The march north naturally included quite a drop in temperature. The temperate grasslands and rolling hills of central Ylisse slowly gave way to snowy plains that had more than a few members of their band shivering. Even ones that brought winter gear.

"Why didn't you tell me it was so c-c-cold out here, C-C-Chrom!" Lissa shuddered as she felt like she was starting to freeze over. Chrom, meanwhile, laughed at his sister's plight.

"I'm pretty sure I did. Someone said she'd be fine and ran off to put mud in Frederick's greaves. You never even heard me, did you?"

"So, that explains the mess," Frederick's expression, to his credit, did not budge, "I suppose if you had time for such mischief, we'll just have to spend more time on wilderness preparedness."

"Thanks a lot," Lissa grumbled, causing Chrom to laugh again.

"How are you holding up?" Robin looked to his amnesiac companion with a smile, "You seem to be handling the temperature drop well."

"Yes, I'm not sure why," Lucina tugged at her cape around her neck, "But the cold doesn't seem to bother me."

"That's good cause I know I'm glad I have this big coat," Robin shivered half for effect, "It breathes well, but still keeps me warm."

"It is certainly an interesting garment," Lucina looked at the coat from its puffy sleeves to shiny buckles, "I did not see anything like it when we were in the capital."

"I can't help but think it's a tad," Robin held up one of his sleeves, "Sinister though."

"Really?" Lucina tilted her head, "I…I…"

"Woah there!" Robin steadied a Lucina who had not even realized she had lost her balance, "You alright?"

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry. I just had this odd sense of…dread."

"Maybe I should find a new coat when we get back," Robin muttered to himself guitily.

"No!" Lucina shook her head, "It's a connection to your past. You shouldn't give up on it so soon."

The tactician stared at the bluenette for a bit before chuckling and smiling, "I wasn't planning on burning it, but I'm glad you feel so strongly about it."

This got Lucina to blush a little in embarrassment, but before either of them could respond, Lissa shouted at them with hands cupped around her mouth, "Hey lovebirds! Stop gawking at each other, we're here!"

Robin cleared his throat awkwardly, "I, uh, I should go."

"Right."

On his way up to the head of the column, Robin made sure to shoot the giggling princess a dirty look before joining up with Chrom and Frederick. How Chrom had yet to even put on a coat, he had no idea, but he honestly was not surprised that Frederick looked as unbothered by the cold as he was by most things. Man was nothing if not disciplined.

"That's quite a fort," Robin noted looking left and right seeing no end to the long structure. It was well designed and built, that much he knew even if he did not know the exact details of how or why he knew that.

"That is the Longfort," Frederick replied, "It spans the entire Feroxi border with both Ylisse and Plegia."

This information made the tactician whistle, "That's quite a structure even if it has a less than creative name."

"The Feroxi care more about practicality than appearances, and names," Chrom walked forward, "But where are they anyway?"

"Halt right there!" Chrom's question was answered by the Feroxi border guard filing to the ramparts, javelins at the ready. Almost everyone else recoiled in surprise. Frederick looked calm, but you could practically feel the energy he was prepping to lung forward to protect his liege. Others were preparing their weapons with even the usually calm Miriel discreetly moving for her tome. Chrom put a stop to all of it though by raising one hand.

"Hold! I am here on behalf of Exalt Emmeryn. I seek an audience with your Khan."

"Hah!" A woman in thick armor glared down from the ramparts, "Fat chance of me letting some brigands get through."

"Brigands?" Frederick's eye subtly twitched at the insinuation, "You stand in the presence of prince Chrom and princess Lissa of Ylisse! You would do well to show some modicum of respect."

"Pah!" The captain merely balked, "Yes, yes, and I'm the queen of Valm. Really, is that the best you could come up with?"

"This isn't good," Robin muttered looking for some way to tip the scales in their favor. His answer came on a south wind.

"Javelins ready! Show this rabble the penalty for impersonating royalty."

Time seemed to slow down as Chrom braced for a gruesome end. Frederick darted forward, but was too slow. Lissa screamed in terror. Various Shepherds fully readied their weapons. Lucina was rushing forward at incredible speed. Meanwhile, Robin was counting down in place. It would be close.

Seconds stretched on for what felt like hours, and just as it seemed their leader was about to be skewered, he was whisked away in a blur of motion. Chrom himself struggled to right himself on the mount, but it certainly beat death by a dozen javelins.

Finally gathering his bearings, Chrom realized who had just saved him.

"Better hold on tight, Captain, it could get bumpy," Chrom blinked never having heard such a commanding tone from the normally meek woman before, but she soon smiled breaking the harder facade. It was a far more confident smile than he was used to seeing from her, "You'll be fine."

Taking a moment to catch his thoughts, Chrom noticed that they were, in fact, still in an active combat zone as the Feroxi troops prepped a second volley. The prince growled and drew Falchion.

