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...

41. Chapter 41

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

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Chapter 41

It's noon. The tall walls of Fort Tyr's officer quarters are finally warmed up to the sun's rays, dispelling the chill within. Thin trails of yellow slowly cross the stones from the thin slits carved up high. The room itself is a mess and furniture has been borrowed from several compartments to pull together the group huddled around the massive central table. The Plegian documents littering it have all been confiscated, and Ylissean war plans now dominate the rich oaken finish.

The assembly is made up of many familiar faces representing the powers at hand. Emmeryn presides up front with Phila at her side. Chrom is on her left with Frederick and I supporting him. Raimi claims the spot of honor on the Exalt's right. The short-haired military leader is the tallest figure in the room alongside Frederick. Despite being off the field, she's in full military garb. Her armor is lighter and more flexible for daily activities, but she carries plenty of weapons and gear. The Feroxi general is ready for battle no matter what time of day.

The last of the head count belongs to Eldaran. All previous branches have been gathered together under his advisory. The mage school, church, and general forces all collected together. The pressure isn't easy for him.

Phila's sisterly concern sneaks out every so often from her position next to the Exalt. Her eyes settle on his bleary, dark-circled ones and the exchange they have is one of mutual suffering. Running drills and weeding out a few bandit alcoves is nothing like organizing a successful war campaign.

Eldaran's etiquette is lacking this morning as he rambles on the overall state of affairs. His pale hair stands messy and looks as though he's combed it through with his fingertips before giving up. The top of his over shirt is still unbuttoned, and more than once he's had to rely on a heavy sip from the mug he constantly has refilled. I caught a quick look at the contents and the dark liquid looks more red than black. I think coffee isn't what's getting him through the stress. How naughty.

All things aside, the first meeting we're having as joint leaders isn't what we hoped. The reclamation of Fort Tyr has been a mixed bag. This is our first major win as an army. Ylisstol was more of a draw than a win for us. The battle here was infinitely more definite with the stakes high in our favor. On the other hand?

The initial battle that caused Miriel, Vaike, and Ricken to flee did substantial damage to the fort. What little the Plegians made an effort to fix disappeared with even more harm done after we fought back. What we were hoping for was a solid fortress to conduct affairs. What we're discovering is a square box punctured with enough holes to look like Swiss cheese. It's probably the reason for the General's sour look as he finishes the summary. Eldaran sets the papers down before him, the resignation heavy in his droning speech.

"And that wraps up most of the outstanding details. The army as a whole stands more as less where it was. The fort's the real question, as we all have seen with today's tour. I wasn't expecting to find the outer palisade burned out and a hole in the back structure. Larder's all cleared out. The bastards made sure to raid it as they ran."

"In other words, General," Raimi summarizes for us all, "this is a poor place to set up a central camp."

Eldaran takes another sip and raises his mug toward him, face puckered as he digests another sting of his drink. That's definitely alcohol in there. I hope Phila doesn't catch him.

"Aye, piss-poor one at that. It's going to take a month just to get that new entrance out back filled in and a few more to import and replace the damaged palisade out front."

"Surely it will serve the purpose for the few weeks we need. According to the word sent, is Khan Flavia not expected to be within our vicinity soon?" Emmeryn quietly interjects.

The Exalt looks the most ragged of us all. Emmeryn's initial shock is wearing away leaving her more or less to face the truth. She's a gentle, honest woman and the weight of the predicament is thrusting her into most likely her greatest test as ruler. Her inner strength is bending heavily under the pressure of war. Never has Emmeryn been put into battle. No cycle, according to Lucina, allowed her a standing position on the field. It's a whole new experience for the fledgling Exalt, and it's not pretty.

She's changed so much. Yes, she remains supportive and vocal. Her voice has returned and she makes it a point to step among the army's ranks often. She does not sit back passive and meek. Emmeryn is always beside the healers and uses her remarkable talents to help save lives. More than once Frederick has carried her back, pale and weak to the point of exhaustion. She strives to preserve every life she can and that endears the alliance ever more to her. Morale and loyalty are at an all time high.

But in private, the woman I once described as the sun is now a waning moon. The light she exuded is dying. Her shoulders bow forward and the roundness of her features has sharpened under leather and steel. Still, the stubborn willpower of the Ylissean family burns in her. It keeps her eyes bright and focused when all else is glum. She refuses to break because that is a failure to her people. I can't help but admire her all the more for that. It's a cruel thing to see her thrust into this war, but she's enduring. She must.

"You can try, your Grace. It's manageable," Eldaran concedes half-heartedly.

"But in truth, he means it is ill-advised," Phila finishes for her brother, voice strong and clear. "There is much wrong with the fort. The Exalt's safety is not guaranteed should she remain to dictate matters here."

"I see," Emmeryn admits, eyes lowering in defeat. "This was to be our stronghold. To abandon it means we must discard our previous plans as well. Our efforts were to be coordinated within the distance of Tyr's reach."

"Yet that's the reality. You heard him Emm, this place isn't looking good," Chrom firmly reminds his sister. He leans over the table and adjusts the map of the outlying fortress for her to see better. Though the markers shift atop it, their numbers already give a good idea of the repairs at hand.

"We've seen them," he continues, his fingertip pressing to each point in succession. "The one wall is compromised and our outer defenses stripped. There's significant damage to the far side preventing anyone with half a mind to climb the upper fortifications. We won't be able to defend any attacks that come from there. And let's not forget the front gates..."

He lets his sentence trail, brow raising in emphasis of his growing list of points. We had thought the Plegians would take some care of the place. Jamming up the doors would have been no problem for us. Instead, we find the enemy had a heyday here. There's evidence that at least two mercenary bands took refuge here before the attack on Ylisstol. They threw a hell of a party and sacked this place worse than a rampaging band of drunk pirates. Fort Tyr was clearly not involved in any of Plegia's future plans. Just another place to bunker down.

"Then we need alternatives," Emmeryn murmurs resolutely. "We will coordinate new plans."

"Carefully crafted new ones, your Ladyship," Raimi adds. "You mustn't forget that there will be days between our communication with my Khan. What we decide here will reflect upon her own traveling plans. Any further distance will put more strain on the marching Feroxi, as well as decrease the likelihood of combining our forces any sooner."

"That is a valid point," Frederick nods in agreement. He walks around Chrom toward the center where the world map lies. His interests are in the southern lands and coastline. "If we choose to regroup elsewhere, we must be wise in our choices. I advise against positioning ourselves this far south as it will hinder both armies. We will fall further from the border and the fastest line of travel for our allies."

"Yet it will provide us closer exposure to resources," Eldaran counters. He taps on the scrawling that marks Southtown, then a harbor below it to the west. "You've got the largest center of exports for food and foreign sundries only a few days travel by road. We'll maintain stock easier."

True. Keeping our supply lines open will be harder the further we get from the center of Ylisse.

Raimi stares at the map unimpressed. She lets a hand rest casually on the edge of the table as the other marks the path from Flavia's own capital. The Feroxi shows us the Khan's route through the mountains and along the lengthy stretches of road to a position maybe a week out from Ylisstol. "Khan Flavia's movements are restricted and will not open up for several more days past this point. She will reach the main roads and would travel them to our current location."

She follows the side of the table, a new route leading from that position to the south. "Cutting through the untrodden plains will be faster but increase her exposure to dangers. Risen, bandits, whatever else roams your lands."

Raimi now follows the main road and takes the long way via roads. "Alternatively, on this path she will be safer but spend even more time in an attempt to reach us."

Clasping both hands behind her back, she looks Emmeryn straight on. "So I must ask you, Exalt. Would you dare ask the Khan to waste even more time trying to follow your wake? If that is the case, what will we do about our own supplies? Unlike yourselves, we do not come with free holds to refill our wagons."

Emmeryn holds her gaze, for once with a strong assurance. "Ylisse does not forget its allies, General Raimi. What we have is yours."

Raimi regards the eldest royal with an intrigued raise of her eyebrow. "That's gracious of you. Until the Western Khan arrives from the north with his ships, we will be reliant on our own stores."

"But," she continues, serious once more, "time still presents a problem."

Time is a problem. Flavia's forces are going to give us the edge on Plegia's army. It will take our numbers to new heights and we won't have to worry about a stalemate. The scouts are reporting that Gangrel's pulled everyone back to our Western border. It's the easiest place for them to regroup. They're closer to home and more familiar with the area. And given the mountainous region, it presents plenty of places to hide.

A knock upon the door brings all our attention to it. Eldaran's squire peeks her youthful face in and she immediately shrinks away when she finds the room's focus on her. Finding some resolve in her small body, she slinks in following the walls. The girl quickly struggles to pull a scroll from her oversized tunic, fumbling so bad it flies from her grasp when it comes free.

