Chapter Two: A Cozy Cage

The girls' cheerful laughter mingled with the sunlight that poured in from the windows, forming a warm melody that echoed through the hallways and shook off the centuries-old gloom that had collected within the fortress's walls.

Leo found the noise aggravating beyond belief.

One of the few benefits of visiting this decrepit structure was supposed to be its remote location. The Northern Fortress was tucked away in the mountains, isolated from any major cities or bustling towns. As added protection from cats or people of the curious kind, a magic barrier was put in place over the entire area. Leo felt its presence every time he passed through the front gates, its energy humming through his blood and making the hair on his neck stand on end. Every precaution was considered to safeguard this place, yet nothing could protect the six-year-old boy's ears from the onslaught of his sisters' horseplay.

"Elise, wait up!"

"Haha, can't caaaaatch meeeeee!"

Elise's high-pitched squeals echoed outside of the common room, making the muscles in his jaw tighten as he flipped to the next page of his tome. The nerve of them…I moved here because they wouldn't give me any peace in the library! His eye twitched just remembering that particular moment: he had settled in his favorite spot, and then his sisters had beset him without warning, like hawks descending on unsuspecting prey. They'd be quiet, they promised him, they were just going to go over the numbers and shapes in their mathematics books. Elise didn't have much love for geometry, but Leo had decided to give Corrin the benefit of the doubt. He didn't know what particular subjects she had excelled at, and he of all people would never impede on anyone's desire to study.

Not even fifteen minutes of blissful silence had passed until Elise had convinced their sister into playing a game. Leo knew then that what Corrin excelled at was procrastination, and he was paying the price for his discovery.

Over the stomping of Elise's shoes in the hallway, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. There will be distractions on the battlefield as well, he reasoned. You'll have to be able to concentrate no matter what the circumstances. Spurred on by his own encouragement, Leo focused on his tome again and allowed its pages to pull his mind away from the chaos outside.

The thick canopy of trees and vines were so thick that there was no way to tell if it was night or day, but it was the best protection that the tactician could ask for. The troop that the commander had assigned to him was small but highly-trained, and gods willing they would be enough to end this war early. They waited with their weapons in hand, their eyes and ears straining to detect any sign of their enemy.

The lack of alternate paths around the forest was why the tactician wasn't at his liege's side: the enemy commander and his personal army would undoubtedly pass through here. Years later, scholars wouldn't describe this plan as "noble", but they wouldn't deny that it was smart. Their enemies outnumbered them greatly, and to directly face them on the battlefield would be certain death. However, taking out the enemy's leader before the fight would change the tide of war. If the tactician could cut off the head of the snake, the rest of it would be rendered harmless, and that was what he intended to do.

The scholars could call him all the insults they want; they will NEVER say that he was a fool.

The sound of a branch snapping echoed over the trickling stream, catching his horse's notice. The creature picked his head up at the noise, and the tactician followed his line of sight. Several feet ahead of him stood a large bush, its long branches full of green leaves despite the lack of regular sunlight. He would've taken more time to study this small curiosity, but then he saw the leaves rustle. Slipping off his horse's saddle, he shushed it with a soothing command, taking up his sword and his tome.

Given the time of events, he didn't believe for a second that a stray animal was hiding in the bush. No, it had to be a scout or an assassin sent to by the enemy to spy on them. There was no need to alert his allies he could take care of this himself so that they could keep a lookout for the enemy commander.

Quietly chanting the words for a fire spell, his tome fluttered open and his fingers pulsed with bright-red energy. Just as he was about to sling the spell towards the bush, his intended target burst forth from its branches. The little girl was dressed in a frilly black dress lined with pink lace, her blonde hair tied back with silk ribbons that flew behind her. Her arms were raised, and she was skipping sprightly over the decaying leaves that covered the earth.

"Over here! THROW IT OVER HERE, CORRIN!"

