Day 223, Morning
It wasn't a very long talk, but Robin felt a little more at ease after conversing with Chrom. So much had happened since arriving in Valm, and he felt as if he hadn't done enough talking. Sure, a commander had to commandeer, but all these Shepherds, the original Ylissean ones anyway, loved Robin for his sense of friendliness. A friend they could talk to wasn't a very good friend if he couldn't talk.
He would, of course, after a very long nap.
14 hours later, it was a brand new day, leaving the tactician much more relaxed than he was the day before. The problems still hung overhead like a storm cloud, but they would be tackled in time. Just like everything else, Robin would systematically take a hold of this situation and leave it conquered to the letter. From now on, he decided, it would be his reaffirmed mission to be a true leader, not just on the battlefield, but in every moment not.
And a father, worthy of his children's respect.
"Good morning to you, Commander. At least, if you consider it thus."
Ryoma sat down across from the idle tactician, a healthy dosage of rice and eggs for breakfast. The crown prince took a bite, only pausing when Robin appeared in deep thought.
"If now isn't a good time..."
"I'd say it is, Prince Ryoma," Robin responded with a smile, gesturing for the Hoshidan crown prince to resume his meal. "Now is a good time. And a good morning," he added, admiring the sunrise from outside the mess hall tent.
"I'm not one for rumor and whispers, but I hear that the recovery mission the children staged was a success," Ryoma offered, causing Robin to put on a forced smile and nod.
"Two children from a doomed future, just like the others. Three, if you want to be technical. One of them we do not know but the other two have either identified themselves or have a lot of Ylissean friends."
"I'm a fan of good news. Do we know the parents?"
Robin nodded again, sipping his water as to hide the slight frown that was still tugging at the edges of his lips.
"Cordelia and Keaton. Er, not together, of course."
"I see. Did anything else happen?"
It was quite clear Ryoma wanted to talk shop about his sister.
"The portal... Princess Corrin and I-"
"Kamui," Ryoma insisted, much preferring the Hoshidan name he had known his sister by.
"...Yes," Robin continued after a pause. "Kamui and I went in to retrieve the children when we were attacked by Grima." Ryoma's eyebrows shot up, but he maintained a controlled posture.
"After which we were separated briefly until I recovered Kana and Morgan, psychologically impaired by Grima's illusions and fighting each other to the death."
"Fighting, as in..."
"Had we not shown up as we did, I would likely be bringing back the corpse of my son."
Ryoma swallowed slightly, showing an uncharacteristic bout of discomfort.
"An enemy that can turn kin against kin. I can't say I like that."
"I understand as a crown prince you have many siblings looking to you. Please don't lose heart."
"Fear not, Robin. I have faced foes greater than fear and hesitation and emerged the stronger for it. I know what to expect now, at least."
"That's not the worst part," Robin added with a slight pause. "My daughter, Morgan... In the previous timeline she was from. She served Grima. I don't know why or how. She was brainwashed and for a time was wiped clean of her memories until we found her. How many lives ruined by her hands, we will never want to know."
"What human would willingly serve the harbinger of destruction," Ryoma agreed, thinking of the Grimleal he had read about. "I doubt it was voluntary. I assume she is... unwell?"
"...Yes."
"So how are Kamui and Kana handling this, tactician?" Ryoma asked, forcing yet another frown onto Robin's face.
"I don't know. Corr- Kamui is resting in my tent and I bet Kana is in there too. They have to be ready to talk before I will bring it up. I can't possibly force the either of them right now."
Ryoma stayed silent, only moving to take small bites of his food. Robin stared past him, watching the other Shepherds eat or walk around or train. Many looked at him and he met their gaze, but they turned away when he did so, causing the tactician to become suspicious.
"Do you trust me, Prince Ryoma?"
"You are our commander," The prince stated flatly. "I have fought battle after battle, marched from one side of Valm to the other, and you have not let a single one of my men die. You have earned Hoshido's trust, and mine. I do not doubt your orders for an instant."
