Hello, everybody! I'm back with a new chapter today!

Also as a note I'm going to start including music recommendations into some of my scenes in order to lend them a bit of ambience so if you want to have the scene seem more powerful, please listen while reading!

Severa: Where have you BEEN 7! I've been bored stiff waiting for you! *glare/pout*

7: Hey chemistry homework is no fun for anyone I'll have you know and it took some time for me to decide on a new co-host after Owain left!

Severa: *grunt* Fine, then who's the new co-host huh?

7: Drumroll please! *drumroll* Presenting our new co-host! It's the dorky, but serious, Lucina!

*Crowd roars*

Lucina: Hello everyone *bows*

Severa: Lucy! You got Lucy to be on with us!

7: Yep took some convincing, but I got her and Chrom's permission

Severa: How'd ya swing that?

7: I'm sworn to secrecy on that, so can't say.

Lucina: *coughs* Anyway, welcome everyone to the next chapter of the story. *Reads script* this is more of a transitional chapter with a small time skip so don't expect any intense fighting. Robin gets to know the current Shepherds, learn more about Cordelia, and realize his gift in battle.

Edit: Thanks again vaguekiwi! Without you this story would be an absolute mess!

A/N Play Heavenly Wind (10thtrack) from Nagi no Asukara OST at "News for him too "

Personal Histories (Understandings)

Months flew by as Robin settled in to his new life. The first thing he did after arriving was meet the remaining Shepherds and go on a shopping trip for the essentials. After that, he was inundated with reports, inventory, requests, budgets, and maps.

Apparently, in Ylisse, 'tactician' actually meant 'paper jockey'. He'd even found some forms that Emmeryn needed to fill out, not him!

Frankly, he didn't know what to think of the Exalt. In public, she matched her royal persona to a T, but when she wasn't, she gave Lissa a run for her money! Though, Chrom kept pushing the idea that Emmeryn was flirting with him. He just thought the woman enjoyed getting a rise out of him.

Despite that, he enjoyed the other parts of his job. He got to travel the country whenever the Shepherds went on patrol, he had unlimited access to the royal library, which he used to catch up on many basic things he didn't want to ask about, and he had a place to sleep.

But, perhaps most important of all, he made friends.

"Hey, Robin! Dinner's up!"

Speaking of friends.

"Coming, Stahl! Make sure Miriel actually gets to the food this time, I don't need her raiding the rations at midnight just so she can keep studying."

A man's laugh pierced Robin's tent. "Yeah, says the pot to the kettle."

Robin sighed. "Very funny. I'll be right out, just get Miriel already."

Laughter filtered through the canvas, fading with sound of footfalls.

That was Stahl, one of the other Shepherds he'd met after arriving. He was a man of average height with greenish hair in a near permanent cowlick, despite the many attempts to tame it. His face always had a grin on it, his easygoing voice a welcome respite from the others.

He wasn't soft though, far from it. He made for an intimidating sight in his emerald and white armor and his skill with a blade on horseback was a match for Sully's skill with a lance. Actually, the two of them were rather odd in the sense that they had the same armor, but had different colors and were skilled in the weapon the other was not. It was almost like they planned it.

He shook his head of that conspiracy.

I do still need to thank him for his help last month. Birthday celebrations are still foreign to me, but at least we were able to make that potion. We'd have probably gotten scolded by Frederick otherwise.

It was an important affair, as Robin found out. Chrom had officially turned twenty-one and, by Ylissean custom, had to start entertaining women looking to court him. Chrom, not wanting to face the lions alone, had brought all the Shepherds to the party, even the ignorant to all social customs Robin.

That had been quite the learning experience.

"Robin, do you mind? I'm trying to test a hypothesis and you're erstwhile feet could very well ruin my work."

Robin jolted from his memories to see he was about to walk over some kind of contraption. "Oh, sorry, Miriel. Wait… wasn't Stahl supposed to come get you?"

Miriel pointed to her left where Stahl was standing. He waved. "Hey there."

Robin sighed. "I'm guessing she refused to budge and when you tried to move her she threatened to smite you with fire."

Stahl chuckled. "On the nose, my good man. Well, minus the fire part. She actually wanted to use her thing there."

He nodded to the odd amalgamation of wood and metal lying on the ground, a large rock sitting between the two planks in a net.

Robin sighed, again. He did that a lot lately. "And what, pray tell, is this newest endeavor?"

Miriel huffed. "It is a scale model of a design I found in my mother's journal. I'm simply testing it."

She adjusted it a couple times before pulling a piece of twine near the base. A moment later, the net shot up and the rock flew through the air. Where it proceeded to knock in one of the tents. Judging by the indignant squats coming from the collapsed canvas, it was Vaike's tent.

"Hm, it worked. Right on target too."

Robin stared at her. "…What did Vaike do this time?"

She shrugged. "Nothing. His support pole was the closest target so I chose it for the first test. I'd thought he'd already gone to eat and planned to have everything returned to normal before he arrived."

She adjusted her spectacles. "Obviously, that is not the case."

Robin just sighed again. "Well, go apologize! Then you both are to get something to eat."

He received nods and he walked away, stomach gurgling. It hadn't appreciated the delay, but that needed to be cleared up.

