Author's note : And here I am again. I hope the wait wasn't too long. We are now in the time period of the game itself. I won't pretend it will be the most original story ever. Some events won't change much, and other will be greatly altered. Anyway, it is finally here. Thanks as always for pt1oef fpr nbeta-reading. On to the reviews, and there are a lot of them !
Soberan 123 : The Silent Dragon don't have the possibility to control Lora around. Despite having power over the souls of the dead, Lora is very much alive as she is now, and her soul is tied to Fire, which is something outside of his element which is more water.
Spartastic 4 : Some of the less known grammar point of English outside of native speakers, and some more specificly tied to my own native language are still problematics to me, but thanks a lot ! You aren't alone on this one, although the only ones who would make Odin tumble are Selena and Laslow.
Kerrowe : Who doesn't love to see Iago suffer? I'm glad you like how I made things go. Although, which dimensional traveler didn't you see ? They are all present, or I'm missing something.
pt1oef : Mikoto have no way to learn something so personal, but it's obvious to Hoshidians the rulers of Nohr are behind the Faceless. Odin may or may not learn those magic, you'll see. Same as to what Leo will use.
Imperial Warlord : Glad to see you like it !
Guest : That would be the ideal relationship between them. There is just a tiny, small problem on Selena's side... Lora is reminding her of someone else, and that inferiority complex sure isn't worsening, but it's still present.
Justareader : That was one the point I hated in Fate. The Awakening Trio was Fanservice without much else. I'll do my best to do them justice in my story, even if they aren't the central pieces on the board. As for Selena against Lora... Well, I can't really do that. They are good, really good, able to match the royals of Fate which are clearly stronger than normal, but Lora is just on her own level. I can't see any of them win against a endgame Dark Souls boss.
Pheer : As if Camilla wouldn't do just that to spite Lora. As for what Lora would have done... Exile from Norh,something comical and/or humiliating,dishonorable discharge for the red-head? My gods, you sure think extreme. No, nothing like that. At most a day or two in cell for insolence.
Guest : Well here is more of the story ! I hope you enjoy it !
Neb : Thank you for your words of praise ! Ah, who will be the first Miracle user "on screen". Place your bets ! More seriously, Corrin is a very good potential Miracle user, but it's not something she will be able to do so soon. I'm glad you enjoy the story.
Guess : Like I said above, Selena is not on the level of Lora. Even if dumb luck/unluck can sometimes make an inferior fighter win, the gap is too great. But being less good than someone absolutely above any normal specs is no weakness at all.
Reader : Yeah, it's not something I've seen written much. I hope you find it interesting.
Peppy : Haha, no, I didn't went that way. Lothric/Lordran is on a completely separated world ( that doesn't even exist anymore at that point ), and while Lora has brought some things to Nohr ( like Greatbow units, seriously I wish I had something like that in a FE, give me some giant bow to shoot dragon with 10 tiles away ! ) Nohr military strength isn't that changed from canon.
Deffnitely Not Red : I tried to solve the problem. Did it work ? Anyway thank you for your generous words ! And don't worry, I do not intend to let this unfinished at all. I know the frustration of an unfinished story.
Reader : Is it solved ? And thank you !
Guest : I'm very sorry, but I'll admit I don't entirely understand your review. I wouldn't mind you explaining it to me, thanks in advance.
pan0ply : That is something I never heard of before you mentionned it. Thank you a lot for telling me. I tried to fix it in this chapter, but I find myself very confused, I feel like I should capitalize way too much things as it is.
freman2681 : Thank you ! You'll see how the events play out. Their contrast is one of the thing I try to build up, and it will impact Corrin at the very least.
stabertiger : That's something I'm really pleased to hear ! I hope you'll like the rest just as much !
Rockcutter28 : Things are progressing at greater speed, be careful of the spicy tofu !
With all that said, enjoy the story ! Thank you all for your support, and continue to review ! Remember, it helps motivate me and I always answer !
The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 18 – Night's End
"Haaaa!"
Corrin abruptly woke up from the cottoned dream she was having with a yelp, her feet feeling as if they were encased in ice. Which, now that her eyes were open, was exactly what was happening thanks to a pink-haired maid.
"Felicia, why? I was having such a good dream!"
"Sorry Lady Corrin, but you know the rule. First time is words, second is tickling, third time ice." Giggled the maid, approaching her hands again.
