Alright, today we join Robin!

Severa: What manner of tragedy do you have planned this time?

Lucina: Quite, you've been very consistent in having someone suffer these last few chapters.

7: Believe it or not… I can't tell you!

Severa: No, duh.

Lucina: I really want to know though!

7: You'll just have to sit back and watch, dear Lucy. Oh, and Sev, your sister helped out with the sets today.

Severa: Ah dang it, now she'll demand cake later and I'll have to help bake it.

Lucina: Don't pretend you don't enjoy it. You always get the biggest slice when it's done, even when you're not the birthday girl.

Severa: *Blushing* Lucy, you're not supposed to share that!

7: Whilst I'm certainly amused, let's be on our way.

Felds

Robin ended up tanning Chrom's hide far sooner than he thought he would.

Soon after his group departed from Flavia's castle, they'd run into a returning Donnel with a tied up Chrom slung over the back of his saddle.

Robin flagged the young man down, dismounted, then threw Chrom from the horse and laid into the prince with the wrath of a thousand aggravated advisors. After giving the man some new bruises to go with the verbal whipping, Robin ordered Donnel back to the castle with explicit instructions to put Chrom under constant watch.

He also authorized Lissa to set up traps, which made Chrom resemble a sheet.

After that was done, Robin returned to his amused compatriots and they continued on their journey. After passing through the Longfort, their horses were spurred into a full gallop. It would be a four day journey to the borders of Felds, nearly taking them to Ylisstol itself before they'd have to veer away.

This forced them to take the main roads, but avoiding patrols took precedent and they had to take several detours down side paths until they wound back to the main road. The first day involved several such detours and they only barely made it into the border of Ylisstol's lands before the sun set.

As they set up camp, an awkward silence permeated the air between Robin and Cordelia. Both knew that they had to speak about what had occurred that morning, but neither was willing to broach the topic of their own accord.

Stahl, ever empathetic and friendly, decided to put an end to it. "Alright, come here you two. I think you need to talk."

Robin and Cordelia reluctantly walked over to him, sitting on opposite sides of the fire Stahl was trying to get going. Stahl didn't start for several minutes, instead focusing on igniting his kindling, but once he had flames roaring away, he looked to his friends.

"Ok," he started. "Let's go ahead and clear the air. Neither of you have spoken outside of hand signals since this morning and we have far more important things to be worrying about than whatever tiff you two have gotten into this time."

Stahl looked between his fidgeting friends. "But, considering neither of you would like to start, I'm going to nominate someone and we won't get food until this is resolved."

Everyone's stomach chose then to growl, only Stahl remained blush free. "Now then… I choose Cordelia."

The woman in question blushed deeply, confusing Stahl to no end. "Uhhhhhh…."

Stahl sighed. "Look, just, tell me what happened first. Then, we can go from there."

Cordelia gulped. "Um, well… the first thing you should know was that I was checking on some of our inventory last night, but when I sat down to rest, I fell asleep."

Stahl nodded in time to Robin, both well aware of this habit.

"But," Cordelia continued, "I didn't open my eyes in the armory. I was in a bed, warm and cozy, and I thought I was having a pleasant dream."

Stahl's brow rose when he saw a blush flare on Robin's face, a smirk soon following. "Tell me, what was going on in this dream?"

Cordelia's hands flew to her face. "It-it's too embarrassing!"

Stahl replaced his smirk with a kind grin. "Cordelia, we're all friends here. Besides, I have a feeling one of us is far more interested in what you have to say than me."

Robin decided to speak then, no doubt wanting to give Cordelia time to cool down. "I'm the one who found her, actually. She didn't look all that comfortable laying against a pillar, so I took her to her room."

He scratched the back of his head, his own blush deepening. "I underestimated how tired I was though. After I got her comfortable, I tried to leave but my head went fuzzy and I pretty much collapsed on the bed next to her."

Stahl nodded slowly, the pieces fitting together. "Ok… Cordelia, can you finish what happened?"

Cordelia slowly pulled her hands away, though they fell down to grasp at the hem of her dress. "Well… I looked to my side and I saw someone lying next to me. Then I…"

Stahl leaned in, so very close to solving the problem. "Go on."

