The Ylissean Odyssey

by Gallian Squad 7

Fragments and a fading smell. Nothing else remains to the lost soul that joins the Shepherds in their quest to defend the kingdom of Ylisse from all who would threaten it. Both outside and within. As their fate unfolds, Old Gods choose champions for the war to come.

34. Worth

Alright, I'm going to go ahead and say we have three more chapters of peacetime left. Why three you may ask? First, I want to cover Robin and Cordelia almost exclusively here with a small look into the new ways of life for some of the others. The next chapter will have the little versions of the kids come into the world at large along with a surprise for our favorite couple. The last chapter is mostly to tie up any loose end we have before diving into Valm.

I hope no one minds another three chapter of this, I know it can get boring without a threat overhead.

Severa: I certainly don't mind. If anything, I prefer just living in that cabin of ours rather than going to war.

Lucina: I must ask how you're going to resolve Aunt Cherche's story with Uncle V.

7: All will become clear, I did say almost exclusively. Though if I feel it too tacked on, I'll figure something out.

Severa: Fine, let's just get this over with. I just want to see Mom get embarrassed.

7: You're a mean child at times, I hope you know that. Besides, don't get too excited, she'll get back at you later and you know it.

Severa: I refuse to acknowledge that.

Lucina: They're right you know. Your mother's quite clever when coming up with counter-pranks.

Severa: If she could actually use it to help plan, my job would be a lot easier!

7: Girls, story?

Hope everyone enjoys!

Worth

When everyone woke up the day after the wedding, it was to pounding headaches, several blocks of property damage, and enough spilled wine to make a sommelier die of shock.

The royal couple were nowhere to be found at first, but when Lissa went off to get herself cleaned up, she found a torn part of Sumia's dress hanging on a door leading to Chrom's rooms. This being Lissa, the find soon spread amongst the palace and no one was surprised to see a radiant Sumia later that day.

Or an exhausted Chrom.

"She is insatiable." Chrom muttered that night, Robin staring at him from across a desk. They'd spent most of the day dealing with the aftermath of the reception, so this was the first chance they'd had to talk.

What a way to start it off.

"I really don't want to hear about your sex life." Robin deadpanned. "Nor do I want that image in my mind."

Chrom shrugged and scanned a piece of parchment. "It's the truth though. Here I thought she'd be nervous and it would be kind of awkward but tender. Boy was I wrong, she jumped right in."

He hung his head. "Literally."

The thought of Sumia jumping Chrom's bones sent Robin into a fit of giggles. Chrom remained stoic, expecting as much, and let the tactician have his fun. "Just be glad I did enough to please her. I feared she'd start frosting the room if I didn't wear her out."

"Well you got some use out of your stamina." Robin chuckled, taking another parchment off the desk. "Now, to get off of this fascinating subject, is everyone heading home soon?"

Chrom sighed and nodded. "Yes, all save Miranda. Dunwall must return to his lands and Lissa's getting packed for the move to Denaris. Beyond that, most of the guests have already departed and I received a lovely message from the Khans after I made it downstairs."

Robin snorted, remembering the message scrawled in Flavia's horrid penmanship. "Then we can have some peace from politics. Actually, before you head out, I wanted your opinion on something."

Chrom raised a brow, curiosity growing as Robin pulled out a stack of parchment. "What could you need to ask now? I thought we covered everything for today."

Robin shook his head and held up the top page. It had a sketch of what looked like normal military gear on one side with another design next to it. "It's a matter of personal importance. See, in my spare time when I wasn't studying or indulging some other hobby, I took to observing the troops."

He pointed to the first sketch. "Honestly Chrom, I don't think our forces are outfitted enough or organized efficiently. Yes, we have weapons and staffs, but other essentials like armor and medicine are hard to find beyond elite units."

"It's expensive to equip large units like that." Chrom reminded him. "We can't encase every poor sod in steel, there's not enough of it. The cuirass and helmets are the best we have."

Robin sighed and pinched his nose. "I know mining the iron is hard, but I believe Ricken and I have come up with a solution."

He handed Chrom the next page, this one with a diagram for a crane. "Rather than strip mine the land, we propose using the expertise of the miners to mine only the veins without damaging the land. They may even be able to find rich ores in previously exhausted mines."

Chrom had barely a moment to process that before Robin started rambling. "The extra iron can be funneled to the large towns where specialists can forge it into any type of armor possible, from chain to plate, and allow for greater coverage. Heavy units can get entire suits while light units can have an entire suit of mail with scale plate on top, like General Evelyn. Then, we can give everyone helmets that encase the head and deflect blows."

He took a breath, Chrom too wide-eyed to stop him. "Hammers will still crush plate and a strong enough arrow would still pierce, but it will be a damn sight better to equip everyone with at least some steel rather than all leather. This could save lives!"

Chrom kept his eyes on the panting man, trying to understand the sudden zeal. "…Where did this come from? If what you say is true, then we have quite the boon for our forces, but I never thought you'd take an interest in such things."

Robin flopped back into his seat, flailing when the chair nearly tipped over. "…I went to visit the wounded shortly after the siege was over. Cordelia was along since she'd heard one of the Pegasus knights was injured."

-Castle Infirmary, Night After Siege-

They'd entered to the smell of blood, water, and clean bandages. Most of the patients had gone to sleep, but healers still moved from cot to cot in search of maladies to cure.

One healer noticed them and called a greeting. "Sir Robin, Lady Cordelia, what can we do for you tonight?"

"I heard there was a Pegasus knight being cared for here." Cordelia answered. "Is that true?"

The healer nodded. "Ah, you must mean Lady Eris. She joined the army shortly after we entered Ylisstol's borders, so I'm not surprised you hadn't heard yet. She's at the end of the ward, last bed on the right."

Cordelia nodded and gave Robin's hand a squeeze before following the directions. Once she was gone, Robin looked around. "So… what's the main problem here?"

"Arrows and blades mostly." The healer sighed, gesturing to the cots. "The rebels had few mages, but any burns or lacerations have been taken care of. The others though, are the lucky ones. Lot of them bled out before we could get to them, and even then infection sets in."

Robin shook his head, watching a pair of healers shroud one cot, the body still. "Is there anything that could've been done? After something like this, there's bound to be changes."

The healer stroked his beard. "Personally… I'd say giving them more protection is key. The knights may have all the plate they need, but the regular soldiers are in grave danger if they're hit anywhere not reinforced with steel. Even adding a shirt of chain would help immensely."

He sighed and bowed to Robin. "I don't expect that to change though. Most of these people are in units far too large to be equipped in armor like that. I must ask your leave though, I have letters to write."

"What kind of letters?" Robin asked, though he already knew.

"Condolences to the families. I've had to write almost twenty tonight alone and I fear it will simply grow."

-Robin-

The room was silent as Robin finished his tale, Chrom's face stormy. "I see… then I will throw my full weight behind your endeavors and I'm sure Sumia will agree."

"Thank you, Chrom." Robin sighed. "My other idea that came from that visit… is to shrink the size of individual units and armies at large. As they stand, there's too many people in any one army to organize effectively, that does nothing but hurt the Halidom."

Chrom raised a brow once more. He hadn't seen Robin this passionate about something since he'd first started learning music. "Ok, but please make it quick. I have a feeling Sumia's going to hunt me down if I don't leave soon."

Robin cracked a smile before handing Chrom another page. "This is an overview. Basically, I've divided our forces into seven categories. There's light infantry, heavy infantry, spearmen, archers, light cavalry, heavy cavalry, and magic support. Light infantry and spearmen have seventy-five soldiers per unit, at most, along with archers. Heavy infantry has sixty soldiers at most. Light and heavy cavalry have forty soldiers while magic support has twenty-five."

Chrom hummed in thought. "Alright, that's smaller than the current hundred. Sounds more specialized too."

"Exactly," Robin said. "It lets our units focus on one task to their upmost rather than trying to be a dozen things at once. Also, I don't think there should be any more than twenty units in any given army. Anything larger than that and communication becomes too inefficient for a battalion to respond."

Chrom started smiling. "I see; flexibility as a whole, but specialized individually. Question is, how are you going to make this work with the kingdom's forces? And where do the Pegasus Knights play into this?"

Robin grimaced. "That I have yet to figure out, and the Pegasus Knights only just got their first batch of recruits. If they're going to go anywhere, it's light cavalry, and they don't have the numbers to make even a single unit yet."

Chrom stood and placed the pages back on the pile. "Well, I think it has merit if nothing else. Why not try and implement your ideas over in Felds first? If it shows promise, then we can expand."

Robin smiled and shook Chrom's hand. "I'll do just that, thanks for letting me ramble about it. Now, I believe you have a wife to find."

"And you have a girlfriend to save." Chrom shot back. "Heaven knows Cordelia's already buried herself in work."

Robin let out an irritated sigh, bidding Chrom farewell before sinking into his seat. The room was silent for a time before Robin started muttering to himself. "It's been her passion since the day she promised to rebuild the order. Try as I have, there's always something else going on. Haven't done a duet since before the rebellion."

The creak of windows buffeted by wind was his answer. Groaning, Robin gathered his parchment and set off, his destination the Pegasus Knights compound. The castle was quiet at this time of night, most everyone with any sense asleep, so Robin saw only guards as he wound his way to the gates.

