Lissa led Anje and Virion down the corridor, passing a few open rooms decorated with large canvases and fine furniture. The twists and turns jumbled a bit of Anje's sense of direction, but eventually, Lissa navigated them to a large double door at the end of a dimly lit hallway.

"Okay, this is Miriel's lab!" Lissa exclaimed as she spun on her heel to face Anje and Virion. "She might be a little busy, but she's pretty nice."

"Great, just let me in. I can take it from here," Anje grumbled.

Virion quirked a brow and rubbed his chin. "If you insist. I'm more interested in visiting the kitchens. All this early morning activity has roused my hunger, and I find myself famished."

"You're in luck!" Lissa replied with a bright smile. "Stahl made food before he left this morning. If you're lucky, there might still be some."

"Then that is where I must go," Virion exclaimed dramatically. He nodded to Anje as he departed with Lissa, and called out, "Do take care of yourself, my dear!"

Anje exhaled out her nose hard and blinked a few times. What else would I do besides take care of myself, she pondered. It's just talking with the local historian. Nothing to be that wary of.

Anje opened the heavy door with a bit of effort. The exertion from the 'audition' into the shepherds wore on her a little as she put her shoulder into opening the door to reveal a large room with various tables. Each table seemed to be filled with either books, vials, scrolls, stacks of papers, or a mix. Near the center of the room, Anje spotted who she presumed was Miriel; wearing a ridiculously pointed hat with black robes.

Miriel stood in the center of the room observing a vial of greenish liquid and appeared to be taking vigorous notes as she sniffed and tasted the strange concoction. The display seemed like chemistry to Anje, but she wasn't sure as she quickly closed the door behind her. The whole room seemed like a mess of knowledge strewn between the various tables.

"Is someone there?" Miriel called out in an authoritative voice as she adjusted her pointed hat with one hand. "Please approach with the utmost caution. I'm in the middle of testing a hypothesis."

Anje scrunched her face as she approached. She wasn't quite sure what a 'hypothesis' was but upsetting one of the few people who might be able to sort out her letter issue seemed ideal. Shifting past a few nearly overflowing tables, Anje walked up to Miriel to see what she was doing. She didn't recognize the langauge the handwriting was in, nor did she appreciate the strange green liquid in the vial that occasionally bubbled.

"Are you here for a consultation or are you merely here for salutations?" Miriel said while keeping her gaze firmly locked on the vial. "I've already had one distraction today, and I'd rather not fall behind on my list."

"Uh, I came to introduce myself," Anje hesitantly replied. She dug through her pockets and pulled out the letter. "I was told you might be able to decipher this."

Miriel looked to Anje and then down to the letter. "Interesting. Trade me will you? This concoction should is an improved version of vulnerary I'm working on. Imbued with essential minerals and vitamins to help prolong long term health."

"I understood maybe half of that," Anje conceded as her expression faltered a bit. Dealing with an eccentric scholar after being humiliated by Frederick was testing her patience. A resource she was beginning to run very low on.

"Just drink the potion," Miriel sighed. "I need empirical results to help my research and being the direct test subject removes me from the observer's point of view by creating implicit bias."

Anje awkwardly exchanged the letter with Miriel's green goop. The smell was a mix of blended vegetables, curdled milk, and...something else. She couldn't put her finger on the last smell, but it made her simultaneously salivate and want to puke. Miriel held her notebook fully in hand and watched with rapt attention as Anje gently swished around the mixture while making a disgusted face.

"Are you sure this is drinkable?" Anje asked.

"It's designed to rejuvenate anyone that drinks it. I assure you that the particles inside the vial are most palatable."

Could have fooled me, Anje thought as she fought down the urge to gag. She closed her eyes and downed the mixture in one smooth motion. The liquid wasn't quite like water as it had a slightly gelatinous texture. Anje covered her mouth and forced the liquid to go down. Impressing the scholar was what mattered, no matter how disgusting their little project was.

"Very interesting," Miriel murmured as she scribbled something down in her journal. "Do you feel rejuvenated? Less tired?"