"Thank you," Robin smiled, "But that's not my exact question. Do you trust me with... your sister? With Kamui?"
Ryoma smiled faintly before reaching across the table to place an encouraging hand on Robin's shoulder.
"Tell me this. You are in battle and suddenly thrust upon you are two children that are yours through blood and bond. What would you do?"
"I didn't know at first," Robin admitted, "But as soon as they called me Father... They were my children. They are my children, and I have to protect them at any cost."
"Then that is what I need to hear," Ryoma nodded, his lips not curving but still positive. "I was thinking I would be first among my family to sire a child, but clearly the circumstances have differed. Kamui as a mother is entertaining but still very real... And you as her husband?"
"N-not quite there yet," Robin interjected.
"No matter," Ryoma waved it off. "You have proven yourself a man of honor and integrity. What little I have seen of your interaction with my sister has proven that you are willing to overcome this dilemma and move forward. And I trust she will do the same for you, given time."
Robin smiled at the thought and nodded.
"T-thank you, Ryoma. Your trust in me will never be a mistake."
The prince nodded and exited the mess hall, leaving Robin by himself once again.
"Oh, and Merry Krismas," Ryoma called back as he disappeared, causing Robin to raise a brow.
"Huh?"
But the swordsman was already gone.
Corrin slowly woke not from her own volition, but the dual snores on either side of her. A quick glance around told her that she was in Morgan's cot, the addition disturbing the overall order to the room in relation to everything else. As three armored and rather heavy individuals were on said cot, and Corrin was surprised it hadn't leaned over or snapped. On the Princess' right, Morgan lay huddled, clutching Corrin's cape with her right hand while holding her own body with her left. Still asleep, Morgan's nightmares were still plaguing her well into the morning and Corrin tried her best to comfort her daughter.
On her left, Kana snored lightly while holding onto Corrin's other arm. Still fearful of the previously murderous sister just inches away, Kana kept his distance from the white-haired mage. Corrin squinted, eyes adjusting to the light. Her focus turned into a frown when she noticed the trails of dried tears against her son's rosy cheeks. She held him tighter and he instinctively gripped her body tightly, hand brushing against Morgan's but not doing anything beyond that.
A knock was heard from outside, and Corrin turned towards the doorway to see a shadow waiting outside.
"Anyone up?" the young tactician outside asked.
"Nope," Corrin teased, yawning for good measure but still keeping her voice at a level where she was not immediately disruptive to her children's sleep. Robin walked in with a light smile and seeing Morgan's cramped cot, decided against his initial idea of laying on top of his family and instead went to his own cot, taking off his boots next to his bed.
"Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Robin asked casually, keeping his voice low.
"About to, once the kids wake up," Corrin responded, just as soft. Robin peeked over and sighed, remembering why they were there in the first place.
"Are they... Okay?"
"Just give them time, Robin. They're strong. They're okay." Robin growled and turned towards the wall, biting his upper lip and stifling his distress.
"Robin?" Corrin asked, worried for the tactician.
"I let him look me in the eyes. I hesitated. Morgan and Kana were at risk and I hesitated." Robin's voice grew slightly louder, and Morgan stirred. Corrin made a shushing sound and Robin sighed. Sitting up, he gazed longingly at the ceiling, closing his eyes and giving his demons free reign over his will.
"I couldn't have known. But still, this is all my fault."
Robin waited for Corrin's response but only felt a tome hit the back of his head. It was hard enough to be malicious, but soft enough to not hurt him seriously.
"...Ow."
"Are you done loathing? They're here, they're alive. Can you really ask for more?" Corrin asked mercilessly, knowing full well her children might wake at any second.
"No, dammit. No. But they deserve better." Robin admitted, dropping his head back onto his pillow. When Corrin didn't respond, he looked up just in time to see another projectile inbound, this time much lower.
A deft motion and Robin caught the tome before it crumpled the contents of his crotch.
"What the hell?"
The culprit was Morgan this time, who stood before him as wonderful as she could be. Hands behind her back, her smile was earnest and sincere.
