In Hoshido, the royal family is treated with great respect, almost to the point of worship. This had long been the case and the royals, whether intentionally or not, often maintained a distance between themselves and the people. Soldiers were an exception, of course, as a camaraderie between royal officers and the troops under their command would help instil loyalty and drive in battle. This was very different to Nohr where, though the royals were given great respect, they were seen more as bureaucrats responsible for running the country rather than the near-divine beings some saw the Hoshidan royals as.
For Caeldori, this was very strange. She'd spent an entire life serving under Exalt Emmeryn, then Exalt Chrom and finally Exalt Lucina. While Exalts, as head of state, were the head of The Church of Naga, they were also all friendly with the people and would spend time among them. She hadn't known Emmeryn well, being a fairly junior pegasus knight during her reign, but she had always been close to Sumia and Chrom and they would often go into the city to visit the market to buy ingredients for dinner and cook with their family. They were quite familiar with many of the traders and could chat happily with them with no barriers between them and had, or rather would, attend the weddings of some of them and their descendants. When Chrom passed the throne to Lucina, she continued this tradition as well and was as loved as her parents.
With Ylissean royalty as her example, Caeldori had gone against the traditions of her family since the end of the war and made sure she and Soleil were included in the patrol schedules for the city so she had frequent reasons to be on the streets and interact with the common people. This had worked out well with the two of them being on close terms with many in the markets and other businesses and familiar faces to many of the populace. This was something she felt was far better than being in the castle and focusing on only larger duties which may make a person forget the reason why they should be doing what they are, the prosperity and happiness of the people.
Tonight, she and Soleil were on patrol in the entertainment district where most of the capital's theatres, archery ranges, dojos and, crucially, the taverns were located. It was coming up to nine o'clock so the streets were quiet, businesses had closed up while anyone going out drinking was in a tavern but those who needed to be up early the next day hadn't yet left. The patrol had been uneventful and she and Soleil had just been chatting as they walked until they heard shouting in the next street. The two ran on, drawing their weapons, before rounding the corner and seeing a group of three men, thankfully without weapons, attacking another while a fifth lay on the ground, having clearly been struck down, as his friend tried to defend them.
"Desist!" yelled Caeldori as she and Soleil swiftly advanced on them. The three men turned to see armed guards approaching and, sensibly, turned and fled.
"Do we follow?" asked Soleil as they neared the two victims.
"No," said Caeldori stopping beside the men. "They'll split up and likely lead us into their friends. Are you alright?" she asked of the two as the floored man was helped up by his friend. She thought she recognised the one who'd remained standing, he was fit looking with brown hair and a few cuts and bruises on his arms, he may be a carpenter she'd seen working in the market.
Soleil watched as the two held each other, and not just for support.
"Just winded, I think," confirmed the downed man. He was of slender build with black hair and a well-maintained appearance, possibly even manicured nails.
"Nothing broken," added his friend. He then recognised the two redheads and bowed. "Thank you, milady."
"No need for that," said Caeldori. "Do you know why you were attacked?"
"They must have been after money," suggested the black-haired man.
"Or did they attack you because you're a couple?" asked Soleil. As they'd held each other tenderly in front of their rescuers, it was likely the two struggled to keep such signs of affection hidden. "Don't worry," she said quickly, "we believe you should be able to love who you love."
"We do," confirmed Caeldori.
"We might have been too obvious," admitted the brown-haired man.
"You shouldn't have to hide it," bemoaned Caeldori, knowing they had to. While same sex relationships weren't illegal in Hoshido, it was common for couples to be persecuted even in the city with it being a lot worse in the countryside. This was something else she found hard to understand, Ylisse was entirely accepting of such couples and she struggled to comprehend how anyone could object to love.
"That is a nice thought, milady," said the brown-haired man.
"We'll escort you home," she said. "I don't want you out alone in case they come after you again."
"I'm sure you have better things to do milady, please don't feel obliged."
"Ensuring the safety of the people of Hoshido is the most important thing for me," said Caeldori. "So, where do you live."
It turned out the men lived together and as they walked, Soleil got it out of them how they met. They had been two strangers renting rooms in a flat share, they'd become friends but overtime both began to develop feelings for the other and begun to suspect the other was gay, eventually both came out to each other and they began dating. Soleil really wanted to tell them that the princess they were slightly nervous of was her girlfriend but wouldn't go against her love's wishes to keep it private. All their friends new, of course, but she didn't want it to be common knowledge. She knew a princess has more to think of than just herself and had accepted Caeldori's wishes to keep their relationship away from the public.
With the couple returned to their home, the two resumed their patrol but Caeldori was somewhat distracted as they went. Nothing else of note occurred and, after reporting their incident to the captain of the guard, they headed back to the castle for the night. Before they'd even reached their bedchamber, Caeldori said she had something to do and told Soleil she'd meet her in their room. With a word to the servants, she was directed to her uncle who was still in his study, even at this time of night.
"Enter," called Ryoma.
"My king," began Caeldori, "may I have a few minutes of your time?"
"Of course, princess," answered Ryoma, being formal for his own amusement.
"The treatment of same sex couples within Hoshido has long sat uneasy with me," she began. "I wish to do something to try and change the people's perception of them and I feel the first act of any significance I could do is to publicly come out. Given the people's reverence for our family, I feel that simply having a member of the royal family in an openly same sex relationship may go some way to changing the people views."
"I agree," said her uncle.
"You do?" questioned Caeldori who hadn't expected it go so well.
"Indeed. After seeing the treatment those like you receive in Nohr and hearing of it from Lord Chrom, I realised how intolerable we have been in Hoshido. In truth, I have thought the same as you have just proposed, but felt I could not ask you or your mother to come out for political purposes. Such things are private and not something I would dare pressure anyone to do."
"So you will support me?"
"Of course. If anyone objects to this revelation about my niece's sexuality, they will have me to deal with."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Have you thought about how you would like to announce this?" asked Ryoma.
"Truthfully, no. This is a spur of the moment decision," admitted Caeldori. She'd only got as far as her opening proposal during the latter of her patrol.
"I ask because Takumi and Oboro were scheduled to represent the crown at the opening of a new school in the western district in a couple of weeks. I'm sure they would allow you and Soleil to attend in their place. I'm sure Takumi would be glad to get out of it," he chuckled.
"That would be an excellent opportunity," agreed Caeldori.
"Very well. We shall advertise your attendance as 'with partner'. Now I know that's usually done in the run up to announcing an engagement, but I'm not forcing you to do that. Though you would have your kings blessing should you ever wish to."
Caeldori, with a smile threatening to split her cheeks at being given permission to marry her girlfriend someday, bowed before her king. "Thank you, my king."
"Have you any plans beyond coming out?" asked Ryoma.
"Not as yet, but I assure you I shall devise a long-term strategy in the coming days."
"Excellent. I know I can give you free reign on this given your many decades of experience," said Ryoma, who still found it odd that his twenty-year-old niece had over a century of experience in military and civil governance. "All I ask is you keep me informed. Though we may have to discuss manpower and budget depending on your plans."
"Of course. I won't let you down."
"Of that, I am certain. Good night, my dear."
"Good night Uncle."
With a bounce in her step at that having gone so well, she returned to her bedchambers, finding Soleil sitting up in bed wearing her cat's paw print pyjamas and reading one of her old romance novels which was quickly tossed aside.
"So what were you up to?" she asked her beaming girlfriend as she climbed on the bed and came to sit straddling her legs.
"If you are willing, we're going to publicly come out," explained Caeldori as she took her girlfriend's hands.
"Really!" cried Soleil. "That's awesome. What's brought this on?"
"I've decided I need to act to improve things here for same sex couples. The first thing is coming out and I'll need to devise a plan for what else. Can I count on your support?"
