Disclaimer: I don't own the game Fire Emblem: Awakening.

I literally don't own the game Fire Emblem: Awakening. I'm just trying to remember what I watched from a walkthrough.

I don't ever want to come back to Regna Ferox. It's cold and everyone I've seen so far is all about fighting and dangerous weapons. At least they're friendly.

"Robin?"

"Nnh."

Rubbing my tired eyes with palms, I let out a long breath. People. Here to see me. For a reason, whether that reason could be to warn me of a brutal battle coming up or nothing in particular.

I raised my head to see who had the guts to enter my guest room at this ungodly hour. It could have been that blasted (but gosh-darned good-looking) Frederdick but the one who called my name was a female, a voice with a gentle and kind tone. Standing in the door's entrance with a bright smile on her face was

"Sumia," I yawned, resting my elbows on the desk, "d'ya need something? If you want advice about wooing the prince then go ahead, have a seat on the—"

"Oh gods!" My friend reddened at my sentence before I could finish it. "R-Robin, I just wanted to give you this pie I made! A rhubarb pie!"

"Rhubarb pie, you say . . . ?" I then noticed she was holding a tray with a cloth covering what must be the pie. "Ah, thanks. You can leave it on the floor."

The pegasus knight tilted her head as she asked, "On the floor?" She hesitantly kneeled down to place her gift on the rug. "But . . . what if someone enters and accidentally steps on it?"

I love Sumia, I really do. But there is no way that I'm letting her walk over here only to trip and let her precious donation spill on me. I'd have to get up and clean and then listen to her endless "sorry's" for being so clumsy.

But Sumia has nothing to apologize for. She's such a sweet girl who treated that injured pegasus, rescued our one and only blue-haired lord, and deserves to be noticed by him. But my god, that guy is so thick-headed. How he is the prince of a peaceful kingdom, I will never find out.

"It's alright, I'll get to it before people step on it." She still looked unsure so I added, "Just move it to the side."

"I-if you say so . . ." The pegasus knight did what I asked and then looked at my glorious state. "Robin, are you alright?!" she fussed with alarm. "Are you sick?"

Truly, she is such a sweetheart. Any man will be lucky enough to have her as his wife. "I'm fine, Sumia," I muttered. "Been up all night with these . . . these things!" Suddenly frustrated, I reached out to my figurines on the maps and snatched a fistful of them. I stood up and walk around my desk, holding out a particular one for her to see and wait for her reaction. Sure enough, she's startled at my sudden burst. "I'm trying to figure out whether to place the princess! Front lines is a big no no. She can be at the back but it'd be annoying if one of us got hurt and she has to make her way to us. Or if some enemy reinforcements came up from behind and attacked her. If I placed her in the middle, she'd be in danger and I absolutely do not want that to happen. Yes, I could have Vaike keep close and guard her but I believe he's much suited for fighting out there. But I could have Frederdi-er, Frederick with her, but that guy's a flippin' powerhouse. That dude will obliterate everyone, so it makes sense to send him to the front lines. God knows what kind of training he underwent when he was but a squire.

"Oh, I'm just rambling," I grunted, placing the objects back to their place. "Thanks for the pie, Sumia. You can leave me be."

"Robin . . . ," she began softly.

Hoo boy, here comes a lecture. Least it's not Frederdick style.

"Robin," she said again, this time with a determined expression, "if you want to talk about anything—and I mean anything—know that I'll always be happy to lend an ear."

I blinked, then snarked, "C'mere and give me a hug, girl." As soon as she beamed, I realized my mistake. "Oh wa—"

My protest is too late, she takes a couple of steps forward and tripped . . .

"EEK!"

. . . right into my open arms.

"Well, at least it's not the floor, amirite?" I jested with a grin, lightly squeezing my friend with long arms.

"Mmph sho shorry." Her voice was muffled as she spoke into my cloak.

"It's fine. Hey, is breakfast served yet? We had a long battle with that ignorant Raimi this morning and I'm kinda starvin'."

Sumia released herself from my hold and took a step back, giving me an incredulous look. Oh god, what . . . ?