Cordelia refused to look either him or Robin in the eye, keeping her gaze glued to the ground. "I…k-kissed them… several times. I t-thought it was a p-pillow."

Stahl whistled lowly. "Wow… so, let me guess, what you thought was a pillow was actually Robin?"

Both of his compatriots nodded, not looking at each other. Stahl smiled before deciding to go for the big push.

Considering the bet for these two dating was still open, why not get some extra coin while he was at it? He still wanted them to be happy, don't get him wrong, but pulling one over on Lissa was always gratifying.

"So," Stahl started, his fingers tapping on his leg. "Who were you dreaming about so vividly?"

Cordelia gasped, hands twisting the hem of her dress. "W-why would I share that! It's none of your business who I saw!"

Stahl glanced to Robin, who looked shocked. "It seems Robin knows. Care to share?"

Robin didn't seem to hear him, instead staring at Cordelia. "It was me…"

Cordelia stiffened and Stahl realized he needed to leave. After several long minutes of awkward silence, he bid them luck and went to take the watch.

With him gone, the silence continued between Robin and Cordelia, one waiting for a response and the other trying to build up her nerve.

Come on, you can do this! Cordelia mentally cheered. Who knows when you'll get another chance like this? Tell your nerves to shove it and be brave, damn it!

It was incredibly hard though. Her feelings had gone from indignation, to curiosity, to friendship, to anger, to grief, to dependence, and finally to love. Trying to process that into words would be difficult even for the most eloquent of people, let alone her.

Robin though, was patient. He wanted to hear this from her mouth and hers alone, if only to make completely sure his feelings were mutual. It had, admittedly, been quite the shock that morning when he'd awoken to her lips on his own, but he'd thought it a dream as well.

It was why he'd left after pinching the both of them; it was just too much to process.

Now, he just wanted to know. It would take such a weight off his shoulders and he'd be able to give all his focus when it was done.

Cordelia finally collected herself. "You…you're correct, Robin. I've had that dream… several times the last week or so, and it's been you every time. This was the first time I woke up without a pillow as my companion, though."

Robin ignored her attempt at humor. "Does this mean what I think it means? Please… don't leave me in the dark."

Cordelia had a feeling words alone would not be enough. So, she stood from her spot, walked to Robin's side, and kneeled with her eyes in line with his.

She smiled, a hand cupping his cheek. "Will this do?"

Cordelia crossed the distance before he could answer, lips sealing his response in his throat. The kiss was not the ardent one she'd shared with him before he'd awoken and left. Instead, this one was filled with a sense of longing and contentment that bespoke a deep love.

Cordelia hoped Robin could feel that emotion, and she was rewarded with his arms pulling her close and his own lips deepening the kiss with a similar longing and joy.

After an indeterminate time, they parted. Cordelia's mind discovered her words after the kiss. "I don't truly know when it happened, but I can say I love my best friend. You were willing to meet with me after Sumia and Lissa set us up… and you shared your amnesia so soon after meeting me."

Her head fell to his shoulder, reveling in the warmth of his embrace. "I can honestly say that the next few weeks after that were the best of my life. I'd never been as happy as I was whenever we met, whether it was sparring or playing songs. Then, when we parted, I worried for you constantly."

Robin chuckled, his chin resting on her shoulder. "I can say the same. I was worried about you since the Plegians were still poking at the borders and your patrol was still being cruel. I played my trumpet one night, hoping it would reach you."

He sighed. "Though, our next meeting after that was less than perfect."

Cordelia pulled away from his shoulder, eyes wet. "It… it wasn't, no. I never did apologize for insulting you, I know you were worried."

Robin shook his head. "No, I'm at fault as well. I know duty is a large part of who you are, but my own fear made me speak before thinking."

He reached up and brushed away a tear building in her eye. "I love that part of you too. I'm sorry for being so inconsiderate."

Cordelia shook her head. "No, you were right that duty isn't everything. It's important, yes, but I valued my friendships over that. My patrol and I even made peace…"

Robin shushed her. "It's ok; you don't need to say it. Believe me; I was just so glad to have you back. I swore soon after Emmeryn left that I'd do all I could for you, even if you tried to tell me you were fine."

