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Something about the tactician bothers me.
She always works hard on her strategies, staying up way too late into the night. The light that comes from her tent signals that she shouldn't be disturbed.
She keeps an eye on everyone in the Shepherds. She knows something about everyone and finds time to train with them or discuss tactics.
She knows everyone's strengths and weaknesses in and out of battle.
Yet she still chooses to stay by my side on the battlefield when she plans her strategies. I don't need the company. I work fine on my own. I know my sword like the back of my hand. Yet she lingers. It's not that she doesn't trust my skills… She lets me handle my fair share of combat. But she's always close enough to spot far range attacks or point out openings even I missed. She knows my skills more than anyone else.
I don't understand her.
…
Lon'qu found himself watching Robin during today's strategy meeting. She spoke so eloquently to the group, explaining the strategy she had spent hours on in great detail. Everyone knew to pay attention to her meeting. If they didn't, they'd put themselves and everyone else at risk. It was thanks to her that they had survived this war so far.
He trusted her strategy. She was sharp with her words and her sword and the best strategist around. They had fought together so often that he knew her battle style and her quirks enough to understand her plans.
This meeting in particular had everyone on edge. The lingering regrets of the last battle still clouded the minds of all in attendance. It was a huge hit to morale to witness the death of the Exalt.
Robin had quickly gone to work after that battle to find a way to reverse the tides of war into their favor. She navigated a delicate balancing act between ensuring that Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds were okay, and finding enough time to plan the battles to come.
Lon’qu enjoyed training in the evening when the camp was empty and quiet, but every time he'd pass he would notice the faint glow of a lantern coming from her tent. The sight irritated him as he noticed it more frequently. The tactician needed rest. She needed to be ready for battle, just like everyone else. Exhausting herself wasn't going to help anyone.
At the meeting he could see that she was more tired than usual. She had given it away when she yawned more than normal, and had more tea than the average person should drink in the early hours of the morning.
As their meeting wrapped up, Robin left them one final warning that they would be on the move to their next battle tomorrow morning. They had narrowly escaped Plegian forces by hiding in various areas as they tried to flee to Regna Ferox, but it was unlikely that they'd continue without another battle soon. Scouts had spotted enemy soldiers in a nearby town. They had to prepare for battle.
Lon’qu had left the tent to go about his daily assigned tasks, but he became distracted when he saw Robin walking with a sword in hand away from the camp.
What on earth is she doing?
He debated whether or not he should follow, but gave in and hurried after her. If she was planning something reckless, then she needed someone to back her up.
To his surprise, he found her practicing her sword skills against a tree. Of course she'd spend her time training instead of resting.
It wasn't long before she noticed him. The sudden shift in her gaze towards him made him somewhat flustered.
“Lon’qu. Can I help you?” She called out, relaxing her stance.
“Perhaps you'd prefer an actual training partner over a tree.” His hand reached for the sword at his side.
“Sure. Let's duel. I've spent too long looking at maps and books. I need to hone my skills again before tomorrow.” She dropped her sword and took her coat off and threw it on the ground. “Sorry, this humidity is killing me. Miriel says rain is coming soon.”
Lon’qu felt his face warm up slightly. He hadn't really seen her without her bulky coat on before. She had pulled her hair back and tied it up behind her to keep it out of her way, exposing her shoulders and her camisole that was normally covered. Forcing himself to focus, he looked down at his sword to ground himself.
No time to focus on Robin's… figure. She wants to train.
The heat had started bothering him as well. He was used to the cold Feroxi weather. Plegian deserts were brutally hot in comparison. Shedding his own coat, he readied his sword to spar.
Robin swung first, hoping to catch him off guard. Unfortunately for her, Lon’qu had seen many of her tricks already due to their times in battle. He dodged easily, and tried to land his own strike. Robin jumped back, narrowly avoiding the blade. She moved her sword to parry his before it could get too close.
Her moves were sloppy. As tired as she was. This was ineffective training.
She again tried to land a hit, but he dodged and went for a kill. With a blade pointed at her throat, she had lost.
