How Does One Design an Opera?

"Owain, I would prefer if we did something with already established music and story..."

Cordelia sat upon a tall stool, a podium in front of her. Odin stood next to her, hands held behind his back. He looked uncomfortable, which was relatively normal to Cordelia. Lissa's son always seemed nervous around Severa and herself. She sighed audibly, We're probably too intimidating, she thought.

"Well, um … Lady Cordelia," Odin responded, "It's not exactly something I've written." The pegasus knight raised an eyebrow in curiosity. The mage pulled out what looked like a recently binded set of papers. While most of the papers were yellowed slightly with age, some stuck out as brand new. From a glance, Cordelia could see a separate section that housed the various musical parts, for both musicians and singers alike. It was immaculately put together, with bindings not unlike what her and Robin had done with the royal library back in Ylisse.

In fact, there was something rather familiar about the handwriting in the pages. Cordelia squinted. It was her handwriting. Even the annoying little cut in the e's that she had hated for most of her life. She looked at Odin, who seemed to shrink to half his size.

"I'm not angry, but where did you get this?"

"I... that is – we... found it on an excursion to the greatest depths of danger! A-a veritable jewel in a sea of darkn-"

"Owain."

"Uh, yes?"

"Where did you get this? I know for a fact I haven't finished this, and I told nobody about this... Who would know such a ..." Cordelia looked towards the doorway. A familiar glare was switching between Odin and herself. Selena let out an exasperated sigh.

"I figured you had taken it," She said harshly, "Thanks for that, Odin."

"N-no worries, Selena! Oh lady of-"

"I wasn't actually complimenting you. I need to speak with mother now."

Odin nodded stiffly, bowed to Cordelia, and almost tripped over himself to get out of the room. Selena shut the door behind him, and turned to face her mother. There was a familiar mixture of emotions on both of their faces. A volatile cocktail of love, jealousy, self-loathing; all just sitting there waiting to mix again. Cordelia pulled the folder to her chest. She sighed again.

"This isn't mine, is it?" She asked, "I mean, the one I'm working on now."

"... No."

"... Did I ever finish it?"

It was Selena's turn to sigh now, though it was more exasperated that her mother's. "No mother, the other you didn't get to ..." her voice cracked a little. She looked tired, and Cordelia noted a look of worry. Cordelia flipped through the manuscript, specifically to the pages that looked newer. There were pages that looked partially damaged, followed by a newer looking sheet. The whole last 20 pages were new pages. The unwavering script was still present, meticulous as her own. But the e's looked clean, and the page numbers had a harsh italic to them that were not present in her own writing. "... You didn't even tell dad or Morgan about it. Only me." Severa's fists were shaking. "Like some burden I had to carry. Mother's unfinished biography or something."

"Severa..."

"I really tried to make it something you would be proud of, but I can't write the way you do. Your melodies just sound so natural, and my lyrics all came out as sappy as can be," Selena laughed, "It's alright if you think it's-"

"Severa." Cordelia's voice broke when she spoke. She began pouring over the manuscript even more. If the paper didn't give it away, Cordelia wouldn't have noticed many differences. As she read through the story, she began to tear up. The soldier in love with a princess; a great battle where the soldier fails, his captain dies and the princess shuts herself away in her grief. The soldier meeting a servant girl who treats him with kindness, but nothing more. The princess marrying another. The servant girl becoming secret friends with the princess and her brother, which leads to the soldier believing that the girl is in love with another. Cordelia giggled. But as she reached the end of the written story, she felt the tears coming back. Where Cordelia had failed over and over, Severa had succeeded.

There was an ending.

To be fair, it wasn't like the ending wasn't obvious to Cordelia. The servant girl would, despite everything, come back to the soldier, who would wed her and all would live happily ever after. She would be lying if she said the story wasn't autobiographical in nature; and Robin, despite Cordelia being convinced that he loved another, came back to her and proposed. It made sense to finish the story in such a way. But most Opera she had seen ended tragically. Wouldn't it make more sense for things to end horribly? And would such an ending give away what the story was truly about?

"You hate it, don't you?" Cordelia looked up at Selena. Her eyes were also wet with tears. "I just can't compare to you. Gawds, I wish Owain didn't steal i-"

"You wrote the ending."

"So what, mother? So what?" Selena snarled, "It's an awful ending! Just awfu-" Selena stopped when she noticed her mother hugging the folder, sobbing her eyes out. "Oh no, mother," she paused, "I didn't mean to make you cry."

"It's perfect."

"What?"

Cordelia looked up, her crimson eyes still watering. "It's perfect. I never felt like I could finish it the way I wanted to. Finish it like this."

"Mom …"

"I know, it's so stupid," she continued, "The way things ended up just seemed too perfect, and we can't have th-"

"Mom!"

