Keiji enlists Flora's help in uncovering the spy.

Spy

You step inside your tent to find Felicia and Flora snuggled up in your bed fast asleep, the two dressed down to their nightclothes and huddled close for warmth. The very picture of darling, seeing the two like this warms your heart. One of Flora's arms wraps her twin protectively. No doubt, she decided to stay and keep Felicia company for the night when you didn't return from the Astral Plane.

Large black Handkerchief removed, the deep scar across Felicia's closed eyes is on show. Anger crawls beneath your skin at the memory of her injury.

Now isn't the time to lose focus though. Clenching a fist and releasing, you calm down as best you can.

Not wanting to wake the sisters, you walk quietly across the carpet to your well-worn oaken writing desk and chair in the corner. Sitting atop of it are a few tatty pieces of parchment and an inkwell with quill. You sit down and lean into the chair's back with a soft exhale. While Felicia and Flora sleep, you'll get to work writing your letter to Mother. With duties waiting, you'll have little time otherwise.

Now, to craft the words. And carefully. You've not been home to Izami since you and Hana called off your betrothal. To approach the topic of a lady love with your dearest mother requires something of tact.

'Mother, I hope this letter finds you well. I've a favour-'

"Too abrupt for what I'm asking," you utter, shaking your head. You blot out the kanji symbols on the paper and start again.

'Dearest Mother, I hope you've been well since my last letter. I'm beyond happy to hear you've been busy schooling a new group of acolytes in the healing arts.'

You pause. This is better. You're not coming across as insincere and rushing to the point.

'Much has happened since my last letter, two very large developments, in fact. Firstly, I've been chosen as a retainer for Lady Corrin. While thrilled with the role and the respect it brings, I'm somewhat nervous. Also, and perhaps more frightening, I've grown fond of a woman. And yes, I am still well-aware as you read this letter that you believe Hana and I are a wonderful match, but matters have changed.'

You're able to be honest with your mother - a blessing. Again, you pause, smirking nervously. "Mostly honest."

If you were to reveal your feelings for two women then you're almost certain she wouldn't approve. A woman of honest means and a shrine maiden as well, she is a believer in sincere affection and marriage. True, you've heard the occasional rumour of your mother having an exciting past in a faraway land before settling in Hoshido, but you've never so much as approached the conversation.

You had always intended to one day, but Father's passing stopped you.

Now though, you must but be careful about how you talk about yours and Felicia's bond.

'This young lady I've met is a maid also in service to Lady Corrin. The two of us have known one-another for a while, but have gotten particularly close in recent weeks, even having shared kisses. Her name is Felicia. She fled Nohr when Lady Corrin returned to Hoshido.'

You'll omit the mention of exploring Felicia's body in bed with amorous lips and adventurous hands. Poor Mother will scold you if she finds out as such, or faint. One or the other. Neither outcome you want.

'However, a terrible omen befell the girl in our last battle. Her eyes were slashed while she fended off a Nohrian swordswoman, and while the shrine maidens here were able to save one of her eyes her vision remains poor. I'm asking, Mother, from the bottom of my heart, if you might take this girl into your care and help mend her ailing sight. She's a kind girl with a good heart, and I feel responsible in part for having not protected her in the battle.'

You'll close out the letter simply and earnestly. No pleading for help or gloating over your new position.

'I know I ask much by requesting you let a stranger stay with you, but I want nothing more than to see Felicia well again. Do write back whenever you're able, and I will reply when my new duties do not keep me constrained. From your loving son, Keiji.'

"It'll do," you sigh with relief. Folding the letter, you slip it into a spare envelope and put it on the desk for later. You'll have a messenger seal and set off with the note once you're back from the Ice Tribe Village.

Flora stirs behind you with a sleepy groan. You glance back. The maid rubs her droopy eyes, smiling when she notices you sitting across from her. You can't help noticing her flushed cheeks too. "Morning, Keiji," she greets you, hugging her middle to keep warm. "I-I hope you don't mind me staying here like this. I didn't want sister feeling gloomy since you were busy."

You wave off her concern calmly. "It's quite alright. Feel welcome to stay again if you'd like."

