"I'm coming with you," Emmeryn said firmly.
She, Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, the Khans and Robin were gathered in Reflet's room around her bedside. Emmeryn had just finished healing Reflet's tired body as best she could, and now they were holding a meeting to discuss their next course of action.
Perhaps Reflet's room wasn't the most convenient spot to hold a meeting, but this way, the tactician could still be involved without leaving her bed.
"Absolutely not!" Chrom snapped.
Emmeryn resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him.
"I am needed back in Ylisse, Chrom," she said gently. "I refuse to sit here and do nothing when my people are in danger."
"Em, we almost lost you," Chrom pleaded. "Please, stay here where it's safe!"
"Would I truly be any safer here than in Ylisse?" Emmeryn reasoned. "How do we know that the Plegians won't attack here as well? I will be in danger no matter where I am, so I will help my people."
"Hah!" Basilio laughed. "Now that's the kind of fire I like to see. Seems like all you exalted types really are cut from the same cloth!"
"Thank you, lord Basilio," Emmeryn smiled.
"Oh, don't bother with titles here, Emmeryn," Flavia said. "Especially not for the oaf. He's not even in charge anymore!"
"Aye, as Flavia here keeps reminding me," Basilio muttered. "We're getting off track, though. Emmeryn, the boy is correct. Your safety is important. You would be well protected here."
"I appreciate your concern, truly, but I must stand with the people of Ylisse."
"Then you have our support," Basilio promised, which both reassured her and filled her with confidence.
"But-" Chrom argued.
"No buts, boy," Basilio said. "This is the burden of leadership. Your sister bears it well. I-"
"Bear? Where? I'm hungry," a sleepy voice said curiously. Reflet had chosen that moment to wake up.
"It's good to see you awake, dear," Emmeryn said, feeling relieved. "Thank you for saving me in Plegia. That being said, you're grounded. Never do something so reckless again, Reflet."
"As your brother, I second that," Robin agreed.
"Ugh, what?" Reflet asked as she shook her fatigue away. "Wait, what's going on?"
"We're in Ferox, Reflet," Frederick said calmly. "You used complicated and powerful magic for an extended period back in Plegia, which exhausted you entirely, but also ensured our victory. You did well."
"Oh," Reflet exclaimed. "Thank you, Freddy. And what are we arguing about now?"
"I am going to return to Ylisstol with you to assist with the defence of the city," Emmeryn explained.
"Makes sense," Reflet conceded. "We need all the help we can get."
"But it's not safe!" Lissa cried.
"By that logic, you and Chrom should stay here as well, Lissa," Robin interjected. "I've kept quiet until now as I've been thinking about the best way to proceed, and as much as I wish to keep Em safe, we do need her. Both to support the people and as a healer. Her skill is second to none."
"Listen to your friend's advice Chrom. I am needed. I will not shirk my responsibility."
"But, I-" Chrom stammered.
"Chrom," Flavia said. "You have to trust your sister, your allies, and yourself. It's understandable that you've been shaken, but you must stand firm, do you understand?"
"I…" Chrom trailed off, uncertain.
Emmeryn stood and placed a hand on Chrom's shoulder. "Do you remember what I said before I fell in Plegia Chrom?"
Chrom looked up at her, surprised, but nodded.
"At the risk of sounding arrogant, I want to believe that my words had an impact on the Plegian citizens and soldiers. I believe that they want peace, just as we do. Do you trust me, brother?"
"With my very life," Chrom said without hesitation.
"Then continue to trust me in this. We will return to Ylisstol together, and we will reach out our hands to the Plegians. They may just surprise you and reach back to us."