"What?!" Cordelia shouted. Severa stepped back, and Cordelia covered her mouth. "... I'm sorry, sweetie. I just got lost in my thoughts."

"... Did you really like it?"

"Of course I did! It was certainly better than some depressing drivel I would've written," Cordelia responded, "I'm sorry my other self burdened you with it, it really is childish."

"You … that is, the other you – she gave it to me the day before … you know …" Cordelia reached over to her daughter, putting a hand gently on her shoulder. "I didn't read it for years, and when I started, I was so angry. You were still pining over Chrom, or at least I had thought so." Selena latched on to the hand, squeezing it gently. "When I read up to where you were stuck, I understood, and I felt like … I needed to finish it. For both of us," her breath rattled, "So when we defeated Grima, I left for Nohr, and finished it."

"Come here, honey," Cordelia beckoned. Severa complied, almost jumping into her arms, "I'm so proud of you," she whispered into her daughter's ear, "You're quite the musical talent, you know."

Selena rolled her eyes. "Puh-leese, I only got it from the best parents around."

"Oh, don't start trying to butter up your mother."

"I believe she's talking more about me, honey." Robin was opening the door, but it was clear that he had been listening for at least a little while. Cordelia sniffed, but gave him a wicked smile.

"Oh shush," she said jokingly, "I thought you had called my playing the finest in the realm? Are you implying our daughter isn't the finest?"

Robin put up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, that's fair," he paused for a moment, thinking to himself, "Uh... so Lachesis was wondering if you were ready to take the beginners?"

"I suppose I'm as ready as I can be." Cordelia sighed, before looking at Selena. "Can you tell Lachesis that the beginners can come in now? I need to talk to your father for a moment." Selena nodded, gave her a quick hug, then ran off. Robin smirked, standing next to his wife.

"Tough conversation?"

"I honestly thought we had figured everything out, but I suppose there was still a little … tension."

"Like mother like daughter, I always say." Robin earned a punch to his arm, even though Cordelia still laughed.

"You jerk." She said, still smiling. She waited a moment, then handed him the folder of music. "It's Severa's; I think we should play it." Robin raised an eyebrow, and began skimming over the music.

"I can tell you and Severa wrote this," Robin responded, "Your 'e's are different than her's, you know." Cordelia rolled her eyes.

"Don't remind me."

"I like them."

"Gods, you would!" she couldn't help but smile.

Robin smiled. "You want me to run this by Lachesis?" Cordelia nodded. As Robin turned to leave, he smirked. "I like Severa's ending, but don't you think it's a little corny?" He felt Cordelia huff as he walked out the door. "Ah, well I suppose real life is sometimes a little silly." Robin said to himself.

"Yes, it is an excellent score..."

"I'm sensing a 'but' in this."

"Sir Robin, did Lady Cordelia want us to play this?" Lachesis asked, "I do not want her to be alarmed if we perform her opera." Robin nodded.

"I understand that," he replied, "But she seemed eager to share this moment with Severa." Lachesis nodded.

"There are only eight characters and the chorus, so all of it should be relatively simple," she muttered, "We will need to figure out roles right now, however." The healer slowly ran down the list of music club members that had showed up last week, as they filed in. Lachesis frowned as she saw a few new faces as well. Reinhardt, Tana, Leo, and Sanaki had followed Elincia in, and Nowi had dragged Princess Lissa and Lucina with her. She decided to speak up.

"How many of you are familiar with instruments or singing?" She had asked the whole group, but it was very much directed at the newcomers. Most of them had raised their hands, but Nowi and Lucina did not. Lachesis gave them a sweet smile. "Lady Cordelia is teaching the less experienced in the next room over, I feel like that would be a more comfortable experience." Lucina looked at Selena, who shrugged and gave her a sympathetic grin. Nowi just skipped out of the room.

There were quite a few people in the room with Lachesis, which wasn't too surprising. With the exception of Stahl and Robin, most of the people were from noble houses or at least respectability. She began looking through the instrumentation of Cordelia's piece. Twelve viols of various sizes, four brass, which would be the trickiest part. One harpsichord, one piano, and a harp. Along with a ten person chorus and eight named characters added to thirty-six members. She frowned. They only had twenty-seven, counting the newcomers. Nine people short was significant, but perhaps she could convince some others to join them.

"What I have in front of me is an opera written by Lady Cordelia," she spoke to the group, "I have been given the assurance that it is alright for us to perform it, and I have enjoyed what I have seen to this point." She looked through the crowed. Most of them seemed to be open to the idea, and nobody seemed against it. "Do I have any objections?" Silence. "Good, then we need to discuss casting and instrumentation."

"How many characters are there?" Leo asked, fiddling with his collar. Lachesis cleared her throat.

