The sun set in the distance across the sandy dunes as Robin, Lucina, and Morgan walked at a brisk pace through the capitol of the desert country. They had recently pulled their cart into the stable, and Morgan was dragging her parents hoping they would make it to the sign up table in time. Along the way they saw multiple colorful flags swaying against the wind while food stalls packed up for the night. Lucina also overheard two men talking about a shortage of rooms at the taverns due to the competition. There was even gossip about who would win the jousting tournament, and how strange some of the foreigners were.

It was hard for the two adults to tell that they once battled through these streets as Gangrel controlled the nation. Or that not long ago many Plegians here died at the Dragon's table. Most who called themselves a Grimleal worshiper fell that day, including almost all the government officials. The country faced such looming disaster that it capitulated to Ylisse, and would now be under their wing. Making Ylisse oversee the largest domain of land and people since the era of Marth's rule.

Plegia still held its autonomy after the chaos was over, but Chrom agreed with Robin that they could never allow the same mistake to happen three times. The current leader was a trusted shepherd who was loyal to the people of Plegia, and the Exalt. Ylisse also controlled a large share of Plegia's army, trade docks, and warships. Both a safety measure, and a sign that showed that they intended to keep the peace. There was even rumors circulating about Plegia annexing their country into the Ylissean haildom, but that would be a long and difficult process spanning over many years. The rumors were true of course, but for now Robin and Chrom chose to let them stay as rumors.

"Look! It's up ahead." Morgan pointed to her left as she noticed a small archway with multicolored balloons and sword displays. However, it also look abandoned. There was no one in sight and the darkening sky was quickly eclipsing over the display.

"Are you sure this is the place?" The princess asked with doubt.

"It's gotta be." Morgan said determined while continuing to drag her parents arms so they would follow.

On the other side of the entrance they noticed a large brown table with stacks of paperwork and a decorative sign written in many different languages. It detailed all the possible events to join from sword-fighting, jousting, mace battles, arena combat, and archery competitions. There was a sport for each weapon and class, including a lumber-jacking event. Unfortunately, there was nothing suitable for the Grand Master that directly involved strategy.

Next to the table was a lady in her mid-thirties sweeping the ground with an old-fashioned broom. She had long brown hair that dropped to her shoulders and sang merrily as she cleaned up the place. Her cheerful and carefree face starkly contrasted the stoic and detail oriented clerk you might find at a register desk.

"Excuse me Miss, but are we too late to sign up?" Morgan asked letting go of her grasp on her parents.

The cleaning lady seemed startled to see three new people in front of her and looked down at the young girl to say, "There is still some time left."

"Phew, that's a relief." Morgan hunched over and rested a hand on the desk. "I was getting worried, because there was no one else around."

"Most competitors already registered a couple of days ago, and those that don't usually wait until tomorrow's deadline to psyche their competitors out. It's a little silly, but a lot of fighters do it."

"Tomorrow?" Robin said confused. "I thought sign ups ended today."

She frowned and said, "You didn't hear? A major hurricane blew across the coast and detoured many ships entry to the country. So we had to extend the deadline for them."

"I see, did anyone get hurt?"

"Thankfully, I haven't heard about any injuries. Just a few ruffled and wet shoreman. Although, I did hear one fighter got caught up in the storm who came from Valm." The lady frowned and placed the broom on the wall while taking a seat to grab the quill on the desk. "So may I ask who will be participating, and in what event?"

The blue-haired swordwoman stepped forward and said clearly, "My name is Lucina, and I would like to participate in the sword-fighting competition. Robin here, will serve as my coach."

The lady immediately recognized the two names and looked up in surprise to see her suspicions were true. "Oh! Princess Lucina and Sir Robin, please excuse me for not recognizing you." She quickly apologized in a panic. "It appears my eyes are failing me sooner than I thought."

"You know of us?" She asked surprised.

"Everyone knows of the Exalted family ever since Emmeryn ..." She trailed off and began writing Lucina's name on the roster. "And few forgot the news where they heard that Chrom's chief advisor married his long-lost sister."

"Sister..." Lucina looked down and knew that would take some time to get used to. Still, it sounded better than telling people that she was his daughter from the future.

"And who is the young one?" She peaked across the desk to see the third member of their party more clearly.

The sixteen-year-old girl scowled and said, "I'm their daughter, and I am not that young."

The clerk gave a strange stare back at the two older adults, but Robin calmly eased the situation by saying, "Adopted."

"Really? It's uncanny how much she resembles you two."

"Isn't it?" Lucina laughed nervously, "One day she just stumbled into our life and ever since it seems like she is looking more and more like us."

"Well she's very beautiful."

Morgan gave a wide grin and ran her fingers through her bangs before saying, "Thank you."

