Hello Everyone!

Severa: Geez, took you long enough!

7: Four tests in one week are no fun my dear and studying for finals even less so.

Lucina: Ouch, are you sure you should be writing then?

7: I need a break so I thought I'd write the second part of the side chapters.

Severa: Hmph. Fine, let's just get on with it shall we?

7: But don't you want to hear who's going to be involved?

Severa: *Turns away blushing* …No.

7: Yeah, nice try. Anyway, today we focus in on three couples.

Virion: Thank you sir!

7: Virion I told you to get ready, why are you here?

Virion: The masses must know of my grandeur! And besides, Cherche would be hopeless without my assistance.

7: And for that, her scene gets axed until later. Severa? Lucina? Can you get him out of here?

Severa: *Smirks evilly* You bet!

Lucina: *Bows* Very well.

*The two quickly hog tie Virion*

Virion: Unhand me this instant young ladies! I'll have your parents informed!

Severa: Yeah-yeah keep talking.

*They carry the protesting Virion away*

7: Now that we're finished there, poll time!

With a vote of four to two, I will write a series of short stories about the other romances! These will take place whenever my imagination comes up with a good enough plot section, so don't expect any of them anytime soon.

At "Soft voice singing" Play: "Waiting for the Rain" by Maaya Sakamoto

Let's get the show on the road! (Also, not a whole lot happens here as it's mostly fluff! Hope you enjoy the bits that actually are important!)

Growth

For the next few hours, Robin and Lissa took turns waking up, screaming, and fainting.

Chrom and Emmeryn slowly gave up trying to calm the two, instead spending their time discussing what Chrom would need to do after the war was over. This swiftly devolved into a tense standoff when Chrom revealed his solution to the conflict.

Kill Gangrel.

Emmeryn, ever the pacifist, objected to such an extreme and final measure. They could simply imprison him and be done with it, there was no need for killing.

Chrom's answer in the face of that was simple. "Emm, I know you wouldn't harm someone even if they did you harm, but think for a minute. Gangrel has gone completely mad, he cannot be reasoned with. For your sake, I will try, but imprisoning him isn't an option. He will escape to wreak more havoc on us and if I must end him to save others, I will."

Emmeryn's hands tightened in her lap. "Chrom… that's all I can ask. Please, just try for peace, if only for your peace of mind. My heart aches at the thought of what's likely to happen, but I will not stop you."

Chrom blinked. "My peace of mind? Emm, I've been calling for Gangrel's head on a pike for years now, why would I need peace of mind?"

Emmeryn sighed again, smoothing an imaginary fold in her robes. "Chrom, you never did learn how Gangrel came to power, did you?"

Chrom shook his head. "No specifics. All I know was that he was the king's nephew and he ascended after the immediate royal family was killed during the Purge."

Emmeryn nodded. "All except the king himself, yes. Remember, I parleyed with King Gerrick myself, but to see him… he was so haggard and angry with the world after we signed the peace treaty. You could see it in his eyes that he had no reason to live. Two years after we signed the accord, he was dead of drink."

Her eyes glazed over, the light in the gem that held her dimming. "It was such a violent time when that happened. With no immediate heir, every noble house in Plegia staked a claim on the throne. Gangrel's mother knew that he had the greatest and most legitimate claim, so she pushed him into the fray. Before it began, he was a performer, reveling in the joy he brought to the audience with the plays he sponsored and participated in."

Chrom's eyes narrowed, a faint memory trying to claw its way out. "How do you know this?"

Emmeryn smiled at him. "Why, Gangrel visited Ylisstol often in those two years. Plegia has never been much of a place for the arts so he spent his time in the city developing his work. I caught wind of his talents and invited him and the troupe he'd joined to perform in the palace. As I recall, you and Lissa were greatly entertained by his comedy acts."

Chrom's memory finally clawed itself free, an image of a much younger, sane, Gangrel dancing like a fool before a clapping Lissa.

Emmeryn continued unabated. "In fact, you both were quite taken with him. When he left, Lissa wailed that she didn't want him to leave, at one point clinging to his leg. He took it all in good humor, promising to return later, and that was the last I saw of him for years."

Chrom's head was in his hands now. "So… what happened to him?"

Emmeryn shrugged. "He was forced into the power struggle. The paranoia and betrayal, along with the pressure of his position, eventually broke him. Where once he was a gentle actor and comedian, his sufferings twisted him into who you know today."

The room fell silent, Chrom's thoughts churning along. Emmeryn, seeing this, dropped one more truth. "Believe it or not, I had met Gangrel even earlier than that. You weren't born yet, but King Gerrick had come to Ylisstol for an official visit long before the Purge started. It was then I met Gangrel and the original crown prince, Prince Forsith. While our fathers met, we played and pranced about the gardens for hours, our mothers chatting. We were but babes, but I still remember that joy in Gangrel's eyes, and I knew it was him when he came to the palace. I was… distraught, when I met him for the first time as King of Plegia."

