Epilogue: Reprise

For the first time he could remember, Chrom found himself completely free of doubts and fears. They had crossed the border between Plegia and Ylisse that morning. He knew the challenges ahead would be arduous, but rebuilding didn't seem like such a chore compared to what they had just been through. The entire continent had been ravaged by the war, but hope shined brighter than ever, now that Grima had been permanently cleansed from their realm. For now, Chrom simply relaxed, leaning against the side of the supply cart he sat in, and enjoying the warm summer breeze. Though their lives had been scarred thoroughly, the peaceful land around them seemed untouched, and the lush green meadows and clear blue skies soothed any trepidation that may have remained.

On the first few days of their trek home, Chrom had awoken early each morning, hoping to find Robin, sitting by the campfire eating breakfast, perhaps, or curled up against one of the supply carts with a musty old tome in hand. But he soon realized that the pain in his heart was not nearly as acute as he had expected. When Robin had taken his own life in Valm, a sense of wrongness had hung over Chrom wherever he went. This time, though, it was as if Grima's defeat brought closure to it all. Though he was saddened by the knowledge that Robin could not enjoy the future he had bought for them all himself, Naga's words had taken root in Chrom's heart. Even if Robin couldn't be here with them, somewhere, his best friend was surely enjoying his own peace.

High up above the Shepherd's procession, a pair of Pegasi soared through the clear skies. As he watched, the Pegasi made a few lazy loops, enjoying the beautiful weather as much as the Shepherds did. Chrom could just barely make out the red-haired riders, and Morgan's cloak. There really was no need for them to maintain their patrols, but Morgan, Cordelia, Cynthia, and Cherche all insisted upon it. Chrom knew it was really just an excuse for them to glide along, lazing amidst the serene skies. Sumia's Pegasus had recovered rather quickly, and she had joined them for the patrols the previous night, although right now, Sumia rested idly at Chrom's side, Caeda trotting alongside the cart.

Chrom noted, with some relief, that Robin's family was closer than ever. Learning the truth of Morgan's fate in Lucina's timeline had been a shock, but this Morgan was determined not to let it get between her and her sister. Severa had mellowed out quite a bit, too, now that she was finally comfortable with the idea that she had a real family with her. It was as if Morgan's forgiveness had lifted a great weight from her shoulders.

To Chrom's surprise, Cordelia had taken Robin's second demise rather well, though he suspected it had something to do with the conversation the couple must have shared in Robin's final moments. There was no sign of brooding or grief, and Chrom often saw Cordelia and Severa sparring playfully in the mornings, or the surprisingly happy family flying together astride the Pegasi. Morgan was more than happy to be the passenger for a change, riding behind her sister, though Severa often complained that Morgan would fall asleep during one of their flights and fall straight out of the sky.

"Chrom! Chrom!" Lissa shouted excitedly, rousing Chrom from his reverie.

"What is it?" Chrom asked, turning to face his younger sister.

"Come with me, fast!" Lissa insisted, and without waiting for Chrom to follow, she ran off. With a groan, Chrom leapt nimbly out of the cart. Sumia followed suit, and Chrom gladly extended his arm, the two of them walking off, hand-in-hand. Caeda followed close behind, nuzzling Sumia's arm cheerfully.

Lissa had run to the top of a small, grassy hill, and turned, gesturing to them impatiently. Wearing amused smiles, Chrom and Sumia walked up to her casually. "Over there!" Lissa said eagerly, pointing to the field below. Chrom followed her finger to the grassy meadow below, and noticed a dark object lying there, about a hundred paces away.

Chrom did a double take as he recognized the golden tassels and violet and gold markings on the robe. "Is… is that…" Chrom stuttered, his voice failing him. Beside him, Sumia squealed in delight.

"Sumia, go fetch Cordelia," Chrom said urgently, as he rushed down the field, Lissa following close behind him. Sumia, eager to see her best friend's expression, hopped aboard Caeda and urged her upwards, to where Severa, Morgan, and Cordelia were circling overhead.

Chrom and Lissa made their way to the fallen man's side, and sure enough, it was Robin, dozing peacefully in the center of the meadow. His armor was gone, lost to the waves, but then again, he didn't really need it anymore. His platinum-blond hair was scattered messily around him. It was almost an exact repeat of how they had come across the tactician initially. "Robin?" Chrom asked gently, but Robin didn't stir.

Content to let his friend sleep for a moment longer, Chrom stood there, watching his friend serenely. Despite the tranquility he had felt earlier, only upon seeing Robin did a sense of completeness come over him. Beside him, though, Lissa did not share his patience.

"Chrom… we have to do something." Lissa whined.

"What do you propose we do?" Chrom asked, smiling as he realized those were precisely their first words when they found Robin the first time. He fully expected Lissa to reach down and shake Robin awake, but to his surprise, Lissa actually looked nervous.

"Well… I don't know…" Lissa replied uneasily, watching Robin closely. She moved a foot closer as if to try to nudge Robin awake, but before she reached him, Robin groaned. As the two excited royals watched, Robin yawned, and blinked sleepily, looking up at them curiously. "Hey there!" Lissa said kindly, bending closer.

"I see you're awake now," Chrom said, with a wide smile. "There are better places to take a nap than on the ground, you know," he teased. "Give me your hand."

