Interlude - Mila Tree

We have saved Robin. We saved the Mila Tree. We found Yarne and Nah. We freed the Voice of Naga, the Lady Tiki, and so, people now flock to the Resistance, gladdened by the clear sign that Walhart was not invincible.

However, we all know that the worst battles are to come. So, we take what rest we can. Who knows when we'll next have a break?

"Hey, how are you feeling, Robin?" I asked, setting down the tray I was carrying. It was just some light things for him to eat and drink, since his sleep schedule was still erratic. "And if you say 'like I was stabbed and poisoned' again, I will dump ice on you."

"But that is how I feel?" Robin protested, chuckling. He smiled, though, and that was all I needed to see to know he really was recovering. "I'm sure it's better than I look."

"You look like gruel that got dragged through hell." I sat beside him on the bed and poked his cheek. "I'm amazed that the leaf worked."

"Same, though honestly, I'm more curious about just what that poison was. If the leaf is the only antidote, then we might want to bring a few more with us." We'd probably do that anyway. Just in case. "But that's for another day. There's a festival today?"

"Yes, in the evening. You might be well enough to sit outside during it." I wasn't sure what it was celebrating. It could've just been celebrating life for all I knew. "Olivia's going to dance during it."

"So is Inigo! He told me, and I can't wait to see it!" He grinned and I smiled fondly at him, glad that he was excited. "Inigo and I have been talking a lot. Apparently, he and I never had long conversations." Now his grin turned a bit teasing. "It's interesting, hearing about my future self. He was apparently quite distant, like a certain someone I know."

"Well, I've never been the type to just talk to everyone, as you turned into." Really, it felt like Robin could have a conversation with anyone in the army. "I like my group of people. Keeps me from getting overly anxious."

"You say that like the Shepherds give you a lot to worry about!" He grinned when I choked on a laugh. "Yeah, I know. Just the other day, Gregor was convinced we were haunted because he kept bumping into Kellam."

"And thus scared everyone here into a tizzy." It had been amusing once we knew we were safe, but still. "Do you talk a lot about your future self?"

"Well, sometimes. Mostly it's Inigo musing how different I seem, but I also do try to piece together things…" His grin faded for a serious, hesitant look. A look that spelled trouble. "I… I think I know what happened. In the future, I mean."

"We know what happened." I frowned. "Grima happened."

"Not that. I meant…" He hesitated again and then pushed through. "I meant with Chrom. I know how he died in that future."

"You… huh?" Now I was worried. "How?"

"I… I've had strange dreams. Ever since Chrom found me. No, even before." He closed his eyes, thinking. "That dream… Chrom and I were fighting against someone. Their face was in shadow, but there was something familiar about him. I loathed whoever it was, but I adored Chrom. I knew him. We were best friends."

"...That's…" I didn't know how to reply. "Where were you?"

"I don't know. It looked like… a temple? There was an altar, I think." He shook his head and looked at me. "Regardless, Chrom and I were fighting the person, just us two against him. And we managed to win. But then the person… he became like…" He gestured vaguely, trying to come up with the words. "Like a shadowy force?"

"Then what happened?"

"Well, it went after Chrom. But I pushed him out of the way, and got hit instead. I went flying… and Chrom helped me up. Told me that it would be okay. And then everything pulsed red and…" He let his hand fall. "Then I stabbed Chrom. With a blade made of thunder magic."

"You… wha…?" I felt like all the breath had been punched out of me. "You…?"

"Chrom stumbled back, bleeding profusely, reassuring me that it wasn't my fault. That it was fine. Told me to run, to get somewhere safe. And he… he fell…" Robin's voice cracked and he covered his face with his arms, tears slipping down his face. "There was a horrible laugh and I stared at my hands, feeling like I was drowning…"

"Robin…" I took his hands and squeezed them. He refused to look at me. "Oh, Robin…"

"Then I woke up. I woke up with Chrom and Lissa over me, and Chrom joking about how there were better places to take a nap than lying on the ground." He still refused to look at me, even when I reached over to wipe away the tears on his face. "And I didn't remember anything. I knew your name and Chrom's. But given everything, I have to wonder…"

"If it was an echo from the future?"

