Most days I spent within the barracks started to blend together more and more.

I could go into detail about what happened, but my schedule was extremely monotonous. It boiled down to learning something new every day about how to be a good quartermaster and finding simpler ways to use my staff. With Lissa's help, of course.

Eventually, one of those things slowly but surely came together.

With a single stroke of my quill, I finished the last word contained in the final book. I put the quill in an inkwell before taking the rest of the sheets and neatly stacked them, perfectly aligned. I placed a leather cover on each side of the stack before taking out a special circular knife. It took a little force to pierce the leather, but I eventually cut out three small holes before weaving a large thread through all of them.

Once everything was done, I lifted the book up before inspecting if there was anything I had missed. With no leaking ink nor blurry pages in sight, I stood up from my seat and aimed for the bookshelf. When the book hit the back of the shelf with a satisfying thud, it was placed right next to the rest of the restored scripts.

I let my hand freely fall while I gazed at the bunches of parchment, the only place that actually had any. My office felt empty with all the scraps of paper gone, the sun highlighting their absence. I glided my hand across the table, now free of all the dust that had previously settled. Ink bottles and broken quills littered the wooden surface instead, but I painstakingly kept it from getting stained.

It took ten days of hard work, but it felt earned. Once I took a seat on my chair, I stared directly at the office's doors on the other side before letting out a satisfied sigh.

It's finally done.

Now, I could call this my office, free from any past that had permeated this place, and me with a newfound duty to fill the empty shelves with my own reports. It honestly made my lips curve up ever so slightly, until realization dawned on me and made me groan.

This is going to be a pain.

One thing was finished, but another one came immediately after, because the mess these people call the supply room needed a refresher on what made a room clean. At least I knew I was up to the task, but I was definitely not leaving the place without throwing insults around.

Two knocks on the door made me jolt in place before I settled in my seat. "Enter."

The doorknob turned and the doors opened without screeching like chalk on a whiteboard for once, mostly because the one who was opening them took their time. What surprised me was the person behind them.

That short blue hair was kind of hard to miss, and I immediately recognized Chrom, even if he only wore a long-sleeved shirt instead of his armor.

Once he entered the room, his eyes went wide. His head constantly whipped from place to place before he scratched his neck. "I swear this office wasn't this clean the last time I saw it."

A snort escaped my lips. "What did you expect?"

"I… don't know, to be honest," he admitted before his blue eyes locked with my own green ones. "Please tell me Frederick didn't go too far."

I breathed a sigh. "I would be lying if I said he didn't. At least he made me do something about this place, and I have to say I'm kind of proud."

Chrom nodded. "You should be. I swear if everybody in the Shepherds were able to clean only half as much as you and Robin can, then the barracks wouldn't be such a mess."

"You can say that again. First impressions weren't great, but that's something that can be worked on," I said before leaning on the table. "So, why did you come here? I don't think I'm memorable enough to be paid a visit."

He chuckled. "You would think that, wouldn't you? Despite your… situation."

I breathed a sigh. "I try not to think about it. Not that I have the time to do such a thing, but I'm sure you're not here to talk about that. For now, at least."

"Right." Chrom cleared his throat. "I'm actually here because all of the Shepherds have finally come back from their missions, and coincidentally, another march is coming very soon."

"Frederick said something along those lines." My head lowered. "But I just barely finished my scripts, and I have no idea how long it will take me before I have a report of all the supplies the Shepherds currently have."

Chrom shook his head. "No, I'm not here to demand a report right now. If anything, I came to do the opposite."

My eyebrows shot up. "And that is…?"

"That you should meet the people you're going to be working with," Chrom said, his lips curving up inch by inch with each passing second. "What do you say? Care to join a round of celebration inside a pub?"

I stared at him for two solid seconds while not a single answer came out of my mouth.

"Um… you know? Have a drink? Get to know each other a little better before our jobs take place?"

I snapped out of my trance, shaking my head. "No no, I know that's what usually happens in a pub. It's just," I paused. "I don't know if I can afford that right now."

"Oh you don't have to worry about payment. That's already been taken care of," Chrom reassured but I could only look away.

