"Hehe, I still can't help but picture Robin being so cute when he was running around. He must have looked absolutely adorable with his little legs carrying hm." Lucina remarked while she tugged on her husband. A red hew forming around his cheeks as they had not stop teasing him since the revelation.
"Come on Lucina. I think you are exaggerating just a little bit."
The princess shook her head and said, "No, I am certain of it, you would be too lovable to resist. I can't help but smile just picturing it."
Scratching the back of his head, he looked away from the three girls giggling at him and said, "I'm not sure how I feel about whatever scheme is running through your mind."
"It's okay love." Lucina replied sweetly. "I wouldn't dare hurt my husband, even in his cute little form. But it is nice for the roles to be reversed for a change. Every time we cross paths with Lucia I am reminded about how embarrassing and silly I was as a child."
"True." Robin muttered back quietly. His words fading; just like his pride.
"Don't worry dad. Once we hear the full story I'll be sure to join in with a full arsenal of things to tease you with too."
"How comforting." He replied with a hollow voice.
Hiding her smile with her hand, Sarah said, "It seems I've caused quite a stir."
"Yeah, I have been cornered and betrayed by the two people who I trusted the most in this world." He grumbled as his wife tugged on him again with a big grin.
"Then I must apologize, because I haven't even got to the embarrassing parts." Sarah admitted to the two girls pleasure.
"Oh gods." Robin covered his head fearing the worst. "I don't suppose we could skip those."
"Not in a billion years." Morgan cried out eagerly.
"Sorry love. I'm not going to miss the opportunity either." Lucina insisted.
"I see." The tactician said outnumbered and unequipped to handle the situation. The only thing he could do now was delay the inevitable. "Then, would you at least tell us more about yourself Sarah? At least to spare me a few minutes before my torment begins."
"Huh?" She said surprised. "Oh, I'm afraid there is not much to tell. I'm just a simple housekeeper."
"Nonsense, there must be something. A hobby, experience, or anything for that matter." Robin said desperately trying to take the attention away from him.
"Not much afraid." She deflected the question. "I got married a few years back, but otherwise life hasn't changed much for me."
"Really?" Lucina said interested. The prospect of marriage was always a happy one to her. "Congratulations. By any chance is he with you?"
"Huh? Oh, no, no. He's not a fan of traveling because he gets sea-sick, and I'm only in Plegia for a short time before I return back to work."
"I see." The princess nodded. "Although I never would have guessed, because I didn't see you wear a wedding ring. Is the tradition different in Elibe?"
"Hmm?" The lady looked down at her hand to see it was lacking any wedding band. "No, it is the same. I, just don't feel comfortable traveling with my ring. I fear I might lose it."
"How strange." Lucina replied curiously while rubbing her thumb on her golden band. "It's the opposite for me. I'm far too afraid of ever taking my ring off. Even when I am cleaning my ring it feels uncomfortable not having it on my finger." She replied while encircling Robin's arm with hers. "It reminds me too much about pleasant memories to ever risk leaving it behind."
Sarah smiled and said, "Unfortunately, my ring doesn't fit as well so it is prone to falling off. That is why I don't normally wear it. But please, I'm sure you are not interested in hearing about my boring life. I believe you both want to hear more about our little fireball."
"Hehe. Yes please!" Morgan cried elated.
...
"Robin! Come back here this instant!" I shouted while sprinting at top speed to catch up with the eight-year-old boy. He took off running the moment he was found out. The crazy child had tried to dig a large hole in the backyard and one of the butlers tripped because of it. The poor man ended up soaking wet and two feet deep in mud.
Meanwhile the young fireball darted across the mansion in an attempt to escape punishment. He effortless cut through hallways, living rooms, and even knew some of the secret passages of the manor which made him harder to catch. Everyone in the manor knew that the moment Robin took off running it would take a group effort to track him down. It got progressively harder as he grew older, because he knew how to evade capture. At times, only Mark himself could out maneuver the boy to settle him down.
"Robin! If you don't stop I will have to-" Oddly, before I could even finish, Robin stopped. His eyes glancing out the window while I tried to stop my momentum. Outside the window he saw his mother returning from the town. She had bought supplies for the house like usual. Only this time Robin was not allowed to go with her because of some other trouble he got in.
