Theme 8: Gateways
Robin gazed upward at the grand stone arch that spanned the gateway to Ylisstol. His mouth hung slightly agape as he gawked at the architecture and overall vastness of the capital city; he had never seen so many people in one place!
Chrom and Frederick were deep in conversation to Robin's left, and Lissa, while walking beside her newfound friend, watched at the white haired man gazed at his surroundings. Every 'ooh' and 'ahh' made Lissa giggle. Something about how Robin's face scrunched together made it look like it was made of rubber. It was a weird thought, but it made Lissa laugh nevertheless.
He moved his gaze to the cleric at his side, grinning. "When you explained it, you said it was huge! But I had no clue it was huge!" He threw his arms up, as if taking in the large city.
Lissa giggled. "Well, I'm glad you like it. I've lived here for my entire life, and I love it as much as you do!"
Frederick cleared his throat, drawing both Lissa and Robin's attention. "Well. It seems the capitol has been spared from the chaos we encountered. Thank the Gods. I see no evidence of the earthquake. It must have been limited to the forest. We are lucky to still be breathing. We must report this news immediately." Chrom nodded in agreement.
Cheerily, Lissa seemed to bounce with each step, excited to finally be home. "Well, that's a relief!"
The four made their way through the streets, passing archway after archway as they moved into the heart of Ylisstol. With each gateway, Robin felt hope: Hope that this new life was going to be a good- No, a great one. And as he looked down at the sprightly girl at his right side, his couldn't be more confident.
"Look! The Exalt has come to see us!" A shout was heard over the bustle of the crowd. Robin glanced over to where the majority were gathering. A young woman, in her mid-twenties, Robin assumed, was waving to the crowd. A few soldiers guarded her sides, wearing stoic faces and wielding well polished lances. But the Exalt was strangely captivating. A brand on her forehead caught Robin's attention. It looked familiar…
Robin nudged Chrom with his shoulder. "Chrom… You mentioned that the Exalt is your ruler, correct?" He asked.
Chrom opened his mouth the speak, but Frederick spoke up quickly. "Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn." The bluenette lord looked slightly annoyed at his adviser's rude behavior, but it was intended to protect him. Frederick was still wary of Robin.
"Is it safe to walk amongst the commoners?"
Chrom didn't even bother to respond, as he knew Frederick would for him. "The Exalt is a symbol of peace- Ylisse's most prized quality. Peace has been in the Exalt's family for generations upon generations." Frederick explained, hands still clasped behind his back and his gaze fixated on the Exalt.
"Hm." Robin returned to observing Ylisstol as the four moved towards Emmeryn.
Chrom finally spoke. "The people need her, now that Plegia is poking at our borders. When others call for war, Emmeryn is a voice of calm reason."
Lissa grabbed Robin's coat sleeve. "She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!"
"I can imagi-" Wait. The brand. It was the same as Chrom's! Robin's eyes widened, making Lissa giggle again. "Wait, she's your- But wouldn't that make you and Chrom..." The pieces of the puzzle fell perfectly together.
"You never said you two were royalty!" Robin bowed his head. "Prince Chrom, I'm terribly sorry that I have been so-"
Chrom laughed. "Please, Robin. There is no need for formality here."
The final arch passed Robin overhead. This truly was the gateway to a new life. Already he had found new friends, despite his amnesia! And Robin wasn't going to turn back.