The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 17
Author's note: And here I am again. I apologies for the very long wait, one I didn't see coming. Looking back, I really should have made that extremely long chapter into 2 separate chapters since it has 2 distinct parts. Oh well, what is done is done. The game will officially start from the next chapter on. At long last, and I'm sure many of you were waiting that and that only. Rejoice then, for your waiting is close to being over ! Well, I say close but real life is treating me with time-consuming studies, so, no promise like it's done next month. As always, I have to thanks pt1oef for the beta-reading. Now, as always, review time !
Greyjedi449t : Glad you enjoy their moments together. I hope you enjoy the chapter !
Dustier7 : I'm partly worried that you might have been in danger and partly prideful that you like the story that much. Don't die on me !
kerrowe : Rejoice, for canon begin next chapter !
Rentozu : Yep, our favorite dimensional travelers are here ! As for the village, it is effectively a sign of things to come. Not telling more yet. Little Corrin will soon grow, so enjoy her cuteness as much as you like until then.
Spartastic 4 : I may need that spell once in while from future chapters onward. I'll try to be careful of the odd words, I'm still not completely used to english and may use an awkward word there and there without noticing. And I'm glad I ended up motivating you you.
Guest : Hahaha, thank you, to be honest I'm trying to stick to the canon depiction of Garon before he was replaced by a goo slime: a very doting father. Surprising isn't it ?
Imperial Warlord : Thanks !
Guest : Its not your memory, but its more due to the "Peri incident" than Corrin. And she will absolutely fight them later. Oh yeah, Peri need works, but Xander is on the work in question. I will not comment on Maid Peri. Nope. Camilla won't like it oh yes but more because it come from Lora than anything else. You don't remember wrong: Lora originally asked for the eldest at the end of the chapter. But there were off-screen negotiations and things ended-up a little differently. What happened exactly will be unveiled in due time.
Nihil Asara : Your review… Frankly confuse me. I wouldn't mind a PM to speak about it in detail, because I don't really understand what you mean by "evil empire" fic.
pt1oef – Thanks again for beta-reading. Maybe she will, maybe she won't, you'll see. Ah, not martial art exactly, but hand to hand is pretty important and of course taught. Lora is teaching Elise mostly self-defense for now because of the princess gift with magic, specifically healing magic. The only one Lora have discussed Lordran's magic in depth with are Leo and Garon. Godlike is really exaggerated. Yes, she is far above human strength, but also far from invincible, especially when not powered by the Flame. While Naruto is not really my thing, I can't help but think that she would be, on the contrary, a terrible ninja.
With all that said, I hope you'll enjoy the chapter, and don't hesitate to review !
Hoshido POV: Mikoto
Castle Shirasagi, heart of Hoshido, and home of the royal family carrying the divine bloodline of the Dawn Dragon was almost sparkling under the radiant sun. The blue rooftops of this magnificent edifice merged with the clear sky. This castle was perched on top of a small mountain above the capital as if it belonged to the heavens instead of the earth. Inside the royal castle, the throne room represented the glory of Hoshido: white banners with golden embroideries hanged above the decorated walls. Upon a platform, a throne of gold. Surrounded by a fan like ornament, white and gold lamphanging above. The Throne of Truth, A unique artifact of mysterious origin, assured Hoshido would always have a good king. For sitting on the throne forced truth, and only truth to come out of one's lips, and in the same way it was said the true nature of any who sat upon it would be revealed. However, it was empty now. No one had sat on the throne since the death of king Sumeragi.
On the stairs leading to the Throne of Truth, queen Mikoto of Hoshido was standing in her immaculate white dress on the platform, blue ribbons circling her waist in a knot. Her long black hair was perfectly arranged with her crown, a small diadem supporting a cross-shaped golden ornament attached at the back of her head. Her feature was serene, but there was an edge to them as she looked upon the lords of Hoshido. The lords were all sitting on the ground below the level of the queen and even more far away from the throne itself. Furthermore, those Hoshidan lords separated by their rank. The powerful land-owner daimyos, those whose family formed a clan ruling over part of Hoshido's territory, faced the queen, while the court nobles kuges were on the room's edges. All of them were upset, and Mikoto couldn't blame them. A few moments earlier, a very nervous messenger had come with the latest message sent from Nohr.
"This is unacceptable! How dare those barbarians even speak to us so!"
"Lord Toshishige. I understand your anger, but we must not let it cloud our judgment." Gently admonished queen Mikoto.
The bald daimyo lowered his head in shame of his outburst, leaving the long, deep scar where his left ear used to be in full view. A scar earned years ago, during the Battle of the Red Plains. Toshishige's land was at the Hoshido frontier, and had been the ones to be plundered at that time. His people had been suffering the most in those skirmishs against Nohr. Before queen Mikoto created the Heavenly Barrier, every year would pass with some kind of battle happening within his lands.
"I concur Lord Toshishige's words. Those baseless accusations are insults which we cannot allow to continue further, especially as grave as those. It is both a stain upon our honor and yours, regent queen." Added another daimyo with spite.
"Lord Hotomo is right. We have been far too generous with those western savages."
"We all know they are unworthy of trust!"
"They need a lesson, one they will never forget!"
"Just give me a week and I'll gather my samurais."
"A week? Three days are more than needed to enact retribution!"
The queen watched as many lords reclaimed vengeance for their honor, one after the other. About two dozen daimyos were struggling not to raise their voice too much, each and every one of them united in three things. Their pride, their loyalty to their clan and country… And their hatred of Nohr. The hatred was so deep and so ingrained in Hoshido that no one ever questioned it… Mikoto used a small instant of silence come before choosing her words carefully.
"Lords of Hoshido, I have heard your voices. While I share your indignation, to answer mere words with weapons is out of the question, no matter how misguided or treacherous they may be. By grace of the gods, we are knowing true peace for the first time in centuries. I shall not disrespect the boon they offered us, the Heavenly Barrier, with the blood of our people."
Queen Mikoto's declaration seemed to produce the desired effect as most of the bragging lords immediately ceased to talk, the rest stricken with hesitation. It was one thing to act on one's slighted honor. It was another to go against the will of the Heavens. Small chatters persisted for a moment until a delicate figure finally raised his voice, a young boy barely in age to sit among his peer daimyos.
"Lord Zenma, I dare not question the will of the gods, but honor demand we answer the Nohrians as warriors. To do otherwise would shame our ancestors and the blood spilled to protect these lands we rule. Do we truly have to endure their humiliation without any retaliation?"
The young lord's voice was frail, but it carried undeniable courage as he questioned the old monk standing near the throne's left. Mikoto tensed imperceptibly. With a single word from his position as head priest of the royal castle, lord Zenma could destroy all of her efforts to create a lasting peace. Despite wishing she could say Zenma was a steadfast ally, he had acted against her more than once in the past.
"By the grace of the gods our country is favored, but it is by our virtue our lands are flourishing, Lord Ashigara. The barren wastelands left by all but the malevolent spirits that are Nohr is the result of innumerable horrors they inflicted to their lands and themselves. To come to those cursed land, with baleful intents moreover… The honor you would reclaim does not match with the impurity of such action."
Prepared words and arguments slipped from Mikoto's mind with relief as Zenma concluded his speech. Despite their difference, it seemed the priest was seeing the current peace as precious enough to be defended, and his statement was now swaying the most warmongering lords.
Small coughing attracted the court's attention to the grey-green haired, middle-aged man standing among the closest to the throne, raising his glasses before speaking in a clear, articulate speech.
"I shall add to the declaration of lord Zenma that I cannot agree to reckless actions such as a punitive expedition. Those repeated missives seemed to be crafted specifically to appeal to the pride of Hoshido, with the subsequent goal of luring our army beyond the safety of the Heavenly Barrier and slaughter as many as they can."
"Really? Is Blood-Quill Yukimura frowning upon the prospect few death?"
Whispers erupted in the court as Lord Hotomo's words of mockery earned him a dispassionate gaze from the queen's tactician.