Quite instantly, the clouds parted above Robin's mind, and he could only smile back.
This was his daughter. His precious little girl.
Robin fumed in defeat as the tactician in training jumped over him ungracefully, rolling over his body with a commotion. Hugging him tightly, he felt her head press into his back.
"You did your best, Father. You rescued... you went inside for both of us," Morgan assured. "...But. T-thanks for coming for me. I really... didn't think you could save us. Not after seeing him in there." Clutching onto Robin's back, she hid her sincere smile as Robin stared towards Corrin with a blank expression.
"You're welcome, Mom," Corrin added, quite dismal herself. "You did your best too, Mom."
"Err... right. Yes. Thank you, Mother," Morgan added quickly. Corrin merely rolled her eyes, her smile alleviating any sense of ill her words might have conveyed.
"He walks in like he runs this little troop of dragons, taking credit like some sort of tactician. Hmph," Corrin replied, "But he'll do for now."
"And what have you done so far?" Robin teased, but Corrin's flinch told him he went too far.
"N-nothing. I..."
"Oh."
Robin realized Corrin never told him what she saw in the portal and whatever dark clouds were lingering before came back in full force.
"C-corrin."
But the princess held up a hand, her mouth trembling and sealed shut.
"Not here."
"We can talk later."
"Yes... I'd like to." Corrin got up, leaving Kana in the cot and walked over to the tactician and her daughter. "But enough of that. Today's a new day. A special day."
"It is? I mean, of course, but... special?" Robin looked to Morgan, who shrugged.
"No idea."
Kissing Kana's forehead as she got up, Corrin stretched, the worries that affected her clearly gone... for now.
"Merry Krismas you two," the Princess said with the faintest of smiles, hugging Morgan and scraping Robin's nose with her lips as she exited the tent.
"What does that even mean!?" Robin scowled, Morgan shrugging in response. "That's twice now."
"You got a kiss out of it. I'd say that's worth it."
Corrin felt the wet grass against her bare feet as she left, smiling as the Shepherds were still bright and chipper despite the current events. Thinking back to the portal, her optimism fell.
She'd have to tell him eventually.
She figured she go to Azura. Ever since she left her best friend's tent, the two hadn't really talked much so-
"Good morning, Corrin," Azura greeted, Chrom and Lissa accompanying.
I should be a summoner, she thought under her breath.
"Azura, Exalt Chrom, Princess Lissa," Corrin greeted, forcing on a tired smile.
"We heard a lot," Chrom started, "But it's good to see you okay." Lissa nodded.
"Yep! We even rescued two children from Old Ylisse! Isn't that ama... Corrin?" the woman in question rubbed her bloodshot eyes and stretched her back.
"Chrom... Has Robin talked to you yet?"
Lissa fumed, her statement flying right over Corrin's ears.
"O-oh... Three! It was three. I thought Velou... Velouria? Is that her name? I thought..."
Ignoring his sister for now, the Exalt nodded, looking back towards her tent as if Robin were to manifest at his summons.
"Yes, actually. We spoke yesterday after the mission... concluded. He's planning a meeting right after lunch, if he hasn't told you already."
At Corrin's blank stare, Chrom knew that Robin hadn't.
"Right. So there's a meeting after lunch."
"...Understood. I should show up."
Chrom nodded, turning briefly to his sister who had been mumbling all this time.
Corrin took the chance to speak to Azura, who had been waiting patiently with her hands elegantly folded behind her back. Corrin stifled a gasp when the singer held out a present for her, a small little thing in a plain white box.
"I realize it's a bit early... But I figured with how the day has been going so far you might as well get this now. Oh, and before you ask, you didn't get this from me. Sorry to break tradition."
Corrin took the present eagerly, shaking it but not discerning anything.
"How about a guess? Can I guess? You'll tell me, right? Wait. Did you actually get me this or are you acting as proxy-"
"Hey, that ruins the fun!" Azura teased, before adding, "I can't tell you, you know. If anyone asks, you haven't spoken to me today."
