Our trip through Valm's countryside was a lot more pleasant after the Awakening. One our way to the Grounds, it felt as if the world itself was weighing down on all of us. There was very little conversation or joviality during it. But on the return trip? While the air was still biting cold and the ground covered in snow and ice, there was a warmth that pervaded us. Hope, really. It gathered in my chest and bloomed out, and I felt as if I could take on an entire army if only Chrom asked it of me. I doubtless knew that everyone else in that convoy felt the same.

Except maybe Tharja, but then again, I didn't really know anything about her. And I doubted that would ever truly change. Still, I made a promise to myself, and I intended to keep it. I decided during those weeks that we traveled back to Rudol that I'd try and extend an olive branch, so to speak. I hadn't spoken to Tharja one-on-one since before the war even started, and that was over a year prior. And if my memory wasn't failing me, we didn't exactly part on speaking terms.

Then again, I was trying to keep her from stalking Robin. I knew Robin; Tharja made him uncomfortable. Incredibly so. It was my duty to make sure nothing horrible happened to him, and by Naga, I may not have known Tharja well, but some of the things she muttered concerned me, especially back before the Valm War. But then? She was engaged, I thought. I knew she had Noire, and Noire had blond hair. Should've guessed it was Libra. There were only so many blonde Shepherds, and two of them were already engaged by the time we seriously started considering the children's lineages.

Not that any of that really mattered. What mattered was that Tharja had changed; either she proposed to a man other than Robin, or she accepted the proposal of a man other than Robin. Both things I would've never expected Tharja to do.

It was time to bury the hatchet. I'd long learned that hate and grudges did nothing for anyone.

I could never catch her alone, though, and in the end, I decided to say 'screw it' and simply find her wherever I could.

We only had four tents with us, and we divided them accordingly. Tharja and Libra shared one, I knew, while Chrom and his family shared another. Tiki and Robin had the third, and I, unfortunately, got paired with Gaius. Those were fun nights, but unimportant. It was during one of those nights that I finally decided to hold myself to my word.

Besides, it gave me a chance to talk to Libra, too, and he could use some company. Besides the dour dark mage, at least.

I walked up to their shared tent but didn't immediately go in. I learned my lesson that with Robin and Tiki. Instead, I spoke loudly, "Hey, you guys in there?"

There was a faint rustling within. "No," a feminine voice said.

"Yes," another spoke, much to the muttering of the first. "Please, come in."

I took a deep breath and walked inside, pushing the tent flap out of my way. The interior was suitably spartan; I wasn't even sure if it was possible to decorate or pretty-up a tent, although I was sure someone would be able to do that. I saw Libra and winced as I regarded his lack of a left arm. The appendage had been severed just below the shoulder, leaving him looking lopsided. I felt guilty even thinking that especially so when he gave me a warm, inviting smile.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Sir Alex?" Libra asked lightly, scratching at his long head of hair. "Not that I do not enjoy the company, especially in these times, but why did you come here?"

Before I answered, I looked over to see Tharja sitting in a chair, staring at me with barely restrained contempt. I should've expected that. "In all honesty? I wanted to have a talk with your friend here. But it's good to see you doing well, either way, Libra."

The priest let out a breath, looking at the empty sleeve where his arm had been. "As well as I can be, I suppose. Tharja has been instrumental and helping me… come to terms, as it were."

"Will you stop with that?" Tharja suddenly said, crossing her arms over her chest. "You don't need to keep deflecting things to me. You did just fine on your own."

Libra smiled all the same. "Ah, but you forget, my dear. Without you, who would I have had to rely on to help me with these burdens? Mm, true, perhaps I could have asked Sir Alex here, but you assisted me in the basic things I could no longer do. You are a godsend, my love."

I saw a luminescent blush spread across Tharja's pale cheeks as she turned away, mumbling to herself.

I chuckled. "Well, it's good to see you doing well, I guess. But yeah, as I said, I wanted to talk with Tharja," I stared the dark mage in the eye. "I feel like its been a long time coming."

Libra looked to me, his brows furrowed. "I do not see why you can't. Alone, I take it?"

