Anje groaned as she felt something pointed poke her in the ribs. It poked at her again. She grit her teeth and her nostrils flared. Her eyes shot open, and she violently pushed off the hard ground and sat herself up.

"What?!" Anje screeched, her throat feeling dry and ragged. She had barely slept after that...thing she talked to last night. She had had nightmares before, and that was way too real.

Anje's blurry eyes cleared up to reveal Nowi in front of her holding a small stick. "Wake up sleepy head, the ground is no place for catching a snooze!" Nowi happily said, trying to poke Anje again in the ribs. Anje ripped the stick from the manaketes grasp and promptly hucked it across the camp. Nowi's eyes followed the trajectory until the stick hit the ground. "Awe, that was a good stick! Took me ages to find it!"

"Find another one," Anje grumbled as she pushed herself to her feet. She ran her fingers through her dirty hair, and bit her lip. My hair is matted to hell and I'm still filthy. Shower or bath, now. Food and reporting can wait.

"Well, despite your rudeness, I woke you because Mr. Robin told me to," Nowi chirped. "He wants you for something." Nowi shrugged her shoulders. "Probably needs someone with a bad taste in sticks and help scowling."

"I literally don't have time to debate with a child." Anje rolled her eyes. "You know where the bathing area is?"

Nowi closed her eyes and nodded. "Yup, definitely not a morning person. Oh, and I can show you the bathes! I need one too!"

"I was hoping to, ya know, not babysit while I try to wash up?" Anje said. Besides, she's not even human. Still weirds me out.

Nowi pouted. "And you try to get rid of me? Gee, you really are a filthy, dirt witch. Not my words, by the way."

Anje narrowed her eyes and bent her knees, crouching down to Nowi's line of sight. "Who the hell said that?"

"Oh, I don't remember. Maybe 'cause I'm a kid." Nowi flashed a sly grin, and then returned a watery-eyed pout. "You'd certainly prove them wrong if you brought me to the baths with you. I could say what a clean and nice lady you are!"

"Fine," Anje said, toying with her knotted hair. "But, don't you-"

Nowi hopped on Anje's back, arms around the performer's collarbone as she nestled into position for a piggyback ride. "Onward! It's bath time!"

"Did you just-"

Anje felt something kick her butt, and she blushed slightly. Caught off guard by the small kick, she craned her neck to look at Nowi, who had a grin nearly as wide as her face.

"You're not moooovinng," Nowi sang out dangerously close to Anje's ear. She pointed toward the Eastern end of the camp. "Now onward, pony! Hiya!"

Anje grumbled under her breath and trudged onward, following Nowi's direction. I swear, if she wasn't a shape-shifting dragon thing, I'd threaten to eat her.

The camp was a bustle with soldiers rushing about in small groups, spears resting on their shoulders, a hustle to their step that instilled a subtle urgency in the air. Anje allowed the manakete to titter and jump about, pointing at the people with the 'silly hats' and tugging on her wrist to hurry up. Any anger and fight Anje had when she had woken up had vanished, replaced by a longing for warm water and a nourishing meal.

Nowi dragged Anje to the edge of the busy war camp, passing by a few guards with furrowed brows and worried expressions, but nobody dared voice a concern. Asking the young manakete was to open a can of worms for an answer, and Anje only served as a tired, venomous alternative. Bounding past a craggy, Nowi shot her new friend a wild and excited look.

"Look! Look!" Nowi said, bouncing up and down. "Mr. Robin made us a heaty water bath place!"

"I have eyes," Anje scoffed. She stepped around the rocky outcropping and whistled. "Okay, I'm seeing it now. That is impressive."

"I told you!"

Anje shrugged. "And I had my doubts."

Carved into the sodden earth was a large watering hole filled with steaming water; a small cove near the edge of the water with a bucket filled with soap, towels, and a place to undress.

Anje's eyes drifted toward the far end of the steamy pool, she spotted a head submerged up to their nose eyeing Nowi and her with thinly veiled contempt. The woman's black hair was let down, but Anje recognized it and let out a soft groan.

And of course, Robin's weirdest fan is here.

"Who's she again?" Anje asked, pointing toward the black-haired woman. "I remember seeing her last night brooding in the corner and giving Robin weird stares."

"Oh, that's Tharja. She keeps to herself," Nowi answered, dipping her toes into the water and humming in delight. "She's fine, even though she threatened to curse me."

Anje grimaced. "So she's a mage?"

"Dark mage, if I remember correctly. They're always a bit weird."

"That's rich coming from you," Anje drooly replied. She lowered her voice and leaned toward Nowi's ear. "Doesn't the curse thing worry you?"