“Damn. You've bested me.” She dropped her guard and stepped back to avoid the blade.
“You're not at your best. This was poor swordsmanship.” He didn't mince his words.
“Ouch.” She grimaced, but still had a bit of a smile on her face. “I know it's not my best. I'm exhausted. But I needed to get back into things before tomorrow.”
“You need to rest. You'll get yourself killed out there if you are this exhausted.” His words were harsh, but he meant well.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Lon’qu, truly. I'm trying my best. Not much I can do when everyone needs me, unfortunately.” She had a pained smile on her face.
“Robin. Go rest.” He ordered. He wanted to drag her back to her tent, but the thought also made him anxious.
“Fine, fine. I'm going.” She grabbed her coat. “Thanks, Lon’qu.”
Her smile made his stomach flip into knots as she turned and walked away.
Damn woman is so good at her job but can't even take care of herself.
For the first time in a while, her lantern was off that night.
Lon’qu rose early the next morning. They had to break down camp and prepare to march.
The sky was thick with heavy, gray clouds. Miriel’s rain prediction had been correct. Rain could start at any point, and the clouds suggested it would last for hours.
Lon’qu looked around to see where he could help. Among the early risers was Robin who was busy gathering supplies into carts.
So much for resting.
He began walking towards her and felt the first raindrops hit his cheek.
“What do you need?” He asked, getting straight to the point.
“Gather extra weapons and load them into the cart.” She instructed, still focused on her own supply count. “We need to be on the move shortly. I don't want the rain to drag us down.”
…
Robin's prediction about running into Plegian soldiers had been spot on.
Their travels had been bogged down by heavy rain from every direction. If they didn't have Basilio giving them directions, they could've gotten hopelessly lost in the Plegian storm.
Soldiers surrounded them in the valley as rain poured in every direction. This fight would decide whether or not they could escape Plegia and regroup their forces.
Robin was focused on ensuring that everyone around her was okay. She relied on Lon’qu to defend her for a moment while she kept watch.
“Cover me! Virion needs a vulnerary now. Lissa can't reach him in time.” Robin instructed Lon’qu.
He'd do whatever it took to protect her from enemy soldiers. The rain made it hard to see from afar, but any up close enemies would be cut down in his path.
As they rushed towards the hurt archer, Robin held her tome close to her chest. She aimed to hit things from afar. If it wasn't for her wind tome, a wyvern rider who was steadily approaching would've cut down Virion in front of her.
“Virion! Drink up. Then fall back. Re-group with Libra.” Robin commanded.
“Y-yes. Thank you madam.” Virion chugged the vulnerary and hurried off, following his orders.
“Lon’qu?” Robin asked. “How are you doing?”
“What? Why are you asking in the middle of a battle?!” He snapped back.
“You're doing the brunt of the work here, keeping me safe. Don't overwork yourself. Understand your limits.” Her sight quickly shifted over to a fighter who ran towards them. With one quick flick of the wrist, wind magic knocked the fighter back.
“I'm fine. What now, tactician?” He asked.
Everyone looked pretty miserable in the rain and mud. Robin sighed as she looked for an opening. She knew Chrom was preparing to head towards the general of the army. She had to help. Chrom was still too vulnerable and rash following his sister's death. If she let him go along, he could get himself killed. She couldn't let him die.
“We join Chrom and end the general.” She pushed her wet bangs out of her face and started running towards Chrom.
Lon’qu followed, and the two cut down any soldiers who dared to approach.
“Behind!” Robin called out as she prepared her magic.
Lon’qu instinctively turned and faced the soldier who had rushed towards them. His sword cut down the soldier immediately. Robin focused on casting her magic towards an archer who was trying to steady their bow. From her side, a soldier rushed over.
“Move!” He commanded.
Robin dodged the incoming attack and Lon’qu drove his sword through the enemy. When he looked back, the archer was now down as well.
“Good work.” Robin smiled. “Come on, we're almost done with this. Once the general is gone, it's over. These soldiers are only fighting because they have to back the general up.”
“Alright. After you.” Lon'qu replied.
