Lissa and Miriel truly are magical. I'm shocked that they were able to tend to everyone's wounds so quickly and efficiently.

The crackling of the fire filled the silent camp, its blaze being my only company; warmth protected me from the cool air. It's already December... The cold season is upon us. I hope we're close to Regna Ferox. I pray the snowfall waits until our return home. I pulled my purple cloak tighter around me in an attempt to shield myself further from the cold.

"You know, the chill is not just from the approaching winter. The Frozen-Lands are near," Chrom's voice sounded from the darkness. He was soon illuminated by the firelight as he stepped closer. He took a seat across from me, sighing. "I suspect that we'll arrive there in two or three days."

I bowed my head in greeting. "Good to know." Although I've checked with him multiple times since the battle, I was still worried about the man. "How are you holding up?"

The corner of his mouth curved up into a small smile. "I'm fine. Like the other hundred times you asked me. You're more doting than Emm, sometimes."

I puffed out my cheeks. "Well, someone has to be your impulse control!" I harumphed.

"Indeed you do..." He trailed off. "This scenario is quite familiar."

I nodded, awkwardly fidgeting with my hands. "Ah, yes. If I remember correctly, it was the very first day we met and I pretty much poured my life story onto you at a campfire." That was not even three months ago... Time really does fly.

"It feels weird of how much time has passed since then." He echoed my thoughts. "I mean, it hasn't really been that long, but it feels like it."

"I feel like I've known you forever," I smiled, locking eyes with the prince. My heart began to suddenly race. "Er, I mean - I feel like I've known you and the Shepherds forever."

Chrom chucked, his cheeks turning a shade of pink. It was most likely from the cold. Or the fire. "The day you told me your life story..." He appeared to be lost in thought. "...My parents died when I was young. I was only four so I don't have all of my memories of them, but I can recall bits and pieces."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "Chrom, you don't have to-"

He held up a hand. "No, I want you to know more about me," he continued. "My father - the Alpha - was very temperamental and stubborn. Any memories I have of him are not pleasant ones. Everyone remembers the hardships he brought upon the pack. The pain. It's because of him the Plegians want revenge. The last war was all his doing, only ending with his death 15 years ago."

...How do I even reply to this? What do I do? My heart did the job my brain was failing to do. It willed me to move and sit down next to him. I immediately felt a rush of heat. Jeez, why is it so much warmer over here?

Finally, I forced words out of my mouth. "Th-those must have been such hard times for you..."

He pressed his lips into a thin line. "They were... I know how they affected Emmeryn. A young girl, not even ten years of age, blamed for her father's sins."

"Chrom..."

"But, she pushed through," he muttered. "She brought peace back to the packs: she ended the war. She is peace. When others ridiculed and tormented her, she never held it against them. The path of forgiveness was a long and rough one. But, she eventually regained her rightful respect. Our pack looks up to her as a beacon of hope and order; the opposite of our father."

Our hands lightly brushed. "I cannot fathom to know how she met such hostility with kindness, Anna. It's something that still baffles me to this day."

Drawing in a deep breath, I placed my hand atop his. It was the best and only comfort I could think to offer. "I as well. Emmeryn truly is a phenomenal Alpha. Not many rulers share her ideals."

The prince nodded, lacing our fingers together. "I think our mother was a great influence to her." As he mentioned his mother, a smile found its way to his lips. "Now, the memories I have of her are nothing but pleasant. She was always so kind and generous, no matter the wolf. She loved Emm and me very much, and I know she loved Lissa just the same..."

I was scared to ask my next question. "How...how did she...?"

"She died giving birth to Lissa," he choked out. "We-we never blamed Lissa for her death. Ever. We knew that Mother would gladly give her life for any of us...and she did just that. But, that same day, I promised her to protect the pack and my sisters. To accept every wolf with open arms and with a kind heart, no matter who they are."

My eyes widened. "So that's why..."

"I was so determined to help you." He gave my hand a squeeze. "And I would do the same for any wolf. This pack is my home. I'll do whatever it takes to protect the ones I love." He gestured to the sword on his belt. "My father may have used Falchion to cut down those in the way of his selfish desires, but I will use it to protect the ones I love."