"That would ruin the fun," Corrin mimicked, before hugging her friend. "Ah, if only there's a way for me to pay you back-"
"No need, Corrin. Just seeing you happy is... It's enough. How are the two young dragons?"
"They'll pull through," Corrin responded, watching Chrom and Lissa as they argued about something behind Azura.
"Was it that bad?"
"I don't know yet... I haven't pulled anything from them. Robin's having more luck with Morgan, but I haven't heard much from Kana yet."
"I... I see. If there's anything I can do to help?" Azura offered.
"I'll ask for your help, when there is-" Corrin stopped when Lissa abruptly pushed Chrom a good foot, before the prince regained his footing and held his sister in a headlock.
"I told you it's a gift from a stranger!" Chrom teased, enjoying Lissa's frantic escape pleas even as she scratched up his arm and hand. Hissing, Chrom let go with a yelp.
"Okay okay fine! You win!"
"Is anything the matter, Exalt Chrom? Princess Lissa?" Azura asked, abnormally calm despite the near carnage that she was adjacent to.
"Just an argument about your little White Pegasus you have there," Chrom explained, gingerly caressing his hand.
"White Pegasus?"
"Y'know, the gifts that everyone picks and-"
"There is no picking here, Prince Chrom. This is an old Nohrian and Hoshidan holiday we are celebrating today."
"...Which involves White-" Lissa bonked Chrom over the head with her staff.
"Can you explain, Corrin?" Lissa asked, forcing a smile from Azura.
"It's quite a long story..."
"In which case..." Lissa cleared her throat, and after a second of realization, Chrom sighed and came back with a bench.
The four took a seat, quickly joined by Lucina who happened to be walking by.
"There was a dragon. A fierce being that threatened a peaceful kingdom. There was also a swordsman by the name of Kris who helped to slay it."
"I can't say I've heard that one before. I like it," Chrom acknowledged, his spirits lightened by Azura and Corrin's story.
"That is quite a tale... It could quite honestly have its own counterpart in Ylissean lore," Lucina said, crossing her legs casually.
"Tales of sacrifice and loyalty often make their ways across borders," Chrom assured, patting Lucina's shoulder as he too, polished his Falchion. "The tales of Lissa the Gentle will be told generations from now on Hoshidan and Nohrian taverns, don't you think?"
A bonk on the head from Lissa's staff quieted him.
"I'm more curious as to what Corrin got for a gift! If there's truly no intent in respect or acknowledgement when they exchange presents... Not even to mention who it's from... That begs so many questions!"
"Yes," Azura agreed. "Who would have given you such a lovely gift?" Corrin rolled her eyes with a giggle.
"Begging seems more your suit, Lissa," Chrom joked, only to get put into an Ylissean headlock.
"Whatever Chrom! You're just a big grump because strangers gave me the nicer presents!"
"Well that's because we don't celebrate Krismas in Ylisse!"
"Well it isn't your birthday anytime soon either!"
"No one cares, Lissa!"
Ignoring her father and aunt's babbling, Lucina thought more about the story from earlier.
"Kris... That name sounds familiar," Lucina wondered. "I will be back. I think I remembered reading this in one of Robin's books!"
"Ooh, I'll advise against that. He's not-"
Corrin couldn't even finish her sentence, as Lucina had already made herself scarce.
"She seems quite inspired. I wonder what that's about?" Azura wondered.
"Robin?" Lucina asked, knocking on Robin's tent. Hearing no response, she tip-toed in, smirking when she saw the tactician knocked out with his daughter drooling all over his shoulder, head against his back.
"...Robin?" she repeated, just for a precaution.
"..." With a reassuring exhale, Lucina went over to the tactician's bookshelf where she had borrowed certain books from time to time, scanning the shelves for the one she was looking for.
"You're not gonna find it," Robin whispered between a yawn, causing Lucina to jump in shock as she turned to the tactician who was holding the book she was looking for.
