Keiji pledges himself to a new mistress and bids farewell to Flora.

Pledge

Windmire. The Nohrian heartland. A bustling city in the centre of a deep crater, circled by masses of fortress-like walls for protection. You never believed in your whole life that you'd venture this far into the belly of the beast. This is the capital of King Garon's brutal campaign for domination. Trekking across its length and breadth is staggering. This whole place is a sprawling urban maze.

You're resigned to follow Charlotte as to not lose your sense of direction. Her navigating every winding corner and gloomy avenue is impressive.

"She's most definitely a native of this city," you reflect.

If it weren't for her guidance you would've likely ended up missing hours ago, even with Camilla's sizable army marching up ahead.

Your travels have taken you through several vastly different districts. From bustling dirty slums not all that different to Bleakvale; to well-guarded cul-de-sacs ringed by opulent stately homes. The sorts of residences with front porches and servants quarters. The contrast between those who have and those who have not indeed remains striking.

Frowning, you consider what Charlotte said in Bleakvale a few days prior.

"We're not in sunny warm Hoshido. The trees aren't blossoming and the birds sure as hell aren't singing. Folk are poor, dirty 'n angry in hovels like these. They work? They eat. They fall sick? Most die."

"There's no middle ground here," you contemplate solemnly. Stopping to catch your breath, you flash a thin smile Flora's way. She walks over to you and leans against you for support. The lassie looks absolutely worn out from all of the walking. "How are you faring?"

"My feet hurt," tha maid answers with a sharp breath. "Fear not though, I can keep going just fine."

You shake your head, narrowing your eyes out of concern. "I'll carry you if you'd like?"

Flora averts her gaze amidst your offer, her cheeks reddening. "I-I'll be fine. Don't be concerned with my wellbeing, Keiji."

"It's not that simple," you counter, bringing your arms around Flora's middle and drawing her close. You cuddle her softly, for comfort. She nestles against you, contented within your embrace. "Your sister cares for you, Flora. As do I. I'd rather I do all I can to help."

Flora sighs exhaustedly, burying her face against your chest as though she'll lose you if she lets go. "I don't deserve you, really I don't," she utters, shuddering with empowered emotion. "Not after the horrible things I put you through. All of the lies..."

You frown, believing full-well Flora is being too harsh with herself. "You still blame yourself for our situation, I see."

"Yes, as I should. Because I got us both into this whole mess."

You kiss Flora's head. The girl shivers within your embrace. "Worry not about that, as I said before," you reassure her. "I promised to look after you, did I not?"

"Y-You did," Flora answers gently, rising her head and gazing at you caringly. "...Though I still don't feel deserving."

"Whether or not you deserve my care matters not; you'll have it all the same. Because you're important to me, Flora."

"Fine, fine," Flora sighs, Defeated. Her eyes quiver, watery with gloom. "But I still feel you deserve far better than this."

You swallow the quiet displeasure toward Flora's mood and give a small, weak smile.

"And even if I do, this is the path I chose, so I'll stick to it," you state resolutely. You force a stronger smile thereafter, more to comfort Flora than yourself. "Pray, think me not a victim in all of this. Honestly, I've few complaints now Camilla has guaranteed your safety."

"And suppose you regret this decision with time...?" Flora asks cautiously.

"Do you remember what I said to at your home, before we went to bed?"

Flora exhales shortly, forcing a glassy smile. "...We don't act with foresight, I know. Still, I worry you'll regret doing this for me..."

A possibility you've considered several times over. You still won't shy away. "Then the consequences are mine to bare if that becomes the case, not yours."

Flora kisses your cheek and breaks away from you without another word. Walking past Charlotte (and shooting the blonde a glare as she does) she continues on her way.

"The strong prey on the weak," you recall, having seen many more examples of such behavior while walking Windmire's streets. From merchant's charging sickening prices for even the barest of essentials, to ladies of the night flaunting their bodies in the name of earning meagre coin from voracious soldiers.

"Come over here!" Charlotte calls over to you, pausing so you can join her.

You do just that. Then you both continue on the way, deeper into the expanse of the city.