"Why would I be worried?" Nowi shot back as she scrunched her face. "Like I doubt she could."

"Is she not good at magic?" Anje rubbed at her forearms and tried not to look across the bathing pool. "Also, how is this hot spring in the desert?"

"Uh, Robin did some magicky stuff. You'd have to ask him." Nowi jumped into the water, splashing around a bit, giggling. "Also she couldn't curse me cause I'm awesome."

Anje opened her mouth and then promptly closed it, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips. What the fuck do I say to that? I know nothing of magic and dragon people! Whatever. Anje shook her head and trudged towards the small utility cove of the hot spring. Less thinking and more bathing was in order.

Sitting down in the small nook, Anje peeled off her dirt-encrusted boots first. She wiggled her toes and wrinkled her nose as she tossed the well-worn boots aside. Anje saw Nowi splashing around in the water to her left, and suppressed a groan. She glanced to the other side of the pool and Tharja's face held a glare more venomous than any rattler to be found in the Wastes.

"Well, that's off at least," Anje said, massaging her calves lightly. It felt good to be exposed to the warm steamy air around the hot pool of water.

She glanced toward the end of the small cove, seeing a small bright red lantern like device emanating a dull red glow. Anje shook her head and proceeded to undress. Probably that thing Robin made.

Anje removed everything, tossing her filthy clothing into the bubbling pool. A great plume of dirt exploded outward underneath the water, and Anje made a face of disgust. She'd gone longer without a bath, but never by her own volition. She'd always bath when given the chance, though when working in an army that chance was seldom at best, and desperation for cleanliness meant her desire for modesty diminished.

"Finally," Anje hummed, stepping fully into the pool. She dunked her head in quickly to wet her hair. The hot water seemed to melt the dirt caked into her scalp. "Now that is just what I needed."

Anje began to run her fingers through her hair, untangling the knots that had built up over her scouting assignment. Her hair nearly looked brown, though as the water washed over her it revealed its natural dark honey blonde hue. She closed her eyes as she dunked her head again, swinging her hair freely without a care and a smile on her face.

Anje felt a wave of water splash into her face. The illusion of tranquility shattered as Anje's dull blue eyes snapped open. Nowi, still dressed in her strange attire, stood on her tippy toes to keep her head above water. She had a great big smile upon her face and threw her hands up and squealed.

"I gotcha with a splash!"

Anje rubbed her eyes and blinked rapidly. "Could you not?"

"But it's a hot spring! A magic one at that," Nowi chirped. "Why not splash and have some fun?"

"Or I could actually get clean," Anje remarked, keeping a keen eye on the mischievous manakete. "Go bother Tharja."

"Nah. She's too busy covering up her boingy bits."

Anje's mouth twitched. "Her what now?"

"Ya know, her boingy bits? Danglies?" Nowi made a lifting gesture toward her chest. "I mean, you know what I mean, right?" Nowi gave Anje a once over and shrugged. "Eh, I mean you might not. It's okay."

Anje's face reddened, and she found her own arms wrapping around her chest as she submerged herself deeper into the pool. "Okay, how about you leave me alone or I drown you. And you're one to talk!"

"I'm still growing!" Nowi said, her cheeks puffing out. "I think it's just because you-"

Anje had lunged for Nowi, pulling the small manakete under the water. I told you I would try and drown you if you didn't shut up! She wasn't trying to truly drown her as she dunked the manaketes head underwater; merely an attempt to silence her for a bit.

"Assault! Help! Child abuse-" Nowi garbled out in between the struggle for oxygen.

Anje looked across the pool at Tharja. The dark mage had yet to move a muscle, and her eyes gleamed through the steam with ravenous hunger and excitement. Well, at least someone doesn't mind a little frontier justice around here. Anje smiled back at the dark mage as bubbles breached the surface of the pool, her arms straining to contain the flailing manakete.

A light blossomed from underneath the water and a surge of bubbles breached the surface. Anje felt something shift on Nowi's shoulder, like the bones themselves were rearranging themselves slowly, and then rapidly growing in bulk. The acrobat kicked off the expanding mass and braced herself against the edge of the pool as the waves began to intensify in magnitude.

Water erupted from the center of the pool, and Nowi in her fully transformed state flew out, cackling in a deep guttural voice. Anje's eyes widened as the dragonkin soared up the air and barreled into the distance of the barren wastes, drawing a few whistles and cheers from soldiers in the distance.

The shockwave of Nowi's exit had caused the water to ripple violently, and Anje barely managed to hold on and dig her fingernails into the rocky edge. Like caught in a wave pool, Anje waited for the motion to subside, and as the waves died down, she felt something soft nudge up against her in the water.

