Chapter 9: The Seeds of Trust

"Robin! Robin get up! Get out of here! I'll hold him off for as long as I can. Whatever you do, don't turn back." He sees a cloaked figure in the field but the contours were sharp enough to paint a clear image. He can only hear the muffled sounds coming from her voice.

"I can't leave you here!" he panicked.

Her voice became disgruntled. "This isn't the time to argue. It's you, they want. Now go and don't look back!"

There was another familiar voice coming from somewhere else that became clearer and clearer.

"Robin….. Robin…. Robin WAKE UP!" A dark shroud clouded his mind as his dream world began to vanish. Robin's eyes sprung open, gazing towards the direction of the call.

"Wake up sleepy head, we've returned to Ylisstol." Lissa giggled.

Gently brushing his hair with his fingers, he couldn't recollect the dream he just had but only a blank image forged in his cranium. It felt important too. He looked further ahead at the long stretch of road where enormous walls of stone stood firmly and mighty. Home sweet home he thought to himself. The orb of light hanging in the sky beamed its rays exposing the world's color. Mid-day.

"After so much traveling, it always feels nice to be back here." the princess vigorously said. Her head tilted down gloomily knowing full well that this wouldn't last much longer. Peace has become something of a memory to her. Robin could easily read her discomfort from a mile away. His mind went to action on how he could lighten the mood.

"Say… I've recently taken Ricken as a student to help practice his magic. If you'd like, I can assist you too if you want."

Her head jumped up in excitement. "Really? You would do that for me? I'll hold you up to it ya hear."

The sides of his mouth lifted upwards. "Of course, I can tell that you have a lot of potential considering your talent with healing magic. I want to make that blossom."

"Wow, thank you, Robin! You're the best." Her excitement emanated a radiant aura. At times like these, people need something to look forward to.

Following the battle at the border, the group immediately marched back to Ylisstol to prepare and defend their kingdom. Chrom, Emmeryn, and Frederick departed at a much quicker pace so they can arrive earlier. The battle has left the tactician weary both physically and mentally that by the time he has woken up they have arrived back home. That goes along with some of the other members of the guild. All this fighting is starting to affect their stamina. They are all in need of some much-needed rest. However, that respite will have to wait.

When they reached the front of the castle. The person they saved recently walked towards them "My darling Lissa!" Maribelle elegantly strutted towards their wagon. The princess jumped off and ran to her, enveloping herself in her warm embrace. "How are you feeling Maribelle?"

"I'm feeling much like myself again thanks to you." Sending her a tender smile. She looked towards Robin as well.

"Hello again, tactician." she bowed her head. Her eyes sent mixed messages like they were digging into his very being.

Maribelle is someone that fits the stereotypical high noble trend. Refined, well mannered, posh, though at times she can be a bit of a snob. Still, the way she acts and stays by her side shows him how fond she is for Lissa. They could pull off a sister act if they wanted too.

"It's good to see you doing well," he replied. There is a feeling in his gut that she doesn't fully trust him. Not that it's a problem, he has won the favors of most of his peers, however, deep down, there is a sense that calls for longing and need. His unknown past affiliation with Plegia has caused quite the stir the public who behave with disdain towards him. He touched the brand that was embedded onto his right hand. Back when he first arrived at the kingdom, many people were either discontent or scared of him. They would slowly back away and avoid eye contact or shield their children away. Even at the castle, some would be wary of his presence.

"Thank you again for saving Ricken and me, Lissa, we should get going to my abode. My father must be worried sick." she proclaimed

She swayed her head side to side towards Robin and Maribelle. "But but... The wagon. We must unload the stuff first."

"Don't worry about that my dear." She looked at Robin. "The Shepherds will take care of it."

"Its okay Lissa, I can handle the rest from here." It is the least he could do for making her drive the wagon all the way here.

As Maribelle pulled the princess away, the Prince walked out of the castle to greet them all. 'I'm glad you all made it back safe. Please take the time to rest but know that we got a lot of work ahead of us."

