Chapter 4


Robin had been provided a torch to help see in the dark hallways of Castle Ferox. It also provided some additional and welcomed heat. Robin was walking to his guest room, when a slight but noticeable breeze passed through. Robin shivered, then tensed up. He looked around and noted two boxes stacked on top of each other, tucked away at the corner of a hallway. Robin looked forward, then shrugged his shoulders.

"Tharja, a word?" Robin called out.

A dark-robed figure emerged from the shadows next to the boxes. Tharja giggled for a moment. "Your connection to me is strong. Our connection…"

"Were you cursing people earlier today?"

Tharja frowned. "What do you mean? Of course I was cursing people," Tharja said, annoyed at the obviousness of the answer.

Robin sighed. "Fair enough, I suppose," Robin said. "I mean, were you cursing particular people today? In the plaza outside the castle?"

A curious eyebrow was raised on Tharja's face as she thought for a moment. "I did not aim any curses, but any enemy to us who comes in range will fall upon misfortune."

"Any enemy?" Robin asked, thinking to himself. "How does that work?"

Tharja was still for a few seconds. She then swung her robe to expose her scantily clad front. She placed a finger just above her navel. "Look."

Robin quickly looked Tharja up and down. "Um," Robin said. "What am I looking at?"

"Your love," Tharja mumbled, before clearing her throat softly. "Ahem, look here," she said, smoothly moving her finger in a circle over her navel.

Robin leaned in closer. "Tharja, I know, you have a lovely body, but all I see here is your cold-looking sheer bodysuit."

"Look more clo...wait, what?" Robin's praising words had only just registered in Tharja's mind, far outweighing the terse manner in which Robin said them. "No one has ever spoken so kindly of my body before," Tharja said.

"Seriously?" Robin asked. "Wait, that can't be true. I'm sure I have seen people compliment you. It's burned into my memory. Just like it probably burned into Vaike's memory, when you put that burning hex on his arms for an hour."

Tharja sneered at the memory. "Other people's words, their stares feel offensive to me. Only you can be kind to me."

Robin sighed, then looked at Tharja's chest again. "So, what am I looking at here?"

"Come closer," Tharja said.

Robin leaned in closer, coming to a few centimeters away from Tharja's skin. After a few seconds, he could see a design through the sheer bodysuit, inked on Tharja's skin. "These symbols…" Robin began, when Tharja's body suddenly shivered. Robin stood up as Tharja embraced herself. "Um." Robin closed his eyes and exhaled. "Are you okay?" he said, hesitantly.

"Your breath on my skin-" Tharja began.

"Anyway," Robin interrupted, standing up and quickly moving a respectable distance away from Tharja. "Those symbols. What spell does it create?"

"It is a hex on our enemies. Any enemies who come close will suffer misfortune."

"And how does it specify or define an enemy?"

Tharja frowned. "I don't know. I have been content with the results and never found the need to develop it further. It hasn't affected the Shepherds, or the Ylisseans or Feroxians, so I thought you would be pleased as well."

"Hmm," Robin hummed. "Your hex is intriguing. I should look into hexing sometime. The correlations between reagents and targets..." Robin's mind started thinking of possibilities, and how one would go about specifying a target. "But then was that woman an enemy?" Robin thought to himself. '"She seemed out of place, and secretive… But then maybe she just had a stroke of bad luck? Yes, perhaps I'm dwelling too much on it."

A finger poking his sternum brought Robin back to reality. "It is a wonderful subject," Tharja said, coming closer to Robin. She moved one hand over the hex on her body.

"Whoa!" Robin shouted in surprise.

"If you would care to refine my hex…" Her other hand traced a line down from Robin's sternum to above his navel. "I would welcome your... assistance."

"Robin!" Tharja's hand retracted and the two of them looked to see Ricken running up to them. Ricken sneezed, then tripped, causing Robin to grimace.

"Ricken, are you okay?" Robin asked. "Maybe the hex's definition of an enemy is situational," Robin mused.

Ricken stood up and brushed himself off. "Yeah, sorry, I guess I'm just clumsy." Ricken looked up. "Who were you talking to?"

"Huh?" Robin turned and saw that Tharja had disappeared. "Oh, just Tharja, about hexes. Interesting stuff."

"Ah, yes, Miriel was interested in researching that stuff, too. Well, I guess she's interested in everything." Ricken suddenly shook his head and held his hand up. "But wait, Robin, you've been summoned to the audience room!"

Robin needed a second to respond. He started walking. "It's this way, right?"

"Uh, yeah!" Ricken turned and followed Robin.

"Is Chrom there already?"

"He's heading over there now, too."

"They mentioned a third party would be joining us. I guess they were in the city already." Robin thought for a moment. "Third party, here in the city…"

"Robin!" Chrom saw them while waiting outside a doorway, in front of two guards. "Ricken, you found him, excellent."