Charlotte thumps your arm and gives a quick, teasing wink. "How are you finding Windmire?" she asks.

You frown, letting your discontent show through. "She's really quite something..."

"Keep scowling 'n your face will stick that way," Charlotte snorts. "Lemme guess. Our fair capital doesn't appease those high-and-mighty Hoshidan morals of yours, does she?"

Where would you even begin? You could go on a tirade. Instead, you bite your tongue and keep going. You were told to expect violently stark contrasts in Nohr, yes. Though a brief glimpse at a border town did little to prepare you for Nohrian living at its fullest.

"You grew up here, right Charlotte?" you ask.

"Born and raised, yes." your blonde companion answers pridefully, puffing out her chest.

"How did you last...?" you question further, honestly surprised and disheartened both.

"Life was tough - especially in the poorhouses to the East of Krakenburg. If somebody hit me, I socked them twice as hard. Somebody stole; I'd steal back twice the loot. Drunks caused my old man trouble at the tavern he guarded; I kicked their arses good 'n proper. That's the Nohrian way of things."

You chuckle briefly at the answer you're given. "Foolish of me. I should have known you'd say something along those lines."

"Expecting something different, were you Keiji?"

"Honestly, no." You shake your head. "Although..."

You consider the aftermath to yours and Charlotte's romantic rendezvous at the inn the other day. You haven't dwelled upon it greatly during your travels, having been far more concerned with the latest leg of the journey. In hindsight however, Charlotte was very gentle when the flames of passion died down.

"You certainly held me tenderly for a Miss of such a brash demeanour," you tease. "Even the lassies of Hoshido don't latch on so hard."

Charlotte's freckled cheeks glow pink. She grumbles something under her breath, and then thumps you so hard that you stagger afterwards. "Shut it," she mutters grumpily. Snatching you by the arm, the blonde yanks you closer. She then hauls you along, and you tout a victorious smirk as you go. "Stick with me 'n quit falling outta line."

"As you command, Miss Charlotte," you answer teasingly. The rowdy, busty blonde has certainly helped bring some enjoyment to the grim advance toward Windmire's castle these passing few days. Whatever tasks await you within these brutal lands, you at least find gratitude in that much.

Another hour of traversing winding roads tires you out.

Thankfully, at the end of this particular wide street (dotted on both sides with more luxurious two-story homes) are the beginnings of a huge, artistically designed stone bridge. Faceless statues stand tall and imposingly as silent guardians at its foot. Up ahead commoners scatter at the sight of Camilla's incoming army.

You pause. A seemingly bottomless gorge spreads out beneath the bridge: a wide inky black mouth that threatens to swallow any who lose their footing and fall over the sides. Camilla's soldiers fan out into two organized lines and keep marching. Staying put, you snap nervously between the statues and the endless plunge beneath your feet. A nervy lump forms in your throat.

"Krakenburg Bridge," Charlotte informs you with a tap on the shoulder. Stalling next to you, she leans over the edge of the bridge's guardrail.

The mere sight of her doing as such makes your heart thunder. "Careful there, Miss Charlotte," you advise nervously, part of you wanting to pull her away from the looming blackness below.

"Heh! Don't worry about it!" the lassie assures you. She then brings out a well-worn gold coin from the pocket of her fur coat. "The royal family's last line of defence against invaders," she explains. "They say the hole beneath is miles deep. Watch this. Nothin' ever hits the bottom."

Charlotte flips and catches the coin a few times for good measure. Then she flicks it away with her thumb on the fourth go around. You stay focused on the single brownish dot amidst the endless murk, watching helplessly as it's swallowed. True to Charlotte's words, you never hear it clink below.

Seconds turn to minutes. Not a sound follows. You shiver fearfully.

"We threw people down here until just a few years ago," Charlotte reflects with an uneasy undertone, edging back from the guardrails. "These days, King Garon fancies the headsman. Messy, but it keeps rebellious sorts from getting ideas."

You swallow. Hard. "I shall keep that in mind." You push ahead in a bid to scrub the lady fighter's frightful demonstration from your thoughts.

