"No more...No more today please," Lissa pleaded with the swordsman at her side. Lon'qu looked over a list in his hand and shook his head.

"One more...Later this evening," he informed her. There was a look in his eye that said he did not enjoy being the bearer of this news.

A loud groan that seemed to last forever came out of the princess. She flopped into a chair in the room and sunk in without the slightest hint of being ladylike. She did at least sit up a little bit when Gaius entered the room. "I'm not taking extra requests. Your princess is closed for today," she teased with a grin the thief's way.

"I'm gonna take it you're working hard," he answered; grinning himself.

Chrom and Sumia had been married for some time yet and it was not too much of a surprise when whispers of a child coming followed. Rumors were found to be true and before too long a girl was born to the royal pair. Friends from all over had been coming to visit and see the girl as well as wish the prince and his wife congratulations. Since they were quite busy with the baby this left Lissa in charge of some of the duties usually reserved for Chrom. The girl had a lot of energy, but it was still enough to leave her with a tired look whenever it seemed like no one was looking.

Gaius had visited a couple times now and always Chrom was tied up. But he wouldn't complain about seeing Lissa. The princess probably need a little levity amid all the politics she likely had to deal with now.

Lissa let out a sigh before responding. "I dunno how Chrom sits through all this boring stuff without going crazy or falling asleep. I know it's important, but still."

With his eyes down on the paper in front of him Lon'qu appeared distracted but Gaius could tell he was paying close attention to the princess' concerns. He usually did. Even if he wouldn't stand too close to do so much of the time. Occasionally though, Gaius caught them standing just a bit closer-hands almost touching. It was impossible to pretend he wasn't seeing it.

Since they came home to Ylisse Lissa needed that support more than anyone. Even without her sister she remained pretty tough. Lon'qu and Maribelle just seemed to hold her up that much stronger.

"Blue takes time to bust up your castle, I think you can take a break now and then," Gaius suggested.

The princess chuckled a little at the thought. "He'd find a way to do it even without a break. But thanks Gaius. You probably came to see if he was free again, right?"

He scratched the back of his head and tried to not look too guilty. He was a man with a guilty face though it seemed. "Not exactly, but we haven't chatted in awhile."

Lissa shook her head. "He's kind of busy again...Babies are difficult. There's lots of nurses and help, but he wants to be there for her too."

"That's alright, Princess. Last thing he needs is another mug telling him about how great it must be to have a loud marshmallow that turns out crap."

The princess wrinkled her nose, but from her side Lon'qu coughed and turned his head away. Gaius knew immediately he was trying not to laugh. A wide grin plastered itself across his face.

"You wanna share something with us, Mr. Swordsman? That's funny, right? You're about twelve now, right?"

Lon'qu shot him a glare so fast he might as well have loosed an arrow on him too. "You're the one saying these things...What does that say about your maturity?"

"That it's better than your's. At least I can say it with a straight face."

"You were grinning the whole time."

Lissa groaned. "You two are both kids. Seriously. I really am the mature adult here."

"You're the one with the grown-up job here. Swordman here's just your glorified secretary. I'm usually pretty busy trying to get as many cakes as possible gathered up in one spot," Gaius agreed quite easily. He could keep laughing off all the glares he got from Lon'qu. He wouldn't start a fight in close quarters. Once they were outside though there were no promises. It was easy to jump on him with "training" out there.

Lon'qu kept his reaction to glares and a groan which made it easier for Lissa to go on. "That's right. I'm a hard-working adult with a great personal secretary," she agreed while smiling wide. It was tough to see but there was some red in Lon'qu's face. If these two got much more cutesy than this Gaius was going to have to point it out and embarrass the both of them.

"Right, right. You got adult stuff to get to though, I'm sure. I'll give you guys some space to get it done." Probably best to back out before getting into a fight just to be sure. Or asked to help. There was nothing he could do to help with castle politics. Or politics in general.

Lissa's smile fell a little; however, she had a bit of understanding appearing in her gaze. "I might just grab a nap before the next noble shows up wanting to see Chrom...Will you back again soon, Gaius?"

