Author's Note: In this chapter, I endeavored to establish that Corrin does not know that King Garon is possessed. In the game, I believe Xander joins your party in the chapter following that revelation; however, because that would cut down considerably on the humor of this story, and because the Valla chapter can be so easily misplaced, I decided to change when Azura tells Corrin. Thus, Corrin will only know the truth about Daddy after this story takes place.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Fire Emblem.
Chapter nineteen: Preparations for Departure
Corrin and Xander parted company with lighter hearts. Corrin returned to her house to find Leo and Azura waiting anxiously to hear what had transpired; Niles had also remained, though he feigned disinterest in her confrontation with Xander. Corrin found that Camilla had went home, apparently dragging a squawking Elise behind her.
Corrin related what had happened with her brother using as few details as possible — she wanted her siblings and Niles to know that she and Xander had made up, but without revealing what she thought were Xander's private confessions to her. Her two stoic siblings smiled when they heard Xander had forgiven and been forgiven in his turn, but their expressions dimmed considerably when they heard that Niles' audience with the king would go on.
Immediately, Leo took Niles aside and began to instruct him in how to behave in front of King Garon, Niles listening and nodding in a sullen fashion. Azura and Corrin whispered on the other side of the room, and Corrin shared a few more words from Xander as well as her own feelings about the interview.
"I… I do understand Xander's point of view," she told Azura when she had finished, "and I suppose Father must know that I want to get married. But I still think this trip is unnecessary! I think Father will respond better to a letter rather than a face-to-face confession."
Azura nodded absentmindedly. "Yes, I suppose he must know." she murmured. Corrin frowned at her tone, but didn't press her sister. She had learned through trial and error that Azura never revealed anything before she was ready.
The four went on like this for several hours, and what remained to the night flew by. Leo and Azura left just as the birds began to trumpet the sun's return.
Corrin stared out the window at the growing sun in the distance. She felt terrible — the night's events had left her feeling exhausted yet wired, so she didn't know whether to collapse into bed or run laps around the ruby mine. In the end, she was too tired to even move from the window.
She glanced at Niles, who still sat at her table, his head balanced in his palm. He was twirling Corrin's engagement ring around and around on the wooden table top. She gasped when it spun onto the floor.
"Sorry!" Corrin and Niles exclaimed together. Niles laughed shortly and bent down to retrieve the ring. As he settled back into his seat, he examined the ring with renewed interest.
"I guess I can't give this back to you, yet," he mused off-handedly. "We're not technically engaged anymore."
"Aren't we?" Corrin asked, not really sure what to say.
Niles shook his head. "Xander's trial is comparable to an old-fashioned joust: If the shining knight — that's me — passes the test, he wins the hand of the princess."
"Me," said Corrin. "I understand."
"Do you feel demeaned?" Niles asked, smirking.
"I haven't really thought about what this challenge means for myself." Corrin admitted. "I'm more concerned about you."
"I know," Niles murmured. "But try to think about yourself a little before we see King Garon. I don't want to gossip, but I've heard tales that you and he do not exactly see things in the same light." Niles stared at Corrin, asking silent questions. Corrin sighed.
"That report is true enough. My relationship with Father has been declining all my life — first because he would not let me see the world, now because I have seen the world and disagree with him about it. More than that, he hasn't seemed completely comfortable with me since I discovered my ties to Hoshido."
Though Corrin did not try to hide her Hoshidan lineage from her allies, she did not flaunt it, either. Few of her allies knew the truth — Jakob, Silas, Kaze, and of course Corrin's siblings knew. Corrin had debated telling Niles the truth for a long time; whenever Niles had mentioned his necessary loyalty to Corrin due to his commitment to Leo, Corrin had felt like a liar.
When she couldn't handle the guilt anymore, Corrin had confessed that she was not a Nohrian princess by blood. Niles had been so shocked, Corrin had actually laughed. "I thought you were always so cool and calm!" Corrin had exclaimed. "I've never seen you stammer!"
Two days later, Niles had proposed. Corrin's eyes widened, and she smiled. Is that how he finally found the nerve? she wondered.
A knock on the door brought Corrin out of her memories. "Oh gods," Niles prayed aloud, "please don't let that be her siblings."
"My lady," Jakob's voice sounded through the door, "I apologize for waking you, but Lord Xander is calling for everyone to gather by Lilith's stable!"
Corrin let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She began to walk towards the door. "I'm not sleeping, Jakob," she said, opening for him, "and it's Lilith's temple, not stable."
Jakob closed his eyes and smiled. "Of course it is, my lady. But old habits die hard — it's strange for me to think of Lilith as living anywhere but in the stable."