"Yeah. I mean; it wasn't long afterwards that Lucina showed up in our time, alongside the Risen. Maybe my future self was trying to send a warning. Maybe that 'meeting' was why I lost my memories. I don't know." He took a shuddering breath and finally looked at me. "But we're not sacrifices, are we? Not in the way I was thinking."

"...Well, it is a sacrifice…" The words were hard to say. "But the body doesn't... necessarily... disappear."

"It's used." His eyes sharpened. "It's used by Grima."

"...Yes." I sighed. The thing I could never say, never explain. He'd figured it out. "Yes. We're Vessels. We're not quite human. We're not quite… anything, really." We couldn't even say we were like Nah, half of one world and half of another. "Tiki is perhaps the person closest to us."

"Direct relation to a draconic god."

"Yes. We even have power like hers, though since our parents were human, we don't transform or anything." I tried to think of a good comparison. "You've read the Jugdrali tales, haven't you?"

"I have… ah, of course." He nodded. "We're like Julius."

"Yes. Though you more than me." I squeezed his hands again. "Both of us are Vessels, but you were born with the Heart of Grima. Both of us have the power, but only you have the heart. That makes you a 'Perfect Vessel'. I think it means that Grima can take over you more easily, because you're most similar to him."

"You think that's what happened then?" He was now completely calm, and I wasn't sure how to feel about that. "Grima took over me and made me kill Chrom?"

"Maybe." I sighed. "Unfortunately, we're kind of at the limit of what I do know. We were born as part of a thousand-year-long genetic experiment to be the Vessels of Grima, so that he might return."

"It took the Grimleal a thousand years, when it took the Loptyrians a hundred." Robin frowned, scrunching up his face. "How the hell did that work out?"

"I don't care to think about it. But, remember, Julius's conception involved getting two half-siblings to marry and have children together."

"Er… right." He fell silent again, turning away from me to stare at the 'ceiling' of the tent. "I wonder… I wonder if I should take myself off the path to remove the 'Perfect Vessel'."

"Hey, if I'm not allowed to think such thoughts, then neither are you." I poked his cheek and he smiled wanly at me. "Besides, Imperfect Vessels suffice for the Awakening. You're just better suited. Like a bronze sword versus a silver."

"...Meaning that if I die, you are in more danger. And I can't have that." His smile was still wan, but it gained some warmth. "I'm your big brother, after all. Got to protect you."

"You're my older twin, damn it." I rolled my eyes and he laughed. "Regardless, I meant what I said. If things can be changed, then I know this crazy group can manage it. That's as much faith as I can have, but it's also something I believe with all of my faith." I squeezed his hands reassuringly. "And if things can't be changed, then we'll go together. Together, or not at all."

"...I understand." He squeezed my hands back, and his smile finally became real. "That's a promise."

"It is." I smiled wryly now. "That was not a conversation I expected to have with you."

"It's not often we're alone nowadays. I wanted to take advantage of it." He pulled me a bit closer to give me an awkward hug. "And I'm glad. I'm glad I figured it out. Because now, you're not the only one with the burden. I can take up my share of it again."

"You're not taking up anything until you're recovered." Still, I kissed his forehead to let him know I appreciated it. "I'm going to get you a healer to make sure you didn't stress anything, okay? You're due for your checkup anyway."

"True." Robin smiled sweetly at me. "I love you, sister."

"Love you too, Robin."

I got him settled a bit more, and nudged the food a little closer, before I actually left, doing my best to not be weighed down by that conversation. You'd think it would be a relief to have him finally know, but it only made me feel worse, especially since, after all the time spent helping me, now he was the one contemplating killing himself. Plus it reminded me that I hadn't told Chrom, and I wasn't sure if I wanted Robin to be the one to tell him or not. After all, I was Chrom's wife. I was supposed to trust him, and I did, completely. But unless someone else brought it up, I literally could not choke out the words. It was pathetic, really, and a clear reminder of how poor of a wife I was.

But I didn't want to have people try to reassure me, since I couldn't explain this, so I did my best to at least appear neutral as I walked through the camp. It seemed to work as no one stopped me, though they could've been distracted by the festival preparations, and so I made it to the infirmary tent fairly quickly and poked my head in to see who was there. It turned out that the two on duty were Maribelle and Brady. And they were talking to each other. Though Brady's frustrated face hinted that they might have been arguing not long ago.

