"What…are you doing here?" Lucina finally asked once they were behind closed doors, "How did you even know to come here?"

"It made the most sense," Laurent adjusted his glasses, "We knew the war was coming, and if you were with them, you would be here. We did not, however, anticipate you having regained your memory since last we met."

"Yes," Lucina sighed, "Falchion restored it after I escaped. Poor job on the restraints, by the way."

"You were resisting!" Yarne defended from his corner. It was easy to forget he was in a room sometimes. By his own design.

Lucina rested her head in her hands, "I suppose I do owe you an explanation. It's…a long story."

"Oh, Lucy," Cynthia pulled her sister into a tight hug, "I'm so sorry! I'm also sorry we attacked your husband."

"He did try to kill us," Inigo pointed out.

"After you assaulted us," Lucina glared over her sister's shoulder, "But yes. I…did not intend to get involved, but I am." Prying her sister off, Lucina continued, "I will speak with father and get you instated as Shepherds. I just ask that you keep our origins vague. They don't know where I'm from and…it would complicate matters."

"You haven't told your husband?" Nah raised a brow.

"No, and you won't either," Lucina stated firmly, "I…we haven't talked much since I regained my memory. With my mission, I'm just not sure what to do. I meddled horribly even if I did not intend to."

"So you're just going to leave him high and dry?" Severa scoffed, "And here I was impressed you managed to snag a man."

"Don't you love him, Lucy?"

"I…yes. Of course I do, but I have other responsibilities. My…my own happiness means nothing compared to the fate of the world." The mood grew somber at her insistence, but Lucina tried to lighten the mood, "Enough about me though, what have you been up to?"

"I awoke in a field some time during the Plegian War," Owain answered, "Alone. I knew I had to gather my fated allies and return the sacred blade. Fortunately, I was able to find faithful Laurent soon after, and his aid made gathering our friends and Severa far easier. Ow!" Owain rubbed his rib cage after Severa elbowed him.

"Laurent?"

"Yes. I arrived far sooner than the rest of you. I've been her for about four years now. My knowledge did help me raise a decent nest egg to support our ventures. Though not everything is identical. I lost a few investments, but don't worry, I kept everything small enough to not draw much attention."

"I see. Well, I'm glad that you found each other. I guess you don't need me after all."

"Don't be ridiculous," Gerome finally spoke, "Frankly, another day of Owain's orders felt like it might have driven me mad."

"The flowery language doesn't help orders, that's for sure."

"Brady! Not you too!"

Everyone enjoyed a good laugh at Owain's expense. Lucina was glad they were safe. Glad they were together. It was some solace. Like before. So then why did she feel so miserable?

Robin tapped on the reports as he stewed. He had already looked over the documents ten times each. Chrom had agreed to allow these people into the Shepherds, but Robin was not too keen on commanding them, so they compromised. They would be a sub group under Lucina's command.

Robin did not like this compromise.

Lucina said they were from before she lost her memory, hence the confusion. Lucina did not elaborate on how or when she regained her memory, but she remained vague on her past. She just said this company could be trusted. Given what Robin knew about her brand, he knew she was holding something back. Plus, one did not simply misplace a Falchion.

Were her memories why she was so distant now? Did she regret marrying him? It was so quick…but he did not regret it. Maybe it was just a lot to take in. Maybe she was spending more time with them because she was reorienting herself. Surely she had not…Robin stopped that thought before it could finish.

A knock at the door granted the man a much wanted diversion at least as he got his hopes up it was Lucina.

"Pardon," A pink haired wyvern knight stepped in, "I don't think we were properly introduced."

Trying to hide his disappointment, Robin stood to greet her, "No, I don't think we have. I'm Robin. I take it you're Cherche."

"Quite right," The lady smiled pleasantly.

"Please, have a seat," Robin invited as he sat as well, "Chrom tells me you worked in Valm as a sort of scout."

"Yes, something like that."

"So," Robin leaned forward a bit, "Be blunt. What are our odds?"

"I'm no tactician," She deflected back at him.