The white-haired princess promptly retreated her feet inside the sheets before sitting up. If she ever found who among her servants came up with that rule, her vengeance will be the stuff of legends!… Gods, she was starting to think like Odin.
"Why so soon? It's still very dark outside." Observed Corrin, looking through the windows.
"It's just the weather today, Lady Corrin. It is morning, and you have to get on your feet."
"Ugh, fine. Just let me wake up completely..." Sighed the princess, feeling her sheets far too comfortable to leave.
"I can help with that!" Joyfully said Felicia, rising her hands again.
Corrin immediately jumped out of her bed to escape the perspective of another cold shock, allowing the maid to dress her. Felicia wasn't kidding when she said that. If that's how they dealt with straggler in the Ice Tribe, no wonder why Felicia was always up sooner than everyone except Gunter! However, Corrin was still persuaded that the old knight never slept and actually walked all around the fortress at night.
"Lady Corrin, may I enter?" Asked a polite male voice from beyond the door.
"Not yet Jakob! Felicia is still… no that's not where the knot should tie!"
The sigh of her butler was so loud she heard it from the other side of the door as she tried to extricate the small mess Felicia did with her undergarments, her friend panicking more and more as she failed to do so herself. How did she even make such a complicated knot? Better yet, how someone's hands as slippery as butter could be so graceful with a weapon in hand? It's been years and she wasn't close to finding an answer to that question!
"Do you maybe need my help?" Insisted Jakob.
"It's fine!…" Frantically answered Felicia as the knot finally gave in, allowing them to correctly tie the dress. "Yes!"
"At last." Muttered the young butler as he came in, his hand full with a heavy package Corrin recognized. "I have taken the liberty to ready your armor. Prince Xander is waiting for you on the eastern tower. He said this time you wouldn't need our presence."
"Thanks, Jakob." Said Corrin as her two retainers helped her put her armor on.
The metal was devoid of the dents and scratches from yesterday, to her relief. Xander certainly didn't hold back anymore, and her sore everywhere was proof of that. He had delivered her such a beating yesterday! If anything, she knocked him down twice yesterday thanks to a good back strike the first time and a well-placed kick the second. The only problem was Siegfried. The sword was way too powerful for her to block completely, and if she ever let her older brother gain the initiative her chance of victory fell through the floor. He was slower, but the Siegfried's shock-waves disturbed her balance and she couldn't dodge as well as she should.
Let's go. Thought Corrin when the last plate was hooked. If I maneuver right and clouds aren't too heavy, I should be able to blind Xander with the rising sun…
Unfortunately, the sun seemed to have other plans and Corin found herself pushed back by her older brother relentless assaults under the light of torches, on the rooftop of the eastern tower. Jumping forward the princess deflected a slash before rolling to the right, avoiding the following reversal and thrusting her own sword forward. But the blade was parried by Xander's shield and she barely had the time to back away.
"Slippery as ever, little princess. But you still swing timidly, without resolve. If you want to win, you must genuinely try to kill me."
Her brother's scolding struck deep and Corrin winced. It wasn't the first time Xander had said that, and he wasn't the first to have said it. Mother was… but how could she do that? Just thinking about hurting her sibling made her sick… Crouching with her sword held high, the princess noticed something was amiss. Xander hadn't attacked since the beginning. He answered in kind to her assaults, but he did not move afterward. Was he waiting for something? Keeping his strength for a crushing counter-attack? Despite how frightening his offense was, it was his defense which was the most dangerous. If her sword missed its mark, he could put her down with one strike. His blue and gold shield would deflect and even send back any Fire or Thunder spell she could send, making them even less useful than distractions. She needed something else to win this round…
"Giving up so soon, Corrin? You won't accomplish anything by sleeping all day."
That provocation sprung the princess into action and she rushed her brother. At the last moment, Corrin unsheathed the small sword at her belt in a spinning motion. Her right-hand blade was caught by Siegfried, but her left-hand sword was too close and his shield too far!
"You won't stop me!" Yelled Corrin.
"You're right where I want you!" Retorted Xander.
In a flash, the prince grabbed Siegfried's blade with his other hand and pushed the weapon lower. The tip of Corrin's second sword hit the bade above the guard of the legendary weapon, just before reaching her brother's armored side. Made open by her assault the princess couldn't defend herself in time. The large blade of Siegfried crashed on her breastbone, sending her on the ground with a grunt of pain. The princess rolled away before standing, ready to parry an incoming strike… which never came. Xander still has not moved, his eyes as severe as his stance.
