's. "The violence…"

Chrom shook his head. "It was a brutal campaign that only ended when he died fifteen years ago." He sighed again.

"Plegia rightfully remembers the suffering, but the war wasn't any kinder on us, his own people." Chrom looked down into Robin's eyes. "As it dragged on, our army became weakened. Father was sending farmers, who could barely use their pitchforks to war, to their deaths."

He was shaking, and Robin didn't know what to do. "But Gangrel doesn't care. All he cares about is revenge right?"

Chrom nodded. "It got to be so bad that we had run out of food, and our kingdom began to collapse." He rested his cheek on top of her head. "I may have been young, but I remember. Those were dark times, and I know they affected Emm."

"Such a thing would change anyone, beloved," Robin tried to sooth him.

"Mm," Chrom closed his eyes, feeling better. "When our father died before she turned ten, he left Emmeryn a very dark legacy."

"She became their scapegoat?" Robin asked and rubbed Chrom's back.

"Yes, Plegia's desire for vengeance and our own people's rage," Chrom pulled away so that he could look into her eyes. "Our people hurled more than just insults, and it came from all sides. She still bears those scars too, but she never let them see her pain. Only Lissa and I understood."

"It must have been so hard for you, beloved," Robin whispered and cupped one of his cheeks with a hand. "I'm surprised that your sister is so nice."

"I don't know how she does it." Chrom admitted and blushed slightly as he stared into her eyes. "I don't think I'd be able to greet such hostility with kindness."

Chrom hadn't realized just how much he'd needed to get this out. "While they vilified her, mocked her, Emm reached out and healed them." He started running his fingers through her hair and marveled at how the moonlight gave her hair a silvery glow.

"She ended the war, brought our soldiers to their families," he chuckled, almost brokenly. "When our spirits were finally mended and our people forgave her. I don't know how she never resented them."

He admired his sister greatly. "She represents the best of the halidom, the part most worth protecting. She is peace."

"And there are always the odd ones out there that want to take advantage of that right?" She asked calmly. "Men like King Gangrel."

Chrom nodded. "The day he understands peace is the day death gives it to him, so perhaps," he paused to look down into her eyes again, "perhaps I must be death's agent. Emm would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to."

"Well spoken, sir."

Robin and Chrom turned to look at the person to interrupt their moment.

"Marth?" Robin asked.

Marth walked out of the shadows of the trees and stopped not far from where they stood. "Good evening to you."

Robin's eyes narrowed. Now that she knew that Marth was her child, she was seeing them with new eyes, and Marth had a distinctly feminine voice, even if the girl tried to hide it. She found herself wondering if Marth had her father's eyes or her mother's eyes.

"How did you get in here?" Chrom asked.

Marth seemed amused by something. "The cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove."

"Wait, how did you?" Chrom shook his head. "Never mind."

"Something special about that place, beloved?" Robin asked.

Chrom blushed. "I uh…"

Marth perked up, not much, but enough for Robin to notice. She was like a child who was about to learn a secret, something that she shouldn't know.

"Well?" Robin asked.

"I, yes, I bashed the wall while training the Shepherds." He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. "It was only a small hole, and I'd thought I'd concealed it well."

"It can't be that small if Marth can slip through it," Robin returned.

"Your secret is safe," Marth reassured them. "I came here to warn you."

"Why?" Robin asked.

"The Exalt's life is in danger," Marth seemed to look away.

"What? But that's absurd!" Chrom demanded.

Robin noticed Marth flinch away from her angry Beloved and put a hand on his arm to calm him. "Be calm, Chrom. She's guarded at all hours, remember?"

Chrom nodded.

Marth licked her lips. "What if," she paused as if debating with herself how to say the next bit, "what if I told you I'd seen the future? Would you believe me?"

"Probably not," Robin replied calmly. She was willing to let Marth explain herself.

Marth nodded. "I have: a future where Exalt Emmeryn is killed here tonight."

"Have you lost your wits?" Chrom snapped.

Robin noticed Marth's wince. "Yes, I expected that you wouldn't believe me. Allow me to prove it."

She pulled her Falchion. "I'm about to save your life," she told Chrom as Robin finally noticed the crashing in the trees.

"From him," Marth threw her sword into the air and jumped after it just as an assassin burst from the tree line. Marth flipped and brought her sword down in a motion that sliced through the man.

"I trust this will suffice?" she asked smugly.

Chrom stared in shock. "Yeah."

Another assassin burst from the trees, taking Marth by surprise. She slipped on the fallen sword at her feet, and because of that, the other assassin only sliced through her mask

Robin surged forward, pulled her Arcthunder tome from its pouch, and caught Marth in the crook of her arm. "Are you alright, Marth?" she asked as she charged the Thunder spell in her other hand.

