Hero: I'll just come out and say it, this chapter has been done for a while now, but I'm just torn on what to do from here. I won't say exactly, but it's just a major plot point. Plus, I've been working on my P4G fic which needed more effort and I wanted to release them together, so this will come out first. I'll say more after this. Here's the very much fashionably late Chapter 9 of "Resolve of a Family" I hope you enjoy, though there's no action whatsoever.

Chapter 9

It was the 6th day in their march to save the Exalt, and the group had reached their destination, the crossroads before Ylisstol. Basilio sent in some scouts to check on the status of Ylisstol, and it seemed the city was in some chaos. The markets were fine, but the people were struck with fear and resentment. Propaganda was everywhere and people were unsure if Gangrel alone should be blamed. There were even some remarks to kill the Shepherds, though this was by very few people. If the Exalt is not rescued however, soon those few might turn to all citizens. Someone will have to pay, and since Gangrel is hard to reach, they want the next best thing; Chrom.

"...People seem to find it easy to blame anyone that's within their grasp. They know they can't reach Gangrel, but apparently we should be killed. Heh, then who will defend them?" Orpheus said to himself as he was cleaning his sword. As he continued, a silhouette could be seen outside his tent. "Who's there?"

"Oh, am I interrupting you?" A timid, feminine voice asked.

"That you, Sumia? It's okay, feel free to come in." Orpheus allowed as she entered his tent. "Is this about Chrom again?"

"N-No!" Sumia immediately snapped back at his remark. "I wanted to give you this."

"Oh?" He noticed something square-shaped wrapped up in some cloth. Upon opening it, it was a book. It was labeled, "History of Elibe, the Tale of Lords Eliwood, Lyndis, and Hector Vol. 1" He was surprised she found him this book somehow. "Wow, this is great! Elibe lore is something I have a major interest in. But… why did you get me this? My birthday isn't for some time."

"Oh, well… Stahl and I figured we owed you something for saving our lives back in Ylisstol Castle, so we pitched in some of our money and picked up this book. We couldn't find the other volumes, though that might be fault since we arrived at the store late."

"Nonono, that's fine! I'm totally fine with just this!" Orpheus quelled her down before the emotional storm set off, skimming through the beginning pages. "YES! This has mentions of Mark, oh man, I am set for this whole war!"

"You like it?" Sumia gasped in happiness.

"Hell no I don't like it!" Orpheus shouted. "I love it! Thank you so much Sumia! I owe you big time!"

"Oh… well, I'm glad you love it!" Sumia said as her tone picked up after he finished his sentence. "But you don't owe us anything. This was just us trying to say 'thanks for being our Tactician' is all." Sumia giggled. "I wanted to give it to you sooner, but you were so busy during the marches, and you'll be sneaking into Ylisstol tomorrow for extra supplies with Cordelia; so I thought I'd give it to you now."

"Better late than never." Orpheus joked. "But seriously, thank you. I appreciate this; I'll be sure to thank Stahl first chance I get too."

"You're welcome." Sumia smiled. The two conversed about various other things until it grew too late and Sumia left Orpheus to his reading that he so desperately wanted to begin. She wasn't mad at him though, for it reminded her of herself when she stumbled onto a new series.

The next day the Tactician had a tough time waking up, and not just because he liked his sleep. He spent longer than he needed to reading that book Sumia got him. He eventually forced himself awake and got dressed in what would be considered "normal" for any average citizen to wear. He dressed up as a traveler who generated a fair amount of income. The Persona he would be using would be a owner of a traveling caravan; something Basilio came up with on the fly. He and Cordelia were to be asking for food and basic medical necessities since Ylisstol had plenty of staves and self-applying medical supplies. As for why if they were asked, they were to go under the excuse of "bandit attacks," something simple and easy for any seller to understand. After he was ready to head out, he approached Cordelia to check if she was ready.

"Good morning Cordelia. I take it you're ready to go?"

"Yes, though it will feel strange that we have to do this." Cordelia nodded as she inspected more of her disguise outfit.

"I know. But like I kept saying; we're the best for this mission since no one knows of us as Shepherds. Any actual Shepherd would jeopardize the whole mission to save Emmeryn. As well as risking their lives. These citizens are really ready to place the blame on Chrom or anyone first chance they get." Orpheus sighed. "It all gets political from there, and you know how political nobles are… ready to spread propaganda in their favor just for a few extra minutes of fame and gold. Even if the citizens aren't mad enough first, these guys sure will make them."