"Robin," she said slowly.

"Yeees?"

"It's evening . . . Dinner's going to be served in an hour." At my blank expression, she paled. "Oh my gods, have you been asleep all this time?"

"I-I don't," I stuttered in shock. "Is it not morning?" I pushed past Sumia to the curtains and shoved them apart. It ain't morning, that's for sure. Evening was present, with the snow showering lightly. Crud, I must have been really tired to not notice what time of the day it is.

I turned to Sumia with a sheepish grin. "Whoopsie?"

"We all thought you studying tactics or something like that! You didn't come out and no one visited you. Oh, I should of have came in earlier. . . ."

"You know, I can just eat the pie for now," I suggested. "It's probably getting cold." She shook her head immediately, frantic at my response.

"No! That'll be your dessert!"

"I hate to be blunt, but maybe you should have given it to me after dinner?"

She stopped. "Oh."

Apparently there's a tournament tomorrow. Khan Flavia had said so. I feel so dumb for not paying attention during our introductions.

"Who to choose. . . ." I put my thinking face on as I surveyed the Shepherds. All of them sat around the table, enjoying their dinners and whatnot, while I had to sit at the corner and think about a lot of things. Urgh, I should start eating.

Before I could pick up my spoon, someone came to my table and I raised my head to see the woman I was just thinking about.

"Flavia," I smiled, "d'ya need somethin'?"

When I first met her, I quickly learned not to use formalities after seeing some dude got punched in the shoulder for calling her "milady". Well, it didn't seem like a harmful hit, but the guy was in pain. Anyways, she did say Regna Ferox appreciates "plain speech".

"You prepared for tomorrow's fight, tactician?" she asked. Oh, some pep talk, I getcha, I getcha.

"Sorta," I shrugged. "Haven't decided who should fight. But what are the rules again? I don't really listen to important talks."

A laugh erupted from her. "Ha! I like you. I'm not one to listen to that boring stuff either, unless it's about fights." She pulled the extra chair and sat down with elbows propped on the surface. "First thing you should know that only six of you can fight."

"Does the other team have six as well?" I asked hopefully.

"Yeah, it wouldn't be fair if they didn't. Also, I don't recommend throwing any healers in there. We prefer to have much offense as possible."

"That seems dangerous," I commented.

Flavia snorted. "Wouldn't want to be less then them."

"True. What else?"

"Fight to the bloody finish. Follow the way of the Feroxi."

I prefer not to.

"Well, I'll leave it to you to figure out the rest. Hope you do well, tactician."

Me too.

She left and I went back to my peace. Well, I can't really call it peace since Vaike is loudly challenging Sully to a drinking contest. Don't do this, Vaike.

Alright, let's get started on thinking and eating . . . this stuff. Is that a steak or a potato?

Milord is a big yes and the princess should not participate, Flavia herself said so. Then what happens when someone's about to die? Feroxi way my butt.

I can only choose six. Hmm. How many of us are there? Twelve, including me, but the princess is out, so eleven. And I don't trust myself to fight, so ten. Virion is out. Not that he's weak, but I'm pretty sure that it be difficult for him to have a good distance to shoot. And as much as I loathe it, Frederdick will have have to stay outta this one. He's good, yeah, but I think Donnel should get some experience. God, I love the kid. When we were saving his village the other day, he was a beast. He'll definitely get stronger if he's trained. He's nice and dedicated too.

I'll add Sully and Vaike to the list—

"Ha! Ha, ha! I win, I win!" Sully whooped giddily, but something wasn't right. Feeling dread creeping in my skin, I faced the main table and sadly confirmed my assumption.

The woman's drunk and slamming her fist on the table. Vaike is passed out on the floor.

. . .

No.

No.

NO.

Why now?! Why?! Where is milord, or Frederick?! Augh, now they'll be too hungover to participate!

You know what, screw it. Milord, Donnel, Sumia, Stahl, Miriel, and Kellam are in. That's it, you lost your chances, no fighting for you two. My word is final, you losers. Now think about what you did.