"Only Eight, and nineteen instrumentalists," she answered, "We have the love-stricken soldier, the princess, the servant girl, the prince, the king, the queen, the evil witch, and the cruel king." Lachesis looked over the group, before clapping her hands harshly.

"Any volunteers?"

Cordelia looked around the room. Camilla, Nowi, and Lucina all sat in front of her. Only three people were with her in the beginners class, which was partially discouraging. It wasn't surprising, no. Most of the heroes that would be interested in music were already likely proficient. But she had hoped that more might give it a try...

"See? I told you there would be room for us!" A cheerful voice called out from the doorway. There stood a flash of green hair, standing between four others. Cordelia looked confused at best. Nino had dragged in Marisa, Nephenee, Ephraim, and someone she had never met before. Her great green wings flapped hesitantly, but Ephraim whispered something in her ear, which seemed to calm her down. "Hello Miss Cordelia!" Nino called out.

"Nino, are you roping people into your little schemes again?"

Nino put her hands behind her back, her eyes shimmering with fake innocence. "Why would I do such a thing? I had to tell L'Arachel and Celica about this class, with them not being summoned and all." So L'Arachel and Celica were in the other room. That was a positive development. Lachesis had probably noted what she had already been afraid of, that they didn't have enough people. They would technically still be short, but a smaller chorus wasn't the end of the world.

"Lord Ephraim, Nephenee, Marisa, is she telling the truth?"

Ephraim shrugged, mentioning Tana and Eirika before attending to the new arrival. Marisa nodded, but didn't seem annoyed, and Nephenee just muttered something about "tryin' somethin' new". Cordelia had noticed that Nephenee had been 'tryin' quite a few new things. She suspected that if she tried any more, the country girl might burst.

"Nephenee, Marisa; are you two certain you want to be here?" Cordelia didn't want them to feel unwelcome, but she had to know.

"Eh, might as well." Marisa said, shrugging. "Nino drags me around a lot, but I've enjoyed myself so far."

"I … I have mah own reas'ns, she just gave me the push."

Cordelia raised an eyebrow. "Alright, if you're both sure." She turned her attention to the rest of the group, beckoning the 5 newcomers to sit with them.

"So our first lesson is a simple one," Cordelia explained, "I'm going to demonstrate several instruments, and each of you can try them out individually."

The discussion for casting had taken most of the time allotted, much to Lachesis's disappointment. She was hoping that they could at least take a look at the music itself, but it was not to be. The main issue came from the two main roles. Shigure had been coerced by Laslow and Odin to be the prince, as his voice range was perfect, and the hardest aria belonged to the Prince. Azura had refused the roles of both the Princess and the Servant Girl, choosing to take the role of the Queen. Lachesis let the role of the Witch be empty for the moment, as to avoid any bruised egos. Leo practically burst out of his seat to be the villainous king, something that humored most of the people in the room.

All this led to the major problem with the main roles: Despite being two female roles and a male lead, the male lead was written as a contralto. Selena had shrugged when Lachesis questioned this, calling it a stylistic choice. Style or not, even Shigure could not sing in the contralto range. The cleric sighed; it had become obvious that the prince would have to be a woman.

The princess was also difficult. Most of the actual princesses had refused the role, much to her confusion. Sakura was too shy, and Elise wanted to spend time rehearsing with her friends. Tana and Sanaki both confessed to not being great singers and Elincia was, once again, too shy. Lissa had also refused, saying that she wasn't very princess-like in the first place. The spot remained open.

Then there was the role of the servant girl, who would get her happy ending in the end. Once again, most everyone refused the role, with the exception of Selena. Selena had helped write the music, and initially didn't want to involve herself. She eventually relented to the begging of Laslow and Odin.

I suppose at least that role is settled. Lachesis thought to herself. As she kept wracking her brain, Cordelia came in with the new students. There was a gasp from Odin, which made both teachers cringe. A stroke of inspiration from him never meant anything good.

"Ah! There is someone who could play-" He yelped in pain as somebody stomped on his foot. Selena glared at the mage, who frantically whispered something in her ear. Her face softened a little, and she had a thoughtful look on her face. Lachesis turned to the pegasus knight.

"Lady Cordelia, what can we do to help?"

"Lady Lachesis," Cordelia responded, "I just wanted to know what we were planning to do for next week."

"Hmmm, I think we shall stay in the same rooms for the time being," she answered, "Am I correct in assuming that the newcomers are not quite ready to join us?"

Cordelia inadvertently giggled, before looking at the new students apologetically. Most of them just shrugged or laughed with her, which was reassuring. "No, we still have a ways to go, I believe."

"I suppose we will use the same rooms for next week, then." Lachesis clapped her hands harshly, causing many to jump in their seats. "We're dismissed for this week! Lady Cordelia and I will communicate with you shortly about the remaining three roles!" As everyone shuffled out, Lachesis motioned to Selena. "Could we speak to you for a moment, Selena?" She asked. The girl nodded hesitantly, approaching the duo. Cordelia looked at the cleric with confusion, as Lachesis's face softened.

