Summary: Robin had harbored a crush on the prince of Ylisse for months, but such a thing was doomed from the start. In the face of unrequited love, Robin discovers the Shepherds are much more accommodating than she'd thought. Especially the men.
I'm sorry this took so long to get out! I wanted to get further along in the next chapter before posting this one, but between my fickle muse and a bit of writer's block, I didn't get as far along as I'd hoped. But I had this chapter raring and ready, so I wanted to at least give you guys the next installment! Thank you to everyone who has fav'd, followed, and reviewed the last chapter! Hope you enjoy this next one!
Chapter 2: On the Way Home
The morning came too early for most of the company, even with the additional leeway given by the soon-to-be Exalt. People trudged through their duties, packing up the tents and loading all of their belongings either onto horses or into the wagons.
Robin yawned widely as she carted a set of tent poles to the proper caravan, taking advantage of the walk to try to wake herself. She carried them over to Miriel, who consulted a list and directed her to a distant wagon. Nodding her acknowledgement, Robin readjusted her load and continued on, stifling another yawn. She trudged over to the driver, who waved her to the man behind him who was loading the supplies.
The two made eye contact and both instantly flushed crimson.
A second of awkward realization passed between them and they quickly averted their eyes. Robin held the poles out to Lon'qu, who hastily grabbed them and turned away, hopping into the back of the wagon without another word. For her part, Robin didn't stick around. As soon as the Ferroxan's back was turned, she bolted away, her blood pumping rapidly as adrenaline rushed in full force. So much for feeling sleepy.
After that incident, she stayed away from the caravans, instead helping gather and organize the supplies that others would then cart to the convoy. Even with their belated start, the retinue was packed and ready to leave before noon, and they soon began their long journey back to Ylisse. Chrom and Frederick led the way followed closely by Lon'qu and the paladin duo. The other Shepherds trailed behind with the rest of the convoy taking up the rear. Normally, Robin didn't pay too much attention to her placement in the lineup, but today, she deliberately favored the back. Which is how she came to become involved in a particular conversation.
"Chess?" she asked dubiously, raising an eyebrow at the archer who traveled beside her. "No, I've not heard of it. What is it?"
"Not heard of chess!" Virion exclaimed, almost aghast. "But one such as yourself would surely be exceptional at it!" He cleared his throat delicately, his eyes narrowing in a coquettish fashion. "My darling, it is a game of strategy. A mimicry of war. You must defend your king at all costs and utilize your troops to the fullest. When next we make camp, you will have to allow me to teach you."
Robin glanced up at the sky thoughtfully, weighing the idea in her head. "That would be fun," she decided, smiling back at the archer. "We have quite the journey ahead of us. And I should have something to keep myself occupied now that the true battles have hopefully been finished."
A smile nearly split Virion's face. "Excellent! I should warn you, however, that I am a formidable adversary. I doubt you will be able to best me before we part ways."
Robin blinked at the challenge, but the corners of her lips slowly twitched up into a confident grin. "Is that so? You know, I've not been the lead tactician for nothing. You make a bold claim."
"Then might I be equally bold to play to stakes?" Virion pressed, inching closer to the strategist as they walked. "If I do remain victorious throughout the remainder of our journey, I would desire a kiss from the lovely tactician," he murmured flirtatiously.
Robin's face immediately reddened. "What?!" she squeaked, wary now of the grin Virion aimed at her. "You're crazy," she decided. "What would I get if I win?"
"What do you desire?" he replied teasingly. "I'm sure there must be something you want that I can accommodate?"
Robin fell silent for a moment, thinking seriously. The first thought that bounded to the fore embarrassed her such that she didn't even entertain the idea before shoving it back. What did she want? She absently tugged at her sleeve. She didn't want for much. But then again, she'd been on the move pretty much since Chrom and Lissa found her in that field. Suddenly, she had an idea.
"A new jacket," she mused. "If I win, you buy me a new jacket."
Virion smirked. "I accept your conditions. I look forward to our first match."
Robin smiled back, despite the growing feeling that she might have just bitten off more than she could handle.
Robin had her head in her hands, looking disparagingly at the board in front of her. She and Virion were on their eighth game, and she had learned the movements of the pieces and the major strategies at this point. In fact, she'd already discovered most of the minutia of the game. But no matter what she did, or how far ahead she'd thought, Virion always manage to curtail her. It was almost disheartening.
"Blast it," she hissed, her eyes scouring the board for any move that would get her out of the bind that she was in. She'd seen her defeat coming for at least five turns now, and she'd been able to delay it, but turning the tide now appeared impossible. Finding nothing, she propped her finger up on her king and gently tipped him over. "I yield," she admitted begrudgingly.
