Both Keiji's understanding of Nohr and his bond with Charlotte deepen significantly.
Understanding
Revitalized from a short nap, you decided to join Charlotte downstairs for a bite to eat.
Even at this late an hour patrons occupy a great many tables near the bar. The one directly across from you hosts a red-haired lassie donning the unmistakable cloak befitting a travelling merchant. As if punctuating her trade, she sits counting out a small pile of silver coins that she just recently poured out from a drawstring purse, between taking small sips from an iron cup.
Noticing you, the girl winks.
"Hey there, stranger!" she greets you warmly, a sly smile about her. "Name's Anna. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Anna. A nice enough name. A familiar one, moreso. Especially if her attire is anything to go by.
More importantly though, you need to come up with a suitable explanation as to why you (a lone Hoshidan) are in a Nohrian tavern while war rages between the two nations. Better you choose a simple explanation, so you might sidestep undue attention.
"I'm here because Camilla wills it," you settle upon. "And what of you?"
"Why, business of course!" Anna declares spiritedly. "Times like these are rife with opportunity for one such as myself. And where Lady Camilla has need of me, I always strive to provide. A quick sale here, a little bargain there. I always aim to please!"
"I'll bet." Spirits lifted by the young lady's friendly demeanour, you chuckle. "What's more, I imagine business seldom slows for the Six Sisters Trading Company."
"How wonderful, you've heard of us!" Eyes glinting with excitement, Anna rests an index against her chin.
"I most certainly have."
"A satisfied customer, I'll wager! Most are after doing business with us."
Your visiting one of Anna's sisters awakens something of a fond memory. "Actually, I was. One of your sisters helped procure an engagement ring for me."
"Even better! And did the lucky young lady accept your offer?" Anna wonders, beaming joyously.
You recall Hana's excited yelp as you presented her with the simple bronze band. "She did, as it so happens." You fold your arms behind your head and lean back into your chair, pleased by the memory. "And that besides, who among the reasonably travelled doesn't know of your tale? Six identical sisters, each with the same names is unique enough," you highlight. "All of you being merchants is a second colorful similarity."
"I suppose it is, yes. And I take it you're likewise well-travelled to know as much, Mister Samurai?" Anna assumes, pointing to your clothes.
"Keiji," you share. "My name is Keiji." You take a sip from your cup, savoring the wine's fruity flavor therein. "And yes, I've seen my fair share of places," you smile thinly, trying to make light of your current situation. "Though I certainly got more than I bargained for this time around."
"I imagine you did, a Hoshidan like yourself being here and all," Anna giggles, a hand raised to her mouth. "Although," she continues, lowering her hand and smiling, you daresay encouragingly. "Not every hasty decision ends badly. Who knows, maybe your being here will play out for the better in the end?"
A wary twinge grips your stomach. "Spoken like you already knew of my being brought here, Miss Anna." You narrow your eyes a touch.
"Well, yes. Of course I did!"
"And dare I ask how?" You raise a nervous brow.
News travels fast here, clearly. Too fast. Either that, or something sinister is afoot.
The merchant winks, a mischievous look about her. "Worry not there, Keiji. It's a shrewd trader's job to know of all interesting happenings, especially when she's tasked with procuring goods and equipment for a certain princess' soldiers," Anna explains, standing from the table and gathering up her coins into their drawstring purse. "So I expect I'll see you again someday, should Lady Camilla keep you in her care."
Pulling the drawstring closed, the lassie waves you farewell. "Well, it was nice chatting, but I must get some shut-eye. Goodnight for now."
Worries easing a touch, you bow your head. "A goodnight to you, Miss Anna."
The merchant girl turns and heads for the inn's staircase by the bar; she whistles a tune as she goes.
You gaze downward to your cup. Swilling the reddish liquid within, you exhale deeply. "Calm yourself, fool," you mumble with a hint of frustration. "Not everyone you meet in Nohr is out to get you."
"Here you go, Keiji," Charlotte pipes up, putting down a small plate of bread and cheese in front of you. "Eat up."
Glancing up from your cup, you flash a small and grateful smile. "Thank you, Miss Charlotte."
"Eh, don't worry about it," the blonde answers dismissively, sitting next to you and setting down a plate of her own. "So," she keeps on after a hearty bite of bread, and chasing it down with a sip of your drink. "You have fun talking with Anna while I was away?"