Scratch my original idea. Tactician doesn't mean paper jockey, it means cat herder.

Well, that was more Miriel, but his point stood.

One wouldn't expect Miriel to be as much trouble as she was really. She was always dressed in in a white blouse and billowing olive pants that ran into sturdy boots, a black and gold mage's gown covering her arms, shoulders, and torso. As if to make her seem even less irresponsible, she had a wide-brimmed mage's hat with a pair of glass spectacles settled on her sharp face while her orange-red hair was kept straight and tidy, only two ornaments adorning it.

But, that was just a mask. Efficient she may be, but the woman was a perfectionist of the highest order. Her reports were beyond meticulous and filled with enough jargon and overly long words that Robin kept a dictionary on hand just to be safe. She was also an inventor and self-described 'discoverer of truths', using a journal left by her late mother as a guide in her experiments. Many of them did nothing to satisfy anyone but her, a few though, like her newest contraption, gave Robin all kinds of ideas.

After nearly walking into a tree, Robin finally walked to the mess tent. Thankfully, Stahl hadn't beaten him there or there'd be nothing left. Grabbing his fair share, Robin took his usual seat between Chrom and Virion at the round table they all shared. At least, some of the time. They only pulled it out of the strategy tent when they were within two days of Ylisstol.

As he ate, he observed his friends.

We've only been together for a few months, but it's certainly been eventful. Let's see…

His mind went back to his adventures with the ones around him.

Chrom had been his closest friend for the longest. He'd found that Chrom was an even more trustful and helping soul then he'd originally thought, patrolling the camp by himself and stopping to help at every village. It had consternated Robin at first since he wanted to keep his savior safe, but Chrom's infuriating logic and general demeanor eventually made Robin swear to be Chrom's voice of reason and friend.

Lissa, was both beyond charming and absolutely infuriating. She'd gotten a kick out of pranking him because he had a 'rubbery' face, but after she'd ruined a rare text he'd been reading, Robin had refused to speak with her. It had been a bitter pill for the princess to swallow, but she'd finally apologized, and they'd reached a truce that let them mutually tease and enjoy being around each other.

Really, there was just so much to tell. From him and Sully getting in a silly competition about weight loss, to Kellam's long standing reputation as a 'ghost', to novel discussions with Sumia, and practicing strategy with Virion.

But, perhaps his biggest challenge had been connecting with Frederick. He'd only really interacted with him when Chrom was around and even then he was generally met with nothing but stoic professionalism. It wasn't until after he and Vaike had been chased from a lake by Sully's horse that he'd talked to Frederick without any of the antagonism.

The topic was rather inane. Frederick had approached him to see if he could train him to… eat.

Robin stared at the stoic knight. "You, want me, not Stahl, me, to teach you how to eat gamey meat?"

Frederick nodded slowly. "Quite… I respect Stahl and would rather not lose it on something so small."

Robin snorted. "Glad your opinion of me is as high as ever. Tell me, why should I teach you? You've been suspicious of me for months and you do nothing to hide it."

Frederick's face remained flat. "Milord has requested that I give you a chance. This seems the easiest way to do so."

Robin sighed. "Of course. You don't want to try and bridge the gap; you're only doing this under orders. Quite bold of you to ask when you've done nothing to make me sympathetic."

Fredeick's eyes narrowed. "That's hardly-"

Robin stopped him. "I'm quite aware that you are only concerned for Chrom and Lissa's wellbeing. But, if my risk just last week where I threw myself before the archer has not convinced you, then nothing will."

He brushed past Frederick when a hand stopped him. "Wait."

Robin glanced back to see what could be construed as embarrassment. "What?"

Frederick sighed. "I… was not ordered to give you a chance."

Robin started smirking. "Don't tell me you were too proud."

The grip tightened. "I was. I admit that I was suspicious of you for quite some time, but you've already proven yourself. I fear I'm not… tactful, and feared that I would only make the situation worse."

Robin sighed. "If you'd told me that from the start, we wouldn't be here. Alright, I'll help."

From there, he'd been able to get Frederick to stomach everything short of bear meat. It also explained why Lissa was calling him a hypocrite the night after they left Southtown.

"Hey, Robin, you're spacing out again."

Robin jolted and found Sully leaning over with a smirk. "Come on, you need to stop doing that."

Robin chuckled. "Hey, can't blame me for reminiscing when it's as far back as my memory goes."

Sully laughed. "True enough! Just thought I'd warn ya before Vaike stole your fruit."

Robin glanced down and delivered retribution upon the offending hand. "Thanks, Sully."

She just laughed and turned back to her conversation with Sumia.

Now that he was out of his personal reverie, Robin smiled while everyone talked. He took most of his lessons on how to interact in a social situation from them, so everything he saw was important and interesting.

For example, Chrom and Sumia kept making moon eyes whenever the other wasn't looking. Lissa had told him that they'd been interested for years and we're doing all the things dating pairs did without even realizing it. There was good money on them finally getting their heads out of the sand by next year.

And right then, he thanked the dictionary and joke book he'd found in the library. He wouldn't have all these fun phrases if he hadn't found them.