"Guess."

The rider's expression turned dour, "Not good. Valm has legions upon legions. They are armed to the teeth, and the regulars are extremely well trained. I will give you, not as well trained as your Shepherds, but they could ride over most troops. You can't win a war with one platoon."

"And that's why this nautical strike has to work. Even if it does though, what's waiting for us?"

"The most mobile foe you may face is a man named Cervantes. He is sort of like Walhart's enforcer. His defenses are unparalleled and he's found a way to weaponize that defense. He's good at playing the immovable object. He just figured out how to move it, and getting hit by it hurts."

"A defensive genius, huh," Robin thoughtfully rubbed his chin, "Still, no defense is perfect. There has to be some kink in his armor as it were."

"If there is, good luck finding it."

"And what of his other generals?"

"Well, there's Pheros. She specializes in magic. Her valkyrie battalion is said to be fierce, but she is also rumored to show something rare in the Empire: compassion. Don't think you can take advantage of it though."

"Noted. Still, an honorable opponent might could be negotiated with."

"I wouldn't count on it. Her fealty to Walhart borders on the fanatical. She would be the last to betray him."

"And yet she shows compassion. Interesting. Who else?"

"There is his chief tactician. A weasel of a man by all accounts. He's ruthless and utterly unpleasant, but he is smart as he is cruel. He is one to watch out for, though I wouldn't expect him to ever fight directly."

"I see," A counterpart who preferred underhanded tactics. Wonderful, "Anyone else I should know about?"

"There is one more. Yen'fay. The former king of Chon'sin, a kingdom to the south. He once opposed Walhart, but during a fateful battle, he inexplicably joined his forces."

"Fear, perhaps?"

"Hmm, maybe, but it's not really his style. His people are very much the honorable death type. It really does boggle the mind."

"Hmm," Robin thought about what could make a man seemingly turn his back on everything he knew and cared about, but without more info, it was a moot point, "Thank you. Anything you can give me about their tactics would also be appreciated."

"I'll see what I can write up."

"Thank you," Robin nodded as he stood, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go for a walk."

The war effort was under full swing. Troops moving to and fro, unaware of just how much they were up against. And Robin was responsible for all of them. As if his personal life was not rocky enough, he also had this, and he was not even sure he could pull it off in his best state.

"Sir Robin!"

The grandmaster paused and looked back, seeing a familiar young man running up to him. Pot included.

"Donnel? You're here too?"

"You betcha!"

"I'm sorry," Robin furrowed his brow, "I can see if I can get you assigned as a royal guard."

"What? But I can't turn my back on my duties as a Shepherd."

"You're a Shepherd?"

"Yup! Frederick made me one. I got fancy armor and everythin."

"I…see…" Robin felt weak. This kid was headed to the front lines, and it was his fault. "Well, I'll do everything I can to make sure you make it through."

"I ain't worried. Not after seeing the other Shepherds, and knowing you're in charge of all the strategies just makes me even more confident."

Robin tried to smile, "Thank you. I hope your faith is well placed. Now, um, I should go. See you around, Donnel."

Robin made a quick exit.

Despite their new arrangement, Gerome still kept mostly to himself. He had no desire to mingle with this world, but his liege urged him to fight, so he fought. Even if that meant bumping elbows with the denizens of this world.

That said, it got hard to lie low when you rode a dragon into battle. Not that he could blame anyone for being in awe of Minerva, it was just he knew one person in particular would not be able to resist.

"Excuse me," She was faster than he had anticipated though. Turning slowly, Gerome was particularly glad he wore the mask now, "I was hoping to have a word."

"What about?" He spoke gruffly hoping to shoo her away. It did not work.

"I was wanting to compare wyverns. A bit unsporting of me, I know, but I do just love an adorable wyvern."

"I must refuse."

"Disappointing, but I'll respect it."

"Pardon me, I-oh, apologies," Frederick bowed, "I did not mean to intrude."

"Ah, my good knight," Cherche smiled, "It's no bother. What brings you by? More training?"

