The major plot might have been abandoned, but I promised some extra scenes for you guys! So here you go! Some scenes were either omitted in the original, written on the side for fun, or ideas I had more recently that I decided to write for shits and giggles.

(Feel free to give scene suggestions too, we can have some fun with shenanigans while I put together the Self-Insert Fic V2. Hecc, suggest things for V2 while you're at it.)

[Immediately following fic chapter twelve, set after FEA Paralogue 1 "Sickle to Sword" and before chapter six "Foreseer."]

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Before we left Fenis Island, I asked around about any mysterious, powerful gates nearby. Not a lot was known about it, so I didn't get a lot of answers. The innkeeper seemed to know exactly what I was talking about, though he'd heard it was closed off for unknown reasons. I couldn't ask for the Shepherds to take a big-ass detour just to check it out, either.

It was unfortunate, but not terribly surprising. Typical, with my luck. It'd be too easy otherwise.

I was helping Robin again with cooking duty. Thankfully, Sully hadn't been given the task after she nearly killed Donnel—first with the combusting pot, and then with the food inside. I didn't mind. The tactician was great with conversation and didn't make me feel like an intruder in the kitchen. (Frederick was a tad too strictly efficient to work with.)

The tactician thwapped my shoulder when he caught me trying to sneak a bite. "Not until it's done!" But he was smiling.

"Fiiiine." I pretended to sulk as I stirred. It smelled heavenly! In my kitchen back home, I would've played around with some spices. But I could handle plain stew, especially after days of simple rations. ...Maybe just a little salt and pepper.

"So, Megan, I have a... an interesting request for you."

Uh-oh. I faced him, spoon still a-stirring. "What's the request?" Never accept a favor before knowing what it is first.

Robin tossed bits of meat and vegetable into a second pot. We were feeding an entire army, after all. "How would you like to do a little tutoring? You clearly have an interest in literature, and I have someone who might need a refresher."

"Well, I mean, yeah, but what makes you think I should be teaching anyone anything?" My dream to be a teacher had lasted until I remembered how awful America was about supporting its education system. Doing it now just felt like playing at being an adult. Never mind that I was one.

"Considering you spent almost an hour debating with Sumia the authenticity of an author because of they couldn't tell the different between 'conscience' and 'conscious'—"

"Hey, that's an important distinction to make in magic—"

"—and you actually asked me for colored ink to write notes in the margins of your tomes..."

"It makes notes easier to read if it's not all one color, and... Okay, fair point." I took another longing sniff of the stew. I can't wait to stuff my gob. "I don't mind, I'm just curious. So who am I teaching? Lissa? Vaike?" The former would be interesting, the latter would be... quite the undertaking.

Robin had me hold his spoon as he moved the second pot over the fire. That's when he declared, cheerful as can be, "Neither. I was thinking of Lon'qu, actually."

"What?! Ah, fuck." I'd dropped both utensils in. I gave him a long-suffering look before gritting my teeth and diving in for the loot, swearing up a storm. Robin hurried over, mildly apologetic.

Once the situation was handled and it was clear I wasn't suffering intense burns, he prodded me with a retrieved spoon. "Still interested?"

"Robin... buddy. Pal. Friend-o. Chum." He seemed both amused and worried waiting for my answer. "...I'm pretty female, if you haven't noticed."

"I'm sure you're more than capable of tutoring."

I rolled my eyes. The confidence was nice, but that wasn't the issue. "Yeah, as a long-distance one. Lon'qu is a great warrior, but he locks up or runs away the moment a person with boobs gets within, like, twenty feet of him." I had to abort the gesture to physically point them out for him.

The tactician might've still noticed, as he coughed and glanced around the tent. "Er, yes, but... I'm sure you can figure something out. And, it'd be a good start to... helping him with that little issue too...?" His gaze returned to mine on that less-than-confident finish.

"...Robin."

"...yes?" The crooked, sheepish grin remained.

"You're a dork." I turned back to the stew so I wouldn't have to see if he got smug when I went on, "But if you say so, I guess I gotta at least try. Just make sure to have Frederick ready with his horse to hunt the man down if he goes running out of camp."

"Got it. Thank you." Dammit, I could hear his grin.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, you owe me some, like, fancy tea or something. Or a good book. A really good book. No," I banged the pot with the spoon, "tea, a book, and something delicious. Other than stew."

Snorting, he replied, "I think I can do that."

"Have you even asked him, yet?"

"I wanted to check with you first."

How thoughtful. "And what am I even teaching him, anyway? His ABCs?" I hoped it didn't involve handwriting. My script was bad when I had the ease of pens, it took me ages to write legibly with a quill.

"Just enough to help with reading and writing mail. I really do appreciate it," he added, catching my full attention when he clasped my shoulder. He was more touchy-feely than I'd expected. It sometimes made me uncomfortable, but I didn't say anything. "I know it's not going to be easy, and it'll take up your time..."

"No problem, my dude, seriously. As long as he can suffer my presence long enough," I snorted, "then it'll probably go pretty quick. He's not a big talker, and he's smart. He'll have it down in no time."

Or that was my hope, anyway. I had no clue what constituted this world's general education, let alone the kind Lon'qu may have gotten as a child. Considering what I remembered of his backstory, it might not have been a whole lot. It must have been embarrassing to admit his problem to Robin. Shit, he's probably going to hate having me know, too. Well, it wasn't like he could get anymore awkward around me.

"He is the best of West-Ferox's best." Robin grinned at my enthusiastic 'hell yeah.' He hummed. "You have a high opinion of Regna Ferox, I've noticed."

The observation caught me off-guard. "Huh? Oh—well, I mean, they did save my life. And I've seen them in action. Not that you guys aren't all amazing, or haven't also saved my life."

Hm. I had spent the first month of my time here with Basilio and his men. The West-Khan had never cast suspicion on me, either. Kind of won my loyalty on Day One. Not that I wasn't definitely loyal to the Shepherds, which I reiterated until Robin started laughing.

"That wasn't meant to be a jab at you, it was just an observation." He patted my head, before his hand got slapped away. "The khans have a great eye for people."

Was that an indirect compliment? Shucks.

"...I mean, Basilio only has the one, so it better be good."

He gaped. "You did not just..."

"Oh come on, he laughed at that one!"

I squinted.

Lon'qu stared back.

Several paces sat between us.

What a great start.

"I do not need tutoring," he began.

Yeah, this was going well.