As they hurried through the valley, they could see Chrom fighting the general in the distance.
“Shit. Chrom’s there already. We have to hurry!” Robin grit her teeth and kept running.
“Robin! Above!” Lon'qu shouted.
More wyvern riders were preparing to dive bomb them.
Lon’qu blocked one hand axe with his sword as Robin blasted the rider with her magic.
“Chrom is fine. Focus on the enemies in front of you!” Lon’qu argued.
“You're right.” She put her tome in her bag and reached for the levin sword on her hip. “Watch out.”
Lightning shot out of the sword straight towards the wyvern riders. Combined with the rain, it made for an exceptionally lethal attack. Wyverns dropped from the sky around them. She looked around. It was so dark and hard to see around them. She could barely see if any enemies still stood.
Robin whipped her head around when she heard Chrom's voice.
“Robin! The general is dead.” Chrom hurried, with Sumia flying by his side.
“Stay on guard! I don't know if there are any enemies left!” She shouted back.
A glint of light caught Robin's eye from afar. Metal? Magic? She wasn't sure. It wasn't until an arrow whizzed past her that she realized what was trying to hit her.
“Watch out!” Robin commanded. “Archers!”
She tried to use her levin sword to find the archers, but they used the environment to their advantage. She couldn't see them at all. They would need to stay on the defensive for now.
Arrows rained towards the group, hoping to strike anyone in the way. She struck down a few of them with her lightning, but a few broke through. One aimed straight at Lon’qu.
“Watch out!” She pushed him out of the way.
“What are you-” his words were lost as he saw her.
An arrow had lodged itself into her abdomen. She grit her teeth and had dug the end of her sword into the dirt to try to keep herself grounded.
Lon’qu felt dizzy.
No. No. No! Not again!
“Sorry…” she mumbled.
“Robin! What the hell were you thinking?!” He panicked.
“What happened?!” Chrom rushed over. His face turned pale when he noticed the arrow. “Take her to Lissa or Libra! Now! We'll take care of the rest.”
Lon'qu watched as Robin struggled to stay standing.
Dammit Robin!
He pushed past all his instincts and fears and picked her up. He had to get her medical attention now. He couldn't watch her die.
Robin mumbled something in his arms that he couldn't quite make out. She was already freezing cold from the rain and pale from the injury.
“Libra!” Lon’qu called out as he ran towards the priest.
“Lon’qu? Is that Robin? Bring her here!” He had a staff at his side ready to heal.
Libra examined the wound that was bleeding out from her torso.
“We need to get out of here. She needs stitches and proper medicine.” Libra kept his eyes on the wound.
“We don't have time.” Lon'qu growled.
Stahl rode over on his horse towards them.
“Basilio’s caravan is here! We need to go!” Stahl instructed.
“Come, let's go. I can patch her up there.” Libra led Lon’qu towards the caravan.
The ride out of Plegia was a silent one. Everyone felt awful from the rain and their injuries. More were injured than anticipated. Libra, Maribelle, and Lissa had their hands full with patching up injuries big and small.
Lon'qu kept to himself. He couldn't bring himself to form a conversation. He just needed to know that she was okay. He had heard the whispers from others about how unusual he was acting. He brushed it off.
Robin had a whole cart for herself that had been converted into her very own medical tent. Word had passed around that she had been patched up and would survive, but it wasn't officially confirmed. It was just mere rumors.
The caravan had stopped for a refuel, which gave Lon’qu the opportunity to check and see for himself that she was fine. He lingered around her cart, waiting for the opportunity to sneak in. He watched as Lissa and Libra stepped out of the cart.
“Lon'qu?” Lissa seemed surprised, but a huge smirk settled on her face soon after. “I guess you can go see her. She's fine. Just recovering. I won't tell my brother.”
Lissa laughed as she walked away. Lon'qu tried to shrug off the comment, even if it made him feel a bit embarrassed.
Stepping into the cart, a lantern was lit beside the cot. She was wrapped in a blanket and laid on her side. Robin was fast asleep.
