Chapter 9


Robin pressed his folded hands on his lips, drumming his two pointer fingers together as he deliberated on the plan that was laid out on a table before him. He was standing in a meeting room in Port Ferox's town hall. The Valmese soldiers had ransacked the town hall and had taken or misplaced several maps, so Robin was using a rapidly made but impressive map that Frederick had created in the dark and early hours of what Miriel and other scientific minds would call the morning. Robin was too impressed with the map to alter it, so he decorated the surface of the map with random objects to represent important locations or troop positions.

Robin turned to his left, observing Chrom gripping the side of the table as he leaned forward. Chrom was not hiding his skepticism of the plan. His face was scrunched around his nose as he looked at a line of string that represented Robin's suggested path. Past Chrom was the tall and vigilant figure of Frederick, who didn't betray any emotions or feelings. He remained standing straight, his arms crossed, looking straight ahead into nothingness but remaining alert. Across from Robin, Chrom, and Frederick were Basilio and Flavia. Flavia was also looking intently at the map on the table with her arms crossed, though she was pensively tapping one of her fingers on her bicep. Basilio was standing behind Flavia, scratching his head as his eyes looked upwards for answers.

Chrom suddenly spoke, startling Robin and the others, though Frederick remained still like a statue. "I don't like it," Chrom declared, pushing himself away from the table and standing up straight again. "I don't like it," he repeated, massaging his right temple as his thoughts swirled through his head. He turned to Robin. "What do you really think?"

"Um…" Robin considered his words carefully. He knew the issue was sensitive to Chrom. "I… don't want to like it," Robin offered as a middle ground.

Chrom crossed his arms as he maintained a skeptical eye on Robin. "But…" Chrom moved one of his hands in a circle, prompting Robin to continue.

"But on paper, it seems like a good deal. And with our current situation, I don't think we have much choice." Robin picked up a paper from the table and waved it to the others. "And if this is true… I do like it. It's hard not to like it."

"But is it true?" Chrom asked. "This is Plegia we're talking about."

"Chrom, they didn't come to us," Flavia pointed out. "We contacted them. They're only replying to us."

"This invitation is just daring us to trust them," Chrom said. "Why do we have to go all the way to a small island on the other side of Plegia? Why not a neutral ground?"

"That part does make me suspicious," Robin admitted.

"Hmm, if Robin is suspicious…" Flavia started to think aloud.

"Doesn't sound good, does it?" Basilio added.

"It's far from Plegia's capital. They would be spreading their forces too thin or relocating their forces, exposing Plegia's border to the mercy of Regna Ferox and Ylisse," Robin noted.

"But…" Chrom prompted again.

"But it'll make us… Like you said, it's on the far side of the land. It'll make us have to travel far to get there."

"We'll be ready to invade with our forces, if need be," Basilio said. "Well, what's left of them."

"And like you said, if they so much as make one move we don't like..." Flavia began.

"Bam!" Basilio exclaimed, pounding his fist into his other hand. "We expand Regna Ferox's territory. The west could do with some more space."

"I think they acknowledge that they're suspicious," Robin said. "That's why they've given so many accommodations for our travel."

"But if they really wanted to be accommodating, they would have chosen a different venue," Chrom said.

"You are completely correct there," Robin agreed. "They really want us to go to this place."

"Carrion Island," Frederick noted.

"Right. One of the less pleasing names I've heard. But it is just a name."

"I believe it used to be an outpost for the Divine Dragons," Frederick remarked. "Perhaps Nowi would know more about the island."

Chrom exhaled and dropped his head for a moment. He turned back to Robin. "Robin, can you think of why they would want us to go there, in particular?"

"Maybe they want to show us their naval prowess? They wouldn't be able to do so inland."

"They said the climate would be more agreeable there," Flavia pointed out. "Much better than the dusty and dry Plegian capital."

"There's plenty of agreeable climate in Ylisse," Chrom pointed out. He then looked at Flavia and Basilio and added, "And Regna Ferox, too."

