Chapter Twelve
The Hangman's Noose

Why?

Hadn't Anali left no stone unturned? Hadn't she thought of every single card Gangrel could have pulled?

No.

No, she didn't

Anali never counted on the Risen, which was exactly where her plan fell apart. The instant Aversa summoned those Risen her plan had failed. Because Anali never considered that Risen could be controlled. Until now they were always working for themselves, under the leadership of a chiftan, never a living person. But it never crossed Anali's mind that it was possible. It should have. She was the damn tactician.

Anali stood stone still as she watched Emmeryn's fall. She didn't know what she should do, did she stop Chrom? From doing what exactly, it was far too late now. Did she watch Emmeryn for as long as she could? That was what Anali did regardless, right until Emmeryn disappeared behind the city, moments before she hit the ground. Anali swore she heard the sickening thud, no matter how far away the impact sight was.

It was Lissa's screams that snapped her out of it. Anali whipped around just as Lissa fell to her knees, hugging herself as she broke down into loud sobs. Maribelle was the only one who had any reaction beyond stunned silence. Quickly she was at Lissa's side, rocking the princess in her arms.

Gangrel, on the other hand, had broken out into a fit of laughter. "Well now! How disgustingly noble! And so lovely a fall! Here I thought death to be an ugly thing! I've never seen one fall so gracefully, in fact. And I've seen many fall. And, so ends Emmeryn, Ylisse's most Exalted!"

He paused for a moment and gripped his chin to think. "But how can we ensure everyone remembers this beautiful moment?" he pondered aloud. "Perhaps we should gather up her body and put it on display!"

"GANGREL!" exclaimed Chrom; venom shot out with every syllable. The prince kept his hand tight on the hilt of Falchion. "You die today!"

Without warning Chrom was thrown to the ground in front of the Shepherds. Basilio stood, roughly where Chrom once stood. The Khan's lowered his hand, having punched the prince in the face. "I don't think so, boy!" Basilio snapped. "I secured an escape route, we have to go, now!"

"B-But… her body…" Chrom said slowly getting onto his knees. "I have to…"

Basilio leapt down to the ground level. He approached Chrom and grabbed him by the collar, forcing him onto his feet. "You have to run!" Basilio shoved Chrom in Anali's direction. "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, Anali!"

"Right," said Anali. She took Chrom's hand into her own. She turn towards the Shepherds. "All right, you heard the man! We're following Khan Basilio, try to keep up! Cordelia, Sumia stay within a safe distance above us until I say otherwise! Let's move!"

In the distance a young woman with long blue hair had seen everything she needed to. She hurried to Yana the instant she heard about the Exalt's impending execution. She had seen Captain Phila and her Pegasus Knight's downfall. And she had seen Lady Emmeryn walk to her death with open arms. Had everything been for naught? Was the dark future she was trying to prevent just over the horizon now?

Aversa watched as the Shepherds followed the East Khan's directions. She held onto her chin, her mouth twisted as she thought. "Shall I send out troops after them?" she asked Gangrel.

Gangrel waved his hand at that. "Let them go with their tails between their legs. They won't be making it out of Plegia anytime soon."

Aversa's white-painted lips smoothed out into a smirk. "Than shall I take care of our… unfinished business?"

"Oooh! Be my guest. Traino!"

Ylisse's former Hierarch turned his gaze away from the execution sight. "Gangrel?"

"With the end of Emmeryn, so too does our partnership. Wouldn't you agree?"

Traino straightened his back. He nodded, "Yes, I would."

"Good!" Gangrel clapped his hands in delight. "Then no hard feelings?"

"About wh-"

Aversa skewered the sword through Traino's mid back, no doubt puncturing a lung. The old man was bleeding through the mouth; he looked down at his injury ignoring the fact that his glasses slid down his nose. King Gangrel kept his back to the two with his arms folded across his chest. "Don't act so surprised," said Plegia's King. "You've gotten what you wanted, haven't you?"

"S-Suppose… I have…" Traino choked out.

