"Burst of energy? That sounds like me!" Morgan exclaimed with a wide grin.

The mysterious woman in her green coat smiled and said, "You must be Morgan. The queen spoke very highly of you. His majesty also had a number of things to say about your energetic nature."

"Hehe." Morgan grinned mischievously.

Sarah then turned towards the woman in blue and said, "Which means you are Princess Lucina. It is an honor to meet you in person."

Lucina shook her head and said earnestly, "Please, anyone who knows my husband is a welcome friend. So it is my honor to me you."

"So modest." Sarah nodded at the polite young woman in front of her before shifting to the final member of the party. One dazed and out of it tactician who was at a loss for words. "How strange it is that time slips away so fast. It feels like yesterday I saw you enter the manor as a little boy. Now you have a family of your own, and a lovely one at that."

Stumbling for words, Robin said, "I am very fortunate to live with two beautiful woman in my life. They mean everything to me."

Seeing the two glowing faces of his companions, Sarah said, "I can tell. From the short time I've seen you together I can see the warm nature around you three. It truly is heartwarming and incredible to see how far you've come since we last met."

"So if you know my father, why did you try to hide yourself over on the other side of the park?" Morgan asked curious.

"Oh." She blushed and turned away nervously. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I am a bit shy around others, and I didn't want to intrude. You seemed to be having a very engaging conversation."

"We were discussing some pleasant memories." Robin replied dryly. His mind fuming with a thousand different things he wanted to ask.

"Speaking of which, you mentioned something about a manor where Robin used to live. If it is not much trouble, could explain a bit more?" Lucina asked very intrigued. Just like her husband, she was very interested in hearing about his past.

"Not at all." She replied cheerfully. "You see, I've known Robin here ever since he was four-years-old. You could never go an hour without him asking some kind of question about how the world worked. He was always so curious and full of life, not to mention he was one of the most adorable little kids you had ever seen. Especially when he was frustrated with something. His nose would twitch and he would pout to himself in a low voice.

Robin turned away heavily embarrassed as the three women looked his way. His wife grinning ear to ear as she pictured the mini version of him. It was bad enough that she wanted to carry him in her arms and squeeze him tight when he was frustrated earlier. Now she could scarce imagine what she would do seeing the little version of him next to her.

"So how did you meet?" Morgan asked eagerly awaiting to hear more about her father as a child.

"Well." The jet black haired girl glanced for a place to sit and settled for a nearby half wall that was used to protect a patch of flowers. She then turned to the youngest member and said, "It was about seventeen years ago. During that time I was a housekeeper for small manor in the countryside. Life there had been relatively simple. Each day was different in its own way, but never had any major surprises come our way."

That is, until one early morning there was a knock on our door.

...

"Eeeeng why do I have to get the stupid door? " I moped since I was rudely awoken from my slumber at five in the morning. I was having this wonderful dream about eating a ton of sweets and losing weight while doing it. It was heaven with frosting on top. Since it was so early in the morning, I was still in my sleeping gown while my hair was a wreck. Although, anyone with the nerve to interrupt my dream at such an ungodly hour obviously didn't to deserve to see me at my finest. In fact, they deserved a good thrashing for doing so!

When I reached the double doors, I peeked out the hole and saw a shadow of a woman in front of me. The rising sun giving me a brief glimpse of the figure. So groggily in my half asleep state I opened the door slightly and said with a chipper and youthful voice, "Greetings Milady. Do you have an appointment with the Baron?"

"No… I don't." She said hesitantly. Her shadowy figure hidden behind the shadow of the house.

Irritated at this point for this person waking me up with no good reason, I grumbled to myself but said in a professional manner. "Then I am sorry, but we are not interested in whatever you have to sell. Have a nice day and-"

"Please wait!" She cried desperately and slammed her hand against the door. Her eyes pleading into mine while she cried, "I need to speak with him. I beg of you!"

"Oh?" A deep a commanding voice echoed from behind me. It belonged to my employer. A forty-seven year old man with broad shoulders and a tall build who wore a finely tailored suit. His brown hair a mess from the countless hours he spent alone in his study. Meanwhile, his eyes inspected the feminine figure behind his square glasses with rounded edges. "What seems to be the problem Miss?"

