The rest of the battle was just as quick and brutal as when it had started. With the help of Gaius and those that followed him, we quickly destroyed whatever Valmese resistance remained, with the bulk of their armies falling back further south. If the reports I heard after the battle were over were true, then Priam gave them an even bigger thrashing than we did. And, of course, the bolstered forces to the north cleaned up the few that remained.

I could not have asked for a cleaner battle. In its execution, at least; the battle itself was just as bloody as every other one I'd been in. Still, a warmth spread through my chest as I realized that, with it now all over, there was nothing stopping me from heading north and talking to some old friends.

Which is exactly what I did.

"Alex, ya old dastard!" Vaike shouted, practically rushing me down as soon as we entered the base camp they'd been using for the past few months. "Ol' Vaike knew you'd get outta that place just fine. Ain't nobody Teach trains gonna let anythin' break them!"

I laughed as I grabbed his hand and bashed my shoulder against his. "Damn right I wouldn't. Did you think I'd die when I still have a few more good thrashings to give to you?"

"Oho!" Vaike barked out. "Looks like your time there hasn't done anythin' for your mouth, though. Careful there, Alex! Ya just got back, and I don't wanna break you during trainin' already."

"Looks like you two are already going at it, huh?" Came the familiar voice of Gaius, walking up behind me like he was always there. "Here I was, thinking that battle would be enough to calm things down. Eh, I should've known better, I guess. Swear to Gods, when Bubbles came in through that damnable entrance, Blue wouldn't let anyone else see him, heh."

"It's been, what…" I began counting on my fingers. "…three? Four months, almost? I'll let Chrom protect Robin for tonight. And what about you, huh? Vaike, the fuck happened to Gaius? He's all wearing armor and looking official and shit. It's kinda creepy."

Vaike snickered. "I dunno. Why don'tcha tell him what's been goin' on since he's been gone, Gaius?"

"Ain't no way in hell I'm saying a damn word in the middle of this camp, Muscles." Gaius sniffled. "That's a conversation for tonight at the best."

"Awww, what's that? All's I hear is the bawking of a chicken!" Vaike hooted.

"What in the hell is going on here?" A gruff, feminine voice shouted, marching through the camp until a familiar short-haired cavalier stumbled upon us. "…well, hot damn, I knew somethin' smelled wrong earlier. Who knew you'd be comin' back today?"

I smirked. "Well, Chrom probably did. I guess he's been sending you guys to the south more often than not?"

"Ah, alright," Sully snorted. "'Spose that makes sense. Knew you lot were coming, did he? All done with Ruffles' country already? Must have been a real piece of work if you blitzed through it in less than a few months. Then again-" Sully stretched. "You were trained by me, so I guess it ain't too surprisin'."

"Well, I mean, yeah." I shrugged. "Most of it was Robin's strategies. Let's see, we got ambushed at the border, retreated to some fort buried in the mountains, fought a battle four-to-one and won, and then assaulted a city. You know, pretty basic shit. The usual little chance of success and high chance of death thing. There were some, uh…" I looked behind me. "…well, let's just say not all of us made it out unscathed."

It looked like I was going to be asked more questions. In fact, Gaius himself seemed as if he was going to ask just who I was talking about. Luckily for me, Robin came around the corner, looking half-dead.

"…damn, Chrom didn't take it easy on you, huh?" I smiled, looking over Gaius' shoulder. "Best not let Tiki see you like that."

Gaius looked at me, confused for a moment, before realization dawned on him and he turned to the shambling tactician.

"Bubbles, I just wanna let you know, brother to brother, that you ain't the only one going through this," Gaius whispered to Robin, who seemed more bewildered than anything. "I knew you had the hots for the immortal dragon lady, but you pushed far past what I gave you credit for. You have my respect, and my condolences, Bubbles."

Vaike and Sully snickered to themselves. Considering their relationship consisted of muscle-bound, raw sexual tension, in my opinion they should've kept their mouths firmly shut.

