Hello again, everyone! I'm back with some more of my little story here.

This turned out to be a pretty long chapter. I went back and cut out some stuff to move things along a little faster. I mean, this is almost 7000 words of just story! Originally, the point the chapter ended was supposed to be the point the previous chapter ended! Could you imagine? That would've been one big chapter. In the end, I decided to break it into two parts for that and because there were things that I couldn't do with this second half had it been in Virion's perspective. I'm not a fan of switching perspectives through the same chapter. I personally get confused by it, especially when it goes back and forth very couple of paragraphs.

This time, I went with someone else's perspective once again! Having a little fun with it, you know? I'm taking advantage of it. The next one or two chapters will be back to Robin.

Anyways, thanks to everyone that has followed, favorite, and reviewed the story so far. Seeing the numbers go up, even if it's just by one each time, makes me want to write all the more.

Chapter 4: And so they joined

To a certain princess, life… Life has it's ups and downs. In the span of two and a half days, this phrase couldn't have proven more true for her. It all started when her brother, Chrom, had decided to journey out, as the captain of the Shepherds, to investigate claims of bandits attacking settlements to the south of the capital. As always, if Chrom leaves the safety of the palace, then so does Frederick. This means there is nooo one she can have fun with, given that Emmeryn, her older sister, is swamped with work with being an Exalt and all and her best friend since she can remember, Maribelle, has been away for almost two weeks.

Being alone in the palace has never been fun. The people that help them all are nice to her, but it's just that she can't have the same fun with them than she can with the Shepherds. The only logical thing to do was to go with his brother and Frederick. After all, having a healer with them couldn't be bad. You can never be too safe. That's what he told them and after a lot of pressure, puppy eyes, and a little whining, Frederick gave in. They set off south that same day.

Here's where the whole "ups and downs" comes into play. She was going on an adventure with people she liked (up.) But she had to walk there (down.) As tiring as it was for her body, being outdoors always brought the best out of her (up,) expect for all the creepy-crawlies and fliers that kept trying to get in her mouth (down.) Then, oddly enough, they'd stumbled upon an odd pair-two Plegian black mages (exciting sort of up!) Frederick, being the cautious type he was, treated them very badly thought (down.) Chrom, on the other hand, tried to have them join on their mission, which, given their choices, the man named Robin accepted (up.)

This sort of up and down thing just kept happening for the whole trip. But now it was over! They were Ylisstol was just in view when Robin seemingly perked up and said, "so that's Ylisstol, huh? It's much bigger than I expected. A lot more peaceful too, considering...past events."

Lissa knew what events he was referring to. Ylisse's past wasn't so bright before her sister was made Exalt. Even after she became the Exalt, it was a big trial for her then 10 year old sister. Lissa couldn't do anything about that now, so she tried to keep a lively conversation. "You've never been outside of Plegia, Robin?" she asked, curious about knowing the man a bit more.

Robin responded by shaking his head. "Nah," he said. "When I was young I never got the time." He chuckled. "You could say that as I got older it was just more of the same, although for different reasons. This is my first time outside Plegia"

She pouted a little. That didn't tell her a lot about him. She wouldn't complain about it outloud (yet.) Instead, she would make sure to poke him about it whenever she got the chance. The fact that he and his companion Tharja were coming with her and the other two Shepherds had to mean that Robin was willing to join them!

As they got ever closer to the city, Lissa entered a conversation that Robin was having with Tharja about the architecture in Ylisse compared to that of Plegia. It was an interesting topic, as she had never had a chance to visit Plegia.

When they reached the city, Sully said she would be heading back to the Shepherds headquarters for the time being. Sully had come to aid them just in time! It was good that she was so strong and reliable. Thanks to her and the strange man that decided to follow after her, they'd being able to come out victorious out of the whole living-dead thing earlier that morning.

Viroin, the strange character Sully had (unknowingly) dragged with her, had come with them too, quoting something about following his heart and blah blah blah. The man was funny, Lissa would give him that. She looked like a noble and was an extremely good shot with a bow, but his strange obsession towards the female lancer was just a tad bit creepy.