"ROBIIIN!"

Maybe I should have thought about what I did.

The door of the room slammed open and I yelled in terror and instinct, clutching my blankets and cowered with them. Sully, dressed in her usual red armor, barged in with anger. I steeled myself for what's about to come next. Naga, if you're really out there, save my sorry ass.

"Robin," Sully growled, yanking the blankets out of my grasp, "I know I said I'd follow your orders, but come on! How come you didn't pick me?"

It took moment to find my voice. Time to be serious.

"Sully," I cleared my throat, "you were just drinking with Vaike last night. You should know better than that because you can experience a hangover. That will interfere with your skills and I won't tolerate anyone who fools around the night before an important match."

Sully groaned. "Now you're just soundin' like Frederick," she mumbled.

. . . Oh my god. She's right. I am sounding like that stick in the mud!

"Please understand," I sighed. "You were my third pick, too. Let this be a lesson."

"Augh!" Oh nutballs, I even made her more irritated.

"Sully, calm yourself. We'll go to the stands after I dress up."

"Wait, then who's the first two?"

"Wanna guess?" I offered, hopping out of bed.

"Chrom," was her immediate answer.

"He's one of 'em." I went to the water basin and washed my face.

"And Miriel," Sully mused.

"Guess again." My coat got a bit stuck when I tried to put it on.

"Stahl."

"Nope." I made sure to flatten out the wrinkles.

" . . . Ruffles?"

"He's not participating, remember?"

"Oh right. Then who is it?"

"Donny!" I almost giggled with glee. "Donny, Donny, Donny! He's going to be a great warrior, I just know it!"

Sully didn't agree with me. "You picked an inexperienced kid to fight against six veterans?!"

My smile faded. "He's strong," I frowned. "I have faith in him. He needs to learn how the Shepherds function, so this will help him a lot. Besides, the others will help if necessary."

"You're outta yer mind, Robin," Sully snapped with frustration. "We literally picked him up two days ago! And he even said he didn't know how to fight!"

"And that's why he'll get some experience by fighting in the tournament."

"Robin, snap out of it!" she hissed. "You're throwing in someone who's younger than Lissa!"

"But you weren't there when he killed those bandits!" I countered. "If you were there like I was, you'd be yellin' 'go potkid' over and over again!"

All I receive is a glare and I sighed. "Forget it. Let's just go already."

I called it. I totally called it. Take that, Sully.

"Holy hell you're right," she whispered in awe. "That kid's a newbie, but he's good."

"Ain't he?" I clasped my hands with delight. It takes all of my will to not hop in place.

"The Vaike coulda done better," Vaike grouched next to us, probably feeling bitter for not being picked.

"We won, that's all it matters," I replied. "Now c'mon, let's go down there and congratulate them."

"Why, hello handsome," I cooed quietly as I watched discreetly from a safe distance. To make myself even more unnoticeable, I had my hood on. It works somewhat, with the dark colors blending in with the shadows.

That man, Lon'qu, is joining our lovely group of Shepherds. I know this because Basilio claimed he's a parting gift to assist us with the war against Plegia.

Well well well, he can assist me—

Aw, damn, the princess is trying to flirt with him—

Oh my, did he just tell her to stay back?

Heheheheh yes . . . excellent . . . !

"Robin, I don't know what yer thinkin', but it can't be good." Sully's voice brought me back to reality and I let out a bark of laughter as I peeked from under my hood.

"Well," I grinned, "if ya call thinking about a hot dude in a naughty way, then you're right."

A queer look is what I receive from the red-haired woman. "You're a strange one, Robin," she remarked. "A real strange one."

"Thank you."

"Robin!" Milord's calling for me.

"Seeyah," I said to Sully. She nodded and left with the other Shepherds back to their guest rooms, which was a fair distance away from the Arena. I made my way to the other group and milord placed a hand on my shoulder.

"This is my tactician," he said proudly to Basilio. "We wouldn't have made it this far if it weren't for Robin."

Aw, thanks milord. You're much too kind. And a block-head.

