Title: Robcina Week Day 4 - Return

Description: Today is the day, the anniversary of her grief. The second year she must be reminded of Robin's sacrifice. Her father was still certain he'd return, but she couldn't surrender to that hope. Not when that hope would break her heart yet again.

Notes: Takes place following the previous chapter.

Words: 3183

The distant crowing of a rooster beyond the castle's walls broke stillness, the first faint fingers of morning light beginning to creep through the curtains' edge. Soon the chirping of songbirds followed, wafting in from the courtyard gardens below. So too could the first murmurs of activity within the royal palace be made out, as the few currently present denizens began to awaken and start about their days.

Lucina stared blankly at the wall, motionless as she had been for several hours now. Her tears had long dried, her sobbing ceased. Yet even after sleep had proved impossible, having found herself unable to surrender to that state and so experience the moment of her loss yet again within her dreams.

For a long, long time she stayed there. The sounds of morning grew louder as daily life began anew. Today, however, it would be joined with celebrations within the city below, the second year the day of Grima's defeat was marked by such festivities. An occasion that Lucina herself could not bring herself to celebrate. She doubted she ever would. Not when the passage of time had so far proved little comfort to her loss.

More time passed. How long, it was possible to tell; seconds, minutes, and hours indistinguishable in her state. Only the sound of knocking on her door brought her back to reality, followed by a loud clattering bang as it was literally kicked open.

"Morning, mother! I brought you breakfast," Morgan exclaimed cheerily as she barged in, silver tray in hand. Lucina wondered why she even bothered to knock if she was just going to charge in making even more noise without waiting for a reply. But then again, trying to understand why her daughter acted the way she did was a fool's venture. Lucina found the briefest of smiles tug at her lips at that thought.

Lucina sat herself upright, trying to put on a strong face. Ever since Robin had… gone, she'd strived to act best she could as a good mother, for her own sake as well as Morgan's. It gave her something to focus on, to keep from dwelling on her grief and guilt, something she'd need today more than any other day.

Besides, for as outwardly as brave and cheery a front Morgan put up, Lucina knew Morgan would be hurting just as much as she was, today of all days. Perhaps, then, this was her own way of dealing with that grief. Her own mask to hide the pain.

"Thank you, Morgan," Lucina said, bowing her head graciously as she accepted the tray. Looking down she saw it consisted of tea, toasted bread, and an assortment of fresh fruit. None of it burned as well, meaning it came from the kitchens and not Morgan's own handiwork.

She was, afterall, just as poor a cook as her father had been. The thought, memories of those happier times, brought with it both joy and yet another pang of loneliness.

"Saw you hadn't come down for breakfast yet, so I thought 'you know, Mother probably isn't feeling great, so it would be super awesome and cool of you to bring food for her. And then I was like, great idea, Morgan', so I did!" Morgan said, spinning away as she darted two and frow across the bedroom. She fiddled with everything in sight even as she babbled, as was her want. Only in the brief glimpses of her eyes did Lucina detect any bit of sadness. The only crack in her mask, as she attempted to act as if nothing was amiss.

"I appreciate the thought, truly," Lucina repeated, setting the tray aside for the present.

"How're you holding up, Mother?" Morgan asked, spinning on her heels to face her, expression one of concern. "I was worried when you didn't go with Grandfather and Grandmother yesterday. I would have sworn you'd want to find father as much as anyone."

Another pang in her chest, this time guilt. She should have gone. She should have. But she'd been selfish, not able to bear holding any hopes of finding him when she knew how easily they could be dashed.

"I'm alri- I'm managing," Lucina answered, catching and correcting her own lie. "I couldn't, it's… last year's failure makes me loathe to bring myself to hope again so soon. Maybe next year I'll…" she trailed off. "I am surprised you did not accompany them."

"Someone had to keep you company," Morgan replied. Then without warning she darted forward, squeezing her mother in a tight hug."Don't worry, Mother. I know father will come back one day. I just know it. Grandfather said so," Morgan told her, squeezing her tighter.

Lucina felt her eyes well with tears. She wished she could be as hopeful as her daughter, able to remain so ever optimistic, even now. She was truly blessed to have her still in her life, the one remaining ray of joy. "Thank you," she whispered, returning the hug. "I hope so," she said, her voice cracking. She wished she could truly have meant those three words. To have felt that same hope Morgan still held onto.

"I have an idea," Morgan proclaimed, abruptly breaking off the hug. "How about later this afternoon you and me do some sword training. That always helps keep your mind off things. And after that we can play a game together. We'll have so much fun Father will have to come back, because he'll be all super jealous of all the fun we'll have!"

"I… I'd like that," Lucina said truly, allowing herself a small smile. Even so lost in grief as she was, Morgan's mood was as infectious as always. That, of course, was something she was always thankful for.

"Great! I'll come back later then! In the meantime, go ahead and eat and I'll see you then!" Morgain said. Making her excuses, she hurried from the room. It was subtle, but her movements seemed lighter, as if truly excited and without feigned enthusiasm.

