I awoke that next morning with a new perspective, a new feeling. Holding Cordelia in my arms as usual, I couldn't help but look down at her and think that I was actually looking at two people. Couldn't help but wonder, in all honesty. If it'd been two months since she, well - it was March, then. I wondered which time was the one that did it. Considering how, er, often it happened, I was surprised it took as long as it did.

Of course, then wasn't the most opportune time to be having a child. Even through the mistiness of my own mind, I could tell that. Still, I felt no need to complain. I was just happy. My chest filled with warmth as I stroked Cordelia's beautiful red hair.

I'm… I'm going to be a father. A father and a husband. It's… It's amazing…

No amount of difficulty was going to deter me. No matter what, we'd both be there for the new life we'd created. If the child – if Severa – was born during the war, we'd make sure she grew up in a peaceful world, one without the Fell Dragon's shadow covering everything. I wouldn't make the same mistake my future self had. I would be the best father I could be.

A small, spiteful, venomous part of me hissed that promises were meant to be broken.

We left that morning with Vivien's troops. All she really had were a handful of archers, no Chevaliers or knights or anything. Considering the state they were all in, it was a wonder there was still a Resistance in Rosanne at all. We began our march to the west, towards Fort Mycen.

From what some of the new soldiers told me, Fort Mycen was ancient, named after the Saint-King Alm's old mentor. They said that it was a sprawling fortress, with the mountains that stretched through the middle of Valm at its back, and a small valley in the front. Extremely defensible, meant to withstand sieges for months, possibly even years if needed. The fort was a giant, unyielding bulwark.

Small little things didn't make sense to me, though. From the reverence the Rosannean's showed towards the place, I wondered why Virion's nephew, the new duke, didn't know about it, or didn't try to occupy it. From what the men said, it wasn't as if the place wasn't well known or anything. Something didn't add up, and I resolved to talk about it with Robin before we boxed ourselves in.

So as to not put anyone on edge or force her to cede her Flight-Captain position to someone less experienced, Cordelia and I decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. Didn't want to leave the pegasus knights we had to their own devices and all that. There was one person who we decided to tell, though. A certain daughter from the future.

Deciding and doing, however, were very different things.

During a small break in our march, in a small clearing within a forest, I tried to convince Cordelia that we should approach her. Although something told me that she already suspected.

"Cordy, I think she's onto us."

"What makes you say that?"

"She's been turning her head and giving us the stink-eye."

"She always does that, love."

"I know, but she's doing it with that eye."

"Excuse you?"

"You know, that eye. They almost look like my own dad's."

"Well," Cordelia began, her hands on her hips. "We won't get anywhere by sitting here and whispering. It's better to get this over with. I want to make sure that just because her present self will be born, doesn't mean we won't see her as our daughter."

I snorted. "We'd be pretty shitty parents if that were the case. Alright, let's go."

Severa watched us approach, her deep blue eyes boring holes into my face.

I had to come up with something completely on the fly; I was utterly unprepared to tell her, and I didn't realize it until that moment. Speaking over Cordelia like an idiot – she probably would've come up with something far more diplomatic – I said, "Sev, I know this may come as a shock, but-!"

"You got mom knocked up, didn't you?" Severa accused, her voice deadpan.

I paledas Cordelia tried to hide behind her gauntlets for a second. She regained her composure a moment later. "I wouldn't have put it quite so crudely, but since you and your father have forced my hand," She sighed. "Yes, I am pregnant. With… With you."

"Mom, dad, I know my own birthday, alright?" Severa shrugged, looking up to the bright blue sky. "January 21, 1001 AS. It'll only be a couple more months, then I'll be born, and you'll have your very own downsized Severa. Gawd, this is so fucking awkward."

"That's…" I shook my head. "God, I hate time travel."

"Yeah, I'd hate if I had to deal with myself too," Severa said, self-deprecatingly. "Don't worry. By then, hopefully the war will be long over. Grima'll be dead and shit, and you'll get to grow old and watch present me grow up. And you'll never have to see me again."

"Woah, where is this coming from?" Cordelia asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "Severa, what are you saying?"

"I said you'll never have to see me again," Severa repeated, her voice uncharacteristically hollow. "I'd guess that would be what you want. Who'd want a daughter who is almost the same age as themselves? Believe me when I say it'll be better this way. It keeps things from getting too complicated. You won't have to deal with my whining, my issues… You could start over, completely fresh."