Robin brushed a few strands of hair out of his eyes, and extended his hand obediently, which Chrom grasped tightly. As Chrom helped Robin to his feet, he couldn't help but notice that the brand on the back of Robin's hand had disappeared. "Thanks," Robin said appreciatively, as he tried to reorient himself.

"Welcome back, Robin," Chrom said, still beaming. "It's over now."

Robin said nothing for a moment, and looked around curiously. Suddenly, Lissa looked alarmed, as a terrible thought occurred to her. "Wait… Robin, you haven't forgotten everything again, have you?" she demanded urgently. "What's my name!?"

Robin chuckled. "I'm fine, Lissa. I remember everything. Well, everything since we met for the first time," he corrected himself sheepishly, and Chrom and Lissa both laughed. Robin turned, and smiled as he spotted was he was searching for. Three Pegasi were flying towards them, two of them landing only a short distance away. Cordelia leapt down from her Pegasus, and Morgan and Severa hopped down from astride the other. Robin began sprinting towards them, as Sumia soared overhead, waving as she set Caeda down beside Chrom.

Robin slowed as he approached his family, but Cordelia did not. She simply threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around Robin tightly.

"Dad!" Severa and Morgan called excitedly, as they raced to his side.

"You were right. Again," Robin conceded, as he closed his eyes and enjoyed his wife's touch.

Cordelia grinned. "I told you that you'd find your way back. Did you doubt me?" she teased.

Robin laughed. "Not this time. I've learned my lesson," he conceded. The couple shared a tender kiss, and for once their romantic moment went uninterrupted by their eldest daughter, who looked on happily while holding her younger sister's hand tightly.

When they separated at last, Lissa could wait no longer. "Come on, Robin!" Lissa cried enthusiastically. "Let's go see all the other Shepherds! Can you imagine the look on everyone's faces?"

The Shepherds reacted much as Lissa would have expected, when they saw Robin and Cordelia return to the camp, holding hands, with their two daughters following eagerly, nearly bursting with excitement. Shouts of surprise and glee echoed across the procession, and the march soon came to a complete halt, as all of the Shepherds rushed over to see their friend returned, with their own eyes. More than one of them thanked him profusely for putting a permanent end to Grima, although Robin looked slightly uncomfortable as they praised his heroism.

Stahl, Vaike, Gregor, Owain, and Basilio had gone as far as to begin setting up camp and preparing for another party, when Chrom reminded them that their provisions, while sufficient for the remainder of their journey, would not likely be enough for a proper celebration. Given the mood, there was some doubt as to whether any celebration would prove adequate, but the Shepherds were determined to try. Until then, the return journey had been at a rather relaxed pace, but now, the Shepherds sped along towards Ylisstol eagerly, ready to savor their hard-earned victory in earnest.

Again, Chrom proved to be their voice of reason, insisting that they stop for the night at a reasonable hour to avoid burning themselves out just in time to collapse on the castle steps. Naturally, Robin was the center of attention throughout their campfire merrymaking, which persisted even long after he retreated to his tent, still tired from his ordeal.

"Robin… you're here to stay this time, right?" Cordelia asked uneasily, finally giving voice to her doubts now that they were alone.

"Of course," Robin reassured, though he kept his eyes closed and was content to remain lying down. "I think I've had enough of dying to last me a lifetime, anyways," he added dryly.

"You still remember the night you proposed to me, don't you?" Cordelia asked, gently playing with his hair as she laid beside him. "How you asked me what we would do when we grew tired of this life?"

Robin smiled. "Of course. I think I've had my share of war, by the way… what about you?"

"I was just thinking the same thing," Cordelia said quietly. "Maybe we could find a peaceful place in the countryside somewhere to settle down."

"That would be nice," Robin agreed, enjoying her soft caress.

"Is something wrong, Robin?" Cordelia asked, remembering his discomfort earlier. "You seemed almost upset when the other Shepherds were crowding around you."

"It's nothing," Robin said. But when Cordelia remained silent, he knew she wasn't convinced. "I was just wondering whether I really deserved any of their gratitude. In a way, it was all my fault to begin with wasn't it?"

"How could you still be wondering about that?" Cordelia asked in disbelief. "Grima is gone, Robin. You're still here. Doesn't that prove that you were never truly Grima? The Robin we know, and the Robin I love, was always someone different."

"I know. I do feel a little bit silly for worrying about it," Robin admitted with another smile. "I could feel you all reaching out for me, you know. When I was fading away, it was like I could hear your heart calling out to me, reaching for me, and rooting me here. Somehow, that was all I needed to pull myself back together."

"I'm just glad you listened to me this time," Cordelia said, as she held him tightly. "Robin, the day you proposed to me was the happiest day of my life. I want nothing more than to keep you close until the end of my days."

"I'll be here," Robin promised. "I would like nothing better, myself."

Robin was rather shocked when they reached Ylisstol. The barricades that had been strewn around the city still lay in tatters, and the scorched, bloodstained and ash-laden fields were a sharp contrast to the verdant meadows and lush forests they had passed on their way home. It wasn't quite the joyous homecoming he had hoped for, but when he remembered that he had never truly expected to come home at all ever since they lost the Fire Emblem in Valm, he shrugged it off.