"As if you need ask."
"Uncle Ryoma also gave me permission to propose to you."
"Are you proposing now?" asked Soleil. She hoped not, she'd been thinking about marriage and children ever since her visit to her pregnant Grandma Cordelia a couple of weeks ago and still wasn't sure if she was ready for any of it.
"I am not," confirmed Caeldori. "Not yet, anyway."
"So how are we doing it?" asked Soleil, keen to move on.
"We'll be attending a school opening in a couple of weeks."
"So instead of 'I pronounce this school open' you'll say 'by the way, I'm a lesbian'."
"Maybe something a little subtler," chuckled Caeldori climbing onto the bed. "I am still a princess and some class is expected."
"I'm really glad we're finally doing this," said Soleil with some weight behind those words.
"I'm sorry if by hiding I've made you feel like I'm ashamed of what we have." Soleil's slightly sad smile showed that she had. "I promise it was never shame, it was... worry. Partly about how the people would treat me but far more about how they would treat you. Maybe they would see you as a corrupting Nohrian influence and try to remove you."
"I did seduce you," reminded Soleil with a smile, "so I'm definitely a corrupting Nohrian influence."
"That's true," realised Caeldori. "Removing you wouldn't do any good, I'm already fully corrupted," she declared as she leaned in to gently kiss her girlfriend on the lips.
"Glad to hear it, my lady."
"Mmm, say that again," asked Caeldori, moving in closer.
"As you say, my lady," purred Soleil and Caeldori's lips were swiftly upon hers. "So if we're going to be out," she began during a brief break for air, "does that mean we can get rid of that bed?"
Caeldori looked over to the other bed in their cavernous room. When she'd asked Soleil to move in with her, they'd kept two beds to maintain the image of decency, though in reality they'd never spent a night apart. "It goes," she concluded.
Soleil's growing joy at being able to be a true couple all the time with no camouflage dispersed her lingering worries about marriage, there was too much fun to have with her excited girlfriend for that.
Come the day of the school opening, Caeldori and Soleil readied themselves for what would hopefully be the most important thing they will do for Hoshido. As this was an official attendance, Caeldori wore traditional robes as would be expected of her and was unarmed. On such visits, Soleil would usually be wearing her uniform, currently that of a master ninja, and be armed but today it was of the utmost importance she be seen only as the princess' advertised partner and not her retainer, the two of them being well known enough for most people to recognise them. As such, Soleil was also dressed in traditional robes, her first time wearing them, and she was also completely unarmed. With both unarmed, Ryoma had sent Saizo with them for security.
As the three rode in the coach to the new school, Caeldori thought through everything that could go wrong but tried to force herself to focus on the likely scenarios. It would be fine, it's unlikely the crowed waiting to see the princess would be armed and immediately riot upon seeing her with a girlfriend, more likely would be some heckling and some leaving in disgust. She was brought back from her emergency planning by Soleil fiddling with her obi. "What's wrong?"
"'Cos I'm short it's pushing up on my boobs," said Soleil as she tried to pull it down. "Why does a belt need to be so wide?"
"Roll the top of it down a little then," said Caeldori immediately going to do it herself. As she tucked it down she brushed against Soleil's chest and looked up to see her smiling, realising she was just trying to distract her.
"It'll be fine," she reassured, despite being really worried herself.
"Whatever happens, I have you with me," said Caeldori, pecking her girlfriend on the lips having sorted her obi.
"And we've got Saizo," pointed out Soleil.
"Thank you again for doing this," repeated Caeldori for the third time today.
"I was ordered," pointed out the grim-faced ninja, "but what you are attempting is admirable."
"Nearly there," said Caeldori, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Less than a minute later, the coachman pulled up outside the school and Caeldori could see the crowd of people waiting to see their princess and her partner. Saizo disembarked first to ensure there were no threats and, with his nod, Caeldori stepped down before offering her hand to Soleil to help her out as she was nervous of handling the coach steps in a floor-length robe. As Soleil came into the view of the crowd, a collective gasp could be heard but, thankfully, no call for rioting. Ignoring the chatter, the two walked up to the school side-by-side, rather than Soleil following a couple of steps behind her liege as a servant should and as they would normally do on official duties. As they walked, and it was now undeniable that the girl most of the crowd would recognise as her retainer was also her partner and the three had noticed a few members of the crowd leaving, though whether it was out of disgust or to be the first to spread the phenomenal gossip, they couldn't tell.
They were greeted by the headmaster of the school who was courteous too them but his surprise was clear at the revelation of what his guests were. It was also clear that, had they not been royal, he would have been far less welcoming. Caeldori gave a brief speech to the crowd about how good the new school is for the area and the standards she hopes it will set before she and Soleil, with Saizo accompanying them, were given a tour of the new building. After the tour, Caeldori thanked the headmaster and made clear her hopes for the children that would soon be under his care before returning to the carriage. As they approached the steps, she turned to Soleil so they were in profile to the crowd, took both her hands and planted a kiss on her lips, holding there for a few seconds as the crowds whispering grew, before parting and climbing into the coach.
"That was inappropriate, my lady," commented Saizo as the coach moved off.
"I know it's not the done thing," agreed Caeldori, "but I had to make sure there was no doubt about our relationship. Knowing how quickly gossip travels, I expect half the city will be talking about the lesbian princess in a few hours. Oh gods, what have I done?" she questioned as the enormity of the event sunk in.
"The right thing," said Soleil softly which got her a smile.
"I hope I'm not overestimating my importance as a princess to the people. I'm hoping that by coming out and showing the revered royal family accepts me being in a lesbian relationship that the people will change their views, but what if they don't care about some minor royal and nothing happens?"
"You're not a minor royal," pointed out Saizo. "You are third in line to the throne."
"And the people love you, you've seen how they treat you when we're on patrol. If they know you're a lesbian, there will be lots of people who'll think it must be fine then."
"Only time will tell," said Caeldori trying to set her worries aside. "We've still got work to do today."
Returning home, the two changed back into their uniforms, which was a big relief to Soleil, and set about their duties for the rest of the day. They didn't have any time to go out into the city and weren't scheduled for patrol today, so they wouldn't be able to see how they were received once the gossip spread. To stop her girlfriend worrying, Soleil spent the day being very sweet and affectionate to keep a smile on her gorgeous face. Caeldori struggled for sleep that night but, with Soleil's warmth soothing her, she did manage to get a few hours.
The following day, Caeldori saw to her duties, desperate for the afternoon to come when she would have some time to go into the city and see how people reacted to her. Come mid-morning, however, while she was meeting with a couple of councillors, who either hadn't heard about her sexuality or didn't see it worth mentioning, they were interrupted by an equerry.
"There is a gentleman here requesting an audience with you, milady," he reported.
"With me?" questioned Caeldori. Her Uncle Ryoma, as well as Shiro and her mother, were all in the castle so anyone would be directed to them for anything important enough to have to ask directly.
"Indeed milady. Shall I show him to the throne room?"
"Very well. I'm sorry," she said to the councillors, "I likely won't be long but we will have to resume this discussion later."
She and Soleil made their way to the throne room where any audiences were held. They entered from the rear of the room and Caeldori stepped up to the three thrones. The central throne was the rulers, to its right was the rulers spouse and to its left was that of the heir. During discussions with her family after revealing she had a lifetime of experience already, Ryoma had stated that he would be happy for her to take more senior roles, one of which was holding audiences with the people, and it had been agreed that she could use Shiro's throne if that ever came up. Looking at it now, about to hold her first audience, she felt uncomfortable, as if she was claiming his title as heir. Nevertheless, she took her seat with Soleil standing by her side rather than slightly behind. She gave a nod to the guards on the doors who opened them to let in someone she recognised, he was Kenshin, the owner and barkeep of the tavern she and Soleil liked.
