Author's Notes:
Almost all of the first generation shepherds are married after this chapter. And on a completely different note, I never understood why this paralogue wasn't accessible, or even mandatory right after the Mila Tree chapter. It doesn't make sense for the shepherds to leave the tree, only to come back to it just to pick up Tiki.
On another note, I also don't understand the point of the Wind tome in the game. To me, it's always been the most worthless tome. Not Rexcacilbur or Arcwind, mind you. They're actually some pretty decent tomes. I'm talking about the basic wind tome. The way the stats are calculated, even against flying enemies, a wind tome has the only the exact same might of a thunder tome.
Anyways, none of you probably care about that little detail. Here's chapter 25:
Within the Mila Tree…
The shepherds were making their way up the staircase embedded on the interior of the Mila Tree's trunk.
"Marry! What fighting!" Say'ri exclaimed as they continuously made their way upwards. "I almost pity the enemies of Ylisse!"
Chrom laughed. "It's mostly just Robin." he told the Swordmistress. "He makes fighting so easy. We don't really have to think. He's the one doing all of the directing and planning."
"Prithee," Say'ri scoffed. "That has to be an exaggeration. I saw how well every Ylissean fought."
"Actually," Frederick interjected. "Robin tells us to go fill certain gaps during the battle, and we always end up fighting against favorable matchups. The reason we're able to be so successful during combat is because he sets us up for success by putting us in those favorable situations."
"Yeah." Stahl agreed. The mounted shepherds had elected to leave their horses at the base of the tree, and were currently climbing by foot, just like everyone else. The only exception were their fliers, who had just flown to the top of the tree. "Ever since he's joined us, we've become almost invincible! It feels as if we cannot lose against anybody!"
"Really." Say'ri said, still a little bit skeptical. "If all they say is true, then I suppose I have a newfound appreciation for your efforts, Sir Robin."
She smiled at the man in question, who was sheepishly rubbing the back of his head at all the praise.
Lissa, meanwhile, was not having a fun time climbing the steps. "How many stairs are in a case of stairs?" she complained. "Because I'm already tired of this stupid staircase!"
"Does the Voice truly live up here?" Lucina asked.
"Aye." Say'ri replied, just as they reached the top.
They walked up to see an unexpected sight. It didn't look like it was the top of a tree at all. In fact, there seemed to be an entire field at the top of the tree. To the north side, there was a temple where, presumably, the Voice resided. Just in front of it was a fountain, and further away, the ground was covered by a lush bed of grass. There were some flowers scattered throughout.
As soon as the shepherds stepped up out of the staircase, they could feel an overwhelming feeling of peace and tranquility wash over them.
"Mhm… the air here…" Chrom began. "It's so calming."
"Yeah!" Lissa agreed. "Makes you want to just lie down and take a huge nap, doesn't it?"
"Tempting..." Lucina agreed.
Robin looked around, and found that everyone around him seemed to be in the same state, seemingly mesmerized by the aura given off by area. However, he did not feel the same way.
"Odd." he muttered to himself. "It seems like just anywhere else to me."
In truth, he was feeling slightly agitated by the surrounding area if anything. He shook his head to clear his mind, as the shepherds made their way closer to the temple.
Cherche, Sumia and Cordelia were waiting for them next to the fountain. Once they saw the shepherds emerge, they waved them over.
"Ugh…." Lissa complained. "Why couldn't you have taken me with you, Sumia? I would've loved to not have to climb all of those steps."
"Oh, I suppose I could have done that. Sorry." Sumia apologized. "But… climbing the stairs also builds character."
Lissa pouted. "No wonder you ended up with Chrom. You're both the same." This earned a laugh from the shepherds near them.
"Let's find Lady Tiki." Robin suggested.
"Aye." Say'ri agreed. "Lady Tiki!" she called into the temple. "Are you here? Prithee answer!"
She was greeted by the sight of a green haired Manakete that looked slightly older than Nowi, yawning as she walked out of the temple.
"Ah! My lady!" Say'ri immediately bowed before her. "I'm glad to see you're all right."
"Lady Tiki!" Lucina bowed as well. "It's good to see you again. Even if it's not in the same timeline."
Tiki blinked and looked at Lucina for a moment. "Marth? Oh Mar-mar, is that you?"
"My name is Lucina, milady." Lucina corrected. "Although… I did go by that name for a little while."
"Ah… forgive me." Tiki apologized. "You reminded me of someone I knew." she sighed. "But he is gone now. Lost during my endless sleep."
She turned back to Lucina. "You and your father are of exalted bloodline, are you not?"
This time, it was Chrom who spoke. "Yes milady. We are."
"Do you have the Fire Emblem then?" The Manakete asked. "It should have been passed down through your family."
"Yes. I have it here." Chrom took the Fire Emblem off his shoulder and presented it to Tiki.
"Ah! What a relief to know that it has not been lost." Tiki then took a closer look. "But where are the gemstones? I only see Argent."
"Gemstones?" Chrom asked.
"Yes. There are five of them." Tiki explained. "Argent, Sable, Gules, Azure and Vert. Each of them holds a portion of Naga's power. When mounted upon the Fire Emblem, they allow one to perform the Awakening."
"The rite that allowed the first exalt to channel the divine dragon's power…" Frederick muttered.
Tiki nodded. "The very same. With the Fire Emblem's power, the first exalt was able to defeat Grima. But such power was too great for men, and so he scattered the gemstones. I have Azure here with me."
Tiki produced a blue colored gemstone, and placed it into its slot on the Fire Emblem.
"My kingdom has safeguarded Vert for generations." Say'ri offered. "However, the gem was recently stolen by Walhart's men."
