Author's Note: I think my writing muse is back. Oh, happy day. Although, re-reading the last chapter, I'm not exactly happy with how it turned out. I think I do better when I don't stick as faithfully to the game script. It worked at first, but now that these characters have become more organically mine in terms of quirks, I find some lines from the game script don't exactly gel well with the way I present them. Also, in using other people's lines that I didn't write myself, I found it very hard to do blocking and allowing the conversation to flow naturally with actions as well as words. I think from here on out, I'll be using the script less as a way to do certain scenes and more as just… mere guidelines and outlines on how I myself should write the scene.
For some reason, I never realized just how much these characters have grown on me, to be honest. Unlike the other story, where some characters fell by the wayside because I just never really got into them, most of the cast in this game have grown on me. Granted, I might change my tune with the child characters since I almost never used them (and I never used Gregor or Libra), but most of the cast introduced so far have been an absolute blast to write.
Also, this chapter originally started at "We arrived at Port Ferox", but I had the idea of doing something else before that. Oddly enough, that took the 3k-ish words after that and doubled the length of the chapter. I'm glad I added everything I did before that, because I think this properly paces what I wanted to do (in terms of which events start and end a chapter) and signifies that this will be the turning point before the war with Valm.
No, I haven't played a certain game and you can press X to doubt all you want.
This chapter was almost 9,900 words and I really wanted to push it to 10k, but I didn't want to add unnecessary content, so... I guess I'll be content with being just a little bit short.
Chapter 28
R. F. Noire
It had been two hours since we departed for Port Ferox. The sun was bright in the sky, but the breezes from the cooler northern climate made the sun pleasantly warm rather than intolerably hot. We were marching at a steady pace, anticipating our arrival in the port by mid-afternoon.
"Nothing feels better than a nice breeze whipping around your skin after you've worked up a small sweat," Chrom said with a smile.
"Indeed," Robin replied. "We are fortunate Naga blesses us with favorable weather today."
"Say, Raven, how are you faring?" Chrom asked.
"What do you mean? In general, or anything in particular?" I asked in reply.
"Well, I know you've been trying to get used to being a Shepherd again amidst our preparations for an upcoming war. I wanted to make sure you were doing well with that," Chrom replied.
"Oh, well, everything is fine. It's like riding a Pegasus. You never really forget how to do so," I said with a smile.
"Unless you're clinging to the poor creature's neck in midair," Robin commented aloud. Chrom coughed awkwardly.
"I happen to enjoy not being in situations where my life is dependent on my grip," Chrom remarked. "Perhaps you would like to take a Pegasus ride with a similar seating arrangement to understand my point of view?"
"As much as I appreciate the kind offer, Chrom, I am afraid I must decline," Robin replied. The three of us laughed a little at the moment. We paused as we saw Frederick hold his hand up, signaling the convoy to stop its forward progress.
"Frederick, what is it?" Chrom asked, all of us quickly turning serious.
"I have spotted someone running toward us. It was a single, solitary figure. Most likely would pose no threat to us as a collective whole should he have ill-intention, but I advise caution all the same," he replied.
We watched as the figure approached closer before stopping in front of Frederick. He bent over, clutching his knees and trying to catch his breath. Frederick stiffened slightly, his lance still in his hand.
"Speak. Who are you and what is your business?" Frederick asked in a firm tone.
"I am… a local… villager. I… came running… toward your group… to warn you," he said.
"Warn us about what?" Frederick asked. The villager stood up as he seemed to mostly recover his breath.
"Bandits up ahead. They are preparing to attack our village looking for captives to sell as slaves," he explained quickly.
"Frederick…" Chrom said.
"Milord, we are in the territory of another nation," Frederick said.
"We can show these bandits how Ylisse approaches matters with a little Feroxi diplomacy. I believe Khan Flavia would not mind," Chrom said with resolution. Frederick sighed to himself as he put his hand to his head.
"Feroxi… diplomacy?" Lucina asked.
"Don't ask…" I said to her. She gave me a confused look before nodding.
"Very well. Lead the way to your village," Frederick said. Chrom looked back and explained the situation to those behind us, which allowed the message to spread across the entire convoy.
We traveled along a slight incline in the path, finding our pace slightly slowed by the gradual, but somewhat tiring slope we were travelling on. We moved along the path when we saw what appeared to be a group of bandits surrounding one man.
"Their encampment is just up ahead," the villager said.
"Wait, what's that?" Chrom said as he noticed the bandits surrounding the swordsman in front of us.
"Gods, that man is fighting them alone!" Frederick said in an incredulous tone.
"Come, let us lend him a hand!" Robin said. We all rushed forward as fast as we could. The bandits saw us approaching and let out a yell.
"Reinforcements! Stand yer ground and kill all 'cept the ones we can sell!" one person yelled. The bandits raised their axes in a vicious battlecry.
"Shepherds! Engage!" Chrom cried out. We ran forward and engaged the bandits. Although we were similar in number, again our skill far exceeded the bandits that stood before us. I saw Olivia wander near the mysterious swordsman, fighting as gracefully and elegantly with her sword as always.
"Are… are you all right?" I heard her ask.
"Gyaaargh!" the man cried out in surprise.
"Eeek! Wh-what's wrong!" Olivia cried out in equal surprise.
"S-Sorry! Sorry… you just surprised me," he said.
"I'd say we were about even on that count."
"I shouldn't have shouted. But, er, yes, can we start over?" he asked.
"Hey, if you two wouldn't mind…" I said in a kind of impatient tone.
"Oh, right, of course. How impertinent of me. I should have done this correctly the first time," he said.
"I…" I began. Not what I meant.
"Ahem, it was your ravishing beauty that caught me off guard, milady!"
"… I don't quite know how to reply to that," Olivia said, staring at him and blushing.
"Er, please don't look at me so… intently. It makes me terribly bashful. I'm sorry," he said, blushing as well before running off and engaging a bandit further away.