Cordelia chuckled. "By Naga did you ever. I was pretty annoyed after a few weeks of that."

Robin laughed too. "Yeah, you were pretty clear. To tell the truth, I was hoping you'd forgive me after I gave you the clips."

Cordelia reached up and touched her hair clips, remembering the smooth feel of the stone when she'd held them the first time. "I apologize for not wearing them at first. I still wasn't sure about how I felt at the time, and that skirmish with the Grimleal didn't reflect well on my mind at all."

Robin shivered at the memory, his shoulder throbbing with ghost pain. "Yeah… not our finest hour. I'm glad you came around when it was over though, it felt like we'd become friends again."

Cordelia smiled and pulled Robin into another hug. "That's probably when I figured myself out. Didn't really have the opportunity to talk afterwards, but returning to Ferox after… what happened, was when I really healed."

Robin grimaced, knowing that he couldn't share Emmeryn's current state. "True, I think we all did some soul searching before this happened. Can't tell you how happy I was to get back into a routine again. And be able to play… But, the cavalier arrived then and here we are."

Cordelia sighed in contentment. "Here we are. You know… I had a crush on Prince Chrom for the longest time."

She looked to his eyes, Robin rendered speechless by the raw emotion in each crimson orb. "The day I met you, I'd tried, for the last time, to catch his attention. But… soon after you ran into me, you've been all I can think about. You're not an idol, like he was, and still is to some extent, but I know I can love you with everything I have."

Robin didn't have the words to respond, not until he captured her lips once more and had his fill.

"Cordy," Robin breathed as he pulled away, "I've loved you for a long time. I knew that you had a crush on Chrom, Maribelle was prone to bring it up as a test to see if I would stay interested. Something about 'tenacity' and 'deserving a man that could pull her from delusions'."

Cordelia silently promised to find a way to get back at the noble, after she thanked her of course. "Well, I can say with complete sincerity that you've succeeded."

The pair closed together for one last kiss, their long talk ended with three words.

"I love you."

For a moment, all was right in the world. No rebellion, no Gangrel, none of the teasing that would doubtlessly rise when all was said and done.

They'd finally taken the leap and landed on solid ground that had been building since the moment they met.

That is… until Robin's mind cracked with pain.

Then came the sounds, the tastes, the sights once thought missing.

So came memories.

It was a simple home, the shade of date trees providing relief from the blazing sun outside.

Three rooms made up the building, a large living room and two bedrooms decorated in a sparse fashion. Two chairs faced a hearth that looked to be only used for cooking, a tapestry with Grimleal symbols decorated the mantle alongside an immaculate portrait.

A voice chuckled in his ear, low and womanly. "Aw, it looks like my little Robin's curious."

A hand with skin not unlike his own pointed to the portrait, Robin recognized a small bundle in the oil. "That's you, not long after you came into this world."

Hair tickled his cheek as the hand moved to the next figure, standing at the front of the portrait. "That's your sister. Can't really say where the white hair came from, but your grandmother had it, so I suppose it's not out of the question."

Little hands he knew to be his grabbed at the hair, pulling on the lavender strands. "Oh, don't grab Mommy's hair. I haven't finished answering you."

Robin felt himself relax at the laugh in the woman's voice, her hand pointing to the next figure, the one holding what must have been him. "That's me. I must say, you were very rambunctious for one so small, your sister was very annoyed at how long that portrait took with all your squirming."

The hand drew back and tickled Robin's belly, a laugh escaping his throat. It was the sound of a toddler, not the one he was used to hearing.

The hand drew away and pointed to the last figure, the one standing behind his sister. "And there's Daddy! He should be home soon, so you can tell him all about your little adventures today."

Robin giggled, even as his mind struggled to recognize the figures. The sister looked just like a much younger, happier Aversa. She only lacked the Grimleal markings, and now she was dressed in a purple tunic with dark pants.

The older woman had his hair, so it must have been his mother. Her pale complexion was one she shared with her son, if not her daughter, along with short lavender hair that fell just below her chin. Almond shaped eyes held chocolate eyes that, while joyful, held the melancholy of one affected by tragedy.

