Awakening of Fate
Chapter V: Exalt Emmeryn

Robin…Robin…Wake up Robin…

Grima clenched its jaw, gnashing its teeth at the barrier which separated it from its host. Somehow the process had been interrupted and Grima was now stuck in an in-between of fully manifesting and having its essence in the world.

You must awaken soon Robin, there is a trespasser in these lands and we must eliminate them.

Grima continually pressed itself against the barrier in an act of insanity. A thousand years wasn't much to a dragon but the time spent asleep had drained him of strength. He would need to further conflict in order to replenish his reserves.

I may not have been able to take full control but you have tasted my power and I, your humanity. We shall be reunited Robin and at that time I shall make you mine; body, mind, and soul.

Retreating from the barrier of time that stopped it, Grima slithered off through the ether of outrealms to continue its machinations.

Robin opened her eyes suddenly as she felt a wave of unease rush through her body. Looking at the back of her hand, Robin could see her brand glowing ever so slightly. She covered the brand with her left hand and brought her arms close to her chest. Why do I feel a sense of dread and unease when I look at this mark sometimes but also peace and serenity at other times? She thought to herself as her conflicting emotions raged within. Curling up on her bedroll Robin began to cry herself to sleep softly.

When next she opened her eyes, Robin was surprised to feel something pressing against her. She looked behind her and saw that Corrin had rolled over in the night and was currently holding her to him. Robin felt heat rush to her face from the embarrassment before slowly trying to move away from the prince. As she began moving however Corrin's hand shot up across her body. While Robin will believe he meant to aim for her shoulder, Corrin's hand actually ended up grasping her left breast.

"Don't leave me…I don't want to be alone…not anymore…" Corrin spoke, slurring his words in his sleep.

Robin had covered her mouth to suppress the odd noise she made when Corrin touched her. While it first it wanted to come out as a scream, the noise decided halfway out to become a moan before reaching her lips and turning into a sigh. Confident the noise would not be made; Robin lowered her hands and proceeded to readjust Corrin's hold upon her, moving his arm down to her waist while his hand rested upon her stomach.

Robin lay in Corrin's embrace in silence. She couldn't fall back to sleep, Corrin's presence near her kept her wide awake. She couldn't leave because Corrin wouldn't let go and if his words were anything to go by she shouldn't force him to let go. This left her with the only option of staying there until Corrin woke up. Luckily for Robin that wouldn't be too long.

Lissa and Felicia both came bursting into the tent. The commotion wasn't what woke Corrin however. It was the tea that spilled when Felicia went flying. Subsequently because of her close proximity to the young man in question, Robin was also showered in tea. Corrin was up instantly looking from left to right with a slightly disoriented look in his eyes.

"Who? What? When? Where? Why?" He asked in rapid succession.

"You forgot 'How'." Lissa giggled from her prone position on the ground.

Robin looked down at her soaked clothing. Combined with the grim from yesterday's fighting she was a sticky mess.

"I need a bath and a change of clothes." She said glumly before walking outside the tent and smack dab into Sully.

"Oh, sorry about that." Sully stated as she helped robin to her feet.

"It's fine, I probably should've paid more attention as to where I was going." Robin spoke in response, as she was lifted to her feet.

"Chrom wants everybody ready to move out in twenty. I saw Lissa and that maid heading over this way so, although guessing from your current state it would seem they arrived here before me." Sully commented with a slight snicker looking at Robin's tea-stained outfit.

"I'm supposed to walk to Ylisstol like this?" Robin asked raising her arms for effect causing Sully to snicker even harder.

"I'll go jump in the river real fast and be back in time for marching." Robin concluded slamming her left fist into the palm of her right hand after a couple of seconds of thinking.

Before sully could say anything, Robin had taken off through the woods towards the direction of the river. Mere moments after Robin's departure, Corrin exited the tent with Felicia and Lissa. The two females hung their heads in shame. Corrin looked around curiously.

"I could've sworn Robin came out here." He stated aloud.

"Yea she came out and I told her about how Captain Chrom wants everybody ready to move out in twenty minutes."

Corrin nodded and turned to Lissa and Felicia. "Well ladies, you heard Sully. Go get ready to leave." Corrin stated in a mock tone of commandment.

"Yes, sir" both Lissa and Felicia said in unison causing Sully to cast a quizzical look at them. Corrin notice her expression and laughed as Felicia and Lissa went off to help pack up the camp.

"Well with everyone helping with camp duty this is the perfect time for me to sneak away to the river for a quick clean." Corrin stated before turning on his heel and heading towards the woods.