"What's up?" Selena asked, attempting to sound nonchalant.

"Odin was about to say something interesting, what was it?" Lachesis's voice was softer, but retained a snappy quality to it.

"Uh, well..." Selena looked at the ground. "I know we need a girl that can play a convincing boy..." Cordelia felt like an idiot. Of course she was talking about that. She began to intervene.

"Lachesis, I believe I know what she's talking about, let's let her go for the time being." Lachesis acquiesced, and Selena bolted from the room, presumably to find Lucina.

"Well, Cordelia?"

Cordelia sighed. "Those two are referring to Lucina," she answered, "She once disguised herself as a man."

"... was it convincing?"

"It had us fooled, so I suppose it was." Lachesis nodded in response, before asking the question that Cordelia dreaded.

"How is her singing, though?"

"I … honestly don't know," the pegasus knight admitted, "She never sang or played music while I've known her, and with the childhood she had ..." her voice trailed off, "... well, let us just say that she may have never received such an education."

"Your daughter seems to be just fine."

"Even the Robin and I from my daughter's past focused on her education," Cordelia replied harshly, "We merely kept up from where they left off."

Lachesis looked unperturbed, sipping on her tea. "You really need to tell me the complete story of your family, Lady Cordelia. It is rather riveting." She took another sip. "Let us talk to Princess Lucina tonight. I would like to talk to a couple of the other newcomers, if that's alright."

"Who did you have in mind?"

"Those two women that were with Nino. Who were they?"

"Marisa and Nephenee?" Cordelia raised an eyebrow. "Nephenee has been here quite awhile."

"Forgive me, I do not tend to spend time with people I'm not introduced to. Nephenee and … Marisa, did you say?"

"Yes, they were …" Cordelia paused, "Well, Nino has a way with people."

Lachesis giggled. "Ah, so that is what happened. They are both rather … fetching, despite their obvious lowborn status."

"It's that obvious they're commoners, huh?"

"Of course, dear. It is no real trouble, but one can tell by the way they carry themselves. But the two of them carry themselves well enough, do they not?"

"I really couldn't tell you, to be honest."

"Well, they do, but with a little instruction," Lachesis smiled at that word, "They could make a fine princess."

"A princess, you say?" Cordelia said, trying not to choke in her surprise. Of all the things that Lachesis could've said, that one was the last thing on her mind.

"Why not?"

"I can think of a few reasons."

"Well, I believe we should visit them as well, if you would do me the honor of accompanying me."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, walking towards the door. "It would be my pleasure, Lady Lachesis."

Equestrian Class had been canceled due to the inclement weather, and that had left Nino with little to do. After she parted ways with Marisa, she caught a glimpse of maroon fabric going up a nearby staircase. Nino knew where that led; she had been there a few times. The summoning chambers were up those stairs, somewhere that wouldn't be visited if Kiran wasn't here. While she was hoping she could spend some time with Fir, if somebody was attempting to do something with the chamber …

Nino decided to take action. She attempted to slink up the stairs, almost getting caught up in her cape along the way. As she reached the door, she heard two voices arguing with each other. Nino decided to peek through the door. Lute was arguing with Clarisse, who stood between the mage and Bridablik. Why would Kiran leave that behind? Nino thought.

"Clarinet, I know the Summoner told you to guard Bridablik..."

"It's Clarisse, and if you get it wrong I'm taking your tongue before I kill you."

"... duly noted."

"You're not supposed to be here, and I'm supposed to guard this with my life."

"Surely the summoner didn't say 'with your life'."

"..." Clarisse growled. "No, that wasn't said."

"And anyways, I just want to see if I can summon someone. It would benefit the army, and perhaps ease the load on Kiran?"

There was a sigh of resignation. "Perhaps you're right, but if you try anything funny, you'll-"

"Oh, yes yes, you'll kill me." Lute waved it off, moving towards the divine weapon. "Now, this thing uses several magic principles I'm quite familiar with..." she began muttering to herself. Nino attempted to get a closer look, but when she leaned forward, the door let out an unmistakable creak. Clarisse notched an arrow at a blinding speed, and aimed for Nino's face.

"Open the door," Clarisse commanded, "slowly." Nino complied, and when the duo saw her face, they both calmed down considerably. "Oh, good. I was afraid you were an actual spy." The archer said. "Close the door behind you, Nino." The mage did as ordered.

"What are you two doing?" She asked.

Clarisse shrugged, "Just trying to help our summoner out, maybe we can... uh... make some new friends, or something."

Nino's eyes brightened up. That was a option she hadn't considered. "New friends are always good!" Clarisse gingerly patted the mage's head.

