@cursedbybirth / cursedbybirth.tumblr.com
ooc --
[So I think the time has come. I am going to be dropping Robin. Some things are happening and I have less time. I’ll still have Sumia and Silque and doing better with them, but I feel my time as Robin has come to an end. Maybe one day if he’s still free I’ll come back to Robin but for now it’s time for birdboy to fly]
“They are the finest!” She agreed.
She set her blade aside in favor of a more dull sparring weapon, grabbing a second one and holding it out to the tactician.
“I’m not gonna hold back, you know.”
Robin took the sparring weapon from Severa and met her with a grin on their face. She seemed ready to start, eager for the fight.
“I wouldn’t want you to. But don’t underestimate me either.” Robin didn’t always use a sword, but something about this morning and Severa’s energy made them want to give it their all.
Robin got ready and then with a nod, moved towards her. “Let’s go!”
Setsuna had already moved to her feet by the time Robin had woken up. She stared off to the distance, frowning. Her arrow was not being pulled just yet, but she was quiet as she watched for any kind of sign of what she’d heard. She didn’t see anything…but she didn’t see a lot of things. That didn’t guarantee any amount of safety.
She jumped slightly at the sudden voice and turned to Robin with a pout. “Aw. You weren’t supposed to wake up yet, it’s not time for your watch.” She had hoped that this would be something that was nothing, and wouldn’t require a lot of dealing with. And if it did require dealing with, she had hoped she could handle it before Robin woke up. They needed their rest.
She turned her head back to the forest, scanning for any sign of the thing. “I don’t know what it was…haven’t seen anything yet.”
“I guess I’m a lighter sleeper than I thought.” Robin hadn’t planned on waking up earlier than they had to, but there was something about the sensation they had felt that had woken them. Something was definitely happening but it was difficult to say what. They looked to Setsuna to see how she was reacting. She seemed a bit jumpy but not terrified or anything. Yet.
Robin sat up, scanning the area. They were still tired and they did want to sleep, but Robin couldn’t just leave Setsuna to whatever was happening now that they were awake. It seemed unfair to go back to sleep and let her deal with it. Not that she couldn’t handle herself, but it felt wrong.
“Do you know if anything dangerous lurks around here?”
Comforting Edition {Sentence Starters}
She rolled her eyes at them carrying on conversation so easily, but responded still.
“I was just finishing. Gotta train daily to be the best!”
She stared at Robin for a long moment.
“So are you gonna ask me to spar or not? I’ve got things to do!”
Robin laughed a little at her question. Well, they had been thinking about it. Now that Severa had said it out loud, Robin found themselves nodding.
“Of course. If you don’t mind sparring with me.” Robin wasn’t the best swordsman in the Shepherds as they used magic a lot too, but it paid to keep their sword skills sharp. Severa would be a fine partner to spar against.
“I am sure your skills are some of the finest. When you’re ready we can start.”
She huffed as she saw Robin, sheathing her sword and crossing her arms. She jutted out her hip and rolled her eyes.
“Robin? What are you doing? Gawds!”
Considering they’d scared her to the point where she’d pulled a sword on them, being frustrated seemed perfectly reasonable in her book.
“I am sure I am here for the same reasons you are.” They patted their side to indicate the sword hanging from it. They were sorry for scaring her. She didn’t seem happy about it either.
“I didn’t know you’d be here too. Have you been training long already?”
Severa wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, leaning against her sword for support. It was so exhasuting, training like this - not to mention how dirty she got after! All the dust sticking to her, all the sweat. It was just horrible, really. She truly hated to practice.
As she stood there, breathing deeply and recovering her sapped strength, the sound of clanging behind her drew her attention. She whirled around, taking her sword back up and holding it in front of her.
“Who’s there? Huh?!”
Had someone been spying on her? Or was it an enemy?
Robin wished they hadn’t crashed into the rack of swords. They hadn’t expected to find Severa here but even if they hadn’t, here she was. It looked like might have been here for a while, but Robin didn’t have long enough to get a proper look at her to judge before they made the mistake of not paying too much attention to where they were.
Robin quickly raised their hands in front of them and then giving Severa a small smile. They hoped that they hadn’t startled her too badly.
“It is just me. I hadn’t meant to startle you Severa. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.”
Emmeryn smiled, thinking of Robin speaking to Morgana about the family she could rely upon. It was a sweet thought, and it brought a sweet smile to her lips. Morgana deserved as much family as possible, much like Lucina and Owain and the other future children.
“Me? Children?” Emmeryn hesitated, but nodded her head in admission. “Yes, I have long wanted children. I cannot say for certain that I will have them, now, but…I still would like to have children.” Emmeryn shrugged, bittersweet emotion sour on her tongue. Before, her ideal spouse and the other parent to their children would have been Phila, but now…
It was difficult to think of raising children with anyone else but she supposed it was quite possible she could fall in love again.