"I don't mean it like that, I just don't know if I have enough time to take a day off. Besides, as much as these scripts helped me get introduced to my job, I have no field experience."

I raised my hands apologetically. "I know I probably shouldn't turn down an invitation from you of all people, but…"

Chrom let out a sigh before reaching the other side of the table. "For how long have you been working at this point?"

I stiffened under his gaze before fidgeting around with my fingers. "Ten days, with some breaks here or there."

"'Here or there'?" Chrom parroted before letting out a groan, leaning on the table in the process. "Theresa, I know Frederick is putting you through some tough training, but even he knows rest is important. You'll burn yourself out sooner or later."

I clicked my tongue. "But I don't have a choice. I would have had no idea what even a quartermaster did if it weren't for those scripts Frederick made me restore. And now, there is a mess of a supply room that needs to be organized. I just can't afford the luxury of 'going out'."

"You do realize you will only put more strain on your body and mind?" Chrom said with a tilted head. "Have you even seen yourself in a mirror recently?"

My face formed a frown, and I absentmindedly caressed my blond hair. "What are you getting at? I'll have you know I'm quite used to working overtime. College does that to you."

"We will have to remedy that then," Chrom said with finality before his expression fell, his look filled with concern. "I'm serious about this, Theresa. A single report isn't worth the trouble. I don't want you to push your limits, you have already proven you're up to the task, from what I've heard from Frederick."

I placed a hand across my face. "I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I'm in a constant loop of telling myself I have what it takes, but deep down, there is this nagging feeling that I'm just… a poor substitute. Nothing more."

"That's why I want you to take a break, and let go of things for once." Chrom's smile came back. "You've spent so much time in your office it made you ask questions you already know the answer to."

Again, I had to emphasize that these people were way too good with words. It was like they could see right through me despite the fact we had known each other for no more than a week.

"If you want proof," Chrom continued, making me raise my head, "just take a look at this place. Ten days, and you've already done so much in such a short amount of time. Some supply room isn't going to be a large hurdle for you."

My eyes widened as I stared at him with my mouth slightly agape. I let out a mirthless chuckle. "I honestly feel like an open book at this point. How do you people know what to say at the right time?"

"I—" He stopped before sheepishly scratching his cheek. "I don't think I can give you a clear answer to that. All the more reason to go out and meet the rest of the Shepherds. See who you are working with and all that."

"But isn't that Farfort thing getting a little out of hand?" I was scraping the bottom of the barrel at this point with excuses, but I had to be sure I could go out.

Chrom sighed. "Yes, the situation out there is far from preferable, but some Shepherds just came yesterday. I doubt we will be ready for the march before next week."

Huh, I expected it would come much sooner than that. Then again, I'd argue Chrom didn't want to push the Shepherds too much with an immediate march. It made me touch my chin in thought, humming in the process.

"So, do you still think you don't have the time to join?" Chrom asked again, his lips forming a smile before my own slowly crept on my face.

I stood up from my seat to check the sun and it was almost setting. I was surprised by my lack of time management without a clock. I thought I still had time to spare before going to my room, but I was proved otherwise.

Again.

I let out a quiet huff. "I guess I could. I didn't have beer in a while." I turned back to Chrom, only to see his eyes wide as saucers and his mouth slightly hung open, making me frown. "Did I say something weird?"

"N-no," Chrom instantly replied with a shake of his head. "I'm just a little surprised someone like you would enjoy a mug. I was thinking wine would be more to your liking."

I could only tilt my head to the side. "Why wouldn't I? I mean, I wouldn't say no to a good glass of wine, but beer is just able to sate that… specific need."

I chuckled. "I don't know what it is, but it's probably just my heritage."

"Oh." His smile came back. "I'm sorry for assuming. Would it be okay if I escort you to the pub then?"

My breath hitched. "I… don't know what I did to deserve getting escorted by a prince of a nation, if I'm honest."

He waved his hand dismissively. "Please, Theresa, I want you to look at me as a friend if anything else. Besides, I don't think I would be a good leader of the Shepherds if I let my quartermaster wander around to find our meeting place."

A small snort escaped my lips. "You got me there."

"Shall we go then? I'm sure the rest of the Shepherds are already there, ready for the first round," Chrom said, making me nod.