"…er, thank you, Gaius? I suppose?" Robin blinked before shaking his head. "Wait, what does any of this have to do with Tiki? I just needed to fetch Alex."

I groaned, trying my best not to slam my head into the grassy ground. "No, Robin. No, no, no. Please don't tell me you're asking me to attend another war council. Please. I'm begging you. Please."

"You will see no mercy from me, Alex," Robin added sternly. "This should be routine now. And if I have to go to them, you do as well."

"…well, at least Chrom'll be there now. And Flavia. And Basilio. Hell, I'm pretty sure Say'ri is gonna be there, too. You know what, maybe it won't be so bad." I nodded to the Poker Group. "I'll see you guys later. Duty calls again."

"Yeah, yeah," Gaius waved. "Just make sure you'll be there tonight. Got this whole new stack of cards. Won them in another game, funnily enough."

I nodded again and turned to follow Robin's lead.

"It hasn't been more than an hour and you've already found them," Robin observed. "With luck, we won't have to separate again in the future. From this point onwards, it is a group effort."

"Good," I chuckled. "I was getting kinda sick of leaving them behind. First Khadein and then Rosanne."

"…Alex, I'm-"

I held up my iron hand. "Don't, Robin. Don't. It's fine."

Robin was silent for the rest of our small trip.

"There they are!" Chrom exclaimed as we entered, a goofy grin on his face. "Gods, Alex, it's been too long! How've you been?"

"About as well as I can be, Chrom." I replied, smirking despite myself. Chrom's jubilation was infectious. "It's good to see you again." I looked around. "All of you."

The tent was filled with all the usual idiots. The hulking form of Basilio stood beside the slightly less bulky Flavia, with Say'ri sitting down just beside them. There was one other person I almost completely forgot there: Phila. The white-haired Falcon Knight stood beside Chrom, her arms behind her back and staring me down.

"Har! Listen to him; he's sounding all formal and crap," Basilio barked a laugh. "You've spent too much time around that fop. Come night time, let's get you back to speaking like you used to, Old Iron Hand. We've still got plenty of ale to go 'round, and this is the best time to damn well use it!"

"Leave it to the oaf to think of alcohol and nothing else," Flavia snorted. "You're a damned menace."

"Hmm, do you all hear that?" Basilio cupped a hand to his ear. "It almost sounds like someone's trying to be a pain in my arse. Too bad I'm too excited to get that ale ready to really give two shits."

"It is good to see you both, my lords," Say'ri interrupted the two khans. "We've heard talk of your exploits in Rosanne, and they have given our soldiers the hope they needed. Fie, but I cannot say that these next battles are going to be easy on me."

"If that is all over with, we really must get on with the council, milord." Phila said, her voice betraying no emotion.

"Ah, yes, of course Phila." Chrom coughed. "Much as I'm glad to see you guys again, we still have a lot to do."

"Indeed." Robin nodded. "Don't worry; I do have a plan going forward. Although, I have to ask, where's Sumia?"

Chrom cringed. "Gods… the minute she heard Cordelia had been injured, she marched straight out of the tent. I'm… I'm sorry, by the way, Alex. It must be weighing on both of you heavily."

I shook my head. "I'm not the one who was injured, Chrom. Give her your condolences when you meet with her. I don't deserve them."

"…right," Chrom replied awkwardly. "Anyways, Robin, I'd love to hear this plan of yours. I know vaguely how we'll be taking Chon'sin."

"I've done a lot of research since we parted," Robin began. "Specifically on Chon'sin. It is an isolated country, and until recently, only had tentative relations with the rest of the continent and the world at large."

"You are correct, tactician," Say'ri said quietly, standing up and moving towards the table. "Much as I am loath to admit it, Chon'sin has always taken issue with outside interference. A stubborn adherence to ancient tradition and legend, in which we see ourselves as superior to all others. Although Chon'sin is my primary concern, I do not hold this view. Nations must cooperate in order to thrive, and Chon'sin has not for hundreds of years. This isolation, however, has always had a curious strength to it; it made us less of a target. Our tactics are wholly our own."

