Disclaimer - I don't own Fire Emblem. All of its properties belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
A/N: Due to feedback received I'll be changing the name of Marth's wife from "Shiida" to her localized name of "Caeda" from now on.
Chapter 21
"So, do you come here often?"
With all the grace of a desperate skeazy bar rat, my expertly crafted pickup line garners nothing but a look of sheer unwant.
"What are you on about now, woman?" Lon'qu's gravelly voice dips low in frustration as he leans away from me.
Okay, playing hard to get I see. Time to change tactics. "Oh nothing. Just trying to wrangle up a conversation with a handsome fellow such as yourself."
Hint, hint, nudge, nudge Lon'qu.
He gives me an incredulous look and turns his attentions back to the sword resting on his lap. "Good luck with that," he apathetically states.
My resolve fizzles out and I lean back, collapsing against the chair. I have been trying for a few days now to get some sort of reaction off this guy but I've been hit with nothing but ambivalence. I'm no blushing teenager but it took every ounce of willpower to try to stalk up and say something. Do you know how hard it is to try an express your interests to a man who's afraid of women? Trying to keep the right sense of respect and privacy for his phobia is like trying to dig through a wall with a spoon.
But I suppose the fault isn't really my approach to this whole thing. It's a big hit to my ego to even admit to this, but it's probably the truth. Lon'qu's just not attracted to me in any way romantic. Not even a little. Ugh. I wonder where this stands in my supposed long list of failed romantic endeavours. That's one thing I'm glad I don't remember.
Still, I think a part of me has some part holding out hope for something. Anything. Bah, now I sound like I'm turning into Cordelia. Well, I tried. I suppose I'll just have to happily gaze on from afar. C'est la vie and all that.
I let my head fall back and give a rueful smile. "Gods Lon'qu. You are the toughest guy I've ever tried to, er, woo."
He blinks, then narrows his eyes and glances off to the shop floor. "Save your breath. I have no interest in such things."
"Better tell that to your most ardent admirer before her brother strings you up for breaking her heart," I reply as I gaze over to where Lissa stands.
He blanches and tries to avoiding looking at the perusing princess. She contentedly browses through the different odds and ends in her never-ending quest for her brother's birthday present. Stuck on escort duty, Lon'qu and I are keeping watch over the youngest royal as she flits through the upper class district. Lissa's youthful enthusiasm is as infectious as it is indecisive. I'm all for her choosing a gift by herself but gosh darn if she can't make up her mind. Just as she is about to pick something to purchase, she gets a new idea and drags us off in a new direction.
All afternoon it has been one stop to another. I suppose I shouldn't complain. It allowed me to do a little shopping of my own. Thanks to Lissa, I now have a vague idea of this world's month system. It follows the same twelve month pattern as my world, albeit with different names. I had assumed only based on what I heard earlier we were in early summer, but apparently I arrived in Southtown in the middle of their equivalent to April. Now that we're reaching the end of the month here, that brings up a certain birthday of someone's.
Well, two I suppose. In the Shepherds, Ricken and Chrom both have birthdays. With Ricken out on the road though, any well-wishing will have to come later when he returns. So for the time being I'm just buying for Chrom. Or should I say, have bought.
While receiving funds for Lissa's shopping spree, Frederick had surprised me with my own bag of money. This one was solely meant for my own interests, my first official "pay" as a Shepherd alongside some sign up bonus. He certainly looked surprised when I had to have him explain their currency system. I'm used to bills and credit cards. Everything here is tiny coins of varying mints with different dead guys and gals' faces on them. Ye olde coinage.
So on the sly I managed to pick something up. The gift sits heavily in my bag at the side of my chair, a glaring reminder that I'm either extremely witty or extremely foolish.
I bought Chrom a book. One on foreign folk tales to be precise. Frederick said he was a bit of a history nerd with his love of heroes and their exploits. I figured he was well versed in all the local legends, probably to the point of reciting them in his sleep. So, why not expand that knowledge? The heroes in the Chon'sin dynasts and beyond are just as epic as those from Ylisse I bet. I'm sure he'd get a kick out of reading about them. Maybe? I don't know. I'm horrible at picking out gifts for people. Ew, I'm sweating from nervousness just thinking about it.
"Hey, what do you all think about this?"
Lissa approaches us and unfurls the piece of clothing in her hands. Oh dear Lord.
"It matches Chrom's eyes!" she beams proudly.
Lon'qu sits back and puts on a face bluntly belaying his distaste for the shirt. I can't help but agree. However, I force one corner of my mouth to rise in a strained smile. "That sure does."
The shirt is blue with vertical stripes of yellow and orange. The sleeves attach to the shoulder in bright big puffs and the bottoms flare out with the same material around the edges. I swear, this whole royal family is fashion challenged. I think we need an intervention.
"The sword was better," Lon'qu states. "More practical for a warrior."
Lissa turns the shirt toward her to stare in brief contemplation. Then she flings it behind her to where the shop attendant attempts to catch it atop the numerous other clothes she discarded in her wake. He nearly topples over as he does so.
"You're absolutely right! What would I do without you Lon'qu?" she beams in adoration. She thrusts her finger out and points at the door. "Let's go back to the Claude's Armory!"
Through the sheer force of her personality, Lissa has accomplished what probably no other woman may ever do. She actually is able to lay a hand successfully on the gynophobic gentleman next to me. I don't know if it's because he's incredibly loyal to his charges and duty or is just used to it by now, but Lon'qu only flinches as she drags him up. Looping both arms around his much more muscular forearm, she escorts him out through the doors.
I shake my head and offer an official apology to the poor shopkeeper before exiting after them. As much as I really dig Lon'qu (the view I have of his behind right now is exquisite), Lissa dwarfs me by a million percent. To the distress of both her brother and steward, the princess' crush on her bodyguard is growing per day. If it wasn't so distressful for Lon'qu, I'd consider it the cutest thing I ever saw. Despite the obvious age gap, Lissa has nothing but starry eyes for him. She's experiencing young love and it's just too darn adorable.
Half the reason I'm here is because of this crush. Guess who gets to play unofficial escort for these two? Really guys? You think Lon'qu is gonna do anything untoward with Lissa? Men.
The bustling roads of the upper district are colorfully awash in the vibrant patterns of noble life. There are no road side stands or merchants shouting out their wears. Most buildings are residences and the few shops that do exist are completely indoors. Instead, finely dressed servantry move through the streets carrying goods to their abodes. The wealthier folk who are out walk the well paved roads observing the large abundance of flowers and natural decorations. The air smells sweeter than the lower end which reeks of the sweet tinge of ripening fruit and even riper personas buying and selling them. While the line between rich and poor might be more blended in most smaller towns, Ylisstol's elite are far easier to pick out.
