Keiji and Corrin share their innermost aspirations over dinner in Macarath.

Aspirations

The Astral Plane is really quite something - a magical realm within an alternate dimension. True, you've heard about it before. Most in Hoshido have, but to be trusted to come here is something of an honor. Most of Hoshido's best and brightest lodge here often. Also distinguished soldiers and their servants.

The air is different here. It's thicker, brimming with much ethereal essence. Your lungs feel fresher with every breath.

Then there's the setting sun. Its pale orange light soothes you to the core.

"Alright, Keiji," you whisper, keeping as calm and collected as you can. "This is going to go well."

You stand in awe of Corrin's personal quarters. Even from the outside, her treehouse home is huge.

You take a deep breath to calm your anxiously beating heart. "Okay. Here we go."

You're looking you're best - adorned in your finest white shirt and hand-finished black trousers.

Even your engagement to a highborn lassie doesn't come close to this: an invite to dinner with the princess of a Kingdom. An unsupervised dinner, most of all. If your mother were here right now she'd be fixing the creases in your outfit and spiking your hair rigid with a magical setting spell.

You're sure of something else above all, too.

"I've done well to be allowed here," you utter privately, a sad smile gracing your lips. "Father would be proud of me." A tear leaks from one of your empowered brown eyes. It's been too long since you had a positive thought about the man who sired you. "I better not stand idle any longer," you resolve, collecting yourself and beginning on your way. "The princess awaits."

Here you are - waiting outside the door to Corrin's abode. You ponder for a while about how to announce your arrival. In the end, a simple rap against the door proves quite enough. "Milady," you clear your throat and compose yourself. "It's Keiji. I'm here to accompany you to dinner, as per your letter."

"O-Oh! Keiji!" Corrin laughs nervously from beyond the door. "It's that time already? I'm ever so sorry. Can you wait just a few minutes? I need to fix my hair."

There follow loud bumps and thumps from inside the room. Draws and dressers bang and there are a couple of frantic yelps too.

When the door finally opens, a very sleepy Corrin greets you.

"Thank you for waiting," she says graciously, a touch flustered. Her eyes, usually so powerful, are droopy. "I've been busy drilling the men with Takumi and Ryoma all day," she explains. "I was so tired when I got back," she yawns. "I dozed off as soon as my head hit the pillow. Pray tell... what time is it?"

You recall the sight of the clock in the Astral Plane's central square. "It's just passed seven, milady."

Corrin's eyes shoot wide. "Seven?! You're absolutely sure?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure," you confirm with a nod.

"I'm ever so sorry I kept you waiting!" The princess leans close and cuddles you shortly. You bask her warmth for a moment, holding her close to your chest. Her lavender perfume is really quite delightful. "My siblings oftentimes tease me for my timekeeping," she admits shyly, her face reddening.

"It's not a problem at all, milady."

The princess leans in and places her finger against your lips. "Corrin," she insists with an innocent wink. "We're alone tonight. No soldiers. No bodyguards. Nothing. So it's quite alright for you to call me by my name."

"Corrin," you answer her request with the name she's looking for. It brings a bright smile to her face.

"Thank you," the girl chuckles, pecking her lips against your cheek. "Now then... shall we be off?"

You'd like nothing more. "It would be my pleasure."

Hand in hand, the two of you depart.

Macarath is bustling tonight, the war be damned. Couples walk the streets arm-in-arm. Street vendors' merchant stalls fill the air with the scent of fine spices, their voices loud and proud in their appeal to the townsfolk for coin. Carriages clack past over the street bobbles. There's even a magician conjuring flames in his palms at the town square.

Through it all, you and your mistress walk hand-in-hand.

"So, where shall we go?" you ask Corrin.

You half-expect her to choose one of the fancy eateries dotting the main road beside Macarath's towering palace doors. Much to your surprise, she pulls you toward the first side-street sushi house she finds. "Here," she announces cheerfully. "Let's go here."

"As you wish." The two of you enter the establishment.

