Interlude - Ylisstol

Despite the very rough start to the journey, the rest of the trip to Yllistol was surprisingly quiet. Buttons and I shared a blanket for the first couple of days, and then we just shared tents as she calmed enough to sleep alone again. This was when I learned she was a prankster at heart, but she quickly learned to not play pranks on me, thankfully. I didn't want to have to explain to Blue why I accidentally killed his sister. He might just kill me for that one.

Now, though, we're almost at Ylisstol, capital of the Halidom, and I have no idea what I'm going to do. I know a lot of secrets, but...

"But soft, what yonder window breaks-"

"If you're going to spew poetry at me this early in the morning, Ruffles, then at least make it original."

"Original, you say? Why, my lady Kestrel, I had no idea you thought so highly of my creativity!" He coughed to clear his throat. "Where true love burns, desire is love's pure flame; it is the reflex of our earthly frame that takes its meaning from the nobler part, and but translates the language of the heart."

"That's a nice poem, but if you don't move, I'm going to splash oatmeal on your bib because you don't have the sense to move out of the way while I'm handling a hot pot."

"It is not a bib!" He sighed dramatically. "Still, even when angered, your voice is as lovely as your namesake."

"I take it you haven't actually heard a kestrel's cry. It's a rather high-pitched noise, and not anything I'd call a song."

"I find it rather beautiful to hear, actually. Rather like you." He smiled and bowed slightly, taking my hand and completely ignoring that I was handling hot metal objects. "But really, my most beautiful miss, you have the most fitting name. A kestrel bird flies elegantly and gracefully through the air and swoops down to claim its prey, just as you have swept me off my feet and stolen my heart."

"Oh, did I? You can have it back." I groaned as he opened his mouth to retort and tugged my hand from his. "Just shut up and set some plates out for everyone."

By now, it was almost routine. I was the best cook out of the group, as quickly proven when Blue, Red, and Robin decided to try and cook a lunch and nearly knocked us all out, so I got up first to make something for breakfast. Ruffles, for reasons unknown to me, often ended up second, and would spent part of his time reading while I cooked. The rest of his time, he spent trying to flirt with me. I'd be infuriated, but he did back off when I made it clear when I was uncomfortable and did his level best to never make me uncomfortable again. He also lent his books to Robin to read, which made him smile brightly. It was hard to hate someone who made my twin happy.

"As you wish, my lady," Ruffles replied with a little bow. "Virion, away!" I could do with less dramatics, though. I really could.

Sighing, I checked the oatmeal and made sure there were no lumps or anything before taking it off the fire and banking the fire so that it would simply warm, and not burn. After that, I went to the tent I shared with Lissa, intending to wake her up. To my surprise, though, she was already awake. It normally took a lot of prodding to get her up and moving in the morning.

"Ugh…" Worse, though, was that she was whimpering. "Why me?" she complained. Whatever was going on, she was barely dressed, and looked like a wreck. "Ugh…

"Buttons?" I called. She looked up at me pitifully. "What happened?"

"This!" She dragged her nightgown from where it was balled up in the corner and held it up. "See?" She pointed to a very noticeable crimson stain. "This happened!"

"Oh, your period came during the night." I smiled slightly. "Having your nightgown stained is not the end of the world, Buttons."

"I'm not fussing over that. This is an old one anyway!" She groaned, and I resisted the urge to point out that it looked very new by my eye. "It's that my period came early! I didn't bring any pads!"

"Buttons, I have some." I went to my pack and pulled one of the cloth pads out, passing it to her. "You should make sure to bring some next time, even if you're not due. In my experience, it always comes when it's most inconvenient."

"Yeah, that makes sense now!" She grumbled before whimpering again. "And on top of that, I'm cramping…"

"I used to get bad cramps too." I smiled slightly and ruffled her hair. "Why don't you get a bath? You'll feel better, and the water will help. While you do that, I'll get some tea ready for you."

"Cinnamon tea?"