Chrom finally heaved a sigh. "Now it all makes sense. You were so patient with him not only because you didn't want a war, but because you wanted to help an old friend."

Emmeryn smiled. "Exactly. It may seem selfish, but I believed, right until the moment I fell, that he could be saved. I still do, to some extent, and that's why I ask for you to try. But, if he still refuses… then at least give him peace."

Chrom sighed again. "Emm, you could have saved me so much grief if you'd told me this long ago. I have little doubt there are reasons, but I don't want them. I have a lot to think about now, but I'd prefer our sister and friend finally calm down before that happens."

Emmeryn chuckled. "Very well, then let us speak of another important topic. You and Lissa have been gone for quite some time, and we didn't have time to remove Duke Carlen. By the time this is over, you will likely be staring down a very angry Duchy with Carlen having much of the temples behind him. That, and Felds stands headless with Carlen having more than a little sway over them."

Chrom snorted. "Carlen has no right to be angry. He refused the call to arms when Plegia invaded, any aggression from him will invite the nobility's wrath. Besides, Superius and its nobles have long desired Draconis's lands. He's not foolish enough to risk a confrontation with the deck so stacked."

Emmeryn's eyes twinkled. "There's a spark of wisdom. I never thought I'd see the day."

Chrom snorted, but another groan stopped his snappy comeback. "For Naga's sake, Robin, don't scream this time."

The tactician sat up with another groan, his eyes glued shut. "Forgive me if I gape at the impossible. But, knowing that I will faint again if I open my eyes, please explain what's going on."

Emmeryn giggled. "My, so well-spoken for one that just woke up. Very well, should I do it, or do you want to Chrom?"

Chrom rolled his eyes. "I'll do it. Ok Robin, here's the situation-"

Another groan interrupted him and Lissa rose from her spot. Her eyes were covered by her hands. "Chrom, is the ghost gone?"

Robin could hear Chrom's teeth grind. "Lissa, sit there and listen. Don't uncover your eyes until I'm done. The same goes for you, Robin."

Chrom saw their heads nod so he gave them the best explanation he could, Emmeryn happily correcting him when he flubbed a detail. By the end of it, Robin and Lissa had uncovered their eyes and were staring at Emmeryn. Or, more specifically, the gem on the table.

Lissa found her voice first. "So… you're in there?"

Emmeryn nodded, the white light flashing. "Indeed. I am no longer a part of this world as you know it, so by all rights, I am dead. It's only through the grace of Naga and our mother that I have the privilege to remain with you."

Robin's face scrunched while Lissa processed that. "So, by sheer luck, you have a gem on you that can house your soul and project a physical body that allows you to interact with the world, a gem that only activates when next to something like the Fire Emblem that you gave to your brother mere days before you were captured."

He crossed his arms. "Forgive the skepticism, but that seems far too contrived."

Emmeryn shrugged. "I didn't know the power of this gem until the day I found myself residing in it. I just… intrinsically knew what had happened. As for why I had it, I've kept it around my neck for decades, just out of view. Then, for the Fire Emblem, I knew that I could trust Chrom with the greatest treasure of Ylisse. To be where I am now can only be divine intervention."

Robin growled. "I really would enjoy a more thorough answer, Your Grace. We went to a lot of trouble and I don't even want to think what the other's reactions will be."

Lissa answered for Emmeryn. "They won't find out, Rob. Call it a hunch, but I don't think Emm's going to be showing herself as is."

Emmeryn smiled at Lissa. "How astute of you. Indeed, I will not remain in this form at all times and I cannot keep this form when the Emblem is far away. Instead, I will make a necessary change in appearance and be introduced to the others as an aide when this conflict is over. Until then, I will only speak or appear when I'm alone with Chrom and either of you."

Robin sighed, his head starting to pound with a migraine. "You know what? I'll leave this to you. I've had enough mysticism and miracles for one day and I do not wish to try and hammer this out. Inform me when you have some semblance of a plan, but I will take my leave."

He stood at last, sweeping past the royal siblings before pausing at the door. "Oh, and Emmeryn… I'm glad to see you again."

Emmeryn smiled at his back. "You as well, Sir Robin."

She saw him nod before the door opened and he disappeared. Emmeryn kept her eyes on the door for a moment before she heard Lissa start sniffling. "Oh, Lissa… don't cry."

Lissa choked on a sob. "I… I can't not cry, Emm! I-I said goodbye to you, just hours ago!"

Her head fell to her hands. "It's… i-it's just not fair!"

Emmeryn frowned, sharing a concerned look with Chrom. "How is it not fair? I understand that anyone would cry if something like this happened, but…"

Lissa shook her head, scarcely noticing the hand Emmeryn placed on her. "It's just… Donny helped me say goodbye, and… it's just not fair that I get my sister back when he lost his dad."

