Keiji attends a funeral service for Hoshido's fallen soldiers with Flora in his company.
Flora
A further three days have passed. You've spent them mostly in Felicia's company, as you did the two before.
Today however, you're attending the funeral services for your fallen brothers and sisters. Tis only right after so many lost their lives in the most recent battle. Miss Flora is with you, too. Word of her sister's injuries having reached her the day before last, she rushed to the Astral Plane from their native home in the Ice Tribe Village to support her. The two of you have been almost inseparable since.
Though stoic, Felicia's sister is a kind woman. That besides, you carry a feeling of immense familiarity the longer you're with her. It's as though you know her from somewhere long ago, although you know that cannot be the case. Tis probably just your mind playing tricks.
Something you can't ignore however is how she has doted on you today. Every door you've walked through she has opened for you. When you wanted to stop for a quick drink, she insisted on taking you to the canteen here in Fort Dawnlight. Once there, she sat you down and made the most wonderful cup of Hoshidan green tea you've ever tasted. Indeed, she has been kind to you beyond words.
"May this child of Hoshido return to the warmth of our beloved Light Dragon, now and always," the shrine maiden leading the service recites, freeing you from recollection's embrace. Ahead of you and Flora, a pair of acolytes carefully place a body wrapped in white ceremonial cloth into a grave. Laid sitting atop the deceased's chest as they are given to the earth is a sheathed katana - a Hoshidan tradition for a samurai.
The same burial your father received many long years ago, also.
You and Flora honor fallen warrior with a deep bow of your heads. "In the Light Dragon's name," you both pray.
Placed into the hole, the head shrine maiden moves onto the next fallen soul. There are six more holes dug. These rights are like to continue for a while. Sighing softly, you shake your head. Misery hangs in your stomach - a sea ship's anchor.
"This war has gone on for too long," you lament at a whisper.
Flora takes your hand, knotting your fingers with hers. You present her a weak smile as payment - a gesture she returns. Her grip tightens, the maid providing your digits a supportive squeeze. Together, the two of you return your attention to the service.
Funerals having finished for today, you and Flora are together in the canteen. A large hall, several rows of wooden benches placed at its center. There are enough seats to accommodate much of the Astral Plane's (greatly reduced) garrison. Many sets smaller circular tables with simple chairs dot wide-open hall's sides. In the left-hand corner opposite from the door is a kitchen area with surfaces for food preparation, and a stove.
You're sitting at a bench nearest the kitchen while Flora busies herself preparing food, the maid having insisted earlier on making sandwiches for yours and her sister's dinner - herself included. While you were adamant she not waste time making anything for your dinner, she was quite adamant on doing so: because you spent the day in her company.
However, the blue-haired lassie has looked lost in deep contemplation since she finished fetching provisions. It's as though she isn't quite here.
"Is everything alright?" You call over to her, concerned for her wellbeing.
"It is, yes," the maid nods, her eyes down as she's busy chopping up vegetables "Although..." She pauses her cutting for the moment and sets down her knife. A hand raised to her chest, she clutches her heart. Her expression becomes dour. "All of those poor men and women we buried today, I can't stop about how many there were. And how many more there will be before our feud with Nohr finally ends."
"Too many, most likely," you admit exhaustedly, "all good people too. Commonfolk like you and me."
"Yes... People like those from my village, and yours too I imagine," Flora adds, exhaling.
"That is usually the case, sadly," you state somewhat bitterly, knowing full well the cost of war.
"Gods, what I wouldn't give to free them all from harm." Picking up the knife again, Flora continues her sandwich preparations.
"When wars drag on it's us everyday people who suffer," you comment, well versed with the darker side of conflict. "And try as we might, all too often we're powerless to change it." You scrunch a hand into a frustrated fist, your knuckles turning white. You ball and release several times more to calm yourself. "Tell me Flora; just how bad are things for the people of your hometown under Camilla's boot? I've but heard rumours."
"They're far from pleasant," she recounts with a displeased look, picking up the diced cucumbers from her chopping board and putting them into a bowl. "Camilla herself isn't overly cruel, provided we do as we're told. All too often though we're made to offer our food and valuables, as tributes for the war effort - under royal decree from Garon. And any who refuse to part with something of value - those who aren't old or sickly - are drafted on the spot."
Hearing as such heats your blood, your anger bubbling. "They are truly heartless bastards, Garon and his ilk."
"It's the Nohrian way sadly, Keiji. The strong take what they want so they might survive. The rest of us? We do what we can."
What hurts you most is Flora being so forthright about it, almost as though she merely accepts such a lot.
"But it doesn't make it right," you counter.
"No, it doesn't," the maid agrees, shaking her head. A small and hopeful smile graces her lips. "Which is why I'm all the more eager to see my village liberated by Hoshido. Word has it Lord Ryoma is planning to send a small force to help us, right?"
