Chapter 6: Weigh Anchor
Lucina awoke to lonely waters. The empty rush of waves was becoming commonplace, and the sound pushed an ache into her chest. There was something missing-
Something forgotten. There was still a void in her head, echoing the hole in her heart.
All at once that gap became too much, and was made only worse by the silent quality of the waters. Lucina pushed herself up from the bed she'd hollowed out in the sand. Deposits of silt clouded the air as she swam, sliding free of her scales.
A flicker of fish caught her eye, bands of silver adding motion and color to the empty currents. The way their scales caught the sunlight was familiar, teasing at something in her head. She reached out to them-
A shadow fell over them all, causing the fish to scatter. She glanced up to the source, to see a familiar set of wedges skimming the waves and blocking the sun. The emptiness in her heart stilled as she watched them… and Lucina found herself swimming again, racing after the shapes.
She nearly shot to the surface, embracing the rush of water and how it shut out the haunting blank in her thoughts. Her fingers almost broke through the waves, reaching for the bright surface-
Lucina stilled at the last second, drawing her hand back. A flash of confused, staring eyes shot through her thoughts. And her memory, tired of being blank, latched onto the girl in yellow, and how she'd looked at Lucina. Like she was something that shouldn't exist.
'Something's wrong.'
Either with her, or with breaking from water and into air. The thought stilled her, and left Lucina to sink back into the ocean. Safe from any air-realm eyes. Her instincts screamed at her to stay locked under the surface, safe and unseen.
'But maybe… Maybe there's something there.' Her eyes went back to the ships. 'Something that will help me remember just what I'm doing here.'
At least she no longer felt quite so alone, in the company of those black shapes.
-o-o-o-
They left Ylisstol with a fleet, their white sails billowing out and turning them into a swift moving cluster of clouds. The fleet formed an arrow around a central vessel, protecting it and always moving forward. The lavish galleon flew under full sail, her prow painted silver and gold. A fitting craft for the Exalt.
Every dark cloud on their voyage was cause for the crew to hold their breath. And each time it turned into soft rain, they relaxed. Through it all, the Exalt's vessel acted as a steady fixed point for the fleet to rally around.
Aside from awe-inspiring looks, Robin didn't envy the flagship that much. Emm's ship wasn't at the forefront of the expedition, unlike the Shepherd. The brig whirled in the wind, always first out on patrol. Sumia was in the crow's-nest more often than not, relaying information between the Shepherd and the rest of the fleet.
Robin joined her up top some days. At times she helped Sumia signal the pegasus riders with news of fair weather. When she did, the sleeves of her new robe flapped in the breeze and acted as a signal flag.
Each time up and down the rigging, her footing became a bit better.
"It's almost like swimming." Robin murmured to Sumia as their shift ended with a noonday sun.
"Or flying." Sumia offered, clambering through the ropes. She stretched out a hand, guiding Robin down. "Either way, it's not a bad place to get used to life at sea."
Robin gave an agreeing hum, accepting her hand and dropping the rest of the way onto the planks. Her balance wobbled when they touched the deck… but she stayed standing.
"Already it seems you've gained your sea legs. You've quite the set of surprises up your sleeve." Frederick remarked, watching as she made her way along the deck. He walked to meet her. Another followed behind him, tugging her hat down against the sea breeze.
"And…" Frederick continued. "You haven't hesitated with aiding us on this voyage."
"Why Frederick!" Sumia remarked. "I'm starting to think you might be warming up to Robin… M-maybe?" She stammered when Frederick raised an eyebrow at her.
"…Mayhaps." Frederick admitted. "I still wonder at how quickly she takes to being at sea… but at the moment it's more of an advantage for us than anything else."
"Thanks… I guess." Robin wobbled as she spoke. Miriel stepped out from behind Frederick's shadow, keying in on her movement.
"Robin, wasn't it? I require no small increment of your time."
Robin tilted her head, needing a moment to get used to Miriel's speech. "Me?"
"Indeed," she nodded once, and then sent a meaningful glance to Frederick, looking at him through the lens of her glasses. "I've at last managed to persuade our quartermaster into granting you enough credence to freely wield weapons on board. I've a wide miscellany of spell tomes kept in my study for you to peruse through."
Robin blinked over the words, before asking, "You want me to use spells?"