"I-I couldn't possibly do that," Flora protests, her cheeks washing even redder.

You glance to Felicia - soundly asleep next to her, and smile tenderly. "I'm sure she appreciates your company, so fret not. I'll sleep in this chair."

"A-Alright then," Flora agrees. "But only if Sister wants me to. A-Anyway, I take it you were detained by business in the Astral Plane?" the maid inquires, unthreading her arm from Felicia's middle and sitting upright.

"I was, that's right," you answer with a nod, folding one leg over the other. "The meeting went on for just a short while, and then Lady Corrin had some rather stern words with me after its conclusion," you recount, omitting the biggest reason for your absence for the moment.

"And might I know the meeting's outcome?" Flora requests, rubbing her eyes and blinking herself fully awake.

"But of course." As one of Corrin's retainers, she has a right to know. "In brief, Kagero and Lord Ryoma believe the spy is amongst their new recruits - one in particular, more specifically. Kagero thinks it best to search their belongings for something which might connect them to Camilla - a letter."

"R-Right," Flora nods understandingly, if a touch nervously for some reason.

"Is everything alright?"

"Of course. Kagero's opinion surprised me, that's all. Does she really think a Nohrian agent would hide in such plain view?"

"It seems that way. And as much as she and I do not see eye to eye, I'm inclined to agree with her."

Flora looks especially surprised by your admission. "...I hadn't expected that, coming from you."

Your logic is simple, your personal grudge notwithstanding. "I don't see anywhere else for an agent to hide but right under our noses, a place so obvious that we wouldn't even notice. Kagero even has a name for the suspect," you continue, leaning back into your chair. The wood creaks.

"She does?"

"Yes, Maria. A swordswoman, apparently. One who pledged loyalty to Hoshido after we liberated Cheve."

"I don't know the girl," Flora shrugs dismissively. "And having a name is all well and good, but where does Kagero expect to find evidence?"

Now, for the slightly more complicated part. "Hana suggested we enlist someone to search her quarters. A maid, to be exact." You narrow your eyes, to indicate your intentions to Flora.

Catching on, the blue-haired lassie points to herself with surprise. "...Me? They want me to do it?"

"Correct. Or more specifically, I would like you to do it. I recommended you."

The touch of irritation to the girl's expression is not lost to you, either. "But why me?"

"Because I trust you. And you're very unassuming."

Flora's brow jerks upward, "'unassuming' meaning 'plain', Keiji?"

"'Unassuming' as in, 'you aren't a threat' - you're quiet and dutiful."

Hostility melting, Flora smiles. Her cheeks redden again at your appraisal. "...I see now why Sister likes you so."

Unfortunately, whatever was just said, was said rather quietly and you missed it. "What was that?"

"N-Nothing," Flora insists, clutching the bedcovers between tightly gripped fingers. Shaking her head, she rewards you a rather sheepish chuckle. "If you believe in me, then I'll do it. I'll help you get to the bottom of all of this."

"Thank you, Flora," you bow your head graciously.

"Although, there is one other thing I'm wondering."

"Go on," you encourage, unfolding your leg and sitting upright again.

"The Ice Tribe Village. Has it been decided who will liberate our home?" the Felicia's sibling asks, glancing to her sister for a moment and back to you.

"I shall be the one to do it," you inform her, determination swelling in your chest.

"...You?!" Flora questions, shock lacing her voice. Mindful of her loudness, she clamps a hand to her mouth.

Mumbling slurred nothings next to her, Felicia stirs. "What's the matter, Sister?" she groans. Her voice is weighty with sleep.

"N-Nothing," Flora reassures her twin, patting her shoulder.

"It didn't sound like nothing," Felicia counters. Her eyes fluttering open, she reaches out and grabs one of Flora's arms clumsily - for support as she sits up in bed. "And I could've sworn I heard Keiji. Is he back?"

While you're surprised by Flora's reaction to you being chosen, you're far more eager to greet her sister. "I most certainly am, milady. Good morning."

Felicia wears a wide grin at your announcing yourself. "...You are here!"

"Indeed."

Her cheer soon fades a touch, though."...I hope you don't mind me asking Flora to stay the night?"

"Not at all. In fact, I extended the offer for her to stay again tonight."

