Cycle

by RoseWarden

Robin is a young woman who bakes cakes during the day, sleeps at night, and drinks on weekends. She does not wage wars, fight demons, or solve dating issues. Yet, somehow by divine mistake, she's found herself doing just that. Clearly, someone has her confused with another Robin...

29. Chapter 29

Disclaimer - I don't own Fire Emblem. All of its properties belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.

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Chapter 29

"I am not doing this, you hear me? You can't force me to!" I protest vehemently as I pull away from my captor's iron grip. Lissa's strength is surprising and I can't get myself away from her. I have a feeling she is well on her way to becoming a war cleric.

The princess pulls with both her hands around my wrist. Her heels dig hard into the ground as she pulls me inch by inch into the doorway. The guards on both sides watch incredulously, though they dare not say a thing. "I am and...I...will!" Lissa grits out through clenched teeth as she gives one last gigantic tug.

She uses the whole weight of her body to yank me backward, a move that proves to be too much for us. With the combination of her heavy dress and superior angle, Lissa drags me over my balance threshold sending me flying forward. The momentum throws her off as well as she trips over the hem of her skirt in an attempt to avoid my flailing form. We both go bottoms up in front of the crowded room which goes silent in shock at our abrupt entry. Having caught a hold of a table next to the doorway, my dignity remains slightly more intact than Lissa who rolled over completely.

The poor girl ends up on her back with legs in the air. I can hear her blowing frantically at the hair stuck on her face as she sits up. Her arms looks small coming out of her large sleeves as they push down all the white gauzy ruffle popping up from the underside of her outer skirt. Immediately the guards at the door rush over and each take her under one arm. With ease, the two men lift the lopsided princess back to her feet. Lissa grumbles as she shakes out the wrinkles and pats down the uneven sides. Noticing the whole room watching us, she hops around shooing at them.

"Whatcha all looking at? Nothing to see, people! Move along!"

I inch over as she brushes off the inquiring guards. They pass by delivering me a warning glance, one I'll happily take into consideration. "You okay?" I ask the younger girl as she finishes tucking some loose hair back into her messy attempt at a bun.

Lissa huffs in frustration. "Why does everyone have to ask me that? Of course I am! All I did was fall on my butt, not break it! Sheesh."

"Just thought I should ask. It looked like the dress swallowed you whole for a minute."

"And whose fault was that?" she says, jabbing a finger at me. Lissa makes a face as she reaches out to tug at the uneven edges of my newly patched up tactician coat. "You know, if you didn't want to draw attention to yourself, you're doing a terrible job at it."

I hold my arms out as she continues to straighten out the material around my sides. "I wouldn't of had to worry if you didn't kidnap me in the first place!"

Kidnapped, yeah that's right. Emmeryn's little surprise she mentioned? It's a commendation ceremony. She's honoring the people who helped repel the Grimleal and those who lost their lives in the process. I fully agree with that, I think it's great she wants to do it. What I don't think is awesome is she wants me to be in on it. Just thinking of all those eyes watching me makes me feel ill.

Of course they knew I'd balk at taking the stage, so they had to be crafty about it. Lissa comes in this morning and tells me to follow after her. Bribes me with the sweet, sweet promises of bacon. Fresh bacon! I should have known something was wrong the second Anneliese just let me go without a question.

Instead of going to the kitchen, she takes me to her wardrobe room where I find Sumia and Sully waiting. Of course I'm overjoyed at seeing Sumia again. I'm not sure how to properly describe the meeting. There was a lot of screaming and crying involved though. Hugging too. And I think I said sorry to Sumia a hundred times over for sending her on that horrible trip. Sully stood back and watched in silent horror. She described it as the most frightening thing she'd ever seen. The best equivalent I can think of is when my roommate and I heard the Backstreet Boys were getting back together and touring in a city nearby. The jumping and screaming embrace we had was probably close to what happened here.

Needless to say, I'm there distracted into thinking we're all going to have breakfast together. No luck. I turn around to see Lissa spreading out a disastrous array of dresses. For me. All picked by her lovely fashion sense. The first one she shows me is her favorite.

Lissa pulls the hanging dress off the cabinet and holds it up at her side. The full length gown is an abomination! The bottom is lime green and ruffles out in huge billows. The layers on top are highlighter yellow and end in the same lime green gauzy ruffling, accented with hot pink roses where every cascading arc meets at the ends. A big pink bow ties in the front as the waist piece. The upper torso ends in a tall turtleneck fashion that comes just under my chin with more foof popping out around it. The sleeves are tight and then fish out at the ends with the same ruffle.

Ha. Ha. No. That's not how you eat bacon.

After forcing the truth from them, attempting to hop out a window, and then being held against my will under the threat of imprisonment, I compromised with borrowing dress clothes from Sully as opposed to Lissa's...unique tastes. Sully's formal knight clothing is more in line with the modern styles I'm use to. I endured dressing up and Lissa's hair pulling torture riding on the hopes this would be a quiet and private affair. Nope, I was very wrong. This is going to be public and in front of a lot of people. Gods...

"Stop being such a baby!" Lissa commands after seeing my expression. "You're making this worse than it is!"

"You're absolutely right," I say, pushing my palm against my head. "It could be worse. If I was wearing what you brought me in the first place, I'd probably have killed myself by now."

Lissa pouts, hands on hips as she eyes me with bruised pride. "Hey, I picked that out personally you know. I bet you would have looked great in it!"

I snort, rolling my eyes. "I'm allergic to ugly."

"Ha, ha," she drones, turning to survey the crowd before us. She sneaks me a sly look. "You know, you can get put in prison for disrespecting royalty."

I poke her in the forehead, causing her eyebrows to come together and eyes to crinkle shut as she clamps her hands over where I jabbed her. "Where I come from, you can get arrested for crimes against humanity. And forcing me to wear that dress would count toward that."

She swipes my hand away and offers a defeated smile. "Whatever. I hope you like wearing Sully's ugly handy-me-downs."

"It's a little big in the chest region but fits otherwise. I feel more comfortable in her style than a dress anyway. No offense or anything, I just never liked skirts."

I was always more a pant suit kind of gal to be honest. Dresses are too drafty.

"Fiiiine." She huffs. "At least we still managed to make you look good."

"Do I?" I say cautiously. I look down at my simple outfit. Compared to Lissa's extravagant ballgown and carefully crafted curls, I'm far more tame. Aside from my boots, coat, and underthings, I've had to borrow all the parts. The black turtleneck and trousers are Sully's while the over tunic and gloves are on borrow from the army's storage. In my opinion, there's a lot of blue. More than I usually wear. But after Sumia and Lissa got through with me, I'm willing to take their word for it that I look alright. It is their handiwork after all.

I finger the edges of my tunic, admiring the silky texture and silver lining that stitches on the royal emblem of Ylisse's royal family. "I guess so. Covering up the crispy bits, I suppose I'm not half bad."

Lissa gives a big, toothy smile and a tiny giggle in response. "That's the spirit!"

"Your Highness?"

The crowd breaks apart to reveal a tiny, balding man rushing forward. He's hunched under the weight of his fur-lined coat and dabbing profusely at his shiny forehead with the white handkerchief in his hand. After giving a good swipe, he waves the cloth to get her attention.

"Your Highness! A word please!"

"Ugh, not him again." Lissa groans, rolling her head in grief. "He's such a bore. I wish he'd go bother someone else for once."

As she starts to stalk off, I feel a twinge of panic. "Wait, you're leaving me? Here? With strangers?"

"Just for a bit. I'll be back," she says over her shoulder.

"Lissa, you can't leave me here!" I cringe as I stare at the sea of unrecognizable faces. It's a miracle I agreed to come this far. Only because it's what Emmeryn wants. But I didn't agree to be left alone with a room by myself! "What do I do?"

She turns around and walks backward, offering up a shrug that sends her loose curls bouncing. "I dunno, mingle I guess. It's what Emmeryn and Chrom do at parties."

"But-!"

"Princess Lissa!" the old coot persists.

"I'm coming! Jeez!" She waves quickly and spins around. "Sorry Robin. Royal stuff awaits! I promise I'll be back soon."

I watch her pick up the sides of her dress as she moves forward to the official. She's quickly lost as people fall back into their spaces once she skips through. Now I'm alone.

Wonderful.

With great heave, I consign myself to my fate.

The room we inhabit is posh and decadent. Fluffy chairs and sofas encircle the gold engraved dark wood table. Around us are really impressive looking paintings in laurel carved picture frames. The roaring fire in the corner gives the room a toasty atmosphere that beckons me in. My eyes find a table on the back wall holding an assortment of finger foods and the least amount of people to stand awkwardly next to. I make a bee-line for it. Weaving through the crowd, I approach the platters with fingers wiggling anxiously in the air for the tasty goods. Cheese plate there, weird looking dip here, fruit thingies on stick...Don't mind if I do!

I kindly sample one of everything, enjoying the different sensations on my taste buds. If there's one thing I have to give Ylisse, they have some great cuisine. Everything here tastes so natural. In a time where there's no over usage of salt or preservatives, their dishes have come up with new and interesting ways to add flavor to otherwise less tasty morsels. Meats are cured in sauces I've never had before, and spices I've yet to experiment with are expertly used to bring out the best in veggies and fish. My food background makes me curious about these things.

I suppose there is some fun to being in a whole new world. While some things seem to cross over, there are a multitude of vegetation and animals I've never heard of before. It excites my inner foodie to no end. On some day when I have nothing to do I'll just roll up my sleeves and experiment with the pantry. I'll have to really tear into the royal kitchen's cook book and see what they do. Until I have that free time, I'll just keep enjoying the chef's labors. On to round two!

As I stuff myself up with another mouthful of veggies, I hear a disgusted snort to my left.

I tilt my head and am surprised to find a familiar face! A rather sour looking Panne watches me from her leaning position against the wall. Unlike everyone else here, she looks hardly different from when I first saw her. The only difference I can see is she has intertwined a few dark petaled flowers through her braids. She stares at the broccoli floret in my hand and then wrinkles her nose in displeasure.

"Must you engorge yourself so ravenously? It does not seem like you suffer from enough malnourishment to warrant such food hoarding."

"Huh?" I warble out as I swallow with an over sized gulp.

"What the good lady mean is, you should probably slow down on the hand-grabbing. Save some of the wealth for the rest of us Bubbles."

Snap peas! Gaius?

I lean over further and see the thief reclining casually against a table beside her. He's out of his armor and in what must be borrowed dress clothes seeing as they hang a bit around the sleeves. Gaius looks perfectly comfortable in them and seems to be relishing his time basking in the upper class luxuries. The hypocrite also has the entire dessert tray in his hands.

Throwing him an accusing look, I turn back to Panne. "So you two are here also?"

Actually why wouldn't they be? Lissa did say this is a ceremony honoring the heroes and Panne apparently saved Emmeryn's life. Gaius though! He's technically with the enemy and a thief, turncoat or not. Not that I'm debating his heroics. I know perfectly well what he did warrants congratulating.

"I have no reason to be here. I had a debt that was to be fulfilled and a duty which compelled me to honor it. Why must I be rewarded for performing a responsibility expected of me? I should be gone now that I find my business concluded here." She pauses. "However, your Exalt is persuasive. I will remain here a day longer to indulge her whim before taking my leave."

So it's true then. Panne is getting acknowledgment. I guess that means Gaius too? I start to ask him my question but stop when I realize he's rather preoccupied at the moment. He stares intently at the platter resting in his one hand. The tip of his tongue pokes from the corner of his mouth as he concentrates heavily on the different colored sweets. His other hand grasps a kabob stick that hovers over the various treats. He then jabs at them quickly successively, sticking five different chocolate squares up the length of it.

