Chrom was relieved to hear that Ylisstol was very much intact, but seeing it always brought a smile to his face after a patrol. He may have not been the most regal prince, but he truly did care about his people even if he demonstrated it in different ways than his sister. While he may not have been as loved as his sister, he was still fairly well liked, particularly among the more rural citizenry and the rank and file military even if some of the more seasoned officers found his lack of strategy reckless.
The prince was aware on some level that he might end up facing a foe that he could not brute force, but his methods had worked so far. Still, he hoped one of their new recruits could hopefully help remedy his Shepherds' reputation as a blunt instrument. Chrom had looked into getting a tactician before, but he always had one problem with them: they did not fight. Robin did not have this problem. He always felt a leader should be fighting as well.
The odds of finding a tactician that fit his primary qualification in the middle of a field with no memories was suspect, he would admit – though maybe not in front of Frederick – but Chrom touted himself as a good judge of character. He trusted both Robin and Lucina despite not having the firmest of foundations for that trust.
Lucina had a bit more of a backing for her story even if her story promised to be even more strange with the whole falling out of a portal in the sky and hiding her identity. He really hoped she stuck around until she could answer some of those questions. That, and she had taken his favored name for if he had a daughter, and he did not want to waste that name.
"Woah," Robin admired the large walls as they walked through the gate. He did not know if he had ever seen anything like this before, but he was in awe regardless. His tactical knowledge also kicked in as he noted the defensibility of the walls and capitol as a whole. One thing he noticed that bothered him was that the wall seemed somewhat understaffed. He supposed it was a result of being - presumably - in peacetime, but he could not help but think that they were ill-prepared for an attack.
Defenses aside, the city itself was a sight to behold. The main street was filled with people going about their daily lives with stone storefronts and a few stalls speaking of a healthy economy, though not a booming one. Some larger buildings could be seen in the distance, but clearly the main spectacle of the city was the large castle on the hill. He could not make out many details from this distance, but he found himself silently approving of its elevated position.
So enraptured in his tactical analysis and miscellaneous observations was Robin that he did not notice the people lining the sides of the street until Lissa pulled him over with the others.
"Huh?" Robin looked at the lined up Shepherds, "What's going on?"
"The Exalt is visiting the city," Frederick responded stone faced looking even more intently than usual at the assembled crowd looking for any ne'er-do-wells or assassins who would do his liege harm.
"'Exalt?'" Lucina furrowed her brow at the title feeling a fleeting emotion at the term, but it vanished nearly as quickly as it had manifested.
"Our leader," Chrom clarified, "She rules Ylisse with an extreme dedication to peace." Chrom left out the part about how he thought she may have been a little too dedicated to peace. Still, she was the Exalt, and he was but a prince. Despite their differences, they loved each other dearly, and Chrom did not like to speak ill of his sister.
The woman in question just seemed to ooze regality and peace. Despite their fresh starts, both Robin and Lucina immediately got the impression of utter eloquence. Virion recognized her immediately as a kind and compassionate leader with his trained political eye – a rarity where he was from. Meanwhile Chrom and Lissa smiled on fondly while Frederick and Stahl stood at attention with the viridian knight looking much more at ease while he did so.
"Is it safe for her to walk amongst the people like this?" Robin took note of Frederick's unease and even Chrom seemed to have a slight twitch in his right arm.
"Emmeryn is a symbol of peace," Frederick spoke without really answering the question, "Her presence puts the people at ease."
"Something particularly important in these times," Chrom said in a darker than usual tone. He had not forgotten what the people had done to his sister. They had moved on, but he was never completely comfortable with her being out among the crowds. However, she insisted on it, so he tried to put it behind him.
It was ironic and a bit hypocritical how cavalier Chrom was with his own safety despite being very determined to keep his friends and family safe. One time, a young noble boy had made fun of Lissa's pigtails. Chrom busted his nose. It was brash and uncalled for, but the boy never made fun of her again even after Chrom's apology. None of them did. Of course, that also made a lot of the boys her age at the castle terrified to speak to her at all, which Lissa lamented.