Robin nodded. They couldn’t say much to Emmeryn’s personal love life. They didn’t know her back then nor were they close enough to her now to really intrude too far into her personal feelings. Robin was open about their romance with Chrom and Henry, so it was easier to discuss things like that or the children they had. Robin could not remember Emmeryn having a suitor before her death and now? They assumed she was still adjusting.
“I am sure you would be a wonderful mother. You seem fond of Lucina and Owain. You’re a wonderful aunt to them.” They also thought that considering her upbringing she might share in the same feeling of wanting to be a better parent than her’s was. Robin wasn’t sure if they should say more though about it, considering her single status.
Robin looked down at the tea in their hands and then back to Emmeryn. “There is still a chance. You have a second chance to live your life. It’s difficult to say what will and won’t happen, but I do try and think positively these days.”
“Ylisse? I haven’t heard of the kingdom. I assume it’s from… abroad.” He’s grown rather used to otherworldly visitors by now, it’s commonplace regardless of where you are nowadays. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Robin. I am Eldigan from the Kingdom of Nordion.”
Abroad was one way to put it. Robin felt it fit as well as any other description of how the worlds worked. “Yes. It’s far away, but hopefully not too far. Perhaps you will get the chance to see it one day.” Nordion. No Robin didn’t think they had heard of that place yet. So this was a new opportunity. “Eldigan. It is a pleasure for me too. Do you mind if I ask about Nordion? I am happy to speak of Ylisse.”
@scholarlyroyalty
Robin always liked a challenge.
They tried hard not to let their skills get rusty and that meant using them as often as they could. Robin was pleased that a lot of what they had once done was over with. They certainly didn’t want another war or any serious fighting. Dealing with leftover bandits and the like was already troubling, but another war would be devastating. While Robin still helped out with other things, they still wanted to be sure that they wouldn’t become slack in the future.
So that left Robin with time to search out other ways to put their strategic skills to use. Something that was helpful was finding people who were of a similar mindset. Others who had performed a similar job as they had or who were just skilled in the same way.
Robin did not know Leo well and they’d hate to intrude upon his life, but after meeting him, Robin was intrigued. They could see that Leo wasn’t just smart but clever as well. Perhaps they could find a challenge here that would satisfy their desire to challenge themselves still.
“Prince Leo. I was wondering if I may ask you a favor. Hopefully this will be appealing to you as well.”
“Casual conversation isn’t my weakest point– but it’s hardly my strongest. By the way, who are you? I don’t believe I’ve seen your likes around here.”
“I have to say it’s probably one of my stronger points, but ah! How rude of me to start talking without introducing myself. I am Robin. I am not sure if you know of Ylisse. I am not normally here but today I find myself in your company it seems.”
“I am ever steeled for duty. But for conversation? A bit wooden.”
“Do not worry. You are doing just fine. I have spoken to many who were worse. Consider this practice at getting better.”
“I don’t sell myself short. I don’t really sell myself at all. I don’t think Lady Hinoka would be happy to hear I was selling myself any kind of height, I think that’s probably breaking some kind of retainer vow promise.” There was also no reason to be talking about her confidence in any sense of discussion, so they really were best just moving along from this.
She waved Robin off as they finally began settling in for sleep. She was beginning to think that if she left them alone, they would just think themselves up all night. Which could possibly be useful. But not when she wanted to make sure the tactician got some kind of rest. They needed it. They worked hard.
“I will!” She called back lazily, settling comfortably into her own seat. “Go ahead and get some sleep, Robin.” The forest seemed nice so far. She hoped it would continue being nice and leave their night uneventful. Settling in with her bow in her lap and one arrow already in hand, she sighed contently and stared out into the forest.
It was a quiet night. At first. Robin didn’t fall asleep immediately. They often didn’t unless they had caused themselves to become exhausted from work. It happened more often during all the fighting. At that time it was paramount that Robin be able to ensure that they made it through each fight, especially when they were fighting the other countries or going against Validar and his people.
These days Robin was able to relax, but they felt like they didn’t really know the meaning of that word. Still, with the knowledge that they would be fine and that they’d be awful if they didn’t sleep, Robin drifted off eventually. Thankfully their sleep was dreamless, or when they were awoken suddenly, they could recall nothing.
Something was moving through the woods and a large crash had startled Robin into waking. They bolted upright, immediately checking on Setsuna, who was still there. How long had they been asleep? Not long enough for her to wake them for their shift, but enough that it looked like time had passed.
“What was that?”
“I think, given the circumstances, it would be foolish not to be nervous. Being a parent…having that much responsibility for someone who only thinks the world of you…I would be nervous too.” But Robin was right, the children, Chrom and LIssa’s children, would grow up knowing her this time. They would know to look to her if they wanted support.
It was a good thought.