The moment he stepped outside, Robin had to pull his cloak tight against him. The wind was both howling and cold, winter's last assault on the land baring down from the north. Shivering, Robin threw his hood up and did his best to keep his skin covered.

The poor guardsmen were dressed in winter gear, but Robin could see them shiver at their stations and huddle around the torches. His pity went out to them, but he remained focused on his goal and entered the city. As expected, few were out and about with the strong wind, signs and shutters banging in a flinch-inducing cacophony.

With the lack of people, Robin arrived at the compound's gates sooner than he'd expected. By the looks of it, the guard rotations hadn't come to their post yet. Making a note to inform Dalila her recruits were slacking off, Robin took out the spare keys Cordelia had given him and unlocked the gates. Not a soul was awake, even though candles lit the hallways.

Robin allowed memory to guide him through the halls, making sure to keep well away from the main quarters. He didn't want that set of accusations coming his way, thank you very much.

Instead, he entered a set of double doors that led into a long hall with various doors lining it. At the end stood a larger door that was more ornate, a plague with the word 'commander' placed front and center.

Robin sighed at the sight of light under the door, a sure sign someone was in. "Damn it, Cordy, you promised."

Walking up, Robin rapped on the door twice before opening it. "Cordelia, how many times do I have to… oh."

Cordelia was seated at the room's lone desk, face down on the wood and snoring away. Across from her was Dalila, the older woman nodding in Cordelia's direction. "Just in time, Sir Robin. Would you mind taking the commander to her room? She fell asleep discussing flight routes."

"I'm surprised you're not telling me to get out." Robin muttered as he walked behind the desk. "Oh, and your girls are slacking off. I didn't see anyone patrolling."

Dalila sighed and pinched her nose. "You're the only male I trust to walk around this place unsupervised. If your gaze ever wandered, it'd be a sure sign of a curse or an imposter. And thanks for letting me know, I'll be sure to get tonight's group on stable duty."

Robin chuckled and removed his coat, throwing the sleek material over Cordelia's back.. "I've been meaning to ask but, how've they been? With all the preparations and meetings I haven't been able to check in."

"Not bad, all things told." Dalila answered, shuffling some pages in hand. "There's a few that really excel at the training and a few that need work. Otherwise, everyone's been matched with a Pegasus."

Robin nodded and pulled the chair back before scooping Cordelia into his arms. "Well, I'm glad to hear it. Good night, Dalila. Or should I call you Lieutenant?"

Dalila grunted and stood. "Just Dalila, you're my superior as far as rank goes. Just take care of the new commander, alright? That girl's been through enough, but she's the thing the Knights have been waiting on for years."

Robin paused in the door, nearly gone by the time Dalila finished. "What do you mean?"

"She's a fresh perspective." Dalila answered, gesturing for Robin to accompany her through the halls after she locked the door behind them. "Considering the Knights have been mired in traditions laid down several centuries ago, we need a new mind up front. It's why Phila was so taken by Lady Cordelia."

Robin snorted. "Just because she's a commander doesn't mean you have to call her Lady. Then again, I can see what you mean. The tactics I observed when watching the Knights in drills were… outdated, to put it kindly."

"You forgot ineffective." Dalila growled, grabbing a torch from its anchor in the wall. "Those techniques were made to fight mages and light infantry, but they never adapted to the increased use of wyverns and knights by Plegia. Same with focusing too much on aerial combat, not enough stuff on foot."

Robin grunted and watched Dalila walk on ahead. "Yeah, well… Cordelia can't run very far, so perhaps it's best she not teach those lessons. In fact, you make many good points, so I wonder why Phila didn't mention you."

Dalila stopped before a door and banged on it. "Girls, what the hell are you doing in your cots?! Next rotation was supposed to be out an hour ago!"

Robin almost laughed as the thud of bodies hitting the ground and the clanking of armor getting thrown on echoed from the room. A few minutes later, a set of six panicked women in disheveled uniforms fled the room, not even acknowledging Robin. "Quite the taskmaster."

"I've trained my fair share and that always works." Dalila sighed. "And the reason I wasn't mentioned? Those ideas of mine were considered too radical, so I was pretty much exiled to my last post. Taught myself how to land if I got shot down, it saved my life, and here we are."

Robin hummed but paused when they arrived at a T in the hall. "Looks like we'll be splitting here. Keep up the good work, Lieutenant, I'm counting on you to help Cordelia get her legs steady."

Dalila smirked and nodded to Cordelia's sleeping form. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and a boyfriend most would kill for, in addition to all her friends. If anything, I'll be asking her for advice in a couple years."

Robin chuckled and bid Dalila farewell. A short walk soon put him in Cordelia's room, the space barren of decoration like he'd expected, and he put her in the bed. "Well, at least you're not wearing your armor."

That was a point of pride for Robin. After talking and going out with Cordelia for almost a year now, he'd finally convinced her to take off her armor outside of training or patrol. Sumia had come to him in tears the first time too, weeping that her friend had at last grown past her insecurities.

That busied Robin, cleaning up the frozen tears, but he was still proud of Cordelia.

Taking a seat, Robin watched the slight rise and fall of his girlfriend's chest, content that she was sleeping peacefully. It had been stressful for quite some time now, so she needed the rest as much as anyone.

"What does our future hold?" Robin muttered to himself. "I still do not think myself clever or kind enough to give you the life you deserve. Who am I to even attempt such a thing. No matter the friends I've made or the battles I've won, I am still a no-name and an outsider. There… there are days when I've pondered simply disappearing into the country, never to bother others again."

Cordelia did not stir, her breath deep and even.

"I suppose it's a good thing you can't hear me." Robin chuckled morosely. "I'm sure you'd tell me that I was more than worthy, and that everyone would miss me. I'm sure you'd say that there is no one else for you… yet I still wonder if someone else couldn't make you happier."

That was, in the end, all Robin wanted. If there was a purpose to his life, now that war no longer consumed his mind, it was that one thing.

Make Cordelia happy, no matter what it may be or who it may be with.

The strength of that conviction… if anything, to him, that was love. True love, where Cordelia's happiness took priority over anything.

Even the possibility of a broken heart.

Robin pushed the thoughts away with a sigh. He needed to get back to the palace and get some rest if the meetings were going to go well the next morning.

"…Robin…"

Robin blinked but found Cordelia still sound asleep. That had been her, right?

"…no more… muffins… I want… cinnamon rolls… big ones."

Oh, this was precious.

Cordelia was apparently having a dream about her favorite sweets, with Robin as the baker if her continued mutterings meant anything. It only made Robin's mood fall though, after the amusement faded. The woman before him was truly a wonderful existence, a radiant light in a world that not so long ago was full of doubt and fog.

He… didn't deserve her. Not after the hell she'd gone through, not after the heartbreak he'd sent his friends into. Not… not after he'd damned an innocent woman to un-life within a gemstone.

A crackle of electricity met his ear and Robin turned to find a wolf of lightning next to him. "…Hati? Why are you here?"

"Because you doubt, Ser Robin" The wolf answered. "You have delivered victory to these people many times and stand hailed as both hero and visionary. Yet, here I find you, sinking into self-loathing before the woman you turned down godhood for."

Robin scoffed. "You never once mentioned godhood, only power. Even then, if that's what you've come to ask, then my refusal stands."

Hati chuffed and glared at him. "Nay, that is not my purpose this night. I simply offer… satisfaction, if you will."

Robin turned his head back to Cordelia, voice subdued. "What could you possibly offer me? If I recall, had I accepted your first deal out of hand, you'd have ripped out my throat."

Hati growled and scratched the ground. "You seek to find your own worth, that is what holds you back from your potential. I offer the chance to find the worth that you seek, should you be willing to seek it."

Robin stared at the wolf again before Cordelia snorted and muttered again.

"Robin… no… I don't… want a ring…"

Robin felt the floor open under his feet and he almost fell out of his chair. Sure, it may have been sleep talk, but… the mind was uninhibited when asleep. One's true thoughts flying about unfiltered like birds free from a cage.

Maybe… she was just as doubtful about Robin as he was.

"…Very well… what must I do?"

Hati flickered, a hint of pity in his voice. "There is an old cavern at the fringes of the place you call Grevis. In the ancient days, long before the countries of this land existed, an altar to my father was erected. None have gone to the altar since the earth swallowed it in a cataclysm millennia ago, yet intact it remains."

Hati shifted and took on the form of a rod of lightning. "Within the altar lies the first bolt of lightning from which my father was born. Titan and my father are not on… the best of terms, so he cannot retrieve the bolt. Traps and illusions placed by Titan also bar entrance by all save those equipped to get past them."

"I assume that I'm able then?" Robin muttered, eyes shadowed.

Hati nodded and shifted back to a wolf. "Indeed. When you took the power to create familiars, Mjolnir was given the ability to defeat the traps in the cavern. In turn, Mercurius is one of the few blades that could see one through the illusions."

Robin was silent before whispering. "How does that prove worth?"

"None in the millennia since the altar was taken by the earth have reached its resting place." Hati answered. "And the illusions have long since made the area seem cursed. The few that live in those areas are long beset by madness or persecution."

The wolf's head tilted, and a toothy grin formed on its maw. "If freeing that land and making a High God owe you a debt does not prove worth, nothing will."