Actually, there was only one official couple among the Shepherds, Sully and Kellam. They'd gotten engaged just two months before Robin arrived, the conclusion of a three year romance that started when Kellam saved Sully's life.

The story was that Kellam had spent months cultivating a garden in secret, going in and out of an artisan's shop when he wasn't in the garden. No one really knew what he doing except Stahl, until the day Kellam rolled up to the barracks with a cart filled to the brim with Sully's favorite flower.

She'd been understandably embarrassed, but she cried, actually cried, when Kellam had produced a band he'd made himself after learning from the artisan.

Lissa even said the display had scared Chrom. Now he had a bar to live up to.

Besides that though, the others had their own share of quirks that made them interesting to observe.

Miriel and Stahl were a study of opposites, one astute and stern most of the time while the other was friendly and open. Or, as Vaike put it, a bookworm and a doormat.

Speaking of Vaike, Robin would not call him the sharpest tool in the shed. He seemed to lack basic knowledge of certain things and was prone to put his foot in his mouth. But, he did just about anything he could for his friends when the going got rough and Robin couldn't think of a jollier friend.

At least, most of the time. When the situation doesn't call for it, he's quick to show his belly.

Virion's voice caught Robin's attention. The foppish man had joined the Shepherds along with Robin, even if it took some begging on Virion's part.

He'd started flirting with every female in the vicinity soon after joining, but he surprised everyone with some hidden depths. First, he had a wide range of knowledge from dirty tactics to dancing. Second, he was a surprisingly good listener. And lastly, when he said he would do something, he did it.

Well, not always immediately. It took some coercion on the men's part to get him running while the ladies didn't have such need. Frankly, they'd extorted his services for almost a month before Chrom laid into them.

Robin had never seen Chrom so furious. None of the lady Shepherds could look him in the eye for almost two weeks.

He sighed. At least they'd learned their lesson.

"Hey, Robin, why ya spacin off like that?"

Robin jumped. "Oh, sorry, Vaike. Just thinking."

Vaike laughed. "Well, don't think too hard! We still need to hear your announcement!"

Robin almost slapped himself, how could he forget?"

"Sorry," he cleared his throat. "Anyway, can I have everyone's attention?"

He waited until everyone was looking at him. It took a minute, but a quick glare from Frederick got everyone on track.

"Ok, so, I just wanted to announce that we've officially reached an agreement with three suppliers. First, the smiths in Western Ylisse have agreed to supply us with steel and silver, but the specialty items have to be ordered individually. Second, the enchanters to the southeast will supply us with tomes and reagents. Third and final, the temples around Mount Prism will supply us with staves and potions."

He pulled the parchments out of his robes to pass around the table. "Be aware that you'll still need to keep all weapons maintained. We'll only be able to resupply while in Ylisstol."

Chrom nodded after looking over the agreements. "I'm impressed. Emmeryn's been negotiating with them for some time to make what forces we have of the highest quality."

Robin shrugged. "Oh, it wasn't easy. The temples were especially stubborn about it."

Miriel held up a hand. "Wait, is this for all the Ylissean forces?"

Robin shook his head. "The steel, yes. The silver's only for elite units. Basic and advanced tomes are also supplied along with simple healing staves and the more powerful Mend versions."

Miriel nodded. "Well, I assume this will take some time before everything is supplied correctly."

Robin nodded. "Yep. We will not have access to the supplies until after the regular forces, the wonders of being a militia, but it should only be four months."

Frederick grunted. "Not bad, but it could be better. I'll need to speak with Commander Phila about this when we return."

Robin nodded. "I leave it in your capable hands. Now then, if everyone's done, let's get to packing up. We'll reach the capital by noon tomorrow if we're quick."

He stopped Chrom. "Oh, and I need to ask you something before you go."

Chrom was confused. Robin didn't need to speak with him privately all that often, let alone right after eating. They waited until everyone else was gone from the tent and made sure that none had stuck around before Robin spoke.

"Well, Chrom, this is a bit of a personal request."

Chrom sighed. "You don't have to make a big song and dance about stuff like this."

Robin snorted. "Oh, please. Anyway, I would like some time off tomorrow for some personal shopping."

Chrom stared at him for a long moment before realization entered his eyes. "Ah, you want to try your luck for an instrument, right?"

Robin smiled. He'd wanted to get his hands on an instrument ever since he'd gone to the Royal Orchestra concert with the Shepherds. The music was so sooting to his ears and it made him feel at peace. But, despite all that, he'd remembered songs that had no name when the music met his ears, and he wanted to recreate them.

Chrom shook his head. "If that's the case, then you have my permission. I was going to announce a week's break when we got back anyway."

He smirked. "Besides, we're due back as the same time as one of our patrols. I heard our friend Cordelia was on this one too."

Robin felt heat rise in his cheeks. "I'll have you know that she's important to my memories, nothing more. I just haven't had the time to speak with her since our schedules are so different."

Chrom kept smirking. "Sure, sure. Anyway, her group should be off too. I'll have Lissa or Sumia set up a meeting for you two and we'll see where it goes."

He swept out of the tent, cackling at Robin's protests.

He slowed down as he approached his tent, thoughts going back to the parchment in his hands.

