Chapter 38: Adrift
"Robin, much as I enjoy winning these matches, you aren't even trying." Virion sighed over the game board. The ship rode another wave and creaked all around them, making the modified barracks cabin feel that little more cramped.
"Wh-what? Oh... sorry." For her part, Robin's gaze was listless, barely even noticing how Virion had captured her commander. Chrom could barely keep track of it himself. And the way he paced from one end of the room to the other didn't aid in his ability to concentrate.
His thoughts were completely on the aftermath of the battle... and he knew the same was true for his wife. He saw how her eyes kept going to the door beyond them.
There was a cabin past that door, mainly composed of beds shoved into the wall space. He knew that was where Morgan and Lucina both were sleeping out their fevers, away from the activity of the main rooms and shared hammocks. Just then, he didn't want to compound to their worries by having them tumble out of their usual ship hammocks... however much Morgan enjoyed hanging around in one.
'I hope he'll be back to it soon...'
Chrom had left the Emblem resting on their cabin floor, and had given a quiet prayer that it would do SOMETHING to help his children. That it was doing something now, even if he couldn't see it through the shut door.
Virion caught where her eyes were going, and gave another theatrical sigh.
"I take it this won't be a good time after all, with how distracted you are?"
Robin shook her head at that, screwing her eyes shut to break her stare at the door. "It's... it's the only thing I can think to do with myself. Lissa has seen to them, Chrom and I have done what we can-"
"...They're locked into the same burden we have." Chrom groaned out as he gave up pacing and sat down. His elbows thudded against the table, rattling the board and game pieces. "Gods! I wouldn't wish this on anyone, least of all them. How are we supposed to protect them from that!?"
"Milord..." Frederick glanced up at Chrom's words, from where he was seeing to the condition of a spear. Not the same silver one, Chrom knew. That had broken long ago, and he was making do with one of lesser quality. Sumia sat next to him, while Lissa helped her with saddle repair.
"Chrom, I won't say don't worry. But don't worry as much." Lissa said. "They ARE your kids, after all. They're equal to the burden, and if they're anything like you, they're also stubborn enough to keep going."
Chrom snorted at that... but didn't argue.
"But... do you need some time to think everything over?" Sumia spoke up. "The rest of us can see to the situation on the ships, double check to see if anything else needs attention."
The waver in her voice showed that his own nerves were getting to Sumia, with her second guessing things. Chrom forced himself to nod; the others might benefit being away from their mood for now.
"Yeah..." Robin dipped her head. "I... I feel it should be me seeing to the preparations for our route, but-"
"But need I remind you, I am used to seeing to such things." Frederick answered, standing up and guiding Sumia to the door. "I believe I've enough authority and experience to manage a collection of soldiers. If our situation does change, I'll send a messenger to let you know."
"And I'm certain I can be of assistance, if my string of glorious victories is anything to go by." Virion added, climbing to his feet. Robin rolled her eyes, but didn't argue the point. The others followed Frederick out with a few nods to Chrom and Robin.
And left them alone, with their own worries. With a little more space in the cabin, Robin took up Chrom's role of pacing about.
"I..." Robin murmured, her voice crestfallen, and urged Chrom over to where she paused. Robin's hand rested on the door, half tempted to open it, even if their children needed rest, and to ride out the fever they were in.
"You're still tense." Chrom supplied. "Even with the battle over."
Robin winced at that, closing her eyes. It didn't keep a few frustrated tears from spilling out from the corners of her eyes.
"Can you blame me? Chrom... it's my mark they're carrying, and is damaged. Naga's Brand is in their eyes and unmarred, I've seen that. I can't help but feel-"
"It's not your fault." He whispered fiercely, drawing her close and holding her tight against him. "Don't EVER think that, love. Loathe as I am to say it, Lissa raised a good point. What we have to do is be there for them... and find a way to set things right."
She froze in his grip for an instant, before finally relaxing and slumping against him. She twisted a little in his grip, turning so she could bring her arms up and wrap them around his back.