"Noticed that, did you?" you ask after scoffing a morsel of cheese. A strong nutty aftertaste lingering on your tongue, you likewise sip some wine.
"She's kinda hard to miss, as tall as she is."
"A fair point. I imagine the red hair is quite the giveaway too."
"It certainly is. Very few in Nohr have such a striking trait. She and Selena are pretty much the only two I know of. Oh, and Elena's family too," Charlotte remembers, snapping her fingers in recollection. "Actually, now that I think about, most of Windmire's few redheads live in the slums."
You're quietly curious as to the reason for that. "Any particular reason they're all in one place?" you ask, breaking off a hunk of bread.
"Not much of a clue, being honest with you. Although..." Charlotte ponders, tapping a finger against her chin. "There are rumours surrounding the highborn though, the sorts going back to the days of old. They say Nohr's noble houses - Garon's line too, originate from just two powerful families that date back a hundred years ago."
You eat your bread and swallow, quietly wishing it had butter. You finish the last of your wine to wash it down.
Charlotte finishes her food and pushes her plate away. "It the same over in Hoshido?" she asks.
"Not in the slightest," you answer with a shake of the head. "Hoshido has four noble houses, and how they choose their king is... elaborate."
"Complicated, you mean?" the lass chuckles, your choice of words not lost on her.
"Drawn out and complicated, yes," you clarify, rolling your eyes. "You see, it takes more than blood to rule over Hoshido; members of each noble house already have the Light Dragon's blessing in their veins. Skill in combat also plays a huge part; the warrior's code is written into our traditions after all.
"And so, once every second generation, the four noble houses hold a contest of arms - a tournament, if you will."
"Hold on, hold on," Charlotte interrupts with a raised hand, gesturing for you to pause while the information sinks in. "You're telling me the bluebloods in your country fight it out to decide? There's no backroom scheming; no climbing for power?"
"Not as far as I'm aware, though it isn't uncommon for fighters of various houses to make pacts, in order to advance into later rounds of the tourney and such. Sumeragi and my former-fiancé's father did as much in the last trial of arms. Doing so delivered them to the final match. Although, that was long before I was born. I learned as much from my swordsman sensei when I was a young apprentice."
"How about the commoners?" Charlotte follows, appearing genuinely interested. "Can they compete?"
"Most are exempt," you tell the blonde with a hint of disdain. "However, commoners with skill who marry into the noble houses may take up arms in their new family's name. I myself would've been afforded the honor as Hana's husband, had we married and our union bore a child."
"Sounds better than how they do it here," Charlotte scoffs. "Folks are always shagging, murdering and scheming to win the king's favour. As for the commonfolk, well, you've already seen how most live here in Bleakvale. So you get the idea."
"Regrettably so," you reply, sighing. "Which is all the more reason I was surprised when you brought me here, to this place." You force a weak smile, trying with all of your strength to look beyond your bleak preconceptions of Nohrian life. "To know Camilla is doing what little she can to help those in need..." You pause, so you might consider your words carefully. "Well, it pleases me. And I'll admit, I've perhaps judged you and your ilk too harshly."
"Glad to hear you're warming to us," Charlotte says with a smug grin, playfully whacking your bicep.
The two of you share a warmer, more heartfelt smile thereafter.
Charlotte's cheeks are reddening too; her expression becomes somewhat demure. "Hey, Samurai...?" she coos sweetly, resting a hand atop of yours.
Her sudden kindness makes your heart skip a beat. "Yes, Miss Charlotte?"
The girl leans close, pecking your cheek. "Wanna head back upstairs, you know, enjoy some peace and quiet while we can?" she offers.
You'd be lying if you said you didn't want to, the tiny guilty twinge in your chest be damned. Your time beside Charlotte has certainly awakened a new side to her, at least as far as you're concerned. A side far more compassionate and agreeable then when you first met.
Tying your fingers and hers as one, you squeeze Charlotte's digits. "I'm far from against the idea, I'll admit. But this isn't one of your tricks, is it?"
"Nope, not at all, I promise," she pledges with a hand on her heart, flashing you a darling smile for good measure. There and gone in a blink of an eye. "It just so happens that I don't mind being sweet on occasion, provided of course the company I keep accepts me for who I am at heart."
