Alright, second to last chapter of peace time, here we go!

Severa: Wait, really? I thought we were going to have at least Aunt Nowi and Uncle Freddy tie the knot.

Lucina: Well, there's been two of them already. Adding any more would be… tacky.

7: Pot meet kettle.

Severa: *Slaps a high five with 7* Hate to say it, but you have a guilty love of tacky clothes.

Lucina: My clothes are not tacky. Everyone agrees I always look nice.

Severa: Because I pick out your clothes, that's why.

Lucina: *Pout*

7: Alright, enough ribbing for today. Let's get on to the story!

Welcome

Peace was a surprisingly busy time, if you asked the Shepherds.

From new responsibilities and places to be, it was a sad truth that the company began to drift apart after Robin and Cordelia's wedding. They didn't want to, but circumstance simply didn't allow them to remain as close as they once were.

For example, Robin and Cordelia. Despite their marriage and newfound resolve to never leave each other to wallow in the despair that had led to their near-fatal fight, it was a chore to find the time they wanted. Robin had been promoted to the Duke of Felds soon after his new organization ideas bore fruit and Cordelia welcomed another class of recruits.

They still found that time, it was just hard. Factor in moving into the ducal manor and it was a wonder when they found themselves done early one fall night.

Which meant only one thing, music practice.

The couple set themselves on the upstairs balcony, looking over the grounds with a half-moon lighting the sky. They had been able to get more practice in than ever before and now they were set to work on their most complex piece yet.

"So, where did you find this one?" Robin asked as he set up his stand. "I didn't believe any of Severa Uro's original pieces still existed."

Cordelia shrugged and strummed a chord. "I got that as a gift, actually. Eris was going through a village to the south and happened across it on break."

"What for?" Robin asked, taking his spot next to the rail. "I know for fact your birthday isn't soon and there's no other significant event upcoming. Unless you've been neglecting to tell me something."

Cordelia shook her head. "No, it was a thank you for taking her back into the Order. She wasn't sure she had a place anymore with most everyone gone, so my coming to see her in the infirmary made her indebted."

Robin chuckled. "I bet you tried to turn that down right up until she showed you the parchment. I'll have to thank her when we head back to Ylisstol next week."

Cordelia tilted her head, confused for a moment, but smiled. "Oh, that's right. The big reunion Sumia was talking about in her letters. It'll be fun to see everyone again."

Robin nodded, glancing into the dark autumn forest. "Yeah, it'll be nice. How long has it been since we were last together?"

Cordelia hummed in thought. "I think… two months, give or take? Remember, we had that big announcement where the military got reorganized, right after our honeymoon."

Robin remembered that, though more for the sheer amount of chaos that reigned during the honeymoon and the surprisingly open-minded way Cordelia approached intimate acts.

Then again, when you've nearly killed the one you love and then proposed to them, Robin shouldn't have been surprised by that. The first time was certainly as tender and loving as he hoped, but after that…

He shook his head of the wandering thoughts, his blush making Cordelia laugh. "You scandalous man! You were thinking of the honeymoon, not the meeting!"

"In my defense, the meeting wasn't all that exciting." Robin drawled. "We just stood there and watched our friends give a speech before talking every conservative off the cliff."

Cordelia laughed again. "Well, regardless, it'll be fun. Now then, to the main event."

Robin nodded and held his trumpet ready, the melody soon flowing through the air. It was a peaceful night and a peaceful life now that so much was done. What could be bad about seeing old friends?

-One Week Later-

"Why did I ever think this would be a peaceful gathering?"

Robin wondered the thought aloud as the reunited friends drank and danced with a merriment reserved for the happiest of drunks. They'd rented out Marley's Grill on both Robin and Chrom's recommendation, the staff more than happy to host royalty and heroes alike, but Robin could tell they'd probably regret that decision.

Next to him sat Sumia, the queen not partaking in anything stronger than water. "Well, what can I say? We've had five separate engagements announced and many of them haven't seen each other in months."

Robin conceded the point grudgingly. While Frederick and Vaike announcing their respective engagements hadn't been all that surprising, the other three came as surprises of varying degrees.

Lissa and Donnel? Surprised at it being so soon, but definitely expected.

Stahl and Evelyn? Again, a surprise, but Robin had watched the too practically court each other without saying anything over the previous months. The wonders of being the duke and your friends had to give you reports.

Virion and Panne… that was a shock. Apparently, something big had happened on their land and it had drawn the two together in a way that Robin could only call tight. That's what set off the current round of drinking and merriment.

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask." Robin stated as he gave Sumia a glance. "How did Chrom take it when Donnel came to ask his blessing?"

Sumia smiled helplessly, waiting for Sully to finish flipping Ricken into a table before responding. "Well, he was very corny about it. Cold shoulder, over the top threats, that kind of stuff. Poor Donnel was too nervous to see Chrom was playing with him, so he had to cut it short before Donnel had a stroke."

Robin winced as the Shepherds began playing chicken with table legs as lances. Lissa took on all comers with a throaty roar. "Well, I'm glad it wasn't that bad. Heaven knows those two deserve to be happy.

Sumia grimaced, recalling the reason for their engagement. "Yeah, uh… let's get to something happy. I figured out how to make sculptures! It's really helped me with fine control."

Robin smiled and took a sip from his ale. "That's cool, pardon the pun. I'd love to see some of your work tomorrow."

"How about you?" Sumia asked, taking another sip of water. "I bet it's been hard learning how to handle that power of yours with all the duties."

Robin sighed and placed his ale on the table. "It is, to be honest. I still control the wolves, but I can't seem to summon as many as I want and the power's never what I want it to be. It shouldn't be surprising that lightning is hard to control, but damn if it's hard not to burn things."

"I believe your wife has more trouble with that." Another voice said, Miriel joining them. "I have come to our discussions to find the fields aflame more than once with her at the center."

Robin shrugged. "It's especially hard for her. She can't tell where the flame starts and the grass begins, not to mention she's having just as much trouble with controlling the power as I am. I'm lucky I can direct the energy into the dirt."

