-Cherche's Room-
"Good morning!" Ravena said cheerfully. "You're doing much better today."
"And how would you know?" It was true. Cherche, for the first time in a week since waking up, was feeling well. Her wound still hurt, but now she could sit up without retching in pain.
"Your – well, it's a dark mage thing." Ravena frowned. "I don't know how to describe it. Uh, vitality essence? It's the stuff that clings to your body, on the magic plane."
"Oh, so you can see magic?"
"Mmm-hmm! It's one of my abilities from being Darkgifted." Ravena said. "Father and Dant were working with me to train it."
"Robin has just adopted you to use your power, no doubt."
"That isn't true in the slightest." Ravena's eyes narrowed. "In fact, I had to run across the entirety of Valm, as an orphan, including from your own country of Rosanne when people found out I was Darkgifted. Robin gave me a home, because he didn't want me to keep running for my life when he could stop it."
Cherche wanted to argue, but the words somehow got caught in her throat.
"Why do you hate my father, anyway?" Ravena asked.
"Because he's a backstabbing, treacherous snake."
"Oh." Ravena said. "I thought it was because he stabbed you."
"No. I was trying to kill him as well." Cherche said. "I do not blame him for that."
"But wait." Ravena frowned. "Robin never actually backstabbed you. You two never agreed to a treaty of any kind. He just used you to further his own ends."
"That is bad as well." Cherche frowned. How much did he tell this girl? "Treating people like pawns is despicable behavior."
"Oh." Ravena said. "But isn't that what your liege did in the defense of Valm? Sacrifice the army, and the inhabitants of the city, in order to deal as pyrrhic of a blow to Valm as possible."
"How do even know all these things!?"
"Dant told me." Ravena said. "Don't dodge the question."
"What my liege did and Robin did are two entirely different things."
"Right. Because Robin sacrificed used your troops, which weren't his own, but your liege used his own troops." Ravena frowned. "I wonder which one is worse?"
"My master and yours are entirely different things!" Cherche snapped.
"Are they? Are they really?" Ravena said. "I know this conversation is upsetting to you, but you need to be honest here."
"If you think-"
"No, you think." Ravena said, sternly. "Tell me, how different they are. Tell me."
And, for the first time, Cherche found herself considering it. Virion was different in the externals, to be sure, an elegant dandy who couldn't walk past a lady without flirting. Robin hadn't even shown he was interested in her. Virion was gregarious, whereas Robin seemed contained. But, in essence, they were both master strategists, willing to play the long game. And, more importantly, willing to sacrifice in order to win the long game. It seemed, that despite the different motives, they were willing to use the same means. And their motives didn't seem all that different. She couldn't be sure of Robin's purposes, but it seemed that a Virion born in Valm and not Rosanne might have the same goals as Robin. He didn't care for Walhart's injustices but cared more for Rosanne's independence. Enough to sacrifice the whole country for a chance to spite Walhart, so he could rally a third country to defeat them.
It was a sobering thought.
"This doesn't make me one of you." Cherche said.
"That's fine." Ravena said. "Acknowledgement is only the first step. Acceptance comes later."
-Castle Ylisse-
"Welcome to Castle Ylisse." The doorman invited the pair of them in.
Robin had opted for a similar style to the suit he'd worn during Valm's celebratory ball, figuring that things which weren't broken didn't need fixing. He'd changed a few things, the suit was still charcoal with stylized lapels, but now he had a crimson handkerchief in his jacket pocket, as well as wearing a red shirt underneath his jacket. His domino mask had been swapped for the larger one that Zulas had given him, and he, for once, had parted his now-brown hair.
Say'ri, as an homage to her Chon'sin roots, wore a purple kimono. Fortunately, she had one on hand designed for her, designed for a blademistress needing easy movement, but a graceful appearance. Her hair had been set back to her normal loose hair and kept in place with a single strip of cloth. She was wearing her shoulder guards, and keeping appropriately close to Robin to indicate her role as his companion.