Emmeryn pulled her sister close, giving Chrom a confused stare the entire time. Chrom held up his hands. "Hey, don't look at me. Donnel, as is his actual name, is a recruit. He was the one following Lissa and Stahl back in Xaldornos."

Emmeryn's mouth formed an 'o' before she started rubbing Lissa's back. "I see… that is unfair. But, I can do nothing about it, Lissa. It was Naga herself that allowed me to live, such as I am, and I cannot speak for her. But, he sounds like a dear friend if you're so saddened by this. Your empathy is to be admired."

Lissa sniffled, burying her head into Emmeryn's shoulder. A small part of her mind wondered at how life-like the construct was, but she noticed no blood pumping where their skin met.

It truly dawned on her that her sister would never truly hold her again and her tears redoubled, the siblings helpless to comfort her.

-Vaike-

He was more than a little irked right now.

Here he was, stuck to a bed with no one in sight. He could practically feel his carefully sculpted muscles deteriorating as he lay there. But, he was under strict orders from three people he mostly respected and one person he very much respected to stay put.

That, and he'd been threatened with Minerva's flame if he disobeyed. Good motivator.

He sighed for the umpteenth time that day, shuffling into a more comfortable position. Nothing happened for a while, just sunlight streaming into the room, when he heard a familiar, grating voice.

"You're still here? Hmph, if I'd known a wyvern could keep you still, I'd have gotten one earlier." Maribelle drawled as she strutted towards him. Vaike wasn't sure why, but she always acted extra snooty around two people, him and Gaius.

Gaius, he had no clue, but Maribelle clearly disliked him for his 'buffoonery' or whatever namby pamby word she used. Vaike'd silently admitted that he enjoyed getting a rise out of her, but she needed to pull the pole from her ass.

She'd reached him by the time he'd finished the thought. "What's this? No crude reply to that little jape? You really are cowed, I must ask for Minerva to stand guard from here on."

Vaike snorted. "Yeah, and I should ask Lissa to go gigging with me. She could always use more frogs."

Maribelle's glare said it all. She must have been annoyed by something else though, because she was silent while she gave him a check-up. Normally, they exchanged these barbs until she was finished, but she not only finished silently, she took a seat.

Vaike stared at her, not sure what was going on. "Uh… something I should know about?"

Maribelle stared at him, her eyes judging as she looked at him from head to toe. Vaike had the urge to cover himself, if only to screw with her, when she spoke. "I don't see it."

Vaike's face must have answered for him. "I don't see what about you has her so charmed. You're loud, brutish, rude, smell… and you aren't the sharpest blade, to put it kindly. All you can do is swing an axe and boast."

Vaike's face scrunched into a snarl. "Hey, who you callin' smelly?!"

Maribelle huffed. "My point exactly. What she sees in you, I'll never know, especially when someone of such good standing can be so easily charmed."

She stood and turned on her heel, ignoring Vaike's indignant shout until she was at the door. "You'll be released tomorrow. Don't do anything to screw it up."

The door slammed shut and Vaike was left to stew in silence. Maribelle was known to have a sharp tongue, but that was low, especially since Vaike couldn't get a word in while she pointed out his every flaw.

Besides, he bathed a lot more often now!

And even then, who was she talking about? Someone, a woman at that, saw something in him? Only two people had ever actually seen something in him besides raw strength and stupidity.

Exalt Emmeryn and his rival, Chrom.

Oh sure, he had friends among the others, good friends at that, but no one had ever really believed he could be something besides the Exalt and Chrom.

So, who else did?

His musings were silenced when the door opened again, familiar dark pink hair entering the room. He felt a smile rise to his face as Cherche walked up to him, eyes catching what he believed was… eyeliner?

He stared at her when she reached him, making her tilt her head. "Vaike, are you ok?"

Vaike pointed at his eye. "What's with the eyeliner, Cher? You got a party to go to or something?"

Cherche clammed up, a cold sweat breaking on her forehead. "Y-you noticed that?"

Vaike shrugged. "Course. We been workin' together long enough for me to notice little details like that. So… if it's not a party, ya got a date or something?"

Cherche's face flamed before she forced the blood down. "No… I just haven't had to work with makeup recently, so I thought to get a bit of practice. It's all I can do, what with my partner bedridden and my training done."

Her voice was steady for someone casting for an excuse. Vaike may have been an idiot when it came to books, but he had more street knowledge than any five Shepherds put together, maybe even more. He could tell when someone was trying to avoid the question. "Ah, come on, we're partners! You can tell me. I won't mind hearing a few saucy tales if you're up to it."

Cherche sighed, her face back to its normal shade. "Vaike, come off it, I don't have a date and I don't have any 'saucy' tales to tell. Really, I just wanted to see how you were doing."