Miriel sighed before gesturing behind her. "I hope you do not mind, but this is the only refuge in this establishment. May I sit?"

Robin pointed to the seat behind him, guffawing as he watched Chrom get suplexed by Kellam while he was getting suplexed by Cherche. Sully's vow of revenge only made it better!

Miriel meanwhile was staring at Sumia, gaze sharper than usual. "Your Highness, are you alright? You're looking pale."

Sumia grimaced, cheeks flushing. "I'm always pale, Miriel. Can't feel heat, remember?"

Miriel shook her head, noting Sumia's pulse start to pound in her neck. "No, that wouldn't make you pale. What I mean is that you're paler than normal, I can see your veins."

Sumia's grimace deepened and she paused before letting out a sick burp.

"Uh oh."

Sumia's whisper was all Miriel needed to launch out of her seat and pull Sumia to her feet, the scholar guiding the queen through the chaos. She had to use low powered blasts to stop the revelers from delaying them, which destroyed more furniture, but she got Sumia into the bathroom.

"Oh gods…"

Sumia barely whispered the words before she hunched over and her dinner left in squelches and splashes. Miriel was kind enough to keep the queen's fully regrown hair out of her face, but she continued to observe her all the while.

Once Sumia was done, Miriel leaned down and began prodding the queen.

"Miriel… what are you… doing?"

Miriel gave a light tap to Sumia's gut. "Testing a theory. Tell me, when did you begin to feel ill? Have you been able to stomach anything stronger than water or light meals?"

"I think… a week ago?" Sumia answered. "The healers… said I got a sickness and needed to fight it off with some poultices they gave me."

Miriel hummed before noticing something that made her freeze. "Sumia… have you gained any weight recently?"

Sumia frowned at her friend, not liking the note of panic in Miriel's voice. "I… don't think so. I've been training like usual, but I did notice a bit of a belly so I cut back on the desserts."

Miriel covered her mouth, something Sumia would dare call joy showing in the woman's eyes. "When did you last have intercourse?"

Sumia blazed red. "What, Miriel-?!"

"Answer me, it's very important!"

Sumia squeaked and looked away, embarrassment rendering her mute. Miriel took a deep breath before reaching down and taking Sumia's hand. "Sumia, please. I know it's embarrassing for most people, but this is a very important question."

Sumia still didn't look at Miriel but nodded. "It was… about two months ago. Chrom and I have been too tired to uh… do it since then."

Miriel didn't speak so Sumia looked back to see the scholar with a wide smile, which damn near made Sumia faint.

"Sumia," Miriel began, voice professional despite the joy in her face. "It is my great pleasure to inform you that… you're two months pregnant."

"She's what?!"

Miriel had barely a moment before the bathroom door was kicked in and flung into her, slamming the scholar into the wall as Cordelia and Sully rushed inside. Both women had come to clean themselves up after their poor behavior, but the news shocked them sober.

Cordelia was immediately performing the same tests Miriel had, only for Sumia to stop her. "Is it true, Sumi? Is what Miriel said true?!"

Sumia was very dazed, but she kept her grip and nodded. "I… think so."

Sully let out a great roar before scooping her friends up and spinning around. "Sumia, that's awesome! Hey, hey, can I be an aunt, can I?"

Sumia was in her own little world, so she didn't answer. Instead, small explosions enveloped Sully and Cordelia's heads, rendering them both still and covered in soot.

Miriel pushed the door off her, face stoic despite her disheveled clothes. "Calm down, both of you. The last thing we need to do is stress Her Highness more than necessary, especially with all those drunks outside."

Cordelia coughed and backed up, Sully lowering Sumia to the ground where the queen remained in a daze. "Well, what should we do? I mean… we can't just leave."

"Yes, we can." Sully argued, a scary look of determination crossing her face. "And I know just how to do it."

Cordelia and Miriel looked to each other before sighing. Once Sully was set on something, no one could stop her except Kellam, and he was passed out with his head in a table.

All they could do was get Sumia out of there while the chaos went on.

-The Next Morning-

Emmeryn took a deep breath as she popped into existence next to an out of the way shack in the woods around Ylisstol. It was finally the day where she'd go to the palace and join on as an aide to Chrom and Sumia.

I hope they're not too hungover. It would make this a lot harder.

Shrugging, Emmeryn's shape changed to the agreed form. Brushing her new black hair back, Emmeryn glanced down the road both ways before fixing her gown and cape. "Alright, here goes nothing."

Setting off, Emmeryn soon fell into the road's traffic, her appearance drawing many looks and whispers among the travelers. Emmeryn kept a serene smile on her face and greeted anyone who greeted her, the sound of her voice strange to her ears.

Entering the city was very easy, as suspicion since the rebellion was only present in the border towns. Even that was going away too, which pleased Emmeryn greatly, and she gladly took in the sights as she walked.

It's been some time, but everything looks even better than when I was last here. Everything looks newly painted, the streets are spotless, and I don't see a single citizen that could be suffering.

The sound of boots and metal drew her attention, a squad of twenty-five armed soldiers marching by. Emmeryn stared after them, noticing the new tunics they wore and their silver spears.

Wow, so that's what Robin's idea looks like. As much as it pains me to see such heavy armament in peacetime, I can't deny they look much better.

Humming, Emmeryn continued on her way, noticing more squads of soldiers patrolling and performing their duties. Some were helping unload items, others were keeping an eye on children, and yet others kept watch on merchant sales.

What a wonderful idea. I guess you need to do something to keep the garrison from getting bored.

Emmeryn stifled a chuckle, but still she grew embarrassed when she arrived at the main square.

There was a thrice damned statue of her, right on top of the fountain!

Chrom, I told you not to do that. Now I must look at that gaudy thing every time I want to go out!

Sighing, Emmeryn went on her way. She stopped again when she found a group of soldiers standing guard by a large series of wrecked storefronts.

"Um, what happened?"

