the tactician magician.

Chrom did not even notice her offers of help, he was so focused on doing this himself. However a moment later when Robin denied she was hot Chrom was concerned. 

He put his hand over his chin and thought how best to phrase this. He did not want there to be a misunderstanding. Inevitably, when Chrom tried to prevent a misunderstanding though he often made things far worse.

“You look like you’re the hottest girl in the world right now. Your body is shining. I can’t look away from you.” 

He said, staring directly at her. 

“You’re obviously wearing too many clothes. You should take them off right away. If you’re uncomfortable I can take my apron off too.”

Then, the other shoe dropped. 

“Really, you’re sweating so much I can see through your shirt right now. You looked like you were about to pass out five minutes ago, that’s why I wanted to get you a refreshing drink. Why do you always wear so many layers is it a sorcerer thing?”

Robin’s expression fell flat. Each time she thought Chrom could no longer surprise her with his words, he did so time and time again. She wondered if it was some sort of special ability of his, or perhaps even a curse.

“I’m fine,” Robin stated, clearly not fine with all the clothes she was wearing. She even folded her arms over her chest, drawing her cloak further around herself in a stubborn protest.

“A sorcerer thing? How am I supposed to know that?”

“I’m fine, I drink plenty of water.” No she didn’t. “You don’t need to worry about me, you act like I’m about to collapse from the heat or something...”

Chrom felt a bit rejected as Robin suddenly backed away from him, but swallowed that feeling.  He blinked watching her move about for a moment. 

“I wanted to make a smoothie.” 

Chrom realized Robin might not know what this is. 

“It’s a drink from the future that freezes your brain apparently. So, I got all of the oranges I could but… I need to peel them first. I can’t just put them in the blender with the peels on, I’m not that dumb.” 

Chrom leaned back against the counter. “It’s such a hot day out today. Are you sure you’re alright wearing that much in this heat?” He asked another suggestive sounding question, completely innocently while his apron barely hung off his chest and covered none of it.

“I know what a smoothie is, Chrom.” Had she tried the beverage? Yes. Had she had too many and gotten the ‘brain freeze’ that Chrom spoke of? Absolutely. She wouldn’t admit that so readily, though, especially not when Chrom was here trying to make one of the drinks himself.

“Do... I mean, would you like me to--?” Her kind question was cut off by Chrom’s words, and she had to pause. 

He really did say odd things at times, and initially, Robin had believed that he was saying them out of pure insensitivity, but yet... after some time, Robin realized that Chrom was likely unaware of the connotations his words carried, due to the frequency that he said such things.

She didn’t have the heart to point it out to him each time.

“I’m not that hot.” Robin said, despite having been sweating only a few minutes prior.

“Robin be careful, you don’t have any memories how are you going to remember how to cook?” Chrom said, immediately worrying about her the moment she tried to help him. The fact that she also immediately caused harm to herself did not help his anxiety much.

He leaned forward and reached out with his hand to cradle the side of her face. Gently, with a hand that was calloused from swinging swords again and against, he moved his fingers around the side of her cheek, and reached with his thumb to carefully wipe away the citrus from her eye. 

When he finished, he was left leaning over her staring directly into her eye, their faces centimeters apart and his hand already on her. “Ah…” Chrom forgot what he had been doing a moment ago and simply continued to stare in her eyes. 

Robin squinted, rubbing at her eye as Chrom touched her. She opened her eyes only to see... Chrom. Just Chrom.

“Ah...”

She lurched back on reflex after a moment, having to slide herself away. She wondered, was his habit of ignoring personal space something he did with everyone, or just her?

“I’m fine... thank you.”

Robin turned her attention back to the messy, citrus covered counter next to the both of them.

╰☆╮ “We met in Plegia when my king wanted the fire emblem from Chrom, I helped all of you.”

If it was to help Robin of course she didn’t care to betray her own nation, she had priorities.

╰☆╮ “Yes, I do know Chrom, he’s ok I guess… but you were our tactician. I suppose we met after the Ylisseans found you.”

What she said didn’t jog any memories in Robin’s mind (aside from those she was already aware of), but Robin felt some ease at the mention of Chrom. If Chrom knew this women, if this women knew Robin herself as a tactician... could she be trust worthy?

“I-I see...”

“I wish I could recall more than being found asleep in a field, but I’m afraid I simply can’t.”

She paused, meeting Tharja’s eye.

“ Well we won of course! There’s no doubt about that! From the beginning if I recall however is that the supposed Mad King known as Gangrel had tried to force a war between the two lands, going as far as kidnapping to try and justify their attack on us. It was a lot of back and forth from what I recall, and the main thing is however that– “

Morgan stopped himself mid sentence when he realized where this story was to go. The supposed death of his aunt and the amnesia to follow in an attempt to make sure their father didn’t completely give into Plegia’s demands. He recalled what Lucina had told him about altering the past, and her fears of it.. and here he was about to blab everything that could potentially ruin what could be a brighter future for everyone.