"B-But where will you sleep?"

"On the floor." You point to the rug, quickly remembering Felicia probably can't see you from this distance. Her head is turned in your general direction, but her one working eye is unfocused. "That way the two of you can stay warm."

"But you'll freeze in the early hours!" the maid exclaims, sounding more than a little displeased.

"...I could always bring in some blankets and an extra futon," Flora offers nervously, her cheeks pinkening. "Then the three of us could all sleep together."

"I've no objections," you approve. Being in the company of others while you sleep might ease your bad dreams. Or at least hopefully.

"Then I shall get to it later on, once our duties are tidied away for the day," Flora adds, her cheeks cooling.

"I'd like that," Felicia confesses, a small frown gracing her lips. "Not being able to see very well gets lonely."

A twinge grips your chest, the room falling awfully quiet.

"Keiji was just telling me about the plan to liberate the Ice Tribe Village," Flora explains to her sister, shattering the empty silence. "Weren't you?"

"Right!" you sound up with spirit, eager to keep the conversation upbeat. "As I was saying, I'll be the one to lead the vanguard. Lady Corrin was against it, but I feel it's only right I do. Being honest, I can't see Her Ladyship placed at risk by leading the vanguard. So I'll go in her place."

There's more to the matter, too. For the longest time your recurring dream has taken you to a place of ice and snow. Each time you go there, you sink into an icy lake like a stone, and each time a pair of girls whose names you can't remember save you. Somehow, someway, you feel as though you'll find the answers to this mysterious dream if you go there. You're sure of it.

"But then you'll end up at risk instead," Felicia states, arms folded and frowning disapprovingly. "That's the last thing I want. Especially when you've taken such good care of me these last few days."

"I feel much the same as you about his choice, Sister," Flora agrees. "Which is why I shall request Lady Corrin allow me to accompany him."

Now this you weren't expecting. "And why would you do that?" you can't help but wonder.

"Because you will need a guide, for one," Flora points out, raising a digit to punctuate the fact. "And secondly, you placed faith in me with regards to our spy. Allow me to return the same kindness, by helping you liberate my home personally, of course," she continues, raising a second finger. She looks now to her sister for the final verdict. "What say you, Felicia? I'll only go if you're happy."

"I'm not thrilled by the idea, Flora," her twin follows somewhat bleakly, pondering with a finger raised to her chin. For many moments she thinks, and then nods rigidly. "But I will feel much better knowing you two are keeping each other safe, so I won't complain."

"Good, good. You won't regret this, I promise," Flora reassures her sister with a kiss to the forehead. "I suppose I should speak with Lady Corrin about this." Decision made, she folds back the covers neatly and climbs out of your futon. She puts the blankets back once she's up to keep Felicia warm. "Keiji, would you be so kind as to help Felicia with whatever help she needs while I'm gone?"

"Of course." You've aided her dress and bathe for several days since her injury, so you're no stranger to the support she requires.

"Thank you, I appreciate it." Flora collects her neatly folded maid clothes from their place atop your storage trunk. Her cheeks redden a touch. "And might I also ask you shut your eyes, just for a second or two? I wish to change my undergarments before putting my clothes back on."

"Very well." You shut your eyes as asked.

Fabric rustles and Flora's breaths hasten, feet pattering over the carpet. The unmistakable twang of elastic follows, and Flora sighs. "And... done."

You open your eyes to find the girl starting with her uniform. How quickly some women dress astounds you. Flora is no exception. After putting on her dress, she's ready to go with just a few short pulls of strings and zippers. Although her hair is a touch untidy. Next, she unfolds her socks and puts them on. Then she puts on her boots. Taking a deep breath in and out, the maid is ready to face the day ahead of her.

Leaning over, she kisses Felicia's cheek. "Alright. I shall be back as soon as I've spoken to Lady Corrin."

"Okay, see you shortly," her sister replies with warmth. Flora departs the tent without another word thereafter.

Alone now with Felicia, you'll get to work with her morning care.

Flora has been gone for what feels like quite some time. You also discussed sending Felicia to your mother in Izami while she dressed to pass the time. While a touch nervous about spending time in your childhood home at first, the lassie later expressed a desire for healing so she might return to supporting Corrin where possible. And speaking of Corrin, you've gently entered discussion about your relationship with her as well.