"...Unless my conjecture was off and you prefer more physical means of self-defense? I'd assumed with the way you wielded that soup ladle that-"
"No! No! T-tomes are fine!" Robin rushed to say, stumbling over the word. "Please, lead the way."
Miriel nodded once. "Indeed. Then follow me, if you're prepared for the task."
-o-o-o-
Miriel made good on her word, and Robin followed her to the sides of the ship. Lissa met them there, where a series of familiar gold circles had been laid into the ship's planks.
"Now then, I've gained a trifling observation of your capabilities. Still, that allowed quite the trove of speculation on you. Given that, I've concluded our greatest benefit if I give you tutelage. Doing so should develop your prowess as a spell caster, and thus we may better fell threats through suppressive fire. Ideally before they have any odds of doing us grievous harm."
"You want me to become a mage gunner too?" Robin asked when Miriel paused for a breath.
"YOU UNDERSTOOD THAT!?" Lissa squeaked before Miriel could continue.
"Well, yes... at least I understand the theory-"
"Excellent. Then I need not divert any time in explanations. And mayhaps you can translate some of the basics to Lissa. She still presents a shocking difficulty in grasping the curriculum."
"...I don't know if I should be offended by that or not." Lissa grumbled, but still followed, making sure to keep Robin between her and Miriel.
"As a baseline, we'll commence with a basic tome." Miriel pressed a thick book into Robin's hands. Robin stilled at the contact, blinking down at the object.
"It's so… fragile." Her fingers shivered over the pages, half worried she'd tear them from touch alone. It was the second time she'd held a spell book, and this time Robin didn't have a horde of undead to distract her. She ran her fingers along the spine of the book, feeling out the texture of the leather and the heft of the volume. Even with dozens of pages crammed in it, the entire thing stayed light in her grip.
"Wait. You're a natural at spellcasting, but you aren't used to books? How did you learn?" Lissa looked between Robin and the tome. "That's what we record everything in, from spells to reports. So what did you use?"
In her mind, Robin caught a flash of tracing her hands over something more heavy, engraved in symbols.
"S-stone… I think? It was the only thing durable-?" Just like that the memory flickered out, replaced with a growing pain.
"That storm must have really scrambled your brain. Well… Don't rush it." Lissa touched her shoulder, trying to comfort her. Miriel simply nodded.
"Intriguing as that is, you do yourself and us no good wracked with pain." Robin nodded, turning her attention to the book.
"It's… I've never seen something like this, but there's something very intriguing about it." And it felt oddly natural, holding the book.
"It should keep you from passing out after one or two spells, too." Lissa said. "The arcane script sort of kicks your brain in the butt! It helps get your mind working right for magic, and makes it easier to draw up your energy."
"Indeed," Miriel nodded. "The majority of the population can't channel without aid from a tome. Which makes you far more of an anomaly."
Robin didn't want to focus on her strangeness just then, preferring the book.
"So… You're saying that I use something else to make things easier?" Thankfully, Miriel focused on the question, instead of Robin's unease over being labeled an anomaly.
"Just so. Stand upon this inscription, and prepare a spell from the tome." Robin lifted the book on reflex, the pages falling open. The words glowed in front of her, and she mouthed out the symbols. In answer, a copy of the spell script traced itself through the air, forming glowing rings around her.
That was something she'd grown familiar with. But the rings of metal humming under her feet... those were a new touch. The sound rang through her head, like a single note plucked from a giant harp.
"You're undergoing the expected reaction, so that much of you follows established formula and hypothesis. The rings are harmonizing with your abilities, and boost your output. Now for testing range; how far can you have this spell fly?"
The answer was Robin's skin blazing, the worst of it centered in her fingers. She tried to flinch from the sensation, only to freeze when she saw a red glow in her hands; something that echoed candles, but with a hungry edge to its heat. The flame swelled in her hands, waiting for her to relax her hold for just an instant-
It only took a blink for Robin to lose her grip on the fire.
A gout of orange sprang from her hands, snapping its way across the sky. It surged, twisting, curling, and devouring the space for a ship's length before fading out.
"…Impressive." Miriel finally said, glancing from the spell path to a tiny journal she'd pulled from her sleeve. A quil scratched a few notes into the paper as she spoke. Lissa's input was a wide-eyed, slack jawed stare. "It seems you'll be a fine addition-"
She trailed off when the book fell to Robin's feet. It landed with heavy 'thunk.' Her grip went nerveless as she stumbled away from the heat source. The moment her feet left the spell circle, the humming note went silent.
