The rest of Morgan's day was uneventful. She was too disappointed to try and shoot again and it did not help that her arms were incredibly sore from her earlier attempt. Also to her frustration, Robin said he was too tired from his hike to continue the story. So when night fell, Morgan was 'deprived' of her nightly story and demanded to stay up later as recompense. But Robin and Lucina knew it was just one of her delay tactics to avoid sleeping so they ignored her and went to their own tent to end the day.

The following morning Morgan woke up groggily like always, but as she regained her senses she realized one very important thing. Her pillow was missing and her head was resting face down on the grass. "Unnng, where did my pillow go." Morgan asked tiredly and rubbed her eyes to wake up. "...Wait a second...what happened to my sleeping bag?.. and where is my tent?!" Morgan exclaimed as she looked at the forest landscape in front of her.

"Ah you are finally up." Robin smiled and walked over to Morgan. "I was worried I was going to have to carry you home."

Morgan gazed at her father in shock and confusion. "What happened to everything?"

"Lucina and I packed up camp while your were sleeping. "

"You what?"

Since you are such a light sleeper." Robin chuckled just looking at Morgan's wild bed hair. "We figured we might as well pack up and let you sleep in. Though when we accidentally dropped you, I thought you would have woken up. "

"Wait. You did what to me?!"

"It was an accident." Robin said trying not to laugh. "Besides, we needed to pack up your sleeping bag and the only way to do that was to move you away from it."

"So why didn't you wake me up?!"

"Because the last time I did that you complained for the rest of the day."

"Well yeah, because it was like five in the morning!"

Haha, well beggars can't be choosers." Robin laughed at the expense of his daughter and eventually motioned for her to follow him. "So hurry up my little beggar, Lucina is waiting for us and I don't want to keep her waiting."

"Where are we headed?

"Back to our home of course."

"Huh? But I thought we were taking a week off as vacation. It's only been three days."

"Morgan, everyday for you is a vacation." Robin laughed and started walking away from her. "But you better hurry up or Lucina and I will leave without you."

Morgan thought he was joking again, but she had to run to catch up when she realized he was serious. Though within a few minutes the two managed meet up with Lucina by the side of the road and begin the three hour trek back to Ylisstol. However, the trio didn't get more than ten minutes into their journey before Morgan groaned and said, "I'm bored."

Robin looked over to his wife and said, "I swear, sometimes I think she has less patience than Lissa."

"I don't know if that is possible." Lucina replied and looked back at her daughter. "But maybe they are both equally impatient."

"Maybe, though I wish I knew where she got all of her energy from. It certainly wasn't us."

"Well, Miriel once told me that some traits can be passed downed from their grandparents, and my mother has always been rather energetic."

"Hmm that could be the case" Robin grabbed his chin and said, "Or maybe Morgan is a monster from another future that is slowly trying to sap us of all our energy."

Lucina smiled and said, "That seems more likely."

"You know I am right here." Morgan interrupted.

"We know." The two parents said in unison. "But don't worry Morgan, we also know that you are 'patiently' waiting for your story as well." Robin snickered and messed up Morgan's hair with his hand.

...

*Ahem* A few more days passed by and some of it was spent against my will. Chrom and Sumia made sure that I attended every lunch and dinner in person, and they were very careful to make sure that I didn't spend my entire day focused on tactics. About twice a day there was an 'urgent' matter that demanded my immediate attention. It was a problem only I could solve and usually focused on anything but the army. It also demanded I leave my tent for at least an hour.

My personal favorite is when Sumia warned me that Henry was trying to summon an undead vampire skeleton of doom and that I needed to talk him out of it. While the notion of Henry trying to do something crazy was always a real threat, the fact that it entailed the same creatures Sumia and I discussed in our last book club made me shake my head in disbelief. But I humored her anyways.

Soon after that, it was lunchtime and Chrom reminded me that he had saved me a spot at the table. Though as a form of protest, I refused to sit near him. So instead I chose to sit in between Kellam and Stahl while the opposite side of the table holding Lissa, Maribelle, and Virion respectively.

...

"Mmmm, nothing like steak in the morning to lift the spirits." Stahl said in bliss.

"Says the barbarian." Maribelle scoffed "I have never seen anyone in my life eat so recklessly before. Food is meant to be savored, not ravaged like a wild beast."

"I concur." Virion said dignified and ate a small piece of steak from his second fork. "I would not even compare my vassal's wyvern to your behavior. The leftover residue of sauce plastered on your face speaks for itself."

Stahl rubbed the back of his head and said, "I do get carried away sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Maribelle questioned as she stirred her tea with a small spoon. "The manner in which you eat at every meal is abhorrent. I suspect that you would show more grace eating out of a trough."