Gaius raises the prize and eyes it approvingly. "Nice."

"You are confused as to why this one is here?" Panne voices, her tone barely raising from her earlier disinterest. "I have cause to wonder as well. He achieved little of remark from where I stand."

With his honor now in question, Gaius' eyes flicker over from his beloved candies and narrow just slightly. "Hey now. Don't go throwing scones before you taste 'em."

"Switching sides in the midst of battle to save one's life is not commendable. It is simple instinct to do what must be done to survive the situation."

He waves his decorated stick at her with an arched brow. "My impeccable survival instincts also told me I could have ran. I didn't."

"Switching sides as he did, Gaius was a help. I can account for that. He saved my life at least twice," I point out quickly. My aid garners an attractive smile of thanks from the man. One I can't help but find myself returning.

Panne regards us with mild curiosity. She tips her head to the side and seems to contemplate the thief before her. "I suppose. Perhaps I misspoke."

Gaius immediately falls back into his typical carefree airs, all previous negativity lost in his good-natured tone. "Hey, no worries. I haven't met a person yet willing to put their full trust in a thief, and it's probably best they don't. Mine isn't the most honest of professions."

"Humans in general are not the most trustworthy of species," Panne counters, but not with animosity. She is only stating a natural truth. "But I would be remiss to point out that there were those among my own kind who were no less dubious. It is simply a state of being."

"Yep. Everyone's got a bit of dark chocolate in them, as much as they do white chocolate. Am I right Whiskers?"

Panne slowly turns her head, one eye cracking open as she glowers in distaste. "What did you call me?"

"Aw, isn't this great!" I practically yell trying to draw attention to me and away from a potential fight. "Here we are, three different people all bonding together. Nothing like a big bloody battle to...to bring us...together." I realize how weird that sounds and wince. "That sounded better in my head."

Panne shakes her head. "Hm."

Gaius looks more than happy to agree with me. He tears a candy from the stick in his hand and shrugs. "It sure did somethin'. Who'd have thought a guy like myself would be rubbing elbows with Ylisse's finest. Hope my old business ventures with some of these fine folk don't come back to haunt me."

"Scared they might recognize you from when a few of their baubles went missing," I tease.

"Let's hope not Bubbles. If they did," he lets out a little laugh, "I did something wrong."

Even as he says that, his eyes venture out over the crowd. It's something I notice him do fairly often. It's like he's watching for someone. I have to wonder for who. Either way, he doesn't have anything to worry about. "Trust me Gaius, you proved plenty you're a good guy. If anyone says anything, just send them to me."

"Thanks. Mighty glad to know I've got someone at my back in this stony abode." He extends his platter and offers it to me. "Here, take a stab. My treat."

Gaius sharing sweets? Dude, that's huge. And aside from gloating over this new found act of friendship, I have been hankering for something sweet after those crackers. That purple looking thing looks good. I'll take that. And maybe that orange one to- Hey!

As soon as I go to pick up another candy, Gaius pulls the tray away. I gawk in response as he hogs it all over again. "Don't go getting greedy there," he chides before taking two more for himself.

"I can have how many I want!" I argue making another grab at it. He deftly steps back, raising the tray just out of reach. My grabby hands catch only air with our heights making the difference in space. "Gaius, that's for anyone to take from!"

"Correction, was for anyone," he points out as he dances round my hopping form. "I see no name on it, meaning it's completely up for grabs. I did as any intelligent man of the streets would, I laid my claim on it."

"That's not how it works!" I pout, trying to make another snatch at the elusive prize.

He lifts up the platter and stares at the bottom, tilting his head in confusion. "I don't see any names on this. Or any instructions. Looks to me like I'm free to do as I please with this."

Out of no where, Panne swoops in and yanks the tray from him. She whisks the almost empty platter away and drops it on the far end of the table. The two of us watch her in complete silence until she returns back to her spot on the wall. She settles in and resumes her quiet staring as if nothing ever changed.

Gaius is the first to break from his shock. He looks down at his still open and empty palm and then to the woman beside us. "Damn Whiskers. You really know how to jump a fella."

She closes her eyes and lets her head rest against the stone. Her nose twitches just once in distaste. "Had you been a Taguel, you would have been punished for hoarding from the warren."

"Yeah, well..." Gaius stares longingly at the lost goods from his spot. "Sharing isn't my strong point."

"Ha-ha!" I celebrate triumphantly. My gloating is quickly cut short when Panne's searing gaze turns on me.

"You would be no better. A glutton taking more than you need. Your over-consumption could have starved the young and frail during a poor season."

"Touché, Bubbles," Gaius remarks with the same bragging smile I just wore. Copycat.

Sadly, she has a point. I have no problem being an adult and admitting when I've done wrong though. "Well, I guess you're right. Sorry Panne. Thinking about it, this must be a horrible first impression."

The thought suddenly hits me. "Did I even introduce myself properly?" I say in horror.

Panne's hands work at a loose flower in her braid. She doesn't look at me as she speaks, though her voice hints at some sense of familiarity. "I know who you are well enough, Robin. Your Shepherds speak much of you."

"O-oh," I stutter in surprise. I wonder what she's heard. "That's nice?"

"Most of it was," she answers cryptically before falling into silence. I wait a beat more before concluding she's done speaking.

"Right," I trail off. Panne's a tough one to crack, that's for sure. I see movement from the corner of my eye. Lissa is pushing through the crowd and making her way toward me.

"Finally managed to shake that annoying councilor off! Sorry about that...Hey, who are you speaking with?" Lissa calls out. She wiggles in between us and takes a peek at my conversation partners.

"Oh! Heya Panne! How are you?" She greets with wide eyes. It seems the excitement of seeing a Taguel hasn't left Lissa entirely from how enthusiastic she sounds.

"I am well," Panne answers back courteously.

"That's cool," Lissa responds. I think she's waiting for Panne to continue, but the Taguel is back to being silent and distant. Cue the long silence as we all shuffle in place. It's Gaius who decides to be the adventurous soul who breaks it.

"You're looking pretty spry Princess," he greets, appraising her dress sense with a critical eye. He looks like he's fighting, and losing, the battle of breaking into laughter.

"Gaius?" she exclaims in surprise, staring hard right back at him. "I guess Frederick let you in after all? How'd you manage that?"

"I was let in only after one thoroughly laughable body search. He calls the guards experts," Gaius cracks. He lifts his foot and taps the inside of his boot before gesturing to his right arm sleeve. "They missed a few spots."

Lissa raises both hands to her mouth and laughs at his craftiness. "Ooo, don't let him know that. He'll kick you out of here faster than you can spit on the wind."

"Don't worry about it. Getting caught by his like would put a real stain on my record."

"Well anyway, I've got important news," Lissa says, suddenly remembering something. She sticks her thumb toward the door on the far side of the room that now stands open. "We should start heading to the front entrance. The servants are almost done setting up and everyone is heading out."

Sure enough, I notice less heads already in the room.

"I see. We are summoned then," Panne acknowledges as she steps from the wall. She pulls both arms behind her in a stretching motion to work out her shoulders. Her toned muscles make me feel like a limp noodle. "Perhaps not a bad thing. I find the air growing stale in here with so many bodies about."

The apprehension I feel right now is starting to cause me to sweat. "Really? Are you sure I have to go? Can't I play sick a little longer?"

"Nope!" Lissa replies happily while snatching up my hand with that same fierce strength. "You've got no choice in the matter. Now come on!"

---

I don't know who looks more miserable, me or Lon'qu.

Situated in the back corner behind everyone else is the two of us with Lissa, the Feroxi man wedged between both us women. With the princess wiggling and snatching barely concealed glances at him, I'm doing what I can to give him space. It's not like I'm in the mood to talk either. I may be just a tad embarrassed to be all dressy and whatnot next to him.

Lon'qu actually doesn't look much different than usual aside from his clothes looking much cleaner. I suppose with Ylisseans being unfamiliar with his cultural wear, they can't say much about what he can and can't wear to an important event. That's not to say he looks disheveled or frumpy. Far from it. He looks flawless, like usual. I feel like I'm going to get heart palpitations just looking at him.

Just a little further down from us stand Gaius and Panne. Around us are the surviving individuals who fought bravely that night to repel the invaders. Scanning over the group, I find myself making eye contact with a familiar lieutenant for the third time. Markus quickly turns around again. I feel nerves twist in my gut staring at the soldiers from the squad Lucina and I rescued. The lieutenant and I actually made eye contact earlier. He had looked pleased to see me and alerted the others around him. What kills me is that no one looked upset or angry. They looked relieved. One of the younger girls even waved. Despite everything, they're glad to see I'm alive.

Alas, the feels. Thou hast slain mine heart once more.

The atmosphere is probably helping with the whole sentimentality thing. Emmeryn had to have planned this a day or so ago because there is a lot of work done to the front courtyard. In Ylisse, white is the color of mourning. It represents the purity of the soul and the essence of Naga herself. In honor of that, the whole area is draped in it. White linens are strung between trees in an unbroken chain symbolizing the continued connection of remembrance that endures long after one's death. Bouquets of Naga Drops, tiny white flowers with buds shaped like tears, decorate every corner. Green, the color of Naga's sacred aura and the representation of rebirth, is the only other color accenting the area.

The guard here is heavy, more so than I've ever seen before. Pegasi knights crowd the skies and Nethys' men line the walls and entrances as security. The only folk allowed in besides us is those of immediate kin to the people being honored today. In some cases, it's their blood who will be accepting the honors in the deceased stead.

I feel a heavy suffocation on my chest start to build and a part of me panics. J-just count to ten. It'll be alright. Focus on something more distracting. My eyes fall on the man next to me.

Close enough.

I haven't said much to Lon'qu after we first met. It's actually sort of weird standing next to him with knowing what I know. At least what I think I do. You know...about him probably being Owain's dad and all. I feel really bad trying to hit on him all of the sudden. I mean, what if I had gotten Lon'qu's interest peaked? Would Owain have ceased to exist? Would he look different with another dad? It's a real bizarre scenario to find yourself in.

Speaking of, where are those two anyway? Shouldn't they be here? Something tells me Owain's little faux pas and Lucina's sibling story are keeping them hidden away for now until it gets sorted out. Still, I feel bad. They should be here being honored with everyone else. They did so much for us that night!

Regardless, they are not and I am. Even worse, I stuck next to a person I'm fighting the temptation to ogle at. Even if it's not technically true now, he's going to be a married man someday. I can't just gawk at someone else's husband, let alone the princess of Ylisse! That's like, the worst type of treachery out there. Gaaaah, but he's so nice to look at it! This is so unfair!

And speaking of distracting men in Lissa's life, anyone want to point a finger at her brother? It's still jarring to see Chrom so...not casual. I've been seeing him here and there throughout the day handling affairs for the event. For the past twenty minutes or so he's been with Frederick and two guards in the far corner discussing something about the wall, probably security. He's in a more upscale version of his normal noble clothing though the colors have been completely inverted to almost all white and as little blue as possible.

I'm not trying to be creepy or anything. Curiosity is literally why I keep trying to grab a glance at him. Considering we haven't exchanged words since we parted ways, I guess I'm hoping to see if he notices me. I just want to get some sort of idea from him where we stand. Is he mad, uncertain, confused? I'd been hoping he'd look over but he's either oblivious to my presence or doing a great job of ignoring me. It's frustrating.

I let out a tiny huff of disappointment and turn away. I'm a little freaked out by who greets me.

"Uh, Lissa? Can I help you?" I ask recoiling away from her.

Lissa is leaning forward and watching me from Lon'qu's other side. She's got a great big cheeky grin on, like she knows the biggest secret in the world. "Watcha looking at?" she coos.