"I believe losing our army and leaving the country defenseless, open to menaces such as foreign mercenaries would not be the wish of king Sumeragi, lord Hotomo." Replied Yukimura.
The large daimyo turned pale, then even paler as queen Mikoto started to look at him directly, the full brunt of her disappointed eyes resting on him. All whispers and sound died, leaving only a crushing silence. Mikoto could see the sweat forming on the lord's forehead, small shivers agitating his ponytail as he seemingly realized his impudent affront would not be tolerated. Another instant passed before lord Hotomo knelt down, head upon the floor.
"Please, regent queen, accept the apology of this foolish man whose words exceeded his thoughts." Pleaded the daimyo.
Silence reigned for a moment, breathing held in the tension. Only after waiting long enough did Mikoto held her head high and nodded gracefully, giving forgiveness to the man who had just asked it. And with a gentle gesture, the queen signaled the end of the royal audience, prompting the gathered lords and officials to all bow deeply to the throne before leaving one by one. Some of the Hoshidan Lords were more reluctantly leaving than others. Lord Zenma was one of the last to leave, flashing a mysterious smile as he bowed down. Heavens know what Zenma goals were, but Mikoto was suspecting he was conscious of something: should they officially go to war against Nohr at this point, her hostage child would likely be executed. And no matter what, she would take vengeance not only against Nohr, but also those who led to that situation. The sound of footstep died. She was almost alone now. Only her retainer-Reina and the strategist-Yukimura were still there.
"Thank you for your support, Yukimura."
"Do not thank me. Maybe before, I would have taken the side of those asking for blood to be spilled, no matter where it came from… But it is not what the king would have wanted. I thank you for following his dream of peace, lady Mikoto."
Yukimura bowed and left, clenching his yellow notebook tightly. One that Mikoto knew was a gift of Sumeragi to the strategist when the latter was under the king's tutelage. Yukimura had been such a reckless young man in the past…
"Milady, time is fleeting."
The gentle voice of her retainer made the queen realize she drifted in thoughts again. Rising slowly to her feet, Mikoto looked upon the beautiful features of her dear Reina, marred by the cross-shaped scar she got from the duel against the Nohr queen during the peace negotiation. Standing up, Mikoto took the small pathway leaving the throne room and move to a more private place in the royal castle.
"You have been kind with lord Hotomo. With just a word you could have led him to seppuku."
"Lord Hotomo have three children of low ages, Reina."
The blue-haired retainer just smiled apologetically. Reina probably wondered how the lord would have agonized… Her unhealthy obsession with death would probably never subside, but Mikoto would not force her loyal friend to change.
"I am worried about Nohr. To send such missive repeatedly, with such insistence… If they wished to gain greater access to the country for their merchants, they could have done it in so many other ways. They must know we would never accept to make amend something we never did, no matter how long they try to maintain the lie… I cannot make sense of it."
"Do you think the nohrians might tell the truth?"
"I can't believe it. Even for revenge, there's simply no way, I can't believe single daimyo would have done such horrible acts. To raze entire villages, and not even leaving any children alive…. If it is true, the ninjas would have reported it. Such things couldn't have been done without the ninjas. No, there is no way. It can't be."
Reina didn't answer, allowing Mikoto to keep spilling what has been weighing on her.
"But rumors about the accusations spread to the people, who didn't need more reasons to be suspicious of the rare nohrians coming here. Earlier, I had a report of another aggression… The guards had to help a nohrian blacksmith to put his stall back after someone knocked it over."
"It's not your fault, milady. You couldn't have predicted some would abuse the Heavenly Barrier inhibiting the will to fight of norhians for such petty actions."
"Did I? The poor man couldn't even raise a hand to defend himself. And now he is leaving the capital, persuaded hoshidians will never accept his presence or craft… Sometimes I fear that the peace I brought will not last for long..."
Once more the queen tried to dispel her dark thoughts and changed the topic.
"Do you happen to know where Orochi might be? She usually attends my audience."
"Probably soothsaying in her chamber. She told me she "got it all wrong" earlier in the day before cloistering herself."
"Is that so." Whispered Mikoto.
"Milady?"
"It's nothing. Let's go hear how bad the weather will be tomorrow."
Reina laughed softly at the queen's words and they ascended the wooden stairs. If the Royal Diviner of castle Shirasagi was known for something, it was how her bad fortunes had an uncanny accuracy. While divination was widely believed to be imprecise at best and subject of many mockery, the bad fortunes Orochi predicted had always come true, a trait shared by her parents who occupied the post before. As a result, her family have been branded with an ominous reputation, and many still disapproved the decision of Mikoto to allow Orochi to perform as Royal Diviner.
A sudden air displacement. Before Mikoto could perceive the movement, a ninja was already kneeling in front of her, a red-haired man with a scar upon his missing right eye. Reina didn't draw her weapon. She recognized the person in front of her just like Mikoto did: Saizo, one of the Crown Prince of Hoshido's retainer and the fifth Saizo to serve the royal family of Hoshido.
"Lady Mikoto, lord Ryoma seek to speak with you. Do you accept to grant him audience?"
Mikoto nodded. The ninja bowed and vanished after taking a step back into a corner of obscurity. A small whistling came from Reina, who seemed to have kept track of the red-haired departure.
"Saizo really bettered himself since his return, although I wonder how he lost that eye. A shame he still refuses to spar against me."
Because you keep hurting those who do, thought Mikoto. However, she didn't voice it, as Reina was very much aware of that fact herself. It was as if she was an entirely different person with a weapon in hand, and it worsened since her return from Nohr.
Walking through the castle corridors, they walked into a clean tea room with a small table and a hot tea prepared upon it. Behind it was Ryoma, sitting in his white kimono covered with a red coat outlined with gold, his massive, flowing brown hairs descending down all the way to his waist, as long as the queen's own. Behind him was Saizo, kneeling at a respectable distance. Mikoto sat before the table, the prince serving hot tea in a small porcelain goblet while Reina sat at the same distance Saizo had from his own lord.
"Thank you for accepting to meet me so soon, lady Mikoto."
"I am glad to see you return from the countryside, Ryoma." Mikoto said, taking a sip from her goblet once Ryoma had served himself. "Were the gods kind in your journey?"
"They were. The usual flood from our southern mountains have been smaller than usual, and so we traveled unimpeded through the south."
The two sipped their tea together, slowly feeling the pleasant heat fill their body and the floral taste on their tongue, appreciating the silent serenity of the room. Ryoma waited until the queen's goblet was empty to speak, filling it again as he did so.
"The clans have all welcomed me into their castle, although some were more skeptical at first. I don't think they have any bad intention, but the present circumstance may have had them to fear they would be accused of spreading troubles. I suppose the matter of those nohrians' lies are still unresolved."
"The same answer will be sent as always. I'm sure they will stop once they understand whatever plot they weave won't come to fruition. Have you met up with your siblings yet?" Asked Mikoto, changing the conversation to something more pleasant.
"I did, just earlier. I have met Takumi working on the training field, using the Fujin Yumi… I'm proud. Even since I was chosen by the Rainjinto, my little brother had been restless to prove himself worthy."
Mikoto glanced instinctively to the white sheath of the katana before Ryoma. The divine blade, blessed with lightning, has always been the chosen weapon of the kings of Hoshido. No, rather, the blade always chooses the king of Hoshido as its wielder. The Fujin Yumi, on the other hand, was reputed to be more capricious, sometimes choosing the king, sometimes another member of the royal family.
To be able to manifest the bowstring of light of the legendary weapon, incredible skill, and strong will was nonetheless necessary. Mikoto was happy for the youngest son of Sumeragi to have found his own way. His overflowing joy when he shot his first arrow of light with it... However, this also reminded the Hoshidan queen a small part of her regret: the day Sumeragi choose to leave the Raijinto at the castle to visit Cheve… The nagging remorse she didn't insist for him to keep it even though it was supposed to just be a peaceful visit.
