It was the week of Chrom's birthday—which meant it was the week of the Mini Shepherds' one year anniversary. The whole week was taken up by events to celebrate both occasions, with Morgan resuming his role as announcer for said events. He was a little disappointed that Malin couldn't stay to watch, but he was still excited. On the first day of the planned week, he was sorting through his books in his room until there was a knock on his door.

"It's time, Brother," Lucina said from the other side. She sounded happy, too—although there probably wasn't one sad person in the castle right now. "Everyone's outside and waiting for it to begin; best not keep them out there for long."

"All right!" Morgan replied. He sat aside his books, took out his scoreboard, and the siblings went outside of the castle together.

Unlike the day that Morgan brought up the idea of the Mini Shepherds, it was sunny—which could be due to Tharja's spell casting, as she had mentioned that she was experimenting with weather earlier. All of the Mini Shepherds, their parents, some of the staff, and a few of Lucina or Owain's friends and their parents were outside, so with everyone there Morgan saw no reason for further delay. "Hello, friends and strangers alike!" He announced happily. "Today you witness the first annual Mini Shepherds Celebratory Events! Almost one year ago today, seven friends fought a mock battle that was soon credited for the creation of the Mini Shepherds. Soon, those same seven will fight again for a prize of ultimate bragging rights and extra dessert. And we have many more events planned, including tactical prowess and new member tryouts!"

He let the crowd give cheers and shouts, then gestured for them to quiet down when he continued. "Today's the new member tryout matches and challenges; first the applicants with fight against the strongest members of the Mini Shepherds to determine where they fall on the strength side of things, then they will be asked a series of questions to determine their other skills and weaknesses. Tomorrow is the tactical prowess challenge, where participants will partner up and have a battle of wits against their opponents for a monetary prize presented by the Grand Tactician herself! The day after is a recreation of the mock battle that started it all, including the old and new members of the Mini Shepherds. Last but not least, the events for those of the second generation end with a trip around the area surrounding Ylisstol, visiting many a legendary landmark on our way. But if you're a parent or a member of the castle staff over the age of twenty, the twenty-seventh marks the exalt's birthday! Please refer to Lady Robin for the exact details."

Morgan sat the scoreboard down and bowed, smiling as he looked up at the crowd. "Now, who's ready to see if these candidates have what it takes to join the Mini Shepherds?" The crowd cheered, so he picked up the scoreboard again and went to the training area. The possible new recruits lined up as the Mini Shepherds made sure it was ready; among the recruits were Noire, Nah, Yarne, and Inigo. Two other children—Gerome and Severa—were there was well, but they didn't participate.

Once everything was confirmed to be set up properly, Morgan declared the rules and stated who would be fighting who. The festivities began, and the next few days rivaled those of the year before. It was not only a celebration of banishing bandits, but the people they met, too—how the Mini Shepherds found people thought to be dead, family members thought to be lost, and how, because of that one night of bravery when Morgan asked if they could recreate their parents legendary group, those people can now be seen again. It meant even more to Morgan; it was the first time he was allowed outside these castle walls, a privilege he wasn't sure if he would have if the Mini Shepherds hadn't been formed.

The week went by smoothly—with a fair bit of good-natured chaos, of course. Robin personally oversaw the events surrounding Chrom's birthday, and encouraged all of the children—even those of the staff—to go with the Mini Shepherds on their trip. It worked, as by dinnertime on Chrom's birthday there were no children to be seen.

Robin and Chrom sat together, with friends surrounding them. The meal had just been presented, and the castle staff were asked to stay as Chrom stood up to speak to those around them. "I can't promise that my words will be clear, but I will try my best to share my thoughts well," he began. "I remember the day I proposed the idea of the original Shepherds; I was young, and simply asked my friends, 'What say you to forming a militia group to keep the Plegians at bay?' For a long time after that, we did just as I had said. I fought as the leader of that simple group until it no longer became just me and my close friends, and it's now a faction of the Ylissean army reserved for the best of warriors.

"The Mini Shepherds are our children—the next generation. They fight while we go about the tasks that were given to us by our parents or siblings. Many of you are still members of the army, while others help keep peace by traveling and spreading the values of what such a land holds. I thank you all for staying by my side in these long years, even as it became difficult. This land still sees unrest—people still kill to avenge those who died nearly two decades ago, and a bloody cycle of vengeance follows—but I believe that with all of our combined efforts, peace will come in only a few more years. I ask that you will continue to stand by me during that time as you have been for as long as I can remember." He smiled and raised his glass. "But that's enough out of this sentimental fool. I propose a toast; to the halidom, and the many years it will yet see!"

All of those present raised their glass and echoed, "To the halidom!" Some people added, "Long live the exalt!" before drinking. The conversation continued on after that, normally contained within small groups. Let the children celebrate what they wish; today marked many a grand occasion and the possibilities that came afterwards. Longtime wishes were fulfilled, and one day Robin could laugh and smile at such festivities without feeling any guilt about those who could not participate.

(A/N: And so ends the sequel to Mini Shepherds. There were a few chapters that I had a hard time writing, but overall I'm not dissatisfied. I hope you enjoyed the story, and thank you for reading.)