"Some people would take advantage of her dedication to peace," Chrom watched her and her guards pass, "But she represents the best of the halidom."
Lissa, seeking to lighten the mood, also chimed in, "She's also the best big sis ever!"
Robin and Lucina blanched, "Sister?" They said in unison much to the amusement of the royal siblings. Even Frederick could not help but join in even if it had the intent to probe a potential slip up.
"You knew milord's name, but not this?" Clearly the jibe was directed at Robin who was too mortified to really notice.
"Forgive my dreadful manners," The tactician quickly took a knee. Looking between the man and the others, Lucina decided to follow suit and curtsied herself not taking time to think of how she knew to curtsy. Virion – who had already pegged them as royalty – simply smirked at the uninitiated. These two were not the type to crave such displays.
"Please," Chrom pulled the two up by their arms, "None of that. I've never been one for formalities."
"Ditto!" Lissa cheered loving the reaction of the two.
The two shared an uneasy look before nodding to the prince.
"Alright, Chrom," Robin tested the waters uncomfortably.
"Good!" Chrom patted them both on the shoulder, "Now, who wants to meet her?" Frederick visibly tensed at the question.
"You want us to meet your leader?" Lucina raised her brow. She understood that Chrom was a trusting person, but this seemed excessive to her. Robin likewise shared some security concerns, but he knew he had no intentions of bringing harm to the Exalt. He also doubted a fellow amnesiac would have reason to mean her harm. Assuming the woman was telling the truth. Virion he was not sure about though.
"Yeah, I like for the Shepherds to meet her at least once," Chrom replied with no hint of the apprehension shared by his lieutenant and two of his invited guests.
"I…suppose," Robin replied under Frederick's steely gaze.
"Certainly," Lucina replied unfazed by the knight, though that could have been because she did not notice his apprehension.
"I am afraid I will pass if you do not mind," Virion spoke up. In truth, he was afraid she might recognize him for what he was, and he did not want to be outed just yet. He was also concerned that someone so devoted to peace would not be keen or even able to help him no matter how promising her brother seemed in that regard.
"Suit yourself," Chrom shrugged, "But I can't promise you when another chance will come up."
"I understand," Virion nodded, but Frederick actually seemed mildly relieved.
"Alright," Chrom turned to address the viridian knight, "Stahl, mind showing him to the barracks?"
"On it!" Stahl saluted, "Right this way."
As the two headed off for the barracks, Chrom turned back to Robin and Lucina, "They'll be taking a back entrance. The barracks are still on the castle grounds, but the main gate is closer to our destination. We'll just follow the procession through the streets."
The enthusiasm for the Exalt really did not simmer down until they were started on the path to the castle proper. Robin found it amazing that a ruler could be so beloved by her people, but they seemed to absolutely adore her. Though, the people who noticed Chrom and Lissa also seemed to delight in their presence despite the fact Chrom had insisted on keeping their distance to avoid being noticed.
The leadup to the castle was much quieter as the civilian buildings tapered off into a few stately homes before ceasing altogether. At that point, all that remained were a few guard outposts as they climbed the hill to the massive structure.
While Robin went to work analyzing the defensive abilities of the castle and the surrounding area, Lucina was in awe of the sheer splendor of the city. Everything just seemed so grand and pristine. The castle especially induced feelings of awe in her, but she was not entirely sure why it had such an emotional impact for her.
In any case, they were soon at the castle gates where Chrom got them inside with no problems though he did stop and exchange a few words with the guards which Robin found commendable. He may have not known much, but he knew that Chrom had no obligation to talk to his soldiers, let alone remember their names or that one had just recently become a father.
The exterior of the castle was quite the sight to behold. Despite its age, the castle still looked to be in good shape. Of course, the entire structure was not from the same period. There were minute changes that one could see if they knew what to look for, but overall, the architects had done a nice job over the years of expanding without making new and old clash.
The grounds, what he could see of them, also seem well tended to. The grass was cut, and the trees were trimmed, but they lacked a certain opulence that one might expect from royal grounds. Robin wondered if the actual gardens were more in line with his thoughts.