"Oh, goodness, you really are like me," Maribelle sighed, closing her eyes. Brady's expression blanked. I awkwardly stepped inside the infirmary, wondering what to do. "Though, maybe that's a bit of Feroxi influence from Lon'qu. That can't have helped."

"The hell do you mean?" Brady demanded. He wilted at her stern look. "I mean; can you clarify?"

"Of course." She smiled bitterly. I glanced around and noticed it was just us three in the tent, which was probably why they let themselves even have this… whatever it was. Debate? Conversation? "Brady, I used to think as you do. I thought that strength alone was required to subdue violence and protect the peace. That was why I began training, in order to assist Chrom and dear Lissa with the Shepherds." She shook her head and cupped Brady's face between her hands. "But I was… well, not wrong. I merely didn't see the full picture."

"The full picture?"

"Yes, and your father could explain this much better, but you have to deal with me for the moment." Her bitter smile softened. "Gaining strength and waving a weapon about to protect the weak is an art in of itself. But the person who wields that weapon needs compassion, affection, consideration, and the willingness to become a shield. Every day must be spent renewing this resolve."

"Like Pops."

"Exactly. And like me." She laughed softly, expression softer than I had ever seen. Even when she was with Lissa. "Soon after I realized what strength truly was, I made a choice. Put a staff in my hand, instead of a blade. Healing the wounded has just as much place in a battle as felling one's foes. Mending an injury will protect the weak just as much as inflicting one." She smiled proudly at Brady. "You and I have an important job, Brady. No matter what, there will always be injured. We are the ones who protect them from death, and that is a strength in its own right."

"That's…" Brady tried to look down, but Maribelle's hands on his face prevented it. "I…"

"I pride myself in being able to support those around me, to know that they can fight their hardest, knowing that I am near to help them. I think, Brady, you have forgotten that pride, because you have seen so many die." She kissed his forehead and hugged him as Brady began crying. "So, why don't you help me for a few days? You can relearn the joy that comes with healing. I'll help you."

I watched them a bit before deciding that Brady clearly needed some sort of distraction, maybe even something that helped proved Maribelle's words. "Maribelle?" I called softly. She looked up at me curiously and I smiled. "Sorry to bother, and this can wait, but Robin needs his check-up."

"Ah, that's actually perfect timing," Maribelle murmured, smiling in return. The gratitude in her eyes told me that she was glad I changed the subject. "I'll be there with Brady in just a second."

"Of course."

I chose to just leave then, not wanting to linger awkwardly while Maribelle helped Brady calm down. I thought a bit about what to do to clear my own head before striding over to the cooking area. With the cooks busy for the festival tonight, I might as well cook lunch for the army. It would be soothing.

The cooks had protested a queen cooking for the entire army, but… well, since I felt more like myself for the first time in days, I promptly told them to shut up and either help me or move out of my way. Which no doubt startled them, because it was more than a little rude, but there was something fun about making so much food for everyone. And making sure everyone ate properly, since I knew some, like Ricken and Nowi, tried to not eat their vegetables. And making sure no one accidentally gave Panne and Yarne food they couldn't eat, because some people just didn't think about that. It resulted in a lot of running around for me, but it made me smile to move about so much.

"The food was absolutely delicious." Tiki had insisted on helping me clean the dishes after lunch was over, to the shock and near-horror of the staff. But she easily ignored them, humming as she washed the dishes and gave them to me to dry. "I have missed a nice home-cooked meal," she told me, smiling. I saw, to my amusement, that her hands were pruning, just like a human's would. It was just a little thing, and it made sense, but it still amused me. "I haven't really had one like that since I lived in the castle with Mar-Mar and Caeda."

"I'm glad you enjoyed," I replied, giggling. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the food, which made me smile. It made me feel like I was actually being helpful. "I tried to utilize all the fruit that grows on the Mila Tree."

"I think you did marvelously." She sighed happily, licking her lips. "That fruit tart was so good. I could've eaten twenty more."

"Well, then I'll have to make it again." I was particularly pleased by the tart. It had been my first time trying that particular recipe. "Ah, but while I have you here, do you mind if I ask you about something serious?"

"Of course not. Particularly since you'll make me more tart later." She winked at me, and I laughed, unable to help it. She was much more approachable than I would've expected. Much more. "What is it?"

