Author's Notes:

This is the second chapter of Robin's Journal. It felt considerably easier to write than the last one, possibly because more things have happened since then. That's all for today, enjoy chapter 15:

March 19th

We've just returned back to Ylisstol. While most of the shepherds were dismissed for some rest and relaxation, Frederick and I followed Chrom to the castle to give the report to the exalt. To be honest, I don't really understand why I'm needed there, but Frederick tells me that because I'm the tactician for the shepherds, my rank is technically higher than a regular member, so I need to get used to having a bit more responsibility than the others. This makes sense, but it feels weird to outrank others that have been here longer than I am.

Anyways, Chrom went to give the report to Emmeryn, but Frederick suggested we wait outside. We made some small talk. He asked me about eating wild game, and how it's possible for me to consume it so effortlessly. He mentioned that he hates how picky he is with eating. I've agreed to help him try and get over the fear of wild game.

While this was going on, we suddenly had to stop our conversation because some of the castle maids approached us. Or rather, they approached Frederick. They didn't even know who I was, which I suppose is fair. They informed Frederick of a rumor that had been circulating. Apparently a group of criminals had been hired to kill Lissa. I'm not sure whether it is true or not, but if it is, we need to assign someone to protect Lissa. We've talked to Chrom about this issue. He eventually decided to assign the task of bodyguard to Lon'qu. I was a little skeptical of it, and even reminded Chrom of our previous talk, but he assured me that it was fine. I guess I have no choice but to believe him.

After the maids left, Captain Phila of the Pegasus Knights division came running past us, and into the throne room. We'd later find out that she was in a hurry to report that Maribelle had been captured by Gangrel's forces. We're going to parley with them tomorrow, but I get a good feeling that there will be a fight, so I prepared ahead of time. This Gangrel guy seems extremely irritating, and I don't understand how anyone can be content with being his subjects.

The rest of the shepherds did not take the news well. I don't really blame them. I'm bone tired from all the marching we just did. However, one of our own has been essentially kidnapped, so what choice do we have?

Anyways, it's going to be a long day tomorrow, so I'd better get to sleep. That's it for now.

March 20th

What a day it has been.

First, we got up early to prepare for the parley with King Gangrel of Plegia. Well, most of us. Chrom was so tired that when he got up, he managed to trip on a pebble. (Now I understand why Frederick always is clearing the path in front of him of any debris when we march.) Sumia somehow blackmailed him into sleeping for a little extra that morning. It was a little bit annoying for the shepherds that had to fill the gaps and do Chrom's preparation for him, but overall I think we agree that it's important for our leader to be alert and well rested.

When we finally began to march to Border Pass, I lead the rest of the shepherds into hiding in the woods. This was a very nervous experience for me, because it was the first time where I was giving orders to the shepherds without Chrom right besides me. I was a little bit worried that they won't follow my instructions. Fortunately, my fears proved to be misplaced. Many of the shepherds couldn't stand the way Gangrel was talking to the Exalt and Chrom, but I managed to convince everyone to lay low until we spring our trap.

When Gangrel finally showed his true colors, like I predicted he would, the fight became extremely one sided because they simply didn't think we would have made preparations for battle. The Plegians that tried to charge Chrom were almost massacred by our ambush.

There was, however, one unexpected event in my plan. That would be the shepherd Ricken. Honestly, Chrom didn't even tell me that he would be here today, so I didn't make any plans involving him. Somehow, he learned of my plan (and I know this because there's no way he would've done what he did without knowing) and used that knowledge to sneak past the preoccupied Plegians and save Maribelle. They say that unexpected turn of events are a tactician's worst nightmare, but in this case, it turned out to be a good thing. Ricken might actually make a fine tactician one day.

The rest of the fight went pretty well. The only thing that could've maybe gone better is if Lon'qu hadn't got hit by a dark magic spell. I suppose it couldn't be helped though, since he dove in front of it for Lissa. Lissa was extremely upset that she couldn't heal him properly because it was a dark magic wound. Fortunately, I was able to heal him instead using quintessence. Unfortunately, I'm still learning the limits of my strengths. I know, at least I think I do, how they work, but I'm not certain of just what I'm capable of, and what I'm not yet.

We managed to save the Exalt, and began to march home to Ylisstol. However, the damage had been done, and war had been declared. To be honest, it didn't really occur to me on the way back, because I was utterly exhausted by using too much energy. I know it will recover naturally, although at a pretty slow rate. But it couldn't be helped. It's not like I could go killing Ylissean civilians to take their quintessence.

