Hello again everyone! Today we have another side chapter that further explores Lucina and Severas' relationship starring Cynthia as herself!
Lucina: 7 can you please stop encouraging her, Father said he would pull his contract if you keep this up.
7: HUH! WHY?!
Lucina: Because Cynthia keeps trying to act like a therapist and the others aren't taking it very well.
7: Ah. Ok I'll stop, just please take a photo of her on a psychiatrist couch and we'll be even.
Severa: If we're being honest ALL of us need a psychiatrist.
7: SEV! *Hug*
Severa: Geez, I'm fine you dolt!
7:*sobbing* I'm so sobby I ma dyou cry pwease forbive me!
Severa: Oh for god's sake! You had to do it, I know that, but I got to have Lucy go shopping with me so it's fine.
7: *Stops sobbing* So THAT'S what you promised her Lucy!
Lucina: Yes, it…. Was quite expensive
7: But why were you blushing?
Lucina: We… had to hold hands the entire time *blush*
Severa: Oh come on Lucy I told you its fine.
7: In any case onto review responses!
Sugouxxx: Thanks for the kind words! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Strider Shade: I knew that the moment would probably catch people off guard, but can anyone really blame her? After all survivors' guilt is nothing to sneeze at. Also thank you for the compliment on the Cherche addition! I feel she comes in kinda late for development so I wanted to get her soon. Also SEVERA, LUCINA SAY HI TO STRIDER!
Severa & Lucina: Hello! Thanks for all the support and we hope to continue as your favorite 2ndgen characters!
Goodralisk: Thanks for the compliment on Cherche! Also it hurt me A LOT to write out that sad part, so I understand the hurt. In terms of bonding we still have a little ways to go *cackles*. Also as you saw above Lucina isn't a freak, just easily embarrassedJ. (I had to hold Chrom back from taking Edelweiss to try and find you, but I still welcome your opinion.)
For anyone curious, the review responses you see are from the old story's reviews. Also, the update speed is due to these having already been written, I'm just posting until I run out.
Tales (Preparations)
-Northwestern Ylisse-Two Days after Fall of Ylisstol-
It was a somber camp they set that night.
Lucina, Cynthia, and Severa had fled Ylisstol soon after the assassins had been dealt with, each giddy. They'd done it, Emmeryn was alive and the future averted. Then, when they'd stopped along the road, they'd been forced into the forest as the Plegian army rumbled by.
Smoke rose from the direction of Ylisstol bare hours later.
It was only the next day that they'd found out what happened. Ylisstol had fallen, the sheer number of Plegians overrunning normally solid defenses, and the Exalt captured. Now their celebration had turned into a desperate rescue mission.
But, they could only go so far in a day. The mountains of Plegia sat on the horizon, but it would be another day at least before they arrived. Then, they had to scour a country of plains and desert for one woman.
Cynthia sighed, poking the fire with a stick. The air had a melancholy tune flowing through it, the product of Severa's fingers dancing on a lyre. She'd bought it on a whim in the last town they visited before Plegia rolled through and now it did all it could to distract her.
Lucina wasn't there. She'd gone on a 'patrol' and wouldn't be back until she got her head on straight.
Cynthia snorted, envy coloring her mind.
She got to talk to Aunt Emm. I've never so much as seen her, but Lucy spoke to her and even got to hug her. Why don't I get anything like that? All I ever seem to do is act peppy and help other people with dumb problems.
She sighed again, watching a dead leaf catch in the flame. This really wasn't like her, but how could she not be a little bitter? Lucina was Falchion's chosen, was the last to see their parents, led them through hell for years, and even got them to the past.
What had she done? Played games, cried over little things, had to have been saved more than she'd ever saved, and was little more than a courier for the two actually doing things.
Some hero.
She didn't move as the music came to an end. Not even when someone sat next to her.
"Cynthia? You ok?"
Oh, it was Severa. "Just… thinking about things."
Severa sighed. "You're too peppy to think on things, there's not enough brain,"
The playful insult only made Cynthia curl into a ball, a palpable aura of depression surrounding her. Severa coughed, not really sure how to deal with a sad Cynthia.
