Chapter 19 – Mother of Dragons


Robin felt a poke on his stomach. The same actions Rose used to tease him on occasion. It just made the situation more surreal.

"Hmm, you've lost muscle. I guess even war is no substitute for good ol' fashioned farm work," Morgana said to herself. "Have you been focusing more on magic?"

"Mom?" Robin uttered, the word feeling foreign to his lips. Morgana was her name if he were to believe Gangrel's words. Truly, the name did match her face in his mind, adding credence to the claim.

"Are you ok, my little chick? You look a little pale," Morgana asked concerned, looking over at the frozen man.

His heart swole with fondness when he heard that nickname.

"Are you–" he had to stop, feeling his throat constrict in nervousness. "Are you truly my mother?"

That took the Morgana by surprise, as her eyes widened in surprise and worry. "Robin, honey, what do you mean? Of course, I'm your mother!"

Any doubts he had evaporated at the look of pure love and concern she gave him. But it only made the next words even more painful.

"I...I don't..."

His mother put a hand on his cheek. "Don't what?" she asked.

Tears ran down his face as he looked at that lovely, worried face. "I don't remember."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't remember you."


"I hope things are going smoothly in there," Rose said to herself, resting against a tree.

The efforts she had made through the years to keep their mother alive had paid off. Even if she technically wasn't Rose's mother, she still felt love for her. The woman that risked everything to give them a normal life instead of becoming Validar's pawn.

She hadn't been here often, since her cover as a mercenary kept her busy. The last time she had visited was a few weeks before departing for Ferox and becoming Flavia's champion. It's nice to see her home, on any timeline, untouched by war.

The picturesque scenery made her wonder about her life and how it could've gone. What could have happened had Morgana also taken Aversa when she escaped? What if her mother had killed Validar back then? Could they all instead have lived a simple farmer's life without the threat of Grima over them?

Unlikely. The universe isn't that kind.

After all, assassins had still come for Morgana, even with Validar dead. Someone had found her and still came for her. Could it have been Grima? This option was more likely, but there was always the chance Validar had sent them before his demise. Or perhaps it could have been Aversa, the spiteful bitch that she was.

"Great, more unknowns…" she muttered, closing her eyes. She needed a nap.


Robin walked into his home taking in everything down to the smallest detail. He was making sure to commit them to memory to never again forget them.

'Home.'

He had spent many nights awake, thinking about how it would look and feel to walk through it. It felt just as cozy, warm and familiar as he had hoped. He felt at peace inside.

"Your room," his mother–'Morgana Surana' she had supplied–said, pointing to a door. "I've kept it clean in case you dropped by. Though I guess you had a good excuse to not visit sooner."

He nodded, a little embarrassed and unsure of how to respond. Looking around he could tell that this room was his, as it reminded him a lot of how he set up his room in the castle. A bookshelf filled with books was set next to the windows. From fantasy to some rare tactical tomes, as well as various volumes on magical theory. His bed felt more comfortable than the one in the castle. The desk and floor were clean thanks to his mother's care.

"You are taking this pretty well, m-mother," he said, feeling strange calling her that, but not in a bad way.

She gave him a smirk that eerily reminded him of Rose, though he could tell there was some hurt hidden in her eyes. "The tales of your exploits mentioned that you had lost your memories. I was about to steal a carriage and go to the capital myself," Morgana declared, earning a chuckled from him. "But then, how to proceed? The roads are not safe, even with the war over. And a Plegian asking for an audience with the Royal family, saying she's your mother? No way that could go well."

He had to concede to that.

"I was still planning on how to contact you without sounding like a scammer. I guess still I held onto the hope you would remember and come back," she added before frowning in confusion. "But if you don't remember me, how did you know to come here? We're not well known outside the village."

"...I had help," he said, taking the chance to verify something. "Mother, may I ask a question?"

"Of course, honey. Ask anything you want."

"I… Where is my father? Do I have siblings? A sister, maybe?" he asked, feeling the need to confirm Rose's words.

Morgana's eyes widened for a moment, before turning to the window with a forlorn expression. "Well, now. That's an interesting question..."


Back in Ylisstol, Tiki closed her eyes. She meditated, taking in the smell of the incense she lit earlier. The sounds of the bustling city were oddly soothing. It's so much different than the calm winds of the Mila Tree, but for now, she had to silence them. A quick spell made her room devoid of all noise.

She focused on her meditation, and let her powers connect to her mother. They needed to discuss current events. In particular, Rose's little trip.

"I still don't agree on keeping this from her."

Her mother's reply was as instantaneous as it was expected. "It will not matter in a short while, my daughter."


Before she could explain, Morgana felt a chill on her spine and frowned. Turning to her expectant son, she offered him a smile. "I need to go outside for a moment to take care of a few things," she said, ruffling his hair. "It will take me only a few minutes, but then I will answer all your questions."

"It's everything, alright? Do you… Do you need help?" he asked awkwardly.

Morgana smiled. Somethings never change. "It's fine, dear, it will not take me long. In the meantime, why don't you check around a little more? Your old journal is still in the drawer. Maybe that will help you recover some memories."

Robin's face lit up with excitement and moved to the desk. It pained her that all his memories were taken from him but she will help him recover them.

And if not, she will help him make new ones.

Morgana walked outside, pondering on how to help her son. Her steps silent like a thief, until she stopped at a particular spot well to her, usually used by her son to read in peace. Looking down with an impassive face, she saw a woman wearing a familiar cloak, sleeping under a tree. It was like looking at a portrait of her younger days, but with a few features belonging to that man here and there.

After staring at the sleeping woman for a minute, Morgana nudged her with her feet. The woman reacted, ready to attack the one who disturbed her sleep. With grace and agility unexpected from a farmer, Morgana stopped her. She placing her boot on the hilt and applying pressure, not letting her draw the blade.

'Impressive strength, but she isn't to drawing from such a position.' Something she will have to work on later.

But for now, it was time for a talk long overdue.

"So, my daughter finally decided to pay me a visit."


Tiki was not amused by her mother's plan. "You do realize she will be livid with you for not informing her?"


Rose's body froze as if her blood turned to ice. Her mother, or at least this version of her, stood before her. Morgana looked at her with an expectant expression. It was a look she remembers getting whenever she snuck out to go town during her teen years.

Her brain was running over and over through the words she uttered. A single statement that threw all her plans for a loop, more so than her brother pushing her into a corner. After a minute of silence, her brain managed to produce a response that conveyed all her emotions.

"W-What?" Rose eloquently asked.

Her mother arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms with an exasperated huff. "Honestly! Two years since you came to this world and you haven't bothered to come say hi! I know I technically didn't give birth to you but still!" Morgana said, pushing Rose's brain towards its breaking point.