After another brief check with guards at the front door, Chrom and the others were allowed inside the castle. The inside of the castle was also filled with cold grays and whites with the majority of the color coming from the red carpet which ran down the middle of the main corridors like an artery and the doormats outside of the doors. There was also the occasional tapestry, but it did not speak to large amounts of wealth. Robin was starting to wonder if the royals were in a financial bind, but he banished the thoughts as needless conjecture.
While Robin was taking in the sights, Lucina was experiencing a strange sense of familiarity. She almost did not seem to need a guide, and she managed to almost know each turn they would take. She could not give an explanation for this either.
When they reached the waiting room outside of the throne room, Robin noted some of the finery he had expected to find. There was a couch sitting across from two more chairs and a small sitting table with a somewhat larger rectangular table between them. He imagined each piece of furniture was older than he was. The smaller round table also had a vase sitting on it which was likely worth more than he had ever made in his forgotten life. Add that to the large portrait of a blue-haired woman with a similarly blue-haired man hanging above the gold engraved mantle in a gold frame, and this room certainly looked regal.
Of course, they did not do much waiting in the waiting room. The group was quickly ushered into the throne room. That room also continued the waiting room's trend. It was a long room with columns along the sides. Another red carpet ran down the chamber and up the stairs at the far end with the throne at the top. Chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling to make up for the lack of windows – Robin approved of the throne room not being so exposed. However, there was one window at the back of the room. A stained-glass window depicting a man with two swords crossed overhead. One, Robin recognized from Chrom's blade, but the other was unfamiliar to him with a more traditional hilt with a red gem inside it. Lucina seemed particularly taken aback by the window. For a moment, she could have sworn the image darkened and she could see a dark sky beyond its broken panes, but any such thoughts left as quickly as they had come.
About mid-way to the throne, Chrom was greeted by the woman from earlier, Emmeryn. She also had a stoic looking woman with pale blue hair tied back standing guard vigilently. Her piercing red eyes quickly made note of Robin and Lucina before shifting to Frederick whose expression tightened for a moment if that was even possible.
"Chrom!" Emmeryn wrapped her brother in a tender embrace. It seemed almost motherly. After a quick moment, she parted from her brother, but her smile was still radiant, "Lissa," She stooped down to give her sister an equally endearing hug, "It's good to see you both again. How did your mission go?"
"Well," Chrom started, "We managed to clear out a few bandit camps. Then a group of them made an attack on Southtown, but we were able to save the town and the people. With some help from one of our new friends here." Chrom held his hand out toward the two.
"Ah, yes," Emmeryn smiled at the strangers, "And who might you two be?"
"I-I'm Robin, your highness," Robin was not sure if he should bow or anything, so he did just in case.
"Please rise, sir Robin," Robin could almost hear the mirth in her voice before he rose to see her smile.
"Robin here," Chrom put a hand on his shoulder, "Turns out to be quite the able tactician. He helped us avoid any civilian casualties at Southtown."
"I was just trying to help," Robin deflected, embarrassed at the praise.
"And modest too!" Lissa gleefully chimed in, "You should have seen him, Emm! He was right there with Chrom and Frederick fighting with a sword and tome."
Chrom chuckled before turning back to his elder sister, "She's not wrong. Truth be told, I was hoping to have him join the Shepherds as our tactician."
"Wait, what?" Robin blurted out.
"Yeah," Chrom looked at him somewhat confused, "I offered you a position."
"Yes, but I didn't think you meant as tactician!"
"Milady," Frederick interrupted, "I fear I should inform you that Robin here claims to have amnesia. A claim that we cannot verify. I feel it would be unwise to allow him a position in which he would play a large part in the prince and princess' safety."
"Hmm," Emmeryn considered the knight's words, "Chrom, you brought this man before me. Do you trust him?"
Chrom stood up straight and nodded, "Yes. He risked his life for Ylissean citizens. That tells me I can trust him." He spoke so confidently, it was hard not to believe him. It seemed like Chrom was a natural born leader.
"Very well, then he has my trust as well, but thank you for your diligence, sir Frederick. Chrom and Lissa are lucky to have so dedicated a guardian."
