A/N
I went back through the previous chapters and cleaned them up, changed some lines around, so everything up to this point should be smoother, corrected, and better paced. I didn't rewrite entire scenes, don't worry, but I like how the corrections turned out. Give them a look if you haven't already!
Lucina came rushing out of her tent in a flurry, drawing Robin's attention while he walked past after speaking with Chrom about their upcoming assault on Valm's capital.
"Something wrong, Lucina?"
She shuddered, brushing off her arms and legs and back as though she had just rolled around in the grass and was still being poked by the ends. When he approached, she went behind him and pushed him forward by placing both hands on his back. "I just saw the biggest spider in my bed. Kill it."
Robin snorted. He'd heard all about her and Cynthia's escapade with the flying beetle from Chrom. "Alright, I've got it."
Of course, as he was shoved into Lucina's tent, he didn't expect to be running out like the princess had when he saw the massive black tarantula on top of her bed, so large it was bigger than his hand with his fingers extended.
"What are you doing?" Lucina grinned as he drew his sword and tome. "The grandmaster tactician can't handle a single spider?"
"Not alone." He shook his head as he let out a similar shudder as Lucina had a moment ago. "I'm going to need reinforcements, so Owain and Lon'qu are a must, and ranged defenses, so Laurent, Miriel, Virion, Tharja, and Noire, not to mention a shield wall, so Kjelle, Kellam, and Vaike, and cavalry in case it tries to escape, so Stahl, Sully, and Frederick, plus aerial recon to observe it's movements, so Sumia, Cherche, and Cordelia-"
"Robin... Robin!" She had to get his attention by grabbing his shoulders as he ranted and counted on his fingers. "How do you plan on fitting them all inside my tent?"
He blinked and gave her a shocked look. "I forgot to factor in terrain..."
Lucina snorted and laughed loudly when she realized he wasn't joking.
Robin rubbed the back of his head. "Well, all that's a little much. I'll get him, don't worry." He stepped inside the tent, but Lucina only poked her head in. He saw the spider in the same spot it was before. "Come here!" He tried to hit it with a tome.
"Smash it, Robin!" She cheered.
"Gods, it's fast!" He watched it jump off her bed and ran across the ground.
"That was close, you almost had it!" She pumped a fist in the air.
"Aaaand... Got ya!" He was able to crush it with the flat of his tome, although Lucina's tent was now in some disarray after all the commotion.
"Excellent work!"
"What's going on here?"
Lucina pulled her head out from the entrance and Robin exited, seeing Sumia looking at them with her head tilted in confusion.
"Mother, good afternoon! Robin was helping me kill a spider."
He held up his tome, which now had a comically shaped splat on it, the outline of the spider clearly visible. "Ah, I see." Sumia swallowed as she imagined how large the horrid thing was.
"'Helping'? You didn't help at all!" Robin said sarcastically as he tried to brush dead spider pieces off his tome.
"I was giving you moral support! But very well. A reward for your efforts then. Let us go visit that corner café we saw yesterday." She started pulling him along by the hand towards the road to town with a smile on her face. "Farewell, Mother! See you at dinner!"
Sumia watched them go and couldn't help smiling at the carefree expression her daughter had.
"Lady Tiki and Say'ri should be joining us before the end of the day." Chrom said as he took a bite out of a biscuit.
The Shepherds had all gathered for breakfast, still discussing new stories from the past three years about despite having reunited over the past month.
Lucina smiled. "That's wonderful news, Father."
"Yes, finally we can get these parades and games and banquets underway!" He agreed as he took a bite out of some ham piled on his plate.
"You seem excited, dear." Sumia pointed out.
"Well, we have Robin back, we have our friends all gathered... Why wouldn't I be excited?"
Robin groaned. "Probably not the best time, but Gwynevere caught wind of the celebrations and wishes to join. Her father will probably tag along."
Lucina rolled her eyes. "She does realize this is to celebrate our victory over their fallen king and dead dragon god, doesn't she?" Robin saw her mouth 'idiot' and smiled for half a second.
"Well, we did save the world, and Plegia is part of it..." Chrom said around another piece of ham. "Surely not all of them cared for Validar or Grima."
"You don't seriously intend to allow her to join, do you Father?" Her shoulders fell.