Of course toting around the princess of Ylisse makes you the easiest person to see in the entire crowd. Though Lon'qu and I stand watch over her at her side, the guard is always never too far out of reach. I don't know if Lissa is simply ignorant to it or used to their presence, but she doesn't seem to take note of the city watch who follow us and stand at every corner as we move about. The civilians always manage to get ushered to the other side of the road and only the brash innocence of youngsters allow them to come up to Lissa's side and speak to her. Regardless, it gives Lissa an illusion of freedom and I'm all for giving it to her.
"Oh! What's that?"
Lissa's cheerful babbling turns into a squeak of delight as she runs to a small public garden a way's ahead. Occasionally performers recieve a permit to play in the upper class areas. While expensive, the pay in tips probably pans out better than the main square. Today a small troupe of performers inhabit the seating area. It almost reminds me of a miniature circus. Lissa's eyes are focused solely on one act on the far side.
A woman in exotic furs and a brightly colored shawl sits beneath one of the blooming trees. She sways on her knees as she plays a merry sounding tune on a medium sized bambo flute. Before her is a creature I've never seen before, at least not back at home. The tiny animal is some cross between a lemur and a bat. With a long spindly body and arms, it stands on its hind legs and spins and hops to the woman's rhythm. Long and pointed ears come together to meet a somewhat smooshed little face. Its large yellow eyes have a sense of intelligence to them as it watches Lissa run up and kneel down before it.
"He's so cute!" she smiles.
As if understanding her words, the monkey-bat chitters and then whistles. Scurrying around, it uses its claws to climb up the tree and into the canopy. It grabs one of the opened flowers and catches it between its teeth. With a leap, it throws open its arms and lets the leathery wings attached between them flair out. Its body spirals down in a gentle glide. Landing on the ground once more, it rushes up and offers Lissa the white flower.
Lissa's cooing turns into a fanciful squeal. "Oh my gosh! Lookit you two! Isn't he the most adorable thing you've ever seen!"
The tiny performer drops off its hind legs and moves on all fours toward the woman playing, retrieving a hand painted jar from her side. He then crawls back and offers it toward Lissa with a jingle-jangle as it shakes in wait for an offering.
"Ooo! Ooo! Lon'qu! I need a gold coin!" Lissa rushes over with her hands out as he tries to free the coin pouch from his belt.
A whole gold coin? Jeez Lissa. Make sure you don't throw all your money to this little guy. You still need to get that sword, remember? Or has she completely forgotten that now? Sometimes I think her-
Why is something pulling me? Why am I falling backward? Why is there an unknown person holding my arm?
...
HOLY FRACK! I'm getting robbed! Kick them in groin! Call the guards! Call the army!
A hand slams over my mouth, stopping my shriek.
"Robin, 'tis I! Calm down!"
Adrenaline pounds in my skull, muffling my senses. No threat? Blue hair. Mask. Friend. Ally. Logic and reason form again and my ability to recognize and understand comes back to me.
I tear her hand away and sputter. "L-Lucina?"
She raises a finger to her lips. With the beckoning of her hand, Lucina has me follow her down the alley. I stand there frozen, my mind still spinning. But Lissa and Lon'qu. Shouldn't I-? But Lucina! I, uh, I-
"Robin!"
Gaaaaaah!
I tear down the alley after her and we weave through the thin spaces to a tiny hovel located behind some shops. I note that there's no windows or doors around us and the only two ways out are straight paths. We're ensured some decent privacy here. Before I can even open my mouth, Lucina is whirling on me with a serious face.
"Please do not speak my name in the open like that again. There's too much risk in that!"
"Okay, Marth," I scowl. "Holy shit though. Are you out of your bleedin' mind? I thought I was getting mugged!"
"I apologize for the burlesque way I handled you but I had no choice. There was no way of getting close to you in the castle. An opening was made and I took advantage of it."
"Whatever," I mumble, pressing a hand to my heart. The beating has finally slowed and my nerves aren't jittering as bad as they were. I glance back over my shoulder and wonder if the others have noticed I'm missing yet. "I guess I'll just tell Lissa I got lost or something."
Lucina quirks her head in light curiosity, eyes alight at the familiarity of the name. "Yes, she is with you, isn't she today?" The girl pauses, then speaks rather cautiously. "May I...inqurie into how she fares. I did not get a clear view of her while tailing you and I was merely wondering if..." Her words trail away but the desire and longing is detectable between her words.
"Lissa's fine. She's been walking with Lon'qu and I while she finds a gift for your dad."
"Ah!" Lucina startles and she actually looks like she's been taken off guard. "It is that time of year isn't it? Father-I mean Chrom's birthday. He-"
She cuts off her enthusiastic chatter. "P-pardon me. That is beside the point. We have more important things to discuss."
I feel kind of bad. I wonder how long it's been since she last spoke face to face with any of the Shepherds, let alone her dad. "You know, I don't mind if you need to ask something. I understand your curiosity into their wellbeing and have no issues with answering what I can."
"No. No, it's quite alright. I thank you though." She looks as though she wants to continue speaking, but stops. Instead she tilts her head and then approaches me with hesitation. She stops before me, leaning in on her toes and stares straight into my face. I start to get nervous under her scrutinizing gaze and start to fidget in place.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing of import. Disregard that."
Okay then? I won't even ask.
She walks over to a nearby crate and sits upon it, gesturing to the one next to it. I do as she instructs, the wood creaking underneath me as I hop up on the edge of it.
"So," I drawl. "How are you and the other kids doing?"
"We are as well as can be given the situation. There was an incident not too long ago that waylaid our traveling in Regna Ferox. We've taken to a more cautious route since then."
I tap my fingers anxiously on the wooden boards. "Were you attacked?"
"Yes," she responds dimly. "An instance of ill luck. We had a run in with Grima's general, the rider. The results were not pleasant. She is just as strong as remembered, I fear."
"She attacked you?" I say incredulously. The same quirky kid who's been nothing but an ally to me in her own odd way? I just can't picture it.
"I told you, she is as evil and dispossessed as her master. She knows we represent Ylisse and everything that stands against Grima. Why would she not attempt to destroy us if our paths crossed."
"I dunno. She just seemed so plucky and helpful. A little strange but not bad." This is just jarring to hear. I startle and quickly look her over. "Are you okay?"
Lucina shakes her head. "I am ashamed to say that though I stand before you now, I almost did not. We did not fair all that well against her and her mount. It was only through the timely intervention of some Feroxi rangers that we survived." As she says that last part, I get a sense of confusion from her.
Feeling curious, I prod further into her mood swap. "What's the matter? You sounded a little different there."
"Ah, it is probably nothing. Though I suppose..." Lucina's boot heel claps against the ground in pondering as she speaks. "Am I right in remembering that you said things seem to be going amiss? According to your own opinions, that is."
I let out a half snort. "Yep. Saying things are 'going amiss' is putting it lightly though."