What's more, you'll be damned if her maid since childhood hasn't told you a few interesting things.

"Really now...?" you follow, more than surprised by what Felicia has just told you.

"Y-Yes," the maid utters shyly, blushing. "Some nights, when Corrin and I were alone in her bedroom together... we would kiss."

Indeed, it seems Corrin is more intimately curious than you first imagined. Especially if last night is any indication.

It's best you comfort Felicia, as well. If her face becomes any redder you worry her nose will bleed. "Worry not; it's nothing to feel shy about. In fact, with the two of you being alone together like you were I can see why." You touch a hand to her shoulder. "Living in some far-flung fortress away from the rest of Nohr has to have been more than a bit depressing."

"It was at times, yes," Felicia confirms. "Even moreso since Corrin wasn't allowed to leave."

You heard as much from Corrin, but you're still curious to know more of hers and her servant's lives.

"So you all grew up in that fortress together?"

"Corrin; Flora and I, yes. Jakob was sent over when we were all a little older."

Deeper and deeper your curiosity goes. "And there was nobody else, aside the guards?"

"Oh no, there were others," Felicia tells you, a look of recollection about her. "Half a dozen extra servants lived there - Flora instructed them most of the time. They attended the more general chores, while Sister and I saw to Corrin's wellbeing personally."

"Then I can certainly see why Corrin doesn't want anything to come between you two."

Felicia smiles most lovingly. "Her Ladyship is special to me, too. Honestly, I love her. A lot."

And now, for the very difficult part of this discussion. "...So, about the three of us."

Felicia squeezes your hand, laying her head against your shoulder "...Hmm?"

"Corrin told me the two of you talked, about how you feel for me."

"...We did."

"And that neither one of you wants to give up on me," you add, your heartbeat quickening.

"Mmm-hmm." Felicia's grip on your hand tightens.

Faster and harder the core within your chest pounds. "...Corrin even said she was content to share me for a time."

"Actually, Keiji... That suggestion was mine."

A wave of shock washes over you. "...Yours?"

"Uh-huh. And there's a reason for it, too. Y-You see, you and Corrin aren't the only ones I care about."

The plot thickens. You raise a brow. "We aren't?"

"N-No." The maid breathes in and out to calm herself. "And please don't think I'm silly for what I'm about to tell you. You see, there's this boy from mine and Flora's childhood. We didn't know him long, hardly more than a week, even. But he meant a lot to us."

"From your time in the fortress?" you wonder, nervousness coursing through you now.

"No, long before that - before the two of us were even taken from our village to serve Corrin."

"So you don't serve our mistress by choice?" You always thought the twins did as such, given their loyalty.

"We do now, as adults, but it wasn't so straightforward at first. Sister and I we were hostages, you see."

"Now this, I wasn't told." By either Felicia or her twin.

"...It's not something we're proud of."

You nod understandingly. "Everyone has things they'd rather keep to themselves, naturally."

"R-Right. Our father leads the Ice Tribe Village, and when Flora and I were little, he rebelled against Nohr. Garon was furious, and so he took Sister and me away. We were kept in the fortress to serve Corrin - and so our people would cooperate."

"That's dreadful..." Just when you think your anger toward Nohr can't worsen, you're proven wrong.

"It is. But I didn't know until just recently. I'd forgotten with the passage of time you see, and Flora kept it quiet to safeguard my feelings."

The act of a caring sister, you're sure. "I can see why. You are rather sensitive."

Felicia giggles sweetly. "A cry-baby, you mean."

You lean in and peck the lassie's cheek. She shivers at your touch. "Even so, your heart's in the right place."

"N-Now you're just teasing," Felicia playfully sulks, bringing her arms around your middle and cuddling close.

"Maybe." You smirk. "Though I'm still rather interested in hearing more about this boy you like."

Shuffling partway into your lap, Felicia rests her head against your chest. "My time with him is some of the clearest of my childhood," she tells you fondly, her expression warming as she recalls. "He wasn't from our village. He was visiting from Hoshido with his parents, back in a time when things were far more peaceful between the two countries. As unbelievable as it may sound, Flora and I met him thorough saving his life."

