Robin had placed a "DO NOT ENTER" sign on the flap door of her tent and another one that said, "ESPECIALLY YOU CHROM!" Sophia had to keep herself from snickering it since she knew why Robin did it. The silver-haired woman poured Sophia a cup and also herself. The table had a variety of sweets. A few were from Plegia, others from Ferox and some from Ylisse. From this, Sophia could tell Robin had a sweet tooth and also loved eating food because of the number of sweets there were in front of them. As for the tea Robin served, it was Ferox winter mint.
"How are you so far?" Robin asked as Sophia sighed a bit, "And I do not mean physically."
The green-haired woman looked up to her surprise.
"Emotionally and mentally, how do you feel?" Robin repeated and Sophia let out a small chuckle.
"You're the first to ask me those questions honestly." Sophia muttered, "I'm always asked if I'm fine but never if I am fine." She picked up her cup, "I'm tired. I'm hurting. I feel guilty. I'm in pain both physically and spiritually. I owe you and every one an apology."
"Sophia." Robin said and the woman looked at her concerned, "Even if you have met just now, I have always known your name. I do not know why but I know I can trust you." The woman smiled sadly as she looked at the liquid of her cup, "While I do not understand the suffering you have gone through, I do understand what it is like to be an outsider."
Robin picked up her cup, looking at her reflection. Her own tried crimson eyes looked back to her. Sophia understood what she meant as she sighed.
"I don't know what to do anymore. When I first you all...I was afraid." Sophia muttered, "So I kept my distance but I still wanted to help you all in a way. That's why I sent that note so you all could get a heads up in saving Maribelle's brother." She took a sip of her tea.
"That map helped us!" Robin expressed, "We had fewer casualties as well as we were able to swiftly save the boy!" Sophia looked at her surprised, "You did everything you could, Sophia. It was more than enough. You did well." Robin smiled softly.
You did well.
Those words were more than enough for Sophia to break down. Robin smiled softly as she stood up and hugged the woman tightly, letting her cry on her shoulder. For Sophia, it was something she needed. For so long she surpassed her emotions, the few times she expressed them was out of fear or anger, and rarely joy. But to express her emotions out of relief is something she needed. Robin was silent as she let the woman cry. She carried a burden on her shoulders, one she can not share yet. Robin understood the feeling of not belonging, feeling lost and helpless. Yet, with all that, a hand reached out to her. One with kindness and gentleness, a heart of steel and gold. That was Chrom, the man she fell in love with. Both women didn't know how many hours had passed but by the time Sophia was alright, she seemed calmer and as if a shadow was lifted from her.
"Ah...sorry about your shirt," Sophia muttered when she saw how wet Robin's shirt was.
"It's alright." Robin waved her hands a bit, "This is not the first time I have lent a shoulder. But, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, you're more than welcome!" She grinned as Sophia nodded.
"Oh no." Sophia gasped as she picked up her teacup, "The tea went cold. And you went through the trouble to make it." She sighed.
"Do not worry!" Robin chuckled as she went behind a curtain to change, "I can just warm it up with some fire magic. Besides, now that you have calmed down, we have a lot to talk about." You could hear clothing shuffling.
Right when Sophia was going to answer, the tent flap suddenly snapped.
"What the?" She could see someone trying to open it but who?
"Robin? Are you in there? Why is the tent flap locked?"
It was Chrom. Oh boy...
Robin let out a groan as she had finished changing her shirt and walked towards the tent flap.
"Chrom! Can you not read?! I have a reason why the tent flap is closed!" She yelled through.
Sophia could hear Robin saying why Chrom was temporarily banned from their tent. She couldn't help snort when Robin kept saying "you know why!" when Chrom still couldn't figure it out. On the other hand, Sophia understood Robin's embarrassment.
"Robin, please just explain why I can't come in! You even went as far as to zip up the tent flap!" Chrom pleaded and at this point, Sophia decided to give the man a verbal slap.
A gentle but powerful one.
"Honey, it's because I'm here!" She yelled out and Robin whirled around faster than the speed of light.
Chrom immediately shut up.
"Chrom, do you want to disturb our tea time?! Gasp! Oh my!" She was being a little shit and Robin figured it out based on how her ears were turning red, "A lady needs her nap time as well as time to eat sweets. Do you want to come in here and see us both in our small clothes?"