"I see." She presses her fist against her mouth and gazes at the ground. "I-I know this may be out of the air but did something occur with Sir Kellam's family these past few weeks? Did some of his kin move or perhaps birth a new sibling?"
"Not that I heard of." I snap my fingers together, remembering that something quirky did happen with him in Regna Ferox. One of the lesser oddities to go on lately. "Something funny did happen to him though."
"Go on."
"Kellam sort of got a lady friend while in Regna Ferox."
And boy is that relationship turning out to be quite fruitful. Mail moves rather quickly here if the right delivery options are available. Feroxi falcons are apparently not only swift but intelligent. They serve their masters with the same loyalty as a hound and make for excellent couriers. Raimi is the proud owner of a magnificent golden breed that has been working between the two of them constantly since they parted ways. I don't know the extents of the massive scripts they sent one another but it leaves Kellam with this new glow every time he gets a new one. So much so has his spirit sparked that I noticed his ability to get picked out in a crowd improve substantially. Funny what love can do for someone.
Lucina's foot stops tapping, her attention now completely focused on me. "Please explain."
"Well apparently Raimi, Flavia's right hand gal, bumped into Kellam and it was love at first sight or something. He granted her his favor the day of the Arena fight and she accepted it. They're doing pretty well from what I see despite the long distance between them."
"Oh." Lucina's mouth forms a perfect circle and just hangs there in surprise.
"Lucina?"
"The Feroxi rangers who saved us. A young man and woman perhaps around my age. One of them had the most uncanny resemblance to him. I couldn't help but get the feeling that they were related somehow. Quite unexplainable but my intuition has been bothering me about it for many eves."
"What's this got to do with him?" A small idea trickles in and causes my eyes to widen. "You aren't thinking they're future kids like you, are you?"
"It can't be. Sir Kellam never wed." Despite the finality of her words, there isn't a complete sense of assurance in her tone.
"Hm." I guess that means Kellam was the unlucky left over male. But he's courting Raimi now. So what changed? If more future kids are maybe running around, how is that going to affect things? I'll have to make a note of this and keep an eye out for these Feroxi rangers of hers. "Did they say anything? Or maybe imply any relation to you and your lot?"
"No. They did seem rather odd in their words but they left in a hurry. Given our own circumstances, we did not tarry much longer either. We parted ways there and have yet to meet again."
"Too bad. You've got me curious now. I guess you can chalk them up as maybe another weird anomaly going down."
Lucina shifts to a more comfortable position. "You've made mention of these anomalies before and I am most curious about them. I have to wonder if anything else strange has happened since we separated. It seems there may be more to these differences than I thought."
I let out a harsh laugh. "Kid, you have no idea. I've got twisted Risen coming out of my ass and a plethora of other oddities making life as bad as the seventh hell itself."
The other woman crosses her legs and leans in. "Explain to me everything that has happened. Leave no detail unturned."
I shrug. "There's a lot to go through."
"Then start with the Risen. What are these variants of yours like?"
"Jeez. I hate reliving this. The last encounter didn't end well."
Regardless, I give her an in-depth review of what I've encountered so far. Wierd old Black-fingered Bart during the trip to Regna Ferox and then Humperdink on the way back. That incident definitely gets her attention.
"It tried to kill Father?" she gasps in horror.
I nod sadly. "And your aunt. And maybe abduct me. Pretty creepy, huh? There was all sorts of old world curses and junk going down. One of them plastered me with a curse and I was under for a whole week. Some sort of deep sleep spell. Some homemade death spell was crafted especially for Chrom and Lissa."
The younger woman turns away, fingers twisting at each other in distress. "Gods. Dark magic? Intelligent Risen. What in Naga's name does that mean?"
"You think it's related to Grima?" I throw out in suggestion.
"I don't know," she murmurs. "I never encountered anything like that while fighting the fell dragon's forces."
"Well I think so," I respond quietly. I have to swallow this lump in my throat to continue speaking. "I think it's also related to whoever brought me here. That thing kept saying it had found me, like it had been searching everywhere specifically for me. Following that, I had this memory occur. A memory of these strange, foreign people at my door."
Lucina jerks her head in my direction, interrupting me. "Your memory has returned?"
"No, not all of it. I can't remember anything from my childhood and just barely the past decade before. Mostly just recent events. In this case though, I remembered these people being all creep-tastic on me and then I think they knocked me out. Then I woke up here."
"You were kidnapped?" I can feel her eyes settle on me. "Why? You claim to have no relation to this world, let alone Grima."
"No kidding. But apparently they think I do. Enough that they did this to me." I grit out the last part as I bring up my right hand. I brush my left fingers over the top of the damnable brand hidden beneath my glove.
"The mark," she says anxiously.
"I never had it before! The sheer idea of even possessing the mark is both impossible and ludicrous. Then I wake up here and...and..."
"You sound conflicted," she points out.
I groan inwardly. She's right. As much as I protest, there is always that one memory that's stuck with me since I dreamt it so many nights ago. "You're right. I...uh...There's this memory I have. This was also in a dream. I had this bruise in the same spot of the brand and...Gods, listen to me. I sound insane just thinking about it. It has to be a coincidence. I mean, Grima doesn't exist. Not where I live anyway. It'd be impossible for it to be on my hand."
"A bruise you say. That actually isn't all that strange," she ponders.
My heart starts to beat faster in alarm. "What's that mean?"
Lucina's hand rests on the side of her face, just under her mask on the eye where her own mark would be. "When Owain's brand appeared on his tenth birthday, he had an off colored splotch on his arm before it fully appeared. The same was said of my father and Aunt Emmeryn before theirs appeared on their fourth and first birthdays, respectively."
"No way. That's impossible," I protest. "Why would...I mean...what? No! That brand just can't appear on me. Besides, why would it suddenly appear after all these years."
"It was once said my ancestor, the fourth Exalt, did not receive her brand until her thirtieth year of living."
"Still. Impossible," I practically yell. "These people had to have done something to me. Poisoned my water or cast a spell. I don't know."
"Brands appear because of the blood Robin. How could they change your very life source?"
I glare in disbelief. "Are you seriously arguing against me? I don't know how but they had to have done something. I'm no Grima spawn, okay? Naga's ass! We don't even have dragons where I live. They don't exist. None of this exists!"
"Robin, easy," Lucina says, raising slightly. "Please. Riling yourself up will do nothing."
"How do I not get upset when I have you telling me this brand is a natural occurring process. That implies I would be a Robin of this world. Which I'm not. I don't do fell blood. I don't do dragon. I mean, shit!"
I realize I'm standing now and fall back to the crate with a loud creak. I drop my face in both hands, feeling the negative emotions weigh down and start to consume me.