The dark forest and everything in it disappeared from Leo's mind as Elise's voice yanked him back to reality. His concentration thoroughly destroyed, he slammed the cover down with the full weight of his hand. The sound echoed throughout the library, but he paid it no mind. His anger was roused again and running hotly through his veins now, and it wouldn't be silenced until he had a word with his sisters. The feet of his chair scraped loudly against the floor as he got up and stomped toward the hallway. He stuck his head out beyond the door, and he didn't stop himself from yelling since Elise and Corrin hadn't shown him the same courtesy.

"Will you two KEEP IT DOWN—"

His mind too clouded over with anger, he didn't think to look before stepping out into the hallway. Something that started out as a small dot in the distance rapidly materialized before him, slamming into his face with the force of a full-blown tempest.

Laughing merrily, Elise cheered over the pain that exploded behind his eyes. "Yay, head shot! 20 points!"

The ball fell from his face shortly after its impact, leaving a deep ache on his nose where it had hit him. His hand went up to cover the spot, and when he found the ball laying at his feet, he didn't know whether to chuck it at one of his sisters or light it on fire until only ashes remained.

Before he could act on either impulse, footsteps pattered over to him in a run followed by Corrin's panicked voice. "Leo! Oh, I'm so sorry!" When he raised his eyes to her from the ball, he saw the distress across her pale face. "Are you okay?"

"I WOULD be if people weren't throwing things around like lunatics!" He shot at her, his hand cupping over his nose. "It wasn't enough to pester me in the library, so you had to move your stupid games here?"

"Mean Leo! Catch is NOT stupid!" Elise huffed from behind. Unlike Corrin, she didn't offer any apology as she scooped the ball up from where it landed. "It's super-fun, and we had to move down here because the library is stuffy! It's too small and filled with too many books!"

That's what I LIKE about the library, he thought bitterly. "You shouldn't be playing in the hallway! Brother told us not to before, remember?"

Elise puffed up her cheeks in an expression of annoyance, but she didn't speak after that. Both girls knew he was right, and that was probably why Corrin didn't say anything to dispute him. "It's been a while, so we forgot. We're sorry, Leo." Her eyes lingered on him, looking concerned. "Is your nose okay?"

Her question caught him off guard, but he was too stubborn to let go of his grudge. Her fear of upsetting their older siblings had to be behind this little act of remorse. "It's fine."

The older girl took a step closer to him. Her voice was soft, but gently persistent. "Let me see it, just to be sure. Please?"

She sounded sincere enough that she made Leo consider that she wasn't really acting, or at the very least, that she was more worried about him than getting into trouble. Taken aback by this possibility, he relented and pulled his hand away from his nose. Corrin leaned in to get a better look at what felt like the beginnings of a bruise. He stood still under his sister's observant eyes, but he stared down at the ball in Elise's hands as a distraction. Leo wasn't used to being the center of attention for any reason besides his intellect, and being fussed over was something he was used to even less.

"It doesn't look too bad, but it's really red." Corrin said. "Flora and Felicia know ice magic. If we ask, I bet they can help the swelling go down."

After their sister's suggestion, Elise took a closer look at Leo's nose. Unlike earlier, she now looked sympathetic. "Let me try healing it! I just need to get my staff from my room!"

Heat rose in Leo's cheeks, but having his sisters worry about him felt kind of nice. Corrin was usually the one being doted on, so the shift in their roles was somewhat pleasant.

This isn't so bad, but I can't look weak. Not in front of Elise, and definitely not in front of HER. Just as Leo was about to tell them that he didn't need aid, the toy that Elise was holding caught his eye again. He didn't remember seeing them play with it before, but it had a worn look to it that suggested it wasn't new. More curious than that, the ball was wrapped entirely in black tight cords that looked like they were made from leather.

"Oh, there you all are."

Camilla's voice was soft but distinct over the sound of her light footsteps. Elise was the first to greet her. "Big Sister, catch!"