Anje looked to her side, releasing her grasp from the wall to see the tide had dragged Tharja from the opposite side of the pool. The dark mage now stood with her neck protruding out of the water, a pinched expression as she glowered at the sky.

"I despise the manakete," Tharja mumbled, her eyes scanning the skyline. "I just may have to actually plant a curse of the little one."

"I'm actually very okay with this." Anje squeezed water and dirt out of her hair. "Do...whatever witchcraft it is you do."

Tharja looked to Anje, a neutral and analytical expression across her tense face. "You're okay."

"Uh, yeah, you too," Anje replied, forcing a smile.

Tharja turned away and began to wade toward her original spot across the pool. "If you manage to find some finger or toe clippings off that one, do be sure to bring them to me," Tharja mentioned offhandedly, though her tone insinuated it more as instruction.

And now she's a weirdo again. Almost had a normal conversation. Anje closed her eyes and dunked her head in the pool once more, scrubbing at her scalp. Time to get cleaned up. It's been far too long, and I'll be damned if anybody else catches me looking filthy.

Anje stood outside the tactician's laboratory, the sounds of glass vials clattering and indecipherable mutterings escaping past the tent flap. She hesitated to enter as more sounds of objects moving and grunts of distress sounded out. Anje had always thought of Robin as a strange eccentric, but she respected that about the ashen haired man. He was the only one who said goodbye to her at Ferox, after all.

Why am I nervous? Anje raised her hand to knock on the tent flap, then pulled her hand down quickly. Am I even supposed to knock on a flap?

"You can come in without asking," Robin's voice instructed. "You might get a sunburn out there with your pale skin."

Anje's eye twitched, and she strode forward, brushing the tent flap aside. The inside of the tent was lined with several tables lined against the walls, with a large alchemy table dominating the center of the room with various philters, vials, and books scattered about.

Robin stood in the center of the room, holding a gemstone in each hand, eying them with a level of suspicion that usually was reserved for criminals. Anje cautiously tiptoed around the alchemy table to Robin's side.

"Tell me," Robin said without looking at the acrobat, "Which of these do you think is red."

Anje squinted at the gemstones; both of them neatly carved identical-looking rubies. She furrowed her brows and looked at Robin, and then back at the gems. And then again.

"Uh, are you messing with me?"

Robin's lips twitched, his stare intensifying. "No. Just tell me which one you think is red."

Anje shook her head and ran her hand through her freshly cleaned golden locks. Do I just pick one? Is this a test? They're both fucking red!

"How about…that one?" Anje pointed to the one in Robin's left hand. "I think that one is red."

Robin nodded thoughtfully and pocketed the selected gem. He casually tossed the other gem to the floor and sighed. "I thought as much. Shame."

"It's a ruby, you're just going to throw it on the ground like that?"

"Of course, it's practically useless," Robin replied, his tone short as if the answer were obvious. "But thanks for the second opinion. It's helpful."

"It's not useless, it's a ruby," Anje insisted. "You can, I don't know...sell it?"

"Engage in the open market with such a pretty bauble? That'd be absurd. Who would want a ruby that's not even red?"

"It's a ruby. Of course it's red," Anje huffed.

Robin pulled out the ruby Anje had selected earlier and eyed it curiously. He then looked down at the discarded ruby, comparing the two, humming under his breath. "Are you sure?"

"Are...you serious?" Anje asked, befuddled. "I may not be the smartest person, but-" Anje caught a glimpse of Robin's bloodshot eyes, "When was the last time you slept?"

"Six days, fourteen hours, and about seventeen minutes," the tactician rattled off. "Give or take a few seconds, of course."

Anje opened her mouth to reply, yet couldn't find the words as Robin shrugged and pocketed the ruby once again, humming to himself a pleasant upbeat tune. I think he lost the ability to see the color red. He's gone off the deep end.

"And why haven't you...slept in a week?" Anje nervously asked. "Aren't you tired?"

"Yes, but I'm busy," Robin said matter of factly. "I have a lot to do, and can't set aside time for procrastinating. I've important research to conduct."

"You can't see colors," Anje drooly stated. She snatched a green-colored vial from the alchemy table and held it up. "What color is this?"

Robin looked at the vial with confusion, and then to Anje. "Alright, I admit there may be a problem-"

"Yes, so please get some sleep and-"

"Clearly my eyes have malfunctioned and I require replacements," Robin announced, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "If you see Libra later, would you tell him to drop by? I'll need someone with a steady hand."

"Or you could, I don't know. Sleep?"

