"Time to wake up Lady Corrine," a distant voice chided through the darkness. Some rustling and shuffling footsteps came before a disgruntled sigh.
"Hey wake up Lady Corrine! Up an at em," another voice sang. Whispers travelled amongst the newcomers. "Guess we're doing this the hard way then."
Corrine awoke with a violent jolt and her cheeks freezing. Her eyes wildly searched the room looking for somebody, her breathing was panicked and she was on the verge of tears. When she only found her retainers she sighed in relief.
Her retainers looked at each other in worry. They had never seen their liege in such a state, and there was nothing to provoke such fear. They knew better than to ask, she'd only become angry.
Gunter smiled softly down at her, "Good morning milady, I see you've awoken from your slumber. If you'd stayed down any longer I'd think you were a hibernating bear." He smiled more when Corrine laughed at the joke, but he wished he could ask what was the matter instead.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she looked outside, "How can you say that when it's still night out." She knew better than to trust the sky, Nohr hadn't seen the sun in decades. Weeks could pass and the sky would stay an inky purple with splashes of a dark pink.
Shaking his head he sighed. "Listen well princess. It may be dark but it is indeed morning." He paused for a moment and watched Corrine. "You have practice today," he added on. Smiling as his liege perked up at the last few words and bit back a chuckle.
"I took liberty of readying you're armour, and er, pounding out the… dents. Your brother is a fearsome opponent is he not?" He smiled proudly as he motioned vaguely to the pile of armour in a corner of the room. He hated fixing her armour after a sparring session. You could hardly call them dents and it took so much to undo the damage. But for for his liege he'd do anything.
She smiled excitedly ready to jump out of bed but wanted to maintain her cool. "I suppose I don't have a choice, " she sighed dramatically. Standing up a bit too quickly she covered it up with a ridiculous stretch and cracked the wrong joint in her back. "Ack!" she reeled in pain. Her retainers only sighed and shook their heads.
Regaining composure she brushed her hand through her white hair, grunting when she yanked a knot. "Well, I'm glad I woke up from that odd dream," she mused to herself.
Jakob poked his head out of her closet, he had been looking for the clothes he had set aside for her. "Interesting. Do tell- what kind of dream was it?" He ducked back in and came back with the items he had been searching for and set them on the bed.
She shuddered at the thought of angry red eyes boring into her, "It was...strange. Some people who look like hoshidans kept calling me their brother/sister. But all of my brothers and sisters are here in Nohr…" She left out the part about the beast and the man in her dream in fear of getting him i trouble.
Flora quickly turned on her heels and headed towards the door, he hands balled into fisst in front opf her. Corrine didn't notice and took this as Flora being busy and wanting to get to work. " Ah, Lady Corrine, perhaps we should discuss your dream at a later time?"
Felicia nodded feverently, "Yep, it's time for you to go get dressed. Prince Xander is waiting for you!" She tried to run out of the room but bumped into Jakob he caught her. "S-sorry Jakob!" The apology wasn't effective as he walked out while scolding her on being clumsy.
Gunter gave Corrine a solemn look and sighed sadly. "Princess, that dream of you're…"
She didn't let him finish, she didn't like where the conversation was headed. "I know, it's silly." She waved it off with a laugh. "It sound like something Corrin would make up." She paused a moment a distant memory nagging at the back of her mind.
Gunter narrowed his eyes but understood. "I have things to attend to to but I will speak with you later."
She was left alone in her room and released a breath she held once the door swung shut. The excitement was dying from her but she sluggishly donned her clothes and armor. She shook her head looking in the mirror, "A thigh gap and puffy sleeves? I really need to stop big sister from buying all my clothes." She smiled at the thought of seeing her sister after so long.
Corrine swung at Xander awkwardly and was sent flying back with a blow from siegfried. She groaned as she layed on the floor and kept her eyes closed to avoid Xander's disappointed stare.
A soft voice came from the sidelines, "That's our brother for you. You won't beat the strongest knight in Nohr sleeping all day Corrine!"
"Shut up Leo, " she grumbled as she forced herself to her feet. "At least I can wear my collar right, " she quipped knowing his weakness. When Leo panicked and walked away to fix it she grinned. "Goof."
Xander laughed heartily at his brother's antics, but quickly turned serious. " Corrine, giving up so soon? I expected more of you," he was using the disappointed dad voice. "You are a princess of Nohr! Let's give this one last attempt."
She groaned, "But Xander-"
Xander smirked knowing what she was about to say, "We train like this so that we can defend ourselves from our enemies. Father has been tracking your progress. If you can't land a hit on me today...he may never permit you to leave the Northern Fortress. Ever." His smirk softened into a smile when he saw her eyes light up. "Suspend your disbelief."
"Father, he- did he truly say that!?" The grip on her sword tightened and she was ready to jump from her skin.
Xander nodded in affirmation, "Now that you have new motivation I best see that new flame put to use in this battle little princess." He pointed his sword towards her, "If you wish to see the world behind these walls, defeat me! Prove that all this time I put into training you has not been in vain!"
Corrine arms shook but she took a confident step forward. Taking a breath in she got into a stance, "Xander…" She grinned, she'd do anything to get out of the god forsaken castle.
Xander lowers his sword satisfied. "The first move is yours, I will not strike first only counter you."
Corrine dashed forward with more determination than ever and managed to land a solid hit, but Xnader's counter was far stronger than she anticipated. Crashing to the ground with a yelp she stood up ready to go in once more.
