The fire was dim when Chrom returned from his watch. Robin and Lissa were still asleep. Chrom had managed to convince Frederick to give the final watch to Virion. The knight now sat against a crate; arms crossed, eyes closed, shoulders rising and falling as he slept.

Chrom was surprised to see Sully still awake. She poked at the cinders with her broken shaft, keeping what little heat remained still burning.

"I figured you'd be exhausted after today," Chrom said quietly. The red haired woman shook her head.

"Beauty sleep's for chumps. Plus nobody else was keeping the fire going." Sully stoked the embers once more. A bird called out in dark. The sun had yet to rise and the night seemed especially cold. Robin turned over once in his sleep.

"Quite the catch, that guy," Sully remarked. "Quick thinker, knows how to fight... you thinking of recruiting him?"

"Not any time soon. He's suffering from some sort of mental disorder," Chrom said quickly. Sully's expression became solemn. "The plan is to see if Emmeryn can find him the help he needs."

"Sorry to hear that…" Sully cast a glance at Robin and knit her brow. "He seemed fine to me."

Beat.

Chrom steepled his hands as he leaned closer to the warmth.

"Does he get violent or something? Crap like that?"

"No, nothing of that sort," Chrom waved her words away.

"What is it then?"

"...Memory loss."

"Oh, huh." Sully stoked the fire again. "Like… doesn't remember coming here? Can't remember the last few days? Is it trauma induced or something?"

"He can't remember a thing about who he is. Only his name."

"...You're serious?"

Chrom nodded.

"Damn. Right outta one of Sumia's novels."

Chrom managed a chuckle at that. "That is one of the first things I thought of after I started believing him."

"Not the sorta thing you'd think to find out in the real world huh?" Sully leaned over to blow over the embers. A tiny flame sprouted from the red charcoals. "You trust him then?"

"Wholeheartedly." Chrom's answer was resolute. "He's proven himself twice in one day and I'd have asked him to join on the spot if things weren't so strange."

"I hear ya there."

"The problem is Frederick…" Chrom cast a glance at the sleeping knight. "He's convinced he's some sort of Plegian spy. He's been treating him harshly ever since we found him."

"Sounds like Freddy-D. He's tough on everyone."

"Everyone except me and Lissa, and I'm getting tired of it."

"Well, in his defense," Sully managed to nurture a decently sized flame from the coals and leaned back. "You were a little late in getting yer butt home."

Chrom lowered his head and sighed. "I didn't mean to worry anyone, honestly… I hope Sumia's not too upset… Maribelle and the others too."

"Ya might not wanna tell them about the monsters then, not to lead with anyway… Honestly what the hell were those things…"

Silence fell again. Chrom's thoughts wandered back as he remembered the blue Eye. I'd write this off as some sort of dark magic; possibly a ploy by the Plegians… But then why was the magic so reminiscent of Ylissean lore? And did that Marth person really enter alongside those beasts? What does this all mean…

"Didn't mean to sour the mood." Sully spoke up suddenly, breaking Chrom from his train of thoughts.

"No, you didn't. I was just thinking of something else… "

Sully shrugged. "If you wanna hit the sack you can. No skin off my back. No sense in getting bored to sleep."

"That's fine ...I'll stay and watch the fire too. At least till its dawn"

Sully smiled. "You're alright, Chrom."

The sun was well into its journey across the sky by the time the party had fully awoken. Robin was dusting off his coat and warming himself in the sun. Sully was getting her horse ready for the march.

Lissa sat up, still drowsy. She watched everyone move about. "Where's Frederick?" she called sleepily.

"Your knight friend is outside with Chrom, tending to his steed," Virion answered as he organized his bundle once more. "It returned to him right before my watch ended. A lesser man would have shot the beast on sight after what happened to us last evening, but I stayed my bow." If that was meant to be impressive, nobody responded to it. There was no breakfast, and none of them were terribly hungry.

"When are we going then?" Lissa asked again. "I wanna get home…"

"Chrom did say to leave at noon," Robin answered patiently as he put his coat back on. "That gives us at least another hour."

Sully came up from behind Lissa and ruffled her hair. "You'll get home soon enough. You can tell your sister everything that happened, and get yourself a bath. Gods know you need one." Lissa pouted.