"My mom's Canadian," I laugh stupidly. "That just came to me now. I was trying to think of anything to disprove this and all I can think about is her stupid accent and her cousins in Nova Scotia. How in the hells is someone half Canadian a demonic dragon from your worst nightmares."
Lucina raises her hand and then retracts it in hesitation. Slowly, she reaches out again and lets the tips of her fingers rest lightly on the crook of my arm. "I'm sorry. I had no intents to cause you distress."
I peek out at her from a break in my fingers. "Not your fault. I should be use to all this mental trauma by now."
"If it aids anyhow, my Robin never remembered her mother. You should be happy to have memories of yours still."
"Yeah," I say dryly. "Too bad I have none of my dad."
She frowns deeper and shifts uneasily. "My apologies again."
"It's fine," I wave her off. "Can't be any worse than discovering your dad is the leader of an evil cult bent on resurrecting the dragon who will end the world."
"I suppose not," she agrees with a faint chuckle.
We sit in silence for a long while as I recover. Finally, Lucina ventures to speak first.
"I know this is hard for you but I must ask. These memories of yours that are coming back, have any proven to provide any more clues toward your plight? Or perhaps something else?"
I stare down at my hands and wonder if I should tell her about the other memories. Other Robin's. I don't want to, but I should. Keeping anything to myself at this point will only hurt me more. Besides, I can't look anymore crazy than I already do.
"There is something else. Something odd. I get these visions sometimes but they aren't my memories I'm seeing."
She cocks her head. "I don't understand."
"When something poignant happens, I trigger these memories that aren't mine. Like little windows into the past." I pause. "Your Robin's past. I feel her thoughts and see her experiences. It's like I somehow seem to tap into her actual memories. It's really bizarre. I don't recommend it."
"How-"
I raise my hand. "Can we not. I don't know and I doubt if we'll come up with an answer either. I've got more important info to drop anyway now that we're on this topic. From what I've seen so far, your Robin's kind of got some psycho tendencies. And with some extreme luck, I found something of hers that sort of proves it."
"The insane part is fairly obvious at this point," she muses darkly. "But what is it you found specifically?"
"I found her Roster," I boast proudly, my spirits finally starting to rise again. "A whole journal filled with info and a few goodies as well. Did you know about her summon cards, the Einherjar."
Lucina's hands slam against the crate as she twists towards me. "What?"
"Guess you do. Found two of them in the pages. I figured you might know more about them than I would."
Lucina slides off the crate and begins to pace in excitement. "Gods! Robin, this is a bigger discovery than you could possibly imagine! Robin, er, my Robin wrote all of her thoughts in there. And to stumble upon her Einherjar! I thought them lost the day Grima burned them all."
"Grima burned them?"
She stops and faces me, expression grim. "In the last cycle, Grima destroyed any Einherjar we accumulated to prevent their usage in any plans we may invent for retaliation. They had survived within Robin's grasp each cycle but were destroyed when they passed into Grima's hands." She walks in close and speaks with barely contained curiosity. "Who did you find?"
I can't help but smile broadly as I answer. She's going to love this. "Marth and Caeda."
"Oh." Lucina covers her mouth and lets out a breathy laugh. "You have...Naga's blessing. Out of all the Einherjar, they had the most precious significance to my family. To hear they survived the purging gives me great confidence. Thank you."
Hearing the gratitude in her voice causes my heart to grow in pride. I try to withhold my joy with a nonchalant tone. "Lucky break then. Good thing they were tucked away in the Roster."
"Yes! That too! Where did you find it?"
"In my bag."
"In your...I suppose that makes sense. Though I would think Grima to have destroyed that as well. How odd. Do you have it on you?"
I jerk my thumb back toward the towering structure behind me. "No, it's in the castle. I'll get it for you and we can peruse through it for clues. Though fair warning, some of it is a little...ruined. Remember how I said she was a little psycho? Well, she kind of went crazy on a few pages. I was hoping you might know why."
Lucina nods. "I am not sure how I can help but I will try. Whatever is of interest, do not hesitate to bring it to light. Whatever we can find out to help lead us to her whereabouts, or Grima's, is imperative."
"That works. Tell me a place and time and I'll be there with everything in tow."
She takes a seat beside me again, her attitude turning back to business once more. "Sooner than later I hope. Time is not moving in any pattern I can predict. Everyone's movements are beginning to change. I noted the changes in the castle. The Shepherds have split up."
I fold my arms over my chest and cringe. "Yeah, that's not suppose to happen. Shouldn't we be getting word about Plegia stepping in and kidnapping Maribelle soon?"
"Yes. As of a whole week ago from today."
I cluck my tongue and feel that sense of dread start to return. "Great. Wonderful. I hope I didn't send those girls to their deaths."
Lucina looks to the sky. "Are you referring to the pegasus team led by Phila that left some days ago?"
"Yeah. It was a rescue party meant for Maribelle. I had to pull teeth to get even that going."
She bristles. "You sent them into Risen invested lands alone?"
"We can't go by land. So we sent a small group by air. Fast and efficient."
"That was a foolish move Robin," she harshly argues. "You are sending four able bodies figures integral to the chain of events and throwing them away into unknown horizons!"
"Scouting would have only wasted our time," I press back in defense. "Maribelle very well could be dead by then."
"Or she already is and you just sent the four best riders in the military to their deaths as well."
Did I just hear that right? "So you'd rather we left Maribelle to rot?"
"No!" she protests angrily. "But throwing away four valuable lives will not aid us either!"
"Nobody is throwing away anything!" I snap furiously. Glaring hotly, I feel my voice raising. "They agreed to the mission and I have faith in their abilities to make it a success. I don't plan on letting anything happen to Maribelle and neither do they. This is best we came up with on short notice. So unless you've got some trick up your back pocket or you don't mind Maribelle dying all together, I'd can it if I were you."
Despite that mask on her face, it still seems easy to read her. And I get the feeling she looks like she's been slapped in the face. Her mouth presses into a thin line and she turns away. "I apologize. I-" She's quiet for a moment and then I hear something between a laugh and sigh. "I can't remember the last time I heard so much passion in your voice. Or so much concern for another being, especially a fellow Shepherd," she says sadly.
My temper is doused in a rain of sudden angst. "Me? Or do you mean the other me."
Her head is bowed and face obscured. "Yes, that. I did not mean to argue but focusing so long on trying to preserve the numbers over the individuals has become a common plan. I must sound callous and perhaps my reality has made that a part of me now."
"Ah, geez. No. Lucina, don't say that," I say, my attitude swiveling one-eighty in the opposite direction. This is just a sliver of her traumatic life seeping through. The fact that she's holding together still and even acknowledging that unsavory aspect of her is frightening. This girl has some nerves of steel.
