Chapter 19

Southtown, mid-skirmish

A clap of thunder, two swords clashing together and a deathly groan, followed by black dust dissipating in the wind. Chrom and his band of Shepherds were locked in conflict with the Risen menace that had been haunting the sleepy Southtown as of late. They outnumbered the Shepherds by one to three, but such was a normal day for the army even during the easiest of battles with Plegia. Thankfully, a band of mysterious mercenaries had joined the fight and assisted the army in defending the townsfolk. Their leader was nowhere to be seen, but the men assured he was doing his fair share of the fighting.

"I see two more approaching from the left!" Cordelia called to her comrades below as she brandished her javelin and pierced through one of them from on high. "Sumia, the other is yours!"

"Here goes!" The other Pegasus Knight braced herself and ran through the other effortlessly.

By now, the threat was nearly over and all participants met on the bridge overlooking the small river that ran through the center of town.

"I thank you for your assistance." Chrom addressed the brave men and women who fought alongside his own. "If there is any way I can compensate you for your troubles, you need only ask."

One of the mercenaries stepped forward, offering a handshake to the prince who gladly obliged. "We appreciate the offer Your Majesty, but I don't think our boss would appreciate us taking coin or otherwise from his companions, however noble our efforts may be."

"Companions? Have I been in acquaintance with your leader?"

Robin looked felt something slip past his ankle while the two men were speaking, he looked down to see something slip past him, leaving some sort of substance on his boot. Sludge? Mud? He looked down to notice what he thought was a puddle of... something slink away from the group. Not quite sure if this was reality or some sort of short term hallucination, Robin stealthily broke away from the group to pursue it.

Whatever this thing was, it was quite fast. Enough that he had to run just to match it when he was out of his friend's range. It moved from building to building, weaving past the streets until it lead Robin to an allyway just away from the town center. When faced with a dead end, it finally stopped. Whatever it was, it had to be real. This was no illusion. However, Robin began to doubt his eyes again as the puddle began... rising.

From the barely ankle deep shallow pool it was, this puddle began forming into some sort of body. Starting from a head, it continued rising to shape two lanky arms that ended with a set of deadly sharp claws that only an animal could possess, and finally two emaciated legs, which did not end in feet, but the same puddle the creature rose from. The previously unidentifiable head formed into what looked like a burlap sack, poorly stitched together with three large tears in them; One for a mouth, and two for what could only be eyes with gleaming red pupils staring out of them.

"What in the Gods name...?" Robin thought aloud as the creature's mouth uttered the unmistakable screeching his that only came from the Risen. As the creature lumbered towards the tactician with sharp claws poised to attack, Robin raised his own hand to deliver a decisive Thunder spell to the beast.

Just as Robin prepared to end the creature, he heard a swish of air pass his ear. An arrow had struck the Risen in its chest. Instantly, a second arrow flew past Robin's head and planted itself right between the monster's beady red eyes. The force of the second hit caused its body to contort backwards, as if it lacked any sort of spine, allowing Robin to finish it off with a blast of lightning. Whatever was left of the monster after the fact faded to black dust.

"That would be the second time I have saved you from certain doom now." A familiar flowery accent called from behind the tactician. Turning to face the owner, Robin smiled at seeing the nobleman for the first time in over several months.

"Virion." He greeted with a light chuckle in his tone.

"The one and only!" Virion proudly announced, striking a pose one would see some fantasy knight would in a children's picture book.

"What? No long winded speech of your brave efforts?"

"Why yes, I have been doing well as of late. So kind of you to ask." The nobleman replied saucily.

"Oh, right. That was actually pretty rude of me. Especially considering-"

"Boss, there you are." A figure approached from behind the two, with a look of relief. A female at that, with vibrant lavender hair tied in a single ponytail. "Ah, good. You've found Prince Chrom's tactician as well."