It became apparent to Robin, shortly after entering, that they'd severely overdressed. It was probably the shirtless blond man that did it, though it wasn't helped by the dark mage who's glance sent shivers down his spine. One of the Shepherds? I suppose so. Robin looked around, seeing, among other well-dressed guests and the soldiers providing security, a rag-tag assortment of warriors, mages, healers, and who-knows-what-else. And these are the rest. Chrom is quite the person to just have them all show up. Some of them actually did a decent job of fitting in, but others didn't. Robin particularly enjoyed the sight of a foul-mouthed red-head who was busy guzzling alcohol.
"The Shepherds are not what I expected." Say'ri said. "I had only heard a few stories, though."
"I think those are true." Robin said. "Don't be deceived by their appearance. There's a lot more to these soldiers than meet the eye. After all, they're all part of Exalt Chrom's elite personal unit. I wouldn't want to cross them for anything."
"Do you mean that?"
"Yes." Robin said. "Now, should we mingle apart, or together?"
"I am your blade, Robin." Say'ri said. "Order me as you see fit."
"Then I shall have you by my side for the time being." Robin said. "I'll want to speak to the Exalt in private, if I can manage it. And certainly that mysterious blue-haired tactician I've been hearing about. I shouldn't think I'll find all his secrets, but it'll be a good start."
"We've arrived too early, then. I think neither of them are here."
"Of course we've arrived early." Robin said. "They've chosen the battlefield, I'm not letting them choose the time of engagement as well. I'd prefer being here to watch everything begin, rather than walk about the city some more."
"Not everything is a battle."
"Indulge me." Robin said. His eyes narrowed. Someone was approaching him. Someone in blue, and better dressed than he was. "I'm sorry, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"
"My name is Virion, the archest of archers." Virion said. Virion? Robin smiled internally. This should be fun. "And who might you be? I haven't the pleasure of meeting you yet, and your mask prohibits me the pleasure of trying to puzzle out who you are."
"I apologize for the mask, Viscount of Rosanne." Robin said, as pleasantly as he could. "But you understand that disguises are a necessity, correct?"
Robin saw a flash in the man's eyes. "I don't believe I told you who I was."
"You didn't." Robin said. "But don't tell me a man of your tactical prowess did not figure out who I was? Even after running, you must have heard some rumors of the crimson tactician of Valm? If not – well, you strike me as a philanderer, and I'm afraid that I am a man beneath this mask so our conversation would be at an end."
"I see." Virion said. "So, we must bare our knives immediately?"
"Here and now? I don't think it's a good place." Robin smiled. "I merely wished to confirm your identity to congratulate you on the wonderful plan of action in Parise. Truly, a work of art. A humble tactician like myself could learn much from you. We suffered many casualties that day. I wonder if the Exalt knows of it…? And what his reaction should be?"
"What do you want." Virion asked. His face was impassive, but there had to be a turmoil of emotion beneath it.
"Nothing, of course. This is a wedding. An occasion of joy." Robin said. "I think we can agree that this is neither the time or place to air the grievances between us. All I ask for is to simply leave me alone for the time being, as I do to you. Is that so much?"
"Very well." Virion said. "But you've made an enemy today."
"Come now. We've been enemies long before today." Robin said. "Now, we're just proclaiming it."
"Was that necessary?" Say'ri asked, after Virion had left. "You didn't need to threaten him like Excellus might."
Wow. Robin winced. That was … harsh.
"I'll try to tone it down." Robin sighed. "It's just – he honestly can ruin me right now. He's got Chrom's ear, which means he can shut me out. I wanted him to stay quiet."
"I'm sure you have your reasons." Say'ri said.
It's not that she said I did something wrong, she just implied it. Robin sighed. She's taking her role seriously, which, I have to say, she's good at. How am I supposed to scheme with her around?
"I promise I'll be straightforward with the Exalt, in the event I can talk to him." Robin said. "Will that satisfy you?"
"I've already sworn to be your blade."
"I'm not winning with you." Robin sighed. "Let's tour the castle. There's a lot of history here. Wonder if we'll find something interesting."
-Art Gallery - Mystery of the Emblem-
"Does that painting look familiar to you?" Robin asked. "Because it does."
"Hmm. The mask bears a striking resemblance to the one you wear." Say'ri said. "This is a portrait of a man named Sirius. I daresay his mask may be your own."
"Based off of it, at any rate." The pair turned around to see a bespectacled mage. "I did wonder when I saw you enter. Did you base your mask off of his?"