"Milady," Lucina addressed Tiki. "Do you know where the other two gemstones may be?"
Tiki shook her head. "The remaining two gemstones, Sable and Gules, are no longer known to me. They may have been taken a long time ago, at the time of the Schism."
"Wasn't Regna Ferox founded during the Schism?" Robin asked, remembering the history books he had read. "Perhaps we could ask Flavia and Basilio, maybe they can help us find the other two."
"Ah!" Tiki exclaimed, as she noticed Robin for the first time. "You… you also have it…"
Robin looked around, to see who Tiki might have been talking to. Everyone around him looked just as puzzled as he was. "Wait… me?" Robin finally asked, pointing to himself.
"You… have power like mine…" Tiki murmured.
"I… do?" Robin asked.
"I… ah…" Tiki bowed to Robin. "Forgive me. I am still groggy from my slumber. My words outpace my thoughts."
"N-no! It's quite alright!" Robin hurriedly said.
"Are you well, milady?" Say'ri asked the sleepy Manakete.
"I'm… fine." Tiki murmured. "But… even now, there are those in the world that pine for the fell dragon's return. Grima's life force is growing stronger by the day… and with it, the long shadows of despair."
She looked at Chrom. "I wish to add my power to your cause."
The Ylissean Exalt smiled. "Truly? That is extremely good news."
Tiki nodded. "But… I am still sleepy. I need to perform a rite in order to restore some of my power."
"That's no problem." Chrom said. "We could use a little rest."
"It'll take me about a day. Maybe two." Tiki said nonchalantly. "Until I finish, I will be in a weakened state. Please protect me, and don't allow anyone to disturb me. You're welcome to stay here in the Mila temple while you wait."
She made her way towards the fountain in front of the temple and knelt down in front of it. The water in the fountain began to glow a faint, aqua green color. Tiki seemed to be intensely concentrating on something.
"So… uh… what do we do now?" Robin asked. "Are we staying here for a bit then?"
Chrom shrugged. "I guess so."
Say'ri nodded. "Lady Tiki will be a valuable ally. Methinks it would be worth the wait."
"Ugh… what are we going to do about dinner then?" Lissa complained. "I'm NOT walking back down all of those steps and then back up just so I can have food."
"We could go fetch some of the dried food and bedrolls from the Basilio and Flavia." Sumia suggested. "And we can sleep in the temple."
"Hooray!" Nowi exclaimed. "Slumber party!"
The shepherds chuckled at the younger Manakete's enthusiasm.
For the next few hours, Cherche, Sumia and Cordelia made repeated flights down and back up the Mila tree, transporting food, water, bedrolls and pillows. The rest of the shepherds were able to lounge around, relaxing after the battle that happened earlier that day, and enjoying the feeling of tranquility that the temple seemed to emanate. Under this influence, some of the shepherds were able to gain the courage to do something they otherwise probably wouldn't have done… yet.
With Gregor
Gregor was sitting outside in the field, fidgeting with the ring that he had bought for someone special to him. He wanted to give it to her so badly, but was afraid of what the others might think. After all, he was rather old by the shepherd's standards, and she appeared to be the youngest one among them. He wasn't even sure if it would be possible, since they technically weren't even of the same race. And yet, he can't help but want to stay with her, and take care of her.
"Oi! Is most troublesome indeed." Gregor muttered to himself. He chuckled. Things have changed a lot since that day he decided to betray his employers in order to help the girl. Who would've thought things would end up this way?
His thoughts were interrupted by a very energetic cry from behind him.
"Gre….gor!" Nowi sang. "Did you see us out there? The fight today. Didn't we work so well together?"
Gregor turned around and laughed. "Oh ho! We are unbeatable team!"
"So now we can relax and have some fun, right?" Nowi asked.
"Ah." Gregor's expression turned serious. "You are remembering that?"
"Don't tell me you're going to back out!" Nowi pouted. "You promised!"
"Gregor remembers." The ex mercenary nodded. "Gregor is man of his word."
"Good." Nowi smiled. "Now let's go play!"
"..." Gregor hesitated for a moment. "Before the romping and frolicking, Gregor has a gift to bestow…"
He handed Nowi the ring that he had concealed in his hands.
"Oo!" Nowi's eyes went wide. "What a beautiful ring!"
"Ring is symbol of solemn vow." Gregor explained. "Gregor is wishing to spend life with Nowi. Er, will Nowi accept?"
"You mean we can play and hang out every day from now on?" Nowi asked, reaching for the ring. "Gimme!"
"No, no. Not play." Gregor clarified. "Gregor is mangling language once more. Ring is sacred, yes? Is meaning that we…"
"Oh silly Gregor!" Nowi laughed. "Of course I know what it means! I'm over 1,000 years old, remember? You love me and want to get married, right? So just come out and say it."
"But…" Gregor grimaced. "Is difficult. Gregor is… shy man."
"Are you sure you love me then?" Nowi frowned. "Because if you don't…"
"No, no!" It was Gregor's turn to interrupt. "Gregor's heart is true. He seeks solemn bond as man and wife! Gregor prove to you." he cleared his throat. "Gregor love you, Nowi."
"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Nowi laughed. "I accept! But you have to promise to live as long as you can, all right?"
Gregor matched Nowi's laugh. "Gregor will be doing his best!"
With Tharja…
Tharja was in her own corner of the temple, far away from the rest of the shepherds. She liked to be left alone, after all. Most of the time, the shepherds did just that. However, there are some instances where one of the shepherds sought her out. More often than not, it was Libra. This was one of those instances.
Libra had always volunteered enthusiastically to be the test subject for Tharja's new hexes, which was something even Henry was not crazy enough to do. Throughout her experiments, she had learned of Libra's horrible past. She couldn't help but see the man in a different light since then.