Thier group was reduced by two once again, leaving the group with five once again. They'd walked pretty far into the city by then when they heard a bit of a commotion further ahead. "Ah," Frederick said. "That must be the Exalt." They all turned their attention over to a figure walking at the center of the commotion. Sure enough, that was Emm.

"So that's Emmeryn, huh?" said Robin. "I've got to say, she is a whole lot more than what I was expecting. But isn't it dangerous for her to just walk around her people like that? King Gangrel would never do that."

"Emmeryn sees the best in her people," Chrom said. "She thinks that they would never bring any harm towards her. That's why she walks instead of ride a carriage. It's not like she isn't protected at all times. Her personal bodyguard, Phila, is a very skilled member of the Pegasus Knights. She goes wherever Emmeryn goes. She is the woman walking not too far behind the Exalt."

Robin nodded in a thoughtful manner, but Tharja looked suspiciously over at Chrom. "Why do you call her Exalt?" she asked, but continued before giving any of the others a chance to answer. "I thought she was your sister." Chrom and Lissa exchanged looks, a little surprised by the black mage's words.

Robin saw this and spoke up. "Was that supposed to be a secret? I mean, Chrom, you have your mark of the Exalt right there on you shoulder! It's on full view."

"It wasn't really a secret," Lissa said, looking at the two with a small smile. They were both really detail oriented, she could already tell. "I think we were just surprised because people usually attach titles like lord and lady when talking with us. Well, except for the Shepherds."

"You two didn't bring it up yourselves, so we thought you didn't mind it or didn't want us to know about it."

Robin had a point. Not that it mattered much anyways. They didn't have a particular reason for keeping it from them. Things had just turned out that way, to Frederick's pleasure she didn't doubt.

"A little off topic, but would you two like to meet her?" Chrom asked. Lissa wasn't sure, but she could swear Frederick flinched there for just a second. "If you are joining the Shepherds, it'll be good to present yourselves to Emm. More so you, Robin. You'll be our tactician, after all."

This time it was Robin and Tharja exchanging looks. I wonder if they are talking using Robin's brain-talky magic, she thought, amused about the idea of two people literally being able to know what the other is thinking from just looking at each other. She would have to ask RObin more about it later.

"I suppose if we have to, then we should," Robin answered for them both. "It's one of those opportunities that you tell your grandkids about." Robin chuckled a little.

So it was that they headed to the palace located at the heart of the city. They were greeted at the door by some workers, who eyed both Robin and Tharja suspiciously. It reminded Lissa about how Frederick had done the same thing to them when they first met. He kept doing it too, she could tell. They moved through the place, going from one room to another, until they reached the throne room, where Emm would normally be.

"I guess she isn't back yet, huh?" Lissa said a little disappointed.

"We can just wait here for her, no?" Robin pointed out. "Her schedule must be packed, I'm sure."

Chrom nodded and smiled. "Yeah, we'll wait for her. It's as you say. She hardly has any time for herself, and when she does she uses it to go out to see her people."

"I appreciated the compliment, Chrom," a voice from behind them cut in. It was Emmeryn! She was giggling too. As to be expected, Phila was with her, stoic as ever. Lissa always thought that Frederick and her had to be siblings. They were always the serious type. "It's good to see you and Lissa return safe. Sir Frederick, I'm sorry for any trouble they might have caused you."

"No, milady," Frederick quickly said, taking a bow. "It is my honor to serve."

They all followed Emmeryn with their eyes, as she walked to the throne and took a sit, Phila standing to her left. "I hope you don't mind me sitting," the Exalt said, sighing. "It's been a tiring day."

"Not at all, Emm," Chrom said. "We understand. I have a couple of things I would like to speak with you about."

"Could that have anything to do with your guests here?" She smiled at Robin and Tharja, who just looked at her. Surely they were waiting for Chrom to introduce them.

"Given the current state of affairs between Ylisse and Plegia," Phila started. "I would recommend against having two unknown Plegians in such close proximity to the Exalt. More so in such a confined space."

"Peace, Phila. My brother must have a reason to bring them here. If he trusts them, then so will I."

Chrom used this opportunity to explain what had happened. Meeting with Robin and Tharja, the attack at the village, and the strange event that had happened in the middle of the night. "Both of Robin and Tharja have proven themselves to be valuable allies. It was through Robin's abilities with tactics that we came back unharmed, Emm. That's why I want to let them both join the Shepherds and name Robin our tactician."

