Corrine sat side saddle behind Gunter, holding on tight. She looked curiously at the dark forest around her, gnarly ash bark trees as far as she could see. Some patches of black grass, a few purple flowers if she was lucky. She really didn't see anything particularly eye catching, it was the same as looking out her window.

Her siblings, and Lilith, held a tight formation around Gunter. Xander rode up front, Leo to the left, Elise on the right, Lilith riding behind, and Camilla flying above them all. Corrine doubted they'd be attacked from above though, or at all. Most of the population in Nohr lived around nodes, at least that's what she discerned from all her readings. There'd be no use being out here when you had a bare chance of even finding people. Nohr was so large so it was like searching for a rice grain in a desert waste land, at least that's what she compared it to.

Shifting a bit she turned to Lilith who had a determined look on her face, she'd never seen Lilith so serious. She smiled and waved to catch the girl's attention, and it worked seeing as how Lilith almost fell off her horse.

Once she was upright again Lilith returned the gesture. "You're excited Lady Corrine, but that is expected. What do you think so far?"

Elise giggled as her horse edged closer, "She thinks it's amazing!"

Leo shook his head in disapproval. "Elise, Corrine can answer on her own. Besides, there isn't much to see out here." he gestures plainly at the thicket of dark trees and darkness.

Elise huffed turning her head up. "Well it's the feeling that count y'know. She's with her family for once and not locked up in a dumb tower!" She turned to her sister excitedly, "Right Corrine!"

Corrine chuckled, "Of course, you're right as always!" She humoured Elise who laughed triumphantly at Leo. "But it really is nice knowing I'm with you all forever now. I know you're all busy with your duties, but at least I no longer have to worry about the next visit."

Leo smiled softly as he looked ahead. "It is nice I suppose, but now we have to make sure you don't do anything drastic." He gives her a small smirk before it disappears.

Corrine was puzzled, she wasn't drastic. In fact she was highly reasonable, completely rational. Sure she could lose herself in anger on occasion but she thought she was perfectly undrastic. She gives him a look of scrutiny, "Dear brother, you're words only confuse me more each passing day."

Leo blinks and wonders what she meant. "I believe I was perfectly clear in what I meant."

She shrugs not convinced, "If you say so."

Leo looks at Elise for an answer but even she was puzzled. She shrugged at him with a confused smile. Leo shook his head knowing he wouldn't find and answer and went on looking ahead.

Xander smiles at his family's antics. It was always refreshing for them to be together even when they were arguing. He'd give anything to end the war so his siblings would have more things to smile about, but as long as they had each other he knew they'd be fine.

Camilla stroked her wyvern's head as she looked down fondly at her family, she wished it could be like this forever. "Just look at them, having fun but for how long. How long will we have to wait for another happy moment together," she mumbled to herself. Her wyvern purred soothingly and she gave her another affectionate pat. "Oh you're right, as long as big sister Camilla is here I'll make sure they feel loved."

Corrine looked up and waved at Camilla, "You've been quiet, something wrong?!"

Shaken from her thoughts she looked over the side of her wyvern curiously. "I'm sorry dear, I was lost in thought what was it you said?!"

Corrine shook her head and smiled, "Never mind!" She turned back to Lilith excitedly, "How about you Lilith? I know you haven't left the castle either."

Lilith thought for a moment and sighed hopelessly. "Truth be told I don't know. It's… different."

If she really told the truth she'd have said she was terrified. Nohr was a dangerous place, she knew from experience. If it weren't for Corrine she'd be long dead. The fortress wasn't much safer, the magic barrier didn't do much to keep people out, but nobody would dare step foot on the king's property without a death wish.

Corrine nodded understandingly, "It is isn't it. Maybe it'll be better once we arrive at the capitol."

"Perhaps…" Lilith frowned and looked away.

Soon they arrived at Castle Krakenburg. Lilith and Gunter went off to the stables and Corrine was alone with her siblings.

She smoothed her hair and dusted off her armor. Fidgeting with her hair band she realized how nervous she truly was. She'd never had a reason to be nervous, so it was a new experience. Then again she had never really met her father, another odd realization for her.

Xander rested his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring look. "You look presentable, father will be glad to see you again. No need to worry."

Elise gave her a slap on the back, rather hashly as Corrine lurched forward. "Yeah, father loves you! He'll wish we brought you back sooner."

Camilla shrugged, "I wouldn't way that but I'm sure you're fine darling."

Corrine looked at Leo.

Leo looked beside him and groaned, "You'll do fine I suppose."

Before another word could be spoken Elside began to drag her forward as they trailed closely behind Camilla and Xander. Leo stayed a few step behind them.

"I see you made it here safely Corrine."

She straightens up under his gaze and smiles, "Yes father. I've longed to visit Castle Krakenburg for so long, it feeling like a dream."