"Well I er-"

"Oh don't listen to them Stahl. " Lissa waved it off. "Eat to your heart's content. My sister always used to say that you should never stray from something you love."

"Heh, well I do love food."

"As do I, but I don't scarf it down like a screaming banshee." Maribelle scolded. "I fear what atrocious behavior you will display at tonight's feast."

"Feast?!" Stahl's eyes lit up in excitement. "What feast?!"

Lissa giggled and said, "My brother is holding a giant feast tonight since we will be leaving for Valm tomorrow. He said he owed it to us since it will probably be our last warm meal for awhile."

"Giant feast? Stahl licked his lips and immediately began fantasizing about tonight's dinner. "Ah, I can already taste the tender and juicy turkey leg. Oh, and the sweet and succulent roast beef to go with the mashed potatoes flooded in gravy. mmm. It has been so long since I've last had mutton."

"You had some yesterday." Lissa laughed

"I know, that was so long ago." Stahl muttered in between his fantasies. "Oh and how could I forget the bacon to go with the creamed filled cakes. Plus the-"

Marribelle looked at Stahl in disgust and turned her head to Virion. "I dare say, that barbarian is asking fervently for a heart attack. Even worse, he threatens to horde all the best trifles at supper."

"Indeed, measures will have to be taken to ensure the security of our nourishment."

"But we dare not soil our own hands in this affair." Maribelle warned.

"Not to worry, I shall have my loyal servant watch over him tonight. She can be very intimidating and will strike the gluttony out of his stomach.

"Hmm, very well. That appears to be the best course of action... Wouldn't you agree Robin?"

"Huh? ... Oh um, yeah, it sounds good." I replied while lost in thought. "I see no better solution."

"Then it is settled. Cherche shall curve Stahl's wild desires just as I did to Gregor."

"Gregor?" Lissa asked curiously.

"Yes, back in our struggle against Plegia I caught him stealing our food reserves. So I took it upon myself to protect our rations and scold the brute for his behaviour. I also discovered that he was not aware of the rigid rules that need to be followed and his complete disrespect for grammar."

Lissa laughed and said in her deepest voice, "Gregor no understanding the word 'I"

Maribelle sighed and said "Quite, and after two years of instructing him, I still have not managed to break his incorrect use of pronouns or verbs, though his use of adjectives is impeccable."

"Wait, you have tried to teach Gregor grammar for two years?"

"Of course not." Maribelle laughed in a regal manner, "I have instructed him in other important social issues. Because of me he now holds an erect posture, a better understanding of the meaning of gentleman, and has slowly transformed into a lordly member of society."

"... Gregor?" Lissa asked confused.

"I understand your surprise, and it is a vastly difficult challenge instructing him. But thanks to my help, he now knows the difference between a shrimp fork and an oyster fork, to bow in front of nobility, and act as a dignified person. In fact, Virion, you could learn a lot from him about charm. When he compliments a lady, he actually means it."

"You wound me, milady! Harsh words for one whose love for you is deeper than the sea."

Maribelle rolled her eyes and said, "Those words might actually hold some weight if you did not proclaim them to every woman in the world. At least when Gregor compliments me it is personal and well thought out."

"Again the fair lady strikes malicious words a her humble admirer."

Maribelle sighed and looked over to her best friend. "Lissa darling, I know you wish to be nice, but a princess of the court needs to disassociate herself from these ... degenerates. After all, one day you will be leading this nation."

I shuttered at the thought of Lissa ruling over Ylisse and feared for the safety of our people if that happened.

"Hehehe *snort* I'll leave that to my brother. Being the exalt would be too much work." Lissa yawned and covered her mouth. "Ah, I am getting tired just thinking about it."

"Oh Lissa dear, I would never think of recommending a position that would tax my greatest treasure." Maribelle said while raising her tea cup with her pinky finger extended. "You will have your husband do all the work for you, and have him follow your every word. You will have all the power in the world while your other half is wrapped around your finger."

"Hehehe, well that does sound nice." Lissa smiled evilly. "And Kellam already follows my every word without hesitation." She said mischievously and looked at the poor knight. "Isn't that right Sir Kellam?"

He sighed and muttered under his breath. "Yes Princess."

"Hmm." Maribelle paused and looked over at the helpless knight. "I suppose he might do, but there is a problem with his social standing. We can't have royalty marry the blood of a commoner. Though I suppose if we cannot find any better suitors, then perhaps we can make up a story that his ancestor fought alongside Marth to make him the blood of a war hero."

"But I do have an ancestor that fought-"

"Shhhh." Maribelle hushed Kellam. "Not another word, your silence is one of your greatest features. It shows that you will follow Lissa with blind obedience."

"I don't think he needs to go that far." Lissa laughed.