She needs this distraction as much as I do, Lucina realized.

Alone once more, Lucina got out of bed, making her way to get private bath chambers. With the basin of water and a sponge she washed herself of the night's sweat and grime, not having the time or inclination to call for hot water to be prepared for a proper bath. Returning a few moments later she went for her clothes. She reached for a simple tunic and pants, only to stop and instead go for the clothes she'd worn for much of her travels. She would be training today, afterall, and these were what she was most accustomed with whilst wielding a sword.

Once dressed she set about tidying up the mess Morgan had managed to make despite how briefly she'd been in the room, returning her possessions back to their proper place on her dresser. She straightened Falchion's sheath in its mounting above, then closed the book Morgan had riffled through. Glancing at the title, Lucina noted it was one her mother had lent her to read some time ago. She still needed to finish it.

Only then after some time did she return to her breakfast, the pot of tea already growing cold. She forced herself to take several bites of the bread and fruit. As little as she wanted to eat, she knew she had to. She couldn't allow herself to waste away. Robin wouldn't have wanted that.

Pouring a cup of tea, she set about distracting herself the best she could, mainly by sorting through the missives that had been coming into the castle over the past few days. She'd have them brought to her room whenever they came for this very purpose, putting aside those that would need her father's attention when he returned and noting the contents of the rest for later. She worked slowly, feeling as though didn't have the best sort of mind for this type of work, but right now she needed this. A useful task to keep herself busy and from dwelling too much on things.

Robin would have found it easy. Probably would have had it all sorted in minutes were he- Lucina stopped herself from finishing the thought. A single tear splashed against the table, nearly staining one of the letters. She quickly wiped her hand over her eyes, pushing thoughts of her lost love from her mind, instead redoubling her efforts on her work. She couldn't dwell on it now. Couldn't allow herself to think of anything but the task before her. Do her duty and keep her mind from wandering.

She worked for about an hour before at last she'd gone through the last letter. Standing she returned to her bedside table, going for another cup of tea. She'd just finished refilling her cup and taken her first sip when he suddenly became aware of a commotion in the distance. The sound of heavy footsteps drawing closer, joined shouts muffled by the distance.

"Mother!" Morgan's voice echoed down the hall moment before she burst back into the room. Her eyes were wide, her shoulders heaving as she gasped for air, looking as though she'd just sprinted the entire length of the castle.

"What?! What is it?" Lucina asked, a confused torrent of questions raced through her mind. She felt her heart quicken, a heavy weight seeming to press down upon her, as if a part of her knew what was coming next, the moment filling her with both excitement and dread.

"Grandmother… she just flew straight back… they found… father! …they found him! In the field… same one… where grandfather first met him… he's alive!" Morgan explained through gasps for breath, barely seeming to contain her excitement.

For a moment time froze, Lucina's mind was barely able to process the words her daughter was saying, let alone comprehend them. She stood motionless. She didn't even breathe.

The teacup slipped from her fingers, shattering against the floor. Lucina's hands shot up to her mouth, a sound somewhere between a gasp and a rasping squeak falling from her lips. The world spun, tears already beginning to stream from her eyes. Her chest tightened, eyes going wide in shock.

Alive? He… Robin was alive…

Lucina's legs gave out then. She slid to the ground, crumpling to her knees. Her breathing quickened, shallow and rasping as they passed rapidly through hands still clasped tightly over her mouth. She began to shake uncontrollably, her entire body becoming wracked with tremors as her shoulders heaved. Alive? Robin was alive? None of it seemed real, impossible after. In her heart she'd truly accepted he was gone, accepted that any hope of his return was foolish, a path that would only lead to more hardship.

Distantly she was aware of Morgan rushing to her side, her daughter's voice seeming muffled and distant. She felt arms wrap around her, squeezing and rocking her as she continued to hyperventilate. More voiced, distorted as if speaking from beneath water. Her mother's voice, others joining. She felt a hand on her shoulder, another patting her back. Comforting words she couldn't make out.

This had to be a dream. She'd wake up soon, finding this all a dream. She would be alone again, in her bed. Robin would still be gone. None of this was real. Just a dream. Just a cruel trick of her mind.

She tried to wake up, tried to snap back to a cruel, cold reality.

But she wasn't waking up. This wasn't a dream.

This was real.

"Robin…" she squeaked, the tears flooding down her face now.

Both her daughter and mother were hugging her now, rocking her gently, their gentle words she only half heard assuring her it was alright.

She wasn't waking up. This wasn't a dream. This was real.

He was alive. He was really alive.

He'd come back to her. He'd kept his promise to her. He was back.

She began to sob now, the tears not of grief or loss, but merely in complete and utter shock and joy.

He's alive. Robin is alive.

. . . . .

"Are you sure you'll be alright waiting here for so long. It'll be hours before they reach us on foot," Lucina's mother asked, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You can get some rest if you need to, no one would blame you after the day you've been through.