"How did you know-"
"Corrin threw it at me this morning. It just happened to be the first book within her reach. Do be careful not to drop anything on Kana." Lucina looked down, not even noticing the small boy who was sleeping by her feet on Morgan's cot.
"My apologies for breaking and entering."
"This is hardly breaking, but this is what you're looking for, right?" Lucina nodded with a blush.
"Yeah."
"Records of the Hero King's Campaigns," Robin recited, before tossing the book to the princess. "It's quite uninformative, actually. Most of the tricks the book say Marth used involved some sort of warp staff which hadn't even been invented yet-"
"This is important, Robin. I'm looking for-" Robin waved Lucina off.
"It's fine. Really. Go ahead, I won't be needing that for a while."
"Thank you so much, Robin! I'll see you at the summit! Merry Krismas!" With that, Lucina left, a book in her hand and a grin on her face. Robin merely stared at the doorway before letting his head rest again.
"You too."
Day 223, Afternoon
Robin cleared his throat as the Shepherds either sat, knelt, or stood around him, all eager to hear what the tactician had to say. Corrin sat in the front, still holding the present from Azura. A makeshift mound had been erected to which Robin graciously stood on, a head above everyone except for maybe Xander.
"Shepherds, welcome. Is everyone here?"
Murmurs, but mostly positive.
"Alright then, let's begin. Almost a year now, so it's time I've told you something that's been on my mind."
Whispers circled around the camp, and Robin gulped quietly.
"For almost two years I've fought for Ylisse, and for a many months we've fought alongside Nohr and Hoshido, and so far... it's been going good. Really good.
"...But?" the crowd seemed to suggest, though no one actually said it.
"This is just the first step. And we... I... I can't do it alone. Yesterday, I met defeat. For the first time in two years, I didn't win. Maybe we didn't lose anything we couldn't get back. And maybe blood didn't spill. But the enemy bested my mind. He beat me, a tactician, in a game of wits.
I lost.
See, Grima isn't just a dragon that spews death. He turns ally against ally, he turns families into orphans and martyrs of equal portion. He... He's too much for one man to face alone."
Robin stopped, taking a breath when Corrin looked back at him hopeful. There would be no help from her, but having her by his side was support enough.
"But we aren't alone. We have each other, and those we care about. And maybe even those we don't. I won't pretend to see that Nohr and Hoshido are meeting difficulties out there. But I won't glaze over the peace and friendship we've forged as well. Were Grima to come this very instant... I'd have good faith in everyone here that we- we would stand as one. And not one of us will be alone, no matter how dark the night becomes."
The tactician wrapped up the first half of his speech, gesturing towards the crowd, particularly towards a pig-tailed Pegasus Knight.
"You. Cynthia, step forward."
"Uh, what? O-okay. Yes sir."
Robin cleared his throat and pulled Cynthia onto his mound of dirt so that she shared the podium with him. Everyone could see the sweat and fear on the young Pegasus Rider's face.
"A day ago we recovered Cynthia along with her 'Justice Cabal' sneaking out of camp, leaving the safety of Steiger and entering hostile territory. What they found was a portal and a swarm of Risen just the same as any other we've seen. But this was no ordinary Risen camp. This was the gateway to Old Ylisse, where the future children had originated from and where Grima, our enemy, reigns free. This carelessness could have been remedied with prior warning, but none was given before or during the operation. This resulted in the psychological injuries of two of her own, and therefore my own, personnel.
Not to mention... My children.
The mission concluded with a small fraction of the recovery and initial party having a brief contact with Grima himself, and the mission was concluded without any further injuries. Recovered from Old Ylisse were two, no three children. Sorry Velouria, I keep forgetting you were there too. First, there was Severa, a child from Old Ylisse. The other child was presumably from Hoshido. How this Hoshidan was in Ylisse, I have no current guesses. But that isn't quite as important as this."
Drawing his old iron sword that was rarely unsheathed, Robin twirled it in a fluid motion before pointing it at Cynthia.