"Hinoka was flying above the capital and descended to meet me first. To see how much she has grown came as a shock to me. Where was the crybaby, shy little sister I remember still vividly? She is turning more and more into the spitting image of our mother…" Reminisced Ryoma. "I assume Sakura is in her room? She's the only one I haven't met yet."
"Your youngest sister may actually be in the kitchen."
"Really? Why?"
"She recently discovered a love for candy, and have been trying to ask for some from the cook. But she is so shy, I fear she might still be paralyzed in front of the kitchen's door, not daring to ask the candy she came for. I'm sure she will be overjoyed if you help her." Said Mikoto with a tender smile, imagining the little girl becoming as red as her hair when facing the situation.
The picture Mikoto painted of the situation made the prince of Hoshido smile. Ryoma, too, was becoming the striking image of someone, thought Mikoto as she took another sip of tea. He always had the same hair, the same jaw, the same eyes his father had, and now he was almost as tall and large. Of all of Sumeragi's four children, Ryoma had been the one who warmed up the most quickly, the one who eased his younger sister Hinoka into accepting a stranger taking the place of her dead mother Ikona, and the one to always support Mikoto in her duties as queen. And now she was firmly accepted as the step-mother of Sumeragi's children.
"Lady Mikoto, you are drinking from my goblet."
Mikoto stared at the cup when she noticed that she, indeed, was drinking from the prince's goblet and quickly put it down. Her absent-mindedness stroke again apparently.
"Forgive me, Ryoma. I was just lost in thought… thank you. The tea was delicious."
"I don't mind. I'll be seeing my sister myself before she flees in embarrassment." Replied the prince, giving his hand to help Mikoto stand up.
They separated thus, each followed by their retainer. Mikoto felt much better after this openhearted talk. Having Ryoma back was a joyful event, a lessened weight on what was sometimes a suffocating duty. That reminded her, she still had to look for Orochi. Mikoto had asked the diviner to look into the future for the next month like always, and yet she hadn't come yet. Was Orochi encountering some difficulties? Mikoto was starting to think Orochi completely failed her divination and was incapable to admit it, and decided to instead take a nap.
When Mikoto and Reina arrived at the door leading to the royal divination chamber, the queen was surprised to see the door was still closed. Unusual was a euphemism for such an occurrence. Orochi was many things, but hardworking wasn't exactly her strongest point. Has she been in the chamber all day? Rising her hand, Mikoto knocked at the door gently. No answer. With a concerned look, Reina placed herself in front of Mikoto and opened the door, hand on the short curved sword at her side… and intercepted a flying bowl that would have hit her on the head, thrown in anger by the woman inside the room.
"Break and fall into hell you stupid- Reina! Lady Mikoto!"
The queen shook her head as she entered the room, noticing the divination chamber was in absolute shamble. Burnt herbs and incenses impregnated the scene with an overpowering smell, divinatory cards dumped aside the table, and even some torn Kinshis feathers could be seen on top of jumbled books and calendars. And lastly, the bowl that has been thrown at the door so violently and caught by Reina. So much divinatory tools, all used and discarded.
"Please calm yourself, Orochi." Said Reina, approaching her fellow retainer.
"I can't! I must have done something wrong, and I must find what, and I..."
The small woman took a large inspiration and closed her eyes, trying to contain herself and arrange her black hairs back into a proper shape, gathering them into two large, flat buns locked with a golden comb and two long pin. When she finally opened her dark-pink eyes again, Orochi sighed loudly and looked at the mess she made, then the queen, a gloomy expression on her face. Mikoto was troubled now. She has never seen her friend like this. Never.
"What have you seen? Please tell me. Whatever you might predict, it is not set in stone."
"It is. It always is when I divine a bad thing, I know it. I used my cards, water, herbs, astrology. All of them gave me the exact same message. I want it to be wrong, I want it."
Orochi was almost shaking now, and Mikoto was starting to feel extremely uneasy…
"I saw your death."
Her blood turned to ice.
"I saw you dying, surrounded by ruins. I don't know why, how, or who will do it. But you'll die in the court of the castle, in less than a decade."
Stunned, Mikoto felt the strong arms of Reina prevent her fall, changing it int a sitting instead. She was going to die in less than ten years? Impossible. How? The Barrier was impossible to destroy. She used all the power he gave her, all the blood he sacrificed. Nothing short of a god could… No, no, no, he couldn't, it was impossible for him to be dead. He swore he would do anything to prevent it… Why? Why everything good in her life had to be taken away, one by one? Her kingdom, her people, her family, her sister, her love, her child?! Why? She did everything she could! Everything she did, she did it right! Why did the gods hate her so? Why it still came to this?
"Milady?"
The voice of her friend barely registered. Orochi must have misinterpreted her divination as she said. The day could be wrong, her interpretation flawed. Her prediction may have even been sabotaged. Or Mikoto could just leave the castle, take quarters into one of the small residences. If she wasn't present where she was meant to die, nothing would happen. She could leave the crown to Ryoma, push him to accept even though he still didn't think himself ready. Just leave, and wait…
Mikoto buried her face into her hands. She knew. She knew she would never forgive herself for that, never face a mirror or river stream ever again if she did run away…
The perspective of her own death wasn't what frightened Mikoto the most. No, it was what would come after. She linked the Heavenly Barrier to her own life to strengthen it, but it meant her death would spell its disappearance. Unless she did the impossible and truly forged a lasting peace with Nohr, the war would surely break out. And her child... Her dear beloved child… Would she ever meet her again before tragedy struck? His child… She was almost seeing Him again, his white hairs, his pained voice, red slit eyes full of love and pain. So much like their daughter. She almost wanted to scream his name. To disappear into tiny bubbles, to become a stream of water and let everything go. But it was the same as running away. She would never have any chance to see her daughter again, to see Corrin again smile, run and laugh. Another figure appeared to her, one with golden eyes and a demure expression…
Mikoto rubbed her face, barely noticing how it drenched her sleeves before she was given a handkerchief by Orochi. Using it to wipe the rest of her tears, the queen tried to smile to Reina, who sat by her side with concern written all over her face.
"I'm fine. I just need some time."
It took a bit of time before the queen found herself with a proper appearance, all traces of crying erased with makeup and some minor magic. It wasn't the first time she had help for it. How much of a mess she had been back when her daughter disappeared…
With a newly found facade smile, Mikoto moved through the castle with a precise destination in mind, leaving both Reina and Orochi behind. She didn't have the heart to talk about the prediction she just received anymore for the day, nor she wanted to reflect on it. And more than everything else, It was better for her to be alone to visit her niece.
The sun was setting as she traveled through the castle, ascending to the upper apartments of which her own belonged to. Close to them were more secluded rooms, and some of the only rooms guarded in permanence by soldiers and servants. And in one of those gilded cages lodged Azura, the kidnapped princess of Nohr, and the niece Mikoto previously thought she would never see again…
Unfortunately, even that has been muddled because Azura was seen as a princess of Nohr to Hoshidians. Azura had to be treated like a prisoner. Only in the depth of Mikoto's mind could she call her niece family, only silently could she find the features of her sister Arete in those of Azura. Despite this, Mikoto did everything in her power to make Azura's stay as comfortable as possible.
Arriving before the door, she knocked it gently twice, sending the ninja before the door away with a nod.
"Azura, can I enter?"
"… Yes."
Mikoto pushed the door to the side. Unlike most of the castle, chambers were kept fairly simple: a futon, one small table, and four narrow but high windows leaving the current twilight in full view. Azura was sitting at the table, apparently focused on her ongoing work of calligraphy.
The Hoshidan queen silently sat at a small distance, observing the slow, deliberate and graceful brushstrokes of the young princess. And when the brush was finally put back into the inkpot, Mikoto recognized what she had written. The name of a song.
"Lost in Thoughts All Alone… Oh, Azura. Have you not left your room today?"
"I'm fine, queen Mikoto. I haven't been disturbed today."