"What did I tell you, Corrin? Had you targeted my leg, I wouldn't have been able to parry in time. But you sought my side, where I had the least chance of being hurt if you hit me. You disappoint me, little princess. At this rate, you will never leave this fortress. Ever."
"What?"
"You heard me. Father and the Queen have decided for today to be your final test." Said the prince, emphasizing his words by striking the roof with the tip of his blade. "Either you manage to land a hit on me today and earn the right to come to Windmire, or you will forever see the outside world from your window."
"That's insane!" Exclaimed the princess, realizing how high the stakes were.
"Then defeat me. Prove to me that all the time that has been devoted to your training has not been in vain!" Exhorted Xander, raising his sword.
Corrin forgot her pain, her mind in overdrive at the prospect of never discovering the world outside. It was so close, so close she could almost taste it, yet on the brink of being snatched away. Her breath was speeding, her sword so heavy in her hand. The Dragon Vein. It was here, faint, but present. She pulled it closer, grasping the flowing energy around the fortress. Her pain faded, her flesh healed and her body was filled with power.
Xander seemed to notice it and took a more defensive stance, shield up and sword low. Now or never! Corrin directed the flow into the stones and pushed. A tremor agitated the tower, and for the first time, her brother's face betrayed shock when the roof cracked under his feet. This opening was all she needed. The princess charged, closing the distance in a blink. And dropped as Xander raised his sword, sweeping him down with a kick to the side of the knee… And stopping her blade just above her brother's vulnerable neck.
"Well done, Corrin." Praised Xander after a moment of silence.
Corrin felt her legs has turned to jelly, her arms were trembling as she struggled to hold her sword firmly, but it didn't matter. She did it. She beat Xander. She proved herself. She could leave the Fortress! She could leave the Fortress and go outside! Outside! She laughed nervously, heartily as she helped her brother get up, unable to contain herself.
"You truly become stronger day after day."
"It's thanks to you and Mother I do! Your, uh, tough love is really effective!" Teased the princess, passing a shaking hand on the dent her armor got earlier.
"Don't sell yourself short. You have plenty of talents, and maybe one day you will become the best warrior of Nohr." Assured Xander, sheathing his sword.
"Now you are just teasing me."
"I never joke about serious matters and you know it, Corrin."
"Thank you." Mumbled Corrin, trying to contain the blush of her cheeks.
At least Camilla wasn't here at the moment. She would never hear the last of how she was so easily flustered when Xander complimented her…
"My, my, isn't milord ever the charmer. I fear for the day you will seriously court, for ladies will be swept off their feet left and right."
Oh no not him! Corrin thought, having forgotten the presence of her big brother's retainer. Laslow sent a wink embarrassing her further. For all his antics, at least Odin kept quiet when asked to! Laslow, on the other hand, was just as much an incorrigible flirt as he never closed his mouth. Poor Felicia was his most sought target, the poor maid incapable to be mean to save her life. Corrin lost count on how many times she had to threaten him with informing her brother of his behavior. Although he was polite, kind and good at making conversation when he was not trying to hit on something… If anything, he was closer to an annoying but interesting old cousin she never managed to be angry at for long.
"Suffice, Laslow. I thought I sent you with orders to prepare for Corrin's departure." Frowned Xander.
"That I did, milord! The servants are working as we speak. Lady Corrin's retainer is supervising the efforts, and I was told specifically my presence would only hinder their efforts. So I came back to you for new instructions."
It required no effort from Corrin to understand that Jakob was the one who said that. Despite how well-behaved he was at her intention, she had to admit he was somewhat… abrasive to other people. But she knew it was only because he wanted everything to be done in the best manner and with the utmost care. Wait, if Laslow has been ordered to prepare her leave, then that meant… Xander had expected her to succeed from the start!
Corrin beamed at the thought. It was sometime hard to remember that under his perpetual frowning, but her big brother was very considerate to his siblings. Even if Xander would never admit actually doing so openly…
"I see. Then your order is to stay with me until I have something for you."
"As you wish, milord." The retainer shrugged before making a reverence toward her. "After you, milady..."