The clerk stamped two pieces of paper with the Plegian seal and gave them to their respective owners. "Here are your passes to enter the tournament, and to your rooms where you will be staying for the night. Although, I have a feeling you will be sharing a room so you can give the second one to your daughter."

"Thank you, that solves a problem finding a place to sleep." Lucina sighed relieved while glancing back at her ticket.

"Yeah, all the inns and taverns are booked solid. So we can't have our fighters sleeping on the ground. Last thing we need is for them to wake up tired and sore the day of the competition." Her eyes rose with a new thought crossing her mind. "Oh! And will you be attending the banquet tonight?

"Banquet?"

"Ever year we host a lavish dinner for the competitors, and it is just about to start. On behalf of everyone, we would be honored to have members of Ylisse's royal family celebrate the opening with us.

Lucina shook her head and said, "I doubt that we are properly dressed for something like that, and I'm afraid we didn't pack any spare clothes for something like this."

"Tehe, don't worry about it. We are talking about fighters who dedicated their loves to this trade, not dainty statesmen. I'm sure you will fit right in."

She turned to her husband and said, "What do you think?"

He raised his shoulders and said, "It's okay with me. That is, if you are not too tired or want to save energy for tomorrow."

"Okay." She replied cheerfully. "Where might we find it?"

"It's about four blocks down to your right near the center of town. The building has some spiraling pillars around it and two guards in green clothing. You can't miss it."

"Very well, thank you so much for your help."

"Don't mention it. Just be sure to enjoy yourselves out there!"


...

Much to Morgan's disappointment, she was denied entry to the banquet because it was for athletes and trainers only. So she had to wait at the inn they were staying at while Lucina and Robin entered the grand hall. Inside housed a giant room able to hold over three-hundred people with the ceiling over twenty-feet tall. It's size was only further highlighted by the massive oak archways used to support the top of the building. Not to mention, at the ends of the gold-plated walls held enough room to feed a small country while the back served as a place to sit, eat, or just discuss swordplay with a neighbor.

Nonetheless, the tactician was a little nervous as he entered. Despite what the lady had said, many men and women were wearing fancy attire. From colorful suits to expensive dresses, it seemed that this party was more formal than they had been told. Perhaps the most terrifying sight to him was the center of the room which was used as one massive ballroom for dancing while the musicians played from the side.

"Wow, this place is incredible." Lucina marveled as the inside looked far different from the desert outside. No doubt, this was one of the many luxurious buildings that was constructed during Plegia's golden age of trade.

"Yeah, it's impressive ..." Robin replied absentminded while he scanned the area around him. He noticed three people near his right and one looked like Virion with blonde hair. He could recognize that white bib anywhere, and it didn't fit with his matching set of baby blue suit and pants. Next to him was someone equally dressed, but with a lime green suit and black pants. Finally, there was a woman chatting with the two guys, and the tactician guessed she was an archer based on the cuts on her left fore-arm. She was wearing a vibrant pink dress along with jewelry from her ears all the way down to her wrists.

Lucina also noticed this and said, "It seems we are a little under dressed for the occasion."

"Well, I am." He said looking down at his blue tacticians cloak and noticed it had dirt and sand splattered near his shoes and knees. He tried to wipe away some of the sand near his legs just to look more presentable, but he feared he would stick out like a sore thumb. "However, you have nothing to worry about. You're in royal attire and the cape helps too. Plus, if you were dressed up anymore than I would have to spent the entire night swatting guys away from you."

She smiled back and reached over to hold his hand. "I wouldn't allow that to happen. Although, I am more worried about someone taking away my handsome husband."

"Heh." He shook off the compliment and said, "So what would you like to do first? Eat, maybe talk to some people, or scope out your competition?"

"Actually." Her eyes drifted towards the people elegantly swaying their bodies next to their partners. "I was hoping we could dance if you are feeling up to it."

Robin shuddered and said, "Yeah … about that." He inhaled with some regret for skipping these kind of events when he had the chance. "I don't know how."

"Hmm? You never learned to dance?" She asked surprised.

"Not really." He shrugged. "I've tried to dance with Sumia and Lissa a few times, but I was so worried about stepping on their feet that I accidentally stepped on mine."

Lucina smiled picturing her husband desperately try to stay balanced next to her aunt who was always a little on the short side. "Then I will teach you." She replied cheerfully and guided him to the polished floor.

"I'm not sure that is such a good idea." Robin said hesitantly.

"Relax, it will be fine. My mother taught me well when I was little. Just think of it like a mission. We need to get from point A to point B. Only, we have to weave through people while we get there."

"... I suppose that could work."

Lucina gave another radiant smile to quell any of his doubts and spaced herself out between her husband while saying, "Now, hold my left hand with yours, and place your right across my back.