"Yes… I suppose so. Still, I wish this would blow over already and no one would have to suffer." Cordelia sighed as well as they approached the large wagon. "Also, would it even be possible to carry everything in one ride?"

"Well… no. We'll have to make a 2nd trip for the rest of the stuff. But for now, those Staves are our priority." Orpheus shrugged as he reached the stagecoach, moving aside for Cordelia. "After you." He said as he reached his hand out for hers.

"Why, thank you." Cordelia smiled as she grabbed his hand to move her way up onto the wagon, in which he went up himself and was ready to move. "Now, let's get going. It'll take us about thirty to forty-five minutes to reach Ylisstol from here."

"Yep… it's going to be a long ride. If only I could read, but I have to focus on the road." Orpheus sighed.

"I take it reading is a hobby of yours?"

"Well, it's not like I have anything better to do that isn't tactic planning. I'm not as much as a heavy reader as Sumia, but I do like to read from time to time." Orpheus answered. "Oh, speaking of her, she and Stahl got me a book about a continent I like to read about. That's why I'm in a reading mood right now."

"Oh, really? What for? Was it your birthday recently?"

"No, that isn't for sometime, they just got it for me. I do owe them now for this." Orpheus did not wish to state the true reason, for the sake of not worrying Cordelia.

"I see… Well do you wish to return the favor for them?"

"Well, maybe. I don't know about right now though. It's not the best of times."

"I think if you see a chance to return the favor, you should take it. I know I would do that for Sumia."

"Yeah, I suppose so." Orpheus nodded in agreement. "What would you suggest? I think getting her a book wouldn't be as great since she gave me one."

"Hmmm… I'm not quite sure myself. Maybe we should think about that later."

"Yeah, perhaps when this war ends, we can think of something." Orpheus said as he kept his eyes on the road. After some light-hearted conversing, they finally reached Ylisstol, which was in a stable condition despite the recent invasion it dealt with. Some places were being reconstructed, but others were left where they were since they were short on manpower. The market area was thriving as if nothing had happened. It had no choice but to for the people since it was the very heart of the capital. If it did no business, then surely the rest of the area would suffer immensely.

"Alright, what's the first thing on our list?" Orpheus asked his partner.

"Well, we have food, vulneraries, and medical staffs on our list. I think we should save the food for last. Let's get the medical equipment first." Cordelia explained as she looked over her notes.

"Alrighty, then let's start searching." Orpheus then moved forward off the wagon, stopped in his tracks, and reversed himself back to Cordelia. "Can you… lead the way? I still don't know where to look here."

"Sure." Cordelia giggled as she helped Orpheus back on board and She began to lead him to some of the more gruff parts of town. Plenty of mercenaries were about, possibly hoping to be drafted by Ylisstol for some money. Basically, taking advantage of the fear and propaganda. "We won't need that much right? We can't get too much or else the seller might get suspicious…"

"Oh, no need to worry, Chrom set us up with someone specifically to meet. I just didn't know how to get to that spot." Orpheus laughed a bit forcibly. "She's someone we helped some time ago... Oh look, that should be the tent!" Orpheus then pointed towards a beige colored tent. It surprisingly looked well as the two got off their wagon and entered the tent.

"Oh! Come one in!" The redhead in a ponytail greeted as she took her sights off of what she was focused on.

"You're…. Anna, right?"

"Why, yes, the very same! I take it you helped one of my sisters?"

"Sister? But you look just like her!" Orpheus was surprised to learn of this. "Are you twins?"

"Well, more than that, there are plenty of us! It's kind of complicated." Anna giggled, enjoying this as if she always shares this kind of story to customers. "So, are you who I think you are?"

"Yeah, the 'simple' caravan owner."

"Ah yes, one of your friends came by the night before to tell me of what you've been seeking. Alright, just let me take out everything that you need. I'll be back in a moment." Anna nodded with a smile and went to the back to gather everything.

"You seem to be getting the hang of this." Cordelia giggled to herself.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Orpheus shrugged as he looked around, spotting the Killing Edge. "Hey, isn't this the type of sword Lon'qu uses?"

"I believe so."