Sully thought about calling Corrin back but decided it would be funnier to see what happened between the prince and the tactician meeting one another at the river. She was about to follow after them but stopped upon hearing her name being called. Turning around the red-headed spear-wielder saw Chrom waving her over. Damn, well order are orders I suppose. She thought as she made her way to the captain.

Over by the river, Robin was just arriving to the rushing water. She knew her time was limited and decided the best course of action would be to jump in fully clothed. She could use her fire magic afterwards to dry off. Walking from the edge of the rushing water Robin slowly made her way to the center before ducking all the way into the deep.

Feeling the water rush around her Robin lifted her hands to her hair and undid the band that held her hair back in a ponytail, allowing her long luxurious deep blue locks to flow freely with the passing of the water. Somehow being underneath the water relaxed the young woman. She stopped crouching and allowed her body to stretch out against the flow of the river. The way the water passed over her body and rushed through her clothes was strange to Robin but in a pleasant way.

Raising her hands once more, Robin began to clean off her body and clothing as best she could, removing dirt, blood, and twigs along with other debris from her person. As she cleaned the grim away Robin's thoughts were still and when she noticed this it surprised her. Perhaps it was the tranquility of the forest around her or just the peaceful quiet of her surroundings but the concerns of her memories were at least for the briefest of moments, gone.

Robin could feel her lungs starting to burn from lack of oxygen and broke the surface of the water, throwing her hair back with flourish. She stood in the water and inspected herself for cleanliness. Satisfied that most of her was cleaned Robin smiled and turned around to start heading back to camp. What she didn't expect to see however, was Corrin laying face-up in the river just a couple of yards away.

The prince's eyes were closed and he was dressed only in underwear. Robin looked off to the side and saw Corrin's armor lain out neatly in the grass alongside his sword. Robin would've cursed herself for being careless enough to bring her grimoire in the river were she not already cursing herself for venturing into the woods without bringing said grimoire for protection in the first place. Wading through the water, Robin slowly approached Corrin.

"You looked very peaceful while you were under there." Corrin spoke, causing Robin to jump in surprise.

"You were watching me?" Robin asked after a moment before continuing towards Corrin.

"Yes I was but 'twas only for a moment, Robin." Corrin replied with a soft smile appearing on his face.

"At first I thought you had drowned, lying face down like that but once I saw you free up your hair I knew you were fine." He continued while floating on his back.

"We have to get going soon, back to the others. Chrom wanted the camp ready to move in twenty minutes." Robin stated as she began to head towards the dry ground of the riverbank.

"What do you suppose it all means?" Corrin inquired.

"What does all what mean?" Robin countered not stopping her advanced towards her destination.

"Everything that's happening, is it because of Anakros or does the dragon Grima have something to do with it as well?" Corrin wondered aloud.

"Considering Grima didn't want you here, it is safe to say that everything that is happening is because of Anakros." Robin stated as she began to dry herself by wringing water from her clothes. Without her grimoire she couldn't summon the magical fire she wanted to use so as not to slow the group down.

"Then I guess we have to get back home to stop him." Corrin sighed as he began making his way to the riverbank.

Robin turned back as Corrin got out the water and observed the young man. He was taller than she was by at least half a foot. His build was slim but fit. His muscles weren't stocky but definitely noticeable. Robin could feel heat rushing to her face the more she looked but couldn't tear her gaze away. It was clear to see Corrin took his combat training seriously from the way his body was toned.

"You're going to get sick wearing wet clothes." Corrin commented before sprouting his wings and flapping them over his body to dry off.

Robin had wrung out her clothing as best she could but knew that without her spell book she'd never get as dry as she wanted. She felt wind whipping about her body suddenly and turned to see Corrin hovering nearby flapping his wings in her direction. Against her wet skin the breeze was colder than normal but Robin felt her clothing drying out at the same time. The young woman turned to fully embrace the gusts letting them blow her hair backwards. After roughly 2 minutes of continuous gusts, Corrin stopped and landed breathing heavily.

"Are you ok?" Robin asked before restyling her hair back into its large ponytail with two bangs hanging on either sides of her face.

"Yea, I'm fine just a little winded." Corrin replied with a roguish wink. Robin smiled and shook her head in reply.

Corrin quickly got dressed and strapped his sword to his waist before motioning for Robin to follow him. The duo hurried back to camp and made it to their tent within minutes. Corrin retrieved Lilith from inside and laid her on the ground a few yards away as he and Robin packed away their tent. Robin's eye for tactics proved effective even here as she put hers and Corrin's strengths to good use. Packing away their bedrolls and gear took half the time it usually would. Just as they were finishing Frederick came riding up to them looking as impassive as ever.

"Glad to see your dalliance in the river hasn't delayed our timetable." He noted, causing Corrin to blush and Robin to tilt her head in confusion.