Robin was silent again before standing and removing a piece of parchment from his pocket. He hurried to the desk and scrawled a short message before leaving.

Hati stayed beside him the entire time. "Then you agree to undertake this challenge. My task is finished, Sköll shall be your guide once out of the city."

Robin nodded and marched from the compound, ignoring the shivering women on guard, and made his way to his room in the garrison. Once there, he opened a chest and filled it with everything he'd need for the journey while a few extras made their way into a sack.

Once done, Robin grabbed his things and stalked into the stables, rousing a horse and saddling it. Right as he was getting ready to mount, a voice met his ear. "Robin, where are you going in such a hurry?"

Robin paused, one foot already in the stirrup, only to find Panne of all people. "What are you doing here?"

"Asking a question." Panne said, blocking Robin's path out of the stable. "Did something so drastic happen that it requires you to flee into the night after a grand celebration?"

Robin stared at her before shaking his head. "I just need to get to Felds soon. With the preparations complete, there's no better time to move in."

Panne narrowed her eyes into a glare. "With the moon hidden behind clouds and winter winds blowing? Do you think me that gullible?"

"This has nothing to do with you." Robin whispered, frustration tinging his tone. "This is something that concerns only me and my life. Please… step aside."

Panne kept her glare. "Whatever your mad quest is, know that it will bring nothing but worry and fear to myself and those you call friends.

Then, she stepped aside. "But it is not my place to stop you. The consequences are yours, and I only hope that you will be satisfied."

Robin gave her a grateful nod before spurring the horse out of the stable and into the night. Panne watched him go before turning and walking away.

"Should that satisfaction be death, then you were never worthy in the first place."

-Morning, Cordelia-

Sunlight streaming through the window woke her up, Cordelia sat up with a stretch and a yawn. "Where am I…?"

She rubbed her eyes and squinted, vision a little clearer. "Oh… it's my room. Dalila must've taken me here…"

It was rather shameful, in Cordelia's mind, to have fallen asleep during their meeting. The subject was very important after all and needed to be taken care of.

It's just… being a commander was hard! There were so many things to keep track of and so many meetings to attend-in addition to getting Sumia's wedding ready and training the recruits. Honestly, it was a wonder she hadn't nodded off somewhere else!

Sighing, Cordelia got out of bed and started to stretch. If she was going to stay limber with so much work behind a desk, she needed to fit it in somehow. After that was done, she spied a parchment on her desk and went to grab it.

"To Cordelia," she muttered, recognizing the handwriting. "Wonder what Robin needs to tell me."

Unfolding the letter, Cordelia read the contents slowly, eyes widening and grip tightening until the parchment was crumpled into a ball. "What… what is this?!"

Her feet carried her out of the room, ignoring the greetings and calls of alarm from those she passed in her haste. Entering the stable, Cordelia swiftly saddled Theresa and took to the air, eyes scanning the city with a desperation she didn't know she had.

After circling the city a couple times, another rider pulled beside her. "Commander, what's going on?! Dalila told me you left in one hell of a hurry!"

Cordelia barely noticed Eris, the other woman's brown hair flapping wildly in the wind. "Robin, where are you? Damn it, you don't do stuff like this!"

Eris groaned and flew in front of Cordelia, making Theresa rear back and whinny. "Commander, would you explain what's going on! The recruits are in a panic and I saw the queen getting saddled on my way up here!"

Cordelia's mind was elsewhere, even as she answered. "Eris, cover for me, I have to go check on something. If Sumia asks, just mention Robin!"

Eris didn't have long to process that before Cordelia shot past her, Sumia pulling up a moment later. "What's got her in such a hurry?"

Eris groaned and cradled her head. "The commander said something about Sir Robin, Your Highness. Beyond that, I'm uncertain."

Sumia frowned and nodded. "Thank you, Captain, return to the complex. I'll speak to my husband about this."

Eris caught the blush on Sumia's face. Seemed she still wasn't used to being called Your Highness or calling Chrom her husband.

-Cordelia-

The wind ripped at her skin and hair as Cordelia soared through the sky, two destinations in mind. If Robin's letter meant anything, then she would find him in one of these places.

As a sudden thermal lifted Theresa into the air, Cordelia called the letter's content to mind.

Cordelia,

I regret to inform you that I will be leaving Ylisstol effective immediately. A personal problem has made itself known and I must take care of it. I apologize for the sudden notice, but… I cannot involve you in this. I am sure to face danger and may not return, so… I ask that you do not wait.

There is much joy in your life, I've seen it in your eyes these past months. Much more than I could ever hope to match. Should I survive this trial, then I may return, but there is no guarantee. So please, should your heart find another, take it and forget this foolish man.

You deserve to be happy, no matter what. I only pray you'll do so and enjoy the future you've earned.

Your friend,

Robin.

The letter made her confused, angry… almost betrayed. Had Cordelia not shown him how much she cared? How she was willing to stand beside him no matter the trial? Were his words to her just that?

Could he possibly believe… that she'd ever give her heart to anyone else?

Cordelia shook the blasphemous thoughts from her mind. Robin was her one and only, that was clear after meeting her parents. Hell, the times he'd come in to work with her, had been a soundboard during these stressful months, they were all but fused at the hip!

Then there were the smaller things. A compliment here, a snack there, maybe something minor getting done before she thought to ask. It was all there, Cordelia just didn't understand why he'd tell her not to wait.

She could wait until doomsday and never see a man like him again.

Maybe he heard the rumors. A voice whispered to her, smoldering with a dark fire. You know the one, where you chose to settle for Robin after Chrom was engaged. How do you know there hasn't been something to give that a kernel of truth?

Cordelia's head snapped up and whipped around, but she saw nothing save the sky and ground below. "Who's there?"

All was silent. After a moment, Cordelia chalked it up to nerves and continued on her way. A moment later, Theresa alighted next to the nearly finished frame of a home, workers staring as she ran inside.

"Nowi, Frederick, have you seen Robin?!"

"Dumb question," Nowi began, holding up a finger. "I can't see anything."

Frederick smacked his girlfriend-in-all-but-name over the head. "Nowi, behave. Cordelia, what's got you in such a hurry? I assume it has to do with Robin, but we haven't seen him."

"Naga damn it!" Cordelia cursed, making everyone pause and look at her. "I need to check his house, maybe he's there!"

She turned to run, but an iron grip latched onto her arm. Cordelia turned and snarled at the sight of Catherine, the disgraced knight's face hidden by a helm. "Let go of me!"

Catherine did not, allowing Nowi to stand and guide herself over to Cordelia's side with her new cane. "Hold your Pegasus and calm down. What's happened with Robin that you're so flustered?"

Cordelia continued to struggle, so Frederick strode over and snatched the crumpled letter from Cordelia's grip. Why she hadn't placed it somewhere else or lost it to the wind was a question for later. Straightening the letter, Frederick scanned it word by word.

"Well this is a fine mess."

Nowi tilted her head, but with the workers still staring, she knew it wouldn't be shared. "Guys and gals, take your lunch outside please. This stuff is personal."

Twin glares from Frederick and Catherine sent the workers scrambling out of the house, Nowi turned back to Cordelia when she heard sniffles. "Freddy, what's up?"

"Cordelia is upset, rightfully so." Frederick answered, offering Cordelia a handkerchief. "Robin seems to have gotten word of a personal issue and run off on his own."

Nowi looked like she'd been told a dark secret. "Personal issue? Robin has personal issues? I thought he couldn't remember anything, that makes it hard to have personal issues!"

Frederick hummed and put a hand on Cordelia's shoulder. "If I may presume to know something you don't about Robin, remote as the chance is, I think I know what this is about."

Cordelia's head whipped to him, gaze intense enough to make Frederick blink. "Tell me!"

Frederick cleared his throat, concern growing. "Robin has, since Lord Chrom took him in, struggled with his sense of identity and self-worth. No matter the victories he led us to, every minor failure has weighed heavily on his mind."

Now Nowi and Catherine were paying just as much attention.

"I know that because of my… initial distrust of him. It made me quite observant of his moods and body-language. From there, I could see fear enter him whenever something went wrong or against his predictions. To put it simply, he believes that if he's anything less than perfect, then everyone will abandon him, and he'll be back to where he was."

"Alone and confused."

Silence greeted him, but Frederick saw realization spark in Cordelia's eyes. "Looks like you had even more in common than you thought, no?"

"…Yes," Cordelia whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. "And I think I know where he's gone. Those wolf familiars he summoned in Linde, the want to be worthy… he's gone to Fenrir's Canyon."

Frederick and Catherine both sucked in sharp breaths, but Nowi remained confused. "I'm glad for the information, it'll let me apologize for being a burden on him, but what's this canyon?"

"Fenrir's Canyon is a large crag near the southwest coast." Catherine answered, taking the question as a sign to speak. "Thunderstorms form regularly over its terrain as the warm, wet air from the ocean is funneled through to meet the cold air from the mountains. The old settlers believed it the abode of Fenrir, High God of Lightning, and thus named it after him."

Nowi nodded and gestured Frederick closer. Whispered words were exchanged, and Frederick left, Catherine making sure Cordelia didn't run off while Nowi took the time to think. "Cordy… what do you think made him chose now to do this? We've been free from war for almost a year."

