"So, she's from the future?"

Anna and Robin were observing Lucina, previously known only as Marth, and her father, Chrom.

"Technically, the future for us is the present for her, meaning that to her, this is the past." Robin noted.

Anna sighed and leaned back. "Gods, that's even more confusing. Why can't time travel be simple?"

A grin tugged at the tactician's lip. "Isn't that like asking Risen to be civil?"

"So... the Risen are from the future too?" Anna chewed her lip. Robin nodded.

"They both came from the same... Warp, or whatever it was, so I'd assume so." Robin looked over to see Chrom disarm Lucina.

"At any rate," Robin said, "I have to get going. You still have chores to do as well, right?" Robin couldn't help but crack a grin.

"Stop it," Anna growled at the tactician. "You know that I have extra chores from that mishap last week."

"Can't forget that."

"You're doing it again." Anna huffed. Robin turned and looked at her.

"Doing what?"

"Acting like I'm a burden instead of a person. You act as though I've caused you nothing but trouble ever since I joined." A lump formed in Anna's throat.

Before Robin could respond, Chrom and Lucina joined them. "Good morning Robin, Anna," Chrom nodded at the both of them. "Care to join us for some sparring?"

Before the merchant could respond, Robin stepped in. "I'm afraid not. Anna and I were just on our way to help each other with some errands."

Chrom eyed them warily. "Alright then. Try not to attract too many Risen this time." Robin grinned.

Lucina, who had remained silent most of the conversation smiled. "A shame. I was looking forward to crossing blades with the two of you."

"Another time, my lady." Robin gave a mock bow before turning to Anna. "Shall we?"

Anna rolled her eyes. "Quit acting like Virion and let's go." She nodded farewell to the royal duo and headed off, Robin starting off behind her. Once they were out of sight, Anna turned to robin, her eyebrow arched. "I thought you had things to do?"

Robin shrugged. "They can wait," he said. "Keeping up morale is part of my job. I'm sorry that you think I feel that way about you, and I hope I can make it up to you." His eyes softened slightly.

"Ah," Anna said, a little surprised at Robins sincerity. "W-well, the first thing on the list is heading to the market for supplies..."

Robin smiled. "Perfect. Let's head down there right away.

They left the convoy parked just outside the market and set off to the armory. The man working there certainly looked like someone who would work at an armory. He had a stern look in his eyes, complimented perfectly by his frown and large muscles. He looked up from a sword he was polishing as they entered.

"What can I get you today?" he asked in a hoarse tone, the voice of someone who worked in a forge for hours on end. Robin placed a slip of paper on the counter.

"I'd like to place this order, please. The address is on the paper." Robin said in a calm tone.

The armorer took a look at the list, wiping his hands on a grimy apron. "You supplyin' for an army or somthin'?" He asked, half-joking.

Robin let his hands drop to his sides. "Something like that." The armorer grunted and turned to the back of the shop.

"Oy, accountant! Come take a look at this, see how much-"

"Oh, don't bother." Anna interrupted him. "We owe you exactly three thousand, four hundred and sixty gold, including tax. I calculated it earlier." The armorer glared at her as the accountant, a thin and pale looking man, entered.

"Look at it anyways." The man gestured at the list and the accountant nodded. He produced a quill, dipped it in an inkwell, and began writing furiously. Anna sighed.

After a few minutes, the accountant looked uncertainly at his employer. "She's exactly right, sir." The armorer grumbled something, then turned to Robin.

"You can expect the order by tuesday." He turned to Anna. "Well done. Maybe I shoulda hired you instead." The accountant frowned.

Anna smiled. "No need, just doing my job.

Robin turned and looked at Anna after they exited the store. "Wasn't that a surprise."

Anna rolled her eyes, a gesture now familiar to her. "I'm a merchant, money is pretty much my life."

"And a sad life it is." Robin snickered before Anna punched him.

"How on earth did we end up with thirty-six iron axes?" Anna exclaimed.

Robin looked over towards her and chuckled. "Don't ask me. We do have a shortage on silver swords though, so I'll be sure to put that in my report. And that just about does it for inventory."

Anna sighed in relief. "That was the last one, right?"

"I think so." Robin straightened up and put his hands on his hips in satisfaction.

Anna was quiet for a moment, just looking at him. Finally she sighed and started heading for the tent flap. "I'd better get going. Things to do and places to see, y'know."

