Day 1, Afternoon
"Quite the army we've assembled, huh?"
Robin and Chrom overlooked the courtyard of Ylisstol palace, where all three armies were intermingling to a degree. Hoshidans and Nohrians alike were talking to the Ylisseans, but it was clear to see that the former enemies weren't keen on opening up to each other quite yet.
It was expected, of course. Thousands, perhaps millions of deaths on each side have racked up over the decades. Hatred spanning generations had been instilled in each bloodline present.
The road to peace was hardly a straight one.
Emmeryn had taught him that. She had placed full trust in him, her brother, and her country. One day, she promised, Ylisse would be a beautiful country again, cleansed of the stains her father had left her to clean.
Even if it cost her her life.
"Yes, yes it is, and by no single effort alone," Robin sighed wistfully. Stretching his shoulders about, he glanced over to see Corrin, Ryoma, and Xander chatting behind them. Well, more like arguing. Chrom noticed this too and leaned closer in for Robin's discretion.
"How do you think we'll get them to play along? They are enemies, after all. They might cut each other down instead of the Valmese." Robin nodded in agreement, but kept his gaze steady.
"Perhaps. And I am quite worried about that. Though... battle does forge quite the bond, if utilized correctly."
"How does one utilize war to convince two life-time enemies to annul their hatred?"
"You decided now-Queen Olivia would be your wife an hour after killing Gangrel together. My plan follows along the same lines," Robin teased, forcing Chrom's cheeks to burn flush red.
"T-that's different..." he stammered, looking away.
"Oh? I think it's a model example. Though, instead of two people, imagine the bonds that can form if all of these soldiers share a common goal..." Chrom looked again to the future army below and couldn't help but grin.
"And I take it you have a plan to point all us sheep in a unified direction?"
"It will come," Robin reassured. "Though, I may need time. We have what, a week before the ships arrive? I'll think of something."
"I trust you as always, friend," Chrom vowed, turning away to handle other matters. "I'll catch you later, when you arrive at your strategy."
"Will comply, my Exalt," Robin laughed, nodding to Chrom as he left.
Alright. So there's, eh, give or take... sixty of us? Maybe more, maybe less. I think...
"Commander Robin, may I have a word?"
Robin paused his thoughts to turn to the tall blond man standing behind him, recognizing him as the crown prince of Nohr.
...Whose name he had just forgotten.
"Of course, Prince... Ry..." stuttering along, the prince forcefully put Robin back on track with a single word.
"Xander," the Nohrian stated rather flatly, no smile present on his face.
Great going, you dunce. The tactician that won a war can't even remember a prince's name, one that he himself had said a few minutes ago.
"Right. My apologies, Prince Xander. My office is nearby, if privacy is due?"
"It would be beneficial to be secretive, indeed," Xander said, quite relieved. "Lead the way? Oh, and Corrin," he added with a turn, "I'll be with the Commander of these Ylisseans. If something happens, contact me right away."
"Don't worry," Ryoma and Corrin said simultaneously before looking at each other. "Everything will be just fine," Corrin finished.
"Very well."
Robin took his seat, gesturing the crown prince to his own. Out of habit, Robin took out a book, uncorking his ink well and preparing for rigorous notation. Xander didn't seem to care but Robin had to demonstrate his methods to the unknowing prince.
"Force of habit," the tactician explained. "I tend to make better decisions when all the facts are in my face. I'm a pretty visually organized guy, I guess. I like to see things. Numbers, names, details, et cetera. Especially in battle, when I can watch the flow and capabilities of our enemies, and adapt accordingly. I suppose it's a tactician's sense? " Xander nodded in approval, still oh-so-princely in his chair, posture and all. His cravat must have been surgically aligned to rest exactly parallel his spine, and no doubt the prince's meticulously calculated positioning would give Frederick a run for his money.
Perhaps a tactician could sit up straight as well, instead of slouching over his desk in the presence of a foreign prince.
"So..." Robin began hesitantly, already cringing at the crack in his voice, "What can I do for you, Prince Xander?"
Instead, Xander merely examined Robin. Almost as if he were... scanning him. Robin felt very under-the-knife at the moment, not too different than how he felt when Miriel ran her experiments on him during their scheduled interview time-
Interview!
That's it!
Xander noticed how Robin immediately received a surge of energy, vigorously writing in his book what appeared to be...
Xander, Crown Prince and General of Nohr. Refined and stern on first glance, birthday-
"October, 24, and what exactly is going on?"
