Alright, who's ready to see the girls get reamed for all they're worth?

Severa: You mean six cents?

7: Huh?

Lucina: We have three silver as of this chapter, that cart was expensive. After a long series of conversions and calculations, we found three silver to be worth six cents.

7: It's silver, that stuff has to be worth at least three hundred dollars considering the coin size.

Severa: Really?

7: Yeah. Who did the calculations anyway?

Lucina: …Anna…

7: You've been swindled once more, my friends! I do hope you didn't give her the coins, because then I'll have to go get them.

Severa: Or send Kiwi after her!

Kiwi: I require a 12% commission for that, gotta pay off student loans somehow

7: … Let's not get too hasty, we want to keep Anna around. Now!

Story time!

Jubilee

Lucina was in quite a pickle.

Here they were, in Ylisstol, staring at their friends sobbing into Robin's arms. It was fairly obvious why this tearful embrace had come about, considering the date and reason for Robin being here, but it still irked Lucina to no end!

They'd changed things enough as was, adding their true identities into the mix was bound to make everything awkward and confusing all over again. Not to mention just plain weird.

Yet, they'd been captured by Ylissean troops, right as they came home from a patrol. Not even a chance to put their feet up before Lucina and Cynthia found themselves in a wagon to the great city.

And, only to find this mess.

Lucina didn't know whether to scream or pout.

"Uh… hi, Lucy." Morgan tried, a strained smile on her lips. "We uh… weren't expecting this either."

Everyone could hear Lucina's teeth grind. "No, really? Because it looks like you're having a grand ol' time while everything we've worked so hard for goes to shit!"

Her voice rose to a shout, Morgan cowering behind her sister. Lucina swearing was a rare sight, and it looked like she was about to break her record.

"Lucy, calm down." Severa said. "I can explain this."

Lucina advanced into the room and stared down at Severa, mustering all her anger into a wicked glare. "Please do. Maybe then I won't whup your ass like I did Owain."

Severa shuddered, not liking this Lucina. She'd only shown up once before, when Owain had almost gotten five people killed by trying to be dramatic, but here she was again.

Severa gulped and gave it her best shot. "Well, we were on our way back when the cart ran over a pothole the snow had hidden. Everything went flying and we couldn't salvage the oil. While we were trying to figure out what to do, his carriage came by."

She gestured to Robin, who was keeping quiet and merely observing their conversation.

"We needed the oil, as you well know, so there was little choice but to hitch a ride. Problem is, Cordelia had her first contraction the moment after we arrived, and we got stuck in the holding cells. Then he came in and somehow figured out who we are."

Lucina was unmoved. "So, you're telling me this was all some quirk of fate? That there wasn't another damn way to get that oil? Or am I hearing the tale of a naughty child that doesn't want to admit her godsdamned desires got the best of her?"

Severa snarled, not expecting the insult. "Well excuse me for being found out! How was I supposed to know there was a book that described what brought us here, huh? Or that Cordelia would go into labor the moment we got here?"

Lucina returned the snarl. "And how, pray tell, did you plan on getting out? Last I checked, there's more than a few walls and a couple thousand soldiers here. Those are shitty odds and you know it. A tactician wouldn't do something so foolish unless she wanted to get caught!"

Severa felt a vein throb in her neck, but Lucina wasn't done. "I'd be less mad if you wouldn't try and justify it! You wanted to meet Robin, you wanted to go home! Stop lying to me damn it, it's only pissing me off!"

Severa reeled back, shock flashing across her face, but Lucina was on a roll now. "I've asked you, time and again, if you wanted to stay in Ylisse! I asked if you wanted to join the Shepherds, but you never committed to anything! I've had to compromise on goals to achieve even a semblance of peace, yet here you are! What was the point of the cabin if you were just going to run off the moment an opportunity appeared?"

"What was the point of asking you anything when all you do is go off on your own, damn that others may feel the same way?!"

The room was silent, Lucina panting after screaming for several minutes. After taking a moment to collect herself, Lucina's face drooped in disappointment. "Severa… I just want everyone to be happy and safe, you know that. It… it breaks my heart that you didn't trust me enough to share your true feelings, especially when I was already considering something."

Severa looked away, shame weighing on her shoulders. Seeing as nothing more would be said, Robin cleared his throat. "Guards, you may return to your posts. I'll take care of this, but make sure the Exalt and his wife join us soon."

The guards saluted and left, Robin ushering the girls into the room. Once inside, he gave everyone a chair before looking at Cynthia. "So… may I ask your true name as well?"

Cynthia frowned, discomfort clear in every fidget. "I… guess, what with the cat out of the bag. My name's Cynthia, I'm Lucy's younger sister. It's uh… nice to see you again, Uncle."

