Author's Note: Hello everyone, sorry for the delay on this chapter. I just really wanted to get some stuff done in the other story. I'm taking a break from that one for now, though, because the next few chapters are going to be mentally draining to write due to how demanding and meticulous I need to be while working on those chapters and I need the right mindset.
Also, sorry for this chapter being shorter than usual. It was hard to make the content for this chapter stretch out without outright venturing into a new plot point that would either extend this chapter to be too long or cut it off at a most inopportune place.
Never thought I'd think of a 6k-ish word chapter as a "short chapter"…
Chapter 27
The Valm before the Storm
As we travelled to Regna Ferox to meet with the ships and supplies Plegia had graced us with in our quest against Valm, I was informed of the situation that was going on. The continent of Valm, across the sea from Ferox, declare their intention to invade Ylisse and conquer it all for their own. Their leader, a conqueror in name and in deed, has united their entire continent under his rule and is planning to expand further into our lands.
I also noticed we have a wyvern rider named Cherche. What shocked me was learning that she was actually Virion's servant and that he was a duke of a land that had been conquered by the Valmese forces. Virion, unlike his usual verbose self, was quiet during our journey toward Port Ferox.
I guess even he has a serious side once in a while.
We made stop at a small town in Ferox, where Chrom told us it would be less than a day's journey to the port. As we checked into the inn, we all had a dinner at a local tavern together.
"You know, I wonder why did we march this entire way when we could have ridden the ships they were loaning us," Robin asked.
"Marching builds character," Frederick plainly replied.
"Truthfully, the thought never occurred to me," Chrom mused aloud.
"That's why you're not the strategist," Cordelia remarked with a laugh. Chrom turned a shade of red before going back to his food.
"No, Frederick is right. Marching builds character," I said firmly.
"Ya only sayin' that because ya get seasick," Vaike commented.
"Ol' Teach is about to get schooled by this professor if you keep that up," I snapped back at him.
"Oh, what're ya gonna show me? Five tips on how to not go overboard while leaning over the rail?" Vaike asked with a small smirk.
"No point in teachin' him anythin'. He only got two things on his mind. Fightin' and Maribelle," Sully said with a laugh. "She's workin' miracles, forcing Vaike to think about someone other than himself."
"I do say, that is hardly an appropriate thing to say about Vaike. He has a surprising depth of intelligence behind that simpleton façade you all perceive," Maribelle said.
"Yeah, what she said!" Vaike said.
"I think she insulted you…" Lissa remarked with a small laugh.
"Oh really? My darlin' Maribelle doesn't insult me! She's sweet and kind and—"
"Yeah, yeah, Vaike. Skip the sugar, I'm not in the mood for dessert," I commented.
"Is it that she doesn't insult you or you simply do not understand her comments? Maribelle is not one to hide the truth," Lissa asked.
"That's what makes her great! She's honest," Vaike said. "Ain't none of that fancy speak other nobles do. She tells you what she thinks."
"Huh… you two really do have a lot in common. I couldn't see it at first, but I can see it now," I remarked.
"There are many connections that people make that oftentimes cannot easily be perceived from the outside. Relationships can often blossom from the most unlikely and unseen of connections," Lucina commented.
"You speakin' from experience, girl?" Vaike asked. Lucina coughed slightly to herself before turning away.
"No, merely from perception," she replied. "I have perceived much with my friends, after all."
"Oh, Lucina…" Cordelia said warmly.
"Yes, mother?" she asked.
"Is one of your friends on your mind?"
"My friends are always on my mind, mother. I make it a habit to ensure I do not forget them."
"Say, Lucina…" Lissa randomly spoke up.
"Yes, Aunt Lissa?"
"Freaky… I don't know if I can get used to being called that."
"I apologize…"
"Anyway, out of curiosity, what are Owain and Morgan like from the future?" Lissa asked. I saw everyone at the table look at Lucina curiously.
"Morgan… was never born in my time. Not sure what diverged between this time and that, but Owain was your only child," Lucina replied.