Robin looked at his surroundings, almost surprised at where he was. Xander stared back, clearly thinking Robin to have woken up from some trance.
"S-sorry," Robin stopped immediately, realizing that he had just interrupted Xander's discussion with his own agenda. "I... forgot you needed something. I guess I got carried away..."
"Doing what, exactly?" Xander asked, in a tone that was certainly neither disapproving nor encouraging Robin's behavior. "This isn't an interrogation, more like an interview? Are you trying to figure me out, Commander?"
"I had a habit, back during our own war," Robin explained, thinking of his original roster... which unfortunately, was long gone thanks to Lissa... "Anyway, as our little militia received more recruits, I would interview them on little one-on-one sessions, just to get a basic grip on their personality, combat ability, and other things a commander might need to know. I may just have let the habit slip and monopolized your time for my benefit. And for that... I apologize."
However, Xander finally cracked a small smile, clearly in approval to Robin's work.
"I cannot say that what you are doing is wrong. Actually, my dilemma could be understood better if you tried to continue your interview."
Robin looked surprised, but his delight outweighed that expression. Though, after a quick realization,he shook his head.
"The original roster was lost, I'm afraid. A certain sister of my Exalt decided to dump it in a pond. She thought it was a clever prank." Robin still felt a pang of sadness when he thought of that treasured book, now lost in the waves. Xander didn't seem to mind in the slightest though.
"Then start over, perhaps? A new roster, for our new beginning. We are Shepherds, as my sister so poetically exclaimed earlier. I do not think a new roster would be so far-fetched. One devoted to Ylisseans, Nohrians and Hoshidans alike. If we are to bridge this gap, as much as my pride and honor as a Nohrian would disagree, we must start with trust. After all, this is what I came to you to talk about."
"It... is?" Robin asked, genuinely curious in Xander's inquiry.
"Of course. I was concerned whether Ylisse was familiar in Nohrian ways, and what methods we may need to adapt to better-" Robin quickly stopped Xander, as rude as it was.
"Not necessary, Prince Xander. We came to you for aid, and you gave it to us willingly. We will not force your lifestyle to change. You are our allies as much as we are indebted to you. If anything, I am curious in the Nohrian and Hoshidan lifestyles. After all, I am a foreigner to Ylisse as well, and have adapted easily enough to their culture. If you are willing, perhaps by understanding their crown prince, I may better understand his people."
"Sound logic, Commander Robin. Which leads me to my next question."
"Of course. Are there problems you are having? I will gladly spearhead efforts myself to make our guests feel more welcome."
"I suppose you may approach it like that. As you already know, I am Nohr's field commander, as Prince Ryoma is with his Hoshidans. We... may not see eye to eye, and I do not think my soldiers nor Ryoma's may trust you, a foreign tactician, with battlefield orders. Yet." Robin shrugged, knowing this already.
"It's to be expected from two different nations following a third. To be honest, I did not expect Nohr or Hoshido to follow us that easily."
"Well, we had Lazward, my retainer, and Odin, my brother Leo's retainer, just validate your seemingly impossible story. And while I do not know much about Odin, I trust Lazward with my life. Prince of Ylisse or not, he is my brother before anything else."
"I see. Even now, I feel like I understand you a little more." Xander smiled at Robin's eagerness and relaxed slightly in his chair.
"So, back to my concerns. I doubt a Hoshidan, even one as level-headed as Kaze, would brave my command under the stresses of battle. And this may be inaccurate, but no Nohrian would let a Hoshidan dictate their engagements. Especially not in an endeavor as sacred to us as battle."
"So you need someone, who, by nature, can relay orders efficiently to both sides of the army, not to mention us Ylisseans? Someone who both sides trusts?"
"Yes. And..." he turned to point at Corrin, still talking to Ryoma on the balcony. "I think she is that common factor."
"Corrin?"
"My precious little sister," Xander explained, rather sadly. "It is true, she was of Hoshidan birth before my father kidnapped her. But I love her as one of my own siblings. And that is a sentiment shared with the Hoshidan royals too. I... as much as I would hate to use her like this, think that she is the key to unifying Hoshido and Nohr, if only for this short time period before reality chases us down."
"I don't know that much on Cor- Princess Corrin, though," Robin lamented. "I mean, we chatted just a few hours ago after you all came in, but... other than that, I don't know how the others, let alone her, would handle such a duty."