"Stop right there, young lady!" Cordelia ordered, stepping forward and grabbing Severa by the shoulders. "What sort of nonsense are you talking about? Is that how you see yourself? As a burden? That we see you as this… as this little ball of issues that we have to 'deal' with? You're wrong, Severa. When you and your father entered my life, I was just barely scraping by, living off of old memories and hanging onto whatever honor I believed in. But then - gods, why would you think such a thing? That you are a burden? All I see is the exact opposite; a beautiful daughter I couldn't be prouder of."

Severa looked at her with her mouth open like a dying fish. She was trying to find the right words, no doubt to refute everything Cordelia just said, but in the end she became quiet. A moment later, and she sat down on a crate.

I looked to Cordelia, shrugging. My wife motioned for us to sit beside her, and I acquiesced. I was used to impromptu hugging sessions. Hell, I liked to give them out. Made me feel like I was actually contributing something.

Severa wiped at her eyes before speaking again, her voice low. "I was a mistake, you know. Oh, I still remember it, even before you died, mom. Heard you guys talk about your 'happy accident'. War isn't exactly the best time to have a child, and back then the world was always at war, even before that six-eyed bastard reared his ugly head. Still, before mom died we were… we were a happy family. When you guys were home that is."

I had to keep myself from looking away. I had to face this part of myself. The part of myself that had been haunting me the day Severa came into our lives. The part of me that failed her.

"After that, though," Severa trailed off, her blue eyes looking at something beyond us before returning to the present. "One day, mom never came home, but dad did. But it wasn't the dad I knew. He might as well… he might as well have died too."

That single sentence hurt me more than losing my right hand. More than every stab or slash wound I'd ever taken. Severa hadn't spoken about my abject failure at being a parent in the future since we first met, but I always knew. Always learned from the other future children. I could almost feel the tears pooling at the corners of my eyes.

"I just don't want," Severa's voice grew heavy as she hunched over in her seat, holding her arms close to her chest. "I just don't want the present version of me to end up like… like this, you know? Mommy, daddy, I'm sorry if what I just said hurt you. I didn't want to. But I wanted you to know why… why I…"

I didn't say a word. There was nothing I could have said. I settled for simply hugging her, as if that would provide the warmth and protection my future self neglected to give her. Feeling a second pair of arms, I looked up briefly to see Cordelia embracing Severa as well. Our future daughter began bawling, then, desperately grabbing at our arms as if she was scared we'd disappear at any moment.

I didn't care how long we were there. We could've been there for the rest of time and I would've accepted it. Given enough time, however, and the rest of our army would move without us, and I'd be damned if I didn't see the shitshow through to the end.

I gave Severa – our daughter – one last squeeze before standing up. Looking down at both my wife and my daughter, I couldn't help but feel some sense of completion. They were my everything, really. I'd die before letting either of them come to harm.

"Severa, you're a grown woman," I began, rubbing the back of my neck. "We can't control where you go. I'm not sure what'll happen once this war or the next is over, but, just know that, wherever you go, you will always have a place to come back to, to rest. Our doors will always be open to you. I- We will not abandon you again. Not even your present self being born will change that."

"D-daddy," Severa stuttered, wiping her eyes. Cordelia had released her embrace, but still rubbed our daughter's shoulder comfortingly. "T-thank you. Thank you so much."

Rosanne was a small country, as befitting a lone duchy. The forests to the north eventually gave way to verdant, sprawling fields that trailed for miles. Still, we never lost sight of the forest. Our journey to the west didn't give as many changes in scenery as that initial forest-to-field one, but I had to admit, Rosanne was beautiful. Not as beautiful as Ylisse in Summer, maybe, but still pretty in its own right.

"Admiring the scenery, Sir Alexander?" Cherche asked from my right. I wasn't incredibly startled, but Pippin made it known that if I were to squeeze his stomach with my legs like that again he'd buck me off and kick me in the shin.

My horse was a vindictive old colt.

Cherche and I were leading the vanguard, with Robin, Virion, and Vivien towards the middle, and the pegasus knights guarding our rear, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. If I kept getting distracted by pretty landscapes, though, as Cherche pointed out, maybe I shouldn't have been towards the front in the first place.