"Reckless as ever," he sighed. Swinging siegfried in the air the floor rumbled and a ring of blue light appeared just before her. "I'm surprised you didn't sense this, blood of dragons flows in your veins, as it does in all royals. You must learn to harness this draconic power wherever you may find it. Heal your wounds Corrine , then some at me once again."
Begrudgingly taking a moment to heal she glared at Leo who snickered at her. She hated waiting. Once she felt ready she sprinted towards Xander jumping up and swinging a tight arc down onto him.
The move caused him to tumble off his horse, he didn't think she'd actually do it. "Well done Corrine," he complimented breathlessly. Standing up he walked over to give her a pat on the back. "You get stronger everyday."
Corrine beamed like a child who had just received a sweet treat, "It's all thanks to your uh… tough love!"
Xander shook his head, "You discredit yourself. I believe you have natural talent, soon you'll be the strongest warrior in Nohr."
She laughed, "Oh now you're just teasing me!" Giving a playful shove she couldn't help but giggle like an absolute child.
Xander's face hardened, "You know me Corrine, I don't joke on serious matters. I mean what I say. You could be the one to bring light to our kingdom so long shrouded in darkness."
She was shocked, "Xander?"
Feeling left out Leo scoffed, "Typical. You know that true strength is more than simple swordplay, right?" He folded his arms and stuck his nose up in the air.
Corrine frowned, "Leo, you know he did-"
Xander chuckled and gave Leo a pat on the back as well, "Calm yourself little brother, you truly are competitive to a fault. As I've always said you are a talented mage with formidable magical abilities."
Leo gave a slight pout, "Hmm. Well remember that pointy metal sticks are not the only path to power."
"Of course," Xander rolled his eyes with a smile.
Graceful footsteps echoed behind them followed by a pair of giddy steps. They turn to see the rest of the family come up. Camilla followed behind Elise who ran towards Corrine.
"Corrine!" she yelled as she tackled her sister to the ground. 'I missed you sooo much big sister!"
Corrine groaned but smiled hugging Elise, "I missed you too!"
They both giggled as Camilla crouched beside them. She stroked Corrine's head lovingly, "Oh dearie, are you okay? You're not hurt, oh I hope not. If you are just tell me… big sister will give you extra special care."
Corrine frowned and swatted Camilla's hand away, "I'm fine Camilla." Her tone was bitter and her eyes held traces of hate.
Camilla, although hurt, smiled and stood up. "Sorry," she sighed looking away.
Leo shook his head, "Elise when will you cat like the adult you technically are?"
Camilla gave Leo a pat on the head, "Well I for one think her a good compliment for this gloomy kingdom, Leo."
Corrine stood up finally getting Elise off of her and nodded. "Well said, Camilla. Every one of you is so dear to me. You've all been so patient and kind since I lost my memory... I don't even mind being quarantined when I'm with you. I'm so grateful to have you all!"
Xander nodded, "We are just as grateful for you Corrine. But I have some news-"
Camilla held a hand over Xander's mouth, "Oh let me tell her Xander!" She turned to Corrine, "We have wonderful new, father said we should bring you back to the capitol with us!"
Corrine blanched, "Truly?!" When Camilla nodded her legs almost gave out.
Camilla almost hugged her but refrained, "Yes. It means you can finally leave this drafty fortress. You must have been so lonely all this time, separated from the rest of the world... But now you'll be free!"
"Amazing huh?!' Elsie cheered.
"It...it really is. Thanks, Elise. Wow... I'm finally leaving this place... Maybe now I can join you all as a soldier, fighting for Nohr?" It was like a dream, one she wanted to be true.
Xander began to walk away, "There will be plenty of time to discuss the details with father. Let us depart."
As the siblings stood in the courtyard Corrine was still in shock.
Lilith, a stable maid, was worried about the princess' dazed state. "Lady Corrine?"
"O-oh, uh yess Lilith?" She shook her head but her eyes stared beyond the closed gates of the fortress.
"Nevermind," she laughed. She looked behind her and smiled, "Oh hello Felicia!"
"Felicia!" Corrine smiled at the maid, "I wish you could come with us."
Felicia smiled sadly, "I wish I could too but I have duties to fulfill here as well. I just came by to see you off and wish you a safe travel."
"Felicia…" She hugged the girl, she'd miss Felicia dearly. "I'll miss you, I hope you can meet back with us." She squeezed her not realizing how much she'd miss her retainers.
Felicia hesitantly hugged back, "Don't worry Lady Corrine, we'll see each other soon. I promise!"
Red eyes stared down at the courtyard from one of the fortress's spires in envy.
Maid's and butler avoided the man who glared out the window. They didn't wish to provoke him, his temper was violent. It could be said that they feared him. Some left the room other prepared for whatever mess would be left in the wake of his fury.
The young man heaved and brushed his white hair from his face. He turned around and let the tea cup in his hands shatter to the ground. "Damn it!" he growled as he kicked the table full of glass china to the floor. His anger was suffocating and he was holding it back.
"Corrin…" Flora entered the room and looked down angrily at the broken glass. "Get out," she demanded coldly.
Corrin quickly walked passed her making sure to bump into past her. He didn't look back when he heard her fall to the ground. "Look where you're going," he growled. The other servants scattered away from his path in horror.
Flora balled her fists so tight her knuckles were whiter than usual, "You are insufferable."
He paused before continuing to walk out into the corridor, "Aren't I always."