"Huh, so the future is already beginning to change," Chrom remarked.
"Anyway, Owain is… well, he's quite colorful," Lucina remarked.
"Hmm… I'm not sure what that means," Lissa replied. "Oh! Wait! Does he have… uh…"
"Have what?"
"Nevermind," Lissa said after a pause.
"Are you sure?" Lucina asked carefully.
"Yep!" Lissa said, her smile returning to her face.
"How about Inigo?" Olivia blurted out.
"Inigo?" Lucina asked. "Well, he… has the best of intentions. I think…"
"Best of intentions?" Olivia asked.
"He actually reminds me of Leila here," Lucina commented.
"What? I remind you of a guy?" Leila asked in reply. Sophia laughed to herself.
"Must be that superhuman strength," Sophia remarked dreamily.
"Sophia, honey, you're a cutie, but those remarks are hardly forgivable," Leila said with a frown.
"Sorry, Leila," Sophia said meekly.
"Inigo is a great dancer, but he's really shy," Lucina said.
"I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Chrom commented.
"Oh, hardly. I just flail around and pretend to dance, mostly. My dancing looks like a ham that someone rolled down the stairs. Just thinking of people watching makes me cringe…" Olivia said.
"Yep, just like Inigo," Lucina replied. "At least you won't grab me by the face and try to force me to smile."
"What?" Olivia asked. Lucina chuckled slightly to herself.
"Just a small memory of what happened before. Even in the darkest of times, Inigo always tried to bring us cheer and hope," Lucina said.
"Okay, Sophia, I guess he does kind of sound like me…" Leila admitted.
"Bandits, bandits!" a person cried out as he burst into the tavern. Quickly we got up out of our chairs and ran out the tavern. We all had our weapons on us, prepared in case of an eventuality exactly like this one. We managed to reach the street to see two ruffians cornering a young lady. Before we could do anything, a blonde man stepped forward.
"Halt, fiends!" he cried out.
"Who the devil are you?" the first ruffian asked.
"One chosen by forces beyond mortal comprehension! See how my sword hand twitches! It hungers… for justice! Leave now if you value life and limb, for I cannot stay the hungry hand!" the man declared.
"Pfft, Sophia, didn't realize you had a kid come back in time as well," I said with a snort.
"Hush," Leila said sternly to me.
"This guy's got rocks in his head. All right then, boy. Guess you're the fir—"
The bandit stopped when, quick as a flash, the mysterious man dashed forward and slashed the ruffian down in one clean blow. He resumed his stance as he turned to the other ruffian.
"I tried to warn you, foul villains. The sword hand cannot be denied its justice! I shall be the light that purges the darkness from this village in a spectacular flurry of blows!"
"Wait, that stance…" Chrom commented. I could see Lucina holding her face in both of her hands in what looked like shame and embarrassment. Is… she turning red?
"Who ARE you?" the second ruffian asked.
"I am the wolf who howls for justice! I am the eagle who cries for love! I am a chosen warrior come from the future to bring hope to a dying world! I am… Owain! Now atone for your deeds in an eternal hellfire of perdition! RAADDIIAANNTT DAAAWWWN!" he cried out as he executed a quick series of slashes, felling the second ruffian. "Now is no time for games. Remember, rogues, justice always prevails!"
"… I am so lost right now. What is he even talking about? Nevermind… let's just kill the rest of these bandits and I'm sure everything will sort itself out," Chrom said.
"Wow, yeah, this guy's really weird," Lissa said aloud. I could hear Lucina audibly sigh behind us. Owain turned to her in surprise.
"Mom?!" Owain said loudly before running to her.
"Hu-what? Wait a second!" Lissa stuttered out.
"Blessed mother! I have crossed the vast oceans of time to find… to find… oh forget it. I'm your kid from the future! Look at this signet ring on my finger. It is a perfect match to yours! It is unique in all the world, and yet there are two. Proof positive my claims are true."