As soon as I got back, Lissa and Lon'qu helped me get to my bed, and I immediately fell asleep. I didn't wake up until the sun already set. But that was only the first half of the day.

I ate dinner with the rest of the shepherds as usual. Ricken and Maribelle were enjoying some tea together. I'd wager Maribelle was thanking him for his part in her rescue.

Kellam and Stahl were sharing a conversation. Something about how they felt in battle.

Vaike and Miriel were also having a discussion, or rather, Miriel was having a discussion with herself and Vaike was listening. They discussed something about instincts and science. That woman is even more of a bookworm than I am, to be honest.

When I finished eating, I stepped outside into the courtyard for some fresh air. I didn't expect to see Chrom there.

We talked a bit about Ylisse's history, or rather, the history a couple decades ago. I read about it in the books, but it's completely different to hear it from a person that actually experienced it.

We were just in the middle of the juicy parts of the conversation when Marth appeared. She, now we know Marth is female, told us she was here to warn us of an assassination attempt on Emmeryn. She proved it by killing an assassin that was sent for Chrom.

However, it seems she didn't expect a second assassin. Chrom and I took care of it, but not before he slashed Marth's mask in half. When I first saw her actual face, I froze for a moment. It's embarrassing to admit, but she's actually extremely pretty. Her facial features look extremely beautiful and refined, and her long, blue hair also looks extremely alluring. Normally when I see a good looking girl, I admit that I think she looks good to myself and simply move on. However, when I saw her, I felt an internal drive to get closer to her. I might be losing it just a little.

Anyways, Marth told us that Emmeryn is in danger, so once again, I had the job of informing the shepherds that we'll be in another fight. They didn't receive the news too well, but fortunately, they understood the severity of the situation.

We managed to make our way to the castle and Emmeryn's quarters fairly quickly due to the shortcuts that the shepherds knew. We got into position just as the assassins began to infiltrate the castle.

Unlike our normal battles, we were split into two groups, and we even divided ourselves further into 3 groups. If I didn't have the Hekseer, I don't know how I would've been able to direct that battle.

Things went mostly according to plan, except for two things. The first was that one of the thieves from the assassin's group decided to turn tail. Apparently, all he wanted to do is make a living, and not murder. Someone didn't get the memo for the mission I guess. Anyways, Chrom was able to convince him to join us somehow for only a bag of sweets. He's actually really capable with a knife, and after the battle, Stahl and I invited him to join the shepherds, which he accepted.

The second thing was that a taguel named Panne showed up to help us fight. At first, I didn't realize she could change forms, so I panicked a little bit when I saw a giant rabbit run in. I thought it was one of Plegia's trained beasts at first, but it seemed to only go for the lives of the Plegians, so I felt a little bit better during the battle. After the fight, Emmeryn's words were able to convince her to stay with us. We gave her a place to stay at the shepherds garrison, and she seems like she's OK with the arrangements for now.

Eventually, we made our way to their leader, a sorcerer. I wasn't there when the rest of the shepherds fought him, because I was checking up on the other two groups. However, when I stepped outside, I caught the very end of his life. The sorcerer seemed to recognize me, but wasn't able to say much before he died. I became extremely frustrated and seemed to lose my mind for a moment. The rest of the shepherds tell me that I entered into some sort of berserk state, and that my eyes were glowing. I faintly remember killing many soldiers, and feeling better once I did.

After the battle, Chrom and I tracked down Marth. She was trying to sneakily get away again. Chrom offered her any favor she wanted, but she turned it down. In a moment of weakness, I almost offered for her to stay with us and become a shepherd. Fortunately, I stopped myself at the last moment due to rational thought. She probably had somewhere she needed to be, and frankly I didn't think it was my place to offer her a place, since Chrom was standing right next to me as well. It was just selfish of me to want her to stay close by, I guess.

Anyways, it's been a long day, and I've been writing for a long time now, I'm going to go to sleep now. Until tomorrow.

March 21st

Today was a pretty chill day. Everyone had their own way of using it. But in general, the shepherds used it as a day to relax, for the most part. Some hard working individuals used it to train. I, personally, went outside. The weather was perfect. It was sunny, but still a bit chilly. Perfect weather for wearing my cloak. I don't understand why, but I am always reluctant to take it off. It almost feels as if it's a part of me. Anyways, I found a nice tree to read under, and to enjoy the crisp, fresh, spring air.