"Lead the way."

{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}

As we walked down the streets of the upper level of Ylisstol, I had to say, seeing it in the evening light was quite a different experience. So much so that I felt like I was in a different place altogether.

Lights came from each window like small lanterns, illuminating our path towards the pub Chrom mentioned. Yells that came out of the opened doors weren't blowing my eardrums, but combined together with loud stomps and thwacks of mugs made the streets lively. It was a stark contrast to the noon hours.

I was honestly a little scared that some drunkard would fly out of the many inns and pubs and try something stupid, but with Chrom, I didn't think I had to worry about that. I was escorted by the princess of Ylisse once, and now I was being escorted by the prince instead.

Different people, yet the same results unsurprisingly.

"So, where is this pub you were talking about?" I asked, tilting my head from side to side. "We went past so many places it's hard to imagine it's not one of them."

"It took some time finding the right place, but we eventually stumbled upon a secluded pub down the streets. The barkeeper already knew us well enough so we decided to make it exclusive to the Shepherds. We give him the gold he needs to run the place, and in exchange, he makes it private for us."

"Oh." My face formed a curious frown. "But wait, wouldn't it be simpler to just book a random pub once or twice?"

Chrom let out a sheepish chuckle. "In hindsight, yes, but with how rowdy we can get, it's better if the person running the place is fine with it. Besides, some of us tend to go there on a daily basis."

My lips pursed. "I honestly didn't know what I was expecting. Someone said the Shepherds are a weird family."

"They aren't far from the truth then," Chrom agreed before turning to a secluded dark alley, leading deeper into the city. Once he spotted a hanging sign, he pointed at it with his hand.

"There it is," he said, and moments later, we were standing in front of the closed doors leading inside.

Chrom urged me to go first, but the fact I could already hear people on the other side made me nervous. I was honestly stuck, because no matter which way I sliced it, this could be the moment when I would realize that I either could work with them, or be completely isolated. My hand hung slightly above the doorknob, but no matter how much I tried to force my hand to pull, it refused.

"What's wrong?" Chrom asked, perplexed by my indecisiveness.

My hand fell before I gazed down at the ground. "Do you think I can fit in, Chrom?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Of course you can. Why do you ask?"

"Because the moment I came here in Ylisstol, all I could think of was how I simply don't belong here," I blurted out, my fists clenching tightly.

"Why would you say that? You're here now, inside the city, within its walls," he said, but once I turned to him with gritted teeth, his head immediately slumped. "Oh, you mean your situation. I'm sorry for not realizing sooner."

My face scrunched up. "I'm not supposed to be here. I know it, you know it, everyone I told what happened knows it. Yet here I am, trying to tell myself otherwise."

Chrom's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"Remember back at the campfire where you asked how am I supposed to get back to my home?" He gave me a careful nod. "Well, my first thought was…"

I hugged myself. "That I don't know if I even want to go back."

Chrom gazed at me with a pensive look before his face settled into a determined frown. "Come with me."

"W-where?"

"I wasn't expecting to have this conversation now, but I can see it weighs on you. The celebrations can wait," he said firmly before grabbing one of my hands and gently guiding me through the alley into another street, void of people. There was a garden in the middle, and Chrom lead me there and helped me sit down on the ground before doing so himself.

Once Chrom sat down on the cold grass, he turned to me. "Speak up, nobody will hear us here."

It took me a moment to form my words before I brought my legs closer to my chest. "You gave me a roof over my head, something to eat, and a job that, even though I have no experience with, makes me somewhat useful. All of this is something I already cannot repay, but on top of all that, you trust me. Despite everything going against your logic."

He kept silent, yet I knew he was listening.

"You even sounded like you wanted to help me get back to my home, which I should appreciate more than anything, but whenever I think of home, I have almost nothing waiting for me there."

"But how? There has to be a place you can call home. You don't strike me as someone who would live without one," Chrom argued, but I could only shake my head.

"My home died when my brother disappeared," I stated, and those words hurt me more than I was willing to admit. It was as if that single earring I had became so heavy it could tare my ear off, yet it was the only thing I could remember my brother by. "And it only got worse with time. My father became unbearable, and made me shoulder the future of his company."

