A/N:
Posted: May 12th, 2017
Last Updated: May 12th, 2017
Views as of Posting: 11 623
Large renovations are complete!
Responses:
DoomedToYouAll: I thank you for your eloquent views – and I agree that Nohrian imperialism would most likely not succeed. I recommend you give a bit more time for world-building. Rest assured this fanfic will not turn into a simple "power fantasy".
Chapter 11 Updates:
- Grammatical corrections
All changes are purely stylistic and do not impact the story. Efforts will be made to minimize these types of changes in the future.
Now, onto the story…
Paralogue 3: Flora (Flora)
[Many Years Ago]
Soldiers scrambled through the streets to blockade the intersections. In one of the smaller houses, a young Flora was sitting underneath a table. Her legs were shaking vehemently. A few feet from her, Felicia was looking through a window. A fireball exploded outside, shaking the walls of the small grammar school. They were wearing small, grey dresses, scraped from earlier falls.
"What's going on out there?" Flora questioned. "Scary…"
The younger sister shook her head. "Dunno. Sounds like another mage attack."
The girl could not take it anymore. Summoning all of her courage, she crawled towards the window and peered outside. Two tribal warriors were wounded. Their elder ordered them to retreat. On the other side, Nohrian lancers charged into the streets. They began skirmishing with the remaining warriors.
Everything happened in a blur. In the morning, a large army of foot soldiers surrounded the Ice Tribe Village. They surrounded the settlement in a blockade. An hour afterwards the dark mages showed up. Every once in a while, they would toss fireballs into the village, but the will of the Ice Tribe persevered. Having their patience exhausted, the Nohrians gradually started moving in.
"Eek! What do we do?" Felicia wailed. "Where's our father?"
"I don't know!" Flora bit her thumb. "We need to find him!"
A young woman burst into the room, holding a brass lance – short black hair and thin chainmail armor. She stared at the children in disbelief. The two girls stared back completely dumbfounded. The soldier was wearing a ceremonial charm, easing the children's minds somewhat.
"You two!" She exclaimed. "What are you doing here? The shelter's to the south!"
"W-we were separated from our teacher!" Felicia raised her arms.
"Classes are cancelled. Get outta here!"
"Alright!" Flora grabbed her twin sister and bolted for the door.
The two girls hurriedly followed the woman out of the building, into the streets. The Ice Tribe warriors were gradually pushing the Nohrians out. Some of the wounded gathered in the middle of the intersection.
"Hey, those are Great Kilma's kids!" the patrol's healer barked. "Capture them!"
The female warrior shook her head. "Let them through. They're innocent!"
(Huh? What did they want with father?)
The second group of Nohrian fighters quickly approached from house-to-house. They were looting valuable treasures and artifacts. Another wave of fireballs was summoned, headed slowly into the mass of Ice Tribe defenders.
"Incoming!" A tribesman hollered. "Move, move!"
"Flora let's go!"
Felicia tugged on Flora's hand, dashing towards the next street. They instinctively lowered their posture as they dove for an alleyway. The fiery projectiles grew larger as they approached the ground. Crackling vibrations filled the air.
Most of the already-injured warriors were too slow to dodge – their bodies were propelled into the ground by small explosions. The healer was also hit, dropping his stave and falling into the wall inelegantly. He was most certainly dead.
The older sister stopped in her tracks. "Felicia! We need to go back!"
"The nice lady told us to run!"
"Just for a minute!"
Flora forced herself out of her sister's grasp. She returned to the smoky impact site. The victims struggled to pick themselves up, let alone face the incoming Nohrians. The little girl picked up the healer's stave and raised it over one of the warriors.
The soldier coughed out blood despite the glow on her tool. Flora stopped suddenly, convinced her work had no effect. Almost immediately following the young man jumped back up. His clothing was torn but his wounds had closed.
"You-" He stammered, wiping his mouth. "Y-you know magic? How old are you?"
"Turning nine!" Flora beamed. "I'm going to help the others!"
"No, get back to your parents, idiot!"
Flora ignored the burly man. Their father, high councilor of the Ice Tribe, secretly taught his children rudimentary magic. He told the twins not to tell anyone else but that did not really matter anymore. People's lives were at stake.
(Healing was the easiest type of magic anyways!)
"Ugh, come on big sis!" Felicia whined. "We're out of time!"
A house's wall had exploded, filling the street with plaster and dust. Regardless, Flora tended to four more warriors before Nohrian reinforcements arrived. She kept her breathing calm, making sure not to go over the exposed flesh too quickly.
"We have more from the left! Two- no, three patrols of reinforcements on the way here!" Someone observed.
"Edvard, return to the elder!" Another warrior demanded. "This objective is lost. We're going to delay them for a while longer!"
"Yes sir!"
There was no time to think about it. "The military will take it from here. Let's go!" Flora exclaimed, grabbing her sister's hand again. The two took off again.
"O-okay! Finally!" Felicia said as she was dragged along.