"Nothing," I reply, confused at her smug expression. Am I missing something?

"It didn't look like nothing," she smiles even bigger. "You've been staring for ten minutes straight over there. " She takes her thumbs and pointer fingers and stretches them wide open around her eyes. "You were staring so hard it looked like you had goose eggs for eyes."

What is she going on about? Wait...What? No! Gods, no! Wrong idea! "I have no clue what you're going on about," I protest, suddenly aware of where she may be going with this.

"It's true! I can't believe it! When Sully said-"

"Lon'qu! How's your arm?" I say loudly over Lissa's babbling. She stops and looks annoyed at my outburst before trying to continue again. So I butt in once more. "I heard you got hacked up pretty bad."

The swordsman winces as he realizes he can't stay neutral any longer. He pulls himself from his sky gazing and gives me a dour glare. "It is healed."

"Good," I say cheerfully. It feels great to hear him confirm it even when I already knew. "I'm glad you're well. We'll need you at your best for the future. Especially now more than ever with how things are."

"Assassinations are nothing new to me. Basilio has had his fair share to be dealt with."

"I'm sure you handled those skillfully."

"Better than this." His face darkens and he looks away. "My performance that eve was not something to be congratulated for."

I get it. Lon'qu has a lot of pride in his skill. The only thing I seem to see him do is train, he's so serious about it. It's almost inhuman his level of swordplay. He must feel like he's failed both Lissa and himself for becoming overwhelmed in battle. It's probably the same heavy weight of disappointment I felt with myself. I can only assume Lissa is just as aware of the problem as I seem to be from the way she's starting to bristle.

She reaches up and grabs his collar, giving him a shake that startles him. "Gods, are you getting pouty again about this? I'm fine. You're fine. Stop getting so down about it." She stares him straight in the eyes. "Besides, I told you you're only allowed to sulk if your smoldering at the same time. No smolder, no pout. Got it?"

Well if you've got to see your man brood, it might as well be while he's being attractive about it. Good thinking Lissa! I approve.

Lon'qu stares long and hard. He's not angry. It's more like a 'get off my back, I'm trying' look. That brings up a good question. Is he trying to be less broody, or more smolder-y. Hmm.

"And what of you?" he says, addressing me with a hint of interest.

"What about me?"

"How do you fare?" He carefully peers at me from the corner of his eyes, especially at my left arm. "I've heard you've only just recovered from your wounds."

"Oh, my injuries? Please." I wave my hand and try to sound as cool as I can. "I purposefully let myself gets those wounds. Nothing like a good batch of battle scars to make you manly and attractive."

"..." Lon'qu narrows his eyes in confusion, unsure whether to take what I'm saying as a joke or not. Poor guy, I'm not making this easy for him.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking though," I smile.

"Hmph." He crosses his arms and stares off. I think our conversation done, but a second later he sighs. "Battle scars are numerous and come in many forms. The obvious ones may heal but some are deep and take longer."

He takes a shaky breath. "S-should you need an ear, I will lend one. Should you need advice, I will relay it. The battlefield is unforgiving to the unprepared, though you may already know that first hand."

I...I'm actually touched. Surprised, and touched. I wonder how long it took to convince himself to make that offer. I know what he's implying through his words. He must know how hard I took the last battle. I was mentally overwhelmed, a point I'll still be battling. As a veteran of such things, he's willing to share that knowledge to help better me as a fellow warrior. I couldn't be more honored.

"I appreciate it. As your tactician, I have to be at my very best to delegate and respond to the changes in battle. If I'm not, it could very well put the mission and your life in danger. I understand and will accept anything you'd have to impart," I answer back, bowing my head a bit in gratitude.

Lon'qu flusters up and breaks eye contact for the far side of the courtyard. He clears his throat and mutters something in response as he trails off.

Lissa makes a long groan and hangs limply with a frustrated face. "Come on! Why's everyone being such a downer today? Buck up you two! My favorite heroes should be smiling! Don't make me start issuing orders!"

"Alright, your Highness," I laugh lightly, putting on a slight grin. Our third companion remains stony faced. "Hey, Lon'qu. You heard the princess. Put on a happy face," I say demonstrating with both hands poking the sides of my mouth.

"Leave a man be."

Lissa crosses her arm and glares at her bodyguard with childish impatience. "He's impossible."

"Impossibly...handsome," I point out as teasingly as possible.

"What?" he jerks in response, taking a step back.

I snap my fingers and lean back triumphantly. "Got ya. Couldn't get you a smile but I did get a blush. Good enough for you Lissa?"

She nods approvingly. "That works."

"Insufferable," he growls.

"Admit it, you love it."

"Hardly."

It's funny but before Lon'qu would usually sound really, really bitter about this whole teasing thing. Now, it's more like he's being annoyed by too younger sisters. I wonder if he's starting to get used to the Shepherds. If so, I'm glad. It always sucks to see him sitting alone in the back of the group.

I can't help but feel the need to point out his change in attitude. "You know, if you really hated this, I think you would have left by now."

He cocks his head and feigns interest. "Leaving is an option?"

Lissa bustles before both of us crossing both arms in a big 'X' shape. "No! No it is not. Robin, don't you get any ideas either. You're both stuck here until the end. Got it?"

"I don't think that's a problem," I reply happily. I'm not going anywhere for a good while still. Not until some of this mess is sorted out anyway.

"Quiet, both of you," Lon'qu orders suddenly. He gestures toward the front and I see people starting to stare at the far left lawn.

"Oh! Oh! Are we starting? I think we," Lissa hops up and down before falling back in line. "This is soooo exciting! I can't wait! Do I look okay? Oh jeez. My hair if falling out again! Stupid pins!"

As Lissa starts to preen herself, I find myself drawn in the same direction as everyone else. The yard has quieted down as a single servant announces Emmeryn's entrance. Her procession arrives from the left wing. As she arrives, the mass of people in the yard come to a stand in a show of respect. The crowd is large and crammed all the way to the wall.

I know that Emmeryn has a large-scale address she is making to the public tomorrow. For now though, she apparently wants to honor the main players in the safety and privacy of the castle. She doesn't want to make a spectacle of our sacrifices but does want to honor them, hence why this is not being done in the open.

Like the rest of the crowd, I find myself standing as her entourage brings her to the front. There's a lot of pomp in this, docile even as it is. It's almost dizzying to be here watching it happen. A young squire walks at the forefront carrying the standard of Emmeryn's house. Phila follows right behind with Viola on her heels. Pegasus knight ceremonial armor is made of a special pure white metal imported from far east. There's a colorful shine to it when the light hits it, like opal. Gold trimming frames the curves and gives the armor an angelic feel. The feathery capes hanging around their shoulders only adds to the effect. The queen herself walks boxed in by several more lesser knights behind them.

If there was ever a moment in time someone would have asked me to prove Emmeryn was related to Naga, it would be now. The woman is a downright goddess. Her golden hair lies in a beautiful cascade around her shoulders, slightly curled on the ends. It's a perfect compliment to the circlet on her head. She's forgone all color choosing her gown to be completely in white. The slim dress sits perfectly around her figure, satin and pearl brocade flowing around her like a cloud. Even her staff, the only accessory with her, is made of white gold. A large quartz stone is the centerpiece atop it. Her eyes are bright and alive, fixed on the crowd before her. It's as if she is taking a moment to look at each individual figure and acknowledging their presence as one of her own.

There's an overwhelming feeling in the air right now. It's mostly impart to Emmeryn herself. As Exalt, she's making a very large statement here. She's dressed in her very finest while wearing nothing but white. Though she is Exalt, though she is the blood of a god, though she is the most powerful woman in the realm, she is mourning for the lost. The people one would think too small or insignificant to a queen has her undivided and utmost attention. All her pain and thought are with them today. Though she is putting herself at great risk by stepping into the open like this, she chooses to defy her fears.

This is as much a statement as it is a show of support. Emmeryn is not afraid. She is not broken. And she will not forget. In a way, this is how she's showing her true strength as a leader. Emmeryn doesn't need to instill her message with blood or a dramatic call to arms. She doesn't need to declare her courage through a rousing speech for the masses.

All she needs to do is be human.

It's that aspect about her that fills the Ylissean people's hearts. The loyalty of her men stems from her ability to be and think like them, even for an hour.

Her entourage assembles around the makeshift stage that's been constructed for her. Phila comes to her side and extends a hand that allows Emmeryn to take each step up the structure with ease. When she reaches the top, the knight withdraws to a stoic stance beside it.

It feels like the whole world is watching her as she finds a comfortable stand on her raised platform. The eyes of everyone are on her. I wonder how long it took to get use to that? Even more so, how hard was it? Emmeryn inherited a broken country and it reacted viciously to her. To have established such a commanding reaction of respect must have been no easy feat. The admiration I have for her knows no bounds. It's rare to see someone with the likes of her.

I-I know she went on about me being a good person and all. But there's a difference between being good and being good. I am a good person. She is the embodiment of good. Of all the royal siblings, I think Naga's blood runs strongest in her. I'm curious as to whether she can wield Falchion now. I wonder if she even tried or simply refused to wield it entirely given her views. Interesting.

The wind picks up and the cloudy cover overhead seems to blow away with it. In doing so, the sun comes full out in an almost symbolic display of approval. If I was Ylissean, I would have to say this is a sign of the gods. Or Naga. Take your pick.

"My dear people," she begins, voice crisp and loud, "it with a fond, yet heavy heart, that I welcome you to my home today."

As she speaks, I feel the tension in the air slip away. I realize that it's everyone around me taking a breath. Something I find myself doing as well. We'd all been hanging off our chairs while waiting for her to speak, caught on the very edge of her first word.

Emmeryn's head moves about to look across the people before her. She then takes a half step around and looks to those behind her. Her smile is not really a smile because I can see the deep sorrow hidden behind it. H-holy cow. I'm getting real emotional right now. I haven't felt this choked up since my high school graduation when I looked at my mom in the stands. Or was it junior high? Shoot. Thanks memories for being foggy and ambiguous!

Emmeryn returns to the front, the only sounds beside her voice are the rustle of her dress and the charms of her staff on the wind. "On a dark eve that still sits fresh in memories, a great tragedy befell us. Nothing of it's like has been seen in almost two decades. It was a brash and bloody act that pushed the castle to its very knees."

She pauses, taking in the the eyes and hearts of her listeners. "On this night, villains under a rogue cause breached our walls with an intent on my and my family's lives. They came with only the darkest of intentions. None were safe and nothing was sacred. Their only goal was the utter eradication of Naga's people."

"The survivors who stand behind me today can attest to the ferocity of the night. I have heard their stories and felt their pain." She turns again and looks to us. "There is anger, rage, and grief. Your brothers and sisters in arms died that night beside you. Struck down in the blink of an eye. It may seem unfair to claim I know your feelings, as my own kin are still within reach to grab and hold. Nonetheless, I do understand. Every life in this kingdom is under my protection. To quote my venerable ancestress, 'To lose one of the realm's people is no different than to loose one of my own flock. It is I who protects them and it is my failure when they stray from the safety of my crook and sword.'"

Someone sobs from the front, a reverberating thunder clap that hits us all. There's a flash of regret over Emmeryn's face as she switches back to the front.

"Forever will that night live on in infamy among my dreams. One of our darkest hours, indeed."

"But within darkness, as Naga once told, there is also light. For I yet live. And so to, do others still. Even at its most grim, we found hope. It came to us small and barely an ember amid the tinder soaked in our kinsmans' blood. But it grew! Stronger and brighter! The Ylissean spirit is not easily broken and, once kindled, its fire spreads fast and true. Banding together, we found each other again even when the enemy tried to separate and break us. We overcame."