"Who did what now? Hold on. Slow down. Back up. Start again."
"Um, sorry about that… look, the important thing is… um…"
"Oh gods, you ARE Owain," Lissa said.
"Indeed I am. That is the name you gave me and I have never been prouder to bear it. For this is the name you have given me, Mother! I have come to part the dark clouds that hand forebodingly upon this era! I can understand if this confuses you…"
"I explained it already to them, Owain!" Lucina snapped.
"Oh, Lucy, you're here! My dear cousin!" Owain said. I snorted to myself.
"Lucy? Did he call you Lucy?" I asked, failing to choke back a laugh. Lucina gave me the most spiteful glare in return before turning her attention back to Owain.
"Never. Call me Lucy. Again," Lucina said through gritted teeth.
"You crafted your own style, but you definitely learned from House Ylisse. Many of your stances are based upon our form," Chrom commented.
"Lucy here is an excellent teacher," Owain boasted. "She has guided my sword hand, but alas, I have diverged from the sacred techniques to form my own chosen art!"
"Less talking, more fighting," Frederick said.
"Right. We can discuss this later. Shepherds… assemble!" Chrom called out. Still using that line, are you?
We set forth through the village and made short work of the bandits, as we usually did. As I went through the village, I helped eliminate a few more of the bandits. I managed to make my way to a plaza when I saw Lissa was on the ground with a bandit near her.
"Give me all your coin, girly! Unless you want to lose that pretty head," he said gruffly.
"No one hurts the mother of Owain! SAAACREED STOOOONEESS!" Owain cried out, appearing out of nowhere and unleased a devastating and fatal blow to the bandit.
"Th-thank you," Lissa said. I ran over to the both of them.
"Mother, are you all right?" Owain asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Oh, holy crow! Look at your arm!" Lissa said in surprise.
"This? This is nothing but a torn sleeve," Owain replied.
"No, I mean, look at that thing on your arm!"
"Oh, right! I guess I should have shown you before. It's my Brand that is carried by House Ylisse. No more need to worry," he said.
"Worry?" I asked.
"You don't know that her brand never surfaced?"
"No!" Lissa exclaimed with a blush. "I… never wanted to tell anyone."
"Lissa," I said reassuringly.
"Ravey," she said quietly.
"Heh, you still call me that," I said. "I guess that's always going to be my name… Frog."
"Well, I have it, mother. You told me that it always weighed on you. You should've seen yourself when it first appeared on me! You were sobbing and laughing for an hour without pause!" Owain said.
"I was kind of hoping to outgrow the crying thing," Lissa said quietly.
"Yes, well, no more crying! No more worrying! It was merely by chance your Brand never surfaced. We are all family, linked by blood. My brand proves our lineage! And as scions of the hero, it falls on us to ensure my dark future doesn't come true. Come, Mother! We shall fight together!" Owain said proudly. He suddenly grabbed his arm with his other hand. "Uh-oh… argh... too much... passion! Sword hand... getting hungry... again!"
"… you know, maybe you should get that looked at," Lissa replied in a concerned tone. We saw Chrom running toward us.
"The area is secure. Let us help these villagers out and then head back to the inn. We definitely need our rest tonight before arriving at the capital tomorrow," Chrom said.
"Understood," the three of us said.
"Dearest mother, gracious uncle, shall we make a quick stop? I would like to buy you both a dessert! It… warms my heart to be with my family again," Owain said. I looked at the three of them and nodded.
"I'll let Frederick know and let you two catch up," I said with a small smile. Lissa smiled at me while Owain stared at me for a few seconds.
"You… you're Raven, aren't you?" he asked. I sighed to myself.
"Yes, yes I am. Are you going to give me the Lucina and Severa treatment too?" I asked. He shrugged his shoulders.
"The deeds you have performed are of a different time and a different mind. It would be foolish to assign blame to which you did not commit," he said. Chrom gave us both a confused look.