"Tharja? Might I have a word?" The priest asked.
"What is it?" Tharja replied coldly.
"I wonder if you wouldn't mind looking into my heart once more." Libra immediately asked.
"Why?" Tharja asked.
Libra smiled. "It would be easier for you to look, than for me to tell you."
"You know, you priests can be very pushy when you want to be." Tharja smirked. "Maybe this time, I'll do more than look. Did you consider that? Maybe I'll plant a seed of terror in your soul."
"Anytime you're ready." Libra smiled, completely ignoring the sorceress's threat.
"Wow, someone's serious today." Tharja said, slightly surprised. "All right, don't move."
"I won't." Libra continued to smile.
Tharja muttered the incantations and cast the familiar spell. What she saw took her aback. She began to blush furiously. "What is… I don't understand…"
"You looked into my heart, didn't you?" Libra asked. "Then you saw the feelings I have for you."
"Why did you make me do this?" Tharja asked, her voice dripping with suspicion.
"When hearts touch, they affect one another." Libra replied. "Much like a curse does, or so you said."
"You seek to put a hex on MY heart?" Tharja exclaimed, the pink not leaving her cheeks. "You're a priest. How dare you!"
Libra shrugged. "Well, you started it."
"I most certainly did not." Tharja informed him.
"Then I guess the love must have grown naturally from my own heart." Libra said. "And how is it YOU feel, Tharja? Because while priests can do many things, casting hexes is not one of them."
"Liar!" Tharja accused. "You're lying! You have to be… otherwise…"
"Otherwise we would have fallen for each other naturally." Libra finished for her.
"Are you sure this isn't a trick?" Tharja asked, still skeptical.
"Love has no value if it is won by deception." Libra smiled.
"Then… I guess I have no choice but to believe in my heart." Tharja concluded.
"So then," Libra fished a ring out of his robes. "If I were to offer you this ring and propose marriage, would you accept?"
Tharja smirked. "You had a ring already? That's rather bold of you."
"Such fateful moments come but rarely in our lives." Libra informed her. "I did not want this one to pass me by."
"It's strange… but you seem completely different from the man I first met." Tharja confessed.
"Different in a good way?" Libra asked hopefully.
"Yes." Tharja replied. "Different in a very good way. And now you'll be the second most important person in my life… after Robin."
"I… uh… suppose I can live with that?" Libra chuckled nervously.
Tharja waved her hand. "It's just a joke. Relax. Although... " she looked at Libra directly in the eyes. "I haven't told anyone else this, not even Henry. But when I was young, I was abandoned by my own parents. I was about to starve to death in the streets of Dohlr, but Robin was the one to save me. He was... " she was about to say 'the prince', but stopped herself just in time. "In a family with great influence over Plegia, and I was just a homeless, starving girl in the back alley. But that didn't matter to him. He saved me. Eventually, I was able to make my way into working for him after I discovered my talent for magic. He was everything to me. And I loved him. Although after he joined the shepherds, it seems as if he's completely forgotten about me."
She sighed. "I've thought about telling him everything, because then I might have had a chance with him. However, I really think the right thing for me to do is not reveal his past to anyone, including Robin himself. And you're right. If I try to win his love that way, it would be out of deception, which would mean it's not real. I've recently began to accept that we'll never get together, but it doesn't mean I don't care for him anymore. His well being is still one of my greatest priorities. Is that all right with you?"
Libra stared at her dumbstruck for a moment. "Of course. I'm sorry about your past, but I guess that's something else we have in common… We both might not have had the best parents, but I hope we can move on from it together. And as for Robin, I can completely understand your devotion. I would be in a similar situation with Lady Emmeryn if she were still alive."
Tharja nodded. "Perhaps you are the man that can truly understand me." she let out an extremely rare smile. "All right. I accept your offer."
Libra returned the smile. "Thanks, Tharja. I really mean it."
With Cherche…
Cherche had just finished transporting everything needed for the Shepherds to stay the night at the Mila temple along with Sumia and Cordelia. As she was dismounting from her faithful wyvern, Minerva, she was greeted by Virion.
"Oh my." was the first thing Cherche said. "You look like you're about to fall over any moment."
"Yes, I'm afraid I haven't been sleeping very well lately." Virion sighed. "My cot is cold, and I've no one to share it."
Cherche giggled. "Have you ever tried seducing a lonely kitchen wench?"
"Do you think I can find happiness with just a random lass?" Virion looked slightly offended. "I have standards, dear."
"There's as many maids as stars in the sky." Cherche retorted. "Surely there must be SOMEONE you like."
Virion smiled. "Yes, and you know full well who it is."
"Oh, Virion." The pinkette grimaced and turned away from the man in question. "We've talked about this before. We're too close to each other!"
"Yes we are close." Virion agreed. "Closer perhaps than two people have ever been! I can no more imagine being without you than being without air or water! How can another woman be anything but a shadow of what you are to me?"
Cherche stared at the man for a moment before giggling again. "Now you're just practicing lines for your next conquest."
Virion had a dead serious look on his face. "You, of all people, should know when I am being sincere."
Cherche sighed and looked away. "Yes, I suppose that I do."
"And though I fear your answer, I have one final card to play." Virion said, reaching into his pocket. "I have brought you something."
He presented to Cherche a ring.
"Is… that what I think it is?" The Wyvern Lord asked skeptically.
"If you think it's an engagement ring, then yes." Virion replied. "Do you believe me now?"
Cherche blinked for a moment. "I suppose I must."
"Then what is your answer?" Virion asked anxiously. "Will you accept?"
