Once an ally
Chapter 6
"Is this good, though?"
"You mean you in my arms? It's more than good, Corrin."
The princess relaxed in the gentle embrace, slowly gathering the nerves to try holding Azura back. Her gestures felt awkward and everything in her mind told her she shouldn't be too bold, shouldn't assume she could just try whatever she wanted. But her heart wanted the closeness. Most of all, she wanted more.
She snuck one arm under the blue-haired princess, their chests brushing as she shifted closer to her, her nose stroking Azura's chin and Corrin grunting as she somehow pushed herself high enough for their noses to touch.
"What are you up to now?" Azura mused.
"I need to get used to this. I don't want to, I mean… It's so new."
She tried out a small, feather like kiss, Azura pinching her lips as she struggled against her urge to follow after her.
"I like you like this," she told Corrin, tenderness like honey on her voice.
The following kiss was firmer, longer, Azura leaning into it, Corrin breathing hard through her nose to make sure she wouldn't have to pull away yet. It was very soft and warm, brushing her lips against Azura's, the fleeting feel of her tongue had her eyes jump open, but then she tried it out herself, the tips of their tongues meeting. Corrin had no idea what she was supposed to do at this point, but her instinct had an idea and the warmth she discovered was a welcomed surprise.
She'd dreamed of this, but never with the appropriate notion of how to picture the actual thing even remotely accurately. It felt sweet, sweeter than a hug and gentle while also violent. The panic she kept on pushing back at the idea this Azura could be taken away from her. They were joining a war. And the last war they'd faced together had resulted with her dissolving into those ocean-gray waves...
Blinking away a lone tear, she nibbled at Azura's lower lip, relishing her moan and finding herself moaning back.
"Can I kiss your face?" Corrin asked.
Azura hummed in answer and Corrin kissed her cheek, tasting the salt of dried tears and swallowing down the wave of feelings suddenly reawakened. She had to make her moan some more to compensate for those tears, she had to find the touches that would erase the pain, then maybe her own pain could disappear. She leaned to the side a little more, brushing stray locks aside to kiss the corner of her ear experimentally. Azura bent her neck to the side, almost wishing her hair was shorter, her hands running over Corrin's back, feeling her warmth through the fabric. There were so many layers in between, so many layers keeping them apart and she wanted to get them off if possible, to taste her arms fully.
Don't push her though. She must be overwhelmed, she tried to warn herself.
As overwhelmed as she was, Corrin felt adventurous, barely voicing another question before parting the cloak Azura wore over her dress open and planting soft kisses along her neckline.
"Oh!" This gasp was louder than the ones before and Corrin smiled against her skin, jumping as Azura's hands snuck under the hem of her undershirt, drawing lazy circles across her back.
"C...cold!" Corrin couldn't help herself.
"They'll get warmer, don't stop kissing me," Azura whispered, her voice singing a tune Corrin had never heard before.
It was a song of desire and love and the dragon princess knew she had to hear it more. She gave Azura's neck a longer, and more thorough kiss, finding herself sucking at the skin just a little, Azura yelping and humming her approval. Her hands were grazing Corrin's sides now, her cloak falling off, leaving her in just her cotton undershirt and pants. She felt somehow exposed, but Azura was rolling on her back and guiding her to hover above her, the very sound of her breathing so exciting, Corrin wasn't sure her body was reacting normally anymore. Heat was gathering in her lower stomach and her mind was abuzz with too many questions she didn't want answered.
She let her hands wander, unsure if she should touch Azura's clothes further. Yet she wanted to feel her skin, which was soft under her mouth, soft against her sides and the shivers they both created were good, better than anything they'd felt.
"Azura…"
"It's fine, you can touch me, Corrin."
As though to support her point, Azura let her fingertips climb up along Corrin's stomach, tracing the underside of her breasts, the dragon feeling something clenching in her chest, while her mind gave up on processing the escalating thoughts she had. She had looked at Azura often enough to know this dress by heart, but she'd never helped her take it off. Quickly realizing the sleeves were not a part of the dress, Corrin undid the blue ribbon on Azura's hips, biting her lower lip as the hands under her shirt cupped both of her breasts, giving them an experimental squeeze.
"Is this too much?" she asked her.
Corrin shook her head, a broken gasp in her throat.
It only took one tug to pull the dress apart, her eyes widening as Azura's undergarment was partially exposed to her eyes.
"Is this even a bra?" she mused, brushing the lace.