"Y-yeah," Marth breathed. She sounded shaken.

"Arcthunder!" Robin called as she shot her spell at the other assassin.

She looked down when Marth grabbed her arm and pushed herself up.

"Y-you're a woman?" Chrom asked from a few feet away.

Marth looked up at them. "And quite an actress too," she smiled sheepishly. "I'm surprised you haven't figured it out before now."

They all turned when they heard and felt the explosion. "Oh no," Chrom breathed as he began to run back inside, "Emm!"

"We'd better go help your father, Marth," Robin told the girl as she followed Chrom.

Marth's eyes widened as she ran after them.

Five minutes later

Marth looked out the window from the hallway and noticed someone outside. "Chrom," she called.

He brought Robin with him. "Yes?"

Marth pointed. "That man there is the one that needs to be taken out."

Robin's eyes narrowed, then closed, her ears twitching. "I can hear him," she realized. She turned to Marth. "Marth, what's his name?"

"Validar," Marth glared down at the man.

Down in the courtyard, Validar was talking to one of his men. "Remember, I want the Emblem in my hand and Emmeryn dead on the floor. Let nothing distract you from either purpose."

"As you wish it," the other replied.

One of the thieves seemed to freeze. "Whoa, whoa, did I just hear that right? We're to kill the Exalt? I'm just here for the plunder." He frowned. "You know, line my pockets with some royal goods. The Exalt's such a sweet lady... Sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her!"

Back in the hallway, Chrom turned and rushed back to his sister. "Emm!"

Emmeryn turned from her place in her study. "Chrom, take Lissa and flee while you still have time."

Chrom shook his head. "No, we're not leaving you." He swallowed. "Please, just stay where it's safe. Who else is going to plan my wedding?"

Emmeryn chuckled, "Good point."

Robin stood with Marth. "They should scatter if we can defeat their leader."

Marth nodded. "Their leader is Validar."

Courtyard

Validar sneered as he watched the window. "Two assassins and the little Princeling isn't even wounded?" He could see some unexpected people through the glass. "Wait, some of these actors do not belong here."

That silvery sky blue hair was familiar. Validar laughed. "Can it be?" He smirked. "After years of searching, truly, tonight, fate has piled gifts at my feet!"

Marth pulled her Falchion from its sheath. "Falchion is gleaming," she breathed.

Chrom looked at her. "Something wrong?"

"No, nothing," Marth replied a bit too quickly, "it's none of your concern."

"Seems like nothing ever is with you," Chrom muttered as Robin came to his side.

Marth looked away and glanced at them through her hair. "My apologies."

Robin shooed Chrom to his place and put her arm around Marth's shoulders when he was gone. "Just stay at Emmeryn's door, daughter," she breathed. "Let us handle the rest."

Marth turned to stare into Robin's eyes in shock. "…Yes, Mother."

Robin gave Marth's shoulders a squeeze before pulling away and returning to her place at Chrom's side.

"Chrom, please," Emmeryn pleaded again, "flee while you still can. You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine."

Chrom shook his head "No, Emm, we aren't leaving you here."

Robin looked away. "Who is that?"

Marth turned and watched as a Taguel landed not far from where Robin was standing.

The Taguel smirked. "I knew there was wisdom in slipping in with those rogues. Look how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages. I will repay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race."

Chrom turned. "Another assassin?"

Marth barely held herself back from running to his side, "Hold," she called, "Panne is not your enemy!"

Chrom turned to her, "You know her?"

"I know of her," Marth admitted, "and I knew she'd be here tonight."

"Quite the prophet aren't you?" Chrom muttered.

"Beloved," Robin scolded and smacked his arm.

Marth smiled weakly. "As you say, but I swear to you that Panne is an ally."

Chrom shoulders slumped and he shrugged. "That's good enough for me." He raised his voice.

"Alright, Shepherds, for now we leave Panne be."

"Is that wise milord?" Frederick questioned.

Having noticed her daughter's slight cringe, Robin glared at the Great Knight. "Enough, Frederick. Marth has gained our trust. She saved our lives twice already. So what if she has a few secrets of her own?"

Marth watched with wide eyes. "Thank you."

Chrom nodded. "Now, the task at hand." He growled. "Let's drive these scoundrels from our castle!"

Chrom was the one to notice the thief on the other side that wasn't fighting. "Drop your weapon or die where you stand."

The thief froze. "Who me?"

Robin looked over. "Chrom?"

Chrom kept his eyes on the thief.

The thief laughed nervously. "Easy there, blue blood." He waved his hands in front of him in peace. "I'm not here to hurt anyone."

"And yet you run with assassins," Chrom dead panned. His glare did not lessen at all.