And Robin had officially become red as ruby and she could hear Chrom become a stuttering mess outside. Sophia kept going. Oh, she was going to take this opportunity to tease the couple.
"Ah! And it is quite rude to just walk into a tent or any room without announcing! What if Robin was naked?!" And Robin screamed while Chrom sounded like he was choking.
"Be a good boy and wait your turn to have fun with the lady."
"SOPHIA!"
Sophia had slapped her hand over her mouth as Chrom quickly excused himself and at this point, she had lost it. It's been years since she had a good laugh like this and it was one she welcomed. Robin could not help but laugh along with her but she was still upset with what the woman did. She warmed up the tea again and began to observe the woman. There was a rumor that Sophia and Sir Frederick had become close during their time in Plegia.
"That's it!" It was as if a Thron spell struck her.
Sophia had a triumphant smirk as she smugly took a sip of her tea. Robin glared but suddenly was observing the woman's shirt. Then like if the Thorn spell has struck her, she knew the perfect combat.
"That shirt." Robin smiled sweetly as she picked up her cup to take a sip, "It is quite large."
"I asked Lissa to get me men's clothing because the tank top of the Valkyrie uniform did not fit me," Sophia said as she took another sip of her tea.
She's going to make sure Felix never finds out it was her fault he had to clean his armor all over again.
"Is that so?" Robin said in a happy tone, "Do you know where she got it from?"
"I know one of the soldiers gave it to her," Sophia said, a bit confused.
"Oh." Robin raised her cup to her lips, "Sophia, that's Frederick's shirt."
"PFFFFFTTT!"
Robin blissfully took a sip of her tea as she enjoyed hearing Sophia choke on her own.
"Eh?!" Sophia looked at the tactician with wide eyes as crimson spread all over her face.
"Oh." Robin blinked innocently, "Lissa never told you? She saw that the other uniforms did not fit you and asked Frederick for one of his shirts." She smiled.
Sophia couldn't form any words at all as she slowly stood up to leave. Robin felt victorious as she yelled out a bit as she used magic to open up the tent flap now and remove the signs.
"Enjoy your time here!" Robin smiled as Sophia sent her a glare.
Robin just burst out laughing after she left.
[-]
Sophia, once again found herself at the river, hugging her knees because of embarrassment. Her face was still crimson because it never once crossed her mind that she was wearing Frederick's shirt. She let go of a sigh as she stood up and suddenly squeaked when arms suddenly circled her waist. She quickly looked down and saw it was Nowi.
"Hide me!" The young manakete squealed as she was bouncing on her toes.
"What happened?"
"COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT! GIVE ME BACK MY UNDERWEAR!"
"Oh." Sophia got her answer when Derrick's raging voice was heard throughout the entire camp.
Laughter could be heard filling up the entire camp. Nowi snickered as she waved a red cloth as if it was a flag.
"Nowi, you're going to get yourself killed." Sophia sighed as she took the garment from her and warped it to her friend.
"THANK YOU TO WHOEVER GOT IT BACK!"
"Aw! You ruined it! I was getting him back for eating my pudding!" Nowi pouted and Sophia just pinched the bridge of her nose.
She gently patted the manakete's head and began to head back to camp. She was hungry and after pouring her heart out to Robin, she wanted some sleep.
"Hey!" Nowi followed after her, "I never got to thank you for saving me in Plegia." She said as she had her hands behind her back.
"How's your shoulder?" Sophia asked, concerned.
"Oh much better! Lysithea said that the arrow just barely missed my veins and that I will recover quickly! But I'm still in mandatory no transforming into a dragon." She pouted and Sophia chuckled as they arrived near the stables.
"I'm still learning about manaketes but maybe I can make you something you like? What do you usually eat?" Sophia asked as they stopped in front of the wyvern stables.
"Oh! I love eating fruits a lot but also MEAT! Pork is my favorite. Oh! I don't like spicy stuff but I'm willing to eat it." Nowi grinned.
"How about I make you something from my homeland? I can tell you're hungry." Sophia had a way with kids and in this case, Nowi was like a child to her despite knowing the real age of the girl.
Nowi looked at her with sparkles in her eyes and nodded enthusiastically.
"Now, go apologize to Derrick. Believe me, someone running away with your clothing while you're taking a bath is not pretty." Sophia said and Nowi puffed her cheeks, "I'll throw in a dessert."