"Well, you gotta admit, you're a little biased towards Ylisse," Robin said. "From most reporting, they've kept their army numbers relatively small. They probably don't want to go to Ylisse because it would be more dangerous for them. Maybe this… Carrion Island… is a tropical paradise." Chrom gave Robin a sardonic stare in response. "Okay, fine," Robin yielded. "That sounds silly. But Plegia might think it's paradise compared to the rest of their land."

"Milord." Frederick's quiet but serious voice caused everyone to turn to him. "We are left with little choice."

"And we'll be a bird's message away," Basilio added. He then pumped his fist in success. "A robin's message away! Eh?"

"Robin's plan seems solid, anyway," Flavia pointed out, shaking her hand after hitting the back of Basilio's head. "If you have no faith in Plegia, which is for good reason, at least have faith in your tactician." She winked at Robin.

"Oh, eheh, thank you," Robin said bashfully.

Chrom exhaled again. "Ugh. Excellent point." He looked at everyone for a moment, giving each person a smile, before settling with Robin. "I'm sorry, Robin. I don't trust Plegia one bit, but I trust you'll guide us through it."

Robin patted Chrom's shoulder. "Always," he confirmed. Chrom and Robin grasped each other's forearm, before pulling each other closer for a brotherly embrace.

"Aw, I shouldn't have said anything, so I could take your tactician away to Regna Ferox," Flavia said, watching the two of them as they patted each other on the back before separating.

"Look at them. You think that was at all possible?" Basilio asked.

Robin turned to Flavia and smiled. "I apologize, Flavia, but Basilio is right. And I wouldn't be the same anyway. Chrom brings the best out of me."

Flavia laughed. "Hah. I know. Can't blame a woman for trying, though, right?"

"Yes, thank you, Flavia," Chrom said. "I'm glad you knocked some sense into me with your words."

"Hah. Be thankful she didn't knock some sense with her fists, like she usually does," Basilio said, before chuckling. His chuckling stopped when Flavia's hand slapped the back of his head again.

Frederick cleared his throat. "Ahem. So, we should brief the Shepherds and the rest of our forces."

"We're done a little early," Robin said, looking at an hourglass. "Our next meeting is in twenty-four minutes."

"Let's rally the Shepherds now," Chrom ordered. "Might as well get started earlier."


"Aw, Minervykins, you want to get started earlier? Okay, off you go." Cherche patted Minerva on the back. Minerva roared in her menacing manner of appreciation, then took off into the air.

Some time had passed since Robin and Chrom had briefed the Shepherds on their latest mission. The Ylissean convoy was already well into their journey, having reached the border of Regna Ferox and Plegia. Cherche was in the middle of the pack, though she was traveling further to the side because of Minerva's necessary personal space and some additional, unnecessary but happily volunteered space provided by the rest of the convoy.

"My," Virion said, coming closer to Cherche. He had been walking and talking next to Cherche for a while, though he had also kept a distance to respect Minerva's space. "What did your dear partner want, to make her part ways with your lovely company?"

"Oh?" Cherche flashed Virion her bright smile. "She was saying you were making her hungry, so I thought she could get an early snack before lunch."

"That's quite… thoughtful of you," Virion responded, loosening the collar of his shirt nervously. "Heavens, but we have been walking for some time. I hope your new boots are keeping your elegant soles as soft and comforted as your elegant soul."

"My elegant… soles…" Cherche glanced at Virion, confused for a moment, before looking at her new boots and understanding Virion's words. "Perhaps you should revise your play on words. They may be clearer in written form than when spoken. I know milord would not want his desired… audience… to be confused."

"Ah, but that is why I so thoroughly enjoy my retainer's delightful company. You are like a fine whetting stone, smooth and strong and able to refine an elegant sword such as myself."

"You are still fast with your similes and metaphors. Though I'm unsure what to think of being called a whetting stone."