…That sounded wrong, even in her head.
She sighed.
Just treat her like Morgan. She may not be as optimistic, but they're kindred spirits.
She felt a twinge at the reminder of her bubbly sister, but put an arm around Cynthia's shoulders.
"Hey, come on, don't be upset. I'm sorry for being mean, it was uncalled for. What's actually wrong? I won't be mean about it, I promise."
Cynthia kept herself curled up, still as stone.
Severa frowned. "I can't help you if you don't tell me anything. Come on, Cynthia, you've always been honest with me. Just let me help."
Cynthia mumbled something.
"Care to repeat that?"
Cynthia mumbled again, this time a tad louder. "…help…supposed…hero."
Severa sighed. "You're down since you think you're being a burden not a hero. How close is that?"
Cynthia pulling her knees to her chest said it all.
"Cynthia, you're not a burden! Lucy and I wouldn't be here if not for you! You've saved our hides on more than one occasion, as begrudging as I am to admit it. You've cheered us up when we get lost in our cynicism and you've done more than that to keep us going too!"
Severa pried Cynthia's head from her knees. "You're important. You're the reason Lucy and I didn't decide to just drop on the ground when the Plegians went by. Remember?"
Cynthia did. Right after the last Plegian had gone by, Lucina and Severa had just remained on the ground. They were almost inconsolable the moment the smoke rose into the air and they'd spoke about just going away when the news hit.
Cynthia had bopped them both on the head, proclaiming they still had time and motivation to be heroes. It had lit a fire in them, just enough to keep going.
All thanks to Cynthia.
She started tearing up and Severa smiled. "See? You're the heart of this team, Cynthia. Without you, Lucy and I would have given up or deemed the plans impossible. You've been the light, the inspiration, just like any great hero."
She pulled Cynthia into a hug. "And you're our dork. The one we love and respect. Don't ever forget that, ok?"
Cynthia nodded into Severa's shoulder, feeling so much better. "Thanks… Severa. I…I needed to hear that."
Severa smirked. "Ah, Lucy would say the same and you know it. Big sisters know their little sisters better than they do after all."
Cynthia smiled, glad for an opening. "And little sisters know their big sisters just as well. Now, tell me, when did you start liking Lucy?"
Severa jolted away, a blush burning to life. "Hey, this isn't about me!"
Cynthia smirked. "Well, try and take my mind off things! Come on, I want to hear the story!"
Severa turned away. "There's nothing to tell, you're mistaken."
Cynthia's smirk grew. "Oh, really? And the way you've looked at her since forever ago? The way you two were in such good moods after going on a little date? Sev, I may be an airhead, but-"
Severa sighed. "Yeah, yeah, 'but you're not dumb', I got it."
She turned away, but could feel Cynthia's eyes boring into her back. It was really making her uncomfortable, but she was determined not to give in.
Cynthia's voice brushed her ear. "Hey, Sev. I want ot tell you something."
Severa turned to see Cynthia grinning at her, hand to her mouth. "What?"
Cynthia shrugged, letting the frustration roll over her. "Just wanted to let you know that I'm going to share those dirty dreams you've been having with Lucy."
Severa tackled her to the ground, hands on her throat. "You wouldn't dare you little pest! Tell her and I kill you!"
Cynthia struggled under the hold. "But… I-I was just gonna… share the ones… about the mud wrestling!"
Severa stopped, realizing she'd been duped. "…Damn it."
She pulled herself off Cynthia and sulked back to the fire. Cynthia sat beside her and silence stretched for an eternity.
"…Alright, fine. I'll tell you where it began, how's that? If… if this works out, I'll tell you the whole story."
Cynthia nodded and settled in, eager to hear Severa's story.
Severa almost smiled but kept her eyes on the fire. "I'd say it began… ten years ago."
Southeastern Ylisse-Severa's Family Estate
Lucy had come to visit!
Severa was in her room, doing her best to make herself all pretty and nice looking with mommy's help. Mommy had laughed when she'd asked for her help, saying she was a 'big girl' and didn't need her help anymore.
She didn't care. She wanted mommy to make her just as pretty as mommy was.