"I don't know," Cordelia muttered. "I mean, we just had the royal wedding and we haven't been able to see each other nearly as often. Duties, preparations, it was a miracle if we got five minutes."

Nowi hummed again. "Maybe he just felt you were distant? I mean, he probably understood you were busy, but were you the one who found the time to meet or was it him?"

Cordelia already had an example ready to shut down that line of thought, but Nowi's face made her pause. The manakete had always been expressive but being blind had made her even more so.

The pause made her discard the example. Then another… and another… and another… Oh Naga.

Robin had always made the time to come see her, not the other way around. Cordelia had never sought him out or made time for him.

Not once.

He must have thought you were losing interest. The voice whispered again. And why wouldn't he? So focused on your work and pleasing your superiors, just like always. Still just a little girl chasing a fairytale.

Cordelia's head whipped around, making Nowi tilt her head. "Cordy, what's wrong? It sounds like you're trying to see something."

Cordelia growled and finally wrenched her arm from Catherine's grasp the same moment Frederick returned. "It's nothing, I just need to go, now! I need to talk to Robin before he does something stupid!"

"It's likely too late for that," Frederick sighed. "But, I know you'll find him, and I have no doubt Lord Chrom has already begun the search as well. When you locate him, give him this."

Frederick held out a small box covered in blue felt, a gold latch on the front. "He ordered it a few months back, but it looks like he gave this home as the delivery stop. It's important, so take care of it."

Cordelia nodded, took the box, and ran from the house. Once she was gone, Nowi smiled at Frederick. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Indeed," Frederick confirmed. "Though I do hope it will still be useful when all this is done."

-Robin-

Sköll knew his trails.

That was Robin's thought after the wolf led him to the coast in just short of a day. They hadn't even needed a full gallop to do it either, but Robin could only hope that those trails weren't… mystical in nature.

Regardless, they'd arrived at the barren coast shortly after sunrise. Sköll directed Robin to retrieve whatever he felt necessary then leave the horse. After that, they would hike down a rocky hill before entering the canyon.

Grabbing his things, Robin sent the horse galloping for the nearest town and followed the wolf. His boots crunched and scraped along the razor rocks, but he kept his cloak away from the clawing edges. This thing had survived too much to get ripped to shreds on rocks.

By midday, black clouds and the peal of thunder filled the sky. A storm that this area was famous for had formed in short order, Robin soon found himself drenched in rain and forced to abandon soiled items as they went.

Several hours later, they stood surrounded by rocks that looked eerily like twisted corpses. Every one had razor edges, one taking off some hair when he ducked under it while another sliced into his hand when he tripped and had to catch himself.

"You can see why few venture here." Sköll said from his spot in a cave's entrance. "Titan has made it hazardous for all but the most determined to enter this place."

The wolf grinned, teeth flashing with the thunder. "But, you are more determined than mere men, are you not?"

Robin glared at the wolf and hauled himself to the cave entrance. "This where we're going?"

"Where you're going." Sköll countered. "I am not welcome beyond this point. If you require direction, simply know that the altar is at the deepest point in the cave. All you can do to reach it is to go ever deeper."

Robin grunted. "Wonderful advice, thanks. …Very well, no time like the present."

Sköll nodded and Robin took his first steps into the cave, noting that the rock here was much smoother than that outside. In fact, he was slipping!

Robin lost his balance and began to slide down the rock, his cries of alarm echoing off the walls until he disappeared into the darkness.

Sköll watched him disappear before glancing to his right. "Then Agni has begun her trial?"

The will-o-wisp next to him brightened in response.

"Then she will pursue him, even into this place. Titan… will need to be distracted."

Sköll turned from the cave and howled to the sky, the storm stilling for a moment. Then lightning lashed at the earth, Fenrir roaring a challenge to the toiling High God of Earth.

The world was silent for a moment before the earth shook and cracked the crag into an ever-greater crevice, the message clear. Titan would not interfere so long as Fenrir did not attempt to save his favored.

An uneasy truce, but one that gave Robin a chance.

Speaking of Robin…

-Cave-

When the world stopped spinning and shaking, Robin found himself in pitch blackness. That was remedied by a quick spell, but the lightning in his hand showed only smooth walls and lots of bones.

Looks like most that were brave enough to attempt this trial never got far past the entrance.

Sighing, Robin stood up and dusted himself off. He only had a pair of canteens and some jerky, not to mention another glance showed his point of entry was in the ceiling. A bad start to be sure.

…There was nothing for it. If he was going to be worth anything, this would be nothing. With that in mind, Robin set off for the lone tunnel he could find and began to explore.

For a while, there was no change, simply rock and darkness, but Robin began to… hear things. At first, he played it off as his own paranoia, but it soon became clear that something was here with him.

One of Titan's traps no doubt. Robin thought as he drew Mercurius. It's supposed to be something pretty bad if no one's been able to overcome it. Best we nip this in the bud.

Lightning gathered in his hand and lashed forward, slamming into a side passage with a bang. Robin dashed into the smoke it made, energy surrounding Mercurius for both light and cutting power.

He spotted a shape in the smoke. There!

Mercurius descended and a cry filled the air, one Robin recognized all too well.

"Sumia, oh gods, what are you doing here?!"

The smoke cleared enough to show Sumia lying on the ground, blood pooling under her body from the massive gash Mercurius had left in her chest. "Robin… why?"

Robin fell to his knees and tried to staunch the flow. "Sumia, hold on! I-I can fix this!"

"Why?" Sumia muttered, light fading from her eyes. "Weren't you… the best?"

The light vanished, Sumia along with it, her body greying into stone and the blood fading away. Robin sat there, panting in panic and grief, until it registered. "A trap… and an illusion? Must I… must I kill those I love?"

As he'd thought, these gods were cruel. To force those who enter into such torture for a grudge was… unforgivable!

Growling, Robin retrieved Mercurius and set off once more. The tunnels all went one way at least, the side passages nothing more than dead ends with traps that would make Evelyn proud. In fact, they all burrowed deeper into the earth.

Unfortunately, as he went, a pattern emerged. A large room would pop up every so often and each time Robin would be forced to fight his friends and comrades. The insults and words they said… it preyed on every insecurity he'd had since he'd woken up.

Leech… spy… murderer… thief… no-name… outcast… fraud…

Cuckold.

That last one had come from a specter imitating Chrom, Robin slaying him with a vengeance and weeping upon the ground.

It was almost too much, to hear every accusation he knew he deserved yet never received as his heartbeat rose to deafening thunder. It was his fault that Emmeryn had died, that Sumia had been rendered eternally cold and Nowi blind. It was his fault that Lon'qu and Gaius were crippled. His fault that so much grief had befallen those nearest him.

It was his fault for not being worthy of their friendship, or Cordelia's love. She had every right to get absorbed in her work and only see him when Robin forced her too. She deserved someone like Chrom, if not the man himself, and Robin would never be that man.

He didn't deserve to be.

It was then he realized Titan's true ensnarement and why so many failed. The earth heard all secrets and worries, no matter the whispers used, and every one was used to drive those to a single realization.

Only death would redeem them of their errors and mistakes. Only death would make those around them happy and healthy, never to fear misfortune from their presence again.

Sadly, this was the lone remaining thought of rationality before Robin was consumed in grief that he'd been hiding for almost a year. All it did was drive him forward, through the passage, and into a large room with an ornate door.

The door stood silver and gold, not tarnished in the slightest, with reliefs of wolves and lightning dancing across it like fire. In the center stood one great wolf, its head held high and proud as it howled. He'd made it, this was the altar.

But, that was no longer his goal.

Instead, he stared at the phantom that marched into the room, another identical passage its entrance.

Crimson hair and eyes, Falcon Knight armor, a hint of cinnamon in the stale air of the cavern, and Gungnir bared at their side. Robin felt himself begin to laugh, seeing the anger building in the woman's eyes when she saw him.

It was only right he meet his end here.

"Cordelia…"

-Cordelia-

"Thank the gods for the rain."

Cordelia's mutter was met with a snort from Theresa. They'd entered Grevis just after midday, flying straight for the storm in the distance. It would be nearly impossible to find Robin amongst the gales and thermals that the storm contained, but after they landed Cordelia found a soggy trail of items that could only be Robin's.

They were quite varied too. She found soiled parchment, clothes that she'd helped patch during the war, a traveling chess set he'd promised to teach her with, and… oh gods…

She picked up the soaked leather case, the latches slick with water. "Robin… why would you leave this?"

Determined, she added the case to Theresa's saddle and continued through the jagged rock, the trail leading into a ravine running with water and studded with rocks sharp enough to nick leather and slice hair.

Why do you continue your search? The voice said, Cordelia used to its provocations at this point. We both know there's little chance he's alive at this point. Why set your heart on such a foolish man when there are many more eligible men in this world?

Cordelia growled and pulled her cloak tighter. The trail stopped just below a cave and, seeing no easy way out of the ravine, Cordelia assumed that was where Robin had gone.

Theresa jumped onto the cliff before the cave and Cordelia dismounted, Gungnir in hand and a staff over her back. If Robin had been injured, then she'd need it. "Wait for the others, Theresa. If… If I'm not back by sunrise, return to Ylisstol."