Eldaran deftly catches the loose parchment with one hand. The girl gawks in awe, mouth hanging open. He gives a quick wink that turns her red from head to toe before unrolling it in his hands. We wait quietly in patience as his eyes skim over the words. The longer he reads, the more his former levity bleeds away. By the end of it, he's reaching for another drink.

"Is now a good time to call our noon recess ladies and lords? Given we've spend all morning finalizing the last bits of preparation and establishing our current status, I think it would be a good place to pause. And this has nothing to do with the fact that there's a roving horde of Risen roaming just outside our far left perimeter."

Phila nods toward her brother, voicing what we all believe. "The army's activity must have drawn them in from the north."

"Are their numbers enough to be a threat, General?" the Exalt questions with concern over the news.

"Usually not. This is a rare exception. Sometimes we get news of Risen drawing together in large numbers, just shambling and moaning in one large mob. This just happens to be one of them. Fliers included." Eldaran shakes his head and empties the rest of his mug. Wiping at the corner of his mouth with his thumb, the young man gives a sigh. "I'll be needing your aid in this, Sister."

Phila turns to Emmeryn, question in her eyes for confirmation on what to do next. "Your Grace? Orders?"

Emmeryn gestures toward the door in acknowledgment. "Then so be it. It would do no good to let this threat come to us. Whilst you deal as you must, we will remain here in wait for your return."

"Not an hour goes by without something happening," Eldaran groans, rubbing the back of his arm over his forehead. He gestures for his squire to follow as he retreats around the table.

"We shall reconvene this meeting when the threat is eliminated," Phila concludes while departing from Emmeryn's side. She reaches the door first and pauses for her brother.

"While you all wait, why not spend some time brainstorming some solutions for our little problem. Especially you, Prince Chrom. You've got a lovely tactician over there. Don't let her talent go to waste," Eldaran throws over with a flirtatious smile aimed directly at me. His extremely public flirt catches me off guard, and the quill in my hand I had been using snaps in two. My gurgle of surprise ends in a choke.

"And your time would be better used for something other than flattery. We'll get on just fine Eldaran," Chrom remarks casually, a hint of challenge in his eyes as he stares down the other man. Phila promptly pushes her brother through before bowing to Emmeryn.

"We will return as soon as the threat is neutralized, your Grace." Before leaving, she salutes to Raimi in formal respect. "General."

Once gone, the remaining occupants find themselves left with a lot to think on. Emmeryn rises from her chair, eyes shut and head hung to her chest. She presses her fingers to the bridge her nose and rubs it methodically, a rare sign of weakness she only exhibits among those trusted behind closed doors.

"My apologies, General Raimi," she starts weakly. "We seem to have adjourned most prematurely. If you wish, we may proceed with just ourselves. Or may I suggest retiring for the afternoon so you may speak with your own?"

"Considering we've come to an impasse, that might be the wisest course of action. We know of the fort's condition and where we stand. I haven't had much time to rejoin my men and properly sort our own affairs. I should also send word to my Khan. She'll need news of current affairs," the blonde warrior responds.

Emmeryn's smile is watery and weak, her lips as pale as her skin. "Conduct your business then. Consult with your people and we will as well. Hopefully we'll have better news to share."

Raimi salutes in her own Feroxi fashion before departing as well.

Once gone, Chrom moves into action. Emmeryn's weakened state isn't just noticed by me. He's already making his way to her side as he lets out an order for his lieutenant. "Frederick, be so kind as to take my sister to her chambers."

The royal steward is already moving before Chrom can finish. Frederick quickly extends an arm for her to take and catches her lightly at the small of her back. She looks up gratefully but still speaks out to assuage her brother's concern.

"Chrom, I am fine."

He stops short of her, arms folded in disbelief. "Emm, you've been up all night healing the wounded and continued through morning with overseeing the fort. The army won't dissolve if you spend a few hours asleep."

"Perhaps," she murmurs, grasping harder to Frederick for support.

The great knight's voice softens in the way it only does when he addresses his lady. With the utmost care, he steadies her as if holding fragile china. "In this case, I must agree with milord. An ardent Exalt is one to be treasured. However, one worn to the bone will do little good to anyone. Allow me to escort you to your quarters. An hour at least, your Grace."

She looks between both men before resigning herself to her fate. Emmeryn's laugh is quiet, like a breeze. "Perhaps I could use a cup of tea to calm myself."

"I have preserved a batch of winterwhite leaves for travel. I will being brewing it as soon as you are seated," he speaks proudly as she beams up at him.

"My favorite. You are eternally prepared, Frederick."

"Always for you," he responds tenderly.

Chrom is entirely red in the face and grumbles loudly as he presses against Frederick's shoulder. "Alright, alright. Off with you two already. Keep her there as long as you can Frederick."

"As you wish, milord. Though my Lady will always have the final say in her state."

Emmeryn looks back as she's escorted away. "I won't push myself Chrom. I promise."

With their exit, it just leaves the two of us. Chrom collapses against the table, rubbing an eye in his own weariness. "Those two. Frederick's damn lucky I trust him with her."

Try as I might to respond, I can't seem to find my voice. I'll admit I've been in a haze. Caeda's words last night were eye opening and sit heavily in the back of my mind. Every time I try to direct my attention toward something, it wanders off to everything she admitted. My thoughts have been more on how to corner Lucina and start a conversation than military planning. The spotty parchment in my lap is a testament to that. I quickly fold it up so Chrom can't see the nonsensical scribbles that denote my lack of work ethic this morning.

Chrom's concern interrupts my thoughts. "I at least expected a witty retort there at Frederick's expense. And not a word about the general? You've been all too quiet today, Robin. Something amiss?"

I digest my internal strife and try to look as normal as I can. "That's a pretty silly thing to ask when we're fighting a war."

It's the first thing I've spoken since the quiet greetings we passed to each other this morning before settling in. My voice is hoarse and takes a moment to strengthen from the initial whisper I force out. I toss the broken remains of my quill on the table and tuck my materials under one arm. Even as I rise from my seat, my captain's ever watchful gaze refuses to waver.

"Be that as it may, I've seen you make quips while facing down a dragon. You're usually more upbeat despite the circumstances," he remarks as I walk past him.

"I'm coming off a restless sleep, that's all. Even I'm not infallible to the pangs of fatigue, Chrom," I respond back. We both exit the chamber where he speeds up to match my pace.

"It's not just your silence," he presses carefully. We pass a few guards on duty who stop and salute. Chrom nods in acknowledgment before casting a worried eye back on me. "Robin, you picked at your breakfast despite being a voracious eater. On top of that, you looked utterly blank during our tour of the grounds. Like you were staring right through the walls."

I find the spark of my old self, though the attempt still sounds questionable to my ears. "Did you try the food this morning? Blandest oatmeal ever. I felt like I was eating the actual void. I grew more hungry with each bite. At least Sully's swill maintains its smoky, charred aftertaste."

"Ah, there it is," Chrom chuckles lightly. "I was beginning to worry."

"Well don't. I'm handling things just fine," I lie viciously through my teeth.

"I would like to believe you are," he continues, "but it's my job to keep an eye on you."

"No playing favorites, Captain. What would the others think?" I tease.

We reach the end of the hall. Before I can grab for the door, Chrom's already there opening it for me. This man and his damn chivalry. We both exit through the portal and start the downward descent to the lower ground floor. The passage is small and he has to walk behind me causing his voice to project stronger for me to hear.

"It's not about playing favorites. You simply have outstanding circumstances that require extra maintenance. An unprepared civilian thrown into this madness without the years of proper instruction many of us were trained for? Tell me that does not warrant extra incentive."

"True," I glumly admit. My pride's not so great that I can't accept I have a unique origin that requires extra mental and physical guidance.

There's a long moment of silence and I can feel the indecision emanating from him, pressing heavy against the back of me. I hear his footsteps stop and I pause myself. I turn just as he continues.

"Given the recent revelations surrounding your background, I've found the concern even more warranted." His hand is around Falchion again, squeezing tight to signify his own inner anxiousness. The blues of his eyes shift from their averted gaze on the wall to travel upward to my own. "I had meant to ask but was waiting for a moment of quiet. Did anything occur during yesterday's battle that I should know of?"

Ah. He's thinking about our chat back in the garden. Should I go so far as to guess he suspects such things are behind the lingering weight on my mind. He's close but in the opposite direction. This isn't about Grima, it's about the more human half.

Dumb as it is, the idea that even with the war to deal with he's still finding time to look after my safety is...touching. I really don't know how to describe the strange feeling of fondness warming my veins. I can feel a genuine smile touch my features and some of the haze fades away leaving me more motivated than seconds ago.