"Cinnamon is out of my price range, but I've found ginger and peppermint worked for me." I stood up and took her nightgown from her. Noticing the blankets were stained as well, I picked them up too. "I'll have it steeping while I wash these."

"You're going to wash them now?"

"It's still a few hours to Ylisstol, and it's better to deal with these sorts of things when they're fresh." I smiled. "Trust the female mercenary, Buttons, especially since I've a few years on you. I am very used to blood."

"I bow to your wisdom!" She laughed and even managed curtsey while still sitting. "Thanks, though. Really."

"I'll be back in a moment, unless you need my help getting a bath ready?"

"No, I'll ask Frederick to help. But thank you." She smiled sweetly. "You're the best, Kestrel."

"I'm really not, but that is kind of you to say." I shook my head and smiled back. "Be back soon."

The others were just stirring as I stepped out of the tent and I set the bundle of clothes down to fetch a kettle, kindly 'donated' by Ruffles, and stoked the fire back to life so that I could get some water boiling. I ducked back into my tent briefly to fetch some ginger and peppermint to put into a mug, and got Buttons's tea set up as she finally stepped out of the tent herself and walked over to Shiny. Once all that was done, I picked up my bundle and picked my way towards the nearby river. While the others were busy, Red caught sight of me and, perhaps curious, she trotted over, looking at my burden with a curious expression.

"Okay, curiosity is killing me," she noted after a moment. "Are you seriously doing laundry? We're not that far from Ylisstol."

"Perhaps, but poor Buttons got a little visit from Mother Nature during the night," I replied. I showed her the blankets for emphasis, and she winced in sympathy. "So, I'm going ahead with these."

"Yeah, that's a better idea. The maids back home always said to tend to these things fresh." She shrugged. "Want help? They taught me when I went to be a knight."

"...Sure, it's probably better to have two eyes for this sort of thing." Things like this reminded me that Red was probably a very high ranked noble. She was childhood friends with Blue, after all. "Can you do laundry, though?"

"I hate it with a passion, and I wouldn't trust me with anything delicate, but doesn't seem fair to make the maids clean out all the blood." She smirked slightly. "Besides, this gets me out of early morning chores. Which I am also very bad at and hate."

"Well, follow me then." I'd probably just have her help spot spots. "I'm sure the boys can serve themselves."

"Yeah, Frederick will make sure they leave some for us." She grinned. "After you, then!"

I managed to get most of the blood out, and Red helped wring them out so that they wouldn't drip all over the place. By the time I got back, Buttons had finished her bath and was gratefully drinking the tea I had made. The others were digging into their food, and it wasn't long before we were back to walking. There were only two horses with us, after all, so we couldn't ride.

Still, in only a few hours, just as I predicted, we were in bustling Ylisstol.

"So, this is Ylisstol?" Robin breathed with wide eyes as he stared at the milling crowd. We were on a hill next to the market, out of the crowd, but definitely close enough to see and hear them. "I've never seen so many people!"

"Robin, in case you've already forgotten, you've barely seen any people thanks to your amnesia," I replied. Still, everyone was far more cheerful than I expected. "Looks like the earthquake and everything didn't reach here."

"Yes, the quake must've been limited to only the forest," Shiny whispered. He frowned slightly. "Given the power, though…" The people here really should have experienced some sort of aftershocks thing. "I have a bad feeling about all of this."

"Those are cursed words." I noticed some movement in the crowd, and it was soon clear just why. "Looks like the Exalt is walking about her people. Exalt Emmeryn practically glided through the crowd, smiling gently as she passed people. Those she smiled at had a look of ecstasy on them, as if they'd been blessed.

"Really?" Robin asked. His eyes were narrowed. "Is that really safe? There looked to be at least thirty different ways someone could hurt her."

"Meh, no one in Ylisse would hurt her," Red noted. She looked unimpressed by everything, while Ruffles looked like he was preparing his lines to flirt with the Exalt. "And she's got guards. Hidden, but there."