"Something amiss?"
"I... I've ever cast fire before. It was- does it always burn the air and skin?"
Miriel peeked over the tops of her spectacles at Robin. "One would think you've never glimpsed fire magic before. Singularly unusual, given its applications in combat and mundane utility."
"I-I don't think so-" A lost feeling tried to clamp down on her chest. She'd seen glimpses of flame in the palace, in candles and lanterns. But she was certain she'd never felt heat like that before. She wasn't certain she wanted to ever again, for that matter.
"Do I have to use fire? Would-"
"Given your affinity for it, I see no reason why thunder would not make for a viable alternative. Granted, we may need to request Chrom to secure more tomes when we make landfall. Still... a satisfactory performance, all things considered."
-o-o-o-
Miriel insisted on more tests as the days went by, trying Robin's range with thunder, and even wind magic. Through it all Robin learned how to adjust her balance and plant her feet while casting. She learned the boundaries and limits of the spell circle.
But eventually Miriel had taken every note she could. The process had put Frederick's interview to shame, and Robin suspected that was why he'd eased off in the first place; knowing she'd been put in Miriel's care and questions had been enough for him.
Robin was finally released from Miriel's scrutinizing notes on the third day. The mage had folded up her journal, and dismissed Robin to enjoy the afternoon. The skies outside the crew cabins were a calm sun-warmed blue, the ocean breeze washing over her skin and ruffling her hair.
She found herself leaning against the side of the Shepherd, watching the world slip by. Robin felt a smile grow over her face as she watched the distant islands. The sight both new to her eyes, and intriguing.
'I don't think I've ever gotten to see lands in such a way before.' The thought gave her pause. For a moment she wondered about her own homeland, and what it was like-
Or why trying to remember put a needle of pain through her forehead. Trying to dredge up any memories from the murk in her head only seemed to reward her with jabs and headaches. Robin winced, blinking to try and clear the pain. Her vision blurred, and then focused on something off the bows. Something that banished the pain entirely.
It was a single, lonely mountain. No other slopes grew around it, and the nearest islands were mist draped lumps in the sea.
"Mount Prism," a voice provided. "Sacred ground as well, and generally off limits to most of us... even with Exalted blood. We don't go there unless for urgent business or ceremony."
A figure in white walked the deck towards Robin. The sea breeze lifted the hem and sleeves of her robes, the gold embroidery shining in the late day sun.
"E-Exalt Emmeryn?" Robin managed. She noticed that Frederick and Phila both shadowed Emmeryn's steps. Frederick continued to scan the ship, while Phila kept her eyes fixed to Emmeryn, as though nothing else mattered. "You… Why are you-?"
"Onboard? A bit of a family visit to be frank." In Robin's short time in Ylisse, she'd never seen such an honest smile on Emmeryn's face. And it only grew when Lissa spotted her, and ran the width of the Shepherd.
"Is sis giving you a little history lesson?" Lissa panted out, looking between Emmeryn and Robin with a grin. "I hope she's not telling you the cut and dry version. There's legend about it and-"
"Sumia would be better suited to telling them than I. I'm no bard, Lissa." Emmeryn answered, surprisingly demure.
"You don't give yourself enough credit… who told Chrom and I those stories in the first place, huh?" Lissa shot back… but still, she didn't press the issue. Instead she fell into conversation with Emmeryn about plans for the evening.
Frederick watched them with a calm and gentle look. It was at odds with his usual scowl.
"I also bring good news from our scouts." Phila added to the conversation. "It seems we've outpaced even the barest hint of storms."
"We seem to finally be in for a calm night." Frederick sighed in relief. "And as such, I can finally allow the crew some festivities."
-o-o-o-
The weather made true on its promise, giving way to a gentle night. The fleet was ready to celebrate, with a collection of cheese and poultry ended up serving for dinner. Many of the crew elected to enjoy the evening on the main deck, including Emmeryn and her siblings. Even Phila joined the meal, having finished another patrol.
As she enjoyed the dish, Robin overheard snatches of what had to be a private conversation.
"You know… It's rare that I've gotten to go to sea. And even then, only as a traveler." Emmeryn shook her head, seeming to sigh at herself. "You would think that as Exalt, I'd know more on how to sail a ship."