"Not at all. In fact, considering that I happen to be Valmese, I couldn't." Robin said. "This may sound … funny, but this is a loan from a friend of mine, who told me it was an old ancestral mask worn by an ancestor of his."
"Quite impossible that the masks are one and the same then." The mage said. "Sirius had no descendants."
"My apologies. Who are you, and can you tell me about Sirius?"
"My name is Miriel. The scholar of the Shepherds. Now, if you are from Valm, you must be Count Obsidian of Valm, along with Athena. I memorized the guest list." Miriel adjusted her glasses, catching the torchlight on them. "Sirius. He is a man of mystery, joining the Hero-King Marth's army when Hardan betrayed him. Aside from that … well, nothing is quite known about him. There is reason to believe that he was involved in the previous War of the Emblem, but no one knows what side he fought on, nor do they know precisely why he fought on Marth's side. The princess, Nyna, supposedly knew his secret, but she took it to her grave."
"Are there … any theories, as to who he was?"
"Countless." Miriel said. "Most suspect that it was a knight named Frey, a name which shows up quite a bit in lore, yet no one can agree on whether or not he survived the War of the Emblem. Some suspect it was Jagen in disguise, though no one can give a reason why he would don the disguise. Wolf is also a favorite, though there are conclusive texts which place Sirus and Wolf in separate places, though possibly he was just an alias used by the whole Wolfguard, who kept swapping places."
"Is the last one likely?"
"No, it's a pet theory of mine." Miriel admitted. "Of course, there are even those who claim it to be Michalis, and that is just … preposterous."
"Is that the craziest?"
"No." Miriel frowned. "Do you know, I came across a paper which suggested a man named Zelgius, which is a name I've never heard of! It's very clear that Sirius was known to Marth, which is why the mask was a necessity. Zelgius? Pah!"
"Well, that's of no help." Robin frowned. You know what? Zulas complains about that 'bloodline' curse to no end. If Sirius is his ancestor, maybe Sirius had it as well.
"Is there, perhaps, a man during the War of the Emblem that fell in love with royalty?" Robin asked. "A tragic romance, one that could not be finished. Perhaps with the man on the wrong side of the war as well?"
"Of course. Have you never heard the Tragedy of Sir Camus the Noble?"
"I can't say I have."
"I thought now. It's not a story the Valmese would tell you. It's an Archaneian legend." Miriel said. "Sir Camus was the leader of the Sable Order. It was said he was so noble, the princess Nyna fell instantly in love with him. Ironic, for though he returned that love, his nobility prevented him from acting upon it, and Nyna was wed to King Hardin instead. Unfortunately, that eventually led the the Second Emblem War, also known as the 'Mystery of the Emblem' War."
"That's an interesting story, but I kind of feel you went out of your way to tell it in a weird structure." Robin frowned. "It didn't sound quite right."
"Well, you should perhaps tell the author of the story that not everything can be wedded to a story structure copied from somewhere else." Miriel said. "In any event, Camus disappeared shortly after the War of the Emblem, and was never seen on Archeneia instead."
"Ah." Robin said. "That makes perfect sense. So Camus was Sirius."
"That's a hasty conclusion."
"Nonetheless, the right one." Robin said. "Coming, Athena?"
"As you wish."
"Wait!" Miriel called out as they left, but neither paid any notice. Miriel looked back at the picture. "Camus. Hmmm, yes that would make sense! A lot of sense indeed. I believe I'll have a paper to write after this."
-Main Hall-
"He-e-ey! Who are you?" Now it was cheerful one in a bright yellow dress. After his tour, Robin had gone back to the main hall, only to find that, while the man and lady of the night had arrived, they were swarmed by well-wishers. He tried to make his way through, only to somehow run into conversations with at least half the Shepherds and having them consistently end the conversation with 'Oh, look here's another one of us!'. They lacked in tact, but made up for it with enthusiasm. Presumably, Robin wasn't one crazed about socializing, and only did it out of necessity.
"Count Obsidian." Robin said. "I represent Valm."
"Oh! The country over the sea." The girl smiled. "How is it, there?"
"Well enough." Robin said. What kind of a question is that? You're asking me how a country entrenched in a war spanning the entire continent is. How am I supposed to answer that question. "And who are you?"