Unbelievable is right. "What in the world happened...?"

"At the edge of our village is a huge lake, one that never freezes over. Its surface sparkles with crystalline light. The boy was curious, and so he went over to take a look. He got too close: then he slipped and fell in. Flora and I heard the screams from our auntie's house, so we went outside to see what was happening."

An ungodly pain grips your head, as though knives are being plunged into the back of your skull. You wince, grunting out a shallow breath.

Noticing your discomfort, Felicia becomes concerned. "Is everything alright...?"

"N-No... Not really." Freeing up one of your hands, you grip your aching skull.

Overwhelmed, your world goes dark.

The same dream again.

Before you is a huge lake. The one you've dreamed about time and again. "Oh wow! They don't have lakes like these at home!"

You dip your finger into the water's edge, unable to stop yourself from repeating the mistake. "Ouch! Freezing."

Shocked by the deathly cold, you slip against the ice and fall into the water.

A thousand cuts being scored into you from the cold, you're frozen in shock. Helpless, you sink as though stone into the abyss.

"Keiji!" your mother calls out to you, her voice an echo in your mind. "No! No! Swim darling, you have to swim! Somebody help! Please!"

The last things you hear are a pair of loud splashes. And when you awaken from the incident:

"We did it! He's waking up!"

You ope your eyes to the sight of two little girls. Twins. One with pink hair, the other blue. They aren't not much younger than you are in this dream.

"W-Where am I?" you ask, struggling to sit upright.

"You're safe here, with us," the pink-haired girl tells you. "My name is Felicia..." The words leave her mouth, and this time you hear her name!

"And my name is Flora," the blue-haired girl follows.

Felicia and Flora. The two girls who saved your life. Corrin's maids as adults, and your friends.

Groaning exhaustedly, you return to the waking world. Through foggy vision are shades of black and blue - they twist and swirl, distorted.

"Keiji!" Flora calls out to you fearfully. "Please, speak up if you hear me."

You blink. Once. Twice. A third time. Colors falling into focus, they form a face. Before you is Flora, her eyes widened with fright. Mind reconnecting, you realize you're in your tent. And you're being held by someone.

"Keiji," the maid repeats assertively, raising a hand in front of your face and snapping her fingers.

The sharp sound jogs your sluggish thoughts. "...I'm alright," you answer with a weak exhale.

"Are you sure...?" Felicia asks. You look leftways. Flora's twin is there, her eye wide with unease. You're leaned against her shoulder.

"Fine," you double down. "I just fainted."

Flora rolls her eyes. "That's all you can say after scaring us like that?" she questions a touch irritably.

Remembering the dream's ending, a comforting feeling rises from your stomach and fills your chest. "No, there's more." You look between the twin girls, settling your sights on Flora. Gathering the courage, you touch a hand to hers. "You and I have indeed met before. It seems I owe you and Felicia my life."

"You remember what happened now...?" Flora inquires hopefully, her other hand clutching her chest.

"I do." You bow your head. Then you look to Felicia. "And now I know why you've kept me as close as you have for all this time."

"That's right..." Her cheeks glowing crimson, Felicia nods. "I never forgot you, and neither did Sister."

"And all the more reason I come with you to the Village," Flora adds insistently.

"Corrin approved then, I take it?" you ask.

"She did. And what's more, I spoke with Kagero before my return here. She carefully pointed out our supposed spy to me."

"Diligent as always," you reflect, Kagero always being one for her duties. "Have you searched her quarters-" You pause, a thought springing to mind. "Hold on... If you've been to the Astral Plane and back, then how long was I asleep?"

"Most of the afternoon," Felicia reveals, frowning. "The sun will be setting soon, I imagine."

"Wonderful," you grumble, irked beyond compare. "A wasted day."

"Not entirely," Flora disagrees with a satisfied smirk. "I searched Miss Maria's tent while she went to lunch in the mess hall." Freeing her hand from yours, the blue-haired twin reaches into her pocket and brings out a piece of faded brown writing paper. "And I found this stashed among her belongings."