"I feel-" Anje began as the liquid's rough taste began to leave her mouth. She did feel a bit better, as her arm and leg muscles didn't ache as much, and that she had the equivalent of a cup of coffee. She looked up to Miriel curiously. "I actually do feel better. That's some weird herbal medicine you've got there. Still gross though."

Miriel hummed as she wrote a few last notes before closing her journal. "Excellent. From my preliminary observations, I shall work to make the concoction more palatable, but I have subsumed that the trial is a tentative success. Thank you for your participation…"

"Anje," Anje added.

Miriel nodded and continued, "Anje. You have my thanks." Miriel walked towards another table filled with books and asked aloud holding the letter high, "So you need a translation from what I heard?"

"Yes, it's very important to me."

"Indubitably. Now, let us see what we are working with," Miriel said as she unraveled the letter and began to scan its contents.

Anje noticed Miriel's expression go from mildly bored to attentive almost immediately. She watched her eyes zip back and forth as if dissecting each line for a potential secret. Anje felt her palms begin to sweat and herself fidget in place. What could she be reading? I must know!

"This is fascinating," The scholar uttered in awe. "This is most peculiar and enticing."

"What does it say? Tell me!" Anje said, though a bit less restrained than intended. Her anticipation was gnawing at her insides.

"I haven't the faintest idea of what this letter says," Miriel conceded, to which Anje's posture slumped. "But, I do recognize the styling of the script. It's incredibly old, I'd date the styling of the symbols to ancient Doluna. Maybe Khadein." Miriel looked up to Anje with excitement brimming behind her spectacles as she leaned in towards her and asked, "Who wrote this? I simply must know who wrote this script as the implications of someone who can write this are astounding."

"I have no idea, that's why I was hoping you could figure it out," Anje dejectedly replied. All her hopes were raised for nothing but more questions. It felt like a puzzle that always was missing a few pieces.

"No matter," Miriel said. "It'll be fascinating the dive into the arcane texts of Khadein and Doluna to help decipher this enigmatic piece. I'm almost certain that the research may lead to uncovering secrets of even their lost spells."

"What do you mean by 'spells'?" Anje questioned with a frown. "That sounds like a fairy tale talk."

"Is it now?" Miriel genuinely questioned. She scooped up a nearby book with her right hand and raised her left hand. "Watch and observe."

Unintelligible words slipped from Miriel's mouth as the pages of the book in her hands began to lightly glow. Anje's eyes widened as the page of the book turned on their own and air swirled around Miriel's raised hand. In the palm of the scholar's hand, fire sprouted into a perfect teardrop shape. Anje felt the slight heat emitting from the sphere of fire as she took a step back into another cluttered table, almost knocking herself over.

That's not possible. A trick it must be, Anje thought. She couldn't remove her eyes from the sphere as she watched it flicker and move on its own accord within the shape. There had been no lighter, no match. Nothing to give a reasonable explanation of the strange phenomena in front of her.

"This is a basic fire incantation, simply known as Fire. There is a multitude of variations of the pyromantic arts," Miriel explained as she rotated the fireball in her palm with simple gestures from her fingers. She looked to Anje's aghast expression with a perplexed frown. "They are simple catalysts for producing the cognitive effects into real ones. The threshold of science and willpower. Are you not familiar with the basics of magical tomes?"

"Uh, no?" Anje said nervously. "How is that even possible?"

Miriel sighed. "I already explained the base components of the procedure. Tis simply magic in it's most malleable form thanks to the blueprint within the Fire tome and the willpower and cognitive prowess imparted by me; the caster."

Magic was real. The fluke with the lightning in the forest last night wasn't a fluke after all. The implications swam through Anje's mind as she felt her knees weaken a bit. What deranged world was this that she had landed in? Could they control her mind and dictate her actions? Anje grimaced as she watched Miriel casually clench her hand, and dissipated the flame.

"I think I'm going to go," Anje quietly said. She glanced at the mysterious tome Miriel was holding. "J-just let me know if you translate that letter, okay?"