"You seem reasonable about it. Lucina punched me in the face. Multiple times," I commented off-handedly. Chrom gave me a shocked expression.
"Did something happen with Raven's future self?" Chrom asked. Owain laughed slightly, but I could not the bitterly resentful tone in it.
"Lucy suffered far more than any of us both from the devastating evil that befell us… and in growing up… but I nary shall besmirch the name and image of an innocent man," Owain merely replied. He turned back to Chrom and Lissa. "Come, sweet maiden of maternal nature! Come, steadfast… uncle. We must meet with our destiny of delectable pastries!"
"Oh, well, seeya Ravey!" Lissa said with an enthusiastic smile.
"I will catch up with you all shortly," Chrom said.
"Seeya, Frog… Chrom," I replied with a half-hearted smile and wave. As I walked back to the inn by myself, I noticed Sophia ahead, walking rather slowly.
"Sophia! Hello, hello!" I said enthusiastically as I caught up with her.
"Hm, oh, Raven," she said in a slightly distant tone.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Yes, everything is fine. Why do you ask?"
"Your aura is clouded," I said. She smiled slightly at me in reply.
"Ah, I have chosen my company well. This Chosen One takes comfort that you have noticed and actively tried to restore my spirits while speaking to me in my own vernacular," she said.
"That's more like the Sophia I know. What's on your mind?" I asked. We spotted the inn ahead of us and she shrugged her shoulders. Yes, something was definitely on her mind.
"That Owain person is…" she said before trailing off.
"He is unique. Yet, he doesn't seem to have any ill intentions. You two have much in common. Had he not declared Lissa as his mother, I would have assumed he was your child," I said with a small laugh.
"Ah, yes, indeed, I can see how you would make that assumption. His aura is indeed formidably powerful, but it is also calming in how positive and genuine it is," she replied.
"Heh, does he strike your fancy?" I said in a joking tone. She gave me a horrified look in response.
"Absolutely not!" she emphatically replied. I jumped slightly in surprise. That uncharacteristic reaction startled me!
"Okay, okay, sorry I asked," I said apologetically. She shook her head and gave me a small smile.
"I apologize for my reaction. You do not know the secrets of the Chosen Ones, so it is only fair you would make such a potential assumption," she said with a small smile. "Still, thank you for not only knowing me well enough to perceive my fluctuation of my aura, but also to delegate your time toward trying to look out for me."
"It's the least I could do, Sophia. You're one of us and you're really not that bad of a person. To be honest, I enjoy spending time with you. Every conversation is refreshing and an adventure. I can appreciate your honesty," I replied with a smile. She paused for a second as she stared at me, much to my confusion.
"Would you happen to be hungry? Such a battle can build an appetite, after all," she said quietly.
"Hm, now that you mention it, I am a bit. Why?" I asked.
"Would you care for some dinner at the tavern next to the inn? It would be my pleasure to treat you as thanks for your concern," she said.
"I really don't need payment. I'm just looking out for a friend," I replied.
"Still, I must insist we have dinner," she said again.
"Well, you don't have to insist too hard if food is involved," I replied with a small laugh. She laughed as well.
"I seem to have slowly become accustomed to your habits again," she said. I nodded to her as we headed toward the tavern. We walked in through the door and promptly were seated at an empty table inside.
"Thank you for treating me to this meal, Sophia," I said with a smile.
"One condition," she said to me.
"What is that?" I asked.
"Dinner is on me, but if you want any beverages, that will be on you," she said.
"Fine by me. I couldn't possibly ask you to do that, even if I wanted drinks. Trust me when I say, after my last time drinking a couple years ago, I have no real inclination to try again," I said.
"Was that the time that you woke up wearing Elise's armor?" Sophia asked.
"Oh, yeah… I was really hoping that would be forgotten," I replied.
"Hardly, Raven. That incident is still reminisced upon every once in a while," Sophia said. The waitress came up to us and took our orders. We were soon wrapped in our conversation as our soups came out.
"Raven?"