“ –That.. everything went fine..! Yes, it was a hard battle but. But everything was fine! Thanks to your expertise of course and father’s leadership, everything went just fine! Fine fine fine, yep! “ 

Robin listened, carefully so, even though nothing that Morgan said stirred any forgotten memories in her mind. She wished it could, though, for both her own sake and Morgan’s as well. 

Her smile faltered, but only for a moment.

“That’s all that matters...? Yes, I suppose so.”

She let out a soft sigh.

“Well, sort of.” 

       So that’s what it was. Her mannerisms definitely pointed toward her being someone unfamiliar with the game. And while he definitely didn’t consider himself any sort of master or even a qualified teacher, he understood enough of the rules to play at an amateurish level. 

“I only really played it when I was a kid–long story. It’s been a while. It’d be hard to explain without an actual board in front of me…” 

       He scanned around the parlor. Despite there being a fairly decent number of people in the building, he managed to luck out and spot a set of boards in the far corner, away from the crowds of people playing. That seemed like a good place to go, if he was going to try and teach someone the basics of shogi. 

       Plus, he really couldn’t focus in the middle of a crowd of people. 

“That looks like a good spot over there.” He jutted a thumb in the direction of the spot. “You won’t mind if I’m a bit rusty, will you?” 

Robin supposed talking with someone who only ‘sort of’ knew how to play this game was better than a complete novice like herself. So, she nodded, following the man’s lead and scanning the parlor.

She was glad he suggested a spot to sit away from the crowd, as she would have likely either found it difficult to hear him, or gotten distracted. A place where the two could play at their own pace was preferable, after all. Maybe later, once she had a better understanding of the game, she could join the enthusiastic crowd near them.

“Not at all, I’m quite thankful that you offered, actually.”

“I don’t think I could really learn anymore without actually playing myself, and this isn’t a game for one person, is it?”

Sitting down, Robin surveyed the board between them. She smiled.

“I’m trying to cook, but I can’t find anything to cut these oranges with.” Chrom looked at the mess he had made. As the shepards shifted cooking duties, it was not like he was completely inexperienced in a kitchen. More like, he was just a disaster in general. 

“If only I had the falchion…” He muttered under his breath looking aside. He really did feel incomplete without it. A moment later he realized that he said that out loud and quickly corrected himself. “I mean, I’d never use the falchion to cut oranges, ssssssh.”

Chrom sat up finally, revealing that he was wearing no shirt only an apron and some of the modern pants he had bought already with the money between the two of them. In frustration, he just bit at the orange he held in his hand without peeling it. “Mmfff.”

Robin stared, trying to fully process what she was viewing. She stood in silence, trying to understand and unravel the scene in front of her. 

Did Chrom never learn how to cook? If so, was it because he was a prince? Had he actually attempted to use his sword to cut food before? And, most importantly, where was his shirt?

Robin had so many questions, but there were no answers in sight.

Finally, she moved forward and plucked the orange right out of Chrom’s mouth.

“Let me help you,” she sighed. Jamming her thumb into the fruit’s peel, Robin did not realize how juicy the orange was, and let out a startled noise when juice suddenly squirted directly into her eye.

{ 👑 } TRULY, HE FALLS IN A WORDLESS manner, words unable to escape from betwixt his lips. There’s a sound, a strangled yelp, cut short quick by a bit tongue. He looks away, heavy eyes looking elsewhere but into her accusatory stare. Like struck by jolt of lightning, he has since been past this conversation — or so he assumed.

❝PERHAPS IT IS YOU WHO DARES to mock me! I recalled a conversation similar to this, no doubt PLAIN as day —-❞ he growls, venom directed more at the situation laid out by the fates than her. Robin is too just, too good to play this as a MERE prank. ❝I know not what this city does, but gods, that was well over a year ago!❞

HE LAUGHS, THOUGH IT LACKS THE gusto of his usual ones. Tired, wondering, seeking … something. Another chance? Or more punishment? He clutches at his healing staff and his eyes are focused still upon her WRATH.

❝FIGHT ME, KILL ME! DO WHATEVER it is to get your rage for me out of your system, Robin —- Whatever apologies I may make, even GENUINE —- would do nothing, I know.❞

Her anger nearly grew to a peak, only to begin to sizzle out at Gangrel’s words.

“A-- year?” She could only echo him, shocked to hear such a statement. Her own current memories did not even span an entire year, so how could that be? 

Robin continued to stare him down, assuming he must be lying. However, with her eyes upon him, she could hardly note any obvious trace of his typical treachery.

If he’s telling the truth, then just what all am I still forgetting...?

She paused in her own thoughts, trying to recall her most recent memory amid the man’s laughing. Rather than find a new scene in her memory, all that awaited her was a surge of pain.

Gritting her teeth, Robin stumbled despite her best intentions.

@grimabrand

       He was honestly surprised to find a decent shogi parlor in the city. He wasn’t exactly someone who was very tactically-minded, but it’d been a game he played when he was young. It was one of the many things he’d been made to do, to train him so that he would be ready to lead the Terumi clan. It seemed more to him like a mental exercise–something to help teach him discipline, etiquette, and patience. Seeing the rows of boards before him brought back memories of a simpler time in his life. 