I shrugged. "We've got a history I want to put to rest."

"That's one way of putting it," Tharja mumbled.

Libra's gaze switched from me to Tharja before he sighed. "Not that you need it, but you can go and do so."

Tharja stood up and marched out of the tent, pushing past me with a surprising amount of speed. "…Think she's made the decision for herself, man."

"Yes. And you should not keep her waiting," Libra chortled dryly. "I learned such a thing the hard way."

I shivered as I exited the tent, feeling the cold creep into my bones. Tharja stood by, glaring at me as I approached.

"So, you brought me out here at this freezing time of the evening. What do you want?" Tharja asked pointedly, still crossing her arms over her chest, her eyes shadowed by her hair. "No, wait, let me guess: you want me to leave Robin alone, don't you? Oh, I wonder how many times I have heard that, least of all from your foul mouth. Well, you don't have to worry anymore. I'll not take a single step in his direction. But before your head grows too large for your body, allow me to say that it's not because of you. Definitely not because of you. You don't scare me."

I snorted. "Yeah, I don't scare you, and you don't scare me. You never have. I didn't come here to threaten you or anything, Tharja. I wanted to talk to you about… well, I realize I haven't been very friendly with you."

Tharja chuckled darkly. "How observant of you. Perhaps your eyes aren't completely useless."

"Oh please, least I don't shut myself in my quarters until I'm nothing but a pale shadow. Look at you; you look like a ghost," I replied, sighing after a moment. "You were asking for that, snarky idiot. I'm trying to be nice, here."

"Hmhm. Trying, sure. But are you succeeding? An entirely different question. With an entirely different answer." Tharja giggled mockingly.

"Oh, you are just making this so easy right now, it's unbelievable," I chuckled menacingly, desperately trying to keep a handle on my anger. "Look, I wanted to apologize. For being an asshole, you know. Back then, well, I didn't know how to handle you. I couldn't just kick the crap outta you; I don't think Robin would've liked that. Now, I see I never even needed to. Turns out, all you needed was time."

Tharja raised a brow, shivering slightly as the cold wind blew past us. "Time? Explain."

"You found someone else," I pointed out. "Libra. Maybe all that time in Rosanne wasn't a complete waste if it got you to chase after someone else. Either way, I really shouldn't have threatened you like that. Back then, at least. You didn't need that, and all it did was force you to be more desperate. I'll accept the blame for that."

"…Where is this coming from?" Tharja asked suspiciously, taking a step back. "This is not what I was expecting. Especially from someone like you. What has changed? Perhaps its due time I look into your soul again…"

"You won't do that if you like your head still on your shoulders," I grumbled before coughing. "In all honesty, I've… well, I guess you could say I've had a bit of an epiphany recently. Holding onto anger and grudges ain't great. Hell, it's caused me more grief than I could ever fathom. Even…" I held up my iron hand. "Even this. It's because of it that I'm the way I am. And even though I can't change the past, I can change the future. I won't let anger control me anymore."

"…Hmm," Tharja hummed, turning around. "Interesting. Perhaps you've truly changed… or perhaps you have been cursed. That would certainly explain much. Stand still."

"What're you talking about? I-!" I began to say, only to feel something. I couldn't explain it; it was too alien. Too much. For a second it felt like my mind wasn't my own. I had only felt that once before, years before. It didn't last for more than a second or two, but when it was over, I glared at the back of Tharja's head. She shook her head, muttering to herself about something. "Did you just try to get inside my mind!?"

"Mmm. I did. I had to make sure you weren't being controlled," Tharja explained easily, turning back around with a brisk step. "I couldn't quite get the best look; you're surprisingly hard to look into. You should be proud."

"I think I know why, and it doesn't make me proud," I mumbled to myself. "Well, what did you see, if anything?"

"As I said, not much," Tharja replied, hugging her chest for warmth. "It's clear you are not being controlled, at least. And your soul… well, it wasn't as black as it once was, if that means anything to you."

I sniffed. "I feel like I should be very, very pissed off right now. But you know what? I'll give you a free pass this time. Just don't try and pull that shit again."