"My dress is thicker, it just needs to be… You know, who cares? You can take it off."
Corrin flushed a brighter shade of red, her tongue poking at the corner of her mouth as she tried to unfurl the rest of the ribbon, the barely-there skirt fully slinking off Azura's hips, leaving only one of her legs covered by her full-leg sock, while only one of her breasts was peeking out. The choker-like collar was keeping everything quite snugly in place.
"Why is this thing so complicated?"
"It can feel more rewarding if it's a little delayed," Azura told her, pulling her pants down to her knees and giving her thighs a quick rub.
Corrin was hoping and praying not to shake by now, because every soft touch helped her in discovering a new sensation, a new impression and if it was this intense when she was panicking deep down how good would it feel when she would feel entirely like herself?
"I don't want to be patient," the dragon princess admitted, dragging her hands along Azura's waist to dig her fingers into her hips, finding the tiny clasp on the side of her stocking and freeing her clothed leg, not bothering pushing the fabric entirely out of the way. "You feel so soft everywhere."
"As do you," Azura said back, caressing her back up and down and deciding she had enough dealing with a shirt in her way. She bunched it all up along with the extra fabric wrap she'd already pushed out of the way, Corrin forced to take her hands off her to help her in removing the garment, her arms falling back by her side, the bandaged one moving slower than the other, her chest going up and down a little too fast. Her hair had to look wild and she was pretty much entirely exposed now to the eyes of the woman she loved.
It took a conscious effort to keep her hands down not to hide herself, Corrin drawing her strength in the fact Azura seemed perfectly fine with being undressed.
"Oh love, you're beautiful."
"Azura…!"
The bandage on Corrin's arm was coming apart, Azura frowning as she realized what they were doing.
"Sit up and scoot back, I should fix this bandage for you."
"But I want to touch you!"
"You can work on getting the rest of this dress off me," she suggested, gripping Corrin's waist to firmly but gently push her down to a sitting position.
It felt almost awkward to have sensed that touch, the pressure of her thumbs and the brush of her nails, Corrin finding herself wishing for more touches, and caresses in places she had almost never touched herself.
"With one hand?"
"Indulge me, I want to make sure you're safe."
Corrin's throat tightened at the shiver in her voice, her head nodding quickly while Azura got to work, trying to focus her eyes on the wounded arm and not let Corrin's perky breasts and hardened nipples stir away her attention.
Her mouth was watering and there were twitches in the dept of her stomach at the idea of drawing new sounds from the silver-haired girl. She wanted to touch her everywhere, to help her understand nothing was wrong, nothing would ever be wrong. Not anymore.
"I don't want to rip off that… Oh! Why didn't you tell me it tied up to the side?"
"Your impatience was sort of adorable," Azura confessed, letting out a tiny gasp as Corrin lifted her still not fully bandaged arm to get rid of the offending fabric still covering her. The lacy underwear followed, Corrin kissing Azura to make sure no objection could be raised. She pushed the woman back down, moaning as she leaned fully into her, their curves brushing, lighting sparks and goosebumps. Pulling back from the kiss to take a good look at her, Corrin felt a knot in her throat as she noticed a white scar running under Azura's breasts.
"What… Who did that?!"
"It was a slash I took in a battle long ago, just not superficial enough to heal well."
"Azura!" the panic was back in her voice and Azura shook her head at her, cupping her face with both hands.
"Hush, hush, I might have more of those than you'd want, but I'm fine, I'm not dying. I'm not going anywhere, Corrin."
"I'm sorry, I hope you know this is only me caring too much, I don't want you feeling self-conscious, you're beautiful, beautiful, your skin looks like cream, I could just…"
"You can touch, Corrin. And you don't have to treat me as though I'm made out of cream. I will not break."
But you vanished into the water, so how am I supposed to believe…
Taking her up on her word, Corrin tried out the touches she'd experienced earlier from Azura, her knuckles gliding across her sides, her neck bending as she kissed the swell of her left breast, then the right. Azura was panting again and the very sound was enough to drive her insane with lust, insane with a desire she'd never let out before.
"They're so cute," Corrin whispered, cupping one breast as she kissed the other one, dangerously aiming for its tip.
"You're bigger than I am in that area," Azura noted, a light blush on her face as her eyes couldn't help the swaying of concerned larger breasts.
"You think?"