There's a rising strength in her voice as she speaks. Faster and wilder the emotion builds in me as she continues. And as she reaches the very apex, she utters the last line with a proud triumph.

"We survived."

A pulsing energy ripples through the soldiers around me. Hands clench with emotion they try to contain. Faces start to beam with pride. A man claps his friend on the shoulder and they share a private exchange of words. Humans are fragile. We may break, but we can heal and grow back even stronger than before.

"It's amazing," Emmeryn continues, "what adversity can make a man or woman realize. Limits are reached and boundaries crossed. Death will look you straight in the eye and ask of you many questions. What are you capable of? What lengths will you take? How far will you go to reach your goal? It need not be greatness. It may be simple survival. Neither are less admirable than the other. For we all inherently wish to survive. Be it our ourselves, our neighbors, or..."

She falters and looks down. "...or your leader."

There's a glossiness in her eyes when she address myself and the rest. The rawness of her thankfulness is starting to show through. "You all faced great lengths that eve fighting in my name. Fighting in the name of the country you call home. None of you walked away unscathed. You are changed for the worse in some ways. Scars, some permanent and some not. Physical and emotional. It hurts. And with that hurt will come a need for release."

"The obvious answer is to aim that energy at the ones who wronged us. To lash out and strike, causing harm in equal due as an eye for an eye should. I must ask that you not. Instead, I beg you to rearrange that energy. Focus on the other change you have undergone. Set your sights on the remarkable transformation you as an individual have gone through."

"You have survived. You have grown stronger. Heights you never knew you could reach have been attained. What you discovered that night was not the strength to overpower and fight. It was the power to persevere and protect. You became your brother's shield and your sister's armor, not their sword. Remember that. Revel in it. You became a protector. A hero."

Her lips press thinly together as she sweeps over all of us with the pride a mother would have for her child. When she speaks next, it comes out as a half a gasp, half laugh. "My hero."

"Damn Emmeryn," I whisper in awe to myself. My cheeks feel chilled and I press the back of my hand to one feeling the wetness on them. Something in me cracks and my chest starts to tighten with all these weird emotions. I feel like I'm gonna burst with what I'm feeling.

Beside me, Lon'qu has gone completely somber. His usual apathetic face is set with deep lines around his mouth and emotions well in his dark eyes. I hear a loud honk from beside him and see Lissa burying her face in the folds of her sleeve. She rubs her face vigorously against the material and tries her hardest to look unaffected by her sister's words. It's not working.

Emmeryn continues, still strong and true. She gestures to all of us with her arm. "Today, I am honoring my heroes. You have given me the gift of life and I wish to return a gift to you. Before you stands your friends and family. I hope that they share the same emotions today that I carry as I remember and celebrate your deeds. Pride. Thankfulness. And, most of all, gratefulness for the lives we have."

Her voice drops and she seems to dim with the sincerity in her tone. "But first, I wish to honor those who do not stand with us today. Those who still found greatness but did so through Naga's kind words when she pulled them from death's embrace to their final rest. May they find peace in their memory and honor in their name. The fallen will be remembered just as the living. For without their sacrifice others may not stand here."

Emmeryn calls to Viola, who approaches her side. The pale haired girl carries with her a box in both hands and a scroll under her arm. While she retains the box, it is Emmeryn who takes the scroll. Unfurling the paper, Emmeryn asks that the representatives of the fallen's kin step forward. The whole front row before us stands and Phila guides them to the side. I notice that the captain's one hand always stays close to her side, ready to grab for her weapon if need be. And though Emmeryn calls each name for a soldier that fell, it's Frederick who arrives from the back to stand in her stead to personally hand the grieving kin the postmortem medal. As much space is kept between her and them is possible. Something tells me that was not the case in the past. I assume precautions toward her safety are being taken for anything now.

The somber line of folk goes for some time. The names start to become a haze for me as each is read and thanked for their sacrifice. It's not until she calls a specific set a names that I come to attention. Emmeryn's castle guard is split into eight specific sets of platoons, two for every wing. In the kitchens on that night, we rescued the remnants of the fifth squad, east wing. It's a name I had burned into my brain and my nightmares. Fifth squad, east wing.

Four deaths. Four names read.

Iola of Ylisstol, private. Gatrie of Eastport, private. Jon of Ylisstol, private. Edwin of Thornton, private.

Names to go to the faces. They were the sons and daughter to somebody. Comrades, siblings, friends...I close my eyes and try to remember. I put names to the faces based on the family that receives their award. Gatrie is the large lad with the red hair, same as the older woman who stands in his stead. Iola whispered a prayer to a son on our way to the hall, the same young one who accepts her award in his father's arms. Edwin was a thin, well built archer whose darker skin was tanned well from the practice range, much like middle-aged man who receives his honor. And Jon is an identical twin, because his ghost reflects back to me in the brother who takes his place.

I say the names under my breath as I watch each family member fall back to their seat. Once more. A whispered prayer and apology.

I won't forget.

And just like that, it's over. The dead receive a final silent moment as we hang our heads in respect. With that done, it time for the living to stand.

I don't know what to do or how to feel. The names go by too quickly for me to notice. My insides quiver up and there's a strange urge to run. At the same time, I've got this warmth in my chest that makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time. Is this really real? And I seriously here? How did Robin whatsherlastname of someplaceville end up in the here and now?

A hero? A survivor?

Maybe I am dreaming. All along since it's been one long fantasy. I just never pinched myself hard enough.

OW!

Okay, maybe not. This is real.

Holy shit. This is real. I'm standing in front of the Emmeryn getting a award for saving her life.

Oh flip! I'm standing in front of her already! What do I do? I...uh...uh...

I stare in a daze at the Exalt, only feet away from me in regal glory. She calls my name and says something else but its fuzzy. I watch in numbness as Viola opens up the box from before and offers it to Frederick. The great knight, shining in ceremonial armor that's polished so well I can see myself looking back, reaches in for a heavy silver medal. The circular disc shines against the dark blue ribbon it's tied to. I'm so hypnotized by the absurd reality that that thing is mine, I nearly miss Frederick calling my name softly.

I shake out of my haze and realize I need to bow my head like the rest to receive it. I look down to my feet and feel the heavy weight slip over my head and the cool silkiness press around my neck. Now a handshake, right?

Except, that's not what I get. When I stick my hand out, Frederick clasps both gauntlets over my own. I can feel the coldness of the metal through the thin material of my gloves. We share eye contact and the world kind of fades around us. Frederick's usual gruff and serious nature is completely gone. He looks quickly over his shoulder to Emmeryn and the softest, most genuine smile I've ever seen appears on his face. In this brief second I'm seeing the real Frederick, the one that's kept reserved behind the discipline of a knight and the sincerity of a retainer. His words are brief but convey the purest, deepest emotion possible.

"Thank you."

And then my hand is released and Phila is urging me back down the stairs.

It's over? So it is. Weird. So quick and fast. I didn't even get stage fright. Still, I feel weird. This whole thing is ethereal.

So hero. Much medal. Wow.

Oh God. My brain is breaking down.

I sort of zone out as the rest of the ceremony goes by. I'm just stuck staring at the hunk of silver in my hands. The thing is marked with the symbol of Naga's bloodline and tiny words are etched around the rim that I'm too tired to squint and read. The medallion is heavy. I throw it a few times in the air to test the weight, causing my hands to sag under it. After that, I just keep flipping it over and over again.

Really! This is real! Just...just whoa.

Applause and cheers snag my attention. I didn't even realize that we've reached the end of everything. Emmeryn's already finishing her final goodbyes as everyone around me is calling her name and cheering with fellow soldiers. Nethys' guard swarms in to create order as Emmeryn and her personal procession begin their departure. Lissa had said that the courtyard would remain open for the day under heavy watch to allow the honorees and their families a place to celebrate and remember.

Bodies stream around me as they separate and begin to find familiar faces. The urge to do so myself becomes overwhelming. For a moment, I look over the crowd searching for someone to come running out to congratulate me with the same affection so many others are. Except there isn't because this isn't my home and everyone is so far away. A deep melancholy I haven't felt in sometime sinks in.

Homesickness.

H-how long has it been since I've been gone? Months now, right? Does time flow here like it does at home? If it does, then that sucks. The search parties would be long called off by now. I wonder what my disappearance is being ruled as? Kidnapping? Murder? My door was left open and no valuables were taken so they'll think it was something personal. Crap, they'll probably question Tony. We broke up years ago but we're still friends. I hope he's okay. I can't imagine what this would do to his marriage or his badge. I hope his sister is okay too. I miss Jules and her weird Ike addiction. I miss listening to her scream profanities on her online co-op games and watching bad horror movies in our pajamas. I miss my mom...

Damn. Listen to me whine like a kid. Grow up and act your age Robin!

Still, the desire to find someone in the crowd is heavy. I don't know why but I find myself looking hard at the faces. I...I see someone. Just at the edge is one familiar face breaking away from his companions. I remember how relieved he looked earlier and I have this need to just say something. Anything. My feet start to move before I know it. He gets closer and closer and I find my voice.

"Markus! Hey, hold up!"

The young lieutenant I had once lead turns around. He watches my arrival with a hint of bewilderment.

"Lady Robin?"

"Hey Mr. Hero," I greet, forcing up a bit of levity. "How's it going?"

"I-" he laughs breathlessly, gingerly picking up the medal he wears. "I still can't believe I'm holding this in my hand right now."

"I hear you. It's a bit of a shock, isn't it?"

"I'd never have believed it." He looks at my own. "Congratulations to you as well. A deserved reward after all our efforts. One of the highest awards in the country. You should be honored."

He asks to take a closer look and I allow him to. "I'd like to give the same congrats back. Equally so for you. You fought just as hard and survived even harder. I heard you took a sword to the gut and still lived."

He pulls back and gives a timid shake of the shoulders. "Not quite so heroic, I'm afraid. I shallow flesh wound to my side. Infection is all I would have had to worry about after a proper stitching. It will leave a permanent reminder I'm afraid."

I give him a playful punch to the arm. "Hey, some of us ladies like a good scar. Adds a certain ruggedness to your manly charms."

"I...um...ha ha," he trails off, embarrassed by my words. "I suppose I'll see if that works in the coming day. But, what of you? I tried to find out what I could and heard some frightening things about your status after you spearheaded the assault on those priests. Obviously you seem better off standing here but..."

"I'm alive. That's what matters," I reassure him despite the acrid taste on my tongue.

"I see," he says with relief.

The shift in tone is awkward and I can feel his curiosity as I quiet. I shuffle uncomfortably in place trying to find the words to convey my feelings

"I..." This is hard. God. I need to do this but I'm just locking up. Okay, Robin. Just take it one sentence at a time. "Look, I have something to say."

Iola. Gatrie. Jon. Edwin. Remember.

I take a deep breath and start. "Markus, I want to apologize. I know it may not mean anything but you were their lieutenant and maybe you can pass this along to the families. I just want to...no need to say this. I am so, so sorry for their deaths."

"I know none of us knew each other and the situation threw us together. But, you all put your lives in my hands and I..."

I force out the words, bitterness and all. "I screwed up. That's all there is too it. I should have paid attention. I shouldn't have rushed you into battle before checking everything. I should have saved them. But I didn't. They're dead and it's all I can think about. I'm sorry. My inexperience got your friends killed. I'm mostly to blame and I wish there was something I could do to change it. Anything. I can't though, so I can only stand here and say this over and over again in hopes it actually makes a difference."

"So, again. I'm utterly and completely sorry. They deserved better and I failed them. I'm sorry."