"Found is a word, my dear. Saved from mortal peril, however, would be the more accurate term." Virion pulled Robin in uncomfortably close to his chest, locking him in place with his one surprisingly strong arm.

"Riiight. I'll be sure to inform His Highness of your brave feats as we part ways." She scoffed. Motioning with her hand, she beckoned the two to follow her out of the twisting back alleys to the center of town.

While walking through the many corners and bends through the alleyways, Virion watched his old friend carefully after so many months apart. He seemed... different. Particularly, the way he appeared to move with an unfamiliar inner confidence. Especially so with his walk. He had the posture of someone who would not look out of place among high society. Whatever he had been away from, he was positive he missed quite a lot.

Having made it to the town center, Robin had, of course, gone back to the Shepherds. However, Virion elected to stay with his band of soldiers. It felt so odd to him. Having not seen Virion in such a long time, only to meet again and part ways in no time at all. All the stories they both probably had to share. All of the things he wanted to tell him, or to ask.

As Chrom's small group began loading into the carriage, Virion stepped away from his own band of soldiers to speak with the prince.

"My liege, permit me to accompany the Shepherds once more." Ever the gentleman, Virion presented himself almost smugly. He already knew Chrom would allow him to return to his old group. Not that he had been kicked out in the first place.

"I would never refuse your help, Virion. But you seem to be doing just fine on your own. Are you positive you want to join an army that no longer has any use?"

"But of course!" The nobleman responded, arms theatrically spread apart. "My merry band of hired hands can handle themselves. I leave them in capable hands. True, the one I have appointed to take my place temporarily may lack the charisma and natural charm that comes with one such as myself, but they certainly make up for it with a decisive mind and keen leadership." Arrogantly placing his hands on his hips, Virion maintained the old confidence he always had from the day they first met. It was quite refreshing for the Shepherds. If nothing else, it was nice to have an old ally back with the group. Chrom couldn't help but smile at the infections attitude the archer displayed and signaled for him to hop into the convoy with everyone else.

"Oh, no, no, no, milord. If I am to reunite with my brethren of war, then I shall begin by taking the reigns and ferrying you all home. Of this I stand firm!" Not waiting for Chrom to object, Virion briskly walked to the front of the carriage, taking the leather reigns of the horses, ready to depart.

"Pardon, sire! A moment of your time!" A feminine voice called from behind the convoy. Chrom looked out from the rear to see a Southtown resident approaching with a basket in her arms. The woman bowed her head respectfully and offered up her gift to the prince. "Forgive my impertinence, Your Majesty, but the residents of Southtown saw fit to thank you after coming to our aid once."

Chrom humbly accepted the offering from the young maiden and allowed her to raise her head, despite his status.

"Thanks are hardly necessary, milady. I do all I can to assure my people can place their faith within me, but I very much appreciate the gesture."

"All the same, sire. Thank you. And on behalf of everyone on Southtown, I also thank you for issuing restoration to our town after the attacks from Plegia."

Chrom recalled some time ago how Robin made sure to put Southtown at the top of the list of areas in Ylisse that needed assistance after all of the attacks prior to the war. He had not gotten a proper look at the town because of all the fighting, but a quick glance clued him in on some of the half built homes and near complete shops that were being rebuilt to just the way they were before the war.

"I believe that honor would go to our tactician. It was his call that Southtown get the care it deserves." Chrom motioned his arm to his friend who had already climbed into the wagon for departure.

The village girl looked upon the man of who her ruler spoke and her expression quickly lit up upon seeing his familiar face. It was months ago when the town was under attack from some rogue Plegian pillagers. In the midst of the chaos, she was taken while trying to find shelter and have Gods know what happen to her. That's when they showed up. The Shepherds.

The small four man group that completely cleared out their village was there to save the day. Among them was the man who would be their tactician. She remembered this man. He was instantly recognizable with his black coat and pure silvery-white hair. It was he that brought the leader of those bandits down with the finishing blow and saved her from being held hostage.

