AN: Well, been a while. Longest space between chapters so far. Sorry 'bout that. Missed you guys. Got a new puppy, been busy with Elden Ring, and I've been saving to get my car fixed, so needless to say I've had my hands full. I'm trying to kick off some of the rust on my writing (I know for sure I've gotten rusty since I slowed down updates) and I'm hoping you all like this chapter. Feel free to leave any reviews or DMs, either is cool. All I ask is be polite. Anyways, love you dudes. Enjoy.

Needless to say, I'm not an early riser.

I mean, I used to be, sure. Being up at 4:30 in the AM to get into work on time will get you in the habit. But it sure as shit wasn't a habit that I had liked. One I was more than happy to kick. One I likely shouldn't have, considering I effectively joined the military, at this point.

But early risin' ain't so bad. Wake up, eat breakfast, spend my day in the sun learnin' how to use a rapier and practicing my aim. Simple. Straightforward.

Waking up and beginning the slow march to a frozen shitpit called Regna Ferox?

Eh, not so much. After three days of nonstop marching, I'm pretty sure my calves are carved of wood.

As we come upon the fortress walls, I remove my hat, knocking the snow off of it. I'm not as cold as the others, due in part to both the nice fringe coat I bought in the market (with the last on my money I might add), and the fact I'm from New England. It's not as cold as fucking Canada, but it sure as shit snows half the damn year.

Hell of a nice coat though. Kind of a bluish color. Fancy as all hell. And I got some warm leather gloves to keep my hands toasty.

Lamenting my parents' poor choice in places to settle down aside, some of the others are certainly faring far worse. Lissa is complaining to Frederick, as if she's about to freeze on the spot.

Vaike however, doesn't seem fazed by the heavy snow in the least.

I'm about to tap him on the shoulder to gather his attention, when I spot something dark in the snow a few meters behind him. It's... his axe.

Sigh. As if I didn't see that one coming. I turn towards it, trudging towards the axe. Hefting it out of the snow and brushing it off, I lift it onto my shoulder, though not without a good bit of effort. How the hell Vaike swings this thing around I'll never know.

"Vaike!" I shout, trying to get him to turn around. "Vaaaike, your axe!" I yell, picking up my pace to catch up to him. I clap his shoulder, and he turns to me.

"Oh, Thom. What's up?" He asks. I hold his axe in front of him, eyebrows furrowed. "My axe! Thanks!" He yells, snatching it.

"Yep." I tell him. "Just doin' my job." I tell him. "Speaking of, how do you keep losing the damn thing? It's heavier than everything I carry combined." I wonder.

I turn to the fort, noticing the others are beginning to stop. "Man, finally some shelter. I got no fuckin' clue how you been walkin' through this snow shirtless. I ain't so cold neither, but I could use a drink soon." I complain.

"The Vaike is just built different, I guess! But I hear ya'! I could go for a drink myself." Did he just say he's fucking built different?

"Hear, hear. Let's just hope they let us through. It's getting' too late for this shit." We stop behind the supply carriage, and I tighten up my gun belt and sheathe, making sure to secure everything I'm carrying. Knowing what's about to go down, I should probably prepare.

Knife? Check. Guns? Check. Rapier? Check. Hat? Ballin' out.

Here's hoping we don't have to kill anybody.

Suddenly, a distant voice rings out from atop the wall. "Halt! Who goes there!"

Duhhh, fuck. Go time.

"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek an audience with the Khans!" Chrom announces, taking a few steps towards the gate. I know full well we won't be getting off on the right foot. Let's just hope we end it on the right foot.

"Not another step, my bold lad! I've Lancers at the ready!" Raimi belts, holding her hand out to signal Chrom to cease his approach.

"Hold milady! We are not your enemy!" Frederick insists, his voice resonating through the cold winter air. He lifts his lance up just a bit, readying himself for whatever comes. "Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest!"

Raimi tenses up, looking rather uh... angry.

It's kinda hot, not gonna lie.

"My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, Brigand!" She shouts. Frederick looks taken aback.

"B-brigand? Now see here-" He begins, but Raimi cuts him off before anything else leaves his mouth.

"You think you are the first 'Ylisseans' to try and cross our border? I've the authority the fell such imposters where they stand!" Heh. Sus. Maybe I should intervene? It would spare us a possible diplomatic incident if I can stop this skirmish before it begins.

