IMPORTANT - Here you have it, folks. Another day and another chapter. This is should prove especially enjoyable for fans of Nohr. My goal here was to set the scene for something intense in the final chapter. Be sure to read until the end and share your thoughts. There's a certain couple in this chapter that could have a lot of focus next part.

With that in mind, let's begin. Shall we?

Decision

Windmire. The Nohrian heartland. A bustling city in the centre of a deep crater, circled by masses of fortress-like walls for protection. You never believed in your whole life that you'd come far into the belly of the beast. This is the capital of King Garon's brutal campaign for domination. Trekking across its length and breadth is staggering. This whole place is a sprawling urban maze.

You're resigned to following Charlotte as to not lose your sense of direction. The way she navigates every winding corner and gloomy avenue is impressive. She's most definitely a native of this city, you reflect. If it weren't for her you would've likely ended up missing hours ago - even with Camilla's sizable army marching up ahead.

Your travels have taken you through several vastly different districts. From bustling, dirty slums not all that different to Grimvale; to a well-guarded cul-de-sac ringed by opulent stately homes - the sorts with front porches and servants quarters. The contrast remains striking, all the while. Frowning, you think of what Charlotte said in Grimvale a few days prior. Her wisdom is burned into your brain, especially after all you've seen of Nohrian living so far.

"You don't understand, clearly. We're not in sunny warm Hoshido. The trees aren't blossoming 'n the birds sure as hell aren't singing. Folk are poor, dirty 'n angry in hovels like these. They work? They eat. They fall sick? Most die..."

"There's no middle ground here," you admit solemnly. Stopping to catch your breath, you flash a pained glance Flora's way. She limps over, leaning against your shoulder for support. Your stomach knots at the sight of her. She's barely able to walk, yet she insisted on burdening you no longer.

"How are you faring?"

"I'm hurting," Flora answers, taking a sharp breath. "Fear not... I-I can keep going without issue."

You shake your head, narrowing your eyes out of concern. "A few waves of the staff won't help injuries like these. At the very least you'll need a seasoned healer - someone skilled at mending you inside and out."

Flora averts her gaze, hiding her face behind strands of hair. "I-I'll be fine. Don't be concerned with my wellbeing, Keiji."

"It's not that simple." You counter, bringing your arms around Flora's middle, drawing her close. You cuddle her softly, for comfort - for support. She nestles against you, contented within your embrace. "Your sister cares for you, Flora. If anything happens I'll never be able to look her in the eye. She'd be heartbroken."

Flora sighs exhaustedly, burying her face against your chest. Her silent tears dampen your dirtied undershirt.

"Why are you being like this?" Flora clings to you, holding on as though she'll lose you if she lets go. Her hands shudder with raw, empowered emotion. Tiny sobs fall from her chapped lips. "I don't deserve kindness, not after the horrible things I've put you through..."

"Don't be silly. I made myself a promise," you tell her, holding on tightly. "Besides, nobody is perfect. Seeing Nohr makes that all too clear to me. I've had time to think; to reflect. No matter what it takes... I have to keep you safe."

"You can't," replies Flora. Defeated, she gazes through you with glassy, watery eyes of blue. "The law of the land demands traitors like me be punished. They'll do away with me. I just know it..."

I won't let that happen. I give you my word, Flora. Thus far I've been powerless - I have to change before it's too late.

You swallow your unease and give a small, weak smile. "I'm going to protect you, Miss Flora," you insist diligently. "You deserve a chance at redemption. It's like you said. Camilla forced you to act the way you did..."

"A kind wish, but Nohrians seldom give second chances." Flora breaks away from you, thanking you for your compassion with a tiny kiss on the cheek. Limping past Charlotte (and painstakingly so) she continues on her way. The manner in which she's accepted the outcome before it has even come to pass, shakes you to the very soul.

"The strong prey on the weak," you recall, having seen just how happy the nobility of Grimvale were to stuff their faces while the commoners starved. You've seen many more examples of such behavior while walking Windmire's streets. From merchant's charging sickening prices for even the barest of essentials; to ladies of the night flaunting their bodies in the name of earning piles of coin from voracious soldiers.