Corrin descended the stairs with Xander and his retainer, her mind racing. It has been so long since she has seen Father for the last time! Almost three years! Mother came more often, but even her last visit was months ago. And now that she was leaving the Northern Fortress, she would at least live in Krakenburg with everyone else!
Corrin dreamed of this place since she was little. Camilla always talked about the castle, how immense and beautiful it was, how its corridor stretched in many pathways and stairs. Elise excitedly told her of the underground city around the castle, how bright it was at all times, how many people were there, buying, selling, chatting, living their lives. Now that she thinks about it, she would be able to go to the market on her own! Not that she didn't like what Camilla and Selena bought her. But she just wanted to buy things by herself. The problem was explaining this to her big sister without misunderstanding…
"Dreaming still, little princess?" Asked Xander, taking her out of her reverie.
"Yes, uh, sorry, I was just thinking about everything I will do, it's so great, I… Sorry, I was overexcited, I didn't hear you," Corrin admitted sheepishly, her pointed ears twitching.
"I actually haven't said anything yet. Pay attention, Corrin." Admonished her brother lightly. "This is about your future, so hear closely. Your retainers and close servants are coming with you to Windmire. From that point, their actions and well-being will be your entire responsibility as princess, including their salary."
"What about Gunter and Flora?"
"Good, you remembered their positions is outside your authority. Gunter will follow you as your mentor and personal guard. Flora will stay here by order of Queen Lora to watch over the Fortress."
"Oh."
As far as her memory went and what the sisters said, they never were separated either at the Fortress or in the Ice Tribe. Flora was level-headed and would surely not have too many problems with it, but Felicia… She hoped the blue-haired maid was going to reassure her pink-haired sister enough. It was disheartening to see her friend cry.
Getting out of her drifting thought, Corrin listened to Xander's advice. They passed through the buzzing fortress, servants and soldiers running around carrying instructions, supplies of all sorts from dry food to weapon grease, clothes and sheets… Would they go on foot? No, of course, at horseback. Camilla was the one who always came on a wyvern, Xander and Leo preferred horses.
"There you are. Prince Xander, Lady Corrin." Saluted Gunter, the old knight watching diligently over the hall many crowded with activities.
"Sir Gunter. I'm sure many will be glad to see you come back from the Northern Fortress."
"Those old bones still have the strength to serve, milord. And I'm glad to see you have finally proven herself enough to leave this fortress, Lady Corrin."
"You have helped me greatly to reach that point, Gunter."
"Indeed I have, and I don't intend to stop until our majesties decide to relieve of that charge. You still have much to learn until you can be called a proper princess."
Even though he said that, Corrin felt the pride and care in his voice. It was hard for her not to consider Gunter a sort of second father. He was chiding her enough for two anyway.
"Don't worry, I won't forget what you taught me. Your etiquette lessons alone still haunt my dreams."
"As they should. You must remember the outside world is nothing like the Northern Fortress, and I hope you will shed out of the habits you made here soon enough."
Why was she feeling such a weight in her breast hearing this? She wanted this, and only this, for years. Finally, she had it, Corrin would leave her home and see the outside world… Home. The Fortress was knew each stone, each corner of the place. The name of all of its servants and guards. The best places to watch the rising and setting sun. The timing at which she could sneak out of her room. And many, many other things that she would leave soon…
"I, huh, will look at the stable. To see if Horizon is well and good." Mumbled Corrin.
She left the hall without waiting for answers, barely avoiding to run in front of everyone as Corrin made her way to the stables. The stables were nice. Corrin always liked horses, and wyverns, and just animals in general. They were nice. They were never expecting anything of her. Well, anything else but being fed, cared for and shown appreciation. She even had some to care for from time to time.
A beautiful blue and red bird whose wing has been clipped she found on the rampart. An old black dog with a broken leg, to whom Corrin managed to sneak meat bones for a month. And even a tailless lizard she hid in her closet until Felicia found it, screamed at the top of her lungs and knocked everything down with a broomstick. And still managed to miss the lizard. Apparently, broomsticks weren't weapons. Giggling as the memory washed away some of her gloom, Corrin found the box of her mare, Horizon. The chestnut horse puffed a little at her approach, coming closer so she could hug its head affectionately.
"Hello, my beauty," Corrin said, scratching behind the horse's ears. "How are you? Not gaining weight I hope? The last time I overfed you, Gunter lectured me for two hours."