"Commander R-robin..." Cynthia gulped, as well as the rest of the Shepherds. Surely Robin wouldn't kill a child! Lucina scrambled forward, only for Chrom to hold her back.
"On your knees, Cynthia," Robin whispered. Cynthia shook her head no.
"On your knees," he repeated.
"Robin!" Corrin yelled, but Robin raised his hand to quiet her. A quick glance at Chrom told Corrin that this wasn't part of the plan.
"Everyone needs to heed this example... This is what we have to see!" Robin yelled. "This is what our enemy will take advantage of!"
Cynthia slowly fell on her knees, tears falling on her face as Robin raised his sword.
"Ylissean Shepherd, Cynthia," Robin began.
"Upon my sword and upon the authority vested upon me as Hand to the Exalt..." Cynthia closed her eyes, bracing for-
"I raise you, as a Knight of the Halidom."
Cynthia opened her eyes in a gasp, along with the rest of the Shepherds.
"W-what?!" Cynthia retorted, prompting Robin to smile as he tapped her shoulders with the sword and prompted her to stand.
"Rise, Sir Cynthia."
Without another word, she did.
"Cynthia displayed utmost valor, courage, and selflessness on a mission that was not in pursuit of selfish desires, but to rescue one of her sisters in arms." Robin announced, sheathing his blade.
"And I want everyone to know that what she did, it hurt my own children. It also saved lives. Lives are precious, Shepherds. Each and every life is sacred, which is why we must treat it as the commodity above any other on this campaign. Cynthia... Wherever the souls of your parents are flying, I'd bet they're proud."
"T-thank you, Commander."
A quick glance to Sumia told Cynthia enough. This was really happening. Both Sumia and Cordelia rose, affixing a winged clip to each of her pig tails.
"It is my honor to instate you as a Pegasus Knight of the Halidom," Cordelia began, with Sumia completing the vow.
"May your dominion over Ylisse's skies be like the stars and clouds themselves. Congratulations," Sumia charged, not from Pegasus Knight to Pegasus Knight, but from a mother passing the torch to her daughter.
"Sir Cordelia, Mother-"
"Hey hey, no idle-talk to your superiors until after," Robin interrupted, smiling all the while. The Shepherds laughed, only now easing off.
"...Right."
"Well, a hero's work is a hero's duty, right? You along with the rest of your team have earned our, and my, gratitude. Oh, and the honor of cleaning the stables until we start marching again."
"B-but... Of course! Yes sir. The Cabal'll clean those stables so good that those animals will hate to leave!" Cynthia couldn't even be mad at her punishment. What an honor!
"I'm sure you will, Sir Cynthia. Well done." Backing away and holding his hands out towards the instated knight, Cynthia stayed there alone on the mound, the center of attention if only for a few seconds.
Cynthia stood there like a sputtering fool, watching as every single Shepherd applauded the newly instated Knight of Ylisse.
Patting her back, Robin nodded before gesturing for Cynthia to sit down. Watching as she took up a seat next to Lucina, the two shared a hug before letting Robin continue.
"Ah, that feels much better. I'd thought to kick off the afternoon with a bit of a celebration."
Laughter reverberated, along with a second round of applause.
"It has come to my attention is that today is a very special day for the Nohrians and Hoshidans. Krismas, was it?"
The respective parties both gave a holler and Robin chuckled to himself.
"What the Ylisseans do not quite remember... And what Lucina is still trying to figure out... Is that this 'Kris' actually hailed from Ylisse."
Gasps rang out from the crowd, and Robin stood there basking in his genius.
"Kris was a knight among King Marth's royal guard. The Hero King himself was his liege. He was a paragon knight, selfless to the end, always seeking for his Lord's safety and victory. King Marth always had an invisible hand watching his back, though nowadays we've pieced together that it was Sir Kris.
He gave up any chance of securing a place in the history books for himself and his family and instead offered the full glory to Marth. By means we do not know, he vanished. Kris then found his way to what is now present day Cyrkensia, where tales of honor and sacrifice emerged from his wife's records. I hear 'Reese and Katarina' is a popular ballet over there."