I saw Maribelle reprimanding Donnel about something as I walked by them today. I also saw Lissa trying desperately to get closer to Lon'qu. I think it's really funny how Lon'qu doesn't mind being in close proximity with women in combat, but off the battlefield, he's like an entirely different person. Lissa couldn't even get within ten feet of him before he went on edge.

I also waved to Sully and Stahl as they trained outside. They seem to be getting along more and more, which is great, since two cavaliers paired up make an extremely strong team. I'll have to use them together more often in the future.

{Insert: March 21st}

Maribelle was walking through the hallways of the shepherd's garrison with her mind full of thoughts. Suddenly, she tripped over something.

"What... what careless lout elected to leave their belongings here?!" she exclaimed.

Nearby, Donnel turned around from his conversation with Miriel and Vaike and blanched. He rushed over.

"Gosh, I'm so sorry! That's my pack!" he exclaimed in a hurry and proceeded to pick the bag up.

Maribelle shook her head in disapproval. "Well, I would ask that you be more careful in the future! In cases of emergency, this corridor is the escape route for the entire camp."

Donnel scratched his head. "I'm awful sorry, Maribelle, we ain't have anythin' like that back on th' farm!"

Maribelle nodded. "Very well then, I shall take it upon myself to instruct you. Wait here."

Donnel stood in the hallway awkwardly as Maribelle ran back to her own quarters and eventually returned with a book.

"We shall begin with the laws of Ylisse and the code of organizational regulations." Maribelle began, handing the farm boy the book. "You may borrow this book for now. I expect you to learn its contents front to back!"

"Th-that's an awful thick tome, ain't it?" Donnel stammered.

Maribelle nodded in agreement. "Justice is a weighty matter." she responded.

Donnel gulped. "And you want me to memorize this whole thing, ma'am?" he asked.

Maribelle nodded again. "Diligence is the noblest of the virtues, Donnel! Education elevates us. It separates us from the beasts of the field. Oh, and that volume was a gift from my father. I ask that you handle it with utmost care."

Donnel quickly nodded. "Oh, yes ma'am, I'll get right to it! I'll be real careful too!"

With that, the farm boy went off to apologize to Vaike and Miriel that he had something urgent to work on. The boy proceeded to return to his room and began to study the book.

{Insert: March 21st}

Sully and Stahl were in the middle of sparring on horseback outside. Sully charged the viridian cavalier with her practice spear and stabbed it towards her sparring partner's chest.

"Enough! I yield!" Stahl exclaimed.

"Oh come one!" Sully complained. "That was too easy! You're definitely better than this, you're letting me win on purpose now."

Stahl chuckled. "No one LETS you win anything, Sully. You take victories by force."

Sully scoffed. "So that's your excuse?" she asked him.

Stahl closed his eyes and shrugged. "Hey, you know what I'm like."

Sully looked at him with a disapproving look. "You lack confidence because you don't know yourself well enough." she stuck her hand out. "Here, shake my hand. ...Go on! Shake the damn thing!"

"Er… all right…" Stahl mumbled. He shook her hand.

"Well?" Sully asked him. "What do you feel? How are our hands different?"

Stahl thought for a moment. "Well, yours is actually smaller than I thought." he took another moment to think. "And really soft too! It's kind of nice, really."

Sully shook her head. "You're getting distracted. Focus on the first thing you said. You're bigger than me, and you've got more muscle. Also, you're a better rider. So explain how I keep kicking your ass all over the battlefield."

"I don't know!" Stahl exclaimed defensively. "You just… project this aura around you. Like you're gonna eat me for breakfast, y'know?"

Sully scoffed at him. "All in your head! Change your attitude, and you'll become a better fighter overnight!"

"You really think so?" Stahl asked, as if actually pondering what she said. "Now you're pushing me around in a different way."

"Except that I'm right." Sully stated. "And if you're smart, you'll listen to me. So what do you say? Another round?"

Stahl laughed. "You're on! And this time, I'm standing my ground."

The two readied their weapons, and prepared for another round of sparring.

March 22nd

Today I had my first dinner duty. I don't really remember much, but I have a gut feeling that I've done quite a bit of cooking in the past. When Sumia and I went to the farmer's market today, it was as if I knew exactly what to buy, and in what quantities. Unfortunately, I had a small budget to work with. It was barely enough to get all the main ingredients I needed. I didn't have any left for the herbs and spices that would make the food taste good. That would explain why the food at the dining hall is tasteless. The others probably also have the same issue. I suppose it's not a major problem, because it fills you up. However, I refuse to cook food unless I make it taste good. I ended up buying the herbs and spices with my own money, and I hid it from Sumia because I wasn't sure if that's allowed or not. Regardless, it really made the difference, and it really showed. I received a multitude of compliments from the other shepherds. Stahl and Gaius were so content with the food that they helped me clean the dishes afterwards.