The group spreads apart to perform their duties. Chrom's blue eyes turned to Robin and sent a humble smile. He walked down the steps and patted Robin's shoulder.

"How are ya feeling, friend? There wasn't any more trouble was there?"

Scratching the back of his head, "The only trouble there was is my lack of sleep. My internal clock has been a mess. I somehow slept all the way from the campsite to here. Kinda embarrassed honestly."

A laugh leaked out of the prince's mouth. "I'm sure a well-earned rest will help patch that up. Let's get ourselves situated first and then you can have the chance to relax."

The next few days have been long and tedious work. Robin spent most of the time with Chrom, Frederick, and Emmeryn discussing plans, finances, and strategizing where to deploy their troops when they arrive. He was also involved in the political aspect but he wasn't too well versed and did only what he could. The rest of the Shepherds continued gathering supplies needed for the campaign.

Once all that was settled, he gathered up as many books he could find in the castle's enormous library to understand the geography of the land, learn new, and reviewed old battle tactics to keep them fresh in his mind. Hours would pass and he would be in his room reading and jotting down notes nonstop. Chrom and several of the other members couldn't help but admire his work ethic. They wondered if he was like this too before his amnesia. The only time he steps out of his room is when he goes to eat even though he sometimes forgets to go eat.

This was the morale boost the band largely needed, war isn't something they are accustomed to. The last war Ylisse was in was more than ten years ago. Most members of the shepherds have battled their share of brigands but this is different. The battle at the Plegian border was just a taste in what's to come. In battles to come, their enemies will be better funded, armored, and organized. They will have to be at their best if they are to survive the battles ahead. Lives will be lost and the land will be covered in blood.

Robin's hard work hasn't gone unnoticed by the Exalt either, she couldn't help but feel saddened by his whole situation. She has seen firsthand the effects war can do to a nation and its people and the fact that she has involved Ylisse in another war is heartbreaking. Seeing Robin spending a large amount of time in his studies fills her with strength. An individual with no memory or ties to this kingdom is using his precious time to help them. It was almost time for supper. This would be a very good opportunity for her to learn more about who he is as a person since they hardly get much of a chance to talk outside of the war room.

There was a knock on the door. Robin put his book down and let out a big yawn. He hasn't taken a break since noon. He quickly tidied himself to look decently presentable, unaware of the special guest that's outside.

"Hello, Robin. I have brought you some supper." Her presence has caught the tactician off guard and gave him cold feet in the process. He never would have thought that Emmeryn, the Exalt would personally take the time to bring him food.

"Y-Your Majesty! Welcome, forgive me for my uncivilized appearance." He combed his still slightly ruffled up hair with his hands embarrassingly. A gentle smile formed, emitting a soothing aura calming his nerves.

"At ease Robin, I apologize for coming here without notice. May I come in?"

Robin looked back into his messy room. Stacks of books sitting on the floor and table. A crate full of maps with a few of them opened on the. Who would have thought that Ylisse's tactician would be quite a slob "Hehe well….." He slightly laughed while scratching the back of his head. "Please give me a minute to clean up."

He swiftly reorganized his belongings in a neat manner. He also put on his signature tactician cloak. She couldn't help but let a slight laugh trickle from her lips. He reminds her of her brother Chrom who can also be a bit untidy.

Robin motioned his hand towards his room "Please come in." His heart began to pound from nervousness. People could begin spreading rumors if anybody notices Emmeryn goes inside. He quietly closed the door to leave them in peace. The exalt slowly turned her head side to side, looking at how he had decorated his room. It is in need of more furniture for a room this big.

"You have been working very hard since you got here Robin. Most of the Shepherds have taken a day or two to relax but you have been working since you got here. I am concerned about your well-being and I thought that I could distract you for a moment so you don't overexert yourself." She passed the bowl of soup over to him. "Please try this, it's my favorite." He slurped a bit of the broth. His lips formed a smile as the warm liquid traveled to his stomach.

