Aversa watched from afar as the clone summoned two low level Dark spells that the clone wasn't supposed to be familiar with, and shrouded Gangrel in it. The fight was almost over. She let out a sigh and rubbed her temple. She knew how dense Gangrel could be, but to unknowingly keep the cycle going? He knew of the entire plan and yet, the future still went out the way as He predicted. She watched as Gangrel leapt forward and thrusted his sword through the other. Aversa made no move as she knew what it was capable of doing. She let out a sigh as she watched Gangrel die, knowing he would be resurrected later. She made sure to let a spy watch over his body when the battle was over. It would become a pain to transport the body across the border, so she gave the spy a teleportation device in case anything would happen. The scene in front of her unfolded as she watched the war that the King started crumble. She knew she didn't have to be worried, but an inkling of weakness still lingered as she watched the experiment fall to her knees.

She had always been watching over her. She was there when she took her first breath and when she had her first conversation. It was always her that had to take care of her.

With one last look, she watched it become healed and slump over. She turned towards her pegasi, a figure in white sat on the back end, red eyes staring at her calculatingly underneath the hood. Aversa did her best not to scowl at their new member. He had to travel a far ways away to obtain such a trinket like this one.

"Do not fret, little one." Aversa smiled coolly. "I did my best to secure the best possible route for us and our little bird has not perished yet."

"Would you think He would agree?"

Aversa gripped the reigns tighter in her hand as she mounted, taking every ounce in her not to turn around.

"Let us hope so."

Everything was cold. Cold was everything she has ever known. Voices would always be murmuring in the background, too soft and distant for her to make out. She would lay there, hearing all of these hushed murmurers.

She's been here before…so familiar…where was she?

There was someone…someone with her at all times. Was it a man or woman?

…Morrigan? ….Chrom.

Her senses felt dulled and sluggish as she searched her memories for what was her true self. Before long, she began to hear voices again. They spoke softly as they were by her side. Her instincts kicked in and she began to feel fear and uncertainness. The voices were getting louder and louder, before she heard a low rumble in her ear.

It's alright. You're ok.

The words comforted her as she began to settle into the warmth before falling into a deep, warm slumber.

Peeling her eyes open, she slowly moved her head to the side. Everything in her body hurt and her body felt sluggish. Just like before.

Ugh…her brain feels foggy and muddy. She couldn't place where she was or what she was doing. There was a dream she had before waking up, but she couldn't remember what it was about. She groaned, rolling over on her side before feeling a sharp pain in her chest. Groaning once more, she flopped back onto the pillows she laid upon.

Doing her best to control her breaths, she surveyed the room she was in. There were five other beds in the room with her. One of them was covered by a white sheet, someone possibly residing behind it. The ceiling was tall and the room was bathed in a soft peach and cream. It looked like she was back in the Ylissean palace.

Robin tried backtracking what the last thing was that she could remember. The battle. She remembered piercing Gangrel with that awful spell. She remembers summoning it and feeling a murky, black substance gather in the palm of her hand. Her emotions were not in control at the time, it was the same feeling as when she fought Cordelia. A wild surge of power and uncontrollable anger. Gangrel had spoken to her before he died right in front of her. His eyes growing dull and his body going as limp as a doll.

And then it hit her. It felt like she was thrown against the earth and her breathing became shallow. She had killed him. She had killed someone. Staring down at her hands, she saw the murky purple substance again. It was bubbling up from nothing, the spell not holding its form and dripping down onto her hand and onto the sheets. She began to sink back into the pillows, trying to keep her hands away from her. It crawled up her arms and made its way towards her. It was so cold and slimy and as it made its way into her mouth, she began to suffocate. It crawled down her throat and threatened to choke her, take her breath and steal it from her.

It hurts….it hurts! She clawed at her throat and chest. Her face felt hot and her eyes began to sting, tears forming and ran down her face. A hand grabbed at her arms and hands and she could hear voices around her. Were they the voices again?

"...bin…..Robin!"

Opening her eyes, she saw the room again. Everything looked as if nothing had happened. The room glowed from the sun and the walls pristine. Nothing changed except the people who surrounded her. Chrom sat closest to her, holding her hand and rubbing her back.

"Robin, are you alright?"

She looked at him, wide eyed as she breathed heavily. The tears were flowing easily down her face now and her hair clung to her face from the thrashing. Her throat hurt when she tried to speak. Nothing came out, only soft wheezes.