"That, I can promise to do." Robin whispered back. Her voice was rough around the edges, and muffled with how her head rested against his shoulders. "I-I meant it when I said I'd fight for Lucina's future. I mean that more than ever, now."
Chrom pressed a thumb against her chin, raising her head. There was still something vulnerable in her eyes, when she met his gaze. By reflex he leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. Gentle at first, then with an urgency as he tried to express what he couldn't in words; that he was glad she was with him, that he needed her strength and mind just then... not just for the war, but to keep himself steady.
He swore she was kissing him back just as desperately, and for what could have been the same reasons. When they broke apart for air, she leaned forward and touched her cheek to his.
"Love... I'm glad more than ever you don't sit idly by." He admitted. "I'd be in a poor situation without you."
"And the same goes for me. I-"
"Ahem! Well. It's nice to see you've found your resolve again," Chrom jolted upright to see Virion looking at them. A blush burned its way across his face; Robin's cheek was just close enough to his to get a similar sense of heat.
"Were you-!?" Robin sputtered out, only for Virion to wave off her concerns.
"Watching? Perish the thought. I only came in on the tail end of your sweet-somethings. Fear not, it is only imperative news that drives me. I thought you might like to know of our landing situation, given how swiftly Cherche informed us."
Robin leveled an icy look at Virion, one that screamed 'this is payback for not giving that match my all, isn't it.' But she still managed a nod, and motioned to the cabin.
"Gather who you need for the briefing, and meet us here. I get the feeling we'll be needing the maps."
With that, Chrom did what he could to prepare. He managed to gather the game pieces without crushing any of them, his hands blessedly steady. When he lifted his head from storing the game board, Robin and Virion were already seated at the table and swept the surface clean.
Cherche had joined them as well, and Gregor sat nearby, eyes on the maps Robin had already rolled out. Chrom took his seat, looking over the first diagram.
Valm's coast was on display, and Virion was meticulously placing a few wooden markers in the blue inked ocean.
"Sir, I regret to inform you that our first choice for a harbor is out." Cherche began, pointing at the northern cape of Valm. "While the harbor there can easily take all of our ships... the Valmese also have a strong hold on it. The ships that could escape our first battle fled back there, and as a result they are firmly entrenched."
"Is not a good option, meeting them head on there." Gregor spoke. "Gregor has enjoyed a few skirmishes in Valm... can easily tell you that harbor is well guarded. Also, sand. Can be a nightmare to wade through."
"What other options do we have?" Robin traced an x through the harbor with her finger, and Chrom mentally struck it from possibility as well.
"Smaller harbor, for starting." Gregor jabbed a finger further south. Chrom picked out a small inlet drawn on the map. "Is not optimal for our needs and means more hours of sailing... but also is not commanding strong military presence. Also! Gregor has been keeping ear to ground, and things heard are most promising,"
He motioned for Cherche to continue.
"The area hasn't fallen to Walhart yet. We won't have to worry about transporting ships and fending off attacks at the same time, with any luck."
"And need I remind you, we will still have to contend with the Valmese cavalry once we make landfall. Luckily for us, the surrounding area is full of rocks, hills and seaside cliffs." Robin nodded at Virion's words.
"Yes, I see... that negates their ability to charge easily. Even if they DO catch wind of what we're doing, they won't be able to attack quickly, or effectively. What about the people holding out?"
"In that... alas, I cannot be certain. Cherche and I are of Rosanne, and while we've had dealings with the people of the area, they also tend to keep their distance and maintain cool relations."
"In short, is very much a nation of Lon'qus. Or perhaps better saying, Lon'qu is prime representation of area." Gregor chuckled... but not too loudly to disturb any sleepers next door, which Chrom gave him a grateful look for. Robin just gave him a bewildered blink. "Ah, you not know? Swordsman may have Feroxi pride, but is also Valm by birth. Chon'sin, in being specific."
"But we have no way of knowing just how friendly the Chon'sin people will be." Chrom spoke. His eyes flickered between the two landing areas. "Robin... what's your call on this?"
