Hello everyone! I'm kinda sad to have only gotten two reviews for the previous chapter (Thanks to Goodralisk and sugouxxx for the reviews!) since Cordelia joined up with us last chapter and I thought it would get a bigger reception then it did.
Severa: I TOLD you to wait until the next morning, but NOOOO! You had to get it out at nearly midnight when most of the viewers are asleep!
7: Stop preaching to the choir, I already said you were right so there's no need to rub it in!
Lucina: She just wants her mothers' plight to be recognized 7, there's no harm in that is there.
7: No, you're right. Sorry Severa I should have listened to your advice
Severa:… Thanks, I guess *mumbles* I'm sorry too
Lucina: There now that we have your little dispute solved, shall we do the introduction?
*Leaves for the stage*
7: She really is a good scolder huh?
Severa: Yeah, but she's a great mediator too, otherwise most of the girls would have killed Inigo by now.
7: Very true! In any case, why does she save his butt so many times?
Severa: She knows we need him to fight the war, that and all his flirting flies over her head.
7: Really?
Severa: Yep, he tried to flirt with her one day when we were younger and she completely missed the point of what he was saying. Dragged me off to help her practice dancing while he was in shock.
7: Hahaha! That's adorable!
Severa: Ugh, enough of this lets get to the story already!
R&R
"Two weeks."
Flavia stared at the Shepherds assembled before her, eyes hard. "That's the fastest I can gather a force large enough to drive the Plegians from Ylisse. An actual army would take a month if not more."
Chrom snarled. "Not good enough! You're Khan now, and you cannot deliver in our time of need?! What was the point of us fighting for you?"
Flavia snarled right back. "I'll have you know that Ferox is large, boy. It stretches from the West Sea to the East Sea without a single break! Our forces are scattered out of sheer necessity and it will take time to gather them, regardless of how fast we wish it to happen!"
Robin stopped Chrom from charging Flavia. "Chrom, that's enough. The capital is well fortified and supplied. Since we pulled back most of the men on the border to the capital along with the fortifications, they can hold out for a solid month."
Flavia nodded to Robin. "That's more than enough time. As I said, it'll take two weeks to gather the forces, but we can make Ylisstol in three days at the slowest. We'll save your sister, Prince Chrom; you just need to be patient."
Chrom growled and left, the Shepherds parting from his path. Only Sumia followed him.
Flavia sighed. "He's a real hothead, eh?"
Robin nodded. "He is, but it's because he cares. But, what will we do for two weeks?"
Flavia shrugged. "I dunno, something. Maybe explain to me why you have that key around your neck."
Robin jolted, feeling the Outrealm key bounce against his chest. "How did you…?"
Flavia laughed. "Please, you think I don't recognize an Outrealm key? They may be rare, but all Khans know of them and what they look like. You know, just to be safe."
Robin heaved a long sigh. "And why, may I ask, is it so important?"
Flavia smirked, pointing towards the north. "Because, Ferox has its own gate."
Silence greeted her statement. Most of the Shepherds were understandably surprised, but the newest members were simply confused.
"Uh, mind filling the ignorant in on the situation?"
Robin shook his head. "Sorry, Gaius, I'll explain in a few minutes. Now then, is there anything else we could do besides investigate the gate?"
Flavia tapped her chin. "Well, I have reports that some low-lives have set up shop near one of my villages. They're about two hours east of the colosseum."
Lissa squeaked at the news, but Robin shrugged. "Well, it'll distract a few of us. Ok, does anyone want to stay behind and take care of those bandits? Gaius, Panne, Cordelia, you guys are going to the gate so you can't volunteer."
He waited a moment before two stepped forward. He frowned. "Lissa, Maribelle, are you sure?"
Lissa nodded. "I am. I… need to do something. Going into the gate would only drive me nuts anyway."
Maribelle huffed. "I refuse to leave my darling Lissa alone. Besides, I believe Lord Chrom will join us in this endeavor. He'll need to blow off steam and an extra staff will do wonders."
She narrowed her eyes at Robin. "I'll have you know that just because Sumia used her time in the gate to learn how to heal, she still must master the nuances. And besides, I'm better suited to get us there in a timely fashion."