Shortly after Chrom stepped back into the fort. Without the cover of night, the wear and tear on his uniform was very apparent. His leather armor was nicked and outright torn in certain spots. The others were only slightly better. Sully and Virion's attire were fairly roughed up from being tossed around by the creature the previous night. Lissa's uniform was splotched with dirt and dust. Everyone's hair was in desperate need of a brushing. Frederick had established early that morning that he kept a brush for his horse in his saddlebag, but everyone declined his offer.

"Frederick has gone ahead to scout a trail for us." he announced.

Sully left Lissa alone and went back to her horse. "Awful nice of him, but when will he come back?"

Chrom looked about the fort. "Soon enough. He estimated less than an hour. That would put us right at noontime, but personally I'd rather leave as soon as possible."

Robin groaned inwardly, but said nothing out loud. He was still sore and he reckoned Sully and Virion were too. He longed for any amount of time to delay the inevitable march.

"That's not to say we should rush," Chrom said quickly. "If we're all in favor of some rest after last night-" Sully cut him off with a hearty shout.

"We'll haul ass right now! All we'd do is stand around all day, dragging our feet - we're all ready to go!"

Lissa turned and looked aghast at Sully. "B-But!"

"If Sully is ready to march, then I suppose I have no excuse to stand idle," Virion reasoned with a nod, but Robin could see the weariness in his eyes.

Chrom smiled. "All in favor?" he called. Virion pumped an arm into the air and called before anyone else could, but Robin and Sully followed suit shortly after. Only Lissa dissented.

"N-No! Come on! We just had a battle for crying out loud! ...And I just woke up! I don't wanna-"

"It's settled," Chrom said. "Meet me outside; we'll find Frederick and get on the road." Lissa hung her head and groaned.

Frederick was already on his way back to the fort by the time they met him, so they were quickly on their way out of the valley. Robin looked back at the steep hills and clusters of trees. Somehow it felt like he'd been there for ages. He would've felt more remorse if the image of those creatures still lurking around in the trees wasn't fresh on his mind.

The dirt highway wound around the countryside; skirting the valley and cutting into open plains. Frederick and Chrom took point, Sully rode behind and the others walked. Virion pleaded and pleaded for Sully to let him ride with her, and was denied each time. They eventually reached a compromise instigated by Chrom, and Sully had Virion's bundle stowed unto her saddle.

Lissa was by far the slowest, but she stuck with her brother who gently lead her forward. Virion strode behind Robin at the back of the party. Robin wished he wouldn't have. He wasn't in the mood to talk, and would've preferred Chrom's company, but Virion always found ways to break the silence.

"Beautiful day all things considered, yes?" was the most recent of Virion's many idle chatterings.

Oh, this I remember: 'when one party brings up the weather, the conversation has already died.' ~ Unknown author.

"I suppose," Robin replied quietly. He'd hoped his disinterest would goad Virion into bothering someone else, but the nobleman seemed to have his sights set on Robin for now.

"So…" Virion met Robin's pace and crossed his arms. "I couldn't help but overhear while I was on watch; my good sir is a bit of a vagabond himself?"

Great, now he starts an intelligent exchange. Was he trying to butter me up before?

"Er… that's one way to put it… um…" Did he hear about my memory from Chrom? Gods I slept like a rock last night, I didn't hear a thing. "Yeah, I don't really live anywhere. Ylisstol's just my next destination."

"Mhm… and what's this about the knight and his matter of security?"

Um… None of your business?! "Oh, Frederick. Um, he's worried I might try and stab and poison his lieges, or something."

Virion laughed at that. "After the display you put on last night?! Hah! Oh, the dear knight has quite the imagination." Robin fought to keep his face neutral; a frown on the cusp. "Then again, I'd had many a servant who acted the same. It's understandable then for a knight serving Sir Chrom of all people to be a little paranoid."

"Why, is an armed shepherd really that big a deal around here?"

Virion smiled knowingly. "Quite. Don't let my idling oversell it; nobody fears him, but there is much respect for such a... well-off nobleman getting his hands dirty for the sake of his countrymen." Virion idly straightened his cravat. "Which is more than I can say for… other leaders out there."

"I hope you speak of the conflict in Valm," a low voice interjected. Robin had a start. Frederick had fallen back to listen in. "Otherwise, I hardly recommend any non-constructive criticism of our ruler, especially seeing as we're so close to the capital."

Virion nodded."Yes, sir Knight, I speak no ill of your own Exalt."