"Okay!" Nowi grinned and left to apologize to the man.
From what she has heard from Morgan, the two-act-like siblings. She sighed and saw the wyverns were excited to see her but she also saw the pegasus. Ingrid was kept in a separate stall because of what happened during the war. However, she was surprised to see a familiar redhead tending to Petra. Cordelia wiped her brow as she set down hay in Petra's stall along with the other wyverns. Sophia sighed to herself and decided to walk up to the woman, to help her out. She was struggling a bit with the haystack.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Sophia quickly ran to help her when Cordelia was about to trip.
She quickly caught the other side and helped her place it down.
"Oh, thank you!" Cordelia smiled and it faded a bit when she saw who it was that helped her.
"Hello." Sophia smiled a bit crooked but she needed to speak to the woman.
There was an awkward silence till she spoke.
"Listen, I want to apologize for what happened during the war. I did not think Ingrid would go wild when she heard my whistle and you nearly fell to your death. I sincerely apologize. I understand if you hold a grudge or want nothing to do with me, but I could not in my good mind not apologize to you. I do hope one day you can forgive me." Sophia politely bowed to her.
Cordelia was shocked by her words and even more that she was bowing to her. Petra gave a small whine as Cordelia walked around to the haystack to Sophia.
"Please raise your head." Sophia slowly looked up and saw Cordelia looked unsure.
The red-haired woman sighed a bit but spoke.
"Thank you for apologizing." Cordelia muttered, "What Ingrid did, many unpredictable things happen during war. So no one would predict she would do that. It is a rare behavior pegasus show. But you did also save my life and if you had not let us use your wyvern, we would have not been able to take over the east-west fort." She let go a small breath as she looked at the woman with a small smile, "Yes, I was terrified but also a lesson learned."
Sophia looked at her surprised and when she was about to speak, Petra chirped and poor Cordelia began being licked all over her face.
"Ugh!" The woman wiped her cheek but couldn't help but laugh as she tried to calm down the wyvern.
"What on earth did I do to earn your wyvern's favor!?" She laughed a bit as she was finally able to back away.
"Petra has taken a shining to you." Sophia smiled as she walked to the wyverns and petted it, "She was raised in Plegia and when a wyvern acknowledges a rider, it means they have seen they have potential to do extreme flying tricks for combat." She looked to the red-haired woman, "Petra sees you as a capable rider."
"Oh!" Cordelia looked at the wyvern surprised, "Well, aren't you a warrior?"
The wyvern let a prideful roar.
"Say," Sophia chuckled a bit, "How about we head back to camp? I have to cook dinner anyway since it was the only way to convince Nowi to apologize to Derrick." Sophia smiled a bit.
"Oh, food sounds lovely. By the way," Cordelia extended her hand out to her, "We may have started on the wrong foot but with today's meeting, I want to give you a chance. I'm Cordelia von Hairus, a pegasus knight. Nice to meet you." She grinned.
Sophia stared for a moment but smiled as she took Cordelia's hand and shook it.
"I'm Sophia Zunino, mage and doctor."
[-]
Sophia put on the apron she found on the counter and placed her hand on her chin as she looked at the goods available today. There wasn't anyone in the cooking tent and there was a variety of fruits and vegetables and surprisingly rice. It's not the first time she has cooked for a large crowd. It reminded her of her days when she would do volunteer work. Claude was perched nearby and she already gave him his food. Sophia stared at the wild boar that was brought in by Donnel and Stahl. She picked up the knife and began to skin and deboned it. She's eaten wild boar from her hunting days with her grandfather. A nice pheasant was also brought so she decided to roast it nicely in the stone ovens. The rice she washed and decided to steam it. The boar decided to cook a spicy sauce pork dish from her home. She then thought about Panne. The taguel can not eat potatoes because it makes them sick so...
"Fruits and vegetables. A salad with no dressing. Hmmm...lettuce, basil, apples, carrots, cilantro, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. That should do it." She quickly found the crate with the fruits and vegetables and began preparing the dish. Dinner wouldn't be in about an hour and the food would be ready by then. Even if she was alone in the tent cooking while humming a tune. She spotted flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to make a few pastries. She grabbed them and decided to make some Mexican polvorones, also known as wedding cookies because she had a funny feeling Chrom and Robin were going to announce their engagement tonight. She was walking back and forth as the hour ticked by preparing the food and right when she was going to take a break, someone decided to come into the tent.