Finally, Robin recognized the man. He was a good deal more youthful in the portrait, and his hair fell about his shoulders, but there was no mistaking him.

It was the dark mage that had led the assassins against Emmeryn.

While he should have recoiled at the thought that his father lead to Emmeryn's death, if indirectly, he didn't. Instead, he found himself oddly relaxed at the man's appearance.

It hit him a moment later. Both his mother and father were dressed in the robes of the Grimleal, but they were the robes of Sorcerer's, high-ranking members. However, his father had a very familiar coat draped over his robes, one that Robin knew all too well.

Then, there were his eyes, the same ones Robin saw whenever he looked in the mirror.

His father looked too kind to ever have anything to do with an assassination of any sort. In fact, wearing those robes should have meant they'd live in a palace, not this small thing.

Then there was the question as to why his father's eyes had been red when they met in Ylisstol…

His mother's voice reached his ears. "Oh, it looks like Daddy and sissy are coming back. Shall we go say hi?"

Robin only giggled, even as he was carried to the door and out of the house, the last sounds he heard being the happy calls of his family reuniting.

When he came to, Cordelia was hovering over him worriedly, a staff in hand, while Stahl was pulling a flask away from his mouth. "Looks like the vulnerary was all you needed. Cordelia, you can stow the staff."

Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief and vanished from Robin's view. Stahl leaned back as well, a tired smile on his face. "You gave us a right scare. Next time, don't summarize your entire relationship before the confession; legs tend to fall asleep if you do that."

Robin would have chuckled, but instead he grabbed Stahl's collar. "Stahl, listen to me, I just got a cartload of memories and I need you to record them, got it?"

Stahl blinked. "Uh… sure?"

Robin nodded, waiting impatiently while Stahl fetched some parchment and charcoal. While he was waiting, Cordelia returned. "Thank Naga, you're ok."

Robin smiled at her. "You and me both. Just, hold on a second, I need Stahl to be here before I can speak again."

Cordelia frowned, but Stahl came back and sat himself down. "Alright, ready when you are."

Robin immediately began relaying everything that had come to him, from the description of where he was raised to the names that accompanied the faces he'd seen. There were several odds and ends in their too, but most was straightforward.

Stahl sighed as he jotted down the last detail. "Ok, so, to summarize."

He pointed at each point as he listed them. "First, you're a Plegian by birth, as we already knew from the Grimleal marks on your cloak, thanks for giving me nightmares with that book by the way."

Robin shrugged helplessly, he had stood halfway through the story, and paced carefully around their little circle. "Not much I can do about that."

Stahl snorted. "Yeah, sure. Anyway, your family's from one of the more… arid regions of Plegia and both of your parents were high-ranking members of the Grimleal."

Cordelia frowned, her hand entwined with Robin's in a show of solidarity. "I still find that odd. The way you described them, they seemed perfectly normal."

Robin sighed. "Were that I knew. I was only a toddler from what I could see, so it was likely before the Purge got into full swing."

Stahl coughed. "Yes, that's true. Onwards though, so you also know that your father was named Validar, your mother was named Xayah, and the woman we saw with Gangrel, Aversa, is your sister."

Robin nodded, waving for Stahl to continue. "In addition to this, you remember the vague location of your old home, along with favorite foods, drinks, scents, etc. and finally a single name that has no face to go with it."

Robin breathed deeply. "Severa, exactly."

Cordelia frowned. "That's a composer from the Hero-King's time. She was well known for a number of her ballads and suites about King Marth's journeys and even came up with the Ylissean War Song."

Robin suppressed a chuckle while Stahl blushed, both remembering the last time they'd heard that.

Robin shook off the mirth. "Maybe I remember the name since I like so many of her scores?"

Stahl rolled up the parchment. "There's no way to be sure. In any case, are we good now? 'Cause I'm a hungry son of a leper right now."

Robin smiled, feeling Cordelia lean into his shoulder. "Yeah. I think we're good now. Feels good to get so much off my mind before we get to Felds."