Emmeryn looked very thoughtful. The request wasn't an easy one for sure. If the decision was up to Lissa, she wouldn't even think twice to allowing them to join. Then again, she'd already seen them in action. Perhaps that was why she wasn't the Exalt. Not that she even wanted to be. It sounded like a lot of hard work and no fun at all. She admired her sister for being able to keep doing such a good job ever since she was named the Exalt.

Emm looked over to Robin and Tharja and asked, "why would you want to help us, if I may ask? As Phila said and I'm sure you are aware, Plegia has been trying to instigate a war with Ylisse for quite some time."

Robin took a step forward, putting him closer to Emmeryn than anyone else. Lissa didn't feel like there was any danger in him doing that, but she saw Phila squinting her eyes at the tactician and her arms even fell to her side as if preparing for the worst.

"Plegia might be my birthplace, but I don't share the views of the Mad King," Robin said. Lissa couldn't see her voice, but with the tone in his voice, she could tell he wasn't smiling. "I'm 22 years old, your grace. By anyone's account, I'm still young. Yet, I've suffered great despair in the last 15 years. You see, my parents were farmers… I didn't live a life of luxury when I was a child, but they were good parents. They never hid the fact that they weren't my birth parents. They treated me just like their blood son, but the truth was that they found me when I was but a toddler, on the hands on my death birth mother. The only thing I have of the one that I assumed protected me by giving her life is the robe I wear now." He extended his arms to show it a bit more.

Lissa felt her heart sink in a little. Why was he telling all this? She felt bad for Robin, but…

"My parents were killed by Ylissean soldiers when the invasion happened 15 years ago."

This was a development that no one could ignore. Phila had her hand on the hilt of her sword, expecting Robin to make a move. Chrom looked really uncomfortable, maybe even guilty. Frederick too was ready to defend the Exalt should it come to that. Even Tharja didn't seem to know anything about this.

Robin chuckled. "Peace," he handed his tome over to Frederick, to everyone's surprise. "Would you allow me to continue, your highness? I think it's important for everyone here to hear my words just as much as it is for me to say them."

Emmery, once more, looked thoughtful, but she nodded in agreement. Lissa could feel her heart racing a little. She wasn't so much worried now. Frederick had Robin's tome. But was it right for them to hear such a personal story from someone they'd just met.

"Thank you, your highness. As I was saying, my parents were but a casualty of war. I won't disrespect anyone here by saying I was angry and even hated Ylisse for what they've done. I was a 7 year old child and my parent had been cut down while trying to protect me, much like my birth mother was.

"My village was put to the torch. That left me with nothing. I was lucky and was able to salvage this robe, which was the robe my birth mother had on her when we were found, and a couple of trinkets. That's all I have from that life. I was taken in a black mage by the time the war had ended. He was the one that taught me the basics and even gave me the tome Sir Frederick holds.

"I studied day in and day out, as much as I could. Not for vengeance, mind you, but because it kept me distracted. That went on for almost ten years. I won't bore you with the details of that. After that, a man approached my master and offered to further my studies even more. I'd already learned all that I could from him, so I was taken to a...darker place."

Lissa could feel cold sweat as Robin recounted his story, going into gruesome detail about the things he'd suffered in his time with the second teacher. Her mouth went dry and she couldn't even speak. She couldn't even move. The same thing could be said from everyone there. All they did was just listen to him.

Suddenly, Robin let his robe fall to the ground. He started taking off a small sort of yellow coat, the same color as the accents on his robe. That too hit the floor. Why is he doing that? she thought. It was bizarre. When she saw him going for his shirt, that confused her even more. Only when he removed it, she understood. Robin's torso was covered in scars. Big, small, cuts, and burns. Some of these trailed to his arms as well.

"You see, it turns out, the second man that took me in worked for King Gangrel. He'd heard of a young prodigee that had gained a lot of magical knowledge in a short amount of time, so he wanted to train me to become part of the elite dark mage guard. Beating and sometimes even torture can be used on someone in those cases as part of the training. Compared to what you must do here, this must come to a shock for you. When the Mad King says you'll become something, that's what happens. That or your are put to the sword. Not a good ending, either way you look at it.