Once they were past the city gates, Ylisstol was quite the lively city from his memories, despite its recent hardships. As soon as the citizens saw Chrom leading the march back into the city, cheering erupted all around the Shepherds, and the news spread through the city like wildfire, with the crowds swelling as they made their way to the castle. The city still showed signs of the recent battle, but the scars were not quite as obvious as along the city perimeter. A few houses here and there had been razed by stray fire magic, and the cobblestone roads showed many new cracks, but much of the spilt blood had been washed away already, and damaged or ruined buildings were already showing the signs of new construction efforts.

Several of the watchful civilians noted Robin's presence with some surprise. After all, their legendary tactician was said to have died in Valm, in his efforts to dissuade the Plegians from resurrecting Grima. At first, Chrom was worried that some would also remember Grima joining the assault against Ylisstol permanently, but with a pang, he realized that wouldn't be a concern – every soldier that had approached and challenged Grima's avatar that day had been summarily destroyed by the merciless fell dragon. If any remembered seeing Robin there and still lived, they kept their stories to themselves.

The crowd followed them all the way to the steps of Castle Ylisse. Most of the signs of battle in the castle had been cleared away already. Despite her father's protests, Maribelle had insisted upon meeting them at the entrance hall. "Prince Chrom!" Maribelle cried, weeping tears of joy as she rushed forward. Dignity and station forgotten, she first embraced her prince, then Lissa, and finally her husband.

"Grima's dead. None of us are," Gaius reassured kindly, trying to stem his wife's tears. "No more tears, Twinkles."

Brady, too, stepped forward to give his mother a hug. "We're home, Ma," he said, trying hard to hold back his own tears of joy.

"Yes," Maribelle said, sniffling, while wearing a small smile. "And I'm afraid you are in for a few courses on grammar and proper speech, young man."

"Aw, nuts, Ma!" Brady protested, as Gaius laughed.

"By the way, we've completed most of the burials, milord," Maribelle said, turning to Chrom. "We've begun construction of a memorial just east of the city proper, near the new cemetery. I asked the architects to start drawing plans for a pair of statues, one for Emmeryn, and another for Robin. Would you agree?"

"I don't think I need a statue," Robin said sheepishly, alerting Maribelle to his presence for the first time. She turned, shocked upon hearing his voice, and nearly fainted at the sight of him. Many of the other Shepherds burst out laughing, as Gaius rushed to her side.

"Okay, I'm not sure how she completely overlooked you, but still, let's not give my wife a heart attack, please," Gaius said, his tone sounding both anxious and amused. "You alright, love?"

Maribelle took several deep breaths, before glaring at Robin. "Explain!" she demanded fiercely, though tears of joy shone from her eyes, making her true feelings clear.

"I'll handle it," Chrom said gently, with a smile. "You and Cordelia should go see your baby," Chrom prompted. Robin smiled appreciatively and nodded his thanks, before setting off with Cordelia.

Despite the recent loss the city had sustained, celebrations erupted all across Ylisstol that night. At first, Chrom was mildly disappointed that the brave Feroxi warriors had returned home already, but Basilio and Flavia reassured him that it only meant they would have to suffer yet another celebration when the khans returned bearing their news. When both khans insisted that Chrom not spoil the surprise by sending a Pegasus rider ahead with the news, Chrom grinned, realizing that the two were merely looking forward to another opportunity to celebrate when they returned home.

To Robin's chagrin, the real story did not stay quiet for long, although his friends thankfully kept his former connection with Grima quiet. Instead, the bards soon began spinning their songs about how the tactician nobly sacrificed himself to save Chrom, only to overcome death itself to return to the Shepherds' side and destroy the fell dragon during their final battle. "I guess it's close enough to the truth," Robin admitted to Cordelia, as he cradled baby Severa in his lap, the three of them tucked away in a quiet corner of the castle's banquet hall. "But it makes it all sound so heroic."

"That's because you are a hero," Severa said cheerfully, sitting down beside her parents with a large plate of food and a small goblet of wine. "Heck, I think you're approaching legendary status."

Robin laughed to cover his embarrassment. "Careful, Severa. You're beginning to sound like Cynthia with all this talk of heroes and legends."

"She's right though," Cordelia said thoughtfully. "Even in Valm, I remember hearing bards sing about your duel with King Gangrel. In a few years, you'll probably be more famous than the first exalt. Everyone knows now that Chrom's ancestor didn't destroy Grima for good… but you did."

Robin groaned. "Maybe I should try to set the stories straight, then. I don't need to be a legend. I'd be perfectly happy if I could be a good husband and father."

"Okay, this is getting mushy," Severa protested, poking at her food. She couldn't hide her smile completely though, as she really was quite happy for a second chance to be with her family. She turned her gaze across the room, where Brady and Inigo had started a little performance, with Brady playing his violin beautifully, while Inigo danced. Morgan was staring with rapt attention, entranced and ignoring Owain, who seemed to be trying to speak to her. Her inattentiveness escaped his notice, as he enthusiastically continued his story. Owain had always been his own best audience, after all.

"By the way, did you hear that Chrom's reconstituting the Pegasus knights?" Cordelia asked. Robin looked at her, surprised.

"I haven't heard about that," Robin said, shaking his head. "Did he ask you to be captain again?"

Cordelia smiled. "I think he knew what my answer would've been. And actually, Cynthia begged him to bring back the Pegasus knights so that she could be captain. Cynthia did ask me if I would give her some formal training, though, so we might not be able to leave Ylisstol anytime soon."