"Lissa. I'm the healer of the Shepherds." Lissa said. "And don't you forget it!"
"I've no intention. You seem quite capable." Robin said. "In fact, you remind me of my own healer."
"Huh. How's that?"
"I met her at a Valmese ball, and she told me how great she was as a healer and asked to join my unit." Robin said, cracking a smile. "And when I refused, she blackmailed me."
"Ha! I like her." Lissa asked. "Is she here?"
"Sadly, no." Robin said. Thank goodness for that. I mustn't let the two of them meet. "She was temporarily reassigned under General Pheros, if I recall. Most of my squad couldn't make it."
"Is that kind of like the Shepherds?" Lissa asked. "And is Miss Lon'qu behind you a member?"
"I mean, yes." Robin smirked. "And her name isn't Miss Lon'qu. Her name is Athena, and she's actually the latest member of my group."
"It is as he says." Say'ri said. "My pleasure to meet you, Lissa. Though I am curious why you addressed me by a male's name."
"Oh, sorry." Lissa snorted. "You just remind of Lon'qu. Same stance, same quietness."
"A Chon'sin here?" Say'ri asked. "Where is he?"
"He's … around." Lissa waved her hand. "He gets kind of nervous around women, but he's here, somewhere. It's kind of annoying, actually. He's kind of supposed to be my bodyguard. How is a lady supposed to have a bodyguard who won't go near her?"
Robin blinked as he tried reading the situation. "Oh. I should have realized. You're the princess, aren't you?"
"Yup!" Lissa said. "And I need my bodyguard."
"Athena, do you think you could find him?" Robin asked.
"Aye." Say'ri said. "But I would prefer to remain by your side."
"See this? THIS is how a bodyguard acts!" Lissa said. "Uh, you are just his bodyguard, right?"
"Yes." Robin chuckled. "Though it sounds like you'd like this Lon'qu to be a bit more."
"Oh, excuse me for crushing on tall, dark, and mysterious!" Lissa said. "I'm allowed to! I'm a cute princess, and he's a dashing bodyguard. It's like a fairy tale. Or would be if he didn't keep disappearing every five seconds."
"Not judging." Robin had his hands up. "Athena, would you find this 'Lon'qu' for her? I'll need to talk to Chrom alone, at any rate."
"That could take a while." Say'ri said.
"No, it won't!" Lissa said. "Here, follow me." With that, the plucky princess proceeded to drag Robin through the crowd, shoving them aside until she got to Chrom. "Chro-o-om!"
"Lissa." Chrom said. "And, who's this?"
Robin got a good look at the Ylissean Exalt for the first time. He was slightly taller than him, lean but muscular and left his right shoulder bare to proudly display his Brand of the Exalt. His sword, Falchion, was by his side, but worn in a ceremonial manner, rather than a practical one. I've seen him before too. Why have I seen him before?
"My name is Count Obsidian. I represent Valm." Robin said. "I apologize for the intrusion on your wedding night, but might we speak alone?"
"…" Chrom blinked. "Of course. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. Overseas diplomacy calls me."
-Training Field-
"Thanks for that." Chrom said, inhaling the cool night air. "I really needed to get away from them."
"The training grounds, Exalt?" Robin asked. "This is your 'private spot'?"
"Well, I feel comfortable here, and that's kind of what matters." Chrom said. "So, Count Obsidian, tell me, how can I help you this evening?"
"Please, Exalt." Robin reached up and removed his mask. "Call me Robin."
"Robin." Chrom extended his hand. Robin took it and the two shook. Something passed between them. A primal bond, of some sort. "That sounds a lot better. And, please, call me Chrom."
"All right, Chrom." Robin said. "First, I wish to offer you congratulations on behalf of Valm."
"Diplomacy, eh?" Chrom said. "But that's not why you came out here, is it?"
"No." Robin frowned. "I'm … sorry, for your recent losses. I hate to bring it up now, but I felt your sister's death all the way in Valm." He was being honest. Odd, he didn't think it affected him much at the time. But now it did. "But I do think she'd be happy to see how things ended up. I wanted to see it firsthand for myself."
"Thank you." Chrom said. "It would mean a lot to her, you know. To know she made an impact all the way in Valm."