"Pardon me, but Lord Chrom said you are a tactician, yes?" The maiden asked cautiously.

"That I am, madam. Is there something you need?" Robin answered. He tried to sound as inviting as possible given the anxiety he sensed in the girl. He felt as if he may be intimidating her, either by his station or general appearance.

"N-No, sir. I simply wanted to th-thank you for your service to the Shepherds. I've heard countless rumors of your leadership."

Robin stepped out of the convoy to speak to the woman. He wanted to try and speak to her at eye level to try and establish a humble atmosphere. "Oh. Ah, well as Chrom said, no thanks are really necessary. I simply served my duty to protect innocent lives."

"Thank you all the same, sir." The village maiden clutched the basket to her chest and stared at her feet before looking back to the man's face. He seemed much nicer than she imagined. "Um, excuse me for asking, sir, but do I perhaps seem familiar to you?"

"Hm..." Robin closed his eyes to try and recall if he had ever seen her before. He hadn't seen many villages during the war, let alone village people. "I apologize, but no, you don't. And please, call me Robin."

"Okay. Robin, then. It was merely months ago, but you saved me from being captured by those Plegians. I will never forget how you and Lord Chrom made short work of those pillagers."

"I see. That was some time ago, wasn't it? The very day I was enlisted into the Shepherds by my memory." Robin nodded, he definitely remembered that moment. How could he forget? It was practically his first memory.

"All of us Southtowners are very grateful for what you did to help us that day si- I mean, Robin. We never got a chance to properly thank you for your efforts, but" The young maiden presented the basket to the tactician with a smile. After hearing all those rumors of the legendary tactician, she was glad to see he was much softer than she pictured. "please accept this humble thanks from us. And from me, personally, thank you for saving my life before."

Robin stood dumbfounded before the woman and his companions. He was not used to recieving gifts like this. All he ever cared about was appreciation for his work. "Wow. Thank you. I... I don't know what else to say about this generosity." The tactician accepted the basket and the young woman bowed respectfully to him. Another gesture he was unfamiliar with.

"It was the least we could do. And thank you once more for ordering a restoration of our town. Many who were left homeless after the attack no longer need to stay in the streets."

Robin's face began to turn red from all the gratitude. No one ever thanked him this much for what he thought was so little. "Er, you are very welcome. You and everyone here."

"You are like a local hero to us. We couldn't thank you enough!" Even more praise. Robin was almost left speechless.

"Uh... I..." Robin stammered.

"If I could interrupt? We should really get going back to the capital, milord." Cordelia interjected, pointing upward to he sun's location in the sky.

"Oh! Forgive me for taking up your time. I'll leave you all be. Still, thank you for your help, all of you." The village maiden bowed once more to the group and ran off back to where she came.

"Well, that's that, I guess. Time to head home." Chrom laughed. Patting Robin on the shoulder, the Prince hopped into the convoy along with his leutenant and the two Pegasus Knights. Robin stood stunned for a moment before being beckoned by his companions to get a move on for the ride home.

As the carriage departed Southtown and began it's journey back to the capital, Virion was the entertainment for the trip. When only asked a simple question of how he had been these passed few months away, he dove into many stories of his journies across the continent. The sights he had seen, the battles he fought in, and of course the women he charmed. He even freely told about the band of sell swords that had been under his command in the battle they just waged. Apparently each of them were simply survivors or travelers, looking for the next way to make end's meet. It was Virion who had recruited them all and taken the point of commander. For what reason, he never said, but one fact was for certain; he had those brave warriors trust and loyalty. However he managed to pull them all together, they were no doubt with Virion for a long time to come. No wonder they trusted his eventual return when he departed.

Growing weary from Virion's constant talking without rest, Chrom looked over to Robin who had been busy with the contents of the basket he was gifted. Neatly wrapped with pattenred cloth was a collection of fruits and cheeses with a loaf of bread tying everything together. Likely something to nourish the soldiers on the ride back home. The tactician was the only one eating from the basket, as everyone else was already dead asleep from the fourth tale of how Virion lead his small army through yet another deadly battle with bandits harassing a town.