"And your mother?" Chrom carefully asked.

"She was too preoccupied caring for my father's health. I could go as far as to say that if we found a way to get me back, all that I have left would be gone by then." My eyes grew blurry, and a sob escaped my lips. "But I can't say it isn't my home. I grew up there, studied there, and I remember the happier times with my family."

I buried my head between my legs. "I just don't know what I actually want."

Chrom let out a quiet breath before looking up at the sky of red and dark blue. "That is something you have to find out yourself, as much as I hate saying it."

Of course he would say that. It wasn't like he could see into my mind and find the answer I was looking for. That would be too easy.

"But."

I gently lifted my head, only able to see Chrom with a single eye peeking out of my little hole.

"I'm sure once the time you will have to make that choice comes, you will know your answer by then."

I lifted my head from my little hole, staring directly into his eyes, only to notice the smile gracing his features. "I will make sure that the Shepherds will be a home for you to return to if things don't go your way. Besides, we are lacking new people, mostly because of Frederick's high standards."

A new home? Would it be possible for me to create a new home despite my… situation? It was kind of hard to believe. "How can you be so sure? I feel like I'm only going to be in the way with how much of an anomaly I am."

He shook his head. "I don't think that's what you should be worrying about. If anything, the entirety of the Shepherds is one big anomaly."

I couldn't help but quirk a brow. "How?"

Chrom puffed. "I'm not going to bore you with the details. The basic gist is that my sister disbanded nearly half of the military some time ago, only sparring enough to keep the capital and major cities well guarded."

His face quickly darkened. "But that leaves the rest of the country under the protection of small-town militias at best, and I wanted to do something about it. So, once I heard a nearby village was under attack, I rushed to help."

Chrom's smile quickly came back while playfully shaking his head. "I don't know if I was that predictable, but Emm saw right through me. Once I came back, she decided to make me the leader of my own personal militia that would take care of small towns and villages who can't defend themselves on their own."

I stared at him for a solid second before giving him a small nod. "So she made use of your will to help to keep the country safe."

"I wouldn't say 'made use'. It's mostly because she knows I don't like joining councils." Chrom scratched the back of his neck. "I'm not made for drawn-out discussions."

I didn't believe him. He went out of his way to hear me out despite the fact there was a party going on just a few steps away from us. Sure, he had a few quirks, but who didn't? With how his sister was able to see through him, I was sure she knew Chrom had the charisma to help others in need.

A loose tear formed under my right eye, but despite that, I was able to flash Chrom a bright smile, taking him aback. "Thank you, Chrom."

His mouth hung open before he closed it shut with a small clap. "I-it's the least I can do. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't."

I shook my head. "You're too nice for your own good."

He sheepishly chuckled. "I was told that a few times already, but I'm glad I was somewhat able to help."

I doubt a magical set of words would make me feel any better, which it didn't, but I could at least show some appreciation. I knew I was putting up a front, but being a depressed mess wouldn't serve much of a purpose at this point.

The answer I was looking for was going to haunt me, since I didn't have a single idea when the day would come. All I could do was to make sure I was going to do my best, and wait until the time would come.

Even if it was to my detriment.

"Again, thanks Chrom," I said, but he shook his head.

"You don't have to thank me. This is just something friends do."

My eyes widened by a small fraction before I looked away. "I don't know if I can count as a friend yet."

"Now why would you say that?" Chrom asked before I looked him dead in the eyes with a slight smirk.

"I still have to show you what my heritage can withstand, right?" I said before I stood up, but Chrom's smile suddenly fell.

"Are you sure? I can't help but think there is more to this."

I placed a hand on my chest before gripping my shirt tightly. "Yeah, there is. But I think I won't be able to find the answer I'm looking for today or tomorrow, maybe even months."

I reached out with my hand to help him up. "I'm probably overthinking the situation too much. A single mug should be able to help me get back into things."

He gazed at my hand before letting out a chuckle. "I still don't know what I said that made you change your attitude so suddenly."

He took my hand and helped himself back up.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. In fact, you Shepherds just know what to say to me at the right time for some reason. I don't know how, but you do."