Corrin inched back and forth, pressing her chest closer to Azura and giving both of their bosoms a brief but curious inspection. The stillness was almost as good as moving, but the dancer wouldn't stand for it.
"I know they are! Don't tease me!"
Corrin laughed at that, a full, genuine laugh, gasping as Azura retorted by pushing down the last of her underwear and groping her ass.
"What are you doing?"
She didn't sound nervous per se, more surprised and curious than anything, and it comforted Azura into goading her a little.
"I'm discovering each and every one of your curves. I don't want to be idle, there's so much I've been..."
"You can do everything you want, Azura."
"Same goes for you."
These were dangerous words to say, but neither of them could even sense fear other than losing sight of each other.
"I want to make you feel good," Corrin said.
"You've already achieved it," Azura assured her.
"But even more than that."
"You're spoiling me and I also want to spoil you, stay where I can touch you."
"I'm just… really not used to this."
"Follow your instinct, I swear, you're doing very well. Oh… How bad does this sound?"
"I don't know. I'm not mad or anything. Let me hear your voice more," Corrin insisted, hoping Azura was feeling just half as nervous and a hundred percent as ecstatic as she was.
"But then that means you won't kiss me."
Corrin replied with the boldest kiss she'd given her yet, Azura bringing her flush against her, not caring much about her weight on her if it meant she could be comforted in the fact this was truly happening.
They stayed glued to each other lips, locked in this sweet embrace, taking in each other's warmth, sensing each other's beating heart. It was surely going too fast, but Azura wasn't ready to stop or to let anything slow down.
"If anything feels awkward, please tell me," she managed.
"Why would…" Corrin was cut off by the sensation of fingers reaching up her thighs, higher and further, her muscles twitching as she held back on the reflex to close her legs.
"Lie on your side, sweetheart."
Corrin obliged her, nuzzling at the skin of her neck now, Azura smiling at the wetness she found. Her first few touches were tentative, Corrin gasping and losing her focus, wrapping her arm tighter around the dancer as her fingers started a steady rhythm.
"Is this good?"
Corrin nodded quickly, breathlessly, trying to keep her voice down somehow. She could hear the wet sounds of her flesh being toyed with and faintly remembered she could have been doing this for Azura too. Her heart nearly jumped in her chest at the idea she might have her shivering and jumping like she was.
"Azura, I've never…"
"You're safe, you're safe, you don't have to hold anything back," Azura promised her.
She let one of her fingers tease her entrance, biting her lower lip as Corrin twitched and moaned in answer.
"Do you want more?"
"Please. Please."
The look on Azura's face was so very pleased, and her eyes so beautiful, Corrin had forgotten to feel embarrassed, accepting to be spoiled. She reached for one pale breast and gave its pink nipple a graze, gasping louder as Azura's fingers pushed harder against her clit from the jolt.
"I don't want to go slow."
"Then don't, Azura."
She didn't have to tell it twice, Azura pressing one leg against Corrin's to have her legs parting further, teasing her while her thumb worked studied circles around her clit.
Now the moans were mewling and Corrin's nails were nearly clawing at her side, her hips jerking upwards in small, uncontrolled motions, Azura overwhelmed with the scent of pure arousal invading the tent. She put a second finger in, realizing she was rubbing herself against Corrin's thigh and feeling a brief flash of guilt for not entirely focusing on the woman she loved.
"Did you ever try this by yourself?"
"It's nothing like touching myself, good gods, Azu….!"
The first spasm came, Azura letting her motions grow even hastier now, since she wanted her princess to ride her climax fully.
A broken scream made it out her throat, Corrin's head rolling back fully as her body clenched and unclenched uncontrollably around Azura's fingers.
The dancer wasn't quick enough to kiss her silent, she was too busy watching every one of her reactions, her heart swelling up with the knowledge this was her doing.
"Fuck!" Corrin managed shivering all over as Azura finally pulled her hand back, bringing her fingers up to her mouth and licking them clean. "Don't do that, I haven't…!"
"It's fine, Corrin. I hope you won't think less of me now that you know I'm not as proper as I…"
"Forget about that, I want you fully naked right now," Corrin said, finding the strength to raise herself on one arm, her eyes even hungrier than before.
"You look about ready to tear down my underwear," Azura laughed.
"I've always been curious. Is that really the only layer you wear under that dress?"
Azura made no motion to help her in discovering the truth, so Corrin slipped her fingers around the waistband, finding a small button on the left side.