"Um… well..." I looked around to make sure we were alone, and dropped my voice to a whisper. "Do you know how to fight a possession?"

"Hmm? Ah, I suppose that would worry you." Tiki frowned at a particularly stubborn stain on a plate before setting it off to the side to soak some more. "An actual possession can take quite a lot of power and will in order to throw off. Most are incapable of it, especially if the possessor is smart and quickly begins devouring the host's soul. There's more of a chance if the possessor purposely leaves a piece or two behind, because that gives other people something to 'latch onto'." She passed me a different plate to wipe off. "Like someone disappearing under the water, but their hand remains above the surface."

"So, if say, Grima took control over Robin or me and struck someone with a thunder spell…" I wiped the plate dry and set it to the side. "It would be too late?"

"Strike with thunder? Oh, Grima can't, and wouldn't, do that. Grima's powers doesn't incorporate thunder." She hummed a bit, passing me silverware to dry off. "I would say that would be more of a mental control."

"Oh?" ...Oh, right, of course. I was an idiot. I forgot all about that particular curse. Mental Manipulation was the signature curse of the Hierophant and High Priestess. The person Robin and Chrom fought in that future likely would've been one of the two. Hell, it could've even have been our father, since I might not have killed him in that future. "So, are there ways to resist that?"

"Oh yes, plenty. There's counterspells, for one thing. For another, if a person with a strong bond with the controlled person talks to them, that bond can be enough strength alone to break it. I've seen both. In fact, I've experienced the counterspell." She shuddered. "Gharnef controlled my mind when I was very little. Right before I met Mar-Mar. Ban-Ban saved me."

"Can the person not resist? I mean..."

"Quite so." She glanced at me. "I'm sure you have experience with that." I smiled sheepishly, nodding. I really wasn't thinking at all. "It's helpful if the spell, or catalyst, is weakened somehow. Weaker spells are easier to resist."

"That's quite true." I smiled a bit, glad I had thought to ask her. It gave me… well, it gave me a little bit more hope. "Thank you."

"Of course." She leaned into my side briefly. "I believe in you and Robin. Humans have always been masters of changing fate, and no matter what you feel, the humanity in you gives you more strength than you realize."

"...Thank you..." It… she really was like a balm. It was… well, it wasn't like having Mother again, but she did give me the same sort of comfort. "That's… I'm not sure if I believe that yet, but it's good to hear."

"Gladly." She smiled warmly at me. "I'll say it as many times as both of you need."

"My lady!" Sharply changing the serious atmosphere, Say'ri burst into the tent, looking like she had just seen Tiki and I eat raw babies for dessert. "W-what are you doing?!" she yelped, almost flailing. My neck almost hurt from the whiplash. "There is… I mean…"

"I'm washing dishes with Kestrel," Tiki replied with a bright voice and a bit of a smirk. She held up one soapy dish and shook it a bit. "Would you like to assist? I do always love spending time with you, Say'ri."

"My lady, please do not jest!" Say'ri scowled, and Tiki sighed. I frowned a bit, curious. Because with that smirk, that hadn't sounded like a joke. It half-sounded like an attempt to flirt, and it going right over Say'ri's head. "And you do not need to do chores!"

"But I'm having fun." Tiki sulked a little. "You always seem to want to deprive me the joy of having because of my position."

"I… er…" Say'ri flushed, sighing loudly. "My lady, that doesn't even make sense!"

"Hey, Tiki?" I whispered, leaning in and cupping my hand around my mouth to make sure Say'ri couldn't overhear. Tiki leaned towards me curiously. "Are you attempting what I think you're attempting?"

"She is far too serious," Tiki grumbled, huffing a little. However, she smiled slightly. "But she is a very kind, very beautiful person."

"And quite attractive." I grinned and Tiki giggled. "In that case… let me help, just a little." I winked and tossed my rag to Say'ri. "Good timing, Say'ri! I need to go check on my brother, but I didn't want to leave Tiki alone. You help her, okay?"