"If anyone can do it, it's her," Xander promised. "After all, that's an empty book in your hands, tactician. A few interviews would not harm the bindings."
Robin chuckled, thumbing the blank pages absently before nodding his consent.
"I'll see what I can pull off. But if you think that Princess Corrin can help our cause even more than she already has, then I suppose I have some interviews to do." Xander nodded in contentment, rising from his chair and shaking Robin's hand. As he left the door, he gave one last bit of advice.
"Oh, but Commander Robin, do restrain her more eccentric behavior. She is still Nohr's little princess, no matter what that gorgeous sword in her hand may argue otherwise."
Day 2, Early morning
"Good morning, R- Commander Robin! You requested me earlier. I'm sorry I didn't come faster, though. I had quite a bit of training to do."
Robin glanced from his journal and shut it quickly before opening up his roster and grinning at the princess in his doorway.
"Take a seat, Princess Corrin. And please, Robin is fine for now, considering..."
"Considering what?"
"Perhaps it would be better to explain myself first. I'm about to interview you, just so I, and the rest of the army, can get to know each other just a little better. This roster will be open for free use later on, so if you were planning on entrusting me with some life-threatening secret, I'm afraid it will have to wait."
Corrin laughed at the joke and sat down, nodding in approval.
"If I had any, my lips would be sealed, Com- Robin. So, what kind of questions do you have for me?"
"Nothing too personal," Robin explained, "But let me just index a page or two for the preface before we get to things."
"And I suppose that's the roster?" Corrin asked, pointing at the empty book in Robin's possession. The journal, to his left, went ignored. Robin nodded and tapped the newly bound book in anticipation.
"We used to have one for the Ylissean element only, back when we were all there was to our little band of merry men and women. But now, I think it's high time for a new, revised roster. Starting with you, of course."
"Why me?"
"Prince Xander among others has expressed a desire for you, a princess of both Hoshidan and Nohrian merit, to be the binding agent between both armies. Think you're up to the task?"
"Me? Helping the peace between Hoshido and Nohr?"
"They don't trust me yet, as much as I'd like them to. And they may not trust you, but if you were to give an order to a Nohrian in the stead of say, Prince Ryoma, I think your words may have more sway. More authority."
Robin's neck strained from his stiff posture, as Corrin came to notice. Maybe the tactician was sore. Or tired? But back to the matter at hand.
"If I can stop this war... then of course I'll do anything that needs to be done. Realistically, I can't be as good as you. But I'll try, and that's a promise."
Robin seemed satisfied with that answer, and let out another smile. Corrin stared at it a while, before shaking her head and breaking the spell the magician had cast. He smiled a lot.
And he wasn't going to get boring anytime soon.
"Good answer. Well, with that being said, I suppose we'll be bickering with each other a lot in the coming war, I assume," Robin foresaw with a laugh. Corrin's neck craned as she didn't understand Robin's implication.
"How so?"
"It means... for the foreseeable future, I will be seeking your counsel in our joint endeavor... Commander Corrin."
Commander?
The way she suddenly sat straighter, or the way that her eyes shined brighter, made Robin believe that he had just given her a goal worth striving for.
"...What?"
Robin recognized that flash as Corrin's eyes widened in confusion. But underneath the haze of shock, he saw a glimmer of realization and potential to do right.
"Looping back to why I don't want you to call me Commander anymore; it's because of this. As of now, Princess Corrin, you are Commander of the Shepherds in conjunction with myself. All orders, counsel, and information stemming from you will be treated with the same regard as my own, if not more. The Shepherds are just as much mine as they are yours now, Princess. You won't just stop Hoshido and Nohr's war, Corrin; You'll lead them out of it. I'll be there too, just as your sidekick."
The tactician trailed off to let the words sink.
"Of equal rank, of course," he quickly added.
Corrin remained silent for a few more seconds before a glee overcame the rest of her bubbling emotions.
"I... I'm honored! But... are you sure it's the right decision?"
"I think so," Robin assured. "Your brother, Xander, thought so."
"Is that what you two were talking about yesterday?"
"Among other things... yes. He saw you as the perfect liaison between Hoshido and Nohr during battle and every moment not."
"But aren't you the Commander? What do you think?"
"We're the Commanders," Robin corrected, "And from what I've seen of you so far, I think there's no better choice than you, Corrin."
"I'll prove you right!" she cheered, infecting her Co-Commander with her grin. "Shall we begin this roster of ours?"
"Indeed we shall," Robin decided. "First things first... the preface. I'll... do this later, after we fill out your page."