"Here, let me help you."

Libra came over by her side and lifted a cup of water to her lips. She drank slowly, but with each sip she got greedier and almost chugged the cup if Libra hadn't taken it away.

"...what happened?" She croaked out, her voice scratchy and low.

"We're back in the Ylisse, the palace." Chrom answered. "Your wounds were severe but Emm saved you and patched you up. The fatigue also got to you as you collapse in her arms. We made it back safely, but some of us suffered grave injuries."

She sat there, taking in the information as she listened. She was unconscious for two days, waking up in delirious fits from time to time. She couldn't remember that she had. Chrom had some muscle spasms as Gangrel had applied the shock to him and some stab wounds to his body. He told her that it was going away, but there were still times where his fingers would twitch and his muscles would tremble underneath his clothes. Ricken had sustained a head injury while saving Sumia, where she would only have broken her leg in a fall with her pegasus. The pegasus's wing was badly injured, but fine nonetheless.

Gaius was resting on the bed on the other side of the room with her. He waved from behind the curtain as a healer tended to him on the other side. He had a run in with Gangrel's subordinate and servant, Aversa, and had suffered some injuries that would have killed them if Cordelia and Emmeryn hadn't jumped in to save him. She fled as soon as they became outnumbered.

The army outnumbered the Plegians and after the battle, many fled or surrendered; Emmeryn helped both sides as she believed in peace between nations. Many people who were wounded or refugees from the war with Plegia ran to Ylisse and Emmeryn welcomed them with open arms. The double they had planted had recovered nicely and stayed by Emmeryn's side as a lady in waiting till the next task. Emmeryn herself had to get to work, securing safe travel routes and writing letters to the head of each country, asking for a meeting to prevent anything like this from happening again.

When Chrom was done explaining, the sun had reached the afternoon and she was greeted by many visitors. Lissa and Morgan were the first to stop by as the princess sobbed dramatically next to her, wailing about how glad she was to see Robin awake. Morgan had brought her some fruit and books for the time she stayed in bed resting. Before she left, she whispered to her, "Don't get too lazy. I'll be working on more tactics for you." Robin gave her a wink and the two of them shared a smile.

Nowi and Stahl visited her, recieving a good luck stone and a couple of fig cakes. She also received pudding from Vaike, books from Miriel and Sumia, and flowers from Virion. Cordelia and Tharja also stopped by to pay her a visit. Tharja also left her one of her favorite novels as well as a small doll that resembled her. When Robin asked what it was for, "To keep an eye on you." She remarked, giving her a smirk and walking away hastily.

A sparkle caught Robin's eye and looking down, she spied a ring on Cordelia's finger. Robin drew a small gasp and made eye contact with the knight. Cordelia looked bashful and tried to hide her hand, blushing as red as her hair.

Robin pestered her for details and eventually Cordelia cracked and blurted that Gaius had asked her to marry him. Gaius let out a little whoop from his end and laughed, sending Cordelia to blush even harder.

"Can you believe it, Bubbles?" He hollered, his smile broad and childish. "She said YES!"

The girls laughed at his antics as Cordelia gave a rushed farewell and left some tarts on the bedside before she hurried over to Gauis, drawing the curtain to shield them.

Within the week, she had received many presents, baked goods, and books (those were her favorite). And with each passing night, Chrom would always visit her by the end of it. He told her he had to stay the night in the medical wing due to Emmeryn's orders. Chrom had some sort of fit during the night once after the battle. He had lost control of one of his limbs and he said it felt like his heart had stopped for a split second. He was lucky that Emmeryn had come to check up on him or he would have keeled over and died.

Robin didn't mind that he was there. She kind of liked it. They always talked before bed, snacking on the goodies that she had received during the day. He would tell stories of his childhood or about silly scenarios that ensued within the barracks.

"I can't believe Nowi and Donnel did that!" She laughed.

"I was so surprised to see the two of them throwing rocks at birds," Chrom chuckled, his head leaning into his hand. "I had to tell them to throw them somewhere else. Poor Kellam had been hit in the head with a stray one."