Robin felt very weird being called that, but it was nice in its own way. "So, you're like Morgan then. I guess my family was closer to Chrom's than I ever imagined, but… I'd like to apologize to you two as well. It's only right, though my daughters insist I hold no blame."

Saying that was also strange, but Cynthia gave him a big grin. "It's ok, none of what happened is your fault. We just want to make it so the little ones don't have to go through it."

Robin was touched by the selfless goal, but a knock on the door drew him away. Opening it, he found Nowi staring at him. "I'm guessing you've heard?"

Nowi nodded and brushed past him. "I did, kind of hard not to what with you sobbing, but I did try to stop Freddy at the very least. Couldn't catch him though, running into a suit of armor tends to do that."

Robin allowed a wry grin before grabbing another chair and putting it at the end of the small table. Nowi plopped into it, her head straight and face set in a frown.

"First things first." Nowi began. "Robin, I visited the infirmary. They've already seen to the documents, so I'm officially an aunt. Thank you for that, and Sumia chose a middle name already."

Robin shrugged. "Prisma, I know. I quite like that name, but we'll see how things go."

Nowi rolled her eyes without doing so. "Yes, we will. Now, why on earth do we have time travelers, and all of them my nieces? I don't know about you, but that's strange no matter how you slice it."

Lucina and Severa were still fuming at each other, so Morgan came to the rescue. "We're here because of many reasons. Chief among them being the Risen, more specifically their ruler."

Robin and Nowi's mood darkened. "You mean Grima?"

Morgan nodded, Cynthia spoke next. "Exactly. Almost ten years from now, Grima was resurrected. All that destruction and death… humanity was on its last legs."

"Most of the Shepherds were dead." Morgan whispered, bad memories coming forth. "Only Aunt Lissa was still with us at the time of the ritual and she sacrificed herself to buy us time. Even then, we almost didn't make it."

Robin pressed the heel of his hand to his head. "Everyone? The whole company, gone?"

Morgan and Cynthia nodded, neither willing to speak further.

Silence fell once more, Nowi and Robin unsure of how to proceed. It was clear the past was a very sore subject for all involved, but trying to broach the future was bound to set off one of the older girls.

Instead, Robin went for something he'd been wondering about. "Why, exactly, did you need oil? Call me nosy, but that seems an odd purchase in winter."

The room's mood fell further, if it were possible. Robin swiftly regretted his question, but Severa spoke for the first time since she'd sat down. "The… oil was very special. It was cinnamon and vanilla oil, specifically. We needed them for…"

She trailed off, but Lucina finished. "The anniversary."

Nowi and Robin looked confused. Then the door opened again to admit Chrom, Sumia, Frederick, and little Lucina.

Chrom stared at the gathering with something akin to resignation. "So… that old story was true, huh?"

Lucina didn't look at her father or mother, preferring to stare at the ground. Cynthia did the same.

"Lucina, Cynthia," Chrom called, making the girls look up. "Those are your names, correct? May we see if what Frederick says is true?"

Lucina gripped at her collar before standing. "We have little choice, Cynthia. I… I will show the Exalt, you show the Queen."

Cynthia nodded and stood as well, gulping audibly as she approached a stoic Sumia.

Lucina was equally nervous as Chrom walked up to her, almost shaking in fact. In contrast, Chrom remained solid as steel and peered closely at her.

"The Brand…" he whispered, words heavy. "Lucina… it is you…"

Sniffles drew the room's attention to Sumia, the woman cradling her infant close while Cynthia buttoned her blouse. "She… she has the Brand as well, and your hair, Chrom. It's… it's true."

Chrom looked between the girls, obviously overwhelmed, until he spotted the weapons that had been confiscated and placed in the hall. At least that mystery was solved, if nothing else.

"You both deserved better." Sumia hiccupped.

Lucina and Cynthia looked to their mother, who was on the verge of tears. "All we left… all we left were a lance and a sword. You deserved gardens, sun-filled days, peaceful nights, and so much more… oh gods…"

Little Lucina began to fuss, not understanding why her mother was so upset. Chrom took the child from Sumia's arms and bounced her gently. After a moment, Chrom walked back to Lucina and held the babe up to her. "See that?"

The child blinked at Lucina before a wide grin stretched across her face and a happy squeal filled the air. Chrom smiled at the sound. "Yes, that's your big sister. Well, biggest sister."

He turned and went to Cynthia, Lucina falling to her knees in disbelief. "This is your other big sister. Aren't you a lucky girl to have two lovely big sisters?"

The infant squealed in glee again, Cynthia unable to give voice to the emotions in her chest.

Chrom chuckled and returned to Sumia, an arm circling his wife's shoulder before looking to their girls. Each was more beautiful than all the stars in the sky or the greatest jewels, and each far more precious at that.