He fell to the floor, the sword still pierced into him. His eyes were unfocused, it was a struggle for him to breathe. But he could see them, they were waiting for him. If he could just get up he would finally be in their arms again. If he could just…

Traino exhaled, his heart would no longer beat. "Get someone to clean this up," ordered Gangrel. "I will not have him ruin my courtyard!"

As soon as the King was distracted he threw his weapons to the ground. He signaled for the four junior soldiers beside him to follow and they hurried to the wasteland below the execution site. They were left largely ignored by their fellows for one reason or another, which only made their mission far more easier.

The sight was far from pretty, the body landed face-down, no doubt disfigured by the impact. Emmeryn's limbs were twisted at odd angles, and her robe had been torn. One could only imagine what her front looked like.

The two strongest of the four soldiers, or perhaps they were ex-soldiers now, placed a plank of wood beside the body. "Be gentle with her," the ringleader of the five ordered as the body was carefully placed onto the plank. "She's been through enough for one day."

"What are we going to do with her?" asked the youngest of the five.

"Right now we need to focus on keeping her out of Gangrel's hands. Then we'll focus on smuggling her back to Ylisse. I think we can all agree she should be buried on Ylissean ground, yes?"

Between both royals and Frederick being miles away it left Anali as the go-to leader for the time being. She followed close behind the Khan's, holding onto Chrom's hand all the while. Lissa clung onto Maribelle's back like her life depended on it. It was near impossible to tell if Lissa was still crying, or if it was just the sudden downpour. The fact that her face was red and puffy suggested she was. Sully and Stahl kept Frederick on track, though it was clear he was berating himself internally.

The rain had soaked through Anali's clothes surprisingly fast, but she did her best to ignore the chill. Basilio explained that he had a few carriages waiting for them beyond the upcoming ravine. They were less than a mile away from their destination when a line of Plegian soldiers blocked their path. "Couldn't be that easy…" Basilio muttered under his breath. "Looks like we'll have to fight our way through."

Overhead was a wyvern carrying two people on it's back, its rider, and another person. "Ylisseans," the second man, Mustafa declared. "I offer you mercy! Surrender to me now and you will live to see morning!"

Basilio scoffed. "Surrender? Sorry, 'fraid I don't know the meaning of the word."

"Emmeryn would not have wished for this to come to bloodshed."

Chrom reacted, snapping out of his stupor. He step forward, perhaps with the intention of lunging forward. But Anali pushed herself against him. "Don't speak her name!"

His outburst did nothing to affect Mustafa. If anything the man had nothing but sympathy. "Your rage is justified, Prince Chrom, but the meaning of your sister's final sacrifice was not lost on me. I suspect many of my people who heard her final words would say the same. If you lay down your weapons, I vow to protect you as best I can."

"After everything your King has done?! I'd put my own sword through my being first!"

Mustafa sighed. "I suspected you would say as much. So be it then, Prince Chrom. I shall endeavor to grant you a swift and dignified end."

With one signal Mustafa's men went onto the attack. Anali pulled her sword out of its sheath with reluctance. She did not want to fight, not now, not like this. What was the point? More needless deaths? More blood on the sand? Wasn't there enough for one day?

But she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. As the chief tactician it was her job to keep the others alive. She already failed once today, she couldn't afford to lose anyone else. So, Anali forced her emotions down as she slashed her blade through the soldier's chest. Now was not the time to get emotional.

Frederick devoted his life to the royal family, just as his father, and his father's father had done. He was a Cavalier since he was ten, and a Great Knight before his twenty-first year. Ever since Lady Emmeryn had taken the throne Frederick was the personal guard to Chrom and Lissa. He took his duty very seriously. But Lady Emmeryn…

Lady Emmeryn should never have been put in such a position. She should have never been in danger, and Chrom and Lissa should never have had to go through what they did. Had Frederick failed in his duty?

Was this what his father had gone through when Exalt Calhoun and Queen Silvia died? Utterly useless?

Why did it seem like the best people in this world had the shittiest luck?