"Yeah." Robin chuckled. "I'm not much of a Battlemaster, you know? A Battlemaster who only wishes for peace one day."
"That'll be the day." Chrom said. "Let's try to build it together, Robin."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that." Chrom said. "Call me crazy, but I've decided to continue Emmeryn's legacy as well as I can. I can't be a replacement for her – I know that. But I've decided to try as hard as I can to see a world full of her ideals. And part of that is believing in people. If you're willing to help, I'll willing to work with you."
"How can you do that?" Robin asked. "The world just takes, and you're ready to give?"
"Same way that Emmeryn could." Chrom said. "Peace has to start somewhere, and if no one starts it, it will never happen. Someone needs to start, and there's no reason why it can't be me."
"But what of people who aren't willing to surrender?" Robin said. "There are always those who will fight and take, regardless of how much you're willing to give them."
"Well… that's what Falchion and the Shepherds are for." Chrom said. He smiled. "But I think that problem will go away once people see what happens when we stop fighting and work together for a change."
Another idealist. But this one isn't blind. He's far from it. Robin thought. And that means, someday, there will be a reckoning between him and Walhart.
I wonder what side I'll be on?
"Anyway, that's enough heavy thoughts for the night." Chrom said. "Why the mask?"
"It's a silly reason, to be honest. Amnesia." Robin said. "I suffered a bout of it, and I wouldn't want an old enemy to recognize me."
"You really think that'll happen?" Chrom asked. "What are the odds?"
"While I do agree with your assessment of the odds, I just don't think its worth the risk." Robin said. "I'm a tactician, remember?"
"You trusted me."
"It is odd." Robin shrugged. "This sounds weird – but I know I can trust you. An ... instinct?"
"Well, that's nice, certainly." Chrom said. "Anything else to delay our inevitable return to politics?"
"I'm kind of curious how you can be so cordial with me." Robin said.
"What do you mean?"
"I need to be cordial." Robin said. "I'm a representative of Valm, and I'm a tactician as well. It'd be a very large problem if I wasn't. But you don't have to."
"I don't have to, but I have no problem doing so."
"Exalt-"
"I told you. Call me Chrom."
"Chrom." Robin said. "It's likely we'll be at war with the decade."
"And there's nothing you can do to stop that?" Chrom asked.
"No." Robin shook his head.
"Ah. Pity. Still, now is not the night to mourn that." Chrom said. "For now, we are friends. And perhaps war isn't as definitive as you might think."
"But you must be expecting war." Robin frowned.
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, you're marrying the East-Khan's family as a political alliance, aren't you?" Robin asked. Chrom doubled over laughing. "Um, okay, I guess you aren't?"
"No. I genuinely love her." Chrom said. "But I get why you would think that."
I am so lucky he took it as a joke. Robin breathed a sigh of relief. "Love at first sight?"
"Like a fairy tale." Chrom grinned like a fool. "I met her less than a month ago, and now I can't imagine what it would be like without her by my side."
"Huh." Robin said. Makes sense for an idealist like him. "Well, congratulations again."
"It'll happen to you too, someday." Chrom grinned. "The swordswoman following you around?"
"She's just a-" Robin considered. Say'ri was the last princess of Chon'sin. "Actually, you might be on to something there. Of course, I'd have to cancel my current political fiancé, but I was intending to do that anyway."
Chrom gave him a look.
"Don't judge me! It's a favor to a friend. He's not important enough to marry her yet – which she wants, by the way – so I got engaged to her to stop the court politics from stepping in." Robin sighed and massaged his temples. "My life is complicated. Way too complicated."
"You sound like you'd be a good fit for the Shepherds." Chrom said.
"Really? I'm the Valmese tactician. Your enemy."
"We've got Ylisseans, Feroxians, and Plegians." Chrom ticked them off his fingers. "Several members have tried killing me at some point or another. Our tactician included."
"Right. I've been looking forward to meeting him."
"Her."
"What?" Robin blinked. I was pretty sure…
"Nevermind, forget I said that." Chrom sighed. "I think I've spent enough time around here, though. More responsibilities."
"I understand." Robin said. "It was … better than I expected, meeting with you, Chrom. The trip here was worse it, just for that."
"Same here." Chrom extended his hand. "Just now – there'll be a spot on the Shepherds for you at any time you want."
