A/N: This chapter is going to be a, hopefully, two-parter… but, then again, I said that for the Fire Tribe, and that ended up being three parts.
Also, I wanted to clarify: Camilla did take Corrin, Elise, Felicia, and Hinoka on that shopping trip two chapters ago, I just didn't actually go into detail.
Guest (Ch. 24, 5/28 7:30 AM): Wasn't really planning on making this a harem, just Corrin having two wives… but, then again, I didn't have a lot of the stuff that has happened planned, so we'll see.
Curse of Whimsy: It was fun typing those up. Frankly, the biggest challenge was brewing something up for Hinoka to give her an edge, and that orange slice piece literally popped out of nowhere. I was like, "Sure, why not?"
Camilla spent most of her life fighting in some form. It must have felt weird to her, waking up somewhere that is just… safe. Elise is also slowly getting bolder, isn't she? It won't be long until she and Corrin start 'Pillow Pouncing'... And I figured Felicia would have at least some of Corrin's and Elise's routines mentally memorized. "Stomach growling in three, two, one…"
Prickly and sweet Selena… but more prickly. 80% prickly, 20% sweet. Remember kids, tsundere responsibly, take those moments of sweetness as well as you can and be prepared to pull back your hands when the prickly returns.
Half-beastdragonsoul2013: Of course it's possible! The question is, will I actually go and do that…
ZygardeFusion: Ooo, hiding reasons from the masses, hm? I don't blame you. Well, you already know what I had to say to all of that, so…
Enjoy the chapter!
Corrin slowly opened his eyes to a light… it is paradoxically intense, but also gentle. Given how bright it is, Corrin's eyes by all means, should be hurt, he should be closing them again, but… nope. The light around him is warm, just enough to give him a sense of… comfort.
Though, the second he noticed that neither Elise or Felicia is by his side as he rises, knew he was not in the castle right now.
"Ushas?" He assumes.
The light around him shifts in intensity, and he can hear gentle flapping… more akin to a Pegasus, rather than a wyvern. A… puff-ball of white is in the distance, an aura of smooth yellow light surrounding it. Slowly the form enlarges, becoming the shape of a large dragon… except, this one has feathers lining its… no, her body. Given her size, he would expect a loud landing, but again, nope… She touches down without much more than a whisper of noise.
Even her face is more aviary than draconic.
"My child." She coos. "It enlightens my heart to see you alive." She looks him over, almost acting more like a mother, than a Dragon Goddess. "Hm, I believe your name is…" She trails off. "Corrin?"
This is the first time a Dragon God addressed him by name, too. "That is correct, Dawn Dragon."
"Please, don't be so formal." Ushas slowly lowers her aviary/draconic body, meeting him at eye level… or at least, as much as eye-level as a massive Dragon Goddess can. "I understand the reverence my people hold for me, but I dislike that disconnect. I wish to speak to my own as family."
…
Family.
"What should I call you, then?" He asks.
Tick, tock. Ushas seems unsure. "Friend. Any of the terms used to describe a friend… or family."
"As a friend?"
"Is that too uncomfortable for you?" Her head slightly tilts, then sighs. "Very well, if it bothers you that greatly… you may refer to me from my title." She actually sounds sad about it.
"May I ask, why did you summon me to your realm, Dawn Dragon?"
"...I must apologize for not doing so earlier. I had wanted to speak to you sooner, as I wanted to see your health for myself." Her form is surrounded by light, as Gugurang's was covered in fire, and also as with the Fire Dragon, the Dawn Dragon shifted into a smaller human form. Her skin is as almost as white as Her feathers. She wears a pure white dress, which looks like it's silk-based, but Corrin assumes it is something of a far higher quality. Her blonde hair flows down Her back… even with the current ponytail She has. She takes a few steps towards him, a gentle smile on Her face… Her eyes have a yellow glow behind them. "I have been busy, my child. The amount of prayers of requests have been steadily rising, and I'm afraid that even I can't answer all the cries for help." Her expression turns pained, "So many are falling, and I have neither the energy or enough time to assist all."
"...but, you have so many followers. I… I can understand if the Water Dragon couldn't, but you?"
She slowly nods, "While yes, it's true that Dusk and I have the most followers, and that the more a Dragon God has, the more power they possess… Corrin, you need to understand. Dragon Gods are not all-powerful. It's a bitter irony, we're placed upon the highest honors, deemed to be able to do anything, but the harsh reality is… we aren't. We aren't perfect. We can tire out. We can make mistakes. We can't be everywhere at once. We can't heal an entire village in an instant. We can't undo damage done in the blink of an eye."
