Day 20, afternoon


Robin lounged in his tent, a map on the wall behind him bearing the painstaking work he had just re-completed; the Shepherd's next move was thoroughly re-planned out, and much more daring than Robin could dream of conjuring just a year ago.

Then again, the whole plan was thoroughly shot- rather, drenched and pied- when Sumia and Felicia launched a joint attack on his old map just yesterday. But alas, what was done was done, and with some mandatory volunteering from Corrin and Chrom, Robin had recreated the map of Valm to the last detail, much to his own relief.

The tactician couldn't help but smile at what was the worst of his 'dilemmas.' Ever since the Nohrians and Hoshidans joined Ylisse's forces, he had been able to work more intricate and larger plans into motion. Sure, there were a couple of hiccups and disagreements, but nothing major had happened yet. Truly, these was as good a start to the campaign as he could hope for. No more were the the Shepherds just some Ylissean force of soldiers. Now? He had a full host of elite men and women ready to repel the tyrants of the world.

And slay a dragon, of course.

His co-conspirator in this tactical endeavor, Commander Corrin, was the subject of his latest string of thoughts. She was smarter than she let on, that much was obvious. Clearly, being locked in a tower for close to two decades with nothing but books, time, and instructors had done a few good things for the Princess. Her knowledge of warfare, both on a macro and micro scale was exemplary, and gods, was she a good swordsman. Robin was having his ass handed to him 2-8 during their sparring sessions. Not only that, but she was also a good morale booster. Her optimism and her gentle innocent nature made her not only a great friend but a great leader. Perhaps... surpassing Robin himself on that front. Not on many fronts, but just that one. It was an acceptable thing to realize, and he did so with grace.

And, she could turn into a dragon. Something Robin could not, for the life of him, hope to match in ability.

Robin's thoughts were interrupted as Chrom entered the tent, followed closely by Frederick and Jakob, Lady Corrin's butler.

Bitch.

"Robin," Chrom greeted with a nod regarding his friend, before grabbing a few copies of the battle plans and making way to head out. Quickly, Robin stopped him, eyeing the Exalt in an odd display of quiet desperation.

"Could you grab Cor- Commander Corrin... for me?"

Chrom craned his head instantly and flashed the tactician a wry smile. Robin rolled his eyes but Chrom burrowed further into the void, flustering Robin to no end.

"Planning movements of some sort?" Chrom challenged with a smirk.

It was well known among the Shepherds that Robin's charm, intellect, and overall personality made him a very likable person.

He was also horrible at hiding his jealousy at Chrom and Olivia's shared happiness, not to mention the other Shepherds that had found their partner in the trials of war.

Robin was masterful at handling many scenarios. Being single was not one of them.

Inversely, his charm with certain ladies, while overwhelmingly in his favor, had not exactly been fruitful. Robin wasn't a simple dog to hound out any potential mate, especially not now.

"Movements? Oh, I suppose that's one of the issues on our agenda," Robin nodded, feigning innocence.

"Uh-huh. I'll let you two move on it then," Chrom replied just as cooly.

At Chrom's remark, Jakob instantly grew wary and Robin made out the silhouette of a blade along his right sleeve.

"Don't you worry about a thing, Sir Jakob, it's about tomorrow's resupply op. Maybe a couple games of chess and some a chat, and you can have her back."

The butler scoffed and retracted the blade, replacing it with his middle finger.

Chrom broke up the tension, blocking Robin of Jakob's sight with his own body.

"Ah, well. I can grab her for you." Chrom laughed as he exited, and Robin noticed Jakob flash a glare at him before he left the tent as well.

"Dog."

"Ass," Robin replied, under his breath.

Anticipating his visitor within a couple minutes or so, Robin got to work arranging his chessboard. Having introduced her to the game just a few days ago, he was excited to see how well she'd learned and hopefully he would find himself in the midst of an actual opponent. He sighed as he thought of the mental arsenal of his peers regarding those interested in playing with him. Frederick was so-and-so, but he lacked the oversight to identify Robin's endgame until half his material had vanished.

Chrom was utter piss, and more often than not half their games ended with the Exalt slamming the board with his gauntlet and forcing Frederick to run in with a worried face. Lissa had no idea what the hell she was doing. Virion was actually amazing, but the idle chatter between moves... was less than ideal. Vaike... No.

Miriel took so damn long with her turns that Robin could have started another game with Chrom and lose before she would decide between King or Queen's gambit.

So on and so forth the games went, until Robin settled with either playing with himself which was no fun at all, or Lucina, who had a knack for insight and Robin's openers. Not so much losing with grace, though.

Robin stopped his thoughts as he heard two voices outside. No, make that three. Chrom's attempted whispering was most obvious, followed by a chuckle from both him and... Jakob. Of course. And then the female... Corrin?

Corrin's 'are you sure?' confirmed such suspicion, but Robin would just have to ask her later.

There was a knock on the wall, and Robin got up.

"Yes, who is it?" he asked casually, already knowing the answer.

"Corrin?" Corrin answered hesitantly, fluttering her thumbs. Her head peaked past the door, checking the room before she entered.

"Ah, good to... see... you?" Robin slowed down, tilting his head at the unusual silence. He swore he heard laughing outside. The Princess smiled sheepishly, before noticing the silhouettes against Robin's doorway. Robin glared suspiciously at her, before he figured it out. He brought his hands up, but too late.

"Corrin-"

"Corr-out!" Corrin yelped, throwing a bucket of water onto Robin's face, running out of his tent just as lightning shot out from behind her, narrowly missing her head.

"Oh you've done it now."

Hobbling out of the tent with a snarl, Robin had the attention of the three who had plotted so deviously against him. Staring Corrin in her innocent red eyes, he vowed that instant to extinguish all manner of hope from them one day.

"You just started a war with the wrong tactician, Commander."

"Oh come now Commander, it's hot. Cool off a bit... Hey, put down the- eek!"

Lightning struck metal this time, causing the young princess to spasm uncontrollably on the ground as Chrom busted into hysterics as well, only to also be shot by Robin.

Jakob's knife flew in, but Robin anticipated the strike and dodged back effortlessly, causing the dagger to bounce off the grass.

"Up you go, then," Robin ordered, bringing up both of his incapacitated friends with outstretched hands. Oddly enough, they were still laughing.

"Y-you... aha, you should've seen your face-"

Corrin's wheezes were still a bit incoherent, but her happiness was evident and as plain as day. Robin only fumed back, being that he was still freezing cold and soaking wet.

But as he saw Corrin's disarming smile alongside Chrom's and even Jakob's, he decided that revenge was a dish best served cold.

Very, very cold, with a Fimbulvetr tome. In the middle of the night...

And when Corrin turned her contagious smile to Robin, he couldn't help but return it as he dripped all over the floor, a plan already conjured.