"Sumia, put us down with the others."

"Right."

"Not bad," The captain crowed as Chrom and Sumia rejoined the other Shepherds, "Very well, if you're really royalty, prove it in battle."

"What?" Robin shook his head in disbelief, "How does that prove anything?"

The prince sighed in response, "The Feroxi way. Em's not going to like this, but we don't have much of a choice. Shepherds! To arms!"

"How are we supposed to win against that thing?" Lissa asked, looking up at the huge fort.

"We may not have to," Robin narrowed his eyes as the side gates of the fort opened up to allow troops to file out.

"Confident, aren't they?" Their leader frowned.

"Well, they think we're brigands," Robin noted, "Still, if their reputation is at all accurate, we can't underestimate them."

"True, but I want casualties at a minimum. We're not here to start a war."

"Understood, milord," Frederick bowed, "I shall inform the others post haste."

"You two seemed to work well together," Robin turned to the prince and pegasus knight, "I think you should stick together for this one."

"I have no complaints. Are you up to it, Sumia?"

"I-I, yes, sir!"

"Kellam!"

"You…noticed me?" The armored knight stuttered.

"Yes, and I want you to cover Miriel as she casts. Miriel, don't roast him."

"I shall endeavor to keep my eyes on him," The mage drug him along by his arm to keep track of him.

"Stahl, Sully, there won't be much room for a cavalry charge, but until we break in, I want hit and runs. Keep them off balance."

"On it."

"My pleasure."

"Virion, cover us."

"But of course."

"And Vaike, please, put a shirt on. There's literally snow."

"N-not gonna happen. It'll just slow me down," Vaike tried flexing to limited avail.

"Just…go cover Virion."

"Frederick," Robin turned as the knight returned from issuing Chrom's order, "Keep Lissa safe, Lissa, keep everyone fighting."

"Very well. Milady?"

"I'm on it!"

"That leaves us," Robin faced his fellow amnesiac, "Guess you're with me."

"I'll endeavor not to let you down."

"I'm sure you won't."

"Do you yield?" Chrom growled through gritted teeth more than a little irritated at what they had just gone through to prove themselves to these border guards.

"I do," The captain dropped her javelin, "The battle you just waged was impressive. I apologize for the misunderstanding."

Robin had to actively stop himself from shaking his head trying to think how that proved their story as Chrom helped her up. Surprisingly easily despite her heavy armor.

"I'm just glad no one was seriously hurt. Now, about that meeting."

"Of course, I will escort you there personally."

"Thank you."

"If you'll excuse me, I'll make preparations to depart at once."

"Her whole demeanor changed," Robin wondered as the captain walked off.

"Just because she lost?" Lucina asked from beside him.

"Tis the Feroxi way," Frederick pointed out, "It may seem strange to us, but here, it is commonplace. We might do well to remember that."

"Right," Chrom nodded, "For now, it's a long march ahead. We'd best prepare."

As the Shepherds dispersed, Robin found himself sitting out of the wind beneath the large arch making up the large gate for this section of the Longfort. He still could not fathom how much went into building this structure. What had caused them to be so wary of their neighbors?

"Admiring the architecture?" Lucina smiled as she sat down beside him.

"In a sense. Imagining why it was created and how."

"I see you're an inquisitive mind. I had hardly thought twice about it."

"Hmm, guess I am," Robin readjusted to better make conversation, "You did remarkably by the way."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I still missed more than I should have. I'm also not sure I'm very good at holding back."

"Well, regardless, your performance was admirable."

"Thank you. We made a pretty good team, it seems."

"Heh, maybe not as good as Chrom and Sumia, but we did alright. I'm thinking of doing more with this teaming up idea."

"That sounds like a good idea. Perhaps you can tell me about it as we march?"

"It's a deal."

"Oh, look at that Frederick!" Lissa clandestinely pointed to the head of the column.

"I fail to see what is so interesting."

"They're finally talking, don't you see? They're finally getting past this awkward phase!"

"Milord and lady Sumia?" The knight furrowed a brow, "I fail to see the relevance. They have talked several times before."

"Ugh, men," The princess groaned, "You just don't get it."

"I cannot say that I do. All that I noticed was Sumia's impeccable skill with a mount in the last battle complimenting milord's abilities."

"I have to find you a girlfriend," The blonde deadpanned as they rode onward.

"Finally!" The princess leapt at the giant fireplace in a very unladylike fashion almost as soon as they entered the Khan's manor, "Heat!"

"Milady, please, we are guests," Frederick tried to get her to stop hugging a pillar on the mantle if just for her own safety but her grip could be tight when she wanted it to be. While the knight struggled to get his princess to act respectably, the Feroxi captain, who they learned was named Raimi, addressed Chrom.