"What?"

Her mother looked at her curiously.

"Naga didn't tell you."

"What?"


"...Yes, she most likely will be," Naga reluctantly admitted.


Morgana sighed, ignoring Rose's stupefied and livid expression. "Typical. Divine beings always try to be all cryptic with those they help. Believe, I know," she said, sitting next to the shocked mercenary.

Rose kept staring, stewing in a mix of confusion and rage.

"Right, an explanation. For the past few months, I worried about Robin since he left to travel and make his own path. Even if he was only pursuing the path of a scholar I knew he would eventually end up on the battlefield."

Rose blinked.

"And so, like any concerned mother, I prayed to Naga to protect him. Especially considering his...status," Morgana said, before snorting and flipping her ponytail back. "What I wasn't expecting was for her to manifest before me."

"What?"

"You know words other than what?"

"Wh– I mean, yes, ma'am," she said. The manners her original mother had engraved into her brain came back in an instant. Morgana had her ways to instill discipline and respect into you and she made sure you never forget them.

"Good. Well, it was quite the shock as you can imagine," she explained, crossing her arms and frowning at the sky. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised she had an interest in your brother thanks to his so-called destiny." Morgana snorted in derision at that. "She told me that he had lost his memory, of Grima coming back… and you too."

"She..." Rose swallowed, a pit forming in her stomach. "She told you about me?"

"I heard part of the tale from Naga, yes. Though I imagine she omitted many details," she said, looking at Rose with a serious expression. "But yes. She told me the 'big, important' parts."

"So… you know who–what– I am," Rose said, looking at the ground, waiting for the worst.

"Robin, my daughter from another world. One in which you survived instead of your brother. One that managed to take Grima's power for her own," Morgana said in a sad tone, before giving her a lopsided smile. "Though I heard you go by Rose Sustrai. Risky, to use my mother's maiden name."

Looking away, Rose answered in an embarrassed tone, "I thought it was nice. Her House was large and had many commoners inherit the name."

Morgana smiled at her, "It is nice."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, with only the sounds of the forest passing through the wind. It was a strange but not unwelcome calmness that enveloped the pair.

"...You are taking this whole mess quite well," Rose said eventually, getting back to the matter at hand.

Morgana shrugged, resting against the tree. She didn't look bothered by how dirty her dress would get. "I had time to come to terms with this thanks to Naga's words. It's not like this is the weirdest thing that has happened to me," she said nonchalantly, piquing Rose's curiosity. "Besides, knowing some of the things Validar and the Grimleal have at their disposal... Well, that can make a person predisposed to believe in certain things more easily."

"That's fair," Rose conceded.

Morgana turned towards her daughter with a concerned frown. "Speaking of him, do you know anything about his whereabouts? My contacts in Plegia have lost track of him. I don't know what he is up to now but it can't be anything good."

"He's dead. I killed him."

Morgana's face froze in shock at the news she just received. "V-Validar is dead?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Rose nodded, earning a hitched breath from Morgana. "He was the one that leads the assassination attempt on Emmeryn. I knew how the attack would go from experience and I was waiting where I knew he would escape to. Grima was there waiting for him. I severed the Dragon's connection and then killed Validar."

She decided to omit the part where she used his soul to power Valflame. She didn't want to seem too monstrous in front of her mother.

"We are finally free of that monster..." Morgana whispered as a thought occurred to her. "What about Sable? He always had it on him."

Rose raised her hand to calm her down. "I have Sable, though, for security reasons, I can't tell you where it is. Nothing personal, but better safe than sorry. My apologies."

"No need. I understand," Morgana said, waving off her apologies. "We can't risk Grima or any of his pawns getting all the Gemstones. With enough human sacrifices, he can use the Fire Emblem to resurrect himself to full power... But I guess you already know that, right?"

Rose blinked and nodded. "Indeed. I'm surprised you knew about that ritual."

The older woman scoffed as if offended. "Please. Validar might have been a Fellblood, but he belonged to a branch house. I, on the other hand, belong to the main house and have stronger blood."

The tactician's mind crashed like a horse against a tree. "Wait, back up. You are related?"

Morgana gave her a curious look. "Our was a political match and it's not uncommon for nobility to marry between cousins. He was magically strong for a branch house member, and I had the purest blood from the main house. Before I realized the foolishness of our beliefs, I was already engaged with him. This allowed him to get his position as Head of the Grimleal Church while I was to take the throne. At least until I fled with your brother and left the throne vacant."

That made Rose think about something she never bothered in researching. "Now that you mention it...How did Gangrel get the throne?"

"Gangrel… He was the bastard child of my uncle, the third born son of the main bloodline. Validar had been assassinating all the members of the main branch during the war. He was hoping to gain full control of Plegia that way. Gangrel rose through the ranks of the army and proved his bloodline with the help of the Sorcerer's Academy. His blood was weak and couldn't use Ignis, but it was still enough to give him the legal right to the throne. I think I heard he considered Ignis a curse or something," she added with a shrug. "His legitimation ruined Validar's plans. "

"Validar must have thought he could manipulate Gangrel. That way he could move without gathering to himself. All the power with less risk," Rose pondered. "Then if things went south, he could get rid of Gangrel and take the throne."

"Correct, but despite his madness, Gangrel was no fool. He kept Validar at bay and used him as much as he was being used."

"Tsk… Plegian Politics..."

Morgana threw her head back and laughed. "And be thankful you weren't raised in the Plegian Court."

"I did spend time on the Ylissean court, but that was more boring than anything else," Rose pointed out.

"Pfft, a Plegian year in court is boring if there is not an assassination or two. I can give you and your brother the full history of our bloodline later."

Once again, they settled on silence, both enjoying each other's company. Despite being of different worlds, they still found a bond between them.

"Rose, may I ask something of you? About your past… experiences?" Morgana asked, breaking the peace that had settled under the tree's shadow.

The young woman tilted her head with a frown. "Of course. After everything I've told you, I don't feel the need to hide much more."

Morgana met Rose's gaze. "I have only heard what Naga told me. I want to know your version of the events that led you to this point. I… I want you to show me."

Eyes wide in surprise, Rose stuttered her answers. "S-show you?"

"A simple spell to look into your memories, if you allow me. Just show me what the truth is. Not that I don't believe you but I want to be ready for what is to come." Wisps of shimmering darkness on gathered on Morgana's hand. "It's not invasive, and only will show what you desire, though it will always be the truth."

"I..."

"I won't hate you," Morgana said as if she had already read her mind. "I don't think I could, after all, you have done for Robin. Call it mother's intuition but I trust you."

"I… I can't promise it will be a pleasant experience," the tactician said. She tentatively moved her fingers to the gathered magic.

