Chapter 6 - Who are Friends
The hallways of Krakenburg were cold and dim at night as Selena patrolled them. She held a lantern to illuminate the shadowy parts of the hallways between the infrequent sconces. The flame in the lantern danced as a cool gust blew through the hallway. Selena grimaced and brought the lantern closer at the blast of wind, when her eyes caught a strange movement in the shadows. Selena groaned. "Ugh. Beruka, you know you don't have to silently sneak up on me," Selena said.
Beruka emerged from the shadows with her standard neutral expression. "I wasn't trying to sneak up on you."
"Yeah, well, you can try harder to be more casual with me, then. Well, not when patrolling, but… So, is it time already?"
"You can check back with Lady Camilla now," Beruka said.
"Fine," Selena said, turning around and walking where Beruka had appeared from. "Oh, and nothing suspicious," she added.
"Okay," Beruka acknowledged, watching Selena leave.
"Oh, well, I saw Peri leaving the castle and... Laslow arriving later. So that happened, too."
"Okay," Beruka said again.
"Right. Well, I'll just report to Lady Camilla now. Bye." Selena resumed walking. As she walked, she couldn't help but observe the unwelcoming nature of the castle. She sighed. "It's like the empty hallways back home. Well, in the old world, at least. I… I guess the new past is a little warmer." Selena knew that Camilla wasn't in her chambers. She walked towards the nearby drawing room and saw the newly arrived maid scurrying out of the room with a tray of fallen and slightly dripping cups and a kettle.
"Ex-excuse me!" Felicia shouted as she ran past Selena.
Selena shook her head as she walked up to the drawing room entrance. An old knight was guarding the entrance. "Is this party number five or something?" Selena asked.
"The young master has been spending six hours each day, exercising, practicing technique, studying mathematics and survival skills, and learning tactics. I believe he's earned some respite," Gunter said, not moving from his post. "And I believe your master wanted this party more than mine."
"I wasn't trying to criticize… never mind." Selena rolled her eyes and walked past Gunter. Inside, she saw the youngest royal family prince, Leo, standing in the middle of the room, with an audience gathered around him. Camilla was amongst the audience, sitting on a couch before Leo. Selena quickly and quietly went around the couch to face Camilla. "Lady Camilla. I'm done with my patrol."
"Sweetie, hello," Camilla said, standing up to greet Selena. "You checked every room?"
"Yep! Nothing to report. Well, there was some movement with Lord Xander's retainers, but other than that, nothing unusual to report."
"Excellent. Why don't you stay a while and take a break? Leo is going to be giving us a performance in a moment."
"And Felicia will be bringing a new tray of tea soon," Camilla's younger brother added.
Selena glanced at him. He had arrived at the castle fairly recently. While Selena hadn't met him before, she had heard much about him from Camilla. He was sitting in the middle of the couch, next to Camilla's spot, smiling innocently at Selena. "Thank you, Lord Corrin. Very well, Lady Camilla. I wouldn't mind a cup of tea before I retire for the night."
"And I think Peri left some cookies before going!" the youngest princess said, sitting on the other side of the couch.
Behind Selena, Leo had opened the container and revealed a violin and a bow. He brought the violin up to his chin.
"Thank you, Lady Elise. Lord Corrin. Lady Camilla. I'll let you enjoy the performance, then," Selena said, bowing and backing away. She looked around and saw the tray of cookies on a table nearby. She decided to wait for the tea to arrive, hopefully in an unspilled condition.
"This first piece I just learned," Leo said, before securing the violin under his chin. He brought the bow to the strings and started with some high notes that echoed through the room, creating a sense of loneliness in a large empty world.
Selena leaned on a wall as she listened to the combination of somber low notes and shrill high notes. She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to create her own images to accompany the music. Her mind wandered to certain people in her past. She first remembered a certain recital with several kids around her age. The kids were laughing, and their parents were all gathered, smiles and admiration on their faces. Then, her mind moved forward in time to the image of a lonely, abandoned harp. Water started to gather behind Selena's closed eyelids.