Frederick gave a half bow, "Thank you, milady."
Emmeryn then turned her attention back to Robin, "I look forward to your service, sir Robin. Should you choose to accept of course. My brother certainly could use someone to help temper his brash nature."
"I, uh, I'll think on it. I mean, leading people in battle. It's…a grave responsibility."
"It is," Emmeryn nodded, "The fact you recognize that gives me confidence."
"Thank you, your highness," Robin nodded in deference.
"Now," Emmeryn turned her smiled to the woman with the swollen eye, "Who might you be?"
"I do not remember," Lucina curtsied out of reflex before Chrom could move to introduce her, "But I am currently going by Lucina."
"You don't remember?"
"No, your grace. It seems I hit my head and I cannot remember much from my past."
"My, that must be frightening. For both of you. I wish you both a speedy recovery. What will you do until your memories return?"
"I've offered her a position with the Shepherds as well," Chrom spoke up, "She's skilled with a blade. I think she'd be quite the asset."
Emmeryn's eyes shined with genuine happiness so that it was hard not to smile back, "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay with us."
"Emm," Chrom's voice grew serious, "We still need to talk. Something happened on the way back to Ylisstol that was…unusual." Chrom paused for a moment, "And we also believe that the bandit situation may not be all that it seems."
"I see," Emmeryn's smile faded and her voice became somber, "Then we shall hold council." She put a smile back on as she spoke to Lissa, "Would you mind showing our guests where they will be staying?"
"Sure thing, Emm!" The princess chirped, "Beats a stuffy meeting any day." Lissa took Robin and Lucina by the arms and started pulling them back out the large door to the waiting room, "Come on! Just wait until you meet the rest of the Shepherds."
Lissa led the two to an unassuming stone building on the north side of the castle grounds. In front of the building were two dirt rings presumably for sparring matches, and some training dummies could be seen on the far side of the building. All in all, it looked like a fairly standard barracks.
Lissa opened the door and led them inside with her arms outstretched, "I present to you, the Shepherd's Barracks!" Neither Robin nor Lucina seemed particularly impressed. There were papers on the floor, boxes strewn about, and a table in the corner with a few chairs, otherwise, the room seemed pretty barren. "I know it's not much to look at, but, believe me, this place is much more fun than the castle."
"If you don't mind my–Ah!" Lucina had stepped forward only to trip on the way. Fortunately, Robin was there to catch her. Their mutual blush did not go unnoticed by the blonde princess who made sure to file that memory away for future teasing.
"You okay?" Robin asked through his embarrassment at the contact.
"Um, yes. I've just been having some issues adapting to only one eye."
"Ah."
"Hello?" A brunette woman peeked out from a door frame leading to the kitchen looking for the source of the noise. Her expression brightened when she saw who it was, "You're back! Is the captain with yo–ack!" The woman also tripped but had no one to catch her. The other three cringed, and Lissa felt a serious sense of deja vu.
"Are you alright?" Lucina asked in concern.
"Sorry, I'm fine."
"Poor Sumia," They were joined by a blonde woman in a pink riding suit, "She's been beside herself with concern about our dear captain. She was so distracted during training that she might have been just as well off blindfolded."
"Come on, Maribelle," Lissa said in something approaching a diplomatic tone, "No need to be so harsh on her."
"B-besides," Sumia spoke uneasily, "He's our captain, why shouldn't I be concerned?"
Maribelle simply smirked in response before looking over the newcomers, "I take it these are the other recruits that that scoundrel was speaking of?"
"I take it you've already met Virion then," Lissa giggled in delight.
"I have had the unfortunate pleasure. Such an unsavory little man."
"Hey, don't scare off the recruits," A burly man with no shirt shouted, making Lucina blush in response.
"Want that honor for yourself?"
"Guys," Lissa interrupted the other two, "This is Vaike."
"Please, call me Teach," The blonde man flashed them a toothy smile seemingly unaware of how the nickname actually sounded.
"…Teach?" Robin raised a brow.
"What do you teach?" Lucina asked seemingly sincerely.
"How to be awesome!" Vaike flexed and most of the rest simply stared at him while Lissa was noticeably restraining some laughter.