"What's a dalliance?" the young woman asked causing both males to look at her.

Frederick for one was caught off guard at the question and even more so embarrassed to explain it. Corrin was surprised that this intelligent woman had never heard the word before. Coughing loudly to clear the air Frederick turned away and rode off without saying another word. Robin shrugged and followed after him with her backpack. Corrin lifted Lilith from the ground and carried her after the group.

When everyone was together Chrom set them off at a relatively reasonable pace. Luckily for everyone there they were allowed rotations on the horses. The remainder of the trip was uneventful and by midday the castle of the capitol could be seen on the horizon. Rather than break for lunch the group decided to press on, snacking lightly as they walked.

It was close midafternoon when they finally arrived at the gates of Ylisstol. The guards let them in after seeing Chrom and Lissa. The group immediately made their way towards the temple to drop Lilith off for healing. Sully and Frederick left the group to go to the Shepherds' barracks with Virion in tow after Sully; after they were sure Lilith would be taken care of.

Chrom, Lissa, Robin, Corrin, Azura, and Felicia all made their way to see Chrom and Lissa's older sibling, Emmeryn who was the Leader of Ylisse. Chrom lead the group to the castle where Emmeryn stayed. Despite traveling with the prince and princess though, everyone was forced to surrender their weapons at the foyer. Lissa had no weapon to surrender and Chrom was the prince who carried the divine blade Falchion so they were exempt from this.

When the group made it to the royal chambers, Lissa immediately ran towards and embraced the older woman who stood staring out across the city from a nearby window.

"Emmeryn!" Lissa called out in excitement hugging her sister warmly.

"Sister," Chrom stated with a brisk salute and bow before he too went over to hug the woman.

Emmeryn was taller than Chrom by a few inches and clearly older by at least five years but she had a gentle look in her eyes. The first thing everyone noticed however was the brand on her forehead. It was the same as Chrom's albeit smaller in size due to the location of its placement. Emmeryn wore light colors that faded from tan to pale green. Her attire consisted of an open robe over a full body dress, complimented by green leggings that came up mid-thigh on both legs and green dress shoes.

"Lissa and Chrom, it relieves my heart greatly to have you both back here safe and sound." Emmeryn spoke to her siblings.

"We're glad to be back, sister." Chrom replied as he released Emmeryn from the embrace.

"I sense there is more to say though however." Emmeryn stated looking past Chrom to the other who had joined him.

"Indeed there is. Allow me to introduce Prince Corrin and Princess Azura of the Vallite Kingdom along with Corrin's retainer Felicia as well as Robin whose origin is unknown but we suspect to be the princess of Plegia." Chrom stated waving an arm across the group.

Corrin stepped forward followed by Azura and Felicia before bowing slightly. Felicia and Azura followed suit with curtsies as Corrin introduced himself. "Exalt Emmeryn; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. As your brother has said, I am a prince of the Kingdom called Valla. Azura, my cousin is the Crown Princess of Valla and Felicia is my retainer. We owe a great debt of gratitude to your family, Emmeryn."

Emmeryn smiled softly and bowed back slightly to Corrin. "Raise your head Prince Corrin. You are a welcomed guest to my home. While I am sure you and your cousin have a tale to tell, I would like it most dearly if the woman over there would make her way forward to introduce herself." She stated, her words filled with both warmth and serenity.

Robin fidgeted slight before stepping forwards. "Exalt Emmeryn; I am honored to make your acquaintance. I am Robin, and I introduce myself to you as the Princess of Plegia. I bear the brand of Grima as proof of my royal lineage." Robin stated pulling the glove off her right hand to show off her mark.

If the announcement surprised Emmeryn, she didn't show it. "Well met Princess Robin." Emmeryn replied still smiling. "My brother introduced you with your origins unknown and you claim not only to be from Plegia but to be its princess as well."

Robin blushed but stopped fidgeting. "To be honest, I am not one-hundred percent sure of who I am. I am afflicted with some amnesia from the battle where I first met everyone. My claim is based off circumstantial evidence. My brand which is representative of the dragon Grima is deeply tied to the Grimleal of Plegia, all of whom worships the dragon. My style of clothing is also Plegian. As we walked the streets of Ylisstol I noticed some refugee citizens and their physical attributes more closely related to mine than the Ylissians leading me to believe they are also Plegians. Finally I was found close to the border of Plegia and Ylisse. I believe that before I lost my memory I sought you out to try and negotiate peace and end the skirmishes between our people."

Emmeryn's eyes never left Robin as she spoke. She regarded the young woman with interests and closed the distance between them with a couple of steps. When she was close enough, Emmeryn embraced Robin in a gentle hug. Robin was confused at first but returned the gesture.