The audience started clapping, indicating the end of the song. Selena opened her eyes and joined in the clapping. A person leaned on the wall next to her. "Brings you back, doesn't it?" Laslow asked.
"Our friend's violin is probably gathering dust right now," Selena said. "Just like other instruments…"
"Hah! I don't think Mother's best friend would allow that," a tall young man said, proudly walking up to the other two. "Divine Nature's Chorus wouldn't take to resting idly!"
Selena and Laslow exchanged puzzled glances. "Divine Nature's Chorus?" Laslow finally asked.
"Br… Our friend's violin, of course."
"Doesn't nature mean of this world, and divine means beyond this world? Odin, that name doesn't make sense!" Selena pointed out.
Odin smiled and shook his head. "Oh, Selena, if only you could comprehend the deep realms of consciousness that reside in this ocean," he said, tapping the side of his head.
"Hmph. An empty ocean, maybe," Selena grumbled, crossing her arms and turning her head to the side. She opened an eye and caught Laslow's foot tapping. She glanced around the room and saw that Leo was playing another, more festive song. "Why don't you dance?" Selena asked.
"Why, is this fair maiden asking me for a dance?" Laslow said, extending his hand to Selena.
Selena swatted the hand away. "Don't expect to see me dance with anyone."
A figure walked up to them, his towering presence casting a shadow on the three people. Selena turned around and saw the crown prince. He was wearing a purple shirt with a white jabot, and purple pants. He wasn't wearing his armor, but he still gave off an intimidating aura. "Have you finished your duties?" Xander asked.
"Prince Xander! It's underway, and Peri is on, uh, stage two, if you will. A horse was necessary," Laslow reported.
"So you said." Xander turned to Odin and Selena. "And you two?"
"Lady Camilla wanted me to take a break," Selena said, smiling. Selena caught Camilla's eye and waved. Camilla smiled before returning her attention to Leo's performance.
'I have fetched the most seraphic artifact of nature's blessing and have bestowed it upon Prince Leo, as requested."
Xander raised one eyebrow, then turned to Laslow.
"Uh, he got the violin," Laslow translated.
"Ah. Okay. Carry on."
"Right!" Selena and Odin ran off, away from Xander. Laslow also started moving, but Xander stopped him.
"A horse?"
"Yes, apparently the subject does not reside in the castle or the barracks."
Xander massaged his chin. "Interesting. Very well."
"Did you want me to follow up on Peri or anything else?"
"No, don't worry. The hour is late, and you can afford time to relax."
"Thank you, Prince Xander," Laslow replied. "I'll do just that."
"So are you going to dance, then?"
"Excuse me, Prince?" Laslow asked, taken off guard.
Xander pointed to Leo, who was still playing. "I heard you enjoy dancing. If you want, we can request Leo to play a different style. I know someone has been asking him to play a slow dance song." Xander's eyes glanced at Camilla briefly, before returning to Laslow.
Laslow was shifting his weight from foot to foot and acting uncharacteristically timid. "No, no, I'm okay. I don't… I'm not that good. I don't like dancing in front of other people."
Xander put his hand on Laslow's shoulder. "I don't want to pressure you, don't worry." Xander turned to leave. He took a step, then stopped suddenly and turned his head. "Though your feet seem to say they want to dance."
Laslow looked at his feet, which were still moving to the music. "Oh!" He looked back up and saw that Xander had joined his siblings around Leo.
"Violin, magic, strategy... Leo is such a genius," Corrin said, admiring Leo's skills.
An arm wrapped around Corrin's shoulder and pulled him into a side embrace. "Corrin, don't you underestimate yourself," Camilla said. "You are excellent with the harpsichord, and I just adore accompanying you with my voice. Though Elise can hit those soprano notes that I struggle with."