"It's just a quick lesson on words! Super easy!" This didn't sway him. I rustled the parchment in my hands like a box of dog treats. "Once we get it done, you won't have to do it again!"

He looked at it like some might a venomous snake. "I can write well enough," he argued. "I do not need a woman to tutor me!"

Woman this, and woman that. Woman 'bout to hit him with a bat! Eyes narrowed, I asked, "What if you want to write a letter? Or you need to? Maybe important information to share?"

"I stab people. I would leave information to the tactician."

"You don't even want to write to Basilio, or any of your buddies in Ferox?" I wasn't suggesting he pick up calligraphy or anything fancy. He crossed his arms. I huffed, "Or is the tactician going to write to them for you, too?"

"I don't need to write to anyone."

"So no letters back home, to show you're still alive and that you're thinking of them. Got it." He huffed back at me, and I did it again. Now we were both annoyed. But seriously? Not even a little 'hey I'm not dead yet' note for the guy that was like his dad? I watched Lon'qu for any twitch to show he'd yield. Nothing. So I crossed my arms too. "Then I'll just write the letters for you."

His forehead creased. And his frown deepened at the wicked look on my face. "...what do you mean?"

"We can't have the West-Khan worried about his champion!" I nodded as if agreeing with my own great idea. "I'll just have to get him up to speed on everything you've been up to! Dueling more dragons... locking yourself in closets to hide from women... shouting at the fine young ladies of the court... yet somehow setting many of their hearts a-flutter... dodging marriage proposals right and left... what would he think if I said you fainted?"

His eyebrows had been doing a funny dance the longer I spoke, but the last bit made him splutter. "Wha—I haven't fainted!"

"But fainting because a woman grabbed your arm sounds like something that'd happen." I was being cruel, even if I didn't actually plan on doing any of this. But the narrowing of his gaze proved I was getting somewhere. Although maybe I was only getting on his bad side. Still, I pressed on, determined. "Of course, if I'm the only one writing him, he has to take my word for truth..."

We had a short staring contest, where I waggled my eyebrows at him a few times. Come onnn...

At last, Lon'qu's shoulders dropped, before hiking back up as he steeled himself. "You are more devilish than you seem," he muttered. It only made my grin worse.

"Thanks! Ready to get started?"

"G-give me a moment!" He stepped back, anticipating the torture of my present.

But I looked over the parchment I held. "Hmm..." I actually had a few things I wanted to prepare before diving into this. Shuffling it around, I tucked a few under my arm in favor of holding out only one. I tried to fold this paper as well as I could before it floated to him on a spelled breeze. "There. That's a good start."

He crouched to pick it up, peering at the simple sentence to copy. "Quick fox jumps nightly above wizard?"

"Has every letter of the alphabet." It was similar to the 'brown fox' one I vaguely remembered. I gave a jaunty little salute. "Have fun! Robin should have an extra quill and inkwell for ya."

"Wait!" I paused, eyebrows raised. He waved the parchment. "Am I to... write this line?"

"It's just your writing you need to work on, right?" He nodded warily. I pointed. "So just copy that sentence until your letters look nice!"

"...that's it?"

"That's it for now. There's still punctuation and grammar and stuff to go over." I waved away his frustration with a smile. It was going to be a lot to digest. I couldn't just shove this all down his throat at once.

I got back to my tent and stuffed the extra parchment into a book. Pulling out another, I pretty much shoved my nose into it. I would leave Lon'qu be for a bit to do his own thing and get some reading done. I could worry about the next step later. Not gonna lie, it's kind of like the editing work I did. I was a total dork to get excited about that, but I didn't care. I took what fun I could.

The next day was long, and all I was looking forward to was (trying to) sleep deep and long through the night. After all, we still had a few days before hitting the capital. Turning in early was strange for me, but if I could manage to stay asleep it might given me the energy to pull off some extra work tomorrow.

I crawled into my tent and onto my cot, but a strange lump had me digging through the blanket for the source.

"OW!"

A sharp pain had me hissing... and something else, too.

"...is that...?"

Aw, shit.

A few minutes later, I was running through camp with my arms outstretched, shouting, "Robin! Miriel! A moment of your time, please!"

"What are you—" Frederick stopped as I raced past him. "Gods, what are you doing with that?" I ignored him.

"ROBIN!" I found his tent and, without pause, barged in with a strained, "Knock knock, hope you aren't naked, hello!"

"Megan, what—gah!" He jumped backwards, voice raising an octave or two. "Is that a snake?!"

"Is it poisonous?"

"What?" He then noticed the blood dripping down its coiling body. The severity of the situation hit him. "Wait, did it bite you?"

"Yeah, now tell me if I'm dying," I rushed. Its scales were dark, but I didn't know enough about snakes to identify it, if our worlds shared species anyway. I ensured yet again that my grasp was secure behind the snake's head. "I need to know if it's too late to write a will!"

"O-okay, uh, hold on..."

"Trust me," I muttered as he carefully approached, "the last thing I'm doing is letting go of this asshole before you identify 'im."

The air was tense for a few beats. Robin examined this thing head-to-tail, being as thorough as possible. Finally, he drew away with a sigh. "It's not poisonous."

"Thank the gods!" I wanted to wipe the sweat from my forehead, but my hands were kind of full. My good humor back, I turned the snake to examine its admittedly adorable face. "You gave me a scare, you little shit! Sneaking into my tent like that. How rude! I could've been naked, you know."

Robin cleared his throat to interrupt my 'conversation.' "Er... are you... going to dispose of it?"

My head snapped up. "What? No! It's not his fault! I probably scared him more than he scared me."

His brows furrowed. "...you thought you were dying!"

"So did he! That's why he bit me!" I hoped the snake hadn't injured itself biting me. Its lithe body twisted more as time went on. I sighed, knowing I didn't have time to argue this. "Well, I'm going to go find a place far from camp to release this guy. Or gal. Can't assume, y'know."

"I'm going with you," the tactician said, shouldering his cloak.

"Aw, look at that, Snakey! You've got yourself an entourage!"

"Your opinion of it changed very quickly."

"I'm a weird-o," I repeated for the millionth time as we exited his tent. "And I think snakes are cool! I just don't like surprises. I had a cockroach fall on my head while I was trying to sleep once. Now those I don't mind 'squishing first, asking questions later' for."

Robin shook his head, smiling. "You're definitely strange, but that's one of your good qualities. ...I think."

"I think Frederick disagrees." We passed said great knight, who was giving me another bizarre look. It's either that or frowns with him.