"You see, I met Tharja some days ago." Tharja clutched her tome. She had to know where this was going. "She too was taken in by that same man under orders of King Gangrel. I think you'll understand why I couldn't let her go through the same things I had for the last few years. I tried to run away and take her with me, but I was caught even before I had a chance to talk to her. I was being beaten to a pulp when she intervened. She saved my life, so I had to save her.

"The only way to escape the grasp and fury of the King was to leave Plegia all together. Goin to Valm was our best option… But we had not much on us to pay for passage. That's how we found ourselves in Ylisse."

He started picking up his clothes, starting with the shirt. He pulled it over his head and tucked in the end under his leather sash. "I don't have a problem with you or any other person from Ylisse, your highness." He picked up the yellow coat next. "You are not your father. The people responsible for my parents' death are long gone. I don't feel anything but respect towards you after being able to do all you've done." Finally, the robe. "The only man I hate is King Gangrel. So I only ask you don't judge me for the actions of others, as I don't judge you for the acts committed by your father."

For a long time, the room was silent. No one dared say a word or even make a move. Lissa was grateful that, despite his past and knowing that her and Chrom were children to the man that caused him to lose his parents, Robin didn't have any sort of ill will towards them. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little responsible for what had happened to him.

"I see," Emmeryn spoke up. "I understand a little better now, but I still feel like you've avoided my question."

Robin chuckled. He was adjusting his robe and fiddling with the golden straps that kept it closed as he answered. "I suppose you are right. Forgive me, your highness. You see, Chrom reminds me of that same old man that took me in after my parent died. Despite knowing where we came from, he's been nothing but friendly towards us. He even offered me a job. For someone that has nothing to his name-no titles, no lands, and no money-and is running away, the opportunity of having some roof over my head and food and drink in my stomach is enticing."

In response, Emm smiled at Robin and even giggled a little too. "Oh? I don't think that's the whole reason, Sir Robin." She stood up from the throne and walked over to Robin. "I feel a light within you; one that tells me that you are trying to do good."

"I have many debts to pay. It's true."

"Well then, I won't oppose my brother's decision on letting you two join the Shepherds. The Shepherds are his. I trust his judgement. You've given me much to think about, but I'm glad you've shared your story with me, Sir Robin."

Robin bowed to her. "My pleasure, your highness. But, if I may, please, just call me Robin. Like I said, I hold no lands nor titles. I feel weird being referred to as Sir." He scratched the back of his head and offered her a smile.

"Very well, Robin it is," Emmeryn said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to meet with some people from my counsel. I hope we may talk another time."

Once more, Robin bowed. "Of course."

With that, both Emmeryn and Phila took their leave. The original five stood on the room for a bit, in silence, until Robin asked Frederick if he could have him tome back. Frederick didn't hesitate to return the book to it's rightful owner.

"That was quite a story, Robin," Chrom said, approaching him and putting a hand on the brunette's shoulder. "With everything that's happened, I'm sure you two must be tired. Let me show you guys to a place to rest for tonight. Tomorrow you'll meet the rest of the Shepherds too. All the more reason to relax." He laughed.

"What do you think, Tharja," Robin asked.

Tharja looked a little gloomy. The story must've given her a lot to think about. Lissa didn't think the older girl was much of a talker or a cheery gal, but still. This was too much even coming from her. "I suppose…" she finally said.

"Then let us show you to some rooms," Frederick said, looking a lot more like his normal self. "You can use them for now until we find you a more permanent place."

"Much obliged," said Robin.

As the group was leaving the room, Lissa stopped and looked to her side. She thought she'd seen someone she recognized turning a corner further down the hallway. Chrom turned to face his sister. "Something wrong?"

"Oh!" Lissa let out, a little surprised. She put a smile for her brother. "I think I saw Maribelle over there. Don't mind me, I'll see you all later!" She waved the others goodbye and then followed after the girl she was sure was her best friend.

"Maribelle!" Lissa called out as she turned the corner. She had to sprint all the way there to catch up to the other blonde girl. Because of that, she was caught a little out of breath.

