''Mom, why is Uncle Robin's hair like an old man? Is he an old man? He doesn't seem like an old man.''
Lucina asked her mother one day as they were out in the countryside for a picnic. Her mother was in the process making a wreath from the flowers her sister had collected. Cynthia had collected far more plants then was necessary for a simple wreath or dozens for that matter, but her younger sister had told her that she intended to collect the flower petals to play a prank on their father once they returned to the castle. Lucina had not approved and would have protested if not for her mother vouching for her younger daughter, citing how their father would in fact enjoy it.
The elder sibling could not see it but decided to let it slide. She always had difficulty with understanding the alure of making pranks and jokes. Buring their father in an avalanche of flower petals just seemed cruel to her.
So here she was sitting with her mother enjoying a sandwich, while her sister had run off to collect yet more flowers for her little prank. Lucina had refused to help her younger sister, given that she still thought poorly of her little scheme despite their mother's blessing. Lucina had no doubt however that their aunt Lissa would gladly assist Cynthia with setting the prank up once they returned to the castle. Those two troublemakers shared much in common in that regard.
Still, she found it quite dull to just sit there in the open, so Lucina had decided to start a conversation with her mother with the first thing that came to her mind.
Her mother had chuckled at her question, Lucina failed to see what was so amusing about it.
''No honey, he's not. I believe that he's only a few years younger than your father and he's barely over thirty!''
The little princess turned her head from side to side.
''But only very old people have white hair, how come he has white hair?''
Her mother finished the last knots on her flower wreath, she then began to inspect her work for anything she might have missed.
''Hmm…How come we have different hair colours to begin with? Some people have brown hair, some dark, some blonde, and your uncle just happens to have white. It's rare for anyone to be born with it true, just as it is rare for you to have blue hair.''
Suddenly the bluenette became very self-conscious about her own hair colour. She found herself beginning to play and curl with her long dark blue hair before starring at it. Her mother had a point. Barring her father and sister, she had never seen anyone with it a similar hair pigment.
''Why is it rare mommy? Is it because we're special?''
The queen gave her daughter a long look before answering.
''Yes you can say that, your hair colour is a hallmark amongst members of the exalted family. Not always of course, just see your aunt Lissa or Emmeryn, bless her soul. But many of the most prominent members had similar hair colour as yours, most notably the Hero King Marth…''
Lucina smiled at this, stories about the Hero King was amongst her favourites, and it pleased her to no end that they had something in common.
Her mother continued.
''And then there is your brand on your left eye. Another characteristic of the exalted line. It is said that bearers of the mark are chosen by Naga.''
The young princess perked up at this.
''Oh! Does it mean that I'm going to be a hero like the Hero King?!''
Strangely, her mother gave her a sad smile, put aside her wreath, and then caressed her young daughter's chin.
''Ah my sweet little butterfly…Being a hero may sound great, but it also involves a lot of trials and hardship. I pray that it is not what the Gods intends for you. Wars and battles may sound exciting, young as you are, but it is nothing that I wish for you nor something I wish to experience again.''
Her mother's statement was something that Lucina did not see any sense of, she would have loved to be compared to the Hero King in the future. She was about to argue against it, but then she remembered another detail about the grandmaster.
''Uncle Robin has a mark as well! On his right hand! It's a bit strange, but does it mean that he is special as well?''
The queen seemed thoughtful at this.
''Not sure…I know his mark is a common sign of worship for the people of Plegia, some of the more religious would even tattoo it on their skin. Although I pretty sure that your uncle is not very religious if at all. But then again, I have also heard that it also a mark for the royal family in Plegia...''
It seemed that her mother spoke more to herself then Lucina, as if realizing it her mother then shook her head as if she tried to clear her head before continuing.
''It doesn't matter, Uncle Robin is special to us. No matter what mark he may carry, he is like a brother to your father.''
Still, it was one point that Lucina was still curious about.
''You said that it's a mark for the royal family in Plegia. Is uncle Robin royalty too then? Like me?''
''I'm not sure dear, your uncle doesn't speak much about his past, but I doubt it. He told us once that he grew up in a small fishing village near the southern coast of Plegia far away from the capital. The village was called Inial…
''How many of our friends do we know of?''
Laurent once again adjusted his glasses before continuing.
''Barring present company. I can account for Brady, Noire, Nah and Yarne.''
Despite her efforts, Lucina felt her shoulders sag at the news. They were still missing a few, she had especially hoped that her sister Cynthia would be present. However, given the conditions, she knew that she ought to be glad that they could at least account for over half of their numbers.
''I'm glad to hear it. Where are they now? Are they safe?''
''All is well. Brady currently serves the medical arm of the army. Noire is stationed in the mess hall, while Nah and Yarne are nearby, but not present in the camp. I had them hide in the wilderness for now – Their Taguel and Manakete heritage would draw too much attention…'
Laurent then noticed Lucina's scowl.
''Not to worry. They have only been doing this for a few months and Nah is adept in surviving out in the wild. And as often as I'm able, I do send supplies as well keep in touch by occasionally sending Severa out.''
This did not put Lucina's misgiving at ease, while it was true that Nah did know how to live of the land, she also knew that the Manakete had a very broad definition of what is edible. Lucina remembered a particular incident were Nah had served their entire company bitter roots she had dug up from the wild. While it was edible, it was not a pleasant experience, and many complained with stomach-aches days after.
Lucina gave a small silent prayer for Yarne's stomach.
However, she did see the wisdom in Laurent's actions. Both Taguels and Manaketes were practically extinct in Ylisse. Their presence would only encourage unwanted questions, so it was for the best that they remained in hiding for now.