"Yes, I know," Corrin said, "which may be why you two can't get along."
"Hm! Far be it from me to complain, Lady Corrin," Jakob said, his smile twitching, "but Lilith has always had an attitude unbefitting a stable girl."
"Perhaps because she's nota stable girl." Corrin suggested with a laugh. "She's an astral dragon."
"Yes, but I wasn't to know that." Jakob frowned. "Lady Corrin, it sounds as though you are finding fault with my attitude."
"Never!" Corrin exclaimed. "Now, back on topic, thank you for telling me about the meeting. How soon are we to assemble?"
"Immediately," Jakob replied.
Corrin wasn't surprised. She could guess Xander's reasons for calling a meeting so suddenly. Certainly, before the day was out, the entire army would be marching towards home — for good or ill, for Corrin's wedding or Niles' execution.
"Lady Corrin," Jakob asked, still frowning, "there isn't anything wrong, is there?"
Corrin forced a smile. "Nothing for you to worry about," she replied. And that's not a lie, she thought. To change the subject, Corrin quickly continued, "Would you mind telling Elise about the meeting, Jakob? Please be patient with her — she will need quite a few knocks before she'll open her door this morning."
"As you wish," Jakob said with a bow. As he turned to leave, Corrin began to close her front door; a hand stopped her.
Corrin found Niles standing next to her, smirking. "I'll head out, too," he said, his voice causing Jakob to spin around. "I'll see you later." Niles kissed Corrin's open mouth, pushed past the balking Jakob, and strode off in the direction of Lilith's temple. He didn't look back, but Corrin thought she could hear him laughing.
Slowly, Corrin glanced at Jakob; he was struck dumb, staring after Niles. Corrin whimpered. I understand needing a stress-reliever, she thought, but must you tease Jakob of all people?
Eventually, Jakob regained enough sense to mumble, "I shall see you soon, my lady." He stumbled off Corrin's doorstep and walked meekly towards Elise's house.
Corrin closed the door firmly behind him. She rested her forehead against the wood and closed her eyes. She saw Jakob's shocked face in her mind; she was horrified, embarrassed — yet, she laughed. Her laughter reminded her of Niles' laughter at his own joke, and she laughed still harder.
Either I am losing my mind, Corrin thought, choking on her own mirth, or my exhaustion is catching up with me.
Out of necessity, Corrin was able to pull herself together; she knew she didn't have much time to make herself presentable before the meeting began. She set to work brushing her hair, washing her face, and changing her clothes. It only took a few minutes, but Corrin felt better for it. She left the house feeling more confident to face the day.
Corrin's house was on the other side of the castle from Lilith's temple. She jogged rather than walked, afraid to call attention to herself by being late. As she jogged along, Corrin greeted every ally she passed. Many waved back; even more giggled in response.
"Good morning, Charlotte. Hello, Benny." Corrin greeted, hurrying to keep up with Benny's long strides.
Charlotte put a hand daintily over her smirking mouth. "Best of mornings, Lady Corrin!" she exclaimed too loudly. "And how are things this morning?"
"Ah, fine, I guess?" Corrin smiled despite her confusion. "Are you talking about the meeting? Because there's really nothing to worry about."
"I'm not worried! Or jealous," Charlotte winked and giggled again. She elbowed Benny in the arm. "What about you, Benny, are you worried? or jealous?"
Benny glared straight ahead. He wouldn't look at either woman. "No." he answered simply.
Corrin backed away from Benny, mumbling an excuse to fall behind. I hope I didn't offend him or something, she thought. He could eat me right up if he wanted to!
Soon, Corrin found new company in Effie and Arthur — but it was short lived. Effie responded to Corrin's greeting with a low rumble, then immediately rushed off to find Elise. Arthur, however, hesitated to leave Corrin.
"Lady Corrin," he asked, blushing, "do you believe in the basic goodness of mankind?"
"Um, I guess so." Corrin said, feeling flustered. "Arthur, isn't it a little early in the morning for philosophy?"
"Of course! Of course." Arthur coughed. "However, I just wanted to say…. There's always an exception to the rule."
"What?" But Arthur didn't stop to answer. He too sprinted away, calling for Elise.
Corrin's pace slowed considerably now, a frown settling over her cheerful morning mood. Why does it seem as though everyone is in on a secret and I'm out of the loop? Corrin's frown deepened into a grimace. Again!
Corrin began to march towards Lilith's temple. She didn't care if was late — she already knew what the meeting was about, anyway.