The finishing touch was her hair, like always. She wanted her hair long, both to be pretty like mommy and because she really liked the purple she and daddy shared.
Now if she could finally beat him at chess her day would be complete!
"Severa, don't fidget so much. The royals won't be here for another hour."
She stopped moving and mommy's hands went back to brushing her hair, but she had a question.
"Mommy? I forget, why are they called 'royals'? Aren't you and daddy, like, Duchess and Duke or something?"
Her mommy smiled. "Because, dear, we're in charge of a duchy while they're in charge of a monarchy. Duchies are led by Dukes and Duchesses while Monarchies are led by Kings and Queens. And, since they rule the kingdom our duchy's a part of, they're called royals.
She didn't understand all that well, but she got the gist of it. "Ok, thanks mommy!"
Her mommy nodded and finished brushing her hair. "Good. Now then, do you want it in twin tails like always or would you like something else?"
She thought on it before grinning. " Wavy! Like daddy when he got lost in the woods!"
Her mother chuckled but set to work on making the wanted waves. It was pretty easy since her hair was naturally wavy like her daddy's, but she liked twin tails a lot.
"Done." Her mommy said a few minutes later. "Now, go downstairs and wait with daddy. Oh, and can you get Morgan for me?"
She nodded and ran from the room. Morgan was just down the hall and Severa sent her into the room before she thundered down the stairs. She almost slid into the living room and found daddy looking at a chess board.
"Oh, Severa, would you like to play a game or two while we wait?" Daddy asked when he noticed her.
She nodded, today would be the day! She'd been reading up on strategies and had been badgering anyone else that visited to have a match with her.
In her opinion, she was quite good.
She took a seat and they started the game, soon getting lost in the moves and mind games until a victor emerged.
"Checkmate."
Severa smiled in glee as her daddy tipped over his King. She'd done it! She'd actually beat daddy at chess!
"Sev, to the point please."
"Geez, I'm getting there. You'll see why the build up's important in a second."
Her daddy chuckled. "Well done, my little princess. Now, we can move on to the more complex games."
A knock on the door stopped Severa's excited yell. She gasped and ran for the door, flinging it open in excitement.
"Lucy!"
Except it wasn't her best friend. Rather than that long blue hair she secretly loved with a gold circlet, she was staring at a boy about her age in a suit with an average face and a snooty disposition.
He looked down at her dress. "What's a servant girl doing here?"
His voice was damned grating, that's what she thought. "And who are you, buster?"
Daddy joined her. "Severa, who's at the do-"
He saw the boy and looked behind him, sighing at what he saw. "Marquis Roger, what can I do for you today?"
A deeper, but no less grating voice answered. "Duke Robin, I apologize for the interruption. My son and I were going to discuss the recent proposal of new fortifications along the Plegian border with the King. But, we found out that he would be visiting you today and I decided to kill two birds with one stone."
Daddy sighed. "I see. Well, come on in, take a seat. Chrom should be here with his family in about ten or so minutes."
The Marquis and his son entered her home, daddy hiding a grimace.
"Wait, what was the kid's name?"
"Stop interrupting!"
The Marquis made his way toward one of the armchairs, but daddy stopped him. "Forgive me, Marquis, but that is my wife's chair. She's quite…fond of it."
The Marquis raised a brow, but went to another chair. They sat down, leaving her with the snooty boy.
He stared down his nose at her. "This is a discussion for men, servants have no place here."
She grit her teeth, but held her tongue.
"You didn't snap at him?"
"Shut up!"
She wanted to see his face when he found out just who she was. Instead, she turned on her heel and went onto the porch to wait. Thankfully, her mood shot through the roof when a white and blue carriage clattered down the road.
It flew to the sky when a girl with blue hair and a gold circlet jumped out.
"Lucy!"
This time she ran forward and was met with equal enthusiasm. They embraced in the middle of the yard, celebrating their reunion after two weeks separation. Eventually she pulled back and paused, hesitation nearly imperceptible.
Lucy was really pretty, her hair styled in a long braid and her dress immaculate. She was even…filling out.