"So, Robin. Tell me what happened back there in town." Chrom started.

"Hm? Have I done something amiss?" The tactician said with his cheeks stuffed full of food.

"Not quite. I mean the way you acted so shy around that village girl. The moment she started complimenting you, you sort of began to shrink."

"Oh." Robin swalled what he had in his mouth and set aside the basket. "I suppose I just haven't gotten used to being praised for my efforts again."

"Pegasus dung." Chrom shook his head in disagreement. "You never used to so much as rub your neck when someone said 'good job' while we were in the thick of it."

"True, but when did anyone call me a savior or a hero?"

"Alright, you've got me there. But, honestly, you are a savior and a hero, you know." The Prince patted his friend on the shoulder twice.

"Chrom, please." Robin grunted, lifting Chrom's hand from his shoulder.

"Will you deny it?" Chrom asked with a grin.

Robin said nothing, He placed the basket he set aside back onto his lap and continued eating.

"You sure are packing it away." Chrom chuckled as he watched his friend stuff his face with alternating bites of an apple, a wedge of cheese and bread.

"Mmm. I haven't eaten anything all day." Robin exhaled with his mouth still full.

"Not even breakfast?"

"Not even a snack." Robin finished off the apple and tossed the core out the back of the convoy into the grassy field. "Just a bit of water after training." Picking out another ripe apple from the basket, he handed the fruit over to Chrom.

"That's alright. I think you need it more." The Prince refused.

Robin simply shruged and took a large, crunchy bite out of the crisp, red fruit.

"I know this goes without saying, but try to have something, anything, before we head out for battle next time. It can't be healthy to fight on an empty stomach. "

"I know." This time, Robin made sure to chew and swallow his food before speaking. "This was just a chain of unfortunate circumstances. I was late to the castle because I spent the night with Maribelle and everything just happened so fast after training that I had no time to eat."

"Of course. I understand. I'm sure next time you'll... Wait, what?" Chrom's mood shifted slightly when he thought about what he just heard.

"I said I had no chance to-"

"Yes, yes, I got that part. What came before that?"

"That I spent the night with Maribelle?"

As he repeated himself, Lissa, who happened to be coming to, perked up at what she just barely heard. Her right eye shot open, instantly rousing her from her slumber without a hint of dreariness. She quickly closed her eye once more and pretended to sleep, hoping to hear more.

The rest of the ride was filled with Robin taking th lead in conversation and detailing to Chrom the night before. He had no idea what had happened. About the invitation, the play, and finally got an answer to why his tactician and advisor was not around in the morning for some paperwork that needed to be handled. Even Virion got in on the topic as soon as he heard talks of sharing a bed.

Perhaps his poor judgement came about from his empty stomach, but Robin decided to humor Virion for once and tell him about his own stories with a woman. He filled him in on just how things had been going these passing months. Of course, he made sure to inform Virion of his standings with Maribelle.

The stories Robin had grabbed Virion's attention quicker than any fetching lass. He especially enjoyed the way Robin used noble persuits as a front to be around Maribelle more often. Very smooth indeed, something that Virion had to admit that even he was not beyond trying someday.

Even more interesting still were the events that transpired just the other night. Since this was the first time Chrom had heard of this, he couldn't help but hold onto every word that came from his friend. And ending the entire night in her bed was practically the tip of the iceberg for the Prince and foreign noble. Needless to say, the latter was a bit disappointed at the relatively bland conclusion of events, but Chrom was very supportive and congratulated Robin on showing restraint. As they continued to discuss what Robin did the previous night, Lissa had been hearing in on everything, trying to hide a proud smile as she pretended to remain asleep.

...