I looked up from my soup to the voice to see Lucina standing there in front of us.
"Oh, Lucina, how quaint of you to come here. Are you hungry as well after that battle?" Sophia asked.
"I… was, but for some reason, I'm not as hungry anymore," she replied with a frown.
"Really? The food is good. You're missing out!" I said with a smile.
"I didn't expect to find you here having dinner with Sophia," she said to me.
"Sophia asked me if I was hungry and said she would treat me," I replied. "How could I possibly say no?"
"Well, it is a one-syllable response," Lucina commented. Was that sarcasm? Was she being sarcastic with me? Her eyes suddenly widened, as if realizing what she just said.
"The word 'yes' is also a one-syllable response, so it is equally difficult… or easy, depending on how you perceive it," Sophia replied with a dreamy, unfocused expression on her face. She seemed completely oblivious to the tone Lucina had just used.
"Er, that's not what I meant," I said.
"Still…" Lucina said before pausing. Something was bothering her as well.
"Lucina, is everything okay?" I asked.
"Everything is fine, Raven," she replied. That was a lie. I mustered up as big and as cheerful of a smile as I could and waved to an empty seat.
"Come, have a seat and join us!"
"Yes, Lucina, join our table and celebrate our victory in battle together."
"I am afraid my appetite seems to have disappeared. I would not… wish to interrupt the dinner that you two seem to have agreed to share together. You two seem to be enjoying each other's company and I would not wish to intrude. If you will excuse me…" she said. With a small bow, she turned around and left the tavern. Sophia and I exchanged confused expressions.
"The confusion etched upon your countenance consoles my soul's query."
"How so?"
"I feared I was alone in not understanding the source of her distress."
"Hm, no, I don't quite understand what was bothering her either," I replied with a shrug.
We both finished our meals and headed back to the inn where we were staying. I got to my room, which I apparently shared with Gaius. I saw him already in the bed, staring at the ceiling and relaxing.
"… Gaius?" I asked carefully.
"Yeah, Shady?"
"You seem deep in thought. Is something bothering you as well?" I asked.
"As well?" he asked back.
"Seems there is something on Sophia's mind and Lucina's mind," I replied.
"Funny you should mention those two…" Gaius commented.
"Why?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just a bit of intuition, after all."
"What is your intuition saying about those two?"
"It seems Blueberry has something on her mind."
"She always has something on her mind. That's how the brain works, Gaius."
"Shady, sometimes I wonder if you do that to me on purpose. No, I mean, something is weighing down her thoughts right now."
"She came from a bleak, desolate future where humanity is nearly exterminated while a creature of death and destruction runs rampant. I would be surprised if she didn't constantly have something dark and depressing on her mind. That poor girl… she doesn't deserve living a life like that," I said.
"No, that's not it, Shady."
"What do you mean?"
"This is different. She may be thinking of that, but she's gotten used to it… as disturbing as that is to admit. What is wild and crazy to us is the norm for her. She's accepted her life in the future. What is bothering her now seems to be a more recent development."
"I wonder what it could be," I mused aloud. Gaius shrugged his shoulders.
"The mind of a female is a curious enigma," he said.
"Wow, look at you. Gaius the philosopher. Sumia must be impressed," I replied with a smirk. He laughed a little.
"Perhaps," he replied. He pulled a piece of candy out from his pocket and popped it in his mouth.
"Well, it's time for me to turn in for the night. Good night, Gaius," I said.
"Goodnight, Shady," he replied. "I suppose I should get to sleep shortly as well."
"Indeed. We arrive tomorrow. Who knows what will await us when we board those ships?"
"You hanging over the edge is what awaits us," Gaius replied.
"Shut up."
We both laughed slightly as I drifted off to sleep. The darkness felt so warm and embracing, but all of a sudden, I felt this odd sensation in my consciousness…
"Once we emerge victorious, we can revert this curse," I heard my voice declare.