"Come over here!" Charlotte bellows, waiting behind for you to join her. Together, you both continue on the way, deeper into the expanse of the city. She slaps you playfully against the arm, giving a quick, teasing wink. The lass has certainly gotten touchy since your encounter at the inn. "Keep scowling 'n your face will stick that way," she jokes, "Wouldn't want that, would ya?"

You scowl harder, letting your discontent show through. "This city is really quite something..."

"You got a problem?" Charlotte snorts. "Does Windmire not appease those high-and-mighty Hoshidan morals of yours?"

A problem? Where would you even begin? You could go on a tirade. Instead, you bite your tongue and keep going. You were told to expect violently stark contrasts in Nohr. A brief glimpse at a border town did little to prepare you for Nohrian living at its fullest. "You were raised here. How did you last?"

"Life was tough - especially in the poorhouses to the East of Krakenburg." Charlotte puffs out her chest, proud all the same. "If somebody hit me, I socked them twice as hard. Somebody stole, I'd steal back twice the loot. Drunks caused my old man trouble at the tavern he guarded? I kicked their arses good 'n proper. That's the Nohrian way of things."

Charlotte's answer makes you chuckle, if only briefly. "Foolish of me. I should have known you'd say something along those lines."

"Then why ask? Trying to convince yourself I have a warmer side? Cuz guess what? I don't."

Now that isn't entirely true, especially if you consider the aftermath to your romantic rendezvous the other day. You haven't dwelled greatly during your travels. You've been far more concerned with escorting Flora on the first few legs of the journey. In hindsight however, Charlotte was very gentle back at the inn when the flames of passion died down.

"You certainly held me tenderly for a Miss of such a brash demeanour," you tease. "Even the lassies of Hoshido don't latch on so hard."

Charlotte's freckled cheeks shine pink. She grumbles something under her breath, thumping you so hard that you stagger. "Shut it," she groans, snatching you by the arm, yanking you closer. You're hauled along, touting a victorious smirk as you go. "Stick with me 'n quit falling outta line."

At least this grim advance toward Windmire's castle has given you a handful of things to enjoy in the passing days. The company of this rowdy, busty blonde is one of them. Whatever fate awaits you within this foreign; brutal place, you can at least find gratitude in that much.

Time bleeds into nothingness. Your legs feel heavy from so much walking. Your feet are getting sluggish. Thankfully, at the end of a wide street (dotted on both sides with more luxurious two-story homes) are the beginnings of a huge, artistically designed stone bridge. Faceless statues stand tall and imposingly - silent guardians at its foot.

Meanwhile, the commoners scatter at the sight of Camilla's incoming army.

You pause. A seemingly bottomless gorge spreads out beneath the bridge - An wide inky black mouth that threatens to swallow any who lose their footing and fall. Camilla's soldiers fan out into two organized lines and keep marching. Staying put, you snap nervously between the statues and the endless plunge beneath your feet. A nervy lump forms in your throat.

"Krakenburg Bridge," says Charlotte, stopping next to you. She leans over the edge of the bridge's guardrail, bringing out a single rusted bronze coin from behind her back. Where she got it is anyone's guess, but you wouldn't be shocked if she stole it from your drawstring bag. "The royal family's last line of defence against invaders. They say the hole beneath is miles deep - Watch this. Nothin' ever hits the bottom."

Charlotte flips and catches the coin a few times for good measure, flicking it away with her thumb on the fourth go around. You stay focused on the single brownish dot amidst the endless murk, watching helplessly as it's swallowed. True to Charlotte's words, you never hear it clink below. Seconds slowly turn to minutes. Nothing. You shiver fearfully.

"We threw people down here until just a few years ago." Charlotte grins coldly, edging back from the guardrails. "These days, King Garon fancies the headsman. Messy, but it keeps rebellious sorts from getting ideas."

"Wonderful, truly..." You keep pushing ahead, fighting to scrub Charlotte's frightful words from your thoughts.

Getting to the other side of Krakenburg Bridge brings face-to-face with the opening to a mighty castle with its portcullis raised. Large branching archways span out to the eastern and western sides of you, again lined with the statues of fearsome Faceless. At the centre of these archways stand mighty keeps with further bleak stone fortifications - barracks. Spearmen and knights busy themselves with combat drills, while burly, scantily clad men and women practice no-holds-barred fist fighting. Sparks fly. Swords clang against armor. And knuckles collide with flesh. Those without wills to keep fighting are bludgeoned, beaten down without mercy.