"If you're asking whether any strange cultists came by trying to tempt me away with candy, you're mistaken. It's just the melancholy of the situation is all. I'm sure it will pass, just like it will for everyone else. You saw how it was. Once the elation of victory passed, we had to deal with the dumpy aftermath. This place blows chunks and there's the wake of a battlefield out there. It still takes getting use to."

That's not just a convenient cover story. It's also a bit of the truth. There's a reason my history teachers didn't go into the gritty details of famous battles in the text books. No one wants to know how you deal with fields of dead bodies or how to mourn the enemy deceased. As much as Ylisse and Plegia have a burning hatred for one another, we still maintain civility. There's no desecration here, though the funeral rites given by the few war monks we have available are considered a waste by many.

Chrom's agrees with me. His frustration for the war flares up in the sharp, downward curl of his mouth and the way his free hand clenches together. "This whole situation is a gods' damned nightmare brought on by Gangrel's hubris and a centuries old rift that no one can seem to let go. Do they really want to keep fighting to the point of one, if not both nations, turning to dust?"

There's so many answers to that, all of them right. The government is scared of Valm's growing power. The Grimleal want to fulfill their religion. The people want peace. The survivors and victims want retribution. The same goes for Ylisse. They want the same things and they keep restarting this circle of destruction with each new generation burning with righteous revenge.

"I don't know." I say it again, helpless to admit any concrete answer he doesn't already understand. "I'm sorry. I just don't know."

A heavy breath follows, one that echoes in the tiny space between us. His whole body unwinds with the tension he releases leaving Chrom looking more tired than before. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."

I step aside to let him pass but he stops just shy of me. There's a confident flare of hope in his eye as he tilts his head my way. "We'll find a way to fix it. I know Emmeryn can lead us to peace again. She'll find the way, just as she always has."

He starts up again and leaves me stuck to the wall in a stupor. His complete and utter belief in his sister's ability to save them leaves me sick with dread. Everything is uncertain and if something does end up happening to Emmeryn, I don't dare think about what this could do to him.

Emmeryn's aware of the possibility and I've seen the little things she's been doing to prepare for it. Chrom's her heir and she knows there's a chance for her death to occur in this war, ignorant as she is to the greater scheme of events. She hasn't been asking for his presence at her side for just support. She's subtly grooming him for future command. By slowly letting him work his hand at large scale operations, something he hasn't done outside of controlling the Shepherds, Chrom's slowly learning the finer aspects of ruling a nation.

"I pray you're right about Emmeryn," I whisper to myself before jumping steps to reach him.

I'm just crossing the threshold when the familiar pitch of a greeting reaches my ears. Maribelle's golden tresses bounce about as she walks up in a whirlwind of metal and lace. To my surprise, a drab looking Gaius walks sullenly at a distance behind her. How the heck are those two even together? Maribelle's change in personality towards the thief one random afternoon surprised many except myself. It signified that she became aware of his relevance to her history. A reflection of their C-rank conversation when she finds he's the one who 'framed' her father in a past incident. I hope she finds out the truth of that soon.

Maribelle raises her gloved hand and waves it daintily in our direction. "My Lord! A word please?"

Chrom and I both stop and wait for the duchess to the reach us. Maribelle wastes no time talking. "I must speak with you. The need is urgent."

The two of us share a look of concern before Chrom questions her. "Maribelle? What's wrong? Did Eldaran send word of need?"

Her fingertips brush back the loose bangs that have gone askew, returning them to their perfect placement. "Not in the least," she speaks between short breaths. Leaning on her parasol, she regains her composure. "This is all of my own desire."

"Alright," Chrom replies, partly in wonder. He notices the thief hovering just out of arm's reach behind her. "Gaius? I'll assume you're with her then."

"Yep." Gaius gives a curt greeting to us both with a quick jerk of his chin in our direction.

Maribelle's masks her mild disdain with ease as she straightens herself. "The scoundrel has some skills I can make use of. He is part of a proposal I would like to confer upon you."

"Now?" Chrom shifts uneasily, hand rubbing the side of his neck as he debates with his responsibilities.

"Your meeting has been postponed for the moment, has it not?" Maribelle inquires.

"Not that long ago," I admit, curious at her knowledge. "But how did you know?"

Maribelle leans in and offers a knowing glance behind the tips of her fingers. Her inner political deviant is showing. "Dear, it's a noblewoman's business to know all happenings, coming and going. How can she protect herself otherwise? I have an ear to the wind and to the earth. Nothing escapes me."

"True as that may be, we're sort of busy at the moment Maribelle. Can this wait for tonight?" Chrom asks her from the side.

"He's right," I agree, begrudgingly. "We've got some pressing matters at hand that are a bit too big to ignore."

Maribelle falls back on one heel, twisting her parasol so it spins in a bright pink blur. "The one concerning the integrity of our current stronghold? I must agree. The place is utterly abhorrent. Hardly the location one could hope to make a base from."

"I- Where did you get this from?" Chrom asks suspiciously.

"She strong armed your fearless general into admitting your whereabouts the second he walked out the door. The extra information spilled out with the rest," Gaius answers for her.

Maribelle's parasol lifts and shoots past her hip. Aiming downward, the pointed tip of the accessory digs into the top of Gaius' foot. He flinches and hops back, ripping his toes away.

She clucks her tongue in disapproval. "You paint a poor picture of me. I coerced the general, nothing more. It is good I did. For my proposal is both beneficial to me and to presenting an answer for your problem."

"If you have something, I would love to hear it," Chrom perks up. His interest in her words has pleased the young lady before us.

She gives a shallow curtsy and a satisfied smile of gratitude. "Most assuredly, my Lord. However, it is a discussion I would like to make in private. There is...sensitive material involved with it. I would prefer the wandering ear not become privy to such details."

"We could take her to the empty study right across from our rooms. It's out of the way and hardly anyone will be there," I offer in suggestion. Chrom and I most likely were going to retire there to speak further on the situation concerning the fort.

"It's a good enough place as any," he agrees. "Is that to your liking Maribelle?"

"As long as there are four walls and a sturdy door, I will be content," the duchess nods.

"Let's move on then. I'm curious to know what you have to offer," our captain states as he beckons for us to follow.

The trip is short with us cutting through the thin halls that tunnel through the fort's interior. The room is little more than a study for the presiding officer on duty. The desk is stained with all sorts of markings, from ink to wine. The former commander had a spartan taste for decoration and remnants of what little there were lay soiled and shattered in the corners. Something once hung on the back wall but was exchanged for lewd drawings ripped from books of the saucy sort. Frederick was quick to rip those down before Emmeryn or Lissa saw.

There's only one chair leaving us all to stand in a small huddle before the desk. I hop up atop it while Chrom settles against it beside me. Maribelle seems content enough to stand before us while our last companion shuts the door behind her. Taking up the opposite corner, Gaius watches from the back.

Maribelle cranes her head about, a particular look of discomfort growing. Between the weaponry, dirt, and bland décor, she's not impressed with things.

"How quaint. This fortress certainly doesn't lack the provincial charm of military life."

I look up at the sunlight streaming in from where stones were gouged out in the roof's left corner. "At least the extra skylight adds to the appeal."

"Nuthin a good tarp and some nails can't handle if you need a quick fix," Gaius offer up in remedy.

Chrom silently grimaces at the suggestion. "While I have no problems with a canvas tent, I'd prefer our more permanent setting to be made of stone and wood overhead."

"One we are sorely lacking here," Maribelle bluntly puts with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "Should you choose to pursue it, I can provide us a solid roof and room to spare."

"Speak on then, Maribelle. Let's listen to this proposition of yours."

"As you wish."

The troubadour draws herself up, adopting an air I see with many courtiers. The healer's pack she carries is quickly opened and she presents forth a large paper for Chrom to take. "It is obvious that we lack the proper defenses. This I can see with my own eyes. And after conferring with Gaius here, he alerted me to twenty three area of concern. All of which I detailed here."

I lean over and stare over Chrom's shoulder as we look over An Informal List of Security Infractions as Presented by the Lady Maribelle, Duchess of Themis and Warden of the Iron Mountains. Fancy pants title right there. I wonder if I can get one if I survive this war. You think Lady Marmalade would work?

"As you can see here," she continues, "there is considerable damages to worry for. Isn't that right Gaius?"

The man hasn't lasted five minutes before already searching his pouch for a sugar rush. He barely acknowledges her, holding up a bright wrapper to critique with one eye. It takes a sharp clearing of Maribelle's throat to get him to look over. "Uh yeah. Righter than rainbow sprinkles."