"Curse?" a female voice asked
I tried to see what was in front of me but my vision was blurry. It appeared to be a girl standing in front of me with light hair. It looked like she was wearing a purple outfit, although it could have been red. The blurriness was disorienting.
"What happened to everyone! Surely you know what that deity did to everyone!"
"That was no curse. That was merely the will of a deity, incomprehensible to mere mortals. There is no reversion from that."
"What? You're saying…"
"There is no return for them. When a deity wills something, nothing can revert it so long as their influence still exists. They are forever lost to us."
I turned away from the mysterious deity in front of me and fell to my knees. I felt myself punch the ground in frustration. Was this a past memory, or was this the future? Was this Naga?
"Then what are we fighting for? I thought this was to save their lives and bring them back!"
"No. They are lost forever. You mortals are fighting for self-preservation. You are fighting for your right to not meet the same fate."
"There are hardly any survivors! Almost all of life has been wiped out in one action!"
"Therein lies the revelation of the futility your uphill struggle. You mortals cannot hope to defeat an almighty being. Your struggles are pointless. Your fates have been sealed the moment you foolishly broke the seal."
"Then why help us?"
"I am curious to see how far the will of mortals will take them and the effect of the strength of that will. Perhaps I might be pleasantly surprised by the results and you succeed in overcoming a deity. To that extent, I wish to assist you on your venture."
"You would help us?"
"You all have my curiosity. The way you struggle against an almost unavoidable fate is commendable. I revel in chaos; I delight in the unexpected. I would like nothing more than to see what is natural and orderly to be toppled. What could be more unexpectedly chaotic than a group of mortals banding together to topple a deity? Although I believe it to be impossible, I am not perfect in my actions or my perception."
"What do we do?" I asked.
"Take my hand. I will realize your full potential," she replied. I took her hand and immediately felt a surge come through me. It was both fulfilling and painful at the same time.
I woke up in a cold sweat and looked out the window to see the sky had started gaining a few different colors. Sunrise must be coming soon, then…
I got out of bed and headed downstairs of the inn. There were very few people hanging around the lobby and I knew where I was going. Seeing nobody from the Shepherds, I decided to head to breakfast at the tavern next door. Oddly enough, the place was also a breakfast place. I suppose the proper term would be something other than a tavern, but I seem to not have the proper word for it.
I managed to snag a table for breakfast and promptly waited for my server. As I looked around and saw patrons of the inn slowly meander in for their own breakfasts, I noticed a few of the Shepherds wander in. I saw Vaike and Maribelle come in together, the first of the Shepherds to arrive after me. I saw Donnel and Miriel come in shortly after and the four of them began chatting animatedly with each other at their own table. I think they were oblivious to the fact I was sitting by myself at my own table in the corner.
Sully came in shortly after with Frederick. Were all the couples coming in here together for breakfast? I saw Chrom and Cordelia walk in together with Robin and Lissa as they went to another empty table. Virion walked in with Nowi and Ricken walked in with Olivia. Did… everyone find comfort with each other within the Shepherds? Did I really miss that much in my two-year absence?
I saw Tharja walk in alone and my mind thought for a second. Tharja… I knew little of her prior to my untimely disappearance. Did she happen to find someone as well? I saw her settle by herself at another empty table in a separate corner of the room. She gave me a look with an unreadable expression on her face before she turned her attention to the rest of the Shepherds in the establishment. I saw Ricken waving to her, trying to motion her to his table before she gave him a patronizing glare and pulling out a book to read.
I'd ask her if she wanted company, but she definitely seemed the solitary type. Before I could decide whether to go and talk to her, I saw Henry walk in, wave to her and put himself beside her. The clearly frustrated expression on her face was completely ignored by the weirdly quirky dark mage who sat next to her. Huh, I guess even Tharja has company… as unwilling as she wanted it.
I sighed to myself and leaned back in my chair while waiting for my server. We all piled in at once and I could see the wait staff was doing their best to accommodate such an unexpectedly large amount of customers. Even from my own secluded, slightly hidden place in the corner, I could see the kitchen workers running around in a frenzy, probably prepping food for upcoming orders.