Vaike shrugged, laughing off the surge of envy that had sickened his breast. "Well, Mary-contrary came by earlier and said I'd be out tomorrow. Thanks for sticking by me the last while, you really know your stuff."

Cherche bowed her head. "Oh, think nothing of it. I was training to be a cleric before I found Minerva, so I at least know some rehabilitation."

Vaike's face must have twisted just right because she started to giggle. Vaike eventually started to laugh along with her and they settled into simple chatter. Somewhere in Vaike's mind, where his oft-neglected intelligence slept, a spark went off.

He wouldn't mind this… especially if it was for a long time.

Maybe… even a lifetime.

-Chrom-

It was noon before they finally had everything put together. Emmeryn would remain inside of her gem until Gangrel was brought down and peace restored. After that, she would manipulate her appearance and arrive before the palace as a prospective assistant to Chrom. After enough work to keep others from being suspicious, Chrom would take her on and give her a room in the palace. From there, she'd advise him and help him rule.

Simple, but the stress of the day had driven Chrom to find Frederick and duel him. It was a sloppy affair, Chrom's usual poise abandoned in the name of venting frustration. Frederick, appropriate as always, did not comment on his liege's anger and instead beat the younger man into the dirt.

Chrom would have to find some way to pay the knight back, maybe telling Nowi his patrol routes, but now he was on his back in some courtyard staring at the cold sky as he caught his breath.

"Chrom?"

He turned his head, smiling when he saw Sumia shuffling towards him. "Sumia, how are you?"

Sumia shuffled up to him, bare of her armor. "Good, if a bit cold. What are you doing, I thought you'd still be in your room?"

Chrom turned his head back to the sky, still panting. "Oh, you know, just working off some stress."

Sumia frowned, hands linking behind her back. "Stress? I thought you were better after our talk."

Chrom coughed a laugh, mind quaking at the memory. "Talk? You whipped my ass around the grounds until I stopped feeling sorry for myself! Everyone was cheering you on!"

Sumia blushed, a silly smile blossoming over her lips. "Oh, you were just mad. You could beat me one on one easy, especially if you were serious. I guess… I just thought you needed something to take your mind off things."

Chrom laughed again, cheeks warm. "Well, you certainly made me think about other things. Namely how sore my legs were afterwards."

Sumia giggled too, her legs folding under her as she sat. They remained silent for a time, each enjoying the quiet day, until Sumia started toying with her boots.

Chrom glanced at her. "Boots?"

She shrugged, tongue poking from her mouth as she messed with the leather. "Yeah. I've gotten these things refitted almost five times now, and they never seem to fit quite right."

Chrom glanced away, face forming an unsure frown. "Well… who fits your boots again?"

Sumia stopped her work, pink rising in her cheeks. "Uh… the Pegasus Knights supplier. Cordelia swears by him, but…"

Chrom nodded, scratching his cheek nervously as an idea came to mind. "I… can have the royal family's cobbler give it a shot. She's worked with me and Lissa for years and they always fit perfectly."

Sumia's mind ground to a halt. "Wait… the royal cobbler? D-don't they only work with royalty?"

Chrom kept his eyes turned away. "I've known her forever, she'll do me a favor."

Sumia didn't respond and Chrom feared that he'd drive her off. Well, he did until Sumia pulled him into a tight hug and buried her head in his shoulder. "Thank you, thank you so much!"

Chrom did his best to catch the young woman, but they ended up sprawled on the ground, Sumia crying in glee. Chrom just patted her back and waited for her to get off, a goofy smile on his face.

Hm, he thought. This is nice, just holding her. I kind of missed this ever since we came back. Looks like we'll have to make those boots fit, come hell or high water.

He had the odd thought of giving her some lovely shoes pop in his head, but he shook it away when he noticed Sumia jump away from him, face aflame.

He laughed, today was a good day.

-Donnel-

How'd he end up here?

Just that morning he'd been helping Lissa come to terms with the death of her sister, but it had been selfish of him to mention his father. She probably just saw him as playing off her sympathies now.

Anyway, after that, he'd gone to find Sir Frederick for his daily training. Had his lance ready and everything when he found the Great Knight helping Nowi stumble through what might have been dancing.

Frederick had spotted him and called an apology, telling him to go find Stahl, when Nowi had a brilliant idea. "Hey, Freddy, why doesn't he join us?"

Frederick stared at her. "And why, milady, would he do that? Also, please refrain from using that ingenuous nickname."

Nowi flicked his nose. "No big words while practicing. Anyway, Lissa's a friend of his and she tends to drag him places. Who's to say he won't need to know how?"

Frederick had opened his mouth to rebut that statement before he paused. "Actually… that's true. Good idea, milady, we'll begin posthaste. Donnel, come here!"

Donnel had still been trying to figure when the two of them had gotten chummy, so he didn't realize he'd been bamboozled until he was going through the basic steps of a waltz with Frederick.