"Mhm, delicious. I am honored you even thought about me. The people are lucky to have a queen like you watching over them."

"It's a title that I carry proudly, my duty is to keep my people safe. They give me the strength to keep going during the good and bad times. I would like to ask. Have any of your memories returned to you."

"Unfortunately, after all this time I still can't remember anything about my past. Not even the slightest about how I ended up in the middle of nowhere," he said worriedly. He wondered if he should mention the strange dreams he has been having but brushed it off.

"Don't fret, in time. We will figure it out together."

She looked out to the balcony. Like Robin, she has worked tirelessly checking the needs of the people. She did everything she could to ease their worried souls. Her legs guided her over to the stone balcony, taking the sight of her kingdom. The sun's glimmering light set halfway passed the horizon.

"You have become a valuable ally to us. I'm sorry we have dragged you into all of this." She clamped her soft hands together in prayer.

"War is nothing but senseless violence. Innocent people suffer from the effects of battle. Many would never see their loved ones again." Her spirit weakened.

"When our father died, I was but a small child. Shortly after, our mother died of illness and I took the throne before I turned ten. My father led a holy crusade against the grimleal and called every available man he could to battle. Many people have lost their lives, and the people began to distrust the halidom, almost nearing it to ruin. I called back our soldiers and ended the war. Even after I ended the war, the people still rejected me taking the throne. I spent countless times preaching for peace and tended to my subjects' needs. It wasn't easy, there were times that I did want to step down but I had to make up for the sins of my father and so I can ensure a brighter future for Chrom and Lissa. Eventually, I managed to win back the trust of the people and together we began a new era of peace and prosperity. I detest fighting and even now I wish there was something I could do to stop all of this. For most of my life, I tried my best to set an example for everyone to follow. The only thing I could do now is to keep vouching for peace for the safety of my people and my family."

"I could only imagine what you've been going through. Your father left you with quite a legacy. It's easy based on everything I see now that you are a really willed person. I believe that something has led me here to this point. Maybe it is to help make your dream a reality."

The previous statement left her in shock as blood rushed to her cheeks. "That makes me happy to hear Robin. Your words give me strength. Thank you."

"I promise you that I will do my best. For Chrom, Lissa, the Shepherds, and you. This is the only way I can repay you after all you've done." A question arose from his mind. "But.. why tell me all of this?"

"Because I want you to know that you are not alone. I trust you and I want you to trust me too." Emmeryn held Robin's right hand and looked at the brand. Her finger tracing the markings. "This brand has been causing you all sorts of trouble. People are quick to judge and despise you just from your appearance without giving you a chance to show who you are as a person. I can relate to you with my experiences and I vowed to never judge a book by its cover. We may not know who you were in the past but in this present time, it's easy to tell that you are a selfless individual who cares deeply for others. You are among those that I cherish and wish to protect."

Her words hit like bricks filled with affection with a hot feeling in his chest that followed. At the core, he understood. At times, there were moments where he felt like an outsider but with Emmeryn, Chrom, Lissa, and the Shepherds, he felt welcomed and treated like family. A warm droplet dripped from his eye. For the first time, there was someone who he could relate to. He turned away to not let her see his vulnerability. "Forgive me for seeing me in this state. It just feels nice to feel wanted. You've treated me-"

Without notice, he was wrapped and tugged to Emmeryn's body. They hardly know each other but at the very moment. It felt like they've known each other for a long time. The waterworks leaked out as the pressure became too much.

In a soft voice, "I may not look like it right now, but I am scared. Scared of losing my people, my family, and those I care about. If there was any other way to evade this, I would gladly risk my life for that opportunity." Glancing over to the bits of light sprinkled across the night sky, she continued to hold him for a little longer before letting go.

He made sure not to confuse this act as an act of love like he knows that there is affection but not like in a romantic sort of way. However, this act of kindness did tug his heartstrings a little.