Virion, to her great relief, didn't gloat. Much. "Don't be so glum, Robin. I've been playing for years and you're doing extraordinarily well for someone who just picked up the game a few days ago."
Robin ran a hand through her hair, her eyes briefly flitting up to the archer before returning to the board. She sighed. "If this were a real battle, we'd have lost..." she started glumly.
"But it wasn't, so there's no need to worry yourself about it," Virion countered. Seeing his words weren't having much effect, he sighed. "Robin, take a look at the board."
Robin's gaze fell sharply on him, but seeing no sign of teasing in his expression, did as he said and analyzed the board.
"Now," he continued as he leaned forward in his seat, "I may have won the battle, but who has more pieces left on the board?"
Robin's gaze instantly took on a renewed spark. "...I do."
"By a wide margin," Virion added. "I may have won, but the cost was great. If I were choosing commanders to serve under, I would choose you in a heartbeat."
The tactician's eyes were glued to the chessboard, a new appreciation gleaming in her gaze. While she was still disappointed she lost, it… was good to know she valued the right things.
"Of course," Virion continued, leaning back smugly, "such things have no bearing on our agreement.
"Yeah, yeah." Robin let out an overdramatic sigh as she reset the board for another game, but a smile played on the corner of her mouth.
The spire of the royal castle pierced the horizon as the convoy passed through a valley. The sight was nostalgic for most, and a little bittersweet, for it reminded them of their fallen Exalt. It also meant a parting of ways for the people who had become comrades. It was still about a half day's travel from Ylisstal when the party began to split.
Lon'qu tried to escape unnoticed, but Gregor had decided to join him and "strongly encouraged" the myrmidon to make a proper farewell. "Gregor has fondness for Ylissians, now, so if you need, Gregor give discount, yes?" He clapped Chrom and Robin on their shoulders, and they both staggered a bit from the force. Robin smiled wryly as she regained her standing. "I'm sure they'll be able to keep you busy in Regna Ferrox. Just make sure you don't get on Flavia's bad side."
Gregor let out a might chuckle at this. "Yes, Gregor has much respect for the strong lady. May even work for her. We shall see." He smiled at the duo and the gleam in his eyes betrayed his fondness for them. "Now, if you excuse, Gregor must say farewells to rest of people." And with a round of handshakes between them, he was off towards the rest of the Shepherds.
That left Lon'qu standing before the Exalt and tactician. He didn't shift on his feet, being a disciplined soldier, but his unease was clear on his face.
Chrom was the one to break the silence. "Thank you for everything you've done for us," he started sincerely. "I hope to continue the alliance we have with Regna Ferrox. Hopefully one day we can team up again."
Lon'qu nodded mutely at the sentiment, then turned his eyes to Robin with a look of blank expectation.
Robin wished she could tap something to direct some of her nervous energy, but she held it in. "It's been an honor working with you," she said with conviction. "You were vital to our victory. I wish you all the best moving forward."
The Ferroxan seemed surprised by the professionalism Robin channeled, but merely nodded again in response. "You as well," he intoned lowly, surprising both of them. With that, he rushed off to the perimeter of the temporary encampment.
Chrom looked over to Robin, surprise still evident on his face. "He's actually speaking with you," he mused in awe.
Robin raised an eyebrow, her gaze breaking away from the the retreating swordsman to face Chrom. "Believe me, it's as much a surprise to me as it is to you," she shrugged. Inwardly, she felt relieved. She had been worried they would part on the awkward terms that had permeated since the night they defeated Gangrel. Thankfully the tension seemed to have passed for now.
Shortly after, Virion approached Chrom with a gallant bow. "Chrom! I'm afraid it is time for me to take my leave, as well. My duchy will need leadership in these trying times. But I do hope we will find the opportunity to meet again."
Chrom bowed similarly. "Certainly. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. And I'm sure Sumia will insist on inviting you to the ceremony," he mentioned.
Virion's grin grew wider. "If she does, I would be delighted to attend," he elucidated. He glanced over to Robin and gave her a knowing look. "Chrom, would you mind if I borrowed your shrewd tactician for a moment?"
Chrom blinked his confusion and looked at Robin's suddenly nervous face for a moment before shrugging. "I suppose, if she's okay with it."
"Marvelous! Robin, after you," he motioned away with a gentlemanly air. Robin hesitated for a moment, but followed his lead.
Once they were away from the main crowd, Virion stopped, and Robin turned to face him. He had a mouse-eating grin on his face. "My dear, you have a promise to keep," he reminded smugly.