Trickster with her true persona or no, you feel the buxom blonde is being honest with you. She has very little reason to lie after all, given your position.
"Well, when you put it that way I can hardly refuse. Very well," you nod. "Let's retire upstairs."
"I'm glad, truly," the lassie chimes, gifting you another kiss, this one against your forehead. "Off we go then."
Intentions made clear, the two of you rise from the table hand-in-hand.
What you imagined would be peace and quiet upon returning to your room changes quickly.
A single kiss from Charlotte sees to that. Followed by a second. A third. Four. Heated, amorous gestures you don't refuse.
Exhaling lustfully, the blonde lassie touches a hand to your cheek and smirks with allure.
"You know something, Samurai... It's been too long since I was last laid," she confesses, pushing her ample chest to yours.
Your heart pounds with a war drum's intensity; it drowns out your guilt.
"Oh really now?" you follow in a low and sensual tone, slipping your arm around Charlotte's waist.
"Mmm-hmm. And I wondered if you might wanna help me out with that. You know, since we've been getting along so well. I'll bet your real tense without that little princess of yours helping ease the stress," the Nohrian girl adds, teasing your lips with another kiss.
You'll play along with her little game. "An educated guess, perhaps?"
"Call it an observation," Charlotte clarifies. "From the way you wouldn't keep your hands off me the other night. And that besides, if you're going to serve Camilla then it'd be smart to keep a girl like me sweet. I'll show you the ropes with life in the capital if you do."
Further still you'll go. "And here I thought your services were free."
"I dunno what you're talking about, idiot," Charlotte snips playfully, touching your foreheads together and gazing into you with heat. "Everything has a price here in Nohr; I'm just looking to collect on my debts. And since you ain't nearly the coin to pay, you can work off the debt by 'other' means..."
"And supposing I accept your gracious offer, milady? What then?"
"Pay what you owe and it'll be free the next time. And the time after, and the one after that, too..."
"As many times as I like...?"
"As many times as I can handle, Samurai. And trust me, I can handle plenty," Charlotte assures with pride.
While you gave yourself over for to Camilla for the good of another, there's no reason you can't enjoy it. "Then it seems I've little choice but to accept..."
Defences weakened by such a generous offer, you press your mouth to Charlotte's with force. Shuddering with appreciation, the girl moans into you. Kiss after kiss between you(these ones immense and powerful) heats your blood to a smouldering peak.
Clothes lay strewn across the room's four corners a short time later.
Burning slowly, a lone bedside candle bathes two lovers in its orange glow.
Smacking lips linger over the cool midnight air while hands explore. As teeth pinch. As fingers please. As a palm cracks against a girl's backside.
As you're pinned by your wrists to the sheets.
"G-Gods," you heave, vision blurring with pleasure as Charlotte's lips trail your clammy chest's expanse. Lower. Lower. Lower still they go.
A demon writhes beneath your skin. Craving relief, it threatens to turn you inside out.
"How's it feel, Keiji?" Charlotte purrs.
"O-Outstanding... Don't stop..."
"Lovely," the girl chuckles wickedly. "Now, look at me."
You focus as best you can through your lust-drunken haze.
Releasing your manhood from her attentive grasp, Charlotte climbs atop of you.
With thoughts colored a lustful carmine, you gaze upon the gift betwixt her legs with longing. Her womanly jewel. A gift slick with pleasure and covered by fine golden hair. A gift you'd kill for in this instant; that you'd do anything to attain.
"You want me...?" Charlotte hums with a wicked smirk.
"More than anything," you exhale, your body threatening to give under desire's weight.
"Say please," the Nohrian lassie demands teasingly, gripping your weapon betwixt her fingers anew.
"Please, Miss Charlotte. Please...?"
"Alright then, you've earned it." Easing down, your lover welcomes you inside. Half-wincing and half-smiling, she presses her pelvis to yours. A guttural groan trawls from her throat. "Dammit," she grunts, a hint of discomfort coloring her features as she adjusts to your size. "You sure ain't small."
"Too painful?" You touch a palm to her cheek. Support in this most intimate of moments.
"It isn't too bad," utters Charlotte with bravado about her. "Just go easy with the thrusting until I say, got it?"
"As you wish." You lay your head against to the pillows, willing to go a step further. "I shall submit until you're ready..."