"Good. She is the paragon of peace; by her hand there is a tranquility that this country has hardly ever known. ...And I would also advise you to keep quiet about Valm once we're in the city. Given how prone you are to exposit, it would do no good for rumors to start up."

Virion arched an eyebrow. "You've nothing to worry about sir! What think you of me, some dandy blowhard?"

Yes.

"I think any possible issue deserves a proper warning," the knight said firmly.

Virion sighed. "Very well, you have my word. No wasted breath on the conflict back home."

"Good."

"Besides; why would I go on and on about some clod general in Valm when you have me to grace you with my presence?" Virion flourished his arms and shut his eyes as he walked; a feat as far as Robin was concerned. "You have nothing to fear from the Valmese; present or otherwise."

"Let's pray to the gods it stays that way." And with that, Frederick broke pace and took point again. "The Exalt will have much on her plate very shortly…"

The march continued, and the white city grew closer and closer. Robin stepped to the side of the party so he could get a view without heads bobbing in front of him. The sky was bright blue with little clouds - a sign of a healthy summer. Trees stood tall and proud along the hilly landscape, which was etched with houses and farms; all stood unharmed by the quake it seemed. The landscape sloped to the sides of the highway; giving way to more farms and forests in the far distance.

Robin could tell they were getting closer to city when he spotted ivory towers and walls in the distance, but he couldn't get a good look through the rest of his party, as he still strode in the back.

He heard Chrom let out a sigh of relief. "It seems the capital was spared for the most part…" Chrom must have stopped waking as the party ground to a halt. The captain looked back at Robin and gestured forward. "Robin, come get a look at this!" Robin obeyed and wove his way through the party. "I want you to get a good look at my home." He stopped at Chrom's side and came to a massive drop-off. The road swept to the side and dropped steeply to the plains below, leading to the white city ahead.

A white wall sprawled across the city's perimeter; a massive hill carried the city upon itself with a white castle resting on top. The hill was densely packed with grand houses and trees in equal portion, which gradually grew smaller and smaller farther down the hill, culminating in the cluster of buildings at the base. Blue banners hung on the walls, and massive flags billowed from the castle. It was like a painting imposed upon the landscape, or an ivory carving given life.

"That's Ylisstol?" He asked, breathless.

"It is, in all her beauty," Chrom crossed his arms and smiled.

"We are told of times when it was even more beautiful," Frederick added. "Those times are past, but the Exalt has made great strides in getting its people back on her feet."

The party were quickly on their way, and Robin continued in front with Chrom and Lissa. They walked alongside the drop off, which was a good several stories above ground, as the road wove down a hill. Robin cast a few wary glances down the edge of the cliffs. The bottom of the cliff was rocky and barren, and was thankfully devoid of any sign of accident.

"They've been meaning to install rails," Chrom said. "If you think this is bad, you should see Breakneck Pass, to the east." Lissa shuddered at her brother's words. "Hundreds of feet above roaring rapids; and it's one of the only routes to the the Exalt's eastern stronghold."

Robin smiled nervously. "This pass, was it named that to warn people or was it…"

"Reputation," Frederick finished for him. "Sheer reputation." Frederick's gaze wandered over the side of the cliff. "Ah, there's the morning patrol. That saves us some trouble."

"Morning patrol?" Robin tried to follow Frederick's gaze but saw nobody on the road ahead or behind them. "Where?"

He was answered by a roaring gust of wind that nearly sent him toppling into Frederick. A shape burst from below the cliff and glided to the side, towards the capital. Four more followed suit.

Pegasus riders. The steeds were snow-white, adorned with blue and gold on their saddles. Their riders wore blue and silver armor, but the one taking point wore a paler set adorned with bronze. The leader took notice of the party and lead her own group closer. From what Robin could tell, each member was female. The fellow riders ducked and weaved as they drew closer. Robin heard a range of responses from his party; an excited laugh from Lissa and a huff from Sully.

Frederick raised an arm and bellowed; his voice tearing through the air. "Ho, Phila!" He shouted. "How goes the patrol?!"

The leader had her steed slow to a drift to match pace with their group. "Ho yourself, Sir Knight!" The leader remarked, voice cross. "Where do you think you've been?! And who are these new faces?" The helmet she wore had a set of horns like a ram, a visor blocked the upper half of her face, and her hair was either cut short or bundled up somewhere inside her headgear. Robin shyly inched away from Frederick, who had cast a sideways glance at him and Virion.