Nah. Fuck that. I'm playing it safe. Can't afford to derail anything.

"How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, the Exalt's own blood!" Freddy screams at Raimi, outraged. Yes, Frederick. Smash.

"Hah! Yes indeed- and I am the queen of Valm!" She barks.

I'm growin' pretty tired of this half-witted bullshit, honestly.

"'Ey, Vaike." I mutter to him, slowly unsheathing my rapier. I still need to name this thing. Guess I'm waiting for the time to be right, y'know? Maybe I should name my other weapons?

"Yeah?" He replies, hefting his axe off his shoulder with ease, bringing it to the ready.

"What're the chances you reckon this comes to blows?" I ask him, sniffling a bit. He mulls it over for a second.

"I think it doesn't look good." He concludes. Well shit, real astute.

"Yeah," I affirm. "That's what I'm thinkin'. Try not to kill anyone if it does, right? I don't think it'll make us look very good." I tell him. He nods, not looking all too worried. He's nothing if not confident. "Say, when this is over how 'bout we drain all the ale these dorks got? Five gold says I outdrink you?"

"Hah!" He laughs, slugging my arm. "You're on!"

"-eard quite enough! ATTACK!" Raimi bellows, ordering her lancers to shishkebab Chrom. We stand, frozen in place. In our defense, there's not much you can do to help someone over the course of one and a half seconds.

Not unless you're Sumia, of course. She swoops in at the speed of a bullet, swiping Chrom off the ground and pulling him onto her Pegasus behind her.

Everyone brings their weapons to bear, readying for the ensuing brawl.

Chrom, ever-so high in the air, unsheathes Falchion, and Sumia begins her descent towards the ground. With peerless grace, Sumia lands at the front of the group, with Chrom dismounting. "Oh, Captain. I'm so relieved I made it in time." She sighs. Sumia, you wonderful human being.

"That goes double for me, Sumia!" He agrees. "And this- is this the same ornery Pegasus we met on the road!?" Chrom inquires, voice filled with awe.

"Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she?" Sumia swoons, stroking the Pegasus' mane. "...Once you get to know her..." She mutters. I'll admit, it's a beautiful horse. With wings of course, but it's still a horse.

Chrom gives her a kind smile, bearing a hint of some deeper affections. "We'', many thanks to you both." He thanks her.

"I think the Pegasus is blushing!" Lissa jokes. I step closer to the front, passing by a few people.

"And I think we had all best focus on the situation at hand!" Fredrick demands. I clear my throat.

"Just what I was gonna' say..." I mention, unholstering one of my revolvers. "Chrom, Robin, what's the plan?" I question, tension quickly mounting as the Feroxi close in. Robin immediately takes control.

"They're mobilizing quickly! We should pick a side to move up and make for one of the sets of stairs. Vaike, Frederick, you two lead the way! Stahl, Thom, and Miriel, you take the rear guard! Everyone else, stay close!" Robin commands. She sure has a thing for taking control. It's one thing to see in game, but real life? It's a helluva thing.

We form up without another word, with Stahl and Miriel bringing up the rear. We charge for the right side of the gate, and with Frederick and Vaike cleaving through the Feroxi's guard and Lissa keeping her attention on them, we make our way up with little trouble. Once the others make it up atop the wall, I motion for Stahl and Miriel to head up the stairs.

I'm a couple feet up the stairs when a javelin flies past me, embedding itself into the stone stairs.

"Fuck!" I shout, half in surprise, half in shock. These guys aren't playing around. I raise my gun, letting off a shot in the direction of the Feroxi soldiers that have caught up to us. It finds it's mark in the first step. The one who threw the Javelin stops in his place, as do the others. His eyes wide, he puts his hands up before backing away. "Yeah, back up! Back the fuck up!" I warn. The other two guards move past him, trying to rush me.

I pop off two more rounds, one striking the hand of one of the guards. The other goes wide and buries itself in the snow. The round takes some off his fingers, making him drop his sword. He grabs his hand, falling backwards into the man behind him and tumbling down the stairs. The other one looks up at me in shock.

"Back! Don't make me kill you!" I beg, eyes getting just the slightest bit watery. He looks back and forth between me and the guard I hit, who is now cradling his hand, with the one who surrendered trying to aid him. He nods to me, turning and running to help his cohorts.

