Chapter 4

The shepherds finally stopped their convoy for the night midway between Ylisse and Ferox, taking some time to rest. They had crossed the border between the two countries, bringing the blankets of snow upon the ground, and freezing temperatures to boot. After taking some time to talk to the other Shepherds, Nathan made his way to the large yellow tent he shared with Lissa, having to plan out the route for the next day's travel. Nathan looked over at the path nearby, seeing another group of shepherds making their way to the camp. The force was beginning to reassemble yet again, gearing up for the days ahead. Nathan could make out Lon'qu, Maribelle, Donnel, Nowi, and a few others in the pack. He looked over to see Chrom walking up to the group, no doubt to address them and welcome them back. He figured he should do the same, and started towards the group, before being stopped by Lissa.

"Hey, you!" She cheerfully called to her husband. "You going somewhere?"

Nathan motioned his head to the group of Shepherds entering the camp, who were now all talking to Chrom. Lissa peeked over and her eyes lit up, seeing Maribelle.

"HEY MARIBELLE!" She shouted, running towards her best friend.

"My darling Lissa!" The troubadour yelled back, running over to greet the cleric. The two embraced as they met each other, sharing a laugh.

Chrom smiled at the two, before turning to the other shepherds. "Now then, as I was saying, you can find weapons supplies-"

"BY GOLLY, IT'S NATER! GREAT TO SEE YA AGAIN, BIG PRINCEY TACTICIAN MAN!" Donnel cried out, interrupting Chrom as Nathan walked over to the group. The tactician waved at his friend with a warm smile, before frowning.

"I don't suppose that means you ran into Frederick on the way over here…" He quipped at the Pot-wearing boy. Donnel and the others laughed as Donnel rubbed his head in embarrassment. "We…might have…" He joked.

Nathan then turned to Chrom. "Sorry about that," He told the Exalt. He then turned to the group of shepherds. "What Chrom was probably going to say was that we have new weapons supplies in the convoy if you need them, and to see Frederick if you want to know about the chore schedule he has lined up for this journey. We're not really sure how long this is going to last, but if we really are heading into another war, get yourselves ready for another long haul." Chrom nodded in agreement.

"Now then, feel free to make yourselves at home around the camp, and welcome back to the shepherds!" Chrom added. The group assembled clapped for a few moments before dispersing. Chrom walked over to Nathan and Donnel, as Lon'qu walked up to them as well. "Quite an entrance," The Blue-haired prince mocked.

Nathan grinned, before looking to Lon'qu. "Hey, haven't seen you in a while!"

Lon'qu scoffed with a slight smile on his face. "For sure…" Donnel looked at the two with a confused look.

"I see Lon'qu about twice a month, we hang out and train a bit while Lissa and Maribelle are having their tea dates." Nathan explained. "It's not too too often, but it certainly hasn't been as long since I've seen other people like you!"

Donnel grinned. "Well, we should take some time to catch up, I think!" He then looked around. "I haven't seen Ricky yet, he get 'round here?"

Chrom shook his head. "I'm sure he'll pop up soon. In the meantime, I'm curious as to what you and Lon'qu have been up to…"

After catching up with the swordsman and farm boy, Nathan said goodnight, making his way to find Lissa. Naturally, he went with Lon'qu to the tent he shared with Maribelle. The two trudged through the snow around the camp as they talked.

"So, how's Owain?" Lon'qu inquired.

Nathan slowly nodded. "Pretty good, as far as I know. To be perfectly honest, I hate the idea of leaving our kids all alone, even if they're safer that way. I may not remember my parents, but I would never want my kids to have to grow up like that."

The myrmidon nodded. "I can agree to that. My attachment to Brady is the same. It was…unnerving, having to leave him."

Nathan smiled, looking up at the stars in the night. "He's growing fast, too. Said his first word not too long ago."

Lon'qu raised an eyebrow. "What was it?"

"Sword." Nathan said with a bit of a laugh, before sniffling, his eyes starting to well up. "He even pointed at Mystletainn," Nathan added, motioning to the blade he carried on his back. "I think I've taken him with me on one too many trips to the armoury, but at least now I know what he's probably gonna want to learn when he's older…"

Lon'qu put an arm on his friend's shoulder, smiling. "Well, you'll have plenty of time with your son once this is all over, I'm sure…"

Nathan grinned back at the man. "Yeah, you're right." He paused for a moment. "You're a good friend, Lon'qu. And I'm sure you'll make a great father, too."

The myrmidon let out a bit of a chuckle.

"You know what Brady's first word was?"

"What?"

"Die. He yelled it too."

Nathan cried out in laughter. "Oh Gods! I…I suppose Maribelle isn't letting you bring him out with you when you spar anymore, is she?"

Lon'qu shook his head. "It's funny for you, but my wife can be quite handy with her parasol when she needs to be…" He muttered in reply, rubbing a sore spot on the back of his head.

Nathan nodded in agreement. "Lissa can be the same with her staff." He admitted. He then gained a sly smile as he added, "…Personally, I'm just amazed neither of us have been killed yet."

The two laughed the entire rest of the way to Maribelle's tent.