The thief shook his head. "Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. I'm a thief, see? Name's Gaius." He shrugged. "Bust open doors, crack into chests, that kind of thing."

"This lot said they wanted to get into some type of vault," Gaius continued. "Nobody said anything about murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out."

"Would you be willing to prove your intentions then?" Chrom asked as Robin came to his side.

"Beg pardon?" Gaius blinked.

"Chrom," Robin took over, "we need all the help we can get really."

Gaius eyed her, looking from her to Chrom, and came to the conclusion that they were to be engaged, just like almost everyone else. "I see?"

"The Exalt is such a wonderful person," Robin continued. "You appear capable. We'll need that to save Lady Emmeryn. We could use the information you have on our foes too."

"Oh right, those good intentions," Gaius grinned. "Alright, I'll do it, if you sweeten the deal."

"You want gold?" Chrom asked, sighing, "Fine just let me, oops."

Robin sighed, swatting his shoulder. "Did you really bring Lissa's candy here?"

Gaius dove for the small bag. "Candy?" he grinned, opening the satchel and popped one into his mouth, "You've got yourselves a deal."

Robin couldn't help herself. She started giggling and couldn't stop.

"…You'd risk your life," Chrom put his arm around Robin to keep her from falling, "for candy?"

"I said 'sweeten the deal' didn't I?" Gaius popped two more into his mouth. "But I'll take your gold too. Man these are good. You got any more?"

Chrom blinked. "I'll ask Lissa," he replied in defeat.

Robin calmed herself and turned to watch as Marth cut down three of the assassins. Pride swelled in her chest, but she also hoped that her daughter would be careful.

"Gaius, go look after Miriel will you. She's gotten isolated," Robin told him after taking a glance at the battlefield.

"It would be my pleasure, Princess Tactician," Gaius hurried away.

"Let's go confront Validar," Chrom whispered in her ear.

Robin closed her eyes. "Yes, let's get this done, beloved."

Robin kept an eye out as Chrom cut down another of the assassins; she shot the one behind him with her Arcthunder. She checked the pages quickly then nodded. She'd need a new book after the battle, but this one would be good for the moment. "Chrom, I think there's a clear path now."

Chrom nodded as he rushed back to her side. "Let's end this."

Robin nodded as she led him outside and noticed Marth watching anxiously from the window. She sent Marth what she hoped was a reassuring smile before continuing on to face Validar.

Validar smirked and chuckled when they stopped in front of him. "Well, well, I know you."

"You really don't," Robin replied as she opened her Arcthunder book, "and certainly not as well as you think you might have."

"Don't even give this dastard the pleasure of hearing your voice, love," Chrom commented as he took a defensive position beside her and a little to the front.

"Just leave me a clear shot, beloved," Robin replied as the runes started appearing around her.

Marth bit her lip. "Mother," she breathed, "Grandfather isn't to be taken lightly. Fire your spell already," she said to herself.

Ignoring their banter completely, Validar laughed. "Submit to me and perhaps I will honor you with the truth,"

Robin growled. "You can take your 'truth' and shove it!" she snarled as her spell finished charging. "Arcthunder!"

Chrom snarled when he saw Validar still standing. "We're not done yet."

He struck Validar down as hard as he could.

"Thanks," Robin sighed. "That was nicely done, Chrom. I think we're done for tonight."

Chrom nodded as he let Robin lean against his chest. "Let's get back inside," he picked her up. "I don't think Emm will object if you stay in my room tonight."

Robin yelped and blushed. "That's highly improper though, Chrom."

"No," Validar whispered and glared at Chrom as he walked away with the girl Validar had been searching for in his arms. "This is all wrong. How could you have known the plan?"

"Thank the gods your safe," Chrom put Robin down and went to hug his older sister.

"I should be thanking you, Chrom," Emmeryn replied hugging her brother back.

Phila bowed low. "I beg you forgive me, milord." She didn't look up. "I failed in my duty. They should not have made it into the castle in the first place."

Chrom sighed. "Peace, Phila, you couldn't have known what was coming, only Marth could."

Emmeryn blinked. "Marth?"

"Yes, I would like to speak more with..." Chrom looked around. "Robin, where did she go?"

"Huh?" Robin looked around before going to the window. "She seems to have disappeared again."

Robin looked out the window and saw her walking away. "Not again," Robin sighed, "I'll go find her."

"Alright Robin," Chrom replied with a shrug.

Five minutes later

"There you are," Robin called as she ran up to her.

Marth turned and licked her lip. "Mother."

"Going somewhere?" Robin asked with a teasing smile. "Really, you have a very bad habit of disappearing when someone needs to talk to you, daughter."

"I'm sorry, Mother." Marth looked away. "I seem to have a lot of bad habits."