Cherche giggled once again. "I think I have to. Who ELSE would agree to be YOUR wife?" her expression then turned serious. "I must warn you though, once we tie the knot, your days of maids will be over. Stray from me but once, and I'll serve you to Minerva as a snack."
"Nothing will be further from my mind!" Virion declared. "Well, the maids part. I'm quite concerned about your little pet, after all."
"Did you hear that, my sweet Minerva?" Cherche asked, stroking her mount's head. "You must ensure he keeps his promise."
Virion pulled his wife to be into a hug from behind. "You need not worry, my love. In the past, I have acted in that way because I was still searching for the right person. But now that I have found it, those days of mine are indeed over."
Cherche smiled, internally feeling extremely relieved. "Good. As long as you stay true to me, I will forever remain loyal to you."
Later that night…
It was already dark outside. Most of the shepherds were already asleep inside the temple. However, Robin was not one of them. He kept fidgeting and rolling around his bedroll, not seeming to be able to find a comfortable position. His entire body seemed to feel extremely agitated.
Finally, he decided that he would not be able to fall asleep, and decided to get up and walk outside.
He could feel the difference immediately when he stepped out of the temple. It was as if the temple itself was telling him that he did not belong in there. Robin decided to lay down in the field, and admire the stars. He sighed, remembering his encounter with Lucina on the ship while they were traveling to Valm.
"It's such a large dilemma." Robin muttered to himself. "I enjoy spending time with her so much… and yet… the closer we get, the more I have to remind myself that you can't end up with her." he sighed. "Being with her is just like drinking. I enjoy it in the moment, but the more I do it, the worse it is for me."
Meanwhile, Lucina was also awake. It wasn't that she had trouble falling asleep. In fact, the temple seemed to make it easier for her to sleep than normal. Not a single nightmare or unpleasant thought troubled her.
She had often slept in congregations such as this before in her own timeline, and due to the constant threat of being attacked by Risen, her body had been programmed to be easily stirred from her slumber. The sound of Robin getting up and muttering to himself was enough to arouse her from her sleep. She noticed him leave the temple, but didn't see anyone else go with him.
She shifted her body so that she was lying on her side, and began to wait. However, Robin didn't return for what seemed like an eternity.
Finally, she decided to get up herself and check on the tactician. She slowly picked herself up, and quietly made her way towards the exit. This was extremely courteous, though completely unnecessary, due to the fact that the rest of the shepherds had fell into a deep and peaceful slumber as soon as they got onto their bedrolls inside the temple.
It really was dark outside. The dimly lit torches inside of the temple seemed as bright as the sun by comparison.
"Robin?" Lucina warily called out. "Robin? Are you out here?"
"Over here." she heard the familiar voice call out to her from a little bit to her right. She made her way over to it. She found the tactician lying down on a hill in the middle of the field.
"What… what are you doing out here so late?" Lucina asked him.
Robin chuckled. "I couldn't sleep, so I came out to look at the stars."
"Could I…" Lucina cautiously asked. "Do you mind if I stay out here with you too, then?"
Robin hesitated for a moment. "All right." he finally said.
Lucina laid down next to him. They were extremely close to each other, with only a few inches of space separating them.
"Oh? This feels… really weird." Lucina admitted.
Robin laughed. "Right? The ground is slightly slanted here, so it's kind of a weird feeling when we lie down. It's as if my brain doesn't know whether I'm lying down or standing up. It would be really difficult to describe this feeling to anyone else."
"So… uh, you said you had trouble sleeping?" Lucina asked.
Robin chuckled. "Yeah. My whole body felt agitated. It's as if something was keeping me from falling asleep."
Lucina furrowed her eyebrows. "That's really weird. Everyone else is sleeping really easily. Don't you feel extremely relaxed inside?"
Robin shook his head. "No. I'm not sure why. I know everyone says that, but I'm really not feeling it."
"That's weird…" Lucina murmured, but dropped the subject.
"So… what are you exactly looking at?" Lucina asked after a moment of silence.
"The constellations." Robin replied. "They're really easy to see from here. See? That one is Taurus."
The tactician pointed at a group of stars. "It resembles a bull with horns. It's also your astrological sign."
"Oh? What does that mean?" Lucina asked curiously.
"You're astrological sign is based on what day you were born on." Robin chuckled. "I'm merely an amateur at astronomy. But if I recall correctly, it means you're cautious, practical and resistant to change."
"I… guess I'm sort of like that?" Lucina said dubiously.
Robin chuckled. "You don't have to take it too seriously. It's a generalization. After all, not everyone born within a one month period will behave the same way, right?"
Lucina nodded in agreement. "What about father? Which one is his?"
"His birthday is the 27th of May." Robin recited. "Which makes him a Gemini. That group of stars over there." Once again, he pointed it out to Lucina. "Can you see it? It's kind of like two stick figures holding hands. It's the constellation of the twins."
"I see it!" Lucina exclaimed. She was actually really enjoying spending time with Robin like this. Just the two of them, without anyone else interfering. She could get used to it.
"Gemini are supposed to be adaptable and flexible, as well as being good at communication and socialization." Robin told the future princess. "Perfect summarization of Chrom, do you agree?"
Lucina laughed. "Too true."
She turned Robin. "Well, what about you? What's your sign?"
Robin once again, pointed out a third group of stars. "If my birthday is the one that Tharja told me, then it's that one, right there. It resembles a lion as it is laying down. It's the constellation Leo."
"And what does that mean for you?" Lucina asked.
"Enthusiastic, faithful, and resistant to change." Robin recited. "Personally, I'm not sure how to feel about it myself..."
He was interrupted by a soft sneeze made by the princess lying down next to him.
Robin chuckled. "You're cold?"
"Yeah, I guess." Lucina giggled nervously. "I'm only wearing my sleep clothes right now. Maybe I didn't think things through before coming out here."
