Traveling with Ylissean was a different experience. While Morgan and her sisters were mostly confined to their carriage (and in Noire's case: on occasion a cage), they were allowed to roam freely whenever the Ylisseans made camp. They were each one accompanied by a guard of course, but there were times where Morgan noticed that she was not escorted at all, and she was allowed total freedom, as long as it was within the perimeter of the camp. There were times where Morgan entertained the idea of fleeing their captors, but what use was it? They could not return to Plegia and most of the Lords at the border would undoubtably be in Validar's pocket.
Still, the situation was not too terrible. The Ylisseans was courteous towards her and her sisters, which was surprising considering their respective nations animosity. While most of them would regard the Plegians coldly, they never harassed them and would even politely respond to some their inquiries. One of Morgan's first questions was about how long their journey to the capitol may be, at which their guards responded with an estimate of two weeks. This was surprisingly quick considering the size of their entourage and Morgans own estimate of three to four weeks.
They had at this point been on the road for four days and made steady progress. Unlike Validar, the Exalt wasn't shy of making camp in the middle of the wilderness. But then again, Morgan suspected that the Exalt tried to make haste to the capitol to give his daughter proper medical care.
His daughter, her mother. Morgan was hesitant to approach the Ylissean princess. Back in Plegia, she took great efforts to see her mother and learn more about her. But now the Ylissean princess was surrounded by Ylissean guards, and it made the young mage cautious. Despite their polite demeanour so far, Morgan did not know them, and she has spent most of her upbringing being thought that Ylisseans was no better then pigs for slaughter.
So, the Plegian mage decided to just observe her surroundings.
While Morgan kept her distance, Selena wasn't shy with interacting with the Ylisseans. The confined space of the carriage was intolerable for the redhead, and she quickly began demanding permission to train with the Ylissean knights. A demand that was surprisingly granted. And after a few brawls and some bruises, the redhead had achieved a certain familiarity amongst the Ylissean knights and would be often found sparing with them. She was even allowed to ride outside whenever they were traveling on the road.
Even Noire began to interact with their captors. While the archer was often isolated in her cage during her violent outburst, during her calmer moments she was often found conversing with a member of the Ylissean clergy. A beautiful woman with long blonde hair, her name was seemingly Libra from what Morgan could overhear. The priestess apparently pitied Noire's unstable condition and would at times even try to calm Noire down by reading various verses from her holy book. She was also surprisingly strong as she could singlehandedly restrain Noire during her violent episodes.
For Morgan, it was more interesting to just observe the Exalt as he moved around the camp. The Ylissean king was a completely different leader compared to her father and brother. While the king of Plegia and his sons always kept a clear hierarchy between them and their servants, the Ylissean Exalt moved freely between his subjects and spoke to them in a familiar tone. Stranger still, the Exalt even spoke to most of them on a first name basis and he didn't hesitate to assist in various task (big and small) around the camp.
Of her mother, she saw little, as the Ylissean princess spent most of her time in her own carriage. However, there were times, where she was moved out to eat with her father. In these times, Morgan was surprised to see that the Exalt would even help the princess with cutting her food into smaller pieces himself whenever the princess seemed too weak to do it herself, while whispering gently to his daughter.
Was this how parents were supposed to act? Morgan could barely remember her own early childhood. Most of it was just endless lectures with various teachers and her father, who as always remained aloof and cold. The only time he would even acknowledge her would be the times she did well during their wargames. He would even smile during those occasions, and Morgan took great pride in it knowing that it was almost unheard of amongst her other siblings. In matters of warfare, she was the best student among her siblings, and her father was a great admire of such matters. Back in Plegia, the young mage would always hunger for her father's approval. Not only because his favour would mean a secured place in his inner court, but she always felt an inexplainable feeling to please her father. Was it just a natural need for a child to please a parent? Like priests who gave offerings to an absent and uncaring God?
The God analogy wasn't far fetched in Morgan's mind. Being well attuned with the magical world, Morgan could to an extent ''sense'' other mages. Strong mages like Lady Tharja emitted a certain ''light'' that could be vaguely felt, like standing near a fire. Her king father however was a different matter entirely. To stand in his presence was like standing near a vortex that devoured ones very soul. The young bluenette would always feel a chill whenever he was around. She shuddered at the thought of his magical capabilities.