Robin laughed, airing out her sympathy for her forgotten friend. The two of them had bonded on their way to the tournament. Soldiers began screaming about a ghost who haunted them and would steal weapons from out of thin air. Robin had enough of their hogwash and began to investigate. Kellam was found sharpening and fixing all of the weapons that Cordelia had missed and was putting them right back where he found them. She learned to squint her eyes and look to the left whenever she was looking for him and he was always right there whenever she needed him.

Chrom threw her an orange as she was reminiscing, barely catching it as she fumbled a little with it. As she began to peel her fruit, she heard a loud crunch and looked over to see him mid chew. A giant bite was taken out of the orange, the sweet substance dribbling down the rind. He looked at her incredulously.

"...what?" His mouth full of juice and orange peel.

Robin stared at him, her mouth open as she watched him chew and swallow the entirety of the peel and its meat.

"Did you just…eat that with the orange peel?"

"Huh?" He took another bite, staring her down as he chewed.

"You did!"

"Am I…not supposed to?"

Another crunch.

"Wha-Of course not! You could get a stomachache!"

He was halfway through his orange as he stopped and glanced down at it, before taking another cautious slow bite. Robin screamed, a smile appearing on her face, and dove for his fruit. He dodged and started to run from her as she chased him around the medical wing. She was much better now that she had recovered after a week and was slowly getting back to exercising; with caution of course.

The two of them were then yelled at by Cordelia, a regular visitor as she tended to Gaius almost daily.

"Off to bed, both of you!" She shooed them away and watched them both climb into bed before turning around.

Robin laid there, staring at the ceiling. She tried following the carvings that were etched in the cream colored walls, but was quickly distracted as Chrom began to whisper to her.

"Psst, hey Robin?"

She let a smile show through. He sounded just like a teenage girl, whispering at a slumber party.

"Yeah?" She whispered back.

"When do you think you could leave the medical wing?"

She paused, thinking. "I don't know. If Maribelle and Libra say I can soon, then I could be out by this week."

There was silence for a while and Robin, for a moment, thought he fell asleep.

"Hey Robin?" Oh, he was still there.

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're here with us."

She laid there, staring at the ceiling once more.

"Me too."

Robin awoke to a scream, startling her awake. She was still disoriented as she sat up, trying to pinpoint the person in the dark. Chrom was thrashing in his bed, groans and cries for help echoed in the room. She threw the covers off of her and jumped to his side of the bed, pausing for a moment.

What should she do? Libra and Maribelle were on duty tonight, but they're stationed farther than she could walk at the moment. Without hesitation, she grabbed Chrom by his arm and tried shaking him awake.

"Chrom! Chrom!"

He turned over, grabbing her arm. She winced as he tightened his hold. She underestimated how strong he was and she grabbed a hold of his wrist.

"Chrom, wake up!" She looked up to see Gaius limping over in a crutch. His eyes were wide as he stared helplessly.

"Go get help," She ordered, her voice booming throughout the room. "Anyone you see and whoever can help!"

He nodded and hobbled as fast as he could out the door, his voice fading away as he called for help. Robin felt her hair tug downwards and let out a yelp as Chrom pulled her hair. Grabbing his hand, she tried to gently pry his fingers from her locks. She quickly replaced her hair with her fingers instead, grasping his hand tightly as he cried out.

She had sat there for a brief moment until she had an idea. Sing for him. She didn't know how she came to the conclusion, but she pulled herself closer in and wrapped an arm around him to rub his back. Still clutching his hand, she opened her mouth and sang a small melody.

La la la…la la la la la…Fly away towards the sky and light, my little one…la la la la…

She didn't know how or why, but she sang as if she knew the song by heart. She didn't know the words, but at some point she figured out a little bit of the chorus. As she kept singing, Chrom's thrashing came to a stop and his cries came out softer now. She stared at his face as tears rolled down his cheeks. Her heart ached at the sight of him. How could a world this cruel do this to others?

The door banged open to Lissa and Emmeryn, who were still in their nightwear, while others were healers that also came to help and stood behind them. The group hurried over to the pair, Emmeryn thanking her before they moved him cautiously from her lap. His hand still clutched hers tightly.

"Thank you for your help, Robin." Emmeryn's voice was soft, making her head dizzy with sleep. "'Go get some rest."

Robin nodded, her head bobbing up and down like a child. Slowly, she pried her fingers from his and stepped back to let the healers check up on him. With the adrenaline fading, the pain and drowsiness caught up to her and she shuffled back over to her bed. Laying down, she turned her head once more to see Chrom's form being tucked into bed as he was getting healed.