"You've other matters to be concerned with, your Grace-"
"Phila, we're at sea and well beyond any nobility. Just 'Emmeryn' is fine, I assure you." Robin stared down at the woodwork, knowing that she should probably find some excuse, some reason to leave… But still wanting to listen. There was a warmth to Emmeryn's voice, singularly unique to her ears and chased away any chill from the night.
"E-Emmeryn." Phila tested the name. "You've matters of state to worry about. Plenty of us know how to navigate the seas."
"Perhaps… But I admit, I still wouldn't mind learning a little more. If I'm to tour the seas, and give the people some faith, perhaps they should see a strong woman at the helm of her ship. And," At that, Emmeryn paused, seemingly searching for something. Perhaps even a mote of courage, with how her voice trembled. "I-I would not feel it amiss, to learn from you."
'A lot of royalty want to learn things, it seems.' She thought, and just glimpsed Phila giving a careful nod.
Dinner gave way to a festive evening. The calm night prompted a restless and entertaining mood.
Stahl had brought out a wood carved instrument, cradling it in his arms before stringing a tune. Lissa and Sumia joined in, their voices echoing along the ship and making a breezy melody. It set the crew's feet to tapping. Frederick stayed at the tiller, but even he managed to drum his fingers on the wheel, matching the rhythm.
Vaike was the first to finish inhaling his food, shove aside his plate, and reach the deck. But one at a time the Shepherd's crew joined him. Robin leaned across the table, watching as the crew moved in time to the music, swaying on their feet and spinning around in circles.
'Dancing.' Robin's mind provided. Her eyes stayed entranced with the motions.
Emmeryn motioned to Phila, only for the pegasus knight to shake her head. Robin caught a faint pink dusting Emmeryn's cheeks, the color a few steps shy from being a sunburn. Phila stood awkwardly, looking even more out of place than Robin sometimes felt. From the way Phila shifted and glanced to the night sky, she longed to be there instead of out in public. Emmeryn tried to reach out to her, and Phila took that as a sign to back away.
'Is there something other than loyalty she's feeling-?' The thought flickered up. Robin tried to ignore the idea, and listen to the music instead of their conversation… But her curiosity had other ideas, and their whispers tugged at her hearing.
"I'm more suited to the saddle than any dances. I'd only be an embarrassment."
"Your company is never that." Emmeryn gave a gentle admonishment. "But if you won't, then at least try to relax at the table?"
Phila seemed carved from granite, from how stiff her headshake was.
"My task is your safety. Above everything else." She seemed a mirror for Frederick, clinging to rigid tradition in the same way the knight stuck to his post at the wheel. For her part, Robin could only wonder at that look Emmeryn gave Phila; something that seemed almost like longing at war with caution.
It was unnervingly close to the look she'd seen on Chrom's face-
"So, might I ask you for a dance?" Came Virion's smooth voice, drawing her away from the sight. "After all, a fair lady such as yourself shouldn't be on the sidelines for an evening like this."
He didn't seem discouraged with how she hesitated, scooping up her hand before Robin could figure out an escape plan or an excuse. She envied Phila for a split second, before his fingers gave an insistent tug. Virion drew Robin to her feet, and guided her by the elbow towards the impromptu dance floor.
"Now, follow my lead-" Virion coaxed her, motioning to himself. It wasn't the easiest command to follow, considering the practiced grace and polish to all his motions. And the task was only made harder, with her feet determined to turn her into a stumbling mess. She didn't feel particularly graceful when her heeled boot mistimed a step, and slammed down directly on Virion's toes.
Robin winced from both that, and the flash of pain that crossed Virion's face. He clicked his teeth around a pained noise, the rest of him trying to do a dignified hobble to the sides of the ship.
"Per-perhaps it would be rude of me to demand all your attention. I'm certain there's other, eager people to dance with you while I ice- REST my feet."
As it turned out, Virion was right on that. She had a few more people offering to dance with her. Though much like Virion, they only seemed to last a few dozen steps, at most.
"AUGH!" Vaike howled. "I mean AHA y-you know how to keep a guy on his toes." But for all that he was wincing quite a bit. He went over to join Kellam, who was also nursing some trodden toes thanks to her.