"Ah," Virion said again, raising a finger in the air to emphasize his point. "A fine whetting stone," he reminded Cherche.

Ahead of the two of them, Chrom and Robin had been walking side by side. Chrom said something to Robin, patted Robin on the back, then walked away to join Sumia.

"They really are like brothers," Cherche thought to herself. The sudden appearance of an expanding shadow around Robin made Cherche jerk her head back in surprise. She squinted her eyes and peered forward to confirm what she saw, which was a caped woman materializing from seemingly nowhere. "Virion," Cherche began, "who is that woman?"

"That aesthetically pleasing lady is the reigning two year champion of the Shepherds Most Coveted Figure…" Virion glanced at Cherche, then looked up in the sky as he reevaluated his words. "Personality Award. Simply wondrous character. A hexing humor, if you will."

Cherche looked at Virion, then back at Tharja. "Hmm." She raised a doubting eyebrow. "Whatever you say, milord." Virion suddenly wasn't walking next to her anymore. She looked around and saw Virion moving towards Tharja like a man under a hex. Cherche smiled subtly. "Oh, Virion," she said softly, "always chasing those... awarded personalities."

"So you support the behavior. Interesting."

Cherche turned to see Miriel walking beside her, examining her face. "Pardon?"

"I would not have hypothesized that you would voice words of support for Virion's behavior. Almost all of my observations would conflict with that."

"Miriel, hello to you. I do believe you might be misunderstanding something. Virion is my liege. He may have run away from his duty, but I still swore an oath to serve him. I wish him happiness." Cherche was smiling. However, a shadow appeared over her face as she continued. "But his skirt-chasing behavior, I do not condone. You may note that the words I spoke were spoken very softly." Cherche didn't change her voice, but an aura of mortal seriousness flowed from her words. "I do not agree with indecent motives."

"Hmm. They were spoken quietly, I acknowledge that." Miriel did not remove her studious gaze from Cherche's face. "And I cannot help but detect an indignation in your demeanor, despite a lack of evidence. There are no physical differences in your expression nor audible variance in your voice. I have no observations that I can record. But there is still a… an ambiance that reflects ire. This is most intriguing."

Cherche's smile became warm again. "I'm glad you are learning more." Cherche turned back to Tharja, who was holding onto Robin's cloak. Robin continued to walk briskly, paying no attention to the force pulling on his cloak. Virion was walking next to Tharja, listening to something Tharja was saying, before nodding and running off as if he had an important task. "Tell me if you would, Miriel, what observations do you have of Tharja?"

Miriel followed Cherche's gaze. "A most perplexing figure, indeed, worthy of curiosity. She has established her character as taciturn and reticent, save for when she expresses her vexation. However, this aspect contradicts her behavior when around Robin."

"What is her relationship with Robin?"

"She is a trusted confidant. Often, Robin will consult with Tharja on aspects of dark magic, and subjects pertaining to Plegia." Miriam cleared her throat for a moment. "I would be remiss if I did not mention Tharja's incontrovertible adoration of Robin."

"She's in love with him?" Cherche tapped her finger on her lips as she pondered their relationship.

"Love may actually be an understatement. It is certainly a component, but her love, as you put it, is radical in the least. If going by the Shepherds' standard definition of love, which is a romantic or sexual attachment, then I need further evidence to definitively conclude that it is love."

"Oh, she's not romantically interested? Then maybe it's like me and my lovely partner." Cherche glanced up in the sky and smiled. "Of course there is no romantic attachment, but I certainly do love Minerva."

Miriel was looking up as well. "Intriguing," she muttered. "But returning to the subject, Tharja is certainly romantically interested. Perhaps a hypothetical can better convey my hesitation. Were Robin a woman, I believe Tharja would still maintain the same adoration without the romantic sentiment. The romance is more a side effect, rather than an objective. As I attempted to convey before, her love is radical and unique."