"You interested in that? It's on sale today, but it's a wonderful weapon! Shall I add it up with everything else?" Anna said as she brought the Staves, all bunched up and tied together for easier carrying.

"Yes, but I'll pay for that sword myself."

"Very well." Anna smiled since she made an easy sale. Orpheus paid the difference and Anna sheathed the blade, then giving it to him. "Be careful with it, though I assume you know how to use it."

"Yes, I've got enough experience with swords."

"Alrighty, now then for the rest of pay towards your original purchase, please!"

"Oh, right!" Cordelia nearly forget and gave Anna the gold Basilio supplied her with.

"Yes, exactly everything needed! Thanks again! Now, here are your vulneraries too. Please have a good day!" Anna handed over the bag of vulneraries with a smile as Orpheus and Cordelia said their goodbyes. The two secured everything, placed their just bought supplies onto their wagon, and were ready to head out when they were stopped by some colorful people.

"Hey there, wee man. What brings you to this part of town?" A gruff man stopped Orpheus, who was seemingly looking for a fight. "Especially with a little lady here too."

"I'm here doing my own business. Go away, mercenary." Orpheus immediately let his attitude loose.

"Whoa there, mate; I don't think I like your attitude."

"You shouldn't. If you don't like it, then get out of our sight."

"Boy, you're walkin' on thin ice. I ain't afraid to cut ye down in front your wife." The man already put his hand on his blade.

"You really wanna fight? I'm warning you, I don't look it, but I can handle myself.

"Ahahaha! You make for a fine jester! How about you say that after me boys & I rough you up." The man made a signal calling for his two other friends came in.

Cordelia immediately tugged on Orpheus' sleeve, "Hey, um, 'honey,' we should let this drop and head out."

"Yeah, mate, listen to the little lady."

"It's not like you're gonna back down now, are you?"

"Actually, no, we weren't!"

"Oy! What is with this scene?" A heavily accented man ran into the heavy atmosphere, getting in between both parties.

"Ah, Gregor, you're just in time! We were about to teach this wee man a lesson!"

"Sullivan, now is no time to be picking the fights! We have job now! We must head to Plegian desert!"

"A job, eh? Finally, I guess we'll leave then." The man named Sullivan calmed down. "Well, aren't you lucky? Let's get going boys!" He then walked away with his two lackeys.

"Oy, are two alright from harm?" Gregor asked Orpheus.

"I'm fine, trust me, I know how to handle myself." Orpheus showed the blade hidden in his robes.

"Ah, I see. You use trickery to your side! Smart man! But I am sorry for trouble Sullivan caused."

"It's fine, um… Gregor, was it?"

"Yes! Gregor is swellsword! Though is hired right now, so now I will be with the very busies!"

"Yes, that's fine. Well thank you, Gregor, but you should be on your way."

"I must be on my way indeed. I'll be on the way! Goodbye, strange man." Gregor left after his friends.

"What a strange man." Cordelia commented. "I wonder if we'll see him again."

"He seems like a good guy, but I get the feeling we will. This is quite the small world." Orpheus gave a smile. "Speaking of smiles… Gaius, I know you're there."

"Easy there, Bubbles. Just came to make a report is all." The sneaky thief emerged from the shadows, with his obvious orange hair being the giveaway of his identity.

"Alright, then let's hear it."

"Well, it seems Chrom and Sully went hunting for food and got some nice catches, so you won't need to make a 2nd trip for supplies. Just return the medical stuff and come back to fill the wagon with food and then you're done." Gaius explained with surprisingly good detail for his standards.

"I see. Well, I'll be doing that then. But what about you Gaius?"

"I'll be… enjoying the town's delicacies."

"I hope you actually mean that and not stealing. If you get caught, I'm not helping you."

"I'm not gonna try that, Bubbles. I'm actually gonna go just check out the sweets and then I'll be heading back. I gotta stock up on my food too!"

"Candy and cake are not food; more-so snacks."

"Snacks are food in my book, though."

"Whatever, just don't do anything suspicious."

"Got it." Gaius then headed on to his merry way.

"Shall we be on our way then?" Cordelia asked.

"Yeah, let's get going." Orpheus said as he and Cordelia got back on the wagon and began to return the medical supplies.

After delivering it and the ride back to Ylisstol.

"Orpheus, just what were you planning to do with those guys?" Cordelia asked now that things were calm.