The swordsman turned to her, face hidden by his helm. "Oh, this? Yeah, the Shepherds got together last night and really turned things upside down. I heard it spilled out because Lady Sully grabbed Sir Gaius and threw him out of Marley's Grill."

Emmeryn gaped, both at the sound of that story and the fact that it was probably true! "I… see. Um, I actually need to go to the palace, would you mind directing me?"

The man shrugged, his armor clanking. "Just keep going down this road, you'll see the gates pretty fast. Don't be surprised if you don't get an audience though, the royals and their advisors are pretty busy."

Emmeryn smiled and bowed, the man shifting in embarrassment. "Thank you, kind sir. I wish you a good day."

With that, she turned and continued down the street, silently ruing that her brother and friends were such terrible drunks. There was no doubt they would be beyond hungover.

Thankfully, when she gave the name Jennifer Daly at the gate she was ushered into the palace and straight to the throne room. Once in front of the door and feeling ready, she nodded to the guard.

The guard nodded and knocked thrice on the large doors. "The Lady Jennifer Daly, prospective aide to the queen, has arrived."

There was silence before the doors opened, Emmeryn striding forward to find a too-happy Sumia and grumpy Chrom flanked by Frederick, Kellam, and Sully. All of them, excepting Sumia, were clearly hungover.

Emmeryn curtsied, barely keeping a smirk off her face. "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Jennifer Daly and I have come to offer my services to the crown."

Chrom scowled at her but kept his voice steady. "What skills do you offer? All the positions in this palace have been filled save one."

Emmeryn smiled demurely and stood. "I offer experience and aid to both His Highness and Her Highness in matters of internal diplomacy, external diplomacy, civics, and scholarly knowledge. I have done all that and more for many years in service to my family's business."

Sumia hummed, a knowing look in her eye. "Well, that does fill the position we're looking for. Question is, how do we know you'd be loyal and competent?"

"I can work on a trial basis." Emmeryn answered. "Minor items which you cannot be bothered with but are too important to be left with a clerk. If I show my worth, then you shall know I am genuine."

Chrom and Sumia shared a glance before nodding.

"You'll be working as an aide to Lady Miriel." Chrom began, motioning for Frederick to be silent when the knight attempted to protest. "Survive her and your competence will be beyond doubt."

Sumia nodded to Frederick. "Sir Frederick shall be your ball and chain, so to speak. He knows loyalty better than anyone, so if you are true, then he'll know."

Emmeryn nodded, but sighed internally. Looks like she'd have to add Frederick to the circle- which was already worryingly large. "Very well, I look forward to working with you both."

Chrom waved his hand in dismissal. "One of the guards will see you to a guest room. Get yourself settled and report to Miriel, for now we'll hammer out what Frederick's to expect."

Emmeryn bowed and left, almost smiling as Frederick began to give a doubtlessly exhaustive list of reasons why Chrom and Sumia shouldn't trust her. Emmeryn welcomed it, for it showed he was still their tireless protector, even with a new charge to his name.

As a guard came forth and began to guide her, Emmeryn overheard… whispers.

"What an announcement this morning, right?"

"Who'd have thought it would happen so soon?"

"I wonder when they'll know?"

Emmeryn frowned at the whispers, something niggling at the back of her mind. Tapping the guard on her shoulder, Emmeryn cleared her throat. "Excuse me, what announcement are they talking about? I don't remember hearing anything in the city."

The guard grunted and turned a corner. "Doesn't surprise me. They just told the palace staff since we have to wait for the Exalt to feel more himself."

Emmeryn just loved that people called Chrom Exalt even though he'd foresworn the title during his wedding reception. "Well, since I'll be here for some time, would you mind telling me? Only if it's no trouble, of course."

The guard shrugged before stopping in front of a door. "This is your room, please get your personal items stored and head for the third floor, that's where Lady Miriel's office is."

The guard opened the door and Emmeryn strode through. "Thank you, kind dame. And, the announcement?"

The guard blushed at the compliment. "Oh, uh, yeah. Well… the queen's got a bun, apparently."

Emmeryn froze, eyes growing wide with shock and jaw slamming to the floor.

"…Say again?"

The guard chuckled and closed the door, her words echoing through Emmeryn's mind.

"The queen's pregnant."

Emmeryn stood there stunned, never expecting such a thing to happen when the pair had been wed less than a year. It was only the need to keep things on track that allowed her to prepare her things and set out to meet Miriel, shock held at bay for now.

Oh boy, tonight would be fun.

-Night, Severa-

"Did anyone else hear that?"

Morgan looked up from the fire pit and tilted her head. "Yeah… was that a scream?"

Severa nodded and looked around. "I don't think it was close, but man, that sounded more like a… shout of joy? What's so joyous that it could make someone scream like that?"

Morgan shrugged and started poking the burning logs. "Beats me. I just want to get home, we can finally relax after this patrol."

"What patrol?" Severa snarked, gesturing to their pristine gear. "I don't know what Dad did, but I haven't seen a Risen in months! Or bandits or anything!"

Morgan glowered at her. "Hey, at least we get to go see things. Cynthia's off trying to track down that Naga's Tear up in Ferox with Lucy, not exactly a fun job this time of year."

Severa grimaced. That had been a long and bitter argument on both sides, especially since someone would have to head to Carrion Isle for a scouting mission soon. "I guess…"

Morgan's glower was replaced with a sad smile. "They need something to do, Sev. We both know those two are too task-oriented to just sit at the cabin and wait on things."

"I know," Severa sighed. "But this just means we won't see them for almost a year. It wouldn't surprise me if our mini-versions started popping up by then."

Morgan smiled and scooted over to Severa. "I wouldn't mind being the big sister this time. Maybe I'll get to see what it's like bossing my younger sister around."

Severa glared at her. "Twerp. They'll be like, toddlers. You can't boss around a toddler."

Morgan shrugged. "True, then I'll just be their favorite, so they always come to me and ignore their prickly and mean biggest sis."

Severa grabbed Morgan and held her in a headlock. "What was that?"