Theresa snorted and nuzzled Cordelia's hand. Nodding, Cordelia took a few steps into the cave, but she too slipped on the stone and was sent spiraling into darkness. After who knows how long, she caught her bearings and rubbed at her sore back. "That… hurt."

Standing, she called magic to the staff on her back, the green light illuminating a room full of bones and stone. Wondering just how many foolhardy people had attempted to venture this way, she was at least glad to see no fresh corpses.

She turned at the sound of scraping and watched the passage out close of its own accord. Across the cavern, another stone shifted aside to reveal a deeper corridor.

"That's… spooky."

Shaking her head, Cordelia marched through the passage, a few exploratory turns showing her that the main passage was the lone, non-booby-trapped place to walk. Eventually, she reached another room filled with bones.

A sound met her ears and Cordelia whirled around, Gungnir striking out and meeting something fleshy. A gasp filled the air and Cordelia gaped at who she'd sliced. "…Phila?"

The blue haired woman coughed blood, Gungnir's blade having sliced straight through her abdomen. "Cordelia… what have you done?"

Cordelia immediately tried to pull out her staff, but Phila collapsed to the floor and whispered something Cordelia never thought she would hear. "I thought… you cared…"

A gasp came from the new corpse and Cordelia began to weep, not noticing the body turning to stone. "Phila… I care, of course I care! I'm… I'm so sorry!"

A sob racked her body, but Cordelia finally noticed the change. "An… illusion? This must be what mother told me about…"

Swallowing her guilt, Cordelia's grip on Gungnir tightened before she set off. The pattern soon set in, Cordelia forced to duel with those she cared for and loved. Every word stoked a desperate, passionate flame of denial that was soon filling her head.

Coward… failure… cold… doll… suck-up… envious… spurned…

Homewrecker.

A specter in the shape of Sumia had hurled that accusation before Cordelia decapitated the construct with a roar. Anger, despair, and self-loathing were coursing through her blood like fire, a dark passion smoldering in her breast.

A tiny, rational part of her realized the ruse. This place was designed to drive those that entered mad. It was damn effective too, as the rest of her mind had decided that the only thing that could stop both the ghosts and that damn voice was to find Robin and end it.

Whether that be in confirmation of the worries or denial, she did not know. All that mattered was finding Robin.

Cordelia's feet carried her through the passage with a vengeance, stamina born from a rage she once thought tamed. It was only the barest hint of her mind that took in the next room, as the rest was focused on the figure on the other side.

Robin.

Cordelia's lips twisted into an open snarl as Robin began to laugh, likely another construct sent to torment her.

"Cordelia…"

It sure sounded like him, but so had the others. Now was not the time for words, it was the time for action.

Sadly… that action was to charge him, Gungnir aimed squarely at his arm.

The one she'd injured soon after their reunion.

Robin saw the strike coming and turned aside, sparks flying as legendary steel met in a brief clash. Leaping away, Robin held Mercurius to the side while lightning gathered in his palm. "Come then, puppet! I've suffered enough already, what's one more?"

Cordelia snarled and took hold of Gungnir, one hand on the back and the other directing the blade forward. "What have you suffered, creation? There stands not one bad memory in your empty head!"

Robin took immediate offense to that and threw his lightning, the bolts lancing forth only to be smacked out of the air with a twirl of Gungnir. Cordelia took the opening and charged, blade flashing across Mercurius as Robin parried or turned aside the blows.

"I have stood with the weight of the world upon my shoulders!" Robin shouted, a thrust of Mercurius sending sparks off Cordelia's pauldrons. "Not a day has gone by where I am not expected to lead and advise royalty! What right have I, one with no memory, to handle such a task? Who am I to have such expectations cast upon me?!"

Cordelia answered with three rapid thrusts of her own, the last scoring a scratch on Robin's cheek. "Who are you indeed! A man with no past, yet you have the ear of the prince? When many more have been working years for even a glance? I was there, working above and beyond, but nothing happened!"

Robin roared and charged, his reckless attacks rewarded with a blade in his shoulder and Mercurius cleaving through Cordelia's armor to carve a nasty gash. "So you admit it! Was there… was there anything ever there? Or was I just some kind of sod that you could latch onto?"

"Oh, is that what this is about?" Cordelia shouted back, Gungnir pulled free for another blow. "You know what? Yes, I did love Chrom with all my heart, I was envious of Sumia for holding his attention, hated her even, and I hated you too! What pain have either of you known? What work have you put in that could ever win such love and admiration when I put in thrice that and stand hated!"

Gungnir twirled around and smacked Robin away, the tactician rolling along the floor before leaping to his feet. A gesture and a mutter called almost twenty wolves to his side, a feral scowl on his face. "You speak of pain?! Sumia had to kill her own mother – I had to watch the Exalt die because of my failure! What have you endured? Petty insults?"

"Petty insults!" Cordelia cried, charging forth with fire beginning to blaze around her. "I was harassed and put down mercilessly from my first training session! I had to bear it with a smile and tell my parents that all those around me were kind when they were cruel! I have been dealt every short hand in life, no matter the work I put in!"

Robin ordered his wolves forward, but Cordelia slew them one after another, rage pushing her through the murderous electricity. "When I failed, I was mocked and taken to task, even by the man I loved!"

Three charged in unison, one for each part of her body. Cordelia impaled the first, twirled Gungnir, and split the next in twain before leaping over and crushing the last one with the butt of the lance.

"When Sumia failed, though? Everyone was tripping over themselves to help her! Advice, extra training, an ear to listen, all was offered to her! What did I get if I needed help? Nothing but being told to… to Figure. It. Out!"

Her last words followed the death of the last wolves, Cordelia making a beeline for Robin. Robin was ready though and he ducked inside Gungnir's reach to stab Mercurius through her leg. "I had no such help! My every word could have very well meant my death or those around me! Were it not for divine intervention, Frederick would be dead! On my orders!"

Cordelia reached down and wrenched Mercurius from her wound, rage making her feel no pain and granting her unparalleled strength. A fist came round and sent Robin to the dirt, Mercurius meeting Gungnir once more as Cordelia attempted to impale him.

"Why are you so self-sacrificing!" Cordelia screamed, frustration joining her rage. "You have had all the things I could ever hope for, yet here you spout the words of a spoiled man! Count your blessings, fool, not everyone has them!"

Robin growled and summoned more lightning, fire meeting the bolts this time. "What you call blessings, I call a curse! I have no identity beyond that of the tactician who all see as a savior, as the one that can solve everyone's problems! I must contend with the responsibilities thrust upon me perfectly or be turned into an outcast in the only home I've known!"

"Perfection?" Cordelia snorted, tone derisive. "As if you would know. Perfection grants no quarter to those it is expected of! You were forgiven for the death of Exalt Emmeryn, for the injuries the Shepherds sustained! Yet, were it I that stood in your place, I would've been excoriated as the greatest disgrace in Ylissean history!"

Robin snarled and sweated, the heat from the flame leaking out of Cordelia's skin overbearing. With a shout, a blast of lightning slammed into her chest and blew her off. Robin scrambled to his feet and smacked a blast of fire from the air, words silent this time. There was no arguing with this zeal-clouded, bull-headed woman. Not when she'd shouted so much and attacked his every fear. Instead, he readied his blade and summoned more wolves. Cordelia in turn took her stance, fire dancing down her body like a demonic aura.

Malice most unlike either combatant filled the air between them until they charged once more, steel and magic filling the room with light and sound. Each blow was long memorized from training together, but new tricks and variations left both bloodied and aching the longer the fight wore on.

Unfortunately, Cordelia had always been the superior warrior. It was only her lack of stamina that kept her airborne, but anger and a raging inferno of emotion had removed that limit.

Robin grunted as Mercurius was smacked out of his hand, Gungnir's butt slamming into his gut and driving him to the ground a moment later. A hand grabbed his neck and Cordelia pulled him upright, unearthly hatred in her eyes. "Now, it ends! All my life, I have been forced to watch as others more blessed than I receive the rewards that I deserved! Now… now I can finally take at least one of them from this world and show the others what taking fortune for granted gives them!"

The flames on her skin burned into Robin, his skin blistering and blackening under the intense heat. Robin scrambled to release to release her grip, but when Gungnir leveled with his heart he ceased struggling.

The lack of struggle gave Cordelia pause. Every construct she'd fought had hurled vitriol and accusation until they died, so what was this new trick?

"You're right." Robin whispered, no longer feeling pain as the nerves in his neck died off. "I don't deserve any of the fortune that has been given to me. All of it and more should have gone to someone more deserving… more capable. I'm sorry, Cordelia… you deserved so much better."

Cordelia watched in disbelief and growing horror as Robin looked her in the eye, acceptance and resignation in the prismatic orbs. "Just… know that I don't regret loving you. Even if your heart belonged elsewhere, and you found a better choice, I wanted you to be happy. So please… end my unworthy existence and take that happiness in hand."

"It would make everything worth it."

Gungnir trembled in Cordelia's grip, her hand loosening until Robin fell to the floor again. Her breaths came fast and panicked, rationality and horror wrestling her rage into submission.

It… it can't be! This… t-this is an illusion, isn't it?! I didn't just spout all that hatred at Robin, did I?! I-I didn't just try to kill him!