"Okay." Robin took his left hand and crossed his fingers with hers so they interlocked with each other. Just the warmth of her hand always made him smile, and she was always so distracting for him to look at. However, he snapped himself out of it and reached behind her to place his hand on the arch of her back like he had been instructed.

"Eep!" Lucina's eyes widened and she jumped in surprise. She was not expecting him to put his hand there. "That's not my back, dear."

His cheeks turned red realizing his hand wandered further south than he intended and was cupping one of her curves. "Sorry, I swear that was an accident."

"... So, why are you still holding it?" She asked with a slightly flushed face.

Robin noticed that his hand would not obey his command and said a little ashamed, "Because now that my hand is there, it doesn't want to move.

Instead of getting mad like he predicted, her expression changed to a playful smile as she placed her free hand on his right side and hummed, "What am I going to do with you?"

"Yell in anger saying I'm a terrible person, and a degenerate of a husband?" The tactician joked as he greedily held her.

She shook her head and look at the people around them who had not taken notice, "You're lucky I'm wearing a cape."

"I prefer the word blessed." He smiled back content.

Lucina brushed her hip up against him and her grin widened. "I'm the one that is blessed, but if you keep holding me there then I won't be able to focus."

"That's fine with me."

It was her turn to laugh as she said, "Come on love, I would like to dance with you."

"... Alright." Begrudgingly, he relinquished his hand from its resting place and moved it up towards her back. He then pressed down on it and brought her closer to him. "So, what should I do?"

"Act like we are in the midst of battle, and I need you to lead me over to the other side of this room, but slowly."

"That doesn't sound too hard." He whispered as he focused on moving his feet. He then shifted some of his weight and walked towards his left with his hands guiding his wife.

However, it did prove to be a difficult challenge. As he side-stepped it looked like he was stopping and starting with each move. Whereas Lucina gracefully followed in one fluid motion. Her smile never leaving her lips as she looked back at her partner.

"Slow down a little. You're rushing too much." She instructed since her husband looked like he was stepping on hot coals. "And make sure to relax a little more. You seem tense."

"Sorry, this is going to take sometime to get used to." He said as he stepped on his foot. He was tripping over himself again and he was finally starting to understand how Sumia felt half of the time.

"You can hold me a little tighter too, I'm not fragile."

"Right, I know that better than anyone." He nodded and pressed tighter so they were less than a foot apart from each other. "How is that?"

"Perfect." She glowed in bliss. "Just, promise to never let go, okay?"

Robin laughed and said, "You know I would never do that."

"I know, I just like hearing it." She chimed in with a cheerful tone.

Some time passed as Lucina helped guide him through the steps and correct his footing. She thoroughly enjoyed it as they made their way across the room. After some baby steps, they picked up the pace to match with the people around them, and no one could say they were enjoying each others company more than them.

"Mmm" Lucina hummed merrily while they weaved through traffic.

"Did I do something funny again?" Robin asked noticing the laughter echoing out of her.

"Hehe no, I was just thinking about how bizarre this all seems." She exhaled as her mind couldn't comprehend it all.

"I know my dancing is bad, but is it that bizarre?" He asked worried.

"No dear, your dancing is getting much better." She smiled back fondly, "But, here I am without a care in the world. I have no mission, or duty to save the world from a horrible fate. I don't even need to worry about what tomorrow might bring. Instead, I am spending today with the most dashing and charming person in my arms. I find it so difficult to believe to be true, but I can't stop smiling either. It's all so wonderful, and strange. I spent my entire life trying to get to this moment, but now I don't know what to make of it."

"We've come a long way. That is for sure."

"Yeah." She nodded and said, "Gods, I remember being so rigid and stiff. I thought I was going to snap just like my mask back then."

"You were pretty tough to talk to." He laughed and said, "But I wasn't much better. Believe it or not, but I was very nervous talking to others when I first arrived."

"You must have adjusted very quickly." Lucina remarked back.

"Ha! Far from it." He shook his head and said, "I was constantly second guessing myself, and I felt like I was getting in the way at times. Well, I don't have to tell you what it feels like when it seems like you don't belong."

"It was a haunting feeling." She lowered her head and thought it over for a moment. "But I always heard that you were confident and quick to adjust to your new life. So it was a surprise when I heard differently when you told Morgan your thoughts."

"I've always been good at faking appearances." He nodded and stepped over a high heel that had come off a dancer's foot. It presented an obstacle for the tactician, but he managed to steer clear of it. "Like right now I am terrified of falling on my face."

"Hehe, don't worry love, I got you."

"That's what I keep reminding myself." He laughed and said, "But seriously, it took me a long time to get used to being a Shepherd. I guess you could say I felt a little disconnected from everyone else, and it took forever to stop thinking that I was an outsider."

"Which is why you were so quick to help me feel like I belonged." Lucina said as she remembered how strongly he tried to persuade her back then.