"I still think you give us too much credit. We're just a militia. Nothing more."

I couldn't help but let out a snort. "Then I'll take your word for it then."

There still was that small hint of hesitation in Chrom's eyes before he shook his head. Once he brushed off any dirt he had on his clothes, he placed his hands on his hips. "So, do you think we can go celebrate now?"

"Yeah, I think I can go for a mug now. I desperately need it," I said before taking the lead while Chrom playfully touched his forehead.

"Just make sure you don't overdo it," Chrom warned, but I waved my hand dismissively.

"Trust me when I say that I have quite the experience with alcohol, despite my looks."

"Fine, but just make sure you're able to wake up tomorrow."

{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}

I had my hand over the doorknob once more, but this time, I was able to fully grasp it, tightly gripping it with my hand. I twisted my wrist, and with a solid click, the doors opened and I found myself in a room made out of wood and… mostly wood actually.

There was a single bar overlooking the small pub with just enough tables to fit no more than twenty people. The fire didn't illuminate the entire room, but the heat it emanated made the pub quite comfortable.

That was if I didn't account for the people inside.

If I didn't count the bartender, then everyone in the room was suddenly staring at the doors I opened, some already having mugs in their hands while others kept sitting next to a table. I wasn't able to count just how many pairs of eyes were suddenly looking at me, but it was enough for me to feel extremely anxious. Sure, there were some people I was able to recognize, but more than half of them were completely unknown to me.

That was until Chrom came inside right behind me.

All those eyes turned to Chrom, most of which were filled with questioning brows before he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for taking so long to get here, but we finally arrived."

"Took you long enough. I wasn't expecting my rival to come so late," said a blond spiky-haired guy wearing nothing but a giant belt over his chest, strapping a single spiky pauldron to his shoulder and a set of baggy pants. He pointed a finger directly at me. "And who is this fine lass? I'm sure I haven't seen her before."

The red-haired knight directly next to him groaned while she pinched her nose. "I told you already that Chrom got three new recruits to the Shepherds, Vaike. Can't your muscle brain remember that at least?"

Vaike eyes widened, and he whipped his head towards Sully. "What!? You didn't tell me that!"

She gave him a half-lidded look. "I did, but you were too busy filling your gut with ale."

A small vein popped on his forehead. "Hey! It took some time to get here, you know?! And I needed it badly!"

Another man, cladded in light green armour and a brown messy mop on his head reached the bickering duo with both of his arms lifted defensively. "Come on, guys. Chrom just got here, can you two calm down a little?"

"Yes, if this meathead can understand not to drink everything in sight when Chrom wants to say something," Sully stated.

"Oh yeah? Well, I just heard him say that something so I thought he was done," Vaike countered before taking a large swig from the mug and breathing a sigh once he was done.

I could only gaze at the erupting bickering. Sully and Vaike shot insults at each other left and right like a tennis ball flying through the field, while everyone else in the pub could only stare at them with exasperated looks. Once I turned to Chrom, he was pinching his nose.

"Um… does this normally happen?" I asked him sheepishly, and he gave me a nod.

"More often than you would think," he said before clearing his throat one more time, much louder than before, earning the attention of everyone in the pub, even Sully and this Vaike guy.

"Could I have a moment with you, guys?" Chrom asked, and all of the people gathered in front of him, six in total. Once my eyes landed on Lissa in the far right corner, she gave me a radiant wave, which I tried to mirror back. Embarrassingly so.

Chrom, in the meantime, gazed over the entire pub, checking for… something before breathing a sigh. "Looks like not everybody is here yet."

The green armored knight instantly perked up. "Oh, Sumia told me she isn't coming today. She said something about her pegasus acting up or something."

Chrom gave him a disappointed nod. "Right. And what about Robin, or Virion for that matter? I don't see them anywhere."

"They won't be coming today either." I heard, echoing in the pub.

My face formed a confused frown before I looked behind me, and I let out a small yelp as I jolted in my spot. At first, all I could see was a butler suit, only to look up and stare at Frederick's face.

I placed a hand on my chest before letting out a sigh. "Don't ever do that again, Frederick."

I could have sworn I heard a chuckle from him. "Dully noted, lady Theresa."