"I expect as much," Morgana said, letting her magic do the work.

Slowly, Rose's fingertips touched the wisps of magic. In a flash, Morgana's world was engulfed by the rush of memories.

The budding friendships. The harsh battles. The painful losses. The sweet love she shared with the prince. The burning pain as Grima chained her inside her own body. Traveling to the past, ready to crush the children that dared to hope. The distrust that led to her betrayal, death, and rebirth. All the efforts she made to make things better for Robin.

The burden and guilt Rose carried on her shoulders, for crimes not her own, but still willing to rectify.

And all the fear she still had at the possibility of facing failure once more.

The spell ended as fast as it started, feeling like the world had stood still waiting for them. Regaining her sense of reality, Morgana realized she's crying. She could feel the veracity of the memories down to her very core. No one could fake pain and suffering such as that.

The experience wiped away any doubts Morgana had about the story. Motherly instincts came roaring to front of her mind at the injustices inflicted upon her.

Grima possessing her child, forced to destroy all she loved. Any attempts to fix things ruined by her granddaughter's distrust. Her bonds shattered by fear and betrayal. The experience leading her to keep others at a distance.

And yet, here she was. Still fighting, clinging to whatever hopes she could find to change at least one world for the better. Trying to give her brother the chance she never had, hoping his bonds were stronger than her.

At that moment, Morgana didn't care about time and space, or the wills of the Gods. This girl is her daughter and she's going to support her, for she couldn't be prouder of her strength.

Their finger stopped touching as Rose looked down, awaiting some sort of punishment. Instead, she found herself into the loving embrace of her mother; something she hadn't felt in decades.

"I'm so proud of the woman you have become. Despite all your suffering, you still fight, and not fall into despair. I… I know it's so tempting and easy to give up, but I'm proud you endured."

Rose choked a little at the words, feeling a kinship with her mother in their shared pain.

Pulling away, Morgana looked at the shocked tactician with eyes filled with sadness. "Once Naga told me of your existence, I've eagerly been waiting to meet you. To get a glimpse of the girl I could never raise. You have done well, my child."

The tactician started to tremble at her words. "But why? I'm not–"

"It doesn't matter from which world you are from," Morgana said, cutting her off. "You might've been born from a different version of me, but the way I see it you are my daughter. On this or any world."

Rose began to cry, unable to cope with the unconditional acceptance. She expected many things in the case of meeting her mother, but not this. For Morgana to know her history as well as accepting her with no protest was too much. The tactician didn't bother to stop her tears, ignoring the childish desire to be strong in front of her mother.

"To think… If I had just run away from Validar before giving birth, I would have had the joy of watching my version of you grow up. Maybe even have both of you together," Morgana said softly, running her hand through Rose's hair. "You've grown into a beautiful woman."

Rose blushed like a teenage girl, belittling the years of experience she had accumulated. Never mind that with both her lifetimes, she was easily older than Morgana. The mere touch and compliments from her mother had been something she had missed for years. "Thank you," she said with a small voice.

"You are most welcome my dear," the older woman said with a smile, before standing up. "Now come, we shouldn't let your brother wait. We are due for a long family conversation."

Rose cringed at that. "Do… Do we have to? I have been thinking about a way to–"

"Wiggle your way out of telling your brother the whole truth?"

"Ehmm…"

Morgana sighed. "I agree that right now telling him everything about our lineage and his role is not the best course of action. Let him enjoy peace for a while. We can tell him a modified version of your story to prepare him for the oncoming conflicts. That way, he will be more accepting of the whole truth when it comes out."

Her daughter gnawed at her lip, before relenting. "You always knew best…"


The words written in the journal stirred many of Robin's long-lost memories. His younger-self had a certain flair for writing his experiences. It was a blessing that now helped him on reliving the moments. At the moment he was reading the description of the spring festival where he asked Valette Wi to be his date. It was particularly vivid. Closing his eyes he could picture the returning memories.

Robin could recall her soft laugh as they played the games in the town square. Getting his first kiss under the moonlight. Running through the cornfields as her father chased him when they returned an hour later than promised. How he cried when only a month later they moved away to the south, where he hadn't heard from her again.

Many other memories came to him. Smells, sounds, and images rushed through his mind. It was like walking through a museum dedicated to his life. It was incomplete, there were many moments he might never recover, but now he had something! Dinners with his mother and her delicious dishes. Reading near the fireplace in winter or helping on the fields during harvest. Simply talking with the townspeople. Those were only some of the things he could recall, but he couldn't be happier.

The front door opened, making him wipe away his tears and the stupid grin on his face. Leaving his room, he went to talk to his mother about his progress.

"Mom," he said, no longer feeling that little sense of awkwardness using the title, "did you finish with you had to do? I have some ques—" His words died in his throat when he saw she was not alone. Rose walked behind their mother, looking like she wanted to be anywhere but there. Morgana seemed to be the only one immune to the awkward atmosphere.

"Sit down little chick, we need to talk."


Robin's face remained unreadable as he listed to Rose's tale with rapt attention. The version of her story was the same that she told Emmeryn, though she did admit she came from an Outrealm. Morgana corroborated her story, adding her own twists as they discussed before.

"So, you are my sister, in a twisted sort of way. You come from a… parallel world?" He asked, receiving a nod in clarification. "One where I died at birth just like you did in this world? Is everything the same in your world?"

"Not exactly," Rose said with a frown. "We didn't have the same lives as we are not the same individuals. I'm not a female you, I'm the survivor of our pair in my world."

That much was true if one were to get nitpicky. Her interactions with her Shepherds before their betrayal were similar, but entirely. She had bonded more with the women of the army, just as Robin did with the men.

These simple things changed their approach to strategies. They had gained different insights on their comrades' skills.

"Here, you suffered amnesia for some reason and joined the Shepherds. I joined a mercenary group that doesn't seem to exist in this world." The lie came out smoothly, not willing to get into that mess until a later date. She didn't want to spoil Robin's relationship with these Shepherds.

"Are these the ones that betrayed you?" he asked for clarification.

"I was part of two groups in my world. One died, leaving me the only survivor, while the last to take me in killed me once my lineage came to light." She didn't stop the bitterness in her voice and shrugged. "Maybe they got all killed since I wasn't their tactician. In my world, the Shepherds still went to war with Plegia. It was longer and bloodier, with Emmeryn dying during the first attack in the castle. Chrom hired my company to fight for Ylisse in later conflicts. That included the oncoming Valmese campaign."

This was true for the original timeline at least. Without Lucina's interference, the war lasted much longer. It left them more vulnerable to the Valmese invasion. It took even longer to push that back.