"Yeah, Corrin, we all have our talents!" Elise joined in. Her bright smile suddenly turned into a puzzled expression. "Well, except… what about Xander?"
"Don't underestimate Xander, dear Elise," Camilla said. "He has the power, he just refrains from using it."
"We're talking about music, right?" Corrin wanted to confirm.
"Mmm. He has the loveliest singing voice," Camilla said. She stood up from the sofa. "Why don't you show them, Xander?" she asked, walking around the sofa.
Corrin and Elise watched Camilla walk away and saw Xander standing behind them with his arms crossed. "Gah!" Elise shouted in surprise.
"Xander, is this true?" Corrin asked.
Xander stared silently at Corrin, then at Elise. His gaze made Elise shrink back after a moment. "Let's let Leo have his show," Xander finally replied.
Leo was taking a break from playing for a moment. He was leaning on an end table and drinking a cup of water. "All right, guys, a few more songs," he said, putting the cup down for a moment. "This next one will be-"
"Something happier!" Elise demanded. "You sound amazing, but we're celebrating Corrin here, before he has to leave!"
Leo gave Elise a glare for a moment, took a sip of water, then resumed speaking. "This next one will be something happier." He then lifted his cup up in the air and away from him so it wouldn't be knocked around, just as Elise jumped at him and hugged him.
"Thanks, Leo! I love you so much!" Elise said.
Leo rolled his eyes. "I was going to do this anyway," he muttered.
"Leo, look at her. Let her have this personal victory," Corrin said.
Leo gave Corrin an annoyed glare. "If she'd let go of me, maybe I could look at her," Leo pointed out.
"Nope!" Elise replied, still hugging Leo. "Not letting go. At least for another five seconds." Leo sighed, then relaxed in Elise's embrace. "Three… four… five." Elise finally released Leo. She looked up at him and gave him a big, bright smile. "Thanks, Leo!" she said again.
"You're welcome," Leo said. He then smirked. "I look forward to a portion of your dessert as compensation."
"Awww, Leoooo," Elise whined.
Corrin leaned back in the sofa and smiled at the interaction between his two younger siblings. A figure stepped in front of him, blocking his view and replacing it with one of a dark, corseted dress, filled by a familiar but still alluring figure. "Camilla, your jacket… aren't you cold?"
Camilla brushed her hair away from her eyes and winked. "We can make it warmer here. Corrin, how are you feeling?" she asked.
"Hmm, what do you mean? I'm fine," Corrin replied, confused.
Camilla leaned in closer, so that she was at eye-level with Corrin. "I mean your legs and body. Are you still sore from your training?"
Corrin's eyes wandered briefly at Camilla's change in posture, before locking onto Camilla's concerned but loving eyes. "Oh. Well, it's rigorous, but I'm pretty used to it. And I had some time to rest. Why?"
Camilla stood up straight again and extended her hand to Corrin. "Let's dance."
A light drizzle had started to form outside central Krakenburg. The drops were heavy enough to make a tapping noise on Peri's hood, before they slid off the sides of her cloak. Peri growled through her gritted teeth, annoyed at the loudness of the sound in her ears. The rain was slow and scattered, making her wonder if she should just remove her hood.
Peri was riding through a dirty part of town. Any charm of its cobblestoned roads were masked by the trash and random debris scattered throughout the ground. As Peri rode deeper into the town, towards the slums, the cobblestone disappeared and was replaced with a dirt path. The buildings that lined each side of the path were also lacking in charm or visual appeal. The addresses for each building were also difficult to see, save for one that had torches lighting up a sign above the door. "Here we go," Peri said, with some excitement that made her briefly forget about the miserable weather. She jumped off her horse and tied it to a nearby post, then walked up to the entrance and pushed the door open.
The room was filled with shady people. The bartender wiped a cup with a bored look on his face. Some people were sitting at tables and drinking. Card and dice games were being played at some other tables in the corner. There was a stage that probably held musicians or small theatrical performances at one time, but now only had two chairs on opposite sides, with a bucket next to each, for people to rest between rounds, before they were called up to beat each other for the audience's entertainment.