He almost sneered as he leaned upon an arm. "This is no dream child, it's only thanks to your diligence that you are here. I am told you are a warrior almost on par with Xander. You finally possess the power to become an instrument in Nohr's power in this world."

Corrine nodded slowly not understanding what he meant. She didn't like the sound of it but she assumed her father just worded it strangely. She didn't want to believe he was a power hungry king.

Elise pouted but kept a relative calm that was uncharacteristic of her. "But Father, will Corrine be safe outside the castle?"

"I worry about that too, " Camilla spoke up. "Is it truly okay for her to be out of the fortress' magical barrier?"

Corrine didn't appreciate the concern, she hated being looked down on. "I earned my way here, I'm ready to fight," she huffed.

Camilla and Elise exchanged worried glances before turning back to their father. It'd be unwise to get Corrine riled up before Garon, he'd surely be displeased.

Garon nodded proudly, a new pawn, he thought to himself. "As you know Corrine, Nohr is at war with the eastern kingdom of Hoshido."

She had heard of it from Xander and Camilla, mostly Xander. He had told her about peace treaties he went to that ended up in failure. "Yes father, I've heard as much."

"We of the royal family are descendants of the ancient gods, the First Dragons. As inheritors of that divine strength, we conquer those who oppose us with ease. One who learns to wield that power can destroy an entire army of common troops. Xander, Camilla, and Leo have already shown that they possess this power. I expect no less from you." Garon explained looking her dead in the eye.

She swallowed finding it hard to maintain eye contact but nodded stuffly. "I'm aware of your expectations for me father, and I'm prepared to meet them. I've trained everyday to become more like my siblings."

Garon smiled for once, it was a garish smile that held sinister intentions. "You show promise, but you'll need a suitable weapon in order to serve Norh." He held out his hand and a deep maroon smoke exploded revealing a black sword. "This is Ganglari, a sword infused with other worldly magic. With this at your side you will crush the Hoshidan army with ease." He pushed the sword gently and it bobbed towards her.

Corrine stared in awe and tentatively touched the hilt before grasping it firmly. "Thank you father for such a generous gift," she smiled.

"Generous indeed," Xander muttered under his breath.

"Now," he motions towards the guards. "Let us see you put that sword to good use… Guards, bring the prisoners!"

"Yes sire!"

There was a maniacal glee in his eyes as the prisoners were pushed out. Corrine couldn't quite place what it was, but those eyes sent shivers through her.

"Prisoners?" she asked.

Garon nodded, "These prisoners are from a recent skirmish with Hoshido. I want to see you're power with my own eyes." He grinned, "Use that sword to strike them down!"

Corrine didn't say a word and walked forward. She gripped her sword tightly, feeling some safety in having something in her hands. She shuddered at the energy that went rippling through her. She wondered if she imagined it or if it really was from Ganglari.

"I shall fight with you milady!" She turned to see Gunter had finally returned. He brandished his weapon proudly, "My lance arm is perhaps rusty but still serviceable. Jakob, will you join us?"

Jakob huffed in admonishment, "Naturally. I couldn't allow someone of your advanced years to bear this burden alone. Lady Corrine, there is no need for you to soil you're hands with this filth. Please relax and leave the fighting to us. Afterwards, I'll prepare you some tea."

Gunter side eyed Jakob at the jab but ultimately ignore it.

They made their way onto the debris filled battle ground. Four prisoners stood on the other side of the field looking worn but still ready to fight. Two average hoshidan soldier, a muscular woman with white hair, and a green haired ninja. The soldiers cowered behind the more confident two yet still managed to hold it together. The woman glared viciously at the Nohrians and sent a few brave glares towards Garon. The ninja stared unaffected by his situation, already accepting his fate.

As Corrine walked towards forward the woman slammed her club into the stone floor sending pebbles flying. " I am Rinkah! Daughter of the Flame Tribe's honorable chieftain. What is your name, Nohrian princess?" Upon closer inspection the woman's arms were twitching and her muscles were strained, she was itching to fight. "My friend here, " she gestured towards the ninja. "Is Kaze, a ninja of Hoshido."

Corrine glanced between Gunter and Jakob nut they looked straight ahead. She figured there wouldn't be any harm in sharing her name. "I am Corrine, uh… princess of Nohr!" She could feel the disappointment from her partners, she knew she messed up her introduction. Hopefully Garon wouldn't mind.

The ninja seemed to gain some interest and looked directly at Corrine. "Corrine… could it be?" he muttered to himself.

Before she could question it Garon was beginning to get impatient. "Enough, kill them all!" he yelled with a pound of his arm.

Kaze sighed before exchanging a look with his partner. Going into a crouched stance he looked determined now. "Very well, show me you're power."

Corrine nodded not really understanding put took of running towards the center with Gunter and Jakob right behind her. As they approached the pile of fallen debris she could feel something in the air. "Could it be?" It felt familiar but something was off.