Tharja smiled cruelly. "No promises. I wonder what secrets I could find in you if I truly tried to pierce your mind. It is difficult at the best of times, but with you… Why, it could prove a real challenge."

"Quit pushing my good graces, Tharja."

"Hmph. Have it your way. Not like I care what you think of me, either way," Tharja sniffed, walking back to her shared tent. "You are an… interesting person, Sir Alexander. Do be sure to not die in the next battle. I would hate to be caught up in that sort of mess."

"You too, Tharja," I murmured back, sighing as I looked up to the setting sun. "Well, that was easier than I expected."

It was good to let go of old, negative feelings, at least. For all I knew, I could've been dead by that time the next year, and I didn't want to die with regrets. Not the smaller ones, at least.

As long as Cordelia and Severa were safe and warm, I would gladly lay down my life.

I grew antsier with each passing day. It was true that we were traveling faster than last time, but not fast enough. The day of Severa's birth drew closer and closer, and the promise I made to Cordelia continuously echoed within my mind. I knew in my heart that she would understand. She would be disappointed, but she would understand. That fact still didn't make me feel better, though.

Realistically, we were making good time. It took us several weeks to get to Wyval, while it took us only around two on the return trip to Rudol. Still, that brought us to the cusp of Severa's birthday. January twenty-first. That date would always roll around in my memory. Then I was assured of my place, of where I belonged. With them. All of them. I was of Ylisse, not the United States. Not anymore. And that was the way it was going to stay, for the rest of the time.

Were the choice given to me, I would never go back 'home'. Home was where Cordelia was, where my friends were. Where my child was born.

In the evening before the day Severa was to be born, was finally saw Rudol. The city was overshadowed by the sundered ruin of Valm Castle, but that didn't do much to sully its beauty. In fact, it had an elegance to it, almost. A final testament to the shattered will of the Conqueror and his followers. Valm was free. Soon, it would be Archanea's turn.

"Dueling with unpleasant thoughts?" A voice said beside me. I blinked, turning to it to see Chrom. I had to admit, the man looked majestic. He wasn't clad in any real armor; just hand-me-downs and other assorted bits and pieces we could find around our convoy. He'd be getting the real deal later, but in that moment he looked like a mess. Despite that, as I said, majestic. All he was missing was the cape. "I can only imagine what troubles you."

I snorted. "Go ahead. Imagine."

Chrom put a hand to his chin. "Well, if I'm not wrong, your daughter was due for the twenty-first, right? And it's the twentieth today…"

"Yes, Chrom. I'm fucking nervous as shit," I spat out, feeling the curse words I'd supposedly shelved spill out. "I… sorry about that. I really am nervous, though. Like… damn, man, how'd you deal with it?"

Chrom barked a laugh good-naturedly. "You remember how I was with Lucina! I was a nervous wreck, just like you. Gods, I can remember it as if it were yesterday…"

"We're going to get her back, Chrom."

Chrom waved a hand. "No, I know, Alex. But this isn't about me. Today, er, tomorrow rather, you'll be a father. There isn't much in the way of advice that I can give you, really. I doubt the clerics will even let you into the tent, heh."

I shrugged, feeling the nervousness claw away at my chest like an animal. "I know. Why do they do that, anyway? Not let us in, I mean."

Chrom sighed. "Something about 'not losing concentration, this is a crucial moment, we do not want to lose the princess or queen'. They were very forceful."

I pat Pippin's head, attempting to get my roiling emotions under control. I let out a deep breath, rubbing my shoulder. "It doesn't sit right with me, Chrom. I should be in there with her."

"I know how you feel, my friend, but we must put our trust in the men and women of the cloth," Chrom replied easily. "That's what Frederick told me. That was over a year ago now…"

"Time flies, huh?" I look back to him, and to the approaching city. "I'm just glad we made it in time. I made Cordy a promise; I'd be there for her. It's not one I'm going to break."

Chrom coughed. "Well, that's good! I'm glad we were able to move faster on our way back, what with me not weighing us all down."