"There is a fort to the south of here, isn't there?' Robin pressed, leaning on the table. "Located right in the middle of the great plains we're on right now, yes?"

"You are correct," Say'ri nodded, placing a loose strand of black hair behind her ear. "'Twould not be insanity to assume that the remnants of the southern front have marshalled there."

"Will Yen'fay be there?" I asked suddenly. "Any other enemy generals?"

"…fie, 'tis possible," Say'ri replied. "Much as he is a coward who sold our country to the Valmese dogs, he was always steadfast in his approach to battle. He will no doubt take the field personally, should he be there, and if he does, I will cut him down just as any Valmese mongrel."

"That might make things simpler, if he comes to us," Robin theorized. "Although I doubt he'll take the field if he's in an easily defensible position. Wouldn't he be at the capital to the south, though?"

"I did say 'tis only possible that he is there," Say'ri insisted. "It could just as easily be any other general that's taken over the fort. The fort itself is likely different from others you have assaulted or defended from, however."

"How's that?" Basilio asked. "Fort's a fort, even if they got a good position."

"As I said, we have our own tactics, our own principles," Say'ri continued. "Even the entrance to the fort is different; it is raised and curving, allowing ample time for archers to loose arrows onto those attempting to enter, and caves run beneath the grounds surrounding it, carved by my ancestors. They allow easy flanking during sieges, even if they present a possible breach in our defenses. I know where the entrance to these caves are for this particular fortress, however, they will no doubt be guarded beneath."

"Hmm, a bold strategy on their end, certainly." Robin hummed, cupping his chin. "Although I think it depended on them having the element of surprise. Something you've completely spoiled for them."

"If it means retaking my country, then I am willing to reveal all that I can," Say'ri intoned, although her voice sounded small, quiet, compared to how it usually sounded. "The days of Chon'sin's isolation are over either way. We could not remain as we have forever, and I believe my father knew this. Why else would he exchange words with Rosanne?"

"We're thankful for your help, Say'ri." Chrom nodded. "This war would've been a lot more difficult if we hadn't had you on our side."

"It is my pleasure, my lords." Say'ri bowed. "For a liberated Valm, I would happily give my life. Knowledge will have to suffice for the moment, however."

"Yeah, well, let's not throw our lives away so soon," I grumbled. "Well, Robin, let's get this show on the road. How're we gonna go about this?"

"…you make it sound as if this is a habit." Robin replied.

"I mean, isn't it?" I asked. "I've lost count of how many times we've been in this exact same position, with you explaining what, exactly, we're gonna be doing. Am I wrong?"

Chrom looked confused for a moment, with a hand rubbing his chin. "Huh. I never thought of it that way. I suppose we do do this rather often."

"Well, talking about it won't make it go by any faster," Flavia pointed out. "Go ahead, Robin. You haven't led us into certain death yet."

"Thank you, Khan Flavia." Robin bowed his head. "As Chrom said, you know the basics of my plan. With Say'ri's new information, however, I may need your help coming up with the essential details…"

The war council lasted all throughout the day. The ones I participated in while we were in Rosanne were much shorter by comparison, and while the conversations and small arguments marched on and on, I found myself missing those simpler times. I'd forgotten just how much of a nightmare the logistics of a continent-spanning war were. Luckily, however, we were able to come up with our new plan.

With the strength of our forces to the west with those of the southern front, we had enough troops to assault Chon'sin without abandoning the northern front. They would be fine, for the most part. There were many accomplished generals in our war not among the Shepherds, and they would suffice to command the northern front in our absence. Meanwhile, we would storm through Chon'sin. The country had many different 'cities', governed by independent dynasts, with sworn fealty to the emperor. As far as I could tell, this did not make the country peaceful before Valm arrived. On the contrary, Chon'sin often had many small wars, more like skirmishes really, between the dynasts. According to Say'ri, that was one of the things she was going to change when she ascended to Chon'sin's throne.