Stahl muttered something about roasted boar, ignoring the new couple. Robin and Cordelia looked to each other before following their companion back to the fire for a hearty dinner.

After that night of revelations, the next two days were fairly mundane. They stuck to what roads they could, avoiding patrols along the way with every detour they could find, until the night of the third day.

They were pushing through the woods that night, eager to reach Felds at long last. Stahl was in front, being the most experienced rider, when he heard something strain under his horse's hoof.

He had only a moment to wonder at the sound before he heard a series of bursting coughs and several darts buried themselves in his armor. "Get down!"

Robin and Cordelia threw themselves from their horses, landing in the brush with practiced ease. Nothing else happened for several moments, Stahl took the time to scan the area carefully.

"Ok," Stahl yelled to his friends, "you can come out."

Robin sighed in relief and started to crawl forward, only to yelp as the ground gave out under him. His hand caught a thick root and he held on tightly as debris fell around him.

"Robin!" Cordelia cried, "are you ok?!"

Robin grunted, glancing down and gulping at the sight of sharpened sticks, a rancid goop sticking to the tips. "Yeah, just… just getting over the fact I nearly got impaled on crap encrusted sticks."

Cordelia's face appeared above him, a rope falling over the edge. "You'll be ok! Just grab the rope and we'll pull you out!"

Robin gulped but grabbed ahold of the rope. "Ok, pull me up!"

Cordelia's face disappeared and Robin felt the rope yank. Bracing his legs against the muddy wall, Robin grabbed onto the rope with both hands, grunting when he dropped a couple inches before starting to rise. "I owe you both a meal for this!"

Stahl called down this time. "Me, yes, but you'll already be taking this lovely lady out on the town when you get the chance! She gets to dictate the reward, if my guess is right."

Robin heard Cordelia grunt in what he thought was agreement. Silently resigning himself to whatever expense they were likely to incur, Robin remained silent until he was pulled onto solid ground.

Cordelia immediately tackled him. "Thank Naga you're ok! To lose you so soon…"

Robin rubbed her back. "Yeah, I don't want that to happen either. We're not in a tragedy, so let's keep it from becoming one, yeah?"

Cordelia hugged him tighter and smacked his arm at the same time. "Not funny."

Robin kissed her cheek; glad he could finally do it without reservation. "I'm sorry, thank you for helping me."

Stahl cleared his throat, amused and exasperated in equal measure. "While seeing you two finally act all lovey-dovey has been a relief, we have things to do."

He held out his hand, darts coated in viscous goo waiting in his palm. "These things are covered in pig crap. It's meant to infect if the poison in the barb itself doesn't finish the job."

Robin looked at the dents in Stahl's armor. "They hit you hard. Anything get through?"

Stahl shook his head. "No, thankfully, but considering the placement of the traps… well, someone knew there'd be people coming this way."

Robin sighed and stood, Cordelia rising with him. "Alright, Cordy, it looks like you'll have to take the middle from here on. No offense, but you don't have as much armor as Stahl or me."

Cordelia huffed. "If you'd let me change into the heavy plate that wouldn't be an issue. But no, I had to go in a traveler's cloak and a dress!"

Robin sighed. "Don't look at me, I'm only wearing a hauberk and some grieves. Stahl's the one who insisted on wearing his full gear."

Stahl laughed. "And gladly at that. Come on, we should keep moving."

Cordelia jogged up to her horse and pulled herself into the saddle. "Make sure to watch your step, the last thing we need is to have that happen again."

Stahl and Robin hopped into their own saddles and the group took off. Robin reigned in hard when he saw something in his peripheral vision. He turned to stare at a spot between the trees, but when nothing moved, he spurred his horse after the others.

The spot he was staring at quivered and slumped, the scout relieved Robin hadn't investigated. They'd gotten orders to keep an eye out for anyone coming this way, and seeing purple and crimson hair confirmed it.

The Shepherds had sent scouts, specifically their tactician, one of their knights, and one of the last pegasus knights in existence.

The scout waited a little longer before abandoning his spot and taking off down a hidden path.

The general would want to hear this.