"I'm afraid I can't say. I need to speak with the head of the house first." She glanced down tiredly thinking he was a butler.

"Very well." He nodded and gestured towards the inside of the manor. "Please come in."

...

Once she was inside, I caught a better glimpse of the young woman. She was foreign by the looks of things and in her early twenties with snow-white hair that was marred by dirt patches and twigs. Her clothes were in rags with her blood-shot eyes drooping down as if she hadn't slept in a month. Although, that was not the most surprising thing about her. Next to her was a small boy holding on to her pants legs with one hand. He did not even come up to her knees as he looked up to us curiously. He wore a plain white shirt with baize bottoms that had multiple patches stitched together to prevent the clothing from falling apart. There also seemed to be a strange purple marking on his left hand. Yet, the boy didn't make a noise or move an inch unless his mother did. He only watched and listened to us in fascination as his mother pleaded for help.

"Please sir, I need to speak to the man in charge of the household."

My master gave an intrigued look at the woman and said firmly, "I am the owner of this household. It has been with my family for three generations and it serves as my own private study. Now, to whom might I be addressing?"

Realizing who she was talking to, she sighed and said, "My name Katherine, and this is my son Robin. Please sir. I ask that you take him as your apprentice. I have nothing of value to give, but I swear you will not be disappointed. He is very sharp for his age."

"Apprentice?" His eyes rose as he turned to the young boy next to her.

"Yes." She nodded and said, "They tell tales in town about your family. How your grandfather served as a tactician to the heroes of old, and your family's renown for solving problems."

"They say Mark was a here-o." Robin cried from below her. His eyes glimmering for a moment before he covered his mouth for talking.

The middle-aged man gave a faint smile. Something I have never see him do before in my two years of service. "It is true. My grandfather did advise leaders like Eliwood and Lyndis in his youth. Although, you will be disappointed in knowing that his trade was not passed on. I'm sorry, but I doubt that I will be of any service to your son."

"... I understand." The young woman frowned and glanced back to her son before saying. "Then please, I beg of you, take him as your servant. He will do whatever you say, and will work as long as he can. All I ask is that you feed him and give him a place to sleep. I swear to you that he will not disappoint. Even now he does things that amaze me."

"Hmm." He rubbed his hand on his chin very curious. He then focused on the child and leaned towards him. His towering size casting a shadow on the child. "How old are you laddy?"

"Four, sir." Robin replied hesitantly, his diminutive body retreating to the safety of his mother's leg.

"What's the matter lad? Are you afraid of me?" He asked in a rough and callous voice.

Immediately, the boy's eyes hardened and he shook his head to say, "No sir!"

"Oh? And why is that? I have boots that are taller than you laddy. It wouldn't be difficult for me to step on you by accident."

"I know." Robin said undeterred and the cried in a loud voice, "But ee-ther way, I have to keep my mother safe. So I can't be afraid! Even against scary giants I will stand strong to pro-tact her!"

"Hahaha!" He cried in a hearty laughter. His voice booming across the halls of the manor like he hadn't laughed in ages. "The boy has some spunk. I'll give him that."

"And he is very clever too." His mother added insistently. "He's a quick learner and will do anything you say. I ask that you give him a chance to prove himself."

"Is that true boy? Would you shine my shoes if I asked?"

Robin nodded and said, "As long as you prom-ish not to step on me or hurt mother."

"Hah! Very good." He muttered with a wholesome grin.

"So will you take him?" Katherine asked desperately.

"I believe he might prove to be worth some amusement, but what about you young lady?"

"Oh. That's not important." She quickly deflected back.

"Hmmm." He furrowed his brow gazing at the tired and fatigued woman. He then turned to me and said, "Sarah, be a dear and look over our proud young warrior here. I would like to have a conversation with this woman in private."

"At once Milord." I bowed respectfully. However, Robin didn't look so sure. He was still holding on to her pant's leg not wanting to leave her.

"It's alright son. I won't be in any danger so please go with the nice lady, okay?"