Robin grimaced a bit. "I'm aware," she said slowly, shifting a bit on her feet. Two weeks. Two weeks and she hadn't been able to best him in chess. Even though Virion had shown her why she lost each time, she couldn't make herself sacrifice her soldiers for the advantage they might give. It just wasn't her nature. They must have played over 30 games, but each one had ended the same way.
She stepped forward, closing the distance between them nervously. She raised her hands, placing one on each side of his head. Virion's eyes popped wide, but he stood silently. She leaned up, her lips drawing closer.
They landed on his cheek, then she quickly bounced away.
Virion froze for a second, mouth slightly ajar before he whirled around. "Hey!" he cried, "That was not our deal!"
Robin halted mid-hop and backtracked a bit. "On the contrary, it fits perfectly within the boundaries of our agreement." It was her turn to let slip a knowing smile. "Besides, do you really think I'm going to risk Maribelle's wrath? Come now, Virion, that wouldn't be very smart of me, would it?" She smirked when a blush crawled over the lord's face and she turned on her heel. "See you soon Virion! Take care!" she called over her shoulder as she meandered back towards Chrom.
Virion smiled weakly, a drop of sweat running down his temple at the thought of the fiery Ylistan maiden. Maybe it would be best if he kept his more flirtatious tendencies on a tighter leash from now on….
The caravan left the mountain pass a few hours past noon and continued on their way to the castle. While the troops' excitement mounted as the castle drew closer, there was a tension in Robin that she couldn't quite shake. She felt increasingly disconnected as they approached the gates. All of these people were so excited to be here - so excited to return home. Would she really have a place here? Could she really call this home? She glanced up to Chrom, who was riding side-by-side with Sumia as they talked amiably. She'd told Chrom that she would stay if he asked, but what use would she be here? The war was over. With any luck, they wouldn't need to fight, which made her particular skill set somewhat moot. She fiddled with the sleeve of her robe. Well, ultimately Chrom would be the one to decide her place.
As soon as they entered the town, the crowd around them began to thin substantially. The merchants broke off to return to their shops and the provisional soldiers headed home to their families, leaving mostly the royal family, the Shepherds, and the higher military leaders. At some point Gaius peeled off with a cheerful two-finger salute and shortly after, the Shepherds separated as well, both excited to be back and exhausted from the travel. Robin moved to leave with them, but Chrom stopped her before she got too far. "Robin, wait."
Robin stopped, turning to Chrom with a questioning expression. She felt a bit of anxiety scratch at her as the Shepherds continued on their way. Chrom turned his horse towards her, ignoring the look Frederick threw him. "Follow us. The castle is this way." He ushered her over and she rushed over, waiting until she had caught up to question him. "I thought I would be staying with the Shepherds?" she asked, carefully ignoring Frederick's eyes burning holes into the back of her neck.
The prince shrugged nonchalantly. "We do have barracks, but since you're going to be one of my advisors, it's best for you to have a room in the castle."
Lissa squeaked in excitement at overhearing Chrom's declaration. "Robin, you're going to be staying with us?!" she exclaimed, nearly bouncing off her horse in her joy. Robin spared the girl a smile, ignoring the nerves in her stomach before turning back to Chrom. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose. I'd be just as happy staying with the Shepherds," she protested.
"Nonsense!" Lissa chimed in, trotting up next to them. "It gets so lonely sometimes. We'd be more than happy to have you stay with us!"
Against the combined might of Chrom and Lissa, Robin knew she didn't stand a chance of changing their minds, and frankly, she didn't really want to. A thankful smile came to Robin's face. "Then I would love to accept. Thank you."
Once they reached the palace, Chrom dismounted and quickly went over to Sumia and helped her off her pegasus. Frederick likewise dismounted and brushed past Robin to reach Lissa, who waved him off as she slide gracefully from the saddle. Robin was amused by the display, but didn't show it aside from a slight twinkle in her eyes. As the future Exalt and his consort approached the palace doors, they opened up and Robin's eyes flew open.
It was beautiful.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! We're in Ylisstal! I have just one more chapter mapped out before I had planned to flounce around in fluffy oneshot territory for a while, so if you have any Robin pairings/scenarios you want to see, let me know by reviewing or PMing me! I'm always happy to hear ideas, and if I end up using yours, I'll happily give you story credit. :) I do have a couple of oneshot chapters envisioned, and I know what will happen after Ylisstal, but we do have two years to burn through before we get there, and a lot can happen in two years. As I alluded to in the earlier authors notes, I am a mighty slow and muse-driven writer, so I apologize that updates may not be particularly frequent, but comments do help press me to update. It helps remind me that there are people excited to see where this goes that aren't just in my head, haha. /end shameless plug