"Can't sleep?"

Lissa approached her bedside, holding a cup of water. Robin nodded silently, her voice hoarse from singing. Lissa handed the cup to her and watched her drink it all in one go. Lissa's hair was down for once, an elegant cascade of curls that framed her face in a way that made her almost look like Emmeryn.

Robin handed the glass back to Lissa and snuggled back into her pillows. Lissa smiled and giggled at her and raised the blankets up to Robin's chin. Once she was all tucked in, Robin felt herself grow warm and her eyelids felt heavy. She heard Lissa tell her one last goodnight before succumbing to sleep.

A week had gone by and Robin was walking around the castle walls. Well-sort of. She did her best to not limp, but the pressure on the left side became too unbearable at times and she had to use a crutch every so often.

The wind was becoming cooler and leaves were browning as they fell from the trees. Fall was approaching them soon, but it wasn't due for another month. She spent most of her time with the Shepherds as she wanted to get to know them more and more. At other times, she would usually sharpen her mind and either play a tactical game with Morgan or read another strategy book.

Today, she began to practice her spells on the dummy's in the barrack courtyard. Morgan watched from afar, ready to jump in whenever Robin strained herself. She had found new spells in her book the day before and wanted to try them out. Two of the spells were unfamiliar ones. Ruin, a spell that clouds an enemy in a thick miasma of dark energy and Nosferatu, a spell that gives the user the ability to heal themselves from the enemy's wounds.A spell that Tharja was more familiar with Nosfertu, her favorite spell to cast. When Robin had tried them out, Nosferatu had no effect. There were a couple nicks and scratches on the dummy, but there was nothing close to damage. But as she fired Ruin, from a series of movements, she saw the black goo erupt from her hands. Her breathing became labored and her vision became fuzzy. She hadn't realized that she was on the ground until Morgan was at her side, calling her name.

"...Robin! Are you alright?"

"..." She steadied her breathing, before trying to stand. Her legs felt like jello as she leaned on the younger girl. "...forgive me. I am alright, but maybe I should pass on spells for now."

"How do you know those spells?"

The two girls looked behind them to see Tharja, stepping out of the shadows with her arms crossed.

"Pardon?"

"Those spells are only meant for Dark Mages and Sorcerers." Tharja approached Robin and held her hand out. "Your tome, if you may."

As soon as the book was handed to Tharja, she flipped through the pages. She spent most of her time staring at the two new spells in the book. She paced for a while before stepping aside to aim at the practice dummy Robin was working on. With a hum in the air, Tharja let go of the book and began to go through the series and movements of Ruin. The book would levitate above her open palm for a couple seconds until it touched it for a brief second, only for it to levitate back up.

With the incantation spelt out in front of her and the spell building up in her hand, Tharja aimed the spell and the dummy was clouded in dust. With a flick of her wrist, she turned and the dust hardened. Hard debris and pointed spears formed around the dummy from all sides.

Robin stared in awe and couldn't help but to clap from the art of spell casting. Tharja stared at the pages once more before handing the book back.

"Hmm…Interesting. These spells may be low level for dark mages," She spoke low and to the point. "But to you, this might as well be an S level spell. To achieve such a high damage and precise spell, one must allow darkness to seep into one's heart as well as have high willpower to even achieve holding the spell together."

"O-oh," Robin let the information seep in and stared down her hands, wondering how the spells came into her hands in the first place.

"But," Morgan stepped up, her hands in fists excitedly. "It is possible for her!"

"What?" Tharja snapped, her eyes cold. "Didn't you hear me? She must-"

"-allow darkness in her heart and high willpower blah blah blah. I know! But I saw her use Ruin before."

Both older women looked at Morgan incredulously.

"What?" Robin asked.

"When?" Tharja demanded at the same time.

"At the border, when we were fighting Gangrel. I was watching Chrom get beat up and Robin stepped in and went whooosh! And there was a big purple orb-just as spectacular as yours Tharja!"

"What about me getting beat up?"

Chrom was walking over with a basket full of sandwiches and fruit, a smile adorning his face.

"Chrom!" Morgan grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into the circle. "Tell Tharja! Tell her that Robin can do anything!"

