Chapter Text
Robin was looking through various reports as he sipped at his tea. Not a week since his return, he had already been called back to work. Not that he would complain. There was still much to do in rebuilding the continent. Not to mention the special project Chrom had tasked him with.
He was working on that project when he heard a soft, measured knocking on his door.
“Come in,” He called without second thought. He wondered if it was a social call or more work.
He briefly looked up and was surprised to see Lucina stepping into his office. He had not seen her since his welcome back party. To be honest, he was surprised she was still here. All the others that had come with her had left for parts unknown to most of them.
“Princess, have a seat. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I had a favor to ask of you.”
Robin sat the report he had been reading down, “I can’t make any promises, but go ahead.”
Lucina played with the hem of her tunic in an uncharacteristically nervous manner. A rare case of Sumia shining through, “You see…I do not know how to return to my time.”
“One way trip, huh? Wait, so where did all the others go?”
“They left so as to not interfere with their parents’ lives. Most went quietly and not at the same time so as to avoid objections, but they are still in this world as far as I am aware.”
“Leaving you last of all.” Robin did not mean that as accusatory, but she clearly took it that way judging from the way she looked away in shame.
“I had hoped to find a way to return to my own world and see my duty through to rebuild. Unfortunately, the spell we used to get here was an emergency procedure. There was no plan to return.”
“I think I see what you’re wanting, but Miriel or Ricken would be better options to ask.”
“Ricken is busy working with Maribelle to restore his house. Miriel said she could help, but she was rather enamored with her current project.”
“Could be months,” Robin admitted with a sigh, “Well, I’d love to help you, princess, but your father has strapped me with the security of the citizenry.”
Lucina looked confused, “I thought that was what the Shepherds did.”
“Exactly, yes, but many of its members have gone their own ways, and those that haven’t have been largely assigned to training or leadership roles. So I’ve been tasked with assembling mostly rookies to go fill their larger than life shoes.”
“I see…” Lucina looked down contemplatively before looking back up, “I am no stranger to leading troops. Especially those that are less than optimal. I may be able to help take some of the burden from your shoulders.”
Robin smirked and leaned forward with a bit of bemusement in his posture, “Princess, are you proposing a deal?”
“It makes sense. I help you get these new Shepherds up to standard, and you can help me find a way home in return.”
Robin leaned back and looked at her in silence for some time. When he finally spoke, the mirth had left his expression, “Alright, but I don’t know if I can really help you. This is a spell far beyond my expertise.”
“I have what we used to come here, if that helps.”
“It’s a start. Though, why not just ask Naga or Tiki to send you back?”
“Both of them went back to sleep. This is not something to wake them for.”
“I see. Well,” Robin stood from his seat and offered a smile, “It’s a deal, princess.”
She stood as well, looking him in the eyes with a fierce look, “Thank you, Sir Robin.”