"There's no reason she can't, other than this arrangement which we'll find a way out of." He reached over and gently squeezed her arm. "You wouldn't have so low an opinion of her if she wasn't trying to steal Robin away." He sighed at her frown; she clearly wasn't convinced. "There is another reason: I've heard news that people in the city are not pleased with their presence here; after Gangrel and Validar, they think he's a bad omen."
"I wonder why they would think that?" Lucina asked, annoyed.
"It only takes a single incident for things to turn sour, quick. The longer Gwyn is here, the more likely that incident becomes. Many of our citizens zealously enjoy our victory of Plegia and the Fell Dragon. We can only buy so much time trying to find Robin a way out before Gwyn makes a decision and we have to respond. Not only that, but many nobles who supported my Father's war on Plegia are still around. They still want to see his work finished - to see Plegia's citizens killed, the land invaded, and it's history forgotten as its territory becomes annexed. Truthfully, I was thinking of providing rooms for them in the castle."
Lucina hadn't learned much about her grandfather growing up. Even her original father didn't seem to care for him. She knew that her grandmother had died at the hands of Plegia, or so her father had told her, and as a result a massive invasion of Plegia had taken place which soured relations to this day.
"They intend to declare war on us if we don't give Robin up. We should not be inviting them to our celebration of his return." Lucina shook her head and pushed her plate forward, staring at the table with her appetite forgotten.
Robin put one hand over hers. "Well, we've beaten Plegia twice now. If they're foolish enough to follow through on this threat, we'll beat them a third time."
She swallowed, but looked up and gave a small smile.
After they finished breakfast, Frederick approached them at the head table.
"Milord, a message has come from King Gwyn. He is asking Robin to meet him at the Plegian camp."
"Did he say why?" Robin asked.
"Yes. He has some information you would be interested in. However, he neglected to mention what exactly. I suppose he wants to give it to you in person."
"Hmm..." Robin tapped his chin. Something about Validar, and how he was crown prince maybe? "Guess I'd better go. And let them know they're invited to the celebrations."
Lucina stood up quickly. "I shall come with you."
"Um, maybe you should-" Sumia began.
"Nonsense." Lucina waved her off. "Our enemies are at the gate, and I'll not have the chief strategist of our military go into the foray alone." She turned to Robin. "I will be the sword at your side, and the wind at your back to carry you home safely. You can count on me."
Robin smiled and shrugged as he looked at Sumia and Chrom. "We'll be fine. I seriously doubt he intends to kidnap me. Even if he did, it'd take more than a handful of soldiers to stop me. Or Lucina." He gave her a wink and she nodded once.
"Be careful you two." Chrom waved as they walked off. "And behave yourself, Lucina!"
Riding side by side on horseback, Robin and Lucina spotted the Plegian camp as they came to the crest of a hill a ways off.
Sparing a glance at Lucina, he raised a brow when she looked at him. Her brow furrowed, and she sighed. Though it had been ages, longer for her than for him, she knew he was assessing her, trying to figure out what was wrong, thinking of ways to cheer her up.
She sighed before turning her gaze back towards the camp. "Has father ever told you about my grandfather?"
Robin shook his head. "Nothing more than what you've heard, I reckon. Crusaded into Plegia for revenge for your grandmother, tried to destroy it. Almost succeeded, but supply lines getting stretched thin and Plegia's knack for guerilla warfare against Ylisse's more traditional military tactics meant that he lost his life before returning to Ylisse, and Emmeryn took up the role of Exalt and tried for peace."
Lucina gripped the reins of her horse tightly. "Do you... Do you think he was justified?" When Robin's brow shot up in surprise, she sighed and forced her shoulders to drop. "What I mean is... The Grimleal were a real threat. Myself and my friends are proof of that, traveling here to stop their ambitions. Plegia was founded to bring about the Fell Dragon's return - if my grandfather had succeeded in bringing an end to Plegia, things might have been different for all of us... Validar would have fallen, Aversa would have never convinced Gangrel to try and steal the Fire Emblem..." She trailed off, mind drawn to unspoken possibilities.
"Perhaps if the Grimleal were responsible. And they alone were his target." Robin answered after giving it some thought. "I don't think I'd fault anyone who went after them, considering what they ended up putting you through in the future. But all of Plegia? I don't think so. What if I'd been caught up in the purges?" His voice lowered. "I might have never met Chrom, or the Shepherds, or you. I'd hate to think about what my life would have been like if I'd grown up thinking that Ylisse deserved that dark future. Maybe the future me who gave into that Grima had those thoughts, even after joining Chrom."