Robin rolled his eyes. "You were meant to hear that comment. Anyway, no one else? …Alright then, I'll get Chrom and Sumia. Lissa, Cordelia, come with me, everyone else head for the wagons."
He swore that there were some choice words muttered by Maribelle, but he ignored them. Lissa was on his left and Cordelia on his right when they entered the halls, but Robin stopped short and turned to them.
"Cordelia, I need to apologize for this morning. I didn't think you'd be quite so…embarrassed."
Cordelia blushed hard, looking away from him. "Um… I…"
He stopped her. "You were right to react as you did. Anyone would try and break an intruder's arm, regardless of why they were there. But, it was why I was there that I'm discussing this in the presence of the gossip queen."
He gestured to a grinning Lissa.
"You see Cordelia; I need to know what you last remember of last night. I'll be able to explain better if you tell me."
Her face was still afire, but she nodded. "Ok…um, the last thing I remember was finding a creek and just… sitting there."
Robin sighed. "I see. So, you don't remember me finding you or the talk we had?"
Cordelia shook her head. "We…talked?"
Robin turned to Lissa. "This is why you're here Lissa."
Lissa's face became serious. "Ok, go ahead Robin."
He nodded and turned back to Cordelia. "I hate to say this to you, but I found you curled up by the creek last night, almost motionless. You didn't respond to me when I tried to talk to you at first, but then you launched into hysterics when…"
Cordelia's eyes became dull. "…When you mentioned duty."
Lissa's eyes were trained on Cordelia's face so Robin kept going. "Yes. I had to strike you, but after that you stopped speaking. Then I offered my ear if you needed it. But, you instead climbed into my lap and I rocked you to sleep."
Lissa's eyes widened. "Wait, really?"
Robin nodded slowly, shushing Lissa with a look. "Yes, but that's not all. When you finally went to sleep, I brought you to your tent. But, you would not let go of my arm. As such, I had to work myself out of my armor and, much to my embarrassment, you out of your armor. Then, I had to join you in the cot. From there, we rested."
He bowed. "That's what happened. I understand if you're mad, but I just wanted to help. I hope you can forgive me."
Cordelia didn't answer, her eyes still dull.
Lissa clicked her tongue. "Dammit, she's retreated. Robin, I think I know why she wouldn't let you go, but you can't be her safety blanket. It'll take one bad day for her to do something she'll regret and you're not exactly readily available."
Robin sighed. "That's what I was thinking. We'll have to see if Sumia will bunk with her for a while, for Cordelia's safety if nothing else."
Lissa nodded and reached out for Cordelia's hand. "It's only a stop gap, but we at least know she's comfortable around you. I'd recommend heavy therapy, but we don't have the time. Is there anything that she wants to do? That could give her a goal to focus on."
Robin hummed. "She said something about failing people. Maybe the training will help her, if nothing else."
Lissa shook her head, hand grabbing Cordelia's own firmly. "That's only a start. Trauma and guilt are tricky to deal with separately, let alone when they're working in tandem. It'll just take time."
Robin nodded and Lissa guided Cordelia back down the hall. Robin stood still before following.
She only spoke to me and Sumia. I have a feeling we'll be the only ones she stays beside for a long time, but I'll tell the others to try their best. Maybe bringing a sense of normality to her life would help, but I don't know anywhere that I could take her to eat… and we're all going training.
He paused, face thoughtful.
Wait a minute…
He turned and ran down the hall, somehow ignoring the scene of Sumia kicking Chrom's ass in a spar. Eventually, he found Flavia speaking to Basilio.
"Flavia! Do you have a harp here?"
Flavia turned to him, brow raised. "A harp? I certainly don't have one."
Basilio laughed at Robin's disappointed face. "Ah, don't worry about this uncultured warrior woman! My performance troupe has one and they won't mind lending it to you."
This comment earned him a swift punch to the gut, but Basilio laughed it off. "You'll find them down by the main courtyard. Just talk to Olivia, she'll get the harp for you."
Robin almost sprinted away, but stopped himself. "Um, what's she look like?"
Basilio shook his head. "Pink hair, can't miss it."
Robin nodded and ran out of the room, the Khan's argument swiftly fading. He wound through the Khan's palace before spotting a flash of pink. Skidding to a halt, he found himself staring at a young woman in a shift with black silk and gold decorating her arms and legs.