Robin chuckled. "This circular logic again?" Robin looked up and chuckled again. "Fine. I'll entertain your poorly conceived hypothesis. For now. Perhaps we should discuss more pressing matters, yes?"

Anje bit her tongue and smiled. "Yes, that'd be just great. You did ask for me earlier."

Not that you remember or anything I'm sure. Damned mages.

"What I need you to do," Robin said, "Is to make sure that everyone on this list is present for tonight's meeting." Robin dug in his pocket, handing Anje a wrinkled piece of parchment. "That should be everyone."

"Don't you have, like couriers or something?"

"I mean," Robin paused, and muttered something quick and unintelligible under his breath. Anje waited several seconds before Robin composed himself again, and faced her with a smile just slightly too enthusiastic for her liking. "Just deliver the message, alright? I trust in your limber capabilities."

"Uh, sure thing." Anje snatched the paper. The laboratory felt off as Robin continued to smile and hum under his breath. "I guess...I'll go now? Bye?"

"Sounds like an excellent plan. See you later tonight, Anje."

Anje gave him a weak, half-hearted wave and jogged her way toward the tent flap. She looked over her shoulder once to see if he was watching her, and the tactician's attention had immediately pivoted toward another dubious project; this one with metal prongs that looked to be stolen from the kitchen area and a small birdcage with pieces of paper glued to it.

Stepping outside the tactician's quarters, Anje unfurled the wrinkled piece of paper. She had figured out how to read a bit of the native langauge thanks to Olivia's help in the past few months, but she was still barely a novice who could read children's books. She'd never taken literacy seriously before arriving in Archanea, but here it was at least practical and a part of her job now.

"Let's see who I have to talk to." Anje's eyes carefully picked apart each word, chunking the words into their syllabic parts. "It...watches us with six...eyes. It watches us-"

Anje froze and dropped the note. She crouched quickly and snagged the paper before it touched the barren ground. The color had drained from her face, and part of her wanted to rush back into Robin's quarters demanding answers. Even she knew that was a bad idea, as Robin wouldn't issue a warning without reason.

Oh, we are so fucked if my sleep paralysis demon is here.

Anje scampered off and out of camp, desperately hoping that a verbal lashing from Basilio would distract her from the mess she'd found herself in. She ran toward the Feroxi camp until she was completely out of breath, and then forced herself the rest of the way with a labored jog. She still didn't feel fast enough as the message lingered on her mind, and what horrible things lurked in the shadows.

Basilio's quill snapped as his tent flap ruffled, and the sound of wheezing interrupted his thoughts. The burly Feroxi man looked up and glared at Anje, who had decided to let herself in without a warning.

"Reporting...for duty," Anje wheezed out, her hands on her knees. She let out a rough cough. "Goddamn, that was farther than I thought."

"Dammit girl," Basilio growled, tossing the broken quill to the dirt, "I was nearly done with these reports too." He drew in a deep breath, and his eye leered at the exhausted scout. "So...you're not rotting somewhere in some ditch."

"You can at least pretend to be disappointed," Anje retorted. She took in a few extra breaths, getting her bearings from having nearly sprinted a few kilometers. "It almost sounded like you missed me."

"Aye." Basilio nodded. "With you gone I'd lose my favorite person to poke fun at."

Anje wiped some sweat off her brow with her sleeve and grinned. "So what I'm hearing is that I'm your favorite? I'm flattered, if not a bit unsurprised." She placed her hand on her chest and scoffed. "Next I might hear is you genuinely like me and want to invite me to brunch with that large blob you call a pet."

Basilio groaned and reached underneath his officer's desk, pulling out a sealed bottle of hard alcohol. "Alright, alright, shut the hell up. That mouth of yours will get you in trouble if you keep saying stuff like that."

"Like what?" Anje asked. "You actually liking me? I imagine the rumors would all but ruin you."

"No!" Basilio roared. He leaned to the side again, picking up a small glass made of fine pottery. He unscrewed the top to the bottle and poured himself a generous amount, up to the rim. He swished it around before downing the beverage in one gulp. "No, I was talking about my baby. Say anything else crude about The Walrus being a blob and I'll lash you to a metal stake out in the desert for a night. Or until I remember to get you."

Anje rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'll watch my tongue, sir." She stepped forward up to his desk and tapped her fingers along the wooden exterior. "Though I actually came to report. I got roped into helping around the Ylissean camp."

"I figured as much. Olivia already gave me a full report this morning." Basilio poured himself another glass and gave Anje a knowing look. "Which means you're late."

"I ran here as fast as I could!"

"Ahuh," Basilio said in between sips. "Still late."

