So I'm thinking of taking off the Humor tag, Not because I want to make this story dark and severe. But because the reason I put the humor tag was that the fic is going to get pretty ridiculous later on. Although I'm not going out of my way to be funny, so yeah.
The Princess's Dragon Bride
Chapter 3: In The Kingdom of Ylisse
There was a deep pounding in her chest, anxiety and fear dancing around each other endlessly. Everything in her body demanded she turn back now and go back to bed.
Instead, she continued forward until she found herself before an ornate albeit abused door. Her fear making her look around the hall for guards or attendants.
She noticed a faint light coming through the door behind her. Perhaps the prince was still awake. A deep chill ran up her back as she recalled yesterday's initial encounter. She turned her back to the door and returned her gaze to her ornate obstacle.
With all the courage that is expected of the Koopa Princess, she knocked on the door.
Every second that passed felt like hours to her; perhaps she really should turn back.
Then the door opened, a sleepy and disheveled princess stood before her. The look on the other girl's face proved she was having difficulties processing the situation. Then after a good few seconds, there was finally light behind her eyes.
She stepped aside, letting her friend enter before closing the door behind her "Corrin, By Naga, the sun hasn't even risen yet." she fought down a yawn. But, continued, "Is there something on your mind?"
"Ah yes, well," she felt ridiculous, twiddling her fingers, "I was hoping that we could ... " it was far too early for this. Now she had dragged the other princess out of bed "well, when you said yesterday ..."
Lucina reached out and placed a hand on Corrin's shoulder. "Corrin, breathe."
"I ..." she took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and after a second, let it out in a puff. "I was hoping that perhaps you could show me around the city," she deflated and peeked up at Lucina, "t-today."
"Today?" Lucina blinked, "umm, sure."
Corrin's response was automatic as she started, "I'm so sorry, I understand and ..." then Lucina's words hit home "wait … sure?"
"Yeah," Lucina stretched, "you heard me right."
Corrin's eyes began to sparkle like twin rubies. "Truly?"
"Yes, Corrin," Lucina smiled at her, "just give me a moment to get ready, and I'll meet you at the Gazebo."
Corrin nodded her head eagerly. "Yes, yes, of course."
Lucina turned to walk back into her bed chambers, but before she left, she said. "You should probably get ready yourself," and with a playful smirk, added, "I don't think you want to go out there in your nightgown."
Heat rushed Corrin's cheeks. "Oh right," she had forgotten that in her excitement to see outside the castle, she didn't change her outfit. "I'll see you there."
"I'll see you there."
Lucina returned her quill to the inkwell. She'd rushed through the stack of papers at her left; annoyed and grumpy, she'd been caught on her attempted escape out to the training grounds.
"Did you even read those?" Marth looked up from his own stack as he watched his sister bolt out of her chair and dart out of the room. "I'll take that as a no," he rolled his eyes unamused with his sister's impatiens, "training really is all she cares about."
Lucina made sure to grab a few things from her room before she made her way to the training grounds. There she glanced around to make sure no one was following her. Then, after she made sure the coast was clear, she snuck out behind the weapon rack and into her secret getaway.
When she entered the gazebo, she found Corrin curled up on the stone bench, napping peacefully. She must have been waiting there for a while. How had no one been looking for her yet? She made sure to approach the sleeping princess as quietly as she could.
Her attempts were pointless; because, as she set foot on the gazebo's stone floor, the other princess began to stir. "Lucina?"
"Yes, it's me," Lucina smiled as she walked over to the stone bench, "sorry I took long. But, unfortunately, I got caught on my way out by Shulk and had to attend my studies." Corrin sat up, and Lucina took the spot beside her. "I hope you haven't been here for long."
"Hmmm," she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, "no, worries. I liked it here" she gave a quick yawn and stretched. "it was actually a really nice nap. best I've had in a while, actually."
Lucina found her honesty charming, "Aren't there any good places to nap back home?"
"Not really," she smiled back, "what with all the gold and lava and all."
"Lava?" Luci paled. "In a castle?" she tilted her head, completely confused as to why someone would have something so dangerous in their home, "is that even safe?"
