7
The rocky cliff faces of the valley and sandy desert begins to level out and meet the rolling plains, a slim creek to the west along with a sparse coverage of trees around the area. Not the first place Robin would pick for a battle, though it wasn't the worst either. The nearly flat landscape offered no tactical advantages to either but at least they weren't at some disadvantages like in the previous few battles, and Robin could work with that.
He had just finished seeing off the wounded and their guard detail, having them continue onward to Ferox as they would just be a liability had they stayed. Though this would cut into his fighting force a bit he would just have to make do.
He couldn't help himself, but Robin tried to remind himself not to act so confident, but something was stirring inside him. He was anxious, not because of the dire situation, it was something he couldn't explain. Though he almost couldn't wait to try out some things he's been theorizing and what better time than perhaps the final battle, seeing as the scouts have spotted Gangrel leading the army directly.
There were no sightings of Plegia's tactician which was worrying, that created the possibility of being attacked from another angle, maybe even flanked completely... but scouts hadn't picked up any sighting of Plegian troops outside of Gangrel's regiment, in fact some seemed to be defecting.
There was no better time to end this war here and now, and to think Robin almost wanted to continue the retreat, but that would only lead to more conflict and bloodshed as its unlikely the mad king would stop his attacks on the Exalt or Ylisse. It was unknown how Emmeryn would respond to the situation, would she compromise on her peaceful ideals after her experience? Despite Chrom's own opinion on dealing with Gangrel, he would hope his sister wouldn't falter in her peaceful ways, no matter what happened to her. In any case, ending the war now would be known as Chrom's decision, saving the Exalt the trouble.
"Father, you've been quiet for a while now..." more an observation than anything.
"Sorry about that, I've been concerned about a few things." He sighs, not looking over at his supposed daughter.
Ever since Morgan had shown up Robin had been using the war as an excuse not to think about all the issues that came along with her. What it would mean if she was telling the truth, if he had relationships and commitments elsewhere, a wife, a daughter, a family. It was all daunting, and all this comes when he was finally getting comfortable with the idea of never remembering his past.
"If it's the battle then don't worry, I'll pick up the slack! Not that I don't trust your strategy of course" she chirps, trying to hide a smirk.
"It's not about the battle though I trust you'll follow through regardless of what I say" he states before humming, wondering if he should bring this up now.
"After the battle, the war... would you like to come with me and visit Ylisse?"
Morgan tenses, the question a bit odd. Did he think she was going to leave him or something? She still has to take him back home, and Ylisse was far from it... she thinks.
"Uh... well you see..." she starts, her usual energy absent.
Robin notes the odd behavior, but before he can get the chance to ask a signal is sound, troops begin to scramble, getting into position as the two tacticians are caught in the middle of the chaos.
"Morgan, we'll talk about this later, until then... well, don't do anything I wouldn't" he tells her.
Snapping back to her normal self she scoffs, playfully crossing her arms at the thought.
-0-
"Alright... now let's see" Robin grins, ready to get on with it, he's just waiting for his support who is... missi-
"Here I am!" Lissa jumps surprising Robin a bit.
"What!? Lissa what're you doing here? I seem to remember sending you off with the wounded, and last I checked you aren't a dancer..." he sighs, placing a hand to his face.
"Robin, this is serious, it's bigger than you getting a private show from a cute dancer" she states dramatically.
The priest Libra gives the tactician a distrustful look as he passes by, Robin shaking his head, trying to explain the misinterpretation.
With a sigh and his shoulders drooped he asks, "What is it Lissa?"
"Chrom has a ring..." she growls in a hushed voice.
"...Okay but that doesn't mean... I mean it's Chrom..."
"Yeah, I know, just the other day he was confused why Sumia kept cooking for him... he called her a good friend"
Robin cringes slightly at the thought, Chrom would say that...
"Alright fine you can stay bu-"
With a smirk, Lissa coos "I'll be careful~" seeming extremely sure of herself she just finished Robin's sentence.
"Right..." Robin utters through clenched teeth, not really finding it a good time to ask Lissa to bring Olivia back for him now.
-0-
With the few hours they had before being caught up to, Robin spent his time placing everyone in as advantageous and defensive positions he could find. When the Plegians arrived, the first signs of conflict were a few probing attacks, testing the Shepherd's defensive positions and resolve.
Gangrel, true to his title was indeed mad, and very far from a tactician as it turns out. The enemy's movements were erratic, some followed the king's bold orders while others went against him, making more tactically sound decisions. It all resulted in a complete mess of a battle with Robin and Morgan needing to micromanage everyone as the enemy soldiers could either be making completely oblivious decisions or a devious feint.
The fighting was beginning to slow down as the Plegians were falling back to regroup and luckily Robin would take the time to do the very same.
"Chrom, how are you holding up?" He asks, not overly concerned seeing as he is usually one of the last people that would be having issues with simple engagements like this.
"I'm fine, a bit tired but I'll be able to hold steady for the remainder of the battle" he replies, stretching his sword arm to the side.
"If you're that tired, I could probably get Oliv-" the name dies on his tongue as Sumia appears at Chrom's side, a soft smile across her face. She may act cute, but she knows what she's doing "...uh never mind."
Chrom none the wiser brushes off the weird exchange and decides to ask something that's been on his mind.
"By chance, have you seen Marth around?"
"Uh honestly I've not really paid much mind to anyone the past few battles, but I'll keep my eyes open if you want…"
He just nods, deciding to keep quiet about the talk he and Morgan had yesterday after the last battle, Robin has enough on his plate for the time being.
I had some more written out, but this seemed like a more natural stopping place for the time being instead of revving up those battles.
Or should this have been longer? How often do people like seeing new chapters? and do people prefer short or long?
Tell me information please, how's the tone? did I mess something up? Is Lissa's character all wrong? Pls respond