Sully was hardly a woman who would be poised or graceful, but there was something to commend someone who stuck to their guns no matter what. People like that did not bullshit their way through life.

That was how Sully could describe Lady Emmeryn; she was genuine. Her words were more than just hot air. When Emmeryn said she would bring the soldiers home fifteen years ago, she meant it. So when Lady Emmeryn needed help the most…

Damn it! Why did it have to come to this?

There should have been more Sumia could have done. She should have just risked it all and flown straight for her. She should have just grabbed Lady Emmeryn and flew straight for Ylisstol. Sumia could have evaded the arrows, couldn't she?

No, Captain Phila would have scolded her for acting rash and just painting a larger target on herself and Lady Emmeryn.

Captain Phila…

The realization that Captain Phila was dead hit Sumia in the gut like a fist. While she commanded the entire fleet Phila always had a little more patients with Sumia than most others.

No. She needed to focus on the now. Sumia need to keep the others safe, and get the Captain and Princess Lissa to safety. So, she tightened her grip on the lance, and urged Rosella towards the nearest Wyvern Rider.

He was not in the business of fooling himself. Donnel knew that there was a chance that he, or his friends could die in battle. But the Exalt herself? Gods…

The people of his village had nothing but respect for Exalt Emmeryn, she was the one who turned the Farfort, something intended to be a prison camp for war prisoners, into a flourishing community. Something bad, possibly even devastating, was turned into something good. But the Exalt showed no fear in the end, not even for a moment. And here Donnel thought he couldn't have any more respect for her than he did.

Donnel was forced to duck when Tharja forced his head down. Her dark magic sailed above his head, striking down the soldier who took aim for Donnel's head. With a 'hmph,' Tharja snapped her tome closed. "You disserved worse," she said while eyeing the fallen soldier.

Maribelle smacked everyone she could with her parasol. Aversa's taunts from a few days ago bounced around in her head. Maybe if she stayed put that day none of this would have happened.

No, right now Maribelle needed to keep these filthy paws off her treasure, she needed to protect her from the world.

Lon'qu was not quite sure what to feel at the moment, and he imagined Virion, Tharja, Panne, and maybe Gregor, were in the same boat. Emmeryn was not his queen, so her loss did not carry the same weight as it did for the others. But she was nothing short of honorable.

What Gangrel did was beyond low. It was disgusting, a cowards play.

Kellam stayed close to Vaike as the blonde forced his way through Plegia's soldiers. This seemed pointless to him. Here they were battling in the rain against soldiers who seemed genuinely hesitant. Shouldn't they be fighting on the same side and remove Gangrel from the throne? Couldn't the soldiers just pretend they didn't see the Shepherds? "Hey!" Vaike shoved Kellam to the ground as the Elwind spell missed them. "Get your head outta the clouds!"

"S-Sorry…" Kellam replied dumbly.

Getting up, Vaike offered a hand to Kellam. There was a look in Vaike's eyes that Kellam rarely saw. The same thoughts that plagued Kellam plagued Vaike as well.

The pounding rain hardly effected Mustafa. He truly did not want to battle these people, if he had it his way the Ylissean's would be free to go wherever they pleased. But not only were Mustafa's hands tied behind his back, his neck was in the noose and he was waiting to be shoved off .

"Forgive me, sir," one of his soldiers spoke up. His hands trembled, but he still kept his back straight. "I… I no longer see the justice in hunting these people down. I will accept any punishment you see fit, but after all that's happened today I… I just can't."

"How dare you question the general's orders!" barked a Wyvern Rider. "You know full well the punishment for insubordination is death!"

"B-But… These people are just-"

Mustafa held up one hand, silencing both of his soldiers. "These questions are not ours to ponder, lad," he said ruefully. "The soldier does not judge. The soldier delivers judgment."

His soldier just shook his head. "Sir," he said almost pitifully. "I just… I cannot raise my lance against them. Even… Even if it means death."