She slapped herself mentally. She would not let a little thing like puberty stop her! (1)
"I'm so glad to see you, Lucy!"
Lucina laughed in turn. "I'm glad to see you too Sev! Sorry to say, but Cynthia couldn't make it. She got sick and mommy had to stay with her."
She frowned. "Well that's too bad. Morgy was really looking forward to seeing her."
A man's laugh caught their attention. "Well, I hope she'll forgive Cynthia. But, Severa, can you lead us inside? I'd hate to keep your parents waiting."
Her frown must have said something because Chrom frowned. He looked around before he saw another carriage. "Oh, you have other guests?"
He hummed before he sighed at the crest on the carriage. "Great, Marquis Roger. Severa, did he bring a boy with him?"
She nodded, both her and Lucy curious. Chrom's shoulders slumped. "I see. Well, lead on. I need to save your father."
She didn't know what that meant but nodded and marched them up to the house, Lucy's hand in hers.
When they entered the house, mommy and Morgan were sitting in the usual spot. Morgan was trying her best to get out of mommy's hold, but she couldn't move. Mommy looked irritated too.
The boy appeared again, kneeling before Lucina. "Ah, Lady Lucina. It's a pleasure to see you again."
He reached out and took Lucina's free hand, planting a quick peck on it. Lucina smiled demurely, but she could feel a shudder run down Lucina's arm.
Chrom cleared his throat. "Excuse me, but may we come in?"
The boy gracefully stepped aside, still kneeling. The sheer… what did daddy call it? Brown-nosing? Yeah, that! The sheer brownnosing made her feel ill.
"Ah, Lord Chrom! Forgive my sudden arrival, but I wished to discuss my proposal." The Marquis exclaimed, standing and bowing toward Chrom.
Chrom sighed. "I intended this to be a simple visit with friends, but I suppose it's better to see this settled. Lucina, why don't you go out back and play?"
Lucina nodded and grabbed her hand, Morgan escaping her grasp and running after them.
"Raulf, why don't you go with them? Even if the games do not interest you, you can still keep them out of trouble."
The boy, Raulf she guessed, bowed and followed after them, still sneering whenever she looked at him.
Thankfully, he didn't want to take part in their games. At least, until she and Lucy started having competitions.
Then he just had to stick his nose in.
"I will gladly champion Lady Lucina in these contests. She need not waste her time on such silliness."
She smelled a golden opportunity, so she gave Lucina a look. "Fine. But, I get to choose the contest."
He smirked. "Agreed. No matter what you choose, I can best any mere servant."
She really was not sure why he still thought she was a servant. Oh well, better to kick his butt.
They started with a race, where she outran him. Then, they sparred with sticks, where she beat him blue, then they tried stories where she begrudgingly lost. Then, they tried climbing, where she also lost by a hair.
She could tell he thought her a brute for the first two, so she chose one more.
"Chess."
He blinked. "Chess? Does a servant even know what chess is?"
She was really getting annoyed with him, and so were Lucy and Morgan.
"Yes, I know chess. Now, are you going to agree or forever be tied with a 'mere' servant?"
Annoyed, but still loving to rub it in.
He huffed and followed her inside, Lucy and Morgan silently giggling at what they knew was going to happen.
They found the chess board and set up, their respective parents eventually coming in to watch. The match started slowly, but she eventually drew him in and started her offense. She almost overextended in her zeal to defeat him, but a concerned look from Lucy calmed her down.
When it was said and done, she'd beaten him completely. That didn't mean he took the defeat well.
"How?! How did a simple servant girl defeat me at a game of nobility?! Your tactics had no honor in them, only dirty shots and cowardice!"
She rolled her eyes. "No one said the tactics had to be honorable. All you have to do is win."
He growled and turned to his father. "Father, this girl has insulted my honor! I demand she be fired for this transgression!"
His father was… sweating. "Um, Raulf, I don't know where the notion of her being a servant came from, but…"
The Marquis gulped so a too happy Robin answered. "This is my daughter, Severa. She also happens to be heiress to the duchy, and thus of a higher rank than you."