"No, not this time. I was actually wanting to speak with this young gentleman." Gerome could hear his teeth grinding.

"Me?"

"Yes, I found your armor quite interesting. It seems to bear some Ylissean designs, but Ylisse has no wyvern knights. I'm also unfamiliar with some of the other designs. I was hoping to inquire."

"My armor is my business." Gerome turned to leave, "It does not impede my ability to fight."

"What an unagreeable fellow," Frederick noted.

"Hmm, yes, but I can tell you some of those designs are of Rosanean make. You're right though, it's a very unique set. Good eye."

"Thank you. I am something of a weapon and armor expert. It is one of the closest things I have to a hobby, I'm afraid."

"Hmm, well, we may just have to change that. Care for some tea before training?"

"I would be honored."

Robin thought he had managed to find somewhere out of the way to think. For a while, it worked, hiding outside the camp on the rocky shore. For a few minutes he was able to think while watching over the ocean's waves. It did not last though.

"Heya!" A white haired man casually came and sat next to him. Oddly, his eyes seemed closed, or at least barely open.

"I'm sorry, but have we met?"

"No, but I joined up back in Plegia. You were just too much of a sad sack to notice."

"Oh, well, welcome to the team."

"Are you a dark mage? I think you'd be a killer one. Literally!" The man took the time to laugh at his own joke. At least someone would that way.

"No, I deal in anima magic. Why?"

"Huh, you just have a lot of potential. Oh well," The dark mage shrugged, "Not my business, but I would suggest staying away from Grimleal. They'd love to get their hands on someone like you."

"Why is that?" Robin was curious himself. The Grimleal did seem to take an interest in him. Unfortunately, Henry just shrugged again.

"Not sure. I wasn't exactly a member."

"You wear their symbols."

"So do you."

"Touche."

"Yeah, that's just how dark mages dress. I don't make the dress code."

"That…makes some sense. I guess."

"Hyhahaha, see? Even us crazy people can make sense. So, have you ever heard the one about the Risen, the dark mage, and the sage?"

Robin groaned.

"Wow, it's so…official and heroic," Cynthia commented in awe as she and Lucina ate their frozen snack watching the troops preparing for war. Said treat being one of the few comforts in Ferox.

"It's war, Cynthia, not some game," Lucina reprimanded, "And we should be helping them."

"You do plenty. Take a load off."

Lucina looked annoyed at her sister, "I have taken enough loads off as it is."

"You mean how you got hitched?"

"I had amnesia."

The pegasus knight looked over curiously, "You say that like it was a bad thing."

"I have a duty."

"Does he make you happy?"

"My happiness is a small price to pay for the fate of the world."

"You know those aren't mutually exclusive, right?"

"And what if I had to pick between the mission and Robin? I…what kind of wife couldn't pick her husband?"

"Lucy…"

"Besides, why are you so concerned with my…marriage? Your first reaction was apparently to assault him."

"Hey, we just didn't fathom that you actually settled down. Can you blame us? When was the last time we just sat and talked about boys?"

"I didn't have time for such trivial matters. I was busy making sure we survived."

"Yeah," Cynthia leaned forward and gestured to the harbor, "But we aren't there anymore." Lucina merely folded her arms and looked away. "You were nine, by the way."

"Excuse me?" Lucina looked back at her sister.

"The last time we just sat around and had a girl talk. It was my birthday. Mom was still alive. It was just kid stuff, but we teased you relentlessly trying to guess your crush."

"I…" Lucina blushed, "We were children!"

"Yes, and that's how long it feels like since you were anything but a warrior trying to carry the world on your shoulders."

"I…I can't, Cynthia. I promised Mother I would stop Grima. I have a duty to abide by. We…gave up much to come here. It cannot be for naught. I would like to maybe…maybe when it is all over I can put down my sword and finally just…be an ordinary woman rather than a warrior out to save the world."

"Yeah, but…what if he isn't still waiting for you?"

Lucina swallowed, "Then I will have to bear that."