"Hello? Oh, it smells lovely in here! Who is coo-Kya!"
SMACK!
"Ohhh!" Sophia cringed and quickly went to help out the poor woman that tripped on air back on her feet.
"Are you alright?" Sophia looked at the woman.
"Y-Yes I am alright!" Soft brown-colored eyes looked up to her.
The woman had curled long flowing brown colored hair and wore light pink armor with thigh-high boots. She had two wing hair clips on the back of her head.
"You're Sumia, aren't you?" Sophia gasped and the woman quickly straightened herself.
"Yes! And you are?" Sumia looked at her curiously then noticed all the food on the table, "Wait, did you make all this by yourself?!"
"Yes." Sophia couldn't help but beam, "I made all this for everyone! I hope it's all to your liking!"
Sumia's eyes sparkled but she then realized she forgot to introduce herself.
"Oh! I nearly forgot to introduce myself. I'm Sumia von Sheila! I remember you from the meeting. Are you alright?" Sumia asked, concerned and Sophia nodded.
"I'm alright. And thank you for your concern." Sophia gave her a soft smile.
"I'm glad." Sumia smiles kindly, "Many of us were worried and you bolted out. But I am glad you are alright."
"Once more, thank you for your concern." Sophia turned to pick up a plate, the roast pheasant, "Think you can help me take the food to the tables?"
"Eh?! Me?!" Sumia pointed to herself, "But I-" too late.
Sophia plopped the plate in her hands with a smile. She used to work as a waitress as a part-time job so it was funny seeing Sumia's jaw drop when she saw Sophia carrying multiple plates to the table. Sumia was on the verge of tripping but thankfully Gauis caught her on time. After he helped her, Sophia immediately saw how Gauis was eyeing the cookies she made, like a hawk. The man had already made his way to the table to take some but Sophia was faster.
Smack!
"Ow! What the hell Nymph?!" Gaius glared at Sophia for smacking his hand to keep him from smuggling the cookies she made.
"No cookies till after dinner!" Sophia scolded him and the man just groaned.
"If you want cookies, help me bring the rest of the dishes out!" She argued and Gauis nodded.
"By the way, did you make all this? It all looks amazing!" He yelled out as she walked out of the tent.
"I did!" She grinned as she placed the last of the plates out.
Gaius also put the last plate out along with Sumia and it was time for everyone to dig in. The first person who went to the spicy pork dish like some dying man was Vaike. He nearly choked but Miriel surprisingly slapped him on the back.
"Whoo! Aye, this food is delicious! Give my thanks to the chef!" Vaile yelled out with a mouthful and Miriel pinched the bridge of her nose. Sophia smiled softly as she sat down next to Tharja and surprisingly Lysithea sat in front of her. The violet-haired mage was silent and Tharja was ready to cast a sleeping sleep but...
"I understand now why you did it."
Sophia's eyes went wide as Lysithea sighed. The girl took a small bite of her pheasant and then spoke.
"I still wish I could have stayed with you back looking back at it...we both would have been in danger," Lysithea muttered and Sophia smiled sadly.
"Thank you." Sophia smiled and Lysithea nodded as she picked up the plate of polvorones, "Your debt has been paid with these cookies." And she stuffed one in her mouth.
However, her eyes went wide at how the cookie melted in her mouth and she could taste almonds and honey. The perfect cookie that melted in her mouth. Lysithea began squealing like a child as she was in complete bliss.
"What are these cookies?! They are absolute heaven!" She yelled and Sophia chuckled as she carefully took the plate from her friend.
"These cookies are called polvorones. A recipe from my homeland." Sophia grinned as she finally allowed the others to get some.
"Whoa, Holy Naga! These are divine! Nymph, I have to request you make me a few bags of these!" Gauis looked like he was in heaven as he ate.
"Hmm, not bad." Tharja commented, "I am usually not fond of sweets but these will do for me."
And like a bullet, Nowi appeared and grabbed a handful, stuffing them in her mouth.
"Kyyyyyaaaaa! These are delicious!" She squealed while everyone else was looking in horror.