He never wants to give me any credit. Anje crossed her arms and leaned back on one foot. Still, he's a symbol of order. And hopefully, he'll be reasonable.

"Uh, Basilio?" Anje said. Her voice was fragile as if made of glass as opposed to her terse and rough timbre. "I've got a...request?"

Basilio swished his drink around, not giving Anje any notice. "Yeah, spit it out already kid. And is it a request or not? If you're nervous it's outta be something important." He took a sip and leaned back in the wooden chair, its back creaking slightly as he gestured with his hand for her to continue. "Well, out with it."

"A friend of mine has asked something of me. Something important, and I-" Anje quickly massaged her temples. She hated feeling like she didn't earn something and asking for more. "I want to take a leave of absence."

Basilio gazed at her nonplussed, remaining casually laid back as he took another sip of his alcohol. "Is that it?"

Anje blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I'm askin' if there is anything else?" Basilio replied. "It's approved. Go galavant across Valm for a bit. Just try not to piss off the entire continent, alright?"

"Thank you!" Anje breathed a sigh of relief and turned on her heel. She skipped toward the exit, only to slowly turn around with a look of skepticism on her face. "I didn't say where I was going…How did you-"

"I said you were late, girl. Deaf too?" Basilio chuckled. "Olivia already came in and filled me in on the report and what your plans were. I assigned her to scout the possible threat overseas, and allowed her to choose a partner." The large Feroxi man leaned forward, looking Anje directly in the eyes. "That'd be you, if you were curious."

Anje blushed slightly and tucked her chin down slightly as if to try and hide her embarrassment. "Oh. Well, that was nice of her. I'll be sure to thank her. And, uh, thank you, Khan."

"Yeah, yeah," Basilio casually said. "Just don't talk shit about my pet again. Now get outta here and go make trouble somewhere else. Looking at your face is making me want to drink more."

"You'd do that anyway," Anje drooly replied, her eyes squinted in frustration.

"Yeah, but it's good to have excuses," Basilio chortled as he waved her away. "Now get."

Anje smiled and quickly bowed to the Khan before bolting from the tent. I'll have to make sure to say thanks to Olivia when I get the chance. As she began to run across the Feroxi camp, Anje immediately felt the soreness in her legs. Her excitement had gotten the better of her at that moment.

She'd be able to help Virion in his glorious return to Valm. She cared not for what dangers lurked beyond the choppy waters of Archanea. As far as she was concerned, she'd been swimming in uncharted waters for months. It made little difference where she was, as long as she made good on her debts to her friends. She owed them that much.

"You ready?" Olivia asked, looking equally excited and nervous as she hid behind Anje.

The sun once again teetered on the edge of the horizon as they approached a large tent on the edge of the Ylissean's camp. Olivia had managed to explain prior that Virion had an announcement for those he'd managed to coerce into joining him on his voyage to Valm.

The war had effectively ended with the death of Gangrel and the joint forces of Ylisse and Feroxi applying pressure to the scattered remains of Plegia. While most of the loyalists to Ylisse were on clean-up duty, many people sought new adventures and fortune. The allure of the unknown was intoxicating to many, though Anje saw the opportunity as a way to escape her soured reputation. New land and people meant a fresh start.

"I'm ready, and by the sounds of it, we're not the first to arrive," Anje said as the pair of performers stood outside the tent flap. Sounds of hushed chatter slipped through the cracks, and Anje felt a warmth and tingling in her hands. It was finally happening.

Anje pulled back the flap, and let Olivia enter first after glaring at the meek dancer. I know you like attention, so move your ass! Heads of a few people Anje vaguely recognized turned from their conversation to watch them enter, a few glances lingering longer than others much to Olivia's visible discomfort. Anje snorted as Olivia waved to a few people as they walked toward an empty section of the tent.

"I recognize most of these people from the Ylissean camp," Olivia said with a sense of awe. She pointed toward the end of the tent where Virion was speaking with Robin in hushed tones. "Oh, and it looks like the tactician is here too!"

"Not surprised that weirdo is here," Anje mumbled under her breath.

"What was that"?

Anje flashed a smile and pat Olivia on the back. "Nothing." She pointed across the cramped tent, giving Olivia a forceful nudge. "Why don't you go talk with some of the guys over there? I think Gaius is eyeing you."

A small squeak slipped from Olivia's lips. She tried to scurry behind Anje, but the nimble acrobat moved backward, in turn, to block off Olivia's escape. Anje mouthed 'go' to Olivia, whose pleading eyes darted between Anje and the group of Gaius, Gregor, and Nowi. Anje gave Olivia another push on the small of her back, sending her nearly tumbling forward into the group.