"And quite a few good ones, too." Robin waved her off. "You saved our lives more than once."

Robin paused. "Is there something Chrom and I can do for you in return?"

Marth looked down, trying to hide her tears. "Just hearing your offer is enough Mother." Seeming to debate something with herself, she brushed some of her royal blue hair behind one ear.

Robin frowned as she wrapped her arms around Marth. "Are you sure there isn't anything?"

Marth half giggled, half sobbed. "I already have all I've come for." She turned tear filled eyes on Robin. "History has been rewritten."

"And what have you averted, my dear?" Robin asked and gently brushed the tears from Marth's eyes.

Marth closed her eyes and leaned into her mother's embrace nuzzling her cheek into her mother's hand. "After the death of Aunt Emmeryn," she paused, "the Fire Emblem was stolen."

"By Validar no doubt," Robin guessed.

Marth nodded. "This in turn would lead to a great war," she licked her lip again, "and the end of mankind itself soon after."

"It sounds farfetched, but I believe you. I'm sure your father will too. May I tell him?" Robin asked as she pet Marth's hair.

Marth took a breath and pulled away. "Please be careful, Mother. Father will be killed by someone close to him. Please keep Father safe."

"You don't have to ask that of me, Marth," Robin kissed Marth's forehead and stepped back.

"Thank you mother," Marth whispered as she walked away.

"You're welcome, my beloved child," Robin breathed before she turned and went back inside the castle.

In Emmeryn's study

Emmeryn gave Panne a soft smile. "Brave Taguel, there are not words to express my gratitude."

"So, you know our true name?" Panne questioned as Robin slipped back into the room.

"Sorry," Robin spoke up, "what's a Taguel?"

"I am a Taguel," Panne replied with a snort, "The, the last Taguel."

She turned to Robin. "We are shape-shifters. Most of your kind call us 'beast' or 'coney' in the midst of their hunt." She scoffed. "I only helped you because my Warren owes Ylisse a debt. Do not think us friends you and I."

Robin hastily took a step back. "I don't understand."

Chrom stepped forward and hid Robin from Panne's sight as the Taguel continued. "Yes, there's precious little your kind seems to understand."

She turned away from them all, "It was man-spawn like you that invaded our Warren and slaughtered my people."

"What?" Emmeryn asked with a stricken expression. "Who would do such a thing?"

Panne laughed harshly and without humor. "Do not act so shocked. You are all the same." She sneered. "Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all you touch, even each other."

"There is truth to your words, perhaps. I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal." The Exalt smiled sadly. "Mankind could have learned much from your warren. The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry. We have stolen your friends and family and made the world a lesser place."

"You had no fault in this, Your Grace," Phila seemed to scold.

Panne turned back to Emmeryn. "You claim to be blameless, and yet you apologize?" She laughed in that same humorless way. "Your words are but wind."

"I know," Emmeryn had tiny tears in her eyes, "but they are all I have."

Panne gave Emmeryn a closer look, frowning thoughtfully. "You seem sincere, man-spawn." She leaned back and turned to take in Chrom, Lissa, and Robin as well. "You feel my pain as your own. I've never felt that before. Look at me."

She spread her arms. "See what I am. I will never trust mankind, but you," she paused, "perhaps you truly are not like the others."

Emmeryn's smile became just a bit brighter. "All we ask is the chance to earn your trust."

The next morning

"It will take time to investigate how that assassination plot got so far," Phila reported over breakfast. "At present we have no leads."

"I'm sure it was Plegia," Chrom said after swallowing the bite of egg sandwich that Robin had gotten him.

"That's true. They'll do anything for the Fire Emblem won't they?" Robin asked as she sipped her morning tea.

Chrom gave his betrothed a nod. "Emm, you can't stay here. Come to Ferox where it's safe."

"And leave the people undefended? I think not, Chrom," Emmeryn replied. "War is at our borders. Do you expect Ylisse to stand against Plegia without a leader?"

Emmeryn sighed. "They must know that their Exalt stands with them."

"But what if something happens to you?" Chrom shot back. "What then, Emm?"

Frederick cleared his throat from where he stood behind Chrom's seat. "Your Grace, perhaps you might relocate to the eastern palace for the time being?" he asked. "The other kingdoms know nothing of it, you would be safer."

"Yes please, at least that," Lissa begged from her place at the table. "Can you really expect Chrom, Robin and I to leave for Ferox with you in harm's way?"

"Hmm," Emmeryn nodded slowly, "very well."

Chrom and Robin shared a smile. "Thanks, Emm. Let us escort you to the palace before we head north to the border."

Emmeryn sighed. "Alright, we'll leave first thing tomorrow then."

(End)