"Still…"

"Relax. It does the people good."

"It does?"

"Yes, the exalt is a symbol of peace, Ylisse's most prized quality," Shiny explained. He gave me a dirty look as I choked on a bitter laugh. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the First Exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid low the fell dragon, who wished to destroy the world." He gave me another dirty look as I choked on another laugh. "Exalt Emmeryn reminds us of the peace they fought for."

"She's a calming presence, reassuring the people when others might call for war against Plegia," Blue added. His smile was both soft and rueful. "She walks among the people to soothe their spirits and ease their worries."

"She's also the best big sister in the world!" Buttons chirped. She then got a confused look as both Robin and Ruffles yelped. "What? What is it?"

"My goodness, I guessed you two were nobility, but I did not guess you were royalty!" Virion breathed. He bowed to them both. "Please forgive my rudeness, your highnesses."

"Uh…"

"You said you were shepherds!" Robin snapped. I was a little startled; he used to just roll with everything. "Shepherds!"

"We are, in a manner of speaking," Blue replied. He squirmed slightly, clearly uncomfortable. "We just have a lot of sheep."

"Besides, didn't he say that his group were called 'Shepherds'?" I pointed out. Red was too busy giggling and Buttons looked confused. Shiny was paying more attention to the crowd than our antics. "They have a knight traveling with them, Robin, who tolerates their constant teasing."

"You knew?!" Robin yelped, whirling on me. He looked aggravated, and I really didn't know what to do. He'd never… "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's not exactly a secret, Robin, and I'm not the one with amnesia here." My voice was far drier than I had intended, but in all the weirdness, sarcasm was probably my only shield. "I figured he'd told you in the time between you losing your memories and me finding you. So don't yell at me for not telling you useless information."

"I'm not yelling, and it's not useless."

"Always has been to us."

"Well, I don't know 'always' anymore!"

"Don't yell at me!"

"I'm not!"

"Um…" Blue stepped between us, and I felt almost a little disoriented when I realized Robin and I had… been arguing, a little. We'd never argued, especially over something so pointless. It had always been just us two. "Robin, I'm sorry," he murmured, shifting slightly as if to shield me. That only made me bristle more; I didn't need protection! "I should've said something. I just never did like formalities, and I liked being around someone who honestly didn't know my rank. Frederick played along for Lissa and me."

"Oh the sacrifices I endure for the realm," Shiny instantly deadpanned, easing the tension in the air. I still felt horribly uncomfortable, and wondered if I should just leave. "Exalt Emmeryn, you did not need to come to us."

"I heard arguing and became worried." Emmeryn walked up to us, with a woman in Ylissean Pegasus Knight armor trailing behind her. "Welcome home, Chrom, Lissa, Frederick," she greeted. Her smile was sweet, and seemed far more genuine than the smile she'd given the crowd. "Oh, and good day, Sully. I see you found my wayward siblings. How fare you all?"

"Well, Emm, we shouldn't have a bandit problem for a while," Blue answered. He stayed exactly where he was, and I grit my teeth to resist the urge to snap at him. I really did not need protection, and the differences in Robin were just… I knew it wasn't his fault, but they hurt anyway. "And our people are as safe as they can be. But we need to watch the borders. They crossed over from Plegia."

"Forgive me, my lord," the pegasus knight murmured. She looked almost pained as she bowed. "My knights should've intercepted them."

"No, Phila, your duties were here, with Emm." Blue smiled reassuringly. "I feel much better knowing you're here protecting Emm. I can handle a few bandits."

"You're too kind, my lord."

"Besides, we had help!" Buttons cheered. She skipped over to hug Emmeryn before gesturing dramatically to Ruffles, Robin, and me. "Ta-da~! This is Virion, Robin, and Kestrel. Robin and Kestrel are twins. They're all really nice. Even Virion, though he talks weird!"