"H-huh? Umm…I don't know if I can do anything with this kind of matter." He chuckled, looking awkwardly at the ladies.

"This isn't a matter if Robin can do anything," Tharja snapped back. "It's about Robin using things she isn't supposed to."

Robin spied Tharja glaring daggers at Morgan and the latter doing the same back. Robin got in between the two before anything could happen next.

"Alright you two," She laughed nervously. "Let's save sparring for another day…Ooh! Is that pudding I spy in your basket Chrom? Well, don't mind if I do!"

The four of them ate lunch outside and talked amongst each other. Tharja and Morgan were debating the best thing that Robin can do the best, which made her happy but uncomfortable as well. She didn't think she could do everything, but it was surprising to hear the amount of things they saw her do.

"They sure are animated today." Chrom was leaning in towards her, handing another half of the sandwich. Robin had already scarfed down a whole sandwich already. Training was hard work and you had to keep your stomach full for strength.

"No kidding," Robin mumbled into her sandwich. She leaned against him, comfortable with using his side as support. "I haven't seen Morgan excited to talk about anything besides tactics like this before."

The two laughed and started to chat about the upcoming days ahead of them. Emmeryn had planned to have an open ball for all countries to participate in, inviting anyone who would join. There was also a festival coming up that aligned with the ball. She must have planned that on purpose for everyone to join in on festivities.

"When will this ball happen?" Robin wiped her mouth, mayonnaise sat on the corners of her mouth.

"In about 2 months. Emm wants to stay prepared and try to plan ahead of time."

"We would have to be on guard for this event, have some soldiers posted out front." Robin tapped her chin thoughtfully. "We could be by Emm's side and have Frederick out front-"

"Whoa, hold on." Chrom chuckled. "Emm already told me that The Shepherds would be taking part of the ball. We already have some pegasi knights and other foot soldiers ready for this event."

"O-oh…" Robin deflated, feeling a bit left out from these plans. Emm seemed to be handling a lot of her affairs on her own. At the moment, she felt a little useless and small inside her coat.

"Are you thinking how you can't be of any help?" Chrom nudged her with his shoulder.

"..." She grimaced at his perception, feeling her neck go hot from embarrassment. "Maybe, but I didn't think your sister would be a big party planner."

"Oh, don't worry," He laughed. It was deep and warm in her ear. "She's not. Lissa is taking charge of it. Emm thinks she needs a job to do, instead of pestering Frederick and Lon'qu all the time."

The two laughed at that remark. Lissa had spent most of her time pranking others and bugging anyone that would hang around her. She had a good heart, but a young one at that. Robin had brought up her recent theory of her crush on Lon'qu and was received with a spluttered answer and red face. Of course no else knew. Robin was a trusted keeper of secrets as Lissa couldn't even bring it up with anyone else besides Emmeryn and Robin. It seemed romance was in the air as many of the soldiers were planning different events together and spending time together. Since the war was over, many had a lot of free time after patrol around the perimeter. Some members went on an expedition to the borders between Valm, Plegia, Or Ylisse.

It felt good to talk so gailey and merrily with everyone. Times felt simpler and easier. She felt her cheeks flush under the sun and her chest felt full as she laughed and talked with others.

After lunch, Robin hung around the barracks with Chrom and others. She suddenly remembered Cina, the woman who was (supposedly) her daughter. She soon learned that 'Marth' had stayed closer than she thought and spent most of her time in a nearby village. Chrom and Frederick had seen her in the city market and tried to recruit her, but she had declined. As soon as she was able, Robin took a walk there and visited her. She didn't have to go far. A couple of directions and asking local villagers made it easy to find her. She was shocked to say the least when Robin appeared at her doorstep.

"R-Robin!" Her face was covered with a large sun hat as she tilled a field outside her house. "What are you doing here?"

Robin waved at her, smiling. She held up a basket. "Don't worry, no one followed me! I just came to see how my daughter was doing."

Cina jumped at Robin's words, looking around to make sure no one heard.

"M-mother!" Her voice was hushed, but loud enough for Robin to hear. Her hoe was thrown to the ground abruptly. "You aren't supposed to be saying those things so loudly!"

Robin tilted her head to the side, hands firm on her hips. "And why not?"

