The horse's trot swayed them back and forth, rocking them with a rhythm that reminded Chrom of a boat lost at sea, gentle waves quietly lapping at the stern. The sun had already begun its descent, and it cast a thin orange haze over the horizon, dotting the treetops with flecks of gold. Behind him, he heard the quiet clack of hooves against the packed dirt, and the silent murmurs of a conversation between Frederick and Lissa. Beside him, he heard the faint calls and whistles of wildlife as the forest began to settle into its nighttime serenity. But in front of him, he heard the quiet breathing of Robin, and watched closely as she tried her hardest to feign sleep. With a sigh, he leaned forward and rested his chin on the top of her head, which rewarded him with a sound of discomfort and a slight pinch on the thigh.
How long was I away?
"I knew you were awake," He said, dropping the reins and allowing the horse to free-trot along the trail. "You don't breath like that when you're asleep."
"Is that so?" She shot him a look out of the corner of her eye. "Then how do I breath?"
"Like this." He leaned forward and quickly blew a small burst of air into her ear. She flinched away and laughed, turning to poke him in the ribs.
A year, four months, and three days.
"You'll have to be quicker than that." Chrom said with a smile, narrowly dodging her finger.
I've . . . I've been gone for more than a year?
"Speed isn't what I need," she said, and Chrom was about to ask why until he felt something press into his side. While he had dodged her finger, he had completely missed the fact that he ran into her other hand. "Only multitude."
It hasn't been easy, believe me.
Robin squeezed her fingers once, but that was enough to send his nerves on a joyride. He jerked back, and would have sailed right off his horse had it not been for Frederick, who quickly strode up and caught him a moment before his head hit the ground.
"Thank you, Frederick," Chrom said as he shot Robin a look. He could tell she was trying her hardest not to laugh: her face was practically the color of Cordelia's hair. With a swift motion, he put both his hands on either side of her and squeezed, causing a sudden outburst of laughter from the both of them.
I'm sorry, I wish I could've done more . . .
Frederick gave them a passive glare. "Milord, I know you two are excited, and you have my most sincere congratulations, but do try to make it home in one piece."
No, you did everything you could. Do not blame yourself for something you could not control, ok?
Chrom and Robin composed themselves, but his arms stayed around her. That was right where they belonged.
. . . Ok.
"Oh, don't be so hard on 'em, Frederick. You know that you'd do the same thing if it were Sully."
Frederick's cheeks redend, and even in the coming darkness of the night, you could still see his face illuminated by the glow on his cheeks. Lissa began to chuckle and snort, which made all four of them laugh.
I've missed you, Robin.
"It's ok, Frederick, we know you mean well," Robin regained hold of the reins and passed them back to Chrom, who reluctantly removed his arms from her waist and accepted the offer. "Besides, I think it's time we go home."
Chrom smiled, leaning forward to kiss her on the cheek.
I've missed you too, Chrom.
"Yes, yes it is."
…...
Morgan impatiently fiddled with the cover of his book. Lucina had requested to meet him in the library, but where was she? He hadn't the slightest clue, but once he found her, he was going to make sure to give her a piece of his mind . . .
"Morgan!"
Morgan bolted upright in his chair, nearly losing his grip on the book. "Lucina, where on Earth have you been? You call me in here to talk to me, but you don't even show up! Next time-"
Lucina tore a piece of paper from a notepad, wadded it up, then threw it across the room, hitting Morgan square in the forehead.
"Morgan, shut up!"
Morgan was about to ask her about what was so blasted important that she had to throw a piece of paper at him, but when he looked at her he realized he hadn't noticed the look on her face. There was a wild look in her eyes, but not crazy wild, like Tharja's. It was more of an excited wild, and suddenly Morgan was desperate to know what she had to say. She quickly came to sit on the chair across from him, and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
"Father sent me a note Morgan. A note requesting that you and I meet at this spot tonight, alone."
Suddenly, Morgan felt like he might explode. His Father, Chrom, would set out for weeks at a time, searching for his mother. He would always come back to report with Yilsse, but he's never sent a note before. Morgan's mind began to race with what this might mean.
Did he find Mother?
Is he bringing her here?
Is that why he requested Lucina and I alone?
"Morgan."
Morgan returned from his thoughts and looked up at Lucina. Her face carried the same quizzical expression as his own.
"Morgan, do you think . . ."
"I don't know, Lucina, but maybe-"
"Ahem"
Lucina and Morgan jumped in their seats, and he was sure that they both nearly had a heart attack. Turning towards the voice, they saw their father standing in the doorway.
Alone.
"Oh, Father," Lucina's voice carried the disappointment that Morgan felt. "Don't scare us like tha-"
"Chrom, I told you not to do that!"
Morgan felt his heart leap. He and Lucina stood in unison, watching, waiting. Her hand came around the doorway first, then - almost shyly - she peeked her whole body into view. Morgan felt his throat closing up, and he could hear that Lucina's was doing the same as they both yelled.
"Mother!"