Cherche clapped her hands together. "Well, she's beautiful. She's… quirky, but then so is everyone else. Robin seems to enjoy her quirks. I wish them well." In the distance, Cherche almost thought she saw a smile appear on Tharja's face.

Miriel cleared her throat again. "You have benign intentions, but I would caution you from establishing premature conclusions. Robin does not show evidence of reciprocal sentiments."

"He's not into her?" Cherche studied Tharja, who was holding Robin's cloak with one hand and waving a doll at Virion with the other hand. Her torso would sway as she waved the doll, which was suspiciously similar to Virion's appearance. Cherche separated her hands. "Hmm," she hummed, bringing her finger back to her lips as she digested the new information. "I wonder why not."

"There seems to be an understanding between the two of them. In the past, Tharja employed bellicose tactics in her attempts to appeal to Robin. Those attempts have diminished significantly in recent months."

"Poor Tharja. Robin needs to learn to open up. Perhaps he'd be less tense if he let someone touch his heart."

"What are we talking about now?" a new voice jumped in.

"Lissa," Miriel noted, giving the spirited princess a curt nod. "Good day. You continue to maintain the ratio between your presence and discussion of romantic relations."

"Oh ho, romance talk, I knew it," Lissa said, rubbing her hands together eagerly. "Who're we talking about?"

Cordelia had been walking behind Lissa. She tapped Lissa on the shoulder and gestured towards Cherche. "Lissa, have you met Cherche?"

"Oh, of course!" Lissa said, looking at Cherche. "The stunning but mature, beautiful but intimidating, partner of Virion. How's it going?"

Cherche closed her eyes briefly and flashed a smile. "Lady Lissa, I am well, thank you. I am indeed the loyal servant of milord Virion. Perhaps partner is not the right word?"

Lissa eyed Cherche carefully. She then pounded her fist into her other hand. "I see. You don't want to be seen as a partner. Okay, I got it!"

"We were discussing the asymmetrical relationship between Tharja and Robin," Miriel said, bringing the group back to topic.

"Ah yes," Lissa said, rubbing her chin as if she were an old sage with a beard. "The classic Tharja and Robin discussion. Not many new developments there though. I guess Cherche is the one who brought this up?"

"Yes, were you curious, Cherche?" Cordelia asked, unsuccessfully trying to hide her own personal curiosity.

"Yes, I was. I have seen Tharja around, and she was always doing… interesting things. But she definitely likes Robin. A shame Robin doesn't like her back."

"A shame, you say?" Cordelia noted.

"Hmm, why do you say that?" Lissa asked. "Are you a Tharja Robin fan?" She clapped her hands excitedly. "So soon after you joined the Shepherds, and you're already thinking up pairs."

"Oh, no, it's just that Robin has been so welcoming and friendly, but he shoulders so much burden. I think he's forcing himself to be alone."

"You're hypothesizing that Robin's single status is self-imposed? Interesting. There is sufficient evidence to support your hypothesis." Miriel turned to Cordelia. "Cordelia, you have attempted to apprise Robin of cogent options, correct?"

"I agree it's self-imposed," Cordelia said, crossing her arms. "There are so many wonderful people here, and Robin keeps them at an arm's distance. He needs to think about himself for once."

"Why do you think he does that?" Cherche asked.

"Maybe he doesn't want to hurt anyone," Lissa suggested.

"Perhaps he believes becoming involved in romance will be a distraction and hinder his capabilities as tactician," Miriel hypothesized.

Cordelia placed her hand on Cherche's shoulder. "Maybe he's just searching for the right person to appear."

"Searching for the right person," Cherche repeated thoughtfully. "Has he shown interest in anyone?"

"Hah," Cordelia laughed. "He may show more interest in Lissa's brother than any of us women."

"Cordelia!" Lissa pushed Cordelia away playfully. "Though she's not wrong," she admitted. "Too bad Sumia snatched Chrom up. She would've had some prime writing material right there."