Now it is him who tilts his head, "But, the Fire Dragon God…"
"We all have our own faults. Dusk, Fire, Wind, and Ice all believe I am 'too gentle' with my people. Dusk, Wind, Ice, Water, and myself believe that Fire trials His people too often. Do you understand?"
"Each Dragon Gods has their own way of treating Their people?"
She smiles, "That is correct, Corrin. I'm happy you understand." Corrin truly understands… Ushas is so… so…
Motherly.
"The Water Dragon informed me He wanted you to Bless me."
She cringes, "He did. I ache at the memory." Huh? "I knew something was going on, but I dare not cross the boundaries between realms. Perhaps… Perhaps if I had interfered, then Water wouldn't have reached such a critical state. Perhaps His people would still be thriving, had I offered them shelter." Tears are even streaking down Her face. "Perhaps… it is because of my inaction that costed Mizuchi His people… and almost His own life." The rain falls, but… it does fall stronger than before.
"It isn't your fault, Dawn Dragon." He tries to reassure Her… which is a foreign feeling.
A mortal, a human… comforting a Goddess?
"I thank you for your words, Corrin." She bows. "It comforts me knowing that you think that." She takes a breath and steadies herself, "But yes, He approached His and my boundary, pleading for me to Bless one of His own… who also happened to be my own. You. He feared for His tribe, and He wished that, if two Blessed one, then His tribe's future would be secured. I quickly agreed."
"Thank you, Dawn Dragon. For finding me worthy of your Blessing." He bows, "Even though I must admit, I don't know how it has manifested yet."
"It will show itself in due time, Corrin." She gentle nods. "Do not to try and force it out. Let it rise up on its own… as the sun does every day, and how it falls every night." She takes a step back, and raises an arm… to which it begins glowing. "I'm afraid I haven't spoken with my own Communer in some time, due to my frequent tasks." Her arm turns into a much smaller version of her true form's leg. "I do not wish to demean you with such mundane tasks, but would you mind acting the courier for me?"
"Of course, whatever you need done." He quickly agrees.
She smiles, "Thank you, Corrin." She doesn't even flinch as she plucks several feathers from her own arm… leg, whichever it can be considered right now. "One for my Communer. One for you, and…" She fans the three out, "One for the youngest princess, Sakura."
He gently grabs the offered feathers… they are softer than any material he has ever felt… even the stems. "Consider it done, but… if you don't mind me asking why?"
"My Communer and I have a lengthy gift-trading record with her… and it's been a while since I gave mine. I wish to give one for you as a sign that your recovery is on my mind. I'm afraid I cannot heal you myself, but I wish the best. As for young Sakura? It warms my heart to see her openly treat so many wounded every day. I am so relieved to see that she has taken to such hospitality. While I do forever wish Mikoto many years of peaceful rule… should she ever be in a situation, I would want Sakura to be my next Communer."
"Little sister…" Corrin smiles. "Oh, she said that she was Blessed, but she was unsure."
Ushas lightly giggles, "Yes, I have Blessed young Sakura. Again, as with yours, it will rise when it is ready to." Once more, light covers Her form, and She shifts back into Her feathery part-bird, part-dragon form. "I need to return to my people, Corrin. I will speak to you another time. Be safe, stay enlightened… embrace the dawn." Her wings, almost silently, flap as She rises and flies away.
The world around him flashes a brilliant light…
Corrin gently yawns and rises from his bed. Elise is still sound asleep, but Felicia is up. "Good morning, love." While she is smiling, he can't help but notice a tinge of… disappointment. "Your… morning tea is cold. I'm sorry, I thought I had the timing right, taking into consideration how much stuff we did yesterday, but I didn't figure it out right and…"
He laughs, "It's okay, Felicia. Everyone makes…" He pauses, "mistakes." Huh, what a coincidence.
"Love? You seem… huh?" Felicia has taken a few steps closer, "Ooo, where did you get those? Wait… how did you wake up without me knowing?!"
He follows her line of sight to his left hand, where Felicia would have been sleeping. In his grasp lies Ushas's three feathers. "The Dawn Dragon summoned me to Her realm." He states. "She wants me to deliver three of Her feathers." Elise mumbles something incoherent, turns in her sleep, then lets out an admittedly, very unlady-like snore. "One for my mother, one for my little sister… and one for me." He continues, after managing to not laugh from Elise's display. He reaches out and strokes her hair, which is currently not bound to her twin pigtails.
"Those are Her feathers?" Felicia leans in closer… and falls onto the bed.
Elise, somehow, remains asleep.
"They are." He nods, before separating one from the rest. "Here, feel it."