"Thank you, Keiji." A tender smile flashes across Charlotte's face for an instant. "Alright, here I go..." Prepared, she gently bucks her hips.
A united cry of delight spills from the both of you.
Dreams visit you all too often, and this one in particular always begins the same. With words echoing through your thoughts.
"I'm a man of my word, young Keiji. Worry not. I'd never leave you or Kasumi alone in this world."
Hollow words. A hollow promise.
Nonetheless, this same picture of days long past continues unhindered.
You're keeping Mother company in your small family home's garden as she hangs laundry out to dry. Warm afternoon sun bathes you in its relaxing glow.
That's when he arrives: the man whom you aspired to follow throughout your younger childhood. He stands tall in his samurai garments, his long black hair flowing in the wind. Like a prideful wolf, he ponders while greeting the sun with a contented smile.
The man who left you with too many scars and too many questions.
"Father! You're back!" You hurry to greet your patriarch as quickly as your legs will carry.
Yet he always turns his back. He always walks away.
"I cannot be here, Keiji," he tells you with sadness weighing down his voice. "Do forgive me."
Yet you always follow. You always chase after him.
"But you promised you'd come home!" you remind the man with anger burning in your heart.
It is always at this point that Father turns around and stares you in the eye. Skin washed out and deathly, flames swallow him as though caught in a fireball's blast. Reduced to an ashy and motionless statue, he is blown away on the wind. Out of your life. Gone forever.
Hand balling into a shuddering fist, you fight back tearful rage.
"I hate you," you utter behind clenched teeth. "I hate you!"
The scene before you vanishes in a single blink of the eye; in its place is wide-open hall with waxed wooden floors. Scrolls baring Hoshidan kanji - symbols of power and wisdom - line the walls to your left. To the right are racks of swords and naginata. Standing ahead of them as though a beacon to your young mind is a set of swordmaster's armor, its plates are dyed a vibrant red. This will be your new home: your place of belonging amidst an uncaring world.
And so, you throw yourself to the floor in prostration. "Please, Master... Teach me!"
Before you stands an aging man adorning a gray yukata. His hair and beard are both long and share the same hue - signs of strength and wisdom. Though steely, the man's brown gaze holds a hint of kindness behind it.
He meets your plea with a hearty, grizzled chuckle.
You raise your head from the lacquered wooden floor. "Please!" you again petition; desperation laces your voice.
"Hmmm..." The wise master ponders your request while brushing a hand through his beard.
Chirping cicada permeate the air - the only saviors from deathly silence as you await the verdict.
"And why, young Keiji, do you wish to learn the warrior's arts?"
In your heart, there was only one answer. "To make the world a better place, Master... So none will know pain ever again."
Again, the wise master chuckles. Warmed by your desire, he kneels to your level. "Very well, young one. From this day forward, I will be your sensei."
Your heart swells with joy, with pride. "Really...?!"
"Indeed," the master nods. "I will train you. However, you shall be my last. And so I hereby promise to make you my best."
You again bow your head, tears welling in your eyes. "Thank you, Sensei."
"Think nothing of it, young Keiji." The master places his hand upon your small shoulder, smiling. "But before we begin, you must realize something."
You eagerly await your new teacher's sagely knowledge. "But of course. What is it?"
Sensei rises to his feet and offers a hand. You take it and he brings to your feet.
"This world of ours is one of great joy and sorrow both," the old warrior imparts, folding his arms. "Know you that one cannot exist without the other."
"Then I'll change it!" you pledge proudly with a hand on your heart. "I'll make a better world where no one hurts anymore."
And in response to your declaration, Master smiles so very sadly.
"Keiji? Hey, Keiji," Charlotte calls out to you, her words faint and distant.
A hand touches you. It shakes you gently.
"Are you alright...?" asks Charlotte, her tone colored with worry.
Groaning, you force your eyes open. They're heavy, as though lined with lead.
"I'm awake, I'm awake," you grumble as the fog clears from your vision. You squint to focus your sights with a second, deeper groan. Strands of sunshine from the skylight above cut into your ailing eyes with the sharpness of razors, sending a dull pain through the front of your skull.
You look leftward with great effort. Bare and beautiful beside you, Charlotte wears a nervous look.
"Something the matter?" you ask, touching a hand to her cheek.