Azura nodded, thinking herself unseen.
"Long story short... Nohrians, Hoshidans, if you would allow, us Ylisseans have the humble request to be included in this... festivity of yours. Starting with this," He gestured to Cynthia, "Example of selfless heroism."
Once again, hollers from both the Hoshidan and Nohrian side erupted, Robin only nodding to confirm.
"Then Shepherds... On your feet!"
Immediately, the whole army stood at attention, Robin proudly staring back.
"Go have yourself a Merry Krismas. Don't get too drunk. Dismissed!"
Immediately, chatter and cheers erupted, and hugs all across the army sprang out. As the noise dimmed back into the camp, Robin watched everyone but a few people leave.
"Gotcha worried for a second." Robin mentioned, walking up to Corrin.
"Of course I was worried. You barely use your iron sword, you wouldn't leave a clean cut."
"A ha, so funny. Well, we're free. Except for Cynthia over there. But she'll be fine."
"That was very thoughtful of you," Corrin admitted. "I'm glad it turned out the way it did."
"What's in the box?" Robin asked, changing the subject. "A couple of Hoshidans and Nohrians have been passing a few around. At least that's what I think is happening." The question prompted the Princess to shrug.
"The whole idea of the gift is that no one knows from where or what the box entails," Corrin explained. "You know, Kris giving-"
"Yes, yes, I know."
"Well, I was just trying to explain how it works, because you know... It looks like you don't."
"I'll figure it out come next year," Robin said with a basic shrug. "I'll meet you back inside? Don't open it yet... I wanna see." Corrin nodded and headed inside. Seeing just Robin, Chrom, Lucina, and Cynthia left, Corrin vanished without a word.
"If it were up to me, I would beat you senseless with the thickest tome Morgan has, and then knight you, Cynthia," Robin frowned, rubbing the Knight's hair and ruffling it all up. "See, the point of the Krismas gift is that you don't know who just gave you the random act of kindness. In this case, me sparing your head from my tomes."
"Pff," Chrom added. "I didn't authorize that knighting at all."
"Ah, let her have her fun. After all, she's bound to the crown now, isn't she?" Robin laughed, watching Cynthia pale.
"W-What!?"
"He's absolutely right, isn't he? Well, Sir Cynthia, seeing as our supply of Pegasus Knights are rather... minimal, I'm going to need some work done," Chrom said mercilessly, grinning all the while.
"So who's idea was it to make me a knight and make an example of me?" Cynthia asked, half excited and half terrified.
"That ruins the fun," Robin said, reciting the phrase reserved for presents such as these. "Ah, if you mind, Chrom, Sir, Princess," Robin said, kindly regarding his company. "I have one last move to affix before the Queen can rest. Have a good night!"
"Queen? What's he planning with Olivia?"
"I think it was a chess metaphor."
Robin knocked on the tent, entering anyway. Corrin was sitting on his bunk, and Morgan and Kana snuggled together on hers. Robin smiled and looked at Corrin.
"All together at last?"
"All together at last," Corrin said with a very warm smile. Holding her present, Robin shook it.
"Who gave it to you?"
"Azura."
"What would Azura usually get you?"
"That's not how it works, Robin. Especially since I've known her about as long as I've known you."
"R-right. Well then, how does it work?"
"Well... In Nohr we just swapped presents until we had the box we wanted. I've usually just stuck with my first choice. Being as there was one for me, Jakob, Flora, Felicia, and maybe... yeah that's about it."
"So... Who do you thank in return?" Robin asked.
"No one, everyone, who knows! The whole point of Krismas is to exemplify the nameless gift! If I had a name, I would have a favorite... And that's not what Kris would've wanted. It takes the spirit out of the gift and onto the person."
"I see," Robin said. "I hope yours is to your liking then!" He said earnestly, watching as Corrin unwrapped the cloth around the wooden box.
"And it is..." Robin anticipated...