-Felds, Linde-

Linde, named after the mage that helped the Hero-King in his quest, was the largest of the three towns in Felds.

Placed between two rivers, Linde was a hub of trade and commerce with many a merchant's guild claiming a branch within the simple wooden walls. The rivers made it difficult for bandits to attack the town and the forces that patrolled the town were well known for their traps.

Oddly, this was not the abode of the current Regent, Cassius McCloud, but rather the headquarters of one Evelyn Dels. She was the appointed head of the rebellious forces in Felds, and had served with distinction in her many years of service.

What made her the leader though was her unparalleled knowledge of Felds terrain and her ability to design truly nasty webs of traps and snares. Not one bandit had been spotted in Felds since she'd been put in place, and not one soldier from Themis or Surperius had been able to enter.

Until now, at least.

A man ran up the steps to a squat building of stone, the guards waving him through as he flashed the sign of a scout. Entering, he ignored the chatter of soldiers going about their business and sprinted up two flights of stairs before bursting through a pair of sturdy wood doors.

"General, we have spies!"

Blue eyes snapped to the scout along with the gaze of every officer in the room. "What spies?"

The scout kneeled. "We have a report that some travelers tripped the traps we set on one of the roads leading to Ylisstol. The reported purple and crimson hair, the third wore green armor!"

The blue eyes closed. "I see… alright, let's lead them on a chase then. Branden!"

One of the officers saluted. "General!"

A smile bloomed under the blue eyes as silver hair fell around them. "Go and harass them into corridor six, let's see if the famed Shepherds are as skilled as I've been led to believe."

The officer dropped the salute. "Yes General! I'll make sure you get updates every hour!"

The general sighed, her light plate clanging as she stood. "For Naga's sake, would you just call me Eve? Also, hourly reports are excessive; I want them every three until they're in the corridor, then you can switch to hourly."

The officer saluted again before marching out of the room. When he was gone, the others sighed, the general's exasperation the loudest. "I can understand the zeal, since he's new and all, but I don't appreciate the formality."

She looked to the scout still kneeling on the floor. "You're dismissed. Get some rest."

The scout stood, bowed, and left. Once he was gone, the remaining officers started back on their conversation. "I still don't like that Meredith. How she convinced Lord Theodore that rebelling was a good idea is beyond me."

The General, Eve, stared languidly at the one that had spoken. "That's not our purview and you know it. Regent McCloud has left ruling almost completely up to the good count, and that makes him our boss. We may not like the company he keeps or the timing of this coup, but we have to follow orders all the same."

The officer snorted. "Still, doesn't mean I can't complain. Though…"

The officer smirked in accordance with Eve. "It will be fun to see how the Shepherds do. I want to see if that tactician of theirs is as good as advertised."

Eve turned to look at a map on the wall behind her, little ink marks forming various lines on it. "You and me both…"

-Robin-

They'd crossed into Felds hours ago, their destination the manor of the regent. The air was tense around them as there had been several close calls with patrols and no one wanted to get caught so close to their goal.

Robin in particular was high strung. A niggling feeling they'd been discovered had not left him alone, and the more the patrols forced them away from the original path, the harder that feeling was to ignore.

Robin eventually called for Stahl. "Hey, Stahl, you've been part of the Shepherds longer than everyone save Sully. Are there any important generals that work out of Felds? I didn't get much time to go over everything besides Ylisse's largest concentrations."

Stahl nodded. "The only one I can think of is Evelyn Dels. She's well known for her traps and I wouldn't be surprised if the ones we ran into earlier were her doing."

Robin frowned, slowing his horse to a stop alongside Stahl. "Tell me if this sounds crazy, but have you noticed where those patrols we were avoiding came from?"

Stahl shrugged. "Your crazy has saved our lives more than once. I still remember throwing that bucket of ice water over you."

Robin grunted. "Yes, I remember that quite well. Sully and Chrom were far too amused if you ask me, but I got them back with Miriel's help."

Stahl shivered imperceptibly, remembering the horror of enchanted cheese gnomes. "Yes… anyway, about your observance, I noticed they always came from the direction we were heading."