"Figure I should ask you the same question," the blonde answers, touching her fingers to the back of your hand with care. "You mumble in your sleep often?"
You sigh with irritation. "I'm told I often do, yes. I don't sleep well." You'll 'amuse' yourself on the matter. "Might I ask what you heard...?"
"'Master, please... Teach me master,'" Charlotte recites, doing her best (and quite frankly awful) impression of you.
You mock frown. It's better you make light of the situation. "You'll be a true comic in no time," you tease.
"Go to hell!" Charlotte snorts. Retracting her hand, she playfully thumps your bicep.
You chuckle. And the blonde snickers gleefully.
For a time the two of you simply lay cuddled together atop the bed. You find the quiet soothing. In an ideal world, you'd stay like this forever. Charlotte runs her fingers through your long black strands, her gentle breaths only deepening your sense of calmness and contentedness.
"So..." The lassie begins anew. "Last night was fun, huh?"
Your heart swells with blissful recollection. "It certainly was. You'll hear no complaints from me."
"Knew I'd satisfy you," Charlotte announces smugly, "...but spurt it on my back again and I'll kill you," she warns. "Damn stuff nearly went in my hair."
"You'd prefer it inside then I take it?" you pose with a hint of sarcasm.
Charlotte huffs. "Maybe when I'm sure Camilla's keeping you around for the long run, Samurai."
A nervous twinge grips your chest. A reminder of your uncertain position. Unthreading your arm from around Charlotte's back, you sit upright and lean into the headboard. Exhaling deeply, you fix your gaze upon the ceiling. "...You think she'll have me executed?"
"...I dunno," Charlotte sighs. "But I'll vouch for you as best I can, whatever happens."
A fragile glow fills you. You smile graciously. "Thank you, Charlotte."
"Anytime, anytime. Now, best we get dressed." The Nohrian lassie hops off the bed. Walking ahead of the footboard, she kneels and collects her discarded bustier from its spot on the floor. You admire her for a moment as she does. From her long golden locks down her delicious curves.
An affectionate flutter awakens within you at the sight of her.
How very far away events in the Ice Tribe feel now.
You and Charlotte turn your backs on the smoggy slum that is Bleakvale: morning sun pierces gaps the clouds overhead. You pause and look back, paying the town a final flutter of consideration. You can't scrub the frown from your lips.
How the good people here live like they do is beyond you.
"What's wrong?" asks Charlotte, stopping by your side. "I'm surprised you're frowning after the night we had."
"Nothing, it's fine," you insist with a dismissive wave of the hand. "It's just-" The scrawny little girl you encountered yesterday, flashes through your thoughts. Frustration rising within you, you exhale gently. "Coming here has strengthened my beliefs. About everything."
"I had a feeling it would. So, what's on your mind?"
"Power," you answer in a hushed tone, closing your palm. "Power is truly the one way to overcome the odds. To fight for our beliefs with a sword in-hand."
"Well of course! And that's why I like you, Keiji," Charlotte says with an affectionate undertone. She takes your hand into hers, squeezing your fingers tenderly. "You're one of the few Hoshidans I've met who ain't too far up his own ass to see the world for what it is."
"Because I learned the hard way," you recount bitterly, glimpses of fire and flame awakening within you for an instant. "Ideals don't save people when they're at the mercy of bandit's steel or a marauder's axe. I just wish more of my kinsmen saw it that way."
"More probably do, and more than you think. It'll just take something to awaken it in 'em. A spark."
"And what I wouldn't give to be the one who lights it."
"My my, Samurai," Charlotte chuckles. "You're sounding awfully revolutionary."
"It's you," you smirk. "You have an effect on me."
Expression colored with pride, your Nohrian companion leans nearer. "Oh really now?" She smiles cruelly, her inner-brute shining through. "A good one, I hope?
"An encouraging one. We'll shall go with 'encouraging'."
"Good choice." You're rewarded a kiss on the cheek. The two of you continue down the uneven cobblestone path out of town hand-in-hand thereafter.
A short time later, you arrive at a fork in the road. To the left is a wide and well-kept sandstone path that is well worn by cart tracks. To the right is the beginning of a dry and craggy road leading through the middle of a carved out hillside. You can just make out the skeletal remains of animals in the distance.
You look to Charlotte. Her gaze is fixated on the right route.