The army comes to an abrupt halt with a clap from Camilla, snapping your attention away from the barbarity. With a single "Dismissed," from their mistress, the hulking dozens of steel-clad warriors break ranks, funnelling off to the keeps at either side of you. The rapturous clanking makes your ears ring for the longest time. Slowly but surely, their numbers thin out.

Camilla sticks close to her pigtailed, redhead bodyguard, Selena.

You grab Flora by the hand, stepping away defensively. Charlotte spares you a single dangerous stare. She looks to Camilla for instruction. "Should I get 'em?"

Much to your surprise, Nohr's princess gives a commanding shake of the head. The brutal blonde stops in her tracks. "Stay there, my dear. "I'll deal with this," continues Corrin's sister. "I've seen you ogling our guest, Charlotte. I wouldn't want you having doubts..."

"But- Y-Yes, Milady." Charlotte stands down reluctantly. Her expression becomes tinged with worry. "As you ask of me."

You pull Flora behind you. "I won't let them hurt you," you assure her, "Stay behind me."

"No, Keiji, it's alright," Unfortunately, she limps from your protection. Her strained footsteps carry her nearer to Camilla. You give chase, reaching out and grabbing the frills of her grungy, muddied skirt. "Let me go," she pleads. "There's no other way."

Your chest tightens - terror stakes its claim. You see Felicia in your mind's eye. She turns away from you in disgust, weeping into her hands. Worse still, you can't shake the memory of the sisters saving your life on that once forgotten, frozen day in the Ice Tribe village.

Flora pulls free of your weak, desperate hold. Time slows; fear runs rampant through your veins. Your stomach heaves, threatening to empty into a violent puddle. You can't do this... You can't throw your life away!

Camilla whispers into Selena's ear. The redhead draws her short sword from its scabbard in reply. Second by second, Flora nears the end. Breathing deeply, she comes to a stop, falling exhaustedly at Camilla's feet. Again you feel utterly powerless, like a small; frightened child. The spectre of demise looms.

Selena's stands ready and waiting, "On your word, Lady Camilla."

I have to do something!

Camilla kneels to Flora's level. She smiles with tenderness, welcoming the lass to her bosom. "The reward for betrayal is usually death... but I'm feeling generous. A choice lies before you Flora. Will you swear fealty anew? Return to me... I'll spare you."

"No," answers the maid fearlessly. "I refuse. Nohr has no hope of winning this war. I'll not be used as a pawn anymore."

"Very well." Camilla nods in approval. Selena raises her weapon, holding it in position over Flora's neck. "Then I'm afraid your life is forfeit. Proceed, Selena."

"As you wish."

A choice lies before you. You envision Father, though his silhouette is little more than a ghost in your memories these days. You remember him kissing your mother goodbye. Yes, he never returned - but for all the anger and hate you felt, you still followed in his footsteps. You became stronger. Now, for the first time in your life, you must make a difference. Flora depends on you!

"Lady Camilla," you shout, swallowing your doubts; crushing your regrets. "Please, have your retainer hold. I have something to offer in exchange for Flora's safety." You lower to your knees before the Nohrian royal, bowing in submission with your head to the ground like a lowly dog. "I submit to you."

"My my," she chuckles coldly, gleefully. "How very curious. Selena. Stop for just a moment, dear."

You feel Camilla's palms caressing your shoulders. She grabs you by the scruff of the shirt collar, tugging you from the cold stone. Her violet eyes shine darkly, piercing you with silent ferocity like nothing you've seen before. All the while, she keeps smiling, and smiling, and smiling still. Part of you withers under her stare, but you refuse to let it show.

"There's nothing you can offer me, Hoshidan."

"My life," you reply. "My life for Flora's."

Madness overtakes Camilla - her lips curve into terrifying smirk. "You're no good to me dead. Corrin will never return to my side without persuasion. Why throw away an asset? You're worth far more to me as you are."

Forgive me, my beloved Corrin.