"What?! W-wait! Drat, he's gone. He totally stole my line, too. Still, it's weird… I don't have a problem talking to him. Maybe his shyness countered my own?"
"Olivia," I said.
"Eeeek!" she cried out. "You scared me!"
"What? How? I've been here the whole time," I replied with a frown. "Everything okay?"
"Y-yes. I just… it's weird to say, but I felt so comfortable around him."
"Hmm," I replied. Should this be a concern for Ricken?
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no! Don't misunderstand! It's nothing like how you are seeing it!"
"I said nothing," I replied simply.
"That look on your face implies you were thinking something potentially indecent," she said. We both approached a bandit and quickly took him out. I paused for a second and just stared. Her movements were so fluid and graceful in combat, much like her dancing. It seems almost like watching water take form and flow freely…
We soon finished off the bandits, but we saw an encampment in the distance. I could see a few people caged up in a cart with bars on it. Chrom motioned for us to move quickly before they realized we had taken out the group we had encountered.
"Slavers, milord. Such damnable scum…" Frederick mused aloud.
"We'll have to hurry if we hope to catch them and save their prisoners," Chrom said.
"My sword hand thirsts for justice and to serve the vengeance those captives desperately cry out for! Let no monger of destruction, pain, and suffering survive any longer!" Owain declared. Sophia gave him a peculiar glance before sighing to herself.
Are you upset because someone out-weirds you?
"Milord, please, do your best! Many of my friends are captives in that camp," the villager said.
"We could just stay right here out of danger and let me go to work on them. A curse to wither them away? A slow, agonizing death over a year? Oh, fie, let's make it two!" Tharja remarked. Where did you come from!
"Two years is hardly an appropriate timeframe," Lucina said in frustration.
"… I think their captives would likely appreciate a solution that is a bit more immediate. Shepherds! Saving the prisoners is our top priority! Now move out!" Chrom called out. We moved forward at a brisk pace toward the camp. We were almost there when one of them spotted us charging forward. We heard him yell something and the camp quickly became a chaotic disarray.
"Not fast enough!" Chrom cried out. We soon entered the camp before they even had time to prepare for our assault. As we ravaged through their forces, I was smiling to myself and taking pride in this heartfelt group of warriors who all banded together to take out some trashy scum. Slavers make me sick as well…
We finished off the last of the bandits and released the captives that were held imprisoned. I saw the villager that grabbed us hug one of the villagers that was imprisoned. Must have been a family member or a lover. The things we do for love are strange and vast, after all...
"Good job out there, Raven!"
I turned to see Cordelia walking over to me with a big smile on her face with Olivia close behind her.
"Oh, thanks. It was all a group effort, though. We all accomplished this success as a team!"
"A chain is only strong as its weakest link, though… and we have no weak links in our group," she replied firmly.
"Indeed, that is true," I replied with a smile.
"Sometimes I feel like I am, though…" Olivia commented. I opened my mouth to respond when I saw the mysterious swordsman who joined us walk up to Olivia.
"Um, Olivia, might I have a moment?" he asked.
"Wh-what? With me? Why? Wait, how did you know my name?"
"A little bird tweeted about it. So, is that a yes?"
"Um, all right, I guess," she replied, although I could see her slowly slide backward away from the man in front of her.
"Er, yes… you see… what I mean to say is… goodness, this is harder than chatting up other girls I've met. I suppose it would be quicker if I show you this," he said before pulling out a ring.
"What is that?" Cordelia asked.
"Looks like a ring," I replied. Cordelia frowned at me.
"I could have figured that out myself," Cordelia remarked.
"W-wait, that is m-my ring. How could you have it if I am wearing it?" Olivia asked.
"Indeed. How does the charming, dashing, and alluring Inigo have your ring when there is only one in the world?" he asked.
"Oh, so your name is Inigo. Glad you finally told us," I remarked.
"It would have helped if you started with that," Cordelia added. Inigo looked at us with a curious look.
"Did I not introduce myself earlier? Oh, my, how dreadfully slothful of me. I suppose I should have to make it up with a dinner to my lady of red fire here," Inigo said, with a smile on his face.
"Gods, what a philanderer," I remarked.
"Thanks, but I am afraid I must decline," Cordelia said.
"But…" Inigo began.
"I must insist. Forcefully, if need be," Cordelia stated firmly before tapping her lance a few times to make her point as clear as possible. Inigo sighed to himself.
"Anyway, dearest Olivia, this ring is my proof that I am your child from the future. I knew my mother was a dancer, although I had never met her in my time. I have been scouring the land, far and wide, low and high, to find my dearest mother. Not a job I minded taking, I must admit. The beautiful ladies that I have encountered who were smitten with me might one day write tales of the great paramour, Inigo the Inamorato. But… now I've finally found you, mother… and my dancing is all the better for it!" Inigo rambled.
"Uh, after seeing this and Owain, Lucina seems rather normal," I commented to myself, barely loud enough for Cordelia to hear.
"Of course she is. That's my daughter. Owain and Inigo could put on a comedy act at this rate," Cordelia replied, equally quiet.
"W-wait, you can dance?" Olivia asked.
"Er… sort of… yes. That is to say, I try my best. Some people do not appreciate male dancers, though. Not that I care! I'm content to shake my hips for the ladies," Inigo replied. Cordelia and I shared a glance and sighed in unison.
"Oh, don't listen to them! I would love to see you dance sometime," Olivia said.
"N-no! Impossible! I'd be far too embarrassed for that. Besides, I'd rather watch you dance!" Inigo insisted.
"Wh-what? No! I couldn't possibly…"
"I'm shyer than you are, Mother…"
"You are not…"
The two of them stood there silently, avoiding each other's eyes. I felt a breeze rustle past us as we stood here in this awkward moment, the bustle of the Shepherds preparing to resume our journey to Port Ferox a mere speck in the distance behind the giant looming growth of discomfort that oppressed all of us.
