The B-Support conversation if you will, this one takes place after Chapter Twenty of Revelation.

I do not own anything.

"Princess Camilla?"

Admittedly the axe-wielder hadn't been expecting to hear the voice of the oldest Hoshidan royal, not that she wasn't pleased to hear him call her name. Looking up from her polished axe she saw Ryoma approaching her and Marzia raising her head up to let out a cautionary growl. The long-haired male stopped a few feet from her putting a good five or so between them. Giggling she beckoned him over while quietly soothing Marzia; it appeared even after another day of fighting side by side she still hadn't warmed up to the katana-wielding warrior. "I must say you're one of the last people I was expecting to see."

"There are some…matters I wish to discuss with you, privately if preferable." He grounded out clearly uncomfortable with their positions.

They weren't that far off from where the army had decided to camp for the night. Little more than a day from Ggyes and emotions were running particularly high after their 'guide' had nearly killed half the army via collapsing bridges and ambushes. On the bright side the incident had been an excellent bonding experience for the Hoshidans and Nohrians sides. Nothing like being forced to trust your life to a person you hated based solely on their place of birth. When Camilla had flown over camp she was pleased to see more and more soldiers were intermingling with each other, now willing to get to know the other side beyond what banner they carried.

Patting a spot besides the stone bench she'd taken a seat on she waited until he was firmly seated, there was about two feet of distance between them. Beyond them the light gray and white clouds of Valla lazily drifted by while huge chunks of rock and landmasses moved like glaciers across the void while others remained entirely stationary. It was both wondrous and slightly foreboding, especially considering that many of them were hosts to ruins of a long dead kingdom. Even this little area she'd found for herself appeared to be the remains of some home or gathering place based on what she observed. "I'm sorry about my earlier comment regarding your armor."

"In fairness you more than proved to me your mount lives up to its reputation. Your Marzia may just be the fiercest Wyvern I've ever seen." The samurai offered with a kind smile. Behind them said wyvern gave a proud snort of flames resulting in the Hoshidan and Nohrian royals laughing. "In truth I…came to give you back this." Reaching into his folds he withdrew the royal handkerchief she'd given him and offered it to her. "Also, I never got the chance to properly thank you for looking after my siblings, and for believing in Corrin when I wasn't able to."

The feeling of Camilla's hand clasping over his own was unexpected yet oddly welcomed. He never once imagined what her hands would feel like, especially without gloves or gauntlets protecting them. "With all due respect Prince Ryoma, I'd feel better if you kept it. Consider it a good luck charm as well as piece of goodwill from the Nohrian royal family. As for your siblings, don't fear, I always make a point of looking after my family."

"I…see, well, thank you." He muttered taking back his hand still with the handkerchief in his palm. "I…didn't know you've come to consider Sakura and Takumi family."

"Well, Corrin considers them family, so I consider them mine as well, more so now that I've gotten to know them." Camilla clarified crossing her legs while looking up with a smile. "A kind-hearted princess I'm sure will one day become the heart of a nation and a strong-willed archer who hopefully one day will be able to see himself as his own person. If I may be so bold I can say he could become the greatest archer in all of Hoshido and Nohr combined."

Ordinarily Ryoma would have second guessed anyone who offered praise to his siblings in his presence, he had grown used to it as he grew older into a paragon of perfection. Always praising me even when I wasn't the subject of conversation. His hands went to chin armor, loosen the straps then finally removing the red piece of metal showing his unmarked face to the world. It always came as something of a relief when he was able to remove it and allow his skin the chance to breathe. "I…see during your time together you've taken the time to get to know them. As I'm sure you can imagine being the kind of person I am I've thrust a great burden upon them, one I wish with all my might I could shake off."