Say'ri squawked a protest, but I was already skipping out of the tent, noticing Tiki's pleased grin and laugh as I left. Of course, there was the problem of figuring out just what to do, but I soon solved that. I happened to hear a bit of humming and headed towards it, recognizing the voice as Olivia's. My wandering led me just outside the camp's boundaries, behind some of the giant roots of the Mila Tree, though I was quick to duck behind some when I realized why Olivia was humming. She was helping Inigo with a dance, and I just knew both would be horribly embarrassed if they knew I was here.

"I just can't do this," Inigo groaned, stopping the dance midstep. Olivia frowned at him, looking ready to scold him. "How is it that you can dance in front of people, Mother? All I can think is 'please, don't look'."

"Hmm? Ah, well…" Olivia began, startled. She hadn't expected that question, and she took her time to think of the answer. "Well, when I dance, I feel like a different version of myself." Olivia closed her eyes, smiling softly. "I feel like I am the best version of myself, like the heroine of my very own fairy tale. Of course, that's just a feeling and a silly one at that."

"I wish I could feel that." Inigo snatched up a waterskin and guzzled some water, making me wonder how long he'd been out here. "I don't… how do you?"

"I have been dancing since I was a little girl, so I know that I am a good dancer." She smiled warmly. "I am horribly shy and embarrassed, but when the audience cheers me on, I know that I must give them my absolute best. And that, in of itself, is confidence. The confidence to do what must be done. And you have that too, Inigo. If you want to be better at dancing, you have to learn how to apply that thinking to your dancing."

"...And if I don't know how?"

"Well, that's where mothers come in, yes?" She held out her arms and Inigo immediately jumped into the offered hug. "That all said, you've been working all morning. What do you say we wash up and then visit Robin? Your father always seems to know how to cheer you up."

"That's because Father is just so earnest." Inigo closed his eyes. "I'd like to stay in the hug a little longer."

"Of course."

I watched the two for a moment, reminded of the conversation he, Morgan, and I had before the battle. And a certain thought weaved its way into my head. Since I had nothing to do, I decided to go see just how viable it was, making my way around the perimeter of the camp to where the pegasi rested. And, apparently, the gods really wanted me to eavesdrop on my friends having close conversations with their children, because I found Sumia and Cynthia in the middle of one while they brushed their pegasi.

"I'm not all that confident really, Cynthia," Sumia was saying. Cynthia looked up at her mother adoringly, if surprised by her words. "Often,it felt like I failed at the most basic of things, and when I did succeed, it was only through luck." Despite the words, Sumia giggled. "However, there are so many things where coincidences changed our lives forever. It was happenstance, for instance, that I found my darling pegasus, and yet, if I hadn't found her, I likely wouldn't be here, surrounded by wonderful friends and married to a wonderful man. It's almost funny how something that seems to trivial has such a big impact on your life."

"Laurent calls it a 'ripple effect' or something," Cynthia eagerly added. She all but bounced on her toes, watching just how Sumia brushed her pegasus and trying to mimic it. "Like how you throw a pebble into a lake and the ripples spread out and out."

"That's a good metaphor, I think." Sumia reached over to change Cynthia's grip on the brush before returning to what she was doing. "However, your question wasn't about that. It was about my supposed confidence."

"Yep. I mean; you're an awesome hero and my role model. Just, you know…" She shrugged, smile fading slightly. "How do you…?"

"Keep it up?" Sumia kissed Cynthia's cheek. "It's because there's something I've learned over the years, Cynthia. I am strong, no matter what my mind likes to try and tell me. I am strong enough to grasp the opportunities that the coincidences in my life granted me, and I desire to be strong for the sake of others. And I know that while I may not be able to take full advantage of every opportunity presented to me, I do know that I'll come close because I'll do my best. And that's another kind of strength."

"Then why do you do the flower fortunes, Mother?" Cynthia tilted her head, frowning in confusion. "I see you do them all the time."

"Hmm? Ah, that's just to give me a bit of courage." Sumia grinned. "If the fortune is good, then you work hard to keep things that way. If it's bad, then you work hard to change things. Either way, you create the future you want."

"Oh… I like that!" Cynthia grinned back. "I should do that!"

"Maybe where Frederick can't see. He's still a bit traumatized by all the petals you threw at him yesterday!"

"Oh. Right. Whoops." Cynthia looked away sheepishly and gasped when she saw me. "Oh!"