"No-no-no-no-no, you're an illusion!" Cordelia cried. "You're not Robin! You're not who I came to find!"

Robin's breath was ragged, only luck keeping the damage from his burns away from his jugular. "Are… you not an illusion? Another… of this cavern's tricks? Why… if not, then why… are you here?"

Cordelia dropped Gungnir, the lance clanging against the floor as she gripped her head. "I… I came to tell you how stupid you were! To stop you from getting hurt! But… but, I hurt you… I hurt you!"

Cordelia's voice was a screech, the woman desperately trying to pull the fragments of her mind that the rage had shattered. It was this damn cavern, that must be it, it had made her into a monster that would dare hurt the man she loved!

"It's not just… the cavern." Robin croaked. "This place… confronts you with your deepest fears. Brings them to the surface and forces you to… confront them. We… didn't…"

Cordelia sunk to her knees. "Then… everything I said… every word and insult…"

"Was something we truly felt." Robin sighed, voice weakening. "No matter… how small it was, this place… brought it to the surface… I… never felt worthy of anything I was given…"

He coughed hard, blood spilling past his lips. One of Cordelia's attacks had gotten him in the abdomen. "Nor… did I ever feel like I was truly… loved. Everything… hinged on me being a perfect tactician. Even… your interest in me… was due to that… No one cared… about Robin the man… only the… tactician."

Cordelia was frozen, eyes taking in every gash and wound she'd put in his body. "That's… that's not true! Everyone loves you, Robin, I love you! What could… lead you to believe such things?"

"Were I not gifted at tactics, would you have ever seen me?" Robin asked. "Would any of them have seen me? Or would I be just another face in the crowd, left to wander the world? Not as I see it… but I still wish them happiness, and you most of all. Please, just leave me here and go find your peace."

He smiled, even as Cordelia began to weep. "None of what you feel… is any more your fault than my own. Jealousy, stubborn beliefs, anger, resentment… it's all part of being human. I know… I know that you can overcome them, Cordy, and live the life you desire."

Cordelia wept for a few moments before she realized Robin had gone silent. Panic joined her mess of emotions and she crawled to his side, hands searching for a pulse and her staff while the fire on her skin flickered out.

…It was there, but so weak and fast. Robin's skin had gone cold and clammy, sweat starting to soak him to the bone and a look up showed his pupils had exploded. Robin… was going into shock.

"No-no-no-no-no." Cordelia muttered, staff glowing with magic. "Not after that, not after you gave me all the reassurance in the world while I tried to kill you. Not after all the shit we've been through before this."

The healing magic entered Robin's body and swiftly closed the smaller injuries. Cordelia was more concerned with closing the wounds quickly, so rather than leave unblemished skin, large scars replaced the ragged gashes. Then, there were the burns on his neck.

The magic cleared away the blisters around the black mark on his throat, but Cordelia had to dig out a small knife to clear away the dead skin. The process was slow and difficult, especially as Cordelia's hand trembled when she saw the shape of the mark.

It was quite fitting that she'd never be able to look at Robin again without seeing the hand-shaped scar on his neck. Now, she had a physical reminder of what holding on to juvenile grudges could reap.

But that was fine, because she planned from here on to see that reminder every day. No matter what she must do.

"Robin, please, stay with me." Cordelia whispered, feeling Robin's pulse slow but not strengthen. "I never cared if you were worthy or anything like that. I only cared that you were a kind man, one who was willing to meet with me despite the rumors I know you'd heard. You… did everything and more."

Robin's breathing was slowing down, Cordelia trying to keep his blood going by propping his feet up. "Robin, please! If it's a question of worth, then there are none more worthy of my heart than you! Making you feel unloved is far and away the worst crime I have ever committed, such is my shame!"

She grabbed his hand and held it against her heart, urging his to match it. "Damn it… why did we have to almost kill each other for this to come out? Why are we so damned stubborn?"

"Why did it take me this long to see how much I loved you?"

Silence was her answer, Cordelia only able to take solace from Robin's continued breaths and heartbeat. Then, as if defiant, Robin's hand tightened around Cordelia's. "You… really mean that?"

Cordelia kissed him, long and hard. When she had her fill, she pulled back with tears flowing down her cheeks. "Of course I mean it! I've meant every word of support and love I've ever said, despite that childish part of me that muttered in the back of my mind! Robin… I have never been happier than when we met and became friends, not even when I was younger and fantasized about a life with Chrom."

Robin appeared stunned, so Cordelia continued. "You have been everything and more to me, Robin, that's why I think you should never question if you're worthy. Would someone unworthy have been there for me after my unit sacrificed themselves? Gone to such lengths to see me healed, even when I didn't want to be? Forgiven me for lying and nearly dying over petty vengeance? Loving this hot mess of a woman despite the pain I've brought?"

Robin had a wry smile on his face at that confession. "We're both… hot messes, aren't we?"

Cordelia hiccupped, both laughing and crying. "Yeah… we are. It's why I want to ask you something."

"Can you ever forgive me for being such a terrible friend and even worse girlfriend?"

Robin's smile sent relief racing through her veins. "Of course, … I love you, Cordy, there's nothing to forgive. I just… want you to be happy."

Cordelia pressed her head against his palm, faint from the purge of her anger. "Thank you…"

Oh wait… there was more to that faint feeling now that her head was out of that horrid quagmire. She'd been losing quite a bit of blood.

An emergency flash of the staff staunched the flow, but she collapsed next to Robin, the pair staring up at the dark ceiling. Only the fire Cordelia had cast gave any light, and now it was swiftly fading.

They lay there, content for a time, before Cordelia found the strength to reach into the pouch at her side and pull out a box. "Robin… you know what would make me the happiest woman in the world right now?"

Robin blinked and looked to her only to find the blue and gold box offered to him.

"Will you marry me?"

Robin let out a wheezing guffaw. "Aren't I supposed to ask that question?"

"Who gives a damn?" Cordelia giggled. "We just tried to killed each other and now I'm proposing to you with the ring you ordered. If that's not enough to buck tradition, I don't know what is."

Robin wheezed a few more laughs before taking the box. "I accept your proposal with all my heart. Though… this ring belongs on the one it was made for. I just know… that it'll make you into even more of an angel."

Cordelia turned over on her side and kissed his cheek. "You are so sweet. I'm glad we met, Robin, no matter the mishaps. I look forward to being your wife."

"And I your husband." Robin yawned, exhaustion calling him to rest. "But… first we must complete what we came for. Then, this ring shall be flaunted for all its worth."

Cordelia nodded and slowly got to her feet. "That, I look forward to. Can you stand?"

Robin took a deep breath. By the looks of it, his pulse was strong enough to move. "Yeah… but I'm going to need help."

Cordelia nodded and helped him sit. Then she looped his arm over her shoulder and lifted him to his feet. Robin wobbled a bit, but Cordelia steadied him with all the care she could. It was only right that she support him now, after everything.

Setting their gazes on the great door, they walked towards it and hoped there would be some way to open it. It began to glow with energy as they drew close and opened of its own accord, revealing a room with light shining through the ceiling, illuminating a great stone altar.

Atop the altar stood a truly monstrous wolf made of pure lightning.

"Fenrir," Robin whispered, awed by the sight. "I… I don't understand."

Cordelia stared as well, but her attention was drawn to the little sphere of blue flame that floated from the altar and stopped before her. It dimmed and brightened in a set pattern before appearing to nod. Then, the light from the ceiling brightened and a murderous heat suffocated the room.

A stream of flame erupted from the cracks in the room, yellows, oranges, reds, and blues filling the air. The streams converged next to the great wolf and began to form a slender shape with a dozen wings taking vague shape. Then, with a flash, the fire congealed into a serpent with a dozen feathered wings spread along its length.

"Hail mortals," Fenrir boomed. "You have completed the trial of Titan and accomplished the goal with which you set out. Congratulations, for you are the first to ever do so."

The serpent hissed, words filling the air with heat. "I am Agni, High Goddess of Fire. My trial too has been completed. Cordelia de Grevis, you have tamed the raging fire which this cavern stoked where no other has been able to do so. You are deemed worthy in my eyes."

"As are you, Robin de Ylisse." Fenrir growled. "For overcoming the storm of doubt that raged within, you have proven yourself worthy in my eyes. The power of my sons was but a pittance before what is now offered."

Robin and Cordelia stared at the gods, stunned into silence. They didn't know if this was some kind of hallucination brought on by blood loss or if it was real and they should prostrate themselves immediately.

Agni's laughter hissed through the room. "Your confusion is understandable, but there is little time for explanation. In fact… Fenrir has misled you, if only just."

"This power is not an offer, we are giving it whether you like it or not."

Cordelia and Robin had barely a moment to process that before flame consumed Cordelia and lightning lanced from Fenrir and speared Robin. Pain was all either knew as the elements ravaged them, neither knowing when the torture would end.

Then, as suddenly as it began, it was over.

"All power has a price." Agni hissed. "And ours is no exception. Cordelia, you live your life surrounded by color and vibrancy that, until now, you have taken for granted. Henceforth, you shall see no color in this world. All you see shall be ash."