He was glad to know that he wasn't a total failure as a father.

"Welcome home, Lucina, Cynthia." Chrom said. "We're glad to have you here."

Sumia managed a smile through her tears, the droplets freezing and clinking on the ground. "More than we could ever say. Would you… like to join us for a meal? I would love to talk with you."

Lucina and Cynthia didn't know what to do. They'd expected a lot of things, but immediate acceptance? Not in their wildest dreams.

"Don't look so shocked." Chrom chuckled when no answer was forthcoming. "Believe it or not, we've dealt with many strange things. While our daughters traveling through time may be high on the list, it doesn't crack the top three. After all, we were pretty sure you were our children soon after the rebellion."

Sumia giggled, eyes shining with joy as the girls tried to process that. "We'll explain over the meal. I think you've both done enough to deserve one with your family."

Lucina felt a smile rise unbidden, her own joy burning away the fog of disbelief. "I… We would be honored… right, Cynthia?"

Cynthia sobbed and nodded, Sumia putting a tender hand on her shoulder that only made Cynthia cry harder.

Robin clearing his throat brought the family back from their own little world. "Pardon me, for I do not wish to break such a tender scene, but I assume we'll be keeping this quiet? I don't think we'd want the others going on a hunt should their own children now roam this world."

Chrom glanced amongst his family before nodding. "That is likely for the best. We can sort out details later. For now, I wish to dine with my family. I'll leave your daughters to you, Robin, but try and hold off on informing Cordelia until she's recovered a bit."

Robin smiled and waved as the Exalt took Lucina's hand and led her from the room, Sumia doing the same with Cynthia. Once they were gone, Frederick walked up to Nowi. "I believe it would be best if we gave the families some space the next few days."

"Agreed," Nowi said as she stood. "Robin, we'll keep the others from learning of this or bothering you for the next few days. After that though, we'll want to know our nieces."

Robin chuckled. "Yes-yes, I'll make sure of it. Good day you two, we'll speak later."

Nowi grinned and left, Frederick barely a step behind. Once they were gone, Robin took a vacated chair and looked at his daughters. "So... may I ask what that anniversary Lucina mentioned is?"

Severa groaned, not wanting to get even more mushy. "You can, but that doesn't mean we'll answer."

"Well, she won't," Morgan quipped. "I will though. I feel like you deserve to know, ya know? Maybe it's just a way of getting it off my chest, but that doesn't matter."

She waited for Robin to give her a nod before starting. "The reason for the oil is because that was what you and Mom always used. It was your favorite scent and Mom loved wearing it, so we were always around it. But, after everything went south, the oil was incredibly rare. We only had two small jars of the stuff between us."

Severa decided to pitch in. "Every year, around the time we first got the news you wouldn't be… coming back, we'd take some twigs and soak them in the oil. Just the tips, but it was enough for us to light and pray. It was a reminder of happier days… of why we kept fighting."

And why they wore the scent now, though that fact went unspoken.

"You should have seen our faces when we found the new jars." Morgan said with a forced laugh. "Gods, the stuff was priceless, but here it's only thirty gold. We blew almost all our funds on those jars."

Robin closed his eyes, a thought coming to him. "How about… I get you replacements?"

"Don't you dare." Severa growled, a twitch of pain darkening her face. "That is our ritual, no one else's. Even though you're technically our father, I will not let anyone take it from us. Not the smallest bit."

Robin felt a pang of sadness shoot through his breast. Was this what it was like to be… shut out by one's own? If it was, he certainly wasn't looking forward to little Severa's teenage years.

Many of the parents among the guards swore those years were the worst.

Regardless, Robin still smiled. "Then at least let me compensate you for the loss. Don't think of it as me paying for the oil, more as an apology for being such a… distrustful man when you had nothing but good intentions."

Severa leaned back with a huff. "That's what you're supposed to be. Heaven knows I don't trust easy."

"Nor is she all that honest." Morgan quipped again. "Though, I think we've taken enough of your time. We'll stick around, I can tell you'll want us to, but please go see to your real daughter. I have no doubt she misses her father already."

Robin's heart ached at the resignation in Morgan's voice. Did they truly believe that he considered little Severa his only daughter, after hearing all that and seeing the normally stoic Lucina break down in tears?

"I will go see to her, as you say." Robin said as he stood. "But I will send for you both to meet Cordelia tomorrow."

He strode for the door but paused after opening it. A deep breath filled his lungs before he looked back and smiled at the girls.

"After all, she'll be so excited to learn we gained three daughters today, not just one. It makes today so bright, I fear it a dream that will disappear."

With that, he was gone, the girls left in utter shock at his unspoken offer.

"Morg?"