You recall the recent discussion in the war room. "As far as I know, yes. He just hasn't decided who will lead them yet." Hearing of Flora's plight however, you feel quietly inclined to step up and take the mantle. Not just for her sake, but for Felicia's as well. "Though I imagine somebody will rise to the challenge."
"How about lady Corrin?" Flora suggests with a spirted snap of the fingers. "If anybody can drive out Camilla's forces, it's her. I'm sure of it."
Such an idea makes you quietly uneasy. "I'd rather Her Ladyship doesn't place herself in harm's way," you admit. She is a beacon of hope - in more ways than you dare comprehend. "If aught cruel befell her it would be a crushing blow. She is kind, and yet noble - a gentle soul of immense bravery."
"You would say that, as her newest retainer," Flora chuckles.
"But of course." You lean back into your chair, arms folded behind your head. "Lady Corrin didn't have to choose somebody like me as her protector; somebody already so gnarled up and embittered by this war... but she did. And for her kindness, I'll do anything she asks of me."
"Do I detect a hint of adoration within those words, Keiji?" Flora asks, frowning afterward, oddly.
You've tripped up it seems. You won't shy away, however. "She certainly mean a lot to me, you're right - as much as your sister."
"I'll bet she does."
Flora certainly sounded a touch jealous there. "Is something the matter?" you ask, sitting upright in your chair again.
"Not at all," the maid answers, smiling thinly. "Just... don't push yourself too hard in service to Our Lady, alright?"
Shrugging off the lassie's odd behaviour, you find it in your heart to chuckle warmly. "Coming from the most hardworking woman of your whole host?"
"I sir, am born to serve. Therefore, I am diligent in all I do," Flora declares earnestly. Veggies cut; she fetches a bread loaf from across the counter. Knife at the ready, she starts slicing. "You though Keiji, are more like Corrin I feel. You are passionate and strong-willed from what I have heard and seen - focused too. Those are traits befitting more of a leader than one who simply follows orders." Opinion provided, she glances up from her cutting. "Don't you agree?"
The girl's words resonate with you, strongly. "You may have a point, Miss Flora." After all, you strove to prove yourself with the desire to rise higher. "...I'd be lying if I said I didn't desire the power to make a difference. To put the Nohrians in their place, and stop this war from hurting everyday people."
"With wishes like those it sounds like you want to change the world."
The burning village of Okashi - the place where you were entirely powerless to change a thing, visits you again in your mind's eye. "If only I could," you scoff bitterly. "Corrin believes it possible, but whenever I'm made to hope... ill-tidings visit me." First Hana. Now Felicia. You shake off the thought with a wave of the hand, lest it drag you too far into melancholy. "Anyway, what of you Flora? Surely you desire something in this war-town world of ours?"
The maid stops still, appearing a bit hesitant. Breathing in and out softly, she keeps on, "But of course. I want nothing more than to see my people freed, so I may live out my life in peace... with the person I yearn for. A fairly quaint desire next to waging wars and ending tyrants, I know."
"A dream just as heartfelt, my friend," you reassure the lassie with a smile. You've a great respect for simple desires.
"And one I would give anything in my power to see come true, anything." Sandwiches prepared, Flora brings a plate over to you. The brown bread morsels are cut into neat squares and arranged perfectly. "I hope you enjoy these. They're egg and cucumber - you're favorites, correct?"
"They are indeed." A spark ignites in the back of your mind. You pause for thought. "...But I don't recall telling you as such in our time as friends."
"Felicia told me," Flora reveals nonchalantly with a wave of her hand. "And who knows, perhaps we knew one-another in the past?"
"You'd think I'd remember someone like you." Again, that strange feeling of familiarity strikes. Although this time, dread accompanies it too.
Flora's cheeks pinken at your kind words regardless of your worries though. "...I'd like to think so, too."
Exhaling, you dismiss your unrest. "Forgive my overactive imagination. I've had a lot on my mind in recent weeks, so I'm likely imagining things."
Flora turns around to hide her quickly reddening face. "Y-You're probably right, think nothing of it." Patting her cheeks cool, she returns to the canteen's kitchen area and starts on her next set of sandwiches. A fresh plate brought out, the flustered girl gets to work.
Tension fills the air now: thick and displeasing. You pick up one of the sandwiches and take a bite - a distraction. Your sense of taste cries out in sublime appreciation for the wonderful food. You chew slowly to savour every second. You're full to overflowing with delight when you swallow.
"...These are absolutely wonderful, Flora. Thank you!"
The maid dons a large and hearty smile in appreciation your compliment. "...Think nothing of it. As I said, I live to serve."
Sandwiches boxed for Felicia up and clean-up finished, you and Flora are ready depart for the magical gateway which leads from Dawnlight back to realms less ethereal. On your way across the square however, Subaki approaches you. He holds a paper scroll in his right hand.