"Good, so let's keep quiet about it, okay?" Nino nodded enthusiastically in response. Just then, Lute shouted out in triumph.

"I believe I got it now!" She cried out, "Okay, so if I hold it this way, and insert this here orb..." The divine weapon sprung to life, thought not quite in the way Nino remembered it. "Alright, let us see..." There was a bright light from the summoning platform, and a bright gust of wind blew Nino's hair back. The trio squinted through the light, hoping to make out what they had summoned.

Kagero stood before them, wearing a rather … suggestive outfit. She seemed unperturbed by this, staring at the three wannabe summoners. "What are you three doing?"

"Nevermind that," Clarisse said, "What's up with your outfit?"

"Princess Tana gave it to me, said I would look 'radiant' in it," Kagero offered emotionlessly, "It does remind me of the spring. Perhaps such an outfit could bring us warmer weather?"

"I think you look great!" Nino exclaimed. Kagero smiled at her.

"Thank you Nino, you are very kind," she faced the other two, "Lute, what are you doing?"

"Attempting to summon a hero, thank you very much." Lute said, annoyance in her voice, "And you are just dressed differently."

"That would be the correct assessment."

"So I could teleport a hero, but not summon one."

"Perhaps that is for the best, correct?" Kagero asked pointedly. Lute mumbled something, and continued staring at Bridablik. She placed another orb in the weapon, and looked at Kagero.

"I would recommend moving from your spot." She stated. The ninja complied, moving to shield Nino from the bright lights. There was another gust of wind, and Lute began to laugh.

"I have done it!" She cried out. Standing there on the summoning podium was a small girl, roughly Nino's age. Her chestnut hair was put up in a ponytail, and she had golden armor. "Lute has proven her superiority!"

"Where am I, and why is somebody already annoying me here?" The girl, obviously a mage, asked. Clarisse spoke up.

"Welcome to the kingdom of Askr. You were summoned by Lute over here," she motioned to the mage, who waved shyly, "because you're a hero of vast skill that we need." That seemed to get the mage's attention, as she looked more than a little smug after that. "May we ask of you your name?"

"I'm glad you asked! I'm Delthea, probably the best mage you've got here, to be honest." Lute stood up, looking at the young girl with an uncharacteristically dour expression.

"Well, we will see about tha-"

"Welcome, Lady Delthea," Kagero bowed, "I am Kagero, and these three are Nino, Clarisse and Lute. The summoner is out on a mission, but we were tasked with summoning instead. I hope you'll forgive us."

Delthea grinned, "Of course I will! I was stuck in a boring ol' village, I could use a good adventure!"

"Very good. Nino, see to it that our newest hero gets a full tour of the castle, would you?" Nino nodded, before grabbing the other mage by the hand.

"Come on, Delta!"

"Uh, it's Delthea..."

Mess Hall – Noon

"So, how's the food?"

Delthea could barely speak through the food in her mouth. The lunch today was, like all days, a cornucopia of various options. Some of it was native to Askr, some was native to other worlds. Nino had a portion of what was called a chicken risotto, something from Kiran's world. Delthea had chosen another food from that same world, a hamburger. Nino had never tried it, but it was certainly strange looking.

"Ith relly gorf." Delthea replied. She quickly swallowed the morsel of food, looking through the crowd. "Soooo..." she started, "Any noble, handsome men walking around these parts?"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, never mind. I can look for myself." After a few minutes, Delthea pointed to someone. "How about him?" Nino grimaced. There was Leo, chatting with Reinhardt and Odin.

"Which one?"

"The one with that really fancy black armor! He looks dashing!"

"Oh," Nino replied, "I was hoping you'd say the man in the riding coat."

"Nah, he looks boooring."

"That's Leo. He's a giant nerd and kinda stuffy." Nino paused. "He seems to be interested in someone else, anyways."

Delthea rolled her eyes. "Ugh, that figures. What's his type?" Nino pointed towards Hinoka, who was beginning to make her way from the pegasus knights towards Leo.

"Princess Hinoka, I think."

"Oh, Hinoka," Delthea replied, voice dripping with sarcasm, "Sounds like Honkers, more like."

"I wouldn't be saying stuff about the Hoshidan royalty," Fir had approached the duo with Marisa and Tana in tow. "You know Kagero could be listening in."

"Oh, hey Fir!" Nino exclaimed. "Delthea, these are my friends Fir and Marisa! Fir, Marisa; this is Delthea." Fir and Marisa both bowed slightly in greeting, before sitting down.

"So, Delthea, was it?" Marisa asked, "I'm pretty new myself. How're you enjoying the food?"

"Better than at home, let me tell you," the mage exclaimed, "Isn't Kagero that um … curvy woman I saw when I got transported here? She doesn't look too threatening..."

