Hey all!

Thanks for all the reads and feedback! It has been great to hear (read) your thoughts and words of encouragement and I hope that my writing lives up to your expectations!

Not much fluff yet, but that will all come in due time. Thischapter is set just before they embark on their campaign to Valm.

As always, rate, review and enjoy!

P.S: Also, what are your thoughts on polygamy? I have an idea (also provided by the Wonderful Temporal King) but if people don't like the idea of polygamy I can shelf it aside. But even if it had that in the story don't worry, this will still be Severa and Robin focused.

"Robin."

The tactician turned at the call of his name. His mouth widened into a smile as recognition hit him. "Chrom. How unusual to see you out and about at this time."

Chrom sat down on the log beside his friend, staring at the smoldering remains of a fire pit.

"Even more so you. I thought you would be holed up in your tent strategizing, especially since we have some new children to add to our roster."

Robin sighed. "That we do indeed." Upon their travel across Ylisse, Regna Ferox and Plegia, they had encountered many more of the children that travelled back with Lucina and Severa. "Lucina did mention that there are still half of their retinue still missing out there."

Chrom nodded. "We'll find them. I know my sister's worried about her son. I've never seen her so eager to march before."

The two shared a laugh. "So what does bring our Exalt out here after hours?"

Chrom sighed. "Just trouble with family. I never thought I would say this, but... ah, never mind that."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Anything you want me to help you with?"

Chrom began to shake his head, but an idea struck. "Well, actually, its about Severa. Most of our headaches are... well, they begin and end with her. It's not to say we don't love her," he hurriedly explained, seeing a look of disapproval on his friend's face. "It's just... Cordelia and I... we aren't exactly experienced in these areas. It doesn't help that Severa already spits venom when the conversations begin."

Robin nodded. "And what do you want me to do? Talk her out of her behavior? I don't have much memories but I'm sure all that does is make her even angrier."

"Well, I was more thinking you could spend time with her. She seems calmer around you than us, that's for certain."

He ran his hand through his messy, black hair. "Chrom. Are you shouldering not only the burden of being our army's tactician on me, but also the wellbeing of your daughter and the second princess?"

"You said you would do anything," Chrom began, feeling downhearted that his plan was cut, when Robin started to chuckle.

"I'm just joking. I wouldn't mind looking after Severa, although she might just yell at me with all the planning I have to do."

"Great!" Chrom jumped to his feet. "I had considered Frederick, but, well..."

Robin understood. He wasn't the only one blind to the fury and contempt that Severa held not only to her parents but to Sumia and Frederick too.

"Thanks Robin! I owe you one," he yelled as he ran back to where his tent was.

Robin shrugged. "We're all just a little crazy," he muttered.

Suddenly screams pierced the air, followed by a maniacal laugh. All were familiar to him. He let his head sink into his hands. "Henry..."

After he had managed to calm down those involved in the undead raven risen revival (never again to be mentioned) and sternly warned Henry that if he ever tried something like that without permission he would be forced to endure Maribelle's lessons (for which the dark Mage didn't seem to mind - in fact, he looked delighted at the torture that the sharp noble would give to the one that stole 'her darling'), Robin was looking forward to some peace and quiet at his table, scribbling away notes while looking over reports over the dead of the night.

What he didn't expect when he entered was to see a girl lying in his bedroll.

He instantly jumped back in surprise, almost certain that he had walked into someone else's tent. But no, the workbench with all the reports and table pieces (Toys, Lissa called them, but they were crucial to his weekly battles with Virion), and the sword and tomes stacked lying in the corner were definitely his own.

He peered closer at the intruder, who smiled gently in her sleep, and he relaxed. He would recognize the hue of red anywhere, although it may have been mistaken for her mother's.

She definitely looks more like an angel asleep, Robin thought as he gazed at Severa. The girl admitted an almost serene air as she lightly snored, clutching the blanket tightly around her. Resisting the urge to laugh, Robin shook his head and walked over to his table.

What was she doing in his tent anyway? The idea that she had done so by accident crossed his mind, but he dismissed it quickly. Why would she stay after seeing the tent wasn't hers?

He didn't think she did so by choice either. Which meant... of course. Chrom must have sent her.