"What's going on?" Robin asked.

"Flavia's already waiting, and I hear Basilio is on his way. But time is of the essence, so let us commence," Chrom said.

"All right, let's go."

"Thanks, Ricken," Chrom said. "We'll meet up with you and the other Shepherds later for a briefing. Excuse me." One of the Feroxian guards opened the door and gestured for Chrom to enter.

"Try to get as much rest as you can," Robin told Ricken as he joined Chrom through the doorway.


"Excellent, you have arrived," Flavia said, seeing them enter. "Welcome, Chrom! And you as well, Robin. I'm glad Raimi was able to make it. Come."

Flavia brought them further into the audience room. They spoke as they walked. "I must apologize, Flavia," Chrom said. "It took many days to travel here."

"I had considered we take pegasi and call for our army later," Robin began, "but I figured perhaps troop movement was just as urgent as information."

"Correct you were, Robin," Flavia said. "I'm glad you brought the Shepherds and your army. You're here. Your army is here. That's what's important."

"So then it is true? A Valmese invasion force approaches your shores?" Chrom asked.

"What would you be able to tell us?" Robin asked.

"I don't have many details, personally. But that dull, bald-headed gorilla, he should be bringing some agents with more information," Flavia said.

"That I have!" Basilio shouted, entering the room.

"Were you waiting to hear me mention you or something?" Flavia asked.

Basilio ignored her and walked up to them. Chrom was closest. "Chrom! Good to see you, boy."

"Basilio, hello," Chrom said. "We came as soon as we could."

"I expected no less." Basilio hit Chrom in the back. "And Robin!" Basilio said, seeing Robin behind Chrom's recoiled body.

"To the point, Basilio," Flavia urged.

"Right," Basilio said. "Now, I believe you are already acquainted with our agents."

"The finest of evenings, everyone!" Virion called, bringing everyone's attention back to the entrance. He started walking towards the group, accompanied by a pink-haired woman.

Robin's eyes widened upon recognizing the woman as the person he met in the plaza outside the courtyard. She was wearing the same clothes, though her shoes were replaced with armored boots. He opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by Virion when he continued to speak.

"I have been bestowed with the great honor and pleasure of introducing a noble man, if ever there were, that of myself."

"Virion," Chrom said. He turned to the woman. "And who might you be?"

The woman smiled and opened her mouth to speak, when Virion's continued introduction stopped her as well.

"Ah, but were it just as simple as a name. You may have known me as Virion, or Virion the archer, the archest of archers, or Virion, the supreme man of character and strength, but nay, that was but a humble front to cover the more exemplary truth. For you see, in truth…"

The woman cleared her throat quickly but loudly. "Ahem. This is Duke Virion." Virion's face fell at the woman's interruption. "I am but his humble servant, Cherche. Greetings, and we are honored by your presence." Cherche bowed to everyone present. She stood up and bowed her head to each person. When she came to Robin, she closed her eyes and flashed a smile as she bowed her head.

"Cherche," Robin said thoughtfully, though Virion muted Robin's words with more volume.

"Cherche!" Virion said. "Might you allow me my deserved introduction?"

"Well met, Cherche," Chrom said, ignoring Virion. "Perhaps you could share your information with us? Time is of the essence."

"But of course," Cherche said. "Milord Virion and I, we come from a territory of Valm, an abundant land known as Rosanne. I am a knight of Rosanne, and its rightful leader, the somewhat self-aware Duke Virion."

"A bit curt on the introduction, but yes," Virion said.

"Duke, hmm," Chrom said. "That explains your mannerisms and language. But what brings you here, across the sea?"

"Walhart the Conqueror," Virion said. "He was the leader of a small region of land. It was perhaps not even significant enough to be called a nation, so it was simply known as a part of Valm. But Walhart, he managed to influence, persuade, and eventually subjugate the surrounding lands. I am sad to admit, but he was very impressive in his ability. He annihilated any who opposed him, and even I eventually had to ru...relocate and regroup. To recruit more allies and eventually turn the tides of war. It is for this reason that you found me in that fiery battlefield with the Risen, and because of our similar situations did I yield to your requests for my aid."

"So you ran away to get us to help you," Chrom said.

"That about sums it up, yes," Cherche said.

"Hmm… That might actually have been the tactically sound thing to do," Robin thought to himself. "His continued presence might have led to worse treatment to his people."

"I stayed to observe," Cherche said. "And to give milord sufficient time to gather his valuables and guide his people away."

"Virion is tough to gauge," Robin concluded, maintaining a straight face but wanting to roll his eyes.