Taking a moment to fully absorb the face of the Hoshidan Swordmaster without his headpiece Camilla silently purred to herself. While some might have found the waist-length hair a tad ridiculous she actually found it rather attractive and interesting. According to Sakura Ryoma had styled it after their late father, a man he greatly idealized. I'm beginning to see what you mean Corrin, beyond the flags and banners we're not that different from each other. I'm sure even Xander has begun to realize he and Prince Ryoma are more alike than either of them care to admit, surely their retainers and soldiers must have. "Prince Ryoma, if I may, it is because of who you are Sakura and Takumi have become the admirable people they are now. The same ones who I can say I'd gladly trust my life with. Let's begin with Sakura," she started drawing something Ryoma never thought he'd see in the hands of a Nohrian, a doll. "She's soft spoken and kind hearted, sadly she sees that as something of a weakness. While she hates herself for being the youngest of the four of you, she sees you all as role models to strive for, you especially. She admires you for being strong yet at the same time kind and gentle, I believe that's the kind of person Sakura wants to become as well as the sort she should become. She once told me…should the day ever come you're injured in front of her she wants to be able to heal you and protect you as you have always done for her."

Perhaps one of the brightest smiles Camilla had ever seen grew on the man's face. The tension that had been tightly held in his body drained out allowing peace and ease to flow through his body.

"What…what about Takumi? I…I was worried about him as well."

"As you would naturally be, I can understand your worry though, the boy can be quite a handful at times. Likely I've learned to deal with people like him because my younger brother is just like him." The Malig Knight answered knowing Ryoma had probably been dreading hearing about his brother more than his youngest sister. "He's stubborn and somewhat cold, but…once he finally lets you in he can be a real sweetheart, especially if he's around Oboro. It is my belief when this war is over she'll be your sister-in-law."

"I came to that conclusion a long time ago, I'm sure everyone did." Ryoma chuckled remembering his brother's feelings for his blue-haired retainer. "Anyways, please continue about Takumi."

"Ah yes, while he may be stubborn, he's only that way because he's incredibly devoted to the people around him. He tries as hard as he can to be the strong person he believes he needs to be, for Sakura and Corrin, the latter which he's come to love as his brother even if he won't say it. He has a habit of keeping his feelings bottled up, a trait I'm all too familiar with." There was longing in her voice and distance in her eyes that told Ryoma Takumi was no longer the sole subject matter. Briefly his mind flashed to the tome-wielding Prince Leo who he'd recognized to be Takumi's counterpart. "When he stops thinking of himself as either your or Hinoka's shadow, when he starts believing him himself as he is, he truly does become a dependable person. I can tell you it's gotten to the point what Nohrian soldiers that followed me when I defected to Corrin's side have stated they trust him with their lives, including my own retainers. In his own words, 'Since neither Ryoma nor Hinoka are here looking after all of you is my responsibility!' that's what he said when he nearly killed himself protecting Corrin, Azura Sakura. Having gotten to know you, I can see such devotion apparently runs strong in the Hoshidan royal family, even in Corrin who barely remembers them. He's just as devoted as Takumi, always saying he'd never be able to face you again if anything happened to either Takumi or Sakura."

"Heh, stubbornness runs strong in my family as well." The samurai chuckled relaxing his shoulders. His head hung low so the princess beside him couldn't see his eyes, if she did would have seen his eyes were shut with a few tears escaping from the sealed leads and a grateful smile on his face. "I…can't thank you enough for looking after my family. If something happened to them I…don't know what I would have done with myself."

"We truly have been blessed with some remarkable siblings wouldn't you say Prince Ryoma?" she offered with a carefree smile.

It took Ryoma a moment to realize who she was referring to, when he did he returned her smile feeling a sense of peace and relief wash over him. "I'm happy to know their time with Corrin has allowed them to grow into their own people. I'm…ashamed to say if anything my presence has hindered their growth more than helped it."

"I can certainly understand the feeling, Leo and Elise always felt the same way Sakura and Takumi did regarding Xander."