"Y-you wrote this up this morning?" I stutter in surprise. There's a whole essay here and not a single mistake present! "Holy crap Maribelle."

Gaius gives a derisive snicker that causes the duchess to shoot him a withering look. "One must always be prepared when ready to make a case, Robin," she answers. "And I am very prepared to make my case."

Chrom lowers the paper and places it behind him. I still can't get over how she avoided any ink smears. "You've clearly been busy. The question is why. What's your angle here Maribelle? You claim to have a solution in mind."

"Before I continue," Maribelle starts, "I would like to admit that this idea has been on my mind for some time. I had been waiting for the most opportune time and will readily admit to the guilt of personal motivations fueling a part of this plan. It would be foolish to deny it, yet I also realize this will provide us an opportunity."

She turns her back to us and walks to the front of the room, the clack of her boots heavy and hard. "Fort Tyr is not what we wished. The damages are numerous and the risks even more. The options we have are to make do with what we have and hope for repairs, or move on. This I've garnered from General Eldaran, and I must agree. Of the two choices, I've found a greater preference for the latter."

"So you're in the camp requesting we ditch the place," I surmise.

"Yes, that is accurate." She gazes over her shoulder, a playful twinkle in her eye. "What you would be lacking is a viable alternative, yes?"

"That's correct. We're going to discuss options and present them forth to the others the next time we meet." Chrom looks to me and we share a mutual nod.

"Then allow me to get to the matter of things." She holds out a hand to redhead next to her. "Gaius, the map if you please."

He presses back from the wall, eyes crinkled in an accusing glare. "Seriously? I said you could use it for reference, not divulge it to the world."

She flexes her fingertips in invitation, already bored with waiting. "Come, come. We already know what you are. Is it truly a secret to know you have multiple blueprints to several high scale holds."

"Well it's no secret anymore," he grumbles, reaching for a scroll. Gaius extracts it and passes it with great hesitation.

Maribelle happily takes it, extracting two more parchments from her own supply. "You have nothing to worry about if you truly are as loyal to the Shepherds as you claim to be."

Gaius doesn't reply, too busy avoiding Chrom's pointed look that promises a talk in the near future about these hidden maps of his. Heck, I'd like to see them. Maybe I can scrawl a few new prints into the Roster, just in case. Always trust a thief to be prepared.

Back to the matter at hand, Maribelle steps up and ushers me aside. I scoot over and allow her to lay out the papers before us. This is a set of three maps showing us the layout of Ironhold Keep. The first is a general survey of the city and roadways. I can see Gaius' penmanship marking routes through the streets with drop points and safe spots. There's a number of marks that show easy access entrances for breaking in to the large warehouses holding Themis' premiere weapon and jewelry supplies. The second map is larger and a blueprint to the keep's inner skeleton. The last is all together different. The paper is far more worn and penned in a steadier hand. Maribelle handles this one with greater care, separating it from the others.

This is a record of the mountain Ironhold is built into. This one really gets my attention because it shows an intricate network of paths spanning the inside, to the point of having whole chambers! Some are marked as mine shafts for the workers. Others are clearly routes used only for personal use. I'm not the only one shocked. Chrom's completely taken off guard by this.

He takes the final map in both hands, scrutinizing the tiny writing as he tilts it back and forth. "Maribelle, what is this?"

"This is the reason I wish to keep our meeting a secret. It is information only known to my family and the reigning Exalt. Have you not wondered why we bear such high ranking nobility yet have no history to given reason for it? We have a vast wealth that appeared overnight and confer quite often with the Exalt, yet we have little to no recognition in court thanks to our meager presence," she state stoically.

"The noble line of Themis safeguards an extremely guarded network of passages found burrowed in the center of the mountain. It twas found several centuries back when a mine shaft collapsed a neighboring wall to open up the long forgotten corridors. Surveying these lines found a very strange tale behind them."

All eyes are on her, even the previously disinterested Gaius. Maribelle continues her tale, unraveling a side I never knew to her family history. She recounts everything with exact punctuation and clear details. Yet, her eyes remained fixed out the window where a misty veil of pain builds under the surface of her duty and pride.

"As you are aware, the predecessors of Plegia belonged to the empire of Doluna. The great dragon fiend Medeus ran his great war from there and attempted to subdue many nations. As we know, our own lands, the Akaneia that birthed our current home, borders these lands through our mountain range in the west. At a point before Medeus fell, he had attempted to infiltrate Akaneia by carving out a path through the mountains to surprise the people of the western plains. Numerous chambers were found big enough to hold armies. Passages stretched to three key locations along our border. No doubt his earth dragon kin used their power to make such caverns."

"Medeus' fall most assuredly caused the construction to stop, though his surviving retainers fled to these caves. There is a historical event recorded where the mountain was said to crumble and shakes as if possessed. The cause is from within. In the heart of the mountain, a graveyard to a terrible battlefield lays with dragon bones littered about. The best we have surmised is that the dragons, who eventually grew mad with time, simply tore themselves apart in their mindless rage."

"Abandoned as they are, the passages still remain passable. With Plegia's constant threats and the strain we and the Feroxi once had, it was my family's duty, as assigned by the second Exalt, to safeguard the caverns and watch them for activity."

She pauses, lowering her head. Her saddened gaze falls to the crest of her family carved into the center of her parasol's handle. She rubs a thumb over it fondly. "As a reward, we were allowed to keep the riches found within, carving ourselves our own illustrious bastion in the mountain to continue our vigil. We quietly carried on our duty away from court, powerful in both secrets and gold. Such has been the way of the Wardens of Ironhold for ages."

Her silence marks the end of her explanation and leaves a dramatic tension in the air. I'm leaning over the edge of the desk, fingernails digging into the wood with suspense. I'm still processing her words. A hollow mountain? Secret passages? A new spin on ancient lore? Dude! I was not prepared! This changes so much!

"I-"

Chrom fumbles on his own words, too surprised to speak. He struggles for something to say, body tense and drawn together in thought.

Maribelle regards him with a cool humor, lightly tapping the underside of her own jaw in demonstration. "You must close your mouth, my Lord. It's quite unappealing to have it hang open as such."

Chrom promptly hinges his jaw shut. Behind her, Gaius is lost in his own thoughts. Arm resting in the palm of the other, he chews on the corner of his thumb with deep thought. The weight of her words are hanging heavy on them. Despite it all, I mostly feel awe.

"Maribelle, I had no idea," Chrom finally manages to utter, almost in apology.

She disregards his comment, completely calm with her position. "As you would not, though I do not doubt dear Emmeryn would have enlightened you to it eventually. The few people who know of this, the better. Should word fall to Plegia, they will be attempting to breach the corridors and enter our own lands. Such paths would allow travel with far more ease than the treacherous mountain paths they now use."

That's a fair point. The obvious action would be to simply close them off for good and prevent the risk from ever taking place. Naturally, I can't help but ask.

"Why haven't we simply collapsed them? Wouldn't that prevent them from coming in, thus negating the worry?"

"How silly. Of course we have," she answers. "That would not stop them from attempting to make a new opening. As I have stated, the tunnels are numerous. With the right estimation and an experienced mining team, those fell Plegians can attempt to construct a new entrance to connect with the old. There are natural caverns that still litter the mountain they can exploit."

Maribelle approaches Chrom and takes the map from him, spreading it out again between us. She circles the large chamber in the upper region of the mountain. The one marked Chamber of Resting.

"What we also fear is the potential for possession of the dragons inside. The magical benefits those bones carry are vast. You have seen what one one dragon cannon can do. Imagine many more weapons at their disposable of that caliber."

"Miriel said something vaguely to that affect once before when she explained the cannon better to me," I remark, suddenly curious as to why we aren't doing anything further with them. "If they have such powerful abilities lying dormant in them, why aren't we using these bones to our benefit? Wouldn't that be the smart thing to do?"

Maribelle and Chrom both blanch, looking stricken at my words. I side-eye Gaius in question but he just shrugs a shoulder in equal ignorance. From their reaction, I feel as if I just said something I shouldn't.

"Dragons are sacred to Ylisse, Robin," Chrom lectures me as one would an ignorant child. "All dragons, even those once seen as enemies. Naga wished for us to practice forgiveness and honor to all things, including those who wronged us. She asked us to forgive her kind as she did, denoting that their weakness had already punished them enough in the end."

He takes a breath. "Harvesting the bones of the fallen is sacrilege."

Ah crap. That was the wrong thing to say! Way to sound like an uneducated slob! I immediately begin to apologize.