"Would you two stop it already! Gods, you're making me embarrassed now," I blurted out.
"Hey, Raven!"
I turned to see Leila coming over toward the four of us with a big smile and a wave.
"Oh, Leila. What's up?"
"Just wondering why you four were standing here in completely awkward silence," she said.
"Oh, my lady, it is not awkward silence. I have merely stunned these three into a lack of words of my sheer brilliance! Perhaps you would be interested in joining me for a cup of tea while I regale wonderful tales of my gallant adventures?" he asked. Leila paused for a moment as if staring at him.
"Y-you," she said.
"Me?" Inigo asked. "Have we met before?"
"N-no, I don't think we have," she stuttered out.
"Truly, I do not believe so either. I would never forget a face as magnificently beautiful as yours, my dearest flower, Leila," he said with a smile.
"Magnificently beautiful? Her?" I choked out with a laugh.
"What, you got something to say, Raven?" Leila asked, glaring at me with an intensity I had not seen from her in a while.
"Answering that suspicious question would be incurring a debt that I have no interest in paying off," I remarked.
"That's what I thought," she said with a pout before crossing her arms.
"Raven, are you simply going to let her speak to you like that? I must object," Cordelia said.
"Oh, Cordelia, it's fine. We've spent two years around each other. Don't misinterpret our relationship," I said.
"Relationship? You mean friendship," she said.
"A friendship is a type of relationship, Leila," I replied.
"You worded that in an awkward way that was easy to misinterpret," she growled. I grinned at her.
"Why, whatever could you possibly mean with that? If you read an innocent comment between the lines in such a way, I might have to start believing you have an interest in me," I said in a joking tone. Leila sighed to herself in response.
"I know better than to engage in verbal wits with you," she said before laughing to herself.
"Now that's the smile I know you have. I'm ready to drag your half-conscious body away if you want to go talk to some of the village maidens," I said. Leila turned a slight shade of red at that comment.
"The fact you can say something so embarrassing with such casual air without a second thought irritates me."
"Village maidens?" Inigo asked.
"Actually, I changed my mind. Inigo, was it? I'd love to have a cup of tea with you," Leila said. The look on Inigo's face brightened up immensely.
"Really? Truly?" he asked.
"On one condition."
"Name it. Your greatest wish is my heart's desire," Inigo said.
"She comes with you," Leila said, pointing to Olivia.
"M-me?" Olivia asked.
"You both are dancers. I want to hear stories of what you've done in your lives! I could never hope to be a dancer like you two. I have two left feet, unfortunately. I want to hear of the adventures you've been on, the people you've met… and the wonderfully cute girls you've probably gotten to know," she said.
"Hmm, okay, I can do it if she agrees," Inigo said.
"S-sure," Olivia said quietly.
"I'll… leave you guys to figure out your tea plans," I said with a smile. Inigo and his mother having tea with Leila. Somehow I feel like the three of them would get along quite well. "Cordelia, you coming? I want to check up with Chrom and see if he needs anything else done."
"Actually, I'm heading to the convoy to check back in the inventory. I'll talk to you later, though!" she said with a smile. I headed back to find Chrom talking with Robin.
"Hey, Robin! Hey, Chrom! Do you need a hand with something?"
"No, not really. We were just discussing how, despite this detour, we were still on pace to make it to Port Ferox by mid to late afternoon," Chrom said. "It also helps we have a new recruit."
"A new recruit?" I asked.
"Indeed. That Inigo person asked to join us. I saw a few of you talking to him. Did you figure out any reason why he wanted to join?" Chrom asked.
"That sounds like Frederick is wearing off on you," I remarked.
"It doesn't hurt to show some prudence," Chrom replied.
"Good. Anyway, he's Olivia's kid from the future."
"Olivia's kid? Goodness, are all our kids coming back in time? Did we really leave them that bad of a future?" Chrom asked.
"You… don't want to know," I replied with a sigh.
"I assume you do know," Chrom replied. "Lucina has told me little, but you've known her longer. It's only natural you know more."
"As far as I know, the surviving children came back in time, but were scattered across the continent. So, now they're all looking for their parents and each other," I said. Before Chrom could respond, we saw one of the rescued captives running toward us with a bow in her hands.
"Can… we help you?" I asked.
"I… just wanted… to thank you… for saving me," she huffed out.
"It was an honor to come to the rescue of those who were imprisoned by those terrible people," Chrom replied with a smile.
"Had you not saved me, I… I fear to even think what would have been my fate."
"It's all right. Take it easy. No one's going to hurt you now," Chrom said reassuringly. She sniffed slightly to herself.
"Please, sir, let me come with you. There's someone I want to talk to and meet when the time is right, but… I'm scared to be alone. Please… I can fight with a bow," she insisted.
"Another bow user? Sure, we would be honored to have you come along. What's your name?" Chrom asked.
"I… I'm Noire," she replied quietly before coughing a few times.
"Are you okay?" I asked. She seemed a little frail and sickly. We are going to war… is Chrom really fine with letting her come along?
"Y-yes… I just am prone to coughing fits sometimes," she replied.
"I have to be upfront and warn you, we will be heading toward a destination where life could be rough," Chrom said.
"We are about to engage in a war and there is no guarantee of survival for you, or any of us. Our path ahead is a grueling one," Robin added.
"If you prefer, we can accompany you to the port town we are travelling to and you could stay there, safe from bandits, until you find the person you are looking for," I added.
"N-no, please, let me come. Even if I should perish in your service, it would be a fate better than the one I would have been left to with those bandits! Please let me accompany you," she pleaded.
"Robin? Raven? Your thoughts?" Chrom asked hesitantly.
"Well…" Robin began.