"Pipsqueak! Don't eat them all!" Derrick yelled out and quickly jumped over the table to catch her but unfortunately, the girl was much faster than him.
"Whoo!" Nowi jumped with two plates in her hands, higher than anticipated, then stepped right on Derrick's face, using him as a bit of a stepping stone to jump and run away laughing like a gremlin.
Sophia could not help but burst out laughing along with Lysithea at the scene. Robin and Chrom were also laughing from their seats. Panne cracked a small smile as she ate the vegetable and fruit salad Sophia made for her. Even the other Shepards were laughing.
"Aw, there is one cookie left for our table," Sophia commented and like hawks, Gauis and Lysithea had their eyes on it.
Sophia was suddenly very afraid with the cookie in her hands.
"Sophia, can I please have the cookie? You know I'm your favorite." Lysithea smiled sweetly.
"Oh, gonna play like that Cupcake?" Gauis smirked but the smiles were completely wiped off their faces when said cookie was suddenly taken out of Sophia's hands, and was eaten.
"Hmm..." Frederick hummed as he chewed, " These are quite good. They would go well with a warm cup of tea." He swallowed.
It was as if all the energy and their very souls left their bodies as Lysithea and Gauis sat back down with defeated looks. Sophia could not help but laugh at the stunt Frederick just pulled and quite a few couldn't believe it either. She calmed down a bit and looked up at him.
"I didn't think you were so cruel!" She was still laughing as he shook his head and gave her a small smile.
"If it meant stopping whatever disaster was about to strike, so be it. By the way, Morgan has caught Nowi along with Lissa." He said and Sophia just sighed, shaking her head.
"Let them be kids. Lissa's 17 anyway." Sophia smiled as she took a sip of her wine.
Before Frederick could speak, the sound of glass clinking could be heard. Everyone looked towards the table where Chrom and Robin sat and saw the couple standing up. The place quoted down and people sat back down.
"Thank you everyone for your attention!" Chrom grinned, "Over the past few months that have come and go, we have gone through war. We overcame the obstacles that were thrown our way. We stood by each other's side and fought. For that, I thank you all." Chrom smile became a bit sad as he looked up to the sky, "And to my sister Emmyren. Her words caused a change in the hearts of many. Sister, I hope you're doing well."
Sophia frowned a bit. Emmeryn was alive. She was hidden away currently. Yet, she felt guilt claw her.
"We shall be heading back to Ylisse in a few days. But before we do, I have an announcement to make." Chrom motioned Robin towards him and both raised their hand.
Many gasped once they saw the silver rings the couple was wearing.
"Robin and I are engaged!" Chrom yelled and the entire camp broke into cheers, many yelling out congratulations to the couple.
Sophia looked over to Cordelia's table, where she could see the woman was in shock but also holding back tears. She put on a fake smile and clapped to congratulate the couple. She sighed, knowing the woman was devastated and only hoped that she would do well in the future. Sophia watched as the Shepherds one by one went to congratulate Chrom and Robin as she took a bite of her food.
"Say, you want to know the other name the cookies go by?" Sophia said and the others looked at her confused, "They are also called Wedding Cookies." She smirked.
Lysithea already hoped that the cookies Sophia made would also be made for the royal couple's wedding. Frederick chuckled a bit as he ate.
"I'm assuming you predicted this was going to happen tonight?" He asked and Sophia just shrugged.
She spotted Morgan smiling sadly and most likely on the verge of crying because he was seeing his parents become engaged and also was celebrating it.
"Excuse me." She excused herself and went to Morgan's table.
He was sitting with Nowi, Lissa and Stahl. The others were away, congratulating the couple while it was just Morgan sitting alone. The boy jumped a bit when Sophia sat next to him but let go a sigh of relief. She ruffled his hair a bit and spoke.
"How are you doing?" She whispered and Morgan sighed as a sad smile graced his lips.
"I never thought I would see the moment my parents became engaged. Being here with all the Shepherds...experiencing what I was never able to in the future...it's all so much. I'm beyond grateful for these moments. Yet...I feel like something is missing." Morgan muttered.
"What do you plan to do?" She asked and the boy turned to her.
"I asked Lady Miriel if I could enroll into the magic academy when we return to Ylisse. She was very happy and welcomed me. Sir Ricken also. I want to become stronger to protect this present we have now." Morgan muttered and Sophia nodded.