"... Okay mother." He hesitantly nodded and let go of her. He then walked over to me with his little feet stumbling along the way.

…

Being the good housekeeper that I was, I looked over Robin with my full attention. My eyes never left the person I was in charge to take care of. Meanwhile, my ear was pressed against the door of the Manor's library. Luckily, the doors were thin so it would not prove to difficult to listen in on the conversation in the other room.

"What are you doing?" Robin scrunched his eyes and tilted his little head.

"Shh." I raised my finger near my lip and whispered, "We are playing a game. It's where you and I be as quiet as possible, and the winner gets a cookie."

"Looks more like you are spying." He replied back without even giving my idea a second thought. "But if means a cookie, I will accept the bribe."

Thinking it strange that he was so perceptive, I shrugged it off and listened in on the conversation. It had been far too long since I last heard some good gossip. Strike that, it was out of necessity that I spied on them! That delicate woman could try to attack my employer, which meant that I was needed to alert the staff should any foul play be involved. And I needed to listen to every word they said while doing my duty. It was only natural and befitting of my position to eavesdrop.

...

"Now, Ms. Katherine, was it?"

"Yes."

"In all my years I've never seen a mother work so hard to give up their child. Would you mind explaining why that is?"

There was a long pause as I pressed my ear firmly against the door. The anticipation rising since it had been ages since anything interesting happened here. My master was such a boring person. Day in and day out he would lock himself in his study while I and a handful of staff would keep the house in working order.

"... I can't provide for him anymore. I've run out of money and I can't find work that will let me keep an eye on him. So I need to give him up. It pains me greatly, but there is no other option. It is only the thing left I can do for him."

"There are plenty of shelters here, and you will find that the Elibean people are very generous. I'm sure if you had asked them they would have been-"

"No!" She shouted in a panic. "… I can't do that. It wouldn't be safe."

"Hmm. You are full of surprises milady. Granted, there are occasionally rotten eggs in a batch, but people who open up their homes to strangers are normally warm in nature."

"I'm sorry. Call me paranoid, but I do not believe it would be safe to risk taking that chance."

"...Interesting. So tell me, who are you running from?"

"Huh?" She cried bewildered. "How did you guess that-"

"Ha! I may be getting up there in years, but you'll find that my mind is still sharp as an axe. It's clear that you are in danger. Your eyes keep nervously scanning the house ever since you arrived. That boy of yours also seems keen on protecting you. I take it he senses the danger as well."

I heard a large sigh through the door and another pause before she said, "It's true. His father is chasing after us. He seeks to use my boy for his own wicked game."

"Please Katherine. If I am to take your son under my wing, I need to know the truth. I believe there is much more to this than what you are leading on. It makes no sense for you to be so secretive if only one man was chasing after you. If anything, you would want to alert as many people as possible."

…

"You're not going to believe me." She replied lowly.

"I've already agreed to enlist Robin as a servant boy, and I am a man of my word. So it matters little to you if I believe it or not."

"... Well, I haven't lied. It is true that his father is chasing after him. Although, the reason I can't go to a shelter is because he has spies looking for us. You see, Robin's father is the head of a cult that worships a dead dragon. It is there hope that they can resurrect their dead god and bathe the world in fire. With a perfect sacrifice the dragon is supposed to be made anew."

"And these strange cultists seem to believe Robin is the key to this?"

"Cult?" I whispered to myself. I then looked back at the four-year-old boy who patiently sat next to me waiting for his cookie. No way in a thousand years could a boy like him play such a role.

"Yes. I'm sure it all sounds made up to you."

"Not necessarily. My grandfather had his own share of trouble with dragons before. It's not the most bizarre story I've heard either. So tell me, how did you get involved into all of this?" He asked from the other side of the door. His deep voice making it easy to pick up despite the wooden obstacle.

*Sigh* "Has it been five years already?" She asked in dismay. "Back then, there was this small little village out in the desert where I lived with my family and about twenty other people. My parents had blessed me, or should I say cursed me with a curvaceous figure and a fair face. They also spent all of their savings to ensure I was able to receive a proper education. In town people would often joke that I was destined to live a luxurious with some rich noble searching for a bride. I would then proceed to govern his land since I would be able to do it ten times better than he.