It didn't matter in the slightest. Most nights he spent with his head on the desk, using a thick tome as pillow. Besides, it would be a shame to wake her when she was comfortable. He took another look at her and shuddered. Besides, she would probably cause a ruckus and give him a headache if he woke her.

"Let's see," he muttered to himself. "If I place our fliers here..."

The sun had risen. Nary a single soul stirred in the campsite, not one aside from one certain time traveling princess.

"Where did she go?" Lucina growled, her head whipping back and forth as she tried to spot her sister. "She hasn't returned since last night."

To say that the eldest princess was worried was an understatement. She alone of the Future Children knew that there was a betrayer in the ranks of The Shepherds. In fact, she had suspicions against many of the members, although she could not prove her accusations quite yet.

What if harm had befallen Severa? What if she had been captured by their enemies, or ambushed by bandits or risen. She clenched her fist. She could just imagine her younger sister, lying in the bedroll of a devious and black-hearted beast of a man. Severa who kept her heart to herself for fear of it being shattered once more.

Coming to a decision she decided to check with Robin. He would know who had been rostered onto sentry duty over the night and maybe they could give her a clue as to where her sister had disappeared.

"Robin," she began as she strode into the tent. "I need your assistance..."

The words died in her throat as she surveyed the scene before her. Robin, slumped over the arm of his wooden chair, a book propped behind his neck which would make for an uncomfortable sleep. Her sister, lying on the aforementioned male's bedroll, looking content and refreshed.

A second passed. A bird chirped overhead before being silenced and sent away by a roar that awoke the whole camp.

"ROBIN!"

"AHHH!" The tactician yelled, trying to rise to his feet in panic. He tripped over his robes, however, and ended up crashing to the ground in a heap, the chair tipping over and landing atop of him.

"W-what?" Severa yawned, eyes still closed as she turned. "Not... not so loud."

"Robin."

He opened his eyes to see what would be the scariest image that would embed into his mind. Lucina stood over him, eyes nearly glowing in anger, Falchion drawn and glinting menacingly. "Uh. Hi?"

"What. Do. You. Think. You're. Doing. To. Severa?" Each word was accompanied with a tap of Falchion's blade to his leg.

He felt the cold metal, knew that this was probably his time. That this was punishment for the tricks he had played on Chrom during their 2 year break just before. He gulped.

"Lucina!"

She jerked back as Severa sprung to her feet. "S-Sev? Are you alright? Did he do anything to you?"

"Robin did nothing!" the girl shouted. "Geez, do you have to come in and assume the worse of everyone because they aren't as perfect as you?"

"Severa," Robin tried to calm her down.

"I was worried! Your bed was empty and I was worried about you!" Lucina yelled back. Robin slumped and decided that it would be better to wait the argument out.

"It's always worrying with you, isn't it? Even when we were in our time you wouldn't stop being a mother hen."

"It's because you're irresponsible!"

"Of course I would be when compared to you, mother and father!"

"Girls..." Robin groaned. "For the love of Naga, it's barely sunrise and you're stirring the camp up. Severa, did Chrom send you here last night?"

The girl nodded. "He said that you wanted to speak to me about something, but you never came... which is rude! You shouldn't ever leave a lady waiting!"

Robin spread his hands out. "You see, Lucina? Take it up with Chrom if you have any further complaints."

She glared at him. "Fine. But if I hear one word of you doing something to my sister..."

She slammed Falchion back into it's hilt and stormed out. Silence took over the tent. Robin glanced at Severa and smiled. "You look well."

She huffed, collapsing back onto his cot and throwing the pillow at him. "It's not my fault I got tired waiting for you to arrive. What took you so long?"

"... I'd rather not say. Believe me, you don't want to know what happened last night."

Memories flashed into his mind and he shuddered.

"Besides, why did Chrom say I wanted to talk to you? Last I remember he... oh... I mean..." The shift in her eyes told him she knew that he was hiding something. "Well, I wanted to test you on your skills."

"Test me?"

"Yes! Your skill with your sword, your thinking abilities... and other stuff."

Severa crossed her arms. "Are you trying to compare me with my family? Is this what this is all about?"

"What? No! Perish the thought." Robin bowed as low as he could whilst sitting. "It would be of the utmost joy and pleasure if the princess would agree to a humble servant's request."

A light blush stole across her cheeks. "Fine! Have it your way. Just... don't call me that, okay."