He wasn't the only one staring as we walked through camp. Stahl had looked pretty worried, and Donnel had offered to take it from my hands. As we left the outer ring, Robin pointed out, "We need to treat that wound as soon as we're finished. Can't have it getting infected."

"Yes, sir!"

For some reason, I was expectant as I stepped into the palace. Like something major was supposed to have changed in the week-and-some-change we'd been gone.

Then again, I knew an assassination attempt was on the horizon. Or at least, I expected it to be, if it still followed the plot I was familiar with. Did we miss the timing? Has it already happened? My heart was in my throat on the approach. But no one came running at us with terrible news. Lissa only came barrelling down the stairs to collide with Chrom, plying him for stories of the trip.

Everyone was relaxed, ready to drop their bags at the door. I wanted to, but then I'd have to pick it up again. I slipped out to put my stuff away in the barracks. No one stopped me, allowing me some quiet time as I surveyed the bustling castle.

It reminded me of airports: So many faces carrying on their own lives, walking like they had somewhere to be and fast. Nostalgia settled in my throat. Heavy bag, no one yakking my ear off... it was like I was back in the Real World searching for my gate.

Frederick was near the doorway discussing something with Cordelia, so I didn't interrupt. I COULD talk to them that we're back... but that includes talking with Lt. Paranoid. I just didn't want to deal with that right now. They'll find out soon enough. I slipped by them without comment, only half-surprised that they didn't notice. I suspected I was sometimes as unnoticeable as Kellam. (Which reminded me to go find him after this.)

I had already claimed a spot to rest my bag and my weary feet when the silence was broken. Lissa was showing Donnel around his new home for his time with the Shepherds. Ricken was with them, right sleeve knotted. My heart clenched. I waited until I swallowed the reflexive guilt before calling out to them.

Lissa brightened and skipped over. "There you are! Why'd you sneak off like that?"

"I was just putting my stuff up." I grinned at the farmer boy. "I see you've met our new recruit!"

"Yep! Donny was just telling me about the bandit camp you guys cleaned out—" She almost jumped onto the cot beside me. Jabbing my shoulder with a nail, she accused, "You got kidnapped again?"

"Uh, yeah, that was, not the greatest thing I've done..."

Her pout made me want to smush her cheeks together. "I knew I should've come!" She hopped down to grab a staff real quick. Wish I could've had so many free check-ups back home. The cooling tingle swept over me, and I blinked away tears from the belated repairs. Was my vision better, or was that just me?

"I wish I could've come," Ricken muttered, having claimed a seat on the cot facing us. His fist twisted in his robes, knuckles pale. I tried to keep the pity out of my apologetic smile. "I could've helped...!"

I shook my head at both of them. "It's fine, everything turned out okay. Donny even got to be a hero!"

"Aw, shucks, ma'am!" Donnel's skin was tanned by the sun, and seemed to turn red at every compliment paid him. His ears don't burn like Ricken's, but he's embarrassed more easily. "I ain't no hero! Just a farmer boy."

"Farmer boys can be heroes, too! Your age and upbringing and all that don't matter." Oops. Maribelle would have shrieked. I pointed out, "I just worked in a bookstore and sold people coffee before all of this. Doesn't stop me from trying to help people."

The topic shifted, so Donnel didn't burn like the sun. We chatted about what coffee was, and what my old job entailed. Lissa and Ricken had never tried coffee things, but Donnel was surprisingly familiar with it. Enough trade went to his island that he was actually a bit more world-savvy than we expected from a young man who'd spent his entire life on a farm. They got swept up in conversation once they started comparing experiences, and I sat back and listened. They were each filled with ideas and dreams.

Ricken shot up from the cot. "Oh! Let me show you what I've read up on while you were gone!"

It was like I was back in high school again, sitting with my younger classmates as the 'big sister' of the group. Ricken's hair and Donnel's tan reminded me heavily of my brothers. And of course I'd always wanted a little sister. My chest ached.

How long has it been since I've seen any of them?

I promised Lissa I'd hang out with her and her actual sister. The thought of chatting with the Exalt was intimidating, but she promised 'Emm' was easygoing and fun to hang out with. Ricken still wanted to join the Shepherds despite everything, and was going to try convincing Chrom to let him tag along. ("I'm coming! Even if I have to scrub pots and fold laundry!") I told Donnel that he could always come to me ("Or Lissa," I said to satisfy her pout) if he needed anything.

I decided that, while I was here, I'd make my own family, if they'd have me.

I turned around and yipped, overcorrecting and covering myself in hot tea to avoid sloshing it all over Maribelle.

Her eyes narrowed as I hissed swears. "You are just as vulgar as I remember." At least she waved down a maid to get me a towel. Once I was a bit more presentable, her chin rose. She almost looked defiant. "My dear Lissa has informed me that you are actually quite educated, for a peasant."

"I went to school, if that's what you're asking."

"You went to a proper building that held lessons? With books?"

I couldn't quite help the incredulity at the question. "What... else would be in a school?" Why was her spine so straight? It looked painful.

"Of course that would be the norm, for a college of prestige! I am simply impressed you were able to afford such an education. It isn't often I see the lowborn taking such an interest in academics!"

"Money and status isn't everything," I snapped. Shit, she was hitting a nerve. She's rather good at that. Her gaze had narrowed. I tried to salvage the conversation, not wanting Maribelle to walk away hating me even more. "In my country, public education is normal. There are fancier, more expensive schools, sure, but there's a basic level that's free to everyone."

This gave her pause. "Really? Your country set up such an organization to benefit the unwashed masses?"

"Yes—and also, the masses aren't unwashed where I come from?"

At least she was curious in her noble rudeness instead of spiteful. Her hands clasped in front of her, she murmured, "It seems I have misjudged you, Megan. I assumed you were another Feroxi brute, like the boorish man with the unflattering scowl."

"Lon'qu isn't a brute," I argued, but moved on. Maybe this was my chance to make nice! "I might not be the most eloquent or dainty, but I'm not some awful, dirty hobo trying to dismantle the halidom one swear at a time!"

Maribelle pursed her lips. "Your vocabulary does leave much to be desired... Did they not teach etiquette in your public schooling as well?"

Not really, at least not anymore, but I wasn't going to admit that and have her start lording it over me. To be fair, I DID learn dinner etiquette for the military ball. "They do, along with science and math and other stuff. I don't remember everything, but that's because we learn a lot in school. Apparently, even some things you don't have, here."