"I'm sorry-I'm sorry!" Morgan cried, trying not to laugh. "Look, it's fine. We'll have to meet the parents at some point, so why not go ahead and-"

Severa let go of Morgan and shot from her seat, the older girl stalking to the edge of the firelight. Morgan stared after her, concerned. "Sev?"

Severa stood still for a moment before she began to pant, hands going to her back. Her breath quickened until she was hyperventilating, falling to the ground and writhing in agony.

"Severa!" Morgan screeched, rushing to her sister and cradling her, an elixir appearing in her hand. "Stop moving, this'll help!"

Severa let out an impressive shriek of pain, Morgan sure she saw black miasma leaking from Severa's back.

Ah crap, this must be like what happened when she went down to the Archives! Come on Morg, think, what was the spell Dad taught you?

She remembered as soon as Severa's writhing knocked the elixir from her hand. "That's it!"

She pinned Severa as best she could and placed her hand on the small of Severa's back. "Slaap parasiet, dit meisje is niet van jou te houden, noch de jouwe te verslinden! Slaap de slaap van de dood! (1)

The miasma quivered before retreating into Severa's back, a quick inspection showing the mark had grown.

"Shit," Morgan spat. "This isn't good."

She reached down and hooked her arms under Severa's shoulders to drag her back to the fire. Theresa trotted over and whinnied, nuzzling Severa's face in concern.

"It's the mark." Morgan said, more to say it than assuage Theresa. "The damn thing's gotten bigger. Dad warned us about this."

She froze and tore off her breast place and shirt, breathing a sigh of relief when she found her own mark the same size as it had always been. If that thing ever grew beyond her cleavage, they were in trouble.

Severa though…

"It's the demon." Morgan muttered, stroking Severa's hair. "It has to be. We… we always suspected, but damn it. I didn't want it to be true."

Morgan felt tears in her eyes. It wasn't just that the mark made them descendants of Grimleal, they'd already dealt with that alongside their friends.

The fact that it had grown meant only one thing.

They were the daughters of Grima himself.

Their dad had betrayed Chrom.

Their dad had killed their mother.

Their dad had killed everyone.

Their dad had… tried to kill them.

A hand stroked Morgan's cheek. "Hey… don't think that. That… thing isn't dad, no matter what the damn mark means. Just… just ignore it."

Morgan looked down to find Severa awake, the older girl still grimacing in pain. "Sev… how can I not think that? All those rumors, all those whispers… they're true. Dad… Dad destroyed the world."

"It. Wasn't. Him." Severa ground out, forcing herself to sit up and grab Morgan's head. "Grima's a parasite, we both know that! It's far more likely he took Dad's body after killing him, almost certain, I bet! Do you really think our dad could do anything like that?"

Morgan sobbed, tears starting to fall. "Of course, I don't! Daddy's too nice to ever do that, but do you think anyone else will believe that? Lucina and Cynthia sure as hell won't, not when Grima killed both their parents with Daddy's body! Do you think they'll suffer us now that we're actual threats?"

Severa grimaced as another lance of pain shot through her. "I… I don't know. We'll just have to keep this between us I guess."

"Keep this secret?" Morgan hissed, freeing herself from Severa's grip. "That'll make things even worse!"

Severa tackled her, even as the impact made her vision go white with pain. It took her a moment to regain her bearings, but Morgan didn't struggle. She sobbed instead.

"Morg…" Severa began, wrapping her arms around her sister. "We have more than a year to figure this out, no matter what. I'm sure we'll come up with something that'll make everything ok."

Morgan sobbed into the dirt, Theresa nuzzling her partner in a vain attempt at comfort. Severa merely held her sister close after that, feeling tears of her own prick at her eyes.

Why was the news always bad?

-Morning, Robin-

"I didn't think there'd be such a grand response."

Cordelia nodded, glancing up from a report to smile at him. "Well, it's not that big a surprise. After all, they're a pair for barely a year and already have a child on the way. There's more gossip on how many royal children will join the world than anything else."

Robin chuckled, but the sound was strained. "I'm, uh, kind of surprised you're not with Sumia right now."

Cordelia frowned and put down her report. "I didn't want to add onto the stress. She's under enough already with the healers trying to give her advice, not to mention having to prepare herself for all the unsolicited attention."

Robin laughed awkwardly, eyes darting around the room. "Well, that would do it, right?"

"Robin…" Cordelia began slowly, using her 'unhappy' tone. "What's got you so flustered?"

Robin kept glancing around the room, but Cordelia either stood, twisted, or bent down to make sure they were eye to eye. After a few minutes of this, Robin gave in. "Well… Chrom came to me asking how to take care of kids."

Cordelia gaped, not expecting that at all. "Why would he do that?"

"Said I have experience taking care of children." Robin sighed, his suffering making Cordelia chuckle. "But I fail to see how dealing with the Shepherds could ever transfer to a new life. No way a tactician like me could be a good enough father to advise others."

Cordelia tilted her head, heart fluttering nervously. "Is that what has you so worked up? I understand hearing Sumia was pregnant shocked everyone, especially me, but I didn't think it would set your mind on children."

Robin sighed and played with his sleeves. "I didn't want to, but after we married and were given the duchy, I started getting proposals like what Chrom and Sumia got. You know, the ones asking about possible betrothals to ours when the time came. Heaven knows I've wanted a family of my own after seeing yours, but I'm still… uncertain."

Cordelia smiled sympathetically, her hand reaching across the table to grip his. "I understand your doubt, Robin. I won't deny that I started thinking about it soon after all the chaos died down. It may be soon after we've wed, but… I don't think I'd mind having another reason to come home."

"Gee, thanks." Robin laughed, voice cracking. "It's just… I know nothing, still know nothing. I just don't feel ready."

Cordelia stood and strode to his side before kissing him. After he calmed down, she pulled away. "Robin, I don't think I'm ready either. Let's see about it later, after Chrom and Sumia are settled in, then we can worry."