Felicia comically stretches out, like she forgot she can simply get up and walk a bit closer. "Ooo…" She hums, "I never felt anything that soft. It's… really resilient, too." She pokes at one of the strands with her fingernail… to which the strand of feather chips away at her fingernail. Looks can be deceiving, it seems. Ushas's feathers must be as strong as the other Dragon Gods' scales. "Oh…" She frowns as she hands the feather back, then inspecting her fingernail. "Aw… well, I suppose I should have expected Her feather to be durable."
Elise suddenly clamps onto Corrin's arm, which causes him to smile. "Does Elise always move around so much?"
Felicia giggles, "She's a deep sleeper when you're with her. If she isn't woken up beforehand, she'll easily sleep past lunch."
"Is she alright? It happens everytime?" He frankly, never noticed.
"Perhaps she just relaxes when she's with you." Felicia smiles off his worries. "If you don't mind, I would like to prepare another cup of tea." She takes one step and…
"Actually, Felicia?" He asks, causing her to halt, "I think I would rather have you in bed." A beat passes, and his face flushes, "Uh, n-not that, I mean… but to just, cuddle." He sheepishly smiles.
She tilts her head, "You… rather not have tea?"
"I would rather have… wait." He gives her a stern look, "Felicia, what are you thinking right now?"
She squeaks and her eyes slightly widen… then looks away. "Trying to not think about… pleasuring you." She admits. "I… need to admit. I almost gave in." She takes a spot on the bed and reaches for Corrin's side… then slightly lowers it. "I… felt an urge. I was so close to dropping down and taking you in my mouth." She looks away, ashamed. "There, I said it. I told you I would not hide my troubles… and I did it. You must be so disappointed in me, all this time and I'm still wanting to do nothing but service you. What would Flora think of this? That her sister is still a… a… whore!"
"Felicia!" Corrin snaps back. "Don't call yourself that." She retreats into herself… "Gods, love. Shh, it's okay."
Elise shuffles around again, but this time she actually rises. "Watz all of sounds?" She wearily asks, rubbing some sleep from her eyes. "Why love not sleep?" She yawns, "Felicia? What's wrong? C'mere, lemme snuggle you…" She reaches out with her arms… with her eyes still half-lidded.
Corrin nods at Felicia, "How about you rest in for the day?" He suggests. "I'll go out, deliver Her feathers, and spend some time with my family, okay?" He kisses her forehead, causing a pleasurable amount of cold to surge across him.
"O-okay… I love you, Corrin." Now calm, she smiles, and returns the kiss. "I'll see you later." Slowly the two shift around until Felicia is lying where Corrin was at, who accepts Elise's offer of cuddles. With Ushas's feathers in hand, he walks out of their room.
At least Felicia is trying.
Corrin gently steps out into the hallway, before pocketing two of Her feathers onto his waist and placing the last one as a hair ornament, right above his ear. Just having Her feather there was enough to send an aura of calm about him… and to think, that is a single feather. He has a hard time imagining the Dragon Gods having limits like Ushas has claimed. Besides, Gugurang said He would turn anyone who crosses into Their realms into ashes… that would be, wait… Ushas also spoke about not wanting to cross the 'boundary' between each of the realms. Are there rules?
Why are the Dragon Gods contradicting each other?
"Lord Takumi!" He hears a feminine voice call out. "She's in the training grounds, and…" He can almost feel the hostility in her tone.
"Oboro, who?"
"Her." A short pause, "Wing Clipper."
"Oboro, she has a name." His little brother pushes. "Listen, I'm not thrilled to have three Nohrians in the castle, but we need to respect them. They aren't evil."
"She almost killed Princess Hinoka." By now, Corrin has peaked his head around the door, seeing Takumi trying to calm a clearly livid dark-blue hair woman, she has a naginata strapped on her back. "And what about…"
"Oboro, please." He then looks past her, "Uh, it's good to see you, brother." He stiffly nods.
"...huh? Oh." Oboro turns around, "Oh! Hello, Lord Corrin!" He almost missed it, but when she turned around, he saw the worst possible face of anger. Yet, it vanished upon seeing him. "My name is Oboro, and I am one of Lord Takumi's retainers! Pleased to meet you!"
"H-hello, Oboro." He somewhat hesitant greets. "And you t-t-too, br-brother…" Oh, how he wishes he had Felicia or Elise with him, but… in that moment, he feels a surge of soothing presence, starting from his head.
It seems Ushas's feather has responded to his distress, and promptly soothed him. "So… how's it going?" Takumi continues. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did sleep well… and I feel pretty good." Talking is even coming easier to him in this moment. "What about you?"
He casually shrugs, perhaps noticing how relaxed Corrin is becoming. "Pretty well… not great, but not bad." He extends an arm to Oboro, "Like she said, her name is Oboro. She is one of my retainers… she's excellent with a naginata, and she knows a lot about tailoring, too."
