And I'm back. Forgive me for the delay, some stuff happened and I just got stuck. But now it's time for me to get back and race to the finish time. –ArcanaHermit
Chapter Twenty-Two: Reflection (Corrin x Nyx)
"Hmm…let's see..." said the young looking mage, her eyes peeking into a simple leather pouch. The contents within however, was anything but. "Golden Wyvern Ears, Grounded Mineral Dust, Aged Herbs…I think this is everything."
Beside her, her taller husband patted her on the shoulder. "Do you think it will work?" He asked, smiling at her. "I did get all the right things for you, didn't I?"
"You did." Nyx said calmly as she took out the ingredients, putting them into a bowl filled with water and mixing it, the liquid turning into a dark purple. "If this doesn't work, then any fault will be my own."
Corrin sat back as she did her work, concocting a potion that will hopefully remove the curse she placed upon herself. After some reassurance from him that he will love her regardless of age or appearance, the duo has devoted some of their free time into finding ways to break the curse.
They tried everything: potent recipes, ancient rituals, even following the occasional shady rumor. So far, none of them have succeeded in removing her condition, much to Nyx's slight disappointment. If this didn't work, it would only be the likely outcome.
Chanting a few soft-words, the tips of her fingers shined a faint yellow light, the light transferred onto the bowl and faded. Nyx poured some of the still purple liquid onto a vial and put it to her lips, hesitating a bit.
Nyx could attest that these attempts weren't without some…mundane cost.
Nyx gulped down the vial, the liquid pouring down her throat. She immediately felt like gagging and showed quite the distasteful expression as she swallowed the whole thing. Corrin immediately went to comfort her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Between coughing Nyx managed to blurt out. "Not quite the worst concoction I've ever tasted. Probably the third of fourth worst." She said wryly. "I assumed that nothing has changed?"
"No…" He said dejectedly. Nyx let out a soft sigh.
"I suppose it's to be expected. At this point I might as well give up."
After cleaning up their workbench, they sat down and had some tea together. It was a regular routine for them after every attempt, mostly to wash out the bitter taste of potions. As they sipped their tea, Nyx let out another sigh.
"There's always another way." Corrin said, trying to improve her mood. He placed a hand on hers, giving her a smile.
Still, her frown remained. "Perhaps, but maybe this is just a fool's errand. I should just accept that this curse is permanent."
Corrin couldn't help but feel bad, not just at her plight, but also at her inability to help her. Sure, he could provide the necessary ingredients due to his status as a prince, but magic was never his forte. If only she could cheer her up…
The prince suddenly had an idea. He was going to save the gift for later, but now is the perfect time to show her.
"Hey Nyx, wait here alright?" He said before walking away, leaving Nyx slightly confused but waiting patiently.
It wasn't long before Corrin returned and handed the much older woman something wrapped with cloth, it was a fairly large square-like object. Not even bothering to ask what is inside, Nyx unwrapped the cloth and was stunned at what she saw.
It was a fairly ornate picture frame, carved from wood and painted to make it look like gold. But what surprised her was the picture itself. It was a painting of Corrin, and it was clear that the artist was nothing short of a master, as the picture captured him perfectly.
Beside Corrin was another woman, who stood just beneath Corrin, holding his hand. Long dark hair flowed down her robe, and she was smiling alongside him. There were several winkles on her face, but despite that she retained a certain youthfulness in her look. Nyx was speechless looking at the picture, and what it conveys.
"It took me a while to get it perfectly." Corrin said, smiling. "You should see the look on the artist's face when I said I showed her your face and told him I wanted her to look like an old lady."
"Corrin…" Nyx said. "I…don't know what to say."
"I know you might never get rid of your curse." Corrin said. "And frankly, I don't care. Even if you retain this form forever, I will always love you. This picture…represents what I see you as. Not as a child, but as the beautiful and wise woman that I fell in love with."
If Nyx wasn't blushing by that point, she definitely was blushing now. As she held on to the picture, her hands trembling ever so slightly, she gave a smile. "To think someone as old as me would find a youth with more wisdom."
Corrin chuckled. "Hey, in all other matters I defer to you. Strategy, magic, politics. It's only fair that I get to be the wise one in this situation."
Putting down the picture on the table, she stood up and embraced the prince tightly, which was returned by Corrin. Tears were forming on the corner of her eye, and she gave a slight sniffle. "For once in my long life, I feel as though I don't care about my curse…You seem to have that effect on me."
Any other words were lost as she buried herself onto Corrin's stomach, making him feel slightly awkward as the older woman's tears stained his shirt. Still, he wasn't about to say that out loud as he calmly brushed a hand down her raven hair, letting the emotions run their course.
Once all was said and done with, they found themselves sipping tea on the table once more, the picture placed on the side to be hanged later. There was no talking, merely the silent appreciation of each other's company.
"So…" Corrin finally spoke up. "What are your plans now?"
"I think I'll continue to pursue finding a cure." Nyx said calmly. "As touching as that gesture is, I'd like to be able to grow old and die alongside you. It wouldn't exactly be right if I live long enough to see my descendants."
Corrin nodded, silently agreeing with her. As both of them finished up their tea and cleaned up the table, they both shared a glance at the picture, smiling at the sight of it.
"Do you really think I'll look like that at that old age?" Nyx asked. "I doubt I'll look anything above an ugly crone."
"I'm sure of it. After all, you did always look young for your age." Corrin said jokingly, causing Nyx to sigh at her husband's poor attempt at humor.
Regardless of that, Corrin took the picture and hung it over a wall for all to see. Out of his sight, Nyx quietly gave a wide smile that she rarely gave, and only for one person.
For someone so young, her husband can be quite thoughtful after all.
And done. Hope you enjoy -ArcanaHermit