"And I take it was your looks and intellect that attracted this wealthy cultist?"

"Mostly. Although instead of money, he came with threats." She replied in a low voice. "Validar is his name, and he is a repulsive figure. The moment he saw me he demanded that I bear him the perfect child. One that would be bred to perfection through the combination of our genes and his teachings. Naturally, I refused the sick man no matter how many times he tried to force me into it. That is, until a week later when three houses mysteriously caught fire. The town was then given an ultimatum. Either they would release me, or every last person in the village would be buried six feet underneath the ground while they were still alive."

"This cult of his, is it large enough to accomplish such a demand?"

"I'm afraid so. Validar is an advisor to the Plegian king so he has strong connections. He also has a network of spies that keep him informed on everything in the country."

"Hmm. Sounds like a man I should look into more."

"No! You mustn't!" She yelled urgently. "You can't beat him. He has too many connections in his network.

"Relax Missy. I'm obviously not going to stand in front of an archer while he is hunting. There are far better ways to learn indirectly about someone."

"Still, I advise against it." She cautioned. "A friend of mine tried to stand up for me after Validar gave that demand to the village. In response the swine cut off my friend's right arm."

"Dully noted. Anyways, I presume you accepted his demand?"

"I didn't have much of a choice, did I?" She shrugged and said, "If I refused everyone I ever knew would be dead. Sure, they told me to run away and leave them behind, but I knew many of them couldn't afford to flee themselves. Their lives rested upon that village."

She slammed her hand on the table and said, "So I couldn't run! They were asking me to do something that would only get them killed and would eventually lead to my capture. So a few days later I was led away from my home and into the center of the Plegian capital. It was there where I would spend the next year of my life completely cut off from the outside world. I can't say that I was abused though. Far from it. In his search to create the perfect child he ensured that I was well cared for and fed. Anytime I disobeyed he would threaten my village, but otherwise his followers waited on me hand and foot to make sure that their vessel could grow strong."

"Hmm. Most disturbing."

"I know." She said in spite. "The way they talked about him was like he was some tool. Even when I was pregnant with him they kept saying how he would be the final solution to their goals. It was clear they were going to turn the child inside of me into some sort of sick monster."

"So eventually you ran."

"... Yes. It was the week after I gave birth. The only thing I was allowed to do was give him a name since Validar saw no meaning in one. But when Validar held my baby he had this evil grin on his face, and part of me wanted to snap and strangle the bastard right there because I knew what he wanted to do. So I did the only thing I could do at the time. I wrapped my baby up in a large cloak, stole as much money as I could over the week, and snuck out of the castle that was my prison for a year. By then I'm sure he thought I was his complacent pet, so he didn't keep me constantly on watch. I then ran as far and fast away as possible. All the while keeping Robin safely tucked away in the cloak I was carrying."

"Hmm. Most interesting indeed. I must say I've never heard a story like this before. If it is made up I will almost certainly recommend you become an actress. If it is true then I commend you for your bravery Miss. I would not expect many in your position to take such a risk knowing the severity of that man's cruelness. Although, I do trust you are aware of the cost "

"… I … I know that in response he probably burned my village to the ground. The blood of everyone I knew is on my hands. B-but I couldn't do it. I c-couldn't let that group of sick and twisted creatures corrupt the boy. No one in my village would have accepted that, and neither could I. He didn't ask to be born in such a cruel world, and I couldn't sit there and watch it happen to him!"

"So that's the thick of things. I presume you've been on the run for the last four years then?"

"Yes ... We crossed over to the Ylisse where I thought we would be safe, but Validar's reach extended past the border. I had two close encounters with his spies before I took a boat to any country that would accept us. Always making sure to cover my tracks along the way. I even took odd jobs when I could, but eventually the money ran out, and it was slowing becoming apparent that I couldn't take care of my child for much longer. Everything I've done over the years would be merely so he would starve to death in some foreign nation neither of us ever heard of."

"Alright then." He huffed while he groaned like he was moving up from his seat. "I've heard enough."

"Sir?

