Although the Khans offered the Shepherds a place to stay to rest at the fort, Chrom was insistent on getting a head start to save his sister. The band of warriors departed, their leader carrying with them a document signed by Flavia. It was a writ to be handed to any innkeeper, who would then grant the weary Shepherds lodging, food, and drink for the night, free of charge. Afterwards, they would continue onto Plegia to begin their mission to save the Exalt.

They traveled through the frigid cold of Ferox, exhausted but willing to continue on for their righteous mission. When they finally saw a small lodge marked with a sign appear over the hill, there was much rejoice. When they arrived, the innkeeper was somewhat disappointed that he was not getting paid, but with no other customers, accepted them anyways. Even though they were exhausted from the journey, many of the Shepherds reached a single conclusion: they had an inn, all to themselves, with drinks on the house.

After the battles they survived, they deserved a break.

Robin found himself seated at one of the larger, circular tables, sipping casually from a glass of water while writing notes in his journal for the upcoming battle. His table was the most crowded of the lot, with Chrom, Sully, Vaike, and Frederick with him. Chrom was drinking slowly from his second mug of beer while watching Sully and Vaike's drinking contest. It was clear to see that the knight held the advantage over the warrior, but he refused to give up. Frederick remained standing by the table, not partaking in any drinking while watching over the entire room.

A few tables over, Lissa, Maribelle, and much to Robin's surprise, Virion, were seated at their own table, chatting with each other. Lon'qu was seated a table next to them, his back towards the princess he was to protect. It was strange to see that the fighter was still distant and cold from everyone despite the atmosphere in the inn. Even Lissa, who was devastated by the news of her sister's capture, was soon cheered up by her dear friends and companions.

Stahl, Donnel, and Kellam were absent from the tavern, going about with their plan to grow plants for their journey by planting seeds in potted plants. Panne was away hunting for her own dinner while Ricken and Maribelle retired to their separate rooms for the night. Then, at the corner of the room, was Gaius, along with Cordelia and Sumia. Robin was still not sure what to think of his friend interacting with the two pegasus knights. Given their past exchanges, it was clear to the tactician that the thief had some plan in mind.

However, from the looks of it, Gaius was more interested in chatting with Sumia than Cordelia. The two were smiling when they talked, and the thief was even offering some of his stash of candy to her. Cordelia listened to her friends, and occasionally, glanced towards the table. Robin found himself distracted by taking curious glances towards her as well, and when he saw her gaze, felt that maybe she was looking at him. Then, the tactician reminded himself that she was interested in Chrom, and not him. The reminder earned a sigh of disappointment, which drew the attention of his close friend.

"What troubles you, Robin?" Chrom asked, glancing towards his friend. "You've been silent and with a scowl on your face all night."

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Chrom," Robin tried to assure his friend. "I'm just having a hard time figuring out a plan. My mind is too distracted."

"Perhaps you are just tired and exhausted," Chrom suggested. "Some rest will do you some good. In the morning, I am fairly confident that you will be able to come up with a plan to rescue my sister."

"Maybe that is why you are unable to think," Frederick joined in. "It could very well be that you are nervous with such high stakes. I wouldn't blame you if that were the case. It is a heavy burden that you can carry, with so many lives in your hand. Your position is one I do not envy."

"I'm just tired, that's it," Robin tried to tell them unconvincingly. "We've been fighting and marching for the past few days, and I haven't gotten any time to rest. Soon enough, I'll retire to sleep, but for now, I'll stay with all of you."

"If you say so," Chrom slowly nodded. "I have complete faith in your abilities to lead us to victory, as you have done in the past. You haven't failed us yet, and I believe that with your sharp mind, we will succeed in defeating Gangrel!"

Even though the stakes were high, Robin was certain that the Shepherds would emerge unscathed while saving Emmeryn. This mission was not their first time protecting the Exalt or dealing with a hostage scenario. Once they were in Plega, the tactician was confident that he could come up with a plan to free her. Until then, he needed to think about how each Shepherd could be used for the upcoming battle. He had recently learned that Plegia was a land with deserts, meaning that their movements on the battlefield would be slowed.

Unfortunately, there was little he could do to fix that. The fighters and knights would not be able to move swiftly on the sand. Even though Miriel promised a spell that could help, the best she was able to do was find one that mages could cast on themselves. Of the spellcasters, Robin was the only one with any martial experience, and he was not that great with a sword. It would be suicide for the mages to run ahead, meaning that they would have to follow behind the slow fighters. While it would prove to be protective for the Shepherds as a whole, they may be too late to save Emmeryn from her fate.

There was one variable that Robin was trying to figure out how to use: the pegasus knights. Unlike most of the Shepherds, Cordelia and Sumia would not be hindered by the sand and could reach Emmeryn in time. However, if they encountered any archers on the way, that would put an end to their short advantage. If they had someone protecting them, skilled warriors who could fly with them and drop down to distract the archers, they may be able to make it in time to save the Exalt. It was just a matter of picking out who.

Upon thinking of Cordelia, Robin glanced towards her table. Part of him thought about maybe putting himself on the job. They have worked together before and he was starting to get use to flying with her. However, he reminded himself that he lacked skill with a blade to be of any use. At best, he may be able to stop a few arrows before falling in defeat. It was better to assigned someone more skilled for the task, someone who could look out for themselves in the battle, but struggled to think of who could meet that criteria.