Yep, definitely out drinking Vaike tonight.

Satisfied, but feeling a little sick, I turn to move up the stairs and meet the rest of the Shepherds atop the Longfort. Clamoring to my feet atop the wall with a gun in my left hand and rapier in the other, I look around trying to assess the situation.

It's Chaos. Vaike is hit with an arrow, and Lissa is busy administering aid. The others are all caught up in their own skirmishes, with Virion defending Sumia and her Pegasus from the Feroxi archers, and Sully and Frederick busy barreling through the Feroxi's defensive line. The others who are all on foot are busy fighting off the Feroxi who are caught in our midst. Someone's gonna get killed if things continue like this.

Making an effort to caught everyone's attention, I make a risky choice.

I raise my gun in the air, and let off my last three shots as warning shots. They echo through the cold air, making loud cracking noises.

Yes yes, I know. 'There's no such thing as a warning shot, only a missed shot.' Cry about it. Gun safety doesn't exist here and I make the rules. It seems to do the job though, as the battle comes to a standstill. Everyone looks in my direction.

Shit. I uhh, didn't think this far ahead. Come on, Thom. Improvise! Say something!

"Guuuys! Can we settle this over some drinks?! Am fucken sick of getting' things thrown at me!"

The Feroxi look on confused, as do the Shepherds. Chrom and Robin look at each other, then to me. For a moment there is silence, then they make eye contact with Raimi. The woman looks confused, and not as hostile as before. Good. Good, keep talkin', Thom.

"'Kay then! We good?! I want some Ale already!" I shout, holstering my gun and sheathing my sword. I let my body language loosen up, and everyone seems to calm down. The Feroxi look to Raimi, who seems dumbfounded. For a minute I think I've diffused things...

"Not on your life! I don't know what manner of weapon you wield, but if you wish to pass the Longfort, you'll prove it through your strength!" Raimi demands.

Is this bitch serious?! I have a fucking gun!

The Feroxi and the Shepherds move the resume the battle, but I throw my hands up. "Woah woah woah! You want to test our strength? Fine! But how 'bout a duel instead of killing each other?! Fuck!" I argue. I can't believe this bitch! I knew the Feroxi were hardheaded but damn!

Raimi mulls it over for a moment, before looking to her men. She nods, and looks to Chrom. "If you truly are the Crown Prince of Ylisse as you have claimed, then defeat me in battle. Only then shall you be permitted to pass." She asserts. "Fail to prove your identity, and you'll be put to the blade."

Robin looks to me as if she's going to ask me to fight, but I put my hands up. "Hey, ain't me who's gotta' prove who I am. This is Chrom's fight." I look over to him. "It's all you, boss. Sooner you beat her, the sooner we can get a move on." I shrug.

He looks none too amused, but nods in understanding. "Very well. Let's get this over with, then." He unsheathes Falchion, spreading his stance out a bit and lowering to the ground. Raimi readies her shield and javelin, turtling behind the hunk of iron.

In a few brief moments, the battle unfolds. Chrom launches forward, closing the distance before Raimi can throw a javelin at him. She attempts a thrust, but he bats it away with his sword, before squaring off and launching an upward strike that hits the bottom of her shield, prying her guard away from her.

He moves in the club her with the pommel of Falchion, but she regains her balance in time to back away. Now on the defensive, Raimi take a few steps back away from Chrom and attempting to defend from his strikes by thrusting with another javelin. Her efforts ultimately prove pointless, as Chrom closes the distance, striking Raimi across the chin with the edge of Falchion.

She falls to the floor, dazed. She reaches for her javelin, but Chrom places his foot on her chest, pushing her to the ground and placing the tip of Falchion at her throat. There is silence for a few moments, before her hand drifts away from her weapon.

The battle is won. And not a second too soon.

"Holy shit, that was quick." I utter, breaking the silence. The Shepherds share a small cheer of victory, as Raimi climbs to her feet with all the grace of a warrior woman who had just been absolutely styled on.

"...A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand imposters." She mutters, head bowed for a moment. "No brigands could ever wage battle as you have! I will have word of your arrival sent to the capital, and I will escort you there personally!" She asserts.

"Thank you, that would be most appreciated." Chrom thanks her. She bids her farewell, and leaves to go and talk to her troops. For a moment, there is quiet. Before Robin pipes up.