Completely disregarding Leo's reprimand from earlier, Elise pitched the ball at the eldest princess of the royal Nohrian family. Camilla didn't even bat an eye as she watched the toy sail through the air, catching it in one hand. "My, you're energetic as always, little Elise." She was smiling, but her words gave a kind warning. "But you shouldn't throw your toys in the hallway. You might hit someone."

Leo turned to face his older sister, standing straight with his hands folded behind him. "I told both of them as much, Sister. However, they have apologized for their mistake."

"Is that so?" When Camilla's dark violet eyes fell on him, a sense of pride swelled in his chest. "Well then, that's a relief."

"Yep, we forgot but we won't anymore!" Elise chirped, skipping over to their oldest sister. She threw her little arms around Camilla's waist, beaming up at her. "So please don't worry, Big Sister!"

As Camilla patted Elise's head, Leo didn't mention how he was the unintended victim of the girls' game of catch. It wouldn't do anything in his favor, and he didn't want to admit that he walked straight into an attack without looking.

"Hmm…darlings, whose ball is this?"

At their sister's question, Corrin moved from behind Leo and answered. "It's mine, Sister."

Camilla examined the ball as Corrin made her way to her. Leo caught the pensive look in their oldest sister's eyes, like she was holding a trap that failed to go off. When the silver-haired girl stopped in front of her, Camilla glanced down at her with another disarming smile. "I don't remember giving this to you, Corrin. Wherever did you get it?"

"Gunter gave it to me a while ago." Corrin answered. From the sound of her voice, Leo could tell that she didn't suspect at all why Camilla was asking these questions.

Elise moved away as Camilla leaned down to Corrin's height. Her lavender locks fell over her shoulders, her hands still holding the ball. "That was kind of him to do, but this looks rather old. Your big sister could get you something new and prettier. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Even if Corrin didn't know the reason behind Camilla's questions, she understood that she wanted to replace the ball. She made a movement to grab the toy, but she stopped herself at the last second, forcing her hands at her sides. "Um…I like anything that you give me, Camilla, but can I please keep the ball?" He couldn't see her face, but hearing the plea in her voice pulled at something in Leo's chest. "It's a gift, and I'd be sad if I couldn't play with it anymore."

In an instant, Camilla's resolve came crashing down and she was pulling Corrin into a tight hug, snuggling her cheek against the smaller girl's face. "Oh, you're so cute. Of course you can keep anything you want!"

Sensing the gloom had lifted from her older sisters, Elise joined in the hug as well. "Me too, me too! I want a hug, too!"

All three girls were laughing now, and unlike before, the bright sound of it didn't annoy Leo this time.

"All right, time for lunch. Go and hurry to the dining hall." Camilla said as she stood up. "You don't want to keep Xander and the staff waiting any longer."

Both girls did as their oldest sister asked, fulfilling her request and having a last bit of fun at the same time. He watched as they broke into a race, with Elise chasing after the faster Corrin. When they were gone, Leo noticed that Camilla was staring at Corrin's toy again.

Leo walked to her side, taking caution. "Sister, is something the matter?"

She was a few years younger than Xander, but Camilla had already mastered the art of conversation. As always she was quick to recover, answering with a calm smile and an airy response. "Not at all, dear Leo. Now, go on and join the girls. I'm going to put this back in the common room for Corrin."

Leo nodded and left his sister with her thoughts, knowing that he wouldn't get any more answers from Camilla. She was particularly adept at keeping her secrets, and Leo wasn't going to challenge her because she wasn't lying. Corrin would find her ball in the common room, just as Camilla said she would.

But he also knew that his sister had noticed the same troubling fact about Corrin's toy: the apprehensive way she had looked at it confirmed his suspicions.

At some point, the ball had been a weapon. A whip, to be specific, made for lashing the skin off some poor soul.


Corrin liked mealtimes the best, and she liked them even more when her brothers and sisters could stay for them.

She once asked Jakob why he, Gunter, Flora, and Felicia didn't join them at the table. The butler told her that it "simply wasn't done". When she asked him why, he said that it was the duty of the waiting staff to stand by and take care of their lords and ladies, first. He didn't offer a reason for Gunter's absence, but even if he did, it would've bothered her all the same.