'Three times is probably a sign.' Robin thought, with a grimace of her own. She tried to shuffle off to the side, before anyone else had the bad luck of asking her to dance-
"Busy night?" She almost flinched at Chrom's voice. "And… pardon me for saying so, but it looks like it's been a frustrating one. Going by the way your forehead is furrowing."
"I'm not sure if I'm cut out for this." Robin sighed, leaning back on the railing. If she was honest with herself, falling off the ship into the water was feeling a lot more preferable. She gestured with a free hand to where Stahl had switched over to a jig. Vaike had apparently recovered enough to ask Lissa away from singing and towards a dance.
A touch of envy pushed a scowl onto Robin's face, though she tried to blink it clear and hide it.
"I can't help being unable to dance." She said to herself as much as Chrom. "I think it's just something I have to accept I can't do."
Chrom paused at that, looking between her and the dance.
"You know… I owe you a favor; you've been teaching me how to swim. So what if I teach you how to dance?" Robin stared at him like he'd taken leave of his senses.
"…Do you really want to put your feet at risk, after seeing what happened?"
"If it helps you, then yes. It would be worth a risk." He smiled at her, with an earnest look in his eyes. "Besides… Can youreally say that you don't want to try again?"
Robin ducked her head, surrendering the point.
"I don't think I CAN say no when you put on that face." She reached out to his hand, and Chrom eagerly guided her. He signaled to Stahl, motioning for him to ease down into a slower song. With that done, he rested his hand near her waist, just short of touching the cloth of her robe.
"Okay?" Chrom asked, and at her nod rested his palm against the small of her back. His other folded over her hand, clasping her fingers and bringing them up to shoulder level. "Let me guide you, the same way you help me swim."
She nodded at the comparison, easing a little into his grip.
"Relaxing? That's good too... now step here, and sway, on the beat," Chrom murmured encouragement to her, as Stahl picked up the rhythm and turned it into a fast jig.
It wasn't so much a dance now, instead flowing between steps. Most of her weight was supported in his arms, and her balance shifted up on the balls of her feet. Chrom twirled her around, prompting a gasp from her-
And her heels crashing down onto his boots. Chrom gave a grunt at that... but still kept a hand on her, albeit squeezing her a little closer out of wince and reflex.
"I won't blame you if-" Robin tried to say… only for Chrom to lead her into another swing. Her feet shuffled across the planks, trying to keep up with him. Robin found herself putting more of her balance into Chrom's arms.
"Lean your weight to one side." Chrom told her, nudging her side with his hand. Robin tried to follow, only to find herself caught up in a sudden sweep as Stahl brought the song to a close. Chrom finished it with a flourish, spinning her about. It ended with her hovering a few feet off the floor, braced against his arm.
She gave a squeak in the back of her throat, wordlessly asking to be let down. Chrom obliged by putting her on both feet, and giving her a quick grin.
"Told you so. And it'll take more than a few stubbed toes to make me give up." Robin managed a shaky nod, and a grin of her own.
"That… that WAS kind of nice, actually. Thanks. I almost felt…" Either like a proper lady, or at least someone who knew their way around on land. "Well, lady-like."
Chrom blinked at her over that, opening his mouth a few times before any sound came out. "L-lady like?"
"Did I say something funny?"
"N-no. Just… just got a sudden reminder that you, ah. That you are-?" He clicked his mouth shut before he could say anything else. Likely half worried he'd put his own foot in there by mistake. "I ah… I should probably…"
"Chrom, let me save you before you embarrass yourself." Came Lissa's voice, and she smoothly moved in to take Robin by the arm. "And c'mon Robin. Take it as healer's advice that you might want to get off your feet. At least for a little while."
Robin gave a nod… even if she wasn't certain about that knowing, satisfied look that crossed Lissa's face. She still readily guided Robin away… and towards where Emmeryn was sitting.
"Sooooo Robin," Lissa dropped her voice by a few octaves, scooting up to Robin with an odd gleam in her eyes. "I saw that dance of yours, and that makes me wonder. How's it been going between you and Chrom, huh? Y'know, with those private lessons and all?"
Robin caught a flutter of motion in the corner of her eye. It was a slight shift of golden hair, as Emmeryn tried to subtly lean forward to listen. Robin almost wanted to laugh, if shock didn't still her throat. The Exalt was partaking in gossip. And gossip about Robin herself, at that.
"Ah, well..." Robin said after a confused second. "He's actually been learning pretty fast. And I think each time we head out, he's able to swim for longer and- what?"