"You mentioned something about your lineage. What do you mean?" Robin asked, pushing the threat of war for the moment.

Right, she needed to explain that. Now, how to do that delicat–

"We are the Royal family of Plegia. The last remnants of House Savill. Rightful heirs to her Theocracy and its throne," Morgana stated bluntly as she served tea to them.

"WHAT?!" her brother shouted as he bolted to his feet.

"I thought you said our last name was Surana?!"

Morgana waved it off. "A fake name to throw Plegia of our scent until we were safe. Eventually, I settled on out real given names and a fake last name for our new beginning."

"I…" Robin didn't know what to say. He just sat down, waiting for them to continue.

"We are Fellblood. 'Blessed' by Grima thanks to our ancestor Forneus," their mother said, sitting down to drink her tea. "He was a Thabesian alchemist that sought to create the perfect lifeform. His research on Dragon magic and the thanatophage insects lead him to discover how to raise the dead. He thought them as the perfect soldiers." She took a sip of her tea, giving her son a serious look. "Grima and the Risen are the product of his twisted research."

"He created Grima? He is an artificial dragon?"

"Don't think that makes him less powerful," Morgana warned him in a sharp tone. "Forneus bred him not only with Divine Dragon blood but the blood of other tribes to increase his power. That boost only led to a much faster deterioration of his mind. The same madness that consumed those dragons that did not become manaketes."

"The blood pact Forneus forged with Grima is just like House Lowell did with Naga. One of the effects of this is our aptitude towards magic, learning, and tactics," Rose explained. She knew more about Grima's origins and helped fill the gaps in Morgana's knowledge. "Out lineage always tried to practice selective breeding and boost our strengths. Not only that, but that allows us to cast Ignis."

"Ignis? That sounds familiar…"

"You saw it before during my fight with Marth," Rose supplied. "It allows us to use magic to boost our physical strength or vice versa. It's the opposite of Aether, the signature move of House Lowell."

"...Marth used Aether," Robin mussed, making Rose flinch. "And you said she was from the future…"

"I… have a theory on that. She may be related to the Royal family. Chrom's or Lissa's child, maybe?" They could see the wheels turning inside Robin's mind. "Or a distant relative. Or maybe Naga just forged a new pact with someone once all the Shepherd's died. I recommend not mention this to the royal family, even if we disclose the rest. I rather not make assumptions," she finished, hoping he took the bait.

"Fair enough. If she doesn't want to reveal it herself, I won't do it for her. She earned that much," Robin conceded after a moment. "But there is something that bothers me. How did the Grima become such a threat if Forneus created him to control it."

"Grima's influence was too great too. He convinced Forneus to bond with him and overpowered his will," Morgana said. She scowled at the legacy their ancestor had pushed on the world. "He wasn't strong enough to contain the full power of the artificial dragon, though. Grima used his body to sire our bloodline in the hope of creating a proper vessel. They eventually succeeded and the First Exalt took him down with Naga's help. The Grimleal have been trying to create a new vessel since then."

"And this Validar is my father? He was the one that tried to kill the Exalt?" Robin asked with a mixture of disgust, sorrow, and guilt.

"Yes. But I killed him as he tried to escape. I even burned the body," Rose said in a dark voice. "He won't be a problem."

Morgana sighed as she remembered a dark period in her life. "Your... father wanted to sire the perfect vessel. His own body was too weak for the role. He hoped that our union would success. I followed my duty as the heir of House Savill, siring children for him, but the attempt was a failure. You weren't strong enough, luckily for us," she lied, sparing the young man the guilt for now.

Rose could see how the loathing for father grew by the second on Robin's heart.

"I protested and suggested you could be of use to him. But he insisted on disposing of you. I even suggested using you to sire more children, to my eternal shame and disgust. Before he could kill you though, I ran away with you, abandoning the throne."

"How did Gangrel took the throne, then?"

"Gangrel was a bastard of the main family. Weak of blood, but one of the last with a decent claim," Morgana said. "Your father belongs to the branch family, House Lessard. Gangrel was legitimized as a Gangrel Savill," she said with disgust. It was clear to anyone she didn't like having the Mad King as a family member. Taking another sip of her tea, she let Rose continue with their modified tale.

"Our House– you and I especially– were breed to create a vessel for him. Though we failed to produce one, it seems Validar managed to find a substitute. Maybe Gangrel inspired him to look for bastard children. If they had strong magic, they would suffice." Rose hoped this would push Robin further away from thinking he was the vessel. "It's not strange for nobles to birth illegitimate children, so it's a possibility."

"Maybe its Aversa?" Robin pondered. "She's strong, cunning, and a talented mage, as much as I hate to admit it."

Morgana frowned at that comment. "What does your sister have to do with this?"

Rose watched as Robin almost choked on his tea at that comment. "Oh yeah… forgot about that, too…"

"AVERSA IS OUR SISTER?!" he cried, giving a high pitch shrike that Rose would've found amusing in other circumstances.

Their mother blinked. "Adopted but yes. She was quite a nice girl from what I remember." Her face fell as she continued. "I couldn't take her with us when I escaped. Validar had her fostered under House Armes."

"That's Tharja's last name…" Robin pointed out once he calmed down.

"Yeah… She is a minor noble, but her family is skilled in hexes and dark magic." Rose turned to her mother, not wanting to talk about their stalker. "Anyways, she worked as Gangrel's right hand the execution ceremony for Lady Emmeryn. She also kidnapped Lady Maribelle and lead the troops that attacked Ylisstol. I'm sure she worked for Validar and now has a high position on the Grimleal."

"Oh," Morgana whispered. "That's… a shame. I wish I could've given her a better life."

They lapsed into silence, drinking tea and letting Robin process all the information. Finally, he asked his sister about something that he couldn't figure out.

"Why are you here, though? Not that I don't appreciate the help, but there must be a reason. I understand my world is in peril, but what made you come here instead of fighting for your world?"

Rose leaned back in her seat and sighed, looking at the ceiling in thought. "After my 'friends' stabbed me in the back, Naga offered me a chance to make things better for another world. She told me how after my death, Grima would invade the world and destroy it." She trembled as she recalled the desolate wasteland her first world had become. "The armies of the world were in shambles. The war with Plegia took its toll, and the one with Valm was worse. Grima let us kill each other, producing more corpse for him to use as soldiers."

"If the wars had lasted longer… hell, even only Ylisstol's siege…"

"She couldn't do anything for my world, but yours is behind in the timeframe. Don't ask me why. I don't know. My world is doomed, but yours isn't," Rose said with conviction. "I also made many mistakes in my life, and I decided to help you as penance," she admitted, bowing her head in shame.

"If this world will suffer the same fate, it would justify why Marth came back to prevent it," Robin theorized.