Her stomach turned at the mere thought of magic as she slowly walked out of the room. Stunned from the sudden display she needed time to collect her wits. The world felt muted and uneven as she suddenly found herself faced against the door to the lab. She heard Miriel's voice say something, but it sounded like she was hearing the words underwater. There was no more escaping the delusion this was a dream. She couldn't refute what she had witnessed first hand with no foul play as the heat and light of the fireball was all too real.

I need some fresh air, Anje thought as she wandered down the brightly lit corridor.

Anje did not get breakfast as Miriel's demonstration lingered on her mind. She hoped nobody would be able to find her resting on one of the lower-tiered roofs of the castle. Not her fault that someone left a window open. It felt safe and away from all the worldly issues that seemed to permeate her current reality. No answers to the reason why she was in Archanea, real magic existed to some degree, and she was already in debt to Virion for his kindness, whether he chose to acknowledge it or not.

"Hello?" An unfamiliar soft-spoken voice called out.

Sprawled out in the afternoon sun, Anje hadn't moved for quite some time as she angled her head towards the window to see the odd white-haired fellow from the other day clambering out. What is he doing here? Anje thought as she frowned at the man trying to pitch himself over the window sill. Certainly not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination.

Anje watched with mild curiosity as Robin re-adjusted his jacket and waved at her. "Hello! What brings you to the roof?"

Anje scrunched her face. His voice was unmodulated as if he just every so slightly emphasized the wrong tones for every syllable. Too drastic to be an accent, more like he was imitating speech rather than formulating his own.

She crossed her arms and looked away. "Well, I was trying to avoid people for a bit, but it seems you've ruined that."

"So it does," Robin said with a slight smile and nod. "I came up here because it's a great vantage point for tactical analysis, as I was going to walk over to the awning that oversees the training grounds. Would you like to observe with me?"

Is he really this dense, or is he messing with me?

Robin held his cheerful gaze until Anje finally huffed, "Fine. I'll go with you if you stop staring at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like I'm some kind of curiosity," Anje retorted as she bounced up to her feet.

"Everyone is a curiosity," Robin hums. "It's what makes things interesting."

"That makes no sense."

"It does if you stop to consider the implications."

Anje glared into Robin's back as she followed the tactician across the shingled roof. "You calling me stupid?"

Robin turned around with a quizzical look on his face. "When did I say that?" He said as he rubbed his chin. "I'm just implying that you should take some pride in what makes you unique."

"Come up with that all on your own?" Anje groaned.

"No, Chrom told me that," Robin replied casually, ignoring Anje's dismay. "I thought it was interesting, so I shared it."

Anje relented and trudged behind Robin to the edge of the roof that rested above the training grounds. The vantage was nice, being nearly two stories up to witness the combatants. It reminded her of being in the stands during the circus shows when off duty, like seeing the elephants roam around, the dancers spin and twirl, and the strong men fight each other. Something remarkably familiar in a day filled with strangeness, allowing Anje to relax some of the tension in her shoulders and enjoy sitting on the warm flagstone.

Down below Sully and another man could be seen sparring, Sully with a wooden lance, and the shirtless man with tanned skin and blonde hair was swinging a wooden hand ax wildly. They seemed to be trying fairly hard against each other with the powerful and quick attacks each was doling out but making a point to avoid face shots.

"Ole' Teach is gonna give you the business today!" The man howled as he continued his aggressive style assault.

Robin shook his head and took a seat on the roofing. He gave a pat to the spot beside him. "Sit with me. Let's observe and gather data."

Anje stood still for a moment before letting out a sigh of concession, taking a seat next to Robin. The way Robin's eyes enthusiastically observed the battlefield was slightly confusing. It was only people fighting, yet he held a child-like fascination as Sully and the darker-skinned tanned man clashed weapons.

"It's interesting how Sully dips her lance between a thirty and forty-degree angle whenever Vaike tries to go up high. It shows her experience is more from fighting on calvary rather than on foot. Wouldn't you agree?" Robin mused as he pointed rapidly at Sully's weapon. "Though on the other hand, Vaike tries to go high because he favors momentum of bringing his axe down. Trying to capitalize on his strength to overwhelm his foe."

"I mean, I kinda see what you are talking about," Anje said as she squinted her eyes. "I don't know about what angles you are talking about, but I can see he goes high and she backs up with her lance held diagonally."