"Surprisingly" at that, Corrin stood and stretched out her shoulders and back "it is."
Luci stood then too and, with a smile, added, "Well, I'm here now, would you like to go?" to that; Corrin only nodded excitedly.
The two walked through the undergrowth that had grown on what Lucina assumed was a path as there had been stairs leading down from their shelter. While cutting through the brush, she couldn't help but notice how thin it was. While she was sure it was older than her, it couldn't have been by much.
She and Corrin continued through the woods, but Corrin pointed out the scars on the trees. Thin scratches carved into the trees, and they almost seemed to be pointing to the next.
"Do you think they're markers?" Corrin finally asked
"It does seem that way" the two followed the marks from tree to tree and came upon the City wall after a moment. It was amazing that no one had ever noticed this path before. Something was unsettling about this, but at the same time, no one had ever broken into the castle yet. So as far as she knew, it was safe But, she would have to start carrying a sword around the castle, just in case.
When she turned her attention back to her companion, she couldn't help but smile as Corrin's eyes sparkled in awe. She couldn't help but swell with pride at that "welcome to Ylisstol," at that, two sparkling rubies looked back at her. She knew the questions before it was even asked. "Well, come on then," she held out her hand, and Corrin took it immediately, and the two started sprinting for market square.
Despite Lucina being the one who knew her way around, it seemed Corrin was the one leading the way. Dragging Lucina from one stall to another as she stared at all the merchant's wears. Luci would even toss a coin at any merchant who had something that caught the other princess's attention. Despite them insisting, the Princess and her friend could have as they pleased.
From sweet rolls to fresh apples, Corrin's fascination was scattered from one stall to another. Leading her friend to and fro as she followed the smell that came from nearby bread makers.
Despite losing complete control of the tour, Lucina couldn't help but chuckle and laugh at Corrin's childlike innocence.
The two eventually came upon a local bard hard at work. Corrin must have heard him playing from miles away as she had come rushing over and watched as he continued playing. She eventually started bouncing this way in time with his music, unintentionally drawing a crowd.
Luci watched as she leaned against a nearby wall. There was just something about Corrrin's cheer that seemed infectious. Lucina looked around the area and realized she recognized the place. She looked just to the left of Corrin and recognized the shop as one of the many blacksmiths she came to for repairs. So she stepped inside, making sure to keep a close eye on Corrin as she waited in the store.
Eventually, a young man with light brown hair and dressed in a simple purple tunic looked up from the forge and smiled at seeing a regular customer. He waved in greeting, and she gave one in return. She glanced back out the door for a second, watching Corrin dance again. "I'm not here for a new sword," he tilted his head to the side.
"I was actually thinking," she glanced back outside, "I wanted to surprise my friend with a gift as a memento. Do you think you could make a cute little accessory for her?"
The blacksmith looked thoughtful and, after a moment, nodded "yes," and he turned to face his forge. She then walked to the door and continued to watch Corrin for a bit longer.
Chrom downed another ale; his mind was drifting off every time he closed his eyes. In truth, he was trying to pay attention to the other king's anecdotes, but with the warm feeling of his gut and the tastes of alcohol on his tongue, he couldn't help it.
His mind recreated a fuzzy image of pure pale stone in a secluded guardian. And a silhouette sitting on the single stone bench. The book in their hands would be put down as he would enter the forgotten space. Soft honey gold would trap his gaze, and his guest would say something, something important. Although the memory was far too blurry to make out anything with value.
A rough and hardy laugh snapped him out of his daydream "you aren't sleeping already, are ya?"
Chrom frowned; a part of him really wanted to stay in those memories, whatever they were. However, the majority of his mind reminded him of what he was doing, "Sorry." He shook his head, "it just brings me back to when I was young, is all."
"Nostalgia, eh" Bowser chuckled slightly "well, I can't say I blame ya."
Chrom shook his head again and slammed his mug on the table "another round"
At that, Bowser roared, "you don't know when to quit, do ya."
"No," Chrom grinned. "I don't know the meaning of the word"
She wasn't sure how long it had been, although she was sure it had been a good while, as when she had taken her eyes off Corrin, the blacksmith was becoming her over with something placed on the table.