The mare blinked, then bumped her hand to see if there was anything in it. Corrin laughed again. Trust a horse to not understand a word you said about eating too much and beg for food instead.
"Sorry, I have no apple on me this time. Maybe later on the road? I'm sure they will bring some, but you will have to work for it."
Horizon just stared, then licked her hand. Corrin descended into a giggling fit again as she tried to defend herself from her horse's affection until its ears perked and it looked at her right. Corrin followed its stare to find a maid in a blue costume with a saddle and carrots in hand.
"Lilith! I thought you would be helping them prepare the horses."
"I am, Lady Corrin. Yours is among the last ones." Answered the young girl, tilting her head slightly.
The princess turned her head and noticed that almost all other boxes were indeed empty before turning back to Lilith, who approached her horse and gave it a carrot. Out of all the maids, she was the youngest and the last to have come to work at the fortress. Lilith had been incredibly shy, barely showing to anyone, so much like how Corrin herself had been that the princess felt she had to try and reach out for the servant. Even now she was the only one Lilith would readily talk to. She couldn't even manage to make her meet her siblings or Mother. And she was still concealing her beautiful blue with red streaks hairs under that hairband. Corrin knew of the red jewel on the maid's forefront, a secret she agreed to keep even though she didn't know why. Lilith could at least show her hairs!
"You will stay with me, right? I mean, you will leave the fortress too?" Corrin asked, stroking Horizon's mane.
"Yes. Gunter told me I would be working exclusively with your horses from now on." Confirmed Lilith as she straddled the mare.
"That's great…" Corrin said, but her heart wasn't in her words. "Lilith, is it weird that I don't want to leave?"
"Not at all. Humans are attached to the place they live in, right? After so long in this place, it's normal for you to have come to love it in some way."
She is right. Thought the princess, still feeling silly with her contradicting emotions as she got out of the stables with Lilith, joining the now almost ready cortege. It was quite big, with the added escort Xander had with him when coming. Flora was here, her blue hair and different uniform standing out among the servants, looking upon the work at hand until she approached.
"Hello, Lady Corrin. Everything is going as scheduled. You should be able to leave anytime soon."
"Thank you. I'm glad you're here, I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye."
"Thank you, Lady Corrin. Please take good care of my sister."
"Of course. I hope we'll see each other again. Oh, if I ask Mother, maybe I could even come back here sometime in the future…"
The princess noticed the chill slowly creeping in, a thin layer of frost building around the maid's feet. Flora's way of dealing with her emotions: using her ice power to cool herself down. The perspective of being separated from Felicia was affecting her more than Corrin thought.
"I'll come back with Felicia and Jakob later. I promise. So take care of yourself, ok?"
Flora breathed deeply, her shoulder rising, then nodded, crossing her hand behind her back as her chilling aura diminished in intensity.
"I wish you safe travel, Lady Corrin." Said the maid, bowing before taking her leave.
And with Corrin's departure and that of most servants that were working on the convoy before, the princess realized it was time. Felicia and Jakob had done their own goodbyes. The soldiers were in rank, the horses huffing in wait. She looked upon the large dungeon of the fortress, at the small windows at the top that had been her bedroom's just this morning. And decidedly turned aside, straddling Horizon and trotting up to Xander.
"I'm ready to go." Reaffirmed Corrin, to herself and her brother at the same time.
A faint smile came to Xander's lips, before his feature returned to his usual frown as he gave the signal to depart. In a rattling noise, the great doors opened, and Corrin left the Northen Fortress without looking back.
"Windmire is in view!" Announced a scout.
Corrin almost jolted from the straddle of Horizon. She was extremely happy that the journey was over. And secretly, that she would find a bed soon again. She expected sleeping outside to be uncomfortable. But not that much. Not with so many rock and roots everywhere she tried to sleep, night after night! Her thoughts were swept away seeing at long last the immense walls of the capital. They were even bigger than those of the Northern Fortress, with so many towers! But it was only once the convoy reached the gates she truly realized something else. They were not one gate, but two one behind the other separated by a portcullis, making the wall even larger than she thought. The convoy wasn't even large enough to take the entire width of the gate! And when they passed through the city inside, she saw with awe the many people gathered at the convoy's passage, the houses which she knew weren't tall because they extended underground, where the real city life was. But even then, it has more people than she has had seen in her entire life! They went through the second circle, then the third and then, the castle of Krakenburg went into view. The giant peak standing in the pit, a single bridge leading to it.