Pink hair, check. That must be Olivia.
She noticed him staring at her, her arms stopping in the middle of a pose. "Um… i-is there something I can… do for you?"
Robin jolted. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry! Um, are you Olivia by any chance?"
She nodded, fidgeting nervously. "C-could you stop s-staring so much?"
He wasn't sure he was staring, but he turned his gaze away. "Um, Khan Basilio said you could help me. I'm looking for a harp."
Olivia's face brightened, even though her eyes remained on the ground. "Oh, is that it? Well, we won't be doing any tours for a few months, so I don't see why not. Wait here, I'll go get it."
Robin frowned as she fled the courtyard. If he remembered correctly, harps were quite large. It was why Cordelia only ever brought a lyre to their play sessions unless they got to meet in the castle.
Maybe she's stronger than she looks? I mean, she looks like the dancers I've seen in some of my books so it's not out of the question.
He sat down to wait, but he soon heard grunting come down the hall.
"And why, exactly, am I carrying this?"
"Because, I'm balancing it. You're the muscle, I'm the guide."
"Like hell you are!"
Robin blinked as the voices revealed themselves to be a smiling Olivia and frustrated Lon'qu.
Lon'qu sighed when he saw Robin. "I should have guessed. No one else in this place can so much as whistle, let alone use this thing."
Robin chuckled, glancing between the two as Lon'qu set the harp down. "So, I see you know each other."
Lon'qu grunted, Olivia squeaked and hid behind him. "I've been her guard for a while. Before you say anything, I'm used to her and she's used to me."
Robin grinned. "I wasn't going to say anything. But, thank you for getting me the harp. This'll help immensely."
Lon'qu frowned. "With what, exactly? I've been around you long enough to know you play a trumpet, not strings."
Robin's grin turned sad. "It's… for Cordelia.
Lon'qu nodded. "Say no more. I wish her the best in the training to come."
He bowed and walked away, dragging a confused Olivia with him. Robin smiled and grabbed the harp with a grunt, walking slowly towards the Shepherd's gathering point. It took him a while, but he got there eventually.
"Yo, Rob meister! What's that harp for?"
Robin grunted. "Less talk, more help Vaike! I need this in the wagon before we set off."
Vaike jumped down from his perch and grabbed the other end of the harp. After some work and much yelling, they got it to fit.
"There," Robin sighed, dusting his hands. "That'll be good. Now, where is everyone? We're supposed to leave in an hour."
Vaike shrugged. "Last I checked they were watching Sumia beat some sense into Chrom. Something about the 'spar of the decade' or something like that."
Robin blinked slowly before burying his head in his hands.
"Um Robin? What's going on."
This wasn't Vaike, this voice was music to his ears. "Cordelia! Where have you been?"
She tilted her head. "With Lissa. She said she needed to do a physical to make sure I was completely ok."
Robin clicked his tongue. "Well, that would do it. Actually, I have a present for you. Come here."
She walked over to his side and glanced into the wagon, gasping at the harp. "Robin, where did you get this?!"
Robin chuckled. "Well, you can thank Khan Basilio and Olivia. They let me borrow the harp for a few months and I thought you'd enjoy playing together."
Her face became unreadable and Vaike, reading the atmosphere, slinked away.
"Who's Olivia?"
Robin blinked. "Basilio's troupe leader. She's the one that let me borrow the harp. …Why do you ask?"
Cordelia was a bit closer to him now. "Oh…just making sure. Now, can I play? I already have a song in mind!"
Robin frowned. "Um, it'd take more time to get set up than we have. I'd be fine with it after we get to our destination though. Is that ok?"
Cordelia's face was unreadable again. "I…I guess."
She turned and walked away, pausing to stand next to Theresa.
The hell did I do wrong? She was despondent last I saw her and now she's pouting like a child!
He shook his head. He needed to get everyone together so they could leave. It wasn't fair to drag Cordelia along like this, but they needed soldiers and she had more reason than most to improve.
Won't stop me from helping as much as I can when we get there. Just need to ease into it.
He nodded and got back to work, ignorant of the looks Cordelia was sending him.