"I will go seek an audience with the East Khan. I will send for you. Your troops may enjoy our facilities in the meantime."

"Thanks! I'm starving!"

"When aren't you starving?" Sully smacked the viridian in the back of his head.

"Go on," Chrom spoke softly once he noticed Sumia looked a bit nervous, "I'll catch up in a bit."

"A-alright."

"Told you," Lissa whispered to Frederick who had finally succeeded in getting her away from the fireplace.

"Robin," The tactician stopped in place as he and Lucina were heading to get some food when the prince called for him, "I know it's been a long day, but I'd like it if you could stay. Your tactical mind could help out when hashing out the details."

Robin looked at Lucina apologetically, but she smiled and nodded promising to save him a plate. With that, Robin joined the royals and their knight and waited for the invitation to see the Khan.

"You two seem close," Upon turning, Robin was greeted with an absolutely pleased with himself Chrom judging by that smirk, "You, uh, aren't fraternizing with your subordinate are you?"

"I think I could ask the same of you." Much to his surprise, Chrom just looked confused. "You and Sumia spent the whole march from the Longfort together."

"Oh that? We were just talking, and she asked for combat pointers."

"Right, cause you are experienced in pegasus combat."

"I…what are you insinuating?"

Lissa giggled, but just as Chrom's face was going red, their fun was ruined by Raimi who returned.

"If you'll follow me."

The manor was not exactly illustrious, but it was not sparse either. Lining the halls were various hunting trophies along with various weapon and armor displays. Robin wondered how many of them were trophies too.

Their group was eventually led into a mildly carpeted chamber with a single throne at the head of the room with a few swords and shields decorating the room. It did not seem to see a lot of use.

"Please wait here. The Khan will be with you shortly," Raimi told them before retreating back the way they came, leaving the foreigners alone.

"These are some impressive displays," Robin noted idly as they waited, "I don't recognize most of these."

"I know a few of them," With a slight hum, Chrom turned to Frederick, "You're a weapons expert aren't you? What do you recognize?"

"Well, I'm not too familiar with exotic weapons, but some of these appear to be of Ylissean make. A few Plegian designs as well. Though, I'm afraid some elude me as to their origin."

"That one is from Rosanne," A new voice answered as they were looking at an elegant and flowery armor set, "Or at least I was told. A bit ornate for my tastes, but I like to have a varied showcase."

"Oh!" Chrom turned on his heels. He was greeted by a woman in plate armor hefting a fairly large sword. Her hair was up and given the sweat dripping from her brow, she had likely just been training, "You're the Khan I presume?"

"One of them, yes," Hand still on the hilt of her sword, she offered a friendly smile unlike the veiled ones of much of the nobility in Ylisse Chrom noted. He liked her already, "Sorry for the little mixup, prince Chrom. You and your band are more than welcome here in Regna Ferox."

"Have Plegians really been masquerading as Ylisseans to harass your villages?"

"Yes, we found documents on one of their captains proving as much. Seems someone wants to try and increase tension between our nations."

"Gangrel," Chrom growled, "I should have known he'd stoop this low."

"Yes, I imagine the Mad King of Plegia is why you're here."

"In part, yes. We lack the troops to keep his harassment and the Risen at bay."

"Ah, I had heard about those. We've had a few reports in our southern villages. Fortunately, they don't seem to care for the cold as much. At the very least tends to make them slower."

"Finally some good news. I just hope they don't build a tolerance for it."

"So do I, prince, but to that end, I can guess why you're here. Normally I'd be more than happy to stick a boot up Gangrel's behind, but I cannot grant you the troops you seek."

"Is it the Risen?" Chrom furrowed his brow in concern.

"No, as I said, they don't fancy the extreme cold so we're managing, and even many of our civilians know how to defend themselves. Simply put, I lack the authority."

"I don't understand, I thought you were the khan."

"I am one of the khans. Specifically, the East Khan. There are two you see, and every few years we host a tournament to see who will have sovereignty over both kingdoms."

"I see."

"However," Flavia looked at the group as if appraising them, "You may be in luck. We're hosting another tournament soon, and I need champions. Raimi tells me you put up quite a fight. If you champion me and win, you'll have your alliance. Warrior's honor."

"Are outsiders really allowed to participate in such a thing?"

He was greeted by a round of laughter from the khan, "Yes, we don't participate ourselves or involve kin. If we did, then we'd be rife with blood feuds and dead khans. There was a period where we were after all. It generally goes much smoother to just pick a third party to represent us. Though foreign royalty might be a first.

"I realize it's a big ask, but it's the fastest way to your alliance. Assuming you win. I'll have a draft written up for you to look over. I assure you, my terms would be favorable."

"Would you mind if I took the night to think it over?"

"Certainly. It's a big decision. I'll have your answer in the morning."

"Thank you, khan."