But at the moment she was tilting her head slightly at Robin's composure. Ever since she had come in, it was like he had to relieve himself of something. Perhaps he had a bad dinner?
"Why are you sitting so straight? It looks so... unnatural."
Robin sighed and went back to his slouching posture, which was much better for his sore shoulders.
"Your brother inadvertently influenced me to straighten up my posture in the presence of royalty. But, if you insist, then who am I to complain?"
"Oh, don't mind Xander. He's a bit stiff and gruff at times, but I think he's the best big brother I can have! Er, there's Ryoma too... And he's cool in his own way!"
"Heh." Robin chuckled slowly to himself, opening up the first page and thinking of the blank page before him.
"What's up?"
"Just thinking of how to open up the roster. Some inspiring speech is in order. When they write us down in the history books," Robin began haughtily, "I would want us looking every bit the part of heroes. When our soldiers look at this when all that's outside is rain and gloom... I want them to close this book inspired and ready for more."
"Well aren't you confident. But you are right. Hmm, a good way to really get the blood boiling..."
Suddenly, Corrin took the quill and book from him and began to write down her own preface.
"H-hey-"
"Wait, I promise it's gonna be good!"
Slowly, Robin relented and watched curiously as Corrin began the prologue with graceful, sweeping strokes, far beyond the penmanship of a measly tactician. Robin forgot she was a noble and was thus refined with the pedigrees of such an upbringing.
This is the full roster of the Shepherds, brave warriors of three different countries united under a single banner. In the name of glory, peace, and hope, these soldiers fight together despite their differences, despite their hatred or distrust. When three armies: one of the Kingdom of Nohr, one of the Kingdom of Hoshido, and one of the...
"What is the structure of Ylissean government?"
"Halidom," Robin explained. "Such a weird word, but just go with it. H-A-L-I-"
"I can spell," Corrin huffed, returning back to the preface.
and one of the Halidom of Ylisse join forces...
"Ah, I'm stuck," Corrin whined, nearly spilling ink on the page if not for her quick reflexes.
"It's pretty good. Suspense, tension, you must read a lot of fiction," Robin admitted. "But it needs a... kicker. Something that will really convince everyone that we're fighting on the same side. And that we'll win too."
Suddenly, Corrin lit up, grinning mischievously as she resumed her train of thought.
When three armies: one of the Kingdom of Nohr, one of the Kingdom of Hoshido, and one of the Halidom of Ylisse join forces, not even the dragons of legend could withstand the might of a unified force-
"Oh, darn it, I said forces twice." Corrin planted her face into Robin's desk and Robin couldn't help but laugh at the rather open princess across from him. Tearing out the page, he offered it back to her again to try on the book's second. She accepted his offer and bit her finger casually, thinking of how to word the roster's introduction.
She had a really nice bite to her jawline-
"Help me out, will you?"
"The first step of a long journey is often a small, unsteady one," Robin recited, smiling at the thought of Emmeryn watching her kingdom about to embark on something... beautiful.
"But the second one is full of confidence... of anticipation. Of hope," Corrin finished, writing away.
This is the full roster of the Shepherds, brave warriors of three different countries united under a single banner. In the name of glory, peace, and hope, these soldiers fight together despite their differences, despite their hatred or distrust. When three armies: one of the Kingdom of Nohr, one of the Kingdom of Hoshido, and one of the Halidom of Ylisse join forces, not even the dragons of legend can withstand the might of a unified mankind.
Nohr, a land of strength and honor. What it lacks in sunshine, the denizens provide with their own radiant qualities. The strength of family, of survival, of country. This is the creed of all Nohrians under the war-torn banners of old and new. They fight not because of the pains of war, but of the honor of providing for their future through their own sweat and blood. Blood, that will never have to be spilled in vain again.
Hoshido, a land of compassion and peace. Abundant in both hospitality and grace, the farmed fields and green hills of the White Dragon's lands are just as nurturing as their people. A lifetime of war has tempered their edge, yet they seldom draw it unless it is to defend their homeland. A homeland that will never have to fear again.
Ylisse. A foreign land to me, to us. But yet, their struggles, their war, it is mine, and therefore ours to inherit. A country of peace, yet the warriors they have flying her flag are ones well-versed in fighting for their countrymen. A country where their own king fights on the front lines for his people, yet the people never have to fight for their own. And one day, when we're done, this will be a land that never has to worry about their militia, nor their Exalt.