Despite her angry gait, Corrin reached her destination before the meeting was called. Most of the army had already gathered, and she could see all of her siblings chattering on the steps leading into Lilith's home. Xander was speaking earnestly with Leo, Camilla, Azura, and Elise; suddenly, Elise bolted forward and hugged him around the waist. Corrin heard all her siblings, even Xander, laugh in response. Corrin smiled.
Her attention then moved towards the pairs of retainers who had lined up horizontally at the bottom of the temple's steps. She could see Niles and Odin whispering to each other near the end of one of the rows.
Corrin sighed in relief. So Camilla didn't have him murdered on the way here, she thought. Hopefully, Xander's neutrality will keep that from happening in the future.
As Corrin approached, she saw that Xander had noticed her and was now staring. She smiled widely in response, lifting a hand to wave; Xander nodded and smiled his small smile in reply. It made her heart flutter with relief.
Xanderturned his attention back on their siblings in order to instruct them to take their places in the crowd. Corrin reached her customary position in between Jakob and Kaze just as her siblings came down the stairs. Camilla and Leo immediately went to join their retainers; Azura, having no retainers of her own, found a place to stand in between Silas and the other soldiers. Elise began to skip towards Effie and Arthur, but stopped short when she caught sight of Corrin. She quickly changed course and flew to her sister's side.
"Good morning, big sis!" she exclaimed in a bad whisper. "Guess what? Xander apologized!"
"I know," Corrin said, laughing at Elise's enthusiasm. "He promised not to be so rude to Niles anymore, and even to try harder to get along with him."
"But, is Niles supposed to still meet Father?"
"Well, yes — that is still necessary, I guess." Corrin frowned. But Elise sighed and her smile widened even further.
"Oh good, then I didn't get up early for nothing!"
"What do you mean, little one?"
Elise giggled. "Well, I thought you and Niles would need support to handle Xander, but I guess you only need it now to handle Father! That's real good, because I wouldn't have wanted all my efforts to be wasted."
Corrin hesitated. "Elise, why am I getting a feeling that you did something wrong?"
"Wrong!" she exclaimed. "Oh no! Definitely not."
"Then, is it something I would approve of?"
"Um… Maybe?" Elise shrugged her shoulder. "Don't worry! It's better this way."
"Elise," Corrin began, but Elise giggled and skipped away. Corrin couldn't go after her, for Xander was beginning to speak.
He called the crowd to order. "Good morning, allies of Nohr!" Xander exclaimed. "Thank you all for gathering so quickly. I am sure you are anxious to hear why I have called you together so early and so suddenly; do not worry, we are in no danger. I have good news, actually: We are going home to Castle Krakenburg."
Corrin felt the shift as the soldiers changed from bored and sleep-deprived to aware and excited. No one spoke, however; they were too respectful to interrupt their prince's speech.
Xander continued, "We have all fought long and hard in our king's name. And though the war drags on, we all deserve rest. Let us hurry home and seize our just reward!"
A single shout of agreement went out from the soldiers. Corrin wished she could cheer herself. Home… The word left a bittersweet taste in her mouth. Will Father really disapprove of Niles?
Xander began to go over several details pertaining to the army's movement. Corrin only heard the most important — they were to leave tomorrow at dawn; there would be no visits to the deep realms or even the astral castle during this march, and thus all packing must be done efficiently, without excess weight and items. Corrin continued to dwell on her worries, but her attention was suddenly aroused by an unexpected addition to the plan.
"For this journey, I would like everyone to travel in groups of two or three — of the same sex, of course." Xander said with a cough. "This strategy will cut down on the number of tents needed to travel, as well as the possibility of an ambush. I hope this does not inconvenience anyone."
Corrin saw Xander's gaze go towards the right; she imagined he was staring at Niles. Corrin blushed so deeply, her face felt hot.
"That is all," Xander declared, "you are dismissed to begin packing!"
As his last words echoed in the morning air, the army burst into a cacophony of activity and excitement. Everyone sounded happy about the promised rest at the capital; however, Xander's new rule was the first topic of choice among people.
Corrin spun around and began to walk back the way she had come. She would much rather be home, packing — however much she loathed the task — than listening to her friends speculate over Xander's newest traveling condition.
As soon as she had escaped the thickest part of the throng, Corrin was hailed by a very flushed Azura. "Corrin, are you all right?" she asked immediately. "I am shocked Xander would make such a public rule, especially after he apologized so earnestly! He must know that it will breed gossip."
Corrin lowered her head. "I think," she said slowly, "that Xander is only trying to keep Niles out of my room. He probably didn't even consider that his new rule would embarrass us or cause people to talk."