She sighed, gripping her hands to stop the tremors. Lissa had been adamant that she was physically fine, but asked her if she was comfortable bunking with Sumia for a while.
She was, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that nothing could calm down her racing heart when the memories and nightmares came, save for Robin.
That was its own can of worms.
She'd never actually admit it, but she'd wanted to get closer to Robin. It just wasn't the way she wanted. Maybe some moonlit walks, a trip like she'd originally thought up, even getting to the point they could rib each other mercilessly would have been great.
But now he was her sanctuary. Even now, as she thought about it, his absence from her side made her tremble. She'd gone from wanting them to mutually enjoy each other's company to being dependent on him.
She didn't like it.
While certain people that shall remain unnamed had insinuated that her want to get closer had different roots, she believed differently. She wanted a relationship between two equal partners, not to have one be dependent on the other let alone be the dependee herself.
She didn't want to be so weak.
On the bright side, if there was one, it would give her a deeper insight of Robin's character. Really, it was all she had to latch on to if she wanted to keep the nightmares and demons at bay.
She smiled. It was really nice of him to get a harp, if only because she had something to escape in besides training.
"Hey, Cordelia?"
She jumped, turning to Robin. "Uh, yes?"
He smiled at her. "I'm pretty sure I've said it already, but I'm glad you're here. When all's said and done, want to go get lunch or dinner? My treat."
She smiled right back, pulling him into a hug.
Her shaking stopped, his heartbeat the one good thing in the world.
The only thing she had.
-Lissa-
It was just her, Maribelle, and Chrom. How Robin had convinced Frederick to not come with them would forever remain a mystery, but Lissa was glad to be free of him.
He was amazing at his job but he was just so…stifling.
Besides, she could take care of herself now! She hadn't spent all that time training in the Outrealm for nothing. Sure, Vaike was best with an axe and everyone knew Cordelia was invincible with a lance, even though she hadn't been through the gate yet, but Lissa was really good with them too!
She sighed. Then again, she outdid everyone when it came to healing. She'd even bested Maribelle in the ability to heal, something she'd previously thought impossible.
It really is all thanks to Robin. I was just content with where I was before we found him, but seeing how hard he worked… well, it lit a fire.
She chuckled, thinking about some of her pranks. His face was just so flexible, it made the funniest expressions.
"Lissa, concentrate. We'll be arriving soon."
Chrom's voice snapped her from her reverie. "I got ya, bro! Those bruises Sumia give you healing alright?"
Chrom's ears burned. "The only thing bruised is my pride, Lissa. I'm perfectly fine."
Lissa giggled. "Yeah, after I worked my magic. Why did you even challenge her? We both know you weren't exactly in the right state of mind."
Chrom snorted. "Were I able to keep focusing on the future like you, I'd have been fine. I envy that about you, Lissa."
Lissa grew quiet and Maribelle sighed. "Milord, if I may speak?"
Chrom stared at her. "Uh, ok, go ahead."
Maribelle fixed him with a stern stare. "My dear Lissa is not exactly in good straights either. Were it not for her duties and undying confidence in both you and Sir Robin, she'd likely be comatose."
She turned her gaze to Lissa. "I know you didn't want to share that, but I feel he needs to be aware of your feelings."
Lissa just looked away. She didn't look at Chrom or Maribelle for the rest of the trip, just rubbing the Book of Naga's cover.
It was still strange to think about that fight in the mausoleum. They'd been attacked by… corpses. Corpses that put any Risen to total shame. Many of them had almost died, but Robin's idea to push individuals into corners and crush them ended up working.
Then the damn things rose up and bowed to them before herding them into a massive room full of glittering weapons. Next, as if to screw with them further, the weapons started floating around them and settling before certain Shepherds.
The book had settled before her. The question was why.
I heard legends of this thing. It's said to only be used by the purest of hearts, the chosen of Naga herself. But, when it floated in front of me, I thought and still think it chose wrong. Emm's so much more worthy than I am. So…why did it choose a little girl pretending to be a princess?
She sighed, glancing at her palm. The faint white pentagram with a small dot in the center of the star had appeared right after she'd grabbed the book, just appearing on her skin. Robin and Miriel had been kind enough to try and find the mark, but the closest they'd come to it was the old 'eye of truth' symbol.