"Robin," Fenrir boomed. "Your earliest memories and dearest convictions are tied to smell. That is what I claim in place of my power. Never again shall you smell the scent of your love, or your friends."

Robin and Cordelia panted, already feeling the changes take place. Cordelia's vision was turning grey, even Robin's vibrant purple hair dulling to slate. Robin, in turn, could no longer smell the stale air of the cavern or the sweat and blood that coated him. Or Cordelia.

Fenrir and Agni exchanged glances. "However… Artezza and Ozymandias have set a precedent. In accordance with The Scales, we give a lone exception."

"Your children shall be all you can see and smell." Agni said. "You shall know how precious they are by this blessing alone."

The gods began to fade. "Our time in this world is at an end. Go forth and fight your battles, Chosen, but know that this power is untamed. Control it, or destroy all you hold dear."

"Curse our names if you must." Agni hissed as Fenrir disappeared. "But we do not do this lightly. Many have come seeking our gifts, you are the first to receive them. Make of that what you will."

With that, they were gone. All was silent for a moment before Cordelia and Robin collapsed, exhaustion and their new power sending them to the realm of dreams.

---

When they awoke, it was to a bright sky. They were laid out amongst the rocks, their weapons and items stacked neatly next to them. Robin spoke first. "Did… that just happen?"

Cordelia looked over and spotted the scar on his neck along with the grey of his hair. "Yes… I think it did. Everything's… grey."

Robin drew in a breath, but no scent greeted him. "Then we are like Nowi, Sumia, and Lon'qu now. It appears that the Shepherds have drawn the attention of these beings, and now I fear for all of us."

"There's nothing we can do." Cordelia whispered. "All we can do is try to make use of this and move on with our lives. That's what everyone else is doing and it is the only sensible solution."

Robin nodded and sat up, hand shading his eyes. "How long… do you think we were gone?"

Cordelia hummed and thought. "It couldn't have been more than two days, why?"

Robin pointed to the horizon. "Well, I guess seeing everything in grey makes it hard. Looks like they sent an army to find us and I think Sumia's at the head."

Cordelia blinked before narrowing her eyes. Now that he mentioned it, she could see a lump of grey moving in the distance alongside spots flitting about in the air. "That must've taken at least a week to get together. We… have a lot of explaining to do, don't we?"

Robin nodded, but opened the little blue box; the ring was a gold band inset with pearl wings, the feathers encircling a red diamond. "Yes, well…"

He took out the ring and slid it onto Cordelia's finger, his fiancée smiling merrily.

"I think they'll forgive us."

-Four Months Later-

"Gods, you lot can hold a grudge."

Robin's observation was met with scowls, the Shepherds running to and fro trying to get everything organized. Despite Robin and Cordelia's explanation of what happened and the apparent disappearance of the cavern, the Shepherds had given the pair a cold shoulder for almost three months.

Literally, in Sumia's case.

Regardless, by the time they finally apologized and accepted what happened, the date of the ceremony was less than a month away. Thus the current scramble as everyone tried to play catch-up.

It was the end of summer in Ylisse, the air warm and humid. The church for the ceremony was a smaller affair than the cathedral in Ylisstol, but Robin and Cordelia wished to be married in their new home of Felds. It was only through the dedication of Diana, Roderick, Robin, Cordelia, and Evelyn that they were able to finish on time.

Besides that, Robin had implement his proposed restructuring of forces within Linde. Evelyn, acting as the leader of this experiment, soon reported that coordination and efficiency had skyrocketed. In fact, the new organization procedures combined with Evelyn's propensity for traps had rendered Felds Risen and bandit clear.

Cordelia had also apologized to her recruits and swore to never run off again. They'd been gracious about her reasons for leaving, making Cordelia quite proud, but she could tell they still had a long way to go. Even if four months had already weeded out six of them, the rest appeared ready for the long haul.

Now though, Robin was busy directing his groomsmen. He'd been ready for some time, the wonders of being on top of things, but he was still wrestling with one thing in particular.

"Why exactly do I have to wear this cape?"

The question went to Chrom, the prince frowning at him. "It's your family symbol, remember? You had to come up with one after I gave you the barony."

Robin sighed and looked the cape over. Black velvet was the base material, purple and scarlet thread used to stitch a wolf's head over a crossed sword and lance. He'd originally designed one with two swords, but changed it to a lance on a whim.

Now it was all too appropriate.

"And as for grudges." Chrom continued. "You told us that you were essentially going to commit suicide in some misguided belief that you were only kept around for your brain. I was amazed, and still am to some degree, that you thought so little of us."

Robin grunted and clipped the cape to his vest. "And as I said, you all came to me with your problems, I was practically the local shrink. Besides, didn't we already have this fight?"

Chrom snorted, recalling the confrontation shortly after Robin and Cordelia had been found. "Yes, we have, but I still feel the need to remind you."

Robin tapped the side of his neck, the scar so much darker than the rest of his skin. "You don't need to. I see a reminder every time I look in the mirror."

Chrom grimaced but went to finish getting ready. Robin had chosen three to be his groomsmen this time, albeit on short notice, so Stahl and Kellam were joining Chrom today. Stahl, in a twist the Shepherds did not see coming, was the best man.

Why? Well, Chrom was a stubborn man and Robin had to choose someone. Stahl, being the kind soul he was, had been among the first to apologize and thus received the position.

I do hope Roderick and Diana aren't running themselves ragged. Robin thought as he settled in to wait. Heaven knows it isn't easy trying to direct everyone.

-Diana-

"Where are those carnations, they need to be here now!"

Diana was frantically directing the Shepherds throughout the reception venue, a simple restaurant that Robin and Cordelia had come to enjoy when they were in town. Linde had other, larger establishments, but this was strictly private.

Olivia ran up to Diana, the carnations in hand. "I'm so sorry, ma'am! The flowers just got here!"

Diana ripped them out of Olivia's hands and placed them on one of the tables. "That can't be helped, now go check on the people in the kitchen! I need to know if everything will be ready on time!"

Olivia fled, ducking under Frederick who was carrying several bowls of fruit and nuts. A crash filled the air and Diana almost screamed. "What is it now!"

Donnel popped up from behind a booth. "Sorry! Lost my balance, but nothin' dropped!"

Diana breathed a sigh of relief, a look over the room showing most of the preparations in place. "Good, then I'm going to check on Cordelia. You lot, finish things up and get to the pews!"

She received a chorus of affirmation before marching out of the venue. Roderick was waiting outside and fell in step with his wife. "Well, all things told, it's not a disaster."

Diana snorted. "They didn't help with jack until a month ago. They're lucky I didn't forbid them from attending in the first place."

Roderick patted her shoulder. "Our daughter and soon to be son-in-law did do something quite foolish. Their friends had a right to be angry, though I wish it hadn't lasted so long."

"I'm well aware." Diana sighed. "But this is supposed to be a joyous time, yet here we are, running around like headless chickens. It's a wonder we were able to find Cordy a dress."

Roderick hummed, remembering how hard it was to find something suitable given Cordelia's new inability to see color. "Yes, well, it all ended for the best. Now, I assume you want to give her a talk while I get everyone in position?"

Diana nodded and Roderick split off, entering the front doors of the church. Diana went through a side door and wound through the halls until she found a door with rather raucous noise filtering from the other side.

Oh dear.

-Cordelia-

"For the last time, I do not need to switch bouquets! I can't tell what it looks like, so it doesn't matter!"

Cordelia's frustrated shout sent Lissa scrambling away. The girl had come to give some extra help, but now she was trying to change everyone's mind about everything. Who knew someone that wasn't a bridesmaid could be so nerve-wracked?

"Cordy, she's just trying to be helpful." Sumia tried, her dress on and hair nearly to its original state. "I know it's been stressful, but you should be relaxing."

Cordelia gave her a hard side-eye. "Not when she says to do a drastic change so suddenly. I'm happy as I am, thank you, there's nothing I want changed. Honestly, this has been more work than your ceremony."

Sumia laughed awkwardly. It really was their fault that everything was getting done on such short notice. So little help meant things like hairdressers, artists, and other minor but important details had to be foregone.

Hell, they'd had to go with plain white gowns as bridesmaid's dresses since Cordelia hadn't had any bridesmaids until just last month. Trying to get those things made to order was too tall a task for the timeframe.

As such, the lady Shepherds were pulling double duty. They'd been rotating from this room to the reception venue and back for the last few hours trying to get everything ready.

Evelyn hummed from across the room, helping Panne add traditional taguel ornaments to her hair. "Well, I'm just glad to be here, personally. Never been to a wedding before this one."

Cordelia nodded and turned to look at her last bridesmaid. "Cherche, how are you doing?"

The woman shrugged, trying to be still and let Maribelle do her work. "About as well as can be. Still very surprised you invited me after I came back."

Cordelia smiled at her. "Well, we were all glad when it happened. Are you sure you can't tell the story yet?"

Cherche smiled, the gesture sad. "No… that is a tale for later. Let us see to getting you wed, then maybe I'll share."

Cordelia frowned, but rolled her shoulders as Miriel fit the last part of the dress into place. "There, you are done."

Action ceased for a time as the others came over to coo and awe at Cordelia, the woman taking it graciously before directing them back to the others. Taking a deep breath, Cordelia smiled.