It's a start, but we don't have the numbers to fight Plegia. Emmeryn's doing everything she can to keep the peace, but Plegia's been looking for any chance to start a war. A war we're not ready for, mentally, physically, or emotionally.

He sighed and turned his thoughts to a more pleasant subject.

Lissa's going to love hearing about Robin and Cordelia. She's been dying to set up a meeting between them for months. Sumia's been excited about it too. If what she's told me is correct, Cordelia seems to have a mutual interest in Robin, but she can't tell if it's anything more than normal curiosity.

He sighed. Frankly, he hoped it was more than just curiosity. Robin was a handsome fellow and very easy to get along with. Heck, he was even a lover of music, reading, hiking, and all sorts of other things that Chrom knew Cordelia liked.

It was just the matter of her idolizing crush she had on one Chrom, who hadn't done much discourage it, much to his regret. It wasn't even his fault, really, he'd been young and dense when he'd first met her.

Not that it was a peaceful first meeting, which likely didn't help.

-Southeastern Ylisse-Eight years ago-

She was running as fast as she could from the pack of men following her. She'd wandered too far into the forest and gotten lost, stumbling onto a bandit pack. Crimson hair ripped behind her as she ran as hard and fast as possible, silently cursing her weak legs. She could hear them close behind her.

"Just come along nicely, pretty one! We won't harm you… much! Hahahaha!"

One of the bandits leapt in front of her, the others quickly surrounding her.

Mute from fear, she could only cry as they moved in.

A young man's voice rang out. "Get away from her!"

A much younger Chrom stepped out of the trees, Falchion glinting in the dappled light.

"Who in blue blazes are you?!" One of the bandits shouted as he charged Chrom. Chrom simply ducked to the side and cut the bandit open.

As he collapsed with a gurgle, Chrom faced the others. "Anyone else?"

They fled.

Sheathing Falchion, Chrom turned to the young Cordelia and held out his hand "My name's Chrom, you?"

"…Cordelia," The young girl answered, admiration shining in her eyes.

Chrom sighed as the memory came to an end. He'd let the incident fade from his mind and hadn't even known that the Cordelia he met two years later was the same one he'd saved. It wasn't until Sumia explained that Cordelia had been saved that he'd remembered.

But, he was dense then. He hadn't noticed many of Cordelia's attempts to catch his eye until two years ago… When Lissa had started screaming at him.

His ears started ringing at the memory.

After that, he had noticed the little touches that Cordelia used to try and catch his eye, but he didn't feel anything. He liked her for her work ethic and friendly demeanor, but he'd had his eyes on Sumia for much longer. It was cruel, perhaps, to fall for her best friend, but it was crueler to have not turned her down when he had the chance.

He sighed again.

I hope they can help each other. Even if Lissa's ideas of a romance fall through, I hope they can be friends and help her find someone else. I don't want her pining after me when there's such a bright future for her.

As he lay to sleep, a thought made him chuckle.

Good luck, Robin. Hide it all you like, but you're infatuated with her. Even a simple meeting will earn you more ire from the young men of the capital than anything else.

The next morning was uneventful and they made Ylisstol before noon, their feet spurred by the idea of a break. They dispersed at the gates, Chrom and Frederick going to report to Emmeryn while Lissa and Sumia went to find Phila, a plan in mind.

They found the Commander instructing a group of new recruits, her orders crisp and clear. Feeling it rude to interrupt, they took a seat nearby and waited for the lesson to end. They weren't expecting it to take another hour.

"Alright, that's enough for now! See to your mounts!"

Phila's command was met with a chorus of understanding and the recruits filed out of the practice field. She sighed when familiar voices called out a greeting.

"Oh, Lady Lissa, Sumia, you've returned."

Lissa smiled. "Yep, arrived an hour ago. Hey, we wanted to ask a favor."

Phila blinked. "A favor? This wouldn't have to do with that crepe fiasco last month would it?"

Sumia shook her head. "N-no! Not that! We were wondering if we could borrow Cordelia."

Phila narrowed her eyes. "And why, exactly, should I let you borrow my best recruit? She just got back today."

Lissa and Sumia shared a conspiratorial glance. "Let's just say were going to try and make her stop sighing."

Phila blinked before a doubtful frown settled on her face. "Girls, are you trying to set her up on a blind date?"

Lissa and Sumia almost panicked. "N-no, no! We're trying to get her to meet with a friend of ours that she's wanted to meet! We just thought now was a good time!"

Phila gave them a hard stare. "Really?"

They nodded in unison.

Phila stared for a little longer before sighing, a tired smile replacing her frown. "Very well. I wasn't going to have her do anything today or tomorrow, so I guess it works."

Lissa cheered while Sumia bowed. "Thanks, Phila! Can you tell us where to find her? Oh, we'll need permission for our friend to come over too."

Phila sighed, amused. "She's in the barracks right now. She'll probably go to the training field in an hour, knowing her, and your friend has my permission to come over as long as they aren't in the barracks without either of you."

They cheered and thanked Phila again before racing into the city. Phila smirked as they went. "Oh, Sumia. If you were half that enthusiastic, you'd never trip again."

A thud greeted her ears a moment later. So much for that idea.