"I guess you could say that," I replied, calming Pippin down quickly. I turned to the pink-haired wyvern rider. Minerva was nowhere in sight, although that did not mean the woman was helpless in the slightest. She was incredibly strong. She kind of had to be to swing the types of axes she did with the precision of a rapier. Instead of riding atop Minerva, she was guiding one of our wagons. No doubt, Minerva wasn't far away. "Your country is beautiful, I gotta say."

"It is, isn't it?" Cherche sighed. "It would be much prettier had the Valmese not invaded. Alas, that is our sad reality. Mm, perhaps it isn't all bad, though. Riding my adorable Minerva through the skies these past few weeks has been nothing short of sublime, even if these annoying traitor Chevaliers have made it difficult."

"'Traitor Chevaliers', hmm?" I hummed, looking back to the glowing countryside for a moment. "Well, I don't exactly blame them for not jumping at the chance to serve Virion again, after he abandoned them."

"Of course not," Cherche replied, her eyes focusing on me. "If they were fighting with Vivien's forces or simply retiring to their homes, I would not have blamed them. Yet, these ones we have fought have done neither. Instead, they throw their lot in with this new duke elected by Walhart. Lord Virion may have abandoned Rosanne, but he did so that one day, we could bring back allies. What's more, this new duke - Virion's own nephew, mind – is far slimier than my lord ever has been. I never liked him, but to cast his allegiance with the Fell Dragon is an unforgivable offense. Should we find him, I will feed him to Minerva. Oh, but that may make Minerva sick…"

I held up my iron hand. "Message received. What was his nephew's name? I know he said it once before but I can't remember."

"Mmm," Cherche hummed, a small smile on her face. "I don't believe having memory issues at this age is healthy, Alex. You should have that checked."

"Oh, ha ha," I deadpanned. "Maybe I took too many knocks to the head. But seriously, what's this asshole's deal?

"Dorion," Cherche replied succinctly. "That is his name. The son of Lord Virion's older sister, who is unfortunately no longer with us. Virion always tried to have that boy learn some sort of discipline; give him the tools to rule should something befall him, but it was all for naught. Dorion was preoccupied with other activities, such as patrolling the dungeons and taunting prisoners, or chatting up our maids. His advances were always rebuffed, of course, but one day…"

My teeth creaked as my jaw tightened. I had a good idea what went unspoken by Cherche. Just having it be implied made my heart quicken and adrenaline flow through my veins. I let out a breath, trying not to imagine myself caving the bastard's face in with my iron hand for the moment. I needed to keep a level head. There were a lot of people depending on me, after all.

"Well, when you put it that way, Virion almost seems like a saint," I sighed, patting Pippin's head. "I really do feel like a prick for the way I've been talking to him. I know he's not a bad guy but something about him just- I don't know how to explain it. It feels like, every time I look at him, this wave of fear just swallows me."

Cherche hummed again as she put her hands behind her neck and spread her rose-colored hair out. "Indeed. You and I jest at his expense, but, truly, he is not a bad person. I find his stumbles and flaws to be quite cute, in all honesty. I would never serve any other nobleman."

"Well, you do have a son with him," I pointed out bluntly. "Maybe you see him as more than cute, huh?"

The fact Gerome was Cherche and Virion's son was an open secret. Everyone knew it, but no one acknowledged it. Gerome seemed to find that alright, the little Batman wannabe.

"Perhaps, but do not let him know that I think that," Cherche giggled. "I would like to keep this game up for a little longer. The way he squirms around me at times amuses me to no end!"

I felt a shiver go up my spine at that giggle. How could something sound so cute yet so sinister at the same time? "I do regret the way I've spoken to him. I don't know why I say what I say, and he doesn't deserve to have me be such an asshole."

"Mhm, you're lucky," Cherche said. "Were it any other noble in Rosanne, they would have you flogged. Such talk from a foreign commoner would be unacceptable."

I snorted grimly. "I'd like to see them try."

"So would I," Cherche replied, smiling. "Either you would be humbled or they would. A win-win situation!"

"How useless is the nobility around here if they have to whip every dastard who calls them out? Fucking hell," I grumbled.