She pondered his words for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You're right. Forgive me Robin, but it's not exactly easy holding Plegia in high regard in spite of the complicated history with my kingdom. This whole ordeal has simply been the latest in a long series of grievances for me. I'd been hoping for your return and peaceful days for so long, I just-"
He gave her hand a squeeze and nodded. "You've nothing to apologize for." He caught her eyes sharpening and realized she had an inkling of what he might say next. So, he opted to surprise her. "And neither do I." She blinked, then beamed at him. "We'll overcome this insanity and finally partake in some of that peace we've fought so hard for."
They spurred their horses into a trot and headed to the Plegian camp.
Gwynevere saw the duo hand off their horses to the guard by the hitching posts and frowned. "What is she doing here?" She rolled her eyes and sighed. "It seems those rumours were true - they're practically inseparable." As they approached, she put on her brightest smile and skipped forward, holding her dress up to allow the freedom of movement, and called out to him. "My love, how are you?" Throwing her arms around him in a tight hug, she grinned against the lapels of his coat. "Please, join us for some tea." She gave Lucina a flat glance, raising her nose into the air and giving her a shooing motion with her hand. "Unfortunately, we haven't room for this one. I'm afraid she'll have to wait outside the camp."
Lucina rolled her eyes. "I'm here as Robin's guard and friend. I will not leave him unattended."
"There's no need for guards here!" She gave the Ylissean princess a thin smile. "Robin is the crown prince of Plegia, after all, and the guards already here are as loyal to him as they are to myself and my father. Right, men?"
"WHAT HO!" Came the thunderous response from several of the soldiers nearby.
"Well, as the prince you won't begrudge me when I select my own entourage, will you?" Robin asked with a smirk.
"Wha-? But!"
"It's settled then." Lucina said as she approached Gwynevere, drawing herself to her full height.
Robin had to hand it Gwynevere; in spite of Lucina's natural aura as a battle hardened warrior and being three inches taller than the Plegian noble, she didn't back down or even blink, she only glared to the point he thought sparks might start flying.
"Ahem. I was told you had something you wanted to tell me?" He asked before she could say something else.
Gwynevere sighed, her shoulders dropping. "Yes, that's right. My father, specifically. This way." She spun and quickly laced her fingers with Robin in an iron grasp that surprised him.
If she'd been looking, she most certainly would have taken satisfaction in seeing Lucina scowl.
The camp was small, and it only took a few moments before they arrived at the main tent where Gwyn was. "Lord Gwyn." Robin called out respectfully.
"Ah, Prince, welcome. Come in."
Lucina said nothing as they stepped inside, and they all came to stand around a circular table. Laid out on top was a map of Plegia and Ylisse, a few flags pinned where military forts were on both sides. She took some small pride in the fact that there were fewer flags in Plegia's portion than Ylisse's. Alongside the map were some books and a letter opener on top of a discarded envelope.
"And Princess Lucina, are you well?"
"I am, Lord Gwyn." She answered, dipping her head in a short bow. "It is good to see you and Gwynevere in good health. I hope Ylisse has been well to you." She said out of formality than anything else.
He nodded once. "We've had no cause for concern, thankfully." He turned towards Robin, who had to lift his chin to look up at the Kings gaze. Gwyn was taller than everyone in the tent by a head and a half. "Robin, have you given the arrangement any more thought?" He asked without preamble.
"Guess he's not one to beat around the bush." Robin thought. "Though I think prefer that to Gangrel or Validar's nonsense." He looked at Gwynevere, who was leaning into his side. "No. In fact, we are trying to find a way out of this arrangement. I hope that doesn't sour your relationship with Ylisse, or with Chrom."
Gwyn nodded as though he were expecting this. "My daughter has said as much. And rest assured, I wouldn't hold you or the others in contempt. Politics, as much as I dislike it, puts us in tricky situations."
"I would hope you will withdraw your threat of war then, milord." Lucina spoke up. "The relations between us have been well since you've taken the throne. If I may speak on behalf of my father, when this plan falls through, I hope that we can continue on the path of peace."
"If this doesn't work out. And perhaps it will. It's still up to Robin to choose to return home. For now." Gwyn reached into the folds of his robe, and pulled out a piece of paper. "Hopefully, this will add some enticement." He handed it to Robin, who unfolded it and began to read it. "Before I left Plegia, I asked the record keepers for some information. Through the use of postmen and some skilled mages who could cast rescue, what they've found out came to us only yesterday."