Gotta build that confidence somehow.

Anje watched with a satisfied smirk as Olivia nervously introduced herself to the group. She rested her hands on her hips, turning her attention back to Virion and Robin. Certainly, they would start soon, right?

"Interesting isn't it?"

Anje nearly jumped out of her boots at the low, hoarse tone that came from her side. Fucking shit! She took a step away and her head swiveled to see Tharja standing right beside her, clutching a large book to her chest. Bitch nearly gave me a heart attack!

"You ever hear of personal space?"

Tharja stepped closer, her eyes fixated on Robin. "I know you spoke with Robin earlier today. I watched you when you left the baths. What are you bothering him with?"

"He asked for me, if you must know," Anje tartly replied. "Also, I don't think it's any of your goddamn business, is it?"

"Robin's safety is my business," Tharja adamantly replied. "And watch what you say, or I'll hex you so badly you won't be able to discern up from down."

Anje grimaced. Maybe the reason Robin hasn't slept in days is because of this freak in lingerie stalking him. Putting on a brave face, Anje glared at Tharja. "Yeah, you can do witchcraft or whatever. I'm just doing my job. Same as everyone else."

"Of course," Tharja hummed as she walked away, like a leaf being blown in the wind.

Anje shook her head. What in the actual fuck is her deal.

"Attention!" Virion called out. Everyone's side conversations died down in an instant, except for Nowi's giggling, which she was trying to suppress by putting her hands in front of her face. The archer stood tall and gazed confidently upon his band of gathered misfits.

"Thank you for gathering within the estimated start time," Robin stated, his voice sounding subdued and very mellow. "In the past day, you've heard two likely facts of information. That the war with Plegia is at an end with Exalt Chrom, and that Virion is searching for help in his return to his homeland."

Virion coughed into his fist, clearing his voice. "Indeed, my tactical friend! Ladies gents, friends-lend me your ears! For I shall weave a story that shall shake your very cores and inspire you-"

"When do we get paid?" Gaius shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth.

Gregor socked the thief in the shoulder, staggering him. "Listen to fancy man, or I hit you harder. Show respect."

"Thank you, Gregor," Virion said. "As I was so illustriously describing before that crude interruption, is that my homeland is in peril. Dire peril, to be exact. And I've gathered you all here tonight to see who is fully willing to travel with me to Valm in a quest for liberation!" Virion drew in a deep breath and continued. "Now, I know not all of you are here for honor or glory. Some of you with the promise of payment," He gave a pointed glance toward Gaius," While others of you are here for expanding one's knowledge," Virion's eyes locked in on Robin and Miriel, who stood close by, "And some of you wish to do it for me," the archer's eyes glancing toward Anje. "But fear not! There shall be much to gain in joining me in reclaiming Rosanne, for when Duke Virion makes a promise, he will uphold it!"

Murmurs between the people broke out, and Robin stepped up again beside Virion. "That means you can submit your inquiries now."

"If I may," A soft and steady male voice asked. Anje leaned to the side, trying to look around Gregor's group.

Stepping forward, Anje saw a man with long blonde hair and elegant features, making him look more pretty than masculine. Anje paled as she saw who stood beside him with a bored look upon his face: Lon' Qu who had a longsword strapped to his hip, his arms crossed, and a brace of some sort around his left knee.

Fuck. I'm going to have to talk to him. The man asking Robin questions about religion, Libra, felt muted as Anje looked on at Lon'Qu. He seemed well enough and didn't favor his leg as he stood. She had been told the healers got to him quickly enough, but she knew that her strike was to be a crippling blow. Anybody from her world and not in this strange land of dragons and sorcery would never have walked again.

Lon'Qu's attention shifted, locking in on Anje's eyes. She felt small and ashamed as he simply looked at her. No emotion, no resentment, just a stare that said 'I know what you did'. The lack of anger in Lon'Qu made her feel worse. That blank look felt like a solemn forgiveness that was unearned and undeserved. Anje looked toward the exit and immediately began to walk away, and out of the tent. She needed some fresh air.

As Anje pulled back the tent flap with the sounds of Virion and Robin answering questions, she nearly ran face-first into a well-armed woman. She recognized the style, and her heart soared for a moment until she saw thick red hair that tumbled down the woman's shoulders and a look of discomfort as she scanned the crowd.

I had hoped for Sumia…

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" The woman said, putting her hands out. "Is this the right place? The one where the tactician Robin said to meet?"

"Yeah, though I think you're still in time to ask questions," Anje said, nodding her head towards the far end of the tent.