Mustafa felt a small smirk tug at his lips. "You were there when Emmeryn spoke, weren't you?" he asked knowingly. When his soldier nodded yes, his mind was made up. He shouted to everyone within earshot, "All right, those of you unwilling to fight are dismissed!"

"Sir!" shouted the soldier who brought the issue up. "Please, I do not wish to abandon you!"

"Lad, if it were up to me, this conflict would not be. But I cannot defy the King. I know him well. He would not hesitate to murder my wife and children just to set an example. I will personally take the blame for your actions today."

"But general, I now see a cause worth fighting for. One I believe in; loyalty to my general!"

Had the situation been different, Mustafa would have thrown his head back in laughter and pat the soldier on the back. Damn Gangrel, these men should have been serving someone worth their loyalty and devotion. "That's a good lad…"

Liam should have been better. He should have been honest with the others, he should have made an effort to show Lady Emmeryn his gratitude. The last few months had been the best months of his life, and it was because of the Exalt. Abet indirectly. Was it to late now? To late to open up while they were still here? To late to give Lady Emmeryn his gratitude?

He threw himself forward, shielding Ricken from a stray arrow. No, it was not too late. It was never too late.

For once, Stahl just wasn't hungry. The pit of his stomach was empty, but it was not yearning. This day was just… awful. Just awful. They should have been heading home to Ylisstol with Emmeryn. They should have been swapping stories, and having a good drink of mead when they got home. They should not have been spilling more blood.

The cry of a wyvern stole Stahl's attention. Cordelia was battling against a Rider who was throwing axes at her. Quickly, Stahl grabbed a javelin from a fallen soldier. He hurled it up at the Wyvern Rider. Both wyvern and soldier fell to the ground in a heavy heap; Stahl could see Cordelia wave down a him in a gesture of gratitude.

This was not how it was supposed to happen. Elaine was supposed to repay Lady Emmeryn for her help in the castle, then maybe everything would have meant something. She was able to escape at all because of Lady Emmeryn. How many people had do die because of this stupid war?

She felt Gaius grab her by the arm and bring her close to him. He had successfully protected her from an oncoming sword. Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it. Why did something have to happen to such a good woman? Weren't the gods suppose to smite the wicked or something like that? Gaius just did not understand any of it.

So much death… And a good portion of it was on his hand. Gods forgive him.

Libra had marched to rescue Lady Emmeryn with the others in his congregation. He was essentially forced to watch them all fall, and Libra was to continue on his own. Hope had returned to him when he met with the Prince, but all of their efforts were for naught. Libra would repent by keeping safe the brother and sister the Exalt loved so.

Half of his body felt cold for a moment. Nowi had released her breath, a great help to Libra who was fighting against a muscle bound soldier.

Chrom virtually left a trail of corpses and blood in his wake. No one who wore Plegian colors were given any mercy. Why should they? They were all part of Gangrel's army, they had blame to share for Emm's fate.

He found Mustafa, almost waiting for him. His hand was on the hilt of his sword, but he did not remove it.

Most of his men were dead now, it was clear the Ylissean's had won, but if Mustafa instructed his men to stand down he knew what Gangrel would do to his family. Or, perhaps, his men's surviving families, if Gangrel was in the 'right mood.' "If you wish to keep your lives, you must win them," said Mustafa. He was unflinching, but still did not remove his sword from his sheath.

"I plan to!" snapped Chrom.

Anali tried to ignore the icy chill as she took a head count. They were in the clear, the soldiers were dead, they could finally escape Plegia. The Shepherds were huddled together, some had already put their weapons away, some helped their comrades up onto their feet. Lissa was still with Maribelle, good. Frederick still had his head. And Chrom…

Where was Chrom?

The sounds of an enraged battle cry echoed around the area, at least one of the horses started dancing. Anali ran, panic rushing through her. Why did she allow Chrom out of her sight? He clearly wasn't in his right mind, there was no telling what he was getting himself into.

Damn it!