"Is that so? I find that statement amusing." The ninja was standing behind Delthea, smirking. The mage yelled out in shock before glaring at her elder. "Maybe it is best not to cause trouble on your first day."

"Hello, Kagero," Fir said, "I saw Nephenee and Tana a minute ago, they were in line."

"Yes, I think I may have upset Nephenee, though. She saw me and ran off, rather flustered."

"It might have something to do with how you're dressed." Fir noted.

"Tana said that Nephenee would like it..."

"It's a little … revealing."

Kagero shrugged, "I see. Why that would upset her is beyond me, but I shall apologize for wearing this garb."

"I mean, don't you feel embarrassed?" Delthea pointed out. "Are you happy wearing that?" Kagero cocked her head to the side.

"Should I be embarrassed?" she asked, "It's rather … festive, and I enjoy that." The others looked at each other, before continuing their meal. Kagero sat next to Marisa, and they began to eat in silence. As they ate, Nino heard the sound of feet stomping on the tile floor. She looked up to see Tana, fuming as she approached the group.

"What are you doing, Kagero?!" She hissed at the ninja.

"I'm eating," Kagero replied, "Would you like to join me?"

"Why ye- wait, that's not the problem here!" Tana shook her head in disappointment. "You're supposed to chase after Nephenee!"

"Ah, you are right. She didn't get food," Kagero observed, "I shall rectify that immediately."

"Are you just messing with me?" Tana asked. The ninja turned and winked at the pegasus knight, before disappearing before their eyes. Tana sighed and sat herself in Kagero's old seat, and began eating. Nino and Fir looked at the princess smugly.

"So … Kagero and Nephenee, huh?" Fir asked, "What made you think those two?"

"I just think they get along well," Tana observed, "That's all. Nothing else to it."

"Nobody dresses up in a bunny suit for someone if they 'get along well'." Delthea pointed out, earning a glare from the princess. "Hey, I'm just saying."

"Well, why don't you just convince Kagero to do cooking club tonight or something?" Nino asked.

"Yeah, but who would work with Elincia?" Tana asked. Delthea raised her hand.

"Uh, clubs?" She asked, "What're you guys talking about?"

The four others looked at each other, then looked back at Delthea.

"Um … guys?"

Mess Hall – 4 pm

"NIIIINOOO! How's my besty westy fwiend?!" Peri hugged the mage tightly, not even acknowledging Delthea and Elincia next to her.

"You're reminding me that every breath is a gift, Peri!" Nino tried to reply through the crushing grip. Peri loosened her grip, smiling awkwardly.

"Sorry, Nino! Who're your friends?"

"Ah, this is Elincia and Delthea."

"Ooh, those are hard names to remember …" the cavalier muttered, "How about Elin and … Delthy!"

Delthea smirked, while Elincia curtsied. "I hope you don't mind us using the spot next to you

Tana had explained everything to Elincia, who had agreed to work with the newest mage. With Hinoka now working with Leo, Oboro had the opportunity – with Tana's encouragement - to work with Prince Takumi.

The result - exactly to the princesses' machinations - was that Kagero and Nephenee would be without partners for the evening. Elincia could feel the farmer girl's glare digging into the back of her head, but she tried to ignore it. She could also see Kagero's emotionless face turn towards her. That … was a little more frightening.

Nephenee kept glancing at the front door. Elincia had told her this was only for a week, but … why had she been encouraged to come if they weren't even going to stand close to each other? She could feel her cheeks burn with an unknown anger. Tana kept messing with her, and now Elincia?

"Are you feeling quite alright? You look rather infuriated." Nephenee felt a chill down her spine as someone lightly touched her shoulder. Kagero was now standing next to her, concern reflecting in her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm alrigh'," Nephenee replied, "Just don't have a partner. I'm thinkin' of leaving for the day."

"Well, Oboro is working with her liege for today," there was a short pause, "If you would not mind, perhaps we could work together?"

Nephenee turned her head just a little. Kagero was no longer wearing … whatever that was, which was a relief. Now things were clear. Nephenee would get back at Tana for this … "Ah, that'd be swell." she replied instinctively. She looked through the ingredients that were on the workspace. Stahl had mentioned that they were working on some variations on pancakes, which Nephenee was quite familiar with.

"Nephenee, could you make the two batters? I'll deal with the sauces and syrups." It wasn't so much a question as it was a request, and Nephenee was more than happy to comply. They both turned to their own sides of the workstations and worked in silence.

"Stahl, you came through for me!" Gaius had nearly launched himself into the cavalier, who had expected such a reaction. "Chocolate-Chip Pancakes? You beautiful man!"

"It's just a variation, Gaius," he replied, "but I'm glad you're excited about it."