"Nonsense, your suitor shall devote his entire life to making sure you are happy. He will cook your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Carry you anywhere you wish to go, and cater to your every whim.

"Wait a second, don't I get a say in this?" He asked desperately.

"Maribelle rolled her eyes and said, "Of course not, because you will follow Lissa without question.

"But-"

"Shh, you heard her slave." Lissa laughed uncontrollably.

Kellam looked down at the table and shrugged his shoulders in defeat.

"Hehehe *snort* *snort*, oh relax Kellam. Maribelle and I are only teasing. Right Maribelle?"

"... Er yes. Of course." Maribelle gritted her teeth and said in a low tone. "It was just a... small quip.

Lissa closed her eyes and had a giant grin on her face. "See, I would never abuse anyone that much, and I would never ignore what you have to say."

Kellam let out a deep sigh of relief and slouched in his chair. "Good, I was-"

"Aaaand speaking of not saying anything. Robin are you even alive?" Lissa called out in her nasally voice and waved her hand in her face.

"Huh?" I heard my name called and broke out of my trance. "Yeah of course. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you have picked at your food since we got here and you haven't said more than two words."

"That's not true, I am sure I have said over ten." I muttered and started counting with my fingers.

Lissa glared and stuck her tongue out. "What happened to the fun Robin that always makes me laugh at dinner?"

"He is away at the moment. But I'll let him know you are looking for him the next time I see him." I called back and turn my attention back to my plate. Right now the peas were threatening to attack the mashed potatoes and if I did not send in the carrots as reinforcements then the battle would be lost.

"Hmmph." Lissa crossed her arms and looked ready to hit me. "Well tell him that if I don't see him soon then I will have to take drastic measures to bring him back."

"Okay, I'll be sure to relay the message." I muttered and moved my carrots with my fork which left my corn exposed to the enemy.

"Oh and one other thing 'not funny Robin."

"What's that?"

"My brother has bothered me ever since you have changed your mood. So if Fun Robin doesn't return soon then I will make him!"

"I'll keep that in mind."

"You better!"

...

After lunch I rushed back to my tent as quickly as possible so no would could find a reason to delay me. I realized that everyone was just trying to help keep me from collapsing from exhaustion, but I was far more concerned with making sure my friends would be alive at the end of the war. Even the best outcomes I ran through my head had ended with someone dying. Which is why I couldn't rest, or let anyone worry about me until I found a solution.

So I spent the next five hours isolated in my tent and worked non stop trying to think of new tactics or strategies that offered better results. Though I was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approach my tent.

*Sigh* "Who is it?"

"It's Lucina. Do you have a spare moment?"

I shrugged and took a deep breath. "...No, but you can come in anyways."

There was a brief pause, but soon I heard the sound of her pushing the linen entrance open and enter my refuge. However, I did not look back at her but kept my focus on the maps in front of me as I asked. "What can I help you with?"

"I wanted to let you know that dinner is in an hour, and that everyone is expecting you to be there."

I shook my head and couldn't help but chuckle hysterically. "I see, and was it Chrom or Sumia who asked you to tell me this?"

"Both."

"Heh, go figure." I shook my head and rolled my eyes. "Well tell them that I will have to politely decline. The farewell party is likely to last for hours, and I don't have the time to waste.

There was another silence as Lucina stood behind me but eventually she said, "Alright, but I have a feeling that will not go over well with my father."

"Nor do I." I replied while moving one of my figurines on my map. "He will most likely drag me away from here the moment he hears it."

"If that is the case. Then why bother declining?" Lucina asked confused.

"Because I am stubborn and tired of them watching over me. I swear that those two think that I will just magically have the right plan the moment we hit the shore and everything will be okay." I shook my head and stared blankly at my map. "It's not like our foes is far better equipped with countless numbers of men ready to cut us down with mercy or anything dangerous like that. No, we are just going there to sightsee." I shrugged in disgust.

" But you do succeed in this campaign. My, future is proof of that." She said somberly.

"Right..." I muttered lightly and lowered my head on to the table in shame. "Forgive me, here I am complaining about my petty problems when you have had to deal with things I cannot dream about in my worst nightmares."

There was a long and agonizing pause before I heard her sigh and say, "It's okay Robin. It is at least a relief to hear that you are putting so much effort into helping my father and our mission. I know it is a great burden to carry so much on your shoulders, and I thank you for your sacrifice."

I glanced back behind me to see Lucina's discouraged face and bitterly battled a lump in my throat, "N-no you shouldn't be thanking me... What happened to you and Chrom in the future... It's my fault that you have had to live in such a terrible world... I should have seen in coming. I should have known. If I was more prepared in your timeline then this never would have happened."

"Is that why you have been working so hard?"