"Careful where you walk, Corrin. Enough unfortunate souls have been taken by the pit to add anyone today."
"Don't worry, Xander. I wouldn't want anyone to fall into that." Agreed Corrin, looking at the soldiers escorting them, and the one who would surely fall if she fumbled and collided with them. "Will I be presented to the court today?"
"No, not yet." Said Xander, his frown intensifying a little more. "It's a complex ceremony to which we all need to be present, and both Leo and Camilla are currently away. Also, you need to make yourself presentable. Father will want to see you as soon as possible."
Corrin nodded, acutely feeling her dirty armor and messed up hairs. Soon they were in the castle, and her brother left her to her own devices, or rather the guidance of the royal guards that has been waiting for her. They led her and her servants to a higher level of the castle. The princess silently thanked the many, many times she had to climb the Northern Fortress stairs up and down, as simply going from the entrance of the castle to nowhere close its top was a much longer walk than she thought, and most of it was spiraling stairs. But when she set eyes into the apartment itself, Corrin almost let out a whisper of awe…
Three room luxuriously furnished with magical lights, a person-sized mirror upon a wall, a massive bed and sofas! By comparison, her own room in the Fortress felt tiny and poor by comparison. Hearing a small cough from Jakob behind her, Corrin set herself straight. She could admire everything later, but she had things to order and do.
"Jakob, please settle my belongings here and the servants in the adjacent rooms." She said, remembering it was how it worked in Krakenburg according to Xander. "Felicia will tend to me. And thank you, guards, for guiding me here."
"We'll be at your doorstep should you need anything." Declared their lieutenant, recognizable at his silver insignia. "Once you are ready to see King Garon, simply tell me."
When she went into the chamber, Corrin almost fell on the bed right away. It looked so soft, so comfortable after the long journey. But duty was first she supposed. And cleaning. A bath. The large bronze basin was already being filled with waters by Felicia, and before long she dived into it, using the herbs brought by another servant to methodically rub her body of the dirt while Felicia did her hair.
"How are you, Lady Corrin? Isn't the water too hot?"
"No thanks, Felicia, it's perfect. How do you feel about the castle?"
"It's huge! I don't know how I will manage not to get lost in here. Do you think Gunter will still help me?" Anxiously asked the maid.
"Of course! He'll never say no if you ask him." Giggled Corrin.
She got out of the bath, with the road's dirt finally entirely out, and used the towel handed by Felicia to dry. But before she finished to dress herself, another one of her maids came into the room with a package in hand. Something metallic…
"A royal guard asked me to give it to you, mistress, from the Queen. She demands you to wear them."
The maid bowed and unpacked… an armor set and two curved swords. Corrin held her breath. It wasn't a Nohrian armor. Silvery metal adorned with golden ornaments on the spaulders, faulds and arms, beautiful engravings on the gorget. And neither were the weapons, too light and slim. It must be one of Mother's armors and weapons! Realized Corrin, shock mixing with excitement from the enormity of the gift. Mother rarely gave any of her possessions. Only Xander and Leo ever received something.
As the maid and Felicia were putting the armor in place, Corrin was admiring how light it was despite being a complete armor. The two curved swords took place at her belt, one at each side, and without wielding them truly she could feel their balance. It was too much. How could she even thanks Mother properly? She will have to find some ways…
"You look ravishing, Lady Corrin." Complimented Jakob with a smile when she came out of the chamber, putting a tea set on the table. "Do you want me to make you some tea?"
"I'm not sure. I think I'd better go see Mother and Father."
"Of course, it would be wise not to make our majesties wait." The retainer agreed instantly.
Corrin sometimes wished Jakob didn't give her the impression that if she said to him the sky was purple, he would say yes. It wasn't the case of course, and he had his way of telling when he disapproved. Sometimes.
After verifying everything was going well and thanking the servants, she left the luxurious apartment with Jakob and Felicia, the royal guards escorting and guiding them through the castle. Guards and servants were floating in the corridors, bowing as she passed, and even some she recognized as nobles did the same. But it was when Corrin found herself in front of the massive doors that must be leading to the throne room, she realized how tense she was. The importance, the weight of her position as princess was abruptly falling on her.
"Introducing Princess Corrin, Second Princess of Nohr, daughter of King Garon and Consort Queen Lora." Announced a herald from the other side of the door.