"Jeez, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that in some insensitive fashion. I thought what we were doing with the remains of the dragon cannon in Ylisse was repairing it for our own use. I just wondered why we would pass up an opportunity on these bones for viable weapons in our favor." I flinch. "Not that they're weapons. I didn't mean that to sound...I...Oh boy."

Thankfully my friends are understanding of my unfamiliarity with their religion. Maribelle kindly pats my hand in sympathy while Chrom eases my anxiety.

"It's fine Robin. You only thought what was practical for someone unknowing of our ways. With the parts we recovered, we were preserving them for the clergy. They must bless it for burial. It's the responsibility of the church to put the bones to rest as Naga dictates."

"Right," I acknowledge lamely.

I suppose it is irreverence in one form or another. Utilizing the bones and body parts of the dead as tools sounds screwed up. But they've been long dead. Are they of any use to anyone? Couldn't the same logic apply to mummies in a museum? No one seems bothered we dug up the corpses and put them on public display for the masses. That's another difference between my world and theirs and another battle of morals versus utility. Regardless of what I believe, I'm outnumbered and outclassed. It's best to just remember this for future reference. I don't feel like insulting people further.

Maribelle picks up the second map and turns it in her hands for us to see, displaying the construction details of her fortress.

"Back to the matter at hand, I would like to note one half of my argument. You are in desperate need of a strong base to protect our Exalt. My home is the most fortified keep in all of Ylisse. It is built to the face of the mountain, unclimbable on two sides and protected otherwise by the great stone walls surrounding it. The inner sanctum itself is a safe haven, protected by the two iron gates built by my own ancestor. The keep is vast and capable of holding a good portion of the army. If that is not enough, it is the closest fortress to the Plegian border that sits upon the the main highway to Ylisstol. Communication and movement are ideal."

"There is more this than the rewards of liberating the keep. Nor is this about revenge either. My second point comes as a warning to the royal family as the duty of my position dictates. Should those blasphemous cretins discover those passages, they could easily lead in more troops to station an entire army there. One with access points to our north, central, and southern villages. With extra work, they may reopen the entrances to Plegia potentially dooming our defensive efforts."

Maribelle steps back, assuming a business-like air once more. "And now that you are aware of the dangers we can potentially face, perhaps you can see where I am with my proposition. There's a dire risk of national security at hand. As the last remaining member of my line, I come to you imploring aid in fulfilling my duty and maintaing the greater good of Ylisse."

"No kidding," I whisper in fear under my breath.

Chrom turns his head away, face clouded in indecision. "May I have a moment to process this?"

"Of course," Maribelle kindly agrees.

"You do that," I say, "but I'm going to talk some more."

I take up the map of the mountain and lay it in my lap. I tap on each of the collapsed tunnels. "Maribelle, couldn't we use these to our own advantage?"

"How so?"

"Our scouts report that Gangrel is gathering everything he has at the major border crossing between Plegia and Ylisse. He's got a choke-hold on the area. We'll be forced to meet him head on. With his control of the area, he's got all the terrain and leverage against us."

"But if we can use these tunnels ourselves and work open one of the old entrances, can't we use the them in our favor? Turn them against their old creators, so to speak? We can sneak our army into Plegia and completely circumvent the border pass. We can round them and hit them from behind. Wait long enough and Flavia can meet them from the front."

I take both hands and slap them together before me with a loud clap. "We set up a frontal assault, only to flank them from behind. They'll be wedged in the middle unable to move in the pass."

Maribelle regards my words carefully, her intrigue peaked by the plan's potential. "Perhaps. In theory, a set-up such as this would work well for us. The problem is work required. It may be as simple as a few days to excavate an exit. It may takes months. We have not had someone to survey a project such as that for obvious reasons. There was a meeting scheduled some years back by request of the former Exalt but-"

Her words abruptly cut off as her eyes dart to Chrom. The prince glowers darkly at the floor under the shadow of his forebear's mention.

"My father wished to use these tunnels against the Plegians?" he forces out.

"Stand up guy," Gaius grumbles from the corner.

Maribelle ignores the comment, too worried for her friend. She twists her hands against the top of her parasol, distressed with her careless mistake. "I-I am afraid so, my Lord. According to my father's testimony, but...I do not wish to disturb you any more than I have. I apologize, I should have considered my words before speaking them."

He shakes his head, eyes closed in defeat. "No. It's good to know this."

Gaius exits his lean against the wall and quirks his head to the side in concern. "You alright Blue? You aren't looking too hot under the collar there, if you catch my drift."

"This is a pivotal point I can't ignore. Everything you say holds severe implications for our own campaign and I'll need to see to this immediately with Emmeryn." Chrom admit grimly. He holds a hand out for the map I possess, which I pass over. He's battling deep emotions as he takes in everything we've just learned.

"What I worry about is the fact that Themis is currently lost to us. Plegia holds the northeastern and western boundaries." Setting that one aside, he pulls atop the one of the city and surrounding landscape. He circles all the empty space of the land before Ironhold's gates. "Attempting to enter Themis isn't just a risk. This would be a gamble of the highest stakes. Ironhold is still several days travel from here. We have no information regarding any of the keep's occupation at this time, let alone how heavily Plegia's patrols of the area are. Time is short and an expedition like this could require a lot of manpower and resources."

"How far is Ironhold from here?" I ask.

Gaius swaggers in to join us, standing a respectable distance from Maribelle's side. He chews thoughtfully on his latest snack before swallowing. "Leaving from the town only two hours out from here, it takes me about three days travel by foot if I stop at night. Got a buddy who made it there in about a day and a half by hitching a ride on a pegasus he filched. Depends on who you want to send."

Chrom ticks off the days with both hands. "Then give a day of surveying and the return, that could be a trip between five and seven days."

He sighs deeply. "A week is a long time to waste if the area proves too dangerous to traverse."

"On the opposite end, what are the chances of Ironhold swarming with enough bodies to take on our army?" I counter. "We're fairly large as it is and we know Gangrel has a great enough body count with him in the pass. Odds are we can take on the Plegians in the keep."

While slightly more hopeful than before, Chrom continues to argue. "The man count is not all we must consider. The fortress itself is a danger. Ironhold is a death wish should an army attempt to siege it. The walls can barely be climbed, and it hosts a large network of weaponry upon the walls meant to deal damage to large scale troops. We're trying to preserve our numbers as is. Throwing them against the fabled keep and its unbeatable reputation is not the most appealing argument."

Maribelle makes a subtle gesture to Gaius. Pocketing his sweets, he rubs his hands free of any crumbs and then shakes out his wrists. "Guess that's my cue."

He takes center. "The little lady here's smart enough to realize that. So she topped that with even more madness."

Maribelle scoffs into the back of her glove. "Do not act the role of a victim here. I did not force you to this. You readily agreed to aid, no doubt unable deny the allure of the heist yourself."

Gaius' face falls briefly, his grin drooping slightly and eyes creasing in regret. His confidence returns and he covers it successfully with the eternal humor and lackadaisical attitude he always exhibits. "Well sure, I'm a fellow who enjoys a good gamble. This one definitely pushes the threshold."

Is it the gamble, Gaius? Or is this more about the past you two both unknowingly share? A way to try and make amends?

Maribelle remains mostly unaffected by his charm, rolling her eyes in a rare display of unlady-like disapproval. "Then I hope you can back up your enthusiasm with that skill of yours."

The thief lets out a quick laugh and returns his attention to Chrom and I. "What Lady Twinkles here is sayin', is that she wants me to help her infiltrate the keep."

"And not just this man," Maribelle quiets down. She appeals to Chrom in a sincere, soft manner that exhibits her pleading to not just her superior, but that of an old friend. "Prince Chrom, my dear captain, I would like to formerly request the use of the Shepherds to help in this endeavor."

"The Shepherds?" He goes wide-eyed, startled at the topic of proposal. Chrom begins calculating all the variables in his head, positives and negatives to the petition put forth to him. Before he can respond, Maribelle continues her appeal.

"Before you must counter me, consider this. Is small scale operations not what we were trained for? The Shepherds are an elite force led by your own gifted hand. Our purpose is to perform missions that free the standing army for greater mobility in their efforts, and to achieve the greater good of the nation. If there is a group of warriors who could infiltrate and overtake an impenetrable keep, it is us."

"She has a point," I find myself saying on impulse. Maybe Maribelle's heartfelt desire and persuasive appeal are getting to me? Disregarding the obvious dangers these tunnels can cause us, I just really want to see Maribelle get some justice.

"Ironhold is my home. None know the intricate paths of its sloping interior better than I. I can navigate us through one of the many mountainous passages to the very backdoor of the keep." Maribelle presses harder. "Gaius has provided further maps and his...his roguish ways will prove useful in helping to scout and bypass whatever security Plegia has crafted."