"Ms. Sarah." He said in a faint voice as he looked out. His gaze changed from his mother to the forest in the distance. "How come I don't have a brother?"
I froze for a moment. The question catching me off guard. However, that was just like him. He always knew how to catch us off kilter when he was trapped. "It's not going to work this time Robin. Now sit still and let's talk about that water hole you decided to dig."
"Water hole?" He asked confused. "Wait! You mean the moat I was making to protect the manor?" He beamed with pride.
"Yes, about that. What in the world were you thinking about digging a big hole in the backyard when someone could easily fall into it?"
"I already told you. It is a moat to protect the house in case of a siege." He cried triumphantly. "I'm not done yet, but I got a good start."
"I'll say. One of the butlers got a full face of mud."
"Really?" Robin asked surprised.
"Of course. Are you saying you didn't know?"
"Nope." He replied blankly.
"So if you didn't know about it, why did you run for me when I called your name?"
"Because I thought we were playing a game of course." He smiled back. "It's always fun to play with you Ms. Sarah."
"Yes, well tell that to my poor feet." I mumbled back. "Anyways, you can't just go around and start digging in the backyard."
"It's okay. I got Mark's permission. He said as long as I didn't touch the flower bed I could dig to my heart's content. He even said if I found some gold we could split it 50/50. Although, if I find ancient artifacts then I can sell them to people at the black market for ten times the price!"
"Ugh, that man." I shrugged in frustration. Sometimes I even wondered if there was an adult in charge of the house.
"So, can you answer my question now?" He asked politely.
"Er, what question was that again?"
He looked up to me with curious eyes and said, "How come I don't have a brother to play with? I tried asking mother, but she said she was too busy to answer my question, and I shouldn't bother her when she is busy. Which is most of the time"
"Oh, um. I'm sorry, but I don't know why. Sometimes it just turns out that way. It's different with each family."
"Nngh." he frowned and said. "So it is like a father. Some families have them, and others don't."
"I … I guess that is one way of putting it." I replied unsure how to handle this. "B-but how come you want a brother all of a sudden?"
"Because I've been bored lately. Mom won't let me go outside very often to meet people even though I don't understand why. And it gets boring waiting for Mark to prepare his lesson. So I thought that maybe a brother would be a friend I could play with. One that could do things with me all the time!"
"So are you saying you feel lonely?"
"Mhm." He nodded. "Don't get me wrong Ms. Sarah. I love spending time with Mark and mother. It is even fun when you chase me around the house. I just thought it would nice to have a friend. One I could play games with and help me study tactics when Mark is busy."
"I see ..." I whispered unable to say anything else. I often forgot that he had a hard life. Yet that energetic nature of his never seemed to fade. "But tell me Robin. Wouldn't you like a sister too?
"Nah ah." He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Girls are icky and I don't want to get near them."
"Is that so?" I asked glaring back at the boy.
"Oh! But not you Ms. Sarah. You are okay. So is mother." He smiled back. "But I don't understand those other girls. All they want to do is drink tea and stay clean. It makes no sense. Mark also said they are infectious and would eat my soul if I let them get too close. So I've decided to swear off women entirely!"
"My gods. What in the world is that man thinking half of the time?" I shook my head in dismay as I feared what may become of Robin someday.
"Anyways, thanks for answering my question Ms. Sarah. Maybe we can play again soon too. I would like that."
"Yeah, um sure. However, next time you need to give me some notice. I have work to do around the house."
"Right." He nodded as he made a mental note of it. However, his demeanor became more sluggish as he looked at me a second time. "Um, Ms. Sarah. Is it okay if I ask you something else?"
"Sure. What's on your mind?"
"Well. Um. I was just wondering if … maybe. If you didn't mind. Would you be willing to be my first friend?"
I was left speechless at that moment. A part of my heart tore inside. His big eyes looking up at me in his small body. "I thought we were already friends."
"Huh?" He asked bewildered.
"I already consider you a friend Robin."
"Really?" He asked in amazement. "You really mean it Ms. Sarah?"
"Yes, I do. And please. Just call me Sarah from now on. Okay?"
"Okay Sarah. I will." He smiled back and then extend his arm out in front of me. "Now let's shake on it!"
"Hmm?"
"Mark said that people agree to things by shaking hands."