In the capital, with some of the Shepherds off on their away mission, the rest were barely around in the garrison. Being a small force, it was hardly a gathering when six members were away. Without Chrom or Frederick there to watch over them or no training to be done, the Shepherds simply decided to go home for the day, or even gather around parts of the city for conversation and drinks. Wherever they went though, the garrison was left nearly empty.

It was swiftly approaching dusk into the early afternoon and in the fountain plaza of Ylisstol, a carriage rode up and dropped of Maribelle, the only passenger there. She was aware that training had been long over by the time she arrived, but hoped that she could spend what little time she had left before departing, speaking with her friends. On top of that, she especially had to speak to Robin.

Making her way through the streets and up to the castle, the noblewoman traveled the royal grounds, looking for any signs of the Shepherds. So far, there was no sign of anyone. Just the usual patrol guards. Sully was certainly there, but she was training by herself. Maribelle thought it best not to disturb her for now. Her walk took her to where she usually defaulted during her daily trips here; the Shepherd's garrison, hoping to find someone to talk with. Anyone would do. It was certainly a better option than standing around alone waiting for her more close companions to turn up, wherever they were.

As she opened the doors to the barracks, the only people who seemed to be around were Ricken and Nowi playing a game of chess. Actually, chess was a poor description. They had the pieces for the traditional game of chess, but Nowi seemed more content with making the queen piece ride the knight piece and neigh quietly while telling some ridiculous story to the young mage.

"Hey!" A voice shouted from across the room. "Who got into my stash of figs!?"

Gaius appeared from behind a book shelf that had been pushed aside, waving around a small empty sack in the air.

"Oh. Those were yours? Sorry!" Nowi apologized, her face cringing at her mistake. She knew how defensive the thief got about his sweets.

"You gotta be kidding me! I oughta-"

"Ahem." The sound of someone clearing their throat sounded across the room, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Oh, hi Maribelle." Ricken greeted.

"Hiya!"

"What's up, Twinkles?"

"Oh, don't mind me, you three. Gaius, continue trying to threaten someon who can easily immolate you into a pile of ash. I'll simply be over there observing." The noble smiled as she pointed to a table and took her seat there.

Gaius tossed the useless bag behind him and approached the table Maribelle stationed herself at. Now was probably an opportune time to ask for details about her and his friend. As he joined the noblewoman at the table, he caught a glimpse at a book she was quick to read when she saw him come close. He saw that book once or twice while he was in the library getting something for Sumia.

"Hey, that's a pretty hard to come by read you've got there." The thief declared enthusiastically.

"Indeed it is." Maribelle replied without any sort of follow up.

Gaius puffed out his cheeks and exhaled sharply. Having a conversation with Maribelle was near an impossibility for him. Of course, he knew why. Her opinion of him was less than ideal, to put it kindly. They were on speaking terms. Although those terms were tenuous at best. If Gaius ever said something to Maribelle, she would respond with a flat, short quip and nothing more.

The thief tried again to establish some sort of connection. "Soooo... I hear that you have dreams of being a judge sometime? That's pretty ambitious, even for someone like you."

"That's correct." Maribelle responded just as bluntly as before while turning a page and raising the book up a bit higher, hoping the man would get the hint.

"It's just, y'know, you're already swimming in cash what with being an heiress and all. Just makes a guy wonder why you'd even bother wanting to get involved with something as messy as politics."

Maribelle hadn't bothered to respond that time. Gaius cursed at himself inwardly thinking he could get a full sentence that time. He wondered if perhaps he was going about this the wrong way? There had to be something that would make her want to talk, even to him.

Asking about politics seemed like a dead end right out the gate. She seemed more interested in reading bout it than discussing it at the moment. He could ask about Lissa and what was going on with her these days. The problem was that the noble wasn't spending as much time as she usually did now that she had a larger pool of friends to speak with because of...

...because of how she had been spending so much time with Robin.

"So..." Gaius began again, pursing his lips and looking around the room for a moment. "I heard you slept with Bubbles yesterday." He said rather loudly.