"T-thank you for seeing me, milady," he stammered.
"It is my duty," said Caeldori, wanting to remain professional. "How may I help you?"
"Well, em, you see, um, milady," he began, unsure of how often he needed to say milady. "I own an establishment in the city that… that caters to those whose relationships may not be accepted by others."
Caeldori and Soleil realised at this point that he didn't recognise them as patrons. It was true they made small attempts to disguise themselves in the past but they had never been sure if they had worked or, as with the rest of the patrons, he had just been respecting their privacy.
"Because of that," continued Kenshin, "my tavern has been subject to some graffiti and vandalism over the years, even one attempt at arson." Here, he faltered.
"Do you wish increased patrols in the area?" asked Caeldori, suspecting that wasn't it.
"Um, actually, milady, I would ask for your patronage. I saw you yesterday at the school and I think if it's known a member of the esteemed royal family were to visit, it would deter many from targeting my tavern and my customers."
"That is likely," agreed Caeldori. "Of course, royal patronage is not something I can decide on my own, such things must be by the grace of the king, but I shall raise this with him."
"Thank you, milady," said Kenshin, bowing low.
"We shall inform you of the decision," said Caeldori, giving a look the guards to open the doors.
"Thank you, milady, thank you," he repeated as he took a few steps back before turning to leave, wondering if he said thank you too much.
"You may leave," she said to the guards with her guest gone.
"So," began Soleil, flopping down into her girlfriend's lap, wrapping her arms around her neck and swinging her legs over the arm of the throne, "are we going out tonight?"
"Definitely. Best not to give him warning of us coming in case he tries to improve his establishment."
"Yeah, I like it as it is. We're not going disguised though, right?"
"No, we go as ourselves. I think we should keep our uniforms on so we're more recognisable."
"Will you go out with me?" asked Soleil, looking as cute as can be.
"Always," accepted Caeldori, giving her a smooch. "But we need to get back the meeting," she finished with, ruining the mood before Soleil mentioned having sex in throne room again. She thought it would be hot but it would be wrong to such a phenomenal degree that Caeldori ruled it out every time.
In the afternoon, she and Soleil were able to go out to see how they were received by the townspeople. While they weren't scheduled for patrol they treated it as such so they had an excuse to walk around and talk to people without feeling like they were asking everyone directly for their opinion on them. They found that most people didn't seem to treat them any different, gossip this big would have spread to nearly everyone by now so it wasn't that they didn't know. There were of course others who approached them to ask about it, some in support and some against but you don't cause trouble for a well-trained and armed princess and her retainer, so they only had to deal with words. This was a good outcome as far as Caeldori was concerned as the vast majority saw it as neutral or good which buoyed her mood and she was really looking forward to her night out now.
Come the evening, the two had freshened up for their date, including clean uniforms, and went by coach to the tavern. They would usually walk but tonight it was important to be seen. As they disembarked outside the tavern, a couple of customers faltered at the door and stared at them as they walked in, hand-in-hand. They were only a few paces in before a whisper ran through the room, along with some prodding, and the entire clientele turned to watch them approach the bar.
Having seen them enter, Kenshin had been frantically trying to clean the bar in the few seconds available before tossing the cloth aside as they neared. "Welcome, milady," he said, bowing and nearly hitting his head on the bar. "I didn't expect to see you so soon," he added, eyeing the area he'd been meaning to repaint.
"We didn't want you to change anything because of us," explained Caeldori.
"We like it as it is anyway, its cosy" added Soleil.
"So what can I get you, miladies?"
"I'm not a lady," explained Soleil, "I'm just Soleil."
"Just your usually?" asked Caeldori of her girlfriend.
"Yeah."
"Usual?" questioned Kenshin.
"We come here fairly often," said Caeldori, "it's the only public place we felt comfortable going on dates."
"You have?"
"We changed our looks a bit, but we thought you must have seen through us and were being polite in not calling attention to us."
"That was you?" questioned the barkeep, suddenly recognising them as the cute redhead couple. This realisation then brought another thought from months ago to the fore. "That means the tall woman with purple hair really was Princess Camilla, wasn't it?"
"It was," confirmed Caeldori.
"She didn't look happy. Did she not like my place?"
"She was going through some things, don't worry."
"Thank you, milady. I'll get you your usuals."
Drinks in hand, the two of them took a table and tried to ignore the people stealing glances at them. They talked for a while before a couple in one of the booths left and they were quick to claim it as it meant a little more privacy form looks compared to the table on the open floor. Now with a little privacy, they could talk about how they were being received and that most looked excited about seeing them there, though there were a few suspicious looks too.
Almost an hour after the princess and her girlfriend arrived, during which they'd been for several rounds, the tavern was distracted by a very loud, excited giggle and turned to see the princess leaning over, having to support herself on her arm, as her retainer was almost on top of her as the two made out. Those closer could see just how passionate it was with a lot of tongue and hands going where they maybe shouldn't be in public. After a minute of heavy making out, the princess pushed her retainer off a little and whispered something in her ear which got a giggle and something whispered in return. After that, they sat down very close to each and were holding hands over the table. Some in the tavern had their doubts when they'd heard about her but, having seen that little show of affection, everyone believed their princess was in a loving, lesbian relationship.
Throughout the coming weeks, Caeldori continued her royal duties but with Soleil by her side during meetings where she could contribute, such as those regarding military matters, and stood as a retainer during the likes of discussions regarding the need to upgrade the city's sewage system. Outwith her duties, they made sure to be active in the community beyond just being included in the patrol schedule, they had assisted with charity events, attended performances among other events, all so the public could see them as a couple and see that it was normal. During these public visits, they received words of support from many people and some even said they'd given them courage to come out themselves.
It had been a month since she'd publicly came out and, with all seemingly going well and the people accepting her and being more accepting of same sex relationships in general, they'd started planning a big event they hoped would become a regular thing. Unfortunately, duty comes first and when she received a summons from her uncle, she knew something was happening. She and Soleil followed the equerry to her uncle's office and knocked.
"Enter."
"My king," greeted Caeldori formally, having been formally asked to come.
"Milord," added Soleil with a bow.
"I'm afraid you'll have to put your project on hold for a little," said Ryoma. "We've received a letter requesting aid from a religious community in the southeast of the country." He pointed out the area they were in on the map he'd had laid out on his desk. "It seems they're having a lot of trouble with a sizable group of bandits targeting them, specifically their harvests."
"How big is sizable?" asked Caeldori.
"They estimate as much as forty," said Ryoma.
Bandits usually operated with a dozen or fewer members to enable them to move quicker to evade the authorities, bringing in local thieves and brigands when needed, so a group this size and settled in one location was odd. "Interesting. I can't think a religious community has much to steal beyond their harvests. It is strange such a group would settle for stealing only food."
"Unfortunately, they haven't put much detail in their request for aid so we don't know why they're being target like this. It would also have made sense to send the letter to the southern garrison as they could provide aid faster. As it is, to send a messenger there and have them deploy, we could deploy from here and arrive before them, so I shall be deploying from here."
"You wish us to be part of the deployment?"
"No. I wish you to lead it, Caeldori."
"I shall not fail you, my king," said Caeldori, both excited and nervous at leading her first operation, her first in this life anyway.
"Due to the distance, it would be best to take a squad of pegasus riders and some of our new cavalry units."
"Agreed," said Caeldori, looking at the distance and the terrain they would have to cross. The community was very isolated and, no matter where they deployed from, it would be quite a march.
"I'll reclass to bow knight to cover you in the air," said Soleil, hoping she was allowed to talk freely in front of the king with her new status as Caeldori's partner.
"You have the most experience of our mounted units, I trust you to lead them while I'm in the air," said Caeldori.