I had to give her credit, she had a lot of presence for someone who was only around 5'3.

In any case, that was our plan, and it seemed pretty solid from my admittedly limited point of view. We would have a more complex plan for the fort to the south, as it appeared to be a massive bulwark between us and the rest of the country. The individual cities were of no consequence, really; once the capital was taken, it was likely they would fold. Very few cared for Walhart, and many of them, according to Say'ri, did not approve of Yen'fay giving in so easily. While most within Chon'sin did not trust foreigners, it was likely they would make an exception for us should we leave them alone.

By the end of the war council, I was absolutely exhausted. When I marched out into the light, the sun was already setting. The first day I was back, and I'd spent almost all of it discussing important but boring shit. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I walked out completely. My head pounded something fierce, but I still intended to make it to Poker Night. I'd probably just need a bit of water to keep me going.

"Sir Alexander," A voice said from behind me. A stern, feminine voice. "Might I have a word with you?"

I stopped in my tracks, doing my damnedest to not groan. Turning around, I saw Phila there, hands still folded neatly behind her back as she stared me straight in the eye.

"What is it, Commander Phila?" I asked tiredly, stretching my arms. "It's been, what, three months, since I've been to Poker Night? Knowing you, though, I guess it's something important."

"Indeed. My apologies that I am getting in the way of your games," Phila replied, her tone not indicating whether she was being sarcastic or not. "Perhaps we might take this somewhere more private. This won't take long, I assure you."

I looked between her and the tent I was gonna play poker in. Sighing, I nodded to Phila. "Lead the way, then."

I followed her back into the tent we'd just exited, now completely empty save for the two of us. Phila walked around to the other side of the table. She leaned forward until both her hands lay flat on its surface.

"I visited Cordelia when you all first arrived," Phila began. "I believe she was struck by a fireball, correct?"

My lip twitched. "That's right. She was protecting Severa."

Phila nodded. "Yes, she told me as much. It was certainly noble of her. It is… quite a shame that she's been injured in such a way. I have no doubt she will recover, though. She assured me as such. However, while we spoke, I noticed something."

It felt as if an icy dagger stabbed itself through my chest with her next words.

"She tried her best to hide it, but I could see her stomach. She's pregnant, isn't she?" Phila asked.

"…figured that out all on your own, huh?" I murmured, placing my iron hand on the table. "Yes. Yes she is. We knew a month or two back, and we decided that she'd stop fighting after the Battle of Wyval. Then, well… you saw the aftermath of that."

"Yes." Phila's face was like a statue's; completely unmoving, betraying no emotion. "No doubt Lord Robin knows as well. Do I need to lecture you on how irresponsible this paints you, what this says about both you?"

I shook my head, trying my best to keep my glare back. "No. You don't. You wouldn't be telling me anything I haven't already told myself."

"Indeed?" Phila asked, her brows furrowed. "Her injury is severe, yes, but with her pregnancy, it would be foolish to send her out onto the battlefield. Not only would we be putting an unborn infant's life at risk, but the changes to her body until its birth would make combat difficult. Had she merely been injured, she could be fighting and commanding again within weeks. Instead, it is likely she will remain bedridden for the rest of the war."

"Is there a reason why you're telling me this, Phila?" I crossed my arms, my eyes descending into a cold glare. "Is there anything else you have to say? Come on. I wanna hear it. Let it all out."

"Do not be glib with me, Knight-Captain," Phila responded, standing straight up. "I am merely reminding you of the consequences. It affects more than just the both of you, as I am sure you are aware. Lady Sumia was beside herself with worry when she heard tell that Cordelia was injured. I… I was hoping she would become my successor, when I inevitably retire."

I tilted my head. "You're gonna retire?"