She paused when Lissa's face fell.
"...Whaddya mean 'what!?' I was waiting for the juicy details and... and you're just teaching him how to swim!? That's it!?"
"...Was there supposed to be something more?" Robin asked. Lissa's answer was her jaw falling open.
"...So. You're telling me that there was nothing apart from that? No longing gazes, no flirting, no hugging-? Oh gods, you're serious." Lissa threw up her hands in frustration. Emmeryn had settled back, trying to look interested in other matters.
A breeze played at Lissa's hair as she shook her head, and made the back of Robin's neck prickle. The chill soaked through the air now, the weather shifting to something colder. Lissa didn't notice, busy with grumbling.
"I was SURE there was something going on! I mean he pulled you onto the ship bare skinned, and you saw him in his small swim clothes and-"
"LISSA. Simply accept you lost." Maribelle stated firmly, striding between the two. "This is what comes from doubting the captain's virtue... and Robin's from the looks of it."
Maribell finished her scolding, turning her nose up before adding, "...I also believe that will be two gold?"
'...Oh. So that's what this was about.' Robin thought, blinking between the two girls.
Lissa's answer was a grumble, before tossing a pair of coins to Maribelle.
"I still can't believe there wasn't even… I mean, c'mon Emm! Back me up a bit here!" She turned to her sister, while Maribelle pocketed the coins. "Didn't it look a bit like-?"
"…Like you were assuming things?" Came Chrom's voice, gone dangerously flat. He'd crossed his arms, looking between his siblings. "Emm, what on earth is going on here?"
"I was being a good listener to my sister, I assure you." Emmeryn answered. "And she had some ideas she wanted to voice."
Chrom didn't seem that convinced, but transferred his frown to Lissa.
Robin took pity on Lissa, who was currently slouching under her brother's gaze. Before he could scold her, Robin reached out to tap at his elbow.
"Ah… could we try making a patrol of the ship? Possibly? To make sure everything's working well, and that I've figured out where everything is? I could do it myself, but I'd appreciate the company if you wanted to join me…" She trailed off, hoping he understood.
Chrom hesitated only a moment, before answering with a nod. Taking her by the shoulder, he bowed to Emmeryn, and then spun himself and Robin around. With how he walked, he couldn't escape from his sisters fast enough. His cheeks seemed to give off heat with how red they were.
"Can you believe Lissa?" Chrom muttered, still looking pink in the face even after walking for a bit. "Acting like anything's... like we're- augh, never mind. We've got more important things to focus on."
"R-right. Right." Though gods knew she couldn't think of what those important things were, just then.
"I guess, ah we should start with talking about Ferox, since it's the first time you'll be seeing it." Chrom hurried along. "It's our northern neighbor... though they tend to keep to themselves. But they have as much of a sailing tradition as we do." Chrom ducked behind one of the masts, leading Robin into its shadow. They both paused at the prow of the ship, where their voices didn't need to compete with Stahl's lute.
"There's some in Ylisse who call them barbarians, or raiders. And maybe in the past they were… But now they have their own nation. Their own fleets of merchant and warships, almost equal to Ylisse." Chrom breathed out, considering the stars. Robin followed him, looking at the points of light. Wisps of cloud were moving in, trying to replace the glimmering sky. "Actually, I think they settled their nation around the same time we did. After the world nearly drowned."
'Drowned?' She wanted to ask about that, but a gust of cold air stole the question and replaced it with something else.
A white feather drifted down in front of Robin's face. Another joined it, and then another that touched her nose with a cold nip. The thing melted into water before she could blink. A property she was certain seabird or pegasus feathers didn't possess.
"W-wait, what's that?" Chrom paused at her question, blinking up at the white speckled sky. He gave a small hum of surprise, watching the flecks. A wisp of cloud escaped his lips, and with a start Robin saw the same was happening to her.
Her fingers almost went up to the fog, before it dissolved away into the night sky. Chrom gave a slight chuckle as he took in the change of weather, drawing his cape a little closer around him.
"Ice and snow. We must be heading into the northern reaches, if we're getting that."
"A-and these breath clouds? Is that a symptom of cold as well?" And why didn't she know about that, considering how at ease Chrom was? She couldn't tear her eyes from the little puffs of air, turning her breath into long exhales so she could watch it turn to clouds and drift skyward.