Combatants on both sides had difficulty stepping over sharp debris and shattered glass before even fighting. There were no healers remaining in the area. Someone hastily shoved the sisters towards another street, beckoning them to hurry.
Flora could not help but look back. Her old school, wall blown in and windows shattered, was a husk of its former self. The street where she and her friends used to play hopscotch was cratered beyond repair. Bodies littered both sides of the passage – a soldier's body leaned out of a windowsill, head gnashed in by a blunt axe and limp arms hanging out. The innocent populace have long evacuated.
The Nohrian fighters began renewing their attack as another barrage of fireballs rained from the sky, closer to the village center. The blue-haired girl looked away from everything in horror. They ran as fast as their small feet could take them.
[…]
She never heard from those warriors ever again.
By the time they turned the intersection, Nohrians had begun surrounded the area. They had weaved through the defenses in a pincer formation, eventually entrapping the young twins. Flora gasped as he saw the patrol of lancers in front. Running backwards would mean being further from the shelter.
"Ohhh no!" Felicia shuddered. "Bad adults!"
"Gods this is my fault. Flora cringed. I shouldn't have wasted that time…"
The Nohrians examined the children before approaching. One of them - presumably a captain - lowered his lance. A blank, confused expression crossed his face.
"Hey." He said to his cohorts. "Are those the kids we're looking for?"
His accomplice narrowed his eyes. "Yup. Descriptions match up with Kilma's siblings. Must be our lucky day."
Flora had no idea why everyone was obsessed with her father. Great Kilma was a mere diplomat that travelled to Nohr and Nestra. There were rumors he wanted to become the village's deputy, but he declined those allegations. He said he wanted to travel abroad and learn the Dark Arts. Public life took a toll on his health.
Her sister blinked. "They're not going to attack us?"
"Of course not!" The captain spat. "It's unsafe here. Please, come with us!"
"We're turning ourselves over." Flora whispered, though she knew there was no other choice. The two simply gave up and walked towards the patrol. The captain barked at two subordinates, ordering them to restrain Flora and Felicia.
They were brought back to where they came from. The Ice Tribe warriors who fought next to the grammar school had disappeared. Several buildings were on fire around them, including the nearby granary. A rotten odor plagued the air.
Corpses from both sides were piled up from the stone streets. It became clear from the end of the bombardment that the tribe had finally surrendered. The sisters were shoved in front of two men – a high-ranking Nohrian commander, and Great Kilma.
"D-dad!" Felicia exclaimed.
"These your children, Kilma?" A Nohrian commander said. "Glad they're safe."
Great Kilma grunted. "They're the only pride I have left."
The sky shined an ominous crimson. Two ballista bolts stuck out of the ground, having dug some feet into the stone. It was the presence of those wicked siege weapons that nailed the coffin in the Ice Tribe's defenses. All of the remaining warriors were restrained and taken away defiantly.
"Heheh. Makes sense you'd say that."
"Huh…" Kilma grunted at the taunt.
"Don't worry sir. You did the right thing. Now that the corrupt chieftain has been dethroned, the Ice Tribe and Nohr will be stronger, together."
Their father, in an ornate silver tunic, was standing a small distance from a Nohrian commander. The commander was a tall and stocky man, well younger than Kilma. He sported a stubby beard and messy brown hair.
The diplomat sighed. "I hope you're a man of your word. My first order of business will be rebuilding this village."
"Of course." The Nohrian commander answered. "The deal has been finalized. Anyone who knew of your brave actions, have been silenced."
"Silenced? How?
"They have been disposed of accordingly."
The diplomat stepped back, horrified. Flora realized he must have just arrived, long after the battle began. Her father had missed the avalanche of bombarding the houses. He had been elsewhere, plotting something with Nohr.
"Hey. I thought you said you would try to avoid bloodshed!"
"Are you serious? Do you think really think that's an option during war? Let me tell you this, Kilma. If some smartass thinks they can win a battle without a single casualty, they're either an idiot or delusional."
"You're a damn liar then." He shuddered.
(Father's a traitor! He was involved with the Nohrians!)
The Nohrian yawned "It's a lot better than having those folk accuse you of treason. Once we install you as the new chieftain, everything'll be smooth sailing."
"Um, dad?" Felicia spoke shakily. "What's happening right now?"
The sisters were watching the adults silently. The older sibling tried to keep track of everything the adults were saying, but it was all going too fast. Flora guessed his father did something to give away the Ice Tribe.
"Your father is going to become the next leader of your people!" The Nohrian said. "Congratulations. You two just got real important."
"You didn't drag us here to tell us that." Flora grumbled angrily.
She was still trying to figure out what happened. Time stopped as she saw the tall commander approach her. His eyes were not particularly malicious. He got on one knee and looked into Flora's eyes. The Nohrian tried his best to look friendly.
"You're the smart one." He said. "And you're absolutely right. In exchange for your father's new title, you two will act as collateral."
"What's 'collateral'?" Felicia asked.
"To make sure your father behaves, you two will staying with us for a while."
(Father made a deal with the Nohrians… and we're the part of the agreement?)