"To be honest... I think we should aim for Chon'sin. We'll have to take our chances with however distant they might be." Chrom nodded along.
"About in line with my thoughts. We'll put out sails for that harbor, then."
"Very well then, Gregor and I can spread the word to the ships." Cherche said, already standing.
"Heh! Gregor would be more than happy to be spending time with lovely lady!" Was Gregor's answer, following a chuckling Cherche out to the ship. Virion began to rise as well, moving towards the door while he hummed something... only for Robin to raise a hand and stall him.
"I-I'm sorry Virion, but I was curios about that song you were humming. It sounded familiar."
"Given it's about the two of you in a roundabout way, it would be."
"Wait... you mean THAT'S the song?" Chrom spoke up. "That's the one people learned, during the war against Gangrel?"
"Hm hm, yes indeed. Last I checked, 'eyes of blue, fiery hue' is accurate enough with describing you. And of course everyone learned it; since I DID aid in composing it, after all."
"It was just... a bit different from the usual Ylisse tales, with the snatches I heard." Chrom admitted. "I guess that might be why it caught like wildfire, since it had novelty going for it."
"Well, I do borrow from the best. I took cues from my own homeland tales, particularly the bit about flying through a star sky and listening for those in distress. That one is oft repeated to young ones- what is it?" Robin and Chrom were both staring at Virion now.
"You... have stories about dragons too?"
"I think most places do. We just add a touch of veneration to it as well. Perhaps in better times, you may well have been welcomed as revered figures in Valm... at least until they saw how easily I bested you at a board game. BUT even then, you would likely be held in esteem."
"I... Virion, you're saying there's tales of people like US?" Robin whispered out, and finally the archer appeared to catch her meaning.
"...Aye. I cannot tell you how many of them are true, but in Valm there are plenty of stories about dragons and people working together. Mostly, it is seen as a good or a noble thing to happen."
"I... thank you, Virion. For telling us about that." Robin managed, voice with a curiously high and soft pitch.
"'Tis nothing to thank me for." He must have seen the look passing between her and Chrom, as he stood up. "Now if you will pardon me... I am wondering if I may spot Panne in the mess. I'd promised her I'd assist with cutting carrots and ensuring no potatoes go into tonight's meal."
He made his leave, as Chrom stared down at Robin. Carefully, he took up her hand.
"Are you thinking...?"
"That we might find some answers, either for us or for our children? Gods, I hope that it's possible. We've another reason to be in Valm, now." Chrom nodded at that, his wife's words mirroring his own hopes.
There was a personal stake in this, now. And for a change, the idea of making landfall in Valm didn't give him a sense of dread.
A gentle silence began between them, aiding them in threading their fingers back together-
Only to get cut short as the bedroom door lurched open, and two blue haired figures sprawled out on the floor.
"Ow ow ow Lucy get oooooooff!" Morgan squeaked from underneath his sister.
"I TOLD you not to lean against the door to hear better!" She shot back, trying to roll off of him. And mostly failing, keeping them in a tangle of limbs.
It took a full second for Chrom to realize what they'd been up to.
"You... you were eavesdropping!" Chrom blurted out, staring at his children. They'd finally managed to untangle, with Morgan sitting on the floor and Lucina trying to clamber to her knees. They both looked a little wobbly, but a quick glimpse showed that their eyes were back to normal.
"Overhearing, initially. Then listening in, but only to try and figure out how we can help!" Morgan pointed out. Lucina opened her mouth to say something too, only for Robin to cut her off.
"...Absolutely not. I want you both to remain off the front lines until we determine what is wrong with you."
"Mother!" Lucina protested. "We're not children- that is, we are but we aren't SMALL children. We know what's happening to us; we can fight as well. You saw that we held our own in battle…"
She trailed off, unable to embellish too much and forced to add on, "At least, until the Brands activated. But that was only in that last battle; surely it doesn't negate our prior experience?"
Chrom frowned as he looked at them.