"You're leaving?" Severa asked, her voice apprehensive.

"We were just thinking about moving to some place a little bit quieter," Cordelia soothed. "You'd be welcome to come with us, or visit whenever you'd like."

"It wouldn't be for some time, anyways," Robin agreed. "We'll probably want to wait for the dust to settle, first."

"Oh. Alright," Severa said, trying to hide her relief. "No wonder Cynthia was asking me whether it would be Morgan or me flying Catria from now on. She'd probably be pretty bored as the only member of the Ylissean Pegasus knights."

"Were you thinking about enlisting?" Cordelia asked curiously.

Severa snorted. "No way! I'd go crazy listening to her rambling," Severa said quickly. "I don't think Morgan's too interested in becoming a knight, either."

"Have you told her about Morgan yet?" Robin asked Cordelia, and Cordelia shook her head.

Severa looked at them, confused. "What about Morgan?"

"You're going to have a third little sister soon," Cordelia explained with a smile, and Severa's eyes widened.

"When?" Severa demanded.

"I haven't checked with a healer yet," Cordelia admitted with a shrug. "But I would guess sometime in the winter. I found out just after we returned from Valm."

"Found what out?" Morgan asked, as she sat down at Severa's side.

Cordelia smiled at her younger daughter. "Found out that you're going to be born in this timeline in about eight months," she replied.

Morgan's eyes lit up in excitement. "Wait, are you going to call her Morgan, too?" Morgan asked.

"Do you want us to call her something different?" Robin asked gently. It was something a few of the Shepherds had mentioned. Lucina, Inigo, and Severa had all been named already, so it would be rather awkward to call them something different now, but Lissa had complained it would be just as weird naming her future son something else. Even though she had not yet fallen pregnant even, she had already begun thinking of her future son as Owain.

"Hmm… nope! It's a great name," Morgan replied happily. "Can I stay with you two? I'd love to have two little sisters to play with!"

"Of course," Cordelia replied immediately. "You and Severa are both welcome to stay with us wherever we go, whenever you want."

Robin smiled as he watched his daughters chatter happily about their future. The day after they found Robin in the meadow, Morgan and Severa had told them the truth of the Morgan from the future timeline. Robin had been terribly distraught when he learned that Grima had used him to turn Morgan against her own sister, and had attempted the same trick again during their final battle. Robin was glad to see that the unpleasant truth hadn't come between the sisters at all. Of course, no one knew where this Morgan was from. But no one really seemed to care much.

In a way, Robin felt much like he did after the end of the Second Plegian War. The future was still full of doubt and questions, and it certainly wasn't going to be an easy road. But, with his family beside him, it would be an enjoyable one nonetheless. And next time, if the gods decided the world had to be saved, the task would just have to fall to someone else, because Robin was fairly certain that his role in history had finally come to an end.

~ Twenty months later, in Ylisstol ~

"Crud. You win again," Morgan said with a frown, as her father carefully slid his wyvern knight across the board, flanking her tactician. Although Robin had not fought a single battle since the victory over Grima, his mind remained as sharp as always. On one hand, Morgan enjoyed having a skilled opponent to practice strategy against. But on the other, she won only one out of every four games at best.

"That was a clever move with the ambush you had lined up in the woods," Robin conceded. "I was hard-pressed to find a way around it. You've improved quite a lot, Morgan."

Morgan could only laugh. "Of course. I've been guiding the Shepherds for six months now, I had to learn something in the field, right?"

"You haven't been getting into anything dangerous, have you?" Robin asked, slightly concerned. As far as he was aware, there had been no sign of any risen since Grima's fall.

"Nothing serious," Morgan said with a shrug. "We've had a couple run-ins with bandits, but that's about it."

"I guess there'll always be people out there causing trouble for others," Robin said with a sigh, remembering his own first encounter with bandits on the day he met Chrom. "Well, if you would like, I found a new text the other night, with an emphasis on advanced tactics relating to cavalry."

"Hmm… it could make a nice read," Morgan said, as Robin began to rummage on the shelf behind him. "But Stahl is the only Shepherd we have left who fights from horseback."

"That's right, huh?" Robin replied absently, recalling that Frederick was now captaining the Ylissean Royal Guard, and Sully had left to explore the countryside a few months ago. The Shepherds had become a far smaller company, much like it had been when Robin was leading them. Things had been rather quiet, though, and the Shepherds spent most of their time here in Ylisstol.

"I thought you were supposed to keep this place organized," Morgan said, stifling a giggle as she watched several books tumble from the bookshelf, one of them landing straight on Robin's head.

"Don't you start," Robin said, as he finally found the book he was searching for. "Here, if you feel like reading it," he said, as he passed the tome to Morgan. As he did, he started scooping up the fallen books.

It had taken nearly six months to repair the damage Grima had wrought upon Ylisstol. During the reconstruction, a new library had been constructed just beyond the castle grounds to hold the books formerly kept within the castle library. The rarely-used castle library had been turned into a proper conference room when the exalt had finally grown weary of holding their meetings in the throne room.

It turned out that city life suited Robin and Cordelia rather well, after all, and Robin had agreed to become the caretaker of the new library. As Severa and Cordelia had predicted, Robin had quickly become a legend, and scholars from as far as Valm often stopped by to see the famed tactician in person. Despite the attention, which sometimes proved suffocating, Robin enjoyed his life surrounded by his books.