Robin looked to the front where Cordelia was keeping an eye out. "Yes, but I feel like they always arrived just in time. We haven't had to stray from the same three trails ever since the first showed up."

Stahl narrowed his eyes. "Now that you mention it…"

Robin felt a bolt travel up his spine, eyes flying to Cordelia just in time to see a large net fly out frim the trees and ensnare her. "Cordy!"

Curses and panicked neighs met his shout, a silver blade slicing through the rope as best it could. Stahl spurred his horse to help, but a sharp crack rent the air as a pitfall revealed itself and Stahl was flung from his steed.

Robin gazed in amazement and trepidation, reluctant to move from his spot of safety. "Cordy, can you get out of that net! Stahl, are you ok!"

Cordelia called an affirmative while Stahl waved from where he'd gone to check on his horse. "I'm fine, but the pit snapped the old girl's leg like a twig… I can't bind this, she's lame."

Robin grimaced, knowing what needed to happen. They were too far from anything resembling friendly territory to try and bind the leg and limp to safety; the horse would have to be put down.

Stahl was solemn, even as he drew the sword at his hip and soothed the horse. "It's alright girl, it'll be over in a minute."

He looked to Robin. "Do you have a blanket?"

Robin said nothing, retrieving a blanket and handing it to Stahl in silence. The paladin wrapped the blanket around the horse's eyes, the loyal beast stilling. It was as if she knew what was coming, but Robin still had to look away as blood stained the ground.

Stahl remained beside the horse until she grew completely still, cleaning his blade on the blanket before bowing his head in reverence.

By then, Cordelia had freed herself from the final knot and joined them, her own face grim. "So… what are we going to do now?"

Robin gestured to his horse, the poor beast spooked by the smell of blood. "I'll have Stahl ride with me. Based on what just happened, we've been pushed into an entire trail's worth of traps and we can't turn back."

Cordelia stared at him. "What makes you say that?"

Robin pointed to the forest behind them, shadows dancing briefly. "We're being followed. I had a feeling, but one of those shadows moved right after you got ensnared."

"That's just great," Stahl sighed as he stood. "They're forcing us down a particular path and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the rest of this road was riddled with traps. We'll have to tread carefully."

Robin looked back to his friend. "Indeed, and keep a pace that doesn't allow them to catch us. Those things I saw are probably just scouts, but I don't fancy having a battalion upon us."

Could they fight them off? Yes, but it would tire them and the traps were a problem regardless.

"We may as well go then," Cordelia pointed out. "Staying here does nothing."

Robin nodded to Stahl. "Agreed. Stahl, would you mind leading my horse? I'll use your lance to probe the ground."

Stahl cracked his knuckles, his gauntlets clanking together. "Just let me get payback later, I owe it to my friend."

Robin said nothing as Stahl pulled himself into the saddle and helped Robin sit behind him. Cordelia silently volunteered as a rearguard before they set off down the road, their speed a fraction of what it once was.

As they rode, tension and paranoia started to bubble between them. Robin started to become prone to jumping at shadows and Stahl would yank on the reins for even the smallest alert. Even Cordelia, one of the more even keeled Shepherds, began to see ghosts darting through her sight.

Just adding to the tension were the traps that appeared every few feet. The variety was astounding, ranging from darts and pitfalls to hidden branches and swinging planks with spikes on them.

Wishing to alleviate the tension, if only a little, Robin started talking with Stahl. "So… was the horse an old favorite of yours?"

Stahl sighed. "First one I ever called my own. See, in Themis, most cavaliers have to tame their own horses as a final exam. Since most are wild, it's a rite of passage to go find one and break them. The one we had to leave, I called her Jesse, was the one I got."

Robin poked at the ground before them, tripping a wire that sent another spiked plank flying around. It missed its targets and slammed harmlessly against a tree.

Stahl grunted. "I'm getting real sick of those. Anyway, it was almost five years ago when I found her, just barely mature, but damn if she didn't have some fire in her. Bucking, screaming, biting, she did anything and everything to make me let go."

His voice had grown nostalgic and bitter, Robin sighing sadly as his friend continued. "But, I did it. There was no one in my town that ever thought Jesse could be tamed, but I did it. For a guy like me who'd only ever been average, it was my biggest achievement outside joining the Shepherds."

