"We're here!" Takumi announced as he opened the cabin door.

It had snowed lightly the night before, the cabin dusted white. Robyn stifled a giggle as some of the flakes fell into the prince's hair, giving it a silvery white sheen.

"What's so funny?" he asked as the door closed softly behind him.

"Nothing. You just got some snow in your hair. It looks cute, that's all."

"Oh.. is that so?"

Cheeks dusted light pink, he grinned as he opened the door a crack and took a pinch of snow and promptly sprinkled it onto the Summoner's hair.

"There! Now we match!"

"Baka."

Takumi's soft laugh filled the cabin as the couple explored their surroundings. It was spacious and decorated with forest themes, and already Robyn could picture the pair snuggled on the rocking chair by the roaring fireplace, reading books with tea and mochi.

"I can't believe this place is ours for two whole weeks!" the prince remarked.

Robyn hummed in agreement, then her eyes stole to the window with a gasp.

"Look, Takumi! There's a balcony! And it's snowing. Let's go look!"

Bursting with childlike wonder, she grabbed her husband's hand, pulling him eagerly towards the door.

"H-hey now, it's not going anywhere!" Takumi chuckled.

The air was crisp and refreshingly cold as they stepped outside.

"Whoa.. you can see the whole forest almost!" he exclaimed as Robyn let go so she could lean both elbows on the rail overlooking the trees.

"If it keeps snowing like this, the trees will look really pretty" she murmured.

"Yeah.."

Soft arms encircled her waist, silver hair brushing her cheek as he rested his chin on top of her head.

"Two whole weeks, huh? Well what shall we do?"

"Read!" the Summoner answered automatically.

"Heh, we do that all the time!"

"It does bring back good memories.." she murmured, recalling the many nights spent by her room's fireplace.

"I know we also need to practice using our powers.. but I don't even know where to start." Takumi admitted. "This is all so new to me. It'll be weird not needing things like sleep or food, or not aging or falling sick."

Suddenly, his eyes widened, seeming to look past her.

"What is it?"

Robyn turned to see the spirit standing behind her, and at once Takumi drew her close, although he seemed less wary this time.

"..So you've wedded." she observed.

"Yes.. what about it?" Takumi inquired tensely.

"But you do not understand your new powers yet, yes?"

Robyn exchanged a puzzled look with Takumi, who shrugged.

"Enjoy your New Years and celebrate your love. For the morning after, I shall appear to you again and your training shall begin."

With that, she vanished once more, leaving the pair bewildered.

"I don't know how I feel about being trained by that spirit." the prince muttered, eyeing the place where she'd vanished with a distrustful frown. "Still.. I'll do it if it means we can get some answers."

Robyn nodded, feeling a bit uneasy herself.

We won't be the same after this trip. I hope.. we can have more of an understanding of ourselves after this.

"Hey uh.. Robyn?"

"Hm?"

She looked up to see the prince avoiding eye contact, one hand behind his head awkwardly, looking adorably shy.

"Uh well.. tomorrow is New Year's Eve and well.. it's kind of a big deal in Hoshido. I'm.. still very grateful for what you did for me at the fall festival so.."

The blush on his face increased, only making Robyn feel even more curious, but she forced herself to wait patiently for the flustered prince to speak, until he finally blurted out.

"There's a New Year's festival with Hoshidan style traditions in the nearby village. W-we can go.. I mean.. if you want."

"That sounds amazing!" Robyn exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

The prince caught her quickly with a grin, spinning her around in a circle.

"Don't ever stop being who you are, Robyn. Because you're the best!"

When Robyn glanced out the window, she saw it was snowing harder now, encasing everything in white.

"The snow's getting pretty high. Hopefully we don't get snowed in." Takumi remarked, and Robyn felt her eyes light up as she grabbed both the prince's hands excitedly, earning a startled blush. "Wh-what is it?"

"Let's build a snowman!"

"A snowman? Isn't that for kids?"