Raulf's face grew paler in direct proportion to how large her smirk was. "W-wait, the h-heiress? Then, that means you're…"
Lucina stepped up. "My best friend. I'm greatly displeased with your behavior Sir Raulf. In fact, how could you not recognize her? She's been to many a ball I know you attended."
She sighed. Lucy knew the answer to that question, and so did she. After all, when the future Exalt is in the room, the girl in her favorite but worn gown tends to be ignored.
It didn't mean a warm feeling didn't spread in her chest as Lucina glared at the sweating twat.
Chrom spoke up. "Actually, Marquis Roger, in light of this… incident, your son shall not be invited to any formal event involving my daughter until the insult is paid."
His eyes narrowed. "And do stop telling him to try and win her favor. She does not have to entertain anything like that for another eight years."
Daddy spoke next. "Also, while we understand your concerns, we cannot lace new fortifications on Plegia's border. We simply do not have the men to build them and even if we did there are other things to worry about."
Mommy hugged her from behind. "I believe that concludes your business here, Marquis Roger. If you would please follow me, I will see you off."
The Marquis was as pale as his son. She didn't know what her parents and Lucy's dad had done, but they were gone from the house and yard shortly thereafter.
Their parents started talking again while Morgan started attacking the food. Lucina pulled her aside and frowned. "Are you ok, Sev? I know he was a big jerk to you."
She smiled. "Don't worry, Lucy. I got him real good in the contests so all's well."
Lucy didn't look convinced, but dropped it. "Alright, Sev, if you're sure."
She nodded, but had one more question. "By the way, what was that thing your dad mentioned? The one about 'entertaining' something in eight years?"
Lucy shrugged. "I don't know. All he and mommy told me was that I had to find someone I really liked."
She tilted her head. "Oh, and do you really like someone?"
Lucy smiled. "Of course! I really like you Sev; I don't believe there'll be anyone I like more!"
The way Lucy gripped her hand when she said that made her face bloom. She wasn't sure why, but the idea that Lucy liked her more than anyone else made her feel beyond relieved.
And very, very happy.
Severa finished her tale with a wistful gaze, her eyes lingering on the stars above.
Cynthia wasn't entirely happy though. "That doesn't sound like you started 'liking' her. If anything, that just sounds like she won your eternal loyalty."
Severa sighed. "I said I'd tell you the beginning and you got it. Now, can we get back to being friends? I want to get on the trail at a decent hour."
Cynthia rolled her eyes but hugged Severa tightly. "Thanks for sharing, Sev. I know it's been hard for you after we left, but I wouldn't ask for anyone else to be here with me and Lucy."
Severa hugged her back. "Same to you, but, now that I shared, you have to share how Gerome caught your eye."
Cynthia jumped back. "Hey! You promised never to say that out loud, we had a pinky promise!"
Severa chuckled. "Don't worry, no one's here. Besides, we're friends and friends can make fun of each other all we wish."
They continued their laughter and teasing, neither noticing Lucina watching them from the trees.
To think, that was when it started. I never did see Raulf again, but to think a little brat barely eleven years old was enough to make us grow so close.
She shook her head. Her sister and friend had fallen asleep, their bodies splayed awkwardly on the ground. Chuckling, she walked into the camp and put them in their bed rolls.
"Goodnight, Cynthia." She whispered, kissing her forehead like mother always did. Cynthia smiled unconsciously, muttering 'mom' under her breath.
Lucina's smile became melancholy. It wasn't too far off from the truth after all. She was the oldest member of their old party with Severa being right behind her and it wasn't uncommon for her to be the mother figure to the youngest members.
Especially Inigo and Kjelle since their mothers had such a hard time conceiving them. They were five when it all went wrong.
She walked over to Severa's bed roll, not really sure what to do.
Come on, Lucina, be brave! You're sure of your feelings, but doing nothing won't accomplish anything!
Decided, she leaned down and pressed her lips to Severa's forehead. She held them there for a little longer than absolutely necessary, but pulled away with a smile. "Goodnight, Severa."
She turned and slipped into her roll, missing the reply.
"Goodnight, Lucina."