"Of course." She'd never had a leadership role in the Hoshidan army before, but she knew from her band of mercenaries that she could lead.
"It's unfortunate that Reina is with mother dealing with the upset at the border, she'd have been very useful as commander of the aerial units while I focus on the squad as a whole." There had been a disturbance at the border with Valla in the north and Hinoka, Reina and their troops had gone north to coordinate with the Vallan army in quelling it. "It will take us several days to reach them with cavalry over the terrain so time is of the essence. I will inform those I wish to take immediately and we will leave as soon as we can."
"Very good. As your king, I ask you to do all you can to protect the people. As your uncle, take care of yourself too, both of you."
"Of course, uncle," said Caeldori with a smile.
"I'll keep her safe," added Soleil, unsure if the king of Hoshido had just referred to himself as her uncle.
The two of them immediately sent servants to inform the soldiers Caeldori wanted that they were to ready their supplies and their mounts for immediate deployment. With the troops preparing, Caeldori and Soleil then saw to their mounts.
"You know," began Soleil as she tacked up. "Protecting a villager's harvest from bandits was my first job with my mercenary band."
"You'd better not fall in love with the leader of the people you're protecting again," joked Caeldori.
"I didn't love her, we just had a lot of amazing sex," corrected Soleil.
"Well, none of that either."
"Sure thing, milady. No amazing sex with anyone ever again."
"You know that's not what I meant," chuckled Caeldori, tightening her saddle's girth. "You know we'll be with our comrades for a while now which means no privacy. Will you cope?"
"I'm sure I'll be fine. How about, my lady?" she asked with lust dripping from her words.
"I resisted you topless at the beach," insisted Caeldori, "I'll be fine."
"I'm ready," said Soleil giving her mare a pat on the neck before leading her out of the stables to join the others who were ready.
Caeldori soon joined them and, with the last few appearing and the supplies being handed out from the quartermaster and packed, the squad was ready to depart.
They marched for several days with a party of fliers going ahead of the ground troops to scout the terrain and rerouting the main body if an easier route was available. They had camped overnight a few hours away from the monastery to ensure the horses, pegasi, falicorns and kinshi were well rested as they would immediately begin the hunt once they had made their arrival known. Come dawn, the squad was already marching and they arrived within two hours. As leader, Caeldori, flanked by Soleil, entered to announce themselves and see about anything the people may be able to offer. They were met by a monk and led into the monastery but, as is often required for religious buildings, they were told to leave their weapons outside, something that made Soleil very uneasy.
As they entered, they were greeted by the unsettling sight of at least a hundred priests and shrine maidens sitting in rows along the walls leading up to a dais at which were seated the masters of the religion. The two walked up to them, uneasy at being flanked by so many when unarmed.
"Greetings, I am Princess Caeldori of Hoshido. We received your request for aid." The man sitting in the centre of the dais, on a much larger chair than the others, more a throne than chair, glared at them from beneath a heavy brow.
"While we appreciate the swiftness of the King's response, we question his choice of leader," said the master with clear distaste.
"Please do not mistake my youth for inexperience," said Caeldori, feeling more hostility in the room. "I assure you I am qualified to lead such an expedition."
"Mmm," grumbled the master. "While your age is of concern, it is your sinful life we object to," he said with venom as he looked to Soleil. "The talk of your disgracing of the royal family has reached even here."
Caeldori moved her arm very slightly as a signal to Soleil to stay quiet. There was little in the world that could make her angry but intolerance was one of them.
"If we could reject your aid and wait for an honourable commander, we would but, sadly, we cannot. Go now and deal with them."
"That is our intention," said Caeldori, maintaining proper manners. "I would ask if there any among you who are able to aid us in this endeavour?"
The master snorted derisively at this. "You failed to bring enough troops?"
"I assure you, we have plenty of highly trained men and women. I ask for volunteers as local knowledge of the land is a key part of strategy, especially when up against a group who will avoid direct confrontation and use ambush and fire attacks, among other strategies."
"I assure you, princess," he spat, "there are none here who would aid you. Even beyond your disgracing the goddess, we do not study war, such barbarity is beneath us. To fall to such actions would be an affront to our goddess."
It now made sense to Caeldori and Soleil, the large group of bandits had found prey that wouldn't attack back.
"I'll go," shouted a shrine maiden standing up a little way back down the hall.
Caeldori's first thought was that she looked scared but defiant. Soleil's first thought was that she was very cute, she was about the same height as her with a nice figure and a really cute purple bob cut.
"You will not!" bellowed the master, slamming his fist down on the table. "You would only be going to die for some dyke!"
"If they and all their soldiers are willing to risk their live for us, why can't we even tell them about the land?"
"So you would go and stand helpless as some heathen comes to rape and murder you?"
"I know combat magic!" yelled the novice, her fists clenched.
The master spluttered over his words before standing up which, given his mass, must take a lot of effort. "That is not our way!" he yelled, pointing furiously at her.
"Then our way is wrong!" yelled the novice back.
"Come with me!" yelled Caeldori over the master's wordless shouts of appal as she and Soleil made a quick retreat back to the door.
The novice pushed out of the row in front of her and walked with the princess and her girlfriend out of the hall as the master yelled at her. The three hurried out of the compound, with Caeldori and Soleil having collected their weapons.
"What's your name?" asked Caeldori once they were clear of the immediate threat.
"Gracia, milady," said the shine maiden.
"Thank you for your assistance," said Caeldori softly. "Are you alright?"
"I can't believe I said all that," replied Gracia with a big smile.
"You sounded like you'd been holding it in for a while," observed Soleil.
"And can you use combat magic?"
"Yes," she stated proudly. "I met a cute merchant when I was collecting herbs and I traded with her for a thunder tome. I got the hang of that and I happened to meet her again and traded it back for an elthunder."
"How have you been practising when there are such attitudes towards it?"
"I'm fast," explained Gracia. "So when I go to collect herbs, I run out to where I hid my tome, practise for a little while then collect the herbs and run back. Everyone else would just walk so I'm not gone longer than anyone would expect."
"Sneaky," approved Soleil which got her a cute smile.
As they approached her troops, Caeldori introduced Gracia and she briefed them on what they knew about the bandits, where they were likely to be camping and the lay of the land. With this knowledge, the squad split up and made its way to the likely campsite, with the advanced scouts reporting back that there was at least forty five bandits in what looked like a camp made for long term habitation. They were dealt with swiftly. The ariel units came in low over the trees, swooping down and taking out many before they could even pick up a sword with the others fleeing and running straight into the cavalry.
During the battle, Caeldori, while active in the attack, was also watching her squad's performance and was impressed by how skilled they all were. Her eye couldn't help lingering on Soleil as the cavalry charged, nocking and loosing three arrows in quick succession and taking out all three targets, but beyond her skills, she looked so cute in her bow knight uniform. Of note as well was Gracia, riding with Soleil. While she'd been told to only focus on healing, seemingly the only skill her religion allowed, Caeldori saw a few bolts of lightning being cast with one felling its target. With the attack over in a couple of minutes, the squad split into groups of three to investigate the surrounding area and ensure they hadn't missed any. After a few hours of sweeping the area, Caeldori and the other fliers sought out their allies to regroup before heading back.
The assembled squad began back to monastery at a walk as there had been some minor wounds sustained by a couple of soldiers and horses that, while having been treated by Gracia, shouldn't be exacerbated by strenuous movement. With treatment and rest overnight, all would be well for a gentle march back north tomorrow.
Leading the squad back to the monastery was Caeldori and Soleil, both dismounted, with Gracia walking between them. They'd been talking about the battle with both commending Gracia's performance and her healing skills afterwards. Seeing the girl's joy at being helpful and being praised for her combat magic, Caeldori had to change the topic
"Gracia, how did you come to be part of this religion?"