Robin glanced at his worktable, where several partially-penned anima tomes were stacked. He had begun scribing spell tomes lately. Ricken had taken on several new pupils, bright and young students like he himself had once been, but they often visited the library too, seeking additional lessons from Robin.

The sound of a baby crying drew him away from his silent musings. "Is something wrong, Morgan?" Robin asked gently, as he walked to the corner of the room, where baby Morgan laid on a pile of fluffy blankets in a rustic, wooden crib.

"Ma," the red-haired baby said sadly.

"Your mom will be here soon," Robin soothed. "She's just gone to pick up a birthday cake for you."

"You know, it's weird that she has a different birthday from me," the adult Morgan noted. "Especially since I only know my own birthday since Severa told me. Sometimes I wonder if that was even my real birthday."

Robin shrugged. "This time-travel business is weird like that," he conceded. "Lucina, Cynthia, Inigo, Brady, Owain, and Severa all have different birthdays too, remember?"

"Daddy?" Severa asked, upon hearing her name. She looked up at her father inquisitively from another corner of the room, sitting on a small carpet and holding a small wooden Pegasus she had been silently playing with.

"Hello, Severa," Robin said with a smile, as he walked over and scooped up the little girl in a tight hug. The girl returned the hug happily enough, now that she had her father's attention.

"You know, it's a wonder you get any work at all done here when Mother leaves you with us," the older Morgan remarked.

"I learned pretty early on that books usually don't run away, but little girls do," Robin answered casually, as he kissed Severa lightly on the cheek, and the toddler giggled. "Especially you, Severa. Do you want to tell your sister about how disappeared on me the other day?"

"Hide-and-seek!" Severa exclaimed excitedly, and Morgan laughed.

"You could probably hide a wyvern in here," Morgan said teasingly. "It's a good place for hide-and-seek. How would you ever find one little girl?"

"You call her name and listen for her giggling," Robin said, grinning mischievously. Severa began squirming, her attention apparently returning to her toy, and Robin gently set her down. As he did, the sound of the heavy wooden door opening echoed through the library and up the stairs.

"Mom!" the older Morgan cried excitedly, racing downstairs. Robin sighed. Morgan was quite small, still, standing at almost exactly five feet and weighing just under a hundred pounds, but she was unbelievably energetic, and her heavy footfalls sent a couple precariously perched books tumbling from the shelves.

"I guess it's really my fault for leaving them there in the first place," Robin said, resigned, as he replaced the books. He then scooped up baby Morgan from her crib. "Come on, Severa," Robin called, and he waited for the toddler to catch up before descending the wooden steps.

"You three coming?" Cordelia asked, smiling as she stood at the base of the staircase.

"Mommy!" Severa cried happily, as she rushed down the stairs. But before she could reach her mother, her own older self caught her and swept her up into the air. "Sis!" the toddler cried happily, not minding in the slightest.

"Sorry sweetie, Mommy's carrying your sister's cake," Cordelia said, holding up a large red paper box, bound with golden lace and topped with a small ribbon. The younger Severa's eyes shone with delight as the older Severa laughed.

"I bet you're looking forward to it more than Morgan, aren't you?" she said, teasing her younger self. Robin carefully stepped past his oldest daughter and offered Morgan, still bundled tightly, to her mother, who gladly traded over the cake for the excited baby. Seeing that Cordelia and Severa had already changed, he led the way out of the library and towards the castle, his family trailing behind him.

"You look lovely in that dress," Robin said to his wife. Even though the war was long over, Cordelia still often wore her armor as she trained Cynthia, Severa, and a handful of their new recruits. Sometimes it was easy to forget how well the beautiful woman wore normal clothing. She looked absolutely stunning, dressed in a shimmering, simple-yet-elegant violet dress.

"Your oldest daughter has quite the fashion sense," Cordelia answered, blushing slightly. "You should come shopping with us sometime – maybe we can get you out of that old robe."

"Definitely!" Severa agreed, overhearing their conversation. "One of Anna's sisters brought over a bunch of new leather coats from Chon'sin – I bet they'd look great on you, Dad!"

"Just don't let Lucina help you choose one," Cordelia said with a grin, remembering when Sumia and the older Lucina had accompanied them on one of their jaunts through the marketplace. Severa groaned, trying to wipe the abominable flowery pink and gaudy dress that Lucina had tried to purchase for Sumia from her memory.

"So, how is Catria?" Morgan asked Severa, changing the subject. Robin smiled, remembering how despite her gruff protests, Severa had grudgingly agreed to enlist as a Pegasus knight after Cynthia had presented her with a formal invitation. Catria was more than accepting of Severa as her new rider, and Morgan didn't mind the slightest, as she preferred to spend her time curled up in her father's library anyhow. Of course, less than two months later, Lucina, who was now leading the Shepherds, had invited Morgan to join as their new tactician. Morgan was hesitant at first, but Robin had urged her to go – books could only take you so far.

"She's great," Severa said. "You should come see her again, though. I think she misses you."

"I will," Morgan promised. "Right after the party. Who else is coming?" she asked, turning to her father.