The younger woman hopped from foot to foot before grabbing Robin's wrist and dragged her inside the stone house. It was fairly furnished with the bare necessities like a table and chairs with a simple kitchen inside. There was another room inside that must have meant that that was her bedroom. It was quaint, but she could tell that the house hasn't been lived in for a long time. It's only occupant owner was the tanned girl in front of her.

Cina sat her down and explained in a hurried manner that not many know of her origin and if other people knew that they were related, questions would be raised and it could set things back.

"What do you mean?" She asked. "What kinds of things could be set back?"

Once again, Cina squirmed in her seat, her eyes lowered. She sighed before setting her head down on the table, her forehead touching the cool wood.

"It's complicated." She sighed.

Robin sat there, staring at the girl. She seemed to be close to her own age and seemed tall for her age. It perplexed Robin to have been a mother at her own age, but if her math summed up, the family relations wouldn't.

"You know, I'm still shocked to hear that I have a daughter." Robin said slowly, watching Cina flinch. "I mean, I don't even remember much from my past, more over someone in my family. But I have a feeling that we're connected. It's fate in a way."

Cina raised her head ever so slightly.

Robin smiled at her and smoothing her hair, brushing away the blue strands coming out from the ponytail she had up.

"We'll figure something out."

Robin made a point to visit regularly. After each visit, every time Robin would know how it feels to be a mother. She knew nothing of how to take care of a young child or baby, but she would learn from having a teenage daughter. She felt at one point that she was finally getting the hang of things. She wanted to get to know her daughter more and more, feeling that she should make up for a lost time that wasn't there. She learned different things about her: what she liked to eat and wear, along with her blunt humor and minimal facial expressions. As they grew closer and closer, the two began to open up to each other more. Cina liked to garden, one of her favorite pastimes that she learned from her Mother, but she also liked to train vigorously as well; a trait she says she got from her Father.

Cina had kept quiet about her Father, Robin's husband. Robin teased her, begging her to tell her what he was like and who he was, but her daughter kept her lips sealed with a ferocious glare (another Robin trademark). Robin would always return to the barracks, her mind filled with the options of who was her husband.

"By the way, Emmeryn has invited anyone from all over to a big ball at the end of next month." Robin snapped her book shut. A romance novel that Sumia had recommended ages ago. She had just finished the third book in the series and it was quite captivating.

The two girls were sitting under a big oak tree not too far from Cina's house. The field was turning yellow with hints of green. There was a warm breeze, but the ground was cool beneath them.

"Hm?" Cina looked up from her own book, the first installation of 'Mad Tales of a Bloodthirsty Falcon Knight'. "I'm not too keen on big balls and dresses. I had no idea it was happening. When will it be?"

Robin giggled, bumping her on the head with her book. "I just told you silly! The end of next month."

The two girls giggled and Cina pushed the book away. "That should be around the Harvest Festival, right?"

Robin thought for a moment. She was right. The Harvest Festival was the same week; the ball was being held on the last day of the harvest week. "I believe so. Did you want to participate in it?"

"..." Cina sat still for a moment, staring at the cover of her book. Robin looked up from her own and closed it, leaning forward to catch her attention.

"Are you alright, dear?"

Cina nodded, silent in thought. "...When I was younger, you and father would take us to the festival. We would join in on the dances and games. I was just reminiscing about it, that is all."

Robin took in her words, placing a hand on her knee. "We can still go out if you would like. Just the two of us."

Cina shook her head. A small smile, weak and soft, quivered on her lips. "One day, when peace is restored fully, I would like to go."

Silence filled the room. The sounds of crickets chirping and birds singing its goodnight song filled the empty space around them. Robin finally tugged her daughter into a side hug, combing her fingers through the silky smooth hair.

"Then it's a promise that we will have to honor."

As Robin made her way back to the barracks, she thought back on the conversation she had. The world was peaceful at the time, but how long until it shatters once again? She thought back to Cina's smile and excitement. Her heart melted at the fact that even inside, she was still a child at heart. She wanted to go out desperately. But she also had mentioned 'we'. Who was 'we'? Was there another child with them? Who was it? She made her way to the barrack library and started pulling out books and maps mindlessly. She could not get it out of her head. Was it another girl? Or a boy? Does her husband know of this? What if they both were dead or worse, like her, amnesia ridden to the point where he could not remember her either?

"Robin!"

