Robin adjusted his cloak absentmindedly as he waited in front of the large double doors. On the other side rested the Exalt, the ruler of this kingdom, though he wasn't particularly impressed by any of it. He'd been in so many castles for so many countries... The awe eventually wore off after a while. Especially after seeing ruler after ruler succumb to the same mistakes. He knew that it was the wish of the elder dragons to let humanity learn and grow, but damn was it taking a while. And the longer it took the more it hurt to watch.
The dragon prayed that this Exalt was not like the rest. She did show quite a bit of progress though, given her stance on peace. This country had not seen war since the Exalt before her, a few years prior. A feat few countries seemed to manage. Why she'd summoned for the dragon was still a mystery, though if he had to guess he'd bank on her wanting some amount of information. His life had been a long one, full of a multitude of studies. Many had asked for his wisdom though... It seemed like few were willing to embrace his advice. At times it almost seemed pointless to even speak to the humans given their track record.
The doors suddenly opened and he was escorted into the large and lavish area that was the throne room. A long, silk carpet led to a marble thrown that... was surprisingly empty. Robin looked around but found no ruler, but rather, a small child looking out one of the many stained windows that lined the hall. She adorned a crown of sorts amongst her golden locks and a long, fancy gown poured down onto the floor. The dragon looked around once more, but when he found no one else but the girl he slowly approached her. "Exalt Emmeryn," he greeted, hesitantly kneeling before the girl before standing once more. He almost felt awkward doing so, unsure if this was truly the ruler that called for him.
The young girl, no older than 12, turned to him with a serene smile. Those calm eyes connected with his own, and truly, the dragon was without words for a moment. It had been a long time since he'd come across a human so... otherworldly. Perhaps this tiny ruler was different. Her soft hands gestured for him to join her next to the window and the dragon obliged, looking down at the girl quizzically. Outside the window rested most of the capital, the streets bustling with the afternoon rush. "Thank you for coming, Robin. I know this is a bit out of the way for you." Her voice was like a quiet bell, beautiful as it echoed across the room.
The dragon chuckled at that. He had to travel across two countries to get here. He had been holed up in Thabes, taking care of his mother's unconscious form while continuing his studies. She'd been asleep for a few thousand years now. Robin was probably correct in assuming she would not miss him in the small amount of time he might be gone. Mother had yet to acknowledge his presence so far so being from her side didn't worry him too heavily.
"May I ask why you've summoned me here? It's been at least 50 years since royalty has called upon my aid. I can only assume you need help in one way or another." Robin didn't wish to come off as rude but his curious mind couldn't keep the question from his lips any longer. Being called upon by royalty was one thing, but her age had peaked his interest even further. It was Emmeryn's turn to chuckle. Such a pleasant sound, not at all bogged down by worries it seemed. The dragon was beginning to wonder if the girl was just oblivious to the world or if she truly just carried with her a deep well of patience.
She faced the man then, craning her neck upward and giving him a soft nod of her head. "I have a proposal for you. Nothing particularly grand but... If there is anyone more capable than you, I have failed to find them," was her kind reply.
"Flattery so soon? It must be something incredibly mundane. Or something you believe I'd be highly unlikely to do." he replied instantly with a small smirk. His tongue had grown sharp with his age and knowledge, unwilling to yet believe that this child was too different from the others just yet. While she was young and showed promise, he wasn't convinced.
The Exalt just smiled, a knowing smile that almost made Robin feel at a disadvantage. What was it that she knew that he did not? "Well, given what I've heard you're a scholar. And for one so old, I can only assume you to be wise. I have heard tales of you predicting the outcome of wars and even going out of your way to try and prevent them at times. Is this true?" Robin couldn't help but frown and give a curt nod to that.
It was true. He'd lived a long time in this world. Over 6,000 years had passed him by and he had learned a great deal in that time. He wanted more than anything to help humanity grow, to nurture it into something great like the dragons before them... But they still insisted on falling to their temptations, never willing to learn from their past. It was infuriating and saddening to Robin, and it was not something he had any intention of condoning.