Morgan's days as a mere observer were soon cut short, as on the seventh day she was summoned during the night by the Exalt to his tent. She was greeted by the Exalt at the entrance of his tent. After dismissing the guards that escorted her, The Exalt looked at the young Plegian with an unreadable expression, his stance seemed tense.
''Good evening, Lady Morgan. I thrust that you have been treated well so far?''
Morgan bowed and replied.
''Thank you, your highness. Yes, you and your people have been most gracious hosts''
Morgan thought she might as well be polite, despite the reality of the situation. The Exalt and his people had after all done nothing to mistreat her or her sisters.
The Exalt seemed to suddenly take a more relaxed stance, his shoulders lowered a bit and he looked more like a tired old man then a strong ruler of an entire country.
''(sigh) Look I have never been good with all these formalities. Frederick is more suitable for such matters. If it's all the same to you Lady Morgan, please feel free to just address me as Chrom whenever we're in informal settings''
Morgan was taken aback by this sudden drop of formalities.
''S-sure, p-please feel free to address me as just Morgan as well''
She might as well return the gesture. At this the Exalt gave her a smile but was a sad and somewhat tired smile.
''My daughter told me everything. I know who you are. I trust you know it as well?''
Morgan made a small and hesitant nod. At this the Exalt gave a small chuckle.
''Well, I guess it's pretty obvious. You look like her when she was around your age.''
Chrom made another sigh, he looked at her with a tired expression before continuing.
''I do wish the circumstances were different, but the past is the past and you had no say in it. We can talk about it later, but for now your mother wish to see you. She has been very weak, but she has by now regained enough strength that I would allow this meeting. I'll be outside if you need anything.''
The Exalt stepped aside from the entrance of the tent and motioned her to move inside. Morgan hesitated for a few seconds.
Isn't this what you wanted girl? She thought for herself before forcing herself to move. She felt heavy around her heart, thoughts began to swirl around her head. She suddenly didn't know what to do or what she should say.
The tent was very spacious as one could expect for a tent made for royalty. It was furnished with a few wooden furniture and was made so that it contained separate rooms inside of the tent. Morgan moved towards a room that was lit of which she could make out a silhouette of a sitting person.
Finally, mother and daughter met. The Ylissean princess had obviously been looking forward to this meeting. She was seated so that she would face the entrance to her room. The last few days under her father's care had done miracles and she had regained a much healthier appearance. As soon the younger bluenette entered the room, the princess began to tear up.
''I could hardly believe it when I heard it. For so many years I thought that he would never give you up that I would never be able to see you again. But here you are. Free and going home with me. I have ask, d-do..do you remember me? Do you remember your mother?''
Morgan stood frozen on the spot. Remember her? As far as the young girl knew she was taken away from her mother from a very young age. She tried to focus, but the bluenette soon got a headache from her efforts. She began to stumble, her hands moved towards her head as she tried to regain her balance.
''I... I don't know. I'm sorry, much have happened lately.''
At this point tears were flowing freely from the Ylissean princess. Shakingly, she rose from her chair and slowly began to move towards her daughter. Lucina gently moved Morgan's hands from her head and held her head. Unlike her father's grip a few weeks previously, her mother's hold was gentle and warm. Morgan looked at her mother straight in her eyes and found nothing but affection and love. Her eyes had a beautiful blueish hue. A clear and white brand of the Exalt adored her left eye.
Without warning Lucina turned her gentle touch into a thigh hug. She held Morgan as if she was afraid that the girl would turn into mist in a moments notice.
''Oh Morgan, I'm so sorry for everything. Know that I never wanted to part from you. I should have tried escape with you earlier, I should have defended you better when he came for you, I shou-''
Morgan did not hear the rest of her mother's ramblings, as she began to tear up as well. For the first time in her memory, Morgan experienced true parental affection. An unconditional love that existed despite the regrettable events that led to her birth. Slowly the young girl returned her mother's embrace.