She looked up from her notes and books, pages scattered everywhere, to see Chrom waving at her from across the way; his practice sword in hand, pointing at a training dummy. She snapped her book shut and made her way outside to the training grounds. She stopped midway and settled to watch from the wood porch.

"I see your injuries haven't stopped you from being reckless." She teased, leaning up against the post. Dummies lay ruined and crumbled in the courtyard around him as he looked about. He grinned sheepishly. "I fear that sometimes I do not know my own strength." He swung his sword once more, cleaving the straw dummy in two. He gave her a pointed look. Robin rolled her eyes and shook her head, a knowing smile coming on.

"Shouldn't you be in the mess hall? I thought it was your turn to make dinner."

He placed the sword on a rack and his way towards her. "I thought so too, but Morgan insisted that she make dinner since she did not get the chance last week. So, we switched and I'm making dinner tomorrow."

"Oooh," She sang. "And what's on the menu for tomorrow?"

He gave a dramatized hum and rubbed his head. "Hmmm...bear stew? Or goulash? Cherche taught me how to make that one."

"I like the sound of that." Robin's mouth watered with the thoughts of pasta and tomato sauce.

"Perhaps you can join me tomorrow?" She stopped and looked at him. His face was dusted pink and he ran his hand through his hair. Robin wasn't daft, but she couldn't tell what he meant. Did he just ask her to dinner? She turned her back to him, her hands cupping her face. She felt her face warm up. Was she blushing? No, it can't be. She shouldn't be blushing!

"...Robin?"

"Meet me here around fifteen after lunch!" She blurted out. Her face felt hot. "We'll have lunch outside!" And with that, she stalked away as fast as she could. She didn't know where her legs were taking her until she crashed right into someone along the way. A ring filled her ears, and she heard metal bounce on the stone tiles she walked on.

"Oh gods, I'm so sorry Olivia," Robin began to scoop up coins swiftly, throwing them back into her small pouch. "I wasn't looking where I was going, and now your secret stash in on the ground again! I didn't mean to-"

"ROBIN!"

Robin jumped, the coins jumping with her. She had never heard Olivia shout so loud before. It kind of scared her.

"Geez, you would think that I would be the one apologizing the most out of this!" Olivia huffed, gathering her own coins. "And please stop calling it a 'secret stash'! I don't want anyone to think I'm like Anna or even worse, a thief!"

"S-sorry…" Robin did her best not to sulk in front of the beauty.

The two sat there in silence, picking up the coins little by little. Olivia gave her a sideways glance, eyeing her up and down before speaking up. "...Is everything alright? You mentioned that you've been distracted lately?"

Robin felt her face flush once again and she tried to turn her face away. "...ah, I am not too sure what is happening to me."

"Oh! Did someone ask you to dine with them?"

"...!" Snapping her head up, she met eye contact with Olivia, who was oblivious to what she had said. With her face burning bright red, Olivia realized what she had said and in return became bashful as well.

"O-o-oh my g-gracious!" She spluttered, putting her hands up to her face. She was trying to cover her blushing face as much as possible. "I meant to only tease you! I'm so sorry! I-I d-didn't mean any harm!"

"No!" Robin grabbed Olivia's wrist, pulling them towards her. "It…it's quite alright! I just didn't expect you to hit the mark so easily. Are my expressions that easy to read?"

"Wha-? I-I just didn't kn-know…!"

The two sat across from each other, apologizing to each other over and over till Olivia started to laugh.

"Robin," She giggled. "I haven't had this much fun before just trying to apologize to someone. How do you make things so interesting?"

"..." Robin felt her mouth tug upwards and she let an awkward smile show.

After collecting the rest of the money, Robin suggested moving to the library. As soon as they were there, Robin put on some tea and handed a cup to Olivia. The room was silent as they enjoyed the brew, the smell of chamomile filling the air.

"...Chrom asked me to dine with him." Robin finally spoke, her cheeks heating up again. She clutched her teacup tightly. She felt like a child telling all these girl-ish things to another. But that was the beauty of youth.

Olivia gasped, leaning forward for more. "What? Tonight?"

"Yes. I told him to meet me tomorrow afternoon."

"And are you going to meet him?"

"Well, of course!" Robin set her cup aside, replacing her cup with her own head. "But what should I do? I've never thought anything of romance and with the Prince of Ylisse nonetheless! I feel as if I would cause a scandal at any moment!"