It seemed like she was sizing me up. For what, I had no clue, but her gaze was rather piercing. I might have fidgeted a bit. She startled me when she suddenly declared, "Then you wouldn't mind showing me a few lines?"

"A few lines? Oh. Well, fine, I guess." It would be too easy, with literal decades of writing under my belt.

Taking out quill and parchment, I earned a tut of disapproval for how unladylike I sat at the table. I ignored her and wracked my brain for something random to write. I settled for something silly. 'I want to be the very best, like no one ever was...'

She spied my handwriting. "One moment—your penmanship is absolutely atrocious!"

"It's not the prettiest, but I'm not exactly taking my time to write all neat." Plus it was unnerving to have someone watch me like a hawk as I wrote.

Before I knew it, she had taken the parchment from me. "This simply will not do! My dear Lissa assumes you are well-educated. But I've seen neater lines from our head steward, and he's so old he is winded after a paragraph!"

Wow, rude. "Okay, my handwriting's chicken scratch, but that doesn't mean—"

She rolled the parchment all nice and neat, before pointing it threateningly at me. "If you are to influence my darling, you will at least clean up your handwriting, if not your vocabulary!" And now she had my quill. "We will start first thing after breakfast tomorrow. Bring plenty of parchment and ink." She drew some loops before handing over both items, seeming rather satisfied with her verdict.

I gaped, then glanced at what she'd written. It was cursive so fancy, I could hardly read it! Talk about a hypocrite! "I'm kind of busy tomorrow, actually—"

"Bup-bup-bup! It would be remiss to leave your education incomplete."

"I've had cursive lessons before—"

She bulldozed over me as if I wasn't talking at all. "If tomorrow morning is booked, however, then I suppose I could pencil you in for a lesson post-afternoon tea. I normally spend that time with Lissa... but I am sure she will be ecstatic. She has been quite adamant on our spending time together, and what better way to bridge the gap between peasant and noble than a bit of tutoring?"

Oh my god, this is how Lon'qu felt.

"You would do well to pay attention, so I can avoid repeating myself! And I do not excuse tardiness. The time of a lady is very valuable."

Somewhere, I was sure a supernatural entity was laughing at me. Maybe it was Naga. Or Grima. The latter felt more in-character, and more my luck. He would send a harpy to engender despair and ruin my day.

"This is—sniff—so—koff—stupid!"

Forced to put the feline down, I rubbed at watery eyes. My nose was running too. What the fuck.

"I've never been—ACHOO—allergic to cats!"

Kellam was crouched beside me as best he could in armor. He offered a handkerchief. "Well... you are now?"

I slumped against the wall, hoping the cool stone would help with the inflammation. Was it because these were a different dimension's cats? Did Awakening World have arcane felines? Was this some sort of equivalent exchange a la Fullmetal Alchemist in return for letting me use magic?

"Why is the price of—sniff—magic so hiiiiiigh..."

The cat started to rub against my leg. My groan echoed down the corridor.

"Are you okay...?"

"NO."

Dinner was ready. The table was set beautifully, with a glass of wine at each plate. Candles gave the casual surroundings some intimacy. The flower vase in the middle brought life to the cobblestone. Simple, yet cozy. It whispered of a sweet, gentle evening in.

Virion stood, chair already pulled out, merely smiling under my scrutiny.

"You," I finally sighed, "have very different ideas on what a 'meal between friends' entails." If he hadn't made such a show of it, I would've been able to ignore the candles, maybe the vase. But as I was beginning to learn, Virion did nothing in halves.

"It is only natural for a nobleman such as myself to provide the best for a lady!" He argued. "Please, won't you join me for dinner?"

I eyed my plate. The chicken and pasta looked creamy and cheesy, with mushrooms and herbs to boot. My stomach made its presence known, and loudly. My fate was sealed.

"What sort of wine is this," I asked. I set my pack down before gingerly taking my seat. When my glare didn't shoo him away, I slapped his hands off of my chair and scooted it forward myself. This only served to make him chuckle.

"A light red wine, from the finest Ylissean vineyards!" He took his seat, lamenting, "If war wasn't fermenting on these borders, I would have procured a cask from Rosanne... Alas, we will have to make do with what we have."

"I don't often drink wine." When I did, I liked mine dry. Too sweet and it simply tasted off. I took the glass anyway, figuring I couldn't knock it until I tried it. Watching how he grasped his, I tried copying his finger placement. No need to offend yet another noble with my lack of manners. "Wait, you could get something from Rosanne?"

"But of course!"

I eyed him, deliberating. "...I thought Valm had conquered it." It was satisfying to watch the man splutter into his wine glass.

"A-ah, yes... that is correct." Virion dabbed with a napkin, watching me in return. "I wasn't aware news had spread this far."

"You learn some things by listening to the world around you." Or by having knowledge from another dimension, but that seemed best left unsaid. I took a sip, and was mildly surprised. While I felt this wine had an unfortunate aftertaste, it wasn't incredibly sweet overall. It was survivable. I eyed his fancy clothes. "You learn a lot about other people that way, too."

"Oho! So I have been found out. You are far more observant than I first surmised." He tipped his head in respect, before flourishing a hand to his cravat. "Yes, I am no mere nobleman or dashing archer! I—"

"You're Virion, Duke of Rosanne, looking for foreign aid. I know."

He deflated a bit. "Y-you find pleasure in taking the wind from my sails, don't you?"

I grinned. "Maybe."

"...ahem! I would ask that you keep this little revelation between us, of course."

"Oh, of course," I agreed, humor fading. "This probably isn't the best time to plead for help, with everything going on. Helping them with this war first wouldn't look bad, either. Though, Chrom and them would have probably helped you anyway," I felt like I had to point out.

Virion waved a noble hand. "After the time I've spent among them, I agree on that point—but a little assurance doesn't hurt!"

"Mm, fair."

I decided if I was going to suffer through his pomp and circumstance, I would at least enjoy the food that came with it. That wasn't hard to do, thankfully. The chicken was robustly seasoned and deliciously browned. I took great pleasure in each juicy piece. I found him watching with amusement, so I broke the rule and pointed my knife at him. "Stop being creepy and eat!"

"C-creepy?" A slight pout, before he complied. Watching him with his cutlery reminded me of those historical romance movies, where they always ate just so. He waited until I took another gulp of wine to ask, "Do you realize you're wiggling in your seat?" I barely avoided choking. He was smiling at his fowl.

"So?" The food was good, sue me.