Then, as a group, Gaius and the pegasus knights stood up from their table, and started to make their way over towards Chrom's table. Robin could already see the smirk on the thief's plan, and knew that his plan was about to come to fruition. The tactician could only think of what his friend had in mind when they finally arrived, pulling up chairs to sit with the rest of their comrades.

"Good evening, everyone," Sumia greeted. "Chrom, Robin, could we talk to you two real quick."

"Of course," Chrom answered while Robin closed his empty journal. "What's up?"

"Before our last battle, Robin and I talked, and I came up with an idea," Cordelia started, her attention focused on Chrom. "I thought that it would be time for Sumia and I to take up partners to train with. If we can get more Shepherds up in the skies, it could prove to be an advantage."

"That is a good idea," Chrom nodded in agreement, turning to Robin. "What do you think about this?"

"As it so happened, I was already thinking of a similar idea," Robin revealed. "It could mean that we are able to transport more of our forces across the battlefield, even it is an extra two soldiers. I've been thinking about who the extra two will be, but I haven't came up with anyone yet."

"Chrom, we were thinking about you flying with us," Sumia told him.

"It would inspire the Shepherds to see their valiant leader taking charge from above," Cordelia quickly added.

"Perhaps you're right," Chrom said, turning to Sumia, "It would be a honor to fly with you once more, Sumia."

"Hate to bring this up, but am I the only one who thinks it's a bad idea to have Blue, our leader so vulnerable?" Gaius brought up. "I mean, that's just putting an unneeded target on your back."

"And if you're in the sky, you'll have little chance to defend yourself," Frederick sternly told Chrom. "I think you're better off on ground."

"Tactically, Sumia and Cordelia would be best as our forward scouts," Robin analyzed. "Chrom, you would be better off leading the bulk of the Shepherds."

"Valid points, I suppose," Chrom nodded with a sigh. "Sorry, Sumia, but you'll have to find someone else to fly with."

"Very well," Sumia frowned. "Thank you for considering."

"While we're on the topic, I think it's pretty clear who should go," Gaius spoke up, his lips curling into a grin. "Bubbles, you inspired Cordelia with the idea. It's only right if you're part of it."

At this point, Robin was not even surprise at Gaius' plans. He just made it so that he and Cordelia would work together, closely at that. He had to give the thief credit where it was due though. He had to have convinced the pegasus knights to present their idea to the leadership of the Shepherds, shoot down the idea of Chrom flying to eliminate a potential rival, and offer Robin as a candidate. The tactician saw the worth of his friend's ability to come up with a plan. Now, if only he could put that skill to better use in battle planning.

"I'll admit that I did thought about asking you to train with me," Cordelia admitted, glancing at Robin. "However, after the battle, I thought you would need time to recover."

"I'm mostly fine now," Robin told everyone.

"Think about it, Blue," Gaius started, all eyes drawn to him. "Robin is a brilliant tactician. If we can put him in the skies, he can see the enemy's movements and plan accordingly. Just say the word, and he'll do it."

"Gaius is right," Chrom nodded in agreement. "Robin, I hope you don't mind your new assignment."

"Not at all," Robin shrugged.

"I suppose we'll be working together now," Cordelia acknowledged. "We'll train in the morning so you can get better use to flying.."

"So, who are we going to get to partner up with me?" Sumia asked curiously.

"Not counting our knights, mages, and healers, Virion is better suited on ground to give covering fire, Lon'qu has to protect Lissa now, Panne is better on the ground for obvious reasons, Donnel is still learning how to fight, and it will be hard trying to find Kellam," Robin planned out. "I guess that just leaves Gaius or Vaike as options to fly with you."

"I'm already flyin'," Vaike slurred out before prompting collapsing onto the ground, spilling the rest of his mug.

"Can't even hold his drink," Sully downed the rest of her mug. "Probably won't be able to hold himself in the air."

"Good thinking," Robin nodded, a smile curling. "Gaius, that leaves you as the only valid option."

"Now, hold on, Bubbles," Gaius held his hands up defensively. "Let's not be rash, here. Maybe we should rethink our options."

"But Gaius, you helped us come up with the plan," Sumia revealed. "Wouldn't you want to help us."

"Chrom, remind me, but I have the authority to assign who goes with who as well, yes?" Robin asked, looking Gaius dead in the eyes.

"You do," Chrom answered.

"Gaius, you're with Sumia," Robin ordered. "I think I will need some rest now. Do you need any help with Vaike?"

"Sully and I can handle Vaike," Chrom told him. "Get some rest."

"We'll see you in the morning for training," Sumia waved with Cordelia nodding behind her.

"See you all then," Robin nodded.

The tactician stood up, stretching his arms up. He briefly glanced towards Cordelia when she walked back to her original table with Sumia. Afterwards, he turned to Gaius, who was muttering something under his breath. Robin smirked, glad to see the thief at the end of his own games. The tactician appreciated his efforts, but never asked for them to begin with. He was not sure what to expect from working and training with Cordelia, but it was a good strategy for reasons already stated. With a yawn, he made his way upstairs for a deserved rest.

A/N: After all they've survived, I certainly believe the Shepherds just needed a night of rest and fun.

Warrior of Six Blades: Honestly, I like writing out the sparring scenes with Robin and Lon'qu. It might have something to do with me being a man of action, but I also see it as a way to show how Robin is improving with his swordmanship. Sure, I could fit him against other foes like the Plegians, but with a single, superior warrior who he fights often enough, his improvement is displayed better.

Until next time.