No, you aren't fine, you are bottling everything, wanted to say Mikoto. Arete did the exact same thing when she heard the news of her husband death, back in their true kingdom. And just like Arete, the princess found comfort in what she knew best: her dance and her song… How much Mikoto's heart wept when she learned of Arete's death by the very words of Azura, her hope of seeing her sister again crushed the very moment it has been rekindled.
"Dinner time is almost upon us. Why don't you come down and eat with others? Ryoma came back, and I'm sure he will be happy to see you."
"Why? To still be a replacement for their lost sister? They look happy to see me because you asked them to."
The brutality of those words was as a punch, but Mikoto managed to deflect her own feelings, understood very well that it was pain which pushed her niece to speak in such unfriendly manner.
"Azura, even if I have asked them to consider you a member of their family, it doesn't mean they are not trying to get closer to you." Corrected the Hoshidan queen delicately. "Please, I'm sure I can do something for you. Isn't there something that could make you happy?"
The princess stayed silent for a moment, her golden eyes lowered on her work. Then Azura raised them, and within was a vulnerability, a tiny crack on the stoic mask the young girl has been wearing since the day of her arrival.
"Why can't I go home? Why don't you let me go back?"
It hurt, it hurt so much to hear those words. When the messenger carrying the agreement lord Zenma managed to negotiate and waited Mikoto to review, she had been devastated to hear that Reina hadn't succeeded to either meet nor rescue Corrin through the accord. She almost sent a peremptory message asking to re-negotiate, as long and as many time as necessary to take her daughter back, whatever the cost.
Unwillingly at the same time, Mikoto's heart wavered. She hesitated at the thought of surely abandoning her found again niece in exchange, the warmongering faction among the daimyos was gaining more and more influence, her own supporters was thinning down in number at the same time. The peace she had quite literally in her very hand could have been lost forever as she hesitated to no end. And so she had sealed the parchment with her own hand, her heart torn in two. Looking at Azura, waiting with hopeless watery eyes at her for the one thing Mikoto was unable to do… She embraced Azura into a tight hug, speaking at the same time.
"Forgive me, Azura, for not being able to grant you this, and this alone… One day, you will understand everything, I promise. So please, don't cry."
An instant later, the princess returned the hug to her relief, and Mikoto stroke the long blue hair affectionately. They should have had this conversation much sooner, but she didn't want to pressure Azura. Despite Azura's apparent maturity and stoicism, she was still so young. They separated soon after, Azura already switched back to her usual demeanor.
"I'm sorry for my words earlier, queen Mikoto."
"Don't be, child. Why don't you accompany me now? It's dinner time already."
"Yes. I'm coming." Acknowledged Azura, fidgeting with something on her right hand.
The golden shine made the Hoshido queen realize what it was. The strange ring from Nohr. Just looking at it, Mikoto was conflicted. On one hand, it belonged originally to the queen of Nohr, the monster who killed so many Hoshidians, kidnapped her daughter and refused to give her back… but on the other side, Mikoto couldn't deny how useful of a magical trinket it was. A ring healing it's bearer and whose power never ran out. Orochi nearly had a stroke when examining it, and no hoshidian mage had been able to create something even remotely close in potency.
Azura valued the ring far too much. She had hidden it during her kidnapping by keeping it into her mouth, and she only accepted to give it to Reina because she wanted to show the queen of Nohr she was well. So when Reina came back, Mikoto didn't take it away, taking consolation in the princess still valuing the pendant of Arete above all else.
"Queen Mikoto?"
Mikoto shook her head, realizing she lost contact with the world around her again. She decided not to think of the past and the future. Just the present was enough for tonight.
Nohr POV: Lora
Lora observed the preparations taking place among the court sorcerers with growing anticipation, the low chanting of incantations combined with strict inspections of the protective wards. This ceremony was of the utmost importance, but unlike most, it was one planned in what was nearly complete secrecy. No noisy noble, no falsely interested maiden, no servant running around. The only ones present were the king, the princes, the princesses and herself. At the center of this dark room, one of the many belonging to the cabal of dark mages serving Nohr royal family, an altar was set. What rested on that altar was a purple tome embellished with black decorations, a single white gemstone embedded into the front cover. The second sacred weapon of Nohr after the divine sword Siegfried, one the king never wielded: the Tome of Life, Brynhildr.
According to what Garon told to her, he never inherited the abilities necessary to use the divine tome, and he kept it away in this secured room. Not only Garon lacked the magical strength, but the tome required much more than mere strength, a mastery of the arcane not many possessed even among the royal family, so Garon waited, hoping for one of his children to show enough potential, and that children finally revealed himself as Leo, thought the queen as she observed the blond prince.
An intense focus replaced his usual dispassionate face, Leo's eyes entirely turned toward the precious book, and Lora was confident in his success: the prince was gifted and cultivated his gifts with relentless efforts. Learning new magic and refining his mastery over them each and every day. So much so that Xander intensified his own efforts in response as to not fail in his role of model brother.
The last of the protective spells around the tome was finally deconstructed, the sorcerers quickly gathering next to the walls with expecting eyes. Leo made half a step forward, apparently hesitating before the solemnity of this instant. The rest of his walk toward the altar was resolute, devoid of the small doubt his misstep betrayed, each step echoing like a beat of a drum. Stopping in front of the altar, the blond prince extended his hand toward the tome. Slowly, almost reverently so, Leo opened it.
"Honored god of all things that exist, the incantation of gravity, release your spell now, and become my power."
A muffled tremor started as soon as the prince finished his incantation. A piercing light glimmered from the embedded gem. The ground suddenly hissed and cracked, fragments of stone rising and floating. Leo was holding the book still, eyes closed as more and more fissures appeared all around on the ground. Pure magic, swirling and humming among the tremors, almost as much of a taste as it was a sound. The prince passed a hand upon the tome, light flowing through to his palm, before pointing the altar. And with a sonorous thunderclap, the altar was crushed into dust, leaving a large crater in its place. The debris fell down and the ground stopped shaking, leaving only a solemn silence soon ruptured by the king's proclamation.
"You have proven yourself worthy. The Brynhildr is now yours, my son."
It didn't take much time before Leo was surrounded by his siblings, each one congratulating him in some manner before they left the ritual chamber, leaving just Lora and the king inside as the sorcerers were cleaning the shattered remnant of the altar.
Sensing with her soul instead of eyes, Lora wasn't surprised to still feel remnants of the spell that have been used just before. Yet it wasn't as if the tome itself seemed to contain much magic, not like the Siegfried did.
"A catalyst." She concluded aloud.
"Indeed. Its fundamental principle is not different from an average tome or staff." Confirmed Garon, offering his hand gallantly. "But unlike any other, it doesn't need to be charged beforehand. The Brynhildr instead gather magic from its surrounding, including the earth itself, to power its user's spells. Incidentally, it also means spells are useless against a skilled wielder, as their power is drained as well. The source of this knowledge is king Jorden, my father, who was the previous wielder. He actually favored it over the Siegfried."
Nodding as she absorbed the information, Lora's thought came back to Leo, who she supposed went back to the royal library to start studying his sacred weapon. If there was a time to start to deliver on her promise… It has been very long since he asked about Lordran magic, yet she doubted he would ever forget her promise to teach until she acted on it. The council was only to gather at dusk, she still had plenty of time to speak to him. Maybe she could use the occasion to have a deeper conversation with each of the royal children, it has been long since the last time she took such time.
"May I leave the daily matters to you, my king? I have many things to discuss with your children, and prince Leo in particular."
"As you wish, my queen."
Lora almost sighed, lips curving up slightly despite herself. Her husband had been stoic as always, but his eyes told her exactly what he was thinking: "This council is no daily matter, as much as you would like to avoid it." Garon kissed her hand before they separated at the corridor's junction, the usual blanket of servants and soldiers swarming once they came out of the sorcerer's wing. The library was rather close, and upon entering it she moved right to it's deeper part, where the prince usually studied. And indeed the prince was here, at the extremity of a shelf, in such a deep focus he surprisingly didn't her approach. On the other hand, someone else did.