"So? Remember how fun sliding down the railings was? Besides.."

Her violet eyes narrowed in mischief.

"I saw the look in your eyes. You're excited too aren't you? We're going to be more confident, remember? So just be you!"

Takumi broke eye contact with an embarrassed blush, gazing out the window with longing.

"You're right." he confessed sheepishly with a small smile. "I do want to build a snowman. Let's go!"

Robyn's laughter rang out like a song through the frigid air as Takumi pulled her outside. His expert eyes swept their surroundings to pick out the perfect spot.

"There!" he declared with a passion.

Robyn stifled a giggle as they made their way to a snow covered tree, Takumi grinning in satisfaction as he rattled the branches to knock the snow off of them, forming a pile under the tree.

"See? It's genius! If we work here the branches will gather the snow for us, which means less work."

He's just like a little kid.. Robyn thought warmly as they started to roll the pile into the first ball.

Takumi seemed so carefree now that he'd finally let his guard down.

He deserves as much. These months spent with him have been wonderful, but not without tragedy.

"You know I actually used to hate snow." Takumi remarked as they worked. "It always numbed my fingers and made it hard to grip my bow. Although growing up, I really liked making igloos."

Robyn listened to the story with a quiet chuckle as she pictured a little Takumi peering out of an igloo with round eyes.

"But then one day, my igloo collapsed on me! I thought I was going to die! And to add to the humiliation, I could have sworn I heard someone laughing at me!"

Robyn laughed softly as they formed the bottom of the snowman, causing the prince to blush even more.

"D-don't laugh at me!"

"Sorry!" she giggled. "I just couldn't get the image of a tiny you stuck in an igloo out of my head!"

"I guess it is a bit funny.." he admitted, face still red.

They continued building the snow man in an amicable silence, their hands brushing occasionally. Each time they did, they'd stop to gaze blushingly at each other, Takumi giving her hand a quick squeeze before resuming work. Robyn found it cute that while comfortable, Takumi still got shy around her.

"And done!" Robyn declared, fixing the scarf into place.

They'd found some in the cabin, and feeling a bit indecisive as to which one to use, Takumi had indulged her and brought them all outside.

"That's the one?" the prince teased. "What was the point in bringing the others out here?"

A sly smile made its way to Robyn's lips as she rose to her feet, picking up one of the scarfs.

"You know, it wasn't all pointless. There's other uses for these."

"Oh?" Takumi titled his head in confusion. "We can't get cold anymore, remember?"

"Oh I didn't mean that."

In one quick motion, she used one of the scarfs to pull Takumi close, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. The scarf fell to the snow beside them as Takumi's arms wrapped around her, drawing her closer to him as he pressed her gently against the tree trunk, deepening the kiss. At last, he drew back, leaving them both breathless, his eyes full of longing.

"Shall we go inside?" Takumi breathed, his lips inches from her's.

Robyn returned the look and nodded quickly, Takumi's gathering their snowman making materials, and they hurried inside. It would seem neither of them were able to keep their hands to themselves for long, but Robyn liked this new stage of their relationship, and the special closeness it brought. And she could tell Takumi did too.

"You really do look like a Hoshidan princess." Takumi remarked in admiration as he adjusted the obe belt of her kimono. The prince donned one of his own, and was also carrying a box of mochi they'd made the evening before.

Never know when you might get attacked! Worst comes to worst, I'll just throw it at the enemy! Takumi had joked.

I might have to attack you for looking so handsome. Robyn had teased back, lunging playfully.

The prince had retaliated by playfully hurling one of the mochi balls at her while shouting "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

The evening ended with a lighthearted snow ball fight outside, and neither had been able to get a sentence in edgewise amid fits of laughter.

"In all seriousness, it's weird being able to summon and unsummon my bow." Takumi remarked, gazing at his hand thoughtfully, jolting her out of her pleasant daydream. "Ready to go?"