"Excellent," The woman hummed. Anje forced a smile and made a motion with her hand for the woman to move to the side. "Apologies! I'm sorry. I suppose I'm a little distracted-"

"Aren't we all," Anje groaned. "Just let me pass. I need fresh air, and you're blocking it."

The woman stepped to the side and bowed slightly. "Forgive me. I'll be sure to speak with you at a better time, yes? I'm Cordelia by the way. It's- and you're gone…"

Someone's awfully chatty, Anje thought as she shook her head. The sun had vanished, and torches from the nearby Ylissean camp shed light on the barren wastes. Anje stood off to the side of the tent and sat down on the ground, staring at her feet.

Alright, just gotta talk to Lon'Qu, get chewed out for being shitty, then move on. Talk. Take my beats. Move on. Anje hummed the matra under her breath as she rocked back and forth, waiting for the meeting to adjourn. Wish I had some time to talk with Virion. Maybe he could give me some advice on all of this. He probably knows Lon'Qu pretty well. Or I could have asked Robin earlier. Anje paused, pursing her lips. Maybe not ask Robin. He probably would have told me something like the guy's weight or something.

Anje sat quietly, stewing in her thoughts. Several minutes passed until another person left the tent. It was Gregor, chuckling about something as Nowi hung off one of his meaty biceps like a tree branch, cooing and laughing. Gaius and Olivia quickly followed, and Anje instantly recognized the rosy blush on the dancer's face as Gaius prattled on about something to the girl.

Lon'Qu exited the tent, and Anje felt a tightness in her stomach. She swallowed hard and stood up. "Hey, can we talk?"

The quiet swordsman turned around. Anje's body posture was rigid and tense, her hands balled up and her lips formed a thin line. Lon'Qu slowly looked around, looking around him as if she might have called someone else before approaching her, making sure to avoid eye contact.

"Sure. What do you want?"

His voice wasn't as stern or demanding as Anje imagined. It was brittle and unsure, like her thoughts at the moment. Is he worried? Did I freak him out that badly?

"I wanted to apologize. For, ya know. The arena thing." Anje let out a ragged sigh. "God, I hate doing this. Look, I fucked up okay? I got carried away. Lost in the moment or something like that."

"Alright," Lon'Qu simply replied.

Anje felt her brow twitch. "That's it? Just alright?"

"You sound angry. We fought and I lost," Lon'qu said, sighing. "What else is there to say? You survived Feroxi judgment."

"So...that's it?"

Lon'qu nodded, pointedly keeping his eyes focused on the torches from the Ylissean encampment. "It is. If he allowed you to live, then I don't have anything else to say."

"Okay then," Anje slowly said. "So we're okay then?"

Lon'qu bristled slightly as a gust of cold evening air blew past. "I believe so. As long as our blades are pointed at a common foe, you will have nothing to fear from me."

"Work for me," Anje said as she stood up. She held out her hand for a handshake. "To a fresh start?" Lon'qu looked down at her hand and hesitated as if he'd suddenly been cast into a statue. Anje tilted her head and wiggled her hand. "What, afraid to touch me now? Think I'm below you or something-"

Lon'qu quickly squeezed and shook her hand, and then immediately trotted off. Anje looked down at her hand and then back to the fleeing swordsman. Okay, that was weird. I'm starting to think I'm one of the more sane people around here.

Anje waited patiently outside the tent, shivering occasionally as the cool desert air graced her skin. She rubbed her hands together as she watched Cordelia leave with Miriel and Robin a few minutes later, tailed by Tharja would continue to clutch that large tome to her chest and leer at Miriel. Last to depart was the cleric Libra and Virion, each jovially discussing something quietly with a mixture of chuckling and nods.

Virion paused and waved for Libra to continue ahead as he spotted Anje standing nearby, her hands cupped together and her body swaying back and forth. She'd become a bit impatient as well as cold, but smiled anyway. Virion returned the gesture and approached her with a swagger to his step.

"Ah, there you are, Anje. Waiting out in the cold?" Virion asked. "The tent is a bit warmer, but I presume you knew that, didn't you?"

Anje shrugged. "Yeah. Just felt a bit crowded. Needed the fresh air. How are you?"

"Splendid!" Virion proclaimed. He ran his hand through his silky lavender hair, chuckling under his breath. "Simply splendid, my dear. More people are on board than I had anticipated! Granted, I do think that may be due to Robin's presence. I know Lord Chrom wasn't too pleased to hear of the tactician's sudden decision to leave, as I wasn't expecting him to so readily accept my flimsy proposal." Virion closed his eyes and let out a loud sigh, a small titter escaping his lips. "But, alas! Lord Chrom's loss is my-no, Rosanne's gain! It is a fortuitous occasion that I've such dependable allies in such dark and dreary-" Virion stopped himself as he saw Anje smiling and nodding along. "Heavens, you haven't got a clue what I'm going on about, do you? I'm deeply sorry. I'm monologuing again, aren't I?"