"Come out, thief. I see you clearly."
The retainer of Leo came from the shadows of a candelabra after a brief instant, dusting his torn cape before bending the knees.
"Your majesty. Have you come to speak to lord Leo?"
Niles's tone was stiff and cautious, ever so slightly eyeing her with his only eyeball despite having his head low. There were no traces of armor upon his person, only a well-adjusted leather shirt pants of grey and dark color, completed with solid boots high to the knee. At his belt were a bunch of keys she recognized as skeleton keys, though of another quality altogether than those she possessed from Lordran.
"I do. But there are words I must have with you."
"… Do you? What could I have done to deserve such heated gaze…"
"You have been inquiring about my past. And it does not please me."
That instantly shut him up, his posture hardening as his hands almost imperceptibly moved to what was likely a side weapon to the small bow in his back. Lora doubted Niles would make a hostile move. Merely the instinct of a cornered rat suddenly facing the light of a torch.
"I order you to cease your investigation at once. There are undoubtedly more important matters to the prince's sake, and this one will never yield any answers you might seek. Do you understand, thief?"
"…Well, if her majesty wishes to step on my…"
"Do not thin my goodwill with more double-meaning, thief." Cut Lora instantly, having heard enough about the man to understand each phrasing was on purpose.
"Right. I apologize, your majesty." Rectified Niles, hiding a scowl by lowering his head.
"Good. If what I heard about you is true, I would be disappointed to end your service to Leo so soon."
The queen then turned around and made her way to the prince, who was seemingly focusing still on the sacred tome inscriptions. In truth, Lora was surprised by the efficiency and speed by which the thief had been making his way into the royal palace's web. However, she could not allow Niles to keep going on that way. It was a dead end as only herself and the king knew about her true past, and moreover, she didn't need a snoop to ferret everywhere around her. There were already enough of those in the court, and having one more would only irritate her further. Chasing the thoughts away, the queen approached close enough for Leo to notice her presence and raise his head, of confusion quickly passing through his traits.
"Queen Lora? Forgive my surprise, I thought you would be at the court."
"Today's matters are of little importance compared to what you accomplished, prince Leo. Obtaining the Brynhildr proved your skills beyond doubt, and I feel it would only be just to reward it appropriately."
The prince's eyes briefly widened before once more returning to a stoic mask.
"Thanks for the congratulation, but I don't think I would be the best person to receive something from you."
Surprised by his rebuttal, Lora studied the blond boy's expression. There was something about his attitude, something she barely felt but was coming out of the armored shell the prince had created around himself, and it was strongly irking her.
"I was not aware you were the one to decide such things, prince Leo. Or is there something you would rather tell me?"
"Please, I'm aware of your preference. I was the lesser of the two from the start, and since I choose the way of magic it became painfully obvious how little I mattered."
The realization suddenly dawned on the queen as the prince's acidic words. Why he had insisted so much to be tested for the Brynhildr, why he had started to neglect more and more the way of swordsmanship beyond what was strictly necessary. She has believed the distance has come from the prince's decision to find his worth alone. However, it was now obvious Leo was trying to drag himself out of what he perceived to be the inescapable shadow of his older brother. As a result, Lora realized with an acute feeling of failure, she was equally at fault in that regard: her own disregard of magic beyond what she had been able to master without devoting herself to the art rendered her unable to truly support the younger prince in comparison to his siblings.
"I'm sorry majesty, I lost my head at the moment. Please, forget about my words." Quickly apologized Leo, already moving to take the sacred tome and go away from her.
"Wait." Said the queen.
"Queen Lora…"
"No, Leo, you will listen to me.'' Interrupted Lora with an imperious, final tone that made the prince stop his escape abruptly. She locked gaze with him, forcing him into listening as she searched the right words to express herself. ''I… now realize I have wronged you… Unknowingly, but I did nonetheless. I know this alone will not suffice, but I hope this gift…"
Closing her eyelids, Lora dived deep into her Soul. Into the Fire of her existence, in search of one specific weapon. One she never truly used herself, only taking and keeping it with the never-ending greed of the undead. A weapon perfect for the prince. There. That was it. With a pull she extracted it from the flames, opening her eyes at it materialized. Now in her hand rested a dagger with cross-shaped guard, the handle, guard and blade fitted with aquamarine crystals.
''… Will make you understand I do not think any less of you than I do about your brother."
The aquamarines gleamed as blue-white crystals came into existence above the guard, extending the blade to the length of a straight sword of pure crystalline magic. The prince's lips closed, his eyes alternating between the shining weapon and her own gaze. Then he reached with his hand, with a small hesitation. Maybe the very same doubts he have shown before the Brynhildr. Opening her palm Lora allowed him to grab the handle. And in that instant the prince froze, feeling her magic on the dagger. Slowly the queen stopped to supply the weapon with power. The crystal shine faded, vanishing into the air as the libraries penumbra took hold again. Until in a flash, the blue-white light came back, the blade humming to life again. Rising the luminous sword in his hand alone, Leo did a small, quick slash in the air once, then twice. At the third the crystal blade disappeared, then came back as the prince focus renewed.
"You are adapting quickly." Said Lora with approval. "How does it feel?"
"… It's different. Much lighter than a Levin Sword."
"Unlike it, it is not meant to attack from afar. Think of it as a complement to the Brynhildr, when the enemy manages to close the distance."
The prince nodded, accepting the small sheath Lora handed to put the weapon in.
"As I said, I understand now that I have not given you proper time and care as I did for your older siblings… Do you remember when you asked me about Lordran magic?"
"I do." Nodded Leo before a spark of interest ignited in his eyes. "Do you mean… You think me ready?"
"Yes. Even though it is much later than it should have, from now on I shall impart you everything of it."
The queen felt a hint of nostalgia at the prince's expression. Even if he was older now, it was the exact same figure he had shown when they first discussed about her magic. This intense and subdued desire to learn, to know. Yet, there was something else. Doubt.
"Queen Lora, I have to ask. Why only me? Why not my elder brother or sister?… Why not Corrin?"
This question… surprised her. Lora pondered it for an instant. It was true. Why not? Camilla especially seemed to have little difficulty learning magic. On another side, Lora never thought about teaching magic to Corrin… and she never intended to give the secrets of her magic to any mere sorcerer. She had already refused in the past… when the court mages approached… when she was only arm master. Not even to Garon, although he never asked for it… Lora almost sighed. After so long living in Nohr, she still hung to her past like a rusty anchor.
"Because you are the most talented among your siblings."
It was her conviction, even back then. Never before had she seen a human, so young, with such gift for magic. With more time and experience, she was convinced he would reach the power of the masters of old Lordran, perhaps even that of a Lord with the help of the Brynhildr.
"You… do think so?" Asked the prince with a small voice.
"I do." Confirmed Lora, nodding as her eyes glided to the sacred tome on the study. "Now then. Will we start now, or would you rather focus on the Brynhildr for the time being? The choice is yours, prince Leo."
It only took a brief instant for the blond boy to take a decision.
"Let's start now."
"Good." Smiled Lora, producing a small scroll in her hand. "Let us start by the simplest spell: the soul arrow..."
It took longer than the queen expected to truly start, if only because there was one little detail she had forgotten: the writing of Lordran was not the same as the one of Nohr at all. And so she had to make it a lesson of language, with only the prince's great intellect quickening the slow process. To have Leo's ability to learn by himself hampered was out of the question, and so they went on each letter, each word and each sign.
"This will be all for today." Decided Lora after a while. "I leave the scroll to you. I will check on your progress, but do not hesitate to come sooner should you be ready to advance to the next step."
"Thank you, queen Lora. I look forward to our next session." Answered Leo with a genuine smile.
Lora stood up and started to walk outside the library. It was good progress indeed. Her good mood persisted until she heard odd footsteps. Decided, overly decided even, as if the one approaching wanted to announce his presence all around… And surely, what came around the corner of the corridor was none other than one of the mysterious foreigners. More specifically, the so-called Odin "Dark", who immediately stopped his movement and bowed at her sight.