"Oh, darling, what's gotten into you that you would be so out of breath?" The other girl, Maribelle, asked, concerned about her friend's current state. "I heard from Sully that you had returned, so I had to make sure I saw you were doing all right. She told me you had to sleep in the cold outdoors. I was worried about you!"

Lissa, once she caught her breath, laughed for a bit. For as long as they'd been friends, Maribelle had always been overprotective of her. Lissa admired her for how she could always carry herself so well, giving out this aura you would expect of a noble. That was something that Lissa just couldn't do.

"Yeah, we just got back," Lissa told her friend. "We were talking with Emm. We beat all the bad guys at Southtown and even got two new members for the Shepherds!"

"Oh my, so that man that has been chasing Sully around is now a Shepherd?"

Lissa was confused by the question. Robin was with her the whole time. Who could she… "Ah!" she suddenly exclaimed. "I forgot all about him. No, I'm not sure what the deal is with that guy. I think he said his name was Virion or something like that. He seems like a funny guy."

Maribelle held strongly onto her parasol. "You speak too fondly of him, darling. A man that harassess a woman like that isn't worth a second look. But perhaps your other two new acquaintances have better manners. We should discuss this over some tea. What do you think?"

That was the Maribelle that Lissa knew and loved. Spending time with her was always fun. Except when the other girl would scold her about mannerisms not deemed good for a princess. She didn't mind the comments too much though, as she knew that Maribelle only meant good with them. She instantly smiled and perked up, giving the other blonde a small nod. "I would really like that. I haven't had anything to drink since yesterday! I throat is dry like a desert."

"Parched, dear, parched," Maribelle corrected. "Alright, lets go to a more suitable room. I hardly think standing in this hallway will get us what we want."

The pair now found themselves in Lissa's room. They'd gotten someone to bring them a nice tea set, but Maribelle had insisted on preparing the tea herself. Lissa didn't object. She knew that Maribelle had as much knowledge about tea as she had about pranks (just another thing Maribelle said wasn't lady like, but it sure was fun!) When the tea was ready, they both sat on a small table close to the open glass doors that lead to a balcony. A refreshing cool breeze flowed through the room. The atmosphere was really relaxing.

"So, darling," Maribelle started as she held her tea cup in one hand and mixed it with a spoon she held on her other hand. "Do tell me about these two new members you're so taken with."

Lissa sipped on her tea, making sure to keep the pinky from the hand she was using to hold the cup out, much to Maribelle's approval. "Huh?" she said. "What makes you say that I'm taken with them?"

"Oh please! If that wasn't the case, you would be talking my ears out about why you didn't like them." She said it such a matter-of-fact way that didn't leave any room for Lissa to argue.

"F-fine! But don't get any wrong ideas…" Maribelle giggled and gave her a reassuring nod, both to let her know she would keep it a secret and to let her know she should continue. "It all started when we were on our way to Southtown…" She started. It was so that she explained the whole story of the past couple of days to her friend, including what Robin had just spoken about in the throne room with Emm. Maribelle kept silent all the while, taking in every detail that the princess said and drinking the warm tea she had.

By the end of the story, Maribelle didn't really know how to react. Lissa did seem to approve of these two Plegians, but… "I feel a little conflicted with your story," she let Lissa know.

Lissa gasped, surprised by her words. "C-conflicted? But why? They aren't bad people! Robin is really nice. I'm sure Tharja is too, if they are traveling together."

"Forgive me, Lissa, I don't want to sound rude. From your story, they sound like very decent people. Especially this Sir Robin you speak of. The man has good character."

Confused, Lissa just had to ask, "then what's the problem?"

Maribelle sighed heavily, looking down at her tea cup. She grabbed the teapot and poured Lissa and herself some more tea. "You know of the current state of affairs between Ylisse and Plegia, yes?" She waited until she got an affirmation from the girl sitting across from her. "My family's land is close to the border between our nation and theirs. As such, we've suffered from the constant bandit bands that cross the border to wreak havoc only to cross back once the deed is done."

Lissa frowned. "But it's like Robin said! We can't blame him and Tharja for something they didn't have a part on."