"It's been a long day and a half, Phila," Frederick answered in a more level tone now that the rider was close. "We were slowed considerably by the tremors and…" Robin sensed the knight's hesitation. "We're on our way to report to the Exalt with due haste."

The rider nodded in response. Robin watched as her fellow flyers stopped their steeds one by one behind her. The winged horses drooped their hooves and let their wings carry them; it was rather uncanny. When they soared earlier their hooves beat an invisible path as if they were galloping along solid ground.

"I suppose we'll conclude early and make sure the Exalt knows of your arrival," Phila said briskly. She shouted to her fellow flyers as she pulled away from the side of the cliff.

"Phila!" Chrom suddenly shouted. "See anything strange this morning?"

"Nothing stranger than you lot," was the brisk reply. "You certainly like taking your time away from home if you think it would add another member or two to your merry little band." Chrom said nothing. "Hurry along then. Let's move, ladies!" The other riders answered with a shout and followed after Phila as they jetted towards the capital.

"Damned showoffs…" Sully grumbled.

Robin watched the strange creatures and their riders fly away, breathless. "I don't think I've ever seen pegasi before…"

"Then you must really be from the sticks," Sully said. "They're all over the place, like damned flies with hooves!"

"What Sully means to suggest, perhaps," Chrom interjected. "Pegasi have been a popular choice for many a country's militia, and tend to be bred liberally wherever they're welcome. Ylisse most of all, perhaps"

"Ylisse adopted the old Talysian discipline for Pegasi militia a long time ago, to round out their defenses, and have built upon it for centuries." Frederick spoke as the riders became nothing more than specks in the distance. "No other country can compare to the years of experience we have amassed. Other countries use Pegasi in their forces… but as far as I'm concerned only Ylisse has Pegasus Knights."

Robin grew anxious as they drew closer to the ivory walls. He heard the clamor and bustle of city-life ever since they left the hill and began their approach. The Castle towered high above them, even from its perch in the hills. The wanderer gulped as the shadow of the high walls fell over them. The south gate was wide open, and people poured in and out, numbering in the dozens.

Two guards stood perched on both ends of the open gate, spears in hand. Another patrolled atop the wall, pointed helmet shining in the mid-morning sun. The figure paused his back-and-forthing as Chrom's group drew near.

"Hark! The Shepherds approach! The Shepherds approach!" His voice carried over the clamor, and soon a small opening in the flood of people appeared as travelers stepped to side to let them pass.

Robin shyly clung to his party as he watched the multitude of people pass him by, who thankfully did not pay him much mind. Up to this point he had considered Chrom's group a set of noblemen and women with one foot in the country and the other on the battlefield; boldly taking up arms when they weren't tending their fields. Now he began to doubt even that, especially as a particular emblem appeared on the massive blue banners adorning the wall's exterior; the very same on Chrom's shoulder.

Maybe I'm naive for assuming anything thus far, but there's been something they've neglected to tell me… He quickly reminded himself that, in spite of what little had had contributed to the episode last night, he was effectively in Chrom's debt for protecting him thus far, or so as far as he was concerned. He had no right to suspect anything for now.

His suspicions were quickly forgotten as they passed the portal and entered the town proper. The street leading to the walls were paved with cobble and damp with mud and puddles. Buildings crowded the edges of streets, strung with signs and banners for travelers; a leather shop on one side, a pub to the other… And every side of the street was interspersed with more people going about their day.

Two guards sans emblems and helmets chatted loudly with drinks in hand. A pair of children ran in between the alleys. A young maiden shyly followed a well-built worker as their conversation idled. A small worker boy hurriedly carried a bag of documents as he dashed from one person to the other.

"I don't think I've seen so many people at once!" Robin said, half excited, half terrified.

"Then stay close and don't get lost." Chrom pointed to the palace on the horizon. "If all else fails, head to the castle, that's where we'll be."

"Assuming the coat and hair don't cause him trouble should we be separated…" Frederick added under his breath.

The group headed northwards to the castle; its towers grew larger and larger as they approached. Sully detached herself from the group and had her horse trot next to Chrom. "If it's all the same to you, captain, I think I'll show our guest the way to armory and be on my way." Before Chrom could agree she leaned in closer and whispered "I gotta find a way to get this guy off my back."

"Oh.. well then… carry on. G'day, sir Virion. Till we meet again." Virion gave a sweeping bow to Chrom. Sully nodded to Frederick and Robin and led her steed away as Virion followed her.