Rose nodded. "Marth came to stop the same from happening to this one. We haven't informed Chrom since he is not the most… tactful person. As such, Emmeryn, Phila, and I are working to use the reconstruction to justify the strengthening of our forces. They will be necessary once Valm inevitably invades. That's a problem regardless of Grima."

Robin frowned as something else occurred to him. "Did your world not have a Marth that came back?"

His counterpart scowled at the memory of her daughter's betrayal. "Yes, it did… but that was part of my problem. She was looking for troops and when she discovered me. She then revealed my lineage and relationship to Grima. You can guess the rest."

"Gods… I'm sorry," he said, conveying his sincere sympathy.

"Don't be, it wasn't your fault. At least you have earned the Shepherds trust, so maybe they will realize you are not Grima's pawn. I didn't have that luxury as a mere mercenary."

Letting his head fall back on his chair, Robin mulled on all the information. It surprised Rose that he was not panicking. "I… I don't know what to think. It's almost too much…but I believe you," he said much to her surprise and Morgana's satisfaction. "As I said before, you've done nothing but help me, and now you reunited me with my –our– mother. While I hate all these secrets and half-truths you told us, I can sympathize. Still, I get the feeling you are not telling me everything."

The traveler conceded with a nod. "You're right. There are a couple of things I haven't said, but that's because it's not critical right now. You will find out on your own and that will only help you. Sorry, but sometimes it's better to learn things the hard way."
Robin scowled, staring at her for a long moment before relenting. "Very well. I don't like it, but I will trust your judgment. It hasn't failed us so far. But if all this is true, then I have a proposition for you, Mother."

Putting her cup of tea down, Morgana looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Go on."

"You should come live in Ylisstol with us," Robin said, much to the women's surprised. "I think it will be safer for you. With what's coming, we should stand together."

"That's right," Rose said in agreement. "Despite Validar's death, assassins still came for you. Maybe they want to kidnap you to sire a vessel or just kill you in revenge. Just because he is dead doesn't mean the Grimleal are no longer a threat."

"It's not a bad idea… but I need to think about what with the house and farm."

"Please do. If the future is the same then the world is about to become more dangerous." Robin was already thinking about how to prepare for the oncoming battles. They could use the reconstruction to their advantage. "I will talk with Chrom about training a more formal army to counter cavalry tactics. I can pass it as an exercise. I agree he can be impulsive, so we can keep him in the dark under the Exalt's direct orders."

"I'm glad you are picking things up fast," Rose said in a jesting tone. "Your mind is sharp as a blade, little brother."

Morgana perked up at that moment. "Oh! that reminds me, I have something for you, Robin."

"Huh?" he asked, as Morgana rushed to her room. The twins could hear her moving things around before shouting in triumph. In no time she was back with a long bundle of cloth in her hands.

"If you are going into battles of this caliber, you need a proper weapon. I would've given it to you earlier, but I thought it risky. And then your amnesia happened…" Morgana trailed off, her meaning clear.

She unwrapped the cloth revealing a sheeted longsword with an intricate design. Drawing it from its wyvern hide scabbard, she showed it to her children who looked at it in wonder. The blade had a black and gold guard, with a black blade with a sharp white edge.

The twins could feel the power radiating from it. Robin felt drawn towards it, flicked of purple flames dancing on his fingers.

"I think I saw this blade on a book before..." Robin mused as he took the blade in his hands.

Rose was the tactless one this time. "You had Mystletainn all this time?!"

Morgana blinked. "Yes."

"Where?!" she shouted, while Robin ignored the pair.

"Hidden under the floorboards in my closet, next to my emergency savings. Did my other-self never mentioned this to you?" Morgana asked in sincere confusion. "Then again, I didn't tell Robin…"

"I think I would remember having a legendary holy blade under our floor!" Fuck, it probably was still sitting under the house in her world.

...Maybe it was for the best. Who knows what would've happened had it fallen on Grima's hands. Or worse, his


In a distant market, Cynthia and Owain were walking with arms full of bags. Lucina tasked the pair with gathering provisions on the nearby village and it had taken them all day. As they found more of their missing companions, their supplies were quick to run out. The rest of their team were out earning some coin. At least food was easy to find in this era. Quite a departure from their harsh life, but not an unwelcome change.

Suddenly, the prince froze mid-step, eyes widening and hand trembling as if burning. His companion noticed this and stopped, looking at him with concern.

"Owain, are you okay? Why did you stop walking?" Cynthia asked.

"My fair maiden, my sword hand trembles in sorrow, as if my destiny has been stolen from me! She calls for the sword of legends, yet realized we are not the ones destined to wield it."

"… You think of your hand as a 'she''?

Owain said nothing as he froze mid-pose. The pegasus knight could see the red tint slowly crawling up his neck.

"…"

"…"


Thoughts for later.

"Anyways, since you already seem to have a good blade," Morgana said, pointing at Thorn. She was aware of its origin and power. "It's only fair your brother carries one."

"How did we get our hands on this, anyway?" Rose asked, her anger leaving her body.

"Long before we lost contact with Jugdral, our ancestors arranged a match with House Nordion. They are the descendants of Hezul of the Twelve Crusaders of Jugdral. It was their hope it would strengthen our bloodline and increase Grima's power." Morgana snorted in derision. "It did the first, at least. Eventually, the House Nordion fell from grace in Jugdral and was absorbed into House Savill. The sword has since been passed to the heir of the house."

"Which was you."

Morgana nodded. "I was the only one who could wield it. Not even my father nor Validar could, much to our luck," their mother said, looking at the blade with pride.

Slowly, Robin stood up and gave it a swing. Even Rose could feel it's call and power. He took it into his hand and the trio felt the ripple of powers answering to their blood. Robin gulped, entranced by the feedback. Rose could sympathize. Even her blood felt the calling, but she already had Thorn.

"Seems it answers to you," Morgana said with satisfaction. "We will need to practice so you can use its full power. Ignis, too, since your sister hasn't trained you."

Broken from his thoughts, the only male in the house turned to his mother in confusion. "Huh?"

"There is still much I need to tell you, about the blade… About me and our history. Moving with you might be a good idea since I can teach you more things," she said as a sly grin grew on her face. "Especially about tactics."

"You're a tactician?" Robin asked in shock.

The matriarch gave a tittering laugh at that. "Oh, honey. That coat used to be mine. Who do you think held off Exalt Augustus for so long?" Morgana said much to her children's shock. Even Rose didn't know this. She knew her mother was good at tactics, but not this part of her story. "He invaded because his spies informed him of Validar's attempts to resurrect Grima. He only managed to push us once pregnancy forced me away from the front lines. The casualties increased drastically once we ran away."