The thief thought on his answer for a second. He had been lingering around for awhile and seeing all the Shepherds more often did make the days go by easier. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to visit again soon. "I'll see about it. There might be an opening coming up in my schedule."

Lon'qu gave him a direct look that said "what schedule" without a single word. It was an impressive glare. One he ultimately ignored for the princess' answer.

"I'll keep an opening for whenever you come around. Maybe," Lissa replied playfully. She might be busy, but she'd certainly find an excuse. Gaius knew about that much.

"Next time then," he agreed and waved her off over his shoulder. He was almost through the doorway when Lon'qu finally spoke up again.

"Don't hold back on coming back on my account. Lissa would at least be happy to see you."

There was a short, embarrassed protest of the swordsman's name from the princess. Gaius could even it out though. "And you'd be happy too right? Don't worry about it," he laughed and carried on. He could hear Lon'qu starting to argue, but gave it up. Probably for the best on that one too.

He could always come back later. The guards were getting used to him entering now; although it was fun to climb a wall into a window every so often too. The surprises at least were welcome by a couple of the occupants. Not necessarily all of them. He didn't push his luck too hard.

As he strolled down the hall a bit lost in his thoughts he realized too late that there were another pair of footsteps coming his way. He slowed more in the hopes it was a friend.

Instead Maribelle turned around the corner. The second her eyes locked onto his he knew it was trouble. He went ridged when she nearly stormed his way. There was no forced friendliness, no ignoring him this time. Instead she outright acknowledged his existence again and in doing so showed nothing but frustration for it.

The noble's eyes shone with a particular sharpness to them. She had to have been unhappy before she turned that corner. His presence was the last straw. Maribelle stands right up to him, but keeps a fair distance. Her hands at her side looked tense and clenched tightly around the papers she carried in one.

"Have you not done enough damage? You would really keep preying on my dear Lissa?" she started off with her voice clipped.

"I'm not. She's-"

"Then what is it? You would not be here for the child. You would sooner rob the crib," Maribelle snapped. Everything about her body language signaled just his presence slowly made her madder and madder. It was a contained enough rage—she was still a proper noble woman. But that shortened and tested anger and the way that bottled energy fixed on him so specifically made him feel weak.

He felt little beyond guilt for it. Today wasn't a day to argue; she didn't hear him when he spoke. "I wouldn't...but I'm going." On steps he had to force to keep steady he started out toward the door again; moving around her carefully. As he was leaving he heard her call behind him.

"I will not forget what you have done to my father. You won't be allowed to pull such tricks with my dearest friends, you cad!"

He let the knives stab into his back as he walked away. The girl definitely had her sharpest tongue at ready. Each word felt like she bothered to twist into each puncture. He knew it was his own fault of course. It didn't stop him from trying to make up for it. All this time trying to do right by that mistake. Maybe he could have squirmed out of it. Or done anything else. But this was how it ended.

The thought plagued him at times and grew worse as he recognized this girl that first day with the Shepherds. There would be no escape either way.

His footsteps picked up; faster until he got much closer to the great doors of the castle. He didn't even notice the footfalls that came after his own; picking up speed to join him.

"Gaius!" the one following him finally shouted his way before he could escape these walls. Gaius stopped hesitantly and looked back to see Robin; concern coated over his features.

He could tell by that look he probably caught the better part of that exchange. Knowing the tactician was already unraveling his secret ate away at any sense of comfort he had left with the man. Running seemed like such a good option, but his boots felt like they were weighted to the floor. Robin approached slowly so he could speak more quietly.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a lowered voice; standing up close to Gaius' side. When Gaius didn't answer right away Robin's hand set gently on his arm. The light hold helped keep him from running off at least.

"Fine. Don't worry about. You don't exactly make friends in this business."

"I can guess it's personal and not just business. I'm not going to pressure you into saying anything, but I don't want to see you just take this and run off." There he paused for a moment, his expression turning a bit dark. "We don't think you're going to turn on us. It's just Maribelle...I'll talk to her."