-Robin-

He'd been walking amongst the market stalls almost since they'd gotten back. Sure, he'd dropped off the non-essentials, but he didn't like the delay. But, everything was well now, his eyes casting about for his goal.

Unfortunately, he'd had little luck. It seemed that instruments were actually pretty hard to find for his price range. The cheapest he'd found was worth three months' pay.

"Hey, you, in the coat! What you lookin for?"

He turned his head to see a merchant woman waving him down. Her clothes were nothing special, but she had dark, almost blood-red hair and mischievous eyes of similar color.

Robin paused as he saw her wares. It looked like she had just about everything, from books to weaponry and back again.

"Hey, tell me what you're looking for! Anna's Fabulous Shop has everything your heart desires!"

Robin sighed, may as well try. "I'm looking for an instrument. Something of good quality, not what you can whittle out of a branch."

The merchant frowned. "Hm, let me check my stores. Oh, I'm Anna, just so you know."

She vanished into the depths of her stall, Robin shaking his head. Of course the owner would name their stall after themselves.

A few minutes later, the merchant returned with a long black leather case. "Well, this is the only one I got. Please take a look."

Robin took the case and examined it. It was in very good condition, the leather recently oiled and clean. He popped the clasps on the side and opened the case slowly, smiling at what he saw.

It was what Chrom called a trumpet. The brass metal gleamed in the afternoon sun, no rust to be found on any of its keys or joints. The tops of the keys had a milky white stone pressed flat into it, and when he tested the keys they slid in and out smoothly.

Perfect.

"How much?"

Anna tapped her chin. "Considering it's my last one… Two thousand."

Robin almost choked. "What?!"

Anna shrugged. "It's a pretty rare piece. Far as I know, only nobles can get their hands on them."

Robin stared her down. "Can I know the price of production?"

Anna smirked. "Nope! Trade secret."

Robin glanced down at the beautiful metal. "Can I convince you to lower it to Fifteen hundred?"

She laughed. "Oh, a haggler? Hmm, nope, won't go any lower than Two thousand."

He leaned forward. "Are you sure about that? I'd be willing to part with Sixteen hundred."

She stood her ground. "Since you're cute, I'll lower it to Nineteen fifty."

"Sixteen fifty."

"Nineteen hundred."

"Seventeen hundred."

Eighteen fifty and I will go no lower."

Robin sighed, just in his range. "Very well, eighteen fifty it is."

He pulled out a sack of coins and tossed it to her. She took her time counting, but it was all there. "Pleasure doing business with you!"

Robin rolled his eyes before grabbing the case and setting off for his room. He couldn't keep a slight skip out of his step, but the price was well worth the opportunity. Now he could just relax and familiarize himself with the instrument, all with a good weeks' worth of pay still in his pocket.

Those plans died a sad death soon after he'd stored the case.

"Hey, Robin, you busy?"

That was Lissa, a Lissa with the sing-song 'I'm up to no good' voice.

"We have something exciting we want to share!"

That was Sumia, a Sumia with the 'My favorite book characters got together' matchmaker voice.

Oh dear.

"Actually, I'll have you two know that I am-"

Lissa grabbed his arm. "Good, glad your free. Come on!"

Sumia grabbed his other arm and they began to gleefully drag him to some destination or another. He'd certainly grown stronger in the last few months, he had battle and Frederick to thank for that, but there was no escaping their death grips.

After being unceremoniously dragged through the city, Robin found himself staring at the entrance to the Pegasus Knight compound.

"So," he began, "tell me why I'm somewhere that I shouldn't be."

Lissa and Sumia just gave him a pair of sweet smiles that opened a pit in his stomach.

Lissa patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Rob. We're here to pick up a guest is all."

The pit grew. "Guest?"

Sumia giggled. "Oh, you'll see. Wait here, I'll go get her!"

Silence descended on them as they waited, Robin thinking and Lissa almost jumping out of her dress in excitement. A few minutes later, the gates swung open and Robin's stomach fell into his feet.

Apparently, the guest was Cordelia. And by the looks of it, she was just as surprised as him.

"Oh, so this is the one you wanted me to meet."

Cordelia had kept tabs on the man after running into him at the castle. He'd been announced as the new tactician of the Shepherds the day after their run in and she hadn't physically seen him since. Well, that was a lie; she'd seen him a few times over the last few months. But, those were just glimpses, now she could actually speak to him and hopefully get her answers.

Robin coughed nervously before introducing himself, "It's good to meet you, milady. I am Robin of the Shepherds."

Cordelia smiled. "I've heard of you, Sir Robin. Your actions in the field have given you quite the reputation."

Robin blushed. "I assure you, those are exaggerations. My comrades are willing to follow my orders and I do the best I can."

Cordelia blinked. "Oh? So the stories of you leading the Shepherds against an army of bandits and a great swarm of those Risen without a single major injury are false?"

Lissa jumped in. "Oh, I assure you, they are quite true."

Robin glared at her, but Lissa continued unabated. "Now then, do you have anything to do right now, Cordelia? We're getting dinner over at The Melting Pot, my treat."

Cordelia jumped, she hadn't noticed the sprightly princess. "L-lady Lissa! Please, forgive my dreadful manners, I should have addressed you first."