And now, he was staring at a smirking Nowi as they practiced decorum. It was actually easier to look at her now, since she was in her adult form and her clothes covered more skin, but he still kept his eyes on either her nose or her fingerless evening gloves.

If he looked anywhere else, he could feel Frederick's gaze harden.

Said knight stared at them both. "Now, remember what I showed you, Donnel. When you ask a lady for a dance, you must bow, extend your hand, and ask 'May I ask the favor of this dance'. After that, it's up to the lady."

Donnel gulped, feeling his palms sweat. "A-aight."

He stepped forward, bowed a bit lower than necessary, and extended his hand. "M-may I the favor of ti's dance?"

Nowi smiled at him while Frederick sighed. "No, Donnel, you need to be more confident. It's likely the first few times you ask, the lady will not accept, but you must be confident enough to keep trying. Now, again, and do not stutter."

Donnel sighed, wondering why this was necessary. "Uh, Sir Frederick, are you sur-"

Frederick's voice was as thunder, shattering the air as he yelled. "Do not underestimate the need for decorum in your position, young man! You have formed a close friendship with the crown-princess of the Kingdom of Ylisstol, and your every move will be analyzed to its smallest parts! Your actions speak on behalf of the princess and to stumble is to hurt her. Now, again!"

Donnel recoiled at the force of Frederick's statement, even Nowi blinked at her battle partner. Frederick noted the shocked looks and cleared his throat. "Forgive me, I tend to get zealous. Lady Lissa has been a dear friend of mine and my charge for many years. She's called me stifling on more than one occasion."

Donnel shook his head at the revelation, but Nowi brought him back. "Well, if we need him to practice for Lissa's sake, why doesn't he just go ask her? She's walking this way right now."

Donnel felt fear flow through his veins, ice making his heart beat painfully. He turned slowly and, sure enough, there was Lissa walking towards them. Frederick seemed to share his apprehension. "While the idea is sound, I don't think it wise to spring this on her."

Nowi groaned. "Fine, let me go talk to her. I'll make sure she understands and then everything can keep going, ok?"

She didn't wait for an answer and sprinted up to the princess. Donnel and Frederick couldn't hear what was said, but seeing Nowi, who normally ran about as a child, stand much taller than Lissa was amusing. The amusement died when Lissa started shaking her head and strode away from Nowi, the manakete calling for her in vain.

Donnel wasn't sure what spurred him, but he took off after the wayward princess. Frederick watched the young man go with a new spark of respect, smiling when Nowi joined him. "He'll go far. He has a knight's spirit in a layman's mind."

Nowi smiled at him. "I think he'll do just fine. Now then, shall we leave that issue to Donny and get back to our lesson?"

Nowi's smile was sweet, but she was squealing inside. Young romance and getting alone time with her favorite person/crush? What more could she ask for?

-Lissa-

Why won't he just leave me alone?

Lissa groaned and sped up, turning corners at random while the thud of boots grew closer. Today had been… weird, to put it lightly, and she needed some alone time to sort everything out.

But dear Donnel, bless him, had seen her brush off Nowi's invite and grown worried. Now she was trying to evade him in the corridors of Flavia's palace. It was creating a big scene. She was sure said Khan had betrayed her position at one point too.

Another turn revealed a dead end and her shoes scraped against the stone trying to stop. Sadly, she was going too fast and her forehead burst into pain as it met the wall. She saw double for a moment, and felt a goose egg forming on her skull while she kneeled over, mewling in pain.

Donnel's hands grabbed her shoulders, muffled voice asking if she was ok. She tried to speak, put her bump pulsed and she cringed. He started muttering about getting her to the infirmary, or that's what she made out, but everything was clearing up and the pain lessened.

She shook her head. "I'm fine, Donny, just ran into the wall before I could stop myself. Give me a minute."

Donnel's hands tightened on her shoulders, his voice trembling. "Ah ya sure, I mean, Ms. Maribelle or Mr. Libra can give ya once over if ya want."

Lissa rolled her eyes, relieved when no pain came from the action. "I'm. Fine. Just go back to your lesson with Frederick, I want to take a walk. Alone."

Donnel's eyes wavered. "I don' know 'bout that. First, ya hurt, second, your shoes aren't in the best a shape."

Lissa puffed her cheeks, seeing her tattered slippers just barely hanging on to her feet. "Geez, I knew I shouldn't have run around in these things, especially on stone."

Donnel shrugged. "Well, ya have been goin' with that same pair since I joined up. Got any boots or something like that?"

Lissa sighed. "Yes, back in my room. They're not really suited with my robes being so light, but the slippers were enchanted to act just like them. Now I gotta get new ones."

Donnel's arms snaked under hers. "Welp, looks like I gotta take you back. Hop on my back, I'll get your shoes."