Luci peered down at the silver butterfly and smiled. There was so much intricate detail work she wasn't sure she had blanked out for a while, or perhaps the young man was that skilled a craftsman. She left a hefty bag of gold on the counter and walked out to find Corrin handing the bard the coin she was offered.
"I'm guessing you had your fill" Lucina smiled as Corrin plopped herself down on a nearby stack of bricks. To that, Corrin only nodded, a shy blush creeping over her face.
"Can we get something to eat?" her cheeks darkened. "I could use something to eat after all that."
Lucina laughed and offered Corrin a hand up. "I imagine you would be" after helping her to her feet, she began to lead the way, "come on."
The two made their way through winding paths until they came upon an inn close to the city wall. The sign was an intricate design of a butterfly with the words The Velvet Rest written on it. Corrin clung to Luci's arm as the two made their way inside. The inn wasn't crowded per se, but it was definitely busy.
The man at the bar looked the two over as they took a seat at the bar. His honey gold eyes scanned their attire, her tiara, and then stayed locked on her left eye. "What'll it be, ladies?"
Luci ignored his initial staring and was about to answer when Corrin spoke up first, "what do you have that's tasty?"
At that, the man laughed and shook his head "well, it depends what you're up for" he then got to work on something colorful and handed it off to someone nearby. "But if you don't have anything in mind, I'll pin you down for the house special."
Corrin gave the other person's drink one look and then to the bartender said, "and one of those too."
The barkeep looked amused. "They are pretty strong, are you sure?"
She nodded enthusiastically "yes, to both"
The barkeep nodded and looked to Lucina, and you
"I'll take a special, too, but" she decided to heed the barkeep's warning "and an ale."
He gave her a single node and called out to the person in the kitchen, "two house specials" he then handed Luci her ale before getting to work on Corrin's drink.
Luci had lost track of how many of those fruity drinks Corrin had downed. While she wasn't concerned at first as they had both finished dinner, she started to grow nervous since Corrin's posture got worse and worse.
The barkeep looked the two girls over, and with the most honest concern she had ever seen, said, "I ah …" he ran a hand through his pale hair, "think you're good."
Corrin pouted, but before she could argue, Luci decided he was right "come on, we should probably get home before they start looking for us."
At that, Corrin visibly deflated "fine." It pained her to see her friend so sad. "We'll be back again, I promise."
She brightened, hearing that. "Okay," she got up, and then it was clear that the barkeep had the right to cut her off.
Luci caught her before she could fall, and as a reaction to being cough, Corrin giggled and gave Luci a tight hug. Luci's cheeks burned as she scooped Corrin up. It was clear she wouldn't be able to walk home like this.
The barkeep reached under the desk and handed Luci something. "it'll keep her from getting a hangover." she took the bottle, and after a moment, he added, "I shouldn't have let it get that bad. consider it; an apology."
Luci only nodded at him and left the gold for everything they bought. The two walked out of the inn. That was when Lucina decided to carry Corrin on her back instead of in her arms just if they were attacked, and she needed access to her sword. Definitely not because the other princess had been cuddling her for the past few minutes, and it was distracting.
Luci began her long walk to the secret passageway in the forest when she heard a sleepy slur. "Luci?"
She did stop her march home "what's up, Corrin?"
She could feel the other girl's breath on her scalp. It was just as distracting as before. "Can we see the sunset?"
That made her stop in her tracks. "Huh?"
There was a regretful tone in her voice "I'm never allowed out of the castle. The view is so different from my towner." There was a deep sadness as she added, "I'm also not allowed to ride Summer close to sunset, so..." she took a deep breath. Luci felt a pang in her chest. "I just want to see it once."
"Alright," Luci took a deep breath, "I know a good spot just" she adjusted her hold on Corrin's legs. "hang on."
It hadn't taken long to get to the city wall. She had known that there were many better places to see the sunset, but with Corrin on her back, it's wasn't an easy trip. Once at the top, Luci led her to the wall closest to the castle. She sat her down on edge, sat beside her, and tossed an arm over her shoulders to hold her still.