"I… hm…" I started, but I didn't know how to finish that. She seems so quiet and meek… could she truly be a fighter for us, or would we be ultimately responsible for her safety… and her death?
"My… my talisman. Where is my talisman?" she mumbled to herself, fumbling around. She grabbed the talisman hanging around her neck in her hands and took a deep breath. Suddenly, I felt a very different aura, as if a different person was standing before us.
"What…?" I asked.
"I am the fire and the fury! All who defy me will perish! Repent, scum enemies of my sworn allies, though it will save you not! Repent and despair!" she cried out before breaking out in an almost maniacal laughter. All three of us quickly took a step back before the sudden, forceful change that happened before us.
"Wait, what?" I responded quickly.
"What is that talisman?" Robin asked. I watched Noire let go of the talisman and she reverted back to her passive self.
"This talisman is the handiwork of my mother. It was wrought to steel the mewling heart of her coward daughter. In its strength did I find blessed escape from grief and solitude. It gave me the heart to kill those who would kill me or those whom I vowed to protect. It drove any fear out of me until I became an avatar of retribution for my mother's murder. Only by clinging to it have I survived the crushing desolation of being an orphan in a grim situation," Noire explained, although I noticed a sliver of confidence peeking through. Her mother was murdered? How horrible…
"You can join, but you won't be needing that," Chrom said.
"Um, w-wait, without that… I can't survive," she said in a panic.
"You can and you will, Noire. You can be one of us. We can teach you to be strong and confident without that talisman. You can be a powerful warrior who fights as a scion of justice and not an avatar of retribution. Just… be yourself," I said with a smile.
"Oh, thank you sirs. Thank you all. I promise I will pull my weight in this group in camp and in battle. You will not regret this choice!" she hastily blurted out, stumbling over her words.
"Whoa, easy there," I said with a smile.
"We depart soon. Will you be fine travelling by foot? We arrive at our destination in a few hours," Chrom said.
"I should be able to. If I am to become stronger, physically and mentally, I need to work on that," she replied.
"You have the right attitude," Robin said in an encouraging tone.
"Yeah, Robin's right," I said. Noire paused for a second.
"Your name is Robin?" she asked him.
"Yes it is. Why do you ask?" he asked.
"So, wait, you are Prince Chrom and this is the Shepherds?" she asked.
"You know of us out here in the depths of Regna Ferox?" Chrom asked.
"Y-yes, I have heard stories of your adventures. It… it truly is an honor to join you!" she said with a smile. It wasn't a big smile, but it was a genuine smile. It warmed my heart to see that this scared, timid soul's confidence was slowly growing.
We arrived at Port Ferox in the middle of the afternoon, thankful that the journey did not last longer. As much as we were cautiously anticipating the upcoming war, we also were a little weary of travelling. For the Shepherds and the few Ylissean army members here, they had travelled from Ylisstol to the capital of Plegia for a quick meeting, and then went almost straight to here. A break was welcome for everyone. We were to wait here for the Feroxi forces to join us before setting sail across the sea.
As soon as we arrived, we checked into the inn in the city and set up in our rooms. It was decided that even if the ships arrived today, we would take the rest of this day off to rest and rejuvenate before heading out to sea.
"Raven, you look like the weight of the world is on your mind," Chrom said to me. I shrugged my shoulders and looked around the lobby of the inn.
"I'm nervous about this upcoming war," I replied. "This is not some war with Plegia. This is a conquering army with a massive force looking for an opportunity to come down and ravage our lands while being led by a conqueror with a track record of success."
"When you put it that way, it does seem rather bleak," Chrom said with a small sigh. "Yet, I can also see that glimmer in your eyes. You're not giving up."
"Of course not! You lose every battle that you don't fight in," I said firmly.
"Heh, that's the spirit! You have a good spirit and a strong attitude," Chrom said.
"I have what?" I asked. Chrom paused for a moment and rubbed the back of his head and sheepishly laughed.
"I meant a strong spirit and a good attitude," he amended. I laughed a little at that.
"Thanks, Chrom."
"Now, that's the Raven I know. Is there anything else that's on your mind?" he asked.
"Not really. Why?"
"I noticed you had dinner with Sophia yesterday," Chrom pointed out.
"Yeah… and?" I asked.
"I mean, she is a nice girl and all and, well…" Chrom began.
"Is it wrong to have dinner with one of my teammates, especially if she was offering to pay?" I asked.
"Well, no, but… I was just wondering if maybe you, um… hm…" he said before trailing off. What was he so nervous asking about? Oh, wait, I think I know where he was going with that.
"Are you asking me if I have an interest in her?" I asked.
"Well, honestly, we mostly only talk about war and strategy. I do want to know you beyond just Raven the warrior and fighter. All I know from your personal life was what happened between you and… um, Lissa," Chrom said in a guilty tone. Oh, Chrom, there was more going on than just that, but that's something you probably shouldn't ever learn about…
"Oh, Chrom… I'm sorry she had to go through that," I said quietly.
"Peace, Raven. I would have been disappointed in you if you had accepted it out of pity for her," Chrom replied. "So, about Sophia…"
"Hm, well, she is a nice person, but I really think she's most likely a good friend. Her refreshing honesty and upfront attitude, despite her roundabout way of saying it, makes me feel like I can trust her. She is both bluntly straightforward and deceptively careful about what she says and I respect that immensely," I said. Chrom oddly gave a look of relief.
"Oh, okay then," he replied.
"Are you… happy that I said that?" I asked in a curious tone.
"No, why would you think that?" he asked.
"You seem almost relieved that I said she didn't strike my fancy,"
"Did I, now? You must be seeing things, Raven."
"I am seeing things. That's how eyes work," I noted.
"There you go with that quirky sense of humor that you use to deflect people. I feel like if Miriel had more of a sense of humor, those would be the types of jokes she would make."
"Wow, Chrom. You're comparing me to Miriel now?"