Robyn nodded excitedly, accepting the outstretched hand. She wasn't sure what excited her more, the prospect of celebrating New Year's Hoshidan style at a festival, or riding the wind currents again to get to said festival.

"I feel so free!" Takumi exclaimed as they soared through the skies. "I'll never get bored of this feeling!"

"Neither will I!" Robyn responded, breathless with exhilaration, resting her chin on his shoulder.

They were smart to land a safe distance from the festival as to not risk exposing their secret.

"I'll be taking the lead this time." Takumi asserted, guiding her by the hand, and Robyn was more than happy to comply, wondering what he had in mind.

She couldn't help but blush at the admiring glances he kept sending her way.

"You know.. I'm really glad you ditched the hood." he confessed. "I understand why you did it, but it's nice to see you so.. free."

"I'm not used to the attention." Robyn admitted. "But.. I'm happy too. It's nice feeling the breeze in my hair."

Takumi hummed in agreement, rubbing her hand gently with his thumb as they walked, that single, but simple motion sending butterflies erupting in her stomach.

"Where to first?"

"We're going to design our hagoita paddles for the hanetsuki game!" Takumi declared with a note of pride in his voice, earning a gasp.

"I love hanetsuki!"

"Back home, Azura never lost a match when she played." Takumi explained as they selected two plain wooden paddles from a nearby stand, then selected a table to work. "This is my chance to finally win a match! You'll be my partner.. right?"

"For life." Robyn vowed, earning a blushing smile, then she looked down at her paddle. "Say.. Takumi? What's one of your favorite things about Hoshido?"

"One of them, huh?"

That distant, dreamy look appeared in his eyes again.

"I.. I like the way the sakura petals look in the breeze, feeling them around me as I practiced archery at Castle Shiragasi. Or the way the trees moved in the wind.."

"That's a beautiful memory.." Robyn murmured fondly. "Why don't we recreate it?"

"Thats a great idea!" Takumi agreed enthusiastically. "I'll make the trees, you can make a sky full of petals!"

With childlike excitement, the Hoshidan prince and princess set to work, crafting hagoita that would capture the beauty of the sakura petals of Hoshido.

"Mother would have loved these." Takumi remarked, holding his paddle up the lanterns in satisfaction.

"She's probably watching right now." Robyn asserted, placing the last finishing touches on her's. "So let's make her proud!"

They made their way to a small clearing where people were being divided into pairs to face off against another pair. Robyn felt her eyes light up when she saw who they'd be facing off against.

"Gaius and Caledori!"

"Hey there." her friend greeted while Gaius nodded a greeting. "I was supposed to face you with Ricken, but he bailed after Henry accidentally hit him in the head with the hane.

"Poor thing.. is he alright?" Robyn asked in concern.

"Don't worry!" Gaius replied casually. "I think Tinkerspell's pride is more bruised than his head."

Takumi's eyes gleamed competitively.

"More of a challenge for me then!"

"Alright!" Caledori clapped her hands together as they took their respective places standing on opposite sides of the clearing facing each other. "We need to keep the hane aloft as long as possible. For each time it touches the ground on our side, you score a point, and vice versa! Whoever scores five points first is the winner! Any questions?"

Heads shook, and Caledori smiled brightly.

"Ready.. set.. go!"

"What in the blazes?! How are you so fast?!" Gaius yelped as the Takumi-Robyn tag team managed to score yet another point.

While Robyn knew Takumi wasn't using his wind powers, as that would be cheating, the prince was still a force to be reckoned with as he shot across the clearing, striking with precision. Robyn was doing pretty well herself, but she was a little more than distracted by the sway of Takumi's hair as it flowed under the lanterns, the fabric of his kimono, the playful glint in his hazel eyes. The way his lips curled into that competitive smirk, the way his muscles moved as he flicked the hane back into their opponent's side, scoring the winning point…

"Aw, we lost!" Gaius puffed. "Geez Pineapple Longshot.. you're kinda a menace to go up against."