He turned to me. "Robin, this is Lon'qu. He'll be joining the Shepherds." Ah yes, I know. I've been overhearing everything ever since I saw this piece of hunk.

I turned to him and wordlessly held out my hand. From my observations, he's the cool and silent type, one who didn't seem to strike up a conversation. Lon'qu eyed my hand before grasping it. Heehee, his hands are rather callous—

"Hey!" the princess exclaimed, turning to Basilio. "I thought you said he didn't like women!"

. . . What?

Lon'qu froze before releasing my hand as if it were the hottest coal. "Y-you're a woman?!"

"What," I said flatly, my arm still outstretched.

I couldn't believe that the princess had the nerve to look a bit smug. "Yeah, didn't you hear? Lon'qu's afraid of women."

Oh. I thought I had heard everything but apparently not. Guess I was too busy talking to Sully at the time.

"My apologies," I quickly bowed. "I did not know about your . . ." I racked my brain, trying to think of the right word for this weird situation. ". . . gynophobia."

God dammit. This ruins my plans to get close to him. Blargh.

. . . Now everyone's just staring.

Oh. Oh, come on guys, now this is just awkward. Don't leave me hanging, just please move on. I mean, I know I have the fashion sense that is not of a woman's. I know this thick cloak is hiding my womanly assets. I know I'm lanky and scrawny. I know my hair is short and is currently concealed by my hood, making my appearance look rather solemn. But this, this is just getting old because I've been mistaken as a man by Vaike and Maribelle. No no no, I'm not insecure about myself, no no no. Nuh-uh. Nah bruh. Nada. No.

"Perhaps I should go," I said dumbly, turning around to make my swift escape. "If you need me milord, I'll be doing my tactician-y things."

"Robin, wait!"

His plead goes ignored. I walked even quicker and eventually caught up with the others. Some of them greeted me and I did the same.

"Ey Robin," Vaike piped up, slowing down to swing an arm around my shoulder. "What'd ya talk about back there? Teach wants to know." When he got no answer from me, he reached forward and pulled back my hood. I flinched from the sudden light and cringed. "You in there?"

"Yeah, yeah," I said irritably. "Let go."

"Whoops, sorry," Vaike said, not looking sorry at all. He did let go of me, however.

"It's fine," I grunted.

"So what happened?" the axe-wielder pressed.

"Just political stuff," I lied.

He didn't seem satisfied with my answer so quickly added, "We got a new Shepherd. He's the previous champion, Lon'qu." Oh, how I wish to shake his hand again.

"That broody-lookin' guy? Ha, the Vaike will challenge him and win!"

No . . . no you won't. You really won't. Don't even think about it. Just stop before you hurt yourself.

"What about Chrom n' Lissa?"

"Still in there with Basilio and Freder . . . ick."

"Why'd ya hesitate to say Frederick's name?" Gah, just drop it already.

"I was cold for a moment and it broke my speaking process."

"Would the lovely lady like to—"

"No thank you, Virion," I said politely, waving off the archer who was holding a white scarf. Huh, wonder where he got that from. "I wouldn't want to be of inconvenience."

"Ah, but I insist! I fear your warm heart will be struck by the bitter cold." Aw, he's so nice. Shame that he's a flirt.

"Maybe you could give it to Sumia?" I jabbed my finger behind me at the girl, who was holding her reins of her steed.

"Oh, no thank you," she said warmly, "I've got Lily right here with me! She's warm enough." She patted the mentioned pegasus. Virion looked like he was about to protest, but reluctantly put away the clothing article.

We passed by various shops along the way, their merchants displaying all sorts of foods, jewelry, and silks imported from wherever.

"Ooh, a bookstore," I licked my lips, eyeing the building from afar. I unconsciously reach toward my pockets for some coins.

"Robin," Sully said, exasperated, "don't tell me your fetish for books is—"

"I don't have a fetish for books!" Uh, but she's right. I kinda do. I'm enamored with books. Books are amazing. There's the tactical ones, tomes, recipes, historical, and the fictionals that Sumia likes. I like them too. What's better than staring at a piece of tree and hallucinating?

