After sailing from Port Ferox to the shores of Rosanne and incinerating the Valmese fleet along the way, Robin had decided he did not like traveling by sea. The way the ship pitched on the rolling waves made his stomach twist in a decidedly uncomfortable manner, made his steps unsteady, and frequently doused him in salt water whenever he was on deck. As a result, he was more than relieved when the army and their new ally Say'ri began marching overland on Valmese soil.
"Are you alright, Cory?" He asked as he rode alongside the convoy where Cordelia was resting. He'd been against her coming along for the campaign, especially given that they were heading deep into enemy territory, but her organizational skills made her exceptionally useful even without engaging in combat.
The redhead smiled softly and met her husband's eyes as she nodded. "I'm fine. The healers have taken good care of me and say I'm holding up well. Apparently they've been able to discern the baby's gender as well; we're to have a daughter, it seems. So don't worry so much."
Robin gave her a smile of his own, asking, "Can you blame me? We're in the middle of enemy territory where we could be ambushed at any time, and not only do I love you with all my heart but you're carrying our daughter as well. Is it any wonder that I worry?"
"It's not a surprise, I'm just asking you to relax a little. We're all depending on your strategies to win this war. Perhaps a little discussion of the future is in order to calm your nerves?" Cordelia's eyes sparkled as she spoke. "If you've come up with any ideas, I'm curious to hear any names you may have thought up for our baby girl."
The topic seemed to ease the tactician's heart a bit as he racked his brains for the idea he'd thought up. "Morgan springs to my mind. What did you think?" His expression relaxed as the conversation continued; speaking of their future together always bolstered his spirits.
"I was thinking of Severa. The heroine of a book Sumia lent me had that name, and I can only imagine our daughter will grow to be as lively and brilliant a girl as in the book." The pegasus knight closed her eyes for a moment, her smile still playing around her lips.
Robin nodded. "That Wyvern Wars book, you mean? She lent me that too. The Captain of the Golden Wing… Yes, Severa sounds wonderful. Our girl will have the same strength, intelligence and inspiring presence as the book's Severa."
That night, Lucina approached him on her way back from her watch. "Robin." She said his name with a stern, absolutely serious voice.
"Can I help you with anything, Lucina?" Robin looked up at the princess from the future, noticing a sharp glint in her eyes. Almost instinctively he shifted his position to make it easier to reach his tome.
It took a few seconds, but she eventually sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have sounded so angry. History has changed by this point; in my future, the war against Valm was fought on Ylissean and Feroxi soil. I'm glad that this timeline looks to be headed for a more positive outcome, but at the same time the unfamiliarity of it makes me nervous."
Relief spread through him at her apology. "It's no problem, truly. I can understand feeling some anxiety on this campaign, what with Walhart's massive army standing between us and victory, and the fact that we have noncombatants with us…" He ran one hand through his hair, looking up at the starry sky.
"Lady Cordelia, you mean?" Lucina's face had gentled somewhat while he'd spoken, her voice becoming softer and almost playful as she mused, "That's one thing that hasn't changed from my future. Lady Cordelia insisted on accompanying you and my father when you fought the Valmese, though she was too pregnant to fight. And like this timeline, she managed the army's supplies so skillfully one would think she was born for the purpose. It's only a hunch, but I feel as though there's nothing to worry about among the expectant mothers in the Shepherds."
"I'm glad you're so confident. I suppose all I can do is plan the best strategies I can to end this war as swiftly as possible, which was my intent all along." An idea sprang to Robin's head as he looked to Lucina. "What was our daughter like in the future? We've already chosen a name, but I'm curious what kind of girl Severa grows up to be."
The princess looked pained for just a moment, then relaxed again as she answered, "Severa is one of my best friends. She's harsh, abrasive and doesn't think before she speaks, but underneath her anger you'll never find a person with a kinder heart; she just doesn't let it show. She's one of the ones who came back in time with me, so with luck you'll be able to meet her. You and Lady Cordelia have another daughter as well, Morgan, but…" Lucina choked up momentarily, realizing where the conversation had gone.
"I suppose an age of death and war isn't kind to anyone." Robin murmured quietly. "Another reason for me to fight with all my strength and intellect. Regardless of how your future played out, I will not lose any of my children."
Lucina said nothing, reflecting on her words. It was kinder this way.
AN: Not much to say about this chapter. Few of the fics I've read have Lucina spoiling details about the futurebabies (as I like to call them), and it sets up some potential future revelations for Robin when he thinks Future!Morgan died. Those who've played The Future Past DLC know what actually happened.
Also a big thanks to all my reviewers who've left their appreciation, it's always more fun to write when I know people are enjoying my work.