"I may not have been among them long, but I have a bit of familiarity with how they work," Gaius adds on mischievously.

That's good! Gaius knows a bit about which soldiers can be the most trouble. If there are any mercenary groups nearby, he's knowledgeable of their infrastructures, having dealt with a few on the more unsavory sides of towns he's traveled to.

Chrom circles around the desk and looks out the window, arms crossed over his chest as he debates internally. "Maribelle, where would you propose we enter? I presume you have a specific channel in mind."

"I do." She returns to the map of the mountain and highlights a thin passage that runs from the Ylissean side of the landscape into the interior. The path follows all the way to the keep's personal courtyard.

"These are not mine shafts but natural caverns used for transportation of illicit goods once upon a time. After my ancestors shut down the trade, we kept these secreted within our bloodline for our own purposes. Trust my words, none know of them except for I. We memorize them to heart."

"So we have a guaranteed way in," I eagerly confirm.

"Indeed," she smiles.

"With the risks of those passages falling into Plegia's hands, I want to agree to this wholeheartedly. All that holds me back are the numbers. I have faith the Shepherds could handle even a well positioned fortress such as Fort Tyr. But Ironhold is a city in a keep. If Plegia is actively using the keep's resources for their own benefits, the place could be crawling with the enemy," our captain vocalizes.

"Chrom." I chastise teasingly. He turns and finds me waving the protective case housing my own map. "Forgetting something? Whatever Maribelle and Gaius can't do, I can. With her permission, I can update my map and have us a working cheat sheet in no time."

It's a testament to our friendship that I can tell what he's thinking just by the way he's staring at me. It's a locking gaze, one that's challenging the certainty of my words. Are you confident in this?

I offer a slight upturn of my lips and a cocky raise of my brow. Damn straight.

The pressure is on now. He's got an official backing from his tactician and a weighty argument demonstrating a serious number of dangers that could cripple the war if ignored. In this case, the risks are outweighed by the need.

Chrom leans forward on both arms against the desk, head lowered in defeat. "We need a time frame then. When and how to infiltrate."

Gaius seems a bit surprised by Chrom's agreeing to things. Maribelle, however, has sparked to life in a whole new fashion. She's practically brimming with energy.

"Shall we not do as the enemy once did? We Shepherds shall sneak in and cull the numbers. Along the way, we shall open up the city and let in our waiting troops outside."

"Hm." Chrom's gaze jumps from each of us before falling to the maps again. "Before all that happens, I'd rather we still scout ahead. With the risks at hand, I'll just have to increase both Emmeryn's and our general security. Both generals will have to bolster the patrolling numbers."

"Yeah, about that," Gaius interrupts. "So you mentioned that before and I held my tongue to wait for the end. Let me just slip this over here to sweeten the deal a bit."

He tosses over a scroll extracted from the inside of his vest. Chrom catches it and unrolls the parchment. Our captain skims quickly over it, the neutrality of his face growing wide-eyed over time.

"What's wrong?" I ask as I bend back to peer at the note. Chrom angles it for my convenience.

Let's see. This is-

…...

Oh gods! This is a list of all the current residents safeguarding Themis! There's the mercenary band with all leaders and the estimated number members in the company. Here's the number of wyvern platoons and their leaders! Grimleal present too! I don't see Validar or Aversa listed as the reigning clergy. Good.

Still!

"Where did you get this?" Chrom gapes in shock. He's breathless with confusion. "We've sent no scouts this way since before Ylisstol's siege. To know all this is almost impossible."

Maribelle clears her throat looking pleased with herself. "I said before I had been planning the reclamation of my lands for some time. I have been making inquiries. As Gaius' ilk are quick to say, we know people who know people."

"Cute, but the dastardly look don't fit you Twinkles." Gaius' jab gives way to hesitation. He rolls on his heels, voice lowering. "Listen. I shouldn't be sayin' this but even I get this is a big deal. You're a decent bunch of folk and between working for you and hanging as a traitor with the Plegians, I'll take my chance here. Just don't go jumping all over the poor gal for this, alright?"

He reaffirms his stance and continues. "I, uh, tried bringing Panne in on this. The woman's got a nose for danger and hearing that could pick up an incoming enemy from a mile away. I figured she'd be a good help for this. Turns out she don't need to help us scout as she's got a friend. One on the inside, if ya know what I mean."

Chrom jerks up, accidentally knocking back the chair behind him. "Inside? As in the enemy?"

"Look, don't go getting crazy on poor Panne. She didn't even want to bring this up if we didn't assure her the Exalt was in danger because of this. She-"

"Panne's acquainted with a member of the Plegian army?" I add in on Chrom's shock. "Gaius, that's sort of big news!"

He raises both hands in surrender, stepping away from our combined intensity. "Hey, don't hate on the messenger."

"Are you confident this information is accurate?" Chrom asks, waving the paper in point.

"Blue, does Madame Whiskers look like someone who'd associate with a liar? She'd probably rip their throat out at first sign of it," the thief answers with a quick swipe of his thumb across his neck.

Chrom lets the paper fall to the desk. He bends over and picks up the toppled chair, sinking into it. All the energy rushes out of him. "Before we pursue this any further, I want to speak with Panne. I need to have a word about this contact of hers and they're credibility."

"Be my guest. Just don't get hasty on her. She made us swear she and her pal wouldn't be hassled."

"That depends on things, Gaius. A lot of things."

Chrom orders for a guard to fetch her. Given her nature, it's not surprising that it takes a long while before we hear footsteps returning to our door. Panne likes to hide herself away in less populated areas that are still within a good distance of Emmeryn and the Shepherds. Of all our recruits, she's still the most secluded, for good reason. Breaking through her exterior is going to take as much time as Lon'qu will need when growing accustomed to women. It takes a lot of work and understanding, something the Shepherds luckily try very hard to uphold.

Panne's tall and she towers over the female guard who escorts her. The soldier is clearly afraid of the Taguel and utters their arrival with a shaking voice. Panne passes into the room giving the escort little more than a disinterested nod. The woman takes it threateningly and excuses herself in a quick hurry. Once inside, Panne regards us all with her typical ambivalence.

"You have summoned me for good reason? I am in no mood for idle chatter."

"Panne, I need to have a word with you." Chrom rises from his chair. The squeak of it against the stone causes her ears to twitch. "Something's come up that has me partially concerned."

He waits for her to speak, a practice Panne has no patience for. She looks down at him, hand resting on her hip and voice dripping with boredom. "I am not one for these human guessing games. Speak your mind or let me leave."

"We were discussing some battle plans and it came up that you might know someone of special origins. A Plegian specifically. One still serving actively in their ranks."

This gets the Taguel's attention. Her jaw and neck muscles strain under the pressure of her clenched teeth. Gaius flinches under the severe side-eye she gives him. "I see. So you now know. I should have expected this eventually, once told."

"Panne, you do realize there's a certain threat to an association like that, don't you?"

As Chrom starts his speech, a blur of color catches the corner of my eye. A black bird glides in and settles on the exposed window sill. Peering closer, I identify it as a crow. I wonder if its been lured in by the dead? Ugh, that's morbid. It's head tilts about as it hops further in the room. It fixes its black pupils on all of us, as if listening.

Panne cut off Chrom, her natural self-defense kicking in to protect her. "Questioning the integrity of my association is akin to questioning the integrity of my own judgment. I do not appreciate this implication."

Her prickly demeanor has been softening, but Panne is still wary of almost everyone. Learning to communicate with the Shepherds has been a long game of guesses and tries as we establish a stronger connection with her. There's a cultural and psychological void between her and the world. Thankfully Chrom's accepted this and still continues to respect her.

"This isn't meant to be an insult Panne," he apologizes in an attempt to acquiesce her. "If anything, I should be grateful. If this acquaintance of yours is truly on our side and willing to divulge plans, this could be an opportunity. I simply wish to make precautions. Is your line of communication solid, for starters. If they reside in the army, sending messages between both of yourselves could be risky should an unsavory soul discover it. You could compromise your friend's life."

Panne contemplates his words, the edge of her tone receding along with the tension in her body. "Your concern is for nothing. The human has been cut off from his kind. He roams freely and does as he wishes now."

He? So it's male. And it sounds like he might be a potential deserter. Probably sick of Gangrel's all-men-are-pawns mentality.

"If he's been separated from his platoon," Chrom inquires further, "how has he been able to communicate this information, let alone accurately?"

"He has his ways," she answers enigmatically.

The crow behind us lets out a large caw, as if laughing. The explosion of noise startles us all. Maribelle bustles over and tries to shoo it away. It retreats, but flutters back in once she leaves.