She smiles, "If you need any needlework done, lemme know, alright?"
Corrin nods, then… "What was my big sister doing?"
Oboro tilts her head, "Huh? I didn't see Princess Hinoka yet today."
"Oboro, he means his adoptive big sister… the once-Princess Camilla." Takumi clarifies and…
Corrin startles as that look rears its head, it's so intense that Corrin almost shrunk back in fear. Perhaps it's only due to Her feather that he didn't. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lord Corrin." Oboro seems to have realized that fact, "It's just… I have a really bad experience with Nohr and everytime a Nohrian is mentioned, I just…" She takes a breath, "My face just twists into anger. I can't help it."
For a moment, Corrin considered gifting her the feather Ushas has given him, but… She gave it to him, specifically, and he can't help but think he is going to need it later because of that. "As long as you're willing to try and work around it, I'll be fine." Corrin instead says. Perhaps he should go and visit Camilla right quick? He also wonders how accepting the others have been on Camilla's presence.
Or, as she is more widely known… 'Wing Clipper'.
"...hey, Corrin?" Takumi asks, "If you're fine with it… would you like to… I dunno. Walk, or something?" He looks unsure at best, "Maybe we could… get some lunch?"
Breathe, breathe, Corrin nods, "I… could do that, later. Yes. I… actually need to deliver a few things, first."
"Huh, delivery?" Oboro starts, "Uh, if you don't mind, maybe I should?" She offers, "Who would make a Royal do something as mundane as…"
"I chose to." He cuts her off. "Even if it wasn't a request from the Dawn Dragon, I would have done it anyway."
A blanket of silence covers the area. "Huh?!" Takumi stumbles back, "Th-the Dawn Dragon… what!?"
Corrin reaches to his waist and pulls out the other two feathers, "Yeah, She wanted me to deliver Her feathers to mother and Sakura."
Oboro takes a step closer, as does Takumi, "One of Her feathers?" The naginata-wielder tilts her head. "Wow, they're beautiful…" She breathes.
"I can feel… peacefulness?" Takumi asks, before stopping. "We… shouldn't hold you up, then." He continues, if in a more stiffed manner. "I'll talk to you later, alright?" His little brother nods with a smile.
Corrin returns it with a small smile of his own, "Okay, I like the sound of that."
"See you later, Lord Corrin!" Oboro smiles.
A little more stiff, he nods, "You… too." Her expression drops just a bit, but it's not like he can really help it. He simply can't discard that look of pure malice she had earlier. Corrin steps back, then another, and he exits the room.
"...My apologies, Lord Takumi." He hears Oboro speak. "I didn't intend to…" Corrin was out of earshot for whatever else was being said.
"Greetings Lord Corrin." Is what he receives as an occasional greeting, or it's, "I hope your day is going well, Lord Corrin." "May She watch over you today."
He would reply in kind… as this is so much better when compared to his treatment in the Northern Castle, where guards would pin him against the wall or shove him around. Even the guards and servants here make him feel at home.
"Oh!" When he happened to round a corner, there stood none other than Camilla. She is more rested than she was, but she still seems like she could use so much more sleep. "My darling Corrin!" Without missing a beat, his big sister dashes over and scoops him up into a hug. "How are doing today? Did you sleep well? Hm, where's Felicia and Elise? Are they well? They haven't fell ill, have they?"
He chuckles as she peppers him with kisses, "I-I'm well, big… big sister." He openly smiles. "Elise was still sleeping when I left, and I asked Felicia to just relax today. I'm sure they will do something later."
"Then… you're alone?" She tilts her head, and he notices that she has recently washed. If it wasn't for the small amount of light reflecting off of her skin, it would probably be the scent of… cherry blossoms? There's also another difference. Gone is her Malig Knight armor, and she has a kimono over her. While the majority sports a more Nohrian style, as in the color being a light purple, there are also… small wave designs? There are also a few trees of varying styles… Ushas and Mizuchi are also on here.
"I'm going to visit my family, but as of right now, yes." He nods, "But, it… actually doesn't bother me. Big sister, I feel safe here. Even the guards and servants are so nice to me. Uh, how about you? You aren't experiencing any trouble, because of… you know, the 'Wing Clipper'?"
She ever so slightly frowns. "It's the toss of a coin for the reactions I get. Some will see me as a beautiful woman, others refer to me as a cold murderer." She pauses, "Darling? I have a request, if you don't mind."
He hums, "Of course, whatever you need, big sister."