"Not everybody gets a chance to leave this frozen hell." The commander continued. "Think of it as an extended vacation" He put forward an open hand diplomatically.
"Go on, kids." Kilma swallowed. "Please follow this nice man."
Felicia whimpered. "That sounds cool but… you didn't need to blow up our village."
"Yeah!" Flora burst with rage. "We never agreed to this!"
She was upset at his father's calmness. When her father was still busy with stupid politics, he was rarely home, even at nighttime. They never had a strong father-daughter relationship, but Flora wished he had offered more resistance.
She looked into Great Kilma's eyes. They were entrenched with deep, unspoken sorrow. It looked like he had a thousand different things to say, but had no power to say them. At least he looked remorseful enough.
Felicia was trying her best not to cry, and failed miserably. The commander retracted his arm. The warm demeanor on his face disintegrated.
"I never said you had the right to object." He growled.
Flora put down her head. Her father allegedly betrayed the tribe, and they had no idea how many innocent souls were hurt. She and Felicia were thrown inside a Nohrian penal wagon. Her sister was still weeping into her arms.
The younger sister had just reached the same conclusion Flora had mere minutes ago – that Father had sold out the tribe. They had a long time to think for themselves, being stuck and everything. Kilma was a smart man, and he has always devoted his time to the Ice Tribe. He seemed incredibly uncomfortable negotiating with the Nohrians. Flora thought something big was off.
"Hey. Do you hear footsteps?" Flora paused her thoughts.
The door flew open, revealing Kilma and two strong fighters behind him. The twins looked up to the defeated man. He had finished touring the village - the capacity of his mistake fully realized to him. The Nohrians clutched their bronze axes.
"Father!" Felicia sobbed. "Why did you do this? Was becoming chieftain that important to you? Are you really a traitor?"
"Hush kids." Kilma murmured. He switched into using the Ice Tribe's dialect. "I don't have much time to talk to you."
Flora hid the stave somewhere in her uniform, out of the Nohrians' sights. The Ice Tribe diplomat looked terrified. She decided it was worth listening to him.
"Please continue." She said.
He replied. "I was in a diplomatic convoy to Nohr. Through talking with some noblemen in Windmire, it became obvious they were planning to invade us. They wanted to claim our land, even if it meant exterminating our people."
Felicia sulked. "That's horrible."
"Thus, I struck a deal with one of their tacticians." He continued. "I convinced him that razing the village was too costly for them in the long-run. It would make a lot more sense to turn the Ice Tribe into a vassal state."
(You mean, the Nohrians will be taking our food and stuff?)
"And you would be the puppet leader." Flora deduced.
Kilma ran his hand through his short hair. "I had no choice. The Nohrian court only had good impressions of me and-"
"You also said something about, the Nohrian commander promising not to kill anyone?" The older sibling pushed another question.
The fighters behind Kilma looked at each other. They were growing more and more suspicious of the conversation in Ice Tribe dialect. The father looked back at them, saying he will only take a few more moments.
"Correct." He groaned afterwards. "You must have seen first-hand it was a lie. A few in my escort found out I negotiated behind their backs. King Garon forced me to return, with their army. The rest of the warriors rushed back to spread news of my actions. I never had the chance to explain my plan to them…"
"But they were not fast enough." Felicia said. "When they arrived, we were already under attack-"
She stopped talking when she noticed one of the fighters staring darkly at her.
Flora was still skeptical. "So what, are we going to live underneath their boots forever? The last chieftain is gone, but how will you lead everyone?"
"Nohr will weaken eventually. They can't fund their wars indefinitely." He reassured. "We'll rebuild our lives. We will secure our independence when the time is right."
The twins were unmoving. It was a lot of information for kids to process. Having little to no knowledge on diplomacy did not help either. Father had some farfetched plan to liberate the tribe. The rest was lost on their poor vocabulary skills.
"Didn't the commander said we'll be taken away, specifically to prevent that?"
The future chieftain frowned. "I'll let you know when that time is. You'll definitely have time to escape. Please trust me."
Silence.
"Flora, Felicia…" Kilma murmured. "I'm so sorry… I wish I had spent more time with you two back then. I guess it's too late to say that now…"
"Hey!" One of the fighters shouted. "Time's up! We're running on a schedule here."
"Crud… we're out of time." The father grunted. "I'll come back for you, I promise!"
"Wait, dad!" Felicia cried. "Don't leave us!"
The Nohrians dragged him away. One of the fighters barked something incoherent to the twins and slammed the wagon door shut. The momentum made them jump again, towards the middle of the wagon.
"Dad!"
The penal wagon only had light through its barred opening. Sitting in the darkness, Flora curled together her legs as the prison began moving down the road.
[…]
"No you don't understand." Flora said. It had been a day since she and her sisters were captured. Sunlight was scarce as always. Their everyday discussions got heated after they got over their sorrows. "He's doing it for the tribe's survival!"
"That's crap!" The younger twin cried. "He just wanted to become chieftain! Escape? There's no way we can do that!"