"If you've brought me here to ask me if some war you have planned will fail or succeed then I must politely and promptly decline," he said, giving her as serious of a look as he could muster, "I will not aid humanity in it's own destruction." Robin had barely gotten the words out before the girl was smiling wider and shaking her head. Suddenly, the dragon felt rather silly in his phrasing. What child would plan a war?
"I swear to you that my intentions are nothing of the sort. On the contrary, I highly respect such a belief, which is one of the reasons I know it must be you who helps me. There are so many out there that believe war to be a necessary evil, but I believe that anything can be settled peacefully if done right." Her words were as calm as ever, as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The Exalt looked back to him after a moment, a firm resolve in her eyes which impressed him for one so young. "That is why I ask that you teach myself and my siblings. I wish for your wisdom to be passed onto us. The path to peace is something I want for our people, especially after Father's reign. But I wish to do it right. Will you help us?"
The dragon was definitely caught off guard by such a proposition. It was not often that his beliefs were embraced so... completely. And yet, here was a human - a young human at that - doing all she could to use her station as a means to promote a world of peace. Perhaps humanity wasn't doomed to it's own desires. Perhaps... Robin could actually help give it the push it truly needed. And perhaps this was the way to do it. The man crossed his arms and looked back out the window as he became lost in his thoughts. Considering every outcome, good and bad, and weighing odds.
It was a good bit of time before he finally turned back to the Exalt. She had been waiting the entire time, not interrupting Robin from impatience. This human truly did seem to be a large step in the right direction. "If that is what you wish, then I accept. I'm certain that I can spare a decade to teaching you all if it means that humanity finally makes progress. I will teach you and your siblings what I feel is best given what I've learned. I assume you will allow me to remain here in the castle?"
Watching the girl's face light up was a rather beautiful sight. She went from her usual serenity to that of pure happiness. The dragon couldn't help but smile when she nodded her head with reserved excitement. It was clear that she was holding back quite a bit. "Thank you, Robin. I truly appreciate you doing this and will do everything I can to repay you. And yes of course. I'll have a space made up for you immediately." The Exalt turned and gestured to one of her attendants, who bowed and left without a word.
"There is nothing to repay. I want humanity to learn just as much as you do. This is as much my benefit as it is yours. I appreciate the opportunity," he replied easily, before growing curious, "Could you tell me more about your siblings? I'm curious as to who I'll be working with." His curious question was met with another serene smile and kind eyes.
"I have two. Chrom and Lissa," Emmeryn explained quickly, looking ready to burst with excitement. It seemed like the Exalt had truly not expected him to accept her request. "Chrom is the middle child. She's... far from a lady, but she means well. She can be very rowdy and doesn't like to sit around a lot. She's the kind of person that's always outside, either playing or practicing swords. Lissa is our youngest sister. She is very outgoing and curious. She's truly a bundle of joy, but that never stops her from trying to keep up with Chrom and I."
Robin nodded to her words, his face and eyes showing interest. "I see. Then I'll do everything I can to tailor my lessons to them and yourself. I'm sure your siblings will follow in your footsteps, given how impactful your presence alone is. I can see promise in you Exalt Emmeryn. I truly think you three will grow to be amazing role models for society." The dragon believed his words too, wanting nothing more than to be right in his hopes. The girl nodded, thanking him once more.
There were a few more pleasantries exchanged between them before Robin went on his way. He'd take the chance to explore the grounds perhaps. The dragon would need to come up with a curriculum soon, but he could spare the time to mentally map out his new home for now. His curiosity was piqued though. The next decade or so should be interesting to say the least, and it made him wonder if he'd made his decision too quickly. Only time would tell it seemed. Hopefully his new students were all sponges to his teachings and not too unruly.