"And what of you if I may ask? With all due respect I don't quite know what to make of you? At first glance you seem little more than…"

"Little more than what?" Camilla grinned knowing she'd finally caught the great samurai in a trap. Immediately his cool aura and focus broke as he attempted to formulate some sort of response. "To answer your question I was always well aware of Xander's reputation, but I was also aware he was his own person and I had to become my own. As the second oldest child of King Garon I had many responsibilities and expectations to live up to, many times I was compared to Xander who seemed to surpass me at every turn. To be entirely honest with you it never truly bothered me that much because I don't believe I have it in me to be a ruler. Heh, being descended of King Garon fierce warrior-kings and conquers such as King Garon you must find that saddening."

"On the contrary I find it the opposite." Ryoma rebuked hoping to seize back control of the situation. "You are your own person, I find that trait admirable; especially given the…reputation your…family carries." I can talk to the fiercest woman of the Flame Tribe, assassins, and cutthroat noblewomen alike, yet here I am stumbling over my own words against this princess! "I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect to your family if I came across as such."

Bursting into laughter Camilla made a mental note to probe all the information she could out of Sakura and Azura when she next had the chance. Their Hoshidan brother was more fun to tease, more so than Takumi. Perhaps because he was doing his best not to sound rude or offensive whereas Takumi had no problem doing so. "Believe me Prince Ryoma, I've long made peace with whose blood runs in my veins and how it's made people view me. While I do take pride as a princess of Nohr, I have something more to be proud of, my honor as a warrior, and as Corrin's big sister."

"Did Corrin influence your decision to ride Wyverns? I can certain imagine the desire to keep watch over him from the air."

"Partially, while his safety was one defining reason, I had another." Looking back to Marzia she beckoned the beast over. In a few short steps the draconic-flier was resting her head in her rider's lap. It was a serene sight one wouldn't have expected to from a woman who laughed like a maniac on the battlefield and a beast that viciously tore everything that came at it limb from limb. "They're fierce and powerful, but gentle and loyal to those they care for. I…think growing up in the Nohrian court I realized that's the sort of person I wished to become, the sort of person I had to become. You see Prince Ryoma, the court of royals was not a pleasant place to be born and raised in, quite a contrast to Hoshido I can imagine."

"I've…spoken with Prince Xander and Silas about the subject. They've…informed me of what royal life, no, Nohrian life itself was like." He admitted with a grimace.

"I suppose we are barbarians compared to your Hoshidans who have never known famine nor civil unrest."

Ryoma knew a jab when he saw one, and in this case it was deserved. He'd always done his best to maintain an open mind regarding other nations, it was how his father had raised him and his mother had pleaded for him. Of the few times he'd been to Nohr he'd believed he'd walked into one of the nine hells, such a desolate and barren land. Perhaps not surprisingly such a land has produced warriors such as your brother and you yourself Princess Camilla. "No, surviving such hardships simply means your people are stronger than mine ever gave them credit for. It also means we ourselves have been guilty of the same ignorance and hubris we always accuse Nohr of possessing. I hope that after the war I will be able to help Corrin bridge that gap. If I survive I hope Xander and I will be able to work together to better both kingdoms."

Briefly pausing in her stroking of Marzia Camilla fixed the swordsman with a piercing stare. It was a calculative look to gauge the truth of his words. In response Ryoma stood firm returning her gaze.

"…You shouldn't jinx yourself like that Prince Ryoma." She finally smiled. "What do you mean 'if I survive', you know you'll bring bad fortune upon yourself if you say such things like that. On the other hand if you do bring any bad fortune I suppose I will have to turn it away; Corrin and Sakura would be greatly sadden if something were to happen to you."

Giving her a half smile in return Ryoma elaborated, "I'm just trying to be realistic Princess Camilla. I know no matter how absurd or small, there is a chance I may not survive this war." His expression grew hard and focused signifying his thoughts had changed direction. "What do you think of our guide?"

"Anthony? Surely the boy is leading us to a trap, even a child could see that." She responded as casual as if she were stating the weather. "Despite Xander's warnings Corrin is well aware of this, I believe he's merely playing the boy for all he's worth."