"Hmm? Ah, Kestrel!" Sumia grinned, waving me over. I grinned back and quickly did join them, ruffling Cynthia's hair. It was out of its pigtails, for once. "Want to go on a flight?"

"Fun as that sounds, I should probably be on the ground since Chrom's been in a war meeting with Basilio and Flavia since this morning," I reluctantly refused. It was fun to ride, though I'd never fly on my own. Too much pressure. "I wanted to ask you about a name I heard."

"Oh, really?" Sumia asked, now curious. She packed up her brush in her kit. "What's the name?"

"It's 'Ophecia'." I carefully ignored how Cynthia froze up, though Sumia frowned at the very obvious reaction. "I just heard it in passing, and it seemed like the conversation was talking about a pegasus."

"I wonder who was discussing her." Sumia handed her grooming kit to Cynthia. "Here, love, can you put these up for me?" Cynthia nodded quickly and seized the excuse to escape, practically tripping over her own feet in the process. "I wonder what that's about." Sumia watched her leave before shrugging and turning her attention back to me. "Anyway, yes, I do, actually. It's the name of a younger pegasus with us, an unattached pegasus brought along just in case one of the knights loses their pegasus or we get new recruits who want to learn."

"That's interesting." And that was one hell of a coincidence. Normally, I'd fret and fuss about fate, but… but maybe I should take the Sumia's approach instead. "Sorry to worry you about it. The name was pretty, so I thought I'd ask about it."

"It's fine. I'm more worried about Cynthia's reaction." Sumia sighed, shaking her head. "I'll tell Frederick about it. He's better at it." She snapped her fingers, though, and turned back to me, back to her grin. "I was meaning to find you today, though. How are you liking Mad Tales of a Bloodthirsty Falcon Knight?"

"It's surprisingly good, actually. Far better than I expected, truth be told" Based on the title, I expected to just be reading a lot of bloody and gory scenes, but it was actually from the point of view of a friend of the titular knight, and detailed how helpless they felt as their friend descended into madness due to her love of battle. "Are you almost done with volume two?"

"I am! I'll lend it to you once I'm finished." She giggled and looked to the two pegasi, who were happily grazing. "However, I should get these two lovelies back into their section."

"Of course. I'll talk to you later." I gave her a hug, and she hugged me back with a bright laugh before leading the pegasi away.

I immediately went looking for Morgan, finding her easily. She had been studying with Laurent near the tent Miriel and Kellam shared, but both were just chatting while they cleaned up whatever they'd been working on. I waited for the two of them to finish up before waving her over, and then made sure to lead her away from the crowds, knowing this would be something she wouldn't want people to know-know.

"Morgan, Ophecia is actually traveling with us now," I whispered to her, deciding to get right to the heart of the matter. She gasped, covering her mouth, and her eyes filled with tears. "She also doesn't have a rider. Now, granted, this is a much younger Ophecia than the one you know, but…"

"That's right… we're in the past, so… so Ophecia isn't…" Morgan stammered. Tears slipped down her face and she rubbed roughly at her eyes. "I want to see her. Please? It's okay if I'm not her rider or anything. It might be better for her. But I want to see her again…"

"Then come on." I held out my hand, and she seized it with both of hers. "Let's see if we can find her, then."

At the pegasi section, I thought about asking one of the workers about which one was Ophecia, wondering about how I'd slip that into conversation. However, Morgan apparently found her easily in the herd, walking around until she had a perfect view of one of the few black pegasi in the herd, one with a silver star on her forehead and particularly soft looking feathers on her wings. Morgan gasped again, but this time smiled happily, watching the pegasus, who had to be Ophecia, graze and play with her fellows. I smiled softly, glad that she was happy, but then I saw Ophecia raise her head and look around. And then look right at Morgan. After a moment, Ophecia trotted right on over to Morgan and gently butted her chest before nuzzling her. Morgan froze, startled, but slowly began petting Ophecia with shaking hands. Ophecia's response was to press more into Morgan, as if she was saying 'mine'. 'You are mine.'

I half-wondered if she knew, somehow, that she had chosen Morgan in the future. Knew this was another chance, and if Morgan wasn't going to seize it, then she would, with all four hooves. Morgan began crying again, hugging Ophecia tightly and smiling in wonder. Laughing softly, I left to get Cordelia, and then I spent a good hour or so watching Cordelia teach Morgan how to ride and fight as a pegasus knight, with Morgan eager to learn and eager for this second chance too.