"Yeah. We should reach Ferox in a few days now, and hopefully get Emm's alliance under way." Chrom shrugged his shoulders, leaning against the mast. "I wish her all the luck in doing that, because I wouldn't have the first clue on how to broker an agreement."
She tore her eyes from the clouds and snow, noticing how Chrom slouched when he spoke.
"Do you envy her?" Robin asked.
"Not exactly. It's more like… admiration, I guess? She can find peace to a conflict as easily as you or I can breathe. To be honest, diplomacy has never been my strength. Not compared to being on a ship, and facing the challenges there. I'm content with making sure Emm reaches her destinations safely, so she can handle the peacemaking."
"Well… I think you'll do the job pretty well." Robin assured him. Chrom still hung his head, looking almost ashamed from the admission.
"Thanks for telling me a little about Ferox. And…" the dance lesson, she half wanted to say. But something about those words stuck on her tongue. "Just... thanks for everything."
-o-o-o-
They spent most of the evening on the prow, wrapped in their robes or cloaks and watching the snow fall. The motes melted away, while Chrom tried to describe Ferox's white fields and snow flecked mountains.
Eventually they made their way back, Robin taking a break at an empty table. Her feet were grateful for the rest. The dancing had faded in favor of a softer melody. Gentler. Something Robin swore she almost knew the words to. She was flirting with a headache, but she tried to chase that familiar feeling. A hum built in her throat, as she tried to match the song.
"Do you know this one?" Came Sumia's voice, and the familiar sensation vanished like a popping bubble. Robin shook her head in answer.
"I- I thought I did, for a moment. But I don't know the words to this song."
"Well, to be fair, it's a song with a lot of words. I've heard it dozens of times, but I haven't managed to memorize all the verses." Sumia said. "Though it is one of my favorites… and who knows, when you hear the rest of it, maybe you'll love it too!"
"I… Don't suppose you'd care to give me the quick version, so I can understand it better?"
Sumia brightened at that.
"Well since you're interested! It's about a young captain who gets swept overboard in a storm. But instead of drowning, he's saved by one of the merfolk… You know, the people who live beneath the seas." Robin blinked at that, wondering at the lurch that settled into her stomach. It seemed at odds with the roll of the Shepherd.
"Th-they're not actually-?" She stammered out, eyes sliding to the ocean.
"Real? Depends on who you ask." Sumia replied. "I think that it would be interesting if they WERE real, though… even if they seem to have sad endings. In the story the mermaid saves his life and takes him back to shore. But because she's of the sea, and he's of the land they stay separated. The mermaid becomes so saddened she sings all her grief, causing storms and shipwrecks. Eventually her storms catch the ship sailed by her love, and he drowns. Once she discovers this, guilt consumes her and she takes her own life."
Robin stilled at that, shaking her head. "What a dismal story…"
Sumia nodded.
"I thought so too, the first time I heard it. But in the end Naga takes pity on the couple, and they're reborn in the stars and reunited in night sky, never to be separated again. So it's sad, but sweet."
Robin found herself gazing skyward, considering the flecks of constellations overhead. The clouds broke in parts, allowing a window into the night sky.
"Actually…" Sumia dropped her voice to a whisper. "There's one other person you could ask. About the story, I mean. I swear he knows it as well as I do, if not better. He always wanted to hear it, or songs like it, as a boy."
"Who would that be? Someone on the crew?" Robin glanced around, trying to imagine Virion taking an interest in the tale. Or perhaps Frederick, for all his sternness, had a more sensitive side.
In answer, Sumia nodded to the main deck. Towards a blue haired head, turned up to look at the stars and listen to the music. "C-Chrom?"
Robin blinked in surprise, double checking to make sure she was looking at the right person.
"Yeah. He's always loved those stories." Sumia said. "Even as a boy, he'd play at being a captain. Sometimes fighting merfolk, sometimes saving them. And always playing at sailing."
Robin found herself almost able to picture that… even while she couldn't remember any of her own childhood.
"Well… mayhaps I should ask him later." Robin turned from Chrom and the stars both. "But right now… It's been a long night. I should rest my head."
Or at least try to. Sumia and Chrom's stories both buzzed in her head, as did the memory of the dance she shared with him. Even when Robin closed the door on her room, her thoughts kept straying to the young captain, still standing out in the snow flecked night, gazing at the stars.