Getting to the other side of Krakenburg Bridge brings you face-to-face with the opening to the mighty castle with its portcullis raised. Large branching archways span out to the eastern and western sides of you, again lined with the statues of fearsome Faceless. At the centre of these archways stand mighty keeps with further bleak stone fortifications - barracks. Spearmen and knights busy themselves with combat drills. All the while, burly and scantily clad men and women practice no-holds-barred fist fighting. Sparks fly. Swords clang against armor. And knuckles collide with flesh.

Those without wills to keep fighting are bludgeoned, beaten down without mercy.

The army comes to an abrupt halt with a clap from Camilla, snapping your attention away from the barbarity.

With a single "Dismissed," from their mistress, the hulking dozens of steel-clad warriors break ranks and funnel off to the keeps at either side of you. The rapturous clanking makes your ears ring for a while. Slowly but surely, their numbers thin out until just yourself, Charlotte; Flora; Camilla and Selena remain.

"Now then, Keiji," Camilla begins, swinging around to face you. "Come here please." She beckons you to her with an outstretched digit.

You do as asked and fall in at her side. Charlotte sticks close all the while.

"What would you have me do, Lady Camilla?" you ask with a bow.

"Why, re-affirm your earlier pledge, of course. Now, be a good boy and kneel."

Very well." You drop onto hand and knee as instructed.

Camilla holds her hand out. "And tell me, before we begin... What you saw at Redshire the other day, it resonated with you, did it not?"

You'd be lying if you said otherwise. "It did milady, and more than I could express with words."

"I expected as much, given what Flora told me of your past," Camilla says with a sigh, glancing Flora's way for an instant. "The world is cruel - to have seen fit to mistreat you so. A wrongdoing I will strive to correct: provided you continue proving diligent and trustworthy. Now, take my hand into yours."

You do just that.

"And again I, Camilla of Nohr, call upon you to pledge yourself anew," the princess decrees with authority. "First and foremost, do you desire to see this world change for the better; to see the innocents in towns like Bleakvale and Redshire treated kindly and with respect?"

You envision Father, though his silhouette is little more than a ghost in your memories these days. You remember him kissing your mother goodbye. Yes, he never returned - but for all the anger and hate you felt, you still followed in his footsteps. Now, you may finally have a chance to make a difference. While you do not entirely trust Camilla, a part of you longs to see a world where those from humble backgrounds are championed. Her quiet revolution (however idealistic it may be) has captured your intrigue. And your heart.

Therefore, you will pledge yourself to her cause gladly.

"I do, Milady Camilla," you answer the royal with diligence. You gaze into her eyes of glittering purple with fragile optimism. "I want with all of my heart to see those of humble birth treated kindly." Words from your heart. Born from a life of fire and conflict as a soldier.

"Very good, my dear Keiji," Camilla says approvingly, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Will you also surrender yourself to me in both body and soul?"

"I am yours, my lady."

"Will you fight my enemies, no matter who they are?"

"I will fight them to the death."

"And lastly, will you honor your promise to stand at my side in place of Corrin?"

You swallow hard as thoughts of Corrin flash through your mind.

"I will. And as I said, I but ask for Flora's safety in return."

"A promise I will honor, my dear, fear not. And finally," Camilla pauses, "Even if the hells of war separate us; do you swear to remain my loyal servant forevermore?"

"I swear it will be so."

"Very good, but know that if you turn on me, I shall never forgive you," warns Camilla. "Now, show your loyalty with a kiss to my hand, young swordsman."

Your lips touch against Camilla's smooth lotioned skin - your fate is sealed.

"Wonderful. I am a woman of my word. Flora will be returned to Hoshido during the next prisoner transfer. Now, rise to your feet, my devoted servant. Not as Keiji of Izami, but as Keiji of Windmire, my retainer. You are now a denizen of Nohr."

You do as you're instructed and stand - reborn. "Your will be done, my lady."