"Is the arms dealer this way?"

"No, I'm taking you to the butcher. Yes to the armory, damned pansy!"

"As long as we're clear. Of course I would gladly follow dear Sully to the ends of the Earth if she saw fit!"

That was the last of either their voices Robin could make out. He quietly wished Sully good luck on dislodging the archer. Now it was only the three of them as they made their approach to the castle once more.

"Chrom, Chrom!" Lissa tugged on her brother's shoulder excitedly and pointed to a vendor on the side of the street. "The deli's open early! Let's get breakfast! I'm staaarving!"

"L-Lissa, half a moment!" The little girl clearly had no sway over her brother's frame, but she somehow managed to pull him anyway. "I'm sure the servants will have a grand feast awaiting your return! Stop, I mean it, you'll spoil your appetite!"

Lissa pouted up at her brother. "I'm not a little kid, Chrom. And I didn't have anything to eat last night!"

"We had bear meat."

"My point exactly!"

"Lissa, this is just part of growing up. We don't have any food on us now, and it's best just to wait."

"Um, actually…" The two turned at Robin's voice as he produced two slabs covered in soggy paper. "These are from last night. They survived all the fighting but I didn't have a chance to cook them yet…"

Chrom's eyes lit up while Lissa's widened in horror. "Excellent! If I may?"

"Sure, by all means. It's your bear."

Chrom took one of the slabs and headed to the vendor's cart which was frying small pieces of meat. "Your pardon sir, could I borrow your grill?!" He called out.

"Make sure it's cooked thoroughly, milord!" Frederick added. "It's hardly fresh!"

Robin merrily finished his share of the meat as the small group continued. Lissa was downtrodden with a belly full of ursine, and Frederick - resilient as ever - continued on with nothing to eat. The traveller noted the various shops lining the sides of the street.

"I take it commerce is hardly an issue around these parts?" he asked.

"Not in the slightest," Frederick declared. "The Exalt exercises the perfect balance of goodwill and firm control over all sects of Ylisse's society."

"And if you see of something of value or interest, don't hesitate to bring it to my attention," Chrom said with a smile.

"Would that be alright?" Robin asked.

"Milord is merely being practical, Robin." Frederick spoke. "'Twould save us a trip back to retrieve something if you were to acquire it now."

That did make sense.

Lissa managed a frown. "We can't afford to feed ourselves but we can buy gifts for our guest?" she asked.

"Nourishment is found in many places, Lissa, and oft without charge. Utilities such as tomes for a mage, -or books for a well-rounded mind - are not." Frederick had somehow managed to use Robin as an example without casting some slight against him. Lissa crossed her arms and said nothing more.

"I don't know about a spell-tome, but I'm sure you'd find a new journal for yourself, or even some informative documents. That vendor over there always sold technical articles that I could never get any use out of." Chrom gestured to one vendor in particular.

Robin quickly took Chrom's suggestion, and Lissa followed after him as he approached the vendor. The shopkeeper's spirits were uplifted greatly at the sight of the young heiress. Robin acquired a book of strategic philosophy - "Words of Mark Volume one", at a surprisingly affordable price, no doubt due to the keeper's good mood. Chrom paid for the volume after catching up and implored Robin to find another, which he politely refused.

"Thunderation!" A old voice cawed above the procession of noble and commoner. Robin looked up from his newly acquired book as he spotted the hunched figure of an elder man, atop a box of sorts, pointing with his cane. "It's the Exalt! She's come to visit us!" Robin followed the man's gaze and spotted a crossroads ahead on their street. Their own narrow, cluttered road was met with a wide expanse of polished brick, banked by tall majestic manors and their banners. The road had been cleared and people gathered in crowds on the sides as a great procession of decorated steeds and soldiers marched forward.

"That saves us a bit of trouble," Chrom said with a sigh.

"Why, is the Exalt there?" Robin asked.

"Yes, can you see her? There, in between those two Pegasi." Frederick said as he pointed ahead. White stallions strode forward, beast and rider alike adorned with golden armor, and alongside them trotted grounded Pegasi, no less beautiful than the airborne ones from earlier. A few paces back a similar pair of riders marched along, but in between the two sets of armored paraders was a tall shape draped in green and topped with golden hair.