She continues, her voice even lower. "Without you here in the Shepherds, things did not go well for many of them. Time after time any attempts at rescuing the others led to nothing but more loss. I had simply come to accept the inevitable, and Lady Maribelle was among them. I have actually reached the point of disregarding my aunt's dearest friend because there was no...no saving her from her fate. Regardless of her outcome during her kidnapping, she would always pass on later. I had come to prioritize others before her as she was a lost cause and..."
A self-deprecating laugh and a shuttering shake of her shoulders belies the disgust in her own self. "Gods, I sound so crass."
I have no idea what to do. I feel like a babysitting with a kid they don't know how make stop crying. What do I say? Shoot. Um. Uh.
"Why don't we take a break from all this," I blurt out in desperation.
She doesn't respond, merely continuing to look at her the floor.
"You hungry? I'm hungry," I say quickly. "Come on, the main square's not far from here." Before either of us can register what I'm doing, I'm up and dragging her away by the arm. What little resistance she offers at first recedes as we make our way back to the main roads. We emerge a short while later back into the bright sun and city noises. It's a short walk down to the main square when taking the center road and I'm glad for it. The silence between us is killing me.
My eyes search the stands of the square looking for anything cheap and edible. A mouth-watering meaty smell catches my attention and draws me over.
"Where are you going?" Lucina finally inquires behind me. I continue to drag her along until I stop before a street vendor roasting these small looking birds on a pit. They look like the ones you see all around the town. These little flying sprigs swoop in your hair and steal food from your hand when given the chance. Ha! It seems karma has one on you today ya little bastards.
I weasel my way through and catch the cook's attention. Gods, that smells good.
He looks up at me, face covered in sweat from the heat of the flames. "You buyin' Miss?"
"Sure am." I peer over my shoulder and look to Lucina. "You want one?"
If I could see under her mask her eyes would probably be round as saucers. "One of those?" she practically spits in disgust.
"Two please," I say, raising both of my pointer fingers.
"Aye, ten coppers from ya." I exchange the coins to his greasy fingers and he returns with two freshly seared kabobs. Awesome.
I hand one over to Lucina and she takes it daintily between her thumb and pointer. "What is this?"
"A local delicacy. Pidgeon on a stick I believe," I laugh as I take a bite. The charred skin breaks into crispy bits and I almost drool out. I miss barbecue and this is the closest thing I've had this whole time here to it. Sweet Naga on high, I am in heaven.
"This is utterly unsanitary. Are you even aware of where this man has acquired these birds? And are you watching him as he cooks? He's is wiping his brow and then handling these creatures without washing. What sort of-mph!"
I shove the stick as her face, corking up her blabbering jaw with a mouthful of bird. "Don't talk with your mouth full," I chuckle as I begin to walk toward the center tree. "And don't spit it out either. It cost money and that shit doesn't grow on trees."
The shade is welcoming and I find a nice spot under the ever stretching canopy overhead. I eyeball a lovey-dovey duo sitting around the bend and roll my eyes. I wonder how Lissa and Lon'qu are doing? Maybe up to the same shenanigans? Ha, yeah right. Not if Lon'qu's life depended on it.
Lucina sits down beside me looking a little rigid around the edges. She's drawn up all straight with her one hand tucked politely on her lap while the other holds the kabob at observing distance. She's still chewing thoughtfully on the last bite.
"It has a unique taste," she comments with a hint of curiosity.
"Yeah, it's something in the seasoning. Sort of spicy. Reminds me of curry a little." I kick her ankle with the side of my heel. "Loosen up a bit. You're starting to make me feel cramps just looking at you."
Lucina seems to contemplate the idea and then slowly eases the tension in her body. Her posture lags just a tad and she allows her legs to stretch out and rest on the heels of her boots. "Thank you," she says offhandedly before taking an experimentative bite of the meat.
"For what? That? Please, I'm just helping to put some meat on your bones. Someone your age needs as much food as possible to grow right."
Lucina lets out a faint, unladylike snort of disapproval. "Withhold your platitudes Robin. I am perfectly capable of caring for myself without your hand-outs."
"Uh huh. Sure," I reply. Feeling a chunk of skin stuck in my front teeth, I take my pinky fingernail and try to pick it out.
Lucina stops mid-bite and watches me with what I presume to be disgust or horror from the way her mouth hangs open. "That is highly inappropriate."
I flick the loose piece away and give her an incredulous look. "Kid, unless there is some prospective male ready to woo me somewhere nearby, I couldn't care less."
"I ask you stop calling me 'Kid.' I am no child," she practically pouts, despite her attempts to sound authoritative.
I finish my snack and place the stick on the stones beside me. Leaning back, I turn my head to scrutinize the young woman beside me. Despite her claims, Lucina's structure is reminiscent of an adolescent girl merging into womanhood. She could be anywhere between fifteen and eighteen. It's hard to tell given her androgynous profile. I wonder if she ever gripes about that? I know I do. Hell, if I hadn't of developed such fuller hips, I'd be in the same boat as her. I used to make sad gropey hands at the lack of presence on my chest back in the day when all my friends were maturing around me. Damn genetics.
"How old are you anyway?" I inquire.
I think she just narrowed her eyes at me. "What does that matter?"
"Just wondering," I say innocently.
"I am old enough."
I try to hold back this snarky look of knowing. "There are two types of people who say that: Old women who are bitter about their age and youngsters who are trying to act way older than they are."
"I don't see how this is relevant knowledge at all. I am just as skilled and intelligent as anyone your age," she protests.
"My age? I think you're a little far off there."
"Let me inquire then, how old are you?"
"Old enough," I frown.
"You are avoiding the answer."
"No I'm not."
"I believe you are. You are avoiding the question as an old women bitter of her age would do."
I open my mouth to respond and then really register what she just said. One corner of my lips rise, then the other. Soon my smile turns into light chuckle. "Touché. You've sure got a bit of fire in you for a proper princess."
Lucina raises a fisted hand and coughs into it. "Yes, well...it is not one of my finer traits."
"Nah, a little spitfire in the belly does you some good. Nothing wrong with some sass to help keep your conversation partners on their toes. Trust me, I know. Nothing makes a training session with Frederick more satisfying than badgering him in just the right way."
"That is a strange sight to imagine. I cannot picture anyone managing to unsettle Sir Frederick."
"Oh it's easy. Mentioning someone's small-clothes is a great place to start. He's a prude, through and through. Just as I imagined he'd be," I snicker into the back of my hand.
Something flickers over her face, and then she looks away. "Ah. I see."
I think I've caused her some mental damage. "Sorry Luce. Didn't mean to ruin your image of him."
"No, you didn't. I just..." Her voice gets stronger as she presses on with her thoughts. "I am curious. You mention he is like you thought him to be. From what you heard of in your stories, yes? I could not help but wonder on your words that night and the desire has been rekindled in me. May I...ask what the stories said of us. The Shepherds. My father." She pauses and looks at me with a concerned expression. "Myself?"
"You want to know about- Oh!"