"Wonderful!" Camilla beams. "You will not regret this decision, I am sure." The princess pulls you into a crushing hug. There she keeps you, her arms wrapping your shoulders tightly. "You're going to need new clothes, and a nice hot bath," she follows adamantly, "but first." Camilla releases you, and looks now Flora. "Charlotte. Escort Flora inside, would you? Ensure she's bathed and provided a suitable room. I want her taken care of. Am I clear?"

"Perfectly clear," Charlotte answers with a nod. "She'll be looked after."

The buxom Nohrian and the tired maid depart thereafter, leaving you with Camilla and Selena.

You made the right decision. Flora is safe. Before long, she and Felicia will be together again. Charlotte's advice served you well. Perhaps strangest of all is that you don't feel much in the way of regrets. The very notion of turning from Hoshido filled you with conflict a few days ago. Now, you're surprisingly content.

"Those with power are the ones who will decide the outcome of this war," you resolve in a low tone.

"Indeed they will, Keiji," Camilla agrees with a nod. She leans close so she might whisper. "And I shall see to it that the balance of power shifts in due time."

"A day I'll look forward to, milady."

The purity and honesty of Hoshido denied you countless opportunities to make a difference in days past. One way or another, the conflict needs to end.

Not just for Nohr and Hoshido, but for the people. And the women you love.

Whatever the outcome, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you stand to achieve more by aiding Camilla than following Hoshido's ideals like Father did.

Camilla and Selena turn and make for Castle Krakenburg's gaping maw of an entryway. "Come now, Keiji," the princess implores.

You nod. "Right away, milady." Then you look into your open palms and ball them into fists. "I won't follow in your footsteps any longer, Father," you whisper. A promise fuelled by resentment. You won't throw your life away for naught but hollow fealty to Hoshido's banner.

You'll fight for what you believe in. Protecting Flora is proof enough of that.

Camilla's servants have lorded over you this past week. The princess also granted a gorgeous room in Castle Krakenburg's outer wing: a bedchamber filled to the brim with fine artwork and lavish decoration. Gold trim lines the velvet sheets of your four-poster bed. The maids likewise deliver three hearty meals for you seemingly like clockwork each day. Anything you request - from a bath drawn to a change of clothing - is provided at the drop of a hat.

Your new mistress imparted but one instruction in exchange for all of this kindness.

"You're forbidden to leave this room until my seamstress finishes preparing your new battle attire," you were told you sternly, but not before being swept into a hug first. "Now, be a good boy and stay right here. I'll send for you when everything is ready."

So, in this very room you've waited, with countless bottles of wine for company. So many in fact that they line the oaken dresser nearest to your bed.

Exhaling, you lean into the chair at the foot of your grand dining table. "I wonder when the mistress will call for me."

A lonesome knock on the door shatters your pondering. You stand from your comfy chair. "Do come in," you call out. "It's open."

The door squeaks open. Mindful of your visitor, you pour another cup of wine along with your refill.

"Keiji," Flora's voice brings you to an abrupt pause mid-pour. "I-I wanted to talk to you."

You set down the glasses and turn around.

Felicia's sister stands by the door, her palms held neatly in her lap. She's clean and freshly dressed, having been pampered in her time here.

You bow for flora. "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"This is my last chance to see you," the lassie explains, clutching a hand to her chest. "They send me off to the Hoshidans at sunrise."

"If that is the case, I'm glad you came." You raise your head. Then you reach for a glass from the table behind and knock back a half-full cup of wine. Satisfied, you put the glass back down. "That's all I wanted after all, for you to be safe."

Flora grabs the frills of the lovely royal purple dress in bunches, nervous beyond compare. "You will be alright, won't you?" she asks at an uneasy whisper.

Meeting Flora by the door, you sweep her into a gentle cuddle. Comfort for her fears. "I shall manage, I'm sure.

"See that you do, Keiji." The maid loops her arms around your middle. Pushing close to your chest, she squeezes you tightly. "To think you've gone this far for me," she reflects in a soft, pained voice. "You mean the world to Felicia and me, really you do." Flora looks into your eyes. Hers gleam with adoration.