"It's rather endearing," he remarked, smirk back on his face.

Oh, he is NOT laughing at my happy-about-food dance.

Some spelled wind ruffled him up a bit. When he set his attire to rights and sent me a Look, I was studiously inspecting the mushrooms. He cleared his throat, murmuring something about dignity.

My silverware clinked softly. His was nearly silent. I focused on eating for a minute or two.

Despite our childishness, it actually wasn't that bad of a dinner. Virion didn't try any overly romantic gestures, and happily answered my questions on noble life. Duke was actually a higher title than I'd thought it was. His descriptions could get dramatic, but he didn't criticize my lack of knowledge on what was proper and what wasn't. Unlike Maribelle.

He finally drained his glass and set it down. "I have noticed your interactions with her have been... complicated."

"That's the nice way of putting it." I caught myself scratching my forehead. No more food or wine to occupy my hands. Forcing them to rest on my lap, I shrugged. "She's been upset with me ever since I yelled at Lissa at the cliffs. I apologized... but it wasn't a great first impression."

"Ah, she is ever so protective of sweet Lissa! Quite an admirable trait for a lady." He clasped his hands on the table. "Her barbed tongue, however, could cut down a lesser man."

"Like you," I jabbed. He twitched, frowning. I felt the need to backpedal. "Just a joke. A bad one. Sorry."

"I am not entirely impervious to her wit, no."

I shifted my gaze, gathering my dishes as neatly as I could. It made it easier to admit, "She kind of, rubs me the wrong way. And I know she doesn't mean to, but... It makes it hard to talk to her without saying something wrong."

With Frederick, it felt easier to fight against his suspicion by just doing what came naturally to me. Sure, I'm weird, but I want to help people, and I want to end this war with minimal casualties. I figured his trust would come with time. He didn't expect me to completely change who I was as a person. But with Maribelle, our personalities just seemed to clash overall. She was very proper, elegant and poised, where I was super casual, accident-prone and didn't really give any fucks. She wanted me to be a lady. I most certainly didn't.

Our only understanding was Lissa, but short of me constantly jumping in front of swords for the princess I didn't think that would get me very far. Having Lissa back me up couldn't hurt, but...

Virion's chuckle returned me to reality. "If she were to see how you fret now, she wouldn't doubt your sincerity!"

I glanced around. Any flies on the walls? Open doors? Shadowy alcoves?

"But you are as honest as you are ravishing, sweet Megan! I have no doubt of your eventual success in this venture. You have charmed the dashing, gallant young Virion, after all!" He flipped some locks over his shoulder, looking rather confident in his assessment.

"Oh yes, because that's so hard to do." He took this joke in stride. A thought occurred to me. "Wait, how old are you? Like, eighteen or something?"

"Eighteen?" Hand to his chest, he muttered, "I-I'm afraid I don't know whether to be insulted or flattered by your guess..."

"I'm just bad at placing ages! It's not like I look my age," I countered. I'd had people assume I was an adult when I was a teenager, and later the reverse. Just goes to show you shouldn't assume.

"Yes, well..." Virion cleared his throat. "That of course begs the question of your age—I wouldn't normally ask it of a lady, but since you brought it up first..."

"Between the ages of eight and eighty-three," I replied instantly. I laughed at his expression. "What? You didn't tell me your age." Pretty sure I've told others my age... but it's more fun to mess with him.

"Hm! Touche!"

He looked at me. Arched a delicate brow. I mirrored him.

"...well! This has been a delightful evening!" He leapt out of his chair to help me out of mine. I allowed it with a roll of my eyes. "Was it not the most incredible, luxurious meal, dining with the most gallant of nobles?"

"You know avoiding the question makes it sound worse than it probably is," I pointed out.

"Y-yes, well..."

"It's not like you're an old man." He grimaced. I couldn't help prodding him some more. "Are you?"

"Good heavens, no! Absolutely not!"

I laughed harder, patted his shoulder, and retrieved my pack. "All right, then! Thanks for dinner, and for the shampoo!"

"H-hold a moment, milady, you never actually asked for—"

"A deal's a deal! One friend dinner equals one bottle of shampoo!"

"It was never explicitly agreed upon that—"

"Good night, Virion!"

I had my laugh and got back to my work for the evening, rather pleased with myself. Messing with Virion was definitely a highlight of my time with the Shepherds. It didn't last, because he ended up giving me the smallest container of shampoo in existence, but at least I'd gotten some fun out of it. I could probably bargain more out of him some other way. Or threaten to hex him, I snorted. Maybe I was a bit of a sadist.

All of my talk about writing letters ended up convincing me to pen one of my own. I gave Lon'qu shit, but I'm the worst at keeping in contact with people. Several attempts were scrapped before I had one I was happy with.

"Khan Basilio,

I hope all is well in Regna Ferox! I don't doubt the strength of your warriors and walls, but I also don't doubt the cunning of desperate, evil people. Thankfully, Ferox is a hardy, tough country, so I know you'll be all right. Just keep your borders secure and ruin the enemy's days as often as you can. And try not to lose your other eye, okay?

The fighting continues in Ylisse, but we won't lose the war! Not with Ferox as an ally, of course. Prince Chrom and his Shepherds are well-trained, and with his tactician we've done well outwitting the enemy so far. I know our good luck can only last for so long. Things will only get harder as the war goes on. But I have faith in everyone.

Your champion is fitting in swimmingly, by the way. Sure, he's a bit wary of the ladies, but no one can deny his talent and his drive. He's proved why you declared him the best of the best, and he's only getting better from here on out. And before you start making jokes, he's only my favorite swordsman because I apparently have a Feroxi bias. Which is your fault for saving me. Anyway, I'll do my best to keep him out of trouble! When I'm not getting into trouble myself. I've got another kidnapping, snake wrestling and a game of wyvern tag to tell you about, next time we meet.

Be sure to stay warm and healthy up there! Keep your eye on any magical items of significance. Chrom and Robin would greatly appreciate your assistance in the future, whether it be in soldiers, encouragement, or important information. And make sure Jael and his crew aren't all work and no play!

-Megan

P.S.: The only thing I don't miss about Ferox is the cold."

I set it aside to dry, looking through my other papers in the meantime. Did I have everything for English with Lon'qu? ...or Common. Or whatever they call it here.

In the end, I didn't care too much about how neat it looked, so long as he had it legible enough. Wrestling with Maribelle's standards had left a sour taste in my mouth. The woman was relentless. At least she had shared some hand stretches to ease the ache of long writing sessions.