"How intricate do you like your clothes?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Don't be, I'm half teasing, at any other time, I'd prefer to know you're safe from your dress and panties just flying open as you dance."
Azura blushed, lifting up her hips as Corrin lost no more time pulling the garment down, a contraried moan coming from the dancer as her dragon princess backed away to make sure the piece of clothing was entirely off. But Corrin had a plan as she shifted closer, her head leaning low so she could kiss her way up one leg and then the other.
"Oh… Don't bite me, if I have any marks…"
As though egged on even more, Corrin sucked at a spot on her inner thigh, high enough that no one should be able to see it. Azura was growing impatient if how far she parted her legs open was any indication, Corrin teasing her blue pubic hair. Azura flushed at the sight of the other woman staring so blatantly at her. And the feel of both of her hands stopping on either side of her sex, her thumbs pulling her lower lips open a little.
"Oh gods!"
"Does it hurt?"
"No, it's just… sort of embarrassing."
"You're so pink and pretty."
Azura had a few ideas of what she wanted Corrin to do with her pink flesh, gasping as both thumbs ran across her labia, applying a gentle pressure. Corrin's red eyes were flying from her core to her face, trying to spot if anything was good or making her flinch. Azura had to bite her tongue to hold down her voice as her clit was merely skimmed by. Her muffled moan didn't escape Corrin's ears, her eyes curiously looking for the cause. She was still aching from cumming and needed to see Azura feel the same way.
"How do you usually start?"
"What?"
"When you're alone, how do you…?"
"Corrin!"
"Fine, but you should talk to me. I don't want to hurt you."
"Your nails seem to be short enough, I think you know why I'm…"
They smiled at each other, wondering how they could turn something that should feel so embarrassing into pure bonding.
"I love you," Corrin whispered, leaning down to kiss the spots her fingers had touched, her tongue licking along her folds, Azura gasping and covering her mouth.
"You don't have to…"
"I wanna learn what's good for you. And my tongue is much softer than…"
This time the gasp was louder, Corrin sensing a shift in the air, her tongue brushing against even wetter skin than before.
"You like when I talk to you from here?"
"Oh, this is really not enough."
Azura was squirming next to her. Feeling almost high with the knowledge she was driving Azura right over the edge, Corrin nestled herself closer, letting her nose dig just a little into the sensitive skin, her fingers tracing more shivers, focusing on finding her clit while she whispered "where would you like me to touch?"
Her warm breath was undoing the poor dancer, Azura's hands reaching for Corrin's hair and somehow stopping before pushing her closer. It was all the hint Corrin needed, feeling both wild and a little worried that she might be going too far for someone as inexperienced as she was.
It was quite awkward, but every sound Azura made was worth the tension in her wrist as she found a way to insert in one finger while she teased Azura with her tongue and kept her other hand working her clit.
"Yes, oh, Cor…"
Azura's thighs pressed against her skull, Corrin fighting against a smile as she felt the tremors running through her and heard her voice. Was this a scream? An actual, blissful scream?
She pulled her face back but tried to keep the pressure going with both hands, Azura pleading for mercy soon after.
"It was good?"
"Oh dear, it was… I'm still shaking inside. Hold me."
She didn't have to beg, Corrin snuggling to her, their legs lying on top of each other's.
They kissed lazily, Azura riding out the aftermath and realizing she wanted even more now.
"Do you feel sleepy?"
"A bit," Corrin answered to her, kissing her hair.
"Sounds like you could handle some more."
"Oh, I don't know about that, I'm… I feel extra sensitive."
"So do I. Which means it would be even better!"
Corrin laughed, happily surprised with this outgoing side of Azura. When she felt her shifting around to sit up and the way she guided her hips towards her, she frowned. That angle would mean they could…
"Isn't that what a man and a…"
"It will feel good, trust me." Azura promised her. "Just… lift your leg for me."
"Ah! H-how are we even supposed to move if we…?"
Azura hopped forward, her breasts jumping as she arched her back, finding the right angle, both of them moaning deep.
"Now hold on to me and…"
Corrin struggled to hold herself on one elbow to give any jerking motion she made momentum, gripping Azura's hip with her free hand. And then Azura started moving for real, up and down and left and right. It was the perfect amount of stimulation, while also not being quite enough. And right as Corrin felt herself ready to lose it, the tent's flap flew open.
"Oh wow. Oh damn." Lyn whistled.