"Probably everyone we know in Ylisstol," Robin said with a grin. Though many of them had gone their separate ways, the Shepherds still remained family, pretty much. And though Chrom had finally accepted the title of exalt less than a month after Grima's defeat, he still insisted Severa and Morgan called him uncle. Chrom was still not one for formalities, it seemed. "Some things never change," Robin mused quietly.

"Are you thinking about the khans?" Cordelia guessed, and Robin's smile grew wider. Chrom, Robin, and Cordelia had all received invitations to the Feroxi tournament of the khans, from both Basilio and Flavia, and all three knew full well that they would probably be more than spectators if they accepted the invitations. Of course, a reunion with them was well overdue, too. A messenger had arrived a few days ago to inform them that Flavia was coming to Ylisstol to see Morgan on her first birthday. Later that afternoon, a second Feroxi messenger arrived, bearing similar news from Basilio. Thankfully Ferox was a pretty self-sufficient kingdom that could stand both of its rulers leaving for a few weeks.

"No, I was thinking about Chrom," Robin admitted with a smile. "And the Shepherds. But you're right, Flavia and Basilio haven't changed one bit, either."

"Uncle Robin!"

Robin and his family turned to see a young Lucina rushing unsteadily down the hall towards them. "Hello, Lucy. It's nice to see you," Robin said, smiling disarmingly at her. "Both of you," Robin added, as the older Lucina followed and scooped up her younger self.

"She misses you," Lucina added with a light laugh, as the toddler squirmed in her arms. "Lucy, Uncle Robin is carrying Morgan's cake, he'll give you a hug later, okay?"

"Okay," the toddler agreed reluctantly. "Hello, Sev!" she added, as she spotted her best friend, clutching a handful of Cordelia's dress.

Lucina set her younger twin down, and the younger Severa rushed forward, eager to show her best friend the wooden Pegasus she had been playing with. "Look what Mommy made for me," Severa said proudly, presenting the figurine.

"Aw! She's so cute!" Lucina proclaimed as she gently stroked the polished wood. "I want one too!"

"I'm sure Auntie Sumia can make you one, too," Severa said consolingly.

Cordelia cringed at the thought of her dear friend going anywhere near woodcarving tools. "I can make you one, Lucy," Cordelia said quickly, and the little girl's eyes lit up at the offer.

"You're going to spoil me," the older Lucina said with a smirk.

"It's no trouble," Cordelia insisted. "All the tools are still in the barracks, since we've been making javelins lately."

Robin grimaced at that – if there was one place that was likely messier than his library, it would be the old barracks the Shepherds gathered in. Cynthia's new Pegasus knights now shared the barracks with the Shepherds, and the last time Robin had visited, it was littered with everything from board games and cards to empty bottles. At least Robin tried to keep the library orderly. The concept was lost entirely upon the garrison's new residents.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to keep woodcarving tools in the barracks?" Robin asked nervously. "You remember the torch incident, don't you?" During one particularly rowdy celebration, one of the tables had collapsed, and Gregor and Sully, both quite inebriated, had begun sparring with the table legs. An extremely drunk Vaike had joined eagerly with the nearest object at hand – a torch. It would've probably ended without too much more damage, had Morgan not mischievously decided to practice her control of fire magic at that exact moment, to Lucina's consternation.

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Do you think I'm crazy, Robin? They're locked away of course, as well as all the weapons."

"And there's a blanket ban on fire magic in the barracks, for the same reason," the older Lucina added, with a hard stare in Morgan's direction.

Morgan looked at them sheepishly. "Hey, I tried to help put it out, didn't I?"

"With wind magic," Severa said, familiar with the tale and amused by her sister's absentmindedness. "You know, I can't believe after all the books you read, you thought putting out a fire was just like blowing out a candle."

"It slipped my mind a little bit," Morgan admitted with a nervous laugh, as they finally reached the banquet hall. All of them were momentarily deafened by the sudden chorus of greetings as they entered the hall. The rest of the royal family were already there, as were both Feroxi khans, and all of the current Shepherds. Virion, Cherche, and Olivia had all travelled from their new home in Roseanne, bearing a young Inigo. The older Inigo and his partner, Brady, were there, too, having accompanied the khans from Ferox where their dance and song duet had earned them many fans. A younger Brady was present as well, held gently by Maribelle.

A large pile of gifts had quickly accumulated on one of the tables, while the Shepherds doted on the adorable birthday girl. Robin began to wonder whether their cozy home would actually have room for the assortment of goods. At least the various books could be added to the library collection instead. Robin wasn't entirely sure if Basilio was anticipating baby Morgan to be as obsessed with reading as her older self and father, or if the resourceful khan was just taking the opportunity to be rid of old books taking up space in the western castle of Regna Ferox.

"Really, Gregor," Cordelia scolded, as the mercenary placed a poorly wrapped wooden sword on top of the pile. "She just turned one! What were you thinking?"

"Gregor is thinking Morgan become great warrior, like lovely mother, yes?" Gregor said, grinning unabashed. Robin laughed at his wife's exasperation with the mercenary, even as he silently noted that the sword would have to be hidden away from the younger Severa, who had an unfortunate habit of teasing her baby sister.

Thankfully, at Robin's request, Chrom had kept the feast from becoming too extravagant. But there was still a large variety of roasted meats, fresh fruits, and pies, and pretty soon the birthday gathering began to resemble a family reunion of sorts. Not that Morgan or her family resented it; Robin and Cordelia both knew quite well that loyal and caring friends and relatives were more valuable than any gift ever could be.