"Exactly. Though, I think it may be partially limited to Sully's weapon. Now if she had a halberd or bardiche...oh! Or maybe using a partisan? then her counterattacks could be more varied," Robin said. He closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment. "Yes, this will require some trial testing."

"Uh, I'm not sure what those are, but I'm sure they are great," Anje uneasily replied as the fighters below stopped fighting. They high-fived each other as they breathed heavily and walked underneath the covered area directly below the roofing. Anje tilted her head towards Robin who seemed to be muttering things under his breath and counting on his fingers. Is he okay? Anje thought. She leaned over and gently shook his shoulder. "You okay there?"

"Just some simple calculations," Robin dismissed as he finished muttering to himself. "Just fine-tuning our battle strategies to perfectly synergize everyone's styles. Figuring out who will be paired with who."

"Paired?"

"Yes. I've talked it over with Chrom, and I've decided that pairing up for battles will be optimal for our plan of attack," Robin said matter of factly. "I've made preliminary placements for everyone since I've seen nearly everyone fight already. I'm only missing Maribelle, but she said and I quote, 'I don't do such brusque demonstrations on demand for shaggy mages'. I figure I'll ask her tomorrow to see if she has changed her mind."

Anje fought against a smile that was teasing the corners of her mouth. "I might like her. But, you said we would fight in pairs? And you saw me fight?"

"Oh yeah. I watched from the window while I was eating breakfast."

A pit of despair settled into Anje's empty gut. She shivered at the notion that everyone was watching her failure against Frederick. Not only was she shamed by the unfairness, but it was put on display. Anje ran her fingers through her slightly messy hair.

It's just one bad showing, how bad could it be? Don't blow it up too much. Forget and move on.

"What did you notice?" Anje said. Her shoulders tensed and her face preemptively winced as the perceptive tactician hummed and tapped his chin.

"I liked it." Yes! "Granted, I don't think a whip is a viable weapon on the battlefield," Robin elaborated. Anje remained tried to remain focused on Robin as she saw two new competitors slowly walked into the training grounds; Chrom and Vaike. Robin's eyes drifted towards the new action as he continued, "I've been thinking about what to suit you up with and who to pair you with. I think you offer a unique support skill set to the group."

Support? What does he mean by that? Anje thought as she frowned slightly. She ran her fingers through her hair again quickly. Shouldn't she be better than 'support'? The thought confused her, but she bit her tongue for the moment. She would rather not argue battle tactics against Robin. Not yet, at least.

"You seem confused, allow me to explain," Robin said as he shifted in his spot to watch the duel between Vaike and Chrom better. "You fill the need for crowd control in battle, but lack the ability to effectively dole out damage like that of a myrmidon or calvary rider. I think keeping you in the middle of the group in front of mages and archers to help slow down and distract enemies is your place." Robin chuckled to himself and muttered, "Considering you don't get hit of course."

"So who do you think I should work with?"

"Virion, since you two already have a rapport. But, considering your light constitution and role within the Shepherds, I think you need a different primary weapon and secondary objective."

Anje breathed a sigh of relief. Working with Virion was better than being paired with Frederick. Or Miriel, considering magic was still terrifying to her. Changing her style could be doable, considering hanging with this group was her best bet to getting answers from Miriel eventually about that letter. She'd have to grin and bear whatever they threw her way, much to her disgruntlement. If she survived the circus, then working with a group of mercenaries shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

"I can handle that, I think," Anje replied.

Down below, Vaike was the first one to act with a triumphant battle cry as he and Chrom began to clash axe and blade. Both men moved with fluidity as Chrom parried the heavy swings of Vaike's axe. Anje leaned forward a bit as she admired the impressive power both exhibited. It was clear each had done this for a while, and that they were enjoying themselves.

"Great!" Robin exclaimed. "How good are you with knots?"

"Pretty good, why?" Anje said as her mind drifted to her days at the circus. All the various knots and ties when securing different ropes raced through her mind, yet the memories felt as if they were a lifetime ago, not just a mere few days ago.