"The pursuit of peace is the noblest of aspirations. Princess or not I believe you have the right idea and I would be happy to help you achieve that goal." Emmeryn state quietly, her voice cracking.

"Are you ok?" Robin asked as the two females broke their hug.

Emmeryn was wiping tears from her eyes with a soft smile gracing her features. "I am fine Princess. I was overcome with emotion at finding someone who not only wished for peace between Plegia and Ylisse but would take action in order to achieve that peace."

Chrom and Corrin looked to one another as the scene unfolded before them. Clearing his throat loudly Chrom brought attention of the room to him.

"Emmeryn, there is still an urgent matter to discuss about Corrin and his companions." Chrom stated.

Emmeryn nodded and sent a messenger to have tea delivered to the room. The group sat along the circular table near the western wall as Corrin and Azura began to explain their tale to Emmeryn. The Exalt listened with rapt attention, never interrupting the two of them. The cousins finished their tale with the running theory Robin had produced and their plans for what to do next.

"That is quite the tale. I have heard tales of the outrealms but never actually been to one myself." Emmeryn spoke after the tale was told. Corrin looked to Azura and Felicia with hopeful eyes and they mirrored the expression.

"Anything you could tell us would be of great use. We had planned to go through your library at Chrom's suggestion but if you could fill in some pieces it would speed up the process." Azura stated,

"There is a rumor about a traveling merchant to the north in Ferox. It is said that they travel the outrealms peddling wares between worlds. You could start your search there." Emmeryn suggested.

"If we are going north then might I suggest trying to recruit the Feroxians as allies against Plegia." Chrom voiced causing everyone to look at him, Robin and Emmeryn with confusion upon their faces.

"Why would you need allies against Plegia if you're trying to barter peace?" Robin asked, her tone a mixture of hurt and accusation.

"I'm surprise you would ask that. As a tactician you should know better than most that it always pays to have a backup plan." Chrom explained.

"Wouldn't you be sending mixed messages? You want peace but are building alliances with other countries." Robin countered thinking about the plegians and how it wasn't possible they all wanted war.

"That might be true but Ylisse doesn't have a true army. We have militia forces but that's it. If war broke out we would be at a disadvantage. I am planning for a possible future and not throwing all my faith into one plan." Chrom tried to explain.

"So you don't have faith in my plan?" Robin spat angrily as she stood with tears coming to her eyes.

"That's not what I meant Robin." Chrom replied not taking his eyes off the woman.

Robin's jaw tightened as her teeth clenched firmly. "Will you lead your country in another purging of Plegians in the name of holy war?" she managed to ask, glaring daggers at the prince.

"Enough!" Emmeryn interrupted the two of them. Although her voice was even, never rising above normal volume, everyone could hear the authority behind her word. Emmeryn's face was impassive as she looked between Chrom and Robin.

"You both make very good points on this matter. Chrom in regards to your request, I will take time to deliberate before acting. For now it is best you all get some rest. You have been traveling and could use the break. I'll have one of the attendees show our guests to their quarters. Chrom, you stay behind so that I may have a word with you." Emmeryn stated.

Chrom remained seated as the rest of the group left, with Robin storming from the room. Her tears never fell but Chrom saw they were still in her eyes as she left. He sighed loudly knowing almost exactly what Emmeryn would say to him. His sister looked at him once everyone had left and her expression softened as sadness entered her eyes.

"Why did you fight her on that Chrom?" Emmeryn asked, sitting down once more.

"It was not my intention too but I had to get my point across." Chrom replied.

"She is the princess, or at least that is what she believes and you are talking about gathering allies to possibly kill her countrymen and citizens." Emmeryn explained.

"I know that Emm, but I have to think about the good of our people as well. I am being realistic with my reasoning. There is a chance that the Plegian government won't accept our proposal for peace and if that happens we need to be prepared." Chrom elaborated looking his sister in the eye.

"Your points are valid and you have never been one to be led astray be combat or war. Please, for the sake of peace talk with Robin before you leave." Emmeryn requested.

"Leave? Does that mean you're approving of my request?" Chrom asked.

"So long as you speak with Robin, you have my blessing to approach the Feroxians with an offer of alliance while you are up north helping Corrin on his objective." Emmeryn confirmed. Chrom nodded and stood up to take his leave.

"Chrom, might I suggest waiting until she has had a chance to calm down before approaching her. Timing is key, when handling matters of the heart and right now her heart aches for Plegia." Emmeryn suggested.

Chrom nodded and waved his hand behind him in a slightly dismissive manner before exiting the room, leaving Emmeryn alone inside.