"Lissa, please," Emmeryn laughed. She smiled gently, and I noted it was the same one she had given the crowd. "You have found new comrades then, Chrom?"

"We did!" Buttons had no problem answering for Blue, and Blue definitely didn't seem to care. "They're going to join the Shepherds!"

"I'm certain you have given Frederick no end of trouble." Her smile softened again, to a 'more real' one, as she turned to him. "Chrom and Lissa are truly blessed to have such a tireless guardian, Frederick. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time."

"They do express something akin to gratitude every once in a while," Shiny answered with a surprisingly soft smile and light tone. Emmeryn laughed a bit in return, and I noticed Buttons looking confused and Blue looking almost pained. "But there are other things to discuss besides how suspicious our new companions are." His smile fell and he turned to Phila. "Have you seen some deathly creatures on the roads?"

"Yes, there are reports coming in from all over Ylisse," Phila replied. I decided to call her 'Feather' for the feather-pendant she wore, mostly hidden by her armor. "Do you have more information?"

"We do," Blue replied. His eyes narrowed slightly as he crossed his arms. "Council?"

"Yes, and I am glad you came back in time to join us," Emmeryn murmured. Her smile and cheer faded. "Let's head home, Chrom." She gave one last smile to the rest of us before turning away and walking down the path, Feather exactly one-step behind her. Blue followed her, with Shiny falling in at exactly one-step behind him. Buttons and Red cheerfully took charge of Robin and Ruffles, leading them 'somewhere'. They probably intended for me to follow, but I hung back, feeling out of place.

Tears of frustration pricked my eyes as I remembered the argument. It shouldn't be a big deal, and yet it was. It was just another reminder that while Robin might physically be my twin… mentally, he wasn't. He was a completely different person, unburdened by the stress of our lives and devoid of the few good things we'd experienced. He had forgotten everything, both the bad and good. He wasn't my twin brother anymore. It was more like he was a stranger who had the same face.

I wondered if I should leave. I clung to him like a burr, and lashed out when things were different, even though it was obvious they would be, he would be. I expected him to act as he did before, despite the whole thing being stupid. It was stressful on me, and I couldn't imagine the stress on him. What did it feel like, being a blank slate and having to deal with a twin sister you didn't know, but were told you should, getting mad at stupid things you couldn't help?

That wasn't even going into the dangers both of us represented. I still could not find the courage to tell Robin just what we were. I couldn't tell him that we were basically Grima, that we were Vessels masquerading as humans. There was nothing human about us. We were just good at pretending. We could never have normal lives. We were just…

"Kestrel?" Blue's shout jolted me from my thoughts, and I whirled, trying to figure out why he wasn't gone. "You must've been pretty deep in your thoughts," he noted, walking over. He looked startled by something and fumbled through his pockets for something. "Ah… here…" He passed me a handkerchief, for some reason. "You're crying…"

It took me a second to realize he was right. At some point, the little pricks had turned to full-blown tears, and I hadn't noticed. "Guess so," I whispered, taking the handkerchief and hiding my face with it. While I'd wanted to cry many times, it had been a while since I had actually cried. "What are you doing back here?"

"I remembered while I was walking that you had a few insights into the theory behind all of this, so I wanted to ask if you'd mind coming with me to the council meeting." His voice was soft, and he looked genuinely concerned when I peeked up at him. "But if you'd rather just go to bed or something? That's what Emm does when she wants to cry. Well, actually, she tries to be alone, which you might to, and I… would be stepping on that, but I didn't realize you were crying when I approached and-"

"You sound as if you're trying to talk around a foot in your mouth." I used the handkerchief to mop up my tears, but noticing how dirty it was, I tucked it into my pocket instead of giving it back. I was dustier than I'd thought from traveling. "You just… need me to report what I saw, and give my thoughts based on my travels."

"Yes, if you're up for it. If you're not-"

"I'm really not one for weeping, and I am really not one to be protected, especially one-sidedly." I sighed, checking the urge to grimace as I realized just how stuffed up I felt. "Just lead on, Blue. I don't want to be around Robin right now."