"I would not go so far as to call them weak," Cherche supplied. "But as I said, a good humbling experience would not go amiss. Although I believe our country being taken over by a conquering empire, with them powerless to stop it, shall serve as an ample amount of breaking."

"I guess Virion really isn't that bad." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I'll need to apologize to him when we get to Fort Mycen."

"Oh? This should be good. I would love to see that," Cherche laughed. "I hope we do not stop teasing him, though. His reactions are adorable."

I looked at the Wyvern Rider warily. "You and I have very different definitions of 'adorable'. Cordelia blushing as red as her hair when I give her a compliment? That's adorable."

"I wonder how that is any different from what I do," Cherche wondered, her gaze wandering to the sky for a moment. "That's fine, though. Not everyone finds insects or my darling Minerva cute, but I suppose there is no accounting for taste."

I shivered. "Yeah."

We traveled through the Rosannean plains for only a handful of days, the mountains to the west always in sight. About a week after we met Vivien, Fort Mycen was finally in sight. It was nestled in the middle of a small valley, a solid stone wall stretching across the opening, effectively creating a choke point. The rest of the fortress was seemingly carved into the dark rock of the mountain itself.

The place was certainly well fortified. The only thing about it's defenses that bothered me was that it was effectively a blatant last stand location. No escape routes from what I could tell. Sure, it could weather a siege well enough, but we'd be sitting ducks.

Beyond that, though, something else was clawing at me.

"Is something troubling you, Sir Alexander?" The black-haired Rosannean to my right asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

Robin, further to the right, scoffed. "If something were troubling him, believe me, you would know."

"I-is such an occurrence common?" Vivien asked.

"Common enough," Robin replied.

"I was gonna say that the fortress seemed a bit cagey from here," I began, my voice dry. "You said there were no escape routes. You claim that the new duke and his forces have no idea that you and yours have been hiding out here since he was appointed. Yet, when we can see it from this distance, I find that hard to believe. But hey, I'm probably just whining, right? I should be grateful that we've been so graciously taken in."

"I understand your concern, sir," Vivien said solemnly. "If I knew of any other location that could provide a modicum of safety, I would have guided you there. You need not follow me this far. If Lord Virion's wishes it, we can split here."

"I apologize for being glib, Alex. In fact, I should probably thank you for reminding me," Robin looked to Vivien. "Are there any other extant groups within Rosanne? Mercenaries, soldiers, any group of people not allied with the Valmese, Grima, or the new duke?"

"Aye, sir, now that you mention it." Vivien's held a hand to her chin. "A scant few days ago, I was told of a vast group of mercenaries that had come up from the south, from Chon'sin. They have set up shop in an old fortress there, taking jobs from the local populace." Vivien's face grew strained. "Banditry has become far more common since the Conqueror rolled over us. I doubt they are for want of work. Beyond that? Nay. The only two groups left are us and the garrison of Fort Mycen. We were separated from them, and then your army broke through the Rosannean line."

"A mercenary company, hmm?" Robin hummed. "Interesting. Very interesting, in fact-"

"Robin," I called. "Come back to earth. We need you."

"Oh, please. I am not so distracted by my own thoughts that I need you to- Wargh!" Robin nearly tripped over a small pebble, sending the offending mini-boulder flying as he stumbled. He regained his footing a moment later, looked at us, and dusted off his coat. "This proves nothing."

"Uh huh," I nodded, my eyes half-lidded. "Guess I'll need to pick up every stone from our path, now. Just like good ol' Freddy used to do for Chrom."

"I feel as if I am eavesdropping," Vivien remarked slowly, her pace increasing. "We shall be near the walls of Fort Mycen within the hour. Someone should retrieve Lord Virion."

The closer we got to Fort Mycen, the more intimidating it became. It was like the entire fortress was cut out of the side of the mountain, and was as sturdy as one as well.

"I feel at home already," I grumbled.

I was shushed, causing me to sputter as Virion, Robin, and Vivien stepped in front of me. Cherche and I were towards their back, on our mounts, ready to jump at a moment's notice. Cordelia and Severa were towards the back, ready to unleash hell. Lastly, Henry, Olivia, and Inigo were primed for combat. All just in case the fortress was captured. If we were going to go down, we'd go down fighting.

I don't think Minerva likes Pippin.