Robin's eyes wander to the portraits hanging on the wall, all the way around the hallway. Libra was quite the artist, and the exalt had requested a collection of artwork in honor of their company. Each of the Shepherds could be seen in at least one of the portraits. It had taken some urging, but Libra even added a self-portrait, shared with Lady Tiki. Basilio and Flavia were visible, too, as was Queen Say'ri of Chon'sin, depicted along with Duke Virion and his family. Finally, Robin's gaze came to a rest upon a portrait hanging between one of his own family, complete with Cordelia holding baby Morgan, and one of Chrom's family drawn ronly a few months back, right after Cynthia was born.

"Are you watching, Lady Emmeryn?" Robin asked quietly, noting how lifelike the former exalt's eyes were in the painting. "I wish you could have found your way back, too. If only the gods could have been as kind to you as they've been to me."

Only Chrom overheard Robin's quiet thoughts. "Don't worry, Robin," he said with a reassuring smile. "I never thought this day would come, but Emmeryn's legacy is secure. She's at peace now. I know it."

"Yeah," Robin agreed, nodding, as he looked around at the joyous gathering again, knowing that the happiness and peace each of them had found was representative of the world around them.

At least once a month, Robin visited the memorial site that had been erected just beyond the city proper. The statue of Lady Emmeryn, the many graves for the fallen defenders of Ylisstol, and the memorial stones for the former Ylissean Pegasus knights and the Ylissean and Feroxi soldiers who had perished in Valm reminded him just how great the price of their victory was. Protecting the hard-earned peace was an endless chore in itself.

Robin's gazed turned to his own youngest daughter, now a year old, and he thought of the countless others in the realm who would live out their lives in peace now. "It was all worth it," Robin decided.

The Newly Exalted and the Queen of Flowers

After Grima's defeat, Prince Chrom grudgingly accepted the title of exalt. His unflinching perseverance through countless hardships made Exalt Chrom a beacon of hope for his people. Though he remained uncomfortable with the trappings of the throne, he took comfort in the perpetual love and support of his queen, and the family that surrounded him.

The Wary Guardian and the Sprightly Princess

As Ylisse's new knight captain, Frederick took charge of keeping the peace in Ylisstol and training new recruits. His wife's unending optimism and contagious smiles rubbed off on the formerly cold man, and few forgot his glowing smile and idle quips, even as he doled out tasks that would break a wyvern. Princess Lissa often visited him and his charges during their training to offer them kind and encouraging words.

The Village Hero and the Crimson Knight

Donnel returned to his tiny village to live a quiet life with his mother, hoping that he would never have to take up arms again. Sully, determined to see the world she had dedicated her career and life to protect, resigned her commission as an Ylissean knight, and accompanied Donnel to his village. She later established a militia much like the Shepherds to arm the villagers against the persistent threat of brigands.

The Archest Archer and the Shrinking Violet

Not long after the celebrations came to an end, Virion returned home to Roseanne. Though many still labeled him a traitor and coward, his actions in fighting alongside the Shepherds, first against the Valmese Empire, and later against the fell dragon, bought him a measure of acceptance. He cared little for his reputation, and was content living a quiet life alongside his wife, Olivia, and their young son, Inigo. As he dedicated his life and efforts to rebuilding Roseanne, he found the respect of his people once more.

The Viridian Knight and the Flamboyant Hero

Stahl continued his service as a Shepherd, lending his experiences as a veteran of many battles to the task of keeping the peace across Ylisse. His placid nature and scatterbrained charm made him a favorite hero of the people. Similarly, Vaike remained with the Shepherds, enjoying the adventurous life full of epic tales that were at least partially true. His unflinching self-assurance could be infuriating, at times, but proved its value time and time again in their endless quest to protect their kingdom.

The Rapier Intellect and the Elucidator

Miriel remained in Ylisstol, advising the exalt and his queen. Her penchant towards eloquent and incomprehensible explanations remained, as did her inquisitive nature. A young man, who was oddly tolerant of her eccentricity, offered his assistance and joined her in her endeavors. To the exalt's dismay, Miriel's assistant proved nearly as inscrutable as Miriel herself was.

The Oft Forgotten

After the battle ended, Kellam returned to his hometown to see his family. After his sojourn home, he returned to Ylisstol, where the new knight captain guiltily realized they had forgotten their old friend entirely. Still, Kellam found his place among the Ylissean Royal Guard soon enough.

The Gynophobe and the Swell Sword

Lon'qu and Gregor returned to Regna Ferox, to continue their service as the champions for the west and east khans respectively. The two were evenly matched, and the title of the reigning khan passed back and forth for a time, as both khans tried desperately to find an even stronger fighter. The rivalry came to an abrupt end when Lon'qu mysteriously decided to leave to see more of the world.

The Upcoming Mage and the Dark Sorceress

Ricken and Tharja remained in Ylisstol, furthering their own studies while they trained others in the art of magic. Neither of them ever hesitated to offer their help to the exalt, their old friends, or the new Shepherds. Some say that Tharja's obsession with the Ylissean grandmaster never subsided.