At first she felt incredibly guilty eating while the people she considered her friends stood around the table, waiting to fill her cup or take her plate. But after some reassurance from Jakob and Flora, she gradually got used to the arrangement, and seeing her siblings treat them so politely also helped.

And of course, Jakob's excellent cooking helped ease the guilt as well.

She smelled the vegetarian chowder before it was spooned into bowls. The moment Flora had set the food down in front of her, Corrin could barely contain her appetite when she saw the perfectly cut potatoes and carrots swimming in the rich creamy broth. Salad made with dark leafy greens and ripe beets was served as a side, and a big loaf of crusty white bread was set in the middle of the table. She didn't know how elaborate the meals at the castle were, but her siblings had nothing but good things to say about the food served at the fortress. Today was no exception, and Corrin was emboldened by the fact that Jakob had prepared one of her favorite foods.

Maybe it's a good sign, she thought, reaching for a slice of bread. Because it was warm to the touch, the butter she spread over it melted smoothly into its nooks and crannies.

Camilla was next to her, sitting with perfect posture and lightly scolding Elise to eat her vegetables. Her youngest sister didn't look happy but she obeyed, reluctantly spearing a beet with her fork. Like he's done so many times before, Leo sat next to Elise and ate his food with neat bites. Corrin stole a glance at his nose and was glad to see that it wasn't red anymore. Her little brother acted strong even when he was hurt or upset, and because of that, it was hard sometimes to tell his truths from his lies.

He could be stubborn, but she knew Leo didn't like to worry others. Perhaps that was why he didn't tell Camilla that Corrin had accidentally hit him with her ball. She thought about mentioning it herself, but if Leo wanted to bring it up, he would've done so. Maybe after she talked to Xander, she would ask Leo why he didn't say anything.

At the head of the table sat Xander. As she bit into her bread, Corrin watched him finally pick up his spoon. Her big brother never ate until everyone else had their food first. It was one of the many things she liked about him.

"Camilla, may I ask how your wyvern is doing?" Xander asked as the broth pooled into his spoon.

"Oh, Marzia is splendid," Camilla replied, daintily tearing her bread in half. "She's recovered for the most part from last week's skirmish. Those herbs have healed her right wing nicely."

The light banter continued over the clinking of silverware. It typically started this way with Xander or Camilla asking the first question, and then an answer would follow before someone else brought up another topic.

Corrin loved hearing her siblings talk while she ate. Their stories somehow made the food taste better, and it was nice to take part in the conversation. But today was different. She was only half-listening to what her siblings were saying, and she couldn't enjoy the chowder as much as she would've on any other day. Gunter said that he might say no, but I still want to try. She finished the last of her bread, chewing thoughtfully. I should ask after dinner. Maybe it'll be easier if it's just Xander in the room.

"Corrin."

Her big brother's voice tugged her away from her thoughts. When Corrin's eyes went to him, the prince was smiling at her. "Gunter told me that you're doing well with your studies. I'm glad to hear it."

Corrin sat a little straighter, dusting the crumbs off her fingers and folding her hands together on her lap. Although hearing Xander's compliment was nice, she was nervous. "T-thank you for saying so, Brother."

"He said you're doing particularly well with literature and history." Xander dipped his spoon in his bowl again, filling it with more chowder. "However, I imagine back-to-back lessons can grow tedious over time. Is there anything that would make your studies more interesting?"

Corrin's head picked up at that, her heart racing a little in her chest. "I can ask for something?"

Camilla laughed softly, dipping her bread into her bowl. "Yes, sweet Corrin. That's what our dear brother is trying to say."

Corrin gripped the skirt of her dress, gathering her courage for what she wanted to ask. Instead of asking after dinner, now might be a better time to make her request. She could feel Camilla and Xander's eyes on her, and Corrin was no good with coming up with answers on the fly.