"Thank you, Chrom." Robin placed his mask back on. "I apologize in the event that I won't be able to take you up on that offer."
-Wedding Hall-
Say'ri was waiting for him as he stepped back in. Chrom was whisked away by a delegation, and Robin had politely excused himself from the conversation. His mask concealed his identity, but also gave him an air of mystery that a lot of people felt the need to inquire within. Then promptly back away when Robin smiled and said, "I'm from Valm."
"You have an invitation to a conversation. Actually, several, but only one I suspect you'd be interested in." Say'ri said. "It seems people aren't willing to approach you openly but would like to speak with you nonetheless."
"Unsurprising." Robin frowned. "Who is it?"
"Khan Basilio." Say'ri said. "The East-Khan of Feroxi. He's waiting for you in a lounge that's been converted to his personal use."
"Who were the others?"
"Two minor court officials, one duke who most likely wants to defect to Valm, and a woman I didn't recognize." Say'ri said. "I think she's the tactician of the Shepherds."
"So it is a girl." Robin said. "That sounds like someone worth meeting. Am I allowed to bring you along with me to Khan Basilio's meeting?"
"He did not expressly forbid it."
"Fine." Robin said. "I'll meet him alone while you handle the others. See if you can give the duke the address of one of our agents in Valm. Tell the court officials I have diplomatic immunity and could care less about whatever it is they want to talk about. And, if you find the tactician, tell her I'll meet her once the wedding ends."
"Aye." Say'ri frowned. "I am not doing much of serving as your blade tonight."
"The pen is sometimes mightier than the sword."
"That is a tactician's perspective." Say'ri said. "But I am a swordsmaster."
"Interesting." Robin considered. "Nevertheless, you're wrong about that."
"Aye."
Why don't I feel like I won that argument?
-Lounge-
"Count Obsidian!"
"Khan Basilio." Robin grinned. "I'm feeling a bit overdressed."
"Ha!" The East-Khan, true to his warrior nature, was wearing a short coat which exposed his massive pectoral and abdominal muscles. Armored greaves covered his legs and he wore arm guards, with a massive fur collar around his armored neck guard. Added to that was an eyepatch over his left eye. But he seemed completely relaxed in his armor. Robin's wariness sense went off. "I like you, tactician. Willing to remove that mask of yours?"
"No, sad to say, Khan." Robin sat down. Basilio was sitting on a couch with one leg on the table in front of him. A massive stein of foaming mead was in his hand. "But I will accept a drink."
"Good. What can I offer? Tea? Coffee? Or do you mean a real drink?"
"I mean a real drink. I've never had Feroxi ale before." Robin said. "That said, I foresee an inordinate number of toasts in my near future, so you must forgive me for only accepting a single glass."
"Aye." Basilio frowned and slammed his mug down. He got up and started pouring Robin one.
"No servants?"
"Don't like 'em." Basilio said. "There's always getting on my case for drinking or trying to stop me from ignoring my Khan duties and sneaking off."
Wariness sense going down. Robin noted. Seriously, I mean, he was reminding me of Walhart thanks to his muscle mass, and now he isn't. Have I ever seen Walhart drink? Actually, on that note, have I ever seen him eat? I have not. Hmm.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Robin asked.
"Heard you talked to the Exalt." Basilio said. He set the mug before Robin. "Declare war?"
"No." Robin took a glance at the mug. "I'm simply here to extend the goodwill of the Valmese Empire. To Ylisse, but also to you."
"But you would have declared war if you were ordered."
"That is how loyalty works." Robin said absently. He took a drink from the mead. It wasn't as fiery as he thought it would be, but still burned a little on the way down. Oddly, he seemed to have tolerance for the stuff. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't trust you."
"I wouldn't trust me either, were I in your shoes." Robin said pleasantly.
"You wouldn't last five minutes in a fight against me."
"Probably not." Robin took another drink, as nonchalantly as possible.
"Ha! You've got spine, for someone who spends all his time behind the frontlines of the battle." Basilio grinned. "I'll enjoy fighting you when the time comes. But that's not I called you in here."
"May I guess?" Robin said.
"Go ahead."
"This has something to do with the 'Fire Emblem'." Robin said. "More specifically, with the four missing gemstones."