"I'd much prefer we go left," you offer, folding your arms and donning a pensive expression.
"It'll take a whole day if we use the main road; we'll have to stop overnight too."
"I've no problem with that if you haven't."
"Wish we could, but our supplies won't stretch that far," Charlotte reveals, pointing to the newly acquired satchel tied to her hip. Small and made of crudely stitched leather, it contains what little dried foodstuffs and water you could afford (from the tavern) with the meagre silver coins on your person.
"Which is fair. But a road less travelled is usually so for a reason." A lesson you've learned the hard way as a soldier.
"Not this one. Any bandits who used to roam these parts moved further north years ago, toward Fort Dragonfall."
"So it's safe then?"
Charlotte nods. "As safe as you can get in Nohr. And it'll bring us out nearer the point Camilla will pass on her return to Windmire."
"You're sure about that?"
"Sure am. Plus it's the only road wide enough for a small army around here; the only one wide enough to traverse anyway."
"It is what it is then. Let us be off." You unlink your fingers from those of your companion and get moving.
"No screwing around, a man after my own heart," Charlotte hums as she falls into step. She snatches your hand into hers again too.
In just a few short hours, you're safely through the path less travelled. True to Charotte's word, there was little in the way of danger. The few stray dogs you did encounter scattered sharpish when she tossed a stone in their direction.
Still hand-in-hand, the two of you arrive again on the main road. A blessing, too. Nohr's rugged terrain certainly isn't fun to traverse.
What's more, you're curious as to why many of those you (and your Hoshidan comrades) have travelled as so poorly maintained.
"A question if I may, Charlotte?"
"Have at it," the blonde approves. "Best you don't ask for water though; we don't have much left."
"Worry not, it isn't that. I'm more curious about the roads."
"The roads?" Charlotte cocks a brow. "What about them?"
"Why are so many kept in such ruinous states?"
"They ain't like that in Hoshido?" she asks, honestly sounding a touch surprised.
"Not at all. Quite the opposite, actually. Local tradesmen are paid by the crown to keep them maintained. It makes things easier for travelling traders."
"Figured you'd say something like that," Charlotte scoffs. "And it sure ain't like that here. It falls to the region's lord to keep matters in his domain looked after, and you won't see many willing to do it. Well, not unless they can tax the poor to cover the cost that is."
Bleakvale's dirty streets flash through your thoughts; a twinge of anger grips you. "...But they can hardly afford it from what I've seen."
"Yep, exactly," Charlotte confirms nonchalantly. "And that's why absolutely nothing gets done. Same thing happens when there's a call from capital, too. Garon decrees a tribute from the nobles - usually from the lords for the war effort - then they have their men squeeze the poor for all they've got."
Your anger twists into disgust. "It's a wonder nobody rebels."
"Oh, they do - the commonfolk that is." Charlotte sighs, her grip on your hand tightening. "Though it never amounts to anything, Hans sees to that."
Fires flash through your thoughts for an instant. They set your blood to boiling. "...I think I know where you're going with this."
"Right..." Charlotte frowns. "Angry townsfolk soon put down their pitchforks and torches when their comrades are being slaughtered."
"And their daughters are raped," you add through gritted teeth.
"...Unfortunately."
Clomping hooves and clanking steel echo in the distance, bringing you and Charlotte to a stop. They're distant at first, growing louder as the minutes pass. An unmistakable chorus for one of your profession - that of an army marching; of soldiers trekking in their dozens.
You turn westward in the encroaching sound's direction. Charlotte does too. A wall of midnight black steel emerges from behind a nearby hill and continues nearer. Closing on you gradually, you make out faces from those among the frontmost ranks. Soaring above the armored column atop an almighty-scaled wyvern, is Camilla.
Your heart kicks anxiously, your stomach churning. Judgement is upon you.
Camilla's winged mount descends with a clap from its mistress. The royal then dismounts the beast and sends it away with a sharp slap to its side. Lead by Selena (with Flora following in tow) a half dozen soldiers hurry over from the army's front and form a loose protective ring around the Nohrian princess.
Eying Charlotte and yourself from her short ways away, Camilla walks over with the usual saunter to her step.
"Welcome back, milady," Charlotte greets her mistress with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Charlotte. You may stand at ease though dear," Camilla says, patting her shoulder. Charlotte does just that. "And what of our guest?" Camilla follows, her focus shifting to you. "Was Bleakvale enlightening for you, Keiji?"