Robin sat up and took off his cloak. "Here." he said, offering it to Lucina.
"You'll… you won't feel cold then?" Lucina asked as she accepted it, and wrapped it around herself. Immediately, her nose was hit with an extremely nostalgic smell. She was tempted to run away as fast as she could, and never give the cloak back, but she also knew that it would probably worsen the relationship she had with Robin.
Robin laughed. "I just really like wearing that cloak. I don't actually feel the cold."
Lucina smiled and rested her head back down on the ground. She inched herself closer to Robin.
"Hey…" Lucina began. "Could you tell me about my friend's constellations then?"
Robin nodded. "Of course. Just tell me the birthday."
Lucina smiled. "The first is Severa. Her birthday is the 21st of January."
Robin pointed at another group of stars. "Her's is that one. Aquarius…"
He heard a yawn escape the princess's lips. "Am I boring you?" Robin chuckled.
"No… no!" Lucina hurriedly replied. "It's just… I may be feeling a little bit tired."
"Of course." Robin nodded. "It's only natural. It's been a long day. Do you want to head back and sleep then?"
"No." Lucina quickly said. "I think I want to stay out here a little bit longer…" With you, she wanted to add, but couldn't find the courage to do so.
Robin shrugged. "All right then, suit yourself."
The two stayed out and chatted about the stars for a while. Actually, it was mostly Robin talking, with Lucina listening as the tactician divulged all the information he knew to her. Robin helped Lucina find the astrological signs for many of her friends.
"Well, who is next?" Robin asked. He was greeted by silence.
Robin listened very carefully, and could hear the steady rhythm of Lucina breathing in and out.
"It appears she's fallen asleep." Robin mused to himself. "She must have been tired."
Sighing, the tactician got up. He softly picked Lucina up in a bridal carry, and began to walk back towards the temple. As he picked her up, the girl began to stir just a little, but still remained asleep, which was a testament of how tired she actually was. Lucina unconsciously nuzzled her head into Robin's chest as he walked.
Once inside, he gently set the girl down on her own bedroll. He retrieved his cloak from the girl, and covered her up with a blanket.
"Sweet dreams, princess." Robin muttered, before heading back outside. Something about the temple just didn't sit well with him.
He found that it was indeed much easier to fall asleep outside, and plopped himself down in the field. 'Hopefully, it doesn't rain tonight.' Robin thought to himself, and finally felt himself slip into the realm of dreams for the first time that night.
The next morning…
Lucina woke up in her own bedroll.
"Weird…" she muttered to herself. "I don't remember falling asleep here…"
She tried to remember what had happened the previous night. She was… outside the temple, stargazing with Robin. And then…
The future princess thought hard. Robin was talking to her about all the constellations, but for some reason she couldn't remember coming back to the temple. Which means… either it was all a dream, or Robin had CARRIED her back to the temple.
She quickly dismissed the first possibility. It's been several years since she had a pleasant dream, not to mention, she'd never had dreams that seemed so realistic. But, then that only leaves the second option.
"Oh no…." she muttered as she covered her blushing face in embarrassment.
Lissa, who happened to be nearby, noticed this.
"Lucina?" she asked. "Are you all right? Do you have a fever?"
"N-no!" she hurried waved her hands and shook her head. "I-i'm fine! Really!"
"Are you sure?" Lissa asked skeptically. "It wouldn't be good if you go into battle feeling sick. I could take a look at it for you."
"I'm fine really." Lucina said. She hurriedly rolled up her bedroll and left the temple. "Bye! Thanks aunt Lissa!"
Outside, Chrom, Say'ri and Robin were gathered near Tiki.
"Good morning, father." Lucina greeted. "Good morning Robin. Good morning Say'ri."
They greeted the future princess, but then returned to their own conversation.
"So if what Lady Tiki said was true, she should be done with the rite by today." Chrom was saying. "We should figure out a plan of action while we wait."
"Good idea." Robin agreed. "What information do we have on Walhart's forces?"
"The Valmese army consists of three main divisions." Say'ri offered. "One controls the north, another the south, and a third, the lands in between. Emperor Walhart controls the northern force, and their force easily exceeds our own. My brother, Yen'fay, controls the southern one, and his might is said to rival Walhart's own."
"Divisions?" Robin muttered. "Hmm…"
"Uh oh." Chrom joked. "I see a plan brewing in those eyes of yours."
"Say'ri, what about this third division in the middle? What's their strength like?" Robin asked.
"The third division is said to be the weakest." Say'ri said. "They're stationed at Fort Steiger, which is not far from where we are now."
"So… maybe we can start by defeating this middle division then?" Lucina asked.
"Well, I think I might have a plan in the works." Robin smiled. "But I'm gonna need some time to think over it, and we should really go over it with Basilio and Flavia as well."
Chrom nodded. "That's a good idea. Maybe I can get Sumia and Cordelia to ferry them up here."
Suddenly, the exalt squinted past Tiki, into the distance. "Is… that what I think it is?"
Robin saw the figures in the distance too. He pulled out his Hekseer. "Damn it! Risen? Now?"
"Everyone!" Chrom called. "Prepare for battle! The Risen are here!"
The shepherds scrambled into place. They had brought their weapons with them, and with the exception of their horses, they were ready for battle in moments.
"Everyone, the goal is to keep the Risen off of Lady Tiki." Robin explained. "We'll stay in a circular formation around her. Kill anything that comes remotely close to her. They are all fliers, so Gaius, you can put your daggers away and use only your bow. Virion you'll be needed just as much."