That's a bit of a surprise. I mean, I guess it makes sense. I would probably be curious too if someone told me that I was a legend in another world. What did others think of me. What was my legacy. That sort of thing.
I lean back and look around us. While there are people, no one is close enough to be in earshot. If I speak low enough, no one will hear me talking with the amount of activity and noise swirling around us.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you. The world didn't combust when I mentioned this before so I doubt it will now."
Lucina inches closer. She tucks both arms against her sides and lays her palms flat against the brickwork. She lets her head tilt to the side and there's a youthful glean of curiosity to her as she watches me from under her hood.
"Alright, where do I start? I guess with the Shepherds as a whole?"
I spend the time giving as much of an unbiased account as I can of the more popular perceptions of the Shepherds and their impressions on the players. As I talk, it stirs up more memories of my life like dust swept up by a broom. Flashes of laughter with my roommate over ridiculous S rank supports, my wide smile of knowing and her screams of joy on discovering Priam, the 3ds dropping when I saw the second generation appear...Damn, I really loved this game.
"I'm so relieved that our bravery and deeds are remembered with such esteem," Lucina murmurs with barely concealed pleasure. It must warm her heart to know those she loves are portrayed with such a positive light.
"And if I may," she adds, her heel starting to dig into the ground, "I would like to indulge in a bit of selfishness. Did I-am I even remotely close to my father in your people's eyes when it comes to success? Did I make him proud with my deeds?"
My voice catches in my throat. The unsure innocence in her question squeezes my heart.
"The strength of your character and spirit are legendary. The dedication to your cause is seen as both inspiring and humbling. Perhaps even a little heartbreaking due to the hardships and sacrifices you endure to achieve such a shot in the dark." I say the next part as gently as possible. "Regardless of what anyone ever thought or said, one thing was always sure. Trust me when I say this, Chrom was always proud of you."
Her hood dips, concealing the rest of her face. I hear a sigh, or maybe a sob. "That is good," she whispers and then says nothing more. I turn away and offer her a moment of privacy.
I feel fuzzy all of the sudden. And warm. Like I'm laying in the sun in an open field. The world catches at the seams and twists anew.
The outdoors are alive in the rebirth of spring. The Red Crested Hummers are back and vibrating with their low melodies in the branches of the flowering trees. The fresh scent of grass assaults my nose and invigorates my spirits.
I raise a hand and block out the sun filtering down through the branches, blinding me slightly. I rest my hand against the bark of the trunk and turn my head in the direction of the sudden outburst of laughter.
Through the break in the foliage, I see Chrom laying on his back amongst a pile of fallen petals not too far away from me. His face is alight with joy and he wears a smile I haven't seen since the end of the war. A small child climbs onto his chest and dumps more petals into his hair.
Dressed in a powder blue smock and little blue bob held back by a matching ribbon, the girl is the spitting image of him. Her childish laughter is the lullaby that eases the raging turmoil that sits beneath the surface of his soul. She is the greatest gift he never knew he needed.
Little Lucina is the light we all never knew we needed. The hope of a new generation.
The sharp intake of my breath awakens my own self once again and the little girl turns into a young woman once more. The space between us has become heavy and weighs on my shoulders. This won't do. Gotta change this stifling atmosphere somehow.
"You want to know something else?" I say with a light smirk.
"Hm."
"You're also held in very high regards among men. You set a fine example for wife material I guess."
Her head snaps up and her mouth opens in horror. "U-um..."
Ha! She and her dad make the same confused noise of protest. How adorable! If she wasn't wearing the hood and mask, I'd bet she looks the same too.
"Sorry Luce, didn't mean to embarrass you," I say apologetically as I scratch the side of my nose. "Not badly anyway. Just wanted to lighten the mood."
"You are impossible," she sulks, lowering her head. She sits in silence for a moment, biting the corner of her lip in seeming nervousness. Then she looks to me again."Why do you call me that?"
"What?"
"Luce."
"I do?" Thinking back on it, I guess I did. Huh. It sort of just came out. Not sure why. "I dunno. Sorry. I shouldn't be doing that in public. I'll try to remember to watch it."
"It's not just that. I find it odd that off all things to say, you choose that."
"It's an easy nickname. It rolls right off the tongue."
"Yes, but no one's called me that. Not even my father. Only one person did and they..."
Uh oh. Red flags again. "Hey, you okay there?"
She straightens up again, her fire returning once more. "The past occasionally brings back bitter thoughts that taint the mood. I shall be more vigilant in preventing them from slipping me up in the future."
I give her a sympathetic look of understanding. "Nothing wrong with that. Remembering who you're fighting to save should help fuel your desire to achieve your goal even more so."
"Yes, and it would be true if not for certain circumstances. There is no future for those memories. Fate has sealed shut that possibility," she chokes. "Now pardon me if I must insist that we change the subject. I do not wish to think of him anymore."
'Him'? Who's she speaking of? Someone of obvious great affection. Did one of the other children use to nickname her the same way. Did they cease to exist, much like the roster seemed to imply? But why such fatal attitude about this person? I suppose with things going as they were, everyone just kept dying or staying single.
Can't we just get the parents back together to spit him out? Jeez, does this mean I have to play matchmaker with the Shepherds to bring these kids about again? I enjoy a good romance just as much as the next person but I'm not setting up a baby-making service to make this happen.
Lucina's wandering eyes catch something behind us and she points. "That's odd. Why is the guard gathering over there?"
I follow her line of sight to the swelling of soldiers by the north exit. Amongst the men and women, I can see Nethys' hair setting her apart from the rest. "Whatever it is, it's big. The captain of the guard is there."
"Dame Nethys is it?" She takes a moment to look. "So it is. Perhaps we should listen in?"
"Sure."
The two of us leave the comfort of the tree. As we get closer, more pedestrians in the square gather with us. Some of them on the sidelines whisper to their companions or stare with distressed looks. The deeper in we get, the louder the voices and orders become. My apprehension deepens when I see Nethys dictating orders and a very shaken looking Lissa standing behind her. The princess' eyes are big and she's very pale. She has a death grip on Lon'qu's arm, who is attempting to listen to the captain before him.
I push through the crowd and try to get to Lissa, but am immediately blocked off by two guards.
"Pardon me Miss, but you'll have to stay back. No one is allowed to the upper district at this time."
"What? Why? Gods, never mind. I just need to speak with Lissa, er, Princess Lissa and her guard." I try to walk around them but they block me off again. I sigh and try to hold back my irritation. "I'm part of her escort."
The two guards share looks with each other, clearly disbelieving my story.
"I'm a Shepherd," I say in hopes of pushing my credibility forward. "I'm the new tactician. Robin. That ring a bell for you?"
"I'm sorry but unless you have some sort of identification then we can't let you pass."
"Oh for crying out loud!" I shove between them and raise a hand waving it wildly. "Lissa! Over here!"