"Lady Camilla of Nohr," you speak stiffly, formally. With a weighty breath, you press ahead. "I, Keiji of Izami, hereby renounce my homeland and humbly request you take me into your service. In exchange, I ask that Flora be returned to Hoshido without further harm. I will do whatever you want... without question."

Flora sits bolt upright; her eyes quiver, "No! You can't!" She grabs at you by the wrist, shaking you with the tiny shreds of strength she has left. "What about Lady Corrin? How will Felicia cope? They need you far more than they need me..."

You shove Flora to the ground, ignoring her plight. If there were any other path, you'd take it. If the most you can do is save a single soul, you'll do it. Whatever happens beyond that, your conscience will feel less like an anvil in the pit of your gut.

Flora shambles slowly to her knees. She's bewildered - heartbroken. You see it in the way she's looking at you - as though you've lanced a dagger clean through her heart, shattering it. "Why?" she begs. "I'm unworthy of a second chance..."

You ignore her tearful question still, for uttering the truth in the face of this monumental task will extinguish her only hope of survival.

"A gracious offer indeed," Camilla hums. Mulling over your request, she taps her finger against her hip. The seconds drag on. A thick, chocking stillness descends. Your heart thuds like a war drum to the point where it hurts. Bittersweet relief washes over you when Corrin's older sibling presents you with her hand. You're about to take it, but she pulls away with an instant to spare. "Do surrender all that you are to me, both in body and soul, Keiji?"

"I am yours, my lady."

"Will you fight Nohr's enemies, no matter who they are?"

"I will fight them to the death."

"Will you help in returning my sister to her rightful place in the world?"

You swallow hard, suppressing the urge to vomit at this request in particular.

"... I shall ensure she returns home."

"And finally," Camilla pauses, "Even if the hells of war seperate us, do you swear to remain my loyal servant forevermore?"

"I swear it will be so."

"Very good, but know that if you turn on me, you'll be dead in an instant," warns Camilla. "Now, show your loyalty with a kiss to my hand, young swordsman."

Your lips touch against Camilla's smooth lotioned skin - your fate is sealed.

"Wonderful. I am a woman of my word. Flora will be returned to Hoshido during the next prisoner transfer. Now, rise to your feet, my devoted servant. Not as Keiji of Izami, but as Keiji of Windmire, my third retainer. You are now a denizen of Nohr."

You do as you're instructed and stand - reborn.

"Your will be done, my lady."

Camilla pulls you into a crushing hug. Gone is her coldness in a disturbing blink of the eye, replaced by a fond, almost maternal tenderness. There she keeps you, with arms coiled around your shoulders like a snake. "You're going to need new clothes, and a nice hot bath," she says adamantly, "but first." She releases you, jabbing her finger at sobbing, broken Flora. "Charlotte. Take her away, would you? Ensure she's bathed. I want her taken care of. Am I clear?"

"Perfectly clear," answers Charlotte. "She'll be looked after."

It takes a while for Charlotte to persuade Flora, but eventually she cooperates. The buxom Nohrian and the wounded maid depart, leaving you with Camilla and Selena. You stay quiet in light of all that's happened. I pray one day you'll understand, Flora.

You made the right decision. Flora is safe. Before long she'll be reunited with Felicia. Charlotte's advice served you well. Strangest of all, you don't feel much in the way of regrets - not yet, at least. Doubt isn't eating away at you like a sickness. The very notion of turning from Hoshido filled you with dread a few days ago. Now? You're surprisingly content.

Those with power are the ones who will decide the outcome of this war. The purity and honesty of Hoshido denied you countless opportunities to put your potential to use in days past. One way or another, the conflict needs to end. Not just for Nohr and Hoshido, but for the women you love.

Whatever the outcome, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you achieved more than Father.

You haven't tossed your life on the fire for nothing.

Flora's is testament to that.

A life for a life. An eye for an eye.

Hoshidan honor isn't enough to end this war. Maybe, just maybe, Nohrian might is what it will take.

In the passing week you've been lorded over by Camilla's servants. You've been granted a gorgeous room in Castle Krakenburg's outer wing - a bedchamber filled to the brim with fine artwork and lavish decoration. Gold trim lines the velvet sheets of your four-poster bed. Three hearty meals have been prepared for you seemingly like clockwork each day. Anything you've requested (from a bath drawn to a change of clothing) has been provided at the drop of a hat.