"…Damn," was all he could say. "Just another secret to keep huh? It doesn't feel right to lie to our comrades."

Rose snorted. "Pfft, how do you think I felt all these years? It's the weight of the world on my shoulders for a long time."

Morgana clapped her hands, gaining their attention as she stood up. "Okay, that's enough gloomy talk for one day. Let's just enjoy the rest of the day and worry about the end of the world later. It's time to prepare dinner!"


It's been a while since Morgana had to prepare a meal for someone other than herself. That only motivated her and she jumped to the task with gusto. Her children helped, using the opportunity to bond as a family. It was nice to do something with no worries about wars or the stress of their jobs.

Well, Rose helped, since Robin remained hopeless in the kitchen. Some things never changed it seems. The women shared a lot of recipes while they instructed –or in Rose's case, bullied– Robin into setting the table. It was entertaining to watch the siblings traded harmless barbs at one another. The older girl came out on top more often than not, but it warmed Morgana's nonetheless.

She would be lying if she said she isn't worried about the future, but her children were strong. Ane now she could help them along the way. She mused on how to accomplish that as she finished the meal. Roasted onions, toasted bread, and honied chicken made the main course. A salad made from vegetables Robin picked outside and freshly squeezed juice to help it go down. Not bad, if she said so herself.

The family sat down to enjoy the meal outside, where Robin had set up a table so they could enjoy the summer sunset. They came to the silent agreement not to discuss future troubles during this dinner. The trio proceeded to simply talk about their adventures, their past.

Morgana talked about the town and its surroundings, sharing with them all the gossip she knew. Robin described the Shepherds and the capital while enjoying his mother's home cooking. Rose had more to say for the Valmese lands, having spent a long time there. Her brother had been enthralled by her description of a volcano. She shared memories of the beautiful flower fields of Rosanne, only surpassed by the cherry blossoms of Chon'sin.

For the first time in a long time, the small house felt like a home once more.

That night, Morgana offered a prayer of thanks to her effigy of Naga. She in front of her mirror, looking at her reflection. For a moment, she felt that she was looking at the version of herself that gave birth to Rose.

"You would be proud of her," she said, careful not to be heard by her children in the other rooms. "Despite all that she has endured, Rob– Rose has grown into a strong and beautiful woman. And her brother is strong, too. Curious and kind to a fault, but not in a bad way. I wish you, too, would've had the chance to see them together. I promise you, I won't waste this chance… for both of us."

Maybe it was the weight of the tiresome day, but Morgana could've sworn her reflection smiled at her.


After the nights' revelations and a couple of days of planning, it was time to move. Robin and Rose got started on the preparations for moving their mother to the city. Despite her acceptance of the idea, Morgana didn't want to lose the property. She had too many memories of the place and it had been her home for nearly two decades. Its something the two tacticians could sympathize with.

In the end, she decided to rent the farm to a friend. He will work the land and take care of propriety. The profits will be divided and monitored by the town's mayor. Once the contract was signed and approved, they proceeded to get her things ready to move.

It was then that they noticed they lacked something critical at the moment.

"We will need a carriage and horses to move mom's stuff to the capital. Maybe someone in town can sell us one? I still have some gold with me," Rose suggested.

"Well, we have two horses with us, they would do to pull the carriage. It's not like we are moving everything right?" Robin asked his sister.

Later he would realize just how much luggage his mother could pack.

"Better safe than sorry, it's a long trip after all. At least four horses. I got a mare of my own that I bought after you left, so we only need one more. I think I can negotiate with Hamilton for one of his…" Morgana said more to herself as she crunched the numbers in her mind.

"We can buy a good one and sell it for a profit in the capital or something. If it's a strong horse, we can sell it for good coin" Rose offered.

"That just leaves the matter of the carriage," Robin said. "Do you know where we can get one in town, mother?"

Morgana smiled at him in a way that he normally associated with one of Rose's schemes. "Oh, I know just the place! An old acquaintance has recently moved back into town and I'm sure he has what we need."


In a warehouse on the edge of town, a group of smugglers was finishing setting up shop to starting their movements. Samuel grumbled at the sight. The material loss at that mercenary wench and the Ylisstol military had hurt his operation badly. Not to mention losing the properties he owned in the capital know that his identity was known to the crown. He loved his house there, especially the crystal-heated tub.

There was suddenly a lot of noise outside, making his diminished crew nervous. The army couldn't have found him already, right? That bitch promised to leave him alone! As he made his way to the door it burst open as an unconscious man flew through the opening and crashed on the floor.

A woman with white hair made her way inside, casually stepping over the unconscious man. Samuel's blood pressure began to rise, thinking it was Rose who came for him, "Damn wench! Who da–M-Morgana?" he stuttered, recognizing the woman immediately.

It's hard to forget a woman that made one of his testicles explode with a hex.

"Hi Samuel!" she greeted, far too cheerful for "So good that you came to this town! I would've come earlier, but I was busy. My bad, old friend."

"Old friend?! You–!"

"–Came here for business. You see, I know you move a lot of… merchandise around. I thought you could do me the favor of lending me one of your carriages? I'm moving to the capital and I need to move a lot of stuff there."

"What is it with all the crazy Plegian women on my life?" he asked no one in particular. He already lost two much in Ylisstol and these women could cost him even more. "You are moving to the capital?" That could work… he wouldn't need to leave this town, nor share it with this psychopath. He could establish his network from here and be left in peace.

"And was is it in for me?" he asked. She couldn't be expecting the carriage for free? …Right?

"I leave you in peace," she said, but to him, it sounds more like leaving him in one piece.

That's… quite a good price to pay, he had to admit.

As he was about to respond, a new, familiar voice called out. "Mom, do you need h–?"

"YOU!" the man screamed, heaving in fear and anger at the sight of the newcomer who just stepped into the warehouse.

Rose stood bewildered at the reactions until she recognized the man. "Samuel?" she asked, as a grin that could make a priest faint showing on her face as she walked into the room. "Well, the world is a small place, isn't it, you bastard." She then turned to Morgana, who merely looked at the interaction with amusement. "Do you know him, mother?"

Blood seemed to vanish from Samuel's veins as he processed the words. "Mother?! You–No. Nonono–!" he shouted as if his nightmares were coming to life.

"I had dealings with him in the past," she said, ignoring his hyperventilating ramblings.

"Dealings?!" the man shouted, outraged. "You cursed my manhood and threatened to implode them if I didn't smuggle you and your brat out of Plegia!"

"Call it insurance," Morgana said with a shrug.

"And then you did it anyway!" he shouted, the veins on his neck ready to burst.

Morgana merely raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you shouldn't have tried to grope me when I was asleep," she said, noticing his livid expression.