"I want to show that I've cut my ties with Nohr, and I believe that the best and quickest way is through actions. However, since there aren't any battles with Nohr, I figured that the next best thing would be to teach how to better counter Nohrian fighting styles…" She takes a breath, "I want to visit Princess Hinoka and the other Sky Knights, but I'm worried that without someone important backing me up, that I'll be either ignored, or sent out entirely. So, my question is: Would it be too much to walk with me?"
"I'd be happy to." He offers a smile.
"Oh, you are so sweet…" She then, of all things, takes him by the hand. "This means so much to me, dear. Alright, let's go." She announces as she takes the lead.
"Do you know how to get there?" He asks… but considering the confidence in her steps, it seems…
"Nope." She states without a care. "Don't worry, though, training grounds are never hard to find." Shrugging to himself, Corrin lets himself be lead by the once-Princess Camilla.
"Big sister?" He starts, "About Nohr…" She slightly stiffens, "You were sent on missions a lot, right?"
"I was…" There is sorrow in her voice.
"What were the villagers like?" Maybe they were different?
"Hm…" She hums, "It depends on the state of the village itself." She starts off with, "There were some that held considerate people, most didn't bother with travelers, then… there are the few that rival the slums in Krakenburg." A short pause, "I remember meeting up with my retainers one day in a village… one that I chosen, of course. It wasn't the first time we used that village, mind you. However, they suffered recent attacks, bandits ransacked the supplies, a pack of Wolfskin took some of the… fatter people away."
"G-gods…" Corrin breathes.
"According to Beruka, the night they slept in the inn… it turned out that the bandits never really left. Two dozen corpses were strewn about the inn, the majority being either in Beruka's or Selena's rooms, or in the hallway outside of their rooms. But… not all of them were truly bandits, just villagers who had family taken by the bandits, forcing them to fight."
"...Beruka and Selena had to kill them?"
"As I understand, most of the villagers that died were used as… shields. Dear, you need to understand, there were too many to strike with careful precision…" She trails off, leaving the implication definite.
It was killed or be killed.
"But, wait! How would it benefit the bandits to kill your retainers? If anything, that would just cause more trouble!" Something isn't adding up here.
"Beruka used to work as an assassin. Unfortunately, simply taking a position as my retainer doesn't prevent those from assigning contracts against her. If anything, serving me has only increased the number of people paying for her death. I'm sure there was some noble that she acted against in the past that is paying a hefty amount of gold for her demise." She closes her eyes and sighs, "I'm sorry, this isn't good conversation material, is it? Surely there are better things to talk about."
"I've met most of the Dragon Gods in Their realms." He states…
And Camilla trips, thankfully not actually falling. "I-I'm sorry, darling…" She breathes, "I don't… think I quite caught that… You… were summoned to most of the Dragon Gods' realms?"
"That is correct." Amused by her disbelief, Corrin smiles.
"Which ones?" She asks, suddenly deeply interested.
Going against saying Their names so that they aren't blasted with a number of elements, "Ice, Water, Fire, Dusk, and Dawn."
"And They… wanted to meet you?" Her thinking still seems a bit disoriented.
"Well, the Fire Dragon God was the only one where I wasn't brought into His realm by Him, but rather the Fire Communer." He supplies.
"Well… aren't you the most popular young man ever." She speaks, but it sounds like she's saying something to just say something. Is it really so hard to accept that Corrin met five out of the six Dragon Gods?
"They are all unique in Their own way." He continues… realizing he never actually talked about Them. "The Ice Dragon is… sorrowful, She worries for Water. The Water Dragon is…" He takes in a breathe, feeling a sudden pain as he remembers His current condition, "He's weakened… He can't even maintain His own Dragon form. The Fire Dragon is… intense, He has no problem showing off His might. The Dawn Dragon is motherly, She… She even referred to me as Her child."
"I see…" Camilla nods, then flashes a glance, "And what of Dusk?"
Corrin gulps. "Big sister… Dusk is confined to His own realm. He says the Dusk Communer weaved his way through gaps in how things work and… shackled Him."
She sneers, yet, "Seems like I'll have another bloodstain on my axe, then." She calmly states, "Had I known Iago would stoop that low…"
Iago, Iago… that name sounds… "Iago, he's…" Corrin tilts his head, trying to remember.
"He has a ridiculous mask that covers part of his face, greasy black hair, and he's… ugh, Garon's Tactician."
It clicks in his head, "Iago is the one who gave Elise the disownment letter. Elise disarmed the magical ward to the supply room so she could get a staff to heal me and…"
"Who hurt you?" Gone is doting, in comes murderous.
Corrin flinches, not from Camilla's sudden hostility, but as to the 'why' he was injured in the first place. "N-N-N…" He trembles, before taking a breath. He isn't in Nohr, he is in Hoshido. He's safe. "Niles."
