A/N: I have no idea when I want to make Robin acknowledge/admit to having/developing feelings for Chrom... but I want to make it so that they kinda have an attraction from the very start like kindred spirits I guess, so I think I'll have to tackle that in this chapter or the next.

A special shout out to the guest who reviewed my story… I hope that you enjoy the way I chose to portray the characters in describing how I think they act in both the pre-established moments and the ones I added in!

Shepherds

Lissa drags Robin into the shepherds' garrison, where Sully was off in a corner polishing armor and spear, there were three people Robin didn't recognize there, a blond woman carrying a parasol, a hulking blond man without a shirt, and a brown-haired woman in pegasus knight armor, all of them turning to the two women as they enter.

Lissa spins around gesturing to the room announcing "Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison. Go on, make yourself at home." As soon as Lissa makes herself known the other blond woman rushes over her curls bouncing as she cries out "Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!"

Lissa turns to the woman "Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Maribelle scoffs "'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 grey hairs fretting over you!" Lissa waves her arms in a placating manner "Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! ...Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue..."

The blond waves over to Lissa "Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" Lissa's lips curved into a teasing grin "Oh, so you're "Teach" now, Viake, is that it? Hee hee! And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"

Robin struggles not to laugh "Nice wone Lissa!" as Vaike just smirks announcing "Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" then he slumps a thoughtful look on his face "...Wait, was that an insult?" Robin can help but quietly snigger at the man, and thanks to the brunette speaking up Vaike doesn't notice: "Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?"

Maribelle turns to the brunette giving her a look of pity as she informs Lissa "Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern... Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. ...She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded."

Lissa gives Sumia a smile "Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." the woman smiles bashfully rubbing the back of her neck "Worry?" Well, I... He's our captain and our prince-of course I'd worry!"

Vaike turns to Robin clearly wanting to change the subject off of Chrom as she asks "So, who's the stranger?" Lissa turns to Vaike saying "N one's stranger than you, Vaike..." before she spins around and flings her arms at robin saying but allow me to introduce Robin! Ta-da! She just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made her our new tactician. You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeve!"

Vaike dawns a mischievous smirk as he asks "Oh yeah? Can she do this?" before letting out a loud, long, deep burp. Smiling softly and feeling a bit sorry for the guy after seeing him suffer from Lissa's sharp tongue Robin nods to Vaike saying "I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, "Teach." In any case, It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Maribelle scoffs "Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with you buffoonery?" she then turns on her heel and points to Robin "And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!" before she turns heel once more and struts off, clearly having had enough of Vaike for one day.

Sumia gives the surprised Robin a nervous smile as she says "Don't take it to heart, Robin. Maribelle warms to people slowly." Lissa leans in saying "Or burns too Quickly!" with a giggle "But Yeah, just give her time."

After a moment of quiet everyone turns to the door as Chrom and Frederick walk in, Sumia blushes as her eyes land upon Chrom, and Robin feels her chest tighten confusing her "Why does the way she looks at him upset me?" Robin ponders as Sumia takes a few steps forward "Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was-I mean, we were so-" only for her to trip over some sheets of paper on the floor.

Chrom looks at Sumia worried only making Robin feel even more conflicted "Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Sumia closes her eyes in embarrassment as she gets to her feet saying "No! I mean, yes! I mean..." Sumia just sighs giving up on saying anything.

Robin turns to Chrom as he clears his throat, "All right, listen everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox." Robin repeats the name "Ragna Ferox?" in question, Sumia is swift to answer "A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said."

Chrom shakes his head "No, Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events... well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital. So the task has been passed to us. Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-" Lissa interrupts "I volunteer!" Then Vaike "Me too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"

Robin almost screams as a man in armor appears out of nowhere and says "I'll go as well." then looks at her "...What? I've been here the whole time!" only to disappear leaving Robin confused as Sumia stutters out "I... I, um..."

Chrom gives Suima an encouraging smile "Yes, Sumia?" Sumia takes a deep breath and speaks "Captain, it's just that... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way." Chrom things for a second before saying "Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn? Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield." Sumia puts a curled pointer finger to her chin "W-well, if you think it wise, Captain." Chrom just smiles the way he always does making Robin's and Sumia's hearts speed up a bit "Just stay by me and you'll be fine." Sumia smiles "oh, yes! I mean-Yes, sir, I'll do that!"

Chrom smiles before turning to robin giving her an even bigger grin as he says "Now if you all excuse me, Robin, come with me, Emmeryin wants to see you." while taking her by her right hand and pulling her out of the Garrison as Frederick informs Lissa "Your sister also wanted us to bring you along." Making Lissa laugh confusing the newly appointed tactician who is already confused by the warm fuzzy feeling flooding her mind, as she stares at the Chrom's hand holding tightly onto her's as she is pulled off to meet his big sister.