Maribelle sighed once again. "I know you are right, darling. Perhaps...once I meet them I'll my heart will stop clouding my judgement…"

"That's perfect then!" Lissa was so happy to hear those words that she sprung from her seat. Maribelle didn't get a chance to say anything negative about the girls actions, as Lissa spoke once again. "Chrom was thinking about presenting them to the rest of the Shepherds tomorrow. You should go too! That way you can meet them and get to know them in person. Yes! That settles it. You'll stay here with me tonight and then, tomorrow, we'll go to the headquarters and meet with everyone." Lissa nodded with confidence, amazed at her own brilliance. With ideas like that she too could be a tactician!

Lissa was so excited about it that Maribelle didn't have the heart to deny the arrangement. At the very least, she would get to sleep over and talk all night with her best friend. It wasn't all that bad. It was like this that she agreed to accompany Lissa the next day. The rest of that day was simply spent on gossip, Lissa talking about how bear meat was terrible, and just catching up.

The next morning, Lissa had woken early for a change. Although she still looked quite tired and drowsy and even kept yawning, she had to get up. Nothing a bath won't do, she thought. Sure enough, the bath woke her up. Oh, but it wasn't because the water was nice, no. Someone had told the people preparing the bath that the princess wanted it to be ice cold. Lissa could've sworn she was going to freeze to death. Preparing a new, warm bath would take too long. She had to settle with the freezing water, even if her skin had goosebump and her teeth kept shattering.

She returned to her room refreshed. She smiled after seeing that Maribelle had returned from her bath as well. Lissa would have to put a pin on seeking revenge from whoever it was that had pulled a big one on her. Oh, vengeance would be sweet. As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold. She could hear her own maniacal laugh going on her head, not that her outside smiling face would let anyone know what was going on in there.

"Ready to head out?" the princess asked the lady.

"Certainly, darling," Maribelle responded, returning the smile the cheerful Lissa wore.

The garrison wasn't far away from the palace, thankfully. They reached them in just a few minutes. Taking an example from her sister's book, they walked all the way there, exchanging greetings with some of the city folk that were around. As they entered, Lissa could already see some Shepherds were there. "Chrom told them to come for sure," Lissa muttered to herself, just low enough that Maribelle couldn't hear anything.

A voice came from behind the two girl, startling only Lissa. "Oh, I didn't expect you to be here," the voice said. Lissa turned to see the source.

"Ah, Robin!" Any anguish and fear she just washed away from her. "It's good to see you. Did Chrom ask you to come?" The tactician didn't get a chance to respond, as Lissa immediately followed up with more. "Huh, he's not with you? Oh, and what about Tharja? I thought for sure you two would be coming here together."

Robin laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Tharja is right here," he said before sidestepping, revealing the other dark mage. "She just keep walking behind me, despite how many times I ask her to at least walk by my side."

Tharja gave one of those giggles of hers that sent the tiniest chill down Lissa's back. "I'm just watching out for your back, Master Robin," she said with a smile.

"You know that phrase isn't about literally looking at someone's back, right?" Robin asked, almost defeated.

Lissa just laughed. That face he had! It was more hilarious than the situation. That only caused the tactician to frown at the princess. "I-I'm sorry," she said between breaths. "Your face was just too funny! Hahahaha."

Maribelle, becoming impatient, coughed into her first. "Oh!" Lissa said, stopping her fit and looking at her friend. "Sorry about that. Maribelle, this is Robin and that girl there is Tharja. They are the people I talked to you about."

"She didn't say anything too bad or embarrassing about us, I hope," Robin said with a smile.

"Not at all," Maribelle responded. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"And this is Maribelle!" Lissa continued the introductions. "She is my oldest and bestest friend of all. She is a healer too, although she rides a horse waaaaay better than me."

Robin bowed, but Tharja stayed static, simply eyeing Maribelle. "It's a pleasure," Robin said. As he looked over at Tharja, he added, "right, Tharja?"

"Yes, yes," Tharja muttered, looking away from everyone.

"Ah, please forgive her… She is not the most...social person, you see?"

Maribelle looked turned off by the actions of the female black mage. She would've voiced her displeasure had Lissa not read her body language and intervened. "It's fine, it's fine," Lissa said, trying to defuse the situation. "Some people just warm up to others slowly." This was also a poke at Maribelle, as she wasn't known to be the friendliest of people either. "Let's head in and wait for Chrom and Frederick inside. It'll give you two a chance to meet the rest of the Shepherds."