"Don't. Just...let her do what she wants, alright? I owe her that much," Gaius replied quietly. He took Robin's hand lightly from his arm with his opposite hand. It was enough to get the tactician to remove himself the rest of the way. "Do me a favor and leave it at that."

Robin struggled visibly, his lips set in a thin, tight line. It took him a moment, but eventually he nodded. "I don't like this...But I understand—it's in your hands, Gaius." He probably had some idea of what was going on before. It definitely seemed to be more obvious to him now. Shame and guilt was all Gaius could feel for it.

Before Gaius could answer Robin tried to help at least a little further. "I know it might not help, but she's been on edge recently. You know how she is about Lissa...and she's been overworking herself. It's not much consolation, but I don't think it's all your fault. She's frustrated. If you go to talk with her...wait a little while. Give her a chance to cool off."

Gaius keeps quiet a moment longer before giving Robin the best smile he could muster up. "Thanks, Bubbles. Next time you see Blue tell him congrats on this whole family thing for me."

There came a short protest of Gaius' name from the other man. His gaze carried too much pity in it for Gaius to look at him directly. "You know he'd rather hear it from you."

"He's a busy man. No problem for you right? I'll see you later," Gaius said dismissively and carried on his way out. He needed to go now or it wasn't happening. Blabbering on with Bubbles like this didn't really help anything anyway.

Behind his back he could just feel the pressure building from Robin's struggle. The whole hallway felt tense behind him.

Robin was a good guy; he really was.

Probably too good for this mess.

The trip out of the castle felt like it took a lifetime. His path carried him out of the city center and more toward the outskirts. There wasn't work to jump right into outside the capital and yet staying didn't feel quite right. Lingering on his thoughts and sitting around didn't really make him happy either.

Every time they crossed, that noble girl would sour the taste of whatever efforts he'd put forth. One step further in with the Shepherds and then two steps back. Not that he felt he had the right to complain.

He groaned and turned to a scummy portion of the town. No doubt there was something to do there. Not exactly the same as working for Bubbles and Blue, but something to pass the time.

If he was called on, he'd go, but for the time being he settled on staying away.

Time passed.

There was always this temptation to return. He really did find he'd wanted to tell Chrom himself about the kid; maybe see for himself. He didn't care a lot for babies, but this was Chrom's spawn. He owed the lug that much.

Robin probably kept himself up worrying about him like a big fool and Lissa was probably waiting on him to come visit again. Gaius recognized all these concerns and tried to write them off. They'd be fine, they had each other, they had the other Shepherds and other folks around the castle.

It would be fine.

The best he could admit to himself was he hoped they were happy. Checking in on that was the issue. A little distance and time to think maybe wouldn't hurt.

Some coin was made, but not too much. The days came and went in a bit of a blur for awhile. He didn't really anticipate being called for; however, that day did come eventually.

He'd been resting out of the way one late afternoon on some old steps with a familiar voice called his name. He noticed the horse first, then its rider. Up in the saddle was Stahl who looked a bit concerned.

"There you are. We've been trying to find you all day. Someone said they saw you here. I guess I got lucky," the knight said as relief set over his face.

Gaius gave him an odd grin. "Yeah? I'm guessing you don't exactly have good news.

That was where the relief dropped and any hint of a smile fell as well. "Yes, well...we're going to be moving out to battle. Robin...asked if you would be willing to join us again."

The thief stood himself up then brushed his cloak back into place. "If Bubbles is asking I'll be there. I guess we'll figure it out after."

Stahl nodded. "He'll debrief us all once we're gathered up. I have a few more Shepherds to check in on. But I'll see you there." With a quick wave he was off; his horse trotting quick down the less inhabited side streets.

Once Stahl slipped out of sight Gaius felt himself hesitate. It served a good reason to show up again. Maybe if he appeared away from the main crowd—out of sight from the rest...

He stopped that line of thinking and hurried himself forward. If there were to be battle this was serious. His petty issues could be put aside for now.