You bow your head, though somewhat stiffly and reluctantly. "...It was. And I found the plight of the people there somewhat... disheartening."
"Did you now?"
"I did indeed." What you wish to say next, you'll force. "...And I feel I owe you an apology, also. After seeing what you're doing for the people there, I mean."
"I took him to the inn there, milady, as you asked," Charlotte cuts in. "The one we use to help those in need."
"Good girl, Charlotte. Good girl," Camilla praises. "Now, raise your head for me, Keiji. Look me in the eye."
You do as commanded. Camilla then reaches out and cups your cheek.
"Tell me, my dear," the princess continues, leaning nearer. "What did you feel when you saw how Nohr's people... my people, are being made to live?"
"Anger," you answer, the very emotion simmering within as you recall your time in the town. "Anger toward their being so powerless... not unlike the commoners in Hoshido. Anger toward their poverty, also: all while nobody but yourself even tries to help them."
"A noble answer, my darling, Very noble indeed," Camilla chuckles. "And tell me one thing more, Keiji, if you would. And answer me honestly, for I will let you live if you do. Upon this pledge, I swear my honor as a princess of Nohr."
Your heart skips a beat. Fear grips you. "...What would you ask of me, Camilla?" What could be so important that your very life hangs in the balance?"
"Are the things Flora told me as we have travelled together this day true, were you once likewise mistreated and abused?"
You envision Okashi's fires and flames in your mind's eye; how good people died and both Kagero and Ryoma stayed their hands. Recalling such a dreadful happening brings your resentment bubbling to the surface in ways you never thought possible. It twists you. It fuels you.
It drives you to finally unleash that which you've held inside for so long. "I was, yes. As was somebody I loved dearly."
"I appreciate your honesty," Camilla says somewhat lovingly. "Therefore, would it be fair to say that while you have little love for Nohr, you likewise possess a great deal of bitterness toward some Hoshidan customs as well?"
Emotion swells within you, and a lonesome tear leaks from your eye.
"I do, yes," you confess at a whisper, shame weighing down your voice.
"And lastly, were you offered a chance to change this world for the better... would you take it?"
"Without a shred of doubt in my heart," you answer earnestly, your eyes trembling.
"Very well then, Keiji," Camilla says, her tiny smile widening in adoration. "Your life shall be spared. And furthermore, I've a task for you." Camilla lowers her hand and steps back. She looks between yourself and Charlotte. Then she folds her arms. "A test, of sorts," she clarifies. "And should you pass, I will see Flora safely returned to Hoshido. You however, will remain here with me in her place as you initially promised regarding Corrin. Do you accept...?"
You're far too deep to turn back now, having already worn your heart on your sleeve. "I accept. What would you have me do?"
Satisfied, Camilla lowers her arms to her sides. "Further west of here on the road to Windmire is a tiny village: Redshire. For weeks now, a gang of bandits - not a large group, has overtaken the place There are enough to keep the local populace controlled. Audrey, the local baroness whom also holds the next village over, has done nothing about this. Far from it, she has withdrawn her nearby forces to protect her personal estate."
Camilla looks now to Charlotte. "I would have you go to the village with Keiji and a small band of soldiers, no more than twenty or thirty. Once there, you will clear out the brigands while our forces proper wait near the outskirts. A simple task."
"Gotcha!" Charlotte nods understandingly, punching her fists together.
"A test to prove my willingness to stand by my words?" you ask Camilla.
"Correct," confirms the princess. "And the first step toward proving yourself trustworthy."
"Understood, but I'll need my sword."
"And it shall be returned to you, once we arrive." Camilla glances back to a particular redhead among her guards. "Come here please, Selena."
The slim girl with the ruby pigtails hurries over, answering her summons. "Yes, Milady Camilla?"
"Get these soldiers marching again, if you'd be so kind," Camilla decrees kindly. She looks again to you. "And have Flora come over here, so she might walk by Keiji's side while we continue the day's travels."
"Understood, I'll see it done," Selena bows. Then she flashes you a scowl as she leaves. Camilla follows after her.
You exhale your tension. Flora and you are safe.
All you need do now is honor your word and fight in Camilla's name.
To be continued...
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