He felt instantly relieved upon seeing her. He was planning to turn and leave to let her rest, but the lantern caught his eye. Why was it still lit when she was trying to sleep?
Lon'qu moved as quietly as possible. As he reached the side of her bed, he couldn't help but watch her. She looked so peaceful when she slept. Did she always look this way?
He blew out the flame and turned to leave. Behind him, he could hear Robin turning in her sleep, then a quiet voice spoke up.
“... Lon'qu?” She yawned.
He turned back around to face her. She still laid in the cot, but her tired eyes met his.
“Robin.” He answered. He felt a little embarrassed for being caught in here.
“Come sit by me.” She pointed to the chair beside the cot.
He obliged, taking slow steps over. His heart beat faster with each step.
Robin slowly moved to sit up. Her hair was down, falling past her shoulders.
“Does it hurt?” Lon'qu asked, frowning.
“Not right now. Libra got some good medicine in town to numb the pain.” Her hand instinctively covered where her wound was. “You weren't hurt at all, were you?” She asked, looking back up at him.
“No. But Robin, why would you take a hit meant for me?” He kept his voice to a quiet whisper, which masked his tone up enough.
“I didn't want you to get hurt.” Robin frowned. “I care about you.”
Would she do this for anyone in the army?
“Fine. You need to rest more.” He looked away from her, feeling embarrassed. He was thankful that it was dark enough that she couldn't see how red his face turned.
“You say that a lot…” Robin sighed. She laid back down on the cot. “I remember some of after I got hit, you know… you seemed so worried. Maybe you care about me as well.”
Even in the darkness, he could see the smile on her lips that made his heart race.
“Not everyone would come to visit me so soon after being injured.” She whispered, still watching him.
“...I do care. Which is why you need to sleep.” He was sure he was bright red at that moment.
“Fine. I'll sleep.” Robin gave in, and closed her eyes.
She quickly drifted off to sleep, leaving Lon’qu to wonder if any of her ramblings were from some medicine making her loopy or if she truly meant what she said.
He did care about her. Nothing could change that fact. He cared more about her than anyone in this army. She was more than an ally or a battle partner. She had been the only woman who he had felt this comfortable to be around in years. They fought side-by-side. They understood the other in ways he didn't quite understand. Deep down, he knew what this feeling deep in his heart meant. He knew his feelings for her. He was just so scared to act on them. Scared of his own limitations. Scared of being interested in her. She was the most important person here- the tactician of the army. He was no one special. Just a man with a past he buried when he was young. The last time he cared so much for someone he watched them die. He couldn't go through that again. Yet he still couldn't deny his feelings for Robin.
…
Finally back in Ferox, Lon’qu felt at home again. The Shepherds were only planning to be here for a short time as Robin, Chrom, Basilio, and Flavia planned out the final assault on Plegia- to kill Gangrel.
Robin had been healing well and was fit to be back on the battlefield soon enough. The rest had done wonders for her, as she had regained much of her energy. She still planned her strategies late into the night, but they had enough stability in Ferox that she didn't need to rise too early or be out in the deserts of Plegia yet.
Ferox was the opposite in terms of weather compared to Plegia. Ferox was cold and had harsh winters. The Feroxi Fall season was cold, and snow could fall at any time. Lucky for them, snow didn't come early this year. That didn't mean that temperatures weren't still colder than Ylisse, though.
Robin spent many nights in front of a fire as she planned. Flavia had even gifted Robin one of the better rooms with a fireplace inside so she could have an easier time recovering and working.
Unfortunately all that time away in her room meant that Lon'qu didn't see much of her during this time. He'd usually only spot her during meal times, or if she was passing by while taking care of other duties. The distance bothered him. He wanted to be closer to her. To talk to her and check and see how she was doing. It ate away at his patience every day that passed.
It wasn't until he happened to catch her out of her room one night that he took the opportunity.
Robin stood outside on a balcony along the walkway by herself.
“Everything alright?” He asked and he joined her on the balcony.
“Oh, hi Lon'qu.” She turned to face him.
Her face was a little red from the cold. She wasn't used to the weather at all.