"There you are, Keiji, Flora," the sky knight says with his usual spirit, closing the gap.
You bow for your friend. Felicia curtseys as best she can with a box of sandwiches in one hand. "To what do we owe the pleasure, Subaki?" she asks.
He gestures toward the scroll in his hand with his eyes. "I was asked to deliver this to the both of you by Lady Corrin, but now I can simply tell you both in person. Lord Ryoma has called an emergency meeting. To discuss the recent attacks, you understand."
"Naturally," you follow with a nod.
"Right. Between us retainers, His Lordship thinks a spy is among our number. So he wants to discuss the matter."
"A spy?" Flora gasps, a hand raised to her mouth. "Surely not?"
"I mean, it makes sense," you tell her. "Even if the Nohrians know a way inside here, the Astral Plane is huge... and I say that having only been here a few times. I don't imagine they found their way to the Fort without somebody leading them."
"That's exactly what Kagero said, also," Subaki follows. "Anyway, Hana is already at the meeting with Sakura, and Corrin requested that either you or Miss Flora attend with her. So, I was sent out to collect one of you."
"I'll go," you offer with a raised hand. "The sooner we get to the bottom of this, the better. Is that alright with you, Flora?"
"Of course it is," the maid approves, looking a touch flustered. "...And I have to take these to Felicia anyway." She points to the sandwiches with her free hand. "But be sure to tell me if you find out anything worthwhile, alright? In the meantime, I'll see if there is anything I can unearth as well."
"Fair enough," you agree. "But..." You narrow your eyes a touch. "Is everything alright? You seem anxious."
"It's nothing, I promise. I just..." Flora pauses, and sighs. "I just can't imagine why anybody would want to help those Nohrians."
"You and me both," Subaki remarks with a small frown. "Anyway..." He looks from the blue-haired lassie to you. "Shall we be off?"
"Indeed," you answer, bowing your head. "To the War Room."
You and your comrade leave for your duties.
You pause partway down the road and glance back to Flora, giving her a departing wave. She returns your gesture and hurries on her way.
You keep walking. Although worried for the lass hangs in your stomach.
"What's the gloomy look in aid of, eh Keiji?" asks Subaki, gifting you a pat on the back.
You'll not worry him, especially with a busy afternoon still ahead. You force a weak smile. "This retainer business is stressful isn't it?"
The sky knight laughs warmly. "You're just now noticing, are you?"
Even so, you'll persist. You're not backing down until you've taken the fight to the Nohrians with your own two hands.
You and Subaki take up your respective places beside your mistresses at the strategy table. Corrin gives your hand a quick squeeze while nobody is watching. You return her affectionate gesture with haste, and then look over the people present. Sakura stands across from you with Hana and Subaki at her sides. Kagero stands diligently beside Ryoma, who assumes his rightful place as head of the council table. Hinoka and Takumi remain absent.
You're drawn back to the task at hand when Kagero steps up, ready to speak. "We believe the spy might be among the new recruits. One or two have received lots of letters as of late. In addition, one in particular, Mary, is a Nohrian defector. She fled to our side shortly after we liberated Cheve."
"Do you believe this woman capable of leading our foes here?" asks Ryoma.
The kunoichi shakes her head. "Not entirely, no. Or to be more precise, we lack the evidence to deem her responsible for the deed."
"Well, we would only find such evidence by searching the tents of the ladies," Corrin states, a polite hand raised as she speaks.
"You are correct, My Lady," Kagero agrees. "Though I fear we should be careful in doing so."
You follow Kagero's line of thought fairly well. You raise a hand to speak, "Because arousing too much suspicion would cause our potential spy to dispose of anything incriminating."
"That is indeed my concern." Kagero nods.
"Then let's be certain someone unassuming does it," Hana says. "A maid," she continues, baring a proud smile for the idea. "The maids go everywhere in their duties and nobody really questions them. We should ask and see if one is willing to aid us."
You've just the right maid in mind, too. "Flora, we could ask Flora." You look to Corrin for support and permission. "After all, we can assume her loyalty is strong beyond doubt, given what just happened to her sister. I'm beyond certain she will aid our cause."
The princess mulls over your idea with great attentiveness. After a short time, she nods. "I'd be quite alright with that." Turning, she looks to the rest of the table. "Like this, we can be careful as Kagero suggested, and yet delve to the bottom of the barrel with this issue - just in time to decide who will liberate the Ice Tribe Village."
"I've no objections to this idea," Ryoma approves. "Very well then. We will petition Miss Flora's aid in this endeavour." Course of action decided, the crown prince looks to Kagero, and nods. The Kunoichi picks up a piece of folded parchment paper from a chair off to the side of her. She hands it to her Lord and he unfolds it over a portion of the battle map that is free of markers. The meeting's attendants all huddle nearer to get a closer look.