"W-wow, she really changed her tune..." She stutters, amazed.

"In Ferox, strength speaks louder than words." Frederick explains. "I should have known better than to overestimate diplomacy, here..."

I nod, humming in agreement. "Eh, some people just like getting smacked around I guess." I jape, patting him on the shoulder. Robin giggles, as does Lissa. Speaking of...

"S-sso can we get going Chrom?" Lissa asks, though more like begs. She's shivering again.

Right, the cold.

"Yes, it's not getting any warmer." He agrees.

Thank fuck. Time for a few drinks.

…...

"For Eight Beers!" I cheer, only four drinks deep. Vaike cheers alongside me as we begin the fourth round, clinking our glasses. The other Shepherds are scattered about the rest of the dining hall, enjoying their food and conversing. Some with the other Shepherds, some with the Feroxi.

The Feroxi don't seem all too bothered by our presence, even with me and Vaike howling up a storm and drinking like fish. They almost seem to be enjoying it. Then again, I'm sure working the border for a while get boring. Doesn't seem like there's much fun to be had here.

I feel a force strike my shoulder opposite of Vaike, and I turn ready to chat shit. Thing is, I'm greeted by Raimi. "So, you're the strange one I keep hearing everyone talk about." She starts. "You're look quite out of place."

"Ugh," I sigh. "Is it that obvious?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. She looks down at my guns. Right. I oughta' remember that.

"Some of my men told me about you. About the strange weapon you wield." She tells me. I'm reminded of the man I shot.

"Oh. Oh God that's right." I mutter, eyes opening just a bit more. "I'm so sorry about that. I didn't want to hit him. I just didn't have a choice, I think." I rush to apologize. She stops me.

"Worry not. Hamza can swing a sword just fine. He just needs to learn to use his other arm." She assures me. I breathe a bit easier, but the guilt still lingers in my gut. "I just wanted to thank you." She what?

"Whaddya' mean?" I ask, surprised. She takes a breath.

"My men told me about the strange manner of weapon of wield, but they also told me you begged for their lives. I've half a mind to reprimand them for yielding, but having seen your weapon in action, eve I gave pause. Thank you for sparing them." She thanks.

I'm shocked, and rather touched. I wasn't expecting a thanks for this, in fact I expected negative repercussions. "I-it ain't no problem, ma'am." I tell her, head tilting down to try and hide my face out of embarrassment. "Sure as shit, I don't wanna kill nobody I ain't got to." I take a drink and look back at her. "Now, on a more positive note, can I buy ya' a drink?" I offer.

She smirks, and shakes her head. "I'm quite alright. I must get to sleep soon enough, if I am to escort you and your lot to the capital tomorrow." She turns to leave, and again I find myself stunned.

Never thought I'd see a Feroxi turn down a drink.

Fuck, did that really happen? Maybe she had a point, but I kinda' wanna get a view of the night sky afore I hit bed.

I almost consider sinking four more beers and singing drunken shanties, but I think I overestimated myself. Vaike doesn't seem fazed by the four rounds we've finished, and my head is beginning to swim. I may have been a bit of a boozer back home, but it had been a while since I'd had a drink. Before coming here at least.

Here. In frozen fucking Ferox. Sinking drinks with someone I thought wasn't even real.

Urgh. We got more marching in the morning. Maybe I should tap out now. Getting drunk seemed more fun before I started thinking about things.

"Hey Vaike, I think I'm gonna tap out actually. I don't think I can keep up." I groan, sliding 5 gold across the table to him. He looks up at me, away from his drink.

"Really? Everything alright?" Vaike asks, looking a bit concerned. How nice.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good. Just tired. Guess Feroxi ale is stronger than whatever Ylisseans drink." I joke, getting up from my bench. Before he can say another word, I move for the door. "Night, man." I grab a bottle of Ale off the bar on my way out, tucking it in my sleeve.

With as much effort as I can muster (which is admittedly not much) I push open the door, stepping out into the frigid Feroxi air. The cold pierces my jacket like an unseen blade, and I react with a small shiver. It's cold, sure. But I'm a Northerner. I've had worse.

I begin to pace along the path before me atop the wall of the Longfort, before finding a good perch overlooking the wilderness me and the Shepherds spent the last few days braving.

It reminds me of home.