I shook my head. "Don't blame yourself for that, Chrom. Every soldier in this army and in the Shepherds would lay down their lives for you. I know I would."

"Somehow, that doesn't make me feel better," Chrom mumbled.

"It's the truth. You're a leader, Chrom. And a friend. A damn good one, too," I chuckled. "Don't be so down about it, either. A bit of suffering isn't gonna break any of us. We're with you to the end."

Chrom was silent for a moment before nodding. "You're right, I guess. Maybe the cold is just getting to me."

"If you want, you can borrow Robin's coat," I suggested.

"I'll not be able to wrench it from his cold, dead hands."

"No, no we can. I'll grab him from behind and you upend him. We'll pull it off while he's dazed."

"Gods, you really have gone mad…"

I let out a sigh. "Mad with nervousness, maybe. I appreciate you coming to talk to me, though. Gets my mind off stuff. Anyway-"

I stopped when I saw someone running towards us. Instinctively I put my hand on Sol's scabbard, watching the person approach as warily. I relaxed when I realized it was Vaike, but that didn't last long, especially when I began asking myself questions like why the hell was he running toward us.

"A-Alex! There ya are!" Vaike breathed out, catching his breath as he slowed. "Thank the Gods you're here! They told me to wait for ya here just in case but I almost thought ya'll wouldn't-!"

I practically jumped off Pippin and grabbed Vaike by the shoulders. "What!? Why did they send you to stand here!? Goddamnit, Vaike, what's happening!?"

"Get yer- Urgh, it's Cordelia," he mumbled out, pushing me away from him. "She's gone into… what'd they call it? Labor? Yeah, labor! Your baby girl's-!"

I pushed past Vaike who cursed at me as I ran. I didn't even bother with Pippin or Chrom, I was so fueled by adrenaline. My conscious thoughts seemingly went with the wind as I was moved by pure instinct. I had to find her. Had to get to her. She was giving birth, goddamnit, she was giving birth! I made a promise!

We didn't set-up shop in Rudol. We left that mostly to the civilians and refugees from other parts of the continent. Food was scarce, but we helped in whatever way we could. That was why we still had our camps all around the place, within the woods and plains that surrounded the city. That didn't matter to me; I just needed to find Cordelia, wherever she was.

It didn't take long to get an answer. A tent, secluded enough in case there were any sounds. Word was that it began only a few hours before we arrived. That was a few hours too long, so I hurried my way over there the instant I was informed. In front of the tent flap, however, stood a lone cleric. She watched me warily as I approached, out of breath.

"Sir," She greeted, lightly bowing her head. "I don't know why you're here, but there's a birthing happening; you cannot go in."

I heard sounds. Sounds of pain. A haunting wail, barely muffled by the tent fabric pierced the night.

"My wife is in there, goddamn you!" I exclaimed, marching up to the cleric. "If you're not gonna let me in, at least tell her that I'm here!"

"She's… your wife? That means…" The cleric's eyes widened as she bowed dramatically. "Forgive me, my lord! Had I known the Hero of Khadein would be here… but gods, you look like an ordinary man…"

"A very distressed and angry ordinary man!" I snarled, trying to get my breathing under control. "I know I can't go in there myself but at least fucking tell her I'm here!"

"R-Right away, sir! A thousand pardons, sir!" The cleric stuttered, disappearing into the tent.

For a few moments, all I heard was silence. Then, out of the blue, I heard Cordelia shriek, "He is!?"

That was followed by the cleric returning from the tent, giving me a small, nervous smile. "I… still cannot let you in, my lord. The clerics need all of their focus on this birth. It's proving to be a bit… difficult."

"Difficult?" I questioned loudly. "What do you mean 'difficult'?"

She shook her head. "I cannot say, my lord. I'm afraid you wouldn't understand. But rest assured, Lady Cordelia will be alright. May I ask something of you?"

"Name it," I said instantly, no longer caring what was said to me.

"Please, stay out here. I was set here to guard while my sisters worked within, but now that you are here… well, I am sure the Hero of Khadein will be more than enough of a deterrent."