"I'm inclined to agree with Robin... I heard you screaming, and saw you almost get cut down. I don't want to see something like that happen again. I don't want to risk-"
"And I... I heard of you dying." Lucina dared to interrupt. "I don't want THAT to happen again, while I still have power to prevent it. We're under the same burden as you now; let us shoulder some of it."
Robin paused as she listened to their daughter speak. Chrom couldn't find words to counter that either... and he couldn't help but remember when his own brand first activated. The rush of power and energy, and how hard it was to contain it. Staying or idle would have been a nightmare.
Lucina rubbed at her wrist, a little agitation making the tips of her fingers twitch.
'She's risked a lot already, trying to protect us.'
"It... this isn't going to go away on its own, now that we have it." Lucina continued. "Please, let us fight with you!"
"Um, besides... if you've got us next to you, and closer to the Fire Emblem, that SHOULD make us safer than we'd be away from it, right? Right?" Morgan added in, and Chrom rubbed at his forehead. The boy DID have a point.
"...They get this from your half of the family, don't they." Robin groaned out, massaging her own temples. "I... I will THINK about it... if you both agree to continue to rest up."
Morgan and Lucina exchanged just a glance, before all but leaping back into the beds.
-o-o-o-
The morning was gray and cloaked in mists. The cliffs of their new harbor rose up like giants from a foggy, shrouded coastline, visible even from a distance. The bobbing of the ship made the rocks appear as if they were growing from the sea, and pushed a certain nausea back into Lucina's stomach. Morgan wavered a bit at her side, leaning against the rail.
Both of them tried to stand up straight any time their parent's eyes fell on them, though. Three days of bedrest was all Lucina thought she could handle.
'Otherwise I'd be ready to throw myself over the side of the boat, and pray I get wings.' Or grab a pegasus and apologize to Sumia and Cordelia about it, later.
"The best we can say from here is that there's a fishing village." Sumia herself was speaking to Chrom and Frederick. Lucina leaned in a little closer to listen, keeping one eye on the shore. She COULD just pick out orange lanterns hung from long docks, jutting out from a blurred shoreline.
"It might be best to send out advanced flyers." Robin spoke up. "Before we commit our fleet to landing there. The fact is, we need to investigate how these people may receive us... and I'd prefer not to put a navy on their front doorstep, before contacting them."
Nods greeted that plan, and Lucina heard the steps of Sumia shuffling towards the pegasus' holding area.
"And how many do we send out?" Chrom stood near the front of the ship, eyes fixed on the far shore.
"Sumia, Cordelia and Cherche for starters, and they can carry another passenger as an escort... and I want to observe the field myself." Robin answered. "And I can guess you want to accompany me?"
"Aye; I don't want to send anyone on a mission I won't undertake. And that should give us a scouting group of about eight-"
"And us!" Lucina spoke up. Chrom almost flinched from her words, and gave her a stricken expression. But Morgan gave an agreeing nod to back her up. She expected Robin to add in some points, but instead she watched her children, gauging and weighing her options.
Both of her parents hadn't yet protested the idea, however.
Lucina decided to try and push them to an outcome that would suit her and Morgan. And hopefully ease that worried look both parents were giving them.
"But... I've had practice on a pegasus as well. You need extra eyes out there to spot details, and mine work. So do Morgan's! And as we said, if you have us stay near the Emblem, the safer we'll be."
Morgan nodded to that.
"Mother... please? I want to look after you, as well." Robin's expression wavered... and finally softened as she dipped her head.
"You make your point, Lucina... but I want you to be flying close to us. And let's pray that none of us need or get extra wings." She gave a sigh, and forced laugh. "I also worry that if I forbid it, you'll just steal a pegasus anyway and apologize about it later. So I'd prefer to skip that step."
Lucina tried not look too astonished. Or ask if her mother had any mind reading abilities she didn't know about.
"I seem to remember you being more than self sufficient, before you joined the Shepherds." Robin pointed out. "There's… no reason for that to have changed now. Even if I still worry."
Chrom gave an agreeing hum to that, before adding.
"…Just be careful out there. And let's all pray this stays a routine scouting mission."