When Peri entered, all eyes turned to her. The gamblers stopped playing cards. The drinkers put their cups down for a moment. The bartender looked up from the cup he was cleaning.
Suddenly, a smile appeared on the bartender. "Peri! What brings you here today?" he said.
Others around the room also voiced their pleasant greetings. "Peri! Hi! We don't have a meeting today or anything, do we?"
"Aw, shucks, hey guys," Peri said, walking to the bar. I hope you've kept your unwarranted stabbings down since last meeting."
"Hah! So far, only righteous stabbings!"
"It's early in the week though, Dortmer, we'll see how you last."
"Shut up! Don't make me end the streak right now!"
Peri giggled. "They're still energetic at this time of night," she said, taking a seat at the bar.
"Well, an unscheduled meeting from our cute, little knife tempest always brings some fire into our spirits."
"Little! Why you…" Peri drew a dagger from within her cloak and planted it into the bar in front of the bartender.
The bartender chuckled, put the cup down, and leaned towards Peri. "So, how can I help you today?"
Peri quickly forgot about her brief outburst. "Did I get any messages dropped off with you?" Peri asked as she casually pulled her dagger out of the bar. She sheathed it again and looked back at the bartender. "I'm expecting a message."
"Oh! Well, no paper message, but Tabar over there mentioned you," the bartender said, gesturing to a short, dark-clad man sitting at a table. His head was noticeably resting on the table, and a few empty cups were around him. "He's been waiting for a few hours, for you, I guess."
"He's sleeping!" Peri exclaimed.
"Eheh, I suppose I should probably get those cups out of the way. Well, when he finishes up."
"Well, thanks. I'll give him a good waking, and make sure he tips you good!" Peri said, standing up. She walked up to the man and scratched her chin, wondering what to do. An idea came to her head, and she unsheathed her dagger again.
"Owwww!" Tabar shouted a moment later, having felt a sharp sting on his bottom. He looked around and saw Peri laughing behind him. "Peri!"
"Aaahaha!" Peri wasn't the only one laughing. A few others appreciated her humor as well.
After a few moments, Tabar cracked a smile and nodded in acceptance. "All right," he said. "I guess I'll be thankful you didn't poke any deeper, or in any other spots. I'll stay awake next time." He pushed the chair across from him with his foot. "Here, have a seat."
"Sure thing!" Peri said, plopping down onto the chair. "Oh, and here." She reached into her cloak and took two small pouches. One, she placed on the table in front of Tabar, while the other she kept in her hand.
Tabar opened the pouch and smiled. He reached his fingers into the pouch and took one small biscuit and popped it into his mouth. "Mmm. So much better than the hardtack." He closed the pouch again and placed it in his pocket.
"So, you had something for me, then? I hope it's good!"
Tabar took a paper from his pocket and unfolded it. He began reading. "So, before dusk, your man was coming back from a visit to the prison. But he got himself a companion there, a hulking, bald man. Probably taller than your Lord Prince Xander. Had the eye of a berserker. Well, and the rest of his body, too."
"Taller than Prince Xander! I bet his muscles and heart will just beat the blood out faster if I fill him with holes."
Tabar chuckled. "Hah, perhaps, Peri. But don't go doing anything rash. We don't want to lose our class host."
"Aw, you guys, you make me forget the anger," Peri said, waving her hand humbly. "Okay. Was there anything else? Did you get a name?"
"Of the berserker? No, but he's staying at that inn just the ways over there, with his host." Tabar pointed to something beyond the door. "They got around here pretty late, so they're resting. I'm guessing they're heading to Castle Krakenburg."
Peri closed her eyes and nodded in satisfaction. She extended her hand and dropped the other pouch in front of Tabar. The contents of the pouch made several clinking noises when it landed.