Chrom chooses to disregard the silly bird, continuing his talk. "If he is a friend of our people, he is more than welcome to join us. I cannot say he won't be greeted at first without some interrogations given our state of war, but I can say he will at least be safer from Risen and wandering wildlife."

"He hardly fears either, stupid child," Panne explains with a tired huff. "If you wish to integrate him inside your warren, you may ask him yourself. I am hardly his keeper."

Despite her attempt to sound disjointed from her friend's plight, her own tone betrays a strained worry behind her words.

"Where may we meet him?"

"He's right behind you."

We turn and find only the bird. The crow blinks at us before shaking out its feathers.

"No offense, Whiskers," Gaius pipes up from the back, "but, that's a bird."

It hops in closer, screeching out another raw sound. This almost sounds disapproving. I know crows are intelligent and have been told to understand speech to a degree. But this one seems weirdly hu-

My breath catches.

No.

It couldn't be.

"Panne?" Chrom voices in concern. All us fellow Shepherds are watching her in alarm.

She walks closer to the desk and stares down the bird. She then talks to the crow! "You heard the blue-haired one. Do you wish to make yourself known or not."

It drops down on its birdy legs, head tipping all the way to one side. "Caw."

Panne looks at each of us. "Yes. They are trustworthy."

"Caw?" It peeps in question. At least I think it did? I feel crazy for watching this. Crazier still for what else I'm thinking.

"That is of your decision. Not mine," she tells it.

"Caw," it answers.

"Anyone else concerned Panne's talking to a bird?" Gaius whispers loudly. Maribelle shares a sympathetic glance and steps toward the Taguel.

"Panne, darling. Gaius has a point." She points the bird with great emphasis. "That's a crow."

"Caw!"

The crow lifts its wings to full span and shakes them, scaring Maribelle. It hops in place twice. Without warning, the bird takes flight. Maribelle and Gaius each dodge backwards as it dashes right between them and out the open door. A female shriek of surprise erupts from the hall moments later.

Panne watches with her head cocked to the side in mild amusement."If you wish to find him, now is your chance."

Maribelle, still ducking slightly, lowers her slightly opened parasol. She peers over the top with concern, sounding incredulous at the idea even being suggested. "The bird wants us to follow him?"

"You believe what you wish. I have told you what you must do. It is your choice to follow or not."

If this is who I think it is, I am not waiting here a second longer! I never even imagined meeting him this early into the story! Just how did he even get here?

"Welp, I'm off for a jog in the name of curiosity. See ya later!" I rush off with a quick wave.

I seriously can't believe this!

"Robin!" Chrom calls after me in concern.

"Hurry!" It's all I shout as I race down the hall after the crow.

Several sets of footsteps follow after me. Dipping down the hall, I see the bird is perched above the rafters. As we get closer, it dips down and swoops into the landing. It turns a few heads. A set of gasps follow as Ylisse's crown prince, a duchess, a Taguel, and two retainers go bounding after it.

The bird coasts through the air at a low level, clipping a soldier's nose as it deftly flies through the door he walks through. He chokes back a yell as I bound past him with an empty apology.

"This is certainly something to tell at this year's Yule!" I hear Chrom remark behind me.

"If this turns into a literal goose chase, I will be sorely upset with you all!" Maribelle pants out between heavy breaths.

Gaius lets out a teasing laugh ."Hey, consider this good exercise for those knobby knees of yours Twinkles."

The crow soars up high and flaps harder, disappearing over the top wall of the fort. We come to a halt at the entrance and watch the dark speck vanish into a grove not far from here.

"He's resting just beyond," Panne comments as she comes to an easy stop from her casual jog. Unlike us, she's breathing regularly. The run was merely a warm-up for her athletic composure.

"That close? I'm surprised he has yet to be caught," Gaius answers with a hint of jealousy.

"Even more so how close he's come without upsetting our wards," Chrom adds between breaths.

"If he is well versed in magic, he could have unraveled them. A seasoned practitioner can dispel a rune with enough time." Maribelle, you don't know how right you are!

"I have no comment. Are we continuing or not?" Panne presses impatiently. She walks ahead of us and waits.

I'm futilely trying to reign in my eagerness. We're this close to confirming another Shepherd. This. Close! I practically shout as I charge past her with hands in the air.

"Adventure time!"

"Of for the love of..." Chrom struggles. "Robin, wait!"

I start to jog backwards. "What's there to worry about? This is Panne's friend, remember? Plus, there are guards everywhere! What's going to happen? Come on already!"

I'm not just nervous anymore. I'm excited. I'm ninety-nine percent sure I know what's coming. Even though I can't tell them why, I do know we're not in any danger. Unless, of course, you're allergic to puns. I find them delightful myself!

We start another marathon with Panne the clear winner on her powerful and muscular legs. We ignore the confused looks we get in passing and eventually break away from the camp all together. Coming up to the treeline, we slow down to avoid low branches and roots. Panne leads us through the small grouping to the center. She hangs in the back and watches as the rest of us slip in.

There's signs of life here. A burned out fire pit has been dug low into the ground and there's some discarded animal bones charred inside it. Some broken branches have been propped up around a cluster of rocks creating an impromptu shelter. Inside, I can see the outline of a travel pack.

Aside from that, the clearing is void of life.

Chrom looks both ways, scrutinizing the camp scene. "Panne, where is this contact of yours?"

Maribelle brushes some leaves off her shoulder before crinkling her nose at the natural carpeting beneath her. "I concur. And answer quickly, if you please."

Aside from the leaves, there's something else littering the dirt. A lot of it. Bending down, I pick up one of the long, black feathers peppering the landscape. I twirl it between my fingers, the glossy texture catching under the breaks in the trees.

There's a rustling above my head.

I slowly look up, dark dots blocking out my vision as my eyes adjust to the bright sky above. A few seconds later and the dots still remain despite everything clearing. One of them moves and grows bigger. It's then I realize that those aren't dots. Those are crows. Lots of them.

Twenty or more of the birds sit on the upper branches. They all peer downward, their beady eyes reflecting us back in them. Their heads twitch and twist in the typical avian way. One puffs out its chest and another shifts sideways, wings spreading out.

I rise up slowly, feather falling from my hand.

"Um, guys."

Everyone stops commenting and looks to me. I slowly point upward.

"Oh," Maribelle whispers in shock behind both hands.

She steps back in alarm and the quick motion startles the crows, causing them to ignite in an ear-grating raucous. Feeling threatened by the menacing atmosphere, Chrom immediately has his hand on his sword and takes a protective stance before Maribelle.

Gaius has slipped his hands to his own weapons, the loud crack of candy between his teeth signaling his transition from relaxation to on guard. "Didn't picture this happening when I got up this morning."

A strange laugh echoes around us. Panne seems to relax at the interjection causing my own alarm to wane.

The laughter gives way to words. "No need to be that way! Hardly a caw-se for alarm. The crows won't do anything bad. Unless you attack me of course!" His chuckle is a bit more dark. "Then they'll probably kill you."

Just like that, he switches from grim to jovial again. "It's not called a murder of crows for nothing!"

Son of a biscuit.

It really is him.

We turn in the direction of the voice. Standing in the shadow of the trees, a male a year or so older than Ricken and Lissa stands. His shock of white hair is messy and darkened with the stain of many nights sleeping in the dirt. His pallid skin is almost the same shade as his hair, smudged just as mightily. His purple and black mage robes are worn, tattered, and torn from damages, covering almost every part of him save for his hands and head. Despite being an obvious Plegian in uniform, he seems plenty happy. Almost overjoyed to see fellow humans.

He steps out of the brush, avoiding the splotches of sunlight in favor of the shade. The same crow from earlier flies down and perches on a finger he outstretches. He pets it affectionately before offering us a huge grin.

"Hey-o! Name's Henry by the way. Nice to meet you. Any friend of Panne's is a friend of mine." He abruptly grows serious with deep thought. A second later, he explodes into laughter again. "That's actually pretty nice to say considering she's the only one I have right now. Friends! This is turning into a great day!"

Holy hells.

How do I explain this one to Lucina?

---

A/N: Happy Two Year Anniversary! I thought I'd celebrate with a little surprise for you all. :)

New territories, new lore, and a familiar face! Original content is a stretch to imagine sometimes, but I think it's plenty rewarding in the end. It just requires a lot of work! And now that the infernal strategy chapter is done, I can move on. As for Fates, I'm holding back on commenting a final impression until I beat all three paths. Suffice to say, I'm enjoying what we have so far. The designs and map levels are very nice. AND KINSHI KNIGHTS! I have a new favorite class. The difference in diviner scrolls is pretty cool too. I'm still working out some of the new mechanics like differences in weapon types and whatnot, but the improvements are very refreshing. Can't wait to explore more!