My face morphed into a frown. "What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be…" I absentmindedly forgot that both Lissa and Chrom were here. "Yeah, never mind. This is exactly the place where you would be."

All that I was given was a faint smile on his face. Snickers permeated the pub like chattering cicadas, adding to my embarrassment. This guy was going to be the death of me.

"Alright alright, let's calm down," Chrom said before switching his attention back to the group of people in the pub. "Everyone, I would like to welcome one of our newest members, Theresa."

Again, all eyes were on me, but the initial shock faded away. There weren't as many people here as I thought. In fact, I could count them in my hands. Besides Chrom, Frederick, and Lissa, I was able to recognize Sully instantly, since she was kind of hard to miss, and now I knew this blond guy was called Vaike, the only person I didn't know the name of was the green-armoured knight.

Okay, let's take a deep breath. Introductions aren't that hard.

I sheepishly waved my hand at them. "Um… hi. I'm this Theresa."

Silence immediately came over the pub. Even the bartender raised his head, despite being mostly disconnected from the entire thing. My cheeks flushed immediately red.

Fucking… nailed it.

Bursts of laughter suddenly echoed in the pub, adding to my already massive levels of embarrassment before Chrom patted me on the back.

"Should I do the introductions instead?" He asked while nervous laughter uncontrollably escaped his lips.

I sucked in a breath before brushing his arm away. "No, I'm not drunk enough for this."

I quickly reached the bar before sitting on one of the stools. "One mug."

The bartender didn't say anything, only gave me the slightest of nods before quickly setting one full pint right in front of me. The laughter thankfully settled down, and I was hoping those eyes were all focused on me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder before spotting Chrom with a concerned expression. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Just let me have this, Chrom," was all I said before grabbing the mug and taking a large swig.

The bitter taste of alcohol, hopes, and barley assaulted my tongue, and it was immediate bliss. However, the more I drank, the sooner I realized how weak this ale was compared to what I was used to. It allowed me to go further, raising the mug higher for the ale to quickly wash away all the embarrassment I built up.

Once the wooden mug was empty, I gently placed it down on the bar before breathing a satisfied sigh. "God, I needed this."

I turned back to Chrom who looked genuinely surprised. He opened his mouth to speak, but Vaike quickly beat him to it.

"Chrom, you didn't tell us the gal could hold her mug!?" He shouted, and Chrom whipped his head towards him.

"She didn't tell me befo—"

Sully let out a hearty laugh before slapping my back. "Now that's what I like to see! I told you you're going to fit just fine!"

I let out a sheepish laugh while internally breathing a sigh of relief. Thank god that worked.

Sully whipped her head towards the bartender. "Barkeep, we need a round to celebrate!"

A small smile spread across the bartender's face before moving to one of the kegs behind the countertop with a set of new mugs. While Sully and Vaike were right beside me, I absentmindedly turned my head back to Chrom.

While he had his nose pinched, his chuckling was still audible, and once we met eyes, he mouthed, I told you.

I nodded. Yeah, you did.

It didn't take long before the entire group had their mugs and made a small circle, me included, although for some reason it felt somewhat tight. While everyone was chatting to some extent, Chrom eventually cleared his throat, earning everyone's attention.

"I'm going to keep this brief. I would like to celebrate another round of successful missions across Ylisse. All of you did great, and I'm sure we will eventually come to a point when we won't be needed anymore, but for now, let's all make sure Ylisse is a safe place."

"And of course, let's not forget all the new people we were able to recruit. Only Theresa is here, but still, make sure they feel welcomed within our ranks." He tilted his head towards Frederick with a small grin. "Even you, Frederick."

Several snickers rang across the pub while Frederick slightly rolled his eyes. Chrom let out a small laugh before raising his mug high. "For the Shepherds!"

"FOR THE SHEPHERDS!"

AN: Well, it took some time, but I'm finally back with another chapter, and I hopefully was able to satisfy your expectations. As always, I have to thank Cavik for beta-reading this chapter, brushing off everything that made the chapter bad, and the Fanfiction Treehouse for being an awesome community. If you want to join our discord server, here is the active and new link: u89gs745fn

Thank you for reading today's chapter.

God's speed.