She found him by the pathway to the ravine, along with a trail of blood. Chrom was standing over the body of the Plegian general, Mustafa's head had been removed from his body. Apparently, that wasn't enough for Chrom, as he repeatedly forced Falchion into Mustafa's shoulder, as though he were trying to use the sword to saw it off.

What was he…?

"Chrom!" Anali shouted. She bolted in front of him, just as he rose Falchion above his head, ready for another strike. "Chrom, it's over! It's-"

Like lightning, the blade sliced through the skin of her cheek. Anali stumbled back, she flinched. Blood started to seep down her face in an instant. She looked back up at Chrom, and immediately shrunk back.

The look in Chrom's face scared her. The warm man who trusted her without question, her dearest friend, legitimately scared her. But this person before her, wasn't him. The Chrom Anali knew would never have such a murderous look in his eye like this. He would never desecrate someone's body like this.

"Chrom…"

Chrom blinked when he saw the blood slide down Anali's cheek. Had… Had he done that? Slowly, the realization dawned on him. Had the depths of his rage truly blinded him so much? "Anali…" he exhaled, "I… I didn't…"

He flinched when Anali wrapped her arms around him. "It's over," she said firmly. "You hear me? It's over. It's done."

Falchion slipped out of Chrom's hand, it landed on the ground with a dull clutter. It was like his body acted on its own when we wrapped his arms around Anali and wept into the crook of her neck. She allowed him to, quite literally, cry on her shoulder. She did her best to ignore the ach in her right leg and the lightheadedness she felt at the moment. Or the fact that the others had found them and were staring at them.

She knew they could not stay much longer. That they needed to go before Gangrel found his general dead. "Chrom," Anali said softly. "We need to go now."

"Khan Basilio!"

Anali looked over her shoulder to see a young woman in a thick brown cloak standing by the ravine. She carried a lantern in her hand, shedding light on the darkening field. Even though her hood was up Anali could see tendrils of pink hair peeking out. "Olivia!" called Basilio. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"When I didn't hear from you, I thought…" Olivia shook her head. "I assumed the worst."

Chrom straightened himself up and stared at the woman. "Chrom, Anali," said Basilio. He stood at the pairs side. "Meet Olivia. She'll be smuggling us out of here."

"Only if you hurry!" Olivia stressed. "Doubtless more of the Mad King's men are on their way."

"Right," Basilio agreed. He turned back to the Shepherds. "Pile in, you lot! We're finally headed out of here."

There were four horse-drawn carriages waiting for those who did not have a mound. Anali allowed Chrom, who had grabbed Falchion again, to be seated with Lissa. Anali seated herself with Nowi, Panne, Libra, and Olivia. As soon as they were in the carriage Olivia lowered her hood revealing long pink hair that was done up in a high ponytail. "I assume the rescue mission was a failure," Olivia said quietly. "Khan Basilio had me at the ready should things go wrong."

Anali nodded. "Yeah, it was. I should have… I should have been better."

"Oh!" Olivia gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to imply-"

"You'd be implying correctly, then. I didn't even consider those stupid Risen…"

"None of us could have," Libra said kindly. "There is still much about those monsters we know nothing about."

"It's my job to think of every possible thing that could go wrong," Anali brought a hand to her eyes. Her shoulders shuttered. "Those damnable things never crossed my mind… I should have…"

Everything finally came out, the fear she swallowed since she devised the plan, the pressure the mission brought upon her, the guilt she was feeling now, it flowed out of her. Olivia froze, unsure of what to do, comforting strangers was all around awkward. Even Libra was unsure about what to do, and Panne was at more of a loss than the other two.

Nowi, on the other hand, sat herself on her knees and wrapped an arm around Anali's shoulders. She lead Anali's head down so that it was rested on Nowi's lap. The Manakete gently ran her fingers through one of Anali's pigtails as she cried, a very motherly gesture. A reminder that Nowi was far older than she looked.

Anali was all cried out by the time they made it to castle Ferox. She stumbled onto the ground when she stepped out of the carriage, momentarily dizzy. She hugged herself as she followed the group inside the castle, why was it so cold inside? Everyone was somber. They were wet, tired, and possibly even broken. "So now what, oaf?" Flavia asked.