"I'm a foundling," she explained. "Just dumped on the doorstep without even a name."
"That may explain it. I found it odd that you disagree with such a core tenant of belief."
"Yeah, I never got how it could be good to let other people die for you. Surely you should do anything you can to help them stay alive, right?"
"I agree," assured Caeldori.
"I think you disagree with another big part of it too, right?"
"I've known for ages I like girls," admitted Gracia out loud for the first time in her life, a big smile forming after it. "How'd you know?"
"Just a feeling," said Soleil. "And you called the female merchant you got your tome from cute. What was she like? Did you like her?"
"We flirted a little," admitted Gracia, remembering the thrill of it. "She was a bit older than me with gorgeous red hair. I never asked her name 'cos I didn't think I'd ever see her again then when I did, I completely forgot because we were flirting again."
"It must have been tough growing up not being able to show you like people," mused Caeldori.
"It was, I like a couple of girls in the compound but if I ever told them I'd be sent for correction. I'm really worried," she began, her happiness at talking openly slipping away, "I'm old enough to be married now and they usually pair us up but I really don't want a husband."
"So why do you stay with them?" questioned Caeldori.
That question hit Gracia like a shaft of sunlight burning through a dense fog, her world suddenly expanded before her and she could see so many choices. "It was all I'd ever known," she explained with awe at the new world she could see. "I'd never thought of leaving but I hate it, I hate not being able to like girls or learn magic and I hate working in the fields for days on ends. I want to see so much more."
"Then why not come back to the capital with us? The capital has many gifted practitioners of magic in all schools."
"Seriously!" squealed Gracia.
"Of course," chuckled Caeldori at her excitement.
"Are there diviners? I always wanted to learn divination but knowing the future is apparently something only the goddess is allowed," she snarked.
"The greatest living diviner is an advisor to the king," explained Caeldori. "I'm sure I could talk to her about taking on a student."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course, I love seeing someone so passionate about a subject."
"Can I learn combat magic? I wanna be able to use mjölnir and rangarok and nosferatu and all those spirit scrolls like tigers and bulls and learn how to charm and curse and hex and…" she trailed off as Caeldori and Soleil were giggling. "What?"
"You're so cute when you're excited," said Soleil.
"You can learn them all with time and effort," assured Caeldori. "Though you may struggle to find dark magic users on Hoshido, we have friends in Valla and Nohr who are skilled in the darker arts."
"And of course we'll have to set you up with some cute girls," added Soleil to the excitement.
"I can date," said Gracia dreamily. "Are there many other girls like me?"
"Plenty," said Soleil.
"Hoshido has some problems in accepting same sex relationships," explained Caeldori, "but even those against would not see you as an abomination like your religion says, nor are you a rarity," she added to assure her that she will find a partner.
"Really?"
"Of course, there's loads of girls who'd like you," added Soleil, hooking her arm through Gracia's. "You're very cute and full of energy."
"Your divination teacher has a wife and will be very willing to set you up," said Caeldori.
"She does? Really?"
"Yes. Though it's a three-person relationship, her wife has a husband too but all three are good friends. You know we're in a relationship," she continued, "and Orochi's wife has a daughter who's married to another girl and that girl's mother is bi-sexual."
"There's so many," said Gracia, realising being a lesbian isn't something everyone has to hide.
"And we've got other friends who are bi too, we have threesomes and sometimes foursomes with them," added Soleil.
"You… you have sex… with three other girls… at the same time," said Gracia quietly, lost in thoughts, such good thoughts.
Caeldori and Soleil gave her some to think to herself with Soleil guiding her to keep her walking straight as she was lost in what she hoped were depraved thoughts.
"Screw religion," said Gracia after a while.
"Thata girl," said Soleil.
"So you're coming back with us?"
"Yes. To learn magic and to date girls," declared Gracia.
"What about new friends?" asked Soleil.
"That would be good too," realised Gracia.
"Good, you've got two already," said Caeldori. "We'll get you a room in the castle to begin with but we'll need to talk with Orochi and uncle Ryoma if you're to stay there as her student."
With thoughts of a wonderful future ahead of her, Gracia readied herself on the walk back to tell the people who raised her that she was leaving. She didn't expect it to go well.
Returning to the monastery, Caeldori, Soleil and Gracia went to see the master to report their success and were again taken to the hall where he was seated at the dais, thankfully without the others lining the hall.
"Well?" he growled at his grounds again being defiled.
"The bandits have been dealt with and their camp destroyed. My troops are returning what we recover to your people as we speak."
"Good, now leave this place," he demanded of them. "And you, novice, we will-"
"I'm leaving too," said Gracia.
"What!" bellowed the master.
"I'm leaving with them. I'm going back to the capital to learn magic."
"They are not your kind, novice," stated the master.
"I'm a lesbian!" yelled Gracia at him, ending with a malicious smile at his horror.
"You cannot be! You were raised according the tenants that the goddess passed down. These dykes have corrupted you, novice."
"I've been a lesbian for years," insisted Gracia. "And now I'm leaving this place to go to the capital to learn all sorts of magic and date girls."
As she turned and walked away, Caeldori fixed the stammering master with a glare. "This decision is by her own free will, any attempt by you or your people to bring her back here will be viewed by the crown as kidnapping." At that, she turned and followed Gracia and Soleil out. "Do you need to collect anything before we leave?"
"All I have is another couple of shrine maiden dresses. I don't have a single thing I want to remember of this place."
The three re-joined the others and, with all items returned and some food and water received in exchange, they marched north before setting up camp early to allow everyone to rest and to re-dress the few wounds. Gracia quickly ingratiated herself with the soldiers, chatting away to find out all she could about life outside the tiny world she'd grown up in.
On arrival back home several days later and having seen to her squad, Caeldori and Soleil left their mounts with a stable hand and went to report to her uncle about their mission, receiving a good deal of praise for their efforts. They had also brought Gracia along to explain her situation and to ask permission to approach Orochi about teaching her. With the permission granted, the three made their way to her chambers.
"Enter," called Orochi with bit of sing-song quality that immediately made Gracia curious.
"Good afternoon, Orochi," greeted Caeldori.
"Ah, Lady Caeldori and dear Soleil. I trust all went well?"
"Very well, thank you."
"And who's your cute little friend?" asked Orochi as a purple-haired girl entered behind them.
"I'm Gracia, please to meet you."
"We brought her back from the community we had been sent to help," explained Caeldori.
"A runaway?" question Orochi.
"Yeah," agreed Gracia. "I'd been there all my life but I never liked it. They don't let you study magic but that's all I've ever wanted to do so please teach me divination?" she asked.
Orochi glanced to Caeldori for an explanation of why this unknown girl was asking this of her so suddenly.
"We have received Lord Ryoma's permission for her to ask but the decision is still yours. For what it's worth, by my assessment, she has great magical potential."
"Does she now?" questioned Orochi getting up close to the cute girl and noting where her eyes went. "And you wish to learn divination."
"I do. And everything else about every school of magic," said Gracia earnestly.
"Now that's not a quick ask," pointed out Orochi.
"I know but I just want to learn."
"Well, divination takes years to learn and decades to master," boasted Orochi who was certainly a master.
"Are you a master?" questioned Gracia.
"Impertinent child, of course I am," retorted Orochi. "Orochi is the greatest living diviner, an advisor to the King and the Queen before him."
"I didn't mean to insult you," explained Gracia, "I just didn't think you looked old enough to have decades of experience."
"Oh, Orochi likes you," chuckled the onmyoji at the girl's genuine innocence. "Very well, I will take you as a student. I will train you for this week to see if there is any potential within you, which there may not be, mind, and after that, we shall see about your future training."
"Can't you just look at the future and see if I can?" asked Gracia.