"I've never been beaten that quickly!" Caledori chimed in as they accepted their drawn on Xs of defeat. "Even with Robyn admiring you the whole time, you still mopped the floor with us!"

"S-she was?" Takumi glanced over at Robyn, who nodded in confirmation with a shy blush.

"I.. I see."

While his face turned scarlet, there was a faint smile on his lips as well, and she knew the revelation had flattered the prince.

Pleased with their victory, they saw the pair off and headed to the snapshot tome booth, or more like-

"A boat ride on the river?! The Order of Heroes must have really pitched in this year!"

"Shall we go?" Robyn asked dreamily, unable to take her eyes off of the lantern lit stream, Hoshidan decorations lining the sides.

They got in line, and looking ahead, they could see Commander Anna manning the snapshot tome, a stand behind her selling tapestry.

"Ah.. so that's how they're funding this." Takumi remarked as the line progressed slowly. "You can pay extra to have the snapshot tome turn your photo into a giant tapestry!"

Robyn gazed at the stand with increased longing, unable to stop thinking about how nice it would be to have a tapestry of her and Takumi hanging from her wall. The prince followed her gaze with a soft sigh.

"I could um.. get us each one. If.. if you want." he said, tucking his hand behind his head awkwardly.

"Would you?" Robyn gasped, unable to contain her excitement as the prince gave her a sheepish nod, chuckling as Robyn embraced him tightly.

"Takumi.. you're the best! I love you!"

"I love you too.." he murmured, tracing her cheek with his fingertip. "That reminds me.. when we return to the castle.. I imagine we'll be staying in the same room. Should.. I move my stuff to your room then?"

Robyn hesitated, memories flitting through her mind, especially the current memories of late. As silly as it was, she was attached to them.

"Would.. it be strange if I wanted to keep them both? We could switch off between rooms.."

"I'm not against it.. but why?"

A sheepish blush crept across the Summoner's cheeks, only making him look even more perplexed.

"W-well we have so many good memories in both rooms so.."

"That's why you want to keep them? I.. I had no idea. I'm a little touched actually."

The line moved forward, and the couple was up next. Takumi's eyes seened to glow under the lanterns as he gave her a soft look, then they stepped onto the boat. Takumi's whisper in her ear gave her goosebumps.

"We can keep both rooms then."

They sat down across from each other, and once they were settled, the boat began to move on its own, earning a gasp of delight from Robyn. Even Takumi was surprised.. in a good way.

"Whoa! They must have magically enhanced the boats. They really did think of everything!"

Glowing lotus lanterns rested on the peaceful waters as Robyn reached up to brush her fingertips gently against the overhanging trees. The sound of violins, an instrument common in Nohr played until Robyn felt her heart itself was singing.

"I never imagined our honeymoon would be like this.." she breathed, soaking it all in as Takumi reached over to place his hand over her's.

"Yeah.." he murmured.

The trees parted slightly in the ethereal grove, and Robyn caught sight of princess Elise dancing about, violin in hand. Takumi chuckled softly, a smile on his lips.

"Look, Takumi!"

Around them floated bright yellow lanterns with various golden designs.

"I wonder if we can catch one?" Robyn wondered out loud, and a competitive grin tugged at the prince's mouth.

"Let's find out!"

Carefully, the Hoshidan prince stood up, Robyn following suit. Balancing carefully, he reached up and caught one, passing it to Robyn.

"This one's yours." he said gently, then managed to snag his own. "We should make a wish with them, then release them!"

"A wish? Hm.."

Robyn thought for a moment, then smiled.

"I want to make centuries of memories like this with you."

"Is that so? I was going to wish for the same thing. Ready?"

She nodded, and together they cast off the lanterns, watching until they were high in the sky, glowing like falling stars. The snapshot tome was nearing, but before either of them could get into position, the boat lurched, sending her stumbling forward, but before she could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught her.