Yesterday, she would have agreed with Felicia. But getting angry was pointless. They were already captured. Nothing was going to change that fact. Father had a limited timeframe, and made decisions with the information he had.
Sometimes it was just easier to listen to adults.
"It's either become a puppet, or have all of us die!" Flora retorted.
"He could have been lying about the Nohrians wanting to kill everyone!"
"Then why did he tell us all that, if he doesn't care? He's not that type of person!"
"He hasn't been the same since Ma died!" Felicia shouted.
Flora was taken aback. Discussion about mother had been taboo between them. The time after she passed away, Kilma began disappearing from home. He found them a caretaker, but he took every opportunity to leave for work. It was probably the desire - to not deal with family back home – that pushed him into politics.
(He never did anything with us, other than teach us that stupid magic!)
"You- you…" She seethed.
Felicia blinked. "Big sis?"
This time it was the older sibling who started crying. She tried her hardest to put on a strong face the whole time. She held tightly the stave she took from the healer. Just because she could hold onto her rationality a bit longer, did not mean she was any less confused and scared than Felicia.
"I-if only we could spend more time with them." She sobbed. "Why did it h-have to come down to this?"
"S-sorry, I don't have a handkerchief on me…"
"Mother, father, the village. Are w-we destined to lose everyone close to us?"
It was already pointless to hold back tears. Felicia was right the whole time. Kilma's "plan" was completely insane. So many things could go wrong. Perhaps she wanted to believe her father so much, because she did not want to be abandoned again.
"Flora…"
In the darkness Felicia wrapped her arms around her older twin. Flora hugged back immediately, not wanting to let any more of her family go. Whether or not Kilma was just a power-hungry adult, did not matter to her anymore.
"Don't worry, big sis…" Felicia murmured. "We'll still be together in Nohr. We're going to stick together."
"Mhmm…"
[…]
The next day, they reached their new home.
The commander dropped the kids off at some sort of fortress to the north. Fortunately the atmosphere was chilly, reminding them of home. The architecture inside made it appear like an old penitentiary. The outer walls were crumbling.
"I wasn't expecting these to be the prisoners." A nobleman frowned.
The commander shrugged. "King Garon wants them here indefinitely. They are considered Class One prisoners and must be restrained."
"But they're just children. Can't we move then to a foster home?"
"Not my concern. I'll come back to check in a fortnight."
After he left, the administrators of the fortress had no idea what to do with the children. Never before had they faced such small perpetrators. Felicia and Flora had little to eat, so their skin was pale and expressions were sickly upon arrival. A lord ordered them to the medical ward immediately. The twins were too weak to protest so they promptly obeyed.
"Ugh… this place is creepy." Felicia sulked. "Is this even a fort? Half of it looks destroyed."
"There's so much stone everywhere." Her sister sighed. "How unnatural."
"I wonder how everyone back home is doing."
"Better not think about it too much."
A maid waited for them inside the room, pointing kindly towards a table. Felicia energetically hopped on. Her inspection went quickly. Her throat and limbs were checked. After just five minutes, the maid called forward the older sister.
The maid smiled. "Your turn, dear!"
"Uh…" Flora frowned at the prospect of a body check.
"It's fine milady. I'll be quick."
Felicia tilted her head. "Come on Flora! She's nice!"
Flora slowly climbed on top of the table. She opened her mouth for the maid, and raised both of her arms. It was when the maid reached closer to the bottom of her white uniform that she began trembling nervously.
"Huh?" The maid said, feeling around. "What's this?"
"Eep!"
The maid put her hand into a hidden bulge within the uniform. The Nohrian pulled out the stave Flora kept hidden away from the army. The maid inspected the tool. It glowed in her hand, indicating it still had energy left inside.
"This stave." she questioned. "Did you always have this?"
"Yes?"
"And do you know how to use this stave?"
"Yeah." Flora grabbed the stave back. The small jewel glowed light blue.
The maid took one look at Flora, another at the stave, and then ran back to the main room. Felicia looked at her in surprise, as if Flora committed some unknown offense. The maid returned with the nobleman. His eyes widened at the small light.
"A child who knows how to use magic?" The lord said. "At this age? Amazing…"
The maid turned to the man. "That is definitely a Heal stave. I've never seen a kid from Nohr use healing at such a young age…"
"I can do it too!" Felicia wanted praise as well.
A grin appeared on the nobleman's face. His belief, that he acquired two more hassles to take care of, turned into the belief he had hit a goldmine. He approached the twins and got on his knees to be eye-level with them.
"Hey, girls." He said. "I think there's a way you two can become more than prisoners here."
[Some days later]
Of course, many other things happened in between when Flora first arrived, and when she started training as a maid. The interactions she had with the fortress staff were easily forgettable. The day she overheard a fateful conversation, was not.
"Work?" The young maid exclaimed. "But they said they've just turned nine! That's not enough time to teach them anything."
"I know." The nobleman sighed. "We're only giving them easy tasks. I'm assigning them to take care of Corrin."
"Corrin? The other Class One prisoner?"