Lucina watched Robin mouth words as he read, then his eyes widened in shock. "This is-"
"Some information about your mother, Morgan." Gwyn finished. "Validar seemed loathe to even acknowledge her, but she was the Plegian Queen for a time, even if only technically. Naturally, we found out what we could. It would've complicated matters if she decided she wanted the throne after Validar died."
"What is it?" Lucina put one hand on Robin's shoulder, surprised to see the letter trembling in his hands.
"Sh-She..." His gaze was unfocused, mind whirling with possibilities. "She might be still be alive. Validar lost track of her after she took me from the Grimleal, but they never caught up with her." He opened and closed his mouth a few times before quickly turning to Gwyn. "Is she? Do you know where she is!?"
Gwyn merely shrugged. "The scribes are looking into it. If she survives, she is concealed with magic not even the Grimleal could pierce, else they would have found her and you long ago. All I know is what is in that letter. She hails from the northeast of Plegia, near our border with Regna Ferox. Details are scarce on how she and Validar met. Perhaps she didn't know Validar's intentions, or he tricked her, or she simply didn't believe the truth of your nature till you were born, but she was a capable swordswoman who fought her way through the Grimleal with a sword in one hand and you in the other. She likely travelled with you for a time before you two ended up parting. No doubt she thought the Grimleal would assume you'd be together and didn't anticipate your mother parting ways to drag them along a wild goose chase. She was last seen ten years ago in Regna Ferox. Seen might not be the right word; there were no surviving Grimleal the last time they caught wind of her and she's not been sighted since."
Gwynevere watched as Robin absorbed all the information and pulled up a chair, gently guiding him down into it. "Mother..." He gripped his head, trying to will a memory from his past to come up. Survivalist skills, sword lessons, the warmth of her hug, a smile, anything... But nothing came up. His eyes misted and he screwed them shut, trying not lose his composure in front of the others.
"And should you return with us, all the information we find is yours." Gwyn finished.
Lucina gaped, before slamming both hands down on the table. "Bastard! This is Robin's mother, how dare you withhold information to blackmail him into this marriage!?"
"Don't talk to my father like that, you-"
"Enough, Gwynevere. It will take more than words to wound me." He held up a hand to silence his daughter. "As I said, politics puts us in tricky situations. I have no reason to give this information to you otherwise. It is of no benefit to me if you learn more of your mother, and if you intend to escape wedding my daughter I don't really care what happens with this information one way or another."
Robin sighed, but didn't stand up.
"Go and clear your head, Prince. Gwynevere, go with him. I understand the gravity of this revelation, as well as your reluctance to return home, but hopefully this will provide some more incentive than the deal already on the table." He stroked his beard in thought. "Princess Lucina, I take no offense to your words. Let the Exalt know I am here if he wishes to talk."
She helped Robin stand, as did Gwynevere, and she cleared her throat. "I understand... and I apologize for letting my emotions get the better of me. Please, excuse us."
Robin was silent as they made their way out of the camp, the three of them getting on their horses and riding to Ylisstol.
He was still too numb with the revelation that his mother might be out there... Had she heard of him? In the past several years, had his position as Chrom's tactician filled her with joy? Had she wept when news of his sacrifice spread across the lands? Was she searching for him now that news of his return had reached Plegia and Regna Ferox? Was she even on this side of the world?
His mind was swirling with so many questions that before he knew it, they were already in town.
They dropped their horses off at the stables near the palace entrance, but he felt an insistent tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Gwynevere giving him a sincere look. "Let's go into town. We can go shopping and then have a nice lunch."
Lucina wanted to protest even though she'd had the same idea, hoping the Plegian would leave so she and Robin could talk about this news. Sighing, she fell into step at Robin's left side, while Gwynevere let go of his arm and walked alongside his right. Silence settled over them, both women unsure what to say to cheer Robin up.
Spending time in the market had amounted more to browsing than purchasing, but Robin seemed to cheer up a little when Lucina found a shirt displayed in the windowed of a clothing store that caught her eye.
It was Robin standing on top of the Fell Dragon's corpse, giving a victorious thumbs up, while herself and her father were behind him raising their Falchion's in the air. It was mostly white, but there were swirling greens and golds along the hem and purple triangles across the shoulders. It was bold and colorful and Lucina liked it so much she got one for herself and one for Robin.