"Yes. It has been in the works for some time," Phila continued, walking around the table, her hand tracing the edge. "Ever since Lady Emmeryn's death, in fact. The day she died was the darkest day of my entire life. I failed as both a knight and a friend. I did not deserve my position any longer, but Prince Chrom would not hear a word of it. Still, one such as I does not deserve this position. Cordelia? She has always been the brightest of our ranks. Even through the brutal hazing, she stood strong. When her entire squad perished, she rose to the call and fought the Plegians until the death of King Gangrel. She trained an entire new generation of Pegasus Knights, who follow and respect her more than they respect me. I am obsolete now. To keep my position would be the height of foolishness."

I looked down at the table, trying my best to keep myself from lashing out. "So we've basically ruined your retirement plans, then. What a shame. I'm sure Cordelia would love to rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, she's a bit busy trying to regain full use of her goddamn arms. Pregnancies don't last forever, Phila, and no matter what I think of you, you're a skilled commander."

"Excuse me?" Phila asked, her eyes snapping up to meet my own gaze. "Be that as it may, it doesn't change the situation."

"You're right, and talking to you clearly won't help it." I growled, pushing myself away from the table and walking back towards the tent flap. "So sorry to have inconvenienced you, Commander Phila. Cordelia will be back in shape by the war's end, at least. Take that as consolation; your plans aren't ruined yet."

"Sir Alexander, I didn't-!"

I waved my iron hand. "Goodbye, Phila."

It took me a few moments to cool myself off. I wasn't sure if I was ready to go play poker anymore. Listening to the winds across the plains, and taking deep breaths helped.

Running my left hand down my face and wiping off the sweat, I shook my head. "That was stupid."

Getting myself under control, I walked off.

Despite the foul mood my conversation with Phila left me in, I managed to make it into the tent we were set to play poker in. The gang was all there, with Gaius even patting a pillow next to him as Vaike and Sully made googly eyes at each other.

"Good, you're here. Thank all the Gods that're listening, I thought I was gonna go mad listening to these roustabouts go at it for another minute." Gaius whispered.

"Good to see you too, man," I mumbled back. "They haven't said a thing since I came in. Do you think they're lost in each other's eyes?"

"I dunno, but it's making me uncomfortable, and I'm supposed to be used to the kinda thing they're doing."

"The Vaike can hear ya," Vaike said suddenly, turning around and giving me a shit-eating grin. "'Bout time you got here. Teach was about ready to go out there and drag your ass here himself!"

I cracked my knuckles. "I'd like to see you try, Teach."

"Damn, all that time away really has made your mouth looser. You almost sound like you got a spine now," Sully commented. "To think, the chubby lil' farmer's boy what came to the Barracks all those years ago would turn into a decent soldier. Brings a tear to my eye."

"Ya'll gonna talk big game, or are we doing this?" Gaius said, shuffling cards. "Been too damn long since I had a good night out and I don't wanna waste it."

"Hmph. Yer lucky I like you," Sully snorted. "Let's do this! And if you're wonderin', no, I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you're outta practice, Alex."

I chuckled. "I wouldn't expect you to, Sully."

Gaius was speaking for me too when he said it'd been too damn long. I'd forgotten how… well, there was no way for me to describe it. Cozy, maybe? Just sitting around a small animal pelt, playing cards with my tight-knit group of friends, with the light of a single oil lamp all that was lighting the tent up – it was nostalgic. There were few places I'd rather be.

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me," I groaned, looking at Sully's cards. "Jesus H., I just get back and now you're gonna give me a goddamn stomach ulcer."

"By all means, keel over whenever you feel like. Maybe let Gaius dip in," Sully smirked, crossing her arms. "Maybe he'll put up more of a fight."

"What- What fuckin' fight is there? It's random chance!" I replied incredulously.

Sully shrugged. "He's probably luckier than you are."

"Ms. the Vaike makes a good point," Vaike added, his hand to his chin like that somehow made what he said sound smarter. "Haven't seen ya lose this bad since the first time we played."

"Oh yeah?" I snorted. "We all lost that day. Donny was there, remember? That kid was lucky as hell. Betcha if we got Severa to play this, she'd whoop all your asses."