"You look almost pathetic sitting here by yourself."
I looked to my right to see Leila standing next to my table. Before I could say anything in response, she pulled put the chair and sat down next to me at the table.
"How you choose to perceive me is rather far from the truth," I replied.
"Yes, you always were a bit of a lone person. So, are you sitting here because you want to simply observe your friends or because you are afraid of validating that feeling of being left out?"
"… sometimes I wonder if you know more about me than you are letting on."
"Raven, you were gone for two years. Seeing everyone after all this time and seeing that gradual change they went through all at once is much to take in."
"Leila, I…"
"Don't you take that tone of voice with me. I'm just looking out for you. Don't read into it," she said with a frown. I laughed a little.
"I wasn't reading into it. I know where your interests lie," I said with a small smile.
"Oh, do you now?" she asked with a smirk and a wink. "Do you think you know me well enough?"
"Oh, yes I do. I have a good idea who you'd like a cup of tea with."
"Then why don't you prove it."
"Tch, make me."
"I don't have to. It's on you to show me," she said.
"How about a certain blue-haired and blue-clad princess?" I asked with a smirk. Leila's eyes went wide in surprise as she turned slightly red. Did I guess right?
"What about me?"
I jumped as I heard Lucina's voice behind me.
"O-oh, Lucina, hey," I said with an awkward smile.
"Hello, Raven. Any particular reason I am a topic of discussion on this fine morning?" she asked.
"Oh, would you look at that, I forgot I already ate breakfast this morning. I think I'm going to do some training while waiting for you. Bye!" Leila said quickly before hurriedly leaving. Leila! Where are you going! Don't leave me like this!
"L-Lucina, morning!" I said nervously. She sat down at the chair across from me at the table, leaned forward slightly, and started staring at me.
"Raven, you already greeted me once. There is no need to do it again."
"Oh, did I? Must have… slipped my mind."
"It was less than a minute ago. Any particular reason why I became a topic of what seemed to be a rather engaging conversation?"
"Well, uh, you see… I was… um…"
"Do you have an issue with me, Raven?" Lucina asked. I stared at her for a second, confused by the question.
"Wait, what? No, I don't. Leila and I were just talking about the females here and I was trying to guess who she thought was the cutest," I explained.
"You… think I am?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"No! I just was trying to guess her tastes! I don't think you are at all!" I replied hurriedly. She frowned at me in response.
"No? You don't think I am?" she asked.
"Wait, no, I didn't mean it like that. I mean… I… you know what, I'm going to stop before I dig this hole any deeper," I said with a sigh. There was a slightly uncomfortable silence between us as the server made her way over.
"I apologize for the delay! Is there something I can get for you?" she asked.
"Yes, a water and your breakfast special," I said.
"… I think I'll take an ale and the second breakfast special," Lucina merely said.
"Drinking this early?" I asked.
"I recently achieved a motivation to do so," she replied stiffly.
"Look, Lucina, I'm… sorry. Those are some pretty terrible word choices I made."
"No need to apologize. I think I have a better understanding how you view me."
"Lucina, I—"
"Oh, I almost didn't see you two sitting here. Enjoying breakfast together?" Chrom asked as he approached our table with Cordelia.
"I amend your statement to say we are merely eating breakfast together," Lucina replied with a frown. Chrom gave a rather confused expression.
"Is that not what I just said?" Chrom asked. Lucina shook her head.
"Sorry, father. Yes, that is what you said."
"There seems to be much on your mind," he said. "You know, if you need someone to talk to about it, I can always lend an ear."
"That would be much appreciated," she replied. "Perhaps after breakfast, I will take you up on that offer."
"Allow me to help as well!" Cordelia said with a smile.
"Oh… mother… I could not possibly trouble you with such trivial stuff," Lucina said.