She smiled a bit and stood up, extending her hand to him.
"We have yet to give our blessings to the couple." Sophia grinned and the boy took her hand.
Morgan was nervous as they walked up and waited for their turn. After Sumia and Kellmen finished their congratulations, it was their turn. Morgan held his hands together as he was trying not to show his nervousness but it melted away at the sight of his parents. They were brimming with joy, something he missed. When they turned to them, he could not help but yell out in joy.
"Congratulations on your engagement!" Sophia had never seen him so happy and she knew the boy was trying to hold back tears.
Chrom could not help but laugh and ruffle the boy's hair.
"Thank you, Morgan!" Chrom grinned and Robin hugged the boy.
"Thank you so much, Morgan! I hope to see you at the wedding!" Robin grinned and Morgan nodded his head rapidly.
"I will be there! For sure!" Morgan yelled out and Sophia saw some of his tears fall.
She smiled and turned to the couple with a plate of the cookies she made.
"Congratulations, you two. I hope Naga watches over you all." She said and Robin nodded as she took the plate.
"Thank you, Sophia. By the way, these cookies are divine! I have never eaten ones like these before." Robin said and Sophia smiled.
"Well, that's because this is a recipe from my homeland. Also, these are called, Wedding Cookies." She smirked when she saw Chrom freeze as he was in the middle of eating one.
"Congratulations once more!" Sophia said and Robin couldn't help but laugh.
"Sophia, I request you make these during the wedding," Chrom said as he swallowed the last bit.
Sophia chuckled and gave a small smile.
"I'll think about it."
The rest of the night was a giant celebration and excuse to get wasted by some others.
[-]
Sophia let go of a sigh as she woke up in the morning. It's been a few days since the celebration and many were starting to pack up their things to head back to Ylisse. That was the thing, she can't go with them. Not yet at least. She could pull the disappearing act but then everyone would panic and try to look for her. Not to mention that Lysithea would have her head on a stick. She had much to think about. First, was helping Emmeryn enough to recover but also to return her to her family. There was going to be a lot of drama when it happened. Next, the Grimleal. She knows the Grimleal or hunting her down and not to mention she doesn't even know if Aversa is alive or not. It was reported she fell from the sky but was rescued. The only she does know is if the woman survived the wounds she received from her. Sophia also has to worry about future children. She has been keeping an eye out for them but the only ones she has encountered are Morgan, Alm, and Lucina. Any of the others, she only hoped that they are safe.
She stood up and put on the clothing she made for herself. She secretly washed Frederick's shirt and put it in her bag because it would be embarrassing to return it and even worse if he wore it. She wore a long-sleeve dress with a dark green cloak and winter boots to keep warm. She walked out of her tent and decided to check out the training area. Walking through the camp, she could see people packing things up. Others collect herbs to take home. Some were sparring while others were relaxing and having some fun. A few others were tending their riding mounts. She arrived at the training grounds and saw Lissa was there. The blonde girl looked frustrated as she sent a blast to the practice target but it didn't do much damage. Donnel was there practicing with her. Sophia hadn't heard Bryhildr say anything but from what she heard before she woke up a giant wall of white light engulfed the camp and many people were healed. Sophia had a sneaky suspicion that it was the Book of Naga and someone touched it. The only ones that would be able to use it would be Chrom or Lissa.
Not Chrom because that man is horrible with magic and would set Ylisse on fire by accident if he even tried to conquer a fire spell. The second person would be Lissa. The girl is a war cleric. They need to specialize in white magic as well as physical damage.
"Hyaa!"
The sound of something exploding made her return to reality. Sophia's eyes went wide when she saw that Lissa had punched the target with goblets, wherever the hell those came from.
"Hey! Not bad!" Donnel clapped as the girl slumped a bit, "What's wrong Lissa? I think you did a pretty good job ripping apart that target practice."
"Donnel, I need to work on my magic, not physical strength," Lissa whined a bit.
"You're doing fine. But I need to speak to you."
The two turned to see Sophia walking towards them with a tome in her arms.
"Oh! Sophia!" Lissa grinned as the woman walked up to them, "Good morning! How can I help you?"
"So you're Sophia!" Donnel looked at her shocked, "Um, nice to meet you, ma'am! I'm Donnel! One of the knights here!"