Afterwards, they meandered through bookstores, jewelry stalls, and finally a souvenir shop filled with wooden carvings and paintings for sell.
Eventually, they found a quiet tavern which was mostly empty and ordered food. The special today was freshly caught fish from the lake to the southeast of Ylisstol, along with recently harvested fruits from the surrounding farms.
Taking a seat at the table, with Robin and Lucina on one side and Gwynevere on the other, the server brought out three pitchers of ale, which Robin gulped down and immediately called for another.
"Are you alright?" The Plegian Princess asked after a few moments.
"I'll be fine." He answered quietly. "I just wasn't expecting this when I heard Gwyn's summons... I suspected it had something to do with me being the prince and all, but not this..." He took another gulp, but his brow remained furrowed.
Gwynevere was silent for a few moments, watching as Lucina rubbed her hand up and down his back to comfort him. It seemed to ground him, a little. "I must say, I'm a little jealous. Your mother sounds incredible; I didn't know what the news was until you found out about it as well. A warrior who protected her son from those cultists for all those years. I'm sure you must be honored."
He nodded and looked up, mustering a small smile. "I hope she's alive, somewhere. I have so much to tell her, even without my memories."
"We're all indebted to her. I shudder to think what would have become of you if Validar had raised you as one of the Grimleal." Lucina remarked. "Let's locate her whereabouts. Perhaps Tharja may be of some assistance in that regard."
Robin turned to her with a smile. "I'd love that."
Gwynevere let out a quiet sigh, then took a drink from her mug. After a few moments in contemplation, she cleared her throat. "I may be able to help." When they looked at her in surprise, she sat up straight and smiled. "C'mon, why would I hide anything like this from you? I have a few friends in the royal court; if I ask for a favor, they are sure to grant it." She shuffled in her seat. "If it was my mother, I'd want to know all I could. If only I was so lucky..."
She trailed off quietly and despite her reluctance, Lucina asked, "What do you mean?"
"My mother died giving birth to me." She answered quietly. "I never got to know her. Father says I'm the spitting image of her, and I act just like her." She smiled to herself. "Apparently, he wasn't always such the stoic. Father was said to smile and laugh all the time around her, and they were thick as thieves since they'd known each other from childhood. I guess losing her was such a blow he never recovered... Then with the wars, he changed into the man he is now. All I have are stories of a woman I'll never meet."
"My sympathies."
Gwynevere looked up - Lucina was looking at her without judgement.
She shrugged and took another drink. "It's okay. Father's a good man, and he was happy with mother. If she were here now, I'm sure we'd be one big happy royal family."
Their food was delivered a moment later, and they began digging in. "Thank you, Gwynevere. I owe you one. Oh!" He sat up straight, eyes widening in realization. "I almost forgot!"
"About what?"
"About the celebrations. Chrom says you and Gwyn are welcome to attend. True, it was supposed to be for the Shepherds, but since you're here..."
Gwynevere beamed and held up her mug. "Cheers, then!"
"Cheers!" They both took a swig, while Lucina tried to hide her disappointment by taking a bite of her fish.
"I suppose its a bit premature, but if you truly are able to deliver news of my mother, I owe you a debt of gratitude. So, thanks." Robin said as he set his empty mug down.
"Nonsense! I'm happy to help!"
After they left, Robin with a buzz but not quite drunk as he finished a third serving of ale, they made their way back to the palace stables.
"Send a messenger when the preparations are complete!" Gwynevere called out before riding back to the Plegian camp.
Together, Robin and Lucina made their back into the palace. Chrom greeted them as they entered, and by his side were Tiki and Say'ri. Both of them ran forward and hugged him, and Tiki spoke first. "Naga was right. You've returned untainted by any Fellblood. The curse of Grima is gone forever."
Robin gave her a lopsided grin. "That's right - I'm completely human."
"Fie, a legend is more like it! You've returned from the cold embrace of death as warm as you were the day you left." Say'ri said as she let go of him.
"Legendary tactician magician, that's me!" Robin cheered as he looped an arm around Lucina's shoulders.
"Um, are you okay?" Chrom asked.
Lucina chuckled and leaned into his embrace. "Had a few drinks with his lunch, that's all."
"I see..." Chrom shook his head with a smile. "I take it Gwyn had good news, then?"
Robin blinked and sobered up a fraction of a degree. "Yes, actually." He recounted what they'd been told that morning.