Felicia was still fast asleep, but Flora had snuck into the hallway, listening through a door. The maid who noticed her affinity for magic taught them nonstop for days. She was equally surprised her short time as a mentor, was coming to an end.
"There's four kids here." The nobleman scoffed. "No one's their age, and three of them are Class One prisoners. Might as well let them spend time together."
The maid breathed. "I suppose Jakob would appreciate their help."
"It'll also be easier to keep an eye on them if they're all in one place."
(Corrin is another prisoner? What's he like?)
"Are they ready yet? How did their training go?" He asked.
"They're mostly fine. Their stave training is going very well." The nurse responded. "Although, one of them is a bit clumsier than the other…"
Flora stifled a giggle.
"That can't be helped." The nobleman folded his arms. "I get that they're only children. Until they reach teenage years, they'll simply be playmates."
"I see." The nurse bowed respectfully. "I will tell them the news tomorrow."
"Poor things. Wonder what they did to deserve this."
As she heard footsteps Flora snuck away from the door. The door opened but she was already in another hallway, hidden from sight. The maid looked in both directions with suspicion. She went the opposite way, murmuring to herself.
[…]
She was not at all impressed with what was presented to her. Felicia and Flora bowed as elegantly as nine year-olds could. The young pointy-eared boy named Corrin looked back. Beside him was a slightly older boy, silver hair and well-dressed. Nobody knew what to say to one another. The maid stood to the side awkwardly. She had thought all children got along naturally.
"Uhm, hello?" Corrin ventured out. "My name is Corrin…"
"Hello!" Felicia exclaimed. "I'm Felicia! We are your new awesome maid persons!"
"Flora." Her sister bowed again. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Allegedly Felicia's mechanism to avoid homesickness was to distract herself altogether. She found the most mundane things in the old fortress exciting. Flora wondered how long her enthusiasm in meeting new people would last.
"And I am Jakob, butler of Master Corrin." The taller boy declared.
Silence again. Flora tugged at her small maid outfit. She was not used to the Nohrian attire, and how dark its colors were.
(Is this boy really a prisoner? It must feel lucky to have servants…)
"It's nice you're all getting along!" The maid smiled. "Now, Corrin needs to get ready for battle training!
"Already?" Corrin rubbed his eyes. "I just met my new friends!"
"You'll have plenty of time to play with them later." The maid reasoned.
As the white-haired peculiar kid followed the Nohrian away, the three young servants were left alone to know each other. Jakob had a stoic face the entire conversation. His slick haircut and stiff posture spoke something of a perfectionist to Flora. He inspected both of the twins closely.
"I guess we're colleagues now." He simply said.
Felicia smiled "Yeah! … Do we just follow Corrin's orders?"
"That's Master Corrin, to you." Jakob interrupted. "And no. The adults have set up a specific schedule for him to follow every half fortnight. Our goal is to enforce it."
(Enforce? Sounds a lot better than pampering that spoiled "prisoner")
The older sibling looked around Corrin's room. She started taking back what she thought after seeing its condition. Mildew grew in the crevices and sunlight was dim. It was odd how someone with so many servants lived in such a poor room.
"I guess we start work once he returns." Felicia shrugged.
Jakob nodded. "Indeed. I'll show you around a bit."
"Okay!"
The bouncy Felicia ran immediately to the exit, not suppressing her curiosity. Flora was still staring emptily at Corrin's room. She would be in that room until Father returned, or they were reassigned. She might spend the rest of her life there.
"Miss Flora?" Jakob called. "Is something troubling you?"
Flora snapped out of her trance. "Huh? No. It's just that… today's my birthday."
"Oh right!" Felicia piped. "Mine too. We're both nine now!"
"Well then." Jakob stroked his chin. "Happy birthday then. Still, let's get to work"
[…]
[Four years later]
Many things had happened to the Northern Fortress in the long period of time. The maid who taught the twins basic servant skills was away. She would give birth to a healthy son some time later, deciding to raise a family than return to work.
The nobleman of the Northern Fortress passed away from a sudden heart attack. The military took over control. Every few days, the Nohrian royal family would come over and visit. Prince Xander was always sparring with the young boy viscously.
It did not matter to Flora that she knew Corrin's identity. The white-haired boy had confided everything into his servants one night, saying he had noble blood inside him. He stated his imprisonment at the fortress was to prepare for his princely duties. Whatever the reason, he was not succeeding at it. The sisters lost track of how many times they had to freeze Corrin awake.
"Agh…"
Flora pulled back her hand. She had accidently touched the hot part of the kettle. Jakob rushed over immediately, to make sure the tea did not spill. The young maid brushed her fingers on her outfit. Annoyance tugged at his brain.
"What is this?" She hissed. "I can learn magic, but not make tea?"
Jakob shook his head. "With that attitude, you won't be able to make good tea in five hundred years."
"Five hundred? Isn't that a bit excessive?"
The maid took a deep breath and tried again. Felicia was in another room, conversing with Corrin. She had developed an unhealthy attachment to the young prince, and seemed to have forgotten the Nohrians conquered her village.