"Quite," a venomously sweet voice interjected, "It would be nice if Gaius was excited enough to help me make the batter." Cherche had a bowl in her hand, expertly whisking what looked to be the lemon ricotta pancake batter. Gaius sheepishly let go of his friend, and joined his wife at the counter.

"Sorry, babe," Gaius apologized, "Just got a little too excited."

"I know how you get, honey," Cherche replied, "But don't you think you should be a better example for Gerome?" Stahl chose to move to a different group, before he got caught up in another Gaius Family Picnic Scandal. The next group was Elise and Effie, much to Stahl's chagrin. Not that anything was wrong with either of them, it was just …

"Lady Elise, I think we've eaten all the blueberries."

… that.

"Waahhh? That's can't be, Effie!" Elise cried out, her hands and mouth tinged a dark purple, "I could've sworn we had two bags of them!"

"I think we ate through two bags of blueberries, milady."

"Aw man!" Elise looked defeated. "I guess I got too excited." Stahl decided to interrupt.

"Do you two need more blueberries?" He asked, "We always have extra."

Elise tried to look indignant. "I won't say no, but insinuating that we ate all the blueberries already is rude!"

"Um..." Stahl pointed at the blueberry stains that littered both women's faces and fingers. "I also heard you, you know." Elise blushed, looking away.

"Could we just get the blueberries, please?"

Stahl sighed, handing them another bag of blueberries. "Try not to eat these, please."

"No promises, right Effie?"

"Right, Lady Elise."

"Whoa, Prince Leo, you're quite good at whisking."

"Why, thank you, Princess Hinoka," Leo replied, ego inflated, "I learned this from a Nohrian pastry chef."

"Not from one of your books?" Hinoka raised an eyebrow. Leo had been Hinoka's instructor for much of this evening, teaching her how to create the tricky blueberry sauce amongst other things. "I never would've taken you as one to learn anything practically." Leo scowled, while his face grew red from embarrassment.

"I-it's just because Elise likes sweets, that's all!" He practically shouted, his voice rising in pitch as he spoke. Hinoka giggled.

"You don't have to try to rationalize stuff, Prince Leo," she assured him, "I think it's cuuuuuoool."

"...You think it's what?" Leo was smirking.

"Cool! I think it's cool!" Hinoka squeaked out, before furiously whisking the blueberry sauce. Leo kept grinning, turning to face Takumi. Both Takumi and Oboro shook their heads disapprovingly, synchronized in their distaste. Leo grinned even wider. Nothing against Oboro, but making Takumi squirm while spending time with Hinoka was a definite bonus.

"Oboro, I know I have been discouraged from hurting others..."

"Lord Takumi, I know you don't like Leo..."

"I mean, you clearly don't like him either! You have that face again!"

"I do?" Oboro touched her face, "I guess I do. To be fair, if you had to pick someone to define the word 'Nohrian', who would you-"

"Leo."

"Yeah, so it makes sense that I'd still … you know … scowl at him?"

"He looks so smug," Takumi growled, "He's such a prick."

"You know, others have said as much about you." This voice belonged to Selena, who was standing next to Robin. Cordelia and Morgan were in the workspace across from them, the trio staring at the eldest daughter with a mixture of parental pride, incredulity, and embarrassment. "What? Don't judge a book by it's cover and all that!" She said defensively.

"But he's trying to woo my sister!" Takumi argued, hissing as to not be heard by the others.

"I may be new here," Morgan intervened, "But Hinoka doesn't look like someone who needs protecting."

"I mean, she doesn't, but..."

"How about we cook some delicious pancakes, and worry about matters of love after?" Cordelia offered sweetly, though Robin menacingly putting batter on the greased griddle made it clear that neither of them had any interest in continuing the discussion. Takumi scowled for a moment, before focusing on his strawberry syrup he was making.

"Well, if I can't beat him, I can make a better pancake than him!"

"That's the spirit, Lord Takumi!" Oboro shouted out, whisking with newfound intensity.

"So, how goes it, you two?" Oscar approached Nephenee and Kagero. The duo had been working in silence, and Nephenee was seemingly avoiding the ninja's gaze. Oscar frowned. Elincia had warned him of this possibility. It seemed like Nephenee was going back into her shell, probably because of all the goading from everyone.

"It is going well, thank you for asking." Kagero answered respectfully. Oscar noticed a quick glance at Nephenee, but only for a moment. "I believe we shall be done momentarily."

"Well, don't rush things," Oscar joked, "Cooking is about the journey and the destination, after all!"

"I see, we shall take our time, then." Oscar winced, but moved on nonetheless. This was their problem to solve, after all.

Kagero turned to face Nephenee. "Nephenee, is something the matter?" She asked, "You have been quieter than usual."