Robin sighed and nodded. "You're right, I suppose I was just getting swept into the flow. Do you think it'll be smooth this time, as in… we won't have too much trouble getting things ready?"

"I hope so my dear, I hope so."

-Several Months Later-

"We can't catch a break, can we?"

Chrom grunted at his friends and hefted his wife into his arms, her belly well past her waist and sweat matting her hair.

It appeared the day had come, right in the middle of spring. Sumia had been through quite the gauntlet over the course of her pregnancy, both healers and Shepherds worrying over her constantly. The healers because this was Sumia's first pregnancy and she had a bad habit of getting colds. The Shepherds because she had been chosen as an avatar of Artezza and were very worried for her child.

Poor Chrom, though, had the worst of it. While Sumia was dealing with her over-worried friends, healers, and changing body, Chrom dealt with everything else. Dignitaries coming to give well-wishes, Chrom took them and sent them away as quickly as he could while being polite. A flood of betrothal contracts coming in after Lissa worked her magic and discovered the baby was a girl?

Chrom burned the lot of them, with maniacal glee.

When Emmeryn came to discuss the pregnancy after she'd formally joined the palace as Jennifer, Chrom made damn sure his sister would not tease Sumia or otherwise cause her stress.

Poor man even kept the kitchen on their toes because if Sumia's cravings were not satisfied, the ovens would either be frozen in her hormonal rage or Chrom would do it himself. Which, considering his track record of only being able to roast things, led to many new ice sculptures.

It started when Robin and Chrom were discussing expanding the country's roads. Across the table, Sumia was reviewing trade shipments with Cordelia.

Sumia paused as she felt a trickle of liquid run down her leg, a quick check showing it to be clear.

Her face turned stoic, she turned her seat around, and very calmly said. "Chrom…"

"I think my water just broke."

Then the pain hit.

Chrom had briefly panicked before he went into 'protection mode' and ordered Cordelia to gather every healer in the palace. The woman sprinted out of the room, voice booming through the halls and drawing everyone's attention.

Chrom, meanwhile, jogged out of the room with Sumia in his arms and Robin beside him step for step. "The healers did say she was due soon."

"Soon, not today." Chrom grunted as a wave of nausea made Sumia groan. "Now I want you to stand guard at the door when we get there. No one except the healers are allowed in."

"Even Jennifer?" Robin asked as they turned a corner, the sight of the marching Exalt and groaning Queen making the guards clear the halls with all possible haste.

"Even her." Chrom answered. "She can't heal, so she's no good right now."

Robin nodded and slowed to a halt as Chrom kicked in a door and strode into the infirmary, shouts filling the air. Robin caught the sound of Lissa and Maribelle taking charge of the healers inside before he shut the door.

For several minutes, he had to order servants and guards away, only opening the door once when Libra himself sprinted up. Beyond that, the Shepherds in town began to trickle in as the hours passed, Sumia's cries of pain echoing through the air.

Eventually, Cordelia arrived with Miriel in tow, the scholar slipping through the door. Robin slammed it shut immediately after, a burst of sound showing everyone inside working hard.

"How's she doing?" Cordelia asked after catching her breath. "I haven't heard anything."

Robin nodded to an open chair, the servants graciously bringing seats for the Shepherds to keep them from standing. "About as well as can be expected. Libra came out earlier to inform us that she's doing well for a first-time mother, but they're worried about blood loss. Sumia's pretty hearty, but this is beyond anything her body's gone through."

"No duh," Cordelia spat. "It's birth. Painful doesn't begin to describe what's going on in there, but damn if it isn't worth it."

Robin sighed and closed his eyes. "Cordelia, don't bring that up now. Let's see this through, then we can talk."

Cordelia looked guilty but stayed silent. She'd slowly grown more enamored with the idea of a child as Sumia's pregnancy had worn on, mostly from seeing Sumia in her sweet and happiest moments.

That, and Cordelia had taken to keeping an eye on her recruits' children when she wasn't training them. It was so interesting to see the small lives marvel at mothers' training, Cordelia could admit she'd begun to wish for something similar.

Robin though, could only see the sheer stress his friends were going through. Yes, he would privately admit that he'd never seen Chrom happier than he had been whenever Sumia was nearby. The sheer joy in his voice when he spoke of his daughter-to-be…

It was infectious.

Robin shook the thoughts free, only to notice the hall had gone silent. A moment later, the doors flew open and a crowd of healers exited, murmurs ghosting between them, but the Shepherds were staring at the last to exit.

Maribelle sighed and wiped her hands with a towel. "Well… it's done. Both mother and daughter are perfectly fine, but very tired. We'll be letting Sumia rest while Lissa takes care of the little one until Sumia's ready. Chrom has ordered that everyone go to the guest rooms for today, they'll share the name and child tomorrow."

The Shepherds breathed a sigh of relief. With the stress of the last few hours, everyone was looking forward to some rest.

Robin cast a glance back at the infirmary as he walked away, his eyes catching a glimpse.

Chrom stood next to the cot with Sumia, a bundle of pink cloth in his arms. The wonder and love in those eyes…

…Robin wanted it too.

-Next Morning-

The first to arrive at the infirmary were Robin and Cordelia, the pair eager to meet their new friend. Within sat three people in addition to Sumia in her cot. Chrom, Lissa, and… Jennifer?

"Pardon me, but what are you doing here?" Cordelia asked. "I could've sworn we were the only ones called."

Jennifer smiled at Cordelia. "Oh, it's quite alright. I've already held my niece and I look forward to doing so many times after this."

She stood and looked to Chrom. "Have fun explaining that, I'll be working on those proposals for fortifying the smaller outposts."

She left the infirmary, leaving a thoroughly confused Cordelia behind. "What… was that about?"

"I'll explain later." Chrom sighed. "First things first. Don't you want to meet our newest member?"

Cordelia immediately forgot her confusion and almost jumped forward. Robin held her back, despite his own eagerness to meet the baby.