Ryoma blinked once. "That sounds rather devious and underhanded, I'm admittedly having a hard time picturing Corrin doing such a thing."

"Oh believe me Prince Ryoma, he's always been a cleaver boy." She responded with stars in her eyes. "As children he and Leo often studied tactics and strategy finding trickery and deception could get one further than brute strength and blind charges could. You see for us Nohrians, conquest is a way of life, but there's more ways to do it than just brute force." Like a candle suddenly being lit Camilla remembered who she was speaking to. Cursing herself she began her apology hoping she hadn't offended her companion. "I apologize if this is uncomfortable for you, I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories."

"No, this is war and deceit is merely a part of it, I'm no snob when it comes to the arts of war. In this case unless we can be more deceitful than our enemy I fear none of us will come out of this alive." The Hoshidan royal stated holding a hand up. Clearing his throat the made sure their eyes were locked and her attention was solely on him. "Princess Camilla, I enjoy our…talks, because when I look at you I see a person I respect and someone I can trust on the battlefield. When we talk to each other I want you to know I…see you as you are, as Corrin's older sister, as a comrade, and not as just King Garon's daughter. Make no mistake," his fists tighten and his face darkened considerable. Even Marzia took notice of the sudden mood swing though she remained passive. "I will never forgive King Garon for murdering my father in cold blood and abducting my younger brother. I can live to achieve the wisdom of the Buddha, but I fear I will never find it in my heart to forgive that man for what he has done to my family and my country. That being said," his expression went from cold to calm and somewhat warm. "You and your siblings are not your father. I've seen firsthand while you may be a brutal and unrelenting warrior, you yourself are a compassionate and just woman. Someone I couldn't find it in myself to hate solely because of your blood."

Camilla always considered the kind of smiles Ryoma was wearing to be amongst the best. Like Xander he seemed like the kind of person who rarely smiled; her first hand interactions with him had proven that theory to be true. And like Xander, he'd prove there was more to him than merely a crown and a sword. So rarely did they smile, at times giving the impression they were incapable of expressing positive emotions. When Xander smiled it was like watching the sun come out in the aftermath of a storm, probably more than a metaphor given what the blond high prince went through. When Ryoma smiled at her Camilla felt the same sense of elation and joy spread through her.

Sakura, Azure, and Takumi were right, his smile truly is something to behold. The Nohrian woman thought having his attention solely on her. In her lap Marzia gave a chuckle, or at least what she interpreted as a chuckle. If she was lucky Ryoma wouldn't notice. "If I may, how goes your search for Scarlet's killer?"

"I've been giving the matter some thought, while I don't know who did it I do believe I know of a way to smoke out the assassin. I plan on discussing the matter with Corrin since he was the last one to see Scarlet, I believe what he saw may be more important than either of us believe."

"You believe a trap will work?"

"Yes, and unlike Anthony's I'm hoping ours' will be successful."

"Hm, fierce, determined, honorable, and with a hint of cunning, I can see why the others look up to you as they do Ryoma."

The surprise on his face was visible though it was momentary. Smiling Ryoma held up his hand. "When we walk into that I know I can trust you to look after Corrin and the others."

Smiling she took his hand giving it a firm shake. "And I'll be trust you to watch my back as well?"

"Of course. Once a samurai gives his word he never goes back on it."

In her lap Marzia gave another chuckle, though being a Wyvern her chuckle came out more as a series of grunts. Either way it was a good thing the two humans didn't notice her. If they had they might have deduced the fact she was grinning.

So I guess that was the B Support where they're now comfortable enough to drop the honorifics. The theme of the first conversation could be said to be comfort while this time the theme was more identity and acceptance, mostly on Ryoma's part. I always felt besides competing over who was the best sibling Ryoma could have always thanked Camilla for being a mother-like figure to Corrin while he/she was in Nohr. I mean when lined up Ryoma and Camilla are basically Corrin's parents, of the loving but overbearing kind.