A quick jog to the castle courtyard didn't leave him much time to think things over anyway. When he arrived most of the other Shepherds were there. Strangely, they greeted him like he'd never left. It was the same friendly "hello" and cooled chatter he'd gotten used to during the more tense times on the road. Even if things looked grim these Shepherds still had energy to expend on being decent people. More than decent even.

He greeted everyone who turned attention on him the same as always as well. Robin and Chrom going on about the bonds of the army made more sense every time they gathered together.

The comfort did not last long however. Once everyone gathered the tactician broke the tough news. A messenger came from Ferox. People of the other continent, of Valm, were on their way with less than friendly intentions. From the sound of things it would get pretty bad the second they touched ground. They'd be coming from the west—making the problem more immediate for the Khans. It would be a fast march that direction to try and do control at this point.

Orders were immediate. They moved out the next day.

Gaius could hardly believe it at first. Two years of peace and fooling around and it came to war with another country again? They owed the people of Ferox their support for their help. And if they did not hold out it would be a much bigger problem than one breached port. Gaius didn't always understand the finer parts of Robin's planning, but this felt obvious. They didn't really have time to linger around.

Rather than worry or let himself get concerned with how he last left this place he instead focused on helping get the Shepherds march-ready and battle-prepared. Getting back to work was kind of refreshing in a way as it was. Cleared his head and left him feeling a bit more prepared for the march.

Before dawn the Shepherds were on the move once again for the first time in two long, peaceful years. Despite having been gone every face looked just as prepared as they did the day they fought the mad king. Their homes and their peace were still on the line.

By the time they reached Castle Ferox there was a swell of determination in the air among the troops. Faces Gaius had seen smiling and happy back at home were now tightened with the look of tension he'd gotten to meet them all in. Seeing the shift he understood the effect this turn had on these people. At least a little better than he'd understood it before. He had come from a life of kill or be killed; steal or starve. So many of these Shepherds were peaceful, normal people on any other day. The realization unsettled him a little.

The idea stirred in his mind, even as the two armies grouped together to meet their foe at the port. It was hard to shake as it seemed everyone fell into a familiar sort of teamwork. Certainly not a bad thing. Maybe he was over-thinking things.

Once Feroxi and Ylissean forced touched down on the port town already in danger they all immediately flew into action. Robin issued orders fast and Gaius found himself helping pick off any Valmese soldier who slipped between their lines.

Their leader in this conquest seemed to be a braggart. A lot of bravado and big talk for a force that was less than expected initially. Smaller than the initial numbers and still they struggled against them. They were well trained and ready to fight when their boat was boarded. It was an experienced force against another that had known just a tiny of taste of peace.

As Gaius made his way between buildings falling from strikes and initial damage by the enemy, he noted familiar faces fighting together.

Nearly joined at the hip, Lon'qu and Lissa fought as one. Where Lon'qu slipped and took a hit Lissa was there to repair or block the attack herself. The look in her eyes wasn't the look of a frustrated and tired princess sick of meetings anymore. It was a determined expression; the one of someone protecting and helping someone she cared for. But still the tension showed in her features. She was such a small thing, but strained so greatly to keep up with man at her side. It seemed mutual as Lon'qu locked blades and swatted offending arrows away to keep the princess away from harm. The look in his eyes was not the sharp focus of training and honing his skills. He no longer had the luxury of time and practice. This was everything being tested and thrown into play with their lives on the line.

Gaius felt his heart clench.

A shout caught his attention. Further down the street Libra and Olivia were working together and the holy man's defense had been breached and a heavier wound fell on him from a cavalier looking ready for more. Dashing as fast as he could, Gaius rushed to their side. Making a wild leap, he jumped at the rider and dove into him blade first. His sword slipped between plates of his armor and sunk in deep into flesh. Gaius tried to pull it back, but the doomed man lurched. Gaius' weight against him and the horse was thrown off as the horse panicked and took off at a gallop. He hit the cobblestone street hard on one side; however, he got lucky enough that the horse didn't trample him or the other two.