"As do the two of you to me, rest assured." You place a hand behind Flora's head and gently caress her hair, smiling compassionately. "Which is why in part I made this decision. Whatever my feelings toward Nohr and Hoshido, what matters to me now is seeing you safely returned to Felicia's side."

Far more motivates your choice, too. A darker part of you. A side to you Flora will understand, given all she too has done.

"And what's more... I've never been fearless, Flora. I've always questioned myself; always wanted more than I've had. I'm selfish for a Hoshidan, and I accept that." A confession which feels as though a weight lifted off your shoulders, though laced with guilt and shame, all the same.

"Name one person who isn't, Keiji," Flora says in a bid to comfort you. "I'm no better. Honestly, I still wish Corrin went to the Ice Tribe Village and not you. For the longest time I hoped she'd join me. I knew how she felt for you... and I wanted her out of the way for that..."

Flora's revelation does little to anger you. If anything, it proves just how alike you and her truly are

"It doesn't matter now. You strove to remain loyal in the end," you say with heart. "You accept your true self. You don't grapple with yourself in that regard, unlike me."

"And just what do you truly desire by doing this, Keiji?" Flora brushes her fingertips against your cheek, smiling tearfully. "Please... tell me."

You sigh deeply, closing your eyes. Then, you revel in the deepest darkest depths of your soul, unchaining everything you've locked away over the years go free. "I want to stand over Father's grave having ended this war, knowing I became more of a man than he ever was." Speaking the truth at long last feels nice. "And I suppose Charlotte's a good lass too," you add with a faint smile.

"Do you feel better now, for letting it all out?" Flora asks.

"I do, yes. Thank you."

"Of course, think nothing of it. But I do I have one request of you in return... before I leave. And some news, also."

"Then please, speak your mind."

"O-Okay." Flora's cheeks glow red against the fleeting evening candlelight. "I still feel for you, Keiji, really I do. So, please, kiss me one more time, as you did in the village that night."

A request you'll gladly oblige. "But of course. Close your eyes."

Flora does as you ask and purses her lips. Leaning in, you press your mouth to hers. A gentle whimper of satisfaction leaves the maid as you tighten your hold over her. Two becoming one, you lose yourself to the moment and take heed of your slowly beating heart. Everything around you falling away, you treasure this single blissful instant.

Flora separates her lips from yours moments later with a gentle smack. You re-open your eyes to find her smiling; her cheeks flushed pink.

"Lovely," Flora whispers, her cool blue eyes quivering with feeling.

"I'm glad. Now, what if this news you had?" you ask, recalling its earlier mention.

"Yes, that." Flora sighs, closing her eyes. She breathes in and our shortly and then opens them again. There's a hint of saddness about her now. "...I bled yesterday, my period came..."

Dull pain grips your chest for a single, guilty instant. "...So that night-"

"No." Flora shakes her head. "...We didn't sire a child." Stepping back from you and folding her arms, she inhales and exhales dejectedly. "All the more reason I yearn to grab your hand and run..."

A part of you wants that too - an infinitely smaller and infinitely more selfish part than ever that which drew you to Camilla's side. Alas, you know it cannot be.

You smile sadly and shake your head. "Your place is with the Hoshidans, and with your sister."

"I know that, I do," Flora sighs. Unfolding her arms, she looks glumly at her shoes. "...I only hope Lady Corrin will forgive me when I tell her the truth of all this."

She will, you're sure of it. "...This is Her Ladyship you're talking about, you know she will."

Flora smiles tersely, clutching a hand to her chest. "...And what do I tell her with regards to you?"

"The exact truth - all of it," you answer flatly, devoid of hesitation.

"...That you turned your back on your people willingly...?" Flora locks eyes with you, the hand over her heart clutching harder. "There's no way Corrin will believe you did such a thing."

"And that is her choice," you resolve grimly. "But you and I will always know it true."

"But even so..." Flora closes the gap between you. Throwing her arms around your shoulders, she hugs you with all of the strength she has. "The little boy Felicia and I plucked from the lake all of those years ago would be beside himself with sadness if he could see all of this, wouldn't he?" A shallow sob leaves her.