Ignoring the glaring wyvern to my side, I focused on the scene in front of me.

"Hold there!" A voice boomed down from the walls. Several figures with bows ready to skewer the three in front of us appeared over the parapets. "Do not move another step closer! State your business or be on your way!"

"Loose your arrows, Louis, and you destroy Rosanne's greatest chance at survival!" Vivien shouted back, her voice carrying quite well all thing's considered.

The sun dipped over the carved valley walls as the Resistance fighters lowered their bows and crossbows.

"Vivien!?" The man who I assumed was named Louis replied. "Naga above, is that you!? With an army three times as big as when you left?"

"I have much to explain, Louis!" Vivien shook her head. "Nay, we have much to explain. Open the gates so that we may palaver at a more sensible distance!"

No response came. I let out a breath and tried to not look behind me. I knew almost our entire army was there. I didn't need to see them to feel confident, I told myself.

Oh, but you do.

A few minutes later, and the great portcullis jabbed into the walls began to rise. The sound of mighty chains clanking together echoed across the small valley and echoed in my ear drums. Once it was through, a short man with a head of shaggy brown hair and light gambeson rushed out of the fortress, brown eyes watching us warily as he approached.

"Gods, Vivien!" The man eked out, taking a moment to catch his breath. "You've been gone for nearly a week! I'd thought for sure the Chevaliers found you!"

"You must have more faith in me, old friend," Vivien sighed. "But fear not; I bring good news. Our Duke, our real Duke, has returned to us. With an army at his heel!"

Louis' head tilted to the side in confusion until he looked at the rest of us, brown gaze laser-focusing on Virion. "Oh, you."

"Yes, 'tis I. Virion of House Virion!" Virion declared. "As dear Vivien has already said, I have returned with an army to help take back our home! With it, we will-!"

"I know who you are, Duke Virion," Louis spat out, his eyes flaming. "We would not have had to take back our home at all had you not abandoned us. Left us to fend for ourselves against Walhart's armies! And then, were that not bad enough, this new duke brazenly throws his lot in with the Fell Dragon; corpses shift and walk among the living, their purple skin and blazing red eyes are among the traitor Chevaliers and conscripted soldiers!"

Louis' sudden outburst silenced whatever chatter was going on around us. I looked at the brown-haired Rosannean again, and I noticed him shaking in his boots. He hadn't seen a lot of combat, if that was how he was acting around us. Hell, he almost looked like a cornered deer.

"We will not turn away your help, Virion," Louis added, his voice a harsh whisper. "We are in no position to turn you away, a-and… and it's not in my hands anyway. Just know that no matter how quickly or completely you take back Rosanne, it will never bring our family members back. It will never bring my family back." He then turned to Vivien, his gaze softening slightly. "Show them around the fort for all I care. You're the one in charge, Vivien. I'll always follow you, but-" He eyes returned to Virion for a brief moment, eyes charged with hate. "Think twice before you enlist a coward into our ranks."

Before anyone could get a word in, Louis was already off, speed-walking towards the opened portcullis.

"A thousand apologies, Lord Virion," Vivien bowed. "I should have informed you that not everyone would be glad to see you. The wounds from the initial invasion are still fresh."

"…Think nothing of it, Vivien," Virion replied, his face stony. "I have told myself countless times that I would bare the brunt of my own people's hatred for my actions. Perhaps I was not as prepared as I thought. This changes nothing, however. I will not abandon her again, no matter how many insults and stones are thrown my way."

He really didn't deserve the vitriol you hurled at him.

"Virion," Cherche said behind me, her voice quiet. She perked up and looked at the rest of us. "I think we should enter, don't you all? Leave Virion here to me. I will snap him out of this."

A silent agreement rang in my ears, and I urged Pippin forward into the portcullis. Before that, though, I put a hand on Virion's shoulder.

"Guess we found someone who hates you more than me, huh?" I said dryly.

Virion stared at me blankly.

"Yeah, in hindsight, that was horrible. I'll just go now."

Not long after, Virion, followed by Cherche, followed after us.

The way Fort Mycen was structured reminded me of a walnut; just layer upon layer of stone wall all surrounding the keep. All of it, as I said, as if it was carved from the very mountain itself. The roof of the main keep wasn't even really a roof. The building had a thin veneer of carved stone, with the roof leading up into the mountain, and the massive room beyond being inside of the mountain. It was like dwarves had made it, although there were no dwarves on Valm or Archanea.