Once beside the cot, Sumia tilted her arms and pulled back the top of the pink bundle. "Robin, Cordelia, I'd like you to meet Lucina. Named after her great-grandmother on my side."

"I shot for Emmeryn." Chrom laughed as his friends marveled at the pink, beautiful newborn. "Boy was that a fight. I think we went through, what, eight or ten names?"

"More like two dozen." Sumia giggled, voice quiet as Lucina squirmed. "But, we did want her godparents to see her first. I just know she'll be the light of this palace."

Robin and Cordelia were stunned. They'd come in here expecting to greet the new life, not be told they were godparents!

"Don't give us that look." Lissa giggled. "I've already been given full on Aunt honors, but these two were adamant you would be godparent. Personally, I think it's a good choice."

Robin recovered first and bowed. "I'm beyond humbled. This… this is an honor that I will never foreswear."

Cordelia did the same, but Sumia stopped her. "Enough of that, both of you. Now, while she's calm, why not hold your goddaughter?"

Cordelia reached out and took Lucina tenderly, a finger tickling the baby's cheek. "My, my… you're a lovely girl, Lucina. Just like your mother."

Robin leaned in and took in the sight of his goddaughter. "She's… beautiful. And if I'm not mistaken… she has your hair, Sumia."

Sumia beamed at her friends, Chrom speaking instead. "Hearing that news made me the happiest man alive. Now I have two people with my favorite color."

Lissa smacked her brother. "Stop being corny, we still have a bunch of people left to go. Robin, Cordelia, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. We still have a lot of people to greet."

Robin chuckled quietly. It took a nudge to remind Cordelia to give Lucina back, but they wished 'Duchess Lissa' goodbye before sprinting from the room while the sage gave her best glare.

She may have been a duchess, but dammit, it was annoying enough without her friends calling her that!

Once outside the infirmary, Robin and Cordelia looked to each other and walked down the hall. As soon as they were around the corner, they turned and shouted the same thing.

"We're having one!"

"What?"

"You agree?!"

"What are we waiting for?!"

Cordelia leapt into his arms and they ran straight to their rooms.

Pity the fool that had to go get them later that day.

-Nine Months Later, January-

A lot can change in a year.

Most of the Shepherds were engaged or wed after Lucina's birth, the ceremonies simple affairs that not everyone was able to attend.

Nowi and Frederick's was the only one that everyone was able to come to, those afterward slowly decreasing in attendance until the last with only half the Shepherds able to make it.

Beyond that, Ylisse had finally settled into the reforms set by Chrom and Robin, the country enjoying a boom of wealth that saw even the lowest of peasants with more money than they'd ever hoped to see. Banditry had been all but eliminated with the new military organization and wealth, the Risen serving as little more than targets for recruits to cut their teeth on in real combat.

Lucina had shown herself to be a bright and energetic child. She loved playing with her parents, but, like any other child, screamed and wailed whenever she didn't get the attention she craved. The new life kept her parents on their toes, but the parents would never trade her for anything, especially when her laugh was all they needed to recover from a hard day's work.

Robin and Cordelia, in turn, were the second pair to begin expecting. Cordelia had no choice but to leave the Order in Dalila and Eris's capable hands, which left her at home where she began learning to play lullabies and knit clothes.

She couldn't fly, but that was to be expected.

Regardless, Robin made himself into a barrier to the world much like Chrom had, but he had fewer issues to deal with. It was nice to get a hide from the Khans like Chrom, but this one was more suited for the colder weather of a Feldian winter.

Cordelia swiftly turned it into a cute coat.

He still saw his fair share of betrothal requests after Libra announced their baby would be a girl. Chrom and Sumia were adamant Lucina and the child would be best friends, Robin could only hope.

Now though, they were making their way back to Ylisstol. It was agreed, as Cordelia's pregnancy advanced, that she would go to Ylisstol to give birth as they had larger stores of medicine than Linde. Not to mention Lissa would be in town that winter as part of an envoy from Clarissa.

The carriage jostled as it passed over a small divot, Cordelia sucked in a breath. "Can't we make this… smoother?"

Robin patted her arm, his body doing its best to brace her. "We'll be there in a few hours, don't worry. Everything will be fine and so will our little girl."

Cordelia gave him a strained smile but hissed as the carriage pulled to a stop. "What's… going on?"

Robin frowned and assured Cordelia he'd check before exiting the carriage and spotting someone he'd nearly forgotten about. "By the gods… Katarina?"

The woman in question stared at him before looking to her compatriot, Tethys. "I told you heading to town today was a bad idea."

"How was I supposed to know this would happen?" Tethys asked, gesturing to an overturned wagon. "And it's not my fault the snow hid the pothole!"

Katarina glared at Tethys before looking back to Robin, who was starting to snarl. "I can already tell you're about to demand answers, but I have little doubt your wife's in the carriage. Why not just hold off on that and let us accompany you to Ylisstol?"

Tethys and Robin stared at her like she was insane. "Say what?"

Katarina shrugged. "We had to go all the way to town to get our items, but now they're ruined. Only Ylisstol has them in stock this time of year and we got lucky a trader had them. Now, we don't have a choice."

Tethys didn't look sure, but a glance to the wagon made her sigh. "Fine… I guess. Can we just get a promise not to get locked up? I mean, it's not like we've done anything the last couple of years."

Robin growled but couldn't deny this. "Look, I do want answers, I won't deny it, but I have something a lot more important going on right now. You can come with us, but I want you both in here where I can keep an eye on you."

Severa nodded and motioned for Tethys to dismount. "Do you have someone that can lead our Pegasus?"

Robin knocked against the carriage and the groom leapt from his seat and took Theresa's reins from Tethys. Looking behind him, Robin glowered at the spearwoman marching behind them. "And the reason you weren't questioning them?"

The woman saluted. "Forgive me, Your Grace, we happened upon them by accident. They were almost done, and we thought it best to simply let them finish and leave. We didn't want to add to the lady's stress."

Robin sighed and nodded. "While appreciated, please follow your duties next time."