Lissa groaned. "Come on, Cordelia. I told you to call me Lissa since day one, I don't need another Frederick."

Sumia giggled. "She's right. I remember her menacing you with the staff on more than one occasion."

Cordelia's cheeks bloomed pink. "C-can we not do this in front of him?"

Lissa smirked before shock flashed across her face. "Ah, horse plop! I need to talk with Chrom about our staves supply. Sorry guys, I have to go."

She untied a bag at her waist and tossed it to Robin. "Money for dinner. Bye!"

She took off down the road, soon disappearing around a corner.

Sumia glanced between the dumbfounded Robin and Cordelia before sighing. "I'll have to take a rain check too. Remember, Cordelia, I was supposed to give Phila a full report when we got back."

Cordelia nodded slowly. That was true, but this seemed a tad convenient. It didn't really matter, she'd finally have Robin alone to interrogate, but it smacked of something very different.

Sumia smiled before disappearing into the compound once again.

Now alone, awkward silence stretched for an eternity as they tried to think of the next move.

Cordelia eventually shrugged. "Well, I won't say no to a meal. Shall we?"

Robin snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "I hope you don't mind guiding me. I haven't been to this part of the city much."

She smiled. "No problem, I know the quickest way to The Melting Pot. We'd best hurry though, it gets very busy at sunset."

Robin nodded, silently cursing himself for ignoring the setting sun. They walked into the streets in silence, only speaking when Cordelia gave directions. Eventually, Robin got tired of the silence and stuck up a conversation.

"So, I don't mean to pry, but why join the Pegasus Knights? Was there any real reason for it?"

Cordelia shook her head. "You must not be from around here if you don't know that. It's every little girl's dream to joing the Knights. The tales of their bravery and devotion to the realm are legendary and we strive to be just like them. That's why I joined."

He was startled by the passion in her voice. "I… didn't mean to offend."

She gasped. "Oh, no, sorry, I'm not offended! I just get a bit fired up talking about it."

Robin smiled. "Don't worry about it. As you said, I'm not from around here, but I'd love to learn."

Cordelia felt a smile cross her face. "Well… how about I teach you. I'm always glad to share the stories."

Robin nodded and the atmosphere relaxed. Cordelia began to teach him the various legends and stories of the Pegasus Knights as they walked, finishing her latest tale as they arrived.

"… and that's the tale of Mary the Clumsy. One of our more humorous tales, but inspiring in its own way."

Robin was too busy chuckling to answer, but calmed down when he saw the sign on the building. "Oh, looks like we're here."

Cordelia glanced up. "Oh, indeed we are. Looks like we showed up right on time too."

The restaurant wasn't too busy, but it was certainly lively. A waiter sat them at a table near the window and they started chatting about work.

"Wait, you do the entire inventory yourself?"

Cordelia sipped from her mug. "Yes. I do it to clear my head most of the time, but I just like keeping things tidy."

Robin chuckled. "I try and do that with my charts and maps, but it always ends up a mess. Miriel's far better at it, but she's not terribly efficient with how meticulous she is."

He sipped from his mug. "But, that can't be the only thing you do to relax. Anything else you enjoy doing? Hobbies?"

She smiled. "I'll tell you if you share first."

He laughed. "Oh, trying to pry it out of me first? Very well. I enjoy reading most of all, but there's something cathartic in training. Outside of that, I play chess and talk with my comrades. Your turn."

Cordelia twirled a finger in her hair. "Well, I train a lot to relieve stress too. I can't say I read a lot, but I always enjoy a good book. I've never played chess, but I love swimming and flying on my Pegasus."

Robin snorted. "I've had little chance to swim, but I like the idea of it. Flight… well, controlled flight sounds great."

Cordelia smiled. "Oh? That sounds like a story if I've ever heard it. Care to share?"

Robin nodded before launching into his tale. From there they began to trade stories about the various silly situations they'd found themselves in, laughing hard whenever a particularly absurd tale came to the front.

"And then, Vaike starts screaming 'GHOOOOOOOOOST' right after Kellam put the cups down, scaring the daylights out of everybody! Lissa refused to leave her tent afterwards!"

He laughed hard, tears in his eyes. Cordelia wasn't far behind, almost choking on her laughter. It was a good thing they'd ordered before the tales began, but they'd attracted more than a few annoyed looks

"Alright, that's pretty good" Cordelia began, leaning her head on her hand. "I don't have anything that can beat that."

Robin grinned sheepishly. "It's nothing, really. We just travel a lot and people get bored."

Cordelia grinned as their food finally arrived. "Well, I can't say that patrol keeps people any more focused. I've seen some of the veterans play cards or dice whenever there's a lull."

Robin nodded and they started to eat. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, a soft tune drifted across the restaurant. Apparently, there was a band.

"I feel like I know that tune," Robin commented as he listened, "I just can't put my finger on it."

Cordelia was tapping out the beat with her hand. "It's a local favorite. You'll hear it just about everywhere."

Robin turned back to her. "You like music?"

She smiled. "Of course. I play harp and the lyre in my spare time, though I'm not that good."

Robin had an idea. "I really like music too. In fact, I was going to go look for someone to help me learn how to play."

Cordelia stared. "Wait, you mean me? Surely there's someone better."