"Yeah, Sev?"

Severa looked to her sister, clearly unsure. "Did… did Dad just ask us to move in with them?"

Morgan nodded slowly. "I think so… it's just…"

She groaned. "I finally found drapes I liked, do we have to move?"

Severa sighed and put her feet up. "Frankly, it wouldn't surprise me."

"We both know what happens when Mom and Dad get their mind set on something."

-Morning-

Cordelia had known nothing but darkness since she'd gone to sleep. Exhaustion stole her body's ability to dream or to think, nothing but a black slate worth noticing for who knew how long.

Then, a line of light appeared, and Cordelia stirred, eyes opening blearily to find a faint beam of light falling through the infirmary's window. "Oh… it's morning I guess."

She reached up and rubbed her eyes, her vision clearing enough to look around. "Where's… Severa?"

"Right here." Someone said, the voice on Cordelia's right. "She's a really sound sleeper, you lucky woman."

Cordelia looked over and smiled when she saw Lissa, a bundle of pink in her arms. "Is… that so? Well, then I should be thankful she inherited Robin's sleeping habits."

Lissa giggled and passed the infant to Cordelia when she held out her arms. "I'm curious to see what her eyes look like. Lucina has the brand in hers to go with Chrom's eyes, so maybe Severa got yours? Kind of like a happy mixture."

Cordelia grinned and trailed a knuckle down Severa's cheek, marveling at the smooth skin. "That would be nice… but I can't help but feel it'd make Severa and Lucina complain about not having matching features."

Lissa giggled again and shook her head. "Maybe, who knows? I'm just glad that the birth went well, Sumia's was a real scare half-way through."

Cordelia hummed as the memory returned. Sumia had been doing well when the strain had made her lose control of her powers. It was only Chrom's voice and the combined might of every healer in the palace that kept Lucina from freezing in the womb.

Maybe that was the reason the little girl's hair was grey?

A whimper drew Cordelia back to her bundle of joy, the infant stirring. "So, I assume she needs to eat?"

"That she does." Lissa confirmed. "Most of them get their first feeding soon after they're born, but you two fell right asleep. Just hold her to your breast, stroke her hands and feet, and stay relaxed. She'll do the rest."

Cordelia did as instructed, reveling in the warmth of her child before hearing the doors open to admit her other favorite human. "Good morning, Robin."

Robin's smile was radiant, her husband walking to the cot and taking a seat. "I'm glad to see you both up. You deserved all that rest and more."

Cordelia chuckled, but Lissa cleared her throat. "Well, this is nice, but I'm going to give you both a quick summary of what to do next. I know we've gone over it before, but better to be safe."

Robin and Cordelia paid rapt attention as Lissa gave her instructions, Cordelia looking away briefly when she felt Severa's lips find their goal. Then she stared, surprise etched on her face. "Um, Lissa? They don't open their eyes for a little while, right?"

"No, they can open them whenever they like." Lissa answered, peering over to look at Severa. "Oh… that's not something you see every day."

Robin looked too and frowned. "She… has two eye colors."

And, the infant did. Severa's right eye looked to hold a multitude of colors on a white background, just like Robin, while her left was a shining red that could only come from Cordelia.

"Miriel had a name for this." Lissa mumbled as Severa continued to suckle. "It was long and fancy, but it basically means your daughter has two separate colors, one for each eye. Don't worry, it's nothing serious, just a cosmetic difference."

Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief, but she noticed Robin frown. "Something wrong?"

Robin worked his jaw silently before setting his gaze on Lissa. "Would you mind giving us some time alone? I'd like to be with them before all the madness starts."

Lissa was more than willing to grant that request, but she was a little unsettled by Robin's somber face. It was like he was about to share some dark secret.

Once she was gone, Robin held up his hand and summoned a wolf. "Go get them, it's time."

The wolf bowed and flashed away, Cordelia growing more worried the longer the silence stretched. "Robin… what's going on?"

Robin sighed and leaned on his knees. "Well… I went and got answers yesterday, as you asked. Thing is, I believe those answers would be better served coming from the source."

Cordelia had only a moment to process that before the door opened and two familiar faces entered. "Katarina? Tethys? Robin, what's going on?"

Robin waved the girls forward and they took a seat by the cot, Cordelia ever more confused. What were these two doing here?

"Cordy," Robin began, "I need you to listen until I'm done. It's a bit of a story."

Cordelia nodded slowly and Robin relaxed. Looks like she'd picked up on how serious he was. "Cordelia, these two have been using false names since we met them. They're not Katarina and Tethys, or cousins for that matter."

He pointed to Morgan. "This is Morgan, the younger sister."

Morgan smiled nervously, a little wave her only response.

"This," Robin continued, "is… Severa, the elder sister."