"I'm sor-"

"Damn it, don't apologize!" I groaned as he winced. "Let's just go before I say something that might be technically true, but it comes off as harsh like I did to Buttons that first night. I'm a mean person."

"...I think you're in pain, not mean. A 'mean' person wouldn't have spent so much time reassuring Lissa."

"Well, pain isn't an excuse. Aren't we going to be late?"

"Right, this way." He smiled slightly. "Did I ever thank you for saving her, that day?"

"I honestly don't remember." I shrugged. "I just happened to run in the right direction. There's really no reason for thanks."

"I think otherwise. My sisters are my only family, and mean the world to me." He shook his head. "But yes, right, meeting. Frederick is going to have a lecture if I'm not back soon."

"Oh, dear, a fate worse than death." I managed a smile as he laughed. "Lead on."

"Oh dear gods, I have a headache," I groaned as Blue and I walked out of the castle. We had just gotten out of the council meeting, which had been hours of people screaming at each other in fear, barely kept in check by Blue and Emmeryn. "I… should thank you for the save." When I had explained what I knew, one particular noble had accused me of summoning the 'Risen', as we were calling them. Blue had shut him down quickly, followed by Emmeryn commenting that I was an 'honored guest', which apparently meant 'insult her again, and see what happens', except nicely, because Emmeryn didn't fight.

"I just pointed out how ridiculous the idea was," Blue replied. He looked drained. "Emm is the one who got him to see reason."

"Still, my way of shutting him up might've been a little more… permanent. I don't deal well with threats."

"Then maybe he should be thanking me instead." He managed a small smile and I laughed softly. "We're almost at the Barracks. That's where Lissa and I stay."

"You don't stay in the castle with your sister?"

"No, I don't want luxuries that my Shepherds can't share, and the castle is full of them. I like the simpler things, really."

"I don't know. When I was a child living in an alley, I would've killed for something like this." I winced at how dry and bitter that came out. "I really didn't mean anything by it. Please don't ask."

"Of course." The quick way he replied told me he had been planning on asking. "Regardless, that council meeting was worse than usual. No wonder that Frederick is staying back to talk to Phila and Emm about defenses." Something flitted over his face then, but I chose to not comment on it. "I hope this isn't a sign of things to come."

"We have the literal dead walking and there's war practically on your doorstep whether you all believe it or not. The only way this is getting worse is if you have an attack from Valm or Grima shows up."

"Valm is the continent across the sea, right? They tend to keep to themselves." He made a face. "Yeah, I do think those things would be worse. But they're also rather improbable." Well, Grima could show up, if Robin and I ever got caught by the Grimleal. "Ah, here are the Barracks." He gestured to the building up ahead, and I was startled by how simple it looked. "Here's hoping Vaike didn't break anything. Or that Maribelle didn't try to put everyone through etiquette training again. Or that there's not bunches of flower petals clogging the rooms. Or-"

"You're only going to give the gods ideas if you keep that up." I nudged his side. "Go on already. It's starting to get cold, and I don't like the cold."

"Right, good idea." He still visibly steeled himself before opening the door and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, good. It already seems better than the last time I left for a patrol." He smiled slightly and stepped to the side to usher me in. "After you."

"My, my, aren't you the gentleman?"

"Maribelle would have my head if I forgot my manners." He grinned as I rolled my eyes. "Come on. You just said you hate the cold."

"Yes, yes." I stepped inside, noticing just how warm it was in here, even in this entryway. It was very clear, by that alone, that the Shepherds had a very nice house, regardless of how it looked on the outside.

He took lead again and led me down the hallway, past some rooms that looked like storage. We passed by a little kitchen, and what looked to be the entrance to a salle. But then we stepped into a living room like area, one filled with laughter and people. The first thing I really noticed, though, was clutter. Books were scattered all over the place, as well as discarded practice weapons. Flower petals dotted the ground, armor was set strangely straight on the nearby wall… It looked lived in. It looked like a bunch of people had taken the time to make it a 'home'.