"Have I?" Nephenee squeaked out, "I can't say Ah noticed." She tried to avoid Kagero's gaze. It was piercing, and Nephenee had just noticed how pretty- What on earth's wrong with me? She thought grumpily.

"Have I upset you in any way?" Kagero asked, "I must ask for your forgiveness if that's the case."

"It's not that, truly!" Nephenee insisted, turning to face the ninja, "Ah just have somethin' to sort out, is all." Kagero looked relieved, as much as she would allow.

"I am thankful for that, then." The was a pause as she checked on the rum and nut sauce she was making for the banana pancakes. She turned to face Nephenee again. "It would be rather remiss of me to not notice me upsetting you."

"Um... but, speakin' of upsettin' me..."

"Oh?"

"What were you wearin' earlier?"

"Oh," Kagero remembered her conversation with Fir and the others, and blushed a little, "Tana said you would enjoy it, and it reminded me of spring." She paused. "Spring is a rather beautiful time in Hoshido, and I just meant to share that with you. I didn't mean to upset-"

"Oh no!" Nephenee interrupted, "I told ya! Ya didn't upset me none! It's just … that outfit really showed yer … features?" Nephenee closed her eyes in frustration. Now you've done it, Nephenee. Real smooth-like.

"Ah, I see," Kagero responded, "I suppose I would look rather threatening and more mobile with that outfit.

"W-what?"

"I can only assume you meant my ninja features, which would be accentuated by the sleek look of that spring outfit. I shall keep that in mind in battle."

"Y-yeah, it was rather … intimidatin'," Nephenee answered, relief coming over her in waves, "But I like ya in yer normal clothes, ya know."

"That is kind of you to say, Nephenee." Kagero turned to face the spearwoman. Without warning, she swiped her finger lightly across Nephenee's cheek, who responded with stuttering and general embarrassment. "You had some batter on your face." Kagero explained.

Nephenee looked at her, wide-eyed, then smiled. "Thanks fer that."

"Awww, that's sweet," Delthea commented, "Maybe you guys should help me get a swell guy next, how about that?"

Elincia smiled at the mage. "I think those two are a special case, but it is nice to see them talking after lunch today."

"Speaking of food, how's your guys' pancakes coming along?" Nino asked. "Our Banana Nut and Blueberry pancakes are looking good!"

"Mhm! Blue and yellow and sweet sweet sweeeet!" Peri nearly purred out as she plated the two pancakes for eating. "You were making those lemony pancakes and the chocolatey ones, right?"

"Yes!" Elincia answered, "I believe we're done as well." The two groups exchanged their delectable delights, and they began feasting upon their creations.

"Um..." Delthea noted, "How many pancakes did we make?"

Lute's Room, 7 pm

Sanaki knocked on the door for a third time. Dinner had started, and Lute hadn't been seen since breakfast. This worried the empress, for multiple reasons.

"Lute, are you coming to dinner or not?!"

No answer, but Sanaki heard something akin to scuffling. She glared, and prepared to blow the door down. The door cracked open, and Nino, her face covered in what seemed to be chocolate, peeked out. The door slammed shut, and there were hushed voices from the other side. The door opened again, and Sanaki was dragged in quickly.

"I guess you were right after all, glad I don't have to use my bow."

Sanaki found herself surrounded by several people, all seated on pillows and on Lute's bed. Lute, Nino, Elincia, Eirika, Clarisse, Peri, Fir, Marisa, and some little brunette Sanaki was not familiar with were all seated around several large platters of some sort of food.

"See, I told you that Empress Sanaki would approach my door at 7 pm sharp," Lute noted, "I'm never wrong about these things."

"You can't be too careful, though," Marisa argued, food in her mouth, "I can think of quite a few people who would want some of these."

"First of all, do not talk with your mouth full," Sanaki said harshly, "Second of all, what are 'these'?"

"Yummy delicious pancakes, silly!" Peri exclaimed. "We made too many, so we wanted to share!" A plate of pancakes was nearly shoved into the empress's hands, and she took a bite. It was sweet, with a distinct citrus flavor. Lemon? And there was something else to it, something she couldn't quite place. It was sweet, almost to a ridiculous degree. It was wonderful. "See?! A face like that says 'yummy yummy' all over it!"

Sanaki turned to Lute. "That pancake was delicious," she said, "You really do know me better than most."

"Better than most? I'm so sorry to hear that."

Oh wow, angst-city over here! I think there's no way that Sumia and Cordelia didn't at least discuss writing a love story at some point, so it felt in character to have her working on an opera.

(Also, maybe I'll get Spring Kagero now that I've written about her.)

Once again, thank you all for reading! I'm sorry about the slow update, things should speed up now. I love all your comments, and I'll take any requests, questions, concerns, etc.

We go from Nephenee and Kagero-centric to Fir-centric next chapter! The next chapter is:

Brave Blizzard Training!