Whistled. Azura was frozen in place, her chest moving up and down too quickly from the exertion, absolutely not letting go of Corrin, which meant her over-sensitive flesh could pulse right against Azura's, the pair looking at the intruder.
"You girls sure know how to have fun, mind having a third player in?"
"Get out," Azura asked her, Lyn giving an apologetic bow and letting the flap fall back shut as she hurried on her way.
"This… That… Azura, we can't…"
"Corrin, breathe."
"Let go, we should stop, we should get dressed."
"Look at me."
Azura couldn't tell what exactly was going on in her head. Maybe the fear that this intrusion would have Corrin think what they just shared was wrong again?
"I love you. And I don't want to share you with anyone, but I don't want you to be embarrassed about us."
"Okay." Corrin breathed out, roughly, a shudder shaking her up. "Can I just be embarrassed in general though?"
"Of course, I'm sorry, I…"
"Azura, hold me, please."
Now there were tears in Corrin's eyes, Azura feeling her throat tightening at the sight. She didn't bother covering either of them, wrapping her arms around the other woman and hugging her close until the worst of it was over, kissing her again, and again, Corrin apologizing despite how many times Azura told her she didn't need to.
By the time they fell asleep, they were sore, but feeling a bit reassured. Corrin wished she could voice that her many apologies were not about being seen, or about the instant shame she'd felt. No, she mostly wanted to apologize for wanting her so badly she was ready to give herself to an Azura she hadn't really known for that long.
I'm replacing her. We're replacing each other and for a few hours, it didn't feel wrong...
Byleth was lying on her back, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes were vaguely focused on the irregular light patterns on the ceiling from the flickering candle, empty of any thought. Her attention came back when fingertips brushed her arm and she turned, smiling at Claude, and that goofy look on his face when he himself was coming down from the high of lovemaking.
"Hey, your cheeks are pink." He grinned at her.
"And?" she asked.
"That only happens if you really enjoyed yourself." A cocky grin spread across his features and her eyes narrowed slightly and she turned her focus back to the ceiling.
"Am I so hard to tell that I'm having a good time?" she asked him.
"No. Just using it as a good chance to brag." He responded, and rolled up onto his side and reached across her, brushing his fingers against her jaw. She tilted her head back and followed the touch to look at him and couldn't help but give in and smile back at him. She liked to think she was getting better at showing him how she felt, or maybe familiarity with her had just taught him what her subtle expressions would mean.
He had been back at the academy for near a month now, and they had spent nearly every minute of it together. They were making arrangements for their wedding, and the official power exchange to leave the Cathedral to Rhea, freeing her to travel to Almyra the home nation of her husband-to-be. Insecurities started stirred in her chest again when the thought drived to the forefront of her mind. How could a mercenary ever make a Queen? Would Almyra accept this foreign peasant turned religious figure as their Queen? Her expression fell again but she was immediately pulled back into more pleasant thoughts when Claude captured her lips with his own.
"What did I tell you about spirit-projection? You want Seteth to kick down this door to see my glorious naked ass and call you a heretic?" Claude teased her. Byleth rolled her eyes as he pulled back, sitting up to kiss him again. "You're just trying to shut me up, aren't you?" He accused. She let out an amused huff and kissed him again.
"Just thinking."
"You always look like you're up in the stars when you do that." She brushed her fingers against his cheek, finding his rough stubble both appealing to look at and to touch. She enjoyed the taste of his kiss, and the way her cheek scratched when he nuzzled her. He turned his head and pushed her jaw with his nose, lips coming to her neck. "Should we get dressed and go for a ride?" he suggested. She pushed on his shoulders and forced a wide grin, patting his chest. She gave him a short nod and rolled from the bed, throwing the sheets in a flourish. "Hey! That was a joke!" He called.
"Seteth will be sending for me soon. If you want to take a ride this morning I suggest we hurry up and get dressed." She was certain he was watching her cross the two-step distance to her wardrobe. Rhea had offered to pass her own chambers onto Byleth, but she felt more comfortable in the small room she had been living in since coming to the academy. And it helped prevent the students from holding her on an uncomfortably high pedestal if she kept her modest room on the same floor of the academy as them.