I hadn't been in a 'home' in a long time. The feeling was only reinforced when the people in the room cheered some greetings at Blue when they realized he was here. I recognized only Robin, Buttons, Red, and Ruffles in the little group, but the others were clearly very glad to see him again.

"C-captain!" One girl in particular looked very enthused. "You've returned!" she breathed, smiling widely. I was… I mean, we were so…!" She promptly tripped and fell flat on her face. "Ugh…"

"Sumia, are you all right?" Blue asked. He offered her a hand up as if this was a very normal thing. "Those boots of yours again? You really should change shoes."

"I don't think new shoes will fix my balance." She whimpered slightly as she stood, and then turned very pink as she snatched her hand away, hiding them behind her back. "I-I'm fine, though! Really!" This was definitely a girl with a crush. I was also reasonably certain Blue had no idea. "Um… oh!" She peered around Blue to stare at me. "Who's this?"

"This is Kestrel, another new Shepherd." He gestured to me, and urged me to come a little closer. I hesitated before doing so reluctantly, noticing how strangely warm the air of the room was. These people… they were not suspicious. Blue had brought me here, and they trusted Blue implicitly. He had their loyalty; that was why they were here. "She was helping me give a report for the council."

"Oh!" She smiled sweetly. "My name is Sumia. It's so nice to meet you!"

"It's nice to meet you as well," I replied automatically. While 'Klutz' was the first thing that came to mind for her, I decided that was too cruel of a nickname, so I settled on 'Petal' for the flower petals in her hair. "Oh, Captain, Sir Robin and Lissa told us about what happened."

"Why do I have a title, and not the actual princess?" Robin asked dryly. He laughed slightly, and I tried not to squirm. I should be happy that he could laugh so freely, but it was just… so weird. It was weird to see him so happy. "But yes, Chrom, what's the plan? You two were in there for a very long while. I managed to get one of your Shepherds mad at me."

"Maribelle takes time to warm up to people," Blue instantly replied, sparking another round of laughter. Whoever this Maribelle was, it seemed she either had a fast temper, or was very, very honest. "But after many hours of deliberation, it was determined that we'll head to Regna Ferox."

"Regna Ferox? Where is that?"

"That's the unified country to the north of us, right?" Petal asked. She frowned slightly in thought. "I've never been. They say it's inhabited by barbarians."

"Classic Ylisse right there," I muttered as the others nodded. Thankfully, no one heard me, so I shook my head and decided to give a minor bit of clarification. "They value war, or rather strength in arms, more than anything. Feroxi believe there are multiple levels of paradise after death, and only those who die in battle or childbirth are allowed access to the highest and most peaceful level. It's the only really 'religious' thing about them, unlike Ylisse's devotion to Naga or Plegia's worship of Grima." I had heard many argue that War was Feroxi's 'official' religion and deity, though they did use the 'by the gods' generic swearing like most others on the continent. "That devotion means one key thing: they are a nation of warriors, with a standing army."

"And we need their aid to combat the new and old threats," Blue added. "Typically, it would be the Exalt who asks directly, but Emm worried at how the people would react if she suddenly went on a trip or, worse, Plegia's reaction. So, the task has been passed down to us." He shook his head. "Now, this is strictly voluntary, even more so than usual, and-" He was instantly cut off by just about everyone in the room cheerfully agreeing to the task. "...Every day, I remind myself that I am very lucky to have you all as my comrades, but today, I feel as if I am especially lucky. Thank you."

"Um… Captain, can I come along?" Petal asked. She fidgeted with her hands, and looked down at the ground. What little bits of her expression seemed miserable. "I know I'm not… really ready… but…"

"If that's what you want to do, then I have no quarrel. After all, there are some lessons that can only be learned on the battlefield." Blue shrugged. "Just stay by me, and you'll be fine."