"He does tend to do that lot," her daughter added, though he could see her hand moving to the hilt of her sword.

"Does he, now?" Morgana asked in a flat tone, her maternal instinct flaring hotter than a dragon's fire. "Did he try anything on you?"

Rose just waved it off. "Yeah, but I broke his leg."

The dark look turned into one of pride as she hugged Rose. "I did notice he had a limp now. I'm so proud of you," she said before noticing the foam starting to froth from the smuggler's mouth. "Oh, stop complaining. You still have one testicle left. Unless you want me to fix that?"

His face went from red to purple, before all fight left him. He just couldn't deal with both of them, especially now that he knows they are kin. "... Just take the damn carriage and leave me alone." The smuggler slumped in his seat, defeated, and waved them off and hoping that would get rid of a headache.

Morgana beamed at him with a saccharine smile. "Pleasure doing business with you, as always!"

That only prompted a new string of curses from the man. He who glared at them as they moved to the largest and most expensive of his carriages. But he decided to bite his tongue.

The two women attached her two horses to the empty carriage, thankfully without any property or physical damage. Samuel hoped this was it and he would never have to see the two again.

The Gods aren't that kind, as the mercenary had some parting words before they rode away.

"Bye Samuel! Stay out of trouble and thanks for the house! The giant, heated bathtub is great!"

"Go to hell you b– Wait… What was that about a house?!"


The announcement of her departure broke the hearts of the village. The children she helped teach during the weekends took especially hard. But the townspeople accepted her decision and wished her the best. Most thought the reason was that Robin's position in Ylisstol offered her a better life.

But they weren't let go without a proper send-off and the town threw her a small party. Here they shared Robin's situation and Rose's existence, with the obvious details omitted. When questions arose about her whereabout, Morgana weaved the tale of her daughter. She did it better than Rose ever could, sticking to simplicity and half-truths.

The town welcomed both with open arms. They shared with Robin tales of his early years, particularly the embarrassing ones. They squished out all the tales of the world from Morgana's newly discovered daughter.

As the farewell party passed, more memories stirred in Robin's mind as he spent time with the old faces of his youth. He couldn't remember small things, yet. But the stories helped with the big moments. Those that made him into the man he was when he woke on that field, and for him, that was enough for now.

But in the end, that chapter of the family's lives came to a close. The carriage left the simple farming village for the capital. The family of Fellbloods was going to start anew. This time with the mother the two tacticians had lost before.

And woe to whoever dares hurt her children, in this or any world.


The Shepherds had gathered at the castle's courtyard at their captain's request. A patrol had spotted the tacticians' carriage and they were there to welcome them back. When someone asked why they were bringing a carriage, it was the Exalt who answered to their surprise.

She had received a letter earlier in the week that the pair were bringing someone with them. Emmeryn thought it amusing to keep it secret, much to her siblings annoyance. The Shepherds were forced to remain curious and wait to see who the pair brought with them.

"Any idea who they are bringing?" Chrom asked, looking at the carriage down the road getting closer.

"I'm afraid not, milord. Your sister has not been forthcoming with the information," Frederick said at his side.

Chrom threw a dirty look at his elder sister, who kept her serene smile in place. Knowing her wasn't going to get anything from her, he relented. "Well, it will be interesting to meet new people. Maybe it's a family member."

"Try to not put your foot in your mouth if it's a girl, Chrom," Lissa teased.

"Why do you say that?" he challenged with a scowl.

His little sister gave him a pointed look. "Your first meetings with women are almost always bad. You made Sumia trip into a pile of pegasus dung. You dropped a bucket of water over Maribelle. You feel on top of Cordelia. You called Rose a man..." Lissa said, listing just some examples.

The women she named turn red for different reasons.

"I have to agree, Chrom," Emmeryn added, much to his shock.

"You too, Emm?" he asked, feeling betrayed.

Emmeryn took a moment to think of her response. "Your charm tends to be… lacking, when talking to non-noble girls," the eldest royal said diplomatically. "I remember when you were little and had a crush on Phila and you gave her a–"

"You promised to never mention that!" he hissed, ignoring how the Wing Commander blushed. Frowning he turned to his friends for help. "And I have changed since then! I can be charming, right guys?"

His male friends didn't meet his eyes.

"Well..." Ricken said, looking for a way out.

"Ehh, sure Blue," Gaius said with a shrug.

"You could do better..." Stahl offered diplomatically.

"Even Teach can't do miracles," Vaike added.

The prince clenched his jaw "... I will prove you wrong."

Frederick just coughed into his fist.

"Of co– Oh look, they are here," the Exalt said, pointing at the carriage coming through the gate.

Once the carriage stopped, Robin dismounted from the driver's seat.

"Welcome back," Chrom greeted, shaking Robin's hand with a smile. "I hope your trip was fruitful, my friend?"

Looking at the two women dismounting behind him, Robin smiled. "I dare say so, Chrom. I regained some of my memories."

"That's great news!" Lissa cheered

"Indeed! But not only that! I found my hometown and learned about my family!" Robin said, smiling at the excited expressions on his friends' faces. He was unaware of the idea that had popped up inside Chrom's head. Motioning to the unknown woman next to him, "Guys, this is Morgana, she's my–"

"Ah! A pleasure, milady. Rose and Robin didn't inform us that they had another sister," the prince said, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on it.

He would show his sisters he could be charming. It didn't hurt to make a good first impression on his friends' family, either. He already screwed up that part with Rose and Robin was sort of a mess too.

Chrom didn't notice how the tactician siblings froze in place. Neither did he felt the incredulous stared everyone was throwing at him.

Morgana smiled bashfully, though she clearly enjoyed the attention. "Oh, I'm certain they didn't mention it, Your Highness."

"Please, call me Chrom," he said, giving her another dazzling smile.


"Is he really…?" Stahl started, already figuring out the situation along with the rest of the audience.

"...Should we tell him?" Ricken asked, watching as Chrom continued to half-talk, half-flirt with the woman.

"Shhh, I want to see how this goes," Gaius added with a shit-eating grin.

The rest of the Shepherds and the Royal sisters looked in amusement.

The Plegian sibling looked like they were about to have a shared aneurism.

"She is playing along with him. I can see where Rose got her sense of humor," commented the Exalt.

"She has one?" Lissa said, surprised. "I mean, I have heard her being sarcastic but I thought it was more like a sadistic amusement at running the recruits ragged."

Emmeryn smiled at her sister, giving a slight shrug. "You just need to get to know her."


"I have to say, your majesty, you are quite the charmer," Morgana said with a girlish giggle. "I never imaged the prince of Ylisse would compliment someone of my station. Not with such familiarity."