“I'm fine. Just wanted a break and some fresh air.” She took a deep breath. “Though it's much colder than I expected.”
“Ferox is much colder than Ylisse.” Lon'qu pointed out. “It took me a long time to get used to it too.”
“Oh? You're not from here?” Robin asked, showing interest.
“No. I… ended here when I was younger.” He sighed. He wasn't sure how much he wanted to share.
“I see.” Robin nodded. “I don't actually know where I was originally from.”
“The past doesn't matter much. What matters is what you do now.” Lon'qu added.
“That's true. I won't lie and say I'm not curious about my origins, but I also try not to let it wear me down.”
When Lon'qu looked back over at her, he noticed her shivering slightly.
“You're cold. You should go back inside.” He suggested.
“But I enjoy our conversations!” Robin laughed. “I am cold though, you're right. I should turn in for the night anyway. Goodnight, Lon'qu.”
“Goodnight, Robin.”
…
The war was finally coming to an end. The Shepherds and the Feroxi army had broken through into Plegia and were days away from confronting Gangrel. Everyone was preparing for the biggest battle of their lives so far. Lon'qu was preparing for a different battle.
All day he had been hoping to find Robin alone, or at least be able to pull her aside to talk to her. He had too much he wanted to say, but he was also so afraid to say any of it. Every time he saw her, his heart raced and he stumbled over his words. He had accomplished nothing but embarrassing himself, and the worst part was that the day was almost over. If he didn’t act now, he may never get his chance to confess his feelings.
Thankfully, Lon’qu had easily understood her habits. Leading up to an important battle, she always spent extra time training. If he just waited around long enough, he should be able to catch her.
Lon’qu swung his own sword to practice and pass the time. Standing idly made him too anxious, so at least this would keep him focused on something. Around him, the sun had begun to set, turning the sky into shades of orange. By the time it had turned indigo, a voice broke him out of his training.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
Lon’qu turned around to see Robin walking towards him.
“Robin. What can I do for you?” He tried to keep his cool. Internally, he was beginning to panic a little.
“I wanted to see you.” She said nonchalantly.
“Me?” He was quite confused. Why him? She was more than busy enough. Sure he had wanted to seek her out all day, but why would she reverse this on him?
“Yes you. I wanted to chat.” She stood beside him.
“I… suppose I wanted to do the same.” He admitted.
“Oh, perfect.” She smiled. “You go first.”
The way she said it twisted his stomach into knots. She had some trick up her sleeve, he was sure. Was he about to make a huge fool of himself by opening up to her? Or did she already know? Regardless, it was time to speak up. To say anything.
“Well… Y-you know, Robin…” He stumbled through his words, but she waited patiently, with a slight smile on her face. “I don’t know if you remember… but I wasn’t lying when I said that I… cared for you.”
“I do remember, and I know you do.” She made a slight step closer to him. She was now standing right in front of him, without much distance between them. “You wouldn’t let any other woman be this close to you, after all.”
His face burned hot and he was shaky but he tried to keep going.
“T-that is true… I… I don’t know how to phrase it but… I enjoy being around you. I want to be near you.” He finally spit out the truth.
“Lon’qu…” She stared into his eyes. “What are your plans after the war is over?”
He had originally intended on going back to Regna Ferox after all was said and done. He had his job, after all. But things changed with Robin.
“I don’t know anymore. I-I would like to s-stay by your side… if you’ll have me.” He admitted.
“I would like that. I want to be with you. To see where this leads.” She had a gentle smile on her face.
He felt like the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders. To say he was happy would be an understatement.
“You’re smiling!” Robin pointed out. “Aww, Lon’qu.”
She held a hand up to his cheek that burned red.
“I know you need some time to feel comfortable with all this touchy feely stuff.” She let out a small sigh as she looked into his eyes. “Lucky for you, I can be patient.”
His hands shook as he raised them to her own cheeks, cupping them.
“I can at least try.” He said with a whisper.
He quickly leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. He had caught her off guard at first, but she had eased into the kiss after a moment. As their lips parted, they stood in silence for a moment.