She smiled at Robin, gently. “I think that is a good sentiment, wanting to be like a father to Lucina.” They seemed to be serious about Chrom, so of course that meant thinking of Lucina also. “And Morgan is definitely loved. We all can tell you love her…” This time around there would be plenty of opportunity for the children to grow up happy.
“And, well. I hope Morgana knows that, with you and Chrom, that she may see me as family too.”
Robin was relieved and thankful to hear Emmeryn be supportive of their decision to be a father figure to Lucina. Their family might not be the most conventional around, but they cared for their children and for any children their boyfriends had. They were a family no matter the strangeness or questions as to how the children might have happened.
“I am glad. She’s amazing. I can see so much of myself in her, but I believe she’ll be better than me too. I can hope, at least. I want her to be raised with love.” Like they had. Even if Robin couldn’t remember it, Robin believed their mother loved them.
“I am sure she does, but I will tell her. I am sure she will be happy to count you all as her family.” Robin had a thought, but they weren’t sure if they should bring it up. In the end they thought to at least try hoping it didn’t end well.
“Did you ever want children or want them now? With Chrom’s and Lissa’s children and then Morgana, you have two nieces and a nephew.” Was she happy with that?
Setsuna hummed her acknowledgement. They certainly were. But boldness was probably a good thing. Or not. She supposed it depended on the person. People called Hinoka bold! And she was always pleased to hear her liege called anything with such awe in their voice.
They also called Saizo bold but she thought it was much less flattering when it was about him.
“I could never leave you behind. Too many people need you. And I don’t think you for me would be a very good trade at all.” Plus, she was pretty sure she would get tired of carrying him fast. And then where would they be? She didn’t know, but she sure wasn’t eager to find out out either.
She considered it. Robin going second would probably be for the best. Easier that way. And she could make sure the tactician would get some sleep. “Wow, Robin, you’re so smart, thinking up solutions like that. See, that’s why you’re the tactician.”
She nodded as well once they’d reached the spot. It looked good to her. With a content sigh, she slumped down, settling herself to sit against one of the trees. “Well, you should get some rest.” She advised the other as she shifted her bow off her back.
“You shouldn’t sell yourself so short Setsuna. Although I am sure if you return in my place there might be some awkwardness.” Considering that he had two boyfriends and well, a strange family situation. Robin liked Setsuna and she was a great friend, but he didn’t think it would go over well if she showed up instead of him.
“Yes. It is my job. I suppose it’s what I’m the best at.” It seemed like the best choice to make so that neither of them had to worry about trying to wake up Setsuna so that she could do her shift without having to worry about Robin choosing not to do it and stay up the entire night. Not that he didn’t think that Setsuna couldn’t come to a similar reasoning. Maybe it was better not to worry over it. “Thank you. I’m sure we’d have figure out a working schedule eventually.”
Robin also slumped down as they finally reached the spot. He took the moment to check over his own supplies before looking over at Setsuna. He was glad to have her company. No matter what she said, she was becoming one of his best friends and he was thankful for her presence. But he was more tired than he expected and he was looking forward to resting. So he worked on getting set up for an impromptu slumber.
“Be sure to wake me up when it’s my time. And right away if you suspected there is danger or trouble. Even if there isn’t, it’s best to be sure.”
My heart is being cut in two. I cannot bear it.
deathless ♚ sentence meme || accepting
“That sounds like a terrible burden to have to deal with. Is there anything I can do for you Corryn?” Robin wanted to help her. He wasn’t sure what was going on but if he could lend a hand and ease her trouble, he’d certainly try.
“Is it about your family?”
He didn’t know all the details, but he knew some of them. He could imagine how she would feel being torn between the two of them, the ones she grew up with and the ones who she returned to. If anything was ‘cutting her heart in two’ it was likely that.
“Yes. I.. I don’t think I can bear it much longer.” Her voice cracks and she has to blink back the tears. Her family was still not getting along and no matter how hard she tried she just could not seem to get them to agree on anything.
“I’m not sure how much longer I can hold them at bay before they rip into one another. Two different sides of the same coin and for once I just- I cant make it better. Robin I can lead a army but I cant make them see that they aren’t enemies. Gods its..” Corryn shakes a moment as she tries to bring herself under control.
Robin doesn’t want to see Corryn like this. He wished he could do more for her and he worried that there wasn’t much that he could do. Robin did not mind listening to her and giving her advice, supporting her through this hardship. He couldn’t imagine the struggle of being put in the middle of his family. Lucky that Validar had been terrible so that he’d never feel tempted to join him.
Robin pulls her into a hug because he can’t bear to see her shake like this. She needed comfort right now and he wanted to give her any that he could.
“I know. It’s terrible. You want them both to be happy, but they won’t see reason. Are you sure there is nothing to be done? No way to bring them both together?” She was going to lose family from the way it sounded. “If I can give my own insight maybe that can help.”
A very small teeny tiny Xmas gift for @cursedbybirth and @sapphiresovereign because I have no self control