"Nice to meet you Donnel. You already know my name so no need to introduce myself." Sophia gave him a small smile and turned back to Lissa, "But back to the subject. Lissa, do you recognize this tome?" She held out the book.
Lissa immediately paled and looked away.
"Umm..." the girl became nervous.
"I promise you that you are not in trouble. I just need to know if you recognize it and if you have used it." Sophia said and Lissa cracked.
"Yes, I recognize it. The day Miriel and I were healing you, I accidentally dropped your belongings to the ground and when I picked up the tome, it opened up in my hands. And before I knew an entire white light engulfed everyone and many were healed." Lissa spilled everything and Donnel looked at her worried.
"I had a sneaky suspicion." Sophia sighed, "I want you both to watch me use this tome."
The two were confused but nodded. When Sophia had the Book of Naga float in front of her, she was immediately greeted by electronic shocks.
"NGH!" She should be screaming but because her body became accustomed to the pain, she could barely stand it.
The two looked at her in horror and begged her to stop, which she did. She was panting and they quickly took her to a bench to sit down.
"Are you crazy?! Why would you do that?!" They both scolded her.
"Tis but a flesh wound." Sophia dismissed it, "But as you both witnessed, that tome..." she points to the tome next to her, "I can not use it, no matter how much I try. And there is a reason for that."
She let go of another sigh as she turned to look at Lissa directly.
"Naga's blood does not run through my veins." She said.
You could hear a pin dropping as Lissa processed what Sophia had just said.
"Um...I..." Lissa shifted a bit uncomfortably and Sophia sat up normally.
"Lissa, only those who have Naga's blood can use that tome. That is why it reacted that moment when you touched it. Tell me, what did you feel when you touched it?" Sophia asked and Lissa sighed.
"Honestly, I felt safe. The tome felt warm, like home. Almost as if it was welcoming me. I have never felt that with any tome so I was surprised. '' Lissa muttered as she sat next to her.
"Sigh...tomes are alive in a sense and this tome took a liking to you. Well, to be more precise, only you can wield it." Sophia said, "Lissa, this is the Book of Naga..." Sophia turned to Lissa and gave her a small nod, "Keep it."
"Eh?" Lissa's smile froze as her brain was processing what she just said.
"Could you repeat that?" Lissa could barely say and Donnel gave her a worried look.
Sophia sighed as she looked to her left hand and then gently touched the right side of her face that was bandaged.
"The Book of Naga. Keep it."
"EEEEHHHHH!?"
"GHAA!" Sophia screeched, covering her ears because Lissa's screech was louder than anything she had ever heard.
Even poor Donnel looked like someone smacked him with a tin bell right next to the ears.
"B-But! This is yours! I can't keep this! I don't even have the Brand of Naga!" Lissa protested but one cold look from Sophia's now crimson eye shut her up.
"It doesn't matter if you do not have the brand. Naga's blood flows through your veins. Only those who have her blood may wield it. The only reason I was able to be because I forced it. And look where that got me." She pointed to her face, "A tome is alive. And when the tome rejects the Caster, it knows. The Book of Naga knows you are a kind person and a gentle soul. That is why it answered your call when you picked it up. The book 'loves' you." Sophia sighed again as she looked back to the table where her bag is.
"You may not see it now but The Book of Naga heard you. You want all those you love and care for to be safe and healthy. You want your people to be safe. There are sorrow and sadness but also love so pure that it knows what you want." She looked towards Lissa.
The girl bit her lip as she held the tome tightly to her chest.
"Why me...? Why not Chrom?" The girl whispered.
"Because," she looked up and Sophia smiled softly, "A kingdom can not prosper without those who cherish it." She gently placed her hand on her head.
"Chrom needs you. Donnel needs you." The said boy became a blushing mess, "Your kingdom needs people like you. The world needs people like you." Before Lissa could say anything, her eyes began to suddenly feel heavy.
She slumped forward into Sophia's arms and before Donnel could move, she appeared behind him putting him to sleep. Gently, the two were placed on the bench, leaning on each other and the Book of Naga was placed next to Lissa. Sophia took a deep breath and grabbed her bag, and smiled sadly.
"Let's go." She muttered and gave one last look to Lissa before she left.
"And to answer your question, Chrom is horrible with magic."