"You'll be my main runner to setup traps I have planned," Robin said with a thinly veiled giddiness. "You're the fastest amongst the Shepherds, so I want to arm you with more throwing knives and show you the traps I intend to implement when we battle the Risen."

"The what now?"

"The Risen," Robin affirmed as he quickly whispered something under his breath as he pointed at Chrom. He shook his head and shrugged. "Sorry, had to take note of Chrom's sidestep. Anyways, yes. The Risen. After breakfast the council of Ylisse dubbed that be the name of the undead threat. The Risen are not very smart, so traps will be essential." Robin chuckled to himself like he had said a funny joke.

Anje quirked an eyebrow and asked, "What's so funny?"

Robin took a deep breath to compose himself. "Most people aren't very smart when it comes to traps either. Makes it kinda fun."

"Sure," Anje tentatively replied as she slowly nodded along. He was more than an observant and smart individual. He was crazy. "Um, I'm going to get some food, so, uh, see you around?"

Robin kept his attention firmly on the spar below in the training grounds as he lazily waived Anje away. "Very well, I'm going to stay here and take more notes."

Anje hopped up to her feet nimbly and quickly walked away. Her stomach growled once again, a reminder of the foolishness of skipping breakfast. Hopefully, some food will clear my mind, The acrobat thought as she reentered the palace from the open window.

Anje couldn't complain about the food, even if it was slightly cold. The meal was a simple stew of vegetables and meat, but it hit the spot since her early breakfast had left her system. Nobody else was in the kitchens by the time she settled down to eat, besides the stray maid or servant that would wander by.

Seeing servants was an oddity. Anje felt awkward as they would glance at her and slow their stride before carrying on with their business. A firm reminder that she was a stranger here and didn't exactly belong. She wasn't a strategist like Robin or a noble like Virion. She was a former street urchin turned acrobat, and yet even now amongst other notable people, she felt like an outcast. A fraud. She needed to play up her appearance and persona to serve as confirmation of who she was, but not just to those around. She needed to convince herself of who she believed she was.

While sipping the last of her soup, Anje heard the door to the kitchen swivel open again. Reflexively, she turned her head and circled her arm around her soup defensively. Stop it, Anje chided herself. She hated how she defended her food on instinct. A reminder of who she never wanted to be again.

"Ah, there you are!" Virion said as he flashed Anje a dashing grin. "Lord Chrom has requested the shepherd's presence posthaste. I was wondering where I might find you, and low and behold, here you are."

Anje smiled back at Virion. His delightful and flowery demeanor were welcomed, and slowly becoming a bright spot for her. It helped distract her from the other pervasive thoughts flitting around in her mind.

"What is the meeting about?"

Virion shrugged. "Haven't the slightest idea my sweet daffodil, but I'm sure it's important if everyone is gathering. How has Ylisstol treated you thus far? I myself am a fan of their collection of scented soaps and colored tapestries." Virion let out a dramatic sigh, "Lady Emmeryn has impeccable taste."

Right, I haven't even met the queen, Anje mused as she picked up her bowl and placed it in the washing station.

She had been so preoccupied with her letter's contents and then sequestering herself after coming to terms with the fact that people can conjure fireballs out of thin air. Not to mention the enigmatic tactician, who still gave Anje mixed feelings. He could summon lightning at a whim, but when talking to him he seemed...harmless? No. Childish. Yes, his enthusiasm was strange about how his attention gravitated so narrowly onto certain things. It was unfiltered fascination, something that still confounded her. Perhaps some people were not meant to be understood.

"Sounds like this Emmeryn is interesting," Anje said, narrowing her eyes as she closely observed Virion's facial expressions. Was this another woman he was flippantly thrusting his charms upon?

"She's what one would expect out of a leader," Virion replied. "She is austere and elegant, but I would say she lacks the rawness that Chrom possesses or the playfulness of princess Lissa."

"Very well, let's go. No point in keeping people waiting for us."

"Ahh, yes it seems I've been caught rambling again," Virion laughed as he held the door open for Anje. "But alas, one couldn't blame a man for wanting to wander the garden in search of a beautiful flower, no?"