You suppress a painful twinge in your chest and sigh deeply. "Indeed he would. So, I suppose we should be grateful he is long gone, shouldn't we?"

"You shouldn't say such things, you really shouldn't." Clinging to you for dear life, digs her fingers dig into your shoulders with a pitiful whimper. "And even so, she continues at a whisper. "I still love the man he grew into. Because he's far from perfect - because he struggles."

"You can't still mean that, surely not..." you protest, doing all you can to keep your feelings restrained.

"But I do, from the bottom of my heart. Because he's more real than any pretentious knight or aloof noble in my eyes."

You remain quiet - unable to speak. All you muster is a woeful smile.

"Say something, Keiji... please," pleads Flora. "I'm scared," she confesses meekly. The words catch in her throat as she continues, "I fear this choice will bring you nothing but unhappiness. How can you keep silent when you risk losing everything?"

That's where your childhood friend is wrong. Steeling yourself, you force a hopeful smile.

"But I don't risk losing everything," you tell Flora with strength. "For the first time in so many years now I feel content with a decision I've made. Because it's a decision I've made with my own two hands. I've protected you, and spared Felicia undue grief. Gods, I've even aided those in need," you add fondly. "That for me is enough; it's more than enough."

"Very noble of you," Flora remarks glumly, "but it doesn't mean I feel any less at fault for all of this."

"And what, dare I ask, will ease your guilt-ridden heart?"

"Make this foolhardy sacrifice of yours worth something: for your sake as well as mine. Promise me that you'll do all you can, however small, to bring this war to an end. Or, at the very least, make the lives of those suffering a little easier."

"You want me to follow Camilla's cause with redoubled effort, you mean?"

"I do, Keiji. For should her goals come to fruition, you and I may well be reunited."

"It's the only way we'll be reunited," you say sternly. "...Ryoma won't welcome me back with open arms once news of my choice reaches him. Although, I won't be alone at least. Charlotte is with me."

Flora hums somewhat coldly, her nails pressing into your shoulders. You wince internally. "You learned as much on your travels with that gold-digging cow, it seems."

"I did," you chuckle. "Though I wouldn't recommend you say such things about her."

"Because she's your bedmate now, isn't she?" Flora poses with resentment.

"No, not at all. Because she would likely beat you senseless if she overheard you."

"It wouldn't be the first time she's hit me," Flora mumbles, exhaling thinly. "Anyway..." She shakes off the bitter thought. "Will you do as I've asked?"

"I will. I shall endeavour to fight on. For all of us."

"In that case..." Flora touches a hand to your cheek and presses her mouth to yours. Parting her lips from yours shortly afterward, she gazes into you with compassion. "I'll leave you with this." She lets you go, stepping back. Turning around, she walks toward the door. "Stay safe. I won't forget what you've done for me."

The maid stalls in the doorway moments later, unwilling to go. She squeezes the frills of her knee-length purple dress in bunches, her hands trembling.

"What's the matter?" you ask, taking a step nearer out of concern.

Flora's reaches into her left-side dress pocket with a hesitant look about her. She takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I want you to have this." She produces a small wooden box with rose gold finish along its outside edges from her pocket. "But please, don't open it until a time when you are in dire need, alright?" she requests, setting the box down on your bedside table beside an empty wine bottle.

"Something for me? Flora, you need not give me gifts," you say kindly. "Whatever it is... keep it."

"I must refuse. I picked this for you and you alone. May it bring good fortune until we are side-by-side again. Farewell for now, my gallant hero." Without dwelling an instant longer, Flora steps through the doorway and pulls it closed with a bang.

You're left alone with weighty silence.

"Farewell Flora, I shall miss you," you utter, pain swelling in your chest. The two of you share a deep connection - a pair similar minds and conflicted hearts.

Sitting down on the bed's edge, you close your eyes and fall back against the mattress. Beyond Camilla's host, you have one less ally without Flora.

A decision you made of your own choosing. And whatever the outcomes -(be they good or ill) -you will stand by them.

Not as a Hoshidan or as a Nohrian, but for yourself.

To be concluded...

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