My shouts are just able to draw her attention as the two men start to shove me back with guardly aggression. She breaks away from Lon'qu and bustles over, slapping one of the guards off me.
"Hey, knock it off!" she commands angrily. "That's my friend you're pushing around!"
Both guards immediately step back and straighten up in salute to her. "Apologies my Lady! We had no idea that-"
"Oh stuff it, would you? I don't have time for this. Come on Robin!" she proclaims, grabbing me by the hand. As she stalks past with me, I stick my tongue out at the two men before giving a satisfied smile. Ha! Later boys.
For the first time I realize that Lucina isn't with me. I look over my shoulder and see her hovering quietly in the back. When our eyes meet, she gives me a short nod before dashing into the crowd. I see the edges of her cloak disappear in the direction I'm walking. She's probably going to go around the crowd and then sneak up in the shadows somewhere. There's an open alley behind us that would prove a good vantage point for her.
"Where were you?" Lissa asks as she we stop beside Lon'qu. I see Nethys do a double-take when she looks back at us. She glares at me before turning back to her troops to dictate to her lieutenants. They're discussing some sort of battle formation. What the hell is going on here?
"I got lost," I lie. "I only found you two again because of the crowd."
"Again?" she deadpans with a look of extreme disbelief.
"Ha ha, Robin's a moron with no sense of direction. Whoopee. Let's focus on the present okay? What's going on? Why are you here with Nethys? And why does it sound like she's about to go to war."
"There's been an incident at the castle," Lon'qu states, a hint of concern in his low voice.
I can't help but note that his stance is much different than earlier. It's like his whole body is on edge, poised to move at a second's notice. His one hand hovers close to the scabbard at his waist, the fingers flexing just so as if ready to snap to the hilt. And despite his obvious interest in Nethys' orders, his eyes continue to dart to the shadows as if expecting something.
"Robin," Lissa states, her voice starting to shake just so. "It's the castle."
My gaze shoots from her to the looming structure in the distance. "What's happening?"
"A security breach," Lon'qu interjects. "Enemies in the walls."
"We don't know anything. Just that the gates locked down and someone saw unfamiliar figures in the courtyard. Nobody has heard anything from the staff but someone claims to have heard fighting and screams. Robin, everyone is still there. My brother, my sister, Frederick..."
Lissa is trying her hardest not to break down. Her fists clench the sides of her dress into tight wads and she looks down blinking rapidly. Her tiny shoulders shake as she tries to hold in the fear and horror she must be feeling right now.
The severity of the situation sinks in as the possibility dawns on me. "Shit. Oh shit."
The assassination plot event? It's happening. God, it's actually happening, isn't it?
Shouldn't it be occurring after Maribelle's abduction is dealt with though? Unless-Oh no. Don't tell me she's...God. Don't think about that. Just don't.
"We need to get to the castle," I say suddenly.
"Impossible. The captain of the guard has locked down the perimeters. No one goes in or out of the grounds," Lon'qu states. He jerks his head in Nethys' direction. "She wishes to keep us detained until deemed safe."
"But that's not what I want!" Lissa cries out with the stamp of a foot. "I have to get to my brother and sister! They need me. What good is keeping me under lock and key going to do?"
I go to explain Nethys' thinking but stop. Lissa doesn't need to hear that she's being protected for the possibility of a worst case scenario happening. Since I'm not going to let that happen, there's no point in bringing it up.
"If I may," someone says from behind us.
As Lissa and I turn, Lon'qu is a blur as he slides between us with sword half brandished. When Lissa sees who it is, she jumps beside him with her hands waving in protest.
"Wait! It's okay! That's a friend! At least, I think so," she trails off. Turning to the newcomer, she offers a weak smile. "Hi again, Marth."
Lucina's demeanor is completely different than before. All business, she stands before us in the shadows with her hood back but mask still on. She regards Lon'qu with respect and takes a step back to reassure her lack of threat to the group. "Peace. I come before you as friend, not foe," she says in that lower register to try and sound more masculine.
The swordsman regards her with a hint of puzzlement but does not slacken from his pose. He watches her in silence, allowing Lissa to do talking.
"I heard of your blight," Lucina boldly states. She gestures to Nethys. "And of your obstruction. If you are willing, I have the solution to your plight."
Lissa's eyes widen. "You can get us to the castle? How? The gate's locked!"
"There are other entrances to the castle tucked away from eyesight. Follow after me and I will show you the way."
Lissa makes to move forward but her bodyguard intercepts her. "What proof do we have in your word?" he growls.
"You do not trust me?" Lucina asks neutrally.
"I understand you wield a blade with extreme precision. That means you are a capable threat."
"He's not," I interject. "Marth saved us once before, weeks before we met you. He's got our best interests in mind, believe it or not."
"Robin's right. Marth is no enemy of ours," Lissa says, her face pleading as she looks up at him with a determined look. "Please Lon'qu, we have to save my siblings and everyone else in the castle."
"Bat your eyes Lissa, that'll help," I offer in advice.
And Lissa does just that, including the pouty lip of persuasion. Lon'qu looks down on her with a flustered look that only grows heavier by the second. He scowls and breaks eye contact, the hilt of his blade clicking down against the scabbard as he lets go. He hisses in self loathing. "Stay behind me," Lon'qu growls, placing himself between Marth and her.
I make for Lucina's side but Lon'qu's arm shoots out stopping me. "You too," he orders.
"Eh?"
"Stay. Behind. Me." He enunciates each word with a definite tone.
My heart flutters a little in girlish glee at the idea. Lon'qu wants to protect me? Me? EEEEEEEEEEE!
"We must move now," Lucina says impatiently. "Time is working against us as we dawdle."
"Right. Moving. Let's do that," I nod.
"What about the guards though? Lissa says. "Won't they notice us leaving?"
"You're right," I groan. "They'll just drag us back here."
"Allow me five minutes. I will create the opening we need."
Lucina slinks off into the shadows. As we wait, I think I hear the faintest sound of a bird whistling. Shortly after, I hear the worst rooster call ever uttered by human vocal chords.
Is that Owain? What is she-
Screams erupt as a nearby fountain explodes in a shower of brimstone and flames. The crowd shifts and before the guards can react, someone shrieks.
"Assassins! In the square!"
"Naga preserve us!"
"Run!"
Panic erupts as the masses react on their stirred nerves. The guards are overwhelmed at the sudden surge around them and their attentions turn to the populace in an attempt to calm them. Over the tide of people, I see Nethys turn toward us.
"Time to go!" Lissa yelps and starts pushing us off toward the alley Lucina exited in. I hear the captain's yells behind us but they get lost in the screams. Halfway down the corridoor, Lucina meets us at a crossway.
"You-!"
"Never mind! Just lead us on, quickly! Nethys will be after us soon!" I yell.