"I need to see more than a yes or no answer, I need to know you to see if you're worth my time and effort beyond any possible talent you may possess."
"Of course," accepted Gracia. "I'll do my very best. Thank you for the opportunity," she added with a bow.
"There's one other thing," interjected Soleil, "as well as being really anti-magic, her cult-"
"Religion," corrected Caeldori. They had this discussion on the way back and it was a recognised religion by the crown, whether they liked it or not.
"Her cult," insisted Soleil, "was also massively homophobic."
"Ah, Orochi sees it. You wish me to set her up with a compatible girl. Well this week will allow me to get to know you and Orochi's sure she'll can find a suitable girl for you. Love or sex?"
"Em… Both?" answered Gracia. "Love first."
"I jest," assured Orochi. "Now my lady, my dear, if I may, I shall begin instructing my pupil immediatly."
"Of course, and thank you for doing this," said Caeldori. "We'll go and see about getting you a room," she added to Gracia.
"Have fun," added Soleil, giving her friend a hug before leaving with Caeldori.
The afternoon went quick for Gracia with all that her teacher bombarded her with on the many different and complex schools of divination. She spent most of the first two days bewildered but took plenty of notes and managed to roughly keep things straight in her head. After that, Orochi admitted that, while knowing all she'd been told was good, she hadn't expected her to remember it and that it was really a test of character, which she had passed. They then began practising on a very simple method to gauge Gracia's ability with Orochi making sure not to give her too much help when it came to interpreting, the key area where innate understanding comes in.
After six days of quite intense work, on the seventh morning Orochi gave her pupil the good news and the instruction to have a day to herself to rest so she went straight to Caeldori and Soleil. She had seen them most days but never for very long and she hoped that, after giving them the good news about her continuing to study divination and that Orochi had set her up on a date for the next week, they could spend some time together. The three had lunch together and sat talking for an hour with Gracia asking about dating and what's expected, although Caeldori had to reign in Soleil as she was heading a little beyond the first date.
Now a student diviner, and loving her sexy new uniform, Gracia was diligent in her studies and assisting Orochi with her work. She loved her new life with so much excitement, none more so than her first ever date with the girl Orochi set her up with. She got plenty of advice and was wearing something cute but not overly cute with a light touch of makeup and perfume. It was all so new and she was too excited to wait so arrived half an hour early.
When her date arrived on time, the two were initially awkward, having never met before, but they quickly loosened up talking first about Orochi and then about themselves. They matched pretty well as the girl was an apothecary like her parents and had a keen interest in medicine which let Gracia talk about her skills in healing. Gracia also decided to be honest about her past and that gave them some more bonding moments slagging of her old religion. After dinner, the two stood in front of the restaurant, about to part ways but each wondering if a kiss was suitable.
Back in their room, now consisting of only one bed, Caeldori was going over some tactic manuals while Soleil was reading one of her old romance novels. Both kept wondering how Gracia's date was going and when dusk came in, they assumed it must be going well for her to still be out. Twenty minutes later, their door swung open and Gracia bounced into the room, swinging the door closed behind then squealed as she bounced over to them.
"We kissed!" she squealed as Soleil met her, hugged her and spun her round.
"Any chance you liked it?" asked Caeldori as Soleil and Gracia sat down opposite her.
"I loved it," insisted Gracia. "I could have stayed in her arms for hours. Oh, I've wanted that for so long," she sighed, sinking back into the sofa.
"Seeing her again?" asked Soleil.
"Yeah, we're going for lunch at the weekend. How do you know if you like someone as a friend or as a girlfriend?"
"When someone takes up all your thoughts," said Soleil looking at her love which got her a really cute smile.
"It can be hard to tell, but if you like her in either way then keep seeing her. It'll be clear one day which it is."
"I don't think I'm good at kissing though," admitted Gracia. "I loved it but I think my technique needs improvements."
"A first kiss is always going to be a little awkward, don't worry," assured Caeldori.
"I did tell her about my past and this was my first ever date so she'll know I need practise." A large grin spread over her face at the thought of practising that particular skill. "I'm so glad I met you both."
"We're glad we met you too," assured Soleil with another hug.
"Indeed, you have far more to offer in life than that commune would allow. Have you raised the thought of combat magic with Orochi yet?"
"Yeah, she said she'll give me some lessons on it in a few weeks. It's apparently much easier to get the hang of than divination so hopefully it won't take long until all I need is practise to use stronger scrolls and spells."
"Good. I will confess that I like you very much," began Caeldori, "and if you prove as skilled with magic as I expect, I would like to ask you to be my second retainer."
Gracia started at her for a few seconds, dumbstruck by this revelation. "Really?" she managed to get out.
"Really."
"If I'm good enough then of course," gushed the young diviner. "You gave me a new life, I owe you everything."
"You owe me nothing," insisted Caeldori. "Do not agree if it's because you feel indebted."
"I'm not, I'd love to be. If I can still study divination and magic."
"Of course. I encourage Soleil to master any weapon she can for her own benefit as well as mine, so I would encourage you to do the same."
"Yep, I've mastered swords, axes, lances, bows and daggers as well as horse riding and pegasus riding. I still need to try a kinshi though," she admitted. "The way Orochi talked about you, I know you'll put yourself into anything you like a hundred percent. I look forward to working with you," she added formally, holding out her hand.
"And I you," said Gracia, shaking hands with her future colleague.
"So," began Caeldori leaning forward, "what was she like?"
A few weeks after her mission, Caeldori had returned to her planning and was now seeing about hiring what she needed and gauging interest from various vendors through the city and neighbouring areas about having stalls at her inclusion festival. She'd decided that her interactions with the public would never be enough so had hit on the idea of a big festival for the enjoyment of all but with the message of inclusivity and pride. She'd received support from her own family as well as from Valla and Nohr with royals from both countries going to be in attendance to show their support.
Such an event takes a while to plan and organise so it was six weeks later that parkland in the west of the capital was now covered with stalls selling all variants of food from Hoshido and Nohr, games stalls, small stages dotted around for musicians, magicians, clowns and speakers as well as the large main stage in the centre of it all. Caeldori had been terrified the night before about whether anyone would attend but, come the morning, the grounds were swarming with people. As well as many traditional families with young children, which Caeldori was glad to see as this hopefully meant they'd grow up knowing being gay is acceptable, there were many same-sex couples being openly affectionate, many for the first time in their lives.
A big event, even once it's been set up, does, of course, require a lot of crisis management as the day goes on but, with her uncle Ryoma and her mother helping her, Caeldori was able to find time to mingle. During the brief time she had, she was thrilled at the support she received from those she met. It also felt nice just being normal with Soleil, simply walking around holding hands brought her such joy.
Throughout the day, there was a series of talks planned by lesbian, gay and bi-sexual individuals to share their experiences, how they first knew and how they were received. The big draw of the schedule, which was being held on the main stage, was Queen Corrin and Princess Consort Rhajat talking about their relationship which including Rhajat clearing up how they had Kana for the people and making it very clear that's not an option for anyone. Also, on the main stage later on was the trio of Camilla, Shigure and Hinoka, taking this opportunity to come out to her people, talking about how they first knew they were bisexual. In smaller tents around the main area, talks were given in ones and twos by Ophelia, Sophie, Niles, Kaze, Kenshin, who had been told not to promote his tavern during his talk and leave to that to working his stall, among other prominent citizens of the capital. In addition, Caeldori supported Gracia as she talked about her experience growing up in her former religion with many in the audience having felt the same repression even without an overbearing belief forced onto them.