"Megan?"

I started, humming ending abruptly. "Ah! Oh, hey, Sumia!" The pegasus knights must have finally returned from their patrol too. The papers were all shuffled away before I turned my full attention to her. Her smile was a bit strange. "What's up? Something wrong?"

"Well..."

She joined me on my borrowed cot and handed over a letter. She toyed with her lip as she watched me read it over.

"...oh that son of a... motherfucker!"

The swear made her jump. "Y-you didn't know?" I apologized.

"No," I gritted my teeth, "I didn't. What made him think that—why would he—ugh!" I threw the letter down onto the bed, getting up to pace away my fury.

"He broke off from the rest of us to do his own patrolling," Sumia explained, looking uncomfortable. "He told us not to wait for him. Then when we got here, this letter was here for me, and... I'm sorry, I guess I thought because you two were friends that you'd know why."

"I have some guesses." I rubbed at my forehead. Shit, made myself bleed again. "Just... I swear, he thinks he invincible, even after getting the shit kicked out of him and the fact that wyrmslayers are a thing—"

It seemed Zant was going off to do his own thing, with no regards to anyone back at the castle. With no regards to me. He probably had ideas to work around the plot on his own, and once again didn't consult me on it. He hadn't even written a letter to me, either! I had to hear about it secondhand, well after the fact! I am going to KICK his dragon ASS! My palms were cold and clammy, even after I forced the dark magic to dissipate.

"I'm sorry..."

I rubbed my face again. A headache was coming on. "No, it's not your fault. He takes his dragon pride too far." And now I'm the only one in the castle who knows what's going to happen. What a load of bull. Trying to calm down, I asked, "Does Robin already know?"

"Yes, him and Prince Chrom. Um..." A gentle touch on my arm made me jump. Sumia whispered, "Are you going to be okay? The three of you came here together..."

"Huh?"

I had to think about it. She didn't know Kail, did she? But no, she meant Zant, Lon'qu and I, coming from Regna Ferox. I wouldn't have called us a buddy trio, but it probably seemed that way to the others.

"Yeah," I told her, "I'll be fine, just... I'm pissed. But there's nothing we can do about it now, I guess. And maybe he'll do some good out there." It sounded less convincing through gritted teeth, and with the low repetition of, "Maybe." I had some opinions on all of this that I couldn't divulge with someone outside of the loop.

Sumia smiled encouragingly. "Right! And we'll do our best here, too!"

She was so sweet, I couldn't help but smile back. Oops, tone down the urge to kill so I look less manic. There had to be something to serve as distraction. "How about... we go knock out some chores? Lighten the load for the others here?"

"Yes!" Fists clenched in front of her, Sumia declared, "This time, I won't throw all of the laundry into a well!"

That... sounded interesting. Right. I had forgotten about her luck with chores. Maybe cleaning with her wasn't such a good idea. ...Eh, doesn't hurt to live a little.

I offered a mock-serious handshake. "And I won't hurt myself for the millionth time."

"Yeah!"

For a few things, we needed to be bailed out. Stahl came over to help in the kitchen, and Sully harped on us for letting her horse out again. Overall though, we kept our promises. I thought we worked pretty well together. Sumia was good at caring for others, and I tried to look out for her own health. The look on Frederick's face when she showed him the clean laundry we'd finished was priceless. All of the shenanigans was worth the way she beamed at him. We even shared lyrics we knew so we could sing as we worked. For a while, I could forget about all of the bullshit and just... focus on something else.

Later, I decided to start another letter for Kail. Who knew when I'd hear from him again, and he needed to know about Zant.

"Hey! Megan!"

I turned, and Vaike clotheslined me. He laughed as I sputtered and swore. If others hadn't been within eyesight, I would've gotten revenge. But I kept my spells to myself as I asked, "What do you want?" Asshole.

"Yer entering the tournament, right?"

Blinking, my frowned morphed into a small 'o'. We were still doing that? There's an assassination attempt on the horizon, I thought. But they didn't know that. It still seemed like a waste of time and resources, in the middle of a war. So I answered honestly, "Nope."

"Wha? Why not?" He leaned in, thumb against his chest. "The Vaike'll have first place for sure! But you could still get second!"

Such confidence. I shook my head, already turning away. "Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. And I'm not joining."

"Argh—come on!" Vaike easily caught up, with his longer strides. "People wrestling in the dirt over first place—it's exciting, right?"

"Sure." I'd loved the tournament at Ferox.

"And the more, the merrier!"

"You could snap my arm like a twig." I rolled my eyes. "And you can use practice weapons, but you can't really use practice spells."

"Then just use the real ones! Without the, uh, making-others-dead parts."

"Right. So," I counted off my fingers, "no burning flesh, or shocks over a certain voltage, or cutting wind. And in Ylisse, can't really showcase dark magic. So that leeeeaves... light magic."

"Yeah!"

"...Vaike, light magic is healing magic." Mostly.

"Well, yeah—" He paused mid-flex. Comprehension finally dawned on him. "...oh yeah."

"Yeah," I echoed sarcastically. "Let me just heal my opponent out of the tournament. That'll work."

"Then—pick up a sword or something!" At my scoff, he unlashed his axe and held it out for me. Handle first, thankfully. "Or hell, use an axe like me! Ol' Teach could show you the ropes!"

I stared at it and made a face like he was handing me an infant. "My arms are twigs!"

"Just gotta do some push-ups and lift some weights!"

"I would do ten push-ups, fall flat on my face, and cry."

"Come on! You can do it! Especially with Teach helping coach ya!"

I squinted, trying to figure out his endgame. But this wasn't Robin or Virion, so it couldn't be anything too complicated. Right?

"...you just want to watch a lady to get all sweaty, don't you."

"What? No!" Vaike's grimace was something to behold, twisting like a wet towel. "I don't want that at all! ...well, if ya do get sweaty I wouldn't mind, but—"

"No thanks! But you can work out twice as hard for me," I chirped. After a friendly pat, I sped around a corner to slip into the closest open door. Didn't need him to try pursuing the topic further. Being short made it easy to hide just out of sight in the storeroom.

I realized I was interrupting something about the same time I registered a familiar mask. My mouth shut tight. Had they noticed me?

"I cannot stress enough how imperative it is they do not see us together," the young man in front of 'Marth' whispered.

Yeah I'll take that as a no.