Lucina just nods and bolts off straight left. We round after her and follow the billows of her cloak as she leads us deeper and deeper in the upper district. Partway there I feel like something is behind me. Looking back over my shoulder, I catch the flutter of a cloak as someone disappears down another alley. I stop momentarily and see someone else attempt cross as well, only to stop in shock when they see me. The figure is small and I can see at the end of their cloak the bottom of a dress leading into leggings and feminine boots. Someone in a scarf and mage hat reaches out and politely pulls her out of my eye sight from the other side.
Strangely, I don't feel the least bit threatened by their presence. I wonder if-
"Robin! Hurry!"
I wince and immediately turn back to run again. Are the other children following us? It has to be. I'm almost positive Lucina had them create that diversion back there. Why wouldn't they follow her here? Their parents are in just as much danger as hers are.
Oh Snapple! I'm gonna meet the rest of the kids! Maybe. Probably. Still! This is crazy! More babies! I can't wait!
My merriment soon disappears as the gravity of the situation settles back upon me. We tear through the back streets and sprint toward the castle. Lucina knows this city like no other and guides us to a tiny corner where the castle grounds meet the limits of the Ylisstol. The whole way there my heart is pounding. There's a heavy pit in the center of my stomach that weighs like a cannonball. My intuition is telling me something about this is going to be a lot worse than I'm expecting. It's almost like this heavy sense of foreboding. I should be running away instead of toward the castle. But I can't. Not with Chrom and the others in such danger. I'm a Shepherd and I won't leave my comrades to such danger!
As the moon rises, I can't help but note how full and red it is. A blood moon. If that isn't an ominous omen, I don't know what is. Crappity crap crap crap.
This is not going to end well for someone tonight, I can feel it in my bones.
A/N: And so it begins...I am simultaneously excited and dreading this. Plot progression! But action sequences! Oh gravy.
With Dragon Age, Super Smash Bros, NaNoWriMo, and a B-day occurring, the next update might take me awhile. I'll do my best to get it out before the end of the month though. Until then! Adios!
Review Responses -
Alucard45 - Glad you like the court scene! I figured it'd be a good setting change to give an eye into the other side of things. An idea of what Emmeryn goes through while the Shepherds do their sword swinging. Politians are just as big in any war as the actual soldiers are. I may revisit the court again but not for a while. Making politics interesting takes a lot of work.
Ha, Robin's lingual slip was an intentional "mistake." Since Regna Ferox I've been changing her vocal patterns a bit to show her adopting Ylisseans ways. I don't know if anyone noticed but she moved on from saying "God!" and "That's rad!" to things like "What in the hells?," "Naga's bum!," and less anachronistic things. I threw that in there just to show she still slips into her old language habits every once an a while, though she's fully aware it confuses people now and tries to avoid it. And to sate the curiosity, this is like, 50% self-insert fic. I actually do work in a bakery as a cake decorator and baker and a good chunk of her vocal style and habits are my own. Some things were changed just for privacy's sake or plot relevance :)
Enjoy this last chapter of peace because the fighting is back on and about to go down harder than before!
Tita127 - Ha, no one is dying. Yet. Ouch, lip pulling though! Maybe Phila will enact that as punishment the next time her brother decides to be a goof! Me, I'd get kicked out of court for touching too many things and probably breaking half of them.
Colette Hyuga - Hello! Nice to hear from a new face! I'm pleased you like the story so far! Things are confusing but we'll get answers, and maybe Robin's memories back, in time! I'm tickled I managed to make Virion and Sumia likeable for you! They aren't bad characters, they just needed a little more depth to them besides desperate ladies' man and designated love interest :)
Krulla Chief - Very good thoughts. I personally imagined them as villagers too but little tactician units would work just as well! Now I won't be able to look at my own chess board without imagining them all wearing little pots on their heads.
Mr. Wobbly - Aw, thanks! And your review brightened my day! I'll continue to write and do my best! Hope your Halloween was awesome!
A Shadow's Lament - O-oh. Well then. Huh. I happen to own a fanny pack from when I was a kid and vacationed to Disney World. Now I won't be able to look at it ever the same.
While the relevance of the portrait will pop up later, it has no bearing with Robin's thoughts. That was just a random musing. No worries, they are not related in the least. That's so cool with the periwinkle though! I used the color simply based on my own emotional ties with the color but if I was that spot on, even better. Unintentional relevance makes for the most enlightening ones!
That court scene is took me days to get right. I read through so many reference pages and rewrote the major personalities so many times. Emmeryn is a great character but trying to portray someone so wonderful yet so flawed in the most innocent ways had me tearing my hair out. Ha, how did I guess you'd enjoy authoritative Chrom? Pleased as punch you liked it.
Good catch with Virion though. He's not just shipping, he's playing an angle for himself. He's reading Ylisse's court life and noticing what he can take advantage of for the future. If he happens to buddy up with a potential future bride to the royal family, he'll have an ally in his pocket for when he needs it later on (aka allies for the Valm arc and reclaiming Rosanne). So giving a helpful push now an then will benefit him as both a romantic and a strategist! Oh, so crafty!
OneShotMasta - Frederick is the most loveable ass around. Bless his stony, stern soul. He tries, even if it causes Robin nothing but grief!
Ha ha, I'm glad the story's that enjoyable for you. Morgan seems to endorse head banging as well so you must be doing something right XD Ah, the fine details in this though. I do what I can to try and make it realistic as that's sort of my appeal angle for the story. Robin the every day woman, from zero to hero. Makes for slower pacing but I make up for that with her keen attention to detail with makes for a richer setting. I also just like world building. A lot. Too much. Heh, shipping though. I still don't even know who I am shipping yet. Except Stahl and Sumia. Hard. You guys are the best for setting that one up. Either way, thanks for the sentiments and I hope you had a great Halloween too!
Nimaka - Cheese indeed! Provolone everywhere! Or Muenster. Yum. As for chess, short version is two people try to claim the other's king. There are specialty pieces that move in set patterns and a lot of strategy and planning ahead is needed to win. It's a wicked game and really works the brain muscles.
When the Moon Met the Sun - That's great to hear! I don't want to over saturate the story with OCs but the necessary ones I always worry about when it comes to their reactions with the readers. I'll do my best to keep them fresh and natural feeling with the story. As for the plot, yeah things are probably not going to go all according to plan. That doesn't seem to be in the cards right now for anyone. But hey, a little more challenge won't hurt anyone! On the plus side, plenty more lessons and shipping instances to look forward to! Development won't stop even with a war raging.
timewastin - I'm sure someone yelled at someone else down the line when they realized how bad things got. I sure wouldn't mind having someone take Nethys down a few pegs though. Maybe I'll right that in a future chapter. Thanks for the idea! And yay for Robin standing her ground. Sometimes somebody just has to snap and tell it like it is.