Robin turned in surprise. "Oh... Alright. See you, I guess." Anna was already gone, leaving Robin alone, mentally kicking himself.

"Smooth move."

Robin looked over to see Vaike standing in the tents entrance. The blond soldier shook his head and snickered. "You," he said, pointing at Robin, "need some help with the ladies."

"I, er, well, you see, uh, I mean," the tactician stammered, unsure of what to say.

"No problem!" Vaike said, putting his arm around Robin's shoulder. "The Vaike will have you ready in no time."

Once Anna had put enough distance between her and the ten, she leaned against a pole and sighed. "Way to go, Anna."

"That was an absolutely abysmal performance."

Anna turned to see Maribelle, holding her parasol tightly. "What do you mean?" Anna asked as she scooted a few paces away from Maribelle. She had heard a rumor that the noblewoman practiced something called 'parasol-fu'.

"I mean your conversation with Robin, obviously. If you want him to like you, you must have proper etiquette. You'll never win his heart like that."

Anna's eye twitched. What's wrong with the way I talk?"

The noblewoman sighed. "You're too curt. And your posture is atrocious. Straighten your back, you're not doing your breasts any favors."

Anna's face burned bright red as she tentatively ran her hand across her chest. "Look, I think you may be getting the wrong idea,"

"Nonsense. There's no use denying it. I'm going to help you, whether you like it or not!"

"First of all, you gotta work on your approach," Vaike instructed.

They were working in Vaike's personal tent, much to Robin's dismay. The smell was enough to knock over a cow, and the clothes and armor strewn carelessly across the room was sending Robin's OCD over the edge.

"I really don't think this is necessary," Robin gasped, trying to breathe through his nose as little as possible.

"Now, if you want her to like you," Vaike continued, ignoring Robin's protests, "you gotta be as direct as possible. Relax your shoulders, you're too tense. The ladies dig a guy who's laid back."

Robin sighed, knowing there was no way he'd get out of it. He slouched and put his hands in his coat pockets. "Like this?"

"Great!" Vaike gave him a thumbs up. "Now hit me with a line."

The tactician frowned. "Hi...?"

Vaike cringed. "With an opening like that, you'll never get to her. Ty something more... suave."

Because you're just an expert on that, aren't you, thought Robin.

"Let me demonstrate!" Vaike cleared his throat. "Hey, are you lost?" The fighter grinned and pointed at Robin with both hands. "'Cause heaven's a long way from here."

Robin sighed.

Maribelle's tent reminded Anna of a noble's home, which would make sense. It was white, with expensive china and frilly lacing everywhere.

"Now, your appearance is crucial to this." Maribelle pronounced, eying up the merchant. "I doubt we'll have time to get you some proper clothing, but we can work on your posture. You slouch far too much. Straighten up!" Maribelle lightly hit Anna in the back with her parasol. The trickster grit her teeth, but complied.

"I really don't think this is necessary." Anna growled.

"Nonsense!" Maribelle sniffed. "I can't possibly fathom how you expect to get any response from him when you're behaving like a rugrat. Now let's move on to you're grammar, shall we?"

"Alright, this is it buddy." Vaike clapped Robin on the back. "You've made a ton of progress and I know she's going to love you. Now go get her!" And with that, Vaike gave Robin a quick shove and scurried behind a nearby tent.

Meanwhile, a similar event had progressed just around the corner.

"Chin up! Eyes forward! Quit fiddling with your hands!" Maribelle went from side to side, correcting Anna's every flaw. "You're ready. Off you go!" Anna stumbled around the corner of the tent and bumped right into Robin.

"Oh, Robin!" Anna quickly straightened up. "I mean, er, Good noon, milord."

Robin, sweating furiously, slouched as far as he could and tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. "Hey." The words came out deeper than he'd expected or wanted.

They looked at eachother for a few seconds, then started snickering.

"Wanna head to the mess tent?" Anna asked, smiling ear to ear.

"Sure." Robin replied.

After the two had left, Vaike and Maribelle came out of hiding. "I think that went well." Vaike said innocently.

Maribelle scowled. "Still so much room for improvement though. Pity I didn't have more time."

Hey guys, sorry for the wait, but I think this was a great chapter! Hope you enjoyed, and please review.