"Got you!" Takumi steadied her with a soft smile. "Careful there. Don't fall in the water. You okay?"

"Y-yes I'm.."

She trailed off as she lifted her head, almost nose to nose with the prince. Unable to resist, she leaned in to press her lips against his. Takumi responded instantly, drawing her closer. The snapshot tome flashed, but neither of them cared. Takumi played with a lock of her hair as they sat back down, snuggled together. The romantic ride ended much too soon, Robyn's mind in a happy daze as they got off the boat. Commander Anna smiled as they approached the stand, holding two tapestries.

"Well well well.. if it isn't the newlyweds." she chuckled as Takumi placed some gold on the counter. "I can certainly tell you're both having fun."

"That we are." the prince replied with a happy flush, accepting the rolled tapestries.

The couple quickly retreated to a nearby table to investigate their photos, sharing a gasp.

"We look.." Takumi began, sounding lost for words.

"..Angelic?" Robyn suggested.

"Yeah!"

"It's perfect.." she murmured. "Just like the one we took at the fall festival.."

"Perfect" seemed indescribable for such a fine piece. Without even planning it, they'd managed to capture a romantic scene perfectly. The floating lanterns danced around them, illuminating the matching serenity of both of them as they kissed, Takumi's arms encircling her lovingly. It looked like a scene inspired from one of Caledori's romance novels.

"We could hang yours over the fireplace." he suggested, and the Summoner nodded earnestly.

"And yours over your bed?"

"Sounds good! Now what?"

A sly smile made its way to Robyn's lips as she grabbed his hand.

"This way!"

They made their way to a food stand, but unlike the other stands, this one sold ingredients, mainly soba noodles, miso paste, vegetables, and most importantly: plain mochi.

"We're making homemade ozoni." she elaborated at her husband's perplexed expression, selecting their ingredients.

"I.. wanted to do something nice for you. You talked so much about it, so I figured we could make some."

Takumi's eyes lit up at this, and when he reached for his gold pouch, she gently stopped him.

"My turn. I.. want to be able to take care of you too."

His mouth opened and closed a couple times, then his eyes misted over and he murmured a quiet "thank you." She bought some toshikoshi soba, in which Takumi informed her it was also a New Year's tradition in Hoshido as well, sitting down at a nearby table to enjoy as they waited for midnight.

"The clock bell should be going off any minute now." Robyn observed as the rest of the heroes and villagers gathered around, chatting excitedly.

"This festival is awesome!" Ricken exclaimed, hurrying over.

While he donned a traditional Hoshidan style kimono, the mage still hadn't ditched his hat. Suddenly, his gaze shifted past her and his eyes widened.

"Look!" he hissed, and Robyn and Takumi turned.

"Why are we whispering?" the prince inquired, sounding perplexed.

"Because Gaius and Caledori are holding hands!"

"Really?" Robyn gasped, following his line of sight to confirm.

"Why do you care so much?" Takumi chuckled.

"So we can interrogate them later about their rooomaaaance!" the mage responded with a snicker, causing the Hoshidan to shake his head in amusement, but before he could comment, the bell chimed loudly.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as fireworks filled the sky, followed by shouts of "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

Ricken politely averted his eyes, but Robyn didn't care of others were watching, and neither did Takumi as he kissed her confidently in front of the others.

"Happy New Years Takumi.." she breathed, her nose brushing lightly against his.

"A new year.. with you by my side." he whispered back.

Celebrations ended shortly after, the couple heading back to their lovely cabin, where they took advantage of not needing to sleep in favor of decorating the cabin for New Year's, including making Kagami mochi and ozoni for the morning, then enjoyed it on the balcony as they watched the sun rise, also known as Hatsuhinode.

"This is the life.." Takumi remarked, sipping the warm broth with a contented sigh.

"Indeed.." Robyn murmured quietly in agreement.

The sun was peeking over the trees, casting a warm glow over the snow dusted ground.

"Ready?" Takumi asked, and she nodded.