All she could think of was the one thing that's kept her awake at night ever since she learned that it would snow soon.

"Then, can I go outside?"

There was no immediate response to her question, but the voiceless expressions around the table said plenty. Across from her, Elise sat wide-eyed and Leo stared blankly at Corrin over his half-eaten chowder. Camilla's fingers were raised to her lips, as if Corrin had uttered some kind of profanity. Xander looked just as shocked, and she began to wonder if she really did say something bad.

Suddenly, she realized her mistake. Oh, you didn't explain how it's related to your lessons!

"We've been studying the geography and climates of Nohr," she began, determined to clear up the confusion. "My tutor said that the mountains get snow before the rest of the kingdom. I thought that if I went outside, I could learn more about winter."

"That's such a great idea!" Elise exclaimed, being the first of their siblings to speak. The enthusiasm was clear in her voice, and Corrin was sure that good manners were what kept her from jumping in her seat. "We could go sledding and build snowmen, too! Oooh, and make snow angels!"

"Hush, Elise." Leo cut in, his voice as cold as his eyes.

"Don't be like that, Leo!" Elise said, pouting. "We'd still make time for learning stuff!"

"It's not our place to speak," Corrin caught the unspoken warning behind Leo's sharp gaze as he straightened his back against his chair. "Now hold your tongue."

His authoritative tone must've surprised Elise just as much as it did Corrin. Instead of teasing Leo like she usually would, the little girl said nothing more and bowed her head. With her downcast eyes and hunched shoulders, Corrin wished she could give Elise a hug right then, but she was too confused to act on it.

Not sure of what to make of Leo or Elise's behavior, she turned toward her older siblings. Camilla wasn't speaking, but the sadness in her eyes sent a painful twinge through Corrin's heart.

"Corrin…"

For the second time today, Xander's voice caught her attention. She raised her eyes to his, and she could see the regret that softened the noble features of his face. "What you ask for can't be done. Father wants you to remain inside the fortress for the time being."

Silence filled the room until Corrin could find the courage to speak again. "I've been here for almost three seasons now. He really doesn't think I'm ready yet?"

Her older brother shook his head, never breaking eye contact with her. "He has his reasons and for now, we must heed them."

"Lord Xander, if I may."

Everyone's eyes went to Jakob, who had stepped away from his post against the wall. Flora and Felicia remained in place, their eyes cast down, but Corrin knew they were listening as Jakob spoke. "I believe that occasionally venturing outside would be in Lady Corrin's best interest. The brisk mountain air would help her health and refresh her mind from hour-long lessons." Jakob stood upright as he spoke, but he retained a respectful tone toward Corrin's older brother. "If safety is King Garon's concern, I assure you that Lady Corrin would not venture past the courtyard. I would see to that myself."

"W-we would, too!" Compared to her tranquil sister, Felicia was shaking from what Corrin assumed was nerves, but determination flashed in her blue eyes. "We wouldn't let Lady Corrin out of our sight for a second! S-so please, let her go outside, even if it's just for a little!"

Flora remained motionless, but she said nothing to dissuade her sister. Xander must've noticed this as well because when he spoke next, he addressed all three of them. "I don't doubt that you all would protect Corrin, but this matter isn't up for debate." There was a sense of finality in his tone then, and she knew at that moment that no one would be able to change his mind. "The distance between here and Windmire is considerable, but this fortress is within my father's kingdom, and his word is law."

With that order, Jakob and Felicia bowed their heads and returned to their posts, and Corrin's heart sank at the sight of their crestfallen faces. They had spoken on her behalf, only to be turned down by her brother. Instead of blaming Xander or her father, all Corrin felt was an overwhelming sadness for everyone in the room. In one way or another, they were all just trying to uphold their duties.

I need to fix this.

"Big Brother, I'm sorry."

Despite the disappointment that weighed down on her, Corrin meant what she said. When she felt the weight of his eyes on her again, she didn't look away from her brother. "If Father doesn't think I'm ready yet, then I believe him. I know he just wants best for me."