"You apologize a lot to us as if you were some kind of burden but in reality, you are a blessing. We wouldn't have made it this far without you. So please, if there is anything you need. Just ask and I will gladly assist you." she told him.

He smeared the tears away with his sleeve and made sure that her message was heard loud and clear.

" Now I have to leave, I have to deal with other matters soon. I just wanted to check up on you since you and Chrom will leave for Regna Ferox tomorrow. I also recommend you finish up your supper before it gets cold."

He led her outside his room before setting her off. The whole time, he was in complete shock at what had just occurred.

After spending more time in his room, he decided he needed to get out to get some air and refresh after his interaction not too long ago. Spending hours sitting in his chair can leave quite the sore on his back and legs. He does admit that he's been overworking himself and that he should take some time to take care of himself. He remembered about the garden in the castle Lissa showed him on their tour and decided to recollect himself there.

It was already late into the night. There was hardly any of the staff out walking in the luxurious hallways as most have gone home. The courtyard is located on the east side of the castle. Filled with lush vegetation, the garden was home to various plants and trees with a marble fountain at the center. The endemic life sang their sweet melody to avoid silence. At the center, was the prince standing by the fountain lost in thought.

"Chrom? What are you doing out here this late at night?"

"Oh, Hi, Robin. I'm just battling some unpleasant thoughts." Chrom tightly clenched his sword as these thoughts have been eating at him since the battle. What is going to happen to them all? "Tomorrow, we march towards Regna Ferox to retrieve the additional soldiers. It didn't seem too long ago that we went there. Robin, there is something I've been meaning to tell you."

He took a quick pause and gulped his pride. "... Not everything that Gangrel said was a lie. The last exalt before my sister. My… father, waged war against Plegia for many years".

"I've heard quite a bit about your father from Emmeryn. He left you guys with quite the legacy." He didn't mention the other details that happened to avoid problems. That will be a secret shared between the Exalt and him. Seemed quite scandalous now thinking about it.

"Then you understand what this means to Emmeryn and me. The violence waged on until his death 15 years ago. I was too little to know what my father was doing until I grew older. Plegia remembers their suffering but my father wasn't any kinder to our people neither. As the war dragged on, our army was rapidly diminishing. As an answer to that problem, he ordered any able person who could wield a weapon to the army and marched them to their deaths. Those people even included farmers. Soon after, there was hardly any food at all. The kingdom was on the verge of collapse. I remember those dark times, the people were angry and wanted change but he didn't listen. Eventually, the war claimed my father's life, and soon after, my mother became sick and died just after Lissa's birth."

" I can't imagine the pressure you must be feeling right now." Being royalty in this situation must be the most stressful job anyone could face at this time".

"Indeed, with Plegia's desire for vengeance and our people's unbridled rage. My sister became a target from both sides and blamed her for the mess. My mind lately has been in a spiral nonstop."

"Your sister was met with much disdain. Many people rejected the thought of her taking the throne."

"Do you know about the things they did to her when her reign began? When our father passed away, Emm rose as the next Exalt, and she was not even ten years old yet. Years later, in order to mend our country devastated by war. She went around speaking the value of peace. They took her word as meaningless banter. They hurled rocks at her and one struck her in the head. To this day, she still carries that scar but its well concealed that you wouldn't even notice it. I still remembered the day I pleaded with her to stop appearing in public. She just smiled lightly and said "It's alright Chrom, surely they will understand. It's just that... it will take a little time." "However, through everything that has happened. She never let anyone see her pain as it was a sign of weakness. Only Lissa and I truly knew how she felt."

Robin couldn't help but feel saddened and angered that Emmeryn was ever treated that way. She didn't cause any of that and people made her life a living hell. No words formed as he didn't know what to say.

"I don't know how she does it, Robin. I would never greet such hostility with warmth and patience. She is the strongest person I know and I always try to follow her example. While they mocked her, she healed them, she brought our soldiers home, she ended the war. She never resented them when the people forgave her after she mended our country's spirit. She represents the best of the halidom. What is worth protecting. In my eyes, she is peace itself. Vile men like King Gangrel would take advantage of that. He'll never know the meaning of peace until the day death gives it to him. I would gladly show him that doorway but Emm would never order him to be killed… nor would I ever wish her too."