[-]
By the time you find this letter, I will already be gone. No, I am not pulling a disappearing act on you all, that is why I am writing this letter. With the recent events that have happened as well as the war, I think I need time to myself before I can decide where to move forward. I thank you all for your time and for welcoming me.
Robin, thank you for listening to me, and also I apologize for the teasing. I will come to your wedding, that is for sure. Hopefully, the next time we meet, I'll be a better person.
Lysithea, I'm leaving you with my cookie recipe and make sure Gaius does not steal it! Other than that, I entrust you with my family recipe and hope you enjoy them. You are an amazing friend and hope things go well between you and Felix. I saw the looks in your eyes.
Tharja, please try not to hex anyone.
Derrick, for the love of God, please try not to cause too much trouble. Still, I know you're looking out for Nowi, since she's younger than you. You two are like siblings, take care of each other.
Henry, thank you for everything that you have done. The plans, us being able to escape, we wouldn't have done it without you. Thank you, truly. I hope you have fun at the academy in Ylisse. Just try not to blow up the place.
Morgan, I will be going away for a while. I will watch over Emmeryn for a while till she is ready to return to her family. I know it will take a few months but I want her to be well. You are a strong boy and I know you will be okay. I know you'll have fun in Ylisse and learn a lot. Also, I leave Petra to you. Make sure she gets her fruits every day or she gets grouchy. Take care.
There was one more letter she had written and was debating if she should deliver it or not. Sophia sat at the edge of the cliff early in the morning. She watched as the sun began to show its first peaks. Ingrid was ready to take off at any moment, her belongings packed since she didn't have much. She heard footsteps approaching and that person sat next to her.
"You're leaving." It was Morgan and she saw the letter in his hands.
"I am." Sophia muttered, "I need some time to myself after everything that has happened. I still have many conflicted emotions and even more since I am hiding your supposed dead aunt." She sighed as she looked back to the horizon.
"I honestly don't know how everyone is going to react once Emmeryn is well enough to return her to them."
Sophia sighed as she and Morgan sat near the edge of a cliff. Their feet dangled a bit as they watched the sunrise. The boy looked at her sadly as her eyes looked down to the camp below.
"Morgan, did Emmyren survive in your time?" She muttered and the boy shook his head.
"No...From what I learned of the war in my time...My aunt was killed in the assassination that took place months ago. However," his eyebrows furrowed, "they did discover some strange mark left on her."
"A mark?" Sophia turned to him, puzzled.
"The best way I could describe it is if the symbol of Naga and Grimleal were fused. At that time, Mother and Father believed it was the Grimleal's way of marking their victims but..." he was hesitant on saying the next part.
"But what Morgan?" Sophia narrowed her eyes a bit.
"A year later someone broke into the royal cemetery and her body was stolen." Sophia looked at him shocked.
"Growing up, father spent years searching for her till his final days. We were never able to locate her, unfortunately." Morgan muttered and looked back to the camp.
Sophia stood up and turned to walk away since the sun was rising even more.
"Sophia."
She stopped, waiting for the boy to finish. Morgan smiled at her.
"I hope you come back someday to Ylisse. Home...wasn't the same without you my teacher. Be safe."
She smiled softly and raised her hand, giving him a thumbs up.
"You be safe too you gremlin." Sophia smiled softly and turned back to him, giving him a letter, "Make sure Frederick gets this."
"I will Aunty."
[-]
Ingrid neighed loudly as she took off to the sunrise, heading towards the mountains of Ferox. Sophia let go of many deep breaths as she began ripping off her hair tie and the bandages she still had. She couldn't help but laugh and grin as the bandages flew away in the air. She was no longer bound by the Grimleal. She no longer had to live in fear. She no longer had to be afraid of the burden she carried. She will tell Robin the truth so they could prepare Valm. She's done running. For once in her life, she felt free.
For a moment just in time...I am finally me.
Even if she still had a long way to go, the sunrise had never looked so beautiful before. She threw her arms up in the sky, finally able to scream out the words she has been wanting to do for a long time.
"I'M FREE!"
{-}
Laid low by their scars,
A people wounded, but free.
Seek what lies beyond,
This dark age.
The seasons they turn,
Winter to spring.
Dulling the pain and
Erasing the sting.
The seasons turn,
Summer to fall.
Time's warm embrace
Begins to heal all.
A Dark Saint's Heart: Arc 1: Plegia War Arc: Complete