You've been given but one instruction from your new mistress in exchange for all of this kindness.

"You're forbidden to leave this room until my seamstress finishes preparing your new battle attire," she told you sternly, but not before sweeping you into a hug first. "Now be a good boy and stay right here. I'll send for you when everything is ready."

So in this very room you've waited - with countless bottles of wine for company. So many in fact, that they line one of the oaken dressers nearest to your bed. Exhaling, you lean into the chair at the foot of your grand dining table, pondering your place in life.

A lonesome knock on the door shatters the silence of your comfy abode.

"Do come in," you call out. "It's open."

The door squeaks - its hinges scream. Uncaring of your visitor, you begin pouring another cup of drink.

"Keiji," Flora's voice brings you to an abrupt pause. "I-I wanted to talk to you."

Felicia's sister stands by the door, her palms held neatly in her lap. She's clean and freshly dressed. Her wounds have been treated and bandaged; the swelling around her face has begun going down as a result. She's been pampered in her time here, clearly.

"I had to see you," she insists. "They send me off to the Hoshidans at sunrise."

You stand, greeting Flora. A nervous twinge shoots down your spine.

"I'm glad," you respond nervously, knocking back a hard mouthful of booze. "That's all I wanted, for you to be safe."

Flora grabs the frills of the lovely royal purple dress she's been given. She hangs her head. Tears leak from her eyes. "Why?" She asks you again. That same god-awful question. "I-I won't leave until you answer me."

Free from those who would pry, you're able to say what you please. No sooner than you try however, does your throat tighten. You respond in the only way you can. Meeting Flora by the door, you sweep her into a gentle cuddle.

"Why forgive me?" She asks again, this time sadly, painfully. "I was prepared to let you die."

"A life for a life. An eye for an eye." You admit. "Many years ago a pair of twin girls saved me from drowning... I'm indebted to those girls."

If you don't speak the truth now, you never will.

"I care for them both... for very different reasons."

"You-" Flora chokes, "You feel something for me?"

"Yes. You showed me the importance of remaining true to yourself. You stumbled at first - but you were fearlessly loyal at Krakenburg Bridge, even as death stared you in the face. I've... never been fearless - always questioning myself; always wanting more than I've had. I'm selfish, Flora..."

"Name one person who isn't," replies the maid. "I'm no better. Honestly, I wished Corrin went to the Ice Tribe Village, not you. For the longest time I hoped she'd join me. I knew how she felt for you... I wanted her out of the way."

Flora's revelation does little to anger you. If anything, it proves how far she's come.

"It doesn't matter now. You strove to remain loyal in the end. You accept your true-self. You don't cower, unlike me."

"What do you truly desire, Keiji?" Flora brushes her fingertips against your cheek, smiling tearfully.

You sigh deeply, closing your eyes. The revel in the deepest, darkest depths of your soul, letting everything you've locked away over the years go free. "I want to stand over Father's grave having ended this war, knowing I became more of a man than he never was. I wish for You, Corrin; and Felicia at my side. I don't want to lose any of you... The very notion fills me with dread."

It feels nice to speak the truth at long last. "And I suppose," You smile faintly, "Charlotte's a good lass too."

"Do you feel better now?" asks Flora. "If so, I have one final thing I to ask... before I leave."

"I do, yes. My thanks, Miss Flora," you exhale. "I no longer feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Now, please speak your mind."

"O-Okay." Flora turns to face you; her cheeks glow red against the fleeting evening candlelight. "Fnally, a chance," she raps. "I still feel for you, Keiji, so very dearly. Will you kiss me goodbye?" She waits eagerly for your answer. "Please cherish me... if only for an instant."

Do you continue burying your feelings in lieu of doing the right thing? Or do you embrace them fully?

Whatever the case, you're certain of one thing. Here in Nohr, nobody will stop you.

To be concluded...

There you have it, folks. The next chapter will be the last one before I begin storyboarding the continuation. Did you enjoy it? Would you be interested in seeing more of Keiji and Flora while they have the chance? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts.

As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the final chapter. Thanks again!