I took a deep breath, trying to get my jackhammering heart and breathing under control. "Fine. Yes, I'll do that. But the instant it's all over, you get me. Do you understand?"

The cleric bowed her head again. "Of course, my lord!"

"Get going, then," I grumbled, and the cleric disappeared back into the tent.

What followed was perhaps the most torturous hours of my entire life. The tent fabric wasn't meant for sound-dampening, which meant while I stood there, guarding, I could occasionally hear Cordelia's pained breaths, or a stray wail or scream. It was the stuff of nightmares, ones I thought I'd left behind. I kept telling myself that she was fine; she had plenty of clerics in there. The women of the cloth wouldn't allow my wife to die in childbirth, would they? She certainly didn't die of that in the future. And yet, those reassurances didn't comfort me.

"…Oh, Alex," I heard a voice say, and I shot my gaze upwards to see Robin approaching me, his breath fogging his face from view. "I heard the news. Vaike and Chrom seemed to be in a bit of a state…"

"Oh, them. Yeah, good for them," I mumbled, crossing my arms. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you," Robin answered, walking up right beside me and gazing at the stars. "Men aren't usually allowed inside a room where a woman is giving birth. Ylissean tradition or something similar. And the clerics… I'm sure you get the idea."

"I'm going to kill someone, Robin," I hissed through gritted teeth, "I'm going to fucking kill someone. I've been standing here in the goddamn cold listening to Cordelia for the past I don't even know how long."

"Uh, I'd ask that you don't?" Robin replied sheepishly. "I can assure you this isn't something worth killing people over."

I looked Robin dead in the eye. "People have been killed for much less than this."

The tactician coughed. "Point. But really, there must be something else getting to you. It's natural to be distressed at a time like this, but there is nothing to be truly concerned about. Not with the clerics in the room with her."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck, and turned away. "I know, Robin. I know. To be honest, that's not all that's bothering me."

"I'm all ears, my friend," Robin said, smiling slightly. "Gods know you've listened to me ramble my fair share. Consider this repayment. Or the beginning of it, at least."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. After a moment, I opened them again. "Do you… do you think I'll be a good father, Robin?"

Robin tilted his head. "A good father?"

"What're you, a parrot? Yeah, a good father," I grumbled. "Cordy says I will be, but then again, every time I look at Sev… God, Robin, she deserved better in the future. Better than me. If I became such a shitty parent, who's to say that won't be the case this time? Everyone's always telling me that I won't, but how can they know? Hell, how can I know? It's just-" I rubbed my forehead. "I know I sound like a whiner right now. I probably am. I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill, but this is… this is just how I feel. I'm trying to change it, but, well," I held my arms out to my sides. "Look at me. I'm a scarred mess covered in metal plating and armed with steel. How can someone like that be a good father for anyone?"

"Alex, shut up," Robin demanded.

My jaw clamped shut with an audible 'clump'. Robin marched up to me, his face scrunched up an admittedly funny way.

"You," he poked my chest. "are going to be a good father. I truly believe that. You are stern, blunt, perhaps even a bit brutal, but if there is one thing I know about you, one thing I can say, as your friend, that is true, it's that you care for your family above all else. Even if the ill tidings of the future were to come to pass again, I believe you would be a better father than you ever were in the future. You can whine all you want, you can complain and shout, but that doesn't change the person I see in front of me; the man who has stood by me since damn near the beginning."

I held up my iron hand, wiping at my eyes. "Okay! …Okay, Robin, you've made your point. I just," I sighed. "It's gotta be the baby. I can't think straight. Probably a bad thing to blame your unborn child for all the stress you're going through, but I'm… Goddamnit!"

"Just, relax, Alex," Robin pleaded, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Everything is going to be fine."

I turned away, and muttered darkly, "Tell that to the people in Ylisse."

Robin glared and I shook my head.

"Sorry. That was definitely uncalled for." I rubbed the back of my neck and closed my eyes, trying to get my breathing under control, for possibly the thousandth time that night. "How much… how much longer do you think it'll be? It can't be that much longer. Labor doesn't last this long, right? I mean, I don't know. Never really been in the whole way."