Stahl sniffed, ignoring some darts dinging off his armor. "Jesse saw me through a lot. Training, parades, bandits, the Risen, and now she's… she's gone."

Robin absentmindedly destroyed the dart launcher, a supportive hand patting Stahl's back. "I'm sorry. I know you've been close to her ever since we met, but I never heard you really talk about her, even when you were hanging out with Chrom and I. Not even a drunken ramble like that time we convinced Vaike to try that bar challenge."

Stahl chuckled weakly. "Well, I'm not one to share. Taming a horse isn't that big of an accomplishment."

Robin shook his head. "Nay, I think it very important. It shows just how determined you are and we all try and follow that example. Miriel's told me during research sessions that everyone works harder when you get going."

"I agree," Cordelia added. "Theresa's my best friend beside Robin, so I can only begin to imagine what you're going through. But, that doesn't mean it's not a big deal to tame your horse. It starts a relationship, one that lasts unto death."

Stahl looked between Robin and Cordelia, casually dodging an arrow. "Truly? Then… would it be ok if I join you guys in the next playing session you have? I've been working on a piece Cordelia introduced me to in the Outrealms."

Robin smiled and turned to look at Cordelia. "Cordy, is it alright if Stahl joins in on our practices?"

Cordelia smiled back, steering her horse away from what she now recognized as yet another pitfall. "That sounds lovely. I've been quite eager to hear how far you've come."

Their journey continued in silence from there, nerves assuaged for now. The paranoia was still there, but they weren't on the edge of screaming in tension induced madness.

Several hundred yards behind them, stood the officer General Evelyn had ordered to harass them, Branden. "Their morale recovered."

He turned to one of his aides. "Inform the General that they will exit corridor six and arrive at the regent's estate within two hours of your arrival. They've successfully evaded all traps after the first dozen and the only casualty is a horse."

The aide bowed and ran off, leaving Branden to gaze through his spyglass.

It didn't take them long to learn the cues. Using the lance as a walking stick was a good idea as well, but it was all him. The tactician was leading them through there like the head of a pack, not a single order disobeyed…

He shook his head. If they were going to remove dangerous forces like ordered, the tactician would have to go first. That level of adaptation could not be allowed, especially when it had taken some of the best soldiers Branden knew weeks to decipher the cues, this tactician knew in only a few hours.

-Linde, General Eve-

Returning to a report just after getting out of the bath was never fun.

Sighing and pushing wet strands of hair from her face, Eve stared down at the messenger. "Alright, let me have it. Before I catch my death out here please."

The messenger kept her eyes on the ground, perfectly professional while her leader wore nothing but a tunic. "The intruders will be outside of corridor six within two hours. They've figured out all tells on the traps and will likely reach the regent's estate."

Eve groaned, already missing the warm water she'd just been in. "Tell Branden to go around through Sven's trail. I'll send Gloria to link up and surround the estate with him. After that, I want them brought back here and put in cells."

The messenger had a single question. "What shall be done with them afterwards?"

Eve smirked. "Don't worry your pretty little head over it. I'm pretty sure the count will want to see them before anything, so let's play it by ear until then."

The messenger nodded and left, Eve thought on her meeting with Count Theodore shortly after she'd heard about the intruding Shepherds.

He seemed very interested when I told him about the tactician and the red-head. Maybe the red-head's a former paramour that spurned him and he wants to get back at her? Or… something? I can't frickin' guess this late at night, dammit.

A shiver ran down her spine and Eve's gaze snapped in the direction of Draconis. I don't know what that was, but it didn't feel good at all.

She marched off, eager to get into her armor and see this through. Whatever the count may have wanted with the Shepherds, it wasn't up to her.

Nothing had been for a while.

Ch. End

A good place to end if you ask me.

Next time, we go off to meet the Regent, Count, and Eve in person. For those of you wondering, Evelyn, or Eve for short, is essentially the female avatar but with build 3 and hair 2 while her hair color is the default silver.

If anyone has any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Hope you enjoy and have a great day!