It's quaint within - a place with traditional Hoshidan-style panelling. No flush gold charms or exotic calligraphy scrolls. It reminds you of of one of the small family kitchens nearest the shrine in your hometown of Izami. Such familiarity calms you beyond words.

A middle-aged Nohrian man with greying golden hair glances up from the counter toward the back of the restaurant. "Just the two of ye?" He asks.

Corrin nods in reply, "Just the two of us, sir."

The sushi chef points you in the direction of a table for two in the far corner. "Right, right," he replies, getting back to slicing fish.

You and Corrin seat yourselves.

"We've got a few Hoshidan Salmon left," the chef informs you from his counter. "The two of ye are well-kempt sorts, especially the wee lassie. I'll make up a few platefuls and send 'em your way right quick. My daughter should be back from the night market with more Sake before you know it."

"Most appreciated," you thank the middle-aged gent and look to Corrin. She sits across from you with one rested folded neatly in her lap while tippy-tapping the other's fingers against the table top. Her expression is deep and thoughtful. "There something on your mind?"

"Nothing much," the princess answers with a precious smile. "I'm just so happy seeing the city for myself. It's amazing."

You reach across the table to your mistress, offering your hand. She ties your fingers as one and gifts your palm a gentle squeeze.

"You sound like a princess locked in a tower," you tease gently.

"Meanie." Corrin pouts, and if it isn't the most darling thing you've ever seen. "Then again," she continues, sighing, "I suppose I was."

"But not anymore," you remind her. "You're free to do as you please."

The princess' cheeks pinken softly. "With you at my side, yes."

Caught off guard by the sincerity of her words, your face heats up. "I am forever at your service."

You've never tasted salmon so succulent in your life. Not to mention the rice - it's so light. You're already through two helpings of each.

Content, you look to the window. Moonlight's pale glow shines through, filling you with a further sense of tranquillity.

Though rare for you, it's enjoyable beyond words to forget your duties and be carefree for a time.

Leaning back into your chair, you watch Corrin work through what must be her third plate of salmon rolls. While you wouldn't think it given her astounding figure, she certainly eats. Then again, she has the power of a dragon hidden inside of her. Such an immense blessing must require lots of energy.

"Enjoying yourself there, Corrin?" you ask between a sip of sake.

"Mmm-hmm," the lassie answers. Finishing her salmon roll, she sets aside her half-empty plate. Her eyes dart toward your still half-full plate of maki. "Are you finished with those?" Corrin wonders, gesturing with her chopsticks.

You chuckle, patting your stomach gently. "Absolutely full. I honestly couldn't eat another bite."

"May I try one or two then?" your beloved asks sweetly and hopefully.

Captivated by how precious she's being, you can hardly refuse. "Go right ahead, they're all yours."

"...All of them?" Never before has the princess sounded so pleased.

You can't help smile. "Every last one."

"Wonderful, thank you!" Corrin whips away your plate and continues eating.

"My pleasure," you smirk between another sip on your sake.

Plates cleared away sometime later, you are leaned across the table with your hands clasped in Corrin's. "I've wondered something as of late, Keiji," the princess says, her expression warm and peaceful.

You're happy to indulge the sheltered royal. "Go ahead, Princess."

"Do you have a big family? Lots of brothers and sisters, perhaps?"

Her question causes a twinge in your chest. "Nothing like yours, I'm afraid."

Corrin frowns, as if sensing your discomfort. "...Is family not a good topic for you?"

"Tis certainly not the kindest of the bunch, no."

"Then do forgive me. We can talk about something else if you'd like?"

You'll brave the gauntlet for Corrin's sake. Being so caring, she puts you at ease in ways others seldom manage. "No, it's quite alright. My mother Kasumi is a shrine maiden from the town of Izami. She wanted to join the war effort after Nohr's more recent attacks, but they wouldn't let her. 'A sagely woman of forty-five has a wealth of knowledge to share with the youth. We can't risk it being lost in such times of war. The town needs you'."

"Ah, so they forbade her." Corrin nods understandingly.

"Right. Not that such a decision displeased me. The last thing I need is to lose my mother."

"What about your father? No brothers and sisters?"