She shook her head. It was a mystery that would likely take a visit to Mt. Prism to solve, but they didn't have time.
They were in a forested area now, the light sifting through the leaves in beautiful rays. Brush surrounded them and the light chill gave it the feel of a peaceful day.
Then the brush rustled.
Maribelle had her tome, the legendary Excalibur, open and glowing immediately. Chrom had Falchion pointing at the bush and Lissa thrust her palm toward it a moment later.
Silence stretched for a moment before Chrom spoke. "Come out, we know you're there."
Slowly, a pot covered head poked out of the brush. It was a young man in a simple shirt and pants with worn boots. He gripped a simple lance.
Lissa's eyes widened at the sight of him. He had a cross shaped scar and curly purple hair that she'd recognize anywhere.
But, before she could speak, a burly man with an animal skull for a helmet and a fur coat jumped from the brush. "Come along sheepie! Less you want to be gutted!"
The man paused and took one glance behind the young man to see three frustrated Shepherds. He gulped and ran back into the brush.
Chrom sighed. "Well, I think we've found the bandits Flavia told us about."
He turned to the peasant. "Tell me, what's your name? Are you from the village near here?"
The peasant nodded, shaking a bit. "Y-yes your lordship! I-if it pleases Your Graciousness.
Chrom sighed. "Hold up on the titles, friend. Just tell me what's going on."
The peasant gulped. "I'm Donny, er, Donnel that is. I live in the village just down the road."
Chrom's eyes widened, that name was familiar. "What happened to send you running?"
Donnel proceeded to launch into an odd tirade of profanity and apologies for the profanities. He wasn't the most articulate person Chrom had ever met, but he got the gist of what was happening.
"So, bandits attacked the village and started dragging off villagers. You were able to escape, if barely, but now you want us to help you. Am I correct so far?"
Donnel nodded. "Yes'm. Please Your Lordlyship, help my ma, she's all I got left!"
Chrom smirked. "We were going to get rid of the bandits anyway. We'll help, just lead the way."
Donnel almost jumped into the trees. "Thank you, thank you so much!"
He started racing down the road, stopping every once in a while to wave them forward. While he was doing that, Chrom started talking with Lissa.
"Why did you hide behind Maribelle? I admit he looks familiar, but you're acting shy. …I never thought that word would ever come out of my mouth."
Lissa stuck her tongue at him. "Please, I'm not acting shy. I just…"
Chrom scrunched his face in thought before it hit him. "Ah, that's your friend from the tournament, isn't it?"
Maribelle was more than a little interested. "What? You know that… peasant boy?"
Lissa pouted. "I'll have you know he's a perfect gentleman. I got lost in the colosseum and he helped me find the others."
Maribelle wasn't done. "Did he demand anything from you?! Any favors of a degenerate nature?!"
Lissa held up her hands. "Hey, Maribelle, that's not-"
"He did, didn't he! I'll flay that bastard alive!"
Lissa gasped. "Maribelle! Calm down, you're doing the overprotective thing again. Besides, we're here to help his village, not make ourselves look like murderers."
Maribelle wanted to continue her protests but a stern look from Chrom quieted her.
He sighed. "Now then, let's hurry up. I don't want those bandits to get away."
He turned and jogged after a waving Donnel, Maribelle spurred her horse on with a huff.
It wasn't a long journey to the village, but it was empty. Tracks in the light snow leading north brought them to a set of ruins that practically screamed bandit camp.
Chrom sighed at the number of bandits. "I'd say there's about fifteen. If this was a normal camp I'd just say lay waste to it, but we have hostages."
Donnel gulped. "My ma an' the others should be in the center. I reckon it be quite the sight though."
Maribelle huffed. "Quite. Prince Chrom, I'll deal with the ones outside the ruins."
Chrom nodded. "Very well, I'll leave it to you. Donnel, can you fight?"
Donnel paled. "What? N-no, Your Lordship, I ain't never stuck a pig before!"
Lissa, still keeping out of Donnel's sight, frowned. Wasn't he serving roast chicken with his mother at the colosseum?
Chrom shrugged. "Believe it or not, fighting isn't much different from farm work. You're swinging sticks with metal on them at living things after all."