Cordelia laughed nervously. "Eheh, yes, too bad…"

Miriel was politely watching and listening to Cordelia and Lissa. Miriel pushed her glasses up before speaking softly. "While more data is always preferable, I have observed some somewhat consistent anomalies in Robin's behavior when in the propinquity of certain subjects."

"Hmm. I don't hear your thoughts on the subject much," Lissa realized. "It'd be good to hear from a scientific perspective. But… um… what do you mean?"

"Oh right, you had mentioned something like that at our meeting," Cordelia remembered. She leaned in closer to Miriel. "Yes, what did you mean?"

Cherche put her hand to her mouth and giggled. The others turned to her. "Ah, excuse me, but your girl talk reminds me of my younger days, with the other warrior maidens in Rosanne. They loved castle gossip."

"Younger days? You're still young," Lissa pointed out. "Aren't you our age?"

"Lissa, your definition of 'our age' may be too broad if it is to include us and you-ahem." Miriel's analysis was cut off by a nudge from Lissa.

Cherche laughed again. "You are all a wonderful group of people," she commented. "Minerva would love your company. We should all get together next break."

"Well, about that…" Lissa began, before Cherche continued.

"But I am content to say that I am your age," Cherche said. She then added, "Your broad definition, as Miriel said."

"Well, I think you are a fine young woman," Cordelia said. "And I think if Robin were here, he would say exactly that in this situation."

"Interesting that you bring it back to Robin. Nevertheless, I find that prediction to be valid," Miriel agreed. "Robin does seem to show proficiency in expressing well-deserved compliments."

"Well-deserved? Aw, Miriel, that wasn't a bad compliment either," Cherche said.

Miriel took a notepad out of a pocket and wrote down some notes. "I will record that comment and the context behind it."

Lissa was studying Cherche. "Hmm. Your skin is too smooth to worry about age, Cherche," Lissa concluded. "Why, it doesn't matter how old you are, with skin and a body like that."

Cherche giggled once again. "My, Lissa. You are too kind. But don't underestimate yourself. You are a lovely example of an attractive and energetic maiden."

Lissa stopped walking for a moment and placed her hands on her hips as she beamed proudly. "Don't you know it! Cherche, you're all right." She continued walking, though she folded her arms and raised her chin as she marched. "Though you might be underestimating me. I may be more adult than all of you!"

Cordelia leaned closer to Cherche and said, "She already has a man courting her."

"Yep! You may be a single lady, but don't you be eyeing Lon'qu!" Lissa broke her proud stride and pondered for a moment. "Um. Are you a single lady, Cherche?"

Cherche laughed briefly before responding. "Well…"

The distant but distinct screech of a flying wyvern made the group stop and look around.

"Minerva?" Cherche wondered aloud as she looked up in the sky. She returned her gaze forward, only to catch a mounted soldier speaking to Robin, with Tharja clinging onto Robin protectively. A moment later, Robin turned his head to Tharja and uttered some words. Tharja released Robin and swung her cloak open, revealing a tome, along with exemplifying her body shape. She lifted a hand to the sky and shot a pink fireball upwards, which exploded magnificently in the sky. The next thing Cherche saw was Robin walking in her direction.

Cordelia had whistled as soon as she saw Robin talking to the mounted soldier. A short moment later, a pegasus ran up beside Cordelia. Cordelia grabbed the reins and turned to Robin. "What's going on?" Cordelia asked.

"Contacts detected," Robin announced, coming to a stop. "Some distance ahead, but approaching!" He examined the group of gossiping girls, then looked around at the other Shepherds. "We have enough distance from them, and the front is guarded, so we'll be having a quick briefing to discuss how we proceed. You guys wait here, while we gather everyone."

"Are they Plegians?" Cherche asked.

"Were, perhaps," Tharja said dryly, walking up behind Robin.

"Risen," Robin elaborated, gazing off into the distance. "Not a large gathering, but I don't like them showing up now of all time." He turned to Cordelia and her pegasus. "Cordelia, since you're here, take me up. I'd like to get a closer look at what we've got."