"Not really," Anje admitted. " I figured that your home is in trouble? But, uh," she scratched at her chin and looked at her feet, "I miss what some of the stuff you say is, but I think I get the main idea."

"Well, If I need to use more straight forward language to convey my ideas then please, do not hesitate-"

"I didn't say stop," Anje said, the corners of her mouth tugging upward. "You talk to me like anybody else. It's really...nice."

Anje's eyes bulged and she ground her teeth. Wow, Anje, couldn't think of anything better to say? 'Nice'?! That's what I came up with? Gah! She let out a sharp, measured breath and recomposed herself.

"What I meant to say is I like how you treat me. Like, you see me for me," Anje said slowly as she chose her words carefully. "It's really nice."

Anje used the remaining slivers of her mental fortitude to not facepalm. Fucking kill me now.

Virion, despite Anje's blunders, offered a sympathetic smile and gave her shoulder a gentle pat. "I'm glad. Some people find me rather obnoxious, as hard as that is to believe. But I knew from the moment we met on that ship what kind of person you were. Someone raw, but genuine. Wholly themself, if not a bit scared and misguided."

Anje let out a mirthless laugh. "Yeah, maybe that's a bit too true. Just maybe. Kinda frustrated me, still does a bit, with how you can be so confident and sure of yourself."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Virion mentioned as his smile disappeared. "I'm just a better actor than people give me credit for. I admire your capacity for honesty."

"I just want to be accepted," Anje said, shivering again from the cold. "A place to call home. Even back before the ship, I had a home. It was terrible, but still home. It was a comfort to know where I belonged. It just took me nearly pissing off an entire country to figure that out again for myself."

Virion swung an arm around the lithe acrobat and pulled her in tight. "It's cold, let's go get you a jacket. Leather armor isn't the warmest of attire and then-"

Virion froze as Anje planted a soft kiss upon his cheek. He looked down at the blonde woman whose cheeks had turned a shade of pink. His mouth opened yet no words came out.

"Sorry, I couldn't think of the words," Anje softly said. "But I think I stole yours."

Anje felt Virion's grip tighten a bit around her shoulders; his floral musk dominating her senses. "Usually it's me leaving the woman breathless and yearning," Virion muttered with a sense of awe and wonder.

"Sorry to steal the show." Anje nestled up to Virion's side, wrapping her arm around his back.

Virion exhaled out his nose and chuckled. "No, it's quite alright. It's been far too long since I've had a pleasant surprise." He tilted his head on top of hers and held her hand tightly in his warm grip. "With my honor and your valor, we shall do great things."

Anje gripped him tighter and nodded. Flowery words weren't needed, as the night felt a bit warmer, and the future a bit brighter. She'd found a place to call home, and someone to share it with.

A/N: Been a while, huh? Finally getting more action into arc two, a team of people established for early Valm, some romance, and some intrigue of things to come! I've got fun plans in store :D

Thanks all for reading, and the reviews are wonderful.

Review Response:

Drjfaust4: I'm humbled to hear that. Keep on writing, and persevere :)

DestructionDragon360: Glad to hear you're liking the different dynamics in play! It's been fun to bounce around the different Sheps PoV's and show how some subtle changes have happened, as well as writing Anje's growth. Cheers!

Cavik: Basilio is one of the most entertaining characters to write for me, hands down. Glad the comedy is sticking where I dispense it, as we need some things to lighten the mood here and there haha.

Mors: Grima, Chrom confrontation, and more! Lots of things are going to happen in this arc and it's only the beginning!

Sakura108645: Grima has plans. Most definitely not good. Stay tuned and find out :)

That's a wrap for this update. I'll try to get another one out soon enough, as I truly enjoy this story, but other projects have a tendency to pull my attention.

As per usual if want to find more quality fics in the FE genre (among other cool stories!) or a place to improve your writing check out Fanfiction Treehouse discord . gg / 9XG3U7a I can be found here under my normal user name, so come by and say hi! We also have a server podcast hosted by Me, RedxEagl3, TheBobcat18, Grand Paladin Tyrux, MixedValance, and Narwhal Lord with plenty of other guests across the fanfiction community where we talk about fanfiction, writing improvement, and more! The Fanfiction Treehouse Podcast can be found on Spotify and Soundcloud!

Have a great day!