"Oh, well. I guess that one is true. Okay then." I reached out and let him shake my hand.
"Awesome! Now that the two of us are friends we can share the blame for the mess I made."
"Pardon. You did what?"
Robin glanced away from me and said, "Well, I kinda wanted to read a book in the library but it was too high to reach and no one was around to help me. So I decided to climb up the shelves, but the books decided to come down instead..."
"Oh gods." I covered my head fearing the pile of books I could expect waiting for me.
"But don't worry Sarah! The next time you get in trouble I will share the blame too. After all. That is what friends are for, right? Or at least, that is what I've been told."
…
After that day I started to keep closer tabs on Robin. As usual, he would frequently get in trouble, but his life was a strange one. Each day he always had some new idea to try, and rarely did he give us a moment of peace. He also had a powerful effect on my master. Mark seemed like an entirely different person ever since Robin came into our house. The tall man behind the square glasses who always wanted pure silence for his studies would start to complain that things were not chaotic enough. At times he would even endorse Robin's behavior at his mother's dismay.
According to some of the more veteran staff, it was as if the manor breathed a breath of fresh air for the first time in over a decade. The dreary and depressing atmosphere was replaced all by one young energetic fireball. As he grew, the chaos only increased exponentially, but I had to admit there was something about him that made him so entertaining. Perhaps that is why I liked to spy on him when he had his lessons with Mark. The keyhole for the door serving as a little window to peer into the room as I would listen in on their conversations during my breaks. While not strictly professional behavior, it soon proved to be worth the trouble. I had to admit as well that life was more enjoyable when it was chaotic, and listening in on their conversations proved to be worth the risk of getting caught.
...
"So how are you feeling today laddy?"
"Alert and ready to learn, sir." Robin replied energetically while looking up to his mentor willing to take in any information like a sponge.
"Very good." Mark nodded content with his eyes half invested in the book he was reading. "You've made a lot of progress recently. When I was your age I could hardly keep focused on anything, let alone my studies."
Deciding it was okay to speak, Robin said, "It's the opposite for me. Studying seems to be the only thing I can concentrate on. Otherwise there really isn't much to do other than talk to my mother or Sarah."
"Hmm. Yes. I suppose that would be the case since there is no one of your age around to play with." He nodded in deep thought. "But even still, you've made remarkable progress, and I do not take that lightly."
"Thank you sir." He nodded happily. "It is a lot to take in, but I'm learning as fast as I can. Hopefully I'll have that homework you assigned me done by tomorrow."
"Hopefully is not a good word to use boy. You either will or won't."
"Sorry." He nodded and said, "I will have it done tomorrow."
"Very good, and see to it that you do not make a liar out of yourself. It is important for you to be a man of your word. You will earn more respect that way. However, it's even more important to keep on top of your studies. It's not enough to simply understand tactics. A tactician lacking reading, writing, and arithmetic, will soon find his army in disarray by his own hand instead of his enemy."
"Because logistics is crucial to the needs of an army." The young boy said memorizing the words his mentor taught him.
"Hmph." He smiled faintly. "I see you've been listening. I might make a tactician out of you yet. I dare say you might even be old enough learn something new."
The now ten-year-old boy's eyes came alive at the thought and said, "Really sir? What might that might be?"
"The art of deception." He replied in a grim tone, as if even muttering those words were a forbidden taboo.
"Really? So you mean you can show me how to trick Sarah into giving me more cookies?" He cried triumphantly with a big grin on his face. "Oh! And maybe I can convince mother to let me go into town more often. For some reason she doesn't like to let me talk to people very much."
"... Hmm. Most disappointing." The man said solemnly. "Although not unexpected. I have covered a lot more with you than I imagined I would considering your age. Perhaps I've been a bit to over zealously lately as well."
"Sir?" Robin replied more worried and hesitant this time.
"Listen laddy." Mark's eyes descended to his apprentice with a great weight on them. "It appears there is one other lesson I need to teach you first. A very important lesson."
Widening his eyes, Robin stayed still with his full attention of his mentor. Patiently waiting to absorb any knowledge his teacher could bring him.
"I expect you to answer honestly." His gaze intensified with a heavy tone. "Do you love your mother?"
Robin looked at Mark funnily before saying, "Of course I do! She tries to hide it, but I know she has done a lot for me. I'm very glad to have my mother care for me. Sometimes, it even makes me wonder what it would be like to have a father too."
