It was late—by Chrom's standards, at least. It took several hours and her husband to step in, but Lissa finally relented in asking him about her present this year. He fully expected to wake up with his sister staring at him in the morning, but he decided that a quiet night would be enough of a reprieve. However, as soon as he entered his room he saw the telltale signs of an approaching conversation about something Robin had noticed; she was in bed but was sitting up, looking out the window and contemplating her own thoughts while admiring the moonlit courtyard outside.

She noticed Chrom as soon as he came inside the room. "So—Lucina told me today that she sparred with Marth in Ferox and got hurt."

"Straight to the point, huh?" Chrom asked as teasingly as he dared. He closed the door behind him, drew the curtains closed, and took off the light armor he wore during the day. "But yes; it's true. She didn't tell me at first, either—I had to grab her arm before she told me about it, and even then she didn't immediately say who she was sparring with."

"…She scares me sometimes," Robin admitted. "I'm honestly surprised she didn't try to keep training. Neither Lucina is known for her best decision-making skills…and the daughter we have with us is particularly fond of avoiding attention or worry."

"We can't break her of the habits she's been practicing for nearly eighteen years; not easily or quickly," Chrom pointed out.

"Chrom." The way she said it prompted him to look at her; she looked concerned, as most mothers would. "I cut her right where a scar had been—and it wasn't a mere trickle of blood, either. Lucina's first response was to say she could handle it herself, then likely claim it was nothing and continue training. I'm not worried about how she can quickly react to situations; I'm scared that she'll get hurt, refuse to let others help, and then she…" Robin paused to take a deep breath to steady herself, then said, "It's harmful enough when she's at the castle, but it's the last thing they need if she's with the Mini Shepherds. I spoke with her myself, but all I got out of her was a nod."

"You're worried; I understand that," Chrom said. He sat down on the bed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But you know that I have no advice to offer with these kinds of things. I can talk with her in the morning—although it's likely that she won't fully listen."

"…I hate that it seems like the only option," Robin said quietly. There was silence for a few moments before she added, "Does she have more scars than those on her arm?"

"Morgan reported one on her right shoulder," Chrom replied. "Kjelle told me there was one running down Lucina's left side. It shouldn't be much of a surprise that Lucina herself dodged the question."

"Was the intent murder?" Robin asked incredulously. "Gods… If Lucina meant to baffle us with her actions, I can say that she did an exceptionally good job at it. Between both of them I've been distracted all day."

"Well, try to put it out of your mind for now," Chrom said in his best attempt to reassure her. "Again, I'll bring it up with Lucina sometime tomorrow. Good night?"

Robin thought for a moment, then nodded and laid down. "Good night," she said.

It wasn't too long before he heard her gentle snoring, but Chrom himself must have gained her thoughtful mood. His thoughts were of their conversation, and notes on what he could tell her in the morning. He also thought on talking with Lucina…he knew that she wouldn't respond much to it, because she didn't want others concern to be focused on her. She would continue doing what she has been for all but six years of her life; little over a decade's worth of time was put into developing her current habits, and he knew that Robin's withdrawal from family life helped create it. Chrom wanted to speak with her older counterpart as well—just like Robin, he wanted to know why, when it seemed like such an ill choice—but he knew that would have to wait for just a little while longer.

He did eventually fall asleep, because he had to be woken up by light nudging. When he didn't open his eyes, Robin said simply, "It's past time to get up, Chrom. We have work to do this morning; you can take a nap in the afternoon."

Chrom sat up, noting that Robin was already dressed and prepared for the day. That helped him get up and ready as well, saying, "I was wondering last night if bad choices might be hereditary."

Robin thought on it for a few moments. "Perhaps. You have examples in mind, I'm assuming?"

"You, Emm, Lucina," Chrom replied. "I find it hard to accept some of your decisions; I'm still battling with Emm's. Lucina tried to kill you to save me, for gods' sake."

"When you put it like that, it makes me worry for Morgan," Robin admitted. "At least he'll be with me today. Remember to talk with Lucina—ah, and I think Tharja will be coming soon."

"You'll be in the library, then?" Chrom asked.

"Or one of the guest rooms," Robin replied with a nod. "I feel more comfortable when she's only watching me sleep" She opened the door and offered a wave. "I'll see you at breakfast."

When she left, Chrom made sure he was ready for the day then went to where he usually worked. He spent the hour before breakfast to set everything up, went to the dining hall to eat and talk for about thirty minutes (telling Lucina that he wanted to speak with her later in the day, which she seemed to have been expected), then resumed work. He continued to do what his position required of him—reading over documents, reports, and the like—until a little bit after lunch. That was when he took a quick nap and then sought out Lucina, with their conversation coming to the same conclusion he had assumed it would, with the same ending it always had; that being Lucina only gave him a faint smile and said, "I'll do better next time, Father."