"I watched as Walhart marched through fair Rosanne. I watched as our Rosanne was swallowed up by sheer numbers. I watched as his cruelty inspired rebellion in neighboring lands. I watched as he mercilessly crushed rebellions and punished any connections. Finally, even I had to leave, lest my connection to Rosanne lead to its punishment as well." Cherche closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in and out. "And so I fled here to Regna Ferox. Where Lord Basilio and Khan Flavia have most graciously welcomed me."

"Hah, were I so noble. I look forward to your insight and help in fighting these conquerors," Flavia said. "I believe your presence will be quite valuable."

"Valuable indeed," Virion agreed. "Eligible women are one of Rosanne's most precious of natural resources! Even one who may interrupt her lord's-"

"So to summarize, Walhart has conquered our land," Cherche said. "And he eyes your land next. He has heard of the war here and wants to exploit your vulnerability."

"We were much more vulnerable just a couple years back," Chrom said.

"We rebuild fast," Flavia said. "I think he underestimated our capabilities."

"Cherche here says the Valmese invasion force will be landing on our shores in a matter of days. So, if she speaks true, we'll be seeing them soon enough."

"I wish I were wrong, but I saw the ships with my own eyes," Cherche said.

"Walhart will be coming here," Virion said, any joviality in his voice absent.

"I speak the truth. As does my lord," Cherche said, equally serious. She relaxed for a moment. "Well, at least in regards to the Valmese. I cannot vouch for matters outside of this."

"Ah, my dear Cherche, there goes that sharp wit of yours. Piercing…"

Chrom looked at Robin for a moment. Robin nodded. Chrom turned back to the others. "I believe you both. We should act soon to secure your ports."

"Agreed," Flavia said.

"Chrom, you haven't been to my part of the lands, have you?" Basilio said. "Good land. Much more warm and pleasant than Flavia's corner."

"My corner extends to the ports too, you know," Flavia said. "Perhaps you're forgetting a few things in your age." She didn't let Basilio respond. "All right," she continued. "Let's get to planning. There is a meeting room just over here." She started to lead the group to a door at the side of the audience room.

"It would be wise to understand that the Valmese boast the strongest cavalry in the world," Virion mentioned, walking behind Flavia. "Expect a large presence of mounted troops."

"Good to know," Chrom said. "I've been neglecting my practice against cavalry."

Robin found himself at the back of the group. He glanced at Cherche, as she walked next to Virion. "Cherche," Robin called. She turned and stopped. "Somehow, my introduction was overlooked. My name is Robin." He extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm a tactician for Ylisse."

Cherche smiled and took his hand. "Good to meet you, Robin. I'm Cherche. I was unable to introduce myself earlier, outside, either."

"Well, we can speak later, let's proceed to the meeting room." Robin gestured for Cherche to continue.

"Right. I would like to speak later," Cherche said, continuing to walk. Her back was turned to Robin when she continued to speak. "I think my partner would be very interested in meeting you."

"Uh, partner, sure, I guess," Robin said.

Cherche laughed at Robin's discomfort. "Relax. She's harmless. Well…"

Robin didn't notice Cherche's hesitation. "She?" Robin said in a muffled tone. "Huh."

"All right guys," Basilio called, sitting down in the meeting room. "Robin, you've been quiet all meeting. Go do your magic."


A/N

Sorry it's been so long for an update! I admit, I've been busy with games. I got Fire Emblem Fates Birthright in mid February, and I only beat it a week ago or so. My first run through has over 120 hours, and that doesn't include all the time I played but then reset because I only got 3 attributes upgraded instead of 4. I will entertain Fates Birthright Corrin x woman requests, too.

Before that, I was playing some X-Com, to get some more sense of tactical battle, and the feel of the weight of decisions and consequences. So, I've just been distracted.

I'll get to Searching for an Olive Branch soon! It's just that my chapters for this story are shorter, and also I'm at a part of Fire Emblem: Awakening that's depicted in the game, rather than in Olive Branch, where I'm creating most of the events.

Draen, thank you for reading and reviewing! Robin and Cherche are actually not my first pair, or OTP as it may be referred to as. Don't get me wrong, I still love the two. But because it is kinda rare ish, I went with it.

Rac95, thanks for your comments! I forget what got me thinking about Tharja's hex skill, but it's kinda interesting to think about how it actually would work. Which was what inspired that little section of this chapter. Anyhoo, I will try doubly hard to make Robin's and Minerva's first meeting entertaining. No pressure…

Thanks, everyone else, for reading, following, and favoriting! Remember to keep doing so, and I welcome any comments! And I welcome criticism, too. Share this story with everyone! Which I guess some of you have been doing, I have no idea how everyone is finding this story, being buried under so many other more recently updated stories.

Okay, that's it. Hopefully you will hear from me again soon.