They gathered around Tiki just as the Risen were beginning to close in on them. They seemed to completely ignore the shepherds, and attempted to fly above and around them. This proved to not be effective, as it just made it easier for Gaius and Virion to shoot them down.
Maribelle and Ricken killed equally as many with their wind magic. Sumia, Miriel, Henry, Tharja, Nowi, Anna and Robin helped out as much as possible with magic of their own,
"Focus on the Falcon Knights, Virion and Gaius!" Robin called as he blasted a Griffon Rider with an Arcthunder spell. "The other ones go down to magic much easier."
The archers did just that. The Pegasi did prove to be much easier to kill with the arrows as well.
"Like shootin' fish in a barrel!" Gaius chuckled as he nocked another arrow onto his killer bow.
Nearby, Maribelle was clearing the area above them of Wyvern Lords with her Arcwind magic. On the other side of their encirclement, Ricken was doing the same, but to a group of Griffon Riders.
Henry and Tharja were also helping as much as they could. However, their dark magic proved to be much less effective against targets that were already dead. Tharja gritted her teeth as she switched to the Elthunder tome she kept for emergencies, and Henry did the same and pulled out an Elfire tome of his own.
Sumia had not decided which elemental magic she wanted to become most proficient at yet. This meant she couldn't use the stronger tomes yet, but she HAD been able to master the easier ones. In this case, she was able to make herself useful by switching over to wind magic, and aimed Elwind after Elwind at the enemy fliers.
Nowi spent as much time as her dragonstone allowed in her dragon form, firing breath attacks at Wyvern Lords and slashing apart Falcon Knights.
Miriel and Anna aimed to fill the gaps, and attacked any opponents that made it past the rest of their comrades' initial barrage.
The battle seemed pretty easy, especially since their opponents were not even trying to fight back. However, after a few waves of enemies, things changed. It was as if the Risen realized the only way they could reach Tiki was to kill her protectors first. The next several waves of fliers focused exclusively on the ranged shepherds.
This also proved to be ineffective, because the rest of the shepherds stepped in to protect their comrades in arms.
Frederick, Sully and Kellam body blocked for Anna, Gaius and Miriel respectively, and forced the assailants back with their lances.
"Chrom! Lucina! Focus on the Wyvern Lords!" Robin called. "Your swords were designed to slay them!"
"Right!" Chrom yelled in affirmation. His Falchion was able to cut through the tough hide of the Wyvern Lords like a hot knife through butter, after all.
Lucina followed her father's lead, and exclusively hunted down the enemy wyverns.
After another couple of waves, the Risen seemed to learn how to adapt again, and began to target the front lining shepherds as well. The massacre turned into a full blown battle as both sides clashed.
Vaike parried the strike of an enemy Griffon Rider, and held the enemy in place as Miriel had an easy shot with her Arcfire tome. He turned to his wife and smiled, but Miriel only pointed back towards the Risen, reminding him to focus.
Gregor was engaging an enemy Wyvern Lord. He was using his sword to parry all of his opponent's attempts to kill, which meant it was difficult for the Wyvern Lord to land a blow onto him, but at the same time, he also couldn't seem to damage his opponent. His strikes bounched harmlessly off the wyvern's hide, and its rider was intelligent enough to stay far enough away.
"Oi!" Gregor eventually called. "Gregor is needing a little bit of the help with this one! Very resilient."
Nearby, Lucina turned towards him. "I'm coming!" she called as she ran towards them with her Parallel Falchion ready. She was able to slash apart the Wyvern Lord in a matter of a couple swings.
"Oh ho!" Gregor laughed. "Gregor is wishing he had weapon like yours! Make fighting dragon much easier!"
For Lon'qu, Olivia and Say'ri, defending a target proved to be quite difficult, as their speedy style of fighting favored dodging out of the way instead of attempting to block an attack. However, Lon'qu found a way around this issue, and began to run away from the encirclement, take out an enemy, and run back in formation once again. The other two swordmistresses quickly began to follow his lead.
In the air, Cordelia and Cherche flew above Tiki, protecting her from any attacks from above that their mages and archers missed. The two began to work better and better as a team, since they were the only close ranged aerial fighters in the shepherds. They had plenty of time to work on fighting together, and this was indeed one of those times. Cherche engaged an enemy Griffon Rider, while Cordelia engaged a Falcon Knight that was trying to blindside her.
Robin was pleased with how things were going, until a blast of wind blew Donnel backwards. The boy landed on his back, several feet away from where he had been standing.
"Donny!" Lissa cried in alarm as she ran over to heal the farm boy.
'That's a Rexcalibur spell!' Robin thought to himself. 'Since when could Risen cast such difficult spells?'
He looked off in the direction of where the spell came from, and saw a Risen riding a Falicorn.
"Virion! Gaius! Change the priority of your targets to the ones riding the black pegasi!" Robin quickly called. "They are capable of using some deadly magic!"
He heard the calls of affirmation from the two, and immediately, the Dark Flier Robin was looking at received an arrow to the skull.
Robin was pulled out of his thoughts by a cry of alarm. A Wyvern Lord had managed to catch Say'ri out, and knock her off her feet. She was lying on the ground, on her back, clutching one of her killing edges with both hands, holding her opponent's axe in a deadlock and desperately trying to stop the Wyvern Lord from splitting her skull in two.
Robin quickly ran out of their encirclement towards her. He fired a spell as he simultaneously pulled out his scythe from the air.
As he quickly closed in, he swung his weapon around, cleaving the Risen's Wyvern across the neck from shoulder to mandible. He then flicked the weapon around, and slashed the Wyvern Rider off its mount.
Once the enemy had been disposed of, Robin leaned down and helped Say'ri back onto her feet.
"My… thanks." Say'ri panted, completely out of breath.