The dining hall had been given to the Shepherds to use. That included the kitchen, and well, Sumia decided to give it a whirl. As it turned out, she was rather skilled at the culinary arts and proved to be a hit with the troops despite a fairly bare bones pantry in terms of spices.

"So, how was it?" The timid woman asked cautiously as the Shepherds finished clearing their plates.

"I haven't eaten that good since I left home," Stahl patted his stomach with a satisfied smile.

"Truly twas a meal befitting even my distinguished palette," Virion offered a light bow, but that was about the end of it. Even he would not dare flirt with Sumia.

"Oh wow, what is that smell?" The door swung wide as a particular princess made her way in followed by the others that had attended the meeting, "It smells delicious."

"Hello," Sumia smiled at the newcomers, "I just made a little something. I saved some, so dig in if you'd like."

"I suppose a quick bite couldn't hurt," Chrom finally smiled for the first time since his meeting with Flavia. Taking a seat at the table, he quickly dug in followed by the others.

"This is delicious," Robin managed between mouthfuls.

"I know," Lucina smiled next to him, "Somehow it felt nostalgic. Perhaps I used to eat food like this where I'm from."

"Interesting. Maybe you're from the same region. We'll have to ask Sumia where exactly she's from."

"Perhaps. So how did the meeting go?"

"I'm not sure," Robin leaned back, "On one hand, she offered Chrom a good deal, but if we fail, then it could hurt our chances if not get someone killed. It's high risk, high reward."

"What do you think he'll pick?"

"If I know him, we'd best prepare for combat."

Lucina nodded, "I'll be ready."

"I know you will be. There's a lot riding on this. I just hope I'll be ready."

"You will be. I have faith in you."

"Heh, thanks," Robin smiled genuinely. It helped him cope with being responsible for securing an international treaty only about a week since waking up in that field. His life was certainly an odd one.

Lucina had trouble sleeping that night. She could not recall what they were, but it seemed she was plagued by nightmares. Whatever they were, they felt so real. Enough to disturb her into taking a walk.

Among the somewhat chilled halls of the Khan's manor, Lucina heard the echoing sounds of what seemed to be a sword hitting something solid. Opting to investigate, Lucina found herself at one of admittedly many training grounds that the Khan had.

There she found Chrom swinging away with a pile of broken training dummies surrounding him. She had half a mind to walk away and leave him in peace, but he seemed troubled. He had done a lot for her, so she thought it only fair that she try to help back.

"You seem troubled," Lucina made her presence known holding a training sword, "Care for a partner that can fight back?"

"I think I could use the distraction if you don't mind."

Lucina nodded and got into a ready position. As they moved through their drills without too much effort from either bluenette, Lucina decided to make conversation.

"I take it you are concerned about Khan Flavia's offer," Lucina almost idly blocked a distracted swing from the prince.

"Yeah. It's quite a decision to make. Emmeryn gave me discretion on this trip to act as I see fit, but I'm just not sure."

"It must be a weighty decision," Lucina's blow was easily deflected, "You could seek out the West Khan if you feel it too risky."

"True," Chrom leaned out of the way of a swipe, "But I don't want to risk anymore lives by delaying. If this truly is the fastest way to an alliance, then I can't ignore it."

"Well, if that is what you choose to pursue, you have my blade. It is the least I can do."

"Thanks," Chrom paused after a bit, "You are pretty talented. Your style is familiar, yet different. I wonder who taught you to fight."

"If only I knew. I hope to have an answer for you one day."

"Don't stress about it," Chrom smiled taking a seat on a bench, "You must be going through enough not remembering who you are."

"I'm managing. As is Robin. I'm glad at least we found such welcoming people."

"Well, I'm glad we found you, and thanks for the talk. It was nice to get to air my thoughts a bit. Now we'd both better rest up. We have a lot ahead of us."

The following morning, Chrom met with the Khan bright and early. He had slept surprisingly well after his late night training session. His resolve was settled, and he would not break.

"So, prince, have you made your decision?" Flavia eyed him with her sword on her shoulder.

"I have," The prince nodded, his eyes unyielding, "We will be your champions. Our opponents will be defeated by Ylisse's necessity."

A/N: Tried making the decision to fight make a bit more sense. Also, if you're wondering about Chrom not being more suspect of Lucina's fighting style, despite what that cutscene shows, they have different animations for just about if not everything as lords/great lords. Like, they went out of their way to animate that. Even with lances they're different. Maybe for whatever reason Lucina was trying to emulate him more in that fight, not that it makes that much sense.

Story name was also changed. May not be entirely accurate to a butterfly effect as some things are just different to the base game anyway, but, hey, sounds cooler hopefully.

Also, unrelated really, but I just found out in my as of posting most recent run that in chapter 23 Lucina has special dialogue with Validar.

And happy Thanksgiving as I likely won't post again till after.