"Is there a problem with that?" he asked.
"Hm, I suppose not."
"Maybe those clothes are giving you some of her habits," Chrom said with a laugh. I felt my face flush as I coughed awkwardly.
"Chrom!" I said in an exasperated tone. He smiled at me in reply.
"I told you I would eventually find something to joke with you about."
"It only took you two years to find something," I said with a laugh.
"I see you take your kidnapping in good spirit…"
"I have to. No point in moping over the past."
I saw Cordelia make her way over to the both of us. What a way to test the very last thing I said…
"Raven! Chrom! Am I interrupting something?" she asked.
"No, we were just talking about Raven's date yesterday," Chrom replied.
"Hardly was a date!" I protested. Cordelia gave Chrom a look that I couldn't figure out.
"Sometimes I feel certain Shepherds lack tact," Cordelia commented aloud.
"Yeah, that's for sure. If Miriel is upset with you about something, she has no real way of saying it nicely. Still, I value that honesty," I said.
"Vaike said the same thing about Maribelle yesterday," Chrom pointed out.
"Honesty is, truthfully, the best way for two individuals to truly trust each other," Cordelia said.
"That's a fact," I said with a big smile. "I trust all of you here, so I have no secrets to hide."
"None at all?" Cordelia asked, tilting her head.
"None," I replied, although my curiosity had been piqued.
"Then, what happened between you and Lucina?" Chrom asked.
"Huh, what does she have to do with it?" I asked.
"I heard some rumors there were issues between you and her in the future she came from," Cordelia said. I sighed to myself.
"She's told me stories of my future self… stories that honestly make me feel incredibly uncomfortable and guilty. It's hard to believe I turn into that kind of person, but I have no reason to doubt her or believe she would lie to me," I said with a frown.
"What happened?" Chrom asked.
"Supposedly I gave her the training from hell," I said. "I don't know all the details except oftentimes she was injured after our training sessions. I really don't know…"
"That explains what Owain said yesterday, too," Chrom said in a thoughtful tone.
"I swear, Chrom… I don't know how I could become that kind of person. It scares me to think I could do that to someone. What if that part of me exists now?" I asked. Cordelia gave me a look of sympathy.
"You aren't, though. You have been nothing but a kind, caring, and selfless person. You give up your time and energy to making others feel better about themselves. That's the kind of person you are. You led a whole quest to bring me back to life. That doesn't sound like the actions of the man you described," Cordelia said.
"Perhaps…" I said.
"If you are as you are now, we would have no problem entrusting Lucina and Severa to you," Chrom said with a smile. I smiled back at them.
"Your words warm my soul," I replied quietly. "Thank you for that."
"Anything to help a friend. You seemed lost and confused," Chrom said.
"It makes me happy to know I have friends like you two," I said. "I don't know how I could ever repay you."
"You already have. It is us who are repaying your kindness to us with kindness in return," Cordelia said.
"Come, let us have dinner together," Chrom said. "We can have a family dinner, so to speak."
"A family dinner?" I asked.
"Yes. Sit down at a table and break bread together. I think it would be a great way for you to clear your mind of these troubles that ail you," Chrom remarked. "Also, it would keep you from eating alone as you seem to be prone to doing."
"You suspect that I eat alone?" I asked.
"This morning, you were having breakfast by yourself at first until Leila came over and then Lucina joined you," Chrom remarked.
"Oh, I didn't think you noticed," I said.
"How could we not notice a cloaked figure sitting by himself in a corner of the room?" Cordelia asked.
"Hah, fair point," I replied with a smile.
"Let us have this one dinner together. Give us this opportunity to talk with each other in peace before we dive into this war," Chrom said.
"I can do that," I replied with a smile.
"Then, let us find the nearest restaurant and get the rest of the family," Chrom said. We notified Robin, Lissa, and Lucina and found ourselves seated at a table at a local restaurant waiting for the others to arrive.
"Wait, Chrom," I said as we walked in.
"Yes?" he replied.
"If this is a family thing, why am I coming along?" I asked.
"Well, to be honest… you, Robin, and Elise are like family to me now," he replied.
"In all fairness, Robin is actually legitimately family now," I replied with a smile. Chrom nodded in response.
"True. In your case and Elise's case, though, you two have essentially been adopted by the Shepherds. Never worry about being alone ever again, because we are here for you," Chrom said warmly.
"Where is Elise, anyway?" I asked. I felt a slight pang of guilt as I realized I had not talked with her lately.
"She will be joining us shortly," Cordelia said. "She was sparring with Owain. The both of them will be arriving as soon as they freshen up."
"Oh, good. I would hate for her to miss this. I have a feeling days like this will be scarce once we board those boats," I said.
"It could happen if we had it on the deck near the rails," Chrom remarked.
"Oh, okay. You're two-for-two today," I commented.
"Indeed. Let us make tonight a night the eight of us will never forget," Chrom replied.
We made our way to the restaurant and had the server put two tables together to make a large table of eight. I looked around the place to see a rather sparsely decorated place. Frederick really was serious when he once mentioned that the Feroxi preferred practicality over posturing. This was nothing like the restaurants in Ylisstol that tried to be as appealing aesthetically as its flavor.
Chrom and Cordelia sat next to each other on one side of the consolidated table while Robin and Lissa sat next to each other on the other side. Lucina approached one of the sides and sat down in a chair. I looked at the three remaining chairs and wondered where I should sit. I feel like normally I would take the side that was open by itself just to put some space between myself and the others, but I also knew the seat next to me would eventually be taken by either Owain or Elise. One of them was preferable and one of them was not. Do I take that chance?
Sorry, Elise, but I chose your seatmate for you. I don't think I could handle a whole meal next to Owain just yet.
"Oh, Ravey," Lissa said, a sneaky look on her face as I sat down next to Lucina.
"Yes, Frog?" I replied.