"A night with Prince Corrin? Just you and me…" His voice slithers into Corrin's thoughts.
Corrin shuts his eyes, focusing on everything to stop… "Shh, dear…" Camilla brings Corrin into a tight hug, figuratively squeezing the bad memories out, leaving just the comforting embrace of his big sister. "I'm here for you." She starts stroking his hair.
Slowly, he calms down, his eyesight is just slightly blurry. He also just noticed that Ushas's feather was unable to help him in that moment. "Corrin, you need to understand. Dragon Gods are not all-powerful." Her voice echoes in his head. A statement just proven true. Even Her own feather wasn't able to keep him from the worst of his nightmares.
"Thank you, big sister… I love you so much." He finally returns the hug, essentially melting into her embrace. At least… her kimono is preventing his head from completely sinking into her cleavage.
Because some things never change… and Camilla's hugs are one of them.
"I love you too, darling." She plants one more kiss on his forehead, with a slight giggle. "Shall we continue?"
Sighing in relief, he nods, "Yes, let's go."
Clash, shing, and some grunts of pain sound out from a door that leads to the outside. "One, two, three!" He hears none other than his other big sister, Hinoka, shout out. "Again!" Corrin pokes his head in first, seeing that she is leading off a training session with the Sky Knights under her command. Speaking of Sky Knights, Hinoka is now in her armor, it's nowhere near as bulky or heavy as Camilla's Malig Knight armor set. It seems to be more of cloths, reinforced leather, and a few pieces forged from metal, namely around the joints. She also has a Guard Naginata off to her side, in favor of a simple training one, made of wood.
"I'd suggest you go in first, dear." Camilla speaks from behind him. "It would be for the best if Princess Hinoka knew beforehand."
"Okay." He quietly responds, before taking a few steps in and…
"Little brother?" As if having a sixth sense when it comes to family, Hinoka spots him within seconds, "Halt!" She orders the rest of the Sky Knights. Four rows of seven. However, he does spot the familiar form of Subaki, who is literally front and center. "Subaki, take over." Without a second's hesitation, she delegates leading the training to the perfectionist and heads over to Corrin. "Hey! I didn't expect you to come in." She looks him over, "You okay, right?" Her fingers trace his cheek, "...You had a nightmare, didn't you? I can see the tear stains." She frowns, though the fire in her eyes blazes up.
"I… did, actually." He confirms, "But I'm alright now." He pauses, "How are you?"
She chuckles, "I'm doing pretty good right now… I wish I could say the same for the recruits." She rubs the back of her head, "Even with the confirmation that the 'Wing'... erm, Camilla 'captured', there are still plenty of frightened trainees… not to mention the ones who are either skeptical that she even is captured, or the ones who are…" And now she looks… irritated? Angered? "Questioning mother's rule on what should be done." Alright, angered then. "I… I can't blame their reasoning, but I also seen firsthand how much she means to you… and how much you mean to her."
"Like that little competition?" He asks with a smile.
She looks away, cheeks slightly flushed, "Yeah, like that little competition." She returns her gaze to Corrin, the fire in her eyes have turned warmer… compassion and caring. "So, whatcha doing here? Did you want to see a day of training? Wait… I thought you were taking katana lessons with Hana?"
"Maybe tomorrow." He replies, "And… maybe we should step out for a bit? It's something… delicate."
Curious and concerned, she nods, "Sure thing." With Corrin moving first, the two step out through the door… conveniently facing away from Camilla. "So, what's wrong?"
He only partially holds back a laugh, then gestures behind her. "She has a request, big sister."
Raising an eyebrow, Hinoka turns around, "Ca…" She almost exclaims, before remembering that the Sky Knight recruits are easily within earshot, "Camilla?" She whispers. "This isn't the best spot for you to be in right now."
"I know." Camilla quietly replies in kind.
"If the recruits see and recognize you, there's gonna be problems. I'm not saying you'll be attacked, but the more… sensitive ones will probably end up being too scared to return." There isn't any harshness in her voice, just genuine concern.
Camilla takes a breath, "Princess Hinoka, I wish to make a stand, to show that I'm on Hoshido's side."
"That's gonna take a lot of time, especially without any battles to fight." Hinoka points out.
"...What if I were to go through and explain the strengths and weaknesses of all Wyvern-based units? And explain what weaknesses the Wyvern-based units take advantage of the Pegasus-based units?" A short silence follows, recognition flashes in Hinoka's eyes, but…
"Willingness to share vital information for fights would certainly help…" Yet, she seems hesitant.