"Excellent." He walked over, dropping the pillow by her feet and offering a hand. "Would you like an escort to breakfast first, or the yard?"

"The yard. But promise me something."

"Hmm?"

Her fingers reached out and grasped his, her grip tight but her skin surprisingly soft. Started, he looked down into her eyes, a deep red that he felt himself being drawn into.

"Could you... could you tell me of how my parents came to be... together? It's not like I care too much! But... I don't want to ask them about it." The girl looked away, her hair swishing across her neck.

"Ah." Robin smiled. "I wasn't there at the start but I've put together what happened after many nights with Chrom. I'll be more than happy to tell you... but it won't be all at once. I'll do segments."

"What? That's not fair! You're leaving me with suspense."

"I have to do what I need to." He watched her pout and knew he had to give in a little. "Fine. I'll tell you a little as we head to the training grounds."

Her expression lit up and she smiled, nodding her head quickly.

"From what I've heard, Frederick and Sumia are childhood friends, despite their age difference. Even though there was a four year age gap the two of them were rather close, even throughout Frederick's training as a knight in arms.

"Right before Frederick was installed as the Royal Knight in charge of the welfare for Chrom and Lissa, and just shortly after he blitzed through his training and was knighted, he and Sumia's families wanted them to marry others. Namely, Sumia's father tried to organize a marriage with her and Chrom, but through some negotiations Frederick managed to convince both families and Emmeryn that he would pledge his entire loyalty thricefold to the Royal Family in order to gain Sumia's hand."

Severa coughed. "I wanted a story, not a dull explanation."

"Patience," he told her, messing the top of her hair with a hand. She squeaked but didn't make a move to stop him. "When we get to the parts that I know for sure I'll narrate them properly for your entertainment and education.

"So, as I was saying, Frederick and Sumia were promised to each other. But unfortunately, the first time Sumia travelled to the castle to greet her beloved, she caught Chrom's eye."

Severa rolled her eyes. "Of course he would, the bigheaded jerk," she muttered under her breath.

"Well, fast forward a few years, when a weary prince returned with an amnesiac in his company..."

"Chrom, who is that?"

"Oh, that's Cordelia. She's... a close friend of mine, and a genius. She's a part of Ylisse's Pegasus Knights."

"Right. Close friend, eh?"

Chrom looked at me, panic in his eyes. "No! It's nothing like that. She's... well... she's close friends with Sumia, and she also helps me out..."

Sumia. Where had I heard that name before. I thought back to the Shepherds barracks, to the memory of somebody tripping over a piece of paper. "Frederick's fiancé? You fancy her?"

Chrom shuffled his feet. "I try not to," he replied, red faced. "But I can't help it. I've even told Frederick and Cordelia about it but nothing I can do helps. I know it's wrong..."

I looked at him, sympathy rising. "Chrom..."

"Urgh, boring! First you go too far back and now you're too far forward."

Robin sighed. "Look, I'm trying the best I can. Maybe you should ask your parents. But we're at the training grounds anyway."

"What! That's my time wasted!"

"Maybe if you beat me I'll tell you more," he teased, not expecting her eyes to widen.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Hmm... well... I guess that works. Get ready to lose then!"

"Before we do start, there's one thing I want you to know."

Taking her silence as signs to continue, Robin took a deep breath.

"Remember that you're lucky. You have a second chance to spend time with your parents. You have a family again. Treasure it."

"What would you know?"

Her words cut deeper than she intended, and shame instantly ran through her. She tried to apologize but he stopped her, letting a small smile show on his face.

"It's fine. You're right, after all. I don't have any memories of family, so it's probably for the best. I'm only Ylisse's tactician, that's all."

He stopped, lost in thought, not noticing the girl beside him bite her lips or clench her fists. In the end, he was jolted out of his daze when something collided with his chest and arms wrapped around him.

"Severa?"

"You know, you never were this mopey in the future. Lighten up would you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the other you never lost his memory. But he did have a family... you had us. When I was younger you were my favourite uncle, because you spent time playing with me and telling me stories and making me laugh when my parents were busy being their perfect selves. You made me feel... appreciated. Happy."

Robin felt a grin break out on his face. "Thanks Severa. You know, you aren't as impertinent as you try to make out. Or should I say, Severe."

Severa groaned and ducked out under him, making sure that he couldn't see her blushing face.