Now that the coast was somewhat clear Olivia busied herself with trying to get a salve to Libra's wound. The monk looked like he wanted to argue however the bleeding needed to be stopped. Gaius heard him apologize quietly through his teeth.

"Gaius, can you...?" Olivia began but didn't finish. Her eyes met his in a way they rarely did. In a moment like this her embarrassment flew aside.

"On it. I'll get some help," he called back quick; his feet already moving the opposite way. He went toward where he saw Lissa but quickly saw she and Lon'qu were wrapped up with a large number of enemies. Robin and Chrom were already moving in to save them, but this wouldn't get them free fast enough. The next thought made him a little ill; however, he would still do it.

Gaius clambered up the side of the a building still intact to get a good look out. He only needed a few seconds to see. Sure enough once he was up and scouting out he found the horse and rider he needed another street down. An arrow flew within inches of his skull and sent him scrambling down the house as fast as he could do so. As soon as his boots touched the floor he was running again. Taking a smaller alleyway between homes he was able to get over to Maribelle faster.

The noble herself swatted aside a small blade aimed at her with her rod; guiding her horse out of the way of a second strike. The look in her eyes was intense and showed a brief flash of fear. This was much bigger than her worries of Lissa's health through meetings. It was bigger than castle politics. Gaius' heartbeat felt strained for that moment he approached. At Maribelle's side, Panne seemed to nearly fly across the road in her more rabbit form, coming in to tackle and take out the attacker. It gave Gaius a second to talk. When he came into her view, Maribelle's face only briefly showed any disgust.

"Libra...down and up one street...Needs your help!" he got out between a few panting breaths. The expression on Maribelle's face in an instant.

Genuine concern showed, no longer held back by any sense of ladylike manner. He barely heard it, but there was a sharp whisper of the man's name. She grasped the reins of her stead tightly and shot off across the street. Right after her Gaius heard the flap of wings and then saw the pegasus flying off full speed with her. Likely Sumia caught the motion and moved to help cover her ride to the monk. Even the new Queen would not stay behind. Every single one of these Shepherds threw their everything into this battle and any other one they found themselves in.

The thought froze him only a second as another voice gave him a sharp warning. "The others make progress for the ships. Do not fall behind," Panne said in a clipped tone before she sped off as well.

This still left Gaius without a weapon and fairly useless for it. Scanning across the battlefield he saw the man that might be able to help. He hurried to Stahl's side, catching his attention when he'd just finished off another enemy. It was a quick exchange, but the knight understood fairly well. From the sheath at his hip he pulled his spare sword loose and handed it hilt forward to Gaius. The thief took it in his hand, thanked him and moved forward.

For every enemy he cut down it seemed like another of his comrades struggled with who stood before them. They were all eventually defeated, but it did not come easy. Ferox lost plenty of their warriors and a good number of the Shepherds had been injured in the fight. Libra was alright as were many of the others, but the cost still seemed to high.

The enemy that stood before them that day was not even the whole force. There were more. Valmese would spill like a foul drink across the land; soaking up territory as their own as they had with Cherche and Virion's homeland of Rosanne. Ideas of this alone were enough to bring the determination of the group to a higher point, but within it was fear too. This hard-earned peace seemed to be over. They were at war with Valm now. There would be no running now.

With camp made up, the Shepherds prepared themselves for whatever move they made next, Robin and the others planned that motion. Gaius could wait it out to hear, but tensions ran high all across the board. While helping keep the camp together and get some things done, he bumped into Olivia who seemed to be doing the same thing.

"You're doing alright?" he asked, a bit slowly at first.

Her gaze lowered and aside, she answered with a quiet voice. "Yes, I am. And Libra too; he's doing much better. Thank you for getting him help so fast."

"You guys would do the same for me I figured. Not a big deal."

She shook her head. "It made the difference though. I think Libra will want to thank you when he sees you next too."

Gaius didn't answer right away; his thoughts wandering off track. "Just thinking here, but...why did you come along? You didn't want keep safe dancing somewhere less dangerous?"