"What makes ya say that? She ain't never play a game before."

I leaned forward, smiling. "Because my little girl is amazing at everything she does. Just a few weeks ago she rode a Pegasus for the first time, completely flawless. Hell, before that she was an absolute terror on the battlefield. No doubt in my mind that she'd kick your teeth in and laugh while doing it."

"Har! Think your little girl is so great? Have you seen Kjelle?" Vaike boasted, pounding a fist against his chest. "Every time the Vaike sees her a tear comes to ol' Teach's eye. If ya think Severa's gonna be any good at this, you better believe Kjelle would stomp her into paste!"

I crossed my arms. "I don't see Kjelle climbing on flying horses."

Vaike copied me. "She don't need to. All she needs is her axe and a regular horse, and she'll tear the enemy a new one."

"Both of you are so gods' damn dumb, it's amazing you can even pick up a sword," Sully facepalmed. "Kjelle's my daughter, too, Vaike. Don't just go parading her around for another one of yer competitions."

"Wha…?" Vaike trailed off, slumping his shoulders. "The Vaike can't even say how proud of her he is?"

"Never said that, ya damned-!" Sully growled, shaking his shoulder. "Just watch what you say. Don't want those two hurtin' themselves trying to prove you two right."

I shrugged. "Fair enough. Gaius, you ready to…?"

The orange-haired thief was spacing off, his eyes staring off into the corner as if it was the most interesting corner that ever did corner. I shook him by the shoulder. "Gaius? You still with us, man?"

"Huh?" Gaius shook his head. "Oh, uh, yeah, fine. Just fine. Just got a lot on my mind is all."

I saw the way Vaike and Sully exchanged glances and decided to press further. "You sure? Something seemed a bit off with you this morning. And those two dunderheads aren't being very subtle. What happened with you while I was gone?"

"Gods, 'course you'd notice," Gaius grumbled, rubbing his eyes. "I did say I was gonna say something tonight, yeah? Damn my mouth. Alright, look, you remember when those four other future kids came to us a couple months back?"

I nodded my head. "Go on."

"Well, the thing is, one of 'ems got my hair color," Gaius ruffled his own hair. "Gave me a good fright, too. I asked you a couple months back whether I had any kids of my own. Well, think I got my answer. Thing is, he's…"

I titled my head. I already knew who the mother was, and it wasn't all too surprising to me. It was just nice to have some confirmation. "He's… what? Is he dead?"

"What in the seven hells made ya think that?" Sully exclaimed.

"He's the kid 'tween me and this Ylissean noble. Maribelle. She's part of the Shepherds, though don't think anyone here really knows her." Gaius took a deep breath. "Been talking to her on and off these past few months. You know, just the usual. She wasn't interested in the kinda casual stuff I'm into, but that wasn't any reason for me to stop. She's the daughter of a man I… well, safe to say that whole nasty business put a damper on our talks before we got past it. Now what with this kid from the future, she's been pushing. Think she's in love with me."

"In love with you?" I asked, a sinister grin stretching across my face. "Hard to believe."

"You're saying that as a joke but I was kinda asking the same thing," Gaius crossed his arms and stretched his legs out. "Ain't never had it happen like this before."

I shrugged. "Well, Gaius, do you love her back?"

Gaius was silent.

"Dastard can't shut up for hours but the minute we bring Mari up he just locks up like nobody's business," Sully chuckled. "I'll give ya some advice here, since yer my buddy: don't wait. Don't be like the fat layabout next to me. Took him until a war started till he got the courage to propose to me."

"Harsh words, but ya certainly didn't mind jumpin' into Teach's arms when he did, yeah?"

"Don't listen to him; he's a big, fat liar."

I waved my iron hand at the two of them, practically begging them to be quiet for just a second. "Listen, Gaius, answer my question. Do you love her back? I know the kid you were talking about. Have you talked to Brady at all?"