Lissa squeaked as she was lifted onto his back, her hands scrambling to grab hold of something. She finally found purchase on his shoulders and she gave him an indignant smack. He just chuckled and grabbed the ruined slippers, starting off when he was sure everything was in order. "Aight, where we headin'?"

Lissa finally surrendered to the inevitable and started directing him, hiding her face in his neck as they got closer. He was… warm, comforting… she was… sleepy.

By the time Donnel found himself before her room, he was blushing up a storm and stepping gingerly.

He didn't want to wake his Sleeping Beauty.

-Robin-

What did he do now?

After the miracle in the morning, he'd outright buried himself in reports, maps, inventory, and all manner of other things to try and distract from thoughts of divine intervention and the inherent cruelty of deities.

It wasn't until the sun began to fall that he finally left his room, stomach threatening mutiny if he didn't eat. While that was swiftly solved by a visit to the kitchen, he'd finished every scrap of work that he'd left for himself for both the last three months and the next six months.

In other words, he was bored and needed something to do before the thoughts he was trying to bury came up again.

So, he fell on an old habit, reading through a new treatise on integrating wyverns and pegasi into the same camp without making them rampage. It was his way of sorting out his thoughts while finding new ways to keep the Shepherds in something resembling order.

Eventually though, even that couldn't keep the thoughts at bay. Desperate, he turned to an old friend that he'd been forced to neglect for the last few months.

Thankfully, his oil hadn't settled and his trumpet was still in great shape. One quick oiling later and he was wandering the halls, trying to find Cordelia for a bit of music practice.

It wasn't because he wanted her company, or that she made his mind ease just by being there. She just knew how to carry a tune unlike the rest of the barbarians that surrounded him. He chuckled at that silly image before slowing at the sound of plucked chords.

He knew that song, it was at the edge of his mind, but he knew it. He followed the notes in a daze, his feet guiding him through twists, turns, and other Shepherds. They didn't follow him at least, but he was sure they'd given him some strange looks. After another pair of minutes, where the sound stopped at times, he stood alone before a simple oak door.

He finally recognized the sound as that of a harp, the only one he knew of in Cordelia's possession.

That's when it hit him, this was Cordelia's room and she was playing. He felt rather silly for believing that an angel had come to visit them, but that was likely this morning's events influencing his mind. But, it was convenient that she was already playing. He could ask to join without any issue now.

He raised his fist to knock when soft lyrics drifted through the door and his mind was sent scrambling into the past.

He stood in a room he didn't recognize, a fire crackling merrily in the hearth. There were two chairs facing the fire with a small table between them, a stack of books and parchment perched on top. He was sitting in one of the chairs, looking at a tall harp. Candles added more light to the room.

But, his eyes drifted to the beautiful woman sitting next to the harp, dressed in a simple gown of purple and black that made her scarlet hair shine. Her fingers plucked at the chords and her voice drifted through the air with the song, a serene smile on her lips.

A creak drew his attention to a door he hadn't noticed, the frame flanked by a vase of flowers and a painting. He couldn't make out what the painting was, but little voices entered the room.

"Mommy, keep singing! Morgy's almost asleep!"

A little girl with purple hair matching Robin's stumbled into the room, her orchid nightgown swaying as she dragged an even younger girl with scarlet hair into the room. The small child's nightgown was a melon color, but her lolling head made Robin chuckle.

"Oh, I guess it is nearly bedtime. Come here, girls, let me sing you the lullaby. Robin, dear, why don't you hold them?"

Cordelia's voice sounded far away now, but Robin felt his body move on its own. He stood from his chair and settled onto a carpet he hadn't noticed, the two little girls crawling into his lap and taking an arm each.

Cordelia laughed, the sound even further away as the scene began to fade. "Now then, where was I…"

The memory ended and Robin found himself leaning against the wall, gulping air as his heart pounded and sweat soaked his body. When he finally found the strength to do so, he turned his eyes up to meet scared red orbs. "Robin, are you ok?"

Robin didn't answer,entranced by her eyes.

Cordelia frowned, her heart speeding at his look. "Come on, Robin, speak up. I don't want to take you to the infirmary."

Robin snapped out of his daze. "Oh, sorry, I'm not sure what came over me. I was just looking for you…"

Cordelia's eyes followed his to the case laying on the ground, a smile brightening her face. "Oh, you wanted to practice? You know… we never did get to play that full set you promised."

Robin blinked. "That's it? No inquiries into my health or concern over my wellbeing? Have I insulted you recently, if I did, I apologize."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, voice bursting with mirth. "I have plenty of emergency medical experience, may I remind you. Who else patched our comrades up when Lissa and Maribelle were nowhere nearby?"

Robin snorted. "Touché, Ms. Falcon Knight. Speaking of, I've never seen you like this before, what's the occasion?"

Cordelia blinked before her face grew pink. She was wearing a simple dress that fell to her ankles with a lavender ribbon tied around her stomach. Her arms and feet were strangely bare. "Oh, this is just my casual dress. I don't wear it all that often, but I didn't have to do anything today."