Cordelia's eyes narrowed, she gave both girls a closer look and then her jaw dropped. "Robin… does this mean what I think it means? Or are you dropping a load of horse-plop on me like that time you tried to remodel the kitchen?"

Morgan and Severa snorted, clearly amused, but Robin was serious as death. "Cordy… these are… well they're our daughters, both of them. The Severa here beside me and the one in your arms are the same."

Cordelia gave him a look that showed just how batty she thought that claim was.

"Severa, show her."

Severa rolled her eyes but turned and lifted her cloak and shirt, the Grimleal brand standing prominently on her back.

Cordelia's eyes sharpened, and she unwrapped little Severa, the same brand in the exact spot as the young woman next to her.

"There's no way." Cordelia muttered, confusion clear. "Unless… gods damn it, that book was true."

She sighed as realization set in. "Morgan, right? Do you also have a brand?"

Morgan nodded and unbuttoned her shirt, opening it to show the brand between her breasts. "That I do. I'm… kind of surprised you aren't in deeper denial."

Cordelia shook her head, a small smile on her face. "Dear, I tried to kill my husband in a fit of self-loathing and rage before proposing to him in front of the altar of an ancient god. My children coming back in time is not the strangest thing to happen to me."

She looked to the girls, smile widening. "That does explain why you're in color. I'm… sad that we've had to meet like this without falsehood between us, but I'm still glad to see we weren't complete failures as parents."

"Our greatest success sits beside me after all, and I'm sure our little one will love her sisters as much as we love all three of you."

Morgan held in a squeal of joy, but Severa's sour voice darkened the mood. "Why the hell are you all so accepting? Lucy and Cynthia got accepted immediately, and now us? Why the hell are you guys just taking this in stride? How can you say you love us just as much as that baby when you've known our lineage for all of ten minutes!"

Robin smiled and wrapped his arm around Cordelia. "Severa… I don't think you quite get how parenthood works. Though you two may not have come from us as we are, you are still our daughters. That doesn't change, no matter the time or place you find yourselves."

"It's as he says." Cordelia said, voice gentle. "I have loved the child in my arms from the moment I knew she was coming. I have loved you two, though I did not know it, since you left us two years ago after the rebellion. Today is a miracle, and I would ask that you come greet your sister and be greeted in turn."

"You're no longer alone. You're part of our family, whether you believe it or not, and that means more than the world to us."

Morgan shot forward but was careful of her younger sister while she embraced Cordelia. Severa sat back, disbelief clear, so Robin came around and wrapped his arms around her. "It's alright to feel happy. I know I could never hope to understand your struggles, but I want to give you some vestige of the joy you've been denied."

As Severa returned the embrace, Robin felt his heart ease. The previous day's stress and worry were replaced with relief and anticipation.

He had a feeling that, no matter the omens the girls' presence brought, the times ahead would be bright.

-Four Years Later-

And so four more years passed in joy and jubilation.

Lucina and Cynthia were welcomed into the palace and royal family with little fanfare, the pair not wanting the rumor of other exalted descendants to rise amongst the populace. But, while they stayed with their parents for two years, enjoying much of the love and joy they'd long missed, it eventually came time to return to the cabin.

The tot-sized versions were less than happy to see their big sisters leave, but neither little Lucina nor little Cynthia knew the true identities of their elder counterparts. That would come later.

At the very least, it was not a permanent parting. Lucina had been gladly inducted into the Shepherds, her steady presence turning the small party into a formidable peace-keeping force, more specialized than the Ylissean military.

Cynthia, in turn, joined the Pegasus Knights, fulfilling her childhood dream. Her skill with both lance and tome soon saw her promoted to squad leader, where her natural charisma and leadership turned her into Cordelia's second-in-command, sharing the title of Lieutenant with Dalila.

Eris didn't want to be higher than Captain, so she was glad to see Cynthia get that job.

Severa and Morgan were no less active after they'd been brought into the fold. The family would, when gathered together, perform their favorite songs well into the night. It was quite a surprise to Robin and Cordelia to find both girls were talented at music, Morgan a gifted pianist while Severa was blessed with great vocal abilities.

It certainly explained why the younger Severa had such powerful lungs, as demonstrated whenever the little girl was startled or upset.

As for jobs, Morgan took over as Captain of the Pegasus Knights in Felds so she spent her days training recruits, giving reports to Cordelia and Robin, and training. Her free time was spent with family, friends, or in town.

Severa had taken on an apprenticeship with Robin, her time spent studying tactics, challenging Robin to games, training with Cordelia, Morgan, or Lucina, and composing in secret.

She wasn't quite confident enough to share just yet.