Basilio's one eye narrowed. "You're sharp."
"I have to be in my line of work." Robin said. He finished his mead in a single long pull. "A secret test of character, and you only talked to me after Chrom. I'm willing to bet you had someone ask Chrom about me, and delivered it to you, once our conversation finished."
"Clever. You'll do fine." Basilio said. "So, what do you know about the gemstones?"
"I know there are five in total." Robin said. "I also know that they must be kept separate, or they'll be used in a terrible ritual to summon a dragon."
"What did that Conqueror of yours put in your head – No!" Basilio snarled. "The Exalt needs them to summon Naga! Can't perform the ritual without all five of them, and without the full Fire Emblem, the Awakening can't be performed."
"…You're certain?"
"Darn right." Basilio growled. "And if even one ends up in Plegian hands, we've lost for good. They were split to keep 'em safe. My predecessor told me and gave me one of the gemstones. Not here, I've hidden it. Of course, I'm supposed to keep it a secret. Don't want too many people knowing about the ritual."
"I see." That information contradicts the information given to me by Walhart, who told me the ritual was to summon the Fell Dragon. Robin thought furiously. However, I can only assume that information was given to them by Plegian turncoats. If what Basilio says is true, Plegia's winning condition isn't to get one of the gemstones, it's to keep all five of them from Ylissean hands. So, in the event they can't get a gemstone, Plegia spread a rumor that they want the gemstones for their ritual, so those possessing the gemstones would keep them separate. And since the Ylisseans keep the ritual a secret for themselves, no one learns enough to realize that their being tricked.
But if that is true, then why did Plegia stop their ritual? Robin frowned. There has to be something more to this … something I'm missing. Dant might be able to fill in the missing pieces once she gets high enough as her mole status, but that's an if. I need a high-ranking Plegian to fill me in.
Aversa. Robin's eyes narrowed. I'll bet she knows some of the missing pieces. But I don't think I'll be able to torture it out of her – if I'll even be able to torture her at all. You can't win a game if you don't know all the rules. But I know the currency.
"Lost in thought?"
"-and all alone." Robin sighed. "Putting the pieces together with the information I already know. Cards are the table?"
"Thought we were already doing that." Basilio grunted.
"Please." Robin rolled his eyes. "Don't insult either of us. We're holding back information, both of us. But I assume this discussion means that we're forming a secret alliance for this purpose, and this purpose only."
"That was my intention."
"Fine. The information I'm about to tell you cannot be told to anyone, understand? I presume you expect the same of me. There are two accounted for in Valm. Right now, one is beyond my grasp to reach, but the other is held by the Voice of Naga, Tiki." Robin said. "The one held by Tiki should be easily obtainable, by either myself or an agent of yours, but the one beyond my grasp can only be obtained by myself."
"Leaves one." Basilio said. "Can you get your two to safekeeping, easily accessible?"
"Perhaps." Robin nodded. He folded his hands. "You understand that just because we've joined forces together in this aspect, I can guarantee nothing else, correct? You also understand that I will perform by own independent checks – discretely – to confirm what you said?"
"Unfortunately, I'd expect no less from you." Basilio said. "Good talk, tactician."
"This has become quite the productive visit." Robin said. "Perhaps I should do this more often."
"Don't get ahead of yourself." Basilio grumbled. A knock on the door interrupted him. Basilio frowned. "So help me if that's the West-Khan, come to brag."
"Allow me to get it. I'm on my way out anyway." Robin stood up. "Thank you for the mead." Robin turned to open the door, only for his jaw to drop, making a crack as it hit the ground. A blushing pink-haired maiden, in a white wedding dress stood there. Robin's mind went blank.
"Oh-h, I'm so sorry!" The woman blushed even harder, turning her face the same color as Robin's crimson hair. "I didn't mean to interrupt!"
"Ignore him, Olivia!" Basilio said. "He's on his way out, and you're more important anyway."
"Olivia? Oh, the queen" Robin's mind finally clicked. Well, that was smooth. You idiot of a tactician. He quickly recovered, bowing. "My apologies, your majesty."
"Please d-d-don't, you're making it more embarrassing!" Olivia kept her blush. "I'm just Olivia, okay?"