The other princess leaned into Luci's presence. The two watched as the sky changed from bright blues to dark oranges as the sun vanished behind the valleys and forests of the Ylisse. There were tears in Corrin's eyes as she watched the colors change and then as the stars came out from their hiding places.
Luci had turned to Corrin mid-way through the sunset and was unable to look away after that. There was something about those deep red orbs that seem to capture her attention every time.
She was brought out of her thoughts when a faint light was cast over their shoulders, catching nicely on Corrin's pale hair.
She finally turned behind them to see the street lamps were now on, a reminder of how late it had been. She stood up then pulled Corrin away from the wall. "Come on," she began to help Corrin get back on her back. "We should be getting home."
She didn't receive any protests; all she got was a sleepy hum of approval.
She was almost sure that the other princess has at least napped a bit on their walk home and through the woods. When they arrived at the gazebo, her friend was at least slightly awake. She sat Corrin down on the bench. "How do you feel?"
All she got in response was a pained groan. Lucina then reached into her cloak and pulled out the bottle the barkeep had given her. She opened it, and after sniffing it, she decided to taste it herself, as it didn't smell dangerous. Unfortunately, the sharp, bitter taste that hit her tongue left her mouth-watering in a bad way. She winced and handed it to Corrin; whatever it was, it was strong but not poison. "Here, open up."
Corrin gave it a sniff and almost jumped away "what even is that?"
Luci shrugged "it's supposed to help with the headaches."
"What head-" she winced and placed a hand to her head, "oh those. headaches"
Corrin whimpered as she took the bottle into her hands; she took a quick swig and stood for a good five seconds. Luci tried hard not to laugh at her cute little display. It reminded Luci of how she and her brother would react upon being given their medicine as children.
She took the bottle away from Corrin as she was sure the other girl would have tossed it into the pond. Naga knows she used to bat the healers away whenever they tried to give her a second spoonful. "I think one's enough."
Corrin nodded, her face still slightly scrunched at the lingering flavor. "Come on, let's take you to your room."
Corrin stood but, after a moment, timidly asked, "can you carry me?" Luci was going to protest, but the girl's look was not unlike a puppy's pleading stare.
She sighed and turned her back to her, "once we get back in the castle, I'm not caring you through a hole."
At that, she got another tight hug "yay, thank you."
Luci made good on her promise; after the two made their way back into the training grounds, Lucina knelt down, and Corrin climbed on her back. She then started her long path to the other girl's room.
"This is fun," Corrin cheered from her back "we should do this again."
Luci rolled her eyes and, in a playful tone, said, "I'm not carrying you every time."
There was a curious note in Corrin's voice as she added, "Only when I get drunk."
"Yup," Luci supplied with a slight nod.
She could hear the smirk on Corrin's face. "I'll have to make it a habit then."
"Then you'll have to take your medicine" she couldn't keep the smile off her face.
"Nnnnyyyyyyyyyooooooo"
At that, they both laughed, until finally, they made it to Corrin's door. "Alright, the ride's over."
"Alright," Corrin sighed and climbed off.
"Oh, before I forget," Luci reached into her bag again, "I got you something, like a keepsake."
Corrin tilted her head as Lucina stood and held out the small accessory. If her eyes were sparkling before, they were damn right radiant now. "It's lovely." she looked back at Luci with awe and wonder, "Is this really for me?"
Lucina nodded, and Corrin hugged her again; it was a tight embrace that left Luci gasping for air when it was over. When her breath came back, and her wits returned, she looked up at Corrin, who had placed it in her hair just beside her hairband "well?"
Luci couldn't fight that infectious smile. "I'm glad you liked it."
Corrin suddenly became shy again. "I had a lovely time; I don't think I've ever had that much fun before."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Luci chucked at Corrin's sudden change of demeanor. "We should do this again."
Corrin beamed at the suggestion. "I would like that."
"then it's a date."
AN/ well, that was fun. I thought that maybe every two or so chapters of this story, I would upload another chapter of Symphony of Stardust. That is until I hit a wall. Welp, I hope you all enjoyed.
~ S. Rosey (5/11/21)