Markus looks taken back by my admission. He wasn't expecting this from me and looks lost as to how to reply. He doesn't get mad or yell. There's no accusation screamed at me. He just gets very quiet and contemplative. Not the reaction I was expecting.

I can't help but start up another round. This is it. This is the last stage of everything. I'm finally letting it all pour out. I honestly don't care if he can't forgive me. I just want him to know. I want those families to know. I remember and I will become better for it. I owe those four people that much.

I eventually stop babbling again and quiet down. I'm already spent. All I have left is the emptiness of acceptance. Whatever happens, I'll take it. I'm at the end of the line with nothing but openness before me.

Wow, when did I get so poetic?

"So, that's it. That's what I have to say," I bumble out, fingers twisting through my hair nervously as my eyes lay plastered to the ground.

"I see," I hear him say quietly. "That's a lot said."

"And necessary," I add.

"You really think it's your fault?"

"Indirectly speaking," I admit. I know better now. "But I screwed up and started a chain of events that led to it."

Markus steps uneasily in place, arms tight to his chest while he stares. I can only rock on my heels and wait for his admission. I'm okay with that. Something this heavy requires time to think.

"I don't blame you."

I feel a twinge of hope. "You don't?"

"No one does. If anything, I only had admiration for what you did."

I was not expecting that. I feel lighter. Bubbly. Absolved.

"It's bothered me for many nights now. Here I am, a solider for three years and newly promoted. This was my time to take control and prove the faith my superiors put in me. When everything fell apart, all I could do was stand frozen in my spot. It was actually Iola who ordered everyone to bar the doors. It was another one, Bernam, who urged us to join arms with your friend Marth. I could have redeemed myself and led them properly. Instead, I gave away all my responsibility to you. I resorted to my instincts as a solider rather than a leader. My burden became yours and you accepted it without a blink."

He looks pained. It's a familiar reflection, one I saw staring back at me in the mirror more than once. I'm not the only one who's been fighting demons.

"You ran to them. You went back. I saw you. You didn't see me but I was fighting only a foot away from you. I saw that priest, but I froze up. I turned into a bloody statue and watched the whole thing play out."

He lifts his medal and lets out a feeble chuckle. Letting it fall again, he glances to me with a dull grin. "At least you tried."

I did. I ran with all my might and I tried with every ounce of my soul to stop that from happening. I failed, but I tried.

Markus walks up and offers out his hand. "Maybe we're both to blame. Maybe neither. But if you're going to feel the need to apologize, I will too. I'm sorry I wasn't a better comrade. And if you accept mine, I will accept yours."

"I..."

I look down at his open palm and think about all the sense he just made. Reaching out, I clasp my own with his. "It's a deal. We both needed a little forgiveness it seems."

"And now that's it's been given, we'll work toward making things better. It's like the Exalt said, after all. We've changed. Time to use that for the greater good."

Our entwined hands give a good firm shake, a promise solidified to ourselves.

"For the fallen," he says.

"And the living," I finish.

That...went well. No yelling or blaming or screaming. No guilt. Just pure acceptance and forgiveness to ourselves. I may seem pessimistic having feared a less than stellar outcome, but maybe that's because I've been so down on myself. As we pull apart, I feel almost completely normal again. Almost. I breathe easy and find the hardest thing I've ever experienced is now a step behind me. Each day will make it a step further until the worst is but a speck in the distance.

Wow, it's nice to feel unhindered again.

The serenity of the moment is broken as loud calls draw closer to us. A feminine figure appears to our left. "Markus? Markus is that you?"

We turn simultaneously to see a young woman swiftly walking toward us. Her hands clench the material of her yellow dress up around her ankles to prevent it from catching under toe as she speeds toward us. A protective amber cloak drifts behind her on the wind. She comes to a stop beside us, sight firmly set on the man before me. Why does she look so familiar?

"I have been all over this courtyard searching for you! Weren't we to meet beneath the left tower after the speech?" she chides breathlessly. The newcomer releases her dress and smooths down the folded up edges of the pretty apron that covers her skirts. She uses a free hand to adjust the white bonnet falling off her fair hair.

Markus sheepishly bows away, digging a heel behind him through the dirt. His brown eyes flicker to me. "Ah, yes. Sorry. Something rather important happened and I had to attend to it first."

Who is this woman? The resemblance is killing me! Yellow dress, bonnet, blonde hair...

"There was no way you could have told me?" Her annoyance melts away. "Well, never mind that. What's done is done."

She reminds me of someone from the game. Who?

"I'm truly sorry. We can leave now if you like," Markus replies as he steps to her. He looks to her side and then over her shoulder. "Ginette, where's Tomas at?"

Hold up! What?!

Our visitor grows tired of fumbling with her hat and wrenches the thing off so her face is no longer obscured by it. A noise of surprise bubbles up and escapes from me as I stare at same face I once did back in Southtown. Only this time, Ginette looks whole aside from a few stray wisps of hair and the red bluster on her cheeks from the wind.

My garble gathers their attention and once she sees me, Ginette gasps in equal ferocity. Her blue eyes open wide in shock and she takes a half step forward as if unsure what she was seeing was true.

"Robin?" she tentatively questions. "Is that you?"

"Yeah," I say with a quiet laugh of disbelief. Of all places to meet again! I can't believe how different she looks! Even after sitting with a healer, she was still bandaged and bruised when we last spoke. This is a complete difference from the glowing, healthy individual before me. What a relief! I'm so glad!

"Look at you!" I say in awe. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Months, at least!" she stammers with a growing smile. She comes up and takes both of my hands in her own and gives them a welcoming squeeze. "I had wondered what happened to my savior. I had an ear to the wind for news from Ylisse but never heard a thing. Not until today at least."

Markus watches the two of us in wide-eyed wonder from the side. He combs his hand through the back of his hair and shakes his head in disbelief. "Well, I'll be darned. So you were right Ginette. Who'd have thought she'd be the one and the same?"

"Pardon?" I ask.

"Markus is the son of Southtown's mayor, you see. And, a very dear friend of mine," Ginette says, offering the man a fond smile. "He is the reason I'm here after all. I'm attending this ceremony in his father's stead as he is busy with preparations in town. When we met, he told me of his harrowing account that night. When he spoke of you, I couldn't help but wonder if you were the same woman!"

I look to Markus and try to see any semblance between him and the crusty old man who we worked with when gathering up the townsfolk. It's hard to see if they're related but I barely remember the mayor at all. I was still woozy over the whole ordeal. Regardless, what a coincidence this was. One of the few survivors Lucina and I manage to save and he's related so closely to Ginette.

"Weird," I murmur, impressed with the sheer coincidence of the situation. "What are the odds?"

"A clear long-shot. Naga has a fine sense of humor if this was of her doing," Markus answers.

"Long indeed." Ginette places her hands on the sides of my shoulders and steps back to look me up and down. Her eyes comes to rest on the medal hanging around my neck and she taps it once with her fingertip. "But, not so unbelievable after hearing of your continued heroics. This suits you well."

"I, uh, guess so," I flush. Looking down, I take a hold of the heavy disc and roll it between my fingers. The silver catches the sunlight and glints strongly.

"I think these suit us just fine," Markus comments to me with a face beaming in pride. He grabs a hold of his own medallion in his fist and holds it up to eye level. "A well deserved reward. Not bad at all. Maybe Father will finally have something to add to our ancestors' mantle."

"Markus, that's..." Ginette's features falter just slightly. She goes to extend her hand, then retracts it quickly. "I'm sure he'll be very happy."

Am I sensing daddy issues coming into play? Maybe I better change the subject. "It really is great to see you again Ginette. Especially in a more positive environment. I mean, you look good."

She looks to the side, shoulders raising shyly as she fumbles with placing flyaway strands behind her ear. "Her Worship is to thank for that. What aid she promised us was more than enough. The best healers and architects from the capital came to help us rebuild and heal. Their aid alleviated the burden and lessened the pain. The process is still continuing but it could have been far worse."

"It's because of Exalt Emmeryn that I joined the guard years ago," Markus adds, "to repay her for all the kindness she's bestowed upon us in the past. I originally worked the militia in Southtown and found my skills could be used to help protect her here."

Ginette sobers up and crosses her arms, clearly in disapproval of his decision. "A noble idea, one I would like to have been made aware of."

"Ginny, please," the guardsman pleads, his voice softening to a gentler octave. "If you want to argue about this again we can but save it for the inn. I doubt Lady Robin wishes to hear our petty squabbling."

"Petty squabbling?" She looks ready to counter him, but takes a deep breath and mellows out instead. "Of course. That's best suited for another time. Today we should be happy for the living and mindful of the fallen."

Before Markus can respond, the rapid fire of footsteps behind us draws our attention. I feel a rush of joy to see Ginette's little boy running up to her eagerly. The sleeves of his crisp white shirt are rolled up over his messy, smudged arms. Dirt clots under his fingernails as he holds a bunch of uprooted flowers. He stumbles over his feet, stopping abruptly before us in such a way it sends his cap flying. Ginette immediately goes after it before the wind carries it away. Opposite her, Markus walks up and kneels down to stand face to face with the boy.

"There you are Tomas. Where have you been scampering off too?"

Tomas looks down at the flowers in his hands, then thrusts them into Markus' chest. "Surprise!" he cheers in youthful exuberance.

Markus juggles the stems, trying to hold them all together. He looks fondly at his gift. "What's this for?"

Tomas bounces on his heels looking like any young boy his age would. That realization makes me more thankful than anything that I had thrown that rock in Southtown. Seeing him up and smiling makes me not regret a thing. Yes, that includes the vomiting.

"Mama said you did good. When I'm good, she gives me rewards so..." Ginette comes up to her son's side, beating his cap free of dust against her thigh. She hands it back to him and he grabs it. Tomas pulls it across his blonde hair and starts twisting it back and forth. "...so I got you a gift for being good," he finishes.

The lad freezes mid-motion when he notices me standing off to the side. I start to wave and he stiffens up. Tomas blinks once and suddenly darts away, ducking behind Ginette's form. His mother picks up her arm and tries to look to him but as she turns, he moves with her buried deep in the folds of her dress.

"Tomas, honey, what's the matter?" she sighs gently. To me, she offers an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Robin. He has a bit of an aversion to strangers since the attack."

She turns around and kneels down, trying to calm him. "Tomas, it's okay. This is Robin. Do you remember her?"

He pulls his hat down and stares at the floor. He barely shakes his head and I hear a faint 'no'.

"Remember how we were talking about heroes earlier Tomas? Robin's our hero, from Southtown. Do you remember her now? When Mother was talking to her with Miss Ruthie?"

The boy pokes his head around her shoulder, his small eyes squinting hard at me. Ugh, I wish I knew what to do. I'm not usually around little kids so I have no idea how to react. I feel like anything I do would come across more scary than reassuring. I raise my hand and try to wave again. Though I try to smile, I feel like I'm putting on a slasher grin with the way I'm forcing it. Bang up job Robin. You're quality babysitter material.

Tomas pulls on his mother's sleeve and beckons her forward. He leans into her ear and whispers something. When he pulls back, she nods brightly. Tomas doesn't look all that confident and seems to linger in place as he nervously shifts between both legs.

"Tomas, it's okay," Ginette reassures him again.

"Mmhm," he hums, biting down on his bunched fist. His pale eyes flicker to his mother, me, then her again. Then quick as a flash, he's running. Tomas mutters something to a surprised Markus as he runs to him, snatching a flower from his hands. Carrying it with him, Tomas ducks around the man and darts toward me.

He stops a foot away, still chewing on his forefinger. Tomas lets up briefly to hold the flower up though his gaze remains on the ground. "You did good too," he practically whispers.