"Did you just compare me to gardening?" Anje asked.

Virion coughed into his shoulder. "Ah, not at all! I was merely suggesting-"

"I suggest this," Anje said with little patience in her voice. "Let's just try to look good for the nobles, okay?"

"Of course, you're right. I do like your objective mind, even if it is rather blunt for a lady," Virion remarks as the pair walk down the long art-filled hallway. "Say, have you met all the Shepherds yet?"

Anje shook her head. "No, I've been rather, uh, preoccupied. Only met Robin and Miriel after the training grounds."

"Interesting, I would have thought you to talk with Sumia or Vaike," Virion mused as he rubbed his chin. "But, Robin is a wily one. He promised to play me in chess at some point, though he did suggest he'd beat me in less than 20 moves! Ha! As if."

I don't know, Robin seems to think on a different wavelength, Anje thought as she observed Virion's smile. He clearly thought himself the superior here, but after her meeting the tactician the edge wasn't clear. Virion was clearly better at social interaction and less awkward, but Robin's thought process was hard to comprehend with how he seemed to instantly notice the tiniest details. It would be something to watch out for in the future.

"Anyways, as you were suggesting. I do implore you to make good with these new friends of ours, Anje," Virion stated with a serious timbre to his voice. "I too have been rather 'preoccupied' with how to ask for help with my own problems."

"The problems you still refuse to share?" Anje quipped. A tight-lipped smile plastered on her face as Virion shook his head. "Still, I don't think I consider these people my friends. I hardly know them, let alone like them."

"That may be true, but, I offer an alternative. If not friends, then perhaps a family of sorts?" Virion offered, opening another door into a different hallway. "The thing is with family is that you don't have to like them. You just look out for each other."

The concept of family appealed to her much more than the concept of trying to make nice with everyone. While Frederick may be detestable and the fact that magic users still unnerve her, it's still something. Just like in the circus, there were few people you were friends with, but everyone was family in its own special way. Perhaps the Shepherds can be that for me as I search for my answers, Anje thought.

"Thanks, Virion," Anje said. "I like that."

"Why I'm only doing what is expected from an exquisite noble such as myself! Offering wisdom to those around me to help out in the most thoughtful and dashing of manner."

"And now you've ruined it. I take it all back," Anje grumbled.

Virion placed a hand on his chest and shook his head. "You're cruel words wound me. Is that any way to treat someone that is your dear friend?"

"Perhaps not," Anje said, smirking. "But it's acceptable when talking to family."

Virion chuckled to himself as he opened up the last door at the end of the hallway, revealing a large foyer. The floors of sparkling marble and wide swathes of tapestry with the crest of the exalt emblazoned on them drew Anje's attention as her mouth hung open. She quickly recomposed herself as she noticed the other people in the center of the room, notably Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, and a blonde woman in a beautiful white dress with green trim toped with a long flowing green and gold cape that was wielding a golden scepter with the shape of a crescent moon at the tip.

Well, I think I know who the queen is, Anje thought. I can see the resemblance to Lissa.

"Chrom, everyone is here! Virion and Anje are only seven minutes late," Robin announced as he broke from the middle of the crowd of people.

"Thank you, Robin," Chrom replied, sounding a bit exasperated, but smiling. "Great, now that we are all here, I can explain our next mission!" The prince cleared his throat and said, "Now, with the sudden threat of the Risen, we're going to go petition Regna Ferox for support against this unknown threat that has been sighted around the countryside."

"It is as my brother says, "Emmeryn adds in a soft tone. "Normally, I would go negotiate, but with the looming danger, prince Chrom shall act in my stead."

Chrom nods. "Exactly. So, I know this is a bit of an odd circumstance, and no doubt dangerous so I have no issues if anybody wants to stay behind and help fortify the cities defenses. Anybody have other business and wish to stay?"

"I shall, Prince Chrom," A blonde lady with coiffed hair announced. She walked forward and stood beside Emmeryn, twirling her parasol in her hands. "I have more political business to discuss with Emmeryn before I depart back to Themis."

"Sounds good, Maribelle," Chrom said. "Anybody else?"