The three others listened, nodding along as they learned of the possibility of his mothers survival.
"Well, if anyone could locate her, it would be Tharja..." Chrom agreed.
"And when I return to Chron'sin, I will dedicate a team to searching for her." Say'ri vowed.
"Thank you. It means a lot." Robin gave them all a quick hug before taking Lucina's hand in his own.
"Well, what say tonight we gather everyone for the good news over dinner, and then when the preparations are complete in a day or two, we start the celebrations proper?" Chrom asked, earning cheers from those present.
"Sounds like a plan!" Robin agreed.
"I'll show Lady Tiki and Say'ri to their rooms. Go and rest up so you're in shape for tonight, alright?" Chrom gave a two finger salute and walked away, followed by his guests.
As they made their way to his room, Lucina was acutely aware of the questioning glances and grins as they passed by servants and other Shepherds who saw them holding hands. "Gods, this is going to cause a mess when the Plegian girl shows up for the celebrations." She thought, but couldn't care less. It couldn't pull the smile from her face as Robin's thumb ran across the back of her hand while they walked.
They came to a stop outside of his room, and Robin turned so he was facing her. "I'm gonna take a nap. Will you come and get me when they're ready?"
"Of course, Robin." She looked down for a moment, then let out sigh and drew him into a hug.
It wasn't something he vocalized, but he enjoyed the difference in Lucina's displays of physical affection over Gwynevere - she was so much gentler, drawing him into her arms slowly and resting her head on his shoulder rather than tugging him into her and pulling him along. She was already flush with him, but he linked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer and lifting her onto the balls of her feet as her heels left the ground. He thought of both times he'd woken up next to her, how his heart sped up as he held her close, how soft the plane of her stomach had felt under his hand, the way she'd touched his chest before sitting in his lap...
"I hope we receive good news regarding your mother. I'd like to thank her personally for keeping you safe for so long. But no matter what we learn, you'll always have a place here."
She spoke up and drew him out of his thoughts, but her words made him smile even though she couldn't see his face.
"Thanks, Lucina..."
He turned his head, his nose brushing her just below her ear, and used his chin to push aside her collar. He gave her a soft kiss on the side of her neck, which had the unintended effect of causing her to gasp at the delightful sensation and arch into him a little more. Her fingers threaded into his snowy hair. His lips lingered there for a moment before he pulled back slowly, allowing Lucina to settle on her heels. One of her hands fell along his chest, palm flat against his shirt before dropping against his, where their fingers tried to catch each other before she stepped back. It didn't escape his notice how she cast a fleeting glance at his lips before nodding. She gave him a bashful smile and began walking away. "I'll see you at dinner."
His eyes lingered on the gentle sway of her hips longer than he would have liked to admit before he stepped into his room. It dawned on him through the mild inebriation that he'd let his lust get the better of him for a moment. He lay down on his side, sighing. "No... If it was just any other girl, it might be simple lust, but with Lucina, it's different. I want so much more than to just satisfy a temporary urge..." As he closed his eyes and drifted off into a quiet nap, he fought off thoughts of Lucina sharing his bed once more, her lips on his, skin sliding against skin, and her voice echoing off the walls of his bedroom.
A few hours later, Chrom and the Shepherds were gathered in the main dining hall, multiple tables pulled together to accommodate the warriors native to this era, their children, and the time travelers.
As food was brought out by the castle servants, Chrom stood and called for everyone's attention.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, Taguel and Manaketes! With Tiki and Say'ri here, we've finally gathered all of the Shepherds!" Cheers rang out and Chrom grinned. "And you all know why we're here: Robin has returned from - well, wherever he disappeared to." He leaned over to Robin and pulled him up, and the cheers turned into loud applause. "And it was thanks to all of you that he is here today! As Lady Naga told us, the strength of our bonds would tie him to this world, and our connection with him was strong enough to thwart even death!" Robin chuckled and waved to everyone as they pounded tables. "I gave my word six months after we defeated Grima that when he got back, we'd celebrate for a week at my expense. Well, with everyone finally gathered, I propose we do just that!" He picked up the goblet filled with wine and lifted it into the air. "To Robin, whom we owe an eternity of peace too! Without him, the Fell Dragon would inevitably return and we would have to struggle against its darkness once more. Never again!"
"To Robin!" The Shepherds cheered, and everyone took a drink.