“Robin.” Lon’qu finally spoke up.
“Yes?” She asked.
“Don’t die tomorrow. You can’t leave this world so suddenly.” He was serious.
“I’m not going anywhere. But the same applies to you.” She met his serious tone.
“Don’t sacrifice yourself for me.” He demanded.
“I know you were upset. I’m sorry for worrying you with that arrow situation. I just couldn’t bear the thought of you being hurt instead.” She looked at the ground.
“Just don’t do it again.” He insisted.
“I won’t. We’re surviving this battle. We have a future to see through, now.” She smiled again.
In the distance, a familiar chime signalled that it was meal time.
Robin sighed.
“Guess we should go eat. Walk with me?” She asked.
“Of course.”
The two walked, side-by-side, to rejoin the group for dinner.
…
Gangrel was defeated. The war was over. Months of hardship, struggle, and grief had ended in the desert of Plegia.
While Robin had wanted to hash out the details of the spoils of war, Basilio and Flavia insisted that they could retreat and celebrate for a single night before discussing politics.
Back at their camp, Shepherds and Feroxi soldiers enjoyed a feast and celebrations. Bards played music, and many drank themselves to excess to enjoy themselves after all their hard work.
Robin was making her way around the mess hall to ensure that everyone was okay. Poor Cordelia drank herself into tears after the news of Chrom and Sumia’s engagement broke out, so she made sure that she was escorted to her tent. Gregor, Basilio, and Flavia had downed enough drinks between them to kill a grown man, so Robin kept an eye on them to see who would fall over first. Chrom insisted that she had a little bit of fun, but Robin didn’t particularly wish to drink herself to sleep tonight. Not when she could take a moment to enjoy some peace and quiet and find the one she wanted to see most of all.
Lon’qu was nowhere to be seen in the mess hall banquet, so she stepped outside to find him.
He sat not too far off, sharpening his sword.
“Not too keen on Feroxi party culture?” She asked as she approached him.
“No. I’ve witnessed enough and have spent too many evenings cleaning up Basilio’s mess after a night of drinking.” He sighed.
“Yikes. I can only imagine what problems he can start after that.” She laughed and sat next to him.
“Not your cup of tea either?” He asked.
“No. I spent too much time worrying about everyone else. I’ve cut off more people than I care to count tonight. They’ll regret it tomorrow on the march home.” She shrugged.
Home. It still felt strange that he wouldn’t just be staying in Ferox now that the war was over. He’d have to adjust to life in Ylisse, but he was thankfully quite adaptable.
“Have you told Basilio yet?” Robin asked.
“No. That’s a conversation for when he’s not drunk.”
“I wonder how he’ll react. He might miss having his favorite champion around.” She giggled.
“He’ll be fine.” Lon’qu shrugged. “I’m sure he won’t have a problem with it, anyway.”
“That’s fair. I bet he’ll just be happy for you.” She smirked. “I suppose we don’t really have to tell many people. It’ll depend on a few things.”.
“Like what?” He asked for clarification.
“Well… if we choose to stay together… in the same room, that is. It'll be easier to clear it first with Frederick and the guards so they don't think you're sneaking into my room.” She laughed.
Sharing a room was a daunting thought for Lon’qu. It was likely inevitable for them as a couple, but he hadn't shared a room with anyone ever.
“I… suppose you are right.” He cleared his throat. “It would be easier in the long term.”
“Not that we need to do that the moment we get back. We can take our time.” She added. “I will be pretty busy once we're back though. We'll have many things to sort out regarding the war, land, and gold. Plus ensuring that Ylisse is okay after the war. Peace doesn't always mean rest. Plus you'll get stuck with whatever Shepherd's missions Frederick plans so there may be times when you're away.”
“That's true…” He hadn't thought about how busy things would be with the end of a war. He worried that they wouldn't get much time together.
“But we'll find time to meet, I promise. During meal times, or even at the end the day before we turn in for the night. We can meet up and spend some time together like this.” She leaned into his shoulder.
“That works. We'll make it work.” He agreed. They could do it. They had to.