"Sure you do," Lissa smirked, "Well, I think that's about everyone."
"Hello?"
"Oh wait! Where's Miriel?"
"In her lab."
"I think she was off doing some sort of research," Maribelle answered.
"Who's Miriel?" Lucina inquired for both her and Robin.
"One of our mages," LIssa replied, "She's a bit…bookish. Maybe you and her would get along, Robin!"
"Do I really look…bookish?" Robin looked to Lucina for an answer.
"I think you look fine," She replied.
"It's not an insult. You just seem pretty smart. Maybe you could decipher some of those reeeeaaaally long words she uses."
"Uh, I could try?"
"So," Sumia decided to change the subject, "Tell us all about your trip."
"Well," Lissa began to regale the others with tales of their trip as well as regaling them with tales of the amnesiac pair's exploits which they both downplayed.
"Don't be so humble," Everyone stopped as a new voice joined the conversation, "You both did good work out there. I hope you'll consider lending those skills to our next mission."
"Captain!" Sumia rounded on her heels in excitement, but she apparently turned too quickly resulting in another faceplant. Lucina tried to catch her, but she was too far away. Though she did help her up.
"Oof, are you sure you don't need new boots?" Chrom asked with a fair amount of concern.
"Oh, no, I'm…I'll be fine," Sumia blushed profusely which only grew deeper after Chrom flashed her a reassuring smile. Robin's suspicions that something was up between those two only increased at that point. Even Lucina, who was usually oblivious to such matters, looked between the two as if she knew there was something more there than a simple commander/subordinate relationship.
"So, what is this mission," Vaike smirked, "And how bad do you need Teach's help with it?"
"Right, the mission," Chrom refocused his attention, "We're to march up to the northern border with Regna Ferox and petition them for aid."
"Regna Ferox?" Robin raised a brow, "You'll have to excuse me, but…who is that?"
"A unified nation of barbarians to the north," Sumia answered the tactician, "Er, at least that's what the stories say. I've never actually met anyone from there."
"Warriors are what they are," Chrom corrected, "And we could really use their strength to handle this new threat."
"You mean that there are more of those things?" Lucina felt her blood go icy at the mere thought. She did not know why, but the idea of more of those things roaming around sent a cold chill down her spine and filled her stomach with a deep dread.
"I'm afraid so," Chrom answered gravely, "And we've already got our hands full dealing with bandits and Plegia. We could use their help if we're going to defend our people. Normally, this is the kind of request that the Exalt would make in person, but given the current climate, the people might start to worry if she were to suddenly leave the capital. That means the task falls to us.
"Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. If for any reason you–"
"Ooo!" Lissa raised her hand and hopped energetically, "I volunteer!"
"Me too!" Vaike laughed heartily, "Can't let you go out there without Teach's trusty ax, now can I?"
"I'll go." Robin lifted his head suddenly at the quiet voice to see a man in the corner wearing heavy armor. He gave Robin a wave after realizing that the tactician had noticed him. Robin weakly waved back. Had he been there the whole time?
"I'm afraid I have other matters that I must attend to," Maribelle spoke with her parasol between her hands, "Though I wish you a fruitful journey. Perhaps it will be good for you to practice some diplomacy."
"Er, thanks?" Chrom carried a confused expression even as the noblewoman departed. However, he quickly shook it off and directed his attention back to the other woman in pink, "What about you?"
"I…don't know," Sumia hesitated with concern evident in her features, "I feel like I'd probably just get in the way. I don't even have a mount yet."
"Well, it's your choice," Chrom was visibly disappointed by the answer even if just slightly, "But if you're that worried about it, you can just stay back and watch if battle does occur. Hopefully it won't since this is a diplomatic mission, but if it does, it might be a learning experience."
"I-if you think so," Sumia blushed from all the attention while most of the others did a poor job of hiding their grins. Even Lucina seemed strangely happy watching the two interact, "Then I'll do it."
"Wonderful," Chrom beamed, "I'll make sure you're safe. Don't you worry."
Leaving Sumia to blush even harder at his somewhat sweet words, the prince turned his attention to their newcomers, "What about you two?"