Nobody else spoke up immediately as a few people looked between each other. Frederick stepped forward and turned towards the rest of the group of Shepherds. "Very good. The rest of us shall depart tomorrow morning for Regna Ferox. Gear up and rest well."

Anje leaned closer to Virion. "What is Regna Ferox?" She muttered.

"It's a united kingdom to the north of Ylisse," A brunette cavalier in pinkish hued armor replied near Anje's side opposite of Virion. She walked up, rather clumsily, and continued, "Sorry I overheard you, but I presume you to be the other foreigner to join us? I've met Virion already."

"No bigger introduction, Sumia?" Virion teased. "Rest assured, I shall forgive this slight for I do not think I could bring myself to hold anger against such a pristine and adorable knight of Ylisse."

Sumia blushed and turned away, looking at Anje from the corner of her eye. "Does he always say such things?"

Anje shrugged. She noticed the other Shepherds beginning to disperse from the foyer as the three of them remained. "He's harmless," Anje replied. She flashed a playful look to Virion before returning her attention to Sumia. "Though I don't understand half the flowery words that come out of the archer's mouth."

Virion's jaw dropped a bit as he pulled at his frilly cuffs. "You seek to embarrass me in front of a fellow knight? I am not some base fool to poke fun at, as my beautiful words are bathed in deep and thoughtful insights!"

Could have fooled me, Anje thought. He's funnier when he gets worked up.

"I-I s-see," Sumia stammered. "Good to know that I wasn't being singled out. I thought when we met that you were trying to court me!"

"Is that an invitation?" Virion purred.

"Uh, while flattering, I'll have to politely decline at the moment," Sumia replied again, her face flushing red again. "But, thank you."

"How about you go take a walk for a while?" Anje suggested to Virion. "Don't you have a chess game or something with Robin?"

Virion sighed and took a step back. "I can take a hint, my ladies. I know it is difficult to bask too long in my noble splendor." He bowed and blew a kiss at both of the female Shepherds. "I shall catch up with both of you wonderful ladies tomorrow then."

As Virion sauntered off towards Robin and Miriel, The redness in Sumia's face began to fade away. She looked at Anje with curiosity, and asked, "How do you manage to keep a straight face around him?"

"You get used to it, plus it'll take more than flowery words to make me blush," Anje suggestively said, running her fingers through her hair. She smirked seeing Sumia's eyes widen like saucers.

"Are all foreigners so suggestive?" Sumia wondered aloud.

"Only when we need to be," Anje said. "I prefer people to get to the point of what they mean."

"That is a valid point," Sumia said astutely. "How do you know, Virion?"

Anje looked over to Virion exiting the foyer and smiled softly. "He's a good friend of mine. Someone that gives me hope."

A/N: Hello there! And now that we've delved a bit more into meeting some of the Shepherds, we are moving along to Regna Ferox! Fun stuff coming as Anje tries more to break out of her shell and be more open to the world around her. This will be slow character development and transformation over time with some highs and lows planned, but hopefully, I can make this OC as fleshed out as possible to stand on their own and be someone who is enjoyable to read.

Review Response: Thank you all for the feedback!

Cyan Sung-Sun: The truth of that is someone who is terrified. Why? Stay tuned :)

guisniperman: Indeed, while she is going to start being more tolerant and helpful, she's still going to need to learn to set her ego aside, especially in the heat of battle. More on that to come!

Faladros: Virion was one of the more interesting characters to me in the game, so I think it's about time he gets a spotlight (the amount of Virion focused fics are scarce). And yes, had to serve Anje up some humble pie to make her rethink some things lol.

VGBlackwing: I'll be working on something like that when I have time, but she's going to have good speed above all else. If Robin wants her on trap duty and enemy CC...than she is going to be busy!

That's all I got today! Still no set schedule, but I'm looking for about an update a month for this story. Currently grinding away on my FE: Three Houses OC story, Stolen Remedy (which is nearing its conclusion!).

Interested in more Fire Emblem goodness? Come join the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord server, come shout out, and/or look for other authors and fics in the community! discord . gg / 9XG3U7a

Anyways, thanks for reading and have a great day!