With all that went on today, I almost forgot that we're going to march towards the Eastern Fortress tomorrow. That's it for now, I'm going to go to bed.

March 23rd

This morning, I was introduced to the Hierarch of Ylisse. No one would believe me, since I'm claiming this after the fact, but as soon as I saw him, I thought something was up. He seemed way too nervous. I know we're in a war, but he's within his own borders amongst his own troops.

My hunch proved to be right. When we reached Breakneck pass, we were 'ambushed' by some Plegians. I use quotations because they failed to really take us by surprise. Their commander even had a short parley with the Hierarch, where it was revealed that he was actually a traitor.

The Plegians ended up killing the Hierarch, and I know that he was a friend of Emmeryn's for a long time, but I can't say that I'm sad to see him go. In the time that I knew him, he didn't seem like much of a man.

Regardless, we fought back the Plegians. A Pegasus Knight named Cordelia flew to us from behind, and according to Phila, it meant that the Plegians probably launched an attack across our border.

Phila and her Pegasus Knights escorted Emmeryn back to the capital. I can understand why Emmeryn would do that, especially after learning the history of Ylisse and Plegia's quarrel straight from Chrom. However, I cannot deny that it is extremely dangerous for her. Our best bet is to get to Ferox as quickly as possible to petition for reinforcements and return to Ylisstol as soon as possible.

Right now, we are resting in a small village. I'm going to stop writing now, because I want to get some reading done before bed.

March 24th

Today, we ran into some bandits causing trouble right before we crossed over to Plegia. I didn't think it was a good idea to stop, because it would put Emmeryn at a larger risk. However, Chrom also had a point. The reason we're fighting this war is for the civilians, and if we can't protect them in their time of need, what right would we have to rule them?

We resolved to take care of the problem as soon as possible. The merchants we helped seemed extremely grateful for us, as did the civilians we saved.

We made our way to Ferox, but Basilio gave us the grave news that Emmeryn had been captured and was being brought back across the Plegian border. Apparently she's to be executed in three days. We really need to get to Plegia in time to stop it from happening.

March 26th

As we made our way towards Plegia today, we ran into some Grimleal chasing after a little girl named Nowi. Or, at least we thought it was a little girl. Turns out, she's actually a manakete and can turn into a dragon. Seeing as the Plegians were our enemies anyways, we resolved to help her out. The man following her, which we initially thought was an enemy as well, turned out to be a friendly mercenary. He's extremely skilled, at least that's my conclusion from watching him fight. Chrom gave the man a job after we finished, and Nowi begged to come with us as well, so the shepherds gained two more members.

I'm beginning to think that I could've been a Grimleal myself, since my weapons and attire seem to emphasis the fell dragon. However, Frederick tells me it's possible that I was not a follower, since Grima is also the patron god of Plegia. I didn't mention the mark on my right hand, because I feel that it could make the case against me pretty strong. I really like the shepherds, and don't want them to be mad at me because I might've been a Grimleal in the past.

Tomorrow is the big day, we'll see if we are successful with the rescue of Emmeryn. For now, I need a good night's rest.

March 27th

What a shitty day.

First, I wake up from a nightmare. I saw a woman with flowing white hair running away from a sorcerer. I couldn't put a finger on it, but I could swear I've seen the sorcerer before. Maybe in my past life or something, I don't know. The woman was eventually killed, and the sorcerer took the baby from her.

As if that wasn't bad enough, our rescue of Emmeryn went horribly. Everything went as it was supposed to in the beginning, but just as we defeated all the Plegians and was getting our Pegasus Knights over to Emmeryn, a mass of Risen crawled out of the ground. To make things worse, they were all archers. We couldn't take them all out in time, and they shot down Phila and the other Knights.

Gangrel played with us, trying to force Chrom to hand over the Fire Emblem. In order to make the choice easy for Chrom, Emmeryn gave a heart warming speech before she essentially committed suicide. Chrom wanted to retrieve her body so badly, but Basilio convinced him that we can come back later to secure our revenge.

The only, possibly, positive thing to come from today is we recruited two new members. Tharja and Libra. Tharja seems to know something about my past, so when we have the time, and this mess has been all sorted out, I'll see if I can ask her what she knows about my past.

For now, we're making many small camps, spread out over a larger area to try and essentially hide from the Plegians. Tomorrow we'll continue and try to make our way back to Ylisse.