Donnel paled further. "B-but…"
Chrom smiled. "Don't worry about it. You'll have backup while I take care of the bandits inside. Just keep an eye out for any stragglers."
Donnel still looked uneasy, but nodded.
Chrom shook his head, wondering if Donnel would actually be able to help. "Alright then. Maribelle, when you're ready."
Maribelle flipped open her tome and pointed toward the bandits. Magic script flared to life and raced to the ground.
And a tornado burst from the earth.
The great green funnel of wind started pulling the air around it into the vortex, trees groaning under the sudden pressure. The bandits were not so lucky, the wind ripping them from the earth and hurling them high into the air. A few unlucky bandits met the wall of magic wind and were torn to bloody shreds.
Maribelle smirked when she saw Donnel's awed face. "That should take care of that. I'll start circling and take care of any runners."
She patted a red tome on her hip before riding off. Chrom shook his head, sighing at the showboating.
"Nice, Maribelle. Anyway, let's go."
He drew Falchion and almost charged, but Donnel beat him to it. The young man ran right past Chrom and impaled a surprised bandit.
Chrom and Lissa, no longer hiding behind her brother, blinked.
Donnel charged further into the ruins, making Chrom and Lissa hurry in after him. Chrom cut open a pair of bandits that tried to attack him, but the tornado combined with Donnel's attack had them all confused.
Except three of the bandits were now trying to catch Donnel. Lissa gasped as one of their axes closed in on the young man's arm.
"No, Donny!"
Her hand extended and pure light burst from her palm. The beam split into three and burned through the bandits, the axe looking to end Donnel's arm vaporized.
She panted. That had taken more energy than she thought it would.
"…Lissa?"
Her eyes widened when she saw his eyes on her. "Oh, uh, hi…Donny."
Donnel blinked. "You look…perty."
Lissa felt a blush spring to life. "Oh, uh, that's very kind. Um, I can't say this is how I envisioned us meeting."
Donnel blushed too. "Oh, uh, sorry. My ma always tells me I got a big mouth, pardon me Your Beutifulness."
Lissa smiled. "Stop complimenting me, Donny, you'll make me blush."
They were still standing there, mutually fidgeting, when Chrom called to them. "While I am enjoying the scene immensely could you please help? I have five of them blocking the door and I hear hostages!"
His voice jolted them back to action. As Chrom had said, five of the bandits were blocking the way and each held a trembling villager in their grasp.
Chrom growled. Every time he so much as shifted towards them, they'd dig the blades a little further into the villagers' necks. "Lissa, how are you with precision beams?"
Lissa gulped. "Uh…"
Chrom turned to her. "Now's not the time for 'uh'! Can you or can you not?"
Lissa glanced at her tome, to Chrom, and finally to Donnel. His eyes were glued to the villagers, gaze desperate and sick at the sight.
She steeled her resolve. "I…I can do it. Just give me a second."
Chrom nodded and yelled at the bandits. "Let the villagers go! Harm them and your lives are forfeit!"
A cocky voice yelled back. "Hah! And that little piglet convinced you to do this, then? Well, why don't you just give him to us and leave? We'll take good care of him and these little piggies while you keep your lives!"
Chrom sighed. "And who are you? Do you speak for these men that will die if you do not surrender?"
Lissa placed her tome behind her back, concentrating on pooling the power in her fingertips. The bandit leader kept bragging about his ability to get rich off the villagers, but Chrom continued to shred his claims. It was making the man very, very angry.
"Ah, shut up! You blue bloods know nothing about us wild men! Now hand over the boy or the cow gets it!"
His axe went to a plain woman's throat and Donnel's eyes went wide, "Ma!"
Lissa's eyes snapped to the woman. It was the same kind woman that had sold her the birds and lent her Donny!
The woman spat at her captor. "Don't you touch the boy! You took my husband when he defended this village and I won't see you take him too!"
Lissa growled, overcome with the need to deliver justice to the pile of crap holding the innocents. The power shrunk into pinpricks on her fingers, just light ready to deliver retribution.
A melodic voice echoed through her head and her movements became automatic.
Well, well. It appears my youngest worshipper has chosen someone for me to see. Hm… yes, I like your spirit, girl. Passionate and just, but above all bright. You will make a fine arbiter when the day comes.