The action made her children's stomachs churn with revulsion.

"Well, thank you, milady," Chrom answered with pride. "I do try to threaten everyone like an equal, regardless of their station."

"Quite the noble attitude. I wish more men followed your example," the older woman said with a pleasing smile.

The prince looked smug and was preening at the praise as if rubbing it on the other's faces.

Unfortunately, some didn't take kindly to the situation.

"Chrom," Robin hissed. The tactician's voice was flat and sharp as a blade cutting through the atmosphere. His sister's face twisted in bewildered disgust.

The prince was surprised by his friend's tone, looking at him in confusion. "Yeah?"

"I know you are my friend, my boss, and the prince of the Halidom," Robin said. He took a deep breath before continuing through gritted teeth. "But I will only say this once before this goes any further… Please, stop flirting with my mother."

The silence that descended over those present was total. Gaius almost choked on his candy as he tried to contain his laughter. The only reason he didn't was thanks to Sumia distractedly punching him in the back.

"M-Mother?" the prince squeaked, putting the pieces together. He turned towards Morgana and looked at her closely. He could now see the slight wrinkles on her face. The white of her hair differed slightly from that of her children due to age.

"Oh, don't be such a stiff, my little chick," Morgana said with a laugh. "It's not every day I get compliments from a prince. If I'm allowed to be a little vain, I do look rather well for my age."

Emmeryn stifled a giggle with her hand, while Phila gave an exasperated sight at her side. Lissa didn't bother being discrete and openly laughed at her brother.

The Exalt decided to put her brother out of his misery and turned the conversation back on track. "Lady Morgana, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Emmeryn Lowell, Exalt of the Halidom. This is my sister Princess Lissa Lowell."

"Hi!" the youngest royal greeted.

If Morgana was surprised by the casualness of their greeting, she didn't show it.

"Your Highnesses, it's an honor to meet you," Morgana said, bowing respectfully to the Exalt. "I hope my children have not been much trouble."

Emmeryn shook her head and smiled pleasantly. "Quite the contrary. I owe them both my life and so do the people of Ylisstol. You did a magnificent job raising them."

Morgana smiled at the blushes that came over the twins. It seems that being praised in front of their mother was too much for them. "That's more than a mother can ask. I thank you for helping my son during his time of need."

"It's my brother who deserved your thanks. He is the one that found him," Emmery added but stopped as she pondered something. "Though if I recall correctly it was Lissa who found him when she tripped over him, no?"

Lissa coughed awkwardly.

"In that case, thank you so much Your Highnesses," she said, bowing again. The smile she gave them showed everyone how similar she was too Rose.

If the mercenary smiled sincerely more often, that is.

Clearing her throat, Rose changed the topic before any further embarrassment. "I will go put your stuff in my house. Why don't you show her around, Robin?"

He nodded in agreement, eager to escape the awkward situation. "Sounds good," he said, "That is, if that's alright with you, Your Grace?" he asked, not wanting to overstep his bounds.

Much to his visible relief, Emmeryn gave her consent with a smile. "Of course, she is more than welcome into the castle at any time."

"Yeah! You are practically family, little chick" Lissa said, taking a little barb at him and eliciting giggles from the use of his nickname.

"...I'm going to ignore that last part. Come on, Mother. We can start in the garden," Robin said. He glared one last time at his best friend who at least had the decency to look sheepish.

"I look forward to talking with you all," Morgana said, waving at them.

"So do we. I hope you have many funny stories about Bubbles," Gaius said, earning another punch from Sumia. "Ouch, stop that, Stumbles!"

"Oh, my dear, you have no idea," Morgana added with a smile that made Robin uneasy. "Bubbles, huh?"

"Ok! Come, the gardens await!" Robin said loudly, tugging at his mother's arm and forcing a laugh out of her. Had any of the nobility were present, they would've fainted at the lack of decorum.

Even as they walked away from the assembled audience, Morgana's voice was easily heard by the Shepherds.

"There are a lot of pretty girls here, son. Is one of them your girlfriend? I'm getting old and I want grandchildren."

Robin groaned while the Shepherds followed, laughing along the way.


Rose smiled at the scene. She had completed one of the goals she had been working towards for years. Her mother was alive and she couldn't be happier. But life had taught her that it would not last. She could only wonder when the other shoe would drop.

The Exalt walked towards her, greeting her with a smile and a nod. "Looks like your trip was fortuitous."

Rose smiled as she handed the carriage to one of the stable boys. "It was," she said before making sure no else could listen. "She took her reunion with me better than I hoped. We hadn't seen each other in… ages. It's nice to see her well."

"I am glad that growing up in different households did not make things harder for you." Emmeryn motioned for her to follow, with Phila behind them. "Walk with me. My siblings will go on ahead, so we can speak in private. I had been wanting to talk to you about the events that have happened in your absence."

Her words caught the tactician's attention. "Something happened?" Rose asked, walking with her towards one of the smaller side gardens.

"A couple of things, especially with that Dark Mage that was recruited during the last battle. Tharja, was it?"

Rose pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "What did she do?"

Emmeryn just pointed toward a flower bed near the wall and Rose's grasp of reality shattered.

There, in a prudish yellow sundress, was Tharja. Her dark hair was loose under a simple sunhat with a yellow flower adorning it. She was on her knees, planting sunflowers and daisies with Libra. Around them was a group of children listening to the pair tell them stories. They all looked very happy, and the mage laughed merrily as one of the girls put a crown of flowers in her head.

Tharja giggled. It was a fucking bizarre sight that scared the Fell Dragon.

The mercenary remembered what she did to her when the mage invaded her mind. Rose grimaced at the realization.

"I might have done some damage there..." she murmured to herself.

"Did you say something?" Emmeryn said, turning to her with a curious look.

"Oh nothing, just thinking to myself. Must be the product of a curse that backfired. I could talk to Henry about it..." she said, trailing off as if doubting this was a good idea. "Anything else happened?"

"Well, more like it will happen," Emmeryn responded with a tinge of pink on her cheeks. That only confused Plegian more.

"What do you mean?"

Emmeryn turned towards her with a solemn smile. "Rose, ever since you joined us and shared your burden with me, I have come to see you as a trustworthy friend."

The way she spoked made Rose's eye widen in surprise.

"I know many would consider it foolish. The Exalt to be friends with a Plegian mercenary. Oh, the things the nobility have been saying," Emmeryn said with a small chuckle. "But your tale made me realize how fleeting life can be and I decided to take a leap of faith."

"A leap of faith?" Now Rose was more confused.

The Exalt nodded. "Would do me the honor of being my bridesmaid alongside Phila for my wedding next month?"

"...What?"


A/N: Updated March 17th, 2020