As far as you know.

With our combined forces, our troops numbered near two-thousand. A formidable force for a formidable fortress. The entire structure overlooked the plains and forest we passed through, granting us a clear view of the mountains as long as the weather was fair. From the top of the fortress, as I entered the keep, I looked back to see it and my heart nearly stopped just from the sheer beauty of it.

"Distracted, Alex?" Robin called, his arms crossed. "Everyone has already entered, you know."

"Have they?" I turned back to him with a smile. "Hmm. I guess you could say I was 'distracted'. Take a gander, Robin. Can you blame me?"

"It is a nice view, certainly." Robin nodded, agreeing. "Provides a very good view. Good enough to assess the size of a coming army. Coming to this fortress is proving to be the right choice after all."

I looked at him again, brow raised. "You think we'll be attacked while we're here?"

Robin snorted. "Of course. You were almost certainly right with your assessment earlier. This was a trap, you know, I can feel it. Not from the men here, no, but from this new duke. A rather rudimentary one, if I do say so myself."

I sighed. "You have a plan, I take it?"

"What's with that tone?" Robin asked, sounding hurt. "I thought you would be glad for that."

"Yeah, usually I would. Unfortunately, I don't think you'll tell anyone. And since my wife is on the war council and she hates you specifically for not telling her that one time," I trailed off.

Robin's mouth pressed into a fine line as he looked down at his feet. "Indeed."

"Well," I adjusted a few fingers on my iron hand, and stepping up to the entrance of the keep. "If worst comes to worst, we can always throw Tiki at them."

Robin wiped his forehead as he walked beside me. "She has awoken from her slumber. I've spoken with her, and I don't believe we should rely on her to break us out of every hopeless situation. She should solely be used as a last resort, or as a living siege engine, when we eventually get to Wyval."

"Any particular reason why we won't use the giant fucking dragon?" I asked glibly.

"Because Tiki is strong, but even she has weaknesses," Robin replied. "She is better used as an icon. A rallying symbol for our troops. She's Naga's- well, you know what I mean. As long as she's with us and alive, our victories will seem like they are ordained by Naga herself."

I looked at Robin, unimpressed. "You just want to keep her safe, don't you? Keep her all to yourself?"

Robin grinded to a halt. I could almost see the steam rush out of his ears as he stared at me wildly. "Not another word, Alex!"

I held my arms out. "What? Swear to God I can see a fucking pillar go through your-!"

Robin punched me in the shoulder. Only, he must've forgotten that I was still wearing plate armor. The echo of flesh against steel rang as Robin cursed, holding his right hand close to his chest. "Gods' damn it all to fucking-!" Another shout came as he attempted to remain standing.

"That's my word, Robin."

"Enough!" Robin exclaimed, flexing his hand to make sure he hadn't broken it. "We need to gather everyone after we've concluded assessing Fort Mycen. I'll tell you all about the plan I've been concocting then. But - and listen to me, damn you! – if you bring up Tiki in such a way again, not even your armor will save you!"

I looked at my undented pauldron, and then back at Robin. "That's cool, but I think I'll take my chances."

Robin cursed again as we entered Fort Mycen's keep.

I felt safe within Fort Mycen, even if I knew I probably shouldn't have. Robin's words about how the Rosannean army already knowing we were there was unnerving, even if I didn't show it at the time.

There were plenty of things I needed to do once our entire army was within the fortress' walls; instructing the men on their placements, shift rotations, checking our stores and making sure we could last for more than a few days in the event of a siege. Shit like that. All very menial but time-consuming tasks. The minute I was done, though, I made my way back to the keep.

Robin instructed me to head to a certain room. Surprise, surprise, said room had a long table with over a dozen chairs. Way more than we needed, considering our war council only had around six members on it.

When I arrived, with the fortress bathed in darkness as the sun sailed over the mountains, there was only one other person within the glorified conference room.

"Ah, you are…" The black-haired swordswoman, Vivien, perked up. "Sir Alexander. It appears we are the first to arrive."