Well, it may be more hectic than I thought, but it looks like everything's going to happen on schedule. I'm… I'm finally going to be the bride, to the love of my life and with my friends around me. Looks like dreams do come true.

Cordelia let out a little giggle, low enough to be missed by the others. After a time, they finished their work and a knock hit the door. "Girls, can I come in?"

Cordelia smiled and hushed the others. "Yes, Mother, please come in."

Diana opened the door and nodded to those inside. "Alright, I see you're all done. Would you mind giving me some alone time with my daughter?"

"Not in the least." Sumia agreed, standing and ushering the others from the room. "Please, take all the time you need."

Diana gave Sumia a sympathetic smile and hug. "I'm sure your mother is proud of you, honey. Were it within my power, she'd be here."

Sumia smiled and hugged Diana back. "I know, thank you. Now then, we'll be waiting for our guest of honor, don't take too long!"

Sumia left and shut the door, Diana taking in the sight of her daughter, ready to be married. "You look… so beautiful, my love."

Cordelia smiled and stood, giving a little twirl for the heck of it. "I hope so. My goal today is to make Robin's jaw drop."

"I think you succeed every day if that's your goal." Diana laughed. "Anyway, I wanted to give you something before you went down the aisle."

Cordelia tilted her head, curious, when Diana pulled out a length of silver chain with a locket on the end. "Remember this?"

Cordelia nodded, nostalgia coloring her eyes. "It's… the locket Dad made after we got that painting done. It must've been… ten years ago."

Diana nodded and placed the necklace around Cordelia's throat. "Indeed it is. It is to remind you, sweet girl, that your family is always here for you. Whether that be me, your father, or Robin."

She hugged Cordelia. "I'm just so proud and happy for you. Robin is an amazing man and I have seen how happy you are with him. I could not ask for a more joyous day."

Cordelia nuzzled Diana's shoulder. "Me too, Mom. I… I never thought I'd actually do this, let alone with someone like Robin. Life's a funny thing, huh?"

Diana sniffled. "It is… now then, we shouldn't keep them waiting. I need to make sure everyone else's make up is running before I start crying."

"Mother," Cordelia sighed, amusement in her voice. "Why is that your chief concern?"

Diana laughed and led Cordelia from the room. "Oh, you know me, I don't like being the first to break down."

Cordelia laughed as well, the sound like bells. When they arrived at the chapel doors, Roderick was waiting for them. "Cordelia… you put angels to shame."

Cordelia smiled and hugged him. "Dad compliments don't count… but thanks, I'm happy you're here."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Roderick laughed. "Everyone's inside already, including Robin. You ready?"

Cordelia smiled and took his arm. "Dad… I've been ready since he put that ring on my finger."

Roderick felt a proud grin burst to life, stepping forward with his daughter and opening the door. "Then let's go."

-Robin-

Robin almost leapt out of his skin when the organ began to play.

They'd all been waiting patiently for the ceremony to start, both parties in position and ready to go. Libra was, once again, officiating the event. Robin grew antsy as the time passed.

Even more so when Diana walked through the door, joy beaming across the chapel.

Then, the organ began and the doors opened, Robin didn't bother to hold his jaw up.

Cordelia strode forth dressed in a gown of white that rippled into waves at her knees, splitting towards the bottom to show her white heels. A silver necklace rested upon her throat, the felt lining beneath it shining in the summer sun. Behind her trailed a train of red and purple silk, Robin's symbol sewn into it with gold thread, while her veil fell over scarlet hair tied into a curly pony-tail. Finally, a bouquet of crimson roses was held in her free hand while a purple aster was pinned behind her right ear.

Truly, Robin had seen an angel, and she was walking towards him.

Once before the altar, Roderick lifted the veil from his daughter's face, a kiss to her cheek his farewell. Letting her go, Roderick took his seat in the pews and Cordelia strode to her spot across from Robin. The sight of her hairclips framing her face made his heart melt.

Libra began the ceremony shortly thereafter, but neither bride nor groom paid a lick of attention. They had only eyes for each other, and, seeing this, Libra sighed. "As this is not a truly grandiose ceremony, would it please everyone if we skipped to the blessings?"

Robin and Cordelia snapped out of their daze to give Libra embarrassed nods, the congregation cheering in answer.

"Very well," Libra chuckled. "Then I shall give the reading this pair has chosen."

He took a deep breath and began. "Marriage is a commitment to life, to the best that two people can find and bring out in one another. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal; a joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships."

"A spouse is a best friend, a confidant, a lover, a teacher, a listener, and a critic. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life."

"In marriage, happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid."

"Marriage encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words."

"Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love. Marriage takes a lifetime to fulfill."

Libra cleared his throat and turned to the congregation. "Are there any here that would dispute these words and this marriage?"

None spoke, even the wind was still.

Libra nodded and looked to the best man and maid of honor. "Then I ask those that bear the rings, symbols of life and love everlasting, to step forward."

Stahl and Panne did so, Panne receiving the honor as the first to congratulate the pair rather than be mad. This made Sumia more than a little upset, but Cordelia pointing out how long it took her to come around made the queen sheepishly agree.

Robin and Cordelia took the rings from their friends, simple silver bands, and slid them into place. Now, the part everyone wanted to hear.

"We now ask that Sir Robin Volk das Felds step forth and speak his vow, promise, and oath."

Libra stepped back and Robin stepped forward, hands finding Cordelia's. "Cordelia… I can honestly say that I've never known a better person than you. You are kind, caring, funny, and altogether the most lovely person I've ever met. Though we have fought, suffered, and bled, my love for you has held strong from the day I first knew what love was. I promise, no matter what the future holds, or what trials await, that my love will never change. It will always be here, my angel, whenever you need it."

"I love you, Cordelia. Those words are my oath, and they shall stand until the sun itself dies."

Cordelia squeezed his hands, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. Libra, seeing she was about to explode, hurried through the next part. "We now call upon Lady Cordelia de Grevis to step forth and speak her vow, promise, and oath."

"Robin," Cordelia breathed. "Until the day I met you, I was lost in a cycle of resentment and helplessness. A light, a curiosity, you were the one I needed to pull free from the mire. Even when I lost myself time and again, you were there for me. You… you may call me an angel, but you are my savior. I have never known such happiness and love as I have with you, nor will I know it with another. Before those that listen, I swear that my heart is ever yours and my eyes only for you."

"I love you, Robin. My words are my bond, and they shall stand till death and beyond."

Robin had tears in his eyes now, many in the congregation sniffling. Even Panne was dabbing at her eyes, clearly overwhelmed.

"Then, with no objection and vows fulfilled, it is my honor to name you husband and wife." Libra called, voice booming through the air. "First strangers, now wed before the eyes of Naga and Ylisse, your lives have led you to this one moment."

"You may kiss the bride, and Naga be with you."

Cordelia leapt into Robin's arms, lips smashing into his with all the passion she could muster. Robin kissed back with equal force, their friends cheering and celebrating for all to hear.

Truly, a wondrous day.

"What a sight." Severa sighed from her spot in the church's second floor pews. "Never thought I'd ever see our parents get married."

Morgan nodded and blew her nose. "Yeah, we only got to see that painting. Mom looks beautiful in that dress! And Dad looks great too!"

Lucina laughed at her friend's sob, a content smile on her face. "If I recall… both our mothers thought we'd one day wear their dresses, right?"

Severa took her hand, a similar smile in place. "Yeah… though I don't think I'd want to. Prefer my wedding to be more than just a pass of the torch."

Cynthia giggled, arms circling the older girls. "Well, it was fun seeing, that's for sure! Still sad we couldn't see our Mom and Dad tie the knot, but boy was it a party afterwards."

"You got that right." Morgan laughed. "But we should go, they're starting to let out."

The time-travelers stood and snuck out of the church, mounting Theresa and Selene before flying home. They had other work to do, no time for parties.

Robin and Cordelia though… witnessed something different.

For Cordelia, it was a flash of purple in the corner of her eye.

For Robin, it was the scent of cinnamon on the wind.

They smiled and kissed again.

Perhaps life wasn't that cruel after all.

Ch. End

Woo boy, this turned into a tizzy of a chapter. Forgive me Kiwi, I seem hard set on giving you long chapters.

Kiwi: It's your story, I'll work with whatever you give me.

Severa: She's mad at you

Kiwi: I am not mad at you, I'm a little miffed with my American literature professor … but that's for another time.

Lucina: So, what happens next I wonder?

Severa: Yeah, and you didn't give us anything with Aunt Cherche. She just popped up at the wedding.

7: A tale for another time, my friends.

Now, some review responses.

The Fell Dragonite: You flatter me sir, I'm glad to have so avid a fan. Hopefully this one serves just as well.

Socail: Yeah, I actually use the names of deities across a variety of mythologies for the High Gods. Technically, Thor makes more sense for lightning, but I use Fenrir for a more primal presentation. Same for Tiamat, as she's a Babylonian goddess of water.

Warrior of six blades: I'm glad it went well too, and I so enjoy hearing your thoughts. Personally, everyone glaring made me smile way too much XD.

Geust: It's over and done.

Vaguekiwi: I hope you like this one too Kiwi, you put in a lot of work!

Kiwi: *preens a little*

That's all folks, I hope you enjoy and look forward to the next chapter!