"Your majesty, what a pleasant surprise to see you thus, as I come to my lord victorious in the endeavor he entrusted me with!"
"What mission did prince Leo gave you this time, Odin Dark? To retrieve some object?" Asked the queen, feeling it was once again a ridiculous undertaking anyone sane would have at least objected to.
"Of course, majesty! From the darkest depth of the castle, near the agonizing abysses of its suffering-filled gaol, I extracted it with the grip of my spell hand! A famous lodestone, imbued with the essence of darkness!"
And finishing his proud tirade the blond retainer bowed exaggeratedly, revealing in sleight of hand a malformed, crude pitch-black gem. A single glance confirmed that he didn't lie: the stone did exude a strange aura, weak but noticeable as small metal scraps were glued to it. Despite staying impassible, Lora was actually impressed by the resilience of that young man in front of her, carrying on tasks that were obviously destined to make him leave in frustration, and moreover with success. Even if Leo was fiercely against keeping the imposed retainer, he would likely accept if such a streak of success was to continue.
"Alas I now stand before the precipice of infamy, as milord has wandered beyond the scope of my piercing gaze! Your majesty, would you become the ray of light piercing the depth where I find myself lost?"
"The prince is in the royal library." Replied Lora, who as always found herself unable to interrupt the rather flowery mage.
One would think such an attitude would wear her nerves quickly, but there was something she found strangely endearing in it. A memory of drinks shared, of an overenthusiastic knight wearing an onion-shaped armor… Yes, it was close to the same attitude. Despite her feeling that it was more an act than real belief, it was certainly no mockery, and she would not fault the retainer for it.
"I knew you would never let me down! Thank you, your majesty! Whatever could I do to reimburse the debts I keep contracting toward you? Please, ask anything, I, Odin Dark, will accomplish it!"
The queen was tempted to ask him the truth about his past, here and now. But she knew the question would either be deflected or postponed, like the other two, Selena and Laslow, did before to the men she tasked. They had been exemplar up to now, deserving the benefit of doubt.
"Then answer my question. Words have spread you speak of me in a very peculiar manner. Is it a habit of yours, or have you found in my person something compelling enough to refer to me as a "Chosen One"?"
"Oh, this?… Hum, well, isn't it obvious? Everything about you is a clear demonstration of your status! A mysterious hero coming from the unknown, her eyes shining of fire unlike any, kitted out with named weapons of the past, adorned in enchanted armor! A legend whose deeds and tales are known even as you still live and breath! How could one folded in darkness as I do not recognize a model of such high standing, one I must strive to reach one day?"
Lora found herself speechless. Literally. Was he really thinking of her like this? In more way than one, it all seemed to be some kind of twisted joke, one that made way too much sense.
"Your majesty, I–Did I vexes you?"
"… No, not at all. I am surprised, not vexed." Corrected the queen regaining her countenance.
"This, this is good then." Hesitated Odin. "I'll go on my way then, find my lord. Thank you again, your majesty."
She let him go, watching him sprint away with much less spectacle than before. Was he worried under the pretense? It was difficult to say, thought Lora as she went on her own way. Among the three, she found him the hardest to read. The other two… Not so much. But there were still some details she picked up about the theatrical dark mage. First of all, he was actually a swordsman pretending to be a mage. From his posture to a right hand often going to where a pommel should be, barely concealed as one of his antics about his "fell hand", it couldn't have been more obvious to the queen. She estimated, though she did not test his mettle herself, that he would be at least as competent as the others, which was no small feat. The second boy, Laslow, had been able to briefly dominate Xander during a sparring, something which earned him begrudging respect of the elder prince and solidified his place as retainer. Another detail she obtained was their ease in the court. For so-called ''villagers from nowhere'', they had a surprising knowledge and practice of protocol.
Lora's path crossed that of the ever-moving sentinels, servants and maids as she descended toward the lower levels, where the training grounds were located. If her remembrance of the schedule was correct, the eldest princess should be present with her retainers. It would be a good occasion to settle some of the unresolved matters she had with the purple-haired young woman. Camilla's intent to make everything exceedingly difficult was as annoying as ever, and her motives to do so still as obscure, but at least she could see reason in the end. Now, if only she wasn't supported in this endeavor by her two retainers… The familiar sound of steel clashing against steel, music to her ears, carried her to the immense room. It was quite active, with four squads marching in ranks under the commands of a barking officer. Glancing around, she was surprised to not see a trace of princess Camilla. She should have been here…
"You there. Have you seen princess Camilla coming into the training ground?"
"No, your majesty! But her new retainer is here, majesty!" Exclaimed the sentinel, instantly straightening.
Looking once more, she noticed the girl with the red twin-tails near the eastern wall who was walking back and forth. It was irritating, but with that girl present, she could kill two birds with one stone… Lora moved through the training ground, watching closely if the soldier slowed their rhythm even a little because of her presence. To her dissatisfaction, some of them did and disrupted their unit, earning ferocious screams from the instructor officer. To be distracted so easily would spell certain death in battle, and as such they rightfully earned the yelling just now. It also attracted attention from the young woman she wanted to see, and who has stopped her back and forth walk to narrow her eyes.
"Selena. Do you know where your mistress is?"
"No, your majesty."
"I see." Acknowledged Lora. "Do you know when is she supposed to come here?"
"I don't know either." Answered the retainer with slight irritation, fidgeting with one of her immense twin-tails, long enough to go down her tights.
"Then for what purpose are you here on the field, doing nothing but going back and forth?"
"I'm waiting for her, isn't that obvious?" Snapped Selena before immediately backpedaling. "I mean, ugh, she told me to wait here while she was looking for lord Xander. I'm not bored or anything, there's just no good partner here… Wait, you are here! I demand a re-match for last time!"
There was a swinging mood, and there was this girl, but if she insisted, Lora had no objection. It was exactly what she herself had in mind after all. Waving to a servant to take her cape, the queen looked at the now-fired up retainer.
"Very well, I accept your request. What weapon should I use to beat you?"
"Just bring it on, majesty! I'll definitively win this time!" Declared Selena with determination.
Discreet snickering came from the exercising soldiers nearby at this declaration, while Lora considered which of her weapons would do. The dragonslayer swordspear? No, it was too powerful for a simple spar, though she missed the crack of lightning coursing through. Perhaps Valorheart? It has been long since she had a use for it… Valorheart it is, she decided. Within her memory, she conjured the picture of the mysterious arena in which she battled the wolf and the gravetender, and in her and the weapons came to be: a short broad blade and a lion shield. The shield and sword were smaller than what she commonly used, but the former deflected quite well and had a special property if used correctly. The latter was simply sturdy and very sharp.
Slightly lowering her posture, holding the sword high and pointing toward Selena while her shield was slightly in front, the queen verified with a single glance nothing has changed in her opponent. To Lora's slight disappointment, it was apparently the case. The retainer still clung to the exact same weaponry, a typical one-handed and half silver sword completed with a dagger on her belt. In a typical nohrian fashion, the shield was replaced by an extremely large and long two-piece pauldron on the left shoulder, allowing a two-handed grip on the blade. It was telling about the retainer to simply try again and again without actually changing anything in the way she tried. While her competitive spirit was a thing, her foolish stubbornness was another thing altogether.
"Start." Succinctly commanded Lora.
Selena instantly dashed, sword parallel to the ground. Lora kept her stance, waiting for the strike that would inevitably come… A horizontal swing. At this instant, the queen threw herself forward. Her sword met the other, deflected it above as she dropped just enough. While her shield stopped right before the redhead's throat, with enough strength that the queen would have crushed it had she finished her movement. The entire exchange lasted a single breath.
"Dead."
The quiet reminder reddened the retainer's cheeks as she retreated, groaning. Then the spar truly started as Lora charged. Half-turn, thrust, sidestep and swing. Selena's sword was stuck between her blade and shield. The retainer tried a shoulder bash with her armored pauldron but the queen pushed her aside using the enemy blade as leverage before dealing a lightning-quick strike, stopping a hair away from the retainer's neck.