"Princess Hinoka, I bet that I can guess your first thought about how I fought when we first met." She suddenly states… challenges, even.
"Oh?"
"'She's faster than I thought'."
Another, longer silence follows. "...That's right. I didn't know a Wyvern could move so fast."
Camilla nods, "The instructors in Nohr are unreasonably strict. We're aware of our own weaknesses, and to counter that… we're forced to fight against those pitfalls. Our stronger, bulkier units are forced to quickly react in their heavy armor. Our archers have to fire arrows at a moving target, while they are also hounded by at least two other people in close range, and one at range. Our Wyverns have been selectively breeded, and the young who don't match up to the standards are heavily trained… if they can't overcome the gap, then they are slaughtered and used for resources."
"Gods…" Hinoka and Corrin respond in unison.
"So, do you think you could convince your Sky Knights to let me point out strengths and weaknesses?" Camilla asks.
Hinoka looks back into the training grounds, where Subaki is effortlessly leading the rest. Then she looks back at Camilla. "Camilla, stay within a single pace of me. Little brother, I'm going to need you no more than a single pace behind Camilla."
Camilla smiles, "Of course."
"Understood, big sister." Corrin nods.
Hinoka stands in the front, Camilla behind her, Corrin behind Camilla, and… "Uh, okay, maybe two paces?" The Sky Knight leader asks. "Your, uh… breasts are, yeah…"
"My apologies." Camilla takes a half-step back, as does Corrin.
Hinoka then takes a breath, "Attention!" Every single recruit, including Subaki, stops and assumes the ordered position. Bodies straightened, arms locked to their sides. "Alright, let's go." She whispers, "At ease." Back to the recruits. "We have two guests today." She slowly starts walking, with only Subaki being able to see the guests, "Two highly important people. You all are to remain at your best, as always." A pause, not a single question or mumble, "I'm bringing this up, because one of these guests will undoubtedly cause commotion. We are soldiers, but we are still human. I can reasonably expect emotion from her visit. However, she is here for our benefit. She is here to help." By now, Hinoka, Camilla, and Corrin have made there way to the front, which means the recruits have seen the two guests. "Recruits… Subaki. In between my little brother, Corrin, and myself was a Princess who has since turned against her own country, someone who abandoned their own Royal bloodline for us. Someone who is willing to share crucial details to combating the Sky Knights' most fought enemy, the group of units who ride Wyverns. Her name is Camilla. She will no longer be referred to as the 'Wing Clipper', period."
Corrin looked the recruits over, it's clear who has had the worst experience with her. Despite their training, he can see a few of them sweating profusely, some are trembling. A few give Camilla nothing more than a spiteful gaze…
But not a single one speaks.
"Everyone, please…" Now it is Corrin who talks, "I understand that you've only heard the bad things about Camilla, whom I consider my second big sister." He awaits a vocalized reaction, but... still no. At most, he gets surprised looks. "You need to understand, she is one of the very few great memories I have from my imprisonment… my torture," He adds the last two words in a much smaller voice. "She took me by the hand, guided me outside of Krakenburg, and gave me one of the best days of my life back then. She took me shopping, she fed me, hugged me, whispered familial love. And… it's not just me that looks up to her. One of the places she took me to is the Krakenburg Orphanage." His voice is becoming more passionate… assertive, even. "Do you know what happened when we entered? The owner looked up and had a wonderful smile the second she entered. Eight orphans chanted 'Mama Camilla' as they ran up to her and overwhelmed her with hugs, laughter, and love. And… and if that wasn't enough, she has given them gifts before, as well as food that lasts for days." He takes a breath with a smile, "And at the end of the day. She tucked me into bed. She used up every last piece of change she had for me… just to make my day the best. That is the Camilla that I have seen. That is the Camilla that I remember, that I hold dear to me. That is the Camilla I hope that you all will remember her as. A loving, doting motherly figure."
Still silence from the recruits, but most of them were emotionally moved by Corrin's intenseness. Suspicion and nervousness gave way to happiness and compassion… most of them. Some of the ones who undoubtedly lost family to her were still wary… fearful. The ones who probably called for her to die from killing her wyvern in the air while she was atop it, were the ones who still glared… untrusting, spiteful.
But, those were the few, the rest accepted his explanation of the doting Camilla.
Hinoka nods, an approving smile, "I can also vouch for the motherly Camilla that few of us have seen. She has only seen Corrin for a total of two days back in Nohr, but just a few days ago… she proved that she knew more about him than almost anyone else." There… was a bit of competitiveness with that. "And it wasn't just him she is so nice towards. She treated me with nothing but adoration and care… and the last time we met was over the skies of Nohr, trying to kill the other. If… If I can accept that she means us no harm, that her axe is now for Hoshido, then I think anyone can accept that truth." Camilla chokes on a breath, tears stream down her face… not sorrow, but pure happiness.