His face was hidden by a rather large hat, but that combined with his familiarity with the disguised princess clued me in. Miriel's son, Laurent. He had quite a few inches on her. His arms were wrapped around something in front of him. I couldn't tell much more with his back to me, other than how stiff he seemed.

"I understand," Lucina replied in her normal voice, "but we can't be sure everything will go as planned. If we had a few more people—"

"A taguel nose can discern more than we can afford to share at this point in time," Laurent argued.

"I know that."

"The risk is too great. If it weren't for what we know, I wouldn't advise your presence either."

"I can't ignore a threat to my family—"

"Oy! Megan!" Vaike's voice echoed down the hall. The children stiffened. I held my breath. "Where'd ya go?!"

"We have lingered too long already," Laurent breathed. "My cohorts and I shall leave for the eastern pass."

Shitshitshit. I was standing right beside the door they'd have to leave through, and I didn't have Kellam-level stealth to avoid detection from that close. But I could hear Vaike stomping around nearby. He'd definitely blow my cover if he caught me poking out of this room—and I didn't want him to catch these kids when they were trying to be sneaky! Though you'd think they'd close and lock the door. What the hell was I supposed to do?

"Very well, I won't stop you." Lucina grasped his shoulder before he could turn. "Be careful."

"We shall, as should you."

A heavy thud against the wall made me squeak. I covered my mouth. Lucina finally noticed me lurking by the door. "A-Auntie?!"" Laurent stopped mid-turn, held by her grip.

"Uh, I didn't mean to interrupt—"

The clank of armor outside preceded a stern, "There is no need to shout down the halls, Vaike."

Shit! The last thing the kids needed was to be cornered by both the loudmouth and the most suspicious man in existence. I spun around and closed the door, as quickly and quietly as I could. They just needed to skip this door and go on their merry ways! "Go away, go away, go away..."

People bustled on the other side of the door, shoes loudly scuffing on cobblestone. But no one seemed to comment on our hiding spot. Just to be safe, I dragged a crate over to block the door from the inside. At least we'd have a warning. I sat on it for good measure, eyeing the two young people locked in here with me.

...welp.

Adjusting my hat, I waved sheepishly. "Fancy meeting you here?"

Lucina stepped forward, allowing Laurent to hang back, his gaze to the side. The princess cleared her throat. "Thank you, Aunt Megan."

I dismissed the thanks, and the lump in my throat. "No problem! I'm hiding here too, so..." I hadn't really expected to bump into her again, at least not before the assassination attempt. Unless, is that soon? My hackles rose, I decided to be straightforward. "Is it happening tonight?"

The mage watched me from the corner of his eye, gripping his tome like a security blanket.

"Not tonight," Lucina answered. "But, soon."

The thought of someone plotting the Exalt's death within her own castle had my teeth grinding. I could only imagine how Lucina felt about it. After meeting the woman running Ylisse, I couldn't imagine doing anything less than saving her life.

"...I must confess," Laurent spoke up, "I had my doubts on just how extensive your knowledge was, of the timeline."

He was talking about me. I could understand him doubting that. But how could I make them understand? I wasn't going to confess I had played chess with a story based on this world. Not right now, when they were trying to strategize themselves to avoid a dark future. They didn't need to think that I saw this as anything other than real life—other than life-and-death. Any vestiges of that had withered away.

Unsure, I kept silent on the matter. Instead I admitted, "I only know bits and pieces. I don't know who, or why. Only that it happens." I eyed Lucina. "You're here to stop it."

"I am, yes."

Laurent cleared his throat. "I shall depart, to confer with... the others."

He kept avoiding my gaze, and it stung. Lucina had been so happy and relieved to see me, trusting that I was part of the solution. Even now, her face behind the mask, she somehow felt soft towards me. But Laurent stood like stone, expression etched carefully. Like he was trying not to betray something. Had my future self disappointed him? Or do I disappoint him now? I knew I wasn't much. I'm trying my best.

A little voice reminded me, Your best didn't protect Ricken.

I viciously crushed the thought, not willing to fall into those insecurities again. This isn't about me. It never was. It was about Chrom, and his daughter, and all of the children trying to fight to protect their parents' future. And Ricken was still here, looking into ways to become the adult he wanted to be.

Laurent might not have trusted me like Lucina did, but I wasn't going to let him down either.

Standing as tall as I could muster, I told the mage, "I'll get you out of here as sneaky as possible." I didn't exactly know how, but I figured I could wing it. If I could just harness whatever dark magic that gets me around unnoticed...

"What? No," he began, meeting my gaze at last. "I don't require your—"

"Please let her help," Lucina whispered. The quiet faith made my chest ache.

He shared a look with her, glanced at me, then angled away again. The book almost squeaked in his arms, the cover clamped tightly shut. He inhaled... and declared, "Very well. We shall depart post-haste." It seemed a difficult decision to make for him.

"Okiedokie!" That was too cheerful for the atmosphere. I looked at Lucina one last time. Tall, determined, and refusing to break. I grew somber as I realized she probably thought the same thing I did: None of us could afford to break. "If you need anything..."

"I know." Her lips quirked briefly. "Thank you."

"No problem. At all. Oh," I lurched to a halt halfway to the door, "um, also, be careful where you step?" The assassination attempt was where she stumbled in combat in the game, and a sword close enough to cut her mask could do far worse.

If she thought it out-of-place advice, I couldn't see past the mask. "Yes, of course. Thank you, Auntie."

Such a sweet girl. I stood in front of the door and grabbed Laurent's arm. "The last time this worked, I was holding onto them, so—sorry?" He didn't protest, but the frown remained. Oh well. He could hate me, but I was still getting him out of here. "Where to?"

"To an opening in the castle wall, behind the maple grove."

I tried to focus, willing us to fade from people's attention. I thought of the deep, icy chills of the darkest nights in Ferox. Of wandering halls like a ghost, untouched by mortal perceptions. And other dramatic things like that. But magic was a bit about being dramatic, and really meaning it. The back of my neck tingled.

We won't be seen... They won't see, they'll leave us be... give us invisibility!

I carefully opened the door. People were still bustling, so I pulled Laurent to follow a gaggle of servants. It was easier to blend in when you weren't disruptive. I didn't have this castle's layout memorized, so we had to circle a bit. I would've studied Laurent some more, but I had to keep my eyes ahead and my attention on the rest of our surroundings.

Have to get us through unnoticed, after all.

