Caged bird

“They are the finest!” She agreed.

She set her blade aside in favor of a more dull sparring weapon, grabbing a second one and holding it out to the tactician.

“I’m not gonna hold back, you know.”

Robin took the sparring weapon from Severa and met her with a grin on their face. She seemed ready to start, eager for the fight.

“I wouldn’t want you to. But don’t underestimate me either.” Robin didn’t always use a sword, but something about this morning and Severa’s energy made them want to give it their all.

Setsuna had already moved to her feet by the time Robin had woken up. She stared off to the distance, frowning. Her arrow was not being pulled just yet, but she was quiet as she watched for any kind of sign of what she’d heard. She didn’t see anything…but she didn’t see a lot of things. That didn’t guarantee any amount of safety.

She jumped slightly at the sudden voice and turned to Robin with a pout. “Aw. You weren’t supposed to wake up yet, it’s not time for your watch.” She had hoped that this would be something that was nothing, and wouldn’t require a lot of dealing with. And if it did require dealing with, she had hoped she could handle it before Robin woke up. They needed their rest.

She turned her head back to the forest, scanning for any sign of the thing. “I don’t know what it was…haven’t seen anything yet.”

“I guess I’m a lighter sleeper than I thought.” Robin hadn’t planned on waking up earlier than they had to, but there was something about the sensation they had felt that had woken them. Something was definitely happening but it was difficult to say what. They looked to Setsuna to see how she was reacting. She seemed a bit jumpy but not terrified or anything. Yet.

Robin sat up, scanning the area. They were still tired and they did want to sleep, but Robin couldn’t just leave Setsuna to whatever was happening now that they were awake. It seemed unfair to go back to sleep and let her deal with it. Not that she couldn’t handle herself, but it felt wrong.

“I care.”

“I love you.”

“Just breathe.”

“I’m here for you.”

“You’re safe here.”

“Do you need a hug?”

“You, me, blanket fort.”

“You’re not alone in this.“

“It’s alright… I’ve got you.”

“You are important to me.”

“They won’t find you here.”

“You’ve been crying… why?”

“It’s alright to cry, you know.”

“What would help right now?”

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m right here.”

“Please, tell me what’s wrong.”

“We’ll face this together, alright?”

“You’ve been strong for too long.”

“You’re going to be fine, I promise.”

“I wish I could take away your pain.“

“I’m sorry that you’re in so much pain.“

“We can stay here until you feel better.”

“I brought you a hot drink and a movie.”

“If you ever need a friend, I’m right here.”

“You’ll kick this thing’s ass. You’re tough.”

“Do you want some tea? Would that help?”

“Tell me something: Why were you crying?”

“I’m right here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

“There’s no shame in crying when you need to.”

“You are stronger than this. You’ll make it through.”

“If you feel like talking, please don’t hesitate to call me.“

“Here, you can snuggle under my blanket. I’ll protect you.”

“You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

“Hey, hey, look at me, okay? Just breathe. You’re safe, now.”

“I can’t imagine what it’s like for you. I just can’t imagine how hard it must be.”

She rolled her eyes at them carrying on conversation so easily, but responded still.

“I was just finishing. Gotta train daily to be the best!”

She stared at Robin for a long moment.

“So are you gonna ask me to spar or not? I’ve got things to do!”

Robin laughed a little at her question. Well, they had been thinking about it. Now that Severa had said it out loud, Robin found themselves nodding.

“Of course. If you don’t mind sparring with me.” Robin wasn’t the best swordsman in the Shepherds as they used magic a lot too, but it paid to keep their sword skills sharp. Severa would be a fine partner to spar against.

She huffed as she saw Robin, sheathing her sword and crossing her arms. She jutted out her hip and rolled her eyes.

“Robin? What are you doing? Gawds!”

Considering they’d scared her to the point where she’d pulled a sword on them, being frustrated seemed perfectly reasonable in her book.

“I am sure I am here for the same reasons you are.” They patted their side to indicate the sword hanging from it. They were sorry for scaring her. She didn’t seem happy about it either.

Severa wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, leaning against her sword for support. It was so exhasuting, training like this - not to mention how dirty she got after! All the dust sticking to her, all the sweat. It was just horrible, really. She truly hated to practice.

As she stood there, breathing deeply and recovering her sapped strength, the sound of clanging behind her drew her attention. She whirled around, taking her sword back up and holding it in front of her.

“Who’s there? Huh?!”

Robin quickly raised their hands in front of them and then giving Severa a small smile. They hoped that they hadn’t startled her too badly.

Emmeryn smiled, thinking of Robin speaking to Morgana about the family she could rely upon. It was a sweet thought, and it brought a sweet smile to her lips. Morgana deserved as much family as possible, much like Lucina and Owain and the other future children.

“Me? Children?” Emmeryn hesitated, but nodded her head in admission. “Yes, I have long wanted children. I cannot say for certain that I will have them, now, but…I still would like to have children.” Emmeryn shrugged, bittersweet emotion sour on her tongue. Before, her ideal spouse and the other parent to their children would have been Phila, but now…

It was difficult to think of raising children with anyone else but she supposed it was quite possible she could fall in love again.

Robin nodded. They couldn’t say much to Emmeryn’s personal love life. They didn’t know her back then nor were they close enough to her now to really intrude too far into her personal feelings. Robin was open about their romance with Chrom and Henry, so it was easier to discuss things like that or the children they had. Robin could not remember Emmeryn having a suitor before her death and now? They assumed she was still adjusting.