"In just one or two more days, the preparations will be complete. There will be games, festivals, dancing, competitions, and whatever else you can come up with! The next week is ours, as is the rest of our lives!"
More cheering and table pounding filled the hall for a moment before Robin raised a hand, and everyone quieted down.
"It means a lot to me that you all cared about me so much that I was pulled back from the void. I'm sure I could come up with a thousand expressions to get my feelings out there, but I'll keep it simple: Thank you. All of you. I love you all, and I want you to know that I'll be here for you whenever you need me, since I'm here now because of you." Robin lifted his own goblet into the air. "To the Shepherds!"
That night, Lucina tossed and turned in bed, muttering incoherently as memories of the past continue to turn her dreams into nightmares.
She is seven years old, sitting at the head of the round table with the royal council gathered around her. Although a handful of her father's Shepherds yet remain and are able to guide her, at her young age she still can't do much more than listen before calling out in a timid voice, "Um, all in favor?" Before getting a chorus of agreements back. Most of the time, the nobles can make decisions that will be of benefit in the years to come - food rationing, conscription of the young and healthy and evacuation of those unable to fight, plans to march into Plegia and get back the fire emblem and last gemstone so she can perform the awakening - despite the fact she can barely carry Falchion in both hands. She trains everyday, but cries when she falls down in exhaustion and asks where Chrom is, even though she's been told many times.
Today, as the court disperses and she makes her way to the training grounds, she spots a familiar redhead already there. "Lady Cordelia!" She beams and runs forward. It had been nearly four months since she'd last seen her.
Cordelia turns and smiles. Lucina is too young to notice, but it's forced and anxious.
"Where is mother? Is she at the stables?"
Her face falls. Lucina recognizes the look. She saw it when she was four when news of her Father's death came to her. She saw it last year after learning that her new retainer would be Sully after Frederick's death.
"Lucina..." Cordelia kneels down, and the young Exalt can see her eyes are red. "I'm so sorry..."
"N-N-No..." Her vision blurs as tears form. "No! No! You promised!" She screams and cries and drops to her knees, and Cordelia tries to wrap her arms around her. "You said she would come back! Where is she!?"
It takes a long time for Lucina to calm down. Sumia had promised this would be the last time she would go out to lead the armies. Too many battles have ended in pyrrhic victories. So little ground has been gained. She doesn't understand the zeal of the Grimleal yet, how they are stronger and more fanatical than ever with the Fell Dragon revived.
She will never understand why people will go willingly to their deaths in Grima's name just to be revived as some rotting corpse with no will of its own.
"Ruling the realm falls to you now, Lucina. You must be strong for our people. Once we have the last gemstone and the fire emblem back from Plegia, you will perform the awakening and lead us to victory over the Fell Dragon."
Lucina can only nod, scared and angry but above all else determined to make her parents proud. Then she remembers. "W-We have to tell Cynthia."
Cordelia nods. "I'll come with you."
When they find the younger princess, she looks as happy as can be. But as Cordelia presents her with the spearhead Sumia was holding onto, she cries harder than Lucina and doesn't calm down for a month.
A week later Sumia is cremated, the practice soon to be law in order to reduce the forces of Grima before he could gather them. A week after that she is crowned ruler of Ylisse as she stands in the courtyard of Castle Ylisstol, Falchion strapped to her back so it doesn't scrape along the ground while she walks. In trembling hands she holds a piece of paper, a pre-written speech prepared for her by Cordelia. She promises to avenge the deaths of the Valmese, Feroxians, and Ylisseans who have been killed in these wars and taken by Grima, avenge the deaths of her parents, perform the awakening and rip the Fell Dragon out of the sky.
She has no way of knowing that in just over a year, Grima will have the strength to destroy the last gemstone and doom their future once and for all.
As she looks over Ylisstol, the people in the city living out the last few peaceful days of their lives, the image darkens.
Burn pits are filled with bodies - and when time works against them, pieces of dismembered bodies are simply strewn about to prevent their use in death.
People are slaughtered in the streets by the Risen, only to be revived by the Fell Dragon and turn on former family and friends.
The skies darken, and for the first time she sees the Fell Dragon - as large as a mountain, eyes glowing like moons, bringing hell with him.
She turns around and her blood freezes. She sees the faces of families and friends, sunken and rotting as they pledge their servitude to Grima and turn on her.
With a final roar from the Fell Dragon, her end has come.