The woman saluted, and Robin turned back to Katarina and Tethys. "Alright, get in. We don't have time to sit here in the cold."

Katarina and Tethys shared a nervous glance before following Robin into the carriage, the sisters bearing Cordelia's surprised gaze stoically.

"So…" Cordelia began after the silence stretched for a time. "What have you two been up to?"

Katarina glanced to Tethys, who spoke. "Nothing much… um, we were originally taking care of Risen that popped up, but that's not a problem anymore, so… yeah."

Cordelia didn't like the non-answer, but Robin put a hand on her knee. "It's alright, dear, there's no need to make small talk. I'll have a talk with both of them while we're getting settled."

Katarina and Tethys grimaced, but no words were spoken the rest of the trip. Instead, Robin and the girls kept their attention on Cordelia, who had begun to flush then pale as they pulled up to the palace.

Then, she stumbled as Robin was helping her out of the carriage, a cry of pain escaping her lips.

Robin was beside her immediately, Katarina taking off like an arrow into the palace to call for a healer. Tethys told the groom and driver to stable the horses and Theresa while the escorts returned to their posts.

The authority in her voice sent them scrambling, Tethys leaned beside the groaning woman. "You don't think this is what I think it is, do you?"

"I pray not." Robin growled, deciding to throw caution to the wind and haul Cordelia into his arms. "But I'm not going to sit here in the cold to find out!"

Tethys was quick to cradle Cordelia's head, the woman groaning as contractions began to set in. Father and daughter hustled up the stairs as fast as they could, Lissa meeting them with a stretcher the moment they were inside.

Robin left Tethys behind, following the stretcher and his wife all the way to the infirmary. All he could remember was Katarina walking up to Tethys before Frederick appeared, likely to detain them.

The next few hours were the most stressful of his life. It seemed like Cordelia cried out in pain every minute, her hair plastered to skin as sweat soaked her body and her skin grew deathly pale. Lissa was doing everything and then some, at one point finding that Cordelia's body temperature was dropping far lower than it should be and swiftly enveloping her in arm towels.

Then came the blood. And more screams. All while he could do nothing except hold her hand and do all he could to comfort her.

Then came a new cry, mixed with a final push and Cordelia's groaning shout.

"It's a girl!" Lissa cheered, handing the infant to Miriel who'd arrived halfway through. "And she looks completely healthy! Cordelia, great job!"

Cordelia panted in exhaustion, but a weak smile made its way to her face. "That… was fun."

Robin almost kissed her. If she could remain humorous after that ordeal, who was he to be upset?

"Robin… can you do something for me?"

Robin immediately leaned down, her hand in his. "Anything my love, you need only ask."

Cordelia chuckled weakly before she was given the cleaned and swaddled infant. "Can you… name her? I really… need to sleep…"

Robin nodded and reached out to stroke his daughter's cheek, the name they'd agreed on whispering past his lips. "Severa… I'm so glad you're here."

The infant whined a bit but was otherwise calm. Robin, in turn, looked to find Cordelia nearly asleep. "Anything else?"

Cordelia's eyes fluttered, but she voiced her last request. "Find… those two… get answers… why…"

"Why did I… see them in color?"

Robin felt a vein bulge on his head. Now that he thought about it, scents had tickled his nose when they were with him, but he'd dismissed it as worry and stress playing tricks on his mind.

Now, he knew that it was no trick.

Standing, he turned and gave Severa to Lissa before marching for the door. "Lissa, Miriel, take care of them. I have some questions for our uninvited guests."

Neither healer nor scholar got a word out before Robin was out of the ward and sprinting through the halls. If Frederick had detained them, there was only one place they could be.

The guardhouse.

Robin skidded to a stop before the guardhouse doors, not even acknowledging the soldiers on duty before throwing open the doors and storming in. Lightning was beginning to spawn around him as emotion took over, but he just barely kept it in when he spotted Frederick before one of the cell doors.

"Move, now."

Frederick stared at his friend for a time before shaking his head. "Nowi is having a discussion with our guests right now. You must wait your turn."

Robin stalked forward and got in Frederick's face. "You will move, or I will make you!"

Frederick's gaze was stony, only the click of the door stopping his response. "You're done?"

Nowi nodded as she walked out, cane in hand and eyes closed. "Yes, we're done. They're no threat, I can tell you that, but I'm more concerned about my friend in the ward. Robin, why would you leave Cordy alone after your daughter's birth?"

"She asked me to get answers." Robin bit out. "I've come to get them."

Nowi hummed but shrugged. "Fine, sourpuss. You really need to lighten up, today's a joyous day! Freddy can you take his weapons, so the room isn't a mess if he gets frustrated?"

Frederick nodded and liberated Robin of his weapons, the man growling again before stalking past Nowi and entering the room. Katarina and Tethys both sat before a table, tension clear in their bodies, but it skyrocketed when they spotted Robin.

"Sit," Robin commanded when they tried to stand.

They did.

Robin stared at them both with hard eyes before taking a deep sniff.

Cinnamon oil.

"By the gods." Robin whispered as his anger left in a rush, his body slumping and knees going weak. "I thought it just a story."

Severa and Morgan traded glances before looking at Robin again, the man gazing at Severa with a strange desperation. "Lord Robin, are you ok?"

"Severa." Robin whispered, making the elder sister go ramrod straight. "That's how I know your name… you're not my sister… or my cousin… or anything of the sort."

Robin took a shaky step forward. Then another… and another… and another…

Severa and Morgan remained frozen, neither knowing what to do even as Robin came to a stop before Severa.

"My baby girl…" Robin choked, tears beginning to gather in his eyes. "All grown up… and I only just met you…"

Severa leaned away from him. "What, are you insane?! There's no way I'm your daughter, I'm way too old!"

"I know why you're here." Robin sobbed, his hand going to the table to support himself. "There's only one way. The Rite of the Scales…"

Severa's eyes widened and Morgan tried to salvage the swiftly deteriorating situation. "T-That's just a story! The Scales don't exist, it's all a legend!"