Jokab glanced at her as he threw a dagger at one of the soldiers. "Is something the matter milady?"

She didn't answer and ran to the pile and went sliding. "There," she mumbled. Her free hand went at and grazed the ground beneath her. A strange magic surged through her and exploded outward. The debris was gone and a makeshift wall surrounded her. Beneath her was the healing light of a dragon vein.

She stood up shakily and smiled when she heard Jakob and Gunter enter.

"Extraordinary!" Jakob began. "No debris field can stand up to you're mighty lineage!" He praised briefly before throwing another daggar through the opening of the wall. He had thrown it Kaze but the ninja was too fast and dodged. "Drat," he muttered as he prpped another daggar.

Garon was pleased and nodded to himself. "He...well done."

Gunter smirked as they were quickly surrounded on both sides."Excellent plan milady, now we can hide in here and ambush them."

Corrine smiled and stood before the opening. "Gunter you take the left side me and Jakob take the right. Jakob stay behind me and throw daggers." there were no objections as they went to work. Gunter ramming his lance into his opponents and Corrine slashing away at the other with Jakob finishing them off. They quickly won and stood over the prisoners. The two soldier had died but Kaze and Rinkah knelt defenseless on the ground.

"Nohrian scum, " Rinkah seethed through her teeth,

Kaze smiled sadly b and hung his head in defeat. " I regret nothing…" His hand pressed against a wound on his chest. "So this is how it ends…"

Corrine's shoulders dropped and she grinned. "Phew, I hope not all Hoshidans are this tough.

"What are you standing there for!" Goran yelled standing up. "Kill them already you fool!"

Corrine frowned and stood her ground, her arms trembling. "But father, they are already down. You want me to execute prisoners?"

Garon glared and stepped off his throne, " You dare question me child?! I order you to finish them!"

Corrine jabbed her sword at the ground, "No father, that's wrong!"

Garon shook his head and brought up his hand and a gust of magic struck down on the prisoners. "I won't argue this point any further." When the light faded Corrine stood before the prisoners.

"Gods," she grumbled and fell to a knee, but managed to hold eye contact with Garon.

Kaze looked up, wondering why he was till alive. Rinkah looked equally confused but angry.

Her siblings could no longer stand back and ran forward in horror.

"Corrine!" Elise screeched stopping just before her. "What are you doing?" she nquired through clenched teeth. She gripped onto her staff as if her life depended on it not wanting to also anger her father.

"Unbelievable," Xander groaned with a shake of his head. He wasn't all too surprised but Corrine had to do it in front of their father.

"You defy me directly child?!" Garon was more anger than ever.

Xander stepped edging between them but not directly. "Please father, Corrine doesn't know better. Forgive her!" he pleaded.

Garon calmed unimpressed. "Fine, Xander. You kill them, but if anyone gets in your way kill them too."

Xander grimace, not what he hoped for. He slowly turned towards his sister and frowned. "Corrine?"

"DO IT KILL THEM!" Garon ordered.

She bristled and shook her head. "Xander I won't let you do this!"

Xander brought his sword down upon his sister and was relieved she deflected it. "Why do you refuse Corrine? The hoshidans are our sworn enemies."

Corrine faltered. "I-I know that… but this is different. They can't fight anmore," she pleaded with him. "Why not show them mercy?"

Camilla fumbled with her hands in anticipation. "Corrine, please don't fight him…" Corrine ignored her and she had no idea what to do. "My dear sweet Corrine."

Elise screamed when Xander and Corrine's fighting got more violent. "No no no!" she stamped and looked desperately at Leo. "Leo, what should we do?!"

Leo rolled his eyes, of course it was up to him. "Why does it fall to me?" he sighed. Bringing out his tome he flipped through and lifted his hand. Plants protruded from beneath the prisoners and beat them down.

Corrine screamed in horror, she looked at her younger brother in horror and betrayal.

Leo shrugged and turned to their father. "I've dispatched the prisoners of my softhearted sister father." He bowed his head ignoring his sister. "I only ask that you would be merciful in you're punishment of her."

Garon sneered and turned to leave. "Enough, I will consider the matter later." When he left the room the tenseness dissipated.

Corrine marched up towards her brother grabbing him by the shoulders. "Leo how could you! They were beaten, there was no reaso-"

Xander pushed them apart and gave his sister a serious look. "Corrine calm down."

Leo groaned as he closed Brynhildr "Yes calm own. I didn't kill them, they are unconscious," he whispered.

Xander crossed his arms in disappointment, "One day Corrine, you kindness will be the death of you."

Corrine glared, "Perhaps, but if I'm kind I can die without regret."

He chuckled darkly in response. "Well said. Guard! I would examine the prisoners' belongings. Bring their remains to my quarters."

"Yes your highness!" they saluted, quickly scrambling to complete their order.