I stare down at the nervous little boy, now full of life and spirit. I look at the gangly stem drooping in his little hand, roots hanging with dirt clumps and white petals drooping. Beyond them, I see two people who are this young boy's world and could have very well been gone from it had I done something different. In that moment, something clicks into place. Emmeryn's words, these people's lives, my actions. It all makes sense now.

I did good.

I feel weirdly fluffy, like my insides are made of cotton. The sky looks a bit more blue and the dull ache in my muscles is nonexistent. I take the limp daisy from Tomas and I swear it has the sweetest scent in the world.

Tomas rushes back to Ginette and presses up against her arm. She looks mildly exasperated but proud of him as she brushes some dirt off his cheek. Markus too, looks happy. He pats the boy on the back and thanks him for the reward. He jokes about the dirt on the boy's clothes and Ginette warns him in an affectionate manner not to encourage her son. They laugh, breath, and live because I made a choice. It took a long time but now I get it. I didn't fail after all. I still succeeded even when it didn't seem like I did.

Yep, I did real good after all.

Fiddling with the flower in my hands, I snap off the long part of the stem and hanging roots. Lifting it up, I tuck the flower behind my ear in hopes it catches. As I do so, I see Markus suddenly jerk up to his feet in surprise. Ginette looks just as startled staring in the same direction over my shoulder. She grabs Tomas and quickly pulls his hat straight and sleeves down.

Markus falls into a salute. "Your Highness!"

Did that bothersome little princess come to find- That's not Lissa.

The prince of Ylisse seems to begrudgingly leave the comfort of his post from where he had been watching our exchange. He gestures to Markus to fall at ease as he wanders up to our group. "My sincerest apologies if I interrupted. I had meant to step in when you finished."

I should greet him, right? Do I just say hello all friendly like nothing has happened? Should I wait for him to speak first? Should I be more formal since we're in front of others? Why am I finding it so hard to say a simple greeting to him? Stupid Robin!

"Of course! No harm taken my Lord," Markus replies with confidence and admiration.

Ginette, meanwhile, has gone utterly glassy-eyed. She looks completely taken with Chrom. I'm not surprised. A young woman from a countryside village seeing the Exalt's mighty brother in person must seem like a fairy tale come to life. She's gone so silent that Tomas begins to tug at her sleeve in worry trying to get her attention.

Chrom sees the medal on Markus' chest and nods. "I remember you. The son of Mayor Allar. You were part of the group that freed the meeting hall allowing us passage out. It's because of you that my sister was able to not only survive, but turn around the battle in our favor. I thank you for that."

"Sir." Markus salutes again in gratitude.

"Mama," Tomas persists, vocally this time. He tugs hard enough to snap her from her day-dreamy look.

She reaches down and presses a finger to his mouth. "Tomas, shush."

Chrom goes to make a remark at the cute interaction pauses. He blinks once really hard focusing in on Ginette. The curiosity swiftly changes and he's suddenly mimicking her star-struck reaction. The intensity of the two staring at each other is starting make me feel very uneasy. It's like I've gone and become a third wheel.

Suspicious vibes are suspicious.

"Is this your wife and son?" Chrom asks rather breathlessly. "They must be proud."

His words break whatever spell was in the air because Markus and Ginette suddenly burst into a loud protesting match. Clearly they are only friends. There's nothing there. Practically siblings! How silly!

Markus lets out a shaky laugh, rubbing his neck vigorously. "It's really nothing like that. Ginette here is a dear friend. She came in my father's place for the ceremony today."

"So you're also from Southtown then?" He regards the other woman with a far tamer look of concentration. "Your name is familiar. I believe I've seen it across some documents from there."

"The mayor has recently enlisted my help with aiding matters around town, my Lord," she shies away much like some innocent young maid. "I occasionally sign off on minor documents of little import."

"Ginette, really? She's belittling her own experience," Markus protests in exasperation. She tries to quiet him but he persists. "Right after the attack on Southtown, my father asked for her help in managing the relief efforts. Ginny's always had a certain knack for numbers and management. She'd work our crop sales every year. It was only natural he'd ask her aid. She's been his right hand in all matters pertaining to our recovery ever since. The well placed use of the relief you've generously given us is all thanks to her."

He looks very proud of her and beams brightly despite her initial embarrassment. She gives him a little push and turns away her face. "He prattles far too much for his own good. What I do is only a small thing compared to the work of everyone around me."

I feel a weird swell of pride knowing that Ginette is doing so well for herself. Despite how she was when we parted ways, she's managed to overcome such a horrific event and carry on. Not only is she living, but she's making life better for those around her. Can you imagine where Southtown might be if she had not lived? Would the mayor have found someone as talented as her to help speed up their recover so much? And what of her son? He still has a whole future ahead of him. What he may change can't even be seen until the future.

Yikes. I'm getting too deep here. Better take a step back from the what-ifs and focus on the now.

"I should offer my thanks to you as well then. Southtown's recovery is more imperative than ever with the current state of our nation. Defense and organization are paramount with the roving dangers we now face. I have a greater faith in Southtown's future survival knowing it's being led by such talented minds."

Am I seeing this? Did Chrom just bow to her? He didn't break eye contact with her, did he? Are they smiling? Dear Lord, I think Cupid just shot them both full of arrows. Scratch that. They just took a ballista bolt to the heart. For some reason this is really irritating me. Their googly-eyed mannerisms are making me itch.

"Chrom, can you lay off the cheese a little? We have children watching."

Oh, now you realize I'm still here. Wonderful. Don't you look at me like that! I'm the one being forced to put up with your nauseous little play of chivalry here. Whatever weird fantasy you're having about the prince and the village maiden can wai-

OH BALLS!

Yellow dress. White bonnet. Blonde hair and blue eyes. How can I have been so blind? No wonder she was familiar. She looks exactly like the sprite for the generic village maiden! Is Ginette suppose to be the living expy of that character? It was Southtown and there was that gal being held hostage at the start of the level in the game. Was she filling that role? I saved her?

Mind. Blown.

…...

Ginette finds her senses again and rushes to my side placing a hand on my shoulder. "None of this would have been possible had you and your Shepherds not come to Southtown's aid that day, your Highness. I believe my and my son's life would have been forfeit had it not been for this woman's timely intervention."

"Is that right?" Chrom remarks, his attention fully on me for the first time. His interest is peaked.

I have this weird urge to gloat over my timely handiwork. I feel a bit too prideful boasting about this. "Ginette is the woman I stumbled across when I was bumbling about through the allies. I pulled the bandit attacking her family off her and you kindly disposed of him in the marketplace." I offer up a lopsided grin and raise one shoulder in response. "Strange, right?"

"Isn't it?" Markus laughs. "First you save Ginette and then me. Smalls wonders abound."

"Yay saving people!" I say with a slow clap.

I feel someone push between us. Tomas nudges by and puts his arms around Ginette's waist. He rests his chin on her stomach and looks up with big eyes. "Mama! Pies!"

He points toward the far wall where a food table sits. Tomas practically bounces on his heels in glee oblivious to the situation around him.

"Dear Naga. They have pies," his mother sighs into her hand. "Of course that would get his attention."

The boy leaves her and runs to Markus, pulling him by the hand. Then, catching hers, he starts tugging both of them forward.

"Tomas! We're in the middle of a discussion!"

"I think we're stalling a more important one from happening though," Markus say, dipping his head in my direction. "Besides, didn't you hear? The little man wants pie."

"It's amazing pie. I can attest to that," Chrom encourages good-naturedly.

"I..." she looks down at her son's pleading face and succumbs. "Alright then. We can catch up later."

Ginette offers a sincere apology for leaving so quickly and gives my hand another quick squeeze in good-bye. It's hard not to notice the last lingering look she gives Chrom before walking hand-in-hand with her boy. Markus gives a last salute in farewell and follows right on their heels.

I'm still left feeling floored by the coincidence of it all. "What are the odds?" I murmur to myself.

"So that's the woman you saved?" Chrom wonders beside me, eyes still glued to her retreating frame.

"Yeah. She's alive and healthy. Flourishing even." I smack him hard on the arm, my tone hardening. "And she's also a widow. Don't go getting creepy on her just yet."

"I had no intent to," he counters in annoyance, rubbing the sore spot. "She seems like a lovely woman though."

"Uh huh," I grunt in disbelief.

For a brief moment, things seem like they once more. And then we make eye contact and the reality sinks in. We both sort of clam up and turn away from the other, unsure where to carry on. Oh boy, this is beyond awkward beaver. This is awkward turtle. I should just break the ice. We need to start over, nice and slow. Just take this respectfully one moment at a time. Deep breath, here we go. Open your mouth and...all my worries and emotion explode.

"I'msorryIliedIwasjuststupidpleasedon'tkickmefromtheShepherdsI'lltellyoueverythingfromnowonevenmyunderwearsizeokaymaybenotthatbuteverythingelseIswearI'msorrrrrrrrrry!"

Boom. Nailed it.

He blinks rapidly, stunned by my brilliant display of social prowess. "Y-you're underwear...?"

My gums continue to flap, regardless of what I'm saying. "Holy hells Chrom, do you know how much I've been buggering out over what happen? Not a single word from you for days! I thought I had buried myself knee deep in my own metaphorical excrement!"

More dumbstruck silence.

"You aren't talking. Is it that bad? Do I have to grovel more?"

Chrom snaps from his stupor. He bites his lip and closes his eyes, shaking his head back and forth. Reaching out, he catches me around the forearm and pulls me away. "I'd rather not have our discussion out here."

"Follow. Right. I can do that. Wherever you want."

I speed up to match his pace. I note we're leaving the grounds and heading to the gardens.

"Great party," I comment with forced cheer, hoping to get us back on a friendly footing. I am so bad at this type of social thing.

My comment seems to calm him, allowing him to catch a glance at me."Did you enjoy the ceremony?"

"It was beautiful. You're sister has a gift for speech."

He smiles faintly. "That she does. One of many."

"Yeah. Beauty. Persuasion. Perseverance. Hope. She's a bundle of amazing," I add in awe, thinking back to our conversation together yesterday. "She has a way with making you open your eyes and forcing you to take a good hard long look at yourself.."

"Mm," he hums in agreeance. "She said something to you yesterday."

He knows about our meeting. I wonder how much she spoke of. "She put a lot of things into perspective. Enough for me to chew on anyway."

"It must have done enough. You seem different."

"I hope so. I feel different." It's a not lie. "No more death wishes. I promise."

There's a falter in his step. I nearly run into him and have to hop to the side to avoid trampling his toes. My words are still a bitter reminder it seems. Luckily, it's relief on his face as opposed to horror.

"Good." It's one word but there's a lot of emotion behind it.

We resume our walk. The crowds get further away and with it the noise of others. The only sound is the wind blowing at our backs. The short journey takes me to the far wall where we escape into a tiny pocket of space surrounded by the heavy hanging leaves and tall hedges. It's a cozy place with a tiny bench and the heavy scent of flowers around us.

I meander over and take a seat on the stone carved bench. I throw out my feet and rest back on my arms, staring up at the sky. "This is nice."

Chrom doesn't answer right away. He takes to meandering across from me. Falling to a lean on the wall against his one shoulder, he seems to debate internally with himself what to say. What an idle way to start. He's either stalling or starting with something nice before going into something bad.

"Chrom?" I push hesitantly for an answer. I'm not sure what to expect.

He briefly massages his temples, head bowed away. "Right. Sorry. I just..."

His one hand grasps tightly on Falchion's pommel, tightening and untighening. I know his mannerisms well enough by now. He's nervous and unsure what to say. Holding onto Falchion gives him a strong sense of support and helps clear his head better.

"I suppose I should begin with an apology of my own. I had no intentions to make you worry as you did."