"You got it," Cordelia said, quickly jumping up onto her mount. She extended her hand to Robin. He accepted the hand, and was quickly pulled up and onto the pegasus.

"We'll be back in four minutes," Robin estimated, as they started to ascend. His ears caught something, and he turned his head briefly to analyze the sound. "Say hi to Minerva for me." After those words, Cordelia and Robin sped away.

Only a short moment later, before the dust from Cordelia's takeoff could settle, Minerva landed next to Cherche. "Hey there, Minervykins. I don't think you'll be able to fit in our meeting circle, just so you know." Minerva raised her head and roared. "I'll fill you in, don't worry. Oh, and Robin says hi." Minerva snorted and moved her head to be eye-level with Cherche. Minerva stared at Cherche's face for a moment.

"Robin's sense of hearing is quite keen, to hear Minerva's approach so early," Miriel said.

"Hmph. He is perfection, of course," Tharja said, crossing her arms and turning her head away from Miriel and the others. "You don't need science to understand that."

"Perhaps Minerva is on Robin's mind," Cherche said. "Minerva is quite captivating, isn't she?" Cherche stroked Minerva's neck. "But shouldn't we be preparing for battle?"

Cherche's concern remained unheard. "Captivated with Minerva, sure," Lissa said, rolling her eyes. A roar from Minerva made Lissa step back. "I mean, well, Cherche, are you sure Minerva is the one Robin is captivated with?"

"Wait." Tharja had been standing some distance away from the group. Lissa's words made Tharja take a step closer, though she still maintained an arm's length away. "What are you insinuating?"

A grunt from behind Lissa revealed the presence of Lon'qu. Lissa placed a reassuring hand on Lon'qu's shoulder, which made him tense up for a moment, before relaxing again. Lissa then turned back to the group. "Well, Tharja, did you know Cherche here is cheering for you?" Lissa asked.

Tharja eyed Cherche suspiciously. Cherche closed her eyes and smiled sincerely. "I apologize, Tharja, we have not formally been introduced, but I have been talking about you. I was merely saying that you and Robin seem very compatible together whenever I see you."

Tharja was not making many movements before, but at Cherche's words, she visibly froze for a moment. Finally, she turned her back to the group and took a few steps away from them. She turned her head slightly to speak. "You shall be moved from my unannounced experiments list to my contact first experiments list," she said, before scurrying away.

A moment later, Virion came running up to the group. "Oh, dearest Tharja, I was unable to procure the requested materials for your lovely doll before that flare dared to approach your brilliance. If you'll-"

"Milord Virion, she is not here," Cherche pointed out.

"The heavens deem it important to make my heart grow fonder with her absence."

"Yes, Virion, until our briefing in a few minutes," Lissa said.

Minerva roared and looked up. The group followed Minerva's gaze and saw a pegasus approaching.

"Is he back already?" Lissa asked.

"The stature is different," Miriel said, studying the pegasus.

"Shepherds!" a strong voice called from the pegasus.

"Chrom!" Lissa shouted.

The pegasus flew past the group and hovered for a moment. "Shepherds! Gather round!" Chrom shouted. The pegasus landed in an open space in the middle of the Shepherds, and Chrom jumped off. He then raised his hand to help Sumia disembark. A moment later, Frederick rode up next to Chrom in his armored horse. "Robin is still checking the situation, but he gave me a few notes," Chrom said, looking around as the Shepherds circled around him. "Do we have everyone?"

"Yes, milord. Our infantry has secured the front, and all the Shepherds except Robin and Cordelia are present," Frederick reported, standing at attention next to Chrom.

"Good. Okay. I'll get the first thing out of the way." Chrom walked a few steps ahead and pointed towards the front of the convoy. "There is a small contingent of Risen ahead of our path. Their numbers are strong enough to pose a threat to our convoy."

"Are they coming of closer to our place of current time?" Gregor asked.