Lucina shook her head. Everyone was acting so worried about her, just because of how she'd collapsed in shock at hearing the news of Robin's return. She was fine now, really. Besides, she couldn't rest now, nor could she focus on anything else. She needed to be here, to be there the moment he arrived back with father and the others. She would have charged down the road herself to reunite with him sooner, if her mother had let her.

They stood on a bridge just south of Ylisstol, some distance beyond the city walls. The group was small, just herself, Morgan, her mother, and a handful of soldiers who'd insisted on accompanying them to stand guard over the queen.

Slipping her hand from her mother's grasp, Lucina began to pace the length of the bridge, apprehension getting the better of her for not the first time since they'd begun waiting. She knew it didn't do any good. No amount of fretting or anxiety would make them arrive there quicker. But she couldn't help herself, if she tried to sit still, she'd burst from the weight of it all.

Again her mother moved to intercept her, Morgan coming this time too. "Lucina, dear, at least try to relax. You'll run yourself to pieces if you keep up like this."

"Grandma's right, mother. I'm excited too, but you always tell me to be patient so right now you need to be too. Father will be here in no-time. I know it!" Morgan assured her. She seized hold of her arm, dragging her towards the edge of the bridge to make her take a seat on the low stone wall that ran at its edge.

"I-" Lucina started to protest, but she stopped herself, instead forcing a slow, deep breath to calm her nerves. "Alright, alright, I'll try." She breathed again, this time with a bit less effort, and sat down as directed.

Minutes passed as Lucina waited anxiously, turning into hours. Soon the sun began to sink towards the horizon, the world becoming painted in golds and fiery reds. Several times she had to fight the urge to pace again, resorting to slow, steady breaths to calm her nerves.

Then, just as she feared the moment would never come, the sound of distant foot and hoof-falls could be heard in the distance, amplified by the cobblestone paved road. At once she slipped down from the lip of the bridge, rushing to it's very apex to get a clear view.

There, walking down the road were those who'd gone searching, coming up to the other side of the bridge. There was her father, auntie Lissa, Sir Frederick, and-

Lucina's heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught in her throat. He looked the same as he always had, his white hair seeming almost a fiery gold in the light of the setting sub, his baggy coat blowing in the gentle breeze. His expression was one of nervous apprehension, even at this distance to guilt, fear, longing, and joy all plain to see across his face.

Lucina's father stepped aside, giving them some space. Robin took a few steps forward, then stopped.

Lucina felt Morgan brush against her as she stepped alongside. Her daughter took her hand in her own, giving it a squeeze before stepping back. A silent gesture of permission to allow this first reunion to be between both her parents alone.

She took a step forward, her heart racing. She swayed, the world spinning before her once more.

"I…" Lucina froze, a confused torrent of emotions washed over her, colliding together. She began to tremble, even as the entire world ground to a halt. Her heart raced, a rush of warm in her chest fighting against the heat, the cold, and jolts like lighting that burned at every nerve. She could stand there and stare, vision blurred with tears, jaw clenched, hands shaking, shoulders wracked with silent sobs or laughter. She couldn't even breathe.

"Lucina, I'm-" Robin started to say.

It happened all at once. Before she was even aware of what she was doing, before she could even make up her mind, her body moved for her. She crossed the space between them in an instant, throwing her arms around her husband. So forceful was the embrace that it sent them both twisting and staggering to one side of the bridge. They came to the bridge's wall, teetering there and nearly careening over and into the water below before they regained their footing.

Their lips met in a long, passionate kiss that lasted so long it left both gasping for there. It was only then that Lucina realized she was crying, the tears falling in rivers down her face.

To a part of her it somehow still didn't feel real. That all of this was truly happening. That after two years of loss and grief, of losing all hope of ever finding him, Robin was here. Alive. With her again.

Robin reached up, brushing away the tears from her face with his hand. Guilt plain as day showed on his face. "I'm so sorry, Lucina. I'm sorry I left you. I'm sorry I took so long.

Lucina could only gasp then, for as he wiped away her tears, she glimpsed his right hand. Where once had been Grima's mark, was now unblemished skin. She grasped the hand, squeezing it, her fingers running over the spot in wonder. Not only had Robin returned, but so it seemed too that he was finally free of the Fell Dragon's taint upon his heart.

"I know, I can hardly believe it too," Robin told her, following her gaze with his own.

She hugged him again, her joy at his return mixing with her happiness for his own sake, knowing just how much being free of his curse as Grima's vessel meant to him.

But most of all, she just wanted to cling to this moment. The feeling of him in her arms, the warmth of his body, the scent of him, the faint rhythmic beat of his heart. All of it proof that this was real.

For no dream had ever felt like this. As impossible as this all seemed, Robin was truly here now. He'd returned to her. Despite everything, he'd come back.

"Promise me you'll never leave me again," Lucina pleaded, tightening her embrace. She wouldn't let him go again. Not this time. Not even if her life depended on it.

"I promise," Robin whispered back, cradling her close. "I'm sorry for being so late. I'm sorry for leaving you. But I'm here now, and I promise I won't let you go."