"Peace, Alex," Robin repeated, shaking me lightly. "Peace. I admit, it has been some time, but I'm certain this isn't out of the ordinary. Just calm down, okay? If it makes you feel better, I will be with you until they allow you inside."

I chuckled, despite myself. "Now you're acting like my mom. God…" I ran a hand down my face, feeling the pit of nervousness in my gut begin to ebb. "You're a… you're a good friend, Robin. You know that? A really good friend. I'm lucky. I really am, to be blessed like this. With all of you…"

Robin blinked and hummed. "Perhaps standing out here in the cold has done more damage than I thought. It almost sounded as if you were happy to be friends with me."

I glowered lightly. "Is this a new thing for you? Being self-deprecating? You know it's only because of you that we've gotten this far? Or, wait, let me guess: you're fishing for compliments."

Robin turned away from me. "I have no idea what you could possibly mean, Alex."

"You're a goddamn fool, too. A friend and a fool. That's two 'f's, Robin. That's a failing grade."

Robin shrugged. "And I seriously have no idea what that means, so I will take your word for it."

It was nice to talk about something else, for once. Nice to stop talking about my own child being born right behind me.

At least, that was the way it was until I heard a commotion from in the tent, followed by-

Severa. My daughter…

A baby's cry echoed hauntingly from the tent, and I felt my heart sink into my stomach. I could almost see her in front of me, it was so loud.

"Oh," I whispered, taking in a shuddering breath. "Oh. Oh my God…"

Robin regarded me with a smile as I turned to the tent, holding a hand to my mouth. My bristly facial hair scratched down my gloved hand as I tried to keep my tears in.

"I can't…" I sniffled. "R-Robin, I can't… I can't stop it. I want to go in there. Now. Right now. I need to see her. I need to make sure she's safe."

"And this, coming from the man who thinks he will not be a good father," Robin quipped, rubbing his hands together. "Just wait a few moments longer, Alex. I'm sure they will let you in soon."

"They better." I turned to him briefly. "They fucking better. I won't sit out here while I know my baby girl's in there."

The cries grew quiet, but my breathing didn't. I faced the tent, waiting for the tent flap to move and for the clerics to grant me entry. If they'd waited much longer, though, I likely would've barged in unannounced, tradition be damned. Luckily, though, it wasn't long afterward that the tent flap did open, revealing a small group of clerics exiting.

"Ah, there he is," The lead one said, a blonde woman in a large, furry white robe. "You are Sir Alexander, correct?"

"You see any other scarred morons around?" I said, breathlessly. "Yes, I am."

She grabbed my hand and raised it. "Congratulations, sir. Your fiancé has given birth to a healthy baby girl."

That single sentence hit like a ton of bricks. I tried my best to keep my composure. "She's fine, then? Both of them?"

The cleric nodded, smiling. "They are both healthy, although Lady Cordelia is exhausted. But then again, such is the burden of bringing a new life into this world."

I looked down. "I can… go in now, right?"

"Of course, sir. I believe she's waiting for you," The cleric answered. "The next few days will be crucial, and we will assist you in whichever way we can, but for tonight, it shall be only you two. I promise."

I nodded, feeling my fingers growing numb as the cleric released me. Looking towards Robin, the tactician gave me a nod and a shooing gesture. Taking one last deep breath, I walked toward the tent and entered.

Nothing could have prepared me for the wave of emotion I was subject to. My head and chest felt as if they exploded as my heart stilled, contradictory to my true feelings.

Cordelia laid upon a decently-sized bed, no doubt constructed just for her. Her eyes were focused on a swaddled bundle held up to her chest, a small, exhausted, but happy smile on her beautiful face. My heart refused to beat, and I stood as still as a statue as her gaze moved up to meet mine. Somehow, her smile brightened, and it felt as if I was staring at the sun.

"Alex," Cordelia murmured quietly. "I knew you would make it. I never doubted you for even a moment."

I swallowed the lump that was steadily growing in my throat. "I-I wouldn't miss this for the world, Cordy. And I always keep my promises. A-Always."

"I know you do." Cordelia placed a hand next to her, patting the empty space on the bed. "Please, come here. I want you to see this."