"Don't look at me," said Basilio. "I'm not in charge!"

Flavia let out a 'tsk.' "Picked a fine time to regain the full throne…"

Anali allowed her eyes to wander up to Chrom. He was silent, eyes sunken in, but he seemed much, much calmer than he did earlier. "Chrom," Anali spoke up. "I'm… I'm so sorry. My plan wasn't enough."

Closing his eyes he pat her on the shoulder. "You did your best, Anali," he told her. "You have my thanks. It's my own failures that haunt me now. I was just so powerless!"

"It wasn't your fault either, Chrom!"

"She did it for me, Anali. So that I wouldn't have to live with the guilt of either choice, she chose for me. She sacrificed herself rather than give up what could one day save her people…"

"Chrom… listen to me," said Anali. She stood up on the balls of her feet, and clasped Chrom by the face, forcing him to look straight at her. "Look at me. I was powerless once, too, remember? And yes, alone, I doubt either of us is half the person your sister was. But together maybe we can be something more.

"If you fall, I'll be there to pull you back up. When you fight for your sister's ideals, I'll be right there by your side. None of us are asking you to be your sister. You can still be Chrom. You just have to give people hope in a way you can. And from where I stand, you've already been doing that."

Chrom stared straight at Anali as though she were an agent of salvation. Her cheek had stopped bleeding, but it looked like it might leave a scar. Even with the wound she looked just as beautiful as the time they danced together. She wasn't so unsure of herself as the day they met, her voice was full of conviction, he almost believed her right off the bat.

He placed a hand over one of Anali's. "And what if I can't? he asked. "What if I'm not worthy of her ideals? Anali… what if I drag you down with me?"

"Then we'll just keep working at it until you are," she said immediately. "And if we both fall down, well, that's what friends are for."

"That's right!" Nowi spoke up. "Who knows what'd happen to me right now if not for you!"

"You gave me your trust, and now you have mine." Tharja added quickly, "For the time being."

"Were you unworthy, I would have left a long time ago," Lon'qu said bluntly.

"It took great courage and charisma to unite all of us," Virion said dramatically. "I knew I possessed such talents, but clearly you do as well!"

"Yeah," agreed Ricken. "We all look up to you! You're like a hero to us."

Chrom kept Anali's hand in his own, even after she let go of his face. "Thank you, everyone," he said. "Your words mean more than you could know. There is still work to be done. Gangrel must be stopped so that peace can once again reign in Ylisse. Will you help me?"

"Count me in!" Lissa exclaimed. Her face was still a little puffy, and her pigtails were weighed down by the water that still clung to her, but none of that seemed to bother her. "I'm tired of crying all the time. It's time to start punchin' stuff!"

"Hear, hear, darling!" Maribelle agreed, patting Lissa on the head. "Our people have suffered enough."

"I would gladly fight and die for House Ylisse!" exclaimed Stahl.

"And I would gladly fight and kill those dastards for House Ylisse!" Sully cracked her knuckles as she spoke.

"Our hearts echo yours, sire." Smiled Libra.

"I will be the unbreakable shield by your side!" Sumia declared.

"I'm with you, too!" shouted Kellam. "You know. Just in case anyone… Hello?"

"I will fight, too," said Elaine. "Too much blood has been shed all ready."

"Teach is here and class is in session!" boasted Vaike.

"How much you pay Gregor?" asked the sellsword. "Gregor only making joke!"

"I will do my best to fight alongside you, sire," said Liam. "Let it be with the blade or with my lyre."

"Your sister earned my respect. The last taguel shall champion her," said Panne.

"You have grown strong, milord," Frederick said thoughtfully. "I may have set a poor example as a knight… But I swear to you, I shall die before any more Exalted blood is spilled!"

Smiling slight, Chrom closed his eyes. "Thank you all. Truly. You honor me with your fealty." His eyes snapped open. "I will not falter again. We shall answer this outrage! The Mad King must be stopped!"