"We should hurry up then, he's as punctual as he is snobby." Claude rested his cheek against his fist to admire Byleth for a few moments more. Watching the way she dressed herself in quick haphazard motions, lacking the fluid grace one would expect from the church's exalt. More fitting to the mercenary she was. She was certainly going to make a… curious, Queen to Almyra. She pulled her undershirt on and covered the large misshapen white scar on her right shoulder blade. An old wound incurred by the claws of a beast. He remembered how Raphael had torn the wolf's jaw clean off in retribution and had never been so grateful how close friends the two were. He even remembered, with a bit of embarrassment, the jealousy he had felt thinking the two had been closer than friends. Only to happily learn he was mistaken.
"Too bad we can't just sneak out the window making getting dressed unnecessary." Claude complained as way of a suggestion.
"No." She answered, not bothering to look over her shoulder at him while she pulled her cloak on. Colder weather was settling in and she actually pulled her arms through the sleeves rather than clasp it over her shoulders per usual. And she even took to wearing proper pants. The new uniform was appealing in its own way but he couldn't deny a preference for more exposed skin.
"Fine fine. But I swear, chaffing from the saddle isn't terrible. You can keep your pants on if that's what you're worried about." He sat up, lifting his hands in a shrug.
"No." She repeated. She turned around as she finished buttoning the top of the cloak, hiding the cleavage visible with the immodest clothes beneath. He frowned at her.
"You put the cloak on just to punish me, huh? Wouldn't you prefer to give me a spanking?" He asked her, pouting his bottom lip.
"No, yes, and pouting is… rather un-Kingly. Now come on if we're going to sneak out."
"Wait, what was that yes?!"
"I'll fetch a quick breakfast while you dress." She finally turned to him and gave a sly wink before spinning on her heel, stumbling slightly, and slipping through the door ignoring his protest. She was certain he would catch up to her before she made it halfway to the dining hall, and was in fact planning on it. She hoped someone was there at such an early hour to at least hand them some bread and cheese, maybe a piece of fruit, that they could wrap up and carry with them for this pre-dawn ride and enjoy a meal together far away from the academy and everything and everyone within it.
She took her usual detour that would bring her past Jeralt's grave so she could bid him good morning before moving on. The season meant flowers were in short supply, but perhaps during their venture out she could pluck a wild flower yet to wilt. The pure pain of his passing was starting to settle into a routine sadness. A weight on her chest that would likely never leave, but didn't keep her pinned to her bed deep into the morning any longer.
Claude caught up with her just as she finished ascending the steps from the graveyard, out of breath from sprinting through the academy to catch up to her.
"Shamir always did say a morning exercise wakes you up better than any coffee." She offered him as he bent over his knees. "Did you honestly sprint all the way here?"
"Shamir is crazy you shouldn't take any advice from her. I mean she's dating Raphael. Man. Never would have seen that coming…" he ambled off and shook his head to get the mental image of his former professor in bed with the gigantic man.
"Could say I'm crazier for picking you." her smile was subtle, but he knew it well.
"Well, m'lady, shall I escort you to the dining hall?" he offered, holding out his arm.
"Only if you don't call me m'lady again." She ignored his outstretched arm and instead walked beside him. He dropped the dramatic pose and tried to just grab her hand. The gesture felt childish, but she squeezed his hand back. The inside of the dining hall was dark, the candles not yet lit meaning no one had started work. She wasn't sure who was assigned today, but she suspected Hilda. They were not short on rations or supplies so she helped herself to some food and pulled the last three potatoes out of a sack so she should stuff their food inside and slung the sack over her shoulder.
"Got us some tasty stuff?" He asked.
"Basics. Bread, cheese, a few peaches."
"Not gonna cook us up something?" he forced a pout
"I can burn some bacon and undercook a few eggs in the grease and put it all on over-buttered also burnt toast."
"Why not burn the eggs too and round things out?" He smirked at her and her eyes narrowed. She walked up to him and rolled her shoulder to sling the sack. Claude flinched and caught it, Byleth letting go and walking past him after patting his shoulder.
"Complainers get to carry the goods."
"Wait, since when?" He asked and jogged lightly to catch up to her.
"Gotta take advantage of still being the one in charge. Once in Almyra you're King."
"Like every King in history wasn't secretly ruled by his Queen's whims."
"Well. At least one will be." She agreed, nudging him with her elbow. It was only a few more paces when an intense ringing started in her ears and a flash of light forced her palms over her eyes, the ringing drowning out the sound of Claude calling her name and she never felt the hands that passed clean through the space where she once stood.