Corrin's innocent query stings.

"My father is... gone unfortunately. He gave his life protecting his comrades against a Nohrian cavalry brigade." At least the topic of siblings is less painful for you to recall. "No siblings. I'm an only child. My mother wanted another, a little girl... But she didn't remarry."

Her crystalline eyes welling up, Corrin's grip upon your hand becomes a comforting squeeze. "You must be so lonely," she utters, her voice cracking. "I can't imagine what it's like living like that - without an older sister to pick you up when you fall. Or an older brother to teach you swordplay."

You're just as curious the princess' upbringing. That and you'd prefer to move this conversation forward - away from thoughts of Father. "...Anyway, what of you, Corrin? You were raised in Nohr before returning to your rightful place in Hoshido, right?"

"Indeed I was," the dragoness confirms, releasing your hand and dabbing the damp from her eyes. Her persona brightens at the mention of her family. Leaning into the back of her chair, she basks in the warmth of recollection. "Sakura, Takumi; Hinoka and Ryoma are here with me now. Although, I spent most of my life raised by Xander and Camilla when I was little."

"Siblings on both sides of the world," you remark while pouring another sake.

"Indeed! Now, Leo and I are almost the same age. Elise is the youngest of all my siblings - about fourteen or so."

Moreover, you imagine she cares for every single one of them if her huge grin is anything to go by. You'll keep the topic upbeat, for her sake. "I imagine it's rather special having such a large host of brothers and sisters. I only wish I could understand."

"It is, Keiji. Truly. I love all of them deeply, despite the countless battles between the two kingdoms." There's much strength in Corrin's words - her eyes burning with fire. "I want to end this terrible war," she admits hopefully. "And if I'm being honest," she continues. "That's part of the reason I asked you to serve beside me. My dream, though Ryoma would call be foolhardy... is to unite the land as one complete kingdom."

Now you weren't expecting an admission brimming with grandiosity. "Really, you want Nohr and Hoshido to join as one?"

I do." Corrin nods with surety. "I want to believe there's a way we can do it; to see people of Nohrian and Hoshidan upbringings together."

As wonderful of a dream it may be, you feel bitter all of the sudden. Head held low, you sigh deeply. "Then I regret to tell you that you might have chosen the wrong person to serve as your protector. If your goal is so lofty, of course."

"No, Keiji," the princess says adamantly, touching a hand to your shoulder. "I chose you in-spite of that, knowing of your past through and through."

You're left bewildered. Your chest pulls tight. "...But why?" You look up at Corrin, your eyes trembling with feeling. "I don't understand. If you know the anger I harbour toward the Nohrians then why keep me as your retainer?"

"Because," the princess touches her hand to your cheek. "I want to help you heal, and I want to show you that a good and righteous path is the best way, not the Nohrian road of anger and violence. I honestly believe that together, all Hoshidans can create a kinder future for all. And that's not all, I feel there's something different about you, Keiji - compared with the other Hoshidans, I mean."

"'Different'? How do you mean?"

"It's as though you're striving for something - like all of your training and hard work are to prove something to yourself. I can't help wondering why, too. Could it be that there's a bigger reason you joined the army? More than helping Hoshido?"

The princess having read your innermost like an open book, you glance downward nervously. "...You're far from mistaken."

"I thought as much," Corrin comments with a sweet chuckle. "Camilla once said I'm a good judge of character, even if I'm not well-versed with the world and its ways at times. So, if I'm right, what is it that you want, Keiji? You know why I fight. What about you?"

You remember your father - a gruff and masterful swordsman. The towering giant of your childhood memories, he kneels and gives you his sword to hold for the first time. "I want to make my father proud. Even though I resent his passing, the only way he'll smile upon me is by striving to be best I can be," you explain. "Then there's the darker side of things too."

"...The darker side?" Corrin asks a touch fearfully.

You close your eyes, visited by a Hoshidan village engulfed in flames.

Black smoke billows from burned out homes. Fleeting embers from long burning fires fizzle out, and the stench of charred wood hangs thick in the air.