I nodded. "So it would seem," I massaged my temples as I took a seat on the far side of the table. "Not to insult you or anything, but this fort's a bit of a mess. The stores will last us over a month, even with two-thousand bodies inside, but when I spoke with all the men, everything seemed so disorganized."

"No offense taken, Sir Alexander," Vivien shook her head, leaning forward in her seat and placing her elbows on the polished wooden table. "I may be a military woman, but I have never been in such a position of power. Truthfully, having you Ylisseans here has been something of a relief. We were barely scraping by when you all arrived."

"Hmm," I hummed, leaning back. "You can be grateful when we've liberated Rosanne and knocked Walhart off his high horse. Huh." My gaze shifted to the blade at her hip. The scabbard was golden and curved, as if it was made for royalty. I wondered how I hadn't noticed it until then. "Nice sword."

"What?" Vivien followed my gaze. "Ah, you mean Hearth Arcturus? You have a fine eye, Alexander. It is a sword that has been passed down through old Chon'sinian royalty for generations. That is, well, until recently."

"There's a story behind that," I stated, my eyes attentive. "Mind sharing?"

At that, Vivien looked visibly uncomfortable. She played with her fingers for a moment before sighing. "It was gift. Over twenty years ago Rosanne and Chon'sin reached a groundbreaking decision: after decades of conflict, it was agreed the countries would open their borders and trade freely. The blade itself was given as a token of good faith when Chon'sin's ruler and her dynasts visited. It has been in our, and in my, possession ever since."

Digesting the information, I nodded. I decided not to press; Vivien started to look paranoid rather than simply uncomfortable, doing crap like looking around at different parts of the room. Thankfully, the silence that followed her explanation didn't last long; the door opened, and Robin, Cordelia, Tiki, and Virion entered the room.

"Took you guys long enough," I said lazily, fighting the urge to prop my feet up.

"Yes, well, writing down the gritty details of my strategy has been somewhat tiring, if you want to know," Robin sniffed, sitting down next to Tiki. "Besides, I've been-!"

"He's been telling me all about it," Tiki yawned, stretching her arms. "Usually, I become quite bored with strategy meetings and war councils. If you've been to a hundred, you have been to them all. I must admit, though, that yours was just daring enough to keep me entertained," Tiki looked at Robin, her eyes staring into his. "The next time you wish to discuss strategy with me, Robin, you need only ask. There is no need to roughly shove me into a room and-!"

"Please, Gods." Robin's head slammed into the table. "Just end my life here and now."

"Don't worry," Tiki laughed. "I'll be sure to keep them at bay."

Cordelia sat down next to me, warily eyeing Robin and Tiki. I flashed a smile at her. "Do you think this counts as blasphemy?"

"I don't care what it is, as long as Robin is sharing his plan with us," Cordelia replied quietly. "Perhaps he's finally come to his senses."

I barked a laugh. "Have any of us come to our senses? Be honest with me."

"Well, I certainly have!" Cordelia said, her hand against her chest, offended. "I daresay most of us have! Er, rather, we never lost them. You, well, I haven't lost faith in you. Sense or no, as long as you hold me in your arms while we sleep" Cordelia shook her head. "Gods, look at what you made me do! I can't stop thinking these thoughts when you're around!"

"And here I was thinking us spending more time together would be lovely," I dramatically replied. "Almost as lovely as you, but then again, nothing really compares to you."

"Hmm? Is that so?" Cordelia hummed, smiling with her arms crossed. "Please, do go on."

"Must you have me list all of your perfect qualities aloud?" I asked, smirking as I realized all eyes were on us. "With a room full of people? How scandalous."

Cordelia blinked and looked around. She blushed as she shrunk in her seat. "M-maybe we should just get on with it."

"Yes, I think we should," Robin said stiffly, giving me a slight disapproving glare.

"Ah, but what a beautiful display of the happily married life!" Virion spouted out, sitting down at the head of the table. "With talk like that, you two would be the envy of all Wyval! Er, well, you would have been."

"Moving on!" Robin growled before taking a deep breath. "I understand why you have your own concerns, Cordelia. But rest assured, I am revealing my full plan to you today. With all the information I have gathered, I believe this is the best course of action."

"Does this have anything to do with mercenaries you questioned me about?" Vivien asked. "The ones to the south?"

Robin nodded. "The enemy thinks we have fallen into their trap. Soon, I will show them that they have fallen into mine."