"Don't mention it." Robin replied. "We still have to kill the rest of them."
They hurriedly ran back into their formation around Tiki.
When they returned, Libra was busy tending to the wounds of Stahl. He seemed to have burns all across his arms and face, leaving his skin an extremely pink color.
"What happened?" Robin asked the viridian knight.
"I got hit from a fire spell." Stahl laughed sheepishly. "I guess I'm much worse at fighting when I'm off my horse."
"Hold still." Libra reminded him. "I think you might be done in this battle. This will heal, but any more wounds could prove fatal."
"Oh come on!" Stahl complained. "It was much worse a few moments ago! And besides, I just got caught off guard by one of those magic casting Risen! It won't happen a second time!"
"Take it easy." Libra retorted. "I, much like everyone else and especially Sully, would prefer you alive rather than dead."
"Stick right next to Tiki." Robin said. "You'll be her last line of defence for the remainder of the battle. If anyone gets past the rest of us, you can help defend her."
Stahl finally seemed content with that arrangement.
With that, Libra and Robin returned to help the rest of the shepherds. They had little to no trouble handling most of their opponents, except for the occasional Dark Flier.
Gaius and Virion made sure to stop everything they were doing and shoot them down at all costs as soon as they appeared. The worst wounds on the shepherds' side had all been due to this particular type of Risen.
"What the-" Robin suddenly heard Chrom exclaim as an enemy Griffon Rider charged him.
"Naga's… wench… kill… Voice…" The Griffon Rider groaned.
"This one talks?" Chrom said, dumbstruck.
"Don't ask questions!" Vaike called back. "Gut 'em first!"
Gaius shot the Griffon Rider with an arrow to the shoulder, and enabled Chrom to slash his sword across the Risen's chest, killing him.
After this particular Risen died, Robin noticed that there were no more Risen joining the fight.
'That must have been a leader of some sort.' he thought to himself.
The shepherds quickly cleared the area of the rest of the Risen.
"How did the Risen know to come here?" Lucina asked once the fighting had been finished. "After all, hasn't the Voice been here for a millenia? Why now of all times?"
"Aye, I wondered that myself." Say'ri said.
"There has to be someone controlling them." Robin concluded. "Someone must have alerted the controller to Tiki entering that rite of hers. And as a result, they sent the Risen to attempt to kill her when she was vulnerable."
"So what you're saying is…" Lissa began.
"There must be a traitor among us." Robin finished for her. "Remember? Chrom was betrayed in the future by one of his allies."
Everyone shifted around, not knowing what to feel about that statement, even though it made sense.
Chrom finally ended the awkward silence. "There's no use doubting anyone's loyalty right now." the Exalt said. "We need to focus on the task at hand, which is to beat Valm. We can stand here and blame each other all day, but that won't accomplish anything. Best case scenario, it ruins our ability to fight cohesively as a unit."
Lucina nodded. "I agree."
"I have another question." Frederick began. "Aren't fighters supposed to lose the will to fight when they enter this area? Didn't we mention that at some point before?"
Say'ri nodded. "Aye, sir. I believe I said something of the sorts."
"So why were they able to pick up arms against the Voice?" Frederick asked, completely puzzled.
"This is what I think," Robin began. "This area does something to everyone's soul, and not their actual body. Or something along those lines. Regardless, whatever it does, it affects living beings, but not the undead. Which is why whoever sent the Risen chose to send them instead of actual soldiers." The tactician shrugged. "At least, that is my guess."
"But then why were we able to fight them off?" Frederick asked. "Wouldn't it affect us too?"
Robin shrugged again. "I don't know the details. My best guess is that since we took up arms with the intent of defending the area, it didn't affect us in the same way. After all, non aggression and pacifism are not the same things."
He pointed to the corpses that were rapidly disintegrating into black smoke. "Regardless, these Risen may have actually been sent to us as a gift."
"What… do you mean?" Lucina asked slowly, ALMOST offended that Robin would call the Risen a gift. She had witnessed enough of their destruction in the future to understand that.
"Well, take a look at everything they left behind." Robin gestured towards the ground. There were weapons of all sorts laying where the corpses of the Risen used to be. Not just any weapons though, high quality ones. There were silver lances, silver axes, short axes, and a wide variety of high end tomes.
"While many of you would feel squeamish at using an undead's weapon, we can't deny that it's some really high quality stuff." Robin said. "It's better than what we were able to clean up from the Valmese corpses. And especially the tomes. These ones aren't cheap. Even if we don't find a use for them, I'm sure Anna would be able to add quite a pretty penny to our coffers if she were to sell them."
"You're just my type!" Anna squealed happily, and to the dismay of Lucina. "Finally, someone who is also a profiteer!"
"But… aren't they difficult to wield?" Sumia asked hesitantly.
"In our previous endeavors, the minimal usage of tomes of extreme quality had been limited by both our lack of material capital, and lack of proficiency." Miriel explained. "Sufficiently speaking, our proficiency in the magical arts has only increased since many moons ago, and material capital, in this particular instance, is no longer of concern, due to the fact that we are pilfering the tomes from the Risen."
"Exactly!" Robin snapped his fingers. "With all of these tomes, Bolganone, Rexcalibur, Thoron, just lying around, it would be a waste if we didn't try and get familiar with them."
"But… I don't think I'm good enough to be able to use them…" Sumia murmured. "I honestly don't know if I ever will be. I still consider the lance my best weapon."
"These things all take steps." Robin said. "Now that the more experienced mages have these tomes to practice with, we can afford to distribute some of the other tomes more liberally. You can begin to practice the Arc line of magic."
Sumia nodded her head. It made sense after all.
At this moment, Lissa nudged Robin's arm.
"What is it?" The tactician asked.