He shrugged. "I don't have time for formal lessons. I'd prefer to learn in a more casual setting, preferably with a friend."

She smirked. "Oh? I'm a friend already?"

He stuck a bite in his mouth. "Why not? We seem to get along well enough."

She chuckled again. "You're certainly interesting, that much is for sure. But, how about we finish up? I don't know about you, but I'd rather lose the audience."

Robin sighed. Less than ten minutes after they'd entered, some groups had come in. Each was a set of very poorly disguised Shepherds and he could swear that Phila and Frederick were there too.

And that wasn't counting the many envious glares he'd been receiving from the bachelors in the audience.

"Sounds good to me."

They polished off their meals before paying and walking out into the night streets. Once sure that the others were still stuck in the restaurant, they took off running and disappeared into the maze of streets.

Judging by the scream of frustration that could only be Lissa that broke the peaceful air a few minutes later, they succeeded.

Stopping for a quick breath, Robin turned to see Cordelia leaned against a wall. She was panting pretty hard and looked far more tired then she should for such a short run.

"Cordelia? Are you ok?"

Her head shot up, face red with either exertion or embarrassment. "I… guess… you foun out."

He tilted his head. "Found out what?"

She took another gulp of air. "I…I'm a very poor runner. I … don't have much… stamina."

A light went off over Robin's head. "Ah, that's the other reason you enlisted as a Pegasus Knight isn't it."

She nodded her head, beyond embarrassed.

He laughed. "Well, since I know such a big secret, I'll tell you one of my own. Sound fair?"

She nodded slowly, curiosity burning in her chest. He walked toward her slowly, leaning in close to her ear when he was close enough.

He couldn't tell his closeness made her ears flame, instead assuming she was still tired.

"No one really knows this outside of my close friends. I have amnesia. Not one memory remains from before Chrom found me lying face first in the dirt near Southtown."

His whisper made her eyes widen. How could that be? How could someone without memory know her?

His voice tickled her ear again. "Something about you, though, tugs at my mind. That cinnamon oil you wear makes my memory go mad, and I want to know why."

He leaned back, serious eyes meeting her shocked ones. "I assume you want to say something too?"

She gulped. "I… have wanted to know how you recognized me when I didn't know your face. I wanted to know how you knew about the oil. Only Sumia knows about it."

His smile seemed vicious in the low light. "Well, I guess we both have questions that the other can't answer."

They stood there, staring at each other, for what felt like forever. Eventually, Robin sighed.

"No… no this isn't how I want us to be."

He walked forward and kneeled, keeping his eyes even with her. "I want us to be like when we were eating. Obviously, we can't answer the questions we hold as is, but that doesn't mean we can't be friends. I'd… really like to be friends."

Cordelia stared at him, his intense gaze making her knees go weak. Well, weaker than they already were.

"That… sounds great."

His face instantly relaxed, like a great weight left his shoulders. "Thank you. I… didn't mean to get so pushy."

She finally stood up. "No, no, I understand. If I were in your situation, I'd want to know too."

He stood up too. "So… can we, maybe, meet again?"

She smiled. "Of course. I'm actually stationed here for some time so, if you're free, you can find me over by the training fields most of the time."

They stood their awkwardly for a moment before Robin coughed. "Well then, it's getting late. While I'm quite sure you can handle yourself, may I escort you back to the compound?"

Cordelia shrugged. "You've already paid, albeit with Lady Lissa's money, so why not? I do enjoy the company of gentleman after all."

Robin felt a wry smile cross his lips. "Well then, milady, shall we?"

He held out his arm and she took it with a laugh. "Why, yes we shall."

The walk back was comfortable, neither speaking. They said their goodbyes at the gate and Robin soon found himself back in his room, thoughts filled with his new friend.

She's even better than I thought she was. She's smart, witty in her retorts, elegant in her movements, and kind in her actions. I still do not know why her name came to me that day, or why it is that the smell of cinnamon warms me so, but I know this. Not fighting against Lissa and Sumia was a great decision.

The thought brought a silly grin to his face before his mind was claimed by sleep.

Meanwhile, in the Pegasus Knight compound, Cordelia was by her cot, her new friend on her mind

Today was certainly eventful. First I find out I'm to remain here for a time, then I end up going to dinner with the man I've been trying to meet.

She winced as she combed out a small tangle in her hair.

He's certainly entertaining. He was even considerate enough to let me ramble until we got to dinner. Funny too.

She giggled, remembering his recollection of the 'Camp Ghost'.

But, he's so intelligent too. He was able to guess at most of the riddles I tried while we were swapping tales. And he's so… intense.

Her mind called forth his eyes, the opals shining under the moon's light, threatening to overwhelm her. She shook her head free of the image, face flushed.

Ok, calm down Cordelia. I was surprised to find out he had amnesia, frustrated too, but maybe meeting with him will help us both get the answers we seek. Besides, even if we don't, it's always nice to make a new friend when I;ve been so short of them the last while.

She sighed. Now wasn't the time to be dwelling on that, she was tired and needed her rest.

But, as she lay to sleep and her mind was filled with verdant purple and opals, she smiled.

We'll meet again tomorrow. Perhaps… my stay will be even better than I thought.