"Your boy. I shall teach him everything I know. I can't say I believe your story yet, but I can tell the two of you have had a rather difficult life. So as long as the young lad is willing to listen, I shall teach him as my apprentice. To be honest, I am rather looking forward to the prospect. That little cub seems like he is full of surprises that will liven up this old and tired manor."

"R-really? You will take care of him?" Her voice cracked in hope.

"You have my word. I shall also keep him out of the public eye should your improbable story be true."

"Oh! Thank you sir. Thank you so much. I am forever in your debt."

"The name is Mark milady. Or at least, that is my middle name. I'm afraid my first is rather long and a bit droll. Besides, that boy of yours seemed to like the stories of my grandfather. So I'm sure the name will fit the occasion. However, I would also like to offer you a bed here in the manor as well."

"What? No, I'm sorry. I deeply appreciate the thought, but I could never accept such charity."

"Charity? Pwah! Don't make me laugh Missy. If you are to stay here you will be under my employ. I don't give handouts."

"Sir?"

"Starting tomorrow you will serve as a housekeeper. Ms. Sarah can inform you on the details of your new duties and the tasks I expect of you. It isn't too challenging, but I still expect quality service from my staff."

"I … I don't know what to say."

"I'd prefer if you'd not say anything. I'm not good with people expressing their gratitude and I'd rather they forget it than pester me with such folly. Besides, if Validar captured you and forced you to reveal my location than that would put me in a bit of a pickle. My studies require my full attention so I cannot attend to some crazed cultist who uses threats and secrets to cost me valuable time. He would prove to be somewhat of a nuisance like a fly."

"I see. In that case I am in your debt. … However, if you don't mind me asking, what are you studying that takes up so much of your time?"

"Why, how to stop wars of course! I am a tactician after all!" He laughed heartily with his loud voice echoing through the door.

…

"Ms. Sahara?" Robin looked up to me and said politely, "Can I get that cookie soon?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. I'll get it for you in a second." I whispered in a daze trying to take in everything I heard.

"Good." He nodded back pleased. "I hope mother will like it."

"Hmm?" I looked back at him curiously and said. "You are going to give the cookie to your mother?"

"Mhm. She hasn't ate in thwee days cause she gave the last of our food to me last night. I tried to refuse, but she got mad at me" He said lightly with his eyes looking down at the ground ashamed.

"Oh, my goodness!" I cried horrified. "Of course I'll be sure to get that cookie for her right away. I'll even throw in some extra supplies that we had left over from yesterday."

"Really?!" Robin's eyes rose in amazement and said, "You would do that?!"

"Yes, I'll see to it that both of you get a full meal."

"Wow." He whispered breathless and in wonder. "Thank you Sahara! Thank you so much!"

…

During parts of the story Robin clenched his teeth and gripped his hands angrily trying to hold in the growing hated of his father. The cruelties that he put people under knew no bounds. However, as usual, Lucina was there for him. She manged to unwrap his fists and guide her gentle fingers between his. Providing him with the comfort and warmth that he needed to settle down.

"Robin sounds like a really adorable child." She said sweetly to take his mind off of things.

Sensing the tension, Sarah nodded and said, "He was. I've never seen the Baron take such a shine to someone before."

"He does have a rather irresistible charm to him." Lucina said cheerfully. It only further confirmed that her husband had always been a sweet and kind person. While she could not imagine the pain and suffering his mother went through, she was eternally grateful that she kept him safe for her.

"And my mother … Is she, still around?" Robin looked up curiously.

The dark haired woman frowned and looked away to say. "I'm sorry. She left the manor some time ago. I'm almost certain she is still alive, but I cannot say where."

"... I see." He whispered in deep thought.

...

"So what happened next?" Morgan asked while trying to snap her dad out of it. She was certain there was better moments in there somewhere that would ease his mind.

"Hmm?" Sarah glanced back at the youngest member of the party.

"Come on! It's not every day I get to hear about my father being a little child, and it's no fun if I can't tease him about it. There must be some other things you can tell me. After all, you said he used to be really energetic."

"That is true." She nodded and looked towards the girl with a large grin. "We constantly had to chase after him which drove most of us nearly insane."