Tearful mothers and children flee half-collapsed homes all the while. Savage axemen chase them down and slaughter them with steel. Horsemen run down and trample any who get far enough to the village border beneath unforgiving hooves.

Tormented howls carry over the ashy, choking air: those of strung up and tortured men. Fathers. Husbands. Farmers. Militiamen. It matters not. The raiders split their bellies with cleavers and flay the skin from their bones. Many have had fingers, hands and limbs cut away - disgusting decorations nailed to the settlement's walls - twisted victory displays left by brutish Nohrian soldiers.

One man caused all of this. No, not a man. An animal. An animal's name you will never forget. Hans.

"Pick him up," that same loathsome fiend instructs with a guttural laugh. "Let him see what weakness gets!"

His underlings follow their orders, one yanking your head back by your hair.

Hana is just ahead. Her arms and legs are tied and her mouth is gagged.

Hans towers over her from behind; a thick and imposing wall of muscle. His inhuman gaze burning into Hana's head, he licks his lips.

His attentions snapping in your direction, the monster cracks his knuckles. "This one's yours... ain't she?"

"Hans," you speak the name as though a hex, re-opening your eyes and returning to the world around you. "I want nothing more than to slay Garon's retainer, Hans." You exhale the pain, pushing past memories aside. If anything, you'd like to let go of the hatred you feel. Even if it seems impossible at times. "It's not foolish to desire peace, I know that at heart. And if anyone can bring about a kinder world, it's you, Corrin."

"The two of us," the princess clarifies. "Together with my Hoshidan siblings."

"Of course. And even if it seems like a mountain of a task - creating a peaceful world, I'm willing to try. Provided you'll guide me along the way, that is?"

Corrin leans in and kisses your cheek. "With pleasure. I'll show the world Hoshido's light, you too."

"Then it's a promise," you pledge. "If you'll help me walk a better path, I do solemnly swear to help make your dream a reality."

"We're agreed, then." Corrin's eyes well. "You and I, side by side."

"Side by side."

Retracting her hand, Corrin dries her eyes. She then gets up from her seat. You follow suit.

"Thank you for the meal," you tell the old owner after a quick bow. Reaching into your pocket, you toss a small bag of silver coins on the table. You and Corrin then join hands again. "I'm ready when you are."

"Mmm-hmm. Let us be on your way, then." Tightening her grip on your hand, your beloved ushers you toward the door.

"Back to camp we go."

You're back in the Astral Plane. Corrin takes a careful look around to make sure there are no onlookers. When she's certain, she leans in and locks your lips together in a heated kiss. Your heartbeat doubles in quickness - thanks for her precious gesture.

The princess separates her lips from yours shortly after. She then leads you across the plane's wide courtyard and into the hallway of her treehouse.

"There is something else I would also cherish, Keiji," Corrin says, her tone loving and her eyes shining fondly. Releasing you from her hold, she places a hand over her tummy. "When all of this is over, when the kingdoms are united, I want to ensure there's peace for generations to come."

A demure wish. "You'd like a family of your own?"

"I would, a large one. That way when I'm old and gray, and I've seen my babies grow, they'll watch over the land I helped create. But before that," she continues, the dreamy light in her eyes fading. "We have to push further into Nohr and defeat my siblings... starting with Camilla." Corrin wraps her arms around your shoulders in a quick cuddle. "I can depend on you to help me, right Keiji?"

"Always, my dearest." You brush a hand through Corrin's silky locks, caressing her snowy white strands with your fingertips. "No matter what. I swore an oath as your retainer. If you need me, I'll fight for you against anything Nohr throws at us."

"Thank you." Corrin sweeps in and steals your lips, this time with force and flame. When you eventually part, she playfully touches a fingertip to your nose. "It's beyond the hour of midnight, so I really must be off to bed. Goodnight, Keiji. I had a lovely time."

You bow your head, happy beyond compare. "Me too, Princess."

"Rest well. Be careful on your way back to your tent tonight. It's getting colder with every passing day."

"I will, milady."

With that, the highborn lady enters her bedchamber and nudges the door closed.

The end to a wonderful evening.

To be continued...

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