After her apology, Xander regarded her silently with something that looked like remorse, and the steel in his voice was gone. "Thank you for understanding, little princess."

"Little princess". That had been his nickname for her, and hearing him say it made it easier for Corrin to smile. "I can think of something else to help with my studies. Would you please give me some time?"

"Of course. You needn't rush."

Soon after, the tension around the table began to unravel. When it was safe, Camilla lead the efforts towards another round of banter. To drive away the lingering concerns that any of her siblings had, Corrin made sure to laugh and even asked Jakob for a second helping of chowder.

King Garon hadn't visited her in a long time, but he was still her father. He turned this fortress into a home for her, and he let her brothers and sisters visit her as frequently as they did. Even if she didn't understand him, she had to be grateful for the kindnesses that he did extend to her.

No matter how lonely she got at times or how beautiful the mountains looked outside of her window, Corrin had to believe that there was a reason why she had to stay inside. She had to.


She really should've known better.

The memories of a particular awkward lunch played through Leo's head as he walked towards the common room. He surmised that Corrin might have stayed there after Camilla had taken Elise away for her nap.

When he arrived, he found no sign of his older sister and decided to take his search to the library. She might not have been as studious as he was, but reading was one of Corrin's hobbies.

There isn't much else to do when you live in near-isolation.

With that depressing thought, Leo tightened his grip on the book he carried. This particular one had come to mind on their way back to Windmire a few days ago. The journey had been unusually somber, and Elise had been the only one who mentioned Corrin's request. Eventually Camilla had placated her with a few well-chosen words, but the subject of Corrin's imposed seclusion loomed over them as they made the trek down the mountain. Even Xander was agitated enough that his horse strayed off the path a few times. In spite of his outright rejection of Corrin's request, his older brother felt guilt for his actions. Being the high prince of Nohr didn't mean that Xander enjoyed following all of their father's orders.

As he thought, Leo found Corrin in the library. He paused at the heavy double doors when he saw her sitting on the windowsill. Like all the other windows in the fortress, iron bars were set over the glass, but they didn't break Corrin's focus. Her face was turned away from him, her eyes staring at the world that she was forbidden to explore. He noticed that snow was falling against the backdrop of the grey winter sky, and he questioned if the weather was deliberately adding to his sister's misery.

Leo hesitated a moment longer before stepping into the room. When Corrin heard the sound of his boots against the stone floor, she greeted him with a smile, but there was a distant look in her eyes. "Hello, Brother. What brings you here?"

Without thinking, Leo clutched his book tighter against his side. "I was hoping to get some studying in. What about you?"

"I was looking for a book to read, but I got distracted." She turned her head towards the window again. When she didn't say anything else, Leo wondered if she was trying to count all the snowflakes as they fell.

Come on, you're here for a reason. Despite his original reason for finding her, Leo found himself at a loss for words. Had it been him in her situation, he would've felt indignant if anyone had approached him with sympathy, no matter how good their intentions were. He has learned to accept Corrin as his sister, but he still didn't know much about her as a person.

"Do you like playing in the snow?"

Her question snapped him out of his conflicting thoughts. Unlike that one stormy night back in autumn, he never wanted to lose control of his composure in her presence again. "To be honest, I don't."

"Why not?" Corrin asked, her gaze never leaving the snowy sky.

"Because I don't like how numb my fingers and face get," he said, recalling the few days in the past when he let Elise drag him outside after a snowfall. "The cold air makes it difficult to breathe, and my clothes and shoes get soaked if I'm outside for a while. It's more trouble than it's worth."

Despite his less-than-positive explanation, a soft laugh escaped Corrin's lips. "It's funny. You and Elise have such different opinions on winter."

Leo didn't know how that was funny, but he didn't argue with her. Instead, he was silent as he watched her slip her fingers through the space between the iron bars to touch the window. "I like hearing you and Elise and Camilla talk about things like snow, but I end up knowing even less after listening to you. It's hard to imagine stuff I've never seen or felt myself." Her fingers left the glass, leaving traces of their warmth on its smooth surface. She was looking at him now, and the sad smile on her lips was like a knife twisting in his chest. "Is that strange?"

