A few days later, Morgan declared that he would do Lucina's work for her in a similar way of how Chrom and Robin shared the workload in the time they had saved. Lucina wasn't wholly willing, yet as with many things Morgan was persistent—so they essentially swapped roles for the day, with Morgan doing exalt duties while Lucina conversed with friends and citizens about not-directly-important things. Around lunch, she found herself in a conversation with Laurent, Nah, and one of the older citizens.

"It's interesting," the elder began, "The order that you said you left the past in wasn't necessarily the order that you arrived in."

"That's true," Laurent agreed. "Gerome was the first to leave, but Inigo and his companion arrived first; then came Owain, his companion, and Severa. Gerome was the fourth of the original thirteen to return. After him, they left and came in order—Kjelle, Yarne, Brady, myself, Cynthia, Noire, Nah, and finally Morgan and Lucina. The positions in which they came varied as well, only to become more consistent in time."

"Why do you think that is?" Nah asked. "When we went back in time, we were lucky if we ended up getting there within a few days of each other; Laurent was sent back at least a year sooner than Lucina."

"We left only with the thought of arriving in time to save lives or stop Grima," Lucina pointed out. "I know that I, at least, arrived at the right time and place to fulfill that wish, even if the dangers came with me. Perhaps the conditions needed to be specific; when Gerome, Severa, Inigo, and Owain left, they only wanted to return to this place—they didn't say exactly when or where. After them, the others wished to go to the time and place where they were, leading to more general areas and timeframes to expect them."

"That would explain why it seemed as though you thirteen only left for a year," the elder said. "Everyone save Your Grace and Lord Morgan came within the same month, exactly when we needed them—you and your brother arrived similarly, albeit near the one-year anniversary of your leave."

"I believe this warrants further study," Laurent declared, pushing up his glasses. "If I recall, Morgan mentioned his counterpart making a promise to find a way for him to return? Perhaps I can test that—see if it truly is possible."

"I'd like to hear your results," Lucina replied. "I would like to speak with them… Although, as cruel as it sounds, I wish to never see anyone from that time again; but Morgan is determined to fulfill his end of the promise and return there." She paused and sighed, "Quite frankly I still dislike the idea of him being here at all. He has more ties in the past than he does in this grim future."

"Naga told us all before we left that we couldn't go back unless both times were connected," Nah reminded her. "She made sure all of us were willing to risk our lives back there—especially the ones that came before you, because she wasn't sure if we'd make it through safely. Naga also said that our time still exists because there are ties to it; sure, our parents from the past might remember us, but memories fade and even Nowi won't live forever. Morgan has that book, though—the one he says he wrote with Robin. When our past parents die, that book might be what keeps us here; we have Morgan to thank for that. Who knows if it would still have the same value as it does now if he weren't here."

"…You're not wrong," Lucina admitted. "I'm not even sure what's in it, but I know that Morgan sees it as a physical representation of his and Robin's bond."

"Another topic worthy of studying," Laurent said. He stood up, brushing himself off. "But if I may, I believe it's time to begin my expedition."

"Excellent," Lucina said, standing up as well. "I will join you—and before you protest, let me remind you that I'm more than capable of defending myself."

"Of course," Laurent replied, albeit with obvious hesitance.

"I'll gather up some others, and we can head out together," Nah suggested. She stood up and walked off, leaving Lucina and Laurent to do the same.

Lucina waited for them at the city's gates. Nah and Laurent brought with them Brady and Cynthia; upon their arrival, the five left Ylisstol. This was the first time Lucina had left the city since she returned. Work that had to be done or excuses not to bring her had kept the exalt inside the city for these past few weeks. The scenery resembled more of that of the past, everything slowly growing to match the approaching season. Snow still threatened to fall, but some of the wildlife seemed to give it no thought. Even now, the occasional snowflake fell from the sky, but the animals around them still pranced about. The group hunted and gathered what the area could afford, staying out for a few hours before deciding to return.

It was as they were coming back that they ran into Risen. Each one of them took it as an opportunity to practice; the beasts themselves weren't difficult to fight, although they left behind some…interesting objects. Laurent observed each one of them, noting, "Three letters and one book, written plainly and maintained neatly." He picked up one of the letters in question, reading it quietly, "'Thirteen young men and women with unknown origins; out of those thirteen, only one's whereabouts were ever determined and even then he has since disappeared without a trace.' It appears to be a modified passage from a book, written by someone else."

"Let me see," Lucina said. By her request, Laurent handed it to her, but she didn't have to look at it for long. "…Gods. This is my handwriting. It's dated as April fifth of the year after Morgan and I left."

"Do you think..?" Nah began to ask.

Lucina wasn't sure why her friend didn't continue the question, but she regardless shook her head. "Let's bring the other letters and book with us. Gods only know why Risen had them, but Morgan will want to see them."

Everyone else nodded, and Lucina carried the food and game they had gathered or caught while the others took the letters and book. Lucina's thoughts strayed farther than she should; she found herself thinking, If you come here, I can't show you hospitality like a sister or daughter would. It's too likely that you will fall in this land…it's not your land to visit, live, or die in.