"Now, onto our second matter of concern. With Yukimura still overseas in Hinoka's company, it has fallen to my retainers and I to devise our plan to retake the Ice Tribe Village from Camilla." Ryoma steps back from his place at the head of the table. His attentions turned to Kagero, he gestures toward the map. "Kagero, please explain the finer details of our plan, so that we set matters here into motion."
"Of course, My Lord." The loyal kunoichi nods, stepping up as asked. She places her finger atop a small bridge near a large frozen river on the map. A foreboding shiver runs down your back for a second while you look at it, though you can't imagine why. Disregarding the strange feeling, you redouble your concentration.
"This bridge here provides quick access to the Village from the frozen hillside Camilla's garrison currently camps atop of," Kagero explains. "It is also the most effective way to transport food and supplies in and out of the local area, making it a key supply line. To this end, the local soldiers would soon become frustrated over the lack of provisions if we took it.
"To this end, the plan is to approach and infiltrate the village from its northernmost entry point - with a small vanguard of about twenty men. Once there, our soldiers will make contact with the village elder, and combine their number with a band of resistance fighters of whom we are assured will rise up upon our arrival. From there, the combined force will take the bridge from Nohrians. Once this is done, a signal fire will be lit, and our main army will advance into the town and launch a full-scale offensive against Camilla's main force atop the hillside."
"Not bad at all," Subaki whistles, impressed.
"It is a passable plan without Sir Yukimura's military mind at our disposal," continues Kagero. "We need but decide who will lead this vanguard into the village."
Visited by the memory of poor wounded Felicia - of how she was so fragile in your arms after Selena nearly blinded her - you raise your hand. Beside you, Corrin gasps fearfully. "I shall go," you tell the group. "True, I am but a commoner by birth, but you have all shown faith in me as of late. Allow me to prove myself by carrying out this task."
"You wish to go, Keiji?" Ryoma asks, seeking clarity.
"I do, My Lord," you answer diligently, bowing your head.
Silence hangs in the air. The crown prince ponders your request.
Thoughts of battle and grief assail you all the while. Corrin's tearful collapse after the battle in the Astral Plane ended. Felicia almost losing her sight. And equally as infuriating, when that whore Camilla tried to strangle the life out of you for attacking her retainer. You hold onto these memories as you await the verdict. You let them fuel your anger and commitment to the cause both. At all costs, you must put the Nohrians down for the suffering they have caused.
Next to you, Corrin is worried. You glance across the table to Hana. She too looks equally as displeased.
"I believe we should let Keiji do this for us, My Lord Ryoma," Kagero implores, gifting you with the smallest of smiles. "He has ever done right by Hoshido, and served loyally as a swordsman. I say we let him show that he is capable of leading as well."
"You make a fine point, Kagero," Ryoma acknowledges. "Very well. Keiji, you will lead the vanguard to the Ice Tribe Village."
While surprised Kagero vouched for you, you're far from ungrateful. You bring an arm around your waist and bow for the two. "Eternal gratitude, Lord Ryoma. And to you as well, Kagero. I'll see this done."
With that, Ryoma claps his hands. "And with this, I believe our meeting is concluded. Thank you for coming everyone."
Everyone around the table bows. One by one, those in attendance begin leaving. You follow Corrin outside once Sakura and her retainers have left.
You are however, given the cold shoulder by your mistress once the two of you are alone.
Wanting to know above all what is wrong, you fall in at Corrin's side. "...Is there something the matter, milady?"
"I don't know, is there?" the dragoness questions coldly, flashing you an immense frown.
"I'd much prefer you tell me if there is."
Stopping still, Corrin swings away from you. Her shoulders are stiff with anger. "You've placed yourself in huge danger, I hope you realize that."
This is about the mission to the Ice Tribe Village, clearly. "Well, I couldn't rightly let you do it," you speak in protest. "It's obvious Camilla desires nothing more than to drag you back to Nohr in chains. I couldn't simply allow that to happen, now could I?"
"And what of how I feel...?!" Corrin snaps. The sight of her so angry stuns you. "Did you stop to think about how I would feel should anything ill befall you out there?" She folds her arms and stares you down with quivering eyes. "...Well, did you?"
"No, I didn't," you admit plainly. "Because when all is said and done, your life takes priority over mine."
"My life or your desire to get even with the Nohrians...?" Corrin asks scathingly.
You're cornered. "...Now that isn't-"
The princess holds up her hand to silence you "To my chambers please Keiji. Now, if you would. We need to talk." Stern command given, she storms off to her treehouse. You follow along, frustrated for having been told off for doing the right thing.
You scoff, Subaki coming to mind as you walk. "...It isn't easy being a retainer at all, is it?"
To be continued...
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