"I guess so." He nodded thinking that made sense. "Although, I think a part of me just wanted to see you."

"Me too." She said happily. "As awkward as I was."

Robin laughed and said, "It just added to your charm. You are so damn cute when you are embarrassed."

Lucina blushed, furthering his point and said, "I can't help it. It took a long time to understand why people made jokes, or did such strange things during their free time."

"And now you are pulling jokes on Morgan." He added noticing the major shift.

"I'll admit, it did feel really strange lying to her. It will still take some getting used to."

"Not to worry, it is going to take me time to get used to dancing."

"Speaking of which, how do you like it so far?" Lucina asked knowing she was enjoying it far more than the times she danced with her mother when she was younger. She felt a little guilty about it, but she was sure Sumia would understand.

"Let's see, I'm holding a lovely woman and having a great conversation with her. Not to mention she is incredibly beautiful. So I think we will have to do this more often.

She blushed again and said, "I'm glad you find the view to be so appealing. I assure you it is the same for me."

"Excuse me madame." The man in the baby blue attire that they saw earlier approached and bowed in front of Lucina. The two were so focused on each other, that they almost forgot where they were, and they certainly never saw him approach.

The princess quickly snapped back into reality and said, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir?"

"Sir Keith Issac the Third. Baron of Turken, and Duke of Claroy." He declared gallantly. "I'm also competing in the jousting tournament this year."

"Oh, that sounds very interesting." Lucina replied trying to be polite.

"Yes, I can assure you it will be a tough fight, but one I am confident on winning. However, before I endanger my life tomorrow, might I have a dance with a fair lady such as yourself?"

"Sorry buddy, but she is taken for the next few dances." Robin informed him respectfully. There was also a touch of pride in his tone as he said it.

He frowned but was not deterred, "That is for the lady to decide my good sir."

It was then Lucina's turn to respectfully decline and said, "I am very sorry Sir Issac, but I would like to continue dancing with my husband."

"Husband?" The man replied astonished and realized that she was indeed wearing a ring on her finger. "My that is a surprise. We don't see very many married couples at these tournaments."

"How come?" Lucina tilted her head curious.

"Well, there is little time for love when training in the art of war. The mind must remain sharp and emotions must be set aside to focus on the battle ahead."

She looked over to her husband and said, "Well then, I guess we were doing it wrong all this time."

"It appears so." He chuckled back.

The man raised his brow, not aware of their inside joke and said, "Anyways, forgive me for intruding. I should have known just by the way you two looked at each other, but I had to take the chance. Allow me to excuse myself, and I wish you a good day."

"You too." Robin nodded.


"He seemed nice." Lucina trailed off.

"Yeah, I was expecting someone different." Robin replied surprised. "Usually they are more persistent like your friend Inigo."

She sighed and said, "He can be quite a hassle, but he means well."

"Hmm, I suppose we will have to worry about more of his type showing up here."

Lucina thought it over and frowned. She didn't like rejecting people, but she didn't like the idea of leaving Robin when she much rather spend her time with him. She especially did not like the idea of Robin dancing with someone else. "They will be disappointed, because I don't intend on leaving you tonight."

He smiled in response and said, "Good, it has been a while since we last had a night to ourselves."

"Mhm, but do you think Morgan will disappointed that there is no story tonight?" She asked knowing that she intended to stay alone with him even after this banquet was over.

"Probably, and she will likely try to incite a riot. You know how picky she can be."

"That's true." The princess agreed wondering what she was up to. "She is so full of life that it hard to predict what she might do, but I'm so glad to see she has recovered. We owe her a lot for helping us."

Robin nodded and said, "We will need to find a way to repay her."

"Yes, we will, but not tonight." She tightened her hold on Robin and leaned closer so they brushed against each other. "Tonight, I just want to hold my husband and let the night slip away."

"You will get no complaints from me."

"Hehe." She giggled and stole a kiss from his cheek. "Thank you so much love. Knowing that there will be many days like this ahead is still something I can't fully understand yet, but I very much look forward to." She beamed finding it difficult to suppress how happy she was. It was nearly a month since they last had a chance to spend time alone with each other like this after all the chaos that happened. So for them this was a welcome and pleasant change that they intended to enjoy to the fullest.

"Indeed, and I'm sure we have even greater moments ahead of us. I mean, look how much we've changed since a few years ago."

"I know, remember how we used to be so shy and timid?" Lucina asked recalling the old days again. It seemed like just yesterday that she was afraid to approach him because her stomach would quickly turn queasy.

"And now we are parading around not caring who sees us."

"It's wonderful" Lucina murmured content with this moment. The thought that she would be dueling tomorrow didn't even cross her mind. Most of it was spent wondering what they would do after they stopped dancing.