The exact details were far from Robin's view, but he could make out a noble character that strode with grace; exuding both poise and humility somehow simultaneously. Her figure was perfectly straight, aligned heavenward, marked by a halo of a crown adorning her head. Her hair was braided into long bundles that weaved down her shoulders. She wore a thick green coat that hung nearly to her knees. She carried nothing, but held up her open palm - a sort of dignified wave that almost conveyed a shyness.

She was flanked jealously by her lieges as the crowd cheered for her. It was a glowing display of goodwill and high morale, but it made almost every of Robin's instincts cry out in disapproval. Armed escorts aside, who was protecting her from attack? She carried no visible weapon herself - and the weapons the guards carried didn't seem to be too threatening.

"My brothers and sisters under Naga-" A serene voice resonated from the boom of voices. "I come before you that together we may think of peace." Her call was answered by an ecstatic oration of whoops and cheers.

"Is it quite safe for her walk among commoners like this?" He asked nervously. Chrom gave him a look of great incredulity before Frederick could explain.

"Each Exalt represents the sacred bond between us and the Divine Dragon; formed when the First Exalt conquered the Fell Dragon and brought peace to the land. Each Exalt serves as a living beacon of the peace their ancestor fought for. Peace is Ylisse's most prized possession, of all our crafts, industries, professions -even gold I daresay- peace ransoms all. Lady Emmeryn is the living embodiment of the one thing each countryman holds dear. I've met hardened criminals who buckled under the thought of bringing harm to her - It simply isn't done here."

A sort of loyalty then, as to one's mother, only on a national scale? Robin thought. Perhaps that were (or should be) the case of any good and just monarch - one whose authority would be respected and obeyed with the same grace as it were given. It seemed like a rational deduction, but it also seemed foreign to him for some reason. Why was that? Was his memory so beyond recovery that he'd never heard an inkling of Ylisse's monarchy, or was a lingering memory or doubt from his previous life gnawing at him

"She's a calming presence when others may call for war," Chrom added. "With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her. Not to mention the tremors from earlier no doubt frightened a few people; this display of power and goodwill is important."

Robin brushed these feelings aside hastily. "Her people must be lucky to have her then."

"Would you like to meet her Robin?" Chrom asked. Lissa's eyes were shining -with pride it seemed.

"Really…?" Robin was surprised.

"Is there a reason why not?"

"I guess I just assumed I'd leave the negotiations to you and Frederick. I mean… surely she has better things to do than debrief me."

"Debrief. Ha!" Chrom's voice was tinged with laughter at the first word. "She'll be happy to meet you! And we have much to talk about with her besides business."

"We go waaay back with her," Lissa said proudly as her eyes shifted away from Robin. "Almost like we were-"

"Milord," Frederick said. "We could traverse a block and have you meet her at the next intersection. I can take Lissa and Robin straight to the Castle."

"But I wanna see her~!" Lissa cried out suddenly. "It's been a whole two days since we-"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Chrom said hastily. "But for now, yes, let's see if we can't catch her at the next crossroads." The procession had advanced significantly since their talk, and Exalt Emmeryn was squarely out of view now.

Chrom led Robin through the throng of bustling people, who apparently had much of the same idea in following the Exalt.

"Does she do this often?" Robin asked as he nearly collided with a commoner.

"Fairly. It'd be strange if there was more than several days between her walks." Chrom spoke briskly as he tried to gently weave his way through the crowd. The people were in a state of festival-like bliss and were hardly taking notice of Chrom, quite unlike the grateful inhabitants of Southtown had been. Well that had been Southtown, this is the capital, where they likely have greater stars to light their day. ...Except that shopkeeper did seem happy to see Lissa so…

Frederick led Lissa along as they proceeded several lengths behind him. Robin had the thought to break from Chrom and slice through the crowd on his own, but his nerves had waned considerably with the multitude of people on all sides, and so he clung to Chrom's presence.

After the extended period of time bee-lining through alleys and people, another crossroads came into view. The Procession was nowhere in sight, but the sound of their marching echoed down the street. A throng of people waited for the parade's arrival, but they were quite smaller than the gathering a block down, and Robin managed to release some pent up tension with a sigh.

"Why don't you wait here for Frederick, I'll head for Emmeryn. He'll decide what to do next." Chrom said, almost to Robin's relief. He'd be away from the throng of people if it were so… but he'd also be at Frederick's mercy again.

Robin gestured down the street. "I'll wait down there in the open. I want to get a good look before more people show up."