Byleth groaned, utterly overwhelmed by sensation. Blinded and deaf she lost her balance and fell to her knees. She caught herself with a palm and the stone beneath her hand didn't feel like the walkway from the dining hall to the stable. The stones were colder, rougher. She squinted, looking up to four blurry figures. She reached for her hip, and cursed realizing she had never tied her sword to her hip. Shit! Shamir would beat her senseless for such a rookie mistake. And she would owe a smack to Claude for good measure for letting her let her guard down.
She got to her feet, trying to blink away the blur and make sense of her surroundings. She had daggers in her usual boots but had slipped into her winter pair anticipating a cold flight with Claude, and hadn't moved the weapons. She cursed herself again and tried to look around some more as things finally started to form edges.
"Please. Byleth." She turned and looked again at the people standing there in foreign uniforms and thick foreign accents. It was difficult to understand them unless she focused.
"Why do you know my name. Who are you?" She asked.
"We can explain everything."
"Start." She retorted quickly. The one speaking was a young man with frosted blue hair. She was given what felt like a rehearsed speech. She studied his face for lies. A twitch of the lip, or a squinted eye. A tug on his ear, or a shifted stance. But he stood firm, speaking his words of war and the need for help and neither his face nor voice staggered. Claude? She stepped backwards and looked around her for signs of him. But she was utterly alone on this stone structure. What is this powerful magic? She had seen enemies appear and disappear at will. A trick she always assumed was the work of illusion and distraction. But was it possible they were able to alter their location at will?
The questions swarmed and her anger rose. She had been hearing of unrest to the far north, was this what they were planning? She listened to the words, missing one occasionally due to the thickness of their accents. But then a familiar voice came through the confusion and she made out a very familiar face.
"Professor! I am here to be doing the reassuring of you! These people are being the most kind, they are intending you no harm." Those distinct tattoos, that familiar smile. Her hair was longer than she remembered, pulled back into a low ponytail instead of her usual style.
"Petra." Byleth replied, feeling foolish and off guard that was the only reply that she could manage. "What have these people done to you?" She stepped forward but stopped when Petra lifted her hands and shook her head.
"Nothing! I am knowing of the confusion you must be having. I was having the same during my own arrival here. I make the promise professor, they mean you no harm. I am having the greatest of happiness to see you! Please be joining me for breakfast, everything I will be explaining to you."
"Askr?" Byleth asked. She frowned, staring down at this ghost standing before her in place of all the other questions that were coming to her mind. She remembered Petra falling in battle, and the sadness in her eyes.
"This strange place is calling itself Askr. These people here are needing of our help. They are making the calling of many warriors from many worlds to their side."
Byleth crossed her arms, trying to wrap her head around this. If Sothis was still with her, she might have known right away if she could trust these people.
"Fodlan…"
Petra offered a brief nod, glimpse of regret showing on her face.
"There is no finding Fodlan or Brigid again. It's a one-direction travel."
Which meant that unless this was a nightmare, she wouldn't see her Claude again. Or the former students she knew. Her chest felt too tight as the knowledge sunk in. And with it came a wave of exhaustion that almost made her knees buckle, Petra catching her as soon as she wavered.
"Professor! Is your body feeling unwell?"
Byleth pushed her back, steadying herself, shaking her head.
"These people are fighting a war and recruiting new soldiers from… parallel words?" she surmised.
"That is right, professor! I'm being quite happy to have you here!"
Byleth looked back at the blue-haired prince and his sister.
"I used to be a mercenary and a teacher," she said, slowly. "I don't understand you very well. But if you call more of my students here…"
If Petra was here, that meant she could see more of them. Lorenz, Hilda, maybe even Claude. Although the fact the Petra in her world had died and this one was here… She pressed one hand against her forehead, sensing a violent headache building up.
"We're not forcing the people we summon to fight for us. We're simply asking. There will be a tent and a sword for you in our camp," Sharena started.
Byleth blinked at the princess. Why was her accent so thick?
"Slower, I can't… Your speech feels foreign," she explained herself.
Alfonse and his sister exchanged a concerned look.
"We're very sorry," he told her, making a small bow. "Would you come with us for now? We can give you food and shelter. And try to explain things more later."
Petra looked expectantly at Byleth, who gave a small nod in assent. She took her first step into Askr, finding the urge to look over her shoulder. Her eyes longed for Claude's silhouette beside her. For his calloused hand squeezing her palm. There was a throbbing sensation in her chest, but she walked on. She'd lost so many things in a single instant. And deep down, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen in Fodlan...
To be continued