"Dead."
The longsword ripped through the air before stopping against the lion shield with a clang. Lora kept applying pressure on her opponent, fully using her advantage in strength to push every attack back. Selena was at the same time quick and surprisingly sturdy, but it was held back by a much more aggressive style than her strength allowed, especially against someone with superior speed. Low feint, kick, shield uppercut, deflect, thrust. This time the retainer avoided and counter-attacked fiercely with a war cry, once again over-extending.
Enough of this, thought the queen. Blocking one last hit, she pushed forward and triggered the shield's ability. Power surged forth and a deafening roar came from the shield with the phantom image of a lion head, the unexpected burst of force sending Selena on the ground with a surprised yell.
"Dead again." Stated the queen with disappointment. "This is the last warning: fight seriously or you will be punished. Sparring is no excuse for carelessness."
"What? I'm NOT holding back! Why would I even?" Fumed Selena, standing up.
This time frank laughters came from the men finishing their martial exercises, making the retainer's cheeks as red as her hairs. It was more and more likely the girl didn't even understand what she was doing wrong, buried in her stubbornness. Maybe she needed more pressure. Valorheart disappeared.
"Hey, it's not ov–!"
The retainer's cry was cut short and she ducked to avoid being cut in half. The massive double-bladed black greataxe that had suddenly appeared in the queen's hands came back at frightening speed and Selena deflected with a yelp before dodging a returning blow. Lora pressed on and reversed her grip on the black knight's axe, using the handle as a quarterstaff to push the girl's attempt of counterattack away before lowering the blades like an executioner.
In a flash, the retainer unsheathed her dagger and used it in conjunction with her sword to deflect the strike at the last moment. Swiftly the queen changed her momentum, ascending the blades brutally. Selena jumped once more used the pauldron to deflect before jumping back, desperate focus painted on her face.
There it was. No yells, no unnecessary movements. A defensive and what could only be the habit of fighting against an overwhelming force. What Lora had been searching since she saw Selena triumphed at the dueling tournament. Using her own shoulder as leverage for the axe handle she stroke the ground before spinning violently, but the retainer didn't fall for the apparent error and didn't approach when the axe was low, attacking instead when she had her back almost turned.
Once more the queen parried using the long handle, rejecting the girl away… Before lowering her weapon. The entire place had fallen silent, servants and soldiers alike mesmerized by the battle. Only the ragged panting of Selena could be heard, the girl holding her weapons in a crouching posture, eyes frantically looking around and watching her every movement at the same time. Lora held her hand high, and the black knight's greataxe disappeared in a blaze.
"Very good."
At the queen's quiet praise, several cheers and approving whistling came from the assembled soldiers. The dumbfounded redhead still held her sword and dagger high, and it was only when she seemed to realize it was destined to her that her posture started to loosen up. Lora glanced at the officers who quickly dispersed the soldiers back to the barracks, their training over for today, before approaching the still tense Selena, who started to yell uncontrollably.
"Are you MAD? I thought you were trying to KILL ME! I had been THAT CLOSE to die! What sort of…"
"My, my, why is my darling Selena yelling so loudly?" Interrupted an elegant and distinct voice.
The girl's eyes widened in recognition and she shut up, taking a large breath instead of spouting what would have certainly been more insults at the queen, seemingly realizing by being cut off that simply having called the queen mad was quite enough to be punished severely. Lora turned to face princess Camilla, who just entered the training fields with her other retainer Beruka behind.
"There was quite the commotion among the soldiers coming out of the place, and I couldn't help but hurry. The training field is such a dangerous place, I was afraid something was happening to my precious retainer." Inquired the young woman, every word laced with her usual venom.
"Your retainer was indeed sparring with me, princess, and though it took an incentive, I am quite pleased by her final performance." Said Lora, looking at the red-haired girl before continuing in a harsher tone. "Unfortunately, she still does lack proper self-control and respect. I expect you, princess, to punish your retainer accordingly."
"Oh my, is that so."
The aforementioned Selena seemed at the same time extremely pleased about the compliments she received, and just as uneasy about the alarmingly gentle tone of her mistress.
"I suppose I don't have a choice. Selena, dear, you are not allowed to go outside the castle for a week. Also, you will take Beruka's cleaning duties for that period."
"But…"
A gentle, but firm gaze from the princess silenced the redhead, who sighed and grumbled her assent. A lenient punishment to Lora's taste, but hopefully sufficient to curb some of the girl's rash speaking tendencies.
"Now, what's the matter of your visit? I sincerely hope wouldn't come all the way down here to simply manhandle my retainer. I have very much need of their service."
"Indeed not, it is you who I wanted to see."
"Is that so. Why not continue this conversation while you spar with my Beruka? Since you worn out my second retainer, she lost her training partner."
Lora nodded, and blue-gray haired retainer stood in position, axe ready. The queen took a semi-crouching position, hand to the side as if a weapon was present.
"Do enlighten me, queen Lora. I am curious to hear why you wanted to see me." Asked the princess as her retainer charged.
"I have received reports of duchess Faye recent territory expansion, one you seem closely associated with."
In a flash, a short and thick katana appeared in Lora's hand and she stroke in one lightning-quick motion, deflecting the axe before slicing its handle just before the blade.
"Oh yes. She is such a sweetheart, I always take great pleasure visiting her." Said Camilla, striking her own hair absently.
"You did more than that. Three times you interceded in her favor with your authority as a princess. Every time, it was to assert the duchess's legitimacy in a neighbor conflict."
Beruka shot daggers while rolling to avoid a slash and took another axe from her belt. Lora parried them and dashed, forcing the retainer to protect herself against a flurry of blows.
"While lady Faye has proven both loyalty and competency, for you to show such partiality is uncalled for. Especially the third time, as lord Horace had a long-standing privilege on the Ruined Hills." Coldly reported the queen.
She spun and thrust, stopping the tip of her blade just under the throat of Beruka, ending the spar.
"As heartbreaking as it is, why bring up this now?"
The small retainer bowed and returned to her mistress's side, just as Lora answered to the falsely disarming words of the princess with hard finality.
"To inform you of the decision that has been taken. Lord Horace will be granted possession of his former territory, and lady Faye will pay compensations for her occupations of the lands. This is a shared decision between the king and I. Is it understood, princess?"
This time Camilla said nothing, her eyes closed and her smile inscrutable, before nodding like her neck have been turned into lead. Lora dismissed her katana and spoke to the two retainers while a servant reattached her cape, starting by Beruka.
"Your body will not allow you to become much stronger or faster. Concentrate on your form, it is still too predictable."
"Understood." Succinctly said the quiet girl.
"As for you…"
"Your majesty! Lady Camilla! Good thing I found you!"
Before the queen could speak to Selena, someone had interrupted, and that someone in question was the last of the three foreigners, Laslow. Coming with what he was probably thought to be a charming smile. A smile that almost instantly dropped once Lora locked gaze with him before coming back just as quickly. He was afraid of her, the queen was certain of it. Although it might originate from her warning that if he ever tried to bring his shameless flirt before her once again, she would have him sent to the mines.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but lord Xander told me it was urgent. The close council has been advanced, and will be held as soon as you come."
Lora frowned. Whatever the reason, it must have been extremely important for the king to decree such things, and they were to speak of grave matters already.
"Very well, let us go. However, Selena?"
"Yes?" Asked the red-head with unease, clearly not knowing what to make of herself at the moment.
"Should you challenge me again, I expect you to fight as if your life was on the line, just like you did that instant. Repeating the pitiful displays of your seven previous attempts and at the start of today's shall bring swift punishment and deprive you of any other chance. For good."
Selana winced, confirming the warning has been heard. Gesturing for the princess to follow, Lora took the pace immediately to join the council chamber, with Camilla and the three retainers just behind. At some points, she looked at the guards escorting, but they only shook their heads surreptitiously in answer. So they heard nothing of importance recently. This already eliminated most public matters that would have had the castle in a hurry, like rebellions or large-scale conflicts between great lords.