"Oh, that? I was just going to rough them up a little and send them packing." Orpheus answered with no thought given.

"But we would have no doubt caught people's attention. We're not supposed to give them any idea as to who we are." Cordelia responded with worry of jeopardizing the mission.

"I know, but I'll just say I'm a former Regna Ferox soldier who remembers his training. I gotta be prepared for all possible outcomes, y'know."

"I know, but still; we can't risk getting caught. Everyone here is on edge and I doubt they'd be willing to take a chance with us." Cordelia scolded.

"I suppose. But hey, we got through that no prob, so I think we can make it through the rest of the day." Orpheus answered as the two were near the town. "Anyway, let's just get our food and head back." Cordelia only nodded and kept quiet for the rest of the trip.

Once they went back into town, they went into the Market for looking for food, and one supplier agreed to load it all himself, so he told them to go look around while he was busy, despite their insistence to help.

"So, what now?" Cordelia asked.

"Hmmm… Hey look, there's a baked goods shop. You want something?"

"Sure, how about some sweet bread?"

"Sure! I heard in some other parts of the world, it's called something else… 'Pan Dulce' I believe?"

"Really? I never knew that. You read that in a book I take it?"

"Yeah, it was mentioned in one of the books Sumia made me read." Orpheus laughed a bit as they walked towards the store. "Excuse me!"

"Ah, hello, what can I get you?" A blonde seller walked up with a smile.

"Hmm… I'll take one of those pink ones, if you don't mind." Orpheus pointed to it since he never knew their individual names.

"And you, miss?"

"Yes, I'll have that one there." Cordelia pointed to a yellow one.

"Alright, well let me just get them for you!" The woman cheerfully said as she grabbed them and placed them into a pouch. Orpheus then paid for his, while Cordelia paid for hers. "Thank you, and come again!"

"Let's save these for later." Cordelia suggested.

"Yeah, we can eat them on the way back. It'll make the trip less boring. Anyway, I bet that guy is nearly done, so let's head back." Orpheus shrugged as he and Cordelia headed back. Orpheus peered into the wagon to make sure everything was accounted for.

"Is that all you'll be needing?" The seller asked with a rough voice.

"Yes, sir. Here's your money." Orpheus gave him a bag of gold, valuing way more than the man makes in a day.

"This is… thank you sir for your patronage! I hope you return back here again!" The man was overjoyed to see so much gold given to him in a single day.

"Of course. But I must head back to my caravan."

"Of course, sir. Thanks again."

Orpheus searched for other vendors for different types of food that was also on the list and then the two began their return to the camp site.

"You think we should have bought some more bread for the others?"

"Well…" Cordelia gave it some thought before having an answer. "It would be nice, but we'd probably be out of money by the time we get enough for everyone."

"I suppose. Oh well." Orpheus shrugged again as he took a bite of his sweet bread afterwards. "Wow, this is good."

"Yes, it is. Maybe I should have gotten one more."

"Maybe so." Orpheus agreed as he took another bite. "Say Cordelia, are you not from Ylisstol? I had a feeling someone would've recognized you, but that didn't seem to be the case."

"Well, unlike most of the Shepherds, I'm not from around the capital. I'm from a town that's north of it. I was recruited by scouts when I was younger."

"I see. I still don't recall where I could be from myself."

"I heard you had amnesia. I'm certain your memories will return one day."

"Thanks. I hope they do come back one day." Orpheus nodded as he kept his eyes on the road. "But part of me wonders if that'll be a good or bad thing."

Hero: Yeah, kinda boring, but oh well. Don't worry, this fic isn't dead, I'm just in a serious case of writer's block and deciding where exactly I want to chart this story. The end-goal is still the same, but the journey too it is in question and I need to come up with an answer soon. I'll be thinking about that before I begin writing Chapter 10, which is basically the beginning of the climax for character development for both Cordelia and Sumia.(One girl at a time however.)

Anyway, here's the next piece of trivia for Orpheus; today, we'll look at his victory quotes.

"Heh, did you see that!?" (I wanted to put his spouse's name there, but I gave up on that idea)
"Yeaahh!"
"Well that was fun."
"Tipping it in my favor!"
"And that's checkmate."

Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even if it was boring compared to what I've had in recent months. The action will pick up at around Chapter 11 or so, so look forward to that. I'll try to get the next chapter done by the end of the month. Here's hoping!