…
Did anyone ever stand up for her back in Nohr? Were the only ones who desired her presence… her retainers, Elise, Corrin, and the orphans?
And at last, Camilla speaks up, her tone is of the doting and motherly kind, "I understand I can't undo what I did. I understand that I may never receive total acceptance. I also understand that some may forever fear or hate me. I don't ask that anyone forces themselves to like me. I ask that you let me have a chance to prove myself, that I stand for Hoshido. I… I have been treated with open arms and love from the first encounter in Hoshido. Back then, I was weakened, exhausted. The village near me had every right to ignore me. They noticed my emblem of Royalty on my armor, they could have had me bound for ransom, maybe even executed me, but they didn't. They took me into their village and tended to my wounds. I will never be able to fully repay that kindness. However, that doesn't mean I won't try. So, I have a request. Would you all allow me to better yourselves against the Wyvern-based units? I will explain every last Wyvern weakness, all of our strengths. I will explain what our Wyvern-based units are taught to exploit the Pegasus-based units. I will share it all, but… are you willing to accept what I have to offer?"
"Recruits?" Hinoka asks, silently giving them permission to talk.
"It's hard to deny the fact the impact that Camilla has on her allies, her friends and family." Yet, it's Subaki who finds his words first. "She took but a about half an hour and visited the clinic yesterday. My liege, our young Princess Sakura, was surprised, to say the least. Yet, before she could even ask, the first thing that came out of Camilla was asking for Lady Sakura's well-being, then asked if she could do anything for her. As far as I'm aware, this was their first true meeting. For me, that's all the reason I needed to have. That is the same reaction our villages offer all across Hoshido, and when given the chance, that is the same offer Camilla has. Yes, I still vividly remember the day I fought her. Yes, I still remember how dangerous she and her retainer was… But, in respect of both Lady Sakura and our Queen Mikoto… for Lord Corrin's own familial love for her… and for the care she has shown our Dragon's people, I believe that she can be trusted. I believe that there are more than just the violent Nohrians. That there are caring people out there, but are hampered by King Garon." He flashes a quick nod at Camilla, before returning his gaze to the recruits. "I'm willing to accept her teachings." He ends.
Due to Hinoka's silent permission, quiet muttering starts spreading. Some sound more panicked, and there are still some who whisper harsh words, but the most prominent kind of response? Confirmation and acceptance. Satisfied, Hinoka nods. "Thank you for your offer, Camilla. We look forward to working with you."
"As am I, Princess Hinoka." Camilla smiles, "And thank you, darling…" She coos at Corrin, "I'll be sure to give you proper gratitude later."
"...Please, big sister." He half-mutters as she pulls him into a hug. However, he also knows that she won't let it slide, "Just… nothing too fancy, okay?"
"Understood." She simply replies.
"Now, I do need to get going, actually." Corrin comments. "I still have more to do, today." Like, for example, deliver Ushas's feathers to his little sister and his mother.
"Of course!" Camilla lets out, "Have fun, alright?"
"We'll be here for a few more hours, brother." Hinoka calls out as she has Subaki get back into the front and center. "Probably see you during dinner."
Corrin smiles, "Okay, I love you both, and I'll see you later!" He waves as he walks out. Now then, delivery…
A/N: Let's see… now Corrin has Mikoto, who is his literal mother. Camilla who is his motherly figure. And now he has Ushas, who is the Dawn Dragon that acts more a mother than a Goddess. So… how did Ushas come out? Feathers instead of scales? A more aviary style head? She's sort of coming out more as a Pegasus than a Dragon in that manner… a Pegasus with feathers probably stronger than steel. I considered that Her personality would be fitting enough, but… it also adds a layer of solemnness. Ushas wishes to be treated as family or a friend, but Her position prevents that. She also seems to be very… humble. Also, She brings up one of the big themes that is part of this fic…
Ya see, the Dragon Gods here? They aren't all-powerful. They aren't perfect. They can make mistakes, too. Anyway...
That just leaves Enlil, the Wind Dragon God. Though, I already have His personality down and ready to go. I suppose that if I could sum it up in one word, then Enlil is… feisty.
Now! The reason why this chapter became a two-part is due to Camilla and the Sky Knights. It just kept going… it brings the longest blocks of dialogue I've done in 'Confined' yet. It goes to show how much work Camilla will have to go through to become accepted by all. So many Sky Knights died by her axe, she's made a wicked reputation as the 'Wing Clipper', it's going to take a lot to place her in a favorable light for these people.
See ya next time.