"Right!" Beamed Flavia. "It's about time for ol' Gangrel to get a dose of his own vulnerary! The whole of the Feroxi army is yours to send crashing against him!"

"You young folk - your passions run so hot! If I had any gray hairs, you would've singed 'em right off," said Basilio. "In other words, count me in!"

"E-Excuse me," Olivia spoke up. Her face started to turn red as she fiddled with her fingers. "I'd like to go, too, if I may. The Exalt did me a kindness once. I would honor me to have a part in giving her justice! Although all I can do is dance… And I'm not so skilled in that, if we're being honest…"

Basilio burst out laughing. "She's too modest!" he said, taking her by the shoulder. "Olivia is a Feroxi treasure. You won't meet a finer dancer in all the realms. You'd do well to bring her along, Commander."

"'Commander?'" Chrom repeated. "What happened to 'boy?'"

"You've earned your way up from that name, I think. Now, where were we? Oh yes! I was just about to start cracking skulls! Flavia will lead me and the other Feroxi in a head-on assault. That should buy you enough time to take down Gangrel. Hear that, boy? You get the fun part!"

"I thought you weren't going to call me-"

"You and Anali have my every confidence," Basilio said, standing in between the two. "You're a born leader, and she has a knack for guiding troops to victory."

He slapped Anali on the back, causing her to whine out a little, "Ow."

"You both have some growing to do yet," added Basilio. "But I can already see you'll grow tall."

"Thank you, Basilio," said Chrom.

One by one, the Shepherds filed off to the mess hall for a bit of much needed food. Sthal, having found his appetite again, lead the way. Chrom could feel Anali's hand leave his as she walked off, but he tightened his grip on her. "Anali."

"Huh?" she turned to look back at him.

"Thank you."

A gentle smile crossed her face. "You're welcome."

Chrom stood frozen in place when Anali walked off to the mess hall. Her smile was still fresh in his mind as the same question repeated itself over and over.

When did being close to her start to make his heart soar?

Unlike their previous visits, the Shepherds were allowed bedding in Castle Ferox. Anali found herself bunking with Cordelia, Nowi, and Miriel. She was just about exhausted, physically and emotionally.

Exhaling, Anali pulled her boots off and leaned herself back. She could not wait to get under the covers, she was freezing. Nowi was dressed in a spare tunic that was far too big for her, but she said that it was more than comfortable. And then there was Miriel, who still kept her hat on even when she was in her nightdress. "Anali!" gasped Cordelia. "What happened?"

"What happened?" she echoed.

Cordelia pointed to the floor, which prompted Anali to look down. Her right ankle had swollen, the skin around the bite marks were beginning to turn purple. "Ew!" squirmed Nowi. "Seriously, what happened?"

"I was bitten by a lizard yesterday," said Anali. She brought her ankle onto her left knee to get a better look at it.

"I would seriously get that looked at," said Cordelia, "I think it might be infected."

"I'll dress it," said Anali. "Dress it, keep it elevated, good as new."

"When you loose that foot, maybe," sighed Miriel.

"I'm not going to loose it! I just want to get a bit of sleep."

Cordelia gripped her chin. Anali really should have her ankle looked at, but maybe she really was just worrying over nothing. She would have to keep an eye on Anali, just to be safe.

Sumia stifled a yawn, this day was long and tiring for everyone involved. Despite her own dreariness, Sumia really wanted to give Chrom and Anali a good nights sleep. Her brow furrowed as she thought back to their escape from Plegia. Sumia had Rosella glide along side one of the carriages, the same one Anali was in. She had heard their tactician crying.

In that moment, Sumia was grateful she wasn't in Anali's position. She never realized that her friend carried the weight of everyone on her shoulders. Every strategy was meant to keep them alive. If something went wrong, it was because of her idea. And this mission was not just any mission; it was one to save the Exalt. But Anali was far from heartless, she cared enough to keep everyone alive, and she shed tears for the life that was lost today. "She will make a good queen," Sumia whispered to herself.