Olivia's eyes went wide. Her arms tucked in closer to her chest and she lowered her head. "I don't mean to run into danger, but you all are my friends too. I can't leave anyone to get hurt. And if my dance inspires them even a little I want to be here dancing. That's probably where it's best used, I think."

Again he struggled with words through his thoughts. He got the feeling she was being honest about this. Olivia came across as pretty honest as long as there wasn't too much pressure on her. The conversation probably made her a little uncomfortable, but not as much as the silence that followed it. Gaius didn't exactly know how to respond at first.

"Sorry...Is that not what you were expecting?"

"No, it's good. Well, nobody wants you to get yourself hurt here, but you have something you can do for everyone here. They appreciate it." In all honesty, he appreciated it too. It was a little easier to step out there and put himself on the line when others were too.

If I were a little better at it maybe it'd make a difference for them too.

His eyes narrowed and glanced away before he could find another smile to thank Olivia with. He didn't linger long before taking off. His boots kept him in motion—pacing the camp when he wasn't busy with another task. Thoughts flew through his head at top speed.; swirling around in a mix of things that would never work and might with some effort.

None of these people deserved having to come back into this, but together they were a great force. Apart each one had a skill and strength they could add to the cause. Each and every one of them uniquely and importantly impacted each battle, each recovery period and every march. It couldn't be done without them.

Without Gaius though, they might survive. They might do just as well. The thought bore into him. They welcomed him here, but they were the ones struggling and suffering with each fight. He had seen it all. He'd dipped his hands in deep with the blood of other men. Gaius had gotten into this kind of mess for coin well before he'd joined the Shepherds. Standing apart from some of them he recognized the difference.

He couldn't provide a dance to energize them or magic to heal their wounds, but there was something Gaius could do uniquely. Something he alone could do unlike any of the rest of them.

As night fell over the camp he sorted out his thoughts a little more clearly. He could put it to words if he had to. He hoped not when he approached Robin's tent. Behind the canvas flickered the familiar candlelight that often came from the tactician's tent at all hours. As the thief ducked his head into the tent Robin glanced his way. He gave him a weary-looking smile.

"It's been awhile since we've spoken like this. What can I do for you, Gaius?" he asked as kindly as always.

Gaius stepped in a bit closer; his expression set seriously rather than smiling or teasing like he might usually do. Still that nickname left his lips. "Bubbles, I need to ask you for something."

Robin sensed the change in his usual demeanor and quickly adjusted himself. "What is it?" he asked with a bit of caution this time.

"Whatever kinda work you need done, give it to me. Stuff other people don't want to get their hands into. Doesn't matter how dirty the job is," Gaius requested firmly; his gaze fixed on Robin's. He needed to look as sure as he was only starting to feel now that he said it.

Concern flooded over Robin's face. "I already have places for you out on the battlefield. They work the best for your skills, Gaius."

The thief shook his head. "No, I mean outside the regular stuff. I can do more than that. Before here I didn't exactly take the best jobs. Coin was coin and not going hungry usually sounded good enough I'd slit a few throats over it. Bubbles, if you need someone taken care of in the future...you need someone to slip into somewhere dangerous—you leave that to me. I can do it."

The shift must have sounded so sudden to Robin. But Robin had seen the mark on his arm. And it wasn't like he made a strong attempt to keep his criminal behavior of the past a secret. Gaius told people he was a changed man, but if it helped, if this was something he could do for the Shepherds rather than leaving one of them to this, he could pick it back up.

Robin struggled with words; his eyes looking to the map before him for a longer moment until he answered. "I don't doubt you can do it...If you're willing...I may have something for you. But I don't want you to take it if you aren't confident you can return."

"Never failed a job yet. Trust me with it, Bubbles. I'll get it done." The confidence he carried in his voice was subtle. A smooth, steady tone seemed to be enough to help get Robin biting.

Robin's hand directed Gaius to the chair beside him. "Sit down...There's a lot to go over...I'd have you hear it all."