The gold within the sealed, gilded letter in my hand jingled lightly as I walked down the torchlit hallway within Fort Mycen. Within was a plea for aid, as well as a down payment, for the mercenaries holed up to the south. I really did hope Robin's plan worked. If not, well, we did have a chance at winning, but not a big one. With the mercenaries to the south, it'd be a slaughter, if their numbers were any indication, especially if they caught the Rosannean army unaware.

I came upon the aeries. The pegasi and handful of wyverns eyed me warily as I walked towards three figures, outlined by the starry night sky. The black ocean of diamonds behind them almost distracted me completely, but I held firm against the natural beauty. Besides, there was someone far more gorgeous just in front of me.

"You remember what I told you, Mary?" Cordelia asked, her hand on the other pegasus knight's shoulder. "Head south, as fast as you can, the fort located near the village of Dellham, and-"

"-and make sure the letter that's coming gets to the mercenaries. I got it, Miss Cordelia!" The pegasus knight named Mary finished cockily. "Don't worry about me! I'll be sure that letter makes it to them!"

"Perky one, isn't she?" I spoke up, my raspy voice carrying farther than I would've thought.

"S-Sir Alexander!" Mary stuttered, bowing. "A-A pleasure to meet with you!"

"Er, pleasure's all mine?" I replied confusedly, handing her the letter. "Just wanted to give you the letter you're gonna deliver. Be a bit silly if you just up and left without it."

"A-aha! That it would, sir! That it would," The blonde-haired Pegasus Knight chuckled in response. "I suppose I'll be off, then! See you later, Miss Cordelia!"

She got on top of her Pegasus and, with one swift motion, was cast upon the winds. It didn't take long before we lost sight of her.

Cordelia sighed. "Honestly, these girls are going to be the death of me."

"C'mon, Cordy, they're not that bad," I laughed, sidling up next to her. "At least she's earnest."

Cordelia looked at me with half-lidded eyes. "I wasn't talking about that, Alex. Didn't you see how she acted when you came along? There's an entire night sky full of light, and yet I think she was more starstruck by you."

"Starstruck? By me?" I asked, brow raised in confusion. "What's there to be starstruck about?" I looked down at myself. "Yeah, I don't get it."

"Are you- Could you possibly…?" Cordelia couldn't find the right words, apparently. She fidgeted in place until she whirled on me. "Alex, are you aware how often I catch my own group, my own pegasus knights, talking about you behind my back? How often I hear them speak of how handsome you are? How strong your arms must be? It's maddening!"

My mouth opened but no words came out. What she was saying just didn't compute.

"I thought you were just ignoring it for my sake," Cordelia continued, her hand close to her chest. "I suppose this isn't so different."

"I don't get it. Again, what's so great about me?" I repeated, spreading my arms. "This isn't even me being self-deprecating. I'm seriously asking here."

Cordelia looked around, as if someone hearing what she had to say would discount it. "Well, it's true that your face is easy on the eyes," She walked up to me, and cupped my cheek. Her fingers traced my jawline, making me shiver. "And your arms… when they hold me as we sleep, or even when we embrace in passing, I feel so safe. Content. Comfy. I could spend forever like that, you know. Sometimes I wonder what I have to offer you when you already give me so much. I feel as if I would've collapsed long ago had you not come along. From another universe, no less."

The Rosannean army was no doubt approaching, with the dead lining their ranks as well. And yet, I could hold off that thought for a moment. I wrapped Cordelia up in a hug, hearing her sigh contentedly once I did. She nuzzled into my chest as I rested my head on top of hers, the familiar smell of cherries filling my nose.

Two people, boy scout. Two people.

And that's a wrap. I really like the ending of this chapter. One of the best Alex/Cordelia moments I've written so far imo. Hopefully my computer won't die on me again.

I'm sure you noticed that I changed the cover art for this fic. It's chibi Alex! I have a few pieces of Alex on our Discord, plus a few involving other characters. With all that, though, I think the new cover art is my favorite, oddly enough. it was made by lower on our Discord, or LowerBlack on this site. His story is titled 'Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid', one of the better Fates SI in my opinion. Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!

Here's a link to our Discord: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

Have a great rest of your day!

Edited on 3/28/21. Cute asf.