Ignoring the last part, Mark said, "And Sarah, or the rest of the staff. Do you like spending time with them?"
"Yeah. They are very nice to me, and fun to play with." Robin replied happily
"And you would never want to see them upset or hurt? Right?"
"No sir!" Robin cried loudly and determined in a high-pitched toned.
"So think this over laddy. Why would you ever want to lie or deceive them?"
"Because I ..." The ten-year-old paused while scrunching his eyes. The answer seeming to escape his mind for a time as he thought it over.
Seeing the lost look on his face, Mark said seriously, "Listen laddy. Tactics and war is not a game. Being a tactician is a burden that you and I must bear so those that we care for can be safe. We win battles by lying, deceiving, and viciously butchering the enemy at their weakest. A tactician is judged by leaving no opportunity unexploited. Our legacy comes from how efficient at killing and winning battles we are."
Looking down at the desk, Robin frowned said, "But I don't want to be known for killing people. I want people to like me."
"I know lad. I know. Which is why you must first understand why you fight. Only then can you understand why our job is so important."
"So why did you decide to be a tactician, sir?" The boy asked sheepishly, his mind trying to take in the realization of what Mark told him.
"Its simple really." He remarked nonchalantly. "War is a ghastly thing. One that does nothing but destroy and create deep festering wounds. It's not for the faint of heart either. Which is why I study war so that others can study art and architecture. As long as I can advise and protect this country, others are able to build hospitals instead of bunkers. We can make books instead of war reports. And if I must be the one who is responsible for so much death, then I will gladly play that role so others may live a life of innocence."
"So have you-" Robin paused as he looked up afraid. "Have you ever … killed someone before?"
"Hmm." The tall man covered his chin and said with a rough voice. "Are you sure you want to hear the answer laddy? You may not be very fond of me afterwards. There are still people out there that only refer to me as the butcher of the North."
The young man glanced at his hands and said determined, "If I am to study war, then I need to know what it feels like, sir."
Leaning back in his chair, Mark sighed and said, "Alright then. If you must know then I won't hide it. I've taken more lives more than I care to admit. Both indirectly and with my own hands. And let me tell you something laddy. It is agonizing. It hurts beyond anything you can ever hope to understand that the decisions you make decide the fate of hundreds to thousands of people. There is no glory or honor in killing a farmer who found himself supporting the wrong side. Only pain and agony. The life inside my soul died a long time ago, and any foolishly romantic dreams of grandeur I had died with it. So tell me boy. Does this still sound like a profession you want to study?"
"I-" He whimpered as he was visibly shaken. His diminutive body rigidly straight as he looked unsure of himself. "... What if I could save lives too?" He cried hopeful. His eyes rising ferociously as he looked up at his mentor with sheer determination. "I know I will have to take a life someday, but what if I could save them too?! There must be someway! If I could just find a strategy to make the enemy surrender quicker, or if I can save a town before it get raided. That counts as something, right?! Maybe they could even be my friend too!"
"That is a possibility, but you could also be responsible for more death. A fatal slip or mistake is all it takes to set the course to untold destruction. Sometimes it is our best intentions that create the greatest atrocities. Especially in warfare. "
"Then I won't make a mistake!" He cried loudly. "I'll study as hard as I can every day if it is necessary! If that many people are counting me than I won't fail. I'll save as many people as possible. Regardless if they are friend or foe!"
"...Ha ha ha ha! Har har har." The somber expression on Mark's face changed in an instant as he said with a great booming voice, "I see you still have that fire in your eyes boy. Good. You'll need it if you intend to pursue such a foolish goal."
"Sir?" Robin asked confused.
"Heh." Mark said while inspecting the young man before him. "Forgive me. I'm afraid the flames died out of my eyes long ago. I no longer can claim to believe in such a dream. I've seen far too much death and suffering. However, to see a fire burning so strong in your eyes gives me hope. It is good to see it has only increased since they day I met you at my doorstep."
"... I'm sorry. I'm not sure what you mean." Robin replied puzzled.
"In time you will." Mark nodded with a faint smile. "Because you will see the same fire in other peoples eyes. The ones who claim to hold the same youthful imaginations as yourself. If you stick by those people, I'm sure you will go far in this world. After all, they say that finding peace is a foolish dream. So it will take a bunch of fools to find a way to do it."