"I expected you to sit on the other side," she commented.
"Normally I would, but I had my reasons for choosing this seat," I replied.
"What kind of reasons?" she asked.
"Now, now, Lissa, you should leave him alone. Everyone is entitled to their secrets," Robin said with a chuckle.
"But, Robbey…" she protested. I snorted to myself in laughter.
"You still call him that?" I asked.
"Of course I do, Ravey. Why wouldn't I?"
"I just thought you might have given him a different nickname now that you two are married."
"I sometimes wish she would."
"That's not fair, Robbey!"
"Why don't you give her a unique nickname of your own?" Chrom suggested.
"… unlike the other bird here, I lack that creativity," Robin replied with a shrug.
"Hey, hey, stop with the bird references," I said with a shrug. "You know they hurt my oh-so-delicate feelings."
"Oh, I apologize… 'Ravey'," Robin said with a small smirk.
"Don't even go there, 'Robbey'," I replied, laughing despite the indignant response.
"At least they are more tasteful than the nicknames Gaius gives," Robin said.
"Yeah, he calls me 'Shady', actually," I said.
"Miriel is 'Specs'," Robin noted.
"He calls me 'Blueberry'," Lucina noted.
"Blueberry?" Chrom asked.
"… I have no idea why," she replied.
"Is it because you have blue hair and you wear a mostly blue outfit?" I asked.
"Could it really be as simple as that?" Chrom asked.
"Do you really think he put that much effort into his names? Sumia is 'Stumbles', after all. Although, I wonder if that changed after they got married," I mused aloud. The conversation cut short as Elise and Owain walked into the restaurant.
Whoa, Elise is in a dress! When did she get a dress? Did she pack this formal attire just for the heck of it?
"Hello, everyone!" she said to everyone. "Hello, Raven."
"Oh, I guess I'm not everyone now?" I said with a small frown. She laughed to herself.
"Of course not! You're special to me. After all, you and I woke up on that highway together," she said.
"Seems I have been relegated to chopped liver," Robin commented with a frown.
"I'm pretty sure Lissa would have some issues with me speaking so glowingly of her husband," Elise said.
"On the contrary, I don't mind at all! Robbey is an amazing person and there's nothing wrong with other people mentioning that!" Lissa exclaimed. "It only makes me even prouder of him!"
"I'll keep that in mind," Elise said with a smile as she sat down.
"So, Elise, uh, where did you get that dress?" I asked.
"Oh, Lissa and I went shopping once a while ago," she replied.
"How does it look?" Lissa asked.
"It looks… vibrant!" I said.
"Vibrant?" Elise asked.
"That orange really stands out," I said with a smile. Who am I kidding? If someone told me Elise went shopping with someone for it, I would have thought it was Lucina who picked it out.
"Ravey doesn't know much about style and fashion," Lissa said.
"Excuse me? Why would you say that?" I asked.
"How about those curtains you once had? Yellow with pink polka dots," Lissa said. There was a short silence before Lucina covered her face in her hands.
"Am I missing something?" Cordelia asked, giving a confused look at Lucina's reaction.
"Uh… see… Lucina bought me those curtains to try to bring some life to my drab room," I said, rubbing the back of my head. Lissa gave me a shocked look in response.
"Oh, Lucina, I'm mean… they looked fine. They just, uh…" Lissa blurted out.
"No, no, I understand. I have oftentimes been told the same thing. Many times. Usually by Owain or Inigo. Mostly Owain," Lucina said through her hands. Lissa's face suddenly curled into a devious smirk.
"Perhaps I should give him a stern talking to about a girl's feelings, even if she is your cousin. There's nothing to be ashamed about, Lucina! At least you aren't standing nude in a recruitment poster," Lissa said mischievously. Chrom choked on the water he was drinking.
"So, how's the weather!" I quickly said, frantically trying to change the topic.
"Yes, the weather! It was pleasant during our march today!" Chrom blurted out, his face a bright shade of red. "Full of sunshine and good breezes to keep us cool!"
"Aw, you two are no fun! I enjoy seeing Chrom uncomfortable like that," Lissa said.
"Lissa, really, perhaps you should stop bringing that up. I think Chrom would dearly like to forget that poster exists," Cordelia said.
"You only say that because you never saw it! It was priceless! Seeing him run around camp, trying to tear down the posters that Frederick dutifully put up in all our tents," Lissa said with a laugh.
"Look, if we want to share embarrassing stories, how about when you got a hairbrush stuck in your hair from pine sap?" I asked.
"What about when you stepped on a frog in your boot?"
"Speaking of frogs, I'm pretty sure you had the whole camp in a panic when you found one in your sleeping bag."
"She woke up every living creature in a five-mile radius," Robin commented. Lissa punched him playfully on the shoulder.
"Yeah, well, what happened when you couldn't find your clothes after you bathed in the river," she asked.
"Miriel happened to give me her spare outfit," I said.
"Which became his current battle outfit," Robin added.
"You're wearing clothing that used to be Miriel's, Raven. That might say something else about your sense of style," Lissa said. I sighed to myself at that. Does everyone have to point that out?
"What about what happened in the arena the first time we were here in Regna Ferox?" I said. Lissa froze immediately and turned a bright shade of red.
"The first time?" Lucina asked. "Is that when I was Marth?"
"Yes," I replied.
"That… that's not fair, Ravey," she said. "I had no idea that mysterious fighter would be my niece from the future."
Lucina thought to herself for a second before turning a shade of red.
"Oh… oh! I must confess, when that happened, I had no clue how to respond to you," Lucina quietly said.
"Wait, what happened?" Owain asked. Robin sighed to himself.
"Lissa had developed a somewhat romantic interest in the mysterious masked swordsman who saved her life," Robin pointed out.
"A mysteriously cool enigmatic swordsman who called himself 'Marth'," I added.
