Lucina sat patiently as Frederick and Cordelia gave her their weekly status update. All was going well apparently with their departments as she expected of two of the most capable and organized Shepherds. It was a run of the mill briefing with little of note which was good in her opinion.

As they were wrapping up, Lucina addressed Frederick, "How are Cherche and the baby doing?" She had given birth to a healthy baby boy a week prior. It had been a highlight in the castle. Though Lucina did struggle to find a proper gift as Robin advised against clothing for some reason.

"Quite well, milady. She is as doting of a mother as one might expect. In truth, I am a bit relieved that she is not focusing entirely on me anymore."

"That bad?" Cordelia smirked.

Frederick cleared his throat, "She was…difficult during her pregnancy. Her natural stubbornness seemed amplified. Fortunately, she has calmed down significantly."

"That is good to hear," Lucina smiled, "I look forward to her return to work as well. She has certainly become one of our finest trainers. That is, if she is planning on returning."

"She has not expressed any desire to leave. In fact, I would guess that she is eager to get back to work."

"I imagined she would," Lucina's smile then faltered as her mind turned to her next inquiry, "Have you heard from Gerome?" She knew that Gerome and Cynthia had been close. Very close. Cynthia's schedule as a Pegasus Knight had kept her too busy to actually marry, but she had confided in Lucina that…he had proposed. They were hoping for next spring.

"Alas," Frederick grimaced, "We have not heard from him since the incident," He quickly reverted to a neutral expression, "But he is quite withdrawn in any case. Still, I would like to speak with him."

"And Severa?" Lucina shifted her gaze to Cordelia. Severa had also been engaged to Owain which was more public knowledge. The wedding was supposed to be at the beginning of the year.

The Wing Commander sighed in response, "I'm afraid she's been even more distant. I wish she would let me and Stahl try to help her, but we haven't heard from her since she left."

"If either of you need some time to go to them, then I will gladly give it. We are fairly stable right now after all."

"Thank you, milady," Frederick gave a slight bow, "Once Cherche is feeling better we may go and visit him. I assume he is still at Wyvern Valley."

"Severa will probably be harder to track down, but it would do me good to make sure she's okay. Thank you, Lucina. It is kind of you to consider us."

"Er, yes," Lucina then dismissed them and went back to work.

That evening she met Robin for dinner as was the norm. Little had actually changed between them since Robin gained his new social status aside from perhaps being a bit more open with their affection in public. During the dinner, they discussed their days including Lucina's meeting with Frederick and Cordelia.

"I hope they're okay. I know it's hard to lose people close to you."

"Yes," Lucina sipped her tea, "Gerome was just starting to open up again, and I'm afraid he may not recover from this. And Severa, she lost not only her fiancé, but also the closest thing she had to a best friend in Cynthia."

"Really? I didn't know they were such good friends."

"Well, Severa as you know is a contrary one, but the way Cynthia talked, I think they were friends even if Severa wouldn't admit it." Lucina drug her finger around the top of her cup, "Robin, this has brought something to my attention."

"And what would that be?"

"I'm not sure if I am actually friends with any of the other children."

"What are you talking about?" Robin asked in confusion.

"I was their leader," Lucina replied sternly, "I did my best to keep them safe, but at the same time I did not allow myself to become close to them with the exceptions of Cynthia and Owain. I knew that it was too likely that I could lose anyone I let get close. I did not really open up until we arrived here…after I met you. You were probably my first friend outside of my family."

"I-I'm not sure what to say."

"It became painfully apparent today talking with Frederick and Cordelia about Gerome and Severa. I realized that I wouldn't know how to comfort them. We were acquaintances, but I lacked the bonds that the Shepherds had. I know now that it is not what father would have wanted, but I withdrew into a shell after my parents died. I only recently built up the courage to leave it."

She then looked up and flashed Robin a smile, "Listen to me. I do not mean to complain to you. In fact, I'd like to thank you for helping to find my way out."

"It wasn't just me," Robin admitted humbly.

"No, but you helped and you refused to give up on me when many others would have. Thank you."

"It was nothing. You needed a friend, and I'm glad I didn't give up either. Who would have thought that prickly princess would turn out to be the love of my life?"

"Or that the charming tactician would be mine?"

A/N: Sorry it took so long and is so short.

On another note, I got some positive feedback on my little side story, and I may expand on it. However, I was appealing to my target audience there, to expand to other series may be more difficult. That said, I may only do the lead up and see what happens. Not too keen on posting in the Smash Bros section.