Azura smiled at Corrin. "You defend him so easily," she said. "I wish I had your fortitude, Corrin. To forgive someone so entirely even after they have wounded you — such love is too powerful for me to comprehend. I am envious of your goodness."
Corrin blushed again. "Please, Azura, don't be silly! You're much wiser than me, and far more patient than you give yourself credit for."
"I don't think so. I did hit Xander over the head with a pillow last night."
Corrin laughed. "Then I should thank you! To hear he had some punishment makes it easier to not be angry with him this morning."
Azura nodded. "But, Corrin, aren't you at all uncomfortable about Xander's rule? It was so obviously pointed — maliciously or not — at you and Niles."
"I am embarrassed," Corrin admitted, "but also relieved that only we know why Xander made the rule. If other people found out, I would… I don't even know!" She shook her head.
"You should find out," Niles said. Corrin and Azura turned to find Niles treading in their shadows. He looked furious. Trailing behind him was a pouting Elise.
"How long have you been following us?" Corrin asked.
"Since you left the crowd," Niles replied. "We have to talk."
Corrin glanced about. Most of the soldiers were still gathered in front of Lilith's temple, gossiping; however, some familiar faces were also strolling to their homes, every one of them staring at Corrin and her group as they passed.
Corrin said in a very low voice, "Can we go back to my house, then? I feel suddenly very exposed out here."
"There's no point," Niles spat, "everyone already knows our business."
Corrin took in a sharp breath. "What?" she exclaimed. "Everyone knows… that we're…?"
"Everyone in the entire army knows that I proposed and that Xander rejected me." Niles answered, grinning. "And I think there was more than one whisper of an attempt at seduction here and there — isn't that right, Princess Elise?"
Corrin's head whirled to her sister. "Elise!" she cried.
Elise wouldn't meet Corrin's gaze. She had her mouth poised in a pout, with her arms crossed over her chest. She was glaring at something past Corrin. "I was just trying to help!" she huffed. "I thought you and Niles needed some support, so I told a few people… and they told a few people… and I guess now everyone knows everything. It's not my fault people can't keep a secret!"
"And the seductions?" Niles insisted. "Please, feel free to elaborate on that detail."
"Well, after I told the first few people, I thought their reactions were kinda bland." Elise explained. "So I tried to spice the story up a little."
Azura put a hand to her mouth. Corrin cringed. "How little?" she asked weakly.
"Not too much! Though, people may be under the impression that Niles did try to seduce you a couple of times before Xander gave you 'The Talk'."
"I did try to seduce her a couple of times before that." Niles agreed.
Corrin sputtered, "N-N-Niles! Wh-what are you saying?"
"Really?" Elise asked, sounding excited. "Did you try really really really hard? because, people may think you tried too hard, if you know what I mean."
"Oh gods, Elise!" Azura exclaimed.
"I… understand…" Niles muttered, his own excitement evidently diminished.
"I don't." Corrin murmured. "But don't feel like you need to explain this one."
"Also, a few people might think you actually succeeded once — or twice." Elise giggled. "Oh, and one or four people might think Corrin's secretly pregnant!"
Corrin made a noise she would struggle forever afterwards to identify: It wasn't quite a cry or a scream, for it was too soft to even be heard. Her squawk might be best compared to the noise of a butchered animal, whose head being chopped off interrupts its final lament. Niles, on the other hand, quite plainly (and loudly) swore.
At that moment, Corrin spotted Xander and Leo marching from the crowd, towards her. She hoped she was imaging that many of her allies seemed to be following her brothers.
"Corrin," Leo whispered harshly as soon as he was close enough to be heard, "have you any idea what sort of dribble people are passing around about you?"
Xander was grimacing; he wouldn't look at Niles. "There's a particularly interesting rumor…" he gasped painfully, "that hints towards… a new royal family member."
Niles scoffed. "Hey, that's not my fault — blame Princess Elise."
Xander and Leo whirled first on Niles, then on Elise, who giggled outrageously at the joke. Azura only shook her head; but Corrin buried her hot face in her hands and thought about the spacious castle at Krakenburg, the twisting halls that Elise had always bragged about, and the innumerable rooms Corrin had yet to explore. She could easily get lost, and no one would be able to find her…
Elise was giving her brothers her side of the story. Azura was sighing. Niles was softly cackling. In the midst of the noise, Corrin whined, "I want to go home!"
Ending Note: Oh, Elise - you must love her. Anyway, the next chapter will include some light exposition that will tell us how the army traveled back to Krakenburg, but it will not focus on that. In fact, the next chapter will be... will be...