He's read so many books in his short life, but none of them taught him anything about how to handle the situation he was in now. Leo didn't—couldn't—know what Corrin expected him to say, so against his better judgment, all he could say was what he was thinking. "Xander will try his best, you know."

She looked stunned by the mention of their brother's name, but Leo went on, taking advantage of her surprise and of his newfound spontaneity. "Once Father has made a decision, he rarely goes back on it. But Xander is his first heir, and he'll listen to whatever he has to say."

Listening wasn't the same as taking action, Leo knew, but it was just as important. Out of everyone in their family, Xander was the only one who could get through to their father. Their big brother had already shown the makings of a great ruler, and anyone in the kingdom could see that.

"It may take a while, but our brother will do whatever is in his power. In the meantime, don't let Xander see you mope. It won't help things, and it will only upset our sisters."

Corrin said nothing as she regarded Leo with silent astonishment. But then, the corners of her mouth lifted in a warm smile, and he was relieved by the sight of it. "You're right, Leo...I know Big Brother will try his best. I'll try not to worry him or anyone else."

For all his boldness just now, Leo couldn't think of anything else to say. Another moment of silence passed between them, and it was only broken when Corrin brought up another question. "Is that what you're studying?"

Realizing that she was referring to the book under his arm, Leo welcomed the change in topic and found his courage again. He went to the windowsill where she sat, placing the book next to her. "A scholar who led an expedition through the frozen wastelands put it together. This book was made entirely from her notes on the wildlife and plants she came across."

As the snow continued to fall, Corrin's eyes grew round and bright with wonder. "There are plants that can grow in snow and ice?"

Leo nodded, encouraged by his sister's interest in the book. "Of course. They aren't as common as the plants you'd find in spring, but they exist." He turned opened the book to a page that he had specifically marked. "See this blue one here? It only grows at the foot of glaciers, and it's one of the rarest flowers in the world."

Corrin's lips parted, amazed by the detailed portrait of the flower that he pointed to. "That's amazing, but what's a 'glacier'?"

Noticing that the tips of her pointed ears were red from the cold that emanated off the window, Leo convinced her to move to a place at the table. For the rest of the afternoon, they sat side-by-side with the book between them. Normally he enjoyed his solitude, especially when it came to reading. But as he sat next to Corrin, switching between moments of reading in silence and answering her questions, he couldn't deny that sharing a book with her was more enjoyable than he thought.

He stole a glance at her every now and then as she leafed through the pages with interest, pausing occasionally to admire a passage or a sketch of an animal or flower. As he watched her in silence, he acknowledged that he had no clue when or if his father would let Corrin leave the fortress. He hated the uncertainty, yet as the fourth oldest child, he had little say in King Garon's decisions.

All he was sure of was that the man couldn't be bothered to give Leo the time of the day, but Corrin wasn't like their father at all. That was why he was here, reading with her and keeping her from wallowing in sadness.


Writer's Note(s): Ugggh, sorry writing took longer than I thought. I hoped you enjoy it either way!

1) From all the support dialogues I've read playing all three branches, I couldn't find any hard numbers for the characters' ages. So, I'll be estimating Leo and Corrin's ages as the story goes along.

2) I really liked writing about Elise, Camilla, and Xander, and they'll be showing up in later chapters. Their interactions were what I loved about playing Conquest. Yay for Nohrian Scum!

3) SLIGHT SPOILER (I THINK?) IF YOU DIDN'T PLAY CONQUEST:
In his support conversation, Gunter will tell Corrin a story about how he made a ball for her out of a whip. Garon had told him to teach her how to talk properly using good ol' corporal punishment, and Gunter couldn't do it. I wanted to add that support in some small way because I thought it was sad but touching!

Thank you for reading and for following along! Until next time ^_^