In response, Lissa pointed to where Tiki was. She had gotten up and her eyes were glowing a faint aqua green color.
"Lady Tiki," Say'ri greeted her. "Are you unharmed?"
Tiki closed her eyes, and when they reopened, the glow was gone.
"Yes." She replied. "Thanks to everyone. I apologize for the delay, but the rite has borne fruit."
"So, you've taken in the power of the divine dragon?" Lucina asked.
"Some of it… yes." Tiki said slowly. "It's strange… This power had always isolated me from everyone else. Many were the days where I wept alone, cursing the charge placed before me…"
"Lady Tiki…" Chrom began, but she didn't let the Exalt continue.
"But now my power has a purpose." Tiki smiled. "The world needs it to avoid a ruinous future. And so, I shall offer it freely. Allow me to join you. I would add my power to your own."
"Are you… certain?" Chrom asked.
"I am." Tiki nodded. "I've had quite enough of living in solitude. And besides, I've always longed to learn more about this world. And now, I have a chance to help save it."
"Well, it's settled then." Chrom smiled. "We'd better get back down the tree then. Flavia and Basilio must be getting worried by now."
"I told them it would take a day or two…" Sumia offered.
Chrom chuckled. "Yes, but Basilio doesn't seem like he's the type that can patiently wait. Let's start heading down right after we clean up this mess."
The main group of shepherds slowly made their way down the seemingly endless steps inside the Mila Tree. Once again, Sumia, Cherche and Cordelia flew back and forth from the top to the bottom, carrying valuables and belongings back down to the rest of the camps.
As soon as they reached the bottom, Chrom led Robin, Say'ri and Frederick and headed directly for the Feroxi command tent.
They filled the khans in on the news of what had happened up at the top of the Mila Tree.
"Well, it's nice to have another dragon with us and all…" Basilio began. "But what should our next action be? Valm ain't gonna conquer itself."
"Here's what I think we do." Robin began as he approached the map of Valm that the khans had spread over the table.
"If the information Say'ri tells us is correct, which we have no reason to doubt," Robin began. "We should be able to form an advantage for ourselves if we disrupt their three divisions, located in these three general areas."
He gestured to three places on the map.
"We can then disrupt their communications, their supply lines, siege their weakly defended bases, et cetera." Robin grinned. "Furthermore, if we're able to introduce some misinformation here and there, it would only add to their panic and confusion. Such a large army could begin to collapse on their own."
"So in order to do this, we need to take out their middle division?" Flavia asked. "Is that what you're getting at?"
"Precisely." Robin nodded. "This should be their weakest division, and yet we reap the most benefits by going for this one rather than the other two. The decision is pretty easy, to be honest."
"So this is where they're stationed then?" Chrom asked, pointing at the map.
"Aye, sir." Say'ri replied. "At Fort Steiger, not too far away from here. I'd say, maybe a day's march away. We might stand a chance against them, but it would take speed and luck. I'd wager Walhart and Yen'fay have heard of our exploits by now, and will be beginning to mobilize to stop us. We should hurry."
"Maybe…" Robin said. "We could send the bulk of our forces slightly to the north and slightly to the south in order to try and mask our move. Even if the Valmese realize we're here, they might think we're trying to bypass Fort Steiger. Meanwhile, the shepherds can lead a charge on the fortress when they least expect it."
"What say you?" Say'ri asked.
"I say 'aye'." Chrom replied.
"Aye." Flavia agreed.
"Fie!" Say'ri exclaimed. "We could all be dead within the next day, and yet not one of you so much as hesitates. Your courage… is an inspiration. Aye, we might win this war yet!"
"That settles it then." Robin said. "We'll sleep here one last night, and begin to march towards Fort Steiger at dawn tomorrow. This should get us in the position to launch an assault tomorrow evening."
Chrom nodded. "We still need to draft up the general plan for the rest of our soldiers, but that should only take a moment or two. We'll inform them all of the plan by pegasi tomorrow morning."
Robin nodded. "Good idea. We'll also have to make sure they understand that their job is to not get involved in any unnecessary fights or skirmishes. We don't have as many soldiers as Walhart, so we have to be extremely smart about when to fight, and when not to."
"The oaf and I can draw up a route that is convincing." Flavia offered. "You all just participated in a battle, and climbed down the damned tree, so you deserve to go get a rest. Besides, I think it would be more convincing to the Valmese if Robin DOESN'T offer input on how this fake march should go."
Robin chuckled. "All… right then?"
"One more thing." Chrom said. "Apparently, the Fire Emblem requires some gemstones in order to actually work. Lady Tiki said that some of them might have gone missing during the time of the schism. We were wondering if you had any clues as to where we could find them, since, y'know, Regna Ferox was founded around then."
Flavia shook her head. "I've never heard of any gemstones."
Chrom sighed. "It's all right. It's fine if you don't."
"Actually…" Basilio began. "We did keep one of them. Its name was Gules, or something."
"That's it!" Chrom exclaimed. "That's one of them."
"And how come I didn't know about it?" Flavia demanded.
"I guess I just neglected to tell you about it."Basilio shrugged. "Anyways, we used to safeguard it, but it was lost long before my lifetime."
Chrom's expression fell. "Damn. We still don't have any leads then."
"It's all right." Flavia told him. "We'll worry about it another time. For now, just go rest, and give us some time to plan."
"You don't have to tell me twice." Robin smiled.
Chrom, Robin, Frederick and Say'ri bid good evening to the Feroxi khans, and promptly left the command tent.
Tiki: HP: 130% Str: 60% Mag: 45% Skl: 55% Spd: 50% Lck: 80% Def: 60% Res: 60%
Age: 3000+
Class: Manakete