It was hours before Morgan left the tent, having spent most of the time conversing with her long-lost mother. Apparently, she was raised by her mother herself for the first six years of her life. Morgan found this strange, as she could not for the life of her remember those early years. Still, it was good to hear her mother talk about it. They were evidently some good years despite being in captivity.
It was pitch dark save for a few fires and lanterns spread around the camp. Her grandfather was nowhere to be seen nor any guards. Instead of looking for an escort, Morgan decided to go back to her tent herself. But as she passed one of the larger tents, she heard familiar voices.
''My lord I must protest, those girls could be sleeper agents or assassins. They should not be allowed to roam freely but should be confined or at least better guarded.''
''Ah Frederick you're cautious as always. I appreciate you concern, but my intuition tells me that they are no threat. The rest of the shepherds also have a good impression of them. You saw their reaction during the negotiations. They did not want to be here. And that ''girl'' is my granddaughter.''
''I still don't trust them. Such reactions and pleasant behaviour can be faked by a good spy. And the girl was by all accounts raised by that bastard himself. Naga knows where her loyalties truly lie.''
There was a silence for a moment before her grandfather repeated his earlier statement.
''I trust them.''
''As you trusted Robin?''
It was clear that Frederick had hit a nerve, as the Exalt quickly responded with a sharp tone.
''Don't mention that name again.''
Another silent moment came to pass.
''(sigh) Sorry I shouldn't have snapped. I know you meant well old friend. We'll talk about this matter another time. It's been a long night. You're dismissed Frederick.''
Realizing that she stood in plain view, Morgan quickly hid behind some nearby creates. Not soon after the guard captain stepped out of the tent and disappeared into the night. A moment passed before her grandfather appeared outside as well, but unlike his guard captain, the Exalt didn't hurry back to his own quarters. Instead, he stood still and looked up into the night sky, before turning around towards the crates where Morgan hid.
''I trust that you know your way back in this darkness Morgan?''
Feeling like a child that had been caught trying to raid the pantry, Morgan meekly replied to her grandfather's question.
''Y-yes your highne-..I mean Chrom, sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop.''
At this her grandfather gave another one of his bemused chuckles before making a dismissive hand gesture.
''It's fine Morgan. It's not a crime to be curious at your age especially when it's about matters about your yourself.''
''I understand that my presence is of concern.''
''Don't be too bothered about that. Frederick the Wary has and always will be…um..wary. He'll warm up to you with time.''
''He's wise. I'm plegian and a bastard of your enemy.''
''And you're my granddaughter. While it is true that you were..forced upon my daughter. You didn't have a part of that heinous act. And from what I have seen from tonight and the last few days, you and companions are good people. And my daughter loves you despite the circumstances. Some may call me a fool for this, but that is enough for me to accept you.''
Morgan felt as if a burden around her heart had been lifted from her. Her grandfather's words left her with an indescribable feeling of joy she didn't know she could feel. Morgan was barely able to give her gratitude.
''Thank you.''
''Don't mention it. Now allow me to escort you back to your tent young lady. We can't have you getting lost now, eh?''
As soon as Morgan was back at her tent, she immediately laid down in her cot and begun to process the events of the day. Conversing with both her mother and grandfather had been so much different then her usual exchanges with her father and her siblings back in Plegia. It felt far more natural and pleasant.
As she laid there in her cot. Morgan realized she could add another aspect that described her relationship with her father. The young mage had always thought that she obeyed her father because he was her only known parent, as well as a respect towards his overwhelming abilities and power. But now as she compared her conversation with her grandfather (a man of great authority himself) with that of her father, she understood it was something else in the equation: a pure underlining fear of the man himself.
In hindsight she was now happy that Validar had sent her and her sisters away. As sleep soon overwhelmed her, another thought strafed her mind: Was the man Frederick mentioned the same man that was her father? Or was it just a different man with the same name?
So, the long-awaited meeting with mother and daughter has finally happened! Another clue has appeared for Morgan to muse over and hopefully I managed to explain Morgans obedience towards her father. Next chapter might take a longer time to finish as I hope to add more plot into the story as well as spend more time fixing eventual grammar mistakes.
Seya around for the next chapter and thank you all for sticking with the story so far ^^