I hug both arms and slump down against the bench. "You did an awesome job of achieving the opposite."

"Believe me, I know," he frowns sadly. "Anneliese made sure I knew of it. Every day in fact."

"I figured as much. Nethys was a very kind reminder of that." I emphasize the kind part. She was a help, just not of the nurturing type.

"The guard captain is tougher than wyvern hide but she knows what's best in a situation like this."

"I know. You wouldn't have sent her for no good reason." I flip a loose leaf away from me with the tip of my boot. "Did she go into great detail about amputation with you too? Cause I swear I could perform the surgery here and now with the pointers she gave."

He smirks just enough to confirm. "Make a clean enough break and you can reuse the limb as a club. Just tie a big enough rock to it."

I jerk up in my seat. "She was serious? I thought that was a weird attempt at a joke or something!"

"Maybe? It's hard to tell with her."

"Well I was going to look into the guard if this tactician thing falls through but maybe I'll look into another field of employment. Next thing you know she'll be suggesting we lasso the bad guys with their own intestines." Ew.

"Gods forbid."

Chrom casts me a sidelong glance looking very serious. "Are you truly looking elsewhere for employment? Or is this in the same vein as Nethys' questionable humor."

"That depends on you," I answer, trying to read his face for any sign of an answer.

My companion exhales a long stream of air, rubbing his eyes wearily. Grass crunches under his feet as he walks to the bench. Pressing a hand to the back, he sinks down next to me. His posture is tense. Leaning forward on his knees, he presses his hands together and finds a spot of interest on the lawn.

"It does depend on me, doesn't it."

I fall back, the exact opposite of him. My arms hang casually over the back rest and I let one leg cross over the other as I follow a rogue cloud drift over the spotless sky. This is out of my hands. I've played my part and the continue option now lies with Chrom, not me. Strange. The player is now being played by the game.

"You do know how utterly bizarre all of this is, don't you?" His voice comes out strained, as if he can't quite believe we're here.

"Let's see. Your tactician is really a baker and an inexperienced wannabe. Two random strangers come forth claiming to be your half-siblings. Grimleal comes popping out the shadows like spicy jalapenos ready to set your bowels on fire. Zombies raiding the countryside. Yep. Bizarre is definitely a way to see it," I ramble on and on. Wow. I really didn't help coming out with what I said. Bad timing.

"It's the understatement of an era," he mumbles, collapsing behind his hands.

I don't really have anything else to say to that. I feel like some robot spitting out the same automatic response over and over again. "I'm sorry."

The wind ruffles my hair and I pull it from my face. Over the gentle whisper of leaves rustling, I can hear some man's raucous laughter. It's strange how serene the moment feels, despite the strangeness of our talking.

"Anyone else in my shoes would probably have you dispelled from the kingdom," he morbidly starts. "With all that's occurring now, I can't take chances with the unknown. Not with my sisters' lives in danger like they are."

I can't argue with that statement, horrifying as it may be for me to hear. In his eyes, I've lied and impersonated someone I'm not. I've kept things from him and it could have cost him and the Shepherds dearly. I want to argue, but I can't.

"It's been a struggle deciding what to do with so much swirling around. I've consulted with others and with myself. I've read books to see what my forebears might have done."

Chrom leans back, eyes still on the ground. "I should take heed of all the warnings. The safety of the kingdom and the future of the Shepherds needs to be preserved at any cost."

"Yet," he adds with the smallest laugh, "my gut tells me sending you away would be the worst mistake possible."

The admission causes a tiny tingling sensation in my toes and fingers. I angle my head to the side, heart starting to pound as I watch him ruminate out loud. So what is it? Is he even decided?

"I often find myself in this position. Common sense dictates one fashion and emotion another. It's no simple struggle, not when my decisions have such far ranging reach over the kingdom. One wrong move could spell trouble for more than just myself."

Chrom wipes a hand across his face. He looks tired and worn from everything weighing down on him. It hurts because I want to do something about it but I'm in no position to do so until I know where we stand. It sucks just forcing myself to sit here and watch.

"In the end though, I usually find myself choosing the same side over and over again."

I force myself ask. "That being?"

"At the risk of sounding incredibly poetic," he says lightly, finally looking me in the eyes, "I'm sticking with what my heart says on this one."

Are we good? Can I stop holding my breath? Yes? No?

"So what does that mean, just to make sure," I say hesitantly as I lean forward, gesturing between the two of us.

I can see the calm and relief starting to come back to his formerly tense self. "It means I'm making a permanent rearrangement to your schedule. Starting now, Frederick and I will have you shadow us in all our duties to the Shepherds. Everything we know, you'll learn. If I'm going to leave part of the responsibility of our band in your hands, you're going to have to know the proper way to do it."

"You...I...for real? Seriously?" my voice cracks. "I can stay?"

"The option may have been there, but I never seriously entertained it Robin," he reassures me. Chrom speaks soft and serious at the same time. "We have a lot to talk about though. There's still so many things I have questions about. I need answers. I can't just completely ignore what you said that day. I need to know that the trust I'm putting up so blindly goes both ways. You understand?"

"Chrom, I don't care if you want my first born child. Whatever it is, you got it."

My newly re-instated captain glances down at the medal I wear looking rather happy to see it there. "Pardon my bluntness, but you are the strangest woman I've ever had the chance to recruit. There's a lot of uncertainties and risks in keeping you around. But," he stops and grins, "you're also one of the most devoted and loyal comrades I've ever had the pleasure of fighting with. I value our friendship far more than a few broken memories and a cloudy past."

That's saying a lot. I know there's a bunch still up in the air that needs to be said. I can see it on his face. The fact alone that Lucina and Owain haven't been mentioned or seen is probably the biggest elephant in the room, among other things. But that doesn't seem to be what today is about. Before we go there, we have to mend the broken bridge. An effort we seemed to have accomplished much to my relief.

I didn't know it then but I feel it now. I really, really missed him. It's bizarre. I don't have the years that Sully and Vaike do, or the undying love Sumia may have to connect me so tight to the man sitting beside me. What we have is just a similarity in ideals and strong chemistry that makes talking as simple as breathing. It's great. Amazing even. Being able to have such a tight bond with someone here makes that longing for a familiar place less powerful. And it makes tiffs like the one we had hurt like the worst of a lover's quarrel.

I get a weird idea and I really, really want to make it happen now. Considering we've A-ranked in my mind, I'm invoking the traditional friend code of my culture.

I scoot closer and raise one of my hands into of fist. Chrom instinctively leans back as if expecting me to punch him. I roll my eyes and grab at his arm with my free one. "Here, raise your arm so we're both at the same height. Then hold it closed like mine."

"What are we doing?" he asks with concern while repeating my gesture.

"We're immortalizing our friendship in the way my people do," I exclaim. "Okay, take your fist and raise it up, then drop it against mine."

"Like...?"

I help guide him through the intricacies of the ritual. Once from the top. Once from the bottom. From both sides and...finger wiggle.

"Boom!" I shout with explosive glee as we break apart. "That, my captain, is a fist bump. The epitome of a great friendship. All best buds have one to share. It's like a secret hand shake."

"A fist...bump. Different," he says looking down at his hand. He quirks an eyebrow. "Do you really have to shout 'boom' at the end?"

"You can make an explosive noise if you want." I do another finger waggle, demonstrating my poorly reenacted attempt at an explosion. "It symbolizes the powerful magnitude of awesomeness that is our friendship."

"I'm honored," he chuckles. "I think."

"You should be! Now let's do it one more time since you've got the hang of it. Our first official fist-bump!"

I wish I had a camera. No one is going to believe me when I tell them I got the prince of Ylisse to go 'Kerpow!' and make spirit fingers. It's a marvel to behold.

When it's all said and done though, I feel like I have to say something. I know everything is forgiven, though not forgotten. Having just that though is something I'm immensely grateful for.

"Thanks Chrom, for everything. I know it must have been hard to hear what I said and still decide to do what you did. It can't have been easy but I'm glad you accepted me, baggage included."

A bit of seriousness sets back in. "It wasn't, which is why I expect a lot more from you now. Not just in effort, but cooperation. I mean it when I said we need to work things out. Everything."

"I know. I know. We will." I sigh. "Did I mention I'm sorry for everything?"

"Maybe. I can't really recall."

"Ass," I murmur, kicking the side of his foot with my toe. "I really am."

"I know. As am I." he answers, poking back. "Things are just difficult right now. We're all acting out of sorts."

"Do you want to talk about it now? We've got time."

He contemplates it for a moment, then shakes his head in disagreement. "Not now. I don't want to take away from the moment. I'd rather you remember this with fondness rather than grievances."

"Later then. We can lay everything out and pick it apart piece by piece. That's what I've been doing lately. Sorting out the mess has really helped me start grasping together things." I lean in closer and raise my eyebrows suggestively. "I happen to be a great listener, I promise I'll never tell, and I can also bring cookies."

"Cookies?" Chrom inquires with a bit of intrigue.

"Delicious, nutritious cookies."

"I guess I can't say no to an offer like that."

"Good," I respond happily, clapping my hands together. "My cookies happen to bring enlightenment, immortality, and shiny hair. Most importantly, smiles. Something I'm sure you and I both need."

"You achieved the last one well enough without the extra help."

My brain fizzes like soda. It's a combination of the way he says it and how he looks at me that causes me to fluster up in a way I haven't before. I'm actually a little embarrassed. "Oh...I...ah...ha ha."

I feel fingers creep up my arm and rest on my shoulder. Is he...? Um...I...They start to drum across the top and my vision slowly fills with yellow.

"Soooo, when are you two gonna kiss?"

A less than friendly expletive explodes out of me as I topple sideways, a certain blonde haired princess leaning in creepily between us. "What the hells Lissa?"

Am I swearing and yelling at the princess of Ylisse? You bet I am! Especially after saying something like that! She's lucky I'm not slapping her upside the face!

"Lissa, what in Naga's name is wrong with you?" Chrom erupts, breaking from his state of shock. Like me, he flailed in surprise at her sudden appearance.

The royal brat brings her hands together and starts rubbing them eagerly. "Don't mind me. Just go back to what you were doing."

"We weren't doing anything!" I hiss as her words start to sink in. What the hell is she going on about? Kissing? For real? Way to break the mood!

"We were having an important conversation before you decided to interrupt," Chrom frowns. He takes his hand and places it against her forehead pushing her slowly back over the bench.

"Uh huh." She skips back, grinning in disbelief. Lissa pushes both her hands together leaving barely any space between them. "You were like this close to each other. Totally just talking."

"Lis." Her name comes out with a clear warning to it that she's pushing the wrong buttons. This only seems to please her more, along with his growing uncomfortableness.

She nestles against the back wall and folds her hands in her lap, smiling at him sweetly. "Carry on dear brother. I'm just hear for the show. I need something to gossip about tomorrow."

I'm having a metaphorical vein twitch in my head right now. "Chrom, I'm going to kill your sister. I swear I will. Regicide or not, I will do it."

"Lissa, leave. This is a private conversation," her brother orders sternly.

"Oh, a love confession! Even better," she almost squeals as she claps her hands together. "When's the wedding?"

I can't believe a fifteen year old is starting to make me blush. Where can I dispose of her body after I strangle her? The hedges by the wall? In the flower bed? Maybe by the-the...

"No. Way."

We're being watched.

In plain fricking site is Emmeryn. She's standing outside the entrance a ways back looking at us with complete and total attention. She's also smiling. Laughing. And you know who's standing at her side looking damned well pleased with himself.

Frederick.

Mother of pearl. They didn't just- The Exalt of Ylisse has...What the ffffff-

"I'll be right back. I need to kick your steward's ass," I all but fume, red-faced with more than one emotion. I can't beat up the Exalt, but I definitely can Frederick.