"Yeah, and look, I'm not the only one! How about Chrom? He asked her out too." Lissa protested.
"That, um… I, again, had no idea how to react to that," Lucina said, trying to avoid eye contact with Chrom and Lissa.
"Please do not bring me into this topic," Chrom said as he hid his face in his hands. "You already brought up the poster."
"Speaking of the poster, I still have copies of it," Lissa said with a smile. "I can give you one, Cordelia."
"Gods, why do you still have them?" Chrom asked.
"… because I know you react the same way every time they're mentioned," she replied with a big smile. They really do act like siblings, don't they?
"I had to do everything I could to not outright run away in shame and awkwardness when father… um…" Lucina said.
"Boy, I wonder if the weather tomorrow will be smooth! I sure would like to sail on calm waters!" I exclaimed. Elise laughed to herself.
"Oh, Raven, we all seem to have embarrassing stories about most of the people here, yet we have almost none about you," Elise said.
"Wait, you have an embarrassing story?" I asked.
"How about the time Chrom said to her that he didn't think she was a woman?" Lissa asked.
"Oh, yeah. Or the time he walked in on her taking a bath!" I added.
"He what?" Cordelia asked.
"Raven, I thought you were my ally here," Chrom said, laughing nervously.
"I'm trying, but why does it seem like every embarrassing story involves you somehow?" I asked.
"Lucy, why don't you tell them about the time you knocked down the vase in the entrance hall?" Owain offered.
"N-no, I don't think that's necessary," Lucina hastily said.
"The vase in the entrance hall? The one said to contain the ashes of Marth himself?" Chrom asked.
"Yes! You should have seen her. Running around the entrance hall with Severa, laughing and boasting about how she would be the strongest warrior alive. Then she trips on the carpet and falls right into the pedestal! Ahh, if only I had my speed today, my sword hand would have caught it and saved those precious ashes," Owain said.
"Owain, please…" Lucina said quietly.
"Oh, what about the time Inigo grabbed your face, trying to get you to smile?" he asked.
"N-no, that's not necessary," she hastily said. Owain gave her a small smile before leaning back in his chair.
"Very well, Lucy," he said. "But, from what I'm hearing about Uncle Chrom, it seems his penchant for unfortunate circumstances has been passed to you."
"Lucy is such a fun nickname," I commented aloud.
"I can remind you how I feel about your nicknames," Lucina said to me.
"Oh, okay… El," I said. She punched me on the shoulder and I winced slightly.
"Hey, wait, did you get stronger?" I asked.
"Did I?" she asked. "I have trained every day, but I focused mostly on forms and technique. It's why I have a new style of fighting now."
"Working like that improves your technique and strength at the same time," Elise commented. "Ever since picking up the javelin and working on my forms, I can feel myself becoming stronger."
I smiled to myself ever so slightly. It had been two years of absence and a slight nagging feeling of wondering if I could fit in again had been sitting in the back of my mind. After today, I feel confident that all those fears are unfounded. We sat there, we joked, we ordered our food, and we ate as we conversed. This was what it was meant to be a family.
Would I have my own family some day?
"Raven, are you okay?" Elise asked as she finished her dinner.
"Hm?" I asked.
"You've been deep in thought since our dinner came out," she replied.
"Huh, oh, yes, I'm fine! I just had something come to mind," I said.
"That's what the mind is for," Chrom said. Everyone looked at him in surprise and he held his hands up defensively. "What? Isn't that the kind of joke Raven would make?"
"Yes, actually," I replied with a smile. "I think I made that joke the other day with Gaius, even."
"Look at you, learning a new skill!" Lissa said in a teasing tone.
"Oh, father," Lucina said with a laugh. "I didn't know you were capable of such a thing."
"Lucina, that… I can make jokes too," Chrom replied.
"That's like saying Vaike is reading a book right now. Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's likely," Lissa said.
"Oh, wow, Lissa," I remarked. Chrom laughed at that.
"I admit, using my body is easier than using my mind… but if I am to help lead Ylisse in the future, I need both," he said.
"You are a good person, Chrom. Never let anyone tell you otherwise," Elise said.
"Yes… yes he is," Cordelia said in agreement.
We finished off our dinner and had our dessert. We had a blueberry pie and, much to Lucina's chagrin, Lissa and I wouldn't stop making blueberry jokes at her the entire time. As we ate our fill and slowly began to depart back to the inn, I had a sense of feeling happy and content. This was what it was like to have friends. This is what it could be like to have a family.
I wonder what my parents were like. Did I have any siblings?
I took a detour from the restaurant back to the inn, walking casually along the streets of the port town and wandering aimlessly while lost in thoughts. The sun had already set and a few torches lined the roads to provide light for a late-night roamer such as myself.
"Raven?"
I turned to the voice to see Lucina standing there, still wearing her usual outfit.
"Oh, hello there, Lucina," I replied.
"You're not going back to the inn?" she asked.
"I will eventually. What are you doing out here?"
"I was heading back when I saw you wander off. I was a little curious and a little worried, so I followed along to make sure you were okay."
"No need, Lucina. I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me," I said.
"I don't have to, but a part of me still worries about you and wants to make sure you are fine."
"Why?"
"… I can't explain why. I'm not even sure I understand why myself."
"Oh, Lucina…"
I stopped and looked at her. She sighed and leaned up against the wall of the building we were next to.
"I know this sounds crazy or that maybe I am delusional. You are an adult, capable of taking care of yourself. You are surrounded by amazing friends who you care about and who care about you. Seeing everything as it is now, I worry even more what could have caused your future self to turn into who he is," she said.
"Why, though? Why are you so worried about me?" I asked.