Of course, as well as all her family and honorary family, many of Caeldori's friends and allies were in attendance too. Xander, Charlotte and Seigbert, with Peri as security, were enjoying themselves among the stalls. Severa, Laslow and Liv, completely in love with a kitsune plushie her father had won her, were enjoying being out as family, though Soleil could only swing by intermittently. The four beasts were roaming the food stalls, causing a little commotion as they went. Sakura, Hayato, Midori and Elise, aided by the princess' retainers, were working with others at the various first aid booths, with Midori concerned she'd already had to treat someone for intoxication before lunch. Azura was going to be performing on the main stage that afternoon and was taking the morning to enjoy time with her husband and children. Takumi, Oboro and Kiragi had been at the archery range for a while now with father and son competing before being joined by Setsuna who had got lost in the crowds.
Having held their talk with the massive crowd who had came to see them, Corrin, Rhajat and Kana, along with Felicia and Flora, were making their way through the games stalls as Kana wanted to try everything, often with her mama and auntie Felicia joining in. Corrin was delighted to see how well the day was going and how accepting everyone was being, she hadn't even heard of any disturbances or protests. She wondered if she should replicate this in the formally Hoshidan half that formed the east of her kingdom. She'd expected there to be resistance to a new ruler and there had been a little initially from both sides, but the Nohrian half had now settled down and the Hoshidan half was almost there but some of the remaining voices in the north were referring to her as 'The Dyke Queen'. She'd had to coordinate with Hinoka a couple of months ago in subduing an attempted secession attempt led by those cries.
Also enjoying the festival as a couple were Kagero and Orochi, with the former having been told to enjoy today with her wife by both her husband and her lord. This was the first time the couple had ever acted as such in public and, while Orochi had no problems, Kagero felt self-conscious and, despite the point of the festival, worried that she would harm her king's reputation if her orientation became known. She was recognisable as she had to be visible to work as a guard for her king, though she preferred being in the shadows, which meant a good number of people would know who and what she was.
Having seen her wife's worry, Orochi had sat her down at a table outside a stall and gone to get them something to drink. "Here we go," she chirped as she sat opposite her beloved.
"Thank you," said Kagero, glancing around the crowd.
"I know it's your job to worry but there are plenty of guards on duty, Saizo's with Ryoma and Kaden and Selkie are with Velouria and Keaton so they're all safe."
"I'm sorry, I still feel uneasy about this," admitted the master ninja.
"Are you ashamed of loving me?" teased Orochi.
"No," declared Kagero, reaching across the table to hold her wife's hand. "Merely how others will react."
"Well, the only way is to be proud of who you are and disregard any who object."
At that encouragement, she stood and leaned across the table to kiss her wife which did draw a little attention but one noticeable gasp. The two glanced across the way to see a teenage girl with shoulder length black hair looking at them with her hands clamped to her mouth.
"Anzu?" question Kagero.
"Master Kagero," greeted the young ninja. "I didn't mean to interrupt," she said glancing between the two older women, still scarcely able to believe what she saw.
"You're still in training," observed Kagero, "why have you left our home?"
"Darling," said Orochi softly, taking her hand and encouraging her to sit while gesturing for Anzu to join them. "You're a lesbian, aren't you?" she asked Anzu when they were all seated.
"Yes," confirmed Anzu.
"And she ran away to come to the festival to see if there really are others like her," explained Orochi to her wife.
"Because my family would never accept me," added Anzu. "I never knew you were too, I've met your husband and daughter."
"I still have my husband," said Kagero, seeing the shock. "But I had loved Orochi since we were teenagers and when that resurfaced between us, both Kaden and Lord Ryoma encouraged us."
"I'm her wife in all but law," added Orochi.
"Change is needed everywhere so we may live as we are," mused Kagero. "I shall request leave from Lord Ryoma and take the message from Princess Caeldori home to try and change my family's views. Will you come?"
"I'll always be there for you, my love."
"If possible, I shall escort you home," she said to Anzu, "and ensure you are not punished too severely for leaving your training."
With a proud smile, Orochi took her wife's hand again.
"Thank you, Master. I should leave you alone," said Anzu going to get up.
"Or you could stay with us for the festival?" suggested Orochi to them both.
"It has been a long time since I've been able to spend any time with any of my cousins," added Kagero to encourage her second cousin.
"Thank you, both," said Anzu with a smile.
"And you've got the whole day to ask about anything you may be curious about when two girls are together," teased Orochi and saw the keen interest in the cute ninja's face, though she restrained herself, for now.
The three went round the festival together, looking almost like mothers and daughter, with Anzu loving spending time with her idol and learning about how she and Orochi fell in love, as well as some helpful tips from Orochi. The two made sure to introduce her to their friends to prove to her that she wasn't alone in how who she loved. Naturally, Selkie was keen to play with her little cousin and the three joined the beasts for some games and then lunch.
Come mid-afternoon, Caeldori took to the central stage to announce that the big musical performances would be starting shortly. She was only half way through her announcement when screaming was heard from the stalls to the west, followed swiftly by a stampede of people pouring through the central area in front of the stage. At the stage, Caeldori, Soleil, Ryoma, Saizo, Xander, Charlotte, Siegbert and Peri drew their weapons and readied themselves as Camilla and Beruka, suspecting this was something big, ran off to get airborne while Hana and Subaki secured Sakura and Gracia. With the flood of civilians passed, with many sporting injuries and taking shelter behind the well-armed royals, a group of twelve men and women dressed in executioner robes rounded the corner. Unfortunately, there were screams coming from elsewhere on the site, this wasn't all the attackers.
"Caeldori!" yelled the leader of this group. "The stain on the royal family's honour. We are here to purge you."
"You are the stain," proclaimed King Ryoma, stepping forward with Raijino ready. "Attacking innocent civilians and raising your weapons against your king. Stand down."
"Never," came the reply.
"Then if you have any honour left, you will end this with a dual." He gestured to the leader with Raijinto, knowing a man like him would never agree to a dual, certainly not against the best dualist in Hoshido. He was then surprised to find a lance pushing his sword down.
"I'm better," snarled Caeldori as she walked forward. "I challenge you to a one on one dual, should you slay me, you will face no consequences."
"Caeldori!" protested Ryoma.
"He will face no consequences," stated his niece.
"Then you'll die where you stand, dyke," said the leader as he took his stance.
Watching, Soleil knew this would be quick. Caeldori was using a form Cordelia created and had spent decades refining for lethal duals. The form was pure offense and relied on its speed and power to prevent the enemy being able to attack at all. Anytime she'd gone against it with training weapons she had been dead within seconds every time.
As the man lunged, Caeldori deflected, darted past him and, using her neck as a pivot, swung her spear round with the tip of it slicing between his fourth and fifth vertebra, killing him instantly. As the spear left his neck, she had already spun round beneath it to face her next attacker. She pushed the spear through her grip to bash the first fool to lunge at her between the eyes with the end before sliding it back as she swung through one hundred and eighty degrees, slicing cleanly through his throat. A third had already begun his attack which was intercepted with a slice to the back of his hand, causing him to drop his sword, allowing Caeldori to grab his weakened hand as she pushed the spear along his arm and, by clamping his hand to the shaft, she levered him down to the ground and with spear now embedded, she wrenched his arm up and broke his shoulder. The rest had been faster on the uptake and had turned to flee the moment the second attacker had been hit which left her with two dead and one disabled in a mere four seconds.
"My king," she snarled over the wails from the end of her spear. "This man stands accused of terrorism, of assault with lethal intent, of attacking a member of the royal family and of violating the sanctity of a dual. The only punishment can be death."
"I have witnessed these crimes and find you guilty," said Ryoma to the man with terror on his face, "but not by your hand!" he shouted as Caeldori raised her spear to stab downwards. "You are a princess of Hoshido, not an executioner. He will be taken and interrogated first."