The door swung open and the four of them came in, Lissa feeling proud to be the guide for Robin's and Tharja's tour of the garrison. "Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison. Here's where you'll find most Shepherds at any given time. We wait here for orders from Chrom before we dispatch and such."

"Cozy," Robin said.

"Ah, the squirt is back!" A loud voice pointed out. "Ol' Teach is happy to see everything went well." The man that voice belonged too approached the group. Another blonde, though his skin was a lot tanner than Lissa's and Maribelle's, mainly due to training under the hot sun so often. "And you even brought some people with you!"

"This is Vaike," Lissa said, pointing at the man for Robin and Tharja. "He calls himself Old Teach because he smell like an old fart."

Vaike was nodding at her words all the way. Then everyone went quiet. "Wait," Vaike said, coming to a realization. "You making fun of me, squirt?"

Lissa laughed and even Maribelle giggled a little, but Robin and Tharja stated stoic. "Hahaha, took you long enough to realize."

"Lissa!" Another voice interrupted. This voice belonged to a young girl with gray-brown hair. The Pegasus Knight Sumia. She approached the group excited to see the princess' return. "I'm happy to see you are back! But, um...where is the captain?"

"Ah yes," Maribelle said. "Our dear Sumia here has been so worried about Chrom ever since you set off. She got so distracted looking at the distance that she got some bruises in practice because of it."

Sumia flushed madly. Everyone knew that she cared deeply for Chrom...except for Chrom himself, that is. "Aw, Sumia," Lissa said, clasping her hands together and bringing them up to her chest. "That's so sweet of you."

The comment only made her blush even more. Now her whole face was slowly turning red.

"Stop teasing the girl, Lissa," the familiar voice of Sully came from her right. "She has it hard enough already."

Following behind Sully, Lissa noticed that the man named Virion was there too. "Ah, yes," he started with some flare in his voice. "The matters of the heart are not to be mocked or looked down on, my dear princess. We should support our comrade in her journey for the young prince's heart."

"Y-you are not helping!" Sumia let out in a roar, to which everyone laughed. "Yeez, you have been here less than a day and even you…" she sighted in defeat.

With everything that had happened, Lissa still hadn't had a chance to introduce Robin and Tharja. Just as she was about to, the door swung open once again. "Oh, everyone is here," said Chrom. He entered the garrison with Frederick following not far behind.

"Captain!" Sumia said happily, moving a bit forward only to fall on her face after a single step.

"Sumia! Are you alright?" Chrom asked with a look of concern. "Those blasted boots are going to be the death of you. You really should get new ones."

Sumia laughed nervously as she picked herself up. "R-right, the boots. I'm fine, don't worry Captain. I-I just have to get used to them, it's all."

"Have you had a chance to make new friends, Robin?"

Robin smirked a little. "Haven't even had a chance to introduce myself to anyone other than Maribelle here," he said. "I will say, this is a lively bunch you got here."

"Okay everyone, your attention, please," Chrom said. "I would like to present our two newest additions to the Shepherds. Well, besides Virion over there. This is Tharja and Robin. They are black mages with a lot of skill. We've already seen them in action in Southtown. Furthermore, Robin will be our tactician from now on wards."

"Nice to meet you all," said Robin, elbowing Tharja so that she would say the same. Eventually she did.

Everyone went silent. Why? Lissa questioned, her eyes darting from one person to the next.

"Dark mages, hu'?" Sully said. "That mean they're both-"

"Plegian, correct," Robin said. The smile the man had been wearing now vanished. He looked as cautious as Tharja now.

"Sorry to say this, but, Captain, ya' pulling our leg, right?" Sully asked, looking directly at Chrom. "Ya know how things are at the border. Ya can't just let these two-"

"Enough, Sully," said the bluenette. "I won't have you question my decision. As I've said. Both Tharja and Robin have proven they can be trusted in combat. They helped save Southtown. You've seen them in action too. So I won't have you question their abilities or their allegiance just because of your own personal history."

Harsh words. Lissa wasn't sure what her brother meant with the last bit about personal history, but this was the first time she'd seen Sully act in such a way towards any of Chrom's decisions. To make matters worse, she could tell that Vaike too felt more than a little uncomfortable about the whole thing.