"I don't have any plans," Robin grinned, already starting to feel at home here with these strange people, "I'll do what I can."
"Thank you, Robin."
"I will go with you," Lucina was decidedly less comfortable, but she felt that she owed them a debt. She also could not deny feeling a certain familiarity here that she could not yet explain, but whatever it was, she craved more of it. Besides, she had agreed to join this group so it seemed a bit rude to turn down her first assignment.
"Alright," Chrom nodded, "I'll trust you to let the others know."
"Leave it to Vaike!" The burly man chuckled leaving the others to, maybe, go find those not present. With that, the briefing came to an end, and everybody went about their own business. As they did so, Chrom approached Robin and Lucina.
"I want to thank you two again for joining. We're…still getting our footing, and I'm glad to have two people as capable as yourselves."
"Thank you, prince Chrom," Lucina instinctively curtsied, which struck both men as a bit odd, "The honor is mine."
"Er, just Chrom please."
"Besides," Robin added, "You were kind enough to put us up when we had nowhere to go. Seems only fair that we help you out too."
Chrom chuckled, "Speaking of which, I asked Frederick to assign you bunks. I also told him to put you as far from Vaike as possible, Robin. You can thank me later." Enjoying Robin's confused look, Chrom excused himself, "I'd love to stay and chat, but council is only in recess unfortunately. Up next: economics. Wish me luck."
"Haha!" Vaike laughed as he brandished his training ax all the while reeking of confidence, or rather, overconfidence. He had quickly challenged both of the newcomers to a dual, but Lucina had agreed to go first after Robin hesitated. "Alright, kiddo, I'll try not to be too rough on ya!"
"What?" Lucina dropped her ready stance and looked at the man in confusion, "I cannot be much younger than yourself."
"I, that's just an-" Vaike shook his head, "Nevermind. Get ready!"
Lucina did just that and raised her sword. Just in time too as Vaike wasted no time in leaping forward bringing his ax down with his full weight. Robin's eyes widened at him coming down on Lucina like that right out of the gate, but the woman kept her cool and easily evaded to her right.
Lucina responded with her own slash which the axeman managed to deflect if just barely. In a quick movement, Lucina redirected her blade for another swing which struck the man in the shoulder, however, much to her and Robin's surprise, he did not seem fazed by the pain. Sure they were using practice weapons, but still, that had to hurt.
Not that one would know it just by looking at him. Vaike wasted no time in charging on ahead leaving a barrage of reckless strikes that left him open, but were hard to predict making a counter a somewhat riskier proposition. Nonetheless, any advantage he gained from Lucina's surprise was quickly negated as Lucina had more than enough speed to seize on the openings.
A few gasps could be heard as Vaike found himself disarmed by the new girl. As his ax skidded across the training field, Lucina spun around for a finishing blow that was likely a bit excessive, but no one was really in a position to stop her. As her sword landed on the ground causing a small dust up, all were silent. Lucina looked up after a few moments to see that her sword had come a bit short.
"Oh…guess I'm still adjusting to only one eye."
"I think that's alright," Robin chuckled nervously, "Had you landed it, you might have knocked the poor guy out cold."
"Nah," Lissa chirped, "He's taken worse blows from my brother."
"You better believe it!" Vaike smiled wide, "Not bad. I might have to make you my second rival!"
"Er…thank you?" Lucina was still a bit flustered from the ending of that dual including her going a bit overboard.
"Alright, tactician boy, you're next," Vaike recovered his ax.
"What?" Robin suddenly felt rather uncomfortable, "Me?"
"Yeah," Vaike tossed him a sword which he readily caught despite his discomfort, "If I'm gonna take orders from you, I want to know that you can handle yourself."
"Well, I suppose that could help," Robin put on a more serious expression, "I'll do my best."
Vaike grinned fully expecting a much easier time to help mend his sore ego after his latest defeat. However, things did not immediately go as planned as Vaike's wild swings failed to hit anything but air. Robin expertly dodged each and every attack with seemingly minimal effort to the degree that it was almost more impressive than Lucina meeting him more directly.
