Malin was offered to stay at the castle for the day, if only because he was already there. The concept of the mission was only briefly brought up prior, but Lucina didn't see a point in arguing too much. They'd go if they're ready, and stay home if they weren't; it was a fairly easy rule to follow, and chances are they'd only be sent out if a majority of the Mini Shepherds wanted to go because of that rule.

While Malin was in the castle, he did spent must of his time with Morgan (and, by extension, Noire). Lucina did what she would have otherwise, and within the next few days all of the Mini Shepherds had come. With all of them there, Malin gave them a rough idea of their mission based on what Robin had mentioned to Lucina and Morgan earlier.

They left Ylisstol and met up with Marth not too long after. Lucina was in charge of the replica Falchion—just to make sure that Marth and Malin wouldn't try to steal it, even if it mostly held sentimental value. When they were a fair distance away from Ylisstol and night fell, they set up camp. Lucina, Marth, and Malin opted to have first watch.

It was a general conversation at first—Malin mused about the small changes at the castle since his last visit, and Lucina would comment and be able to recall the general reason why said changed were made. It took a little while before Marth ventured to speak.

She looked straight ahead of her, towards the forest, but spoke to Lucina. "Has your father ever shown you his Falchion?"

"On several occasions," Lucina replied with a nod. "I can easily recall one time when I was younger when he showed it to Morgan and I; he told us of the legacy behind the blade. I've recently had the chance to wield it."

Marth glanced at her, actually smiling. It was more than a bit unexpected. "It must have been a bit worrying—having the chance to wield such a blade, knowing that very few could ever use it well, and not being sure of whether or not you were among them."

"Is that a common fear, or am I just extremely easy to guess the actions of?" Lucina asked.

"I'd say a bit of both," Marth replied evenly. "I was in a similar position, once; my home has something similar to Falchion. Based on what I heard and what I've personally felt, I guessed it would be a similar experience." Her smile fell at first, then return in the smallest of ways. "Although I suppose your father gave you some encouragement, didn't he?"

Lucina chuckled. "As much as a man like Chrom can, I suppose." She paused for a moment, then was reminded of something Chrom had told her earlier. Carefully, she ventured, "I did have something to ask you, Marth."

"I'll answer depending on the question," Marth said simply. "What were you curious about?"

"My father once mentioned a woman who chose an alias based on the hero-king," Lucina noted. "She fought alongside my parents in both wars; Morgan told me that you two have, as well. It's such an odd thing to make a guess on, but…I suppose you can say I'm just curious to know if it's a coincidence."

Malin laughed, even if Marth's expression changed to a small frown. Malin looked at Marth. "Can I tell her since Chrom mentioned it?"

"I knew they'd likely know more about it by the end of this," Marth muttered in response.

Malin gave her a smile and looked back at Lucina. "Marth's alias comes from what she used during the war against Plegia. Neither of us left on particularly amicably terms, and if we were recognized we could be asked to stay when we'd rather not—that's why we asked you guys not to say our aliases in front of the adults at the castle."

For now, Lucina nodded. She could sort out the information better later in the night or the next morning. She looked at Marth and asked, "Do you consider yourself to be home?"

Marth didn't seem to expect the question, and Malin's slight humor faded. "What makes you ask?" Marth said cautiously.

"My father," Lucina replied.

She seemed to understand, leaning back a bit. "You can tell him…this place is not quite 'home.' It's close, but it's not the place I consider to be my home. I left the army on grounds of returning, and nearly two decades afterwards I'll be able to. But I can say, with complete confidence, that I will be home soon."

Lucina nodded. "I'll let him know," she promised. "He said he believed that you were already home—at least by the time I get home, it sounds like you be will as well."

"That's the plan," Malin said proudly. It was a few moments of silence before he got up and stretched. "Well, I'm heading to bed. Who am I waking up?"

"Brady next volunteered," Lucina recalled. Malin nodded and went over to Brady's tent. Before the replacement came, Lucina glanced at Marth. "Thank you, Marth, for talking with me."

"It's a bit unfair to not answer all of your questions," Marth reasoned. After a short pause, she stood up and looked at Lucina. "There's a good chance you'll return home with questions—you may hear of things in the next few weeks that your parents never told you, or don't want to tell you. Do your best not to worry; they can explain, if it's after Malin and I leave. Make sure your friends understand that as well."

"I can't claim to entirely understand," Lucina admitted, "But I'll tell them."

Marth cast her another smile. "Thank you, Lucina."

She left, being replaced by Owain; Lucina stayed awake for another half hour before switching with Kjelle. They must not have had everyone taking a turn—it was built more on 'until you feel tired' instead of a set time, there were days where the person who opted to be asked for last never had to leave their tent—since she was never woken up again. In the morning, they headed out and kept going.