       While most of the patrons seemed to have a fairly good idea of what they were doing, one in particular seemed to stick out. Given the nature of the social experiment they were stuck in, he figured this looked like a good opportunity to strike up a conversation.

“You’ve been watching the boards for a while… You looking to play a game or something?”

She had wandered into the parlor on a whim, wondering what it might hold. She was simply curious, that was all. Due to this curiosity, Robin was soon enraptured by all that she saw. Just what was this game that these people were playing? She couldn’t tear her eyes away, not until she was able to fully understand what it was she saw.

However, before that could come to pass, someone approached. Robin looked up a moment late, having to rip herself out of her own thoughts. She smiled upon realizing that this man was merely trying to strike up casual conversation.

“Ah, no... not yet, at least.”

Robin walked into the shared kitchen, yawning and stretching as she did so. How late had she stayed up the night prior? She wasn’t sure, having lost herself among a stack of books well into the evening. Tired as she was, Robin had no defense for what she stumbled upon-- that is, the scent of citrus and a mess of orange around one prince.

“Er...”

The prospect of lending aid wherever possible encouraged her likewise to act upon what might have initiated as impulse more seriously,

“Indeed. Navigating such a large landscape and familiarizing the layout in its entirety may be demanding for even veteran occupants, with its vast scope from what I have discerned. even if as a rough guide, if we are capable of pinpointing the most significant features of areas, it may lessen the intensity of the matter, while learning ourselves, and allowing for easy guidance from whatever location we may encounter anyone currently in our position.

It would do well to routinely attend the areas as you describe, due to our uncertainty when and where are drop-off points, if they exist whatsoever, as well as frequency for additional individuals to be recruited. We might be able to identify a pattern or routine by checking each day - even anticipate and arrive ahead of time to locate anyone who need”.

Optimistic as she may be, discussing the matter more thoroughly, and with another also enthusiastic about the practice, she couldn’t help but feel swept up with excitement to be of assistance to one who may be in need. Likewise, it kept her passion for the endeavour alive and burning brightly.

“Would you wish to seek a location where we may strategize in more depth? Perhaps over lunch - if we are to be travelling a great deal, keeping energy levels high will be paramount”.

Robin nodded, following along with ease. She truly was pleased that the two of them were on the same wavelength during this conversation, why, she even clapped her hands together in glee.

“Absolutely!”

“Even with learning more about this city, by combining the knowledge and abilities of others in league with us, information could be more easily spread and understood. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Still smiling, Robin thought of all the interesting things she had seen in this city. Certainly, at least some of the unfamiliar things she had encountered could assist in their like minded endeavors, right?

"Ah-- yes! A good meal sounds lovely, thank you. Do you know any places around here that would suffice?”

“Hey, I have an idea.”

Chrom said softly. He did not notice it, but his large body had already wrapped around hers, and he was whispering directly into her ears. Without intending to, he had done something intimate. He was just so used to being around Robin, he got into her space easily, like he was naturally meant to fit there.

“When we get back to the shepherds, I’ll sleep in your tent every night.”

He paused for a moment, finally hearing what he said for the first time. He lightly bristled with fluster, but lacked the energy for his usual antics.

“J-just for safety reasons. You’re our strategist you know. What if an assassin came in your tent in the middle of the night.”

For all the brilliant tactics and thoughts she had been told she had produced, Robin felt her mind stalled. If her mind had been a machine, it would have certainly broken in this moment. That’s why, it wasn’t until Chrom’s own stumbling that she was able to come back to reality.

Suddenly, she laughed. She did so while inching away from Chrom at the same time, unable to control the bubbling laughter within her. She wasnt’ sure why she was laughing, but supposed it didn’t matter.

“If an assassin came for me, they’d be pretty foolish.” She finally spoke as her own laughter died down.

“Huh? Why are you holding onto me like that weren’t you mad a second ago?” 

Chrom was thoroughly not reached. Even if Robin did not have amnesia, she probably would have a hard time penetrating his thick skull. He held his hands up in the air behind her for a moment unaware of what else to do. 

He wanted to hold her. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to hold her in his arms. However, his sense of chivalry and his courtly training suddenly resurfaced itself at the worst of times. Robin asked him to help her sleep after all. This was no time for him to pull a move.

He decided then that what she wanted was to go to sleep. He put a hand around her back finally and laid them both down in the bed. 

“Here let’s just sleep like this. That will keep the nightmares away. I’ll protect you from them.” 

Robin opened her mouth to respond, and yet, found herself at a loss.

Oh, this was-- no, this wasn’t what she had expected. Perhaps the two of them were both equally bad at comforting others, that was the most logical conclusion she could come to in this moment.

“Uh.”

She instinctively rolled over, clutching the nearest pillow in order to serve as a weak barrier between herself and Chrom.