"The Shepherds have a new mission," Chrom said more gently, yet, keeping the authority on his tone as he changed the subject. "We're to leave for Regna Ferox on the morrow. We need to ask for their aid against the new menace of what we are calling the Risen; the same vile creatures we fought yesterday."

"This sounds like a diplomatic mission," Robin said as he rubbed his chin. "Wouldn't it be wiser for the Exalt to go there herself or to send someone from her counsel? The Feroxi may see hostility should an armed group this big try to cross the corner."

Chrom nodded in agreement. "Yes, normally Emmeryn would ask for aid herself. Given the circumstances, the people will need her now more than ever, which is why she's asked us to go on her stead.

"The Feroxi are a tough bunch too. Having people with knowledge in combat will do us good, in case they want to test us in some way or another."

"Sound reasoning."

"In any case, this is a strictly voluntary mission. If you don't feel comfortable with the situation, you can stay behind." Chrom eyed both Sully and Vaike. "If you are coming, say 'Aye'."

"Aye," said everyone except for Maribelle and Sumia. Lissa had expected Sully and Vaike to back out, considering their personal circumstances, but Sumia and Maribelle?

"Unfortunately, I have to return to my home," said Maribelle. "I trust the safety of my Lissa to you, prince Chrom." She turned to face Robin. "And to you too, Sir Robin. As the tactician, everyone's safety falls on you as much as it falls on Chrom."

"You got my word that I'll return everyone safely," Robin reassured her and Maribelle took her leave, saying her goodbyes.

Chrom smiled at Robin, surely pleased to hear what the confidence in the tactician's voice. He turned his attention at the other member that hadn't volunteered. "What about you, Sumia?" he asked. "It's fine if you don't want to go, but I would like to know why, if you don't mind."

"I um…" Sumia fiddle with her skirt while looking for her words. "It's just that...I don't know if I'm ready for actual combat yet. I feel like I need more practice. As Maribelle pointed out earlier, I still get hit quite a bit during practice."

"But you practice with a sword, no? You are a Pegasus Knight. You should be practicing with your lance more often. Also, there's a lot you won't learn until you try actual combat. If you don't feel ready yet, then that's fine. But I think you could learn a lot, even if it's by just watching the rest of us fight."

"I don't know…"

"You can stay at the back of the group then. Only fight if you think you can take it."

Sumia submitted to Chrom's words in the end. It was like that that the members were decided. It would be Chrom, Frederick, Robin, Tharja, Sully, Vaike, Virion, Sumia, and herself. The rest of the Shepherds not present, like Miriel, Ricken, and Kellam would just have to either catch up to them later or wait for their return.

"Alright, everyone," Chrom said with some excitement in his voice. "Get anything you may need ready for travel. Robin, there are something things I would like to discuss with you. Other than that, you're all dismissed."

They'd only been back for a short time and they were already going to leave the comfort of their home once more. All Lissa could think was that there was no way in hell she wouldn't take some bug repellent with her this time. That and a horse. The wall that divided Ferox from Ylisse was a long way away. Her poor feet wouldn't take her that far. "I'll just ride with Sully again," she told herself.

A chapter in Lissa's perspective! This was kinda hard for me. I've never written a whole piece purely from a female's perspective, so it was a good experience. I've played females on RPs before, but they were usually side characters. Good thing is that Lissa is a lot of fun! More so when you add Maribelle to the mix, hahaha.

For those wondering about the answer for the question on the previous chapter, Tumerboy12 and Muggzy got it right! The answer is Flux from the GBA games. Man, all those sprite attacks... I sure do miss them. The critical hits looked so cool! And so, those two earned 100 internet points.

Here is the next question for another 100 internet points! I'll keep it within the theme of this chapter. I'll just say, I was going to give the answer in the chapter, but it was something I cut out in the end.

What is Lissa's and Maribelle's favorite tea?

Muggzy

Same here! That's also why I'm experimenting with changing POV's from chapter to chapter. Gives it that extra something to keep things interesting since you get to see what's going on with other characters when they are not "on screen."

I'm glad you've like it so far and thank you for your words of encouragement.