It was one hell of a coincidence. It was probably fate. But in this one instance, I couldn't be mad at it. Not when Morgan smiled so, so happily.

The festival began as soon as the sun began setting, and I still had absolutely no idea just what the festival was for. I did know that it involved a lot of dancing. Not just Olivia and Inigo's shows, which went wonderfully, but also group dancing. The air was full with the scent of good food, bright laughter, and lively music. Practically everyone wore a smile on their face. It was a delight to watch, even if I was confused by it all. It was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves, and not thinking of the coming battles and the long war ahead.

However, I made sure to keep to the edges, walking around just to lessen the chances of someone finding and dragging me off. And it wasn't long before I discovered I wasn't the only one staying out of the crowd. Like me, Libra was off to the side, though unlike me, he was actually doing something: sketching. I thought he was holding the sketchbook and pencil oddly, but then I saw that Cordelia was fast asleep on his shoulder and he was doing his best to not jostle her. As I approached, I heard Cordelia sigh something like 'I love you, Libra' and saw Libra smile down at her, watching her with all the love in the world.

"You two are adorable," I murmured, making sure to keep quiet. Libra glanced up at me with a small smile before returning to his sketch. It seemed to be of the people, with a focus on their smiles. "Is Cordelia okay?"

"She's fine, just sleeping," he reassured me. I breathed a sigh of relief, worried that she'd been pushing herself too much. "She was sleepily telling me about how excited she is to teach Morgan and Cynthia how to ride properly. She and Sumia plan on working together."

"Hee… I'm glad they're having fun." I watched him sketch for a while before remembering something. "I don't think I ever thanked you for taking care of Robin."

"Taking care of people is my job, though I do still worry about how we have no idea what that poison was." His expression remained calm, though. "It makes me wonder what other unknown poisons our enemy has. We can't expect every poisoner to conveniently reveal the proper antidote."

"I wonder why she did that." The more I thought about that encounter, the less it made sense. And the more it bothered me. "Has anyone come up with an explanation?"

"Gaius and Tharja think she was simply playing. However, Frederick and Virion think there's something more to it, because nothing about her demeanor suggested 'play'. Basilio is inclined to agree. Flavia is certain the girl is 'playing', but more in the way a manipulator 'plays'." Libra shook his head. "Regardless, we shouldn't count of that again."

"Definitely not." I wondered what to say next, but then simply smiled. "Still, isn't this where we're supposed to thank the gods for good fortune or something?"

"Oh, I do that every morning, for despite all the craziness, I have truly lived a blessed life. Far warmer and happier than I ever could have dreamed." Libra smiled up at me, eyes dancing with very quiet mischief. "I could lead you in a prayer now, if you so desire, but you are not fond of the gods."

"It's not necessarily that so much as I am certain they are not very fond of me." Especially if I was right and the future couldn't be changed. They let us run and believe there was a way to escape and give us so much happiness… and then would take it all away in the worst way possible.

"Mmm… that is not true. At least, I do not think so." There was no mischief in his eyes now. Only simple, quiet sincerity. "I believe the gods love you dearly, my queen. However, there are times where the gods see too far and put too great a burden on those they love. I believed that to be the case with Exalt Emmeryn. I believe it now for you and Robin."

"...It's nice to hear that." It really was. But considering I was a Vessel for Grima, I still highly doubted it. "But considering everything, you'll have to forgive skepticism."

"Of course. It took me a long while to realize the gods loved me, so how can I blame another for taking a similar journey?" His smile was kind, and gentle. "But I do believe it. Remember that, at least."

"I will." Because there was a small comfort in them, even if I was sure they weren't true. "I will."

"Kes, there you are!" And Chrom appeared out of nowhere and bowed with a little flourish, firmly shattering the solemn atmosphere. "Sorry, Libra, but I'm stealing my wife for a dance or ten," he declared, taking my hand and dragging me into the crowd. I tried to protest without being too loud; I didn't want to wake up Cordelia. "Enjoy your drawing!"

"I certainly will, Your Grace," Libra replied with a laugh. Cordelia mumbled something, but curled more into Libra's side. "Have fun. She's been much too serious."