"Robin? Wait, what?" Chrom calls in confusion as he catches my arm while I try to stand.

I stop and bend down grabbing him by both shoulders. "Chrom, this is revenge. Don't you see? Now I have to defend my honor. We both do! We have to declare war on your sisters or forever lose our reputations!" I point out his sister just beyond us causing him to grow even more befuddled with the situation.

"I...uh...I'm lost," he stutters looking wildly between Lissa, Emmeryn, and I.

"This is great," Lissa practically cackles with amusement. She's sprawled on the grass nearly rolling with laughter.

"Don't think yourself so smart!" I rage pointing dramatically at her. "I'm going to steal Lon'qu in revenge and we're going to defect back to Regna Ferox. Then, we're going to bring the Khanate down on you with all their fiery fury!"

"What is going on here?" Chrom blurts out in clear frustration.

"Robin spied on Emm and Freddy the other day," Lissa manages out as she wipes away a tear. "During their 'private time'," she says with air quotes.

"Oh."

"Not my fault," I protest. "She called me in to have that chat. So maybe I didn't knock. Maybe I didn't announce myself. Maaaybe I made a comment too loud. Hardly anything."

"For the love of..." Chrom looks like he finally gets what's going on. He rises to his feet and glares in his sister's direction. "Emmeryn! Truly?"

The Exalt of Ylisse hides a smile behind her hand and scurries off, pulling Frederick away by the arm. He bows in departure and follows after her back to the castle. In response, Chrom just buries his face in his hand and shakes his head in disbelief.

"I can't believe this," he murmurs.

"I can," Lissa says.

"A shot of vodka. No, wait. Three shots. That's what I need right now," I whine. Shit. I think I just got trolled by the Exalt of Ylisse.

"So really," Lissa inquires with an impish smile. "When are you two gonna kiss?"

We both turn and glare at her with animosity as powerful as a TNT explosion.

"You little toad." Chrom makes a playful lunge at his sister. In response, she gets up with a giggling scream and dodges in the other direction. He makes to go after her and stops next to me. "Are you coming?"

"Where?" I inquire.

"I thought you had honor that needed to be upheld. No better place to start than with the messenger."

Oh really? I feel a devilish twinge of glee inside. "What do you have in mind?"

"Lissa's ticklish in about seven different places. Death by laughter seems fitting to me, don't you?" he asks with a mischievous smirk. Chrom's trying to look dastardly but his lingering flush and mirthful look make him anything but.

"That sounds very fitting," I agree, adding in a dramatic 'mwahaha'. "Ylisse shall fear our villainous tirade of revenge!"

With a sweep of his hand, he gestures forward. "After you, dear partner in crime."

"Indeed, my devilish cohort! Away we go!"

Let's just hope we catch her before she gets to Lon'qu. Otherwise this will be one heck of a tag-team effort.

For glory! For honor! Tally ho!

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A/N: So I know some of you wanted to speed up the plot a little. Voila. Two chapters condensed into one. So sorry if some things don't seem to flow well or there's something you feel should be there but isn't. I had to wrap up what I could before Ylisse goes to war which means some things were cut and shortened. I'm aware and it's been pushed for a future chapter. But hey, end of the arc! Yay! Man though. Speeches. I HATE speeches. I barely scrubbed by them in school. And here I am being a genius and trying to write one for a queen. Stab me with a spork, please. That took forever! In response to some comments about the ending of last chapter, it also took an extra couple days because I tacked on a new ending. Emmeryn got her revenge ya'll. A chapter late, but it happened. Frederick may have been in on it. Fun times. Literal sibling ship wars. I regret nothing.

Easter is coming up and I'll probably be slammed with orders. You should have seen the madness that was St. Patrick's day! So, there might be a gap in chapters. I'll do what I can though!

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Review Responses -

guedesbrawl – Ah, sorry if it felt like that. I didn't want to rush something that serious but I understand if it felt long. The arc should have ended in February but I got lazy on vacation. I'm glad you like the rest though. Things should be moving quicker now, hopefully!

Arthogawa – Thank you! I hoped this chapter would be well received considering what the focus matter was about. Both Chapters 28 and 29 are the two part conclusion to Robin's final mental steps at maturing and realizing her role here in this world. She's gone through her trials and faced her own darkness. Coming out in the end, I think she's ready to finally embrace responsibility given she has more respect for what it means to carry the burden she's chosen to bear. That's something you picked up on with her negotiating skills too! It's a small sign that she's learning, adapting, and growing.

As for the ending, it's rather ironic because initially the ending was with Chrom instead of Frederick! I think I'm glad I didn't though because I like the revenge Emm dished out in the end here!

Raiden312 – I hope Robin figures out a way to save Emmeryn too! Looks like the steps are being made, it just depends on whether they'll come to fruition or not. I've thought long and hard on the different possibilities of Emmeryn's fate so we'll see what happens down the road. As for Frederick, that's a hilarious, if not frightening resemblance. The urge to see him wielding eating utensils like throwing knives is very strong now. Anyway, I'll raise a metaphorical glass myself in thanks and good wishes for your own story. Cheers!

ArcherShirou – Much thanks! I appreciate all the reviews!

Nreyj – Hey there! Thanks for reading along so far! And have no fear, unless I lose my fingers, I'll be working on this until the very end. Before all things, this is my hobby so I have no reason to stop :) Sorry if it did seem slow though. It's as you said, buildup before the war. Before I tackled that arc, I had to make sure both Robin and myself were ready for it. I think we're good now so the plot should start going again. And thanks for the well-wishes! Here's to another year!

Forgetful Dreamer – Thank you! I hardly believe it myself! The pace is about to pick up again so don't fear!

Ah ha! Someone was paying attention! Yes, that is rather ominous throwback to something. There's also something in that scene which should be even MORE worrying however. Check back to the Interlude with the villains and see if you can figure it out, mwahaha. As for the the twins, I feel you. Creepy as they are, they're in a rough alliance with some gnarly figures. Maybe you'll get your wish, maybe not. You'll find out soon. As for other wishes, I hope Robin's interactions with Chrom this chapter made up for the lack of it lately. It came off more shippy than I pictured but...eh. And there will be plenty more now that war's a brewing. The captain can't plan without his tactician after all!

Titan127 – Thank you! I love Emmeryn's character. She's a great leader archetype and I wanted to do her character the justice she deserves. She really did take Robin for a spin though, ha ha. I'm doubly glad you like Eldaran though! He's such a blast to write. He and his whole family actually. And yep, Emmeryn is officially taken as well. Now the real struggle to keep it afloat begins! So, glad to have given you a break from studying and good luck with 'em!

faolae – Yes! Kellam deserves all the best! I've rocked him every play through and he deserves just as much love as everyone else. Ah, Maribelle though! I'm sorry! I'm angry at myself for putting her in such a horrible situation! War stuff sucks D: But I'm glad Robin's still amusing as ever, despite the recent angsty-ness. Be prepared for more twists as well! The truth is slowly unraveling and changing everything with it!

m-meistiNator – Thank you! I'm still getting over that fact. Where has the year gone? As for the chapter, glad it's well received in your eyes. There was a lot of subject matters and mood swings so transitioning it all was a bit of a hassle to balance. Turned out well though, I think. And yes, I did indulge some shippiness, if only for my own benefit. I love tales about knights and ladies. Get me started on Arthurian tales and I'll go on for hours. And I think there was probably a little influence in emotion with Emmeryn's speech and Robin's reactions, thanks in part to you and everyone else. I emote through Robin sometimes with my own feelings at hand as we share a mouthpiece and thought pattern as both subject and author. While the topic matter was coincidental, it was still a perfect conveyance of my own shock and honor to still be writing for you all. So much thanks to you and everyone still :) And hey, no sweat for the joke. Consider me the one whose sinned for not knowing about CinemaSins before. I poked into it and it looks like pure gold. I can't wait to explore more of it!

QwertysHuman – Thank you! Happy Anniversary indeed!

I agree, I love Emmeryn's naive idealism. It's not the best of ruling traits to have, but it makes her the perfect leader for a broken nation that needs healing in both spirit and presence. Gah, I don't want to think about what I did to poor Owain and Lissa though. I'm horrible sometimes. The same for Maribelle too. Curse you plot bunnies! Maribelle and Gaius' past had a mild mention in this chapter though actual interactions will come later on. She's still busy mourning so she won't be around yet. Miriel and Laurent will happen. Miriel's whole family interacting will happen, I will bet my life on it. If Miriel's future husband hasn't been made obvious by now, it will be soon. I ship that family triangle so hard it hurts.

red lilies – Yes! Yes! I welcome your leaky boat into port with gifts of tar for the holes and toasty marshmallows to bask in fluff. Considering this plot is bending outside of canon, I thought why the heck not. So I indulged it and it flourishes!

Seriously though, thank you for the praise. This being a character driven plot, I damn well better get these characters right. I spent hours reading all those support conversations, DLC and beyond to find material to work with. So with a combination of that and a bit of creativity, I've been having blast giving these wonderful characters life. On the vein of Chrom and Robin, if they do end up together, I swore it would not happen until well after their friendship has been developed and explored. You're absolutely right in that it's the paramount of their relationship and it deserves some spotlight because it effectively is what holds parts of the plot together. I'll keep doing what I can for the rest as well. I love you're a Gaius fan. I am too. His voice actor, Gideon Emery, plays some of my favorite characters ever and I instantly latched onto the red head when I found out. His lines are delivered impeccably well and his supports are all gold. Libra and him are amazing.

The Night Gaunt – Wow, thank you! At least you'll get timely updates when I post! It's also nice for me when I get a name to address in the response section. I always feel bad when I have to write guest or anonymous.

I love that you enjoy the world building parts! They're one of my favorite parts. I get to go wild with my imagination and research new topics when I pursue angles. I delved into color usage and mourning rituals in different cultures for this chapter. Consider it eye-opening. It furthers both my respect and knowledge of other communities. As for the shippiness, I prefer the subtle angles. I've read shonen manga since I was a wee one and I think that's influenced me here. I like more action and just hints of romance in the background to snatch up and speculate with.

A Shadow's Lament – Emmeryn and Frederick feed my needs. I'm probably not getting my Sumia/Henry pairing in so I have to get my giggles somewhere.

I'm sure relieved Emmeryn came out like I wanted. The whole point was to make her seem more human and approachable, since up to this point Robin's only seen her as this venerable, far away person on a pedestal. She may be the most serious of the siblings, but I know she's still got a twinge of humor in her. And thanks for the wishes. I can only return them for providing me some lovely, humorous, and sometimes heart-breaking, stories as well!

timewastin – Heya! Welcome back! Thanks for the double review!

In regards to the one from Chapter 27, all I can say is yes. Yes, there does seem to be something weird with her, especially in recent chapters. Yes, something should feel off sometimes. No one's commented on a super obvious thought she had in one chapter that should have tipped off some red flags. Super. Obvious. But anyway, good catch :)

KingKeith – Hey, no probs. Life is life so I totally can relate to a busy schedule. Look how long it took to post this monster! Ooo, good comparison though with Em and Robin's discussion to Fate/Zero's. An interesting parallel. I wonder who the two relate to more? Maybe Emmeryn to Saber? Robin to Rider? I can't see either of them for Gil. Walhart's the only man majestic enough to match his ego.

You know, I'm rather humbled to think this may have inspired some one to drop their own story. If it does, all my best to them. I'll happily pop in and drop a review as well. I love stories of all sorts to go for it. Dream big, write hard! And don't worry too much, this lowly servant wouldn't dare dream of gloating. I grovel before your grovely-ness.