"Yet, you would trouble me with it? I see you have a favorite parent," Chrom said in a joking tone. Lucina turned red and opened her mouth to respond, but closed it again. I saw the server quickly move around the establishment, bringing everyone their plates of food with an elegant haste.
"I…" Lucina began, but Chrom laughed.
"Relax, Lucina, I was making a joke. Still, if you want to talk, I am open to listen to my daughter and her troubles," he said. Your daughter? You have two, Chrom. Speaking of Severa… where is she? Why has she not rejoined the Shepherds yet?
"Thank you, father," she replied. I saw the waitress approach our table and brought our drinks.
"A water for you and… an ale for you," the waitress said as she handed us our drinks.
"An ale this early?" Chrom asked.
"Not a normal habit of mine," Lucina replied.
"I would hope it isn't," Cordelia commented.
"I just… had a less than ideal morning and needed something to help calm the nerves and mind," Lucina explained. The two of them exchanged a glance, but nodded in acknowledgement.
"We respect and support your choice," Chrom said.
"Hey, Chrom! Food's here!" we heard Lissa call out.
"Oh, right, we should head back," he said.
"Enjoy your meal," I said.
"You two as well," Cordelia replied.
"Raven…" Lucina said, but paused.
"Look, I'm sorry about what I said. It's not what I intended to say," I said. She sighed to herself and took a big drink from that tankard of ale. Did… she just drain half of it in one go?
"You're fine," she replied, wiping her mouth. "I suppose I did hastily jump to conclusions there. I seem to have jumped to conclusions in regards to other things as well."
"Really? Such as what?" I asked.
"Hm, that's personal," she said.
"You were never one to hide something from me before, outside of your name," I said.
"Times change," she merely replied. I looked at her and sighed to myself.
"I guess they do…"
"Wait, Raven, it's not what you're thinking. I do trust you, I just think that talking to father about such an issue would be more beneficial," she said.
"Chrom?" I asked. What kind of topic could she be dealing with that Chrom would know more than I do? I'm curious now.
"Yes, father," she replied.
"… is this a legitimate reason or are you just looking for any opportunity you can to spend time with him. Not that there's anything wrong with that," I said.
"That is an added bonus, I must admit, but he probably is the best person here to ask advice on this particular topic," Lucina replied. I nodded in reply. I saw our server come to our table with our two plates of food.
"Enjoy!" she said before rushing off to tend to her next order. There was utter silence between us as we ate, but the awkwardness seems to have been lifted, much to my thankfulness. We finished our breakfasts and headed back to the inn to pack and prepare for our departure. I got to my room to see Gaius had already finished packing and left already. I wonder where he went.
I finished packing my stuff and departed to our meeting location. As we got there, I saw a few villagers come out and thank us for saving them from the bandits. We accepted their thanks as we prepared for our departure. I could see Leila getting swamped by some of the females of the village and I, in classic fashion, had to grab her and pull her away before she passed out.
"Really, Raven, what would I do without you?" Leila asked as I pulled her back toward the rest of the group.
"Probably consistently pass out in the middle of your adoring, admiring followers until you gained the infamous reputation of 'The Fainter' or something like that."
"I would be more upset with you for saying that if it wasn't true."
"I have no interest in sugar-coating the truth or telling lies."
"That's what made you so successful with the Flying Bandits."
"That's what is going to make us successful in this upcoming war," I amended.
"Yes, that's right."
"Shepherds!" Frederick announced. "We are departing soon. Make sure everything is ready and packed away!"
"Yes, sir!" we all responded. I saw Lucina standing by Chrom, talking to him as they were packing up some of their supplies into the convoy. Cordelia had her head peeked out of the convoy, as usual, and was checking in inventory while listening to their conversation and talking. I could have sworn Chrom took a glance in my direction, but it must have been my imagination because he never did it again.
We soon were packed and ready to head to Port Ferox outside of the capital. It was time to get ready to take our stand against Valm. Whatever came next was anyone's guess, but one thing was for certain. This was going to be a hard fought war.