For them, those same two years were bliss before they moved back to the cabin. Little Severa and the infant Morgan were just as upset as their royal friends to see the elder girls leave, but they didn't know of the connection they held either.

Thankfully, visits from Nowi and Frederick with their daughter, Nah, cheered the little girls right up.

In fact, the four years saw every couple amongst the Shepherds bring children into the world. The parents would share stories of humorous escapades and trade advice every few months at their reunions, the children eventually joining them where the party would become one giant game.

None grew content though. With the presence of the future children, Robin and Chrom became more aware of threats both domestic and abroad, Gaius and his network constantly brought new troubling information.

One subject began to appear constantly a few months after the girls joined the halidom, one that had both families and friends worried.

The country of Valm had been expanding rapidly, conquering their neighbors one after the next through force or capitulation. Then, two years after the first reports arrived, they received word of a fleet being built, it's purpose clear.

Invasion.

With that news in hand, Ylisse and Ferox did all they could to strengthen their defenses and study their enemy. It was unlikely they'd be able to stem the tide completely, not if the number of ships was accurate, but it at least gave them hope and something to start with.

And thus, it was here, in his home, that Robin found himself giving chase to the naked rear of his youngest, the little ball of scarlet hair and energy screaming about not wanting a bath.

Robin rounded the corner and damn near slammed into a mountain of steel. "Gods Catherine, make noise why don't you!"

The helmed knight had an air of amusement about her before pointing into the room. "I believe your daughter has been caught, milord, as has her partner in crime."

Robin leaned to the side and laughed when he found Morgan and Nah stacked atop each other and held by Nowi and Evelyn. Stahl and Frederick were outside getting the carriage and horses ready, so Robin was helping with the children.

Well, attempting to, they were nimbler than their size belied.

"Thank you both." Robin said as he passed by Catherine. "I'll take Morgan and Nah out back. Mark and Severa are already finished, so why don't you help those two get themselves in order?"

Evelyn nodded and handed over a giggling Nah, an equally giddy Morgan going to Robin a moment later. "You'd think they wouldn't be this excited. We saw Kjelle and Inigo not two weeks ago."

"Oh, you know them," Nowi laughed, taking her cane back from Catherine. "They'd be this giddy if they hadn't seen their friends in an hour. Heaven knows Severa's been going on and on about seeing Lucina and Cynthia again."

Evelyn couldn't argue with that. "Fair point, Nowi. Come on, we should make sure they don't get their clothes confused again."

Nowi laughed and followed the general, Catherine right behind as always. Robin looked to the two little girls and gave his best teasing frown. "Now why would you not want a bath, girls? Surely you don't want the tubs to get lonely?"

The gasps he received showed the girls hadn't thought of that. With his victory assured and the girls limp with childish remorse, Robin placed them under his arms and carried them through the manor like firewood.

Opening the back door, Robin sidestepped an eager little boy sporting green hair and wrapped in a towel. "Oh, I thought he was upstairs already."

Dismissing the thought, Robin sauntered towards the small creek that ran through the land, Cordelia seated under the shade of an apple tree. Next to her were several tubs and basins, the water inside steaming merrily.

"Good, you got them." Cordelia said as Robin walked up. "Come you two, the sooner you bathe, the sooner we can get to the party."

Morgan and Nah moaned and groaned, but a glare from Cordelia tamed them. Handing the children to his wife, Robin stretched. "We should be ready in about an hour, right?"

Cordelia nodded as she put Morgan in one of the tubs. "If everything's on time, yes. We're going to Marley's, right?"

"Where else do we go?" Robin asked. "It's not my fault they're the only ones willing to bare the property damage."

Cordelia chuckled as Nah splashed around in her tub. "We compensate them generously and you know it. Go and check on Severa and Mark, you may need to save them from Nowi."

Robin leaned in and pecked her cheek before going back to the manor, his feet following the path upstairs unbidden. By the sounds of it, Nowi and Evelyn were using Mark as a model for various clothes, the wonder of being the only boy amongst the three families, so Robin went to Severa's room.

A knock later he found his little girl flat on her back, feet in the air, all tangled up in ribbon. "Severa… what happened?"

"Mr. Ribbon won't listen to Severa." The little girl cried. "Severa just want pigtails!"

Robin had to hold back a laugh. Why Severa insisted on using the third person when referring to herself, he didn't know. "Well, why don't I help you convince Mr. Ribbon to listen? I'm sure he'll help if we work together."

Severa lit up and let Robin untangle her and straighten her frilly dress. At the very least, the little girl was able to dress herself just fine, so she usually just needed help with her hair.

Robin had done said hair many, many times ever since she'd had enough to style it. As such, he gave a childish explanation to the ribbon that Severa was more than happy to add to before he began to weave the lace through her hair.