As Saizo moved forward to restrained him, Caeldori bit her tongue and flicked her spear round to get the blood off it. She looked over the empty field with scattered belongings and wounded being tended to by Sakura and Gracia. Before her anger turned to sorrow, more cries of distress could be heard approaching them from the same road the attackers fled by. Thankfully, it was the attackers yelling for help. As they came into view, one fell due to a shuriken in the neck and was immediately set upon by a tiger spirit as her friend had the misfortune of Kagero materialising behind her and running her through. Orochi and an unknown ninja than ran into view behind them.
"My lord!" shouted Kagero.
"Protect the people," came the immediate reply.
"Anzu, with me," she called before vanishing, along with her young cousin, knowing her lord was secure.
"Orochi!" called Sakura. "Go with Subaki to help those in the west, Gracia, continue here, Hana, we'll go south."
"As you command, my lady," said Orochi with a bow, proud of how Sakura had such confidence when she was needed. She knew Mikoto would be proud too.
A shadow flew over them as Camilla, followed by Beruka flew past and over the stalls to the west with Camilla raining down fire and Beruka flying low behind it to emerge from the flames and take out everyone left before her wyvern jumped back up to rejoin Camilla. The group then turned as someone in the same black robes scrambled over a wall on the northwest corner of the field but only got a few paces before the wall exploded, the shards knocking him down as Corrin reared up through the dust to stamp him into the ground, with another stamp to ensure the job was done. Seeing everything here was fine, she turned back to the flash of fimbulvetr from her wife and daughter, accidentally taking out more of the wall with her tail as she did so. Another attacker then appeared from the south entrance and fell with two arrows in his back.
"Well, who gets this one?" questioned Niles.
"You shouldn't be competing at all," chastised Nyx as she and Nina came into view.
"He's winning anyway," said Nina.
"All good here?" question Niles.
"We are, please help the people," ordered Xander.
With it clear now there had been many more attackers than the dozen she'd seen, Caeldori simply couldn't deal with her rage and horror, she stood, rooted to the spot, shaking at the emotions echoing through her.
"Cael," said Soleil softly, going to her love and embracing her, glad she hugged back. "Breath."
As her girlfriend's warmth and her scent filled her world, Caeldori took a deep breath and let everything bad leave with it. "It's ruined," she said, on the verge of tears.
"Hey, look at me," said Soleil leaning out of the hug and placing a tender hand on Caeldori's cheek. "You saw all the people here, all those people who supported you who way outnumber these dastards."
"Yeah," said Caeldori softly, reaching up to run her fingers through Soleil's hair to find more comfort.
"If you've made even one person's life better by this, then you've done good."
"You've done good already," said a voice from behind them all.
The assembled royals and retainers turned to see a man, looking very scared all of a sudden, with a freshly dressed bandage on his arm courtesy of Gracia.
"Go on," asked Ryoma.
"I… I mean, milady, that you've already done good because you've already improved attitudes so much. When you came out, the guys at work were talking about it and they agreed it was fine, so I came out to them. They accepted it. I would never have had the courage to do that if it weren't for you."
"You see," said Soleil standing on her toes to lean her forehead against Caeldori's. "You're amazing." Caeldori then leaned in, kissed her and held her tight.
Looking on, Ryoma knew it wouldn't be long before Soleil was a princess of Hoshido. The beautiful scene was then interrupted by the thump of a wyvern landing.
"Caeldori," called Camilla, "all attackers have been killed or subdued with two known to have successfully fled. From reports, I'd estimate their numbers around thirty."
"Good," said Caeldori. "Please stay airborne and co-ordinate security to round up those detained and to guide healers to those who need them, I'm sure mother will soon join you. Ask the beasts if they can try to track those who escaped, one nine-tails and one wolfsenneger per hunting party."
"As you say," acknowledge Camilla. "Corrin, Rhajat and Kana have secured the north east. Kagero and a little ninja are aiding the security forces in the east/north east. Niles, Nyx and Nina are patrolling the central area. Severa, Laslow and Liv are safe." With her report delivered, she kicked to get airborne.
"Uncle, Saizo, please go north and keep Raijinto sheathed if safe to do so to help ensure the people the threat has passed."
"Of course," agreed Ryoma and left immediately, knowing his niece had this under control.
"Lord Xander, Lady Charlotte, Lord Siegbert, Peri, please go south and ensure security is capable there. Again, keep Siegfried sheathed."
"Very well," agreed the king of Nohr.
"I'll need to borrow an axe from them," added Charlotte who had decided it would be out of place to bring her axe to a festival.
"What about us?" asked Soleil.
"We stay here to co-ordinate and guard them," said Caeldori looking to Gracia making sure her patients were well. "Is everything all right?" she asked seeing the people all looking at her so intently.
The group then looked to the man who had spoken up previously as their nominated spokesman.
"Fine," he said, accepting his role. "I think it's just that you're amazing. You took out three people in seconds and you gave orders to two kings who obeyed you without hesitation."
"I did," said Caeldori, suddenly aware of how far she'd stepped beyond what is proper.
"It's your festival, you're the boss here," assured Soleil. "Isn't she just the best person there could be to represent us?" she asked the crowd to immediate agreement. "See?"
Before Caeldori could respond, voices could be heard approaching from the west, lots of them.
"See?" called Anna loudly as they entered the central space, "told you all there was nothing to worry about. Just ignore the bodies of the attackers," she added seeing two bodies in black robes.
Following behind were dozens upon dozens of people who had fled at the attack. Caeldori's heart soared at seeing the people coming back after such horror.
"Sellers, back to your stalls," called Anna, "customers, start buying again. Milady," she said as Caeldori approached her.
"You brought them back, thank you." She had an urge to hug her but felt that may not be appropriate.
"Of course, this is one of the best business opportunities in ages," explained the merchant to the princess' disappointment. "And it's also one of the most important events there's been," she added, seriously.
"It's you," cried Gracia from behind them.
"If it's faulty, you couldn't have bought it from me," came the instant reply.
"What? No, I mean you're the merchant who started my path to being free. I know you won't remember me, but you sold me a thunder tome and then an elthunder which was my first big rebellion against the religion that raised me."
"Oh, the cute shrine maiden from that weird group in the southeast," said Anna as it came back. "A diviner now, I see. You really suit it," she purred eyeing the exposed, flat stomach.
"Thank you," giggled Gracia. She was surprised she'd remembered her as she must meet so many people. "Before I forget again, what's your name?"
"Anna."
"Gracia."
"I thought I recognised you when you were introduced earlier, sorry I couldn't stay to hear you speak but I had a stall to attend."
"That's alright," assured Gracia, "I'm just glad to have been able to thank you. Thanks to you I'm free and learning divination and then all kinds of magic. And dating girls," she added in the hopes Anna's flirting had been interest rather than a selling tactic.
"Glad to have helped. I need to get back to my stall but it'd be nice if you could stop by when you're free," she suggested.
"I'd love to," confirmed Gracia with a smile.
With the first wave of traders and guests having returned, and security having removed the bodies of the attackers, the festival hesitantly restarted. Over the course of the afternoon, word spread between the festival goers about their princess' actions and Caeldori was overwhelmed by the support and praises she received.
A little later than planned, the band began playing and the central area was again mobbed with people there to dance. After several songs, Azura came onstage and performed several routines she had choreographed with Olivia during her last two-week teaching period in Ylisstol. She had decided she wanted to keep teaching and was now employed in a two-week on, two-week off pattern to allow her to spend time with her family on her weeks off and living with her best friend when she was teaching. She loved that new life but today was her first time performing since coming out of the depths of her depression and she remembered how much she loved that too, especially with all the cheers.
Overall, it was agreed the festival was a huge success with even the attack having positives in the outpouring of admiration for Princess Caeldori. While it takes far more than one, mostly, enjoyable day to change opinions, today had been a very good start.