"Well, you should take the chance to meet." Basilio stood up and put a hefty hand on Robin's shoulder. "Olivia, meet one of Chrom's new friends, the Valmese Tactician, Count Obsidian."
"Call me Robin." The words were out of his mouth before he knew what he was saying.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Robin." Olivia smiled, recovering from her blush. "Are you really friends with Chrom?"
"I would be." Robin said. "Unfortunately, it seems I may not be able to be around that much, but it was lovely to meet with him. And you as well."
"Well, it's lovely to meet you to." Olivia smiled. "I just wanted to check on you, Basilio."
"I'm fine." Basilio said. "Feroxi's national treasure is about to become Ylisse's, but that's nothing to worry about."
"It's not like Chrom and I won't be able to visit you." Olivia said.
"Gah. I'm an old man. You don't need to care about me." Basilio said. Robin chuckled at that. Basilio glared at him. "Something funny, tactician?"
"It's just…" Robin considered. "You kind of remind me of myself. You aren't the only one with an adopted daughter, Basilio."
"Oh, that's so sweet." Olivia said, as Basilio sputtered. "Kind, considerate, a friend of Chrom's – I know it's too late for Basilio, but are you married yet, Robin?"
"Let's … not start with that." Robin sighed. "I'm not sure it a good time for romance, for me."
"It's always a good time for romance!" Olivia said. "Half the Shepherds are couples, and the other half are going to be there, whether they like it or not. And, now that I've joined the ranks of couples, it's my duty to help you get there!"
"Many thanks, Olivia." Robin said. And now I have her helping me with my love life. Where did I screw up and end up deserving this? "But I would hate to keep you longer than I already have."
"Oh, of course. I'll send a letter." Olivia waved as Robin beat a hasty retreat, while trying to look like he wasn't making a hasty retreat. "See you!"
-Evening-
"That was nice." Robin said. "Do you think so, Athena?"
"Aye. That was a nice wedding, if ever I have seen one." Say'ri said. "Though we did not get a good position to see it."
Regret? Sorry, Say'ri, I'd like to stay out of the spotlight. "I don't have much influence here, Athena."
"Tis a pity." Say'ri said. "Did you speak to everyone you wanted to?"
"Almost." Robin said. "Did you meet the tactician?"
"Aye." Say'ri frowned. "I met the masked one, who wasn't the one I met earlier. She was not clear on who the tactician was, but she is going to meet you, tonight. Midnight, within the barracks of the castle."
"Hardly neutral ground." Robin frowned. "But I was the one who wanted the meeting."
"She has guaranteed your safety." Say'ri said. "Also, all of the guards tonight are by the newlywed Exalt. The barracks is nearby, but not so close to the castle to be on the grounds. There is only supposed to be a skeleton crew."
"Indeed?" Robin said. "You wouldn't know who, would it?"
"No. But I know it is apparently an auxiliary squad to the Shepherds." Say'ri said. "Tonight, they number thirteen. They have acquired a new member."
"An unlucky number by all counts." Robin said. "But will it be an unlucky number by our counts? Ready your blade, Athena, and I shall ready mine. I fear this night will not end well."
A/n:Okay, now here comes my justifying the ChromxOlivia. From a narrative perspective, it's unsatisfying, to say the least. There's very little interaction between the characters beforehand, and they are only deployable together on the final map before Chrom's forced marriage, which a) makes it impossible to actually grind the necessary C-B-A-S supports, and b) very difficult to achieve. On that note, the ChromxOlivia S-rank conversation is only viewable through the Support Log feature. On the flip side, Olivia is mechanically the second-best mother to Lucina, after only F!Robin, giving access to Galeforce, and the Myrmidon's line excellent synergy with Rightful King. Since FE:A is a video game, that means we can occasionally let gameplay override the plot, which is why Virion, despite being an excellently-written character, is ignored because he is a sucky archer in a game where Chrom has an infinite-use wyrmkiller sword. Now, when I was writing this part, I chose to use Olivia, because I thought it felt the themes of RotCT. Robin would assume that the reason behind it was to unify the nations, but Chrom's not the type to marry for political power, adding something for Robin to deal with. This being the case, Inigo was promoted to the second-in-command to the Shepherds. I also apologize that I couldn't write interactions with all the Shepherds, but that would've taken a while.