"A..." Corrin undid the final knot, revealing a rich blue and white cape, emblazoned with the Mark of Naga on the back, not too different from Chrom's. On the front lay a sash which connected to the cape's collar, perfectly matching the one Corrin had on her armor.
"It's a Nohrian cape... In Ylissean colors..." Corrin breathed. Robin pointed to the bottom.
"What's that?"
"It's a note!" Corrin said, smiling as she reached for it and unfolded it. Robin peeked over her shoulder to read it.
Dear Corrin.
First off if this isn't Corrin, then I beseech you to give this to her. It's a nice cape right? But not yours. Secondly, Corrin, I got your height wrong, I think. Hoshidans and Nohrians wear the capes a little longer than Ylisseans do so a few inches got lost in translation.
And if this really is Corrin, thank you. Morgan and Kana have such a wonderful mother and I cannot help but feel jealous for them-
"This is kinda creepy," Corrin admitted, folding up the letter-
"Wait, at least read the rest."
"No!"
"Then you read it!"
"F-Fine."
Cannot help but feel jealous for them because there's no way I can match the love and care you've shown our two little dragons. Coming from their father, I have my work cut out for me."
B
"Wait. You sent this!?"
"I hope I didn't ruin the fun..." Robin teased.
"You... You knew this was going to be sent for me... You orchestrated this and pretended you didn't know a thing about Krismas!" Corrin grinned madly alongside her boyfriend, happily accepting her defeat.
"Thank you Azura," Robin whispered with a smile. "Keep reading it though!"
By this time you've figured out this is from Robin, and yes, I knew about Krismas. I had to! You got so excited with Azura, I had to figure out what your glee was about. And I pray that this works. I hope you like the cape, and I pray it keeps you warm, safe, and protected in the battles to come. Know that I will do everything in my power to do the same.
Yours then, now and forever, Robin."
"Well?"
Corrin couldn't hold it in, squealing so hard she startled the two children for a brief instant. They opened their eyes to the sight of their mother digging her head into their father's neck, before groaning and closing them again.
"It's perfect..." Corrin said, folding up her old Nohrian cape and attaching the one Robin made to her armor. "How's it look?"
Robin whistled teasingly and winked.
"I ought to knight you as well. Wow. Cherche knows her stuff."
"Remind me to thank her when we're all awake tomorrow," Corrin noted, rubbing her hand along the smooth white fabric.
"I was actually wondering... since it's kinda late..." Robin began.
"Oh, was it your plan to have me sleep next to you?"
"Only if you want. You have other friends out there-"
Corrin giggled, changing out of her regular armor to the simple dress underneath. Jumping onto his bed, she relished the feeling before turning to look at her boyfriend. Robin took off his robe and nervously lay down as well, keeping his distance.
"No funny business, or I might pee," Robin admitted.
"R-Right." Corrin said nervously, her smile disappearing into a smirk of mischief.
"I mean it! Morgan and Lissa put frogs in my small clothes-" Turning away, he hid his embarrassed grimace.
"Merry Krismas, Robin," Corrin whispered, inching towards him and nearly breaking his neck as she turned him around. Instinctively, Robin closed his eyes just in time to see Corrin close hers.
It was warm, and slightly wet... and nice. Oh, it was nice. Turning, he saw Corrin hogging his pillow, covering her mouth and eyes with her forehead peeking out.
"Y-you too, Princess." Not one to be outdone, Robin removed the pillow to its rightful owner.
Feeling the same warmth on her lips, Corrin's heart stopped.
"Those books... weren't even close," the Princess mumbled, already in a dream state.
Morgan and Kana watched as their parents finally fell asleep in each others arms, Robin too impatient with Corrin's hair to face her and Corrin always preferring to sleep on her right side anyway.
"Hey sis," Kana inquired, holding onto Morgan's arm. "You still awake?"
"Yeah. What's up?" Morgan replied.
"Merry Krismas. I wish I could've gotten you something-"
A very solid hug shut Kana up, but it wasn't enough to prevent the young dragon from hugging his sister back.
"We're all here. We're all happy. That's all I could ever ask for."