"Here. Have this." Jakob said suddenly. He handed the girl a teacup.
She blinked. "Huh?"
"Drink it."
"This better not be a prank…"
Flora cautiously sipped the liquid inside the cup. It was indeed green tea, but it was nothing like she had ever tasted before. It had a tang of jasmine, as well as a foreign flavor to it – probably Hoshidan. The tea left a rich and savory taste on her mouth, despite being very hot.
"Jakob!" This is delicious!" She complimented. "Did you make this?"
"Years of training did." He shrugged. "No matter. It's just a cup of tea. It should be the standard you aspire to."
"Can you teach me?"
The butler raised an eyebrow at the request. The girl's heart sank. Jakob was such a good butler, the older servants often requested his help. She thought there was no way he had the spare time to instruct her on anything.
"I suppose." He said. "At least you seem more competent than your sister"
"Really?"
"To be honest I thought she was a joke when she first came here." Jakob scoffed. "I had never seen so many things go wrong for a human being in a morning. She's lucky she's so close to Master Corrin."
Flora curled her fingers into a determined fist. Kilma was tough on her as a father, forcing them to learn magic late every night. She would have never learned how to heal those warriors without his guidance. Tea should be no different.
(If I'm stuck in Nohr, I might as well learn something useful.)
"I accept your challenge." She smiled.
Jakob straightened his back. "Interesting. Are you prepared to make the best tea your sister and our master have ever tasted? Excluding mine of course…"
"I promise."
[One year later]
Flora sat down for a rest after polishing the floor. Because she was a teenager, she started having actual tasks to do, rather than just report Prince Corrin for misbehaving. Every fortnight that passed did not weaken her attachment to her village. Jakob had offered to spend a night every few days teaching her how to brew tea. They made the most out of their sessions.
"Alright, enjoy…" Flora put her hands together nervously.
Jakob looked at her. "I will be the judge of that."
He examined the consistency of the tea in his cup, its colors, and then its aroma. The butler brought the solution to his mouth and took a small sip. The maid leaned so much closely she thought she would fall over. Jakob's hand shook.
"It's… it's…!" Jakob's voice quavered excitedly.
"Yes?" The girl exclaimed.
"Bland. Not bad for another try, however." The butler concluded.
Flora's spirits sank. At least a dozen lessons and her tea was still not good enough. She took the kettle back from the tray and put it onto the table gloomily. Jakob put down the cup and grinned with mischievous intent.
"I was joking." He said. "It tastes just fine."
"Really?" She could not believe his words.
"Really."
"Haha! Oh thank you Jakob!"
"Don't blame me." The butler said nonchalantly. "This was your own doing."
Flora was about to leap with joy but stopped herself. What kind of person gets so excited for brewing a satisfactory cup of tea? Yet the experience was unexplainably pleasant. Jakob was almost never pleased about anything not Corrin-related.
He had seen right through her as well. "What are you so happy about?"
"I guess it's because you remind me of my father." She said, wiping her right eye. "He would also be tough on me, until I finally succeeded."
"That's the same way I've been taught." Jakob admitted. "I was merely repeating that process unto you, and it worked."
"Who taught you that way? Your parents?"
In her mind it did not make sense. She had only ever seen Jakob inside the Northern Fortress, and nobody ever visited her. She strongly doubted from his mannerisms and speech that he was also a captured tribesperson.
"My parents? Gods no. He is a great knight, many years older than me. He always belittled and scolded me for the smallest mistakes."
"Is that it?"
"I guess…" Jakob pondered. "Master Corrin's compassion towards my early uselessness also helped greatly."
(That spoiled brat again? Ugh, I can't stand him.)
"Regardless. This is promising." he grinned. "Your cleaning skills and knowledge of magic surpasses my own. There is nothing left I can teach you."
The butler was underestimating himself. He had been a servant for at least two more years than she and Felicia have been. She would miss their late night lessons, or sneaking underneath the watches of the night guard.
"So, would you say I'm a better servant for 'Master Corrin'?" She teased.
"You really enjoying pushing me, don't you?"
"Not any more than you to me!"
[…]
[Five years later]
Eventually Flora and Jakob found themselves equals in the workforce. The royal family, who were the head of the military, found their restrictions to be too severe. She and Felicia have gained much more freedom than before. Sadly it did not last long. Corrin was finally to be a prince, so his servants' duties were no longer required. The butler and the maids were reassigned to Castle Krakenburg.
Jakob was assigned to a different shift, meaning his breaks rarely overlapped with the twins. Flora was annoyed at the development. She used to have frequent conversations with the butler, when they finished their chores early. Life at Krakenburg was much more hectic, too hectic for a collegial relationship anyways.
It was that one day where the illusion of happiness finally fell apart. Lord Corrin, Lord Gunter, and Felicia were sent to some abandoned fortress in the Bottomless Canyon. Flora was angry the young prince brought her sister into danger, and even angrier that her sister accepted. Jakob was a mere servant, who cares for others. Corrin on the other hand was a leader in warfare, where countless people die.