Robin guffawed. "The perfectionist relaxes? Ha, I'll need to make sure Vaike isn't teaching Miriel how inventory works."

Cordelia gave him a petulant smack before turning back to her room. "Are you going to join me, or continue to jest?"

Robin chuckled some more before pulling himself up and grabbing his case. The room itself wasn't much to look at, a near copy of Robin's own minus his personal library, but Robin kept his eyes on Cordelia the entire time.

She positioned herself before the harp and plucked a chord. "So, what should we start with?"

Robin hummed as he tuned. "I don't know… what sounds good to you?"

Her foot tapped against the fur rug, Robin oddly drawn to her bare skin. "How about something relaxing? We've all been on pins and needles for a long time."

Robin forced his eyes away, though this time they settled on her toned arms. "S-sure, that sounds great."

She looked at him curiously, but he'd already looked away. Something in her felt pleased, but she buried it and readied herself. "Cavatina then?"

Robin nodded and they lost themselves in the music, an eternity passing with the passage of the sun. It wasn't until the moon rose to take its place that they finally finished. Cordelia stretched in her seat, a deep part of her mind purring when she caught Robin staring.

The rest of her just wanted blood back in her legs.

Robin followed with a hard groan. "I didn't realize how long we'd been at it."

Cordelia laughed. "You're telling me. It's a good thing I had those snacks on hand, or we'd be out of luck."

Robin smirked, but busied himself cleaning up. Throughout their impromptu concert, he'd been building up his gumption to ask what the song he'd heard was. If the name rang familiar, it'd at least give him something to work with.

"Say, Cordelia, um… were you singing earlier?"

Cordelia froze, hand on the stand of the harp. She remained silent and still long enough that Robin was regretting asking when she found her voice. "W-w-what?"

Robin kept his next words slow, afraid she was going to jump him. "Were you singing earlier? I thought I recognized your voice before I blacked out by your door."

He didn't expect Cordelia's head to fall into her hands. She wilted off the stool and started rolling around, babbling about how embarrassed she was. He was sure that this was a far more embarrassing display, but he had the sense to turn away and spare her further humiliation.

When she calmed down, she was glad to see that Robin had turned his back to her shameful display. She gingerly got back to her feet, dusted off her dress, and cleared her throat. "Forgive me…. That was childish."

Robin shook his head. "Think nothing of it, I just wanted to know."

Cordelia sighed. "Yes… I was singing earlier. I stopped when I heard you slump against the wall, but I'm not that good."

Robin whipped around, ears burning at the blasphemy. "Not that good?! You were fantastic! I'd wager Olivia doesn't have so lovely a voice!"

Cordelia squeaked and hid her face, the amount of blood rushing to her head making her feel faint. Robin's arms steadied her and he continued. "Sorry, didn't mean to embarrass you. Um, can you tell me the name of that song? And, where you learned it?"

Cordelia slowly revealed her face, but crimson still dusted her cheeks. "Um, it's a lullaby, but I don't know the name. My mother sang it to me until I was too old for it, but she taught it to me. Why?"

Robin sighed, not sure if he should share. But his reason won out, especially when the image of Cordelia before the hearth came back to him. "Well… when I heard the lyrics, my head hurt and a memory came to me. It's just… the memory made no sense."

Cordelia's eyes widened. "You remembered something?! Did it have anything to do with me? Did I look like a child or something?"

Robin felt sweat gather on his brow, his mind realized that telling her the memory seemed to have them married and with kids was probably not the best idea. It was still something else to wrap his head around, let alone dealing with that set of consequences.

"Well… no, sadly. I only saw a house of some sort, and a room with a bed. Maybe my mother sang that song to me when I was young and that's what caused it? I just don't know."

Cordelia didn't believe him, but his face was begging her to drop it. "That's… unfortunate. I wish I could help some more, but as I said, I don't know the name. Hmm… I think we should call it a night though. You need to think this through and we have to get back to work tomorrow."

Robin's shoulders slumped in relief. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Um, see you tomorrow?"

Cordelia smiled. "Of course, I'll need a sparring partner."

Robin's exasperated face made her chuckle and she walked him to the door, reveling in the smooth feel of his cloak. "I've been meaning to ask, but how do you keep your cloak so smooth? It should be ragged and grubby by now with how often we move."

Robin's face lit up. "Oh, there's a whole process to it! I don't keep all that oil in my tent to keep a light going. I'll tell you more tomorrow, good night."

Cordelia frowned as her half-baked plan failed. "Wait!"

Robin paused, halfway out the door. "Yes?"

She hadn't thought that would work. "Uh… how about we meet for breakfast instead? We can get started earlier if we do that."

Robin shrugged, eyes concerned. "Um, ok. I'll see you then."