The voice chuckled and Lissa raised her hand.
Now, destroy the filth that stand before the innocent. In the name of your patron, Horakhty.
Beams of light, thin as an arrow's shaft, shot from her fingers and burned through the bandits' skulls. Every one of them dropped like stones.
Lissa went down with them.
"Lissa!"
-Several Hours Later-
When she woke, there was nothing to see but a wooden roof and an orange glow to the side. Groggy, she glanced to her left and found a familiar face.
"Oh… hi Donny."
Her voice was barely a whisper, but Donnel heard it anyway.
She didn't expect him to hug her, let alone start crying. "Thank Naga, you're ok. My ma's safe cause of you, my whole village. Thank you… thank you so much."
Lissa didn't know what to say so she just reached up and rubbed his back. Chrom and Donnel's mother watched the exchange from the doorway.
"So," Chrom began. "Do you really want him to stay? As I said, he led the charge against the bandits and he has more potential than I dare guess."
Donnel's mother sighed. "I really don't… but it's his decision. Honestly, all I want is for him to be safe."
Chrom nodded. "I understand. I've only ever wanted Lissa to be safe too, but she's her own woman."
He sighed. "Though she'd never walk around in anything short of three reams of silk and hey if Maribelle had anything to say about it."
Donnel's mother chuckled. "Well, I think he's already made up his mind. Go ahead and ask, I won't stop you or him."
Chrom nodded and walked toward the teary eyed young man, a curious thought in mind.
Can we make the gate before Robin heads in?
-Robin-
"Virion, please explain to me why there's a woman here with a wyvern."
The Shepherds were standing in front of the Outrealm gate, staring at the sight of a black wyvern and woman with dark pink hair.
Virion posed as usual. "This, my friends, is who I've been writing to the last few weeks!"
Stahl blinked. "You've been writing?"
Kellam agreed. "First I've heard of it."
There were several more grunts of agreement.
Virion deflated, but the woman stepped forward. "Excuse me, but this'll go faster if I speak."
She curtsied. "My name's Cherche. I'm a former servant of Duke Virion of Rosanne, but I've decided to stay in his service if not officially."
Frederick narrowed his eyes and turned to Virion. "Well, that explains where your extensive knowledge of court and other such things came from. Tell us, why would a Duke from across the Long Sea come here?"
Virion sighed. "That, is a story for another time. I'll tell you that I was forced to flee my home, but anything beyond that is unimportant."
Robin coughed. "Well, that aside, are you asking to join us, Lady Cherche?"
She nodded. "Yes, that is why I'm here. Lord Virion asked me to join you in the fight against Plegia and I will gladly do so."
Robin nodded. "Good, then you're with Vaike. He's the blonde over there with the axe, but forgive his mouth. He tends to put his foot in it."
Cherche giggled. "Not to worry. As long as Minerva likes him, we'll get along swimmingly."
The wyvern snorted at the name 'Minerva'.
Ah, guess that's where that came from. But, hopefully this leads to that one strategy I read about during the Scouring where a wyvern and a berserker can wreak all manner of havoc.
He sighed. "Well, are there any other surprises I should be made aware of?"
Silence met his words.
"Good. Now then, we're heading into the gate. Please keep all your items on you and take a count when we come out the other side!"
The veterans chuckled while the new arrivals looked on in confusion.
A few minutes later, they were through the door, just barely missing a messenger from Basilio.
Emmeryn would die in a month's time. She'd been captured and Ylisstol had fallen to Plegia in but a single day.
Ch 14 End
Rewrite 14 of 42, complete!
Severa: Man, I had no idea mom was going through so much.
Lucina: Trauma is a heavy burden, we all know it.
7: And it always is. All you can do is try and help, just like your dad.
Severa: Yeah… um, I'm going to the kitchen.
*She leaves*
7: Apology cookies, always a good idea.
Lucina: I'll go help her. Go ahead and do the outro.
*She leaves too*
7:Alright, that's my cue I guess.
As always everyone please read and review!
P.S I'm going to start leaving review responses so if you have a question, concern, or praise just leave it in a review and I'll get to it next chapter!
Squad 7 Dismissed