Cold, snowy, an' quiet. Beautiful. Only here I can see the stars. I miss home. Sure, I probably have a better life here. Something less artificial than the life I lived back home. But still, it hurts y'know? All the times I had. Both good ones an' bad ones? Hell, all my memories are from there.

Guess I shouldn't complain too much. I always wanted a new start. But I always figured I'd pile my shit into my car and go live in Utah, or Montana. Something like that. Not... here.

Sigh.

Wish I had my playlist here with me. Can't even listen to music at will anymore. Guess I could always sing it.

How did that song go again? The one I liked to listen to when I was all mopey an' shit?

…...

(Robin's POV)

I'm on only my second drink when Vaike approaches me. At first, I'm a little frustrated. I chose the corner of the room specifically because I wanted some privacy. He clears his throat.

"Robin, can I ask you somethin'?" Vaike asks, just loud enough so the people at the table next to us don't hear. What's he up to?

"What is it, Vaike? Need something?" I ask him, silently hoping something will draw him away. I just want some peace.

"You're close with Thom, right?" He questions. Ok. Now I'm a bit worried. I know Thom has a bit of a tendency to drink a bit too much, and he sure is good at finding trouble.

"Uh, yeah. I am. Something wrong?" I ask him, leaning in a bit. I hope it's not too serious.

"Well, we were havin' a drinking contest and he got mopey all of a sudden. One second he was all smiles, next he just decides he's had enough and leaves." He explains. Now I'm more than a bit worried.

"Which way did he go?" I ask him. He points to the door next to the counter. The one leading to the walls. Oh no. Thom, what are you doing up there?

I give Vaike a hurried thanks, before getting up to leave. I leave a few gold on my table to pay for my drinks and rush to the door, trying to get there as fast as I can without raising any suspicions. I push my way into the cold air. I wrap my arms around myself, shivering.

I lightly jog along the wall, hoping to catch sight of Thom. My head fills with terrible thoughts of what Thom might be doing up here. Drunken, sad, and alone? This high up? Maybe I'm overreacting, but all things considered I'd rather worry too much than too little...

My worry turns to confusion when I hear a familiar voice. They're... singing? I get lower, trying to stay hidden. They're sitting on the edge, with their back to me. It's Thom.

His singing voice is... eh. Not terrible? Not great either. His voice is shaky and he sounds like he's had a few too many.

I get closer, and the words slowly start to become a bit clearer.

"...Lifetime deceiver, heartache and fever.

Deadlines with nowhere to be,

Tell me the story of lonely, I'll show you the pain of getting clean."

Excuse me, what?!

As I move to approach him he finishes, and I notice the bottle in his hands. He puts it to his lips, turning it upwards. He takes a mighty swig, before standing up and... stepping away from the edge?

He lifts the bottle to look at it, then throws it over the edge, and I hear a faint clatter as it breaks. He turns to walk away, and that's when he notices me.

"Oh! Shit, Rob you scared the piss outta' me." He jumps, slurring his speech just a bit. He's carrying his jacket under his arm. How is he not freezing?!

"S-sorry! I was just wondering where you went off to." I guess it's not technically a lie. He raises an eyebrow.

"Y'alright there? Ya' looks cold." I asks. He's acting like this weather is nothing!

"Yes, I'm cold you goofy bastard! How aren't you?!" I question. He giggles.

"I'm from a frozen shithole, Rob. Plus 'm kinda drunk. So here, you need 'is more than me." He smiles, draping his jacket over my shoulders. D-does he know what he's doing?

"T-thank you..." I start, but he cuts me off.

"Long as I get it back before we head out tomorrow, s'no prob." He explains. He starts walking towards the stairs, presumably to the barracks. I follow, not far behind. He looks back at me and asks me, "How much did'ja hear?" scratching his stubble.

"I heard you singing. It was a nice song." I tell him.

Amused, he grins. "And I'm sure my singing voice was just as beautiful, right?"

"Eh." I shrug, grinning back. He huffs, punching my shoulder. I yelp, slugging him back. "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to hit a woman, jackass?!" I joke.

He lets out an exaggerated gasp, mouth agape. "'Yer a woman?" Before bursting into laughter. I let out a sigh, exasperated.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I was gonna put you on duty in the supply cart tomorrow, but I guess I've changed my mind." I threaten.

His drunk begging is like music to my ears.