Robin could see the unbridled determination in his eyes. His sister is Chrom's inspiration and hope.

There was a sudden rustle in the bushes. The two bounced back and turned towards the sounds. A shadowy figure came walking towards them.

"Well spoken, Sir."

Chrom and Robin recognized the voice.

"Marth…"

The moonlight bounced off the masked hero. "Good evening to you." She glanced towards Robin as well. He hasn't seen Marth since the time he took her to the infirmary after the tournament. What is she doing here? This person always seems to show up at the most pivotal moments.

"How did you get here? This place is heavily guarded."

Marth then pointed towards one of the walls covered in bushes. " Through that cleft behind the maple grove is a hole. You should get that taken care of."

"How did you..?"

"What is Marth talking about Chrom?"

"Right… I bashed part of the wall when I was training with the Shepherds. It was only a small hole and I'd thought it well concealed. I was hoping to get that patched up but I never got to it."

"Your secret is safe with me. However, there is a reason why I've come here. We don't have much time. I've come to warn you all."

"Warn us?" tilting his head in confusion.

"Yes, the exalt's life is in grave danger."

Such a statement seemed preposterous even to Robin. But then, things have been happening so suddenly that it also seems believable.

"What? That is nonsense. As I've said before, this place is well guarded and with guards protecting her at all times." This was awfully suspicious and calculated.

Marth softly sighed and knew that words wouldn't suffice. "What if... What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight."

The prince's blood grew cold when those words spewed from Marth's mouth. " The future? Are you alright Marth?"

"I expected you would react like that so, please. Let me prove it to you,"

Without hesitation, Marth pulled their Falchion out of its scabbard. Robin and Chrom stepped back. Chrom grabbed the hilt of his sword. There was a brief pause with intensity in the air. Was Marth planning to attack them or is there something bad going on that they don't know?

"I'm about to save your life." She turned back towards one of the bushes. "From him."

In a flash, an assassin popped out of the greenery lunging himself at Marth. However, Marth knew what was coming and threw their sword up and leaped into the air landing behind the assassin and struck him down in an instant. "I trust this will suffice as proof."

Chrom and Robin looked dumbstruck. This was an ambush. "Yeah."

Suddenly, another assassin sprang out from the trees. Marth moved back to avoid the attack but slipped on the other assassin's sword. At the moment, the world felt like it slowed down as the assassin's sword missed the killing blow, instead, it slashed Marth's mask in half exposing their face. Marth's cerulean hair flowed downwards as it turned out Marth's identity. Chrom rushed to their rescue and swiftly finished them off. Robin already knew that Marth was a woman back at Regna Ferox. He never said anything in respect to their privacy.

"Wait… You're a woman?"

She turned around and faced him. Her pale and healthy skin was now open for the world to see.

She slightly tilts her head. "And quite the actress too. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out until just now, unlike your friend there."

Just then, an explosion followed by more quakes occurred somewhere else in the castle causing the ground below them to shake. Robin stumbled but was able to keep standing.

"We have to go now." Said, Marth.

All three kicked the ground to get to Emmeryn's room. Staff members were running away from the explosion in panic. Robin was really worried about the Exalt. Remembered the words she uttered towards him. "I trust you and I want you to trust me too".

We will protect you Emmeryn!

A/N: Well its been a long time that I've posted something. Life sure has its ways. I've been meaning to continue for a long time but I slacked off and brushed it to the side. Now with all thats going on. I've used this time to continue where I left off. Continuing this chapter did excite me and I spent these last few days improving it to the best of my ability. At the current time, I plan on making some tweaks to the plot to help flesh it out more so I can have a solid plan since I didn't have one to begin. Thank you for your patience and if you have any critiques, please leave a review!