I held my breath off and on, as if that would make us sneakier. We swerved around an older lady carrying a basket of laundry, and quietly passed some soldiers arguing over exercise repetitions. I noticed Stahl speaking with Ricken in an alcove. Phila marched through the hall, not even bothering to look our way. Somewhere, ladies were laughing, one with a giggle-snort. I had walked through cons more hectic than this, but normally as a tagalong. It was different leading someone through the crowds. Maternal feelings swelled.

A particular voice echoed down a hallway, making Laurent tense. Shit, Sir Wary-ngton. Frederick was observant, and likely to stop me for something.

I redirected us, squeezing past some maids with soft apologies. Couldn't risk it. Time for a longer detour. We were playing Snake through the palace.

We were approaching one of the entrances to the massive library, but Laurent resolutely kept his pace. I wondered if he'd had a chance to browse the shelves, or if he was restraining himself. My curiosity about his own book could wait for another time. After we passed the double doors, he relaxed a smidge. Was he afraid of coming across his mother?

I glanced at his pale hair, or what I could beneath his hat, and pushed away thoughts about who he inherited it from. (Vaike? Libra? Henry? Agh not important!)

"Do you need anything before you go," I whispered as I tugged him down the stairs. He barely looked at me.

"...I do not." I accepted this with a soft 'okay,' doing my best not to stare. His lips were pursed. I didn't expect him to pose his own question, let alone the one he chose. "...where has Uncle Zant gone?"

My head whipped around. "What? Oh." Okay, I guess it makes sense that the kids are keeping track of us. I answered honestly, "I have no idea. He kind of just ran off without me."

Oops, that was a little too bitter. He didn't look pleased. Actually, that probably wasn't very reassuring for Laurent. Adults were supposed to have everything under control and all that. And apparently, we had managed to keep them safe in the dark future.

"His draconian abilities would have been very helpful for the trials to come," he murmured.

"Tell me about it." Shit, rein it in, me.

"...no matter. Luc—" He swallowed the name. "Through our joint efforts, the royal family's safety will be secured."

"You're going east, right?" He didn't answer. I frowned. "If there's a traitor, wouldn't it be better to sniff them out than to let this all go along?"

"We would require physical evidence of such. Our word alone would not sway the court."

I worried my lip. "Well, they have to slip up somewhere. Is it... that one man? The Heirarch?"

"He is a traitor, but not the orchestrator of this particular event."

I wanted to push for more information. But, if Laurent didn't trust me, he wasn't going to divulge it. Plus, I wasn't sure how having the exact knowledge would make me more useful. Best to let the kids decide, knowing the complete big picture of the future, how to go about this. I fell silent, trying to think of other ways I could help instead. Maybe setting up some rune barriers with Miriel, or work out a way to make an arcane security alarm.

Once we were outside, it was much easier to slip out of sight. I'd never bothered going to the orchard, but now I wished I had. It was quite spacious, meticulously cultivated by the palace groundskeepers. Training here would be pretty nice, especially in the fall.

I looked up, imagining the leaves burning with the color of sunset. Maybe I'd come out here later and watch an actual one through the branches.

A tug on my arm pulled me towards the outer wall. I finally noticed an opening, though it wasn't much. I could probably fit through that. I frowned at Laurent. "You're kind of tall."

"It isn't a pleasant fit, but I have managed before." The tome was now fastened on a strap going across his shoulder. He hesitated before removing his hat to tuck into his robes. I tried very hard not to stare at his hair. The mage cleared his throat. "I... am grateful, for your assistance."

"It's—it really isn't much. I wish I could do more," I admitted. I felt a bit powerless, thinking of what was coming and what the time-traveling children were trying to deal with. I was glad they had found each other, at least.

Laurent's face twisted oddly, as if he was trying to hold something back. But he straightened, inclined his head, and turned for the exit. Watching his retreating back made my heart twist. A young man fighting for the future of this world, and of his family. There was so much more I wanted to say, but I couldn't find any of the right words. It was like meeting with Lucina all over again.

"Laurent." The name slipped out before I could think twice, halting him half-crouched. Dammit. Trying and failing to think of something inspirational, I settled for honest thoughts. "Be careful. And—I'm proud of you." For what it's worth.

He was still only a moment longer. He didn't look back before he crawled into that hole and out of sight.

I sat below a nearby tree, staring at the crack in the wall's defenses. If he had found Lucina, then the others might have as well. The kids were already on better footing than they had been in the story I remembered.

I'm not failing them now.

The orchard was peaceful, but I didn't stay for long. I could come back later, after I procured that blank book I'd asked about earlier. I needed to record everything, and figure out a game plan.

The kids had each other, but for now, I was on my own.

I was preparing to send off my letters... or trying to.

"Where the fuck is it?"

I had found my letter to Basilio, but the one for Kail was missing. That one had important information that he had to know, ASAP. Not just about Zant, but about Lucina and Laurent. Tearing apart my satchel didn't conjure it, and I was running out of ideas. Where else could it be?!

Some loose papers sat on the stool I'd procured, so I went through those again, peering closely at the writing.

Ricken's tips on wind magic, Sumia's book recommendations, mock-letter for Lon'qu, those stupid handwriting lessons from Maribelle, Miriel's shield matrixes, a note from Virion offering wine and—wait a fucking second.

Someone cleared their throat. I jumped, swallowing most of the yip this time. "Don't sneak up on me," I complained.

Lon'qu was frowning, standing halfway in the room with papers in his hand. "I have... questions." He shook them gently.

"Well, if it's grammar, I can't see it from over here—"

I paused.

Glanced down at the parchment in my hand.

Looked at what he was holding.

Looked back down at the pretend letter I'd written for him to copy.

"...I gave you the wrong letter, didn't I." It wasn't a question. At this point I knew my luck. Note to Self: Get a lockable box, and pay more attention.

We stared at each other as the silence grew. No one else was in the barracks at the moment, which was both a blessing and a curse.

I had written some pretty important information in that letter.

"...well, fuck."

.

I wonder if any of you have tried guessing the fic's pairings. I'm half a mind to keep it secret forever, in case V2 has any overlap, but also I kinda just want to ramble about all of the behind-the-scenes stuff.

And of course, had to write a reasonable excuse for the lack of Zant in future extra scenes. *thumbs-up*

Hey, check out "Earthborne" by Mixed Valence, either here or on AO3! That fic is the bomb diggity, AND it's not been canceled like my fic! What more could you ask for?

-Dragon

P.S.: You can still contact me at thedragonlover on Twitter, tumblr (though that site's gone to shit even more) or AO3, or message me on any of those platforms to get my Discord!