He turned back around and strode down the hall, disappearing around the corner. Cordelia stood still as stone until she finally sighed and closed her door. She shuffled across the floor and flopped into the furs covering her bed, groaning at her own stupidity.

'Am I in your memories?' Naga, how self-centered to ask him when he got a hold of a memory for the first time in what must be months. And the way I asked him? Could I be any more of a lovesick fool?

Just admitting that was a step forward if you asked her. After waking up in the hallway with him after they'd returned, she'd been arguing with herself about what the fluttering in her chest was. It wasn't until they'd been playing a slow tune just hours before that the realization hit her.

She loved Robin. It wasn't the idolized crush she once held for Chrom, now dashed on the stones, this was a love that made her heart ache to be apart from him. The problem was her own uncertainty at the idea of opening herself to him, telling him how she felt, and whether she could deal with rejection.

He was a kind man and if he didn't feel the same way then he'd let her down gently, but she'd already lost so much. If she lost him too, especially if the confession distanced them…

She groaned, trying to squash the sick feeling that raced through her breast. She'd have to be careful, and all too subtle, but she could find out. All it would take was some light bribery and more time with Robin than she already spent.

She smiled and nodded, blowing a stray hair out of her face. She had her plan and a month to make it work. If it hadn't happened by then…

Well, she'd think about it if it got to that. For now, she had pleasant dreams calling to her, the lullaby she'd sung playing through her head.

-Draconis, Temple of Naga-

"Then we are agreed?"

A round table filled with priests and nobles alike was silent, shadows crossing their faces.

"Very well," the first speaker continued. "For the crimes of unlawful removal, harboring of enemy nationals, and for breaking the tenants of Naga's church, the current Exalted family will be removed and Duke Carlen shall take the throne. We will make the announcement in two weeks, and should they not step down peacefully, our forces in both Draconis and Felds will suppress Themis and Ylisstol."

The small meeting broke and the members exited quietly. Only one remained at the table and they glanced to a dark alcove. "You should have listened, Archbishop. Plegia's very existence is an affront to the Goddess, the people agree. Stew on that as we wipe those heathens from the earth."

The figure disappeared and the faint light shone on a chained figure in the alcove, his body bruised and bloody from the captor's 'mercies' and days of starvation. Even then, tears ran down his eyes and an old voice spoke into the silence.

"Your madness will see the ruin of both the church and Draconis! The armies of Ferox will march to put you down and Lord Chrom is not so merciful as to forgive treason!"

He hacked up a wad of phlegm and blood. "Damn you, damn you and all your conspirators! The name Meredith shall mean traitor from this day forth!"

The voice chuckled, the figure reappearing. "Oh, dear sir, I quite wish it to. After all, no one turns me down."

Pearly white teeth shown in the dark. "Not even a prince."

Ch 19 End

And we're done. This is the end of the side chapters for now folks, next we go get Gangrel. (Ha alliteration!)

Lucina: 7, what are you doing?

7: Having fun with a side plot that will be expounded upon in coming chapters?

Severa: Good, we'd have to strangle you otherwise.

7: uh… right. Anyway, did Virion get his comeuppance?

Lucina: Yep, Aunt Cherche gave him what for.

Severa: Lucy, you're not British.

Lucina: I know, still fun.

Severa: That's not fun, I'll show you fun.

7: Hold your horses there, friends, let's not drive people down that road!

Anyway, let's do some review responses!

Warlord40k: In terms of Severa and Morgan, Severa still feels inferior to her mother, that's not up for dispute, however she does not feel it towards Robin as he basically stated that she's just as good as him by giving her the cloak. I personally love Vaike and Cherche together, but he won't lose his Minerva speak I promise! Lissa and Donnel: As we've discussed previously, this is a much idealized version so I can't really try and use a more realistic version. Lastly, for Naga, I can't really comment since I really don't have an opinion one way or another.

Strider Shade: Glad you like the tome name! Ragnorok is actually just below Valflame in this story, as it is a much more concentrated pillar of fire vs. a small nuke. I'm also glad you liked my rendition of the Severa and Morgan siblings and, as you can see, the VaikexCherche ship is soon to leave!

Also Benny is very popular amongst the cast, though he doesn't seem to like Edy very much. Say hi Benny!

Benny: Bark!

Pkmn2112: Well I can't say that I'm surprised. I try to be more comedic at the beginning and end to kind of give it a true story feel, like I'm telling it to someone else. Also I've been trying to fix most of my grammar and my beta says I'm getting better! Lastly, I've taken out the idea of the stats and replaced it with a perception shift, but I'm glad to see another Cordelia fan!

Welp that's everything!

*A bound and beaten Virion bounces his way onto the set*

Virion: Hold Sir!

7: What is it Virion?

Virion: The girls never unbound me! I've been stuck like this for hours!

7: Geez, Okay I'll get you out, just hold on.

See everyone next chapter! Squad 7 Dismissed!