Castle Flavia-Two Days after entering Gate
Their return coincided with the announcement that Chrom had been locked in the dungeon.
Oh he wasn't there for any serious reason. No, he was there for trying to run off to Plegia by his lonesome on a tired horse before Basilio suplexed him into submission.
Robin didn't know what a suplex was, but based on what Lissa told him, it was quite painful.
Now that the Shepherds had returned though, Chrom was released and allowed to discuss their next move with the Khans.
"Ok, it's been all of three days since you lot arrived. As such, we only have three of my armies ready to go. They're not small and they are skilled, but they'll need to be careful in any engagement."
Flavia's logic was sound. Their forces, Shepherds included, barely numbered over five-hundred, not nearly enough to challenge the main Plegian force in open combat. But, if they were just going after Emmeryn…
Robin sighed. It would be risky, beyond risky in fact, but it could be done.
He just wasn't sure he should voice that opinion.
"I understand your concerns, Flavia, but I will not let that Mad King have his way! He's been left alone far too long and I will cut out the blight that is his rule. Even if I have to do it myself."
Chrom's voice made Robin wince. He didn't like this Chrom, the one that had such cold rage in his voice. It was so different from his friend that the idea of possession had passed through his mind more than once.
Gaius tapped his shoulder. "Hey, Bubbles, is the boss always like this?"
Robin shook his head. "No, he's not. But, it looks like we'll be going to war soon, regardless of any arguments we field against it."
He turned to Gaius. "Actually, all the new gear treating you well? I know it has a lot more pockets than your old clothes."
Gaius, in gear resembling the assassin's that had attacked Chrom minus the large arm blades, shrugged. "Well, my idea for climbing claws hasn't been tested yet, but there'll be opportunities."
Robin nodded. "Good. I'll go check on everyone else, Sumia or Lissa will have to take care of Chrom."
Gaius stepped aside and Robin started checking in with the others. The veterans, if they could be called that, were ready after a quick chat but Robin spent more time conversing with the new arrivals.
First, Panne.
She stared at him curiously as he walked up. "Yes?"
Robin almost laughed. "We started with you not trusting any of us. Glad to see you're not immediately glaring at me."
Her gaze turned into a glare. "You've not tried to kill me, yet. And do to the training you've given me I can defend myself against most anything. At this point, I can trust in my skills to protect me and can thus give you the benefit of the doubt."
Robin sighed. "Just glad you don't call me 'man-spawn' anymore. Anyway, I wanted to check to see if everything was how it should be. That beaststone we found still working its magic?"
Panne's gaze softened. "Yes. It… calms me, keeps my head clear even in the midst of battle. I would also like to thank you as well. Your…insistence that I learn how to use man weapons has greatly helped in learning how to avoid them."
Robin chuckled. "Well, that wasn't the point when I asked, but I'm glad you got something out of it. Oh, and do tell Virion that, while the gestures toward you are appreciated, he needs to do that while you two are alone."
He bowed and left the blushing taguel behind, almost smirking at her low growl.
Next, Cherche.
She was conversing with Vaike as usual, the usually rough man laughing right along with her.
Robin almost didn't want to interrupt, but he needed to check. "Excuse me, Cherche?"
She stopped her conversation with Vaike and turned to Robin. "Yes, Sir Robin?"
Robin gestured to Minerva and the axe Cherche was carrying. "How're the new weapons and armor treating you? If the screaming match behind me is any indication, I'll need you to keep it short."
Cherche smiled. "They're treating us just fine. I personally never thought I'd ever hold Helswath, but I'll still use my own axe until its power is needed."
She gestured to silver axe strapped to Minerva's side, just above the wyvern's own plate. Robin hadn't, and still couldn't, see what made the bound up axe so special but he shrugged. "Ok, just wanted to check in. Vaike, take care of her, we both know Minerva needs to be pampered."
They laughed at the friendly jab, even as Minerva puffed smoke. Robin waved to the two friends before going to speak with the next person on his list.
One Donnel.
The young man was outfitted in standard soldier armor, minus the helmet, but his spear was still shaky in his hand. "Hey, Donnel right?"
He jumped. "Y-yessir!"
