Chrom

I drew in a deep breath as I stood before the doors to the Throne Room. What could Emm possibly be requesting? My gut tells me that it has something to do with Plegia. When does it not, nowadays?

Steeling myself, I pushed the doors open, marching straight up to Emmeryn. I bowed my head as I approached her. "Emm, you needed me?"

My sister nodded, sitting straight and keeping her royal composure. "Chrom, yes. I have some news." Phila was standing a few feet away, like normal. I could see her fighting back the urge to reach out and place a hand on Emm's shoulder.

"How bad is it?"

She sighed. "Any news regarding possible danger is bad news," she said. "There has been concern over the Southern Border as of late; word that Plegian bandits have leaked into our territory.

I clenched my fists, lips turning into a snarl. "Of course. Doesn't surprise me at all." Gangrel is really determined to instigate another war. "What shall we do about it?"

"Chrom, I want you to head out and check the borders - make sure our people are safe," she requested.

I nodded. "Do you want my Shepherds to take on this mission?"

She shook her head. "No. I don't think sending out a large party is a wise idea. The people could get suspicious or worry too much."

Not take my Shepherds? Does she want just me to go? "Are you certain? I appreciate your trust in me, but if there is a problem, there is no way I can quell it on my own."

"I know. I would never dare send you out alone. That's why I want you to take Frederick on patrol with you," she said, hands nervously clenching her robe.

By the way she's talking about this, this problem doesn't seem like it'll be too difficult to handle. If that's the case, then Frederick and I could handle it just fine. It'll be nice to get out of the castle for a little while, too. I haven't properly been out since the battle last March.

After our skirmish with the Plegians a few months ago, I made the decision that we would stick to smaller missions, at least until we found a tactician. I would much rather stay here and train, taking on small tasks than go into a large battle and risk the lives of my soldier's due to my strategic downfalls.

I nodded, resolute. "You can count on us, Emm. We should be back in less than a fortnight."

"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled. "You are dismissed. Go and find Frederick, I would like it if you two headed out as soon as possible. Oh, but check back with me before you depart. I want to see you off."

"Of course, Emm." Even though she is giving orders as an Exalt, she's still my older sister. Those sides of her show way more than she may admit. Not that I mind, though.

...

When I entered the barracks, it was almost completely derived of people since everyone was out training. The only two inside were Sumia and Lissa, who were chatting while Sumia polished some armor.

A couple weeks after my nineteenth birthday, I finally allowed for Lissa to join the Shepherds. I was fed up with her nagging, anyway. Still, it was nice to have another healer in our ranks since Maribelle was still had to cut her time between being in Ylisstol and Themis. However, my younger sister has never been on an expedition with us, which she wasn't too happy about.

The two girls looked up at me. "Oh, Captain!" She set down the breastplate she was polishing and rushed over to me, tripping in the process.

I winced for her. "Sumia! Are you all right?" I made to help her up but she was already standing by the time I could do anything.

She brushed herself off, a shade of red blush dusting her cheeks. "I-I'm fine! It's just my boots!" she chuckled.

My younger sister sighed. "If that's the case, then we really need to get you fitted for new ones."

"I'm fine!" Sumia squeaked again. "A-anyway, how did your meeting with Lady Emmeryn go?"

I drew in a deep breath, running a hand through my hair. "It was fine. Actually, Sumia, can you go and fetch Frederick for me? I have something I need to discuss with him."

The knight nodded, dashing outside. Lissa stood up and walked over to me, eyes pleading and curious. "Is everything all right, Chrom? You seem pretty stressed out over something. Is it about what Emm wanted?" she asked.

As I was about to answer, Frederick and Sumia returned to the Garrison. "Milord, you called?"

I looked down at my sister, slightly guilty about the interruption. I know I should include her more, but an opportunity just hasn't shown itself, yet! I'll find something special for her to do, soon. I'll make sure of it. "I just returned from my meeting with my sister and she has a request of me."

Frederick raised a brow. "Oh? What is it? Does it involve a mission for the Shepherds?"

I shook my head. "Er, not exactly. See, there has been word of some trouble near the Southern Border and Emm wants me to go and patrol that area."

Sumia gasped. "You as in singular? You're going alone?" She tried to mask the fear in her voice.

Lissa frowned. "That doesn't sound like something Emm would do..."

I held up a hand. "No, she wouldn't." I turned to the brunette knight. "She wants me to take Frederick, if that's all right?"

He nodded. "Of course, Milord. I will be happy to escort you," he said with a bow.

"Emm wants us to leave as soon as we could, so I was thinking-"

"I'm going, too!"

I turned to Lissa. "What?"

My sister placed her hands on her hips. "I'm going with you! I've never been on a patrol before! Nor have I gone anywhere with the Shepherds!" she exclaimed. "I feel like a sitting duck! Let me go with you, please?" To top it all off, she gave me those soulful puppy-dog eyes.

Gods, don't look at me like that! Still, I guess she has some point. I don't think I'll be able to convince her to stay behind. Plus, maybe this was the opportunity I was thinking about.

I sighed, ruffling her hair. "Fine, you can come with us. But, you have to be on your best behavior and promise not to rush into danger, ok?"

She flashed me a wide grin, bouncing up and down with excitement. "I promise! I'll be the best darndest soldier there is!"

Frederick exhaled a hard breath. "I suppose my mind will be more at ease knowing I can protect both of my charges during this," he said.

Sumia, who seemed to phase into the background, spoke, "Um, Captain? I'm sorry for interrupting, but who will be in charge while you are gone?"

My mind blanked. ...Shoot. I hadn't considered this. They'll be fine, won't they? I scratched the side of my head. "Um...well, just stick to the normal regimen and try not to kill each other? I trust you'll all be fine without me or Frederick." Right?

Sumia nodded, a nervous smile on her face. "As you say! We won't break your trust in us!"

I sighed, the stress of the day weighing down on me like an anvil. Gods, I couldn't wait to head out into the countryside of Ylisse, especially in this warm summer weather. "I'll make an announcement to the Shepherds momentarily. After that, we have to report back to Emm. Then, we'll be free to start our patrol."

Lissa nodded enthusiastically. "You got it, Big Brother!"

I can only imagine how excited she must be right now! I remember being the exact same way when Emm allowed me on my first mission. I guess we've come full circle, haven't we?

*****
Oooooooooooooh. Stuff is happening. TWO MORE WEEKS OF BEFORE AWAKENING. AHHHHHH. I'm not ready. Ahhhhhh. So on that note, we have the Q&A still going on. If fact, there's only one week left to ask your question. Remember, you can ask two questions. I currently only have three questions, but I would really enjoy having more. Along with all this excitement, my March Prompts are going on, and I would really appreciate if you checked them out. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!