Another one of their crafts that evening had been to make a mini shrine, Hoshidan style of course, for New Year's wishes. Warmth filled her as they knelt down beside it and folded their hands to pray.

"Please give us strength to protect the realms, and our loved ones from harm." she prayed.

"Let us work as a united front to end this war against Embla." Takumi put in. "For Askr.. and for ourselves."

"Did you want to sleep for a bit?" she asked gently as they headed back, hand in hand. "Perhaps your Mother will visit you."

"I'd rather not.. for now." Takumi murmured. "I always have bad dreams.. but they're always worse around the New Year."

"If you change your mind.. I'll do what I can to protect you from the nightmares." she vowed quietly, giving his hand a sympathetic squeeze.

Takumi shot her a grateful look, then asked.

"What shall we do for the New Year, my Robyn?"

Robyn blushed a bit in embarrassment, then mumbled

"..Promise you won't laugh?"

"..What is it?"

"Can.. can we.. spend it reading by the fire?"

Seeming unable to help himself, the prince laughed softly to himself, earning a pout from his wife.

"You said you wouldn't laugh!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Takumi held up his hands in surrender, then his reddish hazel eyes softened. "Actually.. that sounds perfect."

Robyn traced Takumi's cheek affectionately as he slept.

He looks so peaceful.. perhaps he's dreaming of Mikoto?

Several days has passed since the New Year, and when they weren't in the bedroom or curled up by the fire, they were training with the spirit, who had gifted them with a strange virtual-like spell called a logbook. By dragging two fingers down, they could summon a magical inventory where they could store things such as maps of areas, information on enemies, healing items, extra weapons, and armor, and information on learned skills. Per the spirit's advice, Robyn had been working on strengthening her singing skill while Takumi was working on his agility skills. Robyn couldn't help but chuckle softly at the memory of their first day of training where Takumi had been trying to ride the wind currents and fire arrows at the same time, resulting in a humiliating tree crash.

"Are you okay?!" Robyn had gasped, rushing to his side as Takumi stood up with a groan, face flushed in embarrassment.

"Tell anyone about that and I'll deny it.."

Per the spirit's instructions, Robyn called upon her song to heal him. Now Takumi glided through the skies effortlessly, firing arrows.

You have done well. the spirit had praised them both yesterday. There is still much for you to learn. But now you are ready for your next adventure.

Robyn gazed lovingly at Takumi's sleeping face. While she hated having to leave the cabin behind, she couldn't help but feel excited for what was to come.

"I love you, Takumi.." she murmured, embracing him gently as she rested her cheek on his chest. "Let's protect the worlds together forever, okay?"

A soft hand caressing her hair startled her, and she looked up to see Takumi gazing warmly at her. He kissed her softly, then rested his forehead against her's.

"Yes.. let's." he agreed.

"I'm going to miss this place." Robyn sighed.

She and Takumi stood outside the cabin, soaking in the details. She knew she would treasure these memories even centuries from now.

"Ready to go?" Robyn asked, but Takumi hesitated.

"There's.. one last gift I wish to give you." he admitted softly. "C-close your eyes.."

"Okay.." Robyn complied.

There was a rush of air, then a floating sensation. What was he doing?

"Okay.. you can open them now."

An expanse of clouds and skies greeted Robyn when she opened her eyes. Takumi drew her closer so her arms were around his neck as her rested his forehead against her's and murmured

"Do.. do you like it? I wanted to dance with you in the skies too.."

"Breathtaking.." Robyn whispered as Takumi spun them, slowly, gently, the breeze playing with their hair.

"Robyn.." Takumi gazed intently into her eyes. "No matter where our journey takes us in this eternal life, I want us to have moments like these as much as we can. I.. I want us to have the same happiness we strive so hard to give to others. Can you promise me that?"

"I promise." Robyn vowed, and so their joyous sky dance continued.

Book Four content starts next chapter so stay tuned… ;3