An awkward silence fell over the room. It was quieter than quiet. Nowi and Ricken had inevitably turned toward where they heard the shout and expected to see some sort of reaction. Gaius pretended to maintain a cool and aloof atitude, but his wringing hands and shallow breathing made it very obvious he was scared for his life. He knew he had to say something to force Maribelle to speak up, so a sensitive topic was the best, albeit quite messy, way to go about it.

After the long pause and deafening silence, Maribelle turned to a new page in her book, visibly unaffected by what she heard.

'Damn. Thought that would work' Gaius thought. This proved to be a nearly impossible feat. Maribelle had a reputation for being stubborn though. Perhaps this was inevitable.

"Speaking of, have you seen Robin anywhere?" Maribelle finally spoke while maintaining her book before her.

Well, it seemed better than nothing.

"Yeah, he's out on a mission right now. Something about an attack going down in some small town not too far from here. They left a few hours ago, but they should be back any minute now." The thief scratched his head at the docile conversation.

"Wonderful. Perhaps I will find a more suitable place to read until he returns." Maribelle stood up from her seat, tucking her book underneath her arm and walked toward the exit.

Perplexed by the noblewoman's uncharacteristic calmness, he decided to follow her and see if she would be up for more than that meager interaction. Along the way, Maribelle was very much aware of Gaius tailing her, but preferred to not make a scene over it. It was much easier to ignore him than give into his childish badgering. He was looking for a reaction, so she thought it best to not give him one.

Their walk was supposed to take them to the castle's library, but as they neared the entrance to the palace proper, the two noticed the familiar Shepherd's convoy being pulled up the road to the castle grounds. ribelle breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that she had an excuse to occupy her time rather than continue on with Gaius any longer.

The large metal gates opened and the guards lead the convoy into the royal grounds. As the horses continued to pull the wagon forward with the guidance of the guards, the passangers began hopping out of the back. First came Chrom with Robin behind and carrying an empty basket. Lissa and the two Pegasus Knights Sumia and Cordelia were next. Frederick remained within the convoy, overseeing that everything would be placed back properly and see to it that the horses were taken care of.

Maribelle smiled as she saw her companions arrive home safe and sound after their mission. Without much warning, the noblewoman stepped toward the small crowd, intent on greeting them.

This familiar behavior prompted Lissa to open her arms wide for the usual bear-hug that her best friend treated her to every single time she came back from a mission where she wasn't present. However, to the princesses surprise, Maribelle completely stepped passed her and instead focused on her oher friend.

Caught slightly by surprise, Robin soon felt himself being enveloped by a pair of arms and pulled into a great hug. The tactician was so busy speaking with Chrom that he barely noticed anyone else. When Maribelle assaulted him so quickly and fiercely, he immediately took the gesture to heart and hugged her back, very grateful for having been greeted in such a way.

"Hey, you." Robin chuckled as he embranced her. "I thought you weren't big on public displays of affection."

"Times change, darling. Especially when you're fresh from the battlefield." Maribelle replied. She pulled herslef away and only then turned her attention to Lissa who accepted a hug of her own.

Chrom watched with raised eyebrows, very surprised by the subtle turn of events. For as long as he could remember, whenever the two girls reunited after some time apart, it was always Lissa who recieved her affection. This was the first time in... ever... that someone other than his sister was on the recieving end of her embrace.

"Why don't we all retire for tea? You two can tell me all about your latest outing. And please don't leave out any details." Maribelle beckoned her friends, grabbing them by the arm and pulling them toward the garrison.

"Lovely ladies and gentlemen! I have returned!" A voice rung from the convoy as it was being pulled away. Out from the back, Virion gallantly stepped down from the wagon with elegance and stage presence befitting an actor from a stage play.

"Oh, yeah. Virion's back." Robin flatly stated, pointing his thumb over his shoulder and sporting a crooked smile.