"Can't have that!" And with that we disappeared into the crowd. "About time. I've been looking for you all over the place. Even interrupted Lissa kissing Henry to ask if she's seen you."

"Chrom, I can't dance!" I hissed, already stumbling over my feet. Thankfully, no one was really paying attention, but… "Even with lessons, I can barely take two steps without trodding all over your feet! You know this!"

"As if I can pass up the chance of spending time with my wonderful wife," Chrom teased, tugging me close. The people around us were already dancing, something that was probably technically simple, but looked far too complicated for me. "Come on!"

"Don't say I didn't warn you!"

I did try to dance properly. I did. But, just as I knew would happen, I messed up badly. I stepped on Chrom's feet, though he laughed it off every time. I nearly bumped into people, but Chrom steered me away before I could. Once, my feet flat out tangled and I nearly fell, but Chrom caught me and used the momentum to swing me up in the air, to my squeak. To get revenge, I leaned down and kissed him, grinning at his blush, only to yelp as he swung me about for another dance. Because, despite all the bruises I no doubted inflicted on his toes, we did dance through quite a few songs.

During one of the slower songs, though, his cheer faded and he pulled me close, closer than needed for a dance. "We'll be marching on a fort soon," he whispered in my ear. I nodded, understanding. We would need another victory to build momentum. Without momentum, we wouldn't win this. "I worry for what trap they've set."

"I worry because we've not yet encountered Excellus," I replied softly. The so-called tactician… the one who sent assassins after my baby girls… "We need to expect something terrible."

"Something tells me it's going to be something I'd never expect." He sighed and leaned into me. "I guess we just have to push through, and find the right road."

"What's this? Guessing? From you?" Teasingly, I kissed him, smiling up at him. "I am supposed to be the mopey one."

"I'm not moping." He scowled. "I'm…" He then grimaced and dropped his head. "No, you're right. I'm moping. I'm too tired to be prideful." He shook his head and smiled. "All right. We will push through and find the road to end this war, and then return home to figure out how to deal with Grima. And we'll end the war with him and the Grimleal too."

"That's more like you." I tugged his arm, leading him out of the crowd. "Come on. I'm tired of bruising you, so let's spend some time with Lucina."

"Only if she's not busy with her friends." He took my hand, carefully intertwining our fingers together. "They can't hang on us all the time."

"If she is busy with her friends, then we can spend time with ours."

"Point." He kissed my cheek. "Let's go."

Lucina wasn't busy, but actually looking for us because she wanted to share a pastry with us, a large fluffy pastry covered with custard that was a specialty of the region. It was a messy treat, but fun and sweet, and then afterwards, Lucina went to go join her friends, who were all playing games, or rather, they were all learning games because they never got to play. Chrom and I, meanwhile, spent time with the Shepherds, laughing at their antics, such as Vaike and Sully starting an arm wrestling competition, and Stahl accidentally triggering a dance line alongside Donnel.

We were all determined to enjoy the night. After all, come tomorrow, we were back to war. We would have to do what we could. But I did agree with Chrom. Things were going too smoothly. There was a trick to this. The question was… what would we pay to escape the trap?

Notes on Morgan:

Class: Pegasus Knight; Reclass - Tactician, Myrmidon, Mage, Priest

Daughter of Robin and Olivia, coming from the future. Fakes having amnesia to hide how, in the future, she ended up breaking and serving Grima as one of his generals, something that haunts her.

Wickedly fast and magically powerful, she originally was planning on being an infantry, but gaining her pegasus leads her to pursue the path of a Dark Flier. She prefers an aerial view of the battlefield anyway.

Strives to be a good tactician like her father, but also has a very good singing voice like her mother. Often, she can be heard humming while she studies and quite a few soldiers will divert their paths so that they can listen.

Author's Notes: The conversations between Maribelle-Brady, Olivia-Inigo, and Sumia-Cynthia are all based off of the conversations from the Forging Bonds event in Heroes. Sumia's reason for doing flower fortunes comes up in her support conversations with Cordelia and some of her castle dialogue in Heroes (the title of the book also comes from her Heroes dialogue). Libra's sketching shows up in a few of his support conversations. Otherwise, have a nice, relatively lighthearted chapter.

Next Chapter - Inexorable Death