In fact, he had enough material to tie the tails in place and make small ornaments in the field of lavender, Severa giggling at the golden curls he'd made. "Thanks Daddy!"

"Anything for you my darling girl."

Severa stood from the stool she'd been on and wrapped her little arms around Robin, not quite able to reach all the way around. "I love you, Daddy. Severa know one day she'll beat you at the game, then Daddy proud."

Robin pulled his daughter close, a dreamy haze in his eyes. "I'm already proud of you, Severa. I'm proud of both you and your sister."

"I always will be."

With that, he ended the embrace and took Severa's hand. "Come along, we should go see how your uncles are doing. Heaven knows what we'll find if they're left alone."

"Lots of cheese!" Severa gleefully cried, hitting her uncles' guilty pleasure on the head. Robin wasn't sure when the two of them had become such connoisseurs of cheese, but living in a region known for bread and cattle probably helped that along.

Regardless, they exited the manor to find two carriages ready to go. One was for Robin and his family, ducal perks, while the other was for Frederick and Stahl's families. It was pretty obvious which was which considering one had Robin's family seal slapped across the doors.

"Frederick, Stahl!" Robin called to his friends, the knights turning from the horses to greet him.

"We're almost ready to go." Stahl said when Robin and Severa were closer. "Really, all we need are the kids and ladies."

Frederick patted one of the horse's sides. "These beasts are quite impatient too. Looking forward to thier oats when we reach the palace no doubt."

Severa giggled and reached for the horses. "Horsies! Daddy, can Severa go on ride when we get back?"

"You'll have to ask your mother dear." Robin said. "For now, why don't we get inside? I don't think we'll be waiting much longer and you know what that means."

Severa's mismatched eyes lit up. "Lucy and Cynthy! Oh, Severa can't wait to see them, and I know Morgy can't wait too!"

Robin smiled wide, noises from the manor making him look to see the rest of his family and friends making their way towards the carriages.

The sight branded itself into his mind with his next words.

"I have no doubt that we're all eager, my child. Today is a day of celebration, after all."

-Night-

And what a celebration it was.

The trip had been made in peace and comfort, the families calling tales and jokes between the carriages as they rode to Ylisstol. Once there, they were taken to Marley's and greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of Shepherds and children, little Lucina blurring through the crowd and crashing into Severa like a ram.

From there, they moved the party inside and began to eat, drink, and make merry. The children screamed, yelled, laughed, and played as enthusiastically as their parents, each one a spark of life amongst the steadier flames that tended them.

Then came the time for gifts, where little Kjelle and Inigo were placed at a table and given many things to celebrate their third years. Almost all were toys or clothes or something that made the small children squeal.

The Shepherds knew they spoiled their children rotten, but they did so anyway. Especially since Inigo and Kjelle were miracles. Sully had been rendered nearly barren after the Plegian War. Olivia hadn't been sure she'd be able to have children after an incident before she met the Shepherds.

Regardless, the children eventually ran out of energy and fell asleep, Nowi volunteered to keep an eye on them while the adults caught up. That soon dissolved into yet another famous Shepherd's Brawl though, but no one could say it wasn't an absolute blast.

Then a panicked man in full armor slammed the door open and ran right up to Gaius. "Sir Gaius, I received word from one of your men on the coast! It's an emergency!"

Gaius sobered instantly, stopping his drunken song. "What happened?"

The man leaned in close, Gaius growing ever dourer with each word. Once the man was done, Gaius dismissed him and turned to find Chrom and Robin.

"The fleet has launched." Gaius said, those words making everyone bolt upright. "They'll be at our shore in barely two months. One and a half if they get good winds."

The room was silent. They'd been preparing for this, drafting plans and coming up with counter attacks since the moment they knew about the fleet. Yet, as they looked to their children, some small part of their minds wished that Valm would stay where they were and let peace continue to reign.

So much for wishful thinking.

"You all know what to do." Chrom said eventually. "Gather your families and take them to their havens. I will make a formal announcement in two days."

Sumia stood and joined her husband. "I'll call together our forces and rush all current orders. Meet at the agreed place and time."

The Shepherds bowed to their Exalt and began to gather their children in a storm of mutters and whispers. Chrom and Sumia retrieved the slumbering Lucina and Cynthia before leaving the restaurant, making swift plans for Lon'qu and Olivia to inform Ferox before disappearing into the night.

Robin and Cordelia were the last to leave Marley's Grill, the pair wishing to let their girls lay in blissful rest for as long as they could. Thankfully, the girls still slept as they were carried to the carriage and the family left Ylisstol.

"I heard the news just now," Jennifer said as she materialized in the carriage, shifting to Emmeryn a moment later. "Chrom and Sumia have already begun drafting announcements and orders."