"You're nothing like your future self. You're warm and kind and caring. You see the good in everyone and you never hesitate to help a soul in need. You do more than help us survive this war. You help us to live. You help preserve the hope I have that I can be successful. You help everyone smile and laugh. You help remind us of our humanity. You are every bit the kind of person we needed in the future as our leader. Even if… even if we should fail and Grima is released in this time and my presence here changed nothing, I want to see you lead the survivors as you are now and not as the person I had known growing up. In one spar on that ship to the Outrealm Gate, you taught me more about the blade than you did in your years teaching me growing up. You have a way with helping people grow, Raven."
"Lucina, I appreciate the concern. I really do. But… what could you do that's different from everyone else here? Why do you care so much? Could you not spend that effort and time into ensuring the lives of other Shepherds are protected as well? Why me?"
"I… I don't know, Raven. I truly don't know. Perhaps it's because the other Shepherds were the same in the future as they are now. You fascinate me, both in a good way and a bad way. I feel a sense of trust and comfort when I am around you. That's a quality that could have helped immensely in the future. It could have saved people who defied you. It could have ended in peace and diplomacy and friendship rather than torching their hideouts and eliminating all who opposed you," she said. I sighed in response.
"… I don't even know what to say to that," I replied.
"I just want you to stay the person you are now," she said. "If I have to spend my time around you to preserve that peace and goodness you have, then I will."
"I have my flaws, Lucina."
"Flaws are what make us human. Flaws are imperfections that remind us that we are an individual in a society. Flaws tell us that we cannot do everything alone but we must rely on those around us to help achieve success."
"Then what is it you want from me?" I asked again.
"I don't know. I mean, I do know, but I don't know."
"You make no sense, Lucina."
"I know I don't, Raven. Everything is clear to me in terms of what I want and the goals I want to achieve, but the path to getting there is so muddy and unclear that I sometimes wonder if I can ever achieve them."
"Then let me help you," I said. She paused for a second and looked at me.
"Help me?" she asked.
"I know more about the future than anyone else here, except you and the other children that escaped that hellish landscape. Lean on me a bit more. Let me walk with you and help you achieve the goal you want. Your goal is to help us ensure Grima is never released or, if he is, to seal him back up, right?"
"That is one of them, yes," she replied.
"You have others?"
"Yes, Raven. Not as important and quite a bit more personal and selfish, but I have other goals I wish to achieve as well."
"What other goals do you have?" I asked. She bit her lip and sighed.
"That is personal."
"Lucina, I can't help you if you can't trust me. I thought you trusted me…" I said.
"I do, Raven. I do. There are just some things I don't feel comfortable talking about."
"I… okay, I understand…" I said with a sigh.
"Please believe me. If I could talk to you about it, I would… but there are reasons why I cannot," she said.
"I believe you. Even though I should be skeptical… I believe you anyway," I said. "Should we head back?"
"Yes. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," she replied.
"Longer for me," I said sullenly. We started heading back to the inn together, which admittedly wasn't too far away from where we were.
"Would you like to have a spar five minutes into the trip?"
"What would that accomplish?"
"I can hit you on the head again."
I stared at her for a second before laughing.
"You don't have to go that far for me, Lucina."
"There's that smile I knew you had."
"Hm? Are you okay, Lucina?"
"Of course. It just warms my spirit to see you smiling," she said. What an odd girl…
"Oh, there you two are! We were wondering what happened!"
We looked up to see Cordelia looking at us both from the front door of the inn.
"Oh, hello there, Cordelia," I said with a smile.
"Is everything okay?" she asked.
"I just needed a bit of time to clear my head and I figured a nice moonlit walk was just what I needed," I said.
"Do you feel better now?"
"I do. It was a nice walk and Lucina here showed up halfway in to talk with me! I humbly thank her for the company," I said in a cheerful tone.
"It was the least I could do for what looked like a friend in need," she said.
"A friend, indeed," I replied.
"Well, the two of you better get to your rooms," Cordelia said.
"Yes, of course I will. Thank you," Lucina said with a small bow. Cordelia smiled at her gently and ruffled her hair.
"You're such a caring person to go out of your way to help your friend," she said.
"Mother!" Lucina said.
"It's true. You are truly a selfless person, Lucina. Thank you for being there for me," I said with a nod.
"Shady?" I heard a voice say. I saw Gaius standing in a doorway in front of me.
"Gaius," I replied.
"I hope you don't mind I claimed one of the beds already. If you wanted the one next to the window, you should've gotten to the room sooner," he said with a smirk.
"Oh no, whatever will I do?" I replied in a joking tone. "Wait, I'm rooming with you?"
"You and I appear to be roommates all the time now," Gaius replied.
"Continuity is key," Cordelia remarked. "Is there an issue with the rooming arrangements?"
"None at all. I enjoy having Gaius as a roommate," I said.
"Oh, Shady, you flatter me."
"You do?" Lucina asked.
"I enjoy taking the hit so that no one else has to deal with him all night. I look out for my friends," I said, smirking at Gaius.
"Oh, okay. I see how it is, Shady. You seem to have gotten a little bit cheekier after your moonlight stroll with Princess Blueberry," he remarked with a smirk. "Did she inspire a bit of courage within you?"
"Princess Blueberry? Oh! You mean Lucina," I said.
"Yes, Shady."
"She inspires a lot within me. I think we all could learn from her, honestly."
"Hmm, well… that answers my question in a roundabout way. You really should get some sleep, though," Gaius said.
"Yeah, I know. Not even time to play a game of cards before bed," I said.
"If you want, you could just give me some gold and we'll say we played."
"What makes you think you'd win?"
"Well, how about the countless times you've played against me and lost, for starters?" Gaius asked.
"Bed. Now. Both of you," Cordelia said.
"Oh, right, sorry," I said sheepishly. Gaius and I headed to our rooms and collapsed in our beds.
There wasn't much else said. We were both nervous about the upcoming war and we both knew it… but we also knew if we didn't rest, we would fall apart. Whatever came up, we had to be a hundred percent ready for it. Win or lose, we have to give it everything we got.
For Ylisse!