"Good question. No." Chrom turned to Sumia for a moment, who nodded in confirmation. "No, they're standing ground."

The neighing of a horse and flapping of wings announced the return of Cordelia and Robin. Cordelia maneuvered her pegasus to land outside the circle of Shepherds. She and Robin jumped down. Cordelia then reached her arm forward to guide a path through the circle of Shepherds as she pulled Robin into the center.

"Thank you, Cordelia. Sorry I'm late, guys," Robin said. "We have time, so what have you gone over?"

"Of course, Robin, don't worry," Chrom said, waving dismissively. "I was just saying how the Risen are ahead, but they're standing ground."

"Right. Okay. First, our current situation. We have a group of spearmen and archers at our front, and four pegasi keeping an eye from the sky. There is no imminent danger as of now. Cordelia, what numbers did you detect?"

"There were about twenty-four Risen. There were at least five archers. I also saw what may have been three other groups far away. Maybe reinforcements?"

"Thank you, Cordelia. I would agree with your numbers assessment. Including all their groups, the Risen may have an advantage in numbers. However, the groups are far enough apart that we can eliminate them one group at a time, with even numbers. With their current formation, and the terrain in front of us, we'll be keeping our main force back to protect the convoy. The Shepherds are more than enough to eliminate the enemy."

"Yeah, we are!" Sully shouted, tapping her gauntlet on her chestplate and inspiring a few other cheers from the Shepherds.

Chrom smiled and looked at each Shepherd's face. "That doesn't mean we won't be careful, though. There will be no losses here. None of you have my permission to exchange your life. In this engagement, or any engagement. Is that understood?"

"That's why we bother keepin' ole Robin here, ain't it?" Vaike joked, pulling Robin in by the shoulder and tousling his hair for a moment.

"Vaike gets vulnerary holding duty," Robin declared when Vaike pushed him away. The Shepherds laughed.

Stahl raised his hand. "Chrom, Robin, do you think the Plegians brought the Risen here?"

"I wouldn't put it past them," Chrom said. He turned to Robin. "But I don't know. Robin?"

"It's hard to tell," Robin started. "I don't think the Plegians are in a position to gain much with this engagement, though. The Risen are too spread out to be effective, and this location is not of tactical importance. If they wanted to ambush us, or weaken our forces, there would be so many other, easier, more effective options for them to take." Robin stepped to the side and swung his cloak to the side, revealing Tharja. "Tharja, what do you think?"

"Hmph. While Plegian leadership has a history of stupidity, the type of Risen here don't seem to be under control or have any coordination."

"Agreed," Robin said.

"This location is the site of a battle back in history," Frederick pointed out.

"Hmm. I wonder if the different groups were actually different factions in the past," Robin mused.

Chrom was scratching his chin. "Tharja, do you think the Plegians planted a reeking box?"

"No," was Tharja's simple reply. She stepped back behind Robin's cloak.

"I cannot detect the aura of dark magic nor the stench," Miriel noted.

"In terms of fighting them, we will proceed the same way, regardless of if they were brought by a reeking box or they just happened to appear here," Robin said. "Now, our interactions with Plegia afterwards, that may have some effect."

Chrom sighed and dropped his head. "Right," he relented. He then clapped his hands and looked up at Robin. "Okay. So, how do we go about eliminating these Risen?"

Robin unsheathed his sword and used it to draw on the ground. "Here's what I'm thinking…"

As Robin explained his plan and drew on the ground, Cherche's eyes looked at the people around her, observing both Robin's interactions and his effect on the others around him. "The Shepherds are so carefree, but disciplined at the same time. Virion really found a wonderful group for him." Cherche's eyes settled on the ground, where Robin had created a crude diagram of the battlefield. There were a variety of shapes and lines to represent terrain, troop formations, and movements. Cherche was studying the diagram, when she was suddenly overcome with memories of the many changing diagrams of Rosanne's situation. She clenched her fist unconsciously.