But that wasn't the only problem. Robin's head was already swimming with questions and thoughts. She was still conflicted about her husband. What if he still remembered her and was looking for her, but he would only find out that she was cheating on him with the prince of ylisse (of all people!)! He would stage a revolt against Chrom and have him killed! She would be put on trial and sentenced to death! But oh, how sweet and merry it would be to be in the arms of someone who loved her! But she was the head tactician, and he was the captain of The Shepherds. She had inklings and hints that Chrom only had eyes for her, but she only cast the thoughts away because he was protective. But hearing that he was with her every night when she was ill, trying new things just to talk to her, and more she learned about him made her realize that he was trying to get close to her. Also, she wasn't even a princess! Isn't royalty supposed to marry each other? A commoner doesn't even know the first steps to etiquette-like her! She knew that, but yet...

"Robin, listen to me." Olivia was in front of her now, holding her hands. "I know you must have all these thoughts and troubled feelings, but you must be brave and face these fears! You never know if you enjoy his company that much until you try."

"Oh, but-"

"No buts! The only 'but' here is yours going to be with him tomorrow!"

A snort erupted from across the room. Olivia froze, her cheeks turning pink, and Robin's face flared up, red from embarrassment and anger. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

A shadow stepped out from behind a bookshelf, their face in an apologetic smile.

"Lissa?!"

"Hey Robin..." Lissa said weakly.

"How long have you been there?!"

"Umm...since you guys have entered? Look, I was just trying to get some ideas for the ball, and I didn't mean to spy on you, but...wow! I didn't know you liked Chrom! When did this happen? Was it today? What did he say to you?"

Robin sat the girl down and explained the story once again as Olivia poured another cup of tea. Lissa seemed thrilled by the idea of the two of them dining together, but she was also hesitant.

"Did you two tell each other a plan at all?" She asked, raising the cup to her nose. "Where is it gonna be? What are you gonna eat? Are you going anywhere after?"

"I-" Robin stopped. She hadn't thought about that. All she knew was that they were going to eat outside. "...no. I failed to comprehend this important matter."

"Uugh! You two are hopeless!" Lissa groaned. She sunk into her chair, slouching in an unlady-like manner. Olivia giggled at her antics. "Alright then, I have no other choice but to bring the experts in! Don't worry Robin, I won't let you or my clumsy brother ruin this for either of you."

Robin watched as Lissa left and had a very bad feeling. Her stomach churned with it, and she sighed. Whatever Lissa was going to do, she hoped it wasn't going to be anything bad.

Chrom felt his stomach churn once again. He groaned, regretting everything he's ever done or said towards Robin. He finally worked up the courage to ask Robin to go out with him and yet, he feels like he could vomit.

He rolled over in his bed, clutching his side. The silk comforter ruffled against his face as he groaned once again. Gods, he wanted to just hole up in his room and never come out.

All of a sudden, the door to his room flew open, making a loud bang on the wall. Chrom sat up, grabbing Falchion and unsheathing it, ready to fight off the invader.

"Whoa! Geez, put that away!" Lissa held her hands up and then scuttled around him, making a beeline to his closet.

"Lissa? What are you doing? I could have hurt you."

"Oh, you know," She sang, grabbing some shirts and throwing them on his bed. "Just trying to save your sorry arses from ruining this godsforsaken event you call a 'date'."

Chrom whipped around. He met Lissa's eyes as she had her hands on her hips, a sisterly look that had one eyebrow raised and her mouth set in a funny line across her face. He felt his cheeks heat up and he set Falchion down.

"...did Robin tell you?" He asked quietly.

"More like I spied on her and then she told me."

He groaned again, sitting down on his bed with his head in his hands.

"Well that was a BIG one." He felt the weight of his bed sink beside him, Lissa leaned up against him. "Remember when you helped me become a better princess?"

"..." Chrom turned his head towards her, hands still covering his lower face.

"You told me to ask everyone what I should do to become a better princess. And I did. My brother helped me when I needed it and now I'm going to help him when he needs me too."

She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him, putting her head on her shoulder. Chrom chuckled and returned the hug.

"Thank you, Lissa."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for."

Lissa was the first to break up the hug, running behind him to the other side of the bed. She picked up the first two shirts that she picked out.

"Ok now, what do you think?" She held up in front of her. "Would you like white, light, or dark?