Robin stared at them both before turning and collapsing into the opposite chair, sobs shaking his body. "I… I know it to be all too true… I… have met High Gods… and… ugh."

He wiped the tears from his eyes. "I was given a power by force and had my sense of smell taken from me. Food barely has taste and since that day I haven't known the sweet perfume my wife loves to wear. Yet, here we sit, and I can smell cinnamon on you both clear as day."

Robin's voice cracked, and he took a moment to compose himself, the girls silent.

"…I was given a lone concession to my loss. Only my children would be whole to me, as they would be to my wife. To her, all the world is grey as ash, save the baby she now holds, and you."

Robin looked both of his daughters in the eye. "There is no other explanation. You… are my children. From a time that, I can only assume… is nothing but horror."

"I'm… I'm so sorry."

The room was silent, both sides too deep in thought, shock, or guilt to speak. It dragged and dragged until Morgan found the courage to speak. "There's... there's nothing to apologize for. We're here of our own accord, the future has no bearing on you."

Robin looked up at the admission. "No, it does. I have failed at something if it brought you both here, something beyond important. Why should I not at least apologize for bringing suffering to my daughters?"

"Because it was not you that caused the suffering." Severa whispered, eyes hidden behind her bangs. "It was something else. Please… don't make us tell you. It's not the time for it."

Robin sniffled, but found the strength to stand, walk around the table, and kneel between the girls. "Please… tell me what you can. I wish to know all about you, my lovely girls."

"But also know that I couldn't be prouder knowing who you are. I have taken much evil from this world, and it soothes my soul to see I've put good into it as well."

Morgan could take no more, almost falling out of her chair and crushing Robin in a tight embrace. No words came from her, as only tears and wails could hope to express her sorrow and relief.

Severa barely held on, even as Robin held Morgan close. "I remember that Kat… no, Severa said you were her cousin, but that's obviously untrue. Let's see… are you Morgan?"

Morgan nodded against his shoulder, still sobbing.

"Then we did choose that name." Robin mumbled, hand running through Morgan's hair. "We almost went with Morgan the first time, but I see that both names found their bearers all the same."

He looked to Severa and placed a hand on her arm. "Will you not join us, Severa? I wish to know all about you as well."

"Why should I?" Severa snapped. "You've wanted us captured and interrogated from the start, so how do I know anything you do is genuine? It could just be an act."

"You could just be pretending to care about us, so we'll spill the beans on things and send everything off the road."

Robin's hand tightened around her arm. "I… I understand what you mean. But, I swear, that I so dearly wish to know you, to give what you've so plainly desired since you hugged me back in the Ferox arena."

Severa kept her eyes hidden, but Robin felt her begin to shake. "…Swear it."

Robin blinked at the croak of her voice, Morgan pulling away to stare at him wearily. "Yeah… do the oath, that'll prove it."

Robin wondered at what they meant, but a lance of pain brought another memory to him, the first in years. Then, he knew the words.

"I swear on both my name and my blood that what I say is true. No word from my mouth has held a hint of deceit, nor have my gestures been false. All I say and all I do is true as the wind and sure as the storm."

"So says the tactician, who bears the world." Severa and Morgan finished, both sobbing. Morgan dove back into Robin's hold. Severa stood to try and hold herself back.

Robin wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Let it out, my dear. You're safe here, there's no need to be brave now."

And Severa did, whirling in place and burying her face into Robin's chest, the sisters crying their eyes out at finally seeing their father again, holding him again, speaking to him again.

It was a dream come true, and even the state of their friends was lost in the wave of relief.

Robin held his daughters close with a content smile. While the future they'd come from had doubtlessly been filled with trials beyond anything he'd know, their presence gave him hope.

Perhaps… he was cut out to be a father after all.

Then, a thought hit him.

"So… your mother sent me here, believe it or not. How exactly are we going to explain this to her?"

The sound of boots walking away reminded them of their guest outside, who was doubtlessly off to fulfill his duties.

In other words, tell Chrom.

Severa and Morgan pulled back from their father and gulped, already dreading what was to come. Severa could already hear Lucina screaming at them.

"Severa, what the hell did you do?! Why were there soldiers at the cabin waiting for us! What the hell are you doing with Robin right this minute!"

Oh, that wasn't Severa's imagination. While they were having that heart to heart, the door had slammed open to reveal a pissed off Lucina and nervously laughing Cynthia, several guards with stoic masks standing behind them.

"Uh oh…"

Ch. End

Well, I think that's a good spot to call things. Next time, we'll have the girls get asked-read: interrogated- by the Shepherds. Then, we'll cover a few more events in peace time before we head off for war once more.

Severa: I'm not looking forward to this.

7: Why would you? You're about to get reamed by your girlfriend.

Severa: I know jerk, it's you who got me here in the first place. At least I can actually talk to Dad in story now, that was really hard on Morgan and I.

7: Well, I'm glad. Hopefully we'll keep the good times rolling.

We're nearly to a hundred reviews people, can we do it by the end of next chapter? It's up to you!

Now, some review responses before we go.

Warrior of six blades: No one ever said love was logical, that's for sure. Throw in various traumas, insecurities, and other worries then mix well. Voila, we have a near fight to the death and a proposal all in the same chapter. Personally, I wouldn't hold the grudge for quite as long as the Shepherds did, but we can all agree Robin and Cordelia weren't being very smart.

The Fell Dragonite: I'm glad this made your day! Also, I'm glad the wedding turned out well, especially since I've had to skip Frederick and Nowi's ceremony for plot purposes. I'll find a way to include it though, don't worry.

Supermage543: I don't believe I know who Thoraden is, so please feel free to inform me. The idea for the wolves came from the wargs of Tolkein alongside Norse myth, so I don't think we're talking about the same thing.

Alright, that's everything! Also, kiwi, here's the translation for that spell! I hope you enjoy the shorter chapter this time!

(1) Sleep parasite, this girl is not yours to hold nor devour! Sleep the sleep of the dead!