The burly man's swings may have been wild and hard to predict making them a nightmare for some fighters, but they were not impossible to read. True, Robin was forced to use tells over patterns, but his analytical mind meant that he was never taken by surprise by any of his wild swings.
It did not take long for Vaike to wear himself out. At that point, he was easy pickings for Robin who finally lifted his blade for the one and only strike of the match. In one swift motion, he knocked the wind out of the fighter causing him to crumple to his knees. The blow had been precise. Enough to stop him in his tracks without causing any serious damage.
"Woah," Stahl stood with his mouth slightly agape. A look shared by most everyone. They had not been expecting the bookish Robin to so easily dispatch Vaike. He might have been loud and not the smartest guy around, but that did not mean he was not capable of wiping the floor with most of their regular troops.
"So," Robin spoke, trying to keep how nervous everyone's gaze was making him suppressed, "Did I pass?"
"Did you ever!" Lissa practically squealed, making Robin resist the urge to cringe while Lucina seemed oddly unbothered as if used to similar outbursts, "That was amazing! Both of you!"
"I don't know about all that," Lucina spoke slowly, "At least for myself. Though, Robin, you read opponents with amazing precision."
"Yeah," The tactician rubbed his neck awkwardly, "I guess I do. Just seems to…come naturally. I must be good at reading fighting styles."
"I'll say!" Stahl chimed in, "That was quite the display."
"H-hey!" Vaike finally found his breath, "Mind helping me out here?"
The fighter got a chorus of laughter in response, but also a helping hand.
The rest of the day passed in something of a blur. After settling into their new bunks and Chrom getting released from council meetings, the prince treated them all to a simple yet hardy meal to welcome their newest Shepherds. Virion gave a fluffy speech which served perhaps more to amuse than anything.
As everyone else left to get some sleep, Robin and Lucina were the last two in the dining area of the barracks. Perhaps because of their similar situations, the two felt particularly comfortable around each other after the initial awkwardness. Especially Lucina who, despite trusting these people explicitly and wanting to stay close to them, struggled in social situations more than Robin did. Several jokes that night had gone right over the poor young woman's head much to her embarrassment.
"So, how's your eye?" Robin asked both out of genuine concern and wishing to stay awake just a little while longer despite how tired he was.
"Still sore," Lucina lamented, "I'm still adjusting to the use of only one eye, but Lissa says I should be able to use it again eventually."
"That's good at least. So, have you…remembered anything?"
"No," Lucina took a moment to take in her feet before addressing him, "Have you?"
"Afraid not. It would seem that this is not simply going to go away overnight."
"Does it…does it bother you?"
Robin gave her a sidelong glance. He wanted to put on a strong front for her, but he decided against it. She was likely feeling similarly to him, and he did not want her to feel alone.
"It does. I don't know who I was or where I came from. Was I a bad man? A good one? Do I have a family, or am I…alone?"
"I know the feeling. I cannot help but think that I've forgotten something important. That there's something I need to be doing, but I have no idea what it is." She did leave out how some things and people seemed eerily familiar, but she could never quite explain the feeling.
"Well, in the meantime, I guess we're stuck together with this band of interesting folk."
Lucina allowed a slight smile to grace her features, "So it would seem." The bluenette then let out a rather powerful yawn.
"I suppose we should turn in. We didn't get much sleep last night after all."
"That sounds like a good plan," Lucina stood to her feet, "But Robin?"
"Yes?" The tactician abruptly stopped his stretching.
"I do not think that you were a bad man before. For what it's worth, I think you are a good man." Lucina blushed despite the fairly innocuous compliment, "Good night, Robin. See you in the morning."
"Good night," Robin limply moved his hand in a motion akin to a wave as he watched Lucina retreat to the women's bunks. Despite his situation, Robin retired that night with a smile on his face. At least, until he heard Vaike start snoring.
A/N: Thanks for the positive reception. Decided to release this one a bit early. It was also a fairly long one. As someone brought up, no, Lucina does not have Falchion with her. It will turn up again according to the plan. Also, I do plan to have Morgan in the story, but that's a ways off.