You take the paper and open it out. Your eyes widen as you examine the contents:

'Our forces are spread thin because of our assault on the Astral Plane. Therefore, we will shift soldiers from the Ice Tribe Village to bolster our ranks in preparation to occupy Macarath. From there, we will surround the Hoshidan camp. Until then, your orders remain unchanged. Report Hoshidan troop movements to Selena as you hear them. Once we capture Corrin, you will be rewarded.'

"Gods, Kagero was right," you lament. Folding the paper, you pass it back to Flora. "Have you shown that to anyone?"

"I have, this is just a copy of the original. Kagero has read it, and Lord Ryoma has already sent her to detain Maria for questioning."

You breathe a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. Then our double agent has been rooted out, it seems."

"She has. Which means I'm now free to collect our extra futon for tonight."

"Wonderful!" Felicia declares with cheer.

Getting up from the bed, you straighten up and stand tall. "Then allow me to help," you offer.

"Gladly," Flora accepts, bowing in appreciation.

Task decided upon, the two of you leave after Flora promises Felicia it shouldn't take long.

Partway to a nearby storage tent, you and Flora pause.

Ahead of you, a Nohrian girl is dragged kicking and screaming by a pair of samurai. Ahead of the trio walks Kagero, her expression empty of compassion.

"...Is that her?" you whisper to Flora, eying the subdued girl.

"It is, yes," the maid replies, a touch of guilt to her voice.

You look over Maria as she is hauled nearer into view. She's tall and slim - fair skinned and fairly pretty, also. Her golden blonde hair is tied into a ponytail, and she wears a Nohrian-styled red black and brown gambeson coat with similarly colored trousers.

"But I haven't done anything!" Maria protests, writhing and struggling against her samurai handlers.

"Quiet, you!" one of the men barks, glaring knives.

"But I swear it! I've never seen that letter before! I left Nohr to help you people! Why would I-" Catching sight of Flora from the corner of her eye, the traitor digs her muddy black shoes into the dirt and forcibly anchors herself in place. "You..." Teeth gritted, she struggles in vein with greater strength to get free. "It's her! It's this bitch! I saw her leaving my tent shortly before you people arrived! If you're going to arrest someone, arrest her!"

Angered by Maria's dreadful accusation, you step nearer and glare her down. "...I'd watch your tone if I were you."

"And I'd watch who you're friends with, sir," Maria retorts. "Because she's not to be trusted!"

Simmering with anger, lean nearer the spy's face. "...I'm warning you-"

"Enough of this," Kagero cuts in sharply, ushering you back with a small push. Then with a single efficient punch to the gut she knocks Maria out. "Carry her," she instructs the guards holding the limp blonde. They do as asked, one of them slinging the lass over their shoulder. Situation defused, the kunoichi looks to you. "And you really would do well to watch your temper, Keiji."

Without a good word to spare, you simply bow your head. Maria is then carted away. You breathe out your fury, the fire in your blood cooling.

"Keiji," Flora speaks up timidly from a few paces behind. You turn around. There's a guilty look about the her. "I've sent that poor girl to her doom, haven't I?"

"Of course not." You shake your head, placing a hand upon her shoulder for comfort. "This isn't Nohr, we don't kill our prisoners."

"But still-"

You bring your arms around Flora's shoulders, supporting her with a hug. "You've done your duty, that's what matters."

"...I suppose you're right," the maid utters, her cheeks glowing a soft pink. Squeezing you for dear life, the drinks up your warmth. "Thank you..."

"But of course. What are friends for?"

"Right... Friends." Sounding surprisingly downbeat, Flora sighs.

"Exactly," you follow encouragingly, determined to raise her spirits. "And should you ever have need of me, I will be there for you."

"You're missing the point, but it's alright." The twin separates from you with a glassy smile.

You're lost as to what she means. "...Is something amiss?"

Flora shakes her head. "Not at all, no." Snatching one of your hands, she begins leading you. "But we have a futon to collect, so let us be on our way."

"But of course." You walk in step with the maid and drop the thought.

Today has been busy beyond compare, and come tomorrow you will be busier still. The Ice Tribe Village awaits. And with it, your chance to strike at Camilla.

To be continued...

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