I smiled. "That's a wonderful sentiment." I chewed on my bottom lip. "I, um, well, I didn't tell you my full story all those months ago."

"Are you comfortable talking about it?"

"I am," I gulped. "Like I've already told you, my mother was my everything. She supported and loved me with everything I did. When I was 15, a terrible sickness ran through my town. The outbreak only lasted for a year but was deadly to anyone who contracted it. Towards the last few months of the epidemic...Mother and I both fell sick with it..."

I didn't realize I was crying until Chrom reached out to brush away my tears. "We were bedridden for what felt like forever... I have a hard time remembering that time because it all was a hazy blur. But, I do remember Mother and I holding onto each other; saying that it will get better...and I did..."

"But she..."

"She died a week after I turned 16," I sniffled. "After that, my whole world was over. Nothing felt like it mattered. Father became more irritable and demanding. I was trapped in a cage that I called home. The only person who made things better was my best friend, Sasha... I love her dearly, but she was too stuck on the traditional ways a woman should behave. She even tried multiple times to find me a suitor."

My lips turned into a warm smile. "But now...now I don't have to live that life. I don't live in that cage. I'm free. I know what true happiness is again!" I laughed, more tears falling. "I have the Shepherds. I have so many new friends. And...I have you."

"I'm glad to have met you, Anna," Chrom said. "When you were still Human, not a day went by when I didn't think about you and how horribly everyone would treat you once you returned home."

"And I count my lucky stars that I made the decision I did."

We remained silent for a few moments, staring into each other's eyes. I couldn't focus on anything else. The sounds from the fire were lost to me. I forgot about the cold. The only thing that mattered was this man in front of me.

It felt as if there was an invisible string was pulling us together. Is he feeling this, too?

But, Chrom spoke: "We make a good team, don't we?"

I nodded slowly, scared to move lest this moment disappear. "Yes, we do."

He cleared his throat and sat back, bringing back reality. My heart was pounding loud in my ears. "I-I think we should make a habit of fighting side-by-side. Fighting in teams proves to have many benefits."

The high slowly came down. "O-of course. Yes. Absolutely." What in Naga's name is going on? Why am I feeling this way?

"A-also, I would like to assist in your training," he said. "When Frederick is busy with Donnel or other duties, I will take care of any training you need, if not all of it."

I nodded. "That sounds like an excellent plan."

"Great. Good. Perfect. Yes." Chrom scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's getting late. We should turn in for the night."

"R-right. Of course." I stood, dusting myself off. "Goodnight, Chrom."

The prince smiled at me. "Goodnight, Anna."

My face was still flushing from the cold as I made my way to my tent. Oh, gods. What was that? I mean, sure, it's natural to be flustered after such a grueling day, but that was ridiculous! Maybe some sleep will help... Yeah. Sleep. That's what I need. I need all the rest I can get so I can learn as much as I can in my training session with Chrom.

*****
I've just been in the place before 🎶....... I know it's a dead meme but I've been waiting to make that joke for a year-and-a-half. Let me have this. It's the end of the decade so hush and allow me to reminisce. I know this isn't when this conversation happens in-game, but you'll understand why in the future... Plus I've already changed so much do deal wit it. XD Also, here's this chapter's alternative title: "Chrom and Anna are blaming science for their feeeeelings." These dorks are everything. So yeah. Happy New Year's Eve! I can't freaking believe that this year is coming to a close! So much has happened, it's ridiculous. I feel like I blinked in January and now it's December. Time is an illusion. We're all in a simulation. Bread is the best food-group. Yeah. This wasn't very cowabunga of you, Time Lord. BUT GUYS. IT'S TIME FOR THE SCREECHING 20's. I'M READY LET'S GO WE'RE BRINGING BACK FLAPPER DRESSES. I ALREADY HAVE THE HAIRCUT. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more! See you next year!

Link: https://youtu.be/tYuaMcVd3-c