"All right, let's get this done," Chrom said, concluding the briefing.

The Shepherds started to disperse. As Cherche was walking towards Minerva, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Cherche, a moment," Robin said.

Cherche turned around and gave Robin a smile. "Robin, yes, how can I help you?"

Robin folded his hands and rocked his body back and forth. "Do you have some concerns about the plan?" he asked.

Cherche cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. "Whatever do you mean, Robin? I think it's a fine plan," she said honestly.

Robin opened his mouth and breathed in. "Oh. I'm sorry then, Cherche. I just… I thought... You seemed tense when I was going over the plan for all our air units. I thought maybe you still weren't used to our style and had some concern about the execution. I know we may seem to joke around, but…"

Cherche raised a finger to Robin's lips to stop him. "The Shepherds do have their style, I give you that. But as I was telling Lady Lissa, you are all wonderful. I don't have any concerns at all about the plan." Cherche dropped her hand and looked back at Minerva for a moment. Minerva noticed Cherche's gaze and gave her a supporting roar. "I was thinking of Rosanne," she said. "Your maps on the ground, they made me think of all the maps I saw back in Rosanne. Unlike the evolving lines in your diagram, the lines in Rosanne's plans were not drawn in our favor." Cherche closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm surprised you noticed." She opened her eyes, looked at Robin, and gave him another smile. "And I should apologize. You caught me acting not at all as a knight should."

"No apology necessary," Robin replied. "You weren't complaining aloud or anything. It's just that I try to notice everything. That's what a tactician does." He scratched the back of his head. "Hah. But I guess I was the one who was doubting you. So I'll say sorry."

Cherche placed her hands over Robin's hands. "As you said, no apology is necessary." She then closed her eyes and smiled once again.

Robin looked down at her hands, then back at her face. He started to blush. "Well…" he started.

Cherche's eyes fluttered open, and she stared piercingly into Robin's eyes, maintaining her smile as she added, "If an apology was necessary, Minerva would let you know."

Behind Cherche, Minerva raised her head and shrieked into the air. Cherche withdrew her hands, tapped Robin's chest with a finger, and winked at Robin. She then turned around and walked towards Minerva. Robin remained unmoving, staring at Cherche's back as she moved away. Finally, Robin was brought back into the moment when Minerva leaned her head from behind Cherche and gave Robin a snarl. Robin shook his head briefly, then hurried away to the front line.

"Aw, Minervykins, did you really want him to join us in the battle again?" Cherche asked as she grabbed Minerva's reins. She had missed Robin's immobile reaction, so when she looked back, she only saw Robin scurrying amongst the other Shepherds. "Well, it's a very involved plan, so you'll be seeing more of him." Cherche climbed up onto Minerva and massaged the back of Minerva's neck. Minerva shook her head briefly in appreciation. Cherche then leaned forward, closer to Minerva's ears, and whispered, "And you'll be seeing a lot of him when we retake Rosanne, that I'm sure of." Cherche sat up straight again, checked to make sure her war hammer, steel axe, and handaxe were all within reach, then patted Minerva gently. "Let's go."


A/N

Ugh, I'm horrible. No excuses for the long update. The good news is I'm on summer break, so I have July and most of August free to write. Buuuut after some time living with myself, I've kinda learned maybe not to trust me. With updates. In conclusion, I'm horrible. But, if anyone's still out there and following my stories, then thanks for staying around and reading!

Draen, thanks for continuing to follow, and keeping an eye out for any mistakes!

Ocharlos, I was so going to prove you wrong. And then I proved you wrong the other way. In March, I wrote one paragraph, and in April, I had 5 paragraphs done. Buuut then May and June I just wanted to enjoy life as the school year approached the end. Anyhoo, please re-analyze the pattern and expect an update in… uh… 6 months?

Rac95, thanks for following! I like to change up the tone every now and then.

And everyone, thanks again for reading! Please leave a review or PM me if you gots anythings to sayses. Ugh, I'm horrible.