"What was that?"

Sumia would have fallen over, if not for the quick arm that caught her. Frederick pulled Sumia upright until he was sure she was steady on her feet. "My apologies," said Frederick.

"No, it's my fault," said Sumia. "I'm on night watch and I should have been more watchful. I guess I've been… thinking… about today…"

Frederick heaved a heavy sigh. "I believe we all are, I keep thinking about what I could have done differently."

"None of us could have done anything," Sumia said reassuringly. She placed a hand on Fredericks shoulder. "And Lady Emmeryn would never have wanted any of us to die for her, especially if it was preventable."

"It is my job as a knight to protect the royal family."

"And you're doing that. Chrom and Lissa are safe. Here…"

Without warning, Sumia placed the palm of her hand against Fredericks forehead. She rubbed her hand against the skin, an action that greatly confused Frederick. "What are you doing?"

"Erasing the memory," Sumia told him. "Just enough so you can focus on your job, but you'll still know what's going on."

Frederick smiled. He took Sumia's hand into his own, then brought her knuckles to his lips. A pink blush appeared on Sumia's pale face, her fingers on her opposite hand lightly touched her lip. "Thank you, milady," he said kindly.

The next day Anali was freezing. It was the middle of a Feroxi summer, it was the warmest time of the year, but Anali felt like it was winter. She searched the castle high and lowe for Chrom, but he was nowhere to be seen. Anali knew nothing bad had happened to him because Frederick wasn't tearing the castle apart, so where was he? It wasn't as though she would take him long, she just wanted to double check the number of Feroxi soldiers.

'Clearly, he's avoiding you,' said a little voice in her head. Anali shook her head. She braced her hand against the wall, dizziness hitting her.

In the library she found Panne and Gregor conversing. Or more like Panne was telling him off for protecting her in battle when she had it taken care of herself. "Sorry," said Anali, "did I come at a bad time?"

"None at all," Gregor said with a slight shrug. "Gregor just explaining self to Panne. Anything we be helping you with?"

"Yeah…" Anali's voice trailed off. She braced one hand against the table they sat at, another wave of dizziness slammed into her. "I was… I was just looking for Chrom..."

"I have not seen him," said Panne. She listed her head to the side, brow furrowing. "Are you feeling okay, Anali?"

"Never better." She laid both hands flat on the table, steadying herself on her feet.

Unconvinced, Gregor tilted his head to the side, his arms were held crossed over his chest. "You be sure?" he asked. "You trembling like newborn fawn."

"I'm freezing," Anali said bluntly. "Do you know where Chrom is, Gregor?"

"Gregor no see him. Can you look straight at Gregor?"

"Why?" She obeyed anyway. Gods, why was the castle so cold? She knew the weather was fridged year-round but this was damn ridiculous.

"Not good, not good." Gregor shook his head as he spoke. "Chills. Eyes bloodshot. Tell Gregor, did Anali come into contact with anything last few days?"

"Um…" Anali raked a hand through her bangs. "A-A lizard bit me on the ankle, just before you and Nowi joined."

"This lizard black with yellow spots, yes?"

"Yeah…"

"Oy, is so terrible!" gasped Gregor. "You suffer dangerous infection carried by Plegian Yellow-back! We must render treatment with no delay."

Immediately, Panne rose onto her feet. "Is it dangerous?"

"Gregor fear Anali's life is at stake."

"What are you talking about?" Anali asked, trying to put on a smile. "I'm fin-nnngh…"

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, Anali fell to her knees, arms and head flailing like a rag doll. She would have landed on the floor entirely had Gregor not leapt forward, quick to catch her. He gathered Anali effortlessly into his arms. "Panne, you be knowing where healer is?" he asked. "Gregor fear time is of essence."

Authors Note: She's 'fin-nnngh' guys, she's 'fin-nnngh.'

Reminder about my tumblr blog sammiewritesstuff, where I'll be happy to answer any question, and eventually post tidbits, updates, and other goodies.