Chrom finally releases Robin's wrist from his grip as they enter a small and private garden courtyard, Emmeryin sits at a small tea table in a gazebo. "Ah I'm glad you made it here on time, the tea is just about ready!" Emmeryin says smiling as she places the last cup.

Robin smiles softly asking "Is this a social visit… or am I needed for something else?" and the exalt shakes her head "This is a social call, I honestly am quite interested in you... your cloak is quite a hint at what your missing past might be…" Robin's eyebrows lift as she looks at her cloak listening carefully to Emmeryin as she explains "Those are the eyes of Grima, so you are most likely plegian…"

Robin's face darkens as she hears that word again, expecting venom to come with it she is shocked as the Exalt exclaims "I'm happy for this opportunity… I so hate this conflict… I long for peace between us and the plegians." bringing a smile to her face and making the two younger siblings of the exalt sigh in relief at the soft smile gracing the innocent face of Robin.

"I hope that I can help bring that peace to reality!" Robin says with a large grin one that the exalt returns… "Chrom… your choice in tacticians is a wise one… and Robin… I have faith that you will help lead us to that peace." Standing up Emmeryin apologizes saying "I wish I had more time, but I have duties to fulfill, please do enjoy the tea."

The next morning all the shepherds are up and ready to march each lively and awake, excluding the tactician standing as she is slightly swaying in the wind, her hair is hardly done up in its usual pony and her eyes are struggling to stay open. Chrom looks at everyone and asks "Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead."

"W-wait for me! A man in green armor shouts as he comes running towards the group pulling his horse along with him. Chrom turns to him saying "Stahl?" Said person who Robin now recognizes as Stahl comes up to a halt in front of Chrom as he crouches over putting his hands on his knees as he catches his breath before standing up and asking "Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?"

"Huh? Vaike was supposed to…" Lissa stops what she was saying turning to the shirtless blond as he starts to sweat with a nervous grin like he just remembered something he was supposed to do "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?" Vaike goes from grinning to grimacing "N-no the Vaike never forgets! ...I just don't always remember, is all…" Earning a loud groan of frustration from Lissa "I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself! Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?"

Vaike turns to Lissa giving her a look that screams 'not in front of our new tactician Lissa!' as he announces "Hey! That was one time!" only to be given a glowering stare from Lissa making him sigh out "...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action!" before turning "Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy." Stahl sighs saying "That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and… Well, I can tell you all about it while we march…" sounding saddened that he didn't get to eat.

Robin walks over pulling some jerky out of her pocket and offering it to the man saying "Your name is Stahl, right?" Chrom realizing that this is the first time the two are meeting says "Oh, I'm sorry, Tobin This is Stahl, one of our finest." Stahl smiles saying "Hello, Robin. Miriel told me we hand a new Shepherd." as he takes the jerk thanking her quickly he notices the confused look on robin's face, "Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon, she said we should start without here." Chrom nods and turns to everyone giving the order to start marching.

Robin finds herself walking next to Chrom who asks "You look tired… not get enough sleep?" The White-haired woman nods "Yeah… it's hard for a lady to get her beauty rest when there is a lot of planning to do…" Turning and seeing a confused and shocked look on Chrom's face Robin asks "...What? Did I say something?"

Chrom Sweats a bit as he awkwardly says "Er, no... No, it's nothing. It's just that... Well, I just didn't consider you the type to care after beauty and such... I suppose I've never really thought of you as a lady." as he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. Robin scoffs an upset look on her face "Excuse me?!"

Chrom seeing that he upset Robin starts waving his hands trying to placate the tactician as he stutters out "No! I mean—I didn't mean—not like that! That is to say, a "lady," per se... Er... You know, how you fight and strategize, and... Not to say a lady can't fight, but…" Chrom stops trying to talk as he runs a hand down his face. "Gods, this is coming out all wrong."

Shocked Robin looks at him baffled as she says "My goodness, Chrom. You're the scion of a noble family, aren't you? Didn't they teach you manners at your fancy schools growing up?"

Chrom turns to her "Oh, gods, yes. Of course they did. We spent a whole term on etiquette."

Robin still feeling insulted suggest that "Perhaps you could use another term, this time on how to talk with a lady."

Chrom sighs saying "It's just my image of a lady is someone so prim and proper... perfumed, and pretty... Nothing like you at all! When I look at you, I just don't see a "lady." Does that—" trying to better explain only to stop as Robin arms herself with a rock "...Er, Robin? What... What are you doing with that rock?" Robin Grins lifting it up high saying "I'm thinking a sharp blow to the head might help fix your eyesight." Chrom sputters out "N-no, wait! It was just a joke! Ha ha... ha? ...Gotta go!" Before running off.

Robin stares at him as he runs up to march alongside Frederick as she exclaims "I don't believe it. The little craven actually ran away! What kind of manners... Sheesh... Oh, well. Perhaps it's only fair. It's not like I think of him as a gentleman, let alone some fancy noble." not noticing Lissa walking just behind her until she bursts into laughter "THAT IS SO CHROM!"

