After the tumultuous turmoil everyone had gone through, and a relatively good semester of school (Severa failed two physics tests because she was distracted by her new beau and Lucina had to tutor her and make her focus), it was time for Lissa and Frederick's annual New Year's Eve party. The house was always immaculately decorated, everyone looked good (formal dress only), and the food was always spectacular (because Frederick had unparalleled cooking skills.)

Champagne was served for the adults, and sparkling juice or cider was for the kids. Owain always snuck a glass or two. He was finally caught this year, and the poor boy was banned from the kitchen, where the alcohol was now being served. But Severa was caught trying to sneak a glass to Owain, so all the kids were banned. Morgan didn't care: he very much liked his sparkling apple cider, as did his sister. Sully laughed at Severa's guts. She grew to like the girl after everything had cooled down. Maribelle was ashamed of her godson.

Severa being there, however, could only mean two things.

1. She was really involved with Owain and this was a serious young love.

2. Cordelia was also there.

It was awkward at first, but she was invited, as it would be in poor taste to invite the daughter (Owain begged) and not the mother. She did have the option to not show up. But there was Cordelia, in a sparkling form fitting gown with a slit up the leg, stopping mid-thigh. It had a deep V-neck that showed off her…lacking bosom, but it worked for her. A bustier woman would look awkward. But Cordelia looked the part of the seductress, and that did nothing but besmirch her reputation more.

Chrom kept his distance, but did give her a small wave. Robin didn't smile, but waved as well. The past was behind her, and it was time to let go. Maybe one day, the two women could be friends. She could be courteous. Polite even. Even if it was forced for now. Time would heal the wounds.

The party was going well. Maribelle's son, Brady, was playing the violin. He talked to Severa previously and he was a little crestfallen when he found out she was dating Owain. But he was still one of her closest friends and was happy for her. Maribelle was talking to Lissa animatedly about Brady's prowess and was begging Lissa and Frederick to make Owain focus more, and leave that "jezebel" alone. (She had conflicting views on Severa. On one hand, the girl tried to have a ladylike demeanor, but on the other she was feisty and rude, and Maribelle couldn't stand that. Lissa joked that Severa was a mini brunette version of her. Maribelle fumed.)

Lissa and Frederick were glad to see Robin and Chrom together again, even after everything that happened. The two seemed stronger than ever, and were rarely seen apart. When she needed it, Chrom gave Robin space, and when he needed it, Robin gave him affection. They finally learned to find a nice balance, and their marriage, and children, benefited from it.

Morgan did not have another seizure since that day his parents got back together. He was excelling at the piano again, and drawing and was the bright light Robin had always known him to be. He continued his friendship with Nah, and she was even there with her parents. They joked about the young love the two had. Morgan and Nah stuck out their tongues.

Lucina was still captain of the lacrosse team and excelled in school. She tutored her friends as well, as previously mentioned. She was still resilient, still cooked dinner and breakfast, and was still the steadfast, levelheaded young lady everyone loved.

Chrom was telling a joke over some champagne to Frederick, who rarely laughed at Chrom's jokes as they were not funny, when Cordelia gently, and a little awkwardly, walked up. Lissa's smile froze on her face, Frederick greeted her politely and showed no dismissal though his polite tone did imply it, Chrom smiled warmly as he was wont to do, but Robin stayed where she was, unsure of how to react.

"It's… nice to see you all again," Cordelia said quietly. It was hard to hear her over Brady's violin, but she was heard.

"I'm…happy to see you brought Severa here and that you accepted our invitation," Lissa said brightly. She was always the friendly one. She heard her own tone and saw the look on Robin's face. Robin was calm, but she was still immensely uncomfortable. But she felt Chrom tighten his grip on her hand, and it made her feel better.

"Yes, well… I better see what Severa is up to. Thanks again." Cordelia saw the way Robin looked at her, saw how Chrom gripped his wife's hand, saw the uncomfortable looks on everyone's faces. She knew when to leave.

She found Severa making out with Owain, but instead of interrupting them, she went outside, pondering her life.

She improved. She decided to date Kellam seriously. He gave her the world, and she was happy. Severa was glad that her mother wasn't using anyone, and wasn't sleeping with people she had no business sleeping with. She wasn't looking forward to the possibility of having a new father, but she was glad her mother was dating the right way, and that's what mattered.

She still missed Lon'qu, and visited his grave regularly. She continued her equestrian training and her cooking club, and was currently taking up the harp again. She kept herself busy, but did keep an eye on Severa, who had yet to sneak out or do anything fishy.

She stayed outside, and heard that it was getting closer to midnight. She went in to celebrate with the group, even if she was unwanted.

As the clock ticked down, Cordelia felt like she was letting go of even more of her past. She wouldn't associate with these people anymore, she decided. Even though Severa was dating the boy of one of them; she'd do her best to avoid them at all costs. She wasn't welcomed. Why did she go? Why didn't she leave with Kellam?

Because spending time with her daughter was more important, but Severa had run off, again, leaving Cordelia alone.

The clock chimed and everyone raised their glasses, kissed their loved ones, and drank their beverages. Severa and Owain had an uncomfortably long kiss that was interrupted by Frederick, but Severa did go to kiss her mother, though she made a scene about it. Cordelia smiled. Severa was in a good mood.

She made eye contact with Chrom, and then she looked at Robin. The woman approached her.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you tonight," Robin said, looking genuinely apologetic. "That wasn't right of me."

"You have plenty of reason to," Cordelia responded. "I don't hold it against you."

"No, it's still wrong. I don't want to hold a grudge. It's not good for anyone."

"What brought this on?" Cordelia asked, confused. This seemed like such a radical change after only a few hours.

"The year is new, and I want to start afresh. So… I forgive you, and was hoping we could be friends."

Cordelia was shocked, but very happy. "That means the world to me," she gushed.

"I'm glad. I enjoyed your company when we first met, and our daughters are friends. I think that means we can be too."

Cordelia felt like she could cry. She felt like she had been absolved of everything. Her guilt melted away. "Robin… Thank you." She hugged the woman, who at first was a bit surprised, but returned the gesture.

"You're welcome, Cordelia."

In her heart of hearts, Robin wondered why she would forgive someone who led her husband astray, but much like Chrom, Cordelia was going through a troubled time, and Robin understood. She could forgive in the end.

Everyone continued partying, drinking, enjoying each other's company. Chrom saw how his wife and his once-mistress got along, and he was glad to see camaraderie was being developed.

Looking at the scene around him, all the smiling faces, young and middle aged, Chrom couldn't help to think how everything was picture perfect.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read this and review! I am more active on archive of our so if you'd like to see more of my works, check it out! I am LaceKyoko1138 there.

Again, thank you for the support.