"I see." He replied in deep thought.
"But enough of this doom and gloom." The older of the two shook it off and said, "I do believe it is time we moved on to more pleasant matters. After all, a boy like you must be getting lonely in this old and tired manner."
"Huh? Oh, no sir. I am getting along well. I do wish I could go into town more, and meet new people, but I like this place. It is very peaceful."
"Too peaceful in my opinion." The tactician murmured back in disgust. "Which is why I've decided to make a tactical decision. One that will resolve the issue of this dreadful silence and calming peace."
"What might that be, sir?"
Pushing himself out of his chair, the tall and broad man groaned as he stood up and retreated further into the study. For a time his view was restricted by the small scope of the keyhole, but eventually he returned with a medium size crate made of oak. It had puncture holes on the side, and a strange label stamped on the side.
"Care to take a guess what is inside?" Mark asked in a whimsical tone.
"Um, plans and strategy for defending a village?" Robin asked tilting his head to get a better view of the box.
"Ha! Come on laddy. Think bigger. Inside this crate is something that will liven up this stale old place."
"A fire cracker?" He guessed with the first thing that came to mind.
"Heh. Even better." A wide smile cracked from the man's face. He then opened a side of the box and it fell to the table with a small thud revealing the contents inside solely for the boy.
Immediately, Robin's eyes rose in wonder. A look between shock and excitement radiated from his face as he saw what was inside. Meanwhile, inside the crate, there was a faint noise. A small whimper and then a growl. Then there was absolute silence. Neither Robin or Mark dared to speak as Robin gazed inside. His eyes enamored by whatever remained hidden from view.
"Well don't just stand there with your mouth wide open. What do you think?" Mark asked cheerfully.
Still too dumbfounded to respond, someone did the talking for Robin instead. "Rrowwf! Au ha au ha au ha!"
"It's a puppy." Robin replied in awe.
Just then the small little dog jumped out of its crate and stood on top of the table. It was big enough for Robin to hold in his hands, but still smaller than most as it looked curiously at its new surroundings. Sporting a black and gray coat, it looked back and forth between the two sets of eyes in the room.
"I figured it was high time that we made Sarah chase after two little rascals down the halls. Just like you, this little pup is full of energy."
Hesitantly, Robin slowly drew near the dog and placed his hand out so it was a few inches away. The curious pup then paused for a moment and once it sensed no danger began to smell the hand of the young boy. It was not long before the curious dog licked the hand of its new owner and Robin's smile widened with each passing second.
"Starting today, you will be responsible for looking after this little ball of fluff." Mark replied in monotone voice. "She is newly born and unable to defend herself from threats. So it will be up to you to protect her, spend time with her, and ensure she is well fed. Neither your mother or any of the staff is allowed to help you with this mission."
"Is … Is she really mine to keep?" Robin asked elated at the prospect.
"As long as you take good care of her." The tactician nodded. "You'll find that young pups can easily get themselves in trouble. So as her caretaker you would be accountable should our new friend get itself into a mess. Or rather, cause a mess."
"Wow." Robin whispered breathless. He then began to lightly pet the dog with his hand.
"Let this be a lesson to you laddy, and your first test as a tactician. This young pup is clueless of the dangers that awaits it in the journey through life. If you really mean to protect people then it is best to start small. Although, it is not merely a matter of keeping them safe. You'll find yourself much happier with the friends you make. Being a tactician may be an unpleasant and necessary job, but that shouldn't stop you from building a bond with the people around you. You'll find that like this pup, that close friend are full of surprises, and are loyal until the end."
"Don't worry, I will take good care of her. I swear it!" Robin pledged wholeheartedly.
"Good boy, and I have a feeling that you will get along well."
"I think so too." He smiled widely as the pup looked up at its new owner in wonder. Much like how Robin looked up to Mark when they first met.
"Although, before you go run off to play with your new pet, there is one last thing I want you to think over. I don't care if you forget everything I have ever taught you and live your life in spite of my teachings. The important is you remember this:"
"A tactician must never cross his work with his personal life. Being a tactician and being a friend are two completely opposite and unattractive things that must never ever relate. The people you care about are not part of some strategy. There is no prize for tricking them, and you do not gain value by controlling a conversation. The people you care about are filled with many aspirations and great dreams. Dreams that you and I are responsible for protecting. So to hurt them, or tactically maneuver them to your advantage is to give up the very values you claim to uphold.