"Lissa how much of that did you hear?" Robin asks startled as she thought she was the one at the back of the pack. "All of it… and let's just say it was priceless watching Chrom try and talk with you… I mean… I'm going to be able to tease him about this forever!" Robin just shakes her head "Is he like this with everyone?" Lissa snorts "No… I don't think I have ever seen him fumble with his words so much in his life it's…" Robin looks to Lissa confused at to why the princess didn't finish what she was saying, "It's what?" Lissa just chuckles "Nothing… don't worry about it!"

As the band of shepherds come to a stop Robin moves up next to Chrom, already over their earlier spat, she looks out over the road ahead seeing a bridge and hills on the other side of the river. "Gods, have the Risen spread this far?" Chrom says confusing Robin as she looks at the shambling monsters from the other night "'Risen'?"

Frederick mounts his hose as he rides up next to the two "We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one." Chrom turning to his troops calls out "Everyone, Remember what we're up against!" Vaike calls out "Enter the Vaike Mya Ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their…" his eyes widen as his axe is no longer stranded holstered on his side "Wait… My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!" Chrom gives the blond an indigent look "Vaike, this is no time for jokes…" only for the blond to start looking around yelling back "I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! It's got to be around here somewhere…"

Chrom Groaning in frustration orders Vaike to "Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!" before robin orders the two cavaliers to take point in front, and Frederic to keep Lissa close, as they back up Sully on the right, Virion is to back up Stahl and Vaike is to join them once he finds his axe.

Robin's plan worked perfectly as they cleared out the Risen on their side of the river before Miriel showed up having found Vaike's axe, she swiftly followed orders and soon enough they were making their way through the risen forces on the other side of the river as if they were nothing, and as Robin and Chrom charged the Risen chief he throws his axe, Robin being a step ahead of Chrom blasts the Chieftain with a bolt of lighting before trying to stop deflect the axe with her sword, only for it to half work as it cuts into her arm, Chrom hearing her cry of pain rushes forward faster and cleaves through the Risen sending it back to whatever hell it came from.

Turning to see Lissa already tending to the gash in robin's arm "Finally, and good riddance!" he mutters to himself looking at his men "But if they're appearing this far up the northroad…" Frederick who had already joined Chrom at his side finishes his train of thought "Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary." Chrom nods before heading to Robin asking "Are you okay? She smiles and Lissa answers "She will be fine, but next time the two of you should just both dodge the axe? I mean it will save me the trouble…" Robin chuckles saying "I didnt want to risk Chrom not dodging in time…" making the healer sigh out "alright… but just so you know… no using a swrod with that arm for at least two days… let it heal… so stick to using your tomes for now." Robbin nods in understanding.

After marching a bit more Robin stops "Well, what do we have here?" she tugs at Chrom's arm and points out a horse a bit off the side of the path. Lissa notices it before her brother "Hey, is that what I think it is?" the three leave the path much to Frederick's chagrin approaching the steed. "It's a pegasus, all right. I think it's hurt. Let's just have a look here…" taking a few steps towards the Pegasus it rears up on its hind legs whinnying in distress as it kicks at Chrom who is just pulled back in time by Robin, tripping Chrom finds himself falling back and onto Robin's lap.

"WHOA! Down, girl! Easy there!" Chom calls out to the horse as he pulls himself up and helps Robin up after him, putting room between them and the pegasus. Sumia rushes over to the trio, "Pardon me, Captain, one moment!" only to trip on a small rock and end up face planting. Chrom walks over and helps her up "Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Sumia answers just as she did in the Garrison "No! I mean, yes! I mean…" before letting out a sigh much the same.

Chrom looks back at the pegasus saying "Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!" Sumia ignores him saying "Wait, It's okay, Captain. I can handle this…" as she walks up to the 'crazed beast' she shushes the pegasus as she strokes it's main "Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you." calming the pegasus down in seconds.

Robin is left stunned "How did she calm it so quickly?" Lissa smiles shouting "Wow that's incredible, Sumia!" Chrom sighs in relief as he says "I've never seen anything like it." making Robin feel a little jealous, but also making her confused as to why.

Sumia tries to dismiss the compliments saying "Oh, it's…it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess." Chrom chuckles "I should say so!" Sumia blushes "You all go on ahead. I'll Dress her wound and catch up as soon as we're able." as she notices the condition of the mount's front left leg. Chrom interrupts "we can make time to wait for you." but Sumia shakes her head "No… Thank you, Captain. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger." Chrom nods "Righ, then. Be safe, Sumia" She nods saying "as you command, sir."

A/N: UGH writer's block got me for a while… I struggled with this chapter and I plan on getting another one out tomorrow but please don't be mad if I don't… I'm working on these at least a few paragraphs a day… but I do plan on getting this thing done in its entirety… no matter how long it takes!