It was that day Lord Corrin did not return. Felicia was grieving on the breakfast table, being tended by her sister and the butler. Felicia scowled and threw the handkerchief back to the table. She stuffed her head back into her arms.
"Just, why did he have to disappear now?"
Jakob raised his head, as if deep in thought.
"Maybe to escape from your cooking." He finally concluded.
"Jakob!" Flora snapped, "That was rude."
(That was a good one, however.)
"Trying to lighten the mood." The butler dismissed.
"Never mind that." Flora sighed, "You look absolutely exhausted."
The last time she had seen the butler so unwieldly was when he taught her how to make tea. At least during those nights, he would go back to his room with something resembling a grin. Jakob folded his arms in exasperation.
"Yes. I was up late last night with the royal family's self-declared prodigy and the masked mage."
"Lord Leo and Iago?" Felicia looked up at him.
"Yes." He replied, "They were going on and on about how to invade Hoshido…"
"Wait, what?" Flora gasped. She quickly stood up from the table and walked up to Jakob. "We're going to war with Hoshido?"
"Correct." Jakob shrugged, "King Garon told them and the rest of the family yesterday. He'll spread the word soon."
"Oh no!" Flora exclaimed, "We're going to war. The Ice Tribe, everyone…"
(If we get sucked into war, King Garon will force our people to fight!)
"But the Ice Tribe is the furthest from the border." Felicia said, "Aren't they safe?"
"You don't understand." Flora frowned, "This is terrible. Our poor, poor family!"
[…]
"Anything else about the war, though?" She cut in again, "From Lord Leo or Iago?"
"Not too much I can recall." Jakob replied, "I know your tribe isn't involved at least, and most of the invasion details I can't release."
"Hmm, I see." Flora fidgeted.
(I must find a way to tell Father!)
"Alright, I'll get back to work you two." Jakob rubbed his hands together impatiently, "I'm sure that's what Master Corrin would want us to do."
Felicia nodded and stood up from the table. Jakob said his farewells and returned to the kitchen. Flora gave her sister a hug before cleaning off the breakfast table and picked up the plates with that.
"Let me help you with that before I get changed." Felicia grabbed half of the dirty plates that was on her stack.
"Thanks." Flora replied.
The two made their way down the main hall and into the kitchen. Behind her sister's back, Felicia almost dropped the plates but thankfully caught herself before colliding into a pillar. They both dropped their loads and washed their hands.
"War with Hoshido." Flora broke the silence while still washing, "Sounds dangerous."
"I wonder when they'll announce it to everyone." Felicia sighed.
"I hope our tribe doesn't get dragged into this."
"Don't worry! Even if they are, they're great at fighting!"
Flora stopped in the middle of her washing, before returning to her work just as abruptly. After almost ten long years, Felicia had completely forgotten Kilma's original plan. The older sister had never given up hope. Every fortnight he would check her room for a message from Father. He told them he would come back.
"You really don't understand, do you?" She snapped.
"Eh? What?" Felicia asked, shocked at her sudden anger.
Every part of Flora was frustrated. She could not tell if Felicia was dumb, or if she had actually betrayed the Ice Tribe. She could not even mention the plan anymore. If her sister had truly sided with Nohr, the operation might be busted.
"Never mind." Flora exhaled deeply, "Sorry. I was just hoping that you're better now."
"Yup! Thanks to you, sis!" Felicia smiled, "I'll go get changed!"
Flora turned to the younger maid. "Do you think the war will stop if Corrin comes back?"
"Flora." Felicia grabbed her sister's shoulders, "That's a brilliant idea! I'll tell Jakob!"
"What?"
With that, Felicia ran to her changing room with a smile on her face, leaving her flabbergasted sibling behind. An overwhelming sense of dread overcame her.
The devil Corrin had completely entranced her sister. She could understand Jakob's devotion, since the butler knew the prince longer than they have. Flora had no idea, however, what has gotten Felicia so enamored – so willing to sacrifice for him.
He was just a stupid brigand who cannot even wake up on time. She thought it was fruitless to think more about it. Trying to convince her the Nohrians were truly evil would only arouse her suspicions. Felicia might turn her in immediately and-
(No. That's too risky. It looks like I'll be returning home alone…)
She received a secret letter tucked underneath her door, on her nineteenth birthday. She had no idea how her Father found out her location, but she did not care. The Ice Tribe must have finally planted someone within Castle Krakenburg.
It stated the Ice Tribe will capture a Nohrian tax collection patrol within the fortnight. A second message will tell her where they placed the escape wagon, somewhere a few miles from the capital.
Flora knew she needed to get supplies and scout out the surroundings. But still, something felt wrong to him. She felt she could not leave. Not yet.
The maid decided to confide herself with the only person she trusted – Jakob. She called him out for a secret meeting in one of the castle lounges, to wrap up loose ends. She wanted to see him one more time.
"Hello, Jakob." The maid bowed at the door.