"How do you think I know I married her in the future? Or how he's my son?" Gaius asked, quietly. "That's the thing, Sailor, I think I do love her, and that scares me."

My brows furrowed. "Why?"

"I've never loved someone before. Er, at least, not the way I think I love her. It's different. And I know the instant I go for it, my life as a thief is over. Ain't no going back to the way things are. I'll be all tied up, right and proper-like. A noblewoman like her can't really have a crook for a husband, and I don't think she'd want one even if she wasn't. It's uncharted territory for me, yeah? I'm going in without a map or compass."

Well, this night turned serious really quick.

"…Well." I sat up. "You're afraid of losing your 'freedom'. Is that it?"

"Part of it, probably." Gaius answered, his body curled into itself so he looked more like a cloaked roly-poly than a man.

"I don't think I can give you the answer you're looking for, Gaius," I began. "Hell, when I proposed to Cordelia, I wasn't really scared. It just felt right to marry her, you know? I wouldn't mind settling down with her after this war is over. But you… I don't know. Give it some time. Maybe you'll find out you don't mind becoming an honest man."

"Thievery is the most honest business there is, Sailor," Gaius replied, running a hand through his orange hair. "Ain't nobody lying about who they are. Just you, and your mark, and all the valuables they got. Though I gotta admit, these past few years with you lot has been pretty damn fun."

I patted him on the back, nodding my head. "If it helps, you'll always have us. Am I right?"

"Yeah, unless he starts stealin' my stuff. Then I'll punch his jaw off," Sully answered.

"The Vaike ain't gonna leave a friend behind! Not while he still has to beat you in a game for once!" Vaike scratched his head. "How do ya do that, by the way? Seems like you always have the right cards…"

"He cheats, Vaike," I replied, chuckling. "It'd be harder now that we don't even have a goddamn table. No hiding cards under the goddamn table for you."

"And there Sailor goes, throwing me under the carriage," Gaius grumbled exasperatedly. "Here I was, bleeding my heart out for you all and you just throw it in my face. You're all cruel monsters."

"Just a lil' teasin', pal," Vaike guffawed. "If Teach catches you cheatin', though, he's gonna knock your block off."

"Thanks, Muscles," Gaius chuckled. "Well damn, I feel better already. Think I might deal myself in next game, yeah. Sailor, you good to give the cards out?"

"Course, you thieving dastard." I took the cards from Gaius as he scooted forward. "Just tell me when you're gonna propose to Maribelle. I wanna see the look on her face when it goes down."

"Gods, please, don't." Gaius groused.

"You had your fun before I got with Cordy," I chuckled. "Now it's my turn, you fuckin' loon. Consider this revenge for all the times you flirted with me."

The card game lasted well into the night.

We only stayed in one place for a couple days. Most of that time was spent disbanding the main camp for when we actually went south, and once that was done, we didn't waste any time. Winter was coming, after all, and once it struck, the war would be plunged into a standstill. We couldn't afford another Winter of wait, so we had to move quickly. We'd blitzed through a good portion of the empire already, with only the Province and Chon'sin being the major players in it that remained. And once Chon'sin fell, the Province wouldn't be long for the world.

On the day we were to leave, Robin wasn't among us. Being his knight, it fell to me to rouse the fucker and get him moving. To be fair to him, it had been a stressful few days. He'd done nothing but plan and guide troop movements. Apparently Chrom had done a good job at commanding the troops, but when it came to logistics, he was a bit hopeless. Still, we had to get moving.

His tent was one of the few remaining up, so it wasn't difficult to find him. Without a word, I entered.

"Robin?" I called quietly once I was inside. "Get up. We're heading-!"

My mouth clamped shut.

There they were, wrapped around each other beneath bed sheets. Tiki's green hair let loose and flowing over the pillows, with her pressing Robin's head against her neck. The tactician looked at peace, somehow, for what may have been the first time in months. I stood there for several seconds, my eyes wide. The sheets covered their privates, thankfully, but it let me know what, exactly, must have happened the night prior.