As Shepherds, it is our duty and our burden to fight against impossible odds. Valm is an empire. Grima is a dragon. What other enemies may lie on our path, we do not know. But what I do know, is that I will be alongside you. Not as a commander, not as a princess, but as your sister. Your friend.
My name is Corrin, Princess of Hoshido, Princess of Nohr, and newly-appointed Co-Commander of the Shepherds. But the position I have the most pride in is the one of your ally, your friend. It will be my greatest honor to know all of you, to learn from all of you, to bleed and sweat and cry with all of you. I will walk with you every step of the way, and every step back home, and you will all be with me. Nothing on this land or lands beyond could ever bring me as much joy as it would seeing all of you walk into the sunset with me, a dragon vanquished behind us.
And if you can find it within yourself to trust me, even for a second, I guarantee you that I will fight an eternity to maintain that trust for however long you deem worthy.
I believe in a peace between Hoshido and Nohr, and I believe in a world where the future does not bring haunting warnings of pain and death. But without a unified body to fight against that tide, such beliefs are futile.
So allow me to lead you, and earn that sliver of trust. Rally by my side, and together we will watch the sun rise over our lands, finally at peace.
-Corrin of Nohr and Hoshido, Robin of Ylisse. Commanders, Joint-Shepherd Militia
Designation N000: Corrin/Kamui, Princess of Nohr/Princess of Hoshido.
Preferred weapon: Sword/Dragonstone
Suitable role in combat: Point/Field-Commander
[Commander Corrin's Note] I never knew my real birthday until I was recovered by Hoshido. As a Nohrian, I usually celebrated it on December 9th, but my Hoshidan family insists it's on December 19th. Also side-note, how cool is it that we share months! How convenient. Anyway, seeing that the 9th is sooner, therefore my presents and cake come sooner, I suppose I'll side with Nohr, just this once. Or maybe I'll celebrate it twice!
[Commander Robin's Note] As this is our trial-run for the roster format, do forgive the lack of decorum . I will revise this book, as lengthy an endea~
[Commander Corrin's 2nd Note] IT'S NOT SLOPPY AND EVERYTHING HERE IS SET IN STONE
[Commander Robin's Subnote] There is no way the army will take us seriously if we give this to them-
"Well, we are off to a splendid start. You almost spilled my ink there." Robin sighed, before laughing into his arm and looking at Corrin who was doing likewise.
"It is ready. I deem it worthy for the camp," she decided sternly, wielding her new Commander rank with an iron fist.
"As tempted as I am to see the result, I don't think your people nor mine are quite ready to joke around yet. A shame too. I was getting riled up by that preface."
"Ah, fine," Corrin mock-weeped, tearing out the page once more and restarting her entry. "I did like the preface too. Just so you know: I do read a lot."
"How are we gonna format this?" she asked, and Robin tried to recall how his old roster went before laying out an outline.
"Once I start interviewing the rest of the Shepherds, I think I'll figure out a system that works."
"I have two birthdays though," Corrin complained, looking at the format. Robin groaned and took back the book, scratching out his criteria.
"Just do what you see fit," Robin relented. "I'll clean it up and we'll make a roster that follows your lead."
"Just try and keep up!" Corrin laughed, scribbling away.
Designation N000: Corrin, Princess of Nohr
Sub-designation H000: Kamui, Princess of Hoshido
Birthday: December 9th, December 19th (Kamui)
Preferred Weapon/Role: Sword, Manakete/Dragonstone
[Commander Robin's Note] From what I've seen, she gives Chrom and Lucina a run for their money as far as swordsmanship is concerned. Once preliminary sparring is complete, will revise personally. The fastest runner in the army. Has the most intense eyes.
[Commander Robin's Addendum] Intense as in passionate? Not quite the word I'm going for... Fearless? Yeah. She's not scared of a thing.
[Commander Corrin's Note] Hi I'm Corrin!
Designation Y000: Robin, Tactician of Ylisse
Birthday: Unknown, celebrated April 19th
Preferred Weapon/Role: Sword, Lightning Magic
[Commander Corrin's Note] Call it a hunch, but Robin likes Thoron a little too much. Also, that levin sword HURTS to get hit by, so if you ever spar him, bring some lightning-deterring gear. The self-proclaimed grandmaster of chess in the army. Has the warmest hands.
[Commander Robin's Note] I can assure you that I did not hold Corrin's hands.
[Commander Corrin's Note] True. I grabbed them first. Warm.