"Flora." He greeted as he moved his tea set, "What do you want to speak to me about?"
She sat down to the mattress opposite to Jakob and looked at him. Her head was burning up in anxiety. Despite what she thought about the Nohrians, Jakob had been an admirable and kind person beneath her tough exterior.
"I'm sure you know about the war." The maid said, "And that my tribe will probably be swept up in it."
"That's true." The butler nodded, "Everybody needs to be prepared for the worst."
Jakob instinctively poured tea and handed it to her. Flora had many things to tell him, including several unresolved feelings. She struggled to find a right way to proceed. It had been forever since they had a private conversation.
"Yes, which is why I wanted to talk to you today." She said. "I want you to cover for me when I'm gone."
"What?" Jakob sat up straighter. "What do you mean, when you're gone?"
"I will be taking an extended trip back to the Ice Tribe. Alone." Flora explained, "You're the only person I can talk to. I might be gone for, um, a long time…"
(Take the hint!)
Jakob sat back into the mattress. "That should not be a problem. I will cover for you while you're gone."
Flora did not respond.
"That's it?" She asked.
"Yes?" Jakob tilted his head.
It was like what happened, ten years ago. Father's seemingly uncaring attitude to her and her sister, when they were about to be taken away, shredded her heart. Though she wanted to leave Nohr, the pain felt oddly close to when she wanted to stay in the Ice Tribe.
"You aren't going to tell me I should stay?" Flora asked again.
"I do not know about your situation at home." The butler replied.
(Idiot! Convince me why I shouldn't go!)
She continued "You're not going to try and stop me?"
"I can only wish for a safe journey there and back."
(If you don't give me a reason, I'll actually…)
"I might be gone for a… long time." The maid persisted.
"And I will try my best to cover for you accordingly." Jakob said.
That was how the die rolled. Jakob was an amazing servant, one Flora could never reach. She thought they would have a stronger connection, but it was her own fault. She had five years to admit her feelings for him. Five years, wasted.
"Hey, is it just me or did it get a lot colder here?" Jakob braced himself. His skin suddenly started shivering. Flora closed her eyes. The frosty temperature faded.
(It's over.)
"Thank you Jakob…" She said after taking a deep breath. Her voice hinting at an odd sadness, "Will you miss me?"
"Well, probably." The butler answered, "Though I also kind of expected not to see you for a while, anyways."
"Excuse me?"
Flora stared back with curiosity. Jakob might have been smart enough to catch the hints. She already implied she was leaving forever. The maid hoped for any answer that convinced her to stay, with her sister and him.
"Felicia and I are joining the Expeditionary Force." He said, "In a few days, I will be in Hoshido trying to bring our master back."
"You're joining the Nohrian army?" Flora was taken aback. The sorrow in her face turned into staggered horror.
"We will be trying to find Corrin and help him get home." Jakob explained, "We will probably return to our posts as servants once he returns."
(No! He'll be fighting against us in the rebellion!)
"You're joining the army." Flora repeated. Her voice tremored. "You will be fighting for King Garon-"
"Only combat support." Jakob interjected, "We will be healing the wounded."
"I see…" She paused.
Teardrops were starting to form under her eyes. The butler handed her his handkerchief, but Flora refused to take it. The maid stood up from the seat and wiped her tears with her hands. The temperature of the room changed drastically.
"Hey," he said, "It's starting to get cold again."
"I'm sorry, Jakob." She sobbed, "Please forget we ever had this conversation."
"Flora? Hey!"
She ran out of the room before she could hear anything else.
[…]
[Many days afterward]
"Then we will act by force." Flora raised her arms, ordering the lancers to advance. "Felicia, Jakob… Please do not hate me for this."
Flora had experienced an unfair fate. Only a few days ago did she manage to escape back to the Ice Tribe. Her father showered her with unconditional love. The entire village celebrated. She explained dreadfully why her sister did not return with her. It was a good few days of uninterrupted, insincere happiness.
That facade of bliss taken away when she found herself facing off against her former friends. She almost always made rational decisions. She possessed impressive knowledge and memory when she was young. So, what went wrong?
"Incandescent Inferno!" Suddenly a loud yell came from the outside.
The soldiers turned around to see what happened. From where they stood, the Ice Tribe Warriors saw a large fireball summoned from a tall ridge. Time stood still for Flora.
Ten years could not change anything.
Just like when her family fell apart after mother's death, Felicia was tempted into darkness by Lord Corrin's "disappearance"
Just like when Kilma regretted not spending more time with his children, Flora wished she had spent a bit more time with Jakob.
And just like when the Nohrians first invaded, fire rained down from the skies.
Everything went full circle. History was always destined to repeat itself.
A/N: Thanks for reading!
According to the poll, we'll be seeing the OC lancers for the rest of the story. However, acknowledging the numerous votes against their inclusion, they will appear only very infrequently.
Not going to lie; writing Flora was difficult. It involved a lot more planning and pacing-control than I expected.
Reviews on how to improve are always welcome. If you like what you read, follow / favorite for updates.