The Redeemed Rogue and the Dire Damsel

Gaius and Maribelle returned to Themis not long after Brady was born, although both of them often returned to visit their friends in Ylisstol. Seeing the exalt's trust in Gaius, Duke Themis insisted upon grooming his son-in-law as his successor, even as his daughter became a respected magistrate, renowned for demanding justice equally for nobles and commoners alike.

The Eternal Youth

Nowi stayed in Ylisstol for some time, remaining beside those content to remain in the city as her friends began to drift across the world. Soon, she became bored of the rather quiet and uneventful life, and set out, travelling across the kingdoms, and even across the ocean to Valm, to visit each of her friends in turn.

The Fetching Friar

As the new Church of the Divine Dragon took shape, Libra, remembering his own cruel childhood, directed his attention to the many children across the continent who had lost their parents in the war. He established an orphanage in Ylisstol, and though the accommodations were modest, many an unfortunate child found the joy and warmth of family within. Though Sumia and Cordelia were busy with their own children and lives, in deference to their own troubled beginnings, they often visited the war monk to offer what help they could.

The Secret Seller

Anna remained comfortably situated in Castle Ylisse's grounds, using her many connections to bring exotic goods from afar, and manage her shared investments with her many siblings and cousins. Still, the free-spirited woman oft disappeared with nary a word for weeks at a time.

The Wyvern Friend

Cherche and her beloved Minerva returned to Roseanne with Duke Virion and his wife, serving them loyally. Her staunch support did much in helping Virion find acceptance among his alienated people. Rider and wyvern were never seen apart.

The Twisted Mind

After Grima's demise, Henry made a cold, clean break with history, and lived quietly in Ylisstol, willingly assisting Miriel, Ricken, and Tharja whenever their pursuits of knowledge were stymied by an encounter with dark magic beyond their ken. His unparalleled gift with curses proved invaluable to their studies.

The Blade Queen

After returning to Chon'sin, Say'ri worked tirelessly with the other dynasts to secure a peaceful future for the Valmese continent. Still, she never once forgot the Shepherds, and despite the incredible distance that separated them, Say'ri made time to visit her old friends across the ocean.

The Divine Voice

Exhausted from the war, Tiki made her new home on Mount Prism. After the renovations were complete, she slept for days, protected by the loyal priests of Naga. Afterward, she remained in the new temple, where she visited the graciously welcomed pilgrims personally.

The Intrepid Khan and the Khan Lioness

With Grima a done deed, both Basilio and Flavia returned to Ferox and their never-ending political struggle. Even as their champions proved to be equally matched, both sought out old friends and strangers alike in a hope of finding an even stronger warrior willing to champion them in the arena.

The Foreseer and the Gift from Afar

Though the Ylissean grandmaster reluctantly retained his title of hierarch, his adventuring days were over. Lucina willingly succeeded him in leading the Shepherds. None outside of her friends knew the truth of her relationship to the exalt's family, and many whispers pointed toward her being a distant cousin. Needing a tactician, Lucina offered the post to Morgan. Morgan's memory never returned, and no one knew where she had truly come from, but she didn't seem to mind, and was content to remain beside her family and friends who accepted her all the same.

The Chosen One

Owain's thirst for adventure had not yet been slaked, and he eagerly joined the new Shepherds as they ventured forth to protect the realm. Owain's reputation and theatrics soon rivalled even the boisterous Vaike, and as he made his name, many believed that Princess Lissa chose to name her son after the mysterious hero that accompanied the Shepherds.

The Dancer and the Bard

Though he had been invited to return to Valm with his family, Inigo chose instead to remain with his friend, Brady, who likewise decided against returning to Themis. The two of them ventured to Ferox, where their performances as a dancer and violinist earned them a reputation that both men found more palatable than their part in the war.

The Hero Chaser and the Secret Dreamer

After pleading with her father, Cynthia became the captain of the reconstituted Pegasus knights. Skilled as she was, her inexperience made her a rather unsuitable leader, though she compensated through persistence, with the help of her mother, and with the help of the legendary Pegasus knight, Lady Cordelia. Surprisingly enough, Severa agreed to enlist in the Pegasus knights. She feigned reluctance, but her family and friends could tell that she was glad for an excuse to remain close to her friends and family.

The Recusant and the Knight Paragon

Not even peacetime and parenthood could dull the lovely Cordelia's knightly edge. She lent her considerable experiences and talents to Cynthia and Severa in rebuilding the Pegasus knights. She was commonly seen among the training grounds in Castle Ylisse, too, and soon became a figurehead for all Ylissean warriors. Even so, she never once neglected an opportunity to spend time with her family. Her romantic side came to light, as well. A new love story, much like those she and her best friend adored, had begun to circulate from a performance act by a certain dancer and violinist. To her chagrin, the story of two gifted warriors who fell in love, but believed their feelings to be unrequited until the eve of the wedding of their best friends, became one of the most well-known songs throughout Ylisse.

Meanwhile, the legendary exploits of her husband, Robin, filled many a saga and delighted children hungry for a dashing tale of heroism. He remained in Ylisstol with his family, seemingly content with a simple life, and few could reconcile the image of the unassuming librarian with the tales of the hero who conquered death and extinguished the fell dragon. The many accounts of Robin's origins and character varied, and the scholars, poets, and bards could agree on one thing alone – he loved his wife, Cordelia, above all else.