"No, I haven't been working hard enough. There is still so many things I haven't figured out at we are setting sail tomorrow and I can't ...I will not make the same mistake twice. Even if it must cost my life. I will make sure that we don't suffer the same world again."

Lucina frowned and shook her head, "You can't blame it on yourself Robin. No one could have predicted that Chrom would have been betrayed by one of his closest friends. Even now my father still doesn't believe it."

"...Yeah. To tell you the truth, I am kinda surprised you haven't threatened my life yet because of that. "

"Huh?" She squinted her eyes and looked at me in puzzlement "What do you mean?"

I raised my hand up in the air and said, "You don't need to pretend in front of me Lucina. I know I am your prime suspect. It makes the most sense, other than Sumia, who else is closer to Chrom then me? I would even suspect me if I didn't know myself.

"Robin-"

"Hell, even right now I could be playing a giant act just to try to earn your trust. I get it. You can't trust me, and I understand why. But I just want you to know that there is no hard feelings. If you find it necessary I will even make sure someone else is present when I am around Chrom."

Lucina sighed and looked away from me. She seemed to be struggling with what to say and that surprised me. "I won't lie, at first I thought you could be him which is why I made a point to keep track of your motives and even feared you were trying to steal away my mother...But, I have since removed you from my suspects...You're...one of the few people I can trust."

"What?" I said in shock and thought I misheard her. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Lucina lowered her head and grabbed her hands tightly. "Quite a few years ago my mother told me that one of Chrom's closest friends had betrayed him. And for a long time I thought that meant his best friend. But seeing my father around camp, and his reckless amount of trust for everyone. I've come to believe that it was a shepherd my mom was talking about. Not necessarily his most trusted ally."

"But I am still a shepherd." I replied back.

"Yes, but you..." She paused and raised her head to look at me. "Robin...It's incredibly difficult for me to trust anyone. That is one of the few things my father did not pass down to me. But seeing how hard you work and the values you hold." She shook her head and stopped herself again. "There is a reason my parents see you as such a good friend Robin and I don't think you are acting either. On the boat you were-"

She stopped when she saw me grimace. The sea battle was still fresh in my mind and it was a memory that haunted me bitterly.

"Infact, I was wondering if you could help me in my search." She said weakly like she was very uncomfortable asking for help.

"Huh?" I barely managed to escape my lips.

"Well I was wondering if maybe you have seen any suspicious behavior or if you could think of anyone who might betray my father. You obviously know everyone here better than I.

I stood speechless as I heard those words ring through my ears. It was a big enough shock to hear her defend me, but even harder for me to think of someone who I have known for the past two years and often talked to could be a spy. "...It could be ...Sully, or Tharja." I muttered under my breath. "Sully refuses to fight next to anyone, and rarely talks. She says that she doesn't want anyone to interfere her with her 'mission.' But sometimes I forget she even exists. ...As for Tharja, she is from the battle against Gangrel, and just looking at her unnerves me...It also doesn't help that she has a history of stalking. Basically the further away she is the better I feel.

"What about Henry?"

I thought it over for a second and shook my head "It's not him. That's not his style. If Henry was a traitor then he would have tried to kill Chrom the moment they first met. As odd as he might be. He is more likely to blow up the world by accident than on purpose."

"...I see. Very well, I shall keep my eyes open then."

"As will I" I remarked back which surprised the royal blue princess. She stood still for a moment and seemed conflicted with someone helping her. But she shrugged it off and make her way to the exit. "Oh and Lucina." I called out just before she left.

"Hmm?"

"I hate to ask, but if you could delay your parents for even five minutes then I would be grateful. I am in no rush to be forcibly removed from my work."

She nodded and glanced back at my desk filled to the brim with books. "...I'll see what I can do."

...

Robin looked back to Morgan and smiled. "I don't know what she did, but I manage to get an extra half an hour of work while the Shepherds celebrated. Though Chrom was mad as usual at me for working when he did finally come and see me."

Morgan turned to Lucina and asked "What did you do to delay gramps?"

"I challenged him to a sword fight. It was something I had been meaning for awhile."

"But just like when she fights you, she probably had to go easy on her father too." Robin laughed.

"Is that true?"

Lucina hesitated for a moment before saying, "It's easy to fight someone when you already know their attack pattern."

"It is also easy to fight someone when you are the best swordswoman in the world." Robin added.

"What about me?" Morgan asked .

"Oh don't worry Morgan I haven't forget about you." Robin smiled. "I would say you are the third or fourth ... hundredth best soldier skilled with the blade."

"Hmmph." She hit her dad on his arm in anger. "You know you are supposed to lie when your child asks how good they are."

Robin touched Morgan's shoulder and smiled with a giant grin that made Morgan stop speechless. "I know, and I did."