"Oh, yes!" She flushed and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. She definitely had a crush. "I mean… yes, sir, I'll do that."

"Excellent." Blue turned towards Robin. "In that case, Robin, you and I need to work on strategies for everyone. Or, at least, I need to tell you about everyone."

"Sounds good," Robin replied. He sounded enthusiastic about it. "Uh… Kestrel?" However, his enthusiasm dropped for a bit of awkwardness. "Do you want to listen in?"

"Mmm, it's probably better that I don't," I answered slowly. "I'll probably get in the way. I'm good at fighting, but tactics for more than a handful of people isn't really my forte. You were always better at it."

"In that case, I'm going to steal her!" Buttons declared. She jumped to my side and snagged my arm. "Come on! I'll show you around! Sumia, want to come with?" Petal hesitated before nodding. "Great! Let's go!"

Buttons was much stronger than you'd think, considering she managed to drag me around despite my digging my heels. At least she and Petal were cheerful enough?

Buttons and Petal ended up giving me a very, very extensive tour, and extracted a promise to eat breakfast together in the morning before escorting me to 'my room'. My stuff, what little I had, had already been moved into it. It was a rather nice room. There were windows covered by thick curtains, rugs to help warm the wooden floor. The bed was soft and piled high with blankets and pillows, and there was a small desk and nightstand nearby. There was a little note from Robin on the desk, telling me that he was sorry for yelling, and that he'd tell me that in person in the morning. There was even some changes in clothes, hand-me-downs, but still good.

I'd never had a room this nice before, not even in the few inns Robin and I had managed to stay in. I had also… this was the first time I had ever had 'my' room. I was the only one here. I wasn't sharing it with anyone.

The whole thing unnerved me. I was used to being able to sit up and chat with Robin, no matter the hour. I was used to hearing the sound of someone breathing from close by, a reassurance that no matter how much the gods hated me, they had not yet left me alone. Except… now, I was. I was alone. Robin might be with me physically, but he wasn't the same.

I, alone, knew about our past. I, alone, knew what exactly the Grimleal plotted. I, alone… couldn't find the damn courage to tell anyone about this.

Sighing, I changing out of my traveling clothes at last into something comfortable, but wasn't quite 'night clothes'. Then, I left 'my room' and wandered the barracks, hoping that the inanity and exercise would help me sleep. However, as I wandered, I heard the sound of something shattering, and bolted for it, cursing the fact that I was unarmed. I listened for any additional sounds and followed the faint clues to hopefully find what had broken, and who had broken it.

I swung into a room and paused as all the pieces came together. I was in a salle. Blue must've been practicing. The sound had been one of the mirrors lining the back wall breaking.

"That's supposed to be bad luck, you know," I noted lightly, staring at all the shards. He whirled at my voice, but relaxed quickly when he saw me. "Breaking a mirror."

"I've heard that, yeah, but isn't that just a silly superstition?" he replied. He laughed a little before grimacing. "Frederick is going to lecture me."

"Yes, a fate worse than death. Is there a broom?"

"Ah, yeah." He held up a hand as I came closer. "You stay there. You're not wearing shoes."

"Oh, I suppose I'm not." And I had to admit that even if I had lots of practice with it, digging glass out of your feet was never fun. "I didn't notice."

"I figured, since you were prepared to walk forward." He easily found the broom and dustpan in a small closet off to the side, and even more easily started sweeping up the mess.

"You have a lot of practice with this."

"I… uh… break things a lot, especially while practicing." He flushed all the way to his ears even as he dutifully continued sweeping. "A lot, actually. One of the reasons I was given Falchion was because it's literally unbreakable. I still have to maintain it, of course."

"Of course." I had figured he'd been given Falchion because the thing chose its wielder, and it had only accepted him as the next one. It was a point of pride among the people, strangely enough. "Why do you break so many things? You don't seem to be klutzy."