Robin nodded, Cordelia took the construct's hand. "Thank you for telling us, Emmeryn. We'll talk more once we've returned, but please, be with your family tonight. Heaven knows it's the last opportunity we'll have for some time."

Emmeryn sighed and disappeared. She'd revealed herself to Cordelia after the time travelers revealed themselves. At that point, Cordelia just threw up her hands and said 'to hell with it', welcoming the former Exalt with amused exasperation that left Emmeryn in stiches.

Now though, they were silent as the carriage rumbled down a different path than normal. Instead of making for Felds, they'd turned towards Grevis, the trunks under the seats bumped louder the longer the silence went on.

They'd agreed, after many long arguments, that the girls would stay with Cordelia's parents in the event of war. Being the meticulous people they were, everything the girls would need for a long stay had been packed into the carriage and made ready to go at a moment's notice.

A moment like now, sad as it was.

"It'll be the first time they wake up without us, Nowi, or Evelyn to greet them." Cordelia whispered a few hours into the trip. "I can't even bear to imagine their faces."

Robin pulled her into a hug, melancholy hovering in the carriage like a fog. "It is for them we must leave. If they are to grow and know every joy and failing of life as they should, then we must leave to fight. We… we won't fail them again."

Cordelia knew what he meant and turned her mind to their elder daughters. What would they make of this news?

And… what would they think about going to war once more?

-Big Severa, Two Hours Later-

The knock on the door came hard and loud, the noise jolting Severa awake. By the looks of things, she'd fallen asleep at her desk again. Lucina's cloak was cast over her as a blanket.

Severa stood with a yawn and stumbled towards the door. "Who could it be at this hour?"

Another hard knock made her wince, but she was able to unlatch the door with a minimum of fumbling and open it to a surprise. "Uncle Frederick? What are you doing here so late, did the carriage lose a wheel or something?"

Frederick's stoic gaze was nothing new, but it held a hint of sadness that set Severa on edge. "I have come to inform you of a new report. Valm's fleet has launched and will be here in two months. We go to war, dear niece, and we will need all the hands we have to see it end."

Severa felt the floor fall under her feet, Frederick's hand shooting out to steady her. "I know it's been long expected, but your reaction is all too close to my own. I had my fill of war with Plegia, but if the Valmese desire the destruction of my family, then I shall fight."

"…As will I." Severa mumbled, hands clenched tight. "I've finally remembered what happiness and joy are, like hell I'm letting some godsdamn country with delusions of grandeur take that from me or anyone else."

Frederick looked damn proud. "Then I look forward to sharing the field with you. Go, tell the others, I must hurry home and prepare Nah's care."

Severa nodded and embraced Frederick before he disappeared down the path. Once he was gone, she stepped onto the porch and looked to the stars.

I can feel it… this weight in my gut, the shivers down my spine. It's just like it was before Grima came back. There's danger ahead and it's on me to navigate it.

A deep breath calmed the raging sea her mind was becoming, if only for now. By the looks of it, her apprenticeship was officially over.

Now, she'd be one of the Shepherds, deciding the fate of nations with her tactics alongside Robin and the royals.

Joy.

With that, she set her mind on what they knew: maps and strategies flying through her thoughts as she returned to the house and went to rouse the others.

At the same time, many leagues away, Robin and Cordelia tearfully gave their children to Rodrick and Diana, the parents kissing their daughters one last time before forcing themselves back into the carriage and onto the road.

The last image they had of their little ones were their creased brows in the light of a lantern; Miriel's old discovery of that strange rock found use as a vastly superior light force. It meant they could see their children clearly.

Yet, that light only broke the hearts of the departing pair. Their children in the arms of grandparents, cases left upon the ground, despair heavy in the air, and no guarantee the smiles of that afternoon would ever return.

All cursed the existence of war that night… all save for the boats bearing the invaders, their hulls creaking and groaning like damned souls upon the waves of the sea.

And in their wake followed the baleful red eyes of demons, their plan proceeding beautifully.

Now it was time to begin the game, where only one of two outcomes would come to pass.

Renewal or ruin.

And the demons knew quite well which they preferred.

Ch. End

Alright ladies and gents, peacetime is over and done with! We are going to war once more!

Severa: I'm getting curious as to how you'll handle all this. Say, did anyone else have to make deals or anything?

7: I will answer that later. First, let us get to reviews!

Supermage543: Thank you for the explanation and I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Warrior of six blades: I hope this chapter lived up to expectations, and while I made no mention of the brand in this instance, know that it will be back with a vengeance in Valm and will play a key role in the future. Also, thank you for the praise, I was rather nervous about how I handled the births.

That's everything friends! I look forward to your thoughts and I hope you look forward to the next one!

Bye!