Includes: Chrom/Olivia, Lissa/Lon'qu, & Cordelia/Stahl
Lucina,
Inigo,
Owain,
And Severa.
Growing up, the young Princess and Princes of Ylisse did not have a lot of friends, something that came with the lifestyle of royalty. They didn't attend a conventional school, instead, they had private tutors. They didn't have neighbors nor did they live in a neighborhood. So the few that they did meet were the ones that they stayed close to, by and by.
The children were known for running through the halls, filling them with laughter playing their favorite games. Not to say that there was never a disagreement, but when there was, the maids most certainly learned how to deal with each of their personalities. The head-strong, the shy, the eccentric, and the stubborn.
A simple game of ball was one of their favorites. Everyone stayed in their box and would pass it to one another. A game simple for their size, perfect for 4. If you lost, you went to the back, a rule young Inigo was not fond of. Funny to think that so early on they already had some sort of hierarchy, with the King, Queen, Jack, and Dunce, although it seemed the Queen usually was higher than the King, a rule stated by the two girls of the group. And somehow, the game never got old.
Children of Exalt Chrom and the dancer Olivia, Lucina and Inigo.
Son of Princess Lissa and the former Champion Lon'qu, Owain.
And the daughter of General Stahl and Commander Cordelia, Severa.
The four were almost inseparable, staying at each other's side through and through the years. The fall of the Exalt and beloved father? Owain and Severa were at the siblings' side. The fall of the former Champion of Ferox? Owain had hugs from all around. The fall of the Commander? Severa was never left alone.
The fall of the Halidom of Ylisse?
The tears took a long time to stop, but they cried together.
Before complete ruin had hit the continent, a night on the town was called for relaxation amongst the hardship. Under the careful watch of Lucina, the group gazed upon the stars, visited various vendors, and chatted amongst the town people. The night only coming to a close after a drunk tried to attack Inigo, only for said drunk to be threatened to be beaten into a pulp by Owain and Severa. Lucina then made the call that it was time to go home and dragged her trio of friends away.
They always had each other's backs, no matter the tale.
The oldest, Lucina. The youngest, Inigo. The self-proclaimed second in command, Owain. And the middle of everything, Severa.
The second generation of the Shepards were a special bunch. The lively Cynthia, the introverted Noire, the brooding Gerome, and many, many others. Of course, some sort of leadership was needed. Most children inherited their parents' positions, with few exceptions. Yet with the number of injuries, substitutes and temporary positions were scarily common.
The battle against Grima was a painful struggle for all of Ylisse. Life itself was a hellscape. Townsfolk lived each day as if it was their last. The many soldiers fought endlessly, even with low morale. But there was one group of people that the army always had faith in, a group of people who would lay their lives down for the safety of their people.
The loyal leader, Lucina. The bringer of smiles, Inigo. The never doubtful strength, Owain. And the strict but brave, Severa.
The first time they were truly separated was after they jumped through that portal.
Lucina learned to live in secret, to be alone. It was necessary to only intervene as little as possible, for she didn't need to change time too much. All came to a halt once her mask was revealed.
Inigo learned to live as a wandering mercenary, working for a bit of tea with a girl there and there. He learned how to fend for himself, after all, it was harder to fight for yourself when you had always had a leader in front of you.
Owain learned to live as a mysterious hero, one who popped up every once in a while when justice was needed. A fallen villain, a brave maiden, a story, and he was off on another adventure.
Severa learned to live in caution of others. One wrong quip and a brigand would attempt to behead and rain blood. Help a fair mother or two, keep her distance, and off to the next village in search.
The reunion couldn't have been a sweeter feeling. After Lucina, her brother was found, then her cousin, and her best friend. Inigo barely left her sight for at least two weeks, as the separation anxiety made its home in their hearts.
One of the mess hall's tables was reserved for them. No one said a word about it, nor had anyone claimed such a thought in the first place, but it went unsaid. Every lunch it was occupied, yet every dinner it was clear, the regular occupants finding time with their lost families.
War continued, through Valm, and then Ylisse with the fall of the Fell Dragon. A celebration was held among them, a night on the town, once more. Now older, they were a bit braver, more willing to explore the lively capital, yet the stars never shined so brightly. The world was at peace, and families were reunited. History would never forget their names.
Princess Lucina and Prince Inigo, children of Exalt Chrom and the dancer Olivia.
Prince Owain, son of Lady Lissa and the former Champion Lon'qu.
And dear Severa, daughter of General Stahl and Commander Cordelia.
They promised they would stay together. Continuing to help Ylisse thrive, taking care of the younger children.
It was a thought that housed itself in the back of three retainers' minds.
Nohr was not Ylisse, but they gave their help anyway. Another dragon would be downed, for the better of the people. Families would be reunited, society would thrive. They knew it would, but why was there a bit of doubt?
"Laslow, what do you believe we should do?"
"I'm not sure Lord Xander, leadership was never my position."
"Milord, may I suggest using this position instead? A sword should always be facing the enemy in this situation."
"Odin, aren't you a mage?"
"Selena dear, why didn't you tell me you knew how to fly on a pegasus?"
"I never needed to milady."
Stories must continue, and legends will be told.
Having an unknown origin numbs away the pain some, even if just a smidge. No one ever remembers the retainers anyway.
Laslow of Indigo Skies,
Odin Dark,
And our dear Selena.
After all, you can't play foursquare with only three.
These four are my favorites, I might write some more about them.
Thank you for reading.
TapiocaTundra