I guess I sorta said the fetish word out loud because Vaike busted laughing while Miriel shows no reaction like usual. Stahl and Sumia awkwardly look away, while Virion looked impressed with my bold statement for some reason and Donnel looked genuinely confused. I don't even know where Kellam is.

"Crivens, yer a riot Robin!" Vaike guffawed. "The Vaike sure is glad you joined the Shepherds!"

"Yeah, so am I," I said. "I wouldn't know what to do without all of you. Probably still face-down in the muck." I realized how depressing and pitiful that last statement sounded, and before I could get muddled looks, I acted. "Anyways, go back without me. I'm gonna look at some books. They might be on sale. Sumia, wanna come with?"

She looked troubled as she spoke. "Um," she said apologetically, fiddling with her reins, "I've got to get Lily back to the stables. She's not fond of the cold very much. Sorry."

"Nah, you go do that. Bye guys," I gave a short wave before disappearing into the crowd, heading to the bookstore. I had to slow down and even dodge in several occasions, because when these Feroxians are carrying supplies, they don't care where they're swinging at.

I arrived safely in one piece at the building and opened the door, the bell chiming. A lone merchant was scribbling on parchment paper and he glanced up with alarm.

"Just lookin' around," I assured, scanning everything my eager eyes could do.

Oh ho ho, what's this?

I picked up an Elfire tome like it was a new-born. I haven't had the pleasure of owning these babies yet and I'm too intimidated to ask Miriel to let me keep one. I'll have to stick with thunder and fire for now.

"See anythin' ya fancy, mis . . . ter?" I felt like laughing and crying at the same time. This poor merchant sounds so unsure of my gender.

"Not yet," I said, setting the tome down to its place, stroking the cover with a lover's caress when I was sure the merchant wasn't looking. Another day, friend, another day.

As I skimmed the stalls' contents, I noticed the merchant has only tomes, a few fictional, and one historical. Man, this would'be been perfect if I had the money.

"The Legend of the Three Lords," I mused quietly, plucking the historical book. "Sounds edgy." The moment I opened it, I found out it ain't edgy at all. I'm entranced by the first sentence I see and soon read as much as I can. Holy crap, I wanna meet this "Lyn" woman. Her personality sounds a lot like milord's. Or maybe this "Mark", since he's a fellow tactician like myself. This guy was apparently founded by Lyn in the plains . . . just like how milord found me in the fields.

"Ye interested in that ol' book?"

I placed my finger on the page as I closed the book. If I said yes, he might think of my answer as begging and raise the price. If I said no, then I'd feel like an idiot for denying myself.

"How much is it?" I asked instead, expecting a price that's way outta my league.

"Won't cost ye a coin," he said simply. Before I could gape, he continued, "I ain't seen nobody smile and ha' a look of glee in their eyes for a while when they're readin' a book. Rare sight to see ano'r bookworm 'n Ferox, since we're all 'bout fightin'. Might as well give it to ye."

Oh man, now that's just—

"T-thank you, sir," I said gratefully.

"Not a problem . . . si—"

"I'm a woman."

"Lass," he finished quickly. "If you're done browsin', you best run along, now."

"I sure am. Thanks, mister."

As I pushed the door open with the little bell chiming, the familiar blast of cold air nipped at my face once again. But I didn't care. I got this awesome book that I'm going to read all night.

Author's Note: On this day exactly one year ago, the day I made this account, I promised myself I would write something one year later. I broke my own promise and forgot about it until yesterday and winged it last night. Just went with the flow with no plot in mind, except for Robin's personality. Hell, I even just came up with the title and summary on the spot. And then I realized I made a mistake because I put a lot of Maribelle. But she didn't go with the Shepherds to Regna Ferox. I was so upset and had to re-edit a quarter of it. Anyways, reviews and advice would be really appreciated since this is my first story. uwu

Man, writing a fic for a game you haven't even played is going to be challenging.

And I'm trying to figure out how this editor works and I'm lost ahhhh