Here's to another good year everyone! Cheers!

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Review Responses -

Victory3114 – Sorry! Sorry! I'll try to bump her in as soon as I can. I want Katarina's appearance to be focused on her and not forced on. I'll do my best!

KingKeith – No worries! Sometimes life seems to go too fast. I know I can't believe it's already March. The holidays were only just yesterday it feels!

Triangle attacks are a little side mechanic most don't use because of the hard build-up. I'm pretty sure the new installments are going to ditch them. I haven't seen any possibility yet in Birthright so I assume the same for Conquest, but there's always Revelations.

Yeah, lots of stuff in the last two chapters. New social developments and a bit of insight into the history of things. Caeda's always been a very welcoming and kind character so it's only natural that she gets along with everyone. Her current form reflects her at a later age meaning she's grown and experienced life enough to be a good advice giver, something an inexperienced tactician like Robin needs. Perhaps her alleged relation to Katarina and Chris does influence Caeda thanks to nostalgia. On the same note, I think any story chronicling the later lifestyle of Marth and friends would be sitcom gold. I can definitely see a game night scenario playing out like that!

I'm finishing Birthright as of the moment so Conquest is up next. The trio did appear in this edition though and I'm literally screaming "Who are you?" at the screen. Suspicious...

hotpoteito – The subtext is intentional, believe me ;)

Think about that exact quote very, very hard. Once you get it, a lot will clear up!

I had to wait on shipping so I only got it recently myself. I hope you do get yourself a copy. Keep wishing!

Raiden312 – I triple checked the username spelling this time. I swear.

If you think on Caeda's words in relation to the plot, you can probably figure out what he may have done. I thought I was being obvious again but clearly not, ha ha. Either of those thoughts could be true, maybe both. The enigma of the story continues!

robotortoise – I know, finally! I've been trying to fit this section in for weeks but there is so much going on. Maintaining them all is crazy! It's a relief to finally reach some build-up!

While I can't say the usual to confirming or denying, I can say current Robin is in denial. She's implied once or twice she's not considering herself an option because of various reasons, the biggest being her own reluctance to accept falling into that role and what it means for Lucina and her own future. I suppose I may not have exhibited that enough. I'll try to remedy that.

Thanks! I try to keep a balance between social, battle, and plot relevant chapters. It's tough to maintain! As for the Outrealms, Robin can definitely try in a period of peace. Both distance and finding an excuse to take a field trip in the middle of war makes it hard. Now that Anna's around and confirmed the existence, Robin can confidently try. I didn't know that about Hubba. Shoot, I'll have to look that up. The actual idea of recruiting him is fairly scary. The more gullible Shepherds might have taken his support predictions seriously!

AdvancedAlto – Thanks, I've tried to incorporate all elements of Awakening as best I can here. Einherjar are a big part of it so I've tried to adapt them in some manner. There's at least four others planned right now, though I'm always open to requests. They don't have to be from Akaneia either so Ike or anyone else can be attempted to get written in!

A Shadow's Lament – Hey Shadow! Long time, no see!

Ah, you know I wish I could comment on that. Keep sniffing around other reviews and see if anything makes more sense. I can promise to get Lucina a hug at some point. It's building up to the point where she really does need one.

Yes, Asche is a bit different than the Feroxi norm. The competitive gut and glory side goes to his sister, who embraces the more contemporary view of their culture. Ha, he's not Emmeryn son though. Remember the two mysterious travelers Lucina and the others met in the first Interlude? Remember who he reminds her of? That's their father. From there, you can probably guess the mother.

On chapter 38, there are a few points I'm surprised people didn't catch/aren't more concerned about. Make all the links you can! Theorize what you want. There's a lot interesting with that chapter, her mysterious mention of a the mark being one of them. As for their poor father...

:(

Thank you! Chapter 40 was a taste of the early chapters rife with humor and the Shepherds' antics. It's also a good update into some of their social lives. Poor Robin is getting stuck in her own match-making web. On the opposite end, Lucina's so stuck up in her mission she's forgetting her own self. Everyone needs hugs, cakes, and tea! I especially agree with tea. Nothing helps me calm down better than a good steaming cup at the end of the day! White, green, or even herbal are all my favorites! Amazing what a few sips can do for you.

NODAHE – You're very welcome! I'm excited that you all get excited! Nothing like knowing you did good work for others enjoyment! Who knows what Chrom did, but it seems to have led to bad things. Let the suspense continue!

Animeseris – Hey again! I'm glad to finally confirm a few things for you. I know you were burning to get confirmation for your theory. According to Caeda, Robin is a descendant so that plays a lot into her initial attitude of our protagonist. It could mean more, it could just be a fun coincidence. Time will tell.

But look at you picking up all the little nuances! Lucina did mention a particular unnamed male that made her really mopey. One no longer around. You build up a good story around this and found some good support in the text to support it. As usual I can't confirm anything. You're very good at this though, a regular Sherlock Holmes. Keep conspiring with your family. You may yet just figure it out! Ha ha, keep it up! And which support regarding Robin are you wondering I reacted to? There's a lot of them!

timewastin – Ha! I like that line, "Now if only big sister loved them back."

I wish I could comment though! So much thought given and yet I can't respond aside from maybe, maybe not! It's great to read though and I think it helps other reviewers who are poking around to get ideas. But, as usual, thanks for reviewing and reading! It does mean a lot.

poliders71 – Oh, I think your review cut off there. Or, if not, sorry the text seemed dry. I've tried to make future chapters more descriptive. Hopefully that changed. Thanks for dropping a review regardless! And thanks for reading!

3liManning – You're doing Conquest on hard? Ouch. Birthright's been a struggle so I can't wait to begin raging at Conquest then! I might just go normal myself because I really, really want to get to Revelations.

Hey, no worries. I should make a master post of collected information, shouldn't I? Then you can all decide what's real and what's red herrings, ha ha. It's getting closer to some answers if last chapter didn't give it away. Don't want to keep anyone hanging too long for fear of boredom. But don't hesitate to ask questions ever. I'm more than happy to remark on past details that may have been forgotten over time.

I like to think Tana and Cormag's ending was left open for the player's interpretation. Since I always had Ephraim with someone else, I wanted Tana to have her happy ending too. I like to imagine their combined ending was a start to beautiful future, ambiguous as it was.

I'm screaming into my hands because some of you are so close to answering your own theorizes but I have to sit here in silence. Just...good work as always. I love every post you guys make. Anyway, good luck with Fates yourself, especially if you invest in the DLC. With Conquest, I feel I'll need all the luck I can get.

Titan127 – No problem! Good luck with the school work!

Thank you. I have initial doubts about everything but mostly the things that don't come as naturally when writing. I have improved greatly thanks to practice and everyone's advice. Artists are just eternally filled with self-doubt I think. Ha, that's what I was thinking! Damn you Ricken and your adorable youth getting in the way of love! Chrom's number one fans are eternally locked in a struggle for his affections! Cordelia is the best at everything, my eternal bias agrees. I meant more so the battle logic and game elements, sorry for the confusion! As for Caeda, thank you! It's hard to flesh out characters with only one game and the translations I could find. Success!

Now go sleep and wait for Fates. It's worth it, my wait certainly was!

LoyalPotato – Cycle is my baby, I pour a lot of love into it. If it was anything other than well written, I'd be doing it and my admiration for the game a disservice. Writing is my favorite hobby so I'm always plucking away at it even if it doesn't seem like it!

Grima's clan is turning into a favorite around here and I get why. The story behind them is so sad and I just want to give them some happiness. I can't help rooting for them despite being villains. We'll see where the plot goes and hopefully they come up soon. The kids alone are too precious to ignore, let a lone their father.

Thank you! Hopefully the new chapter helps you back to cloud nine! :)

J.A. Diablerie – Thanks so much! It's always a boost of morale to know I've entrained another reader's afternoon. It's a guarantee, I'll always have fun with the story! I've just got too much passion for it!

FicReader – In Marth's games, Caeda was very warm and open person. She got a long well with a various amount of people and was fiercely loyal to her future husband and country. There are definitely echoes of Emmeryn in there, who is also devoted to country and family through her kind heart. The Einherjar version of Caeda is older, about Emm's age as well. As both are wise queens in their own right, the family resemblance should be strong!

YES. I've gone through almost all of Birthright and will soon do Conquest. Birthright tore my heart strings so I can't wait to have Conquest smash it under its heel. Revelations will be a relief because picking sides is so hard. I can't stand fighting any of the siblings, the baby sisters especially. So horrible!