Robin frowned. "Hey, no need to get so wound up. My name's Robin, the tactician of the Shepherds. I just wanted to check in with you and see how the new gear was treating you."
Donnel gulped. "U-uh, very well, yessir! Lady L-lissa's been teachin me how this here lance gets used."
Robin raised a brow. "Hmm… you may want to ask Frederick for more advanced lessons. Lissa's pretty good with a lance, but Frederick is far and away the better of the two."
Donnel saluted. "Yessir!"
Robin sighed and dismissed the poor guy. It must have been hard for someone with his upbringing to get thrust into all this. But, Lissa was doing her best to get him acclimated, so he decided to leave it with her.
Now for his favorite person, Cordelia.
The timing of all this trouble could have been much better. Now I have to give her the birthday gift I ordered on the march.
He sighed, but put on an exasperated face as he walked to her. "Hey, Cordelia! How's the new gear doing?"
She almost jumped but smiled when she saw him. "Good. I didn't think I'd be wearing Falcon Knight Armor anytime soon, let alone hold a legendary lance, but it's been good. All that's left is to put it through its paces."
Robin chuckled. "Well, let's try not to have that happen. The lance, understood, but putting armor through trial means you're in harm's way. I'd hate to see that, especially after we've only been back together for a short time."
Cordelia smiled again, a faint blush springing to life. "Yes, I'd rather that not happen. But, it was kind of you to come check on me. I can assure you though, I'm fine."
Robin frowned. "You sure? We're about to go on the march again and I want you to get anything off your chest that you need to."
Cordelia's face became exasperated. "Robin, I'm fine. The harp's been a big help and so have you, but I need some space ok? I'm not made of glass."
Robin snorted. "I know that. Anyone that can lift Kellam in full armor not name Vaike or Sully is automatically tough."
She chuckled. "Yes, well, that made me tear my groin may I remind. I couldn't walk for two days."
He grimaced, that hadn't been fun. "Yeah… my fault for getting the kegs mixed up. Sorry about that."
She rolled her eyes. "It's fine, I learned my lesson." She looked over Robin's shoulder. "Sumia has calmed Lord Chrom down by the looks of it. Knowing her, she used everything in her arsenal to get him back."
Robin sighed. "Well, then that means we're back to business. See you at supper?"
Cordelia pulled him into an embrace. "Sounds good, I'll see you then."
They held their embrace for a bit longer than necessary, but separated and went about their business. The other Shepherds, minus Chrom and Sumia, watched them with varying levels of amusement.
Donnel was confused. "Uh, I missing somtin?"
Lissa, who'd snuck up behind him, sighed. "Ah, they're just so obvious. We have a pot going on whether they'll start dating soon. Personally, I bet five-hundred on the end of the war."
She smirked at him. "Want in?"
He chuckled awkwardly. "Uh, yeah… I ain't got money."
Lissa shrugged. "I'll put the bet in your name. Just tell me when and what amount."
Donnel scratched at his head. Well, tried to, what with the pot sitting over his hair getting in the way.
…He was fond of it, if you need to ask.
"Well, the village folk always made bets on marriage, not dates. Heck, I don't know what this 'date' thing is. So… I'll bet twenty on them marrying by this time next year."
Lissa's brow rose. "Marriage huh? Alright, Donny my man, twenty it is. Hey, Stahl! We got new blood!"
An excited cheer rose from the room and Donnel knew dread.
Not the dread of war, that would come soon, but the dread of being amongst friendly fools.
Naga help him. Naga help them all.
Ch 15 End
Ah Donnel you never cease to amuse me.
A quick apology to The Lavender Empress. I know Cynthia/Inigo is your one and only, but I like Gerome a lot and it makes more sense with regards to this story so sorry *bows*
But, as always, thank you all for your ever generous support! We actually passed the 10,000 views mark so I really can't thank everyone enough for all the help over the last month!
Be sure to leave a review if you want a response next chapter and please Favorite and Follow as well!
P.S Hooray happy things! I needed to write that after the relative sadness of the previous chapter so I hope this helps out a bit J
That's everything, Squad 7 DISMISSED!