They met nearly every day for the next month. Their first few meetings were simple chats, learning a bit more about each other, but they soon began to spar. And, on the days when neither wanted to spar, Cordelia began to teach Robin how to play his trumpet. She wasn't the most familiar with the instrument, but Robin was a quick study and began to play with passable skill about a week in.

Cordelia couldn't keep these meetings from the other knights though. Soon enough, they began to tease her about her meetings with Robin, calling them rendezvous. Cordelia was understandably steamed and the teasing ceased when she beat one of her seniors into the dirt during a sparring match.

Robin, on the other hand, had a far more annoying set of distractions. First were the other Shepherds that liked to tease him about the meetings and demand details whenever he returned from one. The other was the large number of self-proclaimed 'suitors' that tried to either intimidate him or outright challenge him for the right to Cordelia's attention.

It only took a few bolts to clear them away most times. Otherwise, he beat them into the dirt in a duel.

But, in spite of these distractions, neither wanted the meetings to end. They meetings were so soothing, especially when they played, that Robin and Cordelia were many times more efficient after the meetings then they had been.

Phila had even joked that giving them more than one meeting per day would put her out of the job.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

Chrom stood before the Shepherds, a map of the continent behind him. "We have new orders. The Shepherds are to march for the country of Regna Ferox and enlist their help. Doing so will make Plegia back off, or if it doesn't, give us an invaluable ally."

He motioned for Frederick to speak.

"The Feroxi are the most skilled and vicious warriors on the continent. Having their aid is beyond invaluable."

He looked each Shepherd on the eye. "The mission is both delicate and critical. As such, it is volunteer on-"

He was interrupted by every Shepherd taking one step forward.

Frederick almost let a tear slide down his face. "Very well. Check your gear and prepare for the worst like always. We leave at dawn. Dismissed!"

The shepherds saluted before filing out one by one. Robin thought that Sumia looked kind of shaky, but had to catch her when they left Frederick's sight.

Chrom's voice broke the tension. "Sumia, are you ok?"

She shook her head. "I… I'm alright, Captain. Just need to get my legs under me."

Chrom didn't believe her. "No, you're not."

He turned to Robin. "I'll take her to her room. You go ahead and prepare."

Robin nodded and left the barracks. Sumia had such a low opinion of herself, but all it seemed to take was a kind word from Chrom and she was back to normal.

He was almost envious of it.

Robin sighed. He needed to talk with Cordelia.

He almost smirked at the thought. He'd gotten close enough to her that she was the first he wanted to talk to, even before Chrom.

He was almost surprised to see her sitting in the training field, but, she seemed to have news for him too.

He held up a hand. "Let me guess… you're being sent out again."

She smiled. "On the nose. Guess we've been meeting long enough for you to tell."

He scratched at his head. "Well, can you guess what I have to say?"

She stared at him before sighing. "A mission?

He nodded. "Yeah. Can't really tell though, classified and all that."

She shook her head. "Right."

Silence descended on them, neither sure what to say.

Finally, Cordelia spoke. "I… guess we can't practice tomorrow."

"Yeah."

Silence again.

Robin sighed. "Hey, we'll be fine. How's this? When we get back, we'll play a whole set and go to The Melting Pot again, my treat."

She smiled, melancholy in her eyes. "That… It's a date."

Robin blinked, pink dusting his cheeks. "…What?"

Her face burned. "I said that's a great idea."

Robin was pretty sure that wasn't what she said, but let it slide at her desperate face.

Robin cleared his throat. "Well… I wish you luck on the patrol. I'll see you in a couple weeks."

Cordelia nodded before biting her lip. Right as Robin turned to leave; he gasped as Cordelia ran into him and hugged him tightly.

"Be safe."

Robin tried to keep his ears from burning and patted her arm. "I always am."

She wouldn't let him go, so he wriggled himself around and let her head rest against his collarbone. They stood there, one afraid to lose the friend she'd found and the other unsure of what he should do.

Sensing his uncertainty, she whispered. "It's only polite to hug me back. I don't mind."

He steeled himself and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, keeping his touch light and unintrusive. Their embrace was awkward and their faces burned in embarrassment, but it cemented what they felt.

This was their friend. Regardless of what happened, they would do everything they could to see their friend again.

So they swore.

CH 6 End

*SQUEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAL!*

7: Holy sh*t Lucina was that you

Lucina: *Deadpan* No

7: Ok… *Backs away slowly* So? what'd you think Sev?

Severa: I thought it was ok

7: Yeah I think you thought it was more than just OK considering the dreamy look in your eye

Severa: *Flustered* W-w-what's that supposed ta-

Lucina: Anyway shall we wrap this up I need to be somewhere *hint hint*

Severa: Oh, right! *Glares at me*

7: *Mutters* For the longest time I thought you liked Owain, guess I was wrong

Anyway I hope you guys liked this chapter as it was a good deal more character presentation then action as well as some character development for some of the Shepherds.

I especially liked that final scene as well as a reason for Cordelia's crush on Chrom even if it is a bit generic all things considered.

Anyway if you have any questions send me a PM or review and I'll try to answer when I can, otherwise please Read, Favorite, and Review!

Squad 7 DISMISSED!