However, Lora was not sure she truly preferred the potential alternatives, grimly reflected Lora as she passed the gates of the council chamber, finding only her small throne and the princess's chair unoccupied. Everyone was here. Including the disagreeable figure of the sorcerer Iago, who seemed far too pleased with himself. Garon only sent back a somber gaze to her own questioning one, and so she sat, waiting.
"The kingdom of Nohr is in peril. Despite the best effort of our army and spies, the Hoshidians are managing to infiltrate their troops to conduct raids on our territory, because of this, the populace has grown wary. They smell weakness. More and more doubting our ability to protect them. The nobles are increasingly squabbling amongst themselves while banditry, for the first time in years, is rising. All feeling the glory of Nohr may be withering."
The king's voice sank deeply into the room, words rippling as many birds of ill omen, and it spelled truth, a truth none around the table appreciated, but none could deny either. Marquis Alex was frankly furious at this state of affairs, his lands being the most attacked of all. The duchess Rose was stiffer than a fully drawn bow. Camilla was unusually focused, and Xander's eyes as hard as stones.
"The strategy of Hoshido is now clear. While feigning to extend their hands to us, they intend to cull the peasantry and sabotage our countryside, destroying our food production to destabilize the whole country. They already reduced their trade, forcing us to increases taxes upon our vassals of Cheve, Nestra and the Ice Tribe. Their assaults force our armies to remain at the frontier, making us less able to maintain order, and their Barrier prevents all retaliation. Should we do nothing, rebellions will multiply, order will collapse, but we will not allow this to pass!… Iago. Speak."
"My deepest thanks, majesty." Fawned the dark mage, before rising from his seat in all his unimpressive presence. "You all have heard the words of King Garon, and must have understood the nature of this threat. Fortunately, I have found a great solution, one that will make those hoshidian cower before us! Behold my genius!"
The hands of the sorcerer moved, tracing invisible patterns as he muttered an incantation. Dark magic gathered in ominous clouds until it suddenly condensed into a giant humanoid form. Towering at three-meter tall, it was nothing less than a monstrous amalgamation of sickly green flesh fused into grotesque muscles. An iron mask concealed what was undoubtedly a hideous parody of face, while rugged iron gauntlets covered its fists.
"What… is this abomination?" Asked Xander, a hand on the pommel of the Siegfried.
"This, prince Xander, is a Faceless. To simplify for those who do not have the ability to understand complex concepts, it is a creature born of dark magic. A puppet of flesh with enormous strength, without will nor need for sustenance. It will be the perfect weapon to retaliate against those cowards of Hoshido. Of course, it is but one, but many more can be created. Once a sufficient number are made, they will slip through the frontier. Without soul nor spirit, they will be unaffected by the Barrier and tear through everything attacking them until destroyed."
The royal children and the nobles both seemed a lot less enthusiast than the almost cackling mage, but Lora was only studying the creature. It brought back memories. Memories of things she killed.
"While I have no doubt you worked your cabal to death to create this abhorrent thing, I'm concerned about its uses. Who is to say this thing won't turn against you at any time? Or simply ignores orders and simply lashes out at anything?" Objected the duchess, disgusted by what she was seeing.
"This is what makes the Faceless perfect. It cannot. They are quite literally mindless, and only obey to those knowing how to command them. Any sufficiently talented dark mage can, as long as he knows the spells, but none of those narrow-minded hoshidians would. They'd rather kill themselves rather than even looking at dark magic."
This didn't seem to reassure the duchess or the marquis, and Lora was seeing exactly why. They feared the monster not for what it was, but for what it could become: the return of the Stoneborns. Those legendary monsters from eight centuries ago, made by a powerful dark mage that sought to overthrow the royalty and the nobility, toppled an entire dukedom. Almost indestructible because of their body of stone, they only ceased to be a threat when their creator was unceremoniously killed by a poisoned pie and they all crumbled to dust. Before their very eyes, it was as if an old tale of warning against dark magic came to life.
"Iago. How many people know the spells to create and control those creatures? And how many can you control at the same time?"
Lora's questions seemed to break the bubble of elation the dark mage was in, and he only answered after a telling snarl.
"Only the ten elite of the cabal and myself, your majesty. No one else. Also, to answer your question, while summoning them is not the greatest prowess, to actively control a Faceless requires focus. Without orders or direct control, they are no better than statues."
The explanations of the sorcerer seemed to somewhat calm the council, but Lora wasn't letting him get off lightly.
"And if two dark mages tried to control the same of those Faceless, what would happen?"
"The better mage would take control." Admitted Iago. Reluctantly. "But only if they both know the incantations. Myself and the royal mages will be the only one to know them, of course."
Silence fell around the table for a while.
"I'm opposed to the use of those things." Snarled the duchess.
"I approve of their use. Those Hoshidian dogs must pay for what they are doing to my lands, and I don't care if I have to use monsters to do so. I'm sure many would say the same in the court." Retorted the marquis, earning an incredulous gaze from the duchess.
Their gazes were now turned to Lora and Garon. The king was quiet, but Lora was already sure that he was told everything by the sorcerer beforehand. The very fact that Garon allowed its summoning in the council room was a proof. The only question was if the nobility would accept this idea, and with the marquis vocal approval, the only person left that mattered to be convinced… was herself.
The queen pondered. It wasn't quite like the things she had seen already. If anything it was a small, distant cousin of Anor Londo giants. Lora couldn't deny the practicality of a magically summoned army to bypass the hoshidian Barrier and do something to break the nefarious status quo at last.
With those things would likely only create more chaos than real damage, the army could then be used to protect the villages and maintain order more efficiently while those things rampaged in Hoshido's outskirts and prevented them to launch any more assaults. It was desperate, but the grim picture the king painted at the start was not an exaggeration. For the sake of Nohr… but she wouldn't let it happen without guarantees. Oh no.
"Give me the incantations to control those things, sorcerer. I want to test it."
Iago's almost choked when the queen said those words, but a single look toward the throne instantly made it clear that he didn't have a choice. Approaching, he whispered the magic words into her ear before retreating to his place.
Lora stood and walked toward the monster, the Faceless. It didn't react. Reciting the incantation in her mind, Lora pulled with her soul. Immediately, she felt something. A connection, as if she was holding a pebble in an imaginary hand. Was the thing at her order now?
"Faceless, here is your order. Kill Iago."
Everything happened within a split second. With a bestial growl, the thing was moving toward the sorcerer whose face was skewed by shock. The dark mage let a disembodied half-cry die on his lip before making a gesture and incanting at high speed. At this instant, Lora felt as if the pebble in her imaginary hand moved slightly. Wordlessly, Lora ''gripped'' it slightly tighter, her magic rolling through the link to the monster and crushing Iago's attempt to regain control. The sorcerer was far better than her in terms of experience, for sure, but against the queen's raw power, he was no more than a fly before a forest fire.
Lora saw Xander react, his legendary sword half unsheathed, but the prince didn't get the chance to use it. In a flash of orange then blue, the Faceless stumbled, then fell, it's decapitated head rolling at the feet of a livid Iago. Holding the scythe of Friede in a relaxed position after her strike, Lora contemplated the monster who started to decompose at an accelerated rate, then disappear completely. A useful tool, to not encumber the floor after it had completed its use. Shame the said could not be said about the barely standing sorcerer, who seemed to be choking with spite.
"I, the queen of Nohr, approve the use of the Faceless."
Garon nodded, before rising a hand.
"Then we have reached a decision. Half of the royal mages will depart tomorrow for the frontier and create Faceless to retaliate against Hoshido. No one but the royal mages and the royalty shall know how to create and control Faceless. Anyone else using them shall be condemned as the law dictate for usage of forbidden magic."
It was too late to turn back. They needed something to tip the balance. Anything to protect their kingdom and those who lived inside it. And if it was to use those monsters as distractions, so be it.