My legs felt as if they were made of iron as I trudged along. I could hardly contain myself as I sat down beside Cordelia and looked down at the bundle huddled to her chest.

She was beautiful. Easily the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. A small face with red fuzz where hair would grow one day. Her eyes were closed as she suckled.

"She's…" I could barely get a word through the lump in my throat. "God, she's gorgeous."

Cordelia leaned against me, and a familiar warmth pervaded my entire being. I wrapped an arm around her, trying my best to keep from bursting into tears. With every second that passed, though, I was failing.

"I know she wasn't… wasn't planned, but truly, I'm glad," Cordelia sniffled, "I'm glad I could share this moment with you. Glad that we were able to do something like this."

"Cordy, I…" A stray tear fell down my cheek. "I'm sorry. I-I… I knew this day would come, and I'm just an absolute mess. This is…"

"This will be a turning point," Cordelia said, grasping my hand. "Everything we do, we will do for her. The path ahead with be one with countless dangers, but as long as you're by my side, I know everything will be alright."

"I don't know what we'll do once winter ends," I replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "But you're right. I'm sorry, I'm just so…" I felt another tear. "I can't help myself."

"Please, love, don't cry…" Cordelia whispered.

I didn't outright bawl, but the tears came all the same. It was too much; I couldn't take it. The sight before me was one I was never going to be prepared for. It was like an entirely new hurricane of happiness and worry had formed in my chest, with my heart caught straight in the middle. Seeing my fiancé – my wife – with our child in her arms finally cracked through the mask of indifference I'd put up for the entirety of our journey.

I released Cordelia's hand and moved my own just to touch my child's head, to gently flow my fingers through the red fuzz atop it. Her skin was soft to the touch. New. This was what we had done. We'd brought a new life into the world. A beautiful life. One I would protect forever.

"…Severa?" I asked out of the blue, looking to Cordelia. "We're naming her Severa, right?"

Cordelia nodded lazily. "Of course. It seems only fitting," She let out a sigh. "Although it will be strange with our other Severa, I admit."

I chuckled, feeling mirth bubble up in my chest, replacing the tornado that was there before. "Well, it's a beautiful name for a beautiful girl, so you won't hear any complaints from me."

Cordelia leaned back, letting out another sigh. "Hmm, either that or perhaps I'm too exhausted to decide on something original…"

"I think you've earned a rest," I supplied, focus still on our child. "I think we'll be having a busy morning."

Baby Severa had been properly swaddled, and luckily for us, she went to sleep soon after. Or perhaps she was just as exhausted as Cordelia was. We had a crib within the tent with us, and we placed her within before going to sleep. Cordelia was out like a light, descending into the deepest sleep I'd ever seen her go into. Despite that, however, I couldn't follow her. I was too excited, too full of adrenaline.

It was already late when baby Severa was born, but I swore I could see the sunrise through the fabric of our tent. I decided to get up while Cordelia was still sound asleep, and I naturally gravitated towards the crib.

There she was, sleeping soundly. It was strange; I thought she would be more restless. The cries I heard from outside the tent were really loud though, so, we'd be dealing with that later, no doubt. But at that moment, she was incredibly quiet.

I placed my iron hand against the crib's edge, and I couldn't help but smile looking at her.

This is my little girl.

"I will protect you," I said, unbidden. Surprised me when I began talking. "I swear I will protect you. From anything and everyone. You will grow up in a peaceful world. Not like me. You will be better. Yours will be a wonderful life. I promise."

I was choking up again. Looking back to Cordelia and then back to baby Severa, I reached my left hand down and gently glided it along her chubby cheek. Her skin was untouched by the horrors of the battlefield and the blood of countless men and women. I wanted to protect that, to make that true for as long as was feasibly possible.

Even if it costed me my life, I would keep the life I helped create alight. I would nurture it until my dying days.

"I promise," I repeated one more time, sniffling. "I promise."

You will miss these next few chapters once they are gone. These are the closing days of the fic, and things will quickly spiral out of control. Appreciate it while it's here.

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