"Hm. Interesting. Perhaps I'll learn even more entertaining tales than I first thought." The noblewoman grinned at seeing the old flirt again. He was a faithful companion of the Shepherds and having become more amicable in the months following his departure, she looked forward to establishing a friendship with a fellow noble.

'Ah, sweet Maribelle. How wonderful it is to finally lay eye and ear upon your ever radiant self." Virion bowed gracefully. After rising to a stand, he hooked an arm around Robin's neck, pulling him in close. "I have heard many interesting things myself. Namely, that you and our tactician fair have become quite the adoring couple."

"If you also care to join us for tea, Virion, I'll gladly fill you in on all you wish to know and more besides." Maribelle offered, either indifferent or simply ignoring his flattering comments.

"Mind if I join ya?" Gaius interjected.

Hearing that request made the blonde noble's brow twitch slightly. The man's insistance on clinging to her was begining to get irritating. As much as it annoyed her, it looked as if she would have to invite him regardless now. Though he was no friend of hers, he was still a dear one to Robin.

"Very well. Tea for five then. Or six if Chrom wishes to join?" Maribelle conceded.

The prince shook his head reluctantly at the offer. "Count me out. After everything we've been through today, I have to file some reports on what happened."

"Oh, Chrom, if that's all, I can handle that for you." Robin offered.

"No, that's alright. You go and enjoy yourself. You earned it after an exceptional job today."

Robin shrugged but appreciated the gesture. "Alright then. You know where to find me if you need help."

The two men waved good-bye to each other and went their separate ways from there. Everyone was eager to be inside with the cold weather biting at them. Before too long, the castle's front gate was vacant, save for the guards keeping watch.

That night, the barracks was alive once more, filled with warmth and laughter from all the company within that shared stories, laughs and a piping hot cup of tea.

A/N: *plugs back in and turns the power on* Well, here we are again. It's been one full year since this went on hiatus, but now it's finally time I brought this bad boy out of the stables.

So, you are all probably wondering just what it was that made this story take a whole year to get back into action. Well, basically, I just sorta... I dunno. I just hit this block and I simply couldn't get over it. I really wanted to but I simply could not find any good way to continue. I lost my motivation and decided that it was best to just put it down until inspiration struck me to work again. And I won't lie to you, a big reason was due to the latest Fire Emblem game rekindling my passion again. I even went back and had another go with Awakening and I felt like I could finally continue with this story.

At the risk of rambling, please allow me to get this off my chest. I am ASTOUNDED that the entire year this whole story was pretty much dead, I was still getting pleas to continue. I've had so many people wanting me to continue, either through PMing me, leaving reviews and such. And to all of the people who have been asking for this story to continue, make no mistake; It was the, frankly shockingly large, fanbase that surrounded this story that was the adrenaline boost that got me to continue. I simply couldn't allow this story to just drop. I couldn't.

To be honest, I don't consider myself a very good writer. Hell, I've seen so much better on here that deserve much more attention than they get. Yet all that aside, I am constantly floored and humbled by the people who still manage to stick around and continue to look forward to this updating. I know it's been rough for you all. Believe me, I do. I know the agony of being so invested with a story and it never finishing. I will not repay the kindness and support that the people who faithfully watch this story by abandoning you all and from the very bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your support. This story wouldn't be here without you, and it certainly wouldn't have gotten back up without you.

I mean, really. The popularity of this fic is all on you wonderful people! Didja know that if you google "fire emblem maribelle fanfiction" THIS story is the very first result? That's crazy! I simply cannot articulate my appreciation for the people who enjoy this story. What I can and WILL do, however, is to get back up and continue on with this story because you all deserve it.

So thank you. Thank you for your support, thank you for your kind words, and especially thank you for finally getting me back to working on this story. It's time I finish what I started, and I hope you'll be there to see it all happen when I do.

Oh... today also happens to be Maribelle's birthday. Damn. Dat timing doe!