"Well, not exactly." He fell silent, the sound of the broom and clinking glass filling the air. "I'm not 'properly' trained, really. Frederick trains me, but that's more of strengthening and conditioning sort of things. I mean; he taught me how to fight on horseback, but his specialty is the lance anyway. So, I experiment when I train, and… well…"

"You break shit." I pointed to the mirror for emphasis. "Because you misjudge how far your reach goes."

"That, and there's been a few times where I've just misjudged my footing or grip strength." He sighed heavily. "Emm gets mad, of course. For one thing, I don't always break inexpensive things, and for another, it's not uncommon for me to hurt myself."

"I can see that." Everyone might talk about Emmeryn as if she was divine incarnate, but it was easy to imagine her scolding Blue about breaking something. Maybe it was because I was a sister too. "It's strange that you're not 'properly' trained in wielding the Falchion." I gave him a curious look. "After all…"

"My father was my primary teacher." His voice dropped to a hiss suddenly, enough to make me jump. "And I will not. I will not fight like him." He glared at the broken mirror shards. "I will not."

The hatred in his voice was almost enough to make me shake, and I couldn't help but wonder if, perhaps, it had been no 'accident' that he had broken the mirror. After all, it was often a topic of gossip how much Blue took after his father in looks. It was normally followed with something like 'thank the heavens he inherited his mother's kindness!', but I wondered if he looked at his reflection, saw the parts he had inherited, and hated it.

I did. I hated my reflection. I looked more like Mother than my father, thankfully, but I could still see him in my reflection. I avoided looking at mirrors at all costs because of it. I couldn't imagine how much I'd hate them if I had taken more after my father.

I couldn't think of a way to reply to that, though, so I just lingered in the doorway and watched as he swept up as much of the shards as he could and discard the mess in a nearby trash bag. My eyes focused on the practice swords on the wall, and an idea bloomed in my head.

"How about a spar?" I suggested. He looked at me like he wasn't sure he heard right, and I gestured to the practice swords. "Maybe we can pick up some tricks from each other. I'm self-taught, and there's always something that 'clunks'."

"You sure?" He looked startled before smiling. "I'd like that, actually. No one else in the Shepherds fights primarily on foot and with swords."

"Be warned; I won't go easy on you."

"Good, because I intend to respond in kind." His smile softened. "And thanks, Kestrel. For listening."

"All I did was stand here." I shrugged. "Come on. Let's get the swords. I don't want to be skewered by Falchion."

"Yeah, that might be a little painful." He grinned as I snickered. "Thanks."

"There's nothing to be thanked, except maybe not damaging your pride."

Info on Chrom:

Class - Lord; Reclass - Cavalier, Archer

Typically called 'Blue' by Kestrel.

The Prince of Ylisse and Captain of the Shepherds. His strong convictions help him lead his unit fairly, yet firmly.

Primarily self-taught swordsman, who focuses on balance so that he is rarely in a situation he cannot adapt to. He also knows how to fight on horseback, thanks to training from Frederick.

Seems oblivious to just how much love and devotion he inspires, blind to both the loyalty of his Shepherds and the crushes of other people, like Sumia.

Author's Note: So, this chapter encompasses the dialogue from Chapter 1's closing, and parts of Chapter 2's opening (before setting off, of course). Also, Chrom-Kestrel C support! ...Sorta. I'm going ahead and stating that I'm not using his supports with a Female!Avatar for Kestrel, as they don't fit Kestrel's personality at all. Phila doesn't wear a necklace, according to her art, but Cordelia and Sumia do, so I'm 'adding' it to her. Kestrel's dialogue about 'masquerading as humans' is based off of dialogue from Future Past 3. I am taking some Norse influences for Ferox. The first line Virion quotes isn't actually a poem, but the start of a famous line from Romeo and Juliet. The second is a poem a friend of mine showed me: Desire by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Also major thanks to another dear friend who helped me write flirtatious Virion.

Next Chapter - Shepherds