Tabar took the pouch and shook it near his ear. A smile appeared on his face as he estimated the contents of the pouch. "By the way, I never figured you for the spying sort," he said as he opened the pouch to take a look and confirm his estimate.
"Oh, you know Prince Xander. He's on top of everything."
Tabar's eyes wandered to some spot on the floor. "Hmm. Yeah, maybe the whole royal family." Tabar seemed to be thinking of something else. He shook his head, turned to Peri, and smiled. "Oh well. I'll see you at the next class?"
"See you at the next class!" Peri said, standing up and waving her fingers in her own type of departing wave. She pushed the door open and walked through, finding herself back on the dark and dirty road in the rain. "Hulking, bald, berserker eyed. And I'm not supposed to stab him…" Peri's shoulders drooped at the thought. Her eyes caught a sole torch farther down and on the other side of the road. The torch was lighting up a sign of a bed, with a name that Peri couldn't read with from her position. "Hmm. Well, maybe I can give him a little looksie." Peri put her hood back on and cheerfully hopped her way across the street.
A/N
Ugh, I'm such a procrastinator. And this chapter is still pretty short, in that it's still build-up. Sorry! I just wanted to explore more characters. And I'm building up more Camilla time, because when Corrin leaves, there'll probably be a lot less of that. I was intentionally vague about the passage of time, and what day this is, just so you know.
I could say I'll try to get another chapter out in one week, but my track record hasn't been very strong. Well, hopefully I'll get one out soon.
Temporal King, thank you for continuing to follow, and for your messages! I was working on this chapter when we last communicated, and then I went on vacation. And then after vacation, I lost some momentum. But I'm pretty sure without your encouragement, this chapter would've been a lot further in the future. And I'll try reaaaaally hard to get another chapter out… before August ends at least!
Darkchaser, thanks for reading! I ship a lot, but I do ship those two. But as I think I may have mentioned in the past to someone else or at least in this author's note, there's gonna be a period of time coming up reaaaally soon in the story where Camilla and Corrin are separated! So I'll try to get as much Camilla Corrin stuff until then.
SilverSpark, yaaaaah! Yep. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Mzr90, I agree, Kagero would be really cool. I want to explore Kagero's story more. And I have an idea for another Corrin/Kagero story. So many ideas to tackle… But thanks for reading!
Guest, thanks for reading! Yep, they're a good pair! I would like to explore the past, to show more reason why Camilla likes Corrin so much, because it's easy (and kinda cheating) to say that characters like each other, but difficult to show or explain why.
Guest, I know, we need more Corrin/Camilla representation! I almost feel like there haven't been that many Fates stories period. ...But then I've been away from for a while. Maybe I should give some of the recent updated stories a chance.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark… did I ever send you the message? Let me check… Oh, okay, I did. Though I'm guessing this next huge lull in updates, you might need another update? Oh well, thanks for reading and following! And I'll try to reduce the time between updates. ...Don't hold your breath though.
marcelopballon, thanks for reading! You know, I feel like I haven't seen any Elise x Corrin stories out there. I really appreciated Elise's part in the Birthright path, though I won't go into it because of reasons. Well, I also liked her part in the Revelations path, too. I don't quite remember her part in the Conquest path… but yeah. Thanks for reading!
Lucas Vern, I'm glad to see people are still reading this! I will have more substance in the next chapter! Ughhh, the characters really need to leave already so that there can be some action in the story.
Firehead, thank you for the comment! I will keep your criticism in mind, because I definitely don't want to just say, "and they loved each other. For reasons. The end." I want the characters to eaaaaarn their relationships. So I appreciate your criticism. I will definitely be making changes to the story.
Thank you, everyone, for reading and following and commenting! All of your comments really made me want to write more, and prioritize this story over my other ones. So keep it up! And I'll try to keep it up. Or rather, accelerate, because this 4 month pace might be a bit too slow to keep up.