Robin's Fire Emblem Shorts

Unexpected Companionship (FE Awakening)

The climate of Regna Ferox was frigid and unforgiving, especially during it's winter months. Between the heavy snowfall and the temperatures that plunged far below the comfort level of many travellers, there was no room for deciduous trees to thrive. Warmth was rare even in the summer- it simply wasn't enough for anything other than evergreens to survive. There did, however, exist one very old forest just above the northwest end of Ferox's border- though the dense maple and birch trees were now dead and leafless- that suggested that the weather in that area had once been less hostile. Now, the only living things that could be found there were animals that had grown accustomed to the cold; snowy hares and foxes, a few species of deer, and the occasional passing wolf pack.

On this particular day, the snowy barrens were very quiet, as any creatures that were around had deemed the heavy snowfall and biting winds much too perilous to traverse. There was only one who had the nerve to sit out in the open, perched upon a birch log that had collapsed in a blizzard some while ago. She was adorned in a thick fur cloak that had been designed by the very people who were brave enough to take residence in the icy kingdom. The garments would typically suffice for anyone who was used to the cold, but being a native to Ferox's southern neighbour- a place where snow was a great deal more uncommon- she was unable to prevent herself from shivering.

For this young woman, the scenery that lay before her was a stark reminder that not all good things could last forever, a lesson that the world seemingly felt the need to repeat to her time after time. She sighed and turned her gaze to the gleaming black object that lay in her hands, running her thumb over its patterned surface with a forlorn expression. An image of the person who had given her the now broken mask crossed her mind, and her heart longed to know where he could be. Wherever he is, I'm certain he's alive. They're all alive, I can feel it. The attempt at self-reassurance did little to quell her fears. She returned the shard to the small leather pouch she kept attached to her belt in favor of drawing her cloak further around herself. Her mind drifted to the events that had taken place in the previous months- the Prince of Ylisse and his wife were now the proud parents of a young girl, and things finally seemed to be settling down. But how long will this peace last? How can I know what kinds of effects my interference will have on the future of this world?

A series of high pitched chirps brought the girl's attention back to the present, and she glanced around with mild curiosity to discover the source of the noise. It took her no more than a few seconds to notice a tiny spot of brown and red watching her from the low branches of a nearby vine maple. A robin? "What are you doing up north, little one? Don't you belong in the south?" She kept her tone quiet so as not to startle the young bird. After a moment of contemplation, she gently offered her right hand, palm down, as a perch. "You must be freezing. Come here, we can keep warm together."

The robin tilted it's head and chirped again, deciding whether or not it was safe, before eventually taking the short flight and landing precariously on one of the woman's fingers. Carefully, she moved the robin closer to her, using her free hand to grasp the rim of her cloak and provide her unexpected companion a shield from the wind. "Did you get separated from your flock, too...?" The question went without an answer. "I understand how lonely that can be." Her feathered friend made a noise that she assumed was agreement before it chose to hop down from her hand onto the hilt of her sword, which was a more stable place to sit. It then settled down and closed its eyes in contentment.

The woman couldn't help but smile. "You remind me of someone, little one." She slowly brought her cloak around herself again and secured her hood, brushing a few deep blue strands of hair from her eyes as she did. I miss my family, and I miss my friends. But the cards have been dealt, and the script, altered- hopefully for the better.

~~~~~

It's been snowing all day. Send help. Hot beverage supplies running low. Need more blankets.

I always wondered what the heck Lucina did during the two years of peace; I figured she kind of just drifted from place to place, occasionally returning to Ylisstol to check on things. That idea combined with the wonderful Canadian weather is what inspired me to write this cute little piece. I hope that if there's anyone out there experiencing the same weather as me, the thought of Lucina cuddling with a robin warms your heart as much as it does mine.