My heart fell into my chest when one of Tiki's eyes cracked open, staring at me.

"Uh…" I turned around. "I'll just tell them you're not ready yet…"

I could still feel Tiki's green eye glaring a hole into my back. Awkwardly, I raised a hand and gave them a thumbs up. I rushed out of the tent shortly afterwards.

Standing outside the tent for a moment, I attempted to regain my breath. Never in my life did I think I'd actually be the person to walk in on post-sex cuddling. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I decided to give them another hour or so. Sure, we'd have to leave a little behind schedule, but there was no way in hell I was going to interrupt what they were doing. And I didn't decide that just because Tiki glared at me; they both deserved a little more time together. Robin had been without someone like Tiki for so long, I couldn't bring myself to break it up early.

"Alex?" Someone asked. Looking forward, I saw an armored Chrom marching towards me. "Is Robin still inside? Gods, you'd think he'd be the person who'd be up the earliest…"

"…well, he has been under a lot of stress recently…" I mumbled.

Chrom's lips thinned as he nodded. "He has, and I feel terrible for dumping all of this on him when he won such a substantial battle in Rosanne, but… this war needs to end soon."

"Oh no, yeah, I hear you. And I think he understands too. War isn't easy. But, uh…" I rubbed the back of my neck, glancing at the tent nervously. "Maybe we should give him just an extra hour or so? You know, let him get well-rested and all that."

"I wish I could, but we have to get moving. Everything's already prepped and ready to go," Chrom replied, attempting to push past me. "Don't worry. I'll get him up. Heh, hopefully he isn't sleeping on the ground again."

Perplexed by Chrom's words I jumped in front of him and placed my iron hand against his chest, holding him back. "Wait just a second, Chrom," I said, my eyes pleading with him to understand. "You, um, really, really don't wanna go in there right now."

Chrom raised a brow. "Why's that?"

"Because, well…" I tried my damnedest to come up with an excuse while preserving Robin's privacy. "…He's sick. Very, very sick. Throwing up everywhere and shit. Trust me, you don't wanna go in there right now."

Chrom became concerned, looking to Robin's tent with worry. "Sick? Will he be alright? Gods, should I get a healer?"

"Uh, no, no! Just a bit of, uh… dysentery. It should clear up in an hour." I tried my best. I really did.

The prince looked at me suspiciously. "…Alex, are you hiding something from me?"

"What? No!" I laughed nervously. "Why would I do that? I'm just trying to protect both of you… from… yourselves."

"Protecting us from ourselves, huh? Alright." Chrom crossed his arms. "Alex, let me in."

"I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because reasons."

Chrom sighed frustratedly. "It must be something important. Why in seven hells won't you let me in?"

"Chrom." I said, standing tall. "In defense of my lord's honor, I can't let you in."

"Ah, good morning," I heard a voice say from behind me. Whirling around, I saw Tiki exit the tent, fully dressed. "I could hear you two bickering from within the tent. Do try to be quieter in the future, would you?"

My face dropped as Chrom regarded Tiki with confusion. "…Wait a moment. Is this-?"

Robin nearly bumped into me trying to get out of the tent. He was half-dressed, with his coat hanging over his shoulder. "Gods, I'm awake, I'm awake! It's alright!"

"It's not alright," I facepalmed.

"…Robin, have you been…?" Chrom seemed to be connecting the dots in his head as Tiki stood by Robin, smiling.

"I have been what?" Robin questioned loudly before shaking his head dramatically. "It doesn't matter. We need to get moving, correct? Yes, I believe we do! We're already late as it is!"

Robin sped-walk away, with Tiki waving at us lazily as she followed.

Chrom and I were silent for a few moments. I turned to Chrom, my eyes half-lidded. "…I told you so, Chrom."

And that's a wrap. Nothing much to say about this chapter; just a bunch of friends talking for the most part. Chapter 58 is, uh... well, you'll see.

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