Chrom thought that was reasonable and bid Robin farewell for the moment. Robin worked his way up the crowd, careful not to get too close, and found himself a nice open spot to observe the procession head-on.

Two massive blue banners billowed over the shapes of white and gold as they marched forward, their armor chiming and the hooves beating creating a sort of rhythm. Once or twice a trumpet let loose a short anthem of five notes.

Robin had to lean over and focus hard to get a good look at the Exalt. She was a mere couple meters from him now, and was proceeded by many of the mounted units marching forward. Ah, there was Chrom! He stepped alongside the Exalt - no guard halted him and he asked permission from noone - and the two started talking together. The body language was relaxed and friendly. It was hard to believe he was some captain addressing the ruler of a nation, their behavior hardly fit either of their stations he thought.

Unless their relationship runs a little deeper… what did Lissa say earlier?

Robin was so lost in thought that he hardly noticed how close the Exalt had gotten, nor how he had nearly wandered into the street to get a good look. Nor how he had inadvertently stepped in the path of a Pegasus knight.

With no warning, his right foot was crushed, sending him keeling backward and into somebody, dropping his new book. He let out sharp cry of pain. He knelt to inspect his crushed foot before looking up at the rider, who still marched forward.

The mounted knight, who was adorned in silver with a red helmet, looked down at him, surprise and worry in her hazel eyes.

"Apologies, sir," she called. "I hadn't seen you."

"It's fine… I… think…" Robin wasn't even sure if she heard his reply by the time she passed him by. He continued to nurse his foot as the procession continued. Besides the pinched leather marks on his boot, no damage was visible, and he was pretty sure he'd know if his foot had been broken. When the pain had subsided he reached for his new book, which was thankfully handed to him by the very man he bumped into. He'd assumed it was Frederick, but the knight surely would have shoved him away, he thought. The knight was nowhere to be seen.

"That's ne'er fun, being on the receiving end of a Pegasus that way," the man said as he helped Robin to his feet. As Robin met with the man face to face, the man's expression became sullen. He scanned Robin top to bottom. Robin became aware that the crowd had grown around him. He began to feel suffocated, not helped by the man's discerning glance.

"Sir?" He asked timidly.

"You'd… best get going lad," the man said carefully. There was no hostility in his voice and yet… "People are bound to get excited if they see your... colors near M'lady."

"My colors?" He realized it. The Plegian coat. Nobody had batted an eye since his arrival, until now. Where was Lissa and Frederick? "Um, that's quite alright. I'll just go meet the rest of my group…"

Robin hurriedly stepped away and tried to leave the new gathering of people, but what had been a mere obstacle course had become a rigid hedge with minimal holes to escape from. Where was Chrom, or even Frederick? The crowd had become overwhelming to him. He dared look in the direction of the procession and saw neither Chrom nor the Exalt. He scanned the crowd for Frederick's armor or Lissa's braids but saw nobody he recognized.

Alone in enemy territory now… He willed himself to be calm, held the book tightly to his chest, and carefully detached himself from the crowd. Passersby bumped his shoulder as he ran to catch up with the Exalt's parade.

He could resist no longer. "Chrom!" he called - no answer. "Lissa! Frederick?! I'm over here!" The clamor of people still overwhelmed his calls. He took deep breaths and surveyed the crowd once more.

Maybe they're trailing behind the parade… no that won't do, too many people - And I'd surely see them from here if that were the case. Ahead of the Exalt…? No, I was just there. Why hadn't I stayed put?!

His mind for tactical solutions gave him no suggestions on his next course of action. Helpless scanning of the crowd and weaving his way through strangers bore no fruit. He soon found himself on a thin street, much like the one he first arrived on. Chrom and Lissa were nowhere to be seen, and the parade continued noisily into the distance.

He dejectedly looked to the distance and beheld the Castle, towering over him on the hilltops. The beacon of his journey took on a much more ominous air without the two lords at his side.

If all else fails, head to the castle, that's where we'll be, Chrom had told him.

He looked up once more at the Palace, still due north of him. The Parade continued eastward through the city. Rows and rows of cluttered buildings and narrow alleyways stood in between him and the palace. His robe and hair stood out like a sore thumb among the plain commoner folk. He could only assume that these strangers would assume the worst in him. He may have to move quick to avoid confrontation.

He had hoped to accomplish the remainder of the journey with Chrom, but that had been denied him. Steeling himself, he charted a straight path directly to the palace and was on his way.