"Of course I consider us friends, Maribelle. You and the rest of the Shepherds are like family to me, and the wellbeing of my family is important to me. If there’s something you want to talk about, I’m here to listen."

She nods and pats Anthea's hand. "I was feeling a hint weepy though, that much is true. The waterworks may very well come if I tell you what I was thinking. Are you sure you wish to brave it?"

"Anything you tell me will be held in the strictest confidence, I promise." 

"Your offer is very kind, and I thank you for the consideration, but I was not crying." Not yet. "And even if I had been, it most certainly wasn't negative. In fact--wait. 'With people who care about you'? Anthea, dear, is this your way of affirming our bond? Do you consider us friends?"

    “Sorry to hear that, Ma. Lissa’ll turn up eventually, right?      ’course I know how to make tea! Just how ya like it, too! Wait right here—”

"I will remain here! ...What a sweet boy. If not for the unruly hair and downright thuggish mannerisms, he might be rather handsome..."

               ”Heehee! It’s just like you to do that, Maribelle! Manners, shmanners and all. And, great! I’d love your company. I’m in the mood for some biscuits, let’s talk some things over some tea, Maribelle!”

"A wonderful idea! I'll make it just how you like it, so you wait here, darling. I'll be back in a snap."

               ”Oh, I miss you too. And, nothing, really! I’ve been hanging around Chrom, Frederick and Robin recently.  They’re quite fun! How about you, Maribelle?”

"I've been dutifully mingling with the Shepherds, learning what I can of the lower caste, teaching manners here and there. Exhausting, to be sure, but they will thank me for my lessons later. Still, I would prefer to accompany you next time."

              "Er… no, it’s quite all right. I was just taken aback by the thought that you thought of my deltoids as, er, bulging. That’s quite horrific to imagine. Um. I’ll just… go get Lissa now.”

"..............................Well...now that you put it that way..."

               ”Hey, Maribelle! How are you doing?”

"Darling! There you are! I feel as if I haven't seen you in years! What have you been up to? I've been terribly lonely without you."

                   ”On second thought, maybe I won’t get Lissa.”

"A sock to the gut, Chrom? I was under the impression men liked having beautiful women comment on their musculature. But if I have truly insulted you, I apologize."

             "Bulging d——" A pause.                   ”Should I get Lissa.”

"Though I wouldn't object if you brought Lissa."

             "At this hour?"

"Ah, my favorite exalt of the bulging deltoid kingdom comes to my aid. Boredom does not sleep, unfortunate as it is."

              "… Maribelle. I’m glad you’re enjoying my misery."

"But of course I'm not! I would never dream of it. Come now, get up before the dust bunnies find you."

            "The damned dragon itself is here. Gaius is naked. I’m going to stay on the floor."

"Shall I get Lissa?"