"I understand." Robin nodded while carefully holding the young pup in his hands. The furry creature wagging his tail happily as it barked it a high pitched and unthreatening squeal.
Mark grunted in content and said, "Very good. So, have you thought of a name for your new friend yet?"
"Um." Robin glanced back at the puppy and strained to come up with a name. "I think I will call her … Morgan!"
…
"Whoa! Hold on a second! You named me after a dog?!" Morgan cried in horror.
The two parents looked back at each other unsure how to respond. Lucina had liked the name ever since she first heard it, and she never thought much of it. It was much more of a surprise for her that she had a daughter in the first place.
"That would seem to be the case ..." Robin muttered lightly.
"Well, you do have the energy of a puppy." Lucina said cheerfully to make it seem more pleasant.
"You're not helping mom." She grumbled back.
"Well, um. Maybe I was the one who came up with the name." Lucina tried to add. "After all, I think it is a wonderful name. One befitting of a beautiful princess."
"Meh, I guess it is better than being named after a bird."
"Bird?" Lucina muttered confused for a moment before connecting the dots. "Oh, that's right dear. You do share names with robins." She said cheerfully. The thought only making her smile widen.
"Er, yeah." Robin said embarrassed. "I suppose so, but isn't it possible that it is just a coincidence?"
"Or it is more likely that you are secretly a bird in disguise." Morgan teased back.
"Hmm." Lucina poked her husband gently on his arm to double-check. She then smiled and said, "I don't know. His face does like to turn a certain shade of red like the bird."
"Only because of a certain pair of women I know." He pouted back.
"Hehe." Morgan grinned mischievously.
"Speaking of which." Lucina said looking at her husband with an evil smirk. "What was it that you said? 'Girls are icky and I don't want to get near them?'"
"Come on. I was only eight when I said that." He replied lowly and in a hushed tone.
"That's no excuse!" Morgan countered.
"Indeed. It seems that our grand tactician has deceived us despite the warnings of his teacher." Lucina said accusingly. "Secretly, all this time he wanted to be left alone. The mere thought about being next to me made you more uncomfortable than Lon'qu at his most timid."
"You know that is not true. I was uncomfortable for far different reasons" He defended the only way he could against his merciless family.
"So how about now? Do you still feel that way?" Lucina asked pretending she didn't know the answer. Her wide smile making Robin all the more unsettled.
...
Meanwhile, Sarah couldn't help but let out a laugh she had been holding in. The three of them got along like they had to lived together for years, and in all her time knowing the boy, she had never seen Robin so defenseless against his attackers.
"My. How strange." She smiled as the trio looked back at the house keeper. "Watching you three feels like I am back at the manor again as a young woman. If only my hair wasn't as gray as it was back then."
"Gray?" Morgan asked confused "What do you mean?"
Lucina nodded equally unsure by what she meant. "It seems strange to say considering you have such lovely black hair. I don't think there is a hint of silver anywhere."
Looking away, Sarah lowered her head and said, "Oh. That's right. How silly of me. It slipped my mind that I dyed my hair recently. I wanted to reclaim my hair color one last time before it grayed away.
The princess nodded back, and said, "I see. That makes sense."
However, Morgan quickly switched her attention back to her father. The full force of her teasing had not even taken effect yet. "So dad. Did you manage to finish that moat and sell ancient relics to the black market?"
"Why are you asking me? I don't remember anything about that."
"I'm not so sure." Morgan glared back suspiciously. "I think that all this time you have remembered your past, but you were too afraid to reveal all the embarrassing details of your youth. That's why you lied about having amnesia."
"Hmph. How could you do that dear?" Lucina asked pretending to be hurt. "All this time you've secretly withheld adorable stories about your past from me; your loving wife? That's criminal!"
"Er, Sarah. A little help here please?" Robin asked desperately.
"Sorry Robin. I too would like an explanation to why you have hidden such information from these two lovely women." She smiled while joining in on the fun. She wasn't going to miss the opportunity to see Robin so flustered. The heavens only knew how long it would take before that ever happened again.