“I am sure you would be a wonderful mother. You seem fond of Lucina and Owain. You’re a wonderful aunt to them.” They also thought that considering her upbringing she might share in the same feeling of wanting to be a better parent than her’s was. Robin wasn’t sure if they should say more though about it, considering her single status.

“I don’t sell myself short. I don’t really sell myself at all. I don’t think Lady Hinoka would be happy to hear I was selling myself any kind of height, I think that’s probably breaking some kind of retainer vow promise.” There was also no reason to be talking about her confidence in any sense of discussion, so they really were best just moving along from this.

She waved Robin off as they finally began settling in for sleep. She was beginning to think that if she left them alone, they would just think themselves up all night. Which could possibly be useful. But not when she wanted to make sure the tactician got some kind of rest. They needed it. They worked hard.

“I will!” She called back lazily, settling comfortably into her own seat. “Go ahead and get some sleep, Robin.” The forest seemed nice so far. She hoped it would continue being nice and leave their night uneventful. Settling in with her bow in her lap and one arrow already in hand, she sighed contently and stared out into the forest.

It was a quiet night. At first. Robin didn’t fall asleep immediately. They often didn’t unless they had caused themselves to become exhausted from work. It happened more often during all the fighting. At that time it was paramount that Robin be able to ensure that they made it through each fight, especially when they were fighting the other countries or going against Validar and his people.

These days Robin was able to relax, but they felt like they didn’t really know the meaning of that word. Still, with the knowledge that they would be fine and that they’d be awful if they didn’t sleep, Robin drifted off eventually. Thankfully their sleep was dreamless, or when they were awoken suddenly, they could recall nothing.

Something was moving through the woods and a large crash had startled Robin into waking. They bolted upright, immediately checking on Setsuna, who was still there. How long had they been asleep? Not long enough for her to wake them for their shift, but enough that it looked like time had passed.

“I think, given the circumstances, it would be foolish not to be nervous. Being a parent…having that much responsibility for someone who only thinks the world of you…I would be nervous too.” But Robin was right, the children, Chrom and LIssa’s children, would grow up knowing her this time. They would know to look to her if they wanted support. 

It was a good thought.

She smiled at Robin, gently. “I think that is a good sentiment, wanting to be like a father to Lucina.” They seemed to be serious about Chrom, so of course that meant thinking of Lucina also. “And Morgan is definitely loved. We all can tell you love her…” This time around there would be plenty of opportunity for the children to grow up happy. 

“And, well. I hope Morgana knows that, with you and Chrom, that she may see me as family too.”  

Robin was relieved and thankful to hear Emmeryn be supportive of their decision to be a father figure to Lucina. Their family might not be the most conventional around, but they cared for their children and for any children their boyfriends had. They were a family no matter the strangeness or questions as to how the children might have happened.

“I am glad. She’s amazing. I can see so much of myself in her, but I believe she’ll be better than me too. I can hope, at least. I want her to be raised with love.” Like they had. Even if Robin couldn’t remember it, Robin believed their mother loved them.

“I am sure she does, but I will tell her. I am sure she will be happy to count you all as her family.” Robin had a thought, but they weren’t sure if they should bring it up. In the end they thought to at least try hoping it didn’t end well.

Setsuna hummed her acknowledgement. They certainly were. But boldness was probably a good thing. Or not. She supposed it depended on the person. People called Hinoka bold! And she was always pleased to hear her liege called anything with such awe in their voice.

They also called Saizo bold but she thought it was much less flattering when it was about him.

“I could never leave you behind. Too many people need you. And I don’t think you for me would be a very good trade at all.” Plus, she was pretty sure she would get tired of carrying him fast. And then where would they be? She didn’t know, but she sure wasn’t eager to find out out either.

She considered it. Robin going second would probably be for the best. Easier that way. And she could make sure the tactician would get some sleep. “Wow, Robin, you’re so smart, thinking up solutions like that. See, that’s why you’re the tactician.”

She nodded as well once they’d reached the spot. It looked good to her. With a content sigh, she slumped down, settling herself to sit against one of the trees. “Well, you should get some rest.” She advised the other as she shifted her bow off her back.

“You shouldn’t sell yourself so short Setsuna. Although I am sure if you return in my place there might be some awkwardness.” Considering that he had two boyfriends and well, a strange family situation. Robin liked Setsuna and she was a great friend, but he didn’t think it would go over well if she showed up instead of him.

“Yes. It is my job. I suppose it’s what I’m the best at.” It seemed like the best choice to make so that neither of them had to worry about trying to wake up Setsuna so that she could do her shift without having to worry about Robin choosing not to do it and stay up the entire night. Not that he didn’t think that Setsuna couldn’t come to a similar reasoning. Maybe it was better not to worry over it. “Thank you. I’m sure we’d have figure out a working schedule eventually.”

Robin also slumped down as they finally reached the spot. He took the moment to check over his own supplies before looking over at Setsuna. He was glad to have her company. No matter what she said, she was becoming one of his best friends and he was thankful for her presence. But he was more tired than he expected and he was looking forward to resting. So he worked on getting set up for an impromptu slumber.

deathless ♚ sentence meme || accepting

“That sounds like a terrible burden to have to deal with. Is there anything I can do for you Corryn?” Robin wanted to help her. He wasn’t sure what was going on but if he could lend a hand and ease her trouble, he’d certainly try.

“Is it about your family?”

Robin pulls her into a hug because he can’t bear to see her shake like this. She needed comfort right now and he wanted to give her any that he could.