''Very well, and how about you? What do you do here?''
''I serve as the quartermaster for the army, which is how I managed to reallocate some of the supplies to Nah and Yarne.''
That may come in handy, Lucina thought.
''So, what are your orders your highness?''
Severa asked, her tone made it clear that she wanted to move this along. Better that it did, people would soon return to their duties.
''We split up, two teams. One team is to remain with the army to keep it safe for any potential machinations from that traitor. First team shall be called team Hawkeye. The other is to remain in this continent and search for any clues about Robin's past. This team shall be named the Past Diggers!''
Her cousin Owain had always said that giving things names might help improve the morale, and Lucina had always tried to follow this advice whenever it was appropriate. He had also counselled that one must always strike a pose after declaring something, but she never managed to follow this step as she was interrupted.
''Giving our groups any names, might be unnecessary…We are only two, it should not be too difficult to distinguish between our two groups. Maybe one day if we should split into more than two…''
Laurent said as he lowered his head to once again adjust his glasses. Severa seemed to want to say something too but settled with simply agreeing with Laurent. Although Lucina could swear that she heard her curse Owain's name.
It was a shame really, Lucina had thought herself quite clever with the names, but then again, he was right. Better to keep things simple. Laurent was always a practical man.
''May I ask the purpose of the other team?''
''Our tactician claims that he has no memory of his past, and in our timeline, he barely spoke about it at all. I think he trying to hide something. Hence the name Past Diggers.''
No one seems find the last part amusing or clever.
''…That might be difficult, I have also considered this course, but we don't have any leads, and it would be highly inefficient to search the entire continent at random for any information.''
As always Laurent pointed out the difficult parts of the mission.
''I know where we could start. His hometown. My mother once told me that he came from a small fishing village near the southern coast of Plegia. It was called Inial. Let's begin our search there, find out if there is any truth in that statement.''
Severa then spoke up.
''And if there's not?''
''Then move on to the capitol of Plegia. There is another clue that we might follow: The mark of Grima on his right hand.''
Both her companions seemed surprised at this. Laurent was the first to speak.
''A mark you say? I haven't never seen it.''
''He hides it well with his gloves, but it's there. I was told that the mark is commonly borne by high-ranking members of the Plegian priesthood or appears in members of their royal family. Either way this suggest that our dear tactician is someone with much influence in Plegia. He must be since he did command their host in our time.''
Both Severa and Laurent nodded at this.
''Sounds like a plan, who will constitute the first and second group?''
The red head asked.
''The first group will primarily consist of us who are already members in this army: Me, you, Laurent, Kjelle and Brady. The second will consist of Nah, Yarne and Noire as they would have an easier time moving about.''
''But Noire is a member of the army…''
Severa pointed out. Lucina had already considered this.
''Yes, but I can guess that she is only employed as support staff, correct? I can imagine that Laurent could do something about it, as well as supplying them almost seemingly?''
Lucina turned towards Laurent, who seemed to consider this for a time.
''Yes…Yes…I could send Noire away under the guise of buying magical supplies from Plegia. They will have a wagon, food and most importantly the necessary coin to make such a travel.''
Lucina nodded in approval.
''Then this is our plan for now. Laurent I would also like to speak with the others in private later if you can arrange it without arising suspicion. Noire, especially.''
Laurent bowed.
''I'll send word for you when it can be done.''
Severa then commented.
''Without arising suspicion? I can guess that we still need to keep our real identities hidden? Even if you have already revealed yours?''
Lucina felt herself blush.
''It was an accident, and yes you must. I know that you all want to speak with your parents again, but it is better that you remain hidden until this is solved. We cannot risk effecting the past more than we have already done with my mistake.''
Laurent agreed with her. Severa for her part gave an annoyed grunt before excusing herself to take Kjelle's watch. Laurent excused himself as well, citing how he still haven't eaten. Lucina made a note to remember to visit the mess hall as well before they closed.
As Kjelle entered the tent, Lucina warmly greeted her and told them of their next course of action. Kjelle agreed without saying much. It was not surprising Kjelle was a woman of few words. At least a head higher then the princess, Kjelle counted amongst one of Lucina's strongest warriors, a bulwark that could always be counted to hold the line.
She did however ask for one thing.
''Did any of the rearguard come with you through the portal?''
Lucina knew this question would come, yet it did not make it easier. She also knew who Kjelle was really asking for.
''I'm sorry Kjelle, I was the only one. They just kept coming and…''
Lucina paused; she knew Kjelle despised excuses.
''Your mother fought bravely…''
''Did she die well?''
''It was a quick death.''
It was a well-versed lie, knight captain Sully got dragged down by a dozen of Risen, she fought with every inch of her strength and suffered for it. She screamed for a long time as they tore her apart, even now Lucina could still hear it.
Sully had been one of the last surviving members of her father's old retinue, her death had marked the end of the Shepards of old.
I was not good enough to save her.
Lucina lamented silently.
Kjelle merely nodded at this. Yet the bluenette knew that she mourned, she just refused to show it. She was her mother's daughter and saw tears as a sign of weakness.
''We'll make it right.''
Kjelle declared stonily. Lucina nodded in agreement.
''Yes, we'll make it right.
And this is the end of Lucina's POV for now. Next chapter we'll delve into her father's POV and see how he sees this entire debacle.
I think I'm going to keep the identity of the other children's fathers vague for now, as I don't see much relevance to mention it in the story.
Once again thank you for reading and commenting, it's always a pleasure to hear some responses ^.^