Straightening by reflex, Corrin entered the throne room, discovering the heart of the castle and place from where an entire kingdom was ruled from: an immense room decorated with banners, golden ornaments spiraling around the pillars upon the wall, and a large red carpet leading to the thrones. But it was strangely devoid of people. There were many royal guards, but none of the buzzing activity she was expecting, no servants and nobles around the room. Only Xander was present on the side with his two retainers; Corrin recognized the pink twin-tails of Peri, who happily waved at her when she came in while Laslow flashed a wink. But she only had eyes for the two figures on the thrones. Both looking at her with high expectations. And for an instant, she was taken aback by their majesty. King Garon, her father. Queen Lora, her mother. In that instant, she understood why people knelt before them.
"Approach, my child."
Corrin walked at the King's command, following the red carpet. Beneath her, she could feel a familiar vibration, as if water was flowing. A Dragon Vein was present. Jakob and Felicia stopped early and knelt, while Corrin advanced up to the bottom stairs of the throne and bowed.
"Rise." Came Mother's voice.
Corrin obeyed, looking at the thrones and trying not to display worries or weakness in what seemed to be an eternity.
"I see you have grown into a fine princess, Corrin." Finally commented the King.
"Thank you, Father. Long have I wished to visit Castle Krakenburg and live with everyone else. I feel like I'm dreaming." Admitted Corrin.
"It is only thanks to your diligence in training that you are here. I'm told you are now a warrior standing on par with Xander, by his own words."
"I can affirm this loud and clear, Father. She is ready." Said the prince.
"I see you received my gift, Corrin. Unsheathe the swords." Commanded Lora.
The princess did and immediately was enthralled by what she saw. The two curved blades were beautifully carved, but it was the magic enfolding them which attracted her gaze; the left blade was covered with a living flame, while the right one glowed with a purple light.
"Those blades and armor belonged before to a princess like you, and are infused with the magic of another world. Apart from the divine treasures of Nohr and Hoshido, few weapons will ever match those."
Corrin had to remind herself that she was not dreaming, anxiety and worries all but forgotten as she contemplated the marvelous objects.
"Thank you for this generous gift, Mother." Corrin said, about to sheath when a gesture of the King stopped her.
"Those blades will be put to good use. Bring the prisoners!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Shouted a guard before leaving.
A few seconds later, a group of six prisoners came in, circled by soldiers under the command of Gunter. Hoshidians! Corrin realized in shock, noting there were five men and one woman. She has never seen people like them before, but what they were wearing were too exotic to be anything from Nohr. Four were wearing light armor with leather breastplates. The fifth had something more complex, with his forearm, shin and abdomen covered in leathery protections, above a green surcoat. But the last was the one who surprised Corrin the most: her lower body was covered with dark boots and a white braccae, but her torso was completely naked save for an enormous pearled collar and white strips covering her breasts! This castle was just cold, and seeing the woman in such light clothes made Corrin shiver.
"Those Hoshidians are spies and troublemakers, captured not long ago. I have brought them here to see your power with my own eyes." Said Garon as the guards, still keeping the prisoners in check, gave them crude brass weapons.
"You want me to beat them." Understood Corrin, looking briefly at Felicia and Jakob behind her. "May I fight alongside my retainers?"
"No. This fight is for you and you alone, Corrin." Denied Lora with a clear tone. "Show us your growth."
"Yes, Mother." Nodded the princess before moving toward the prisoners as the guard took place near the thrones and exits.
"Do not worry, Milady. I am confident you will triumph splendidly." Quietly said Gunter as he passed near her.
Now that Corrin was closer, she could see her opponents more clearly. The four men in leather breastplates received straight swords, and the way they held them clearly indicated they weren't used to it. On the other hand, the half-naked woman was armed with a one handed axe, and judging by her impressive bare muscles any of her hit could inflict serious pain despite the armor. Lastly, the green-haired man had two daggers in his hands, and seemed incredibly calm for his situation.
Was he a ninja? No, it couldn't be. According to Mother, ninjas never let themselves get caught alive. Corrin's attention was disrupted as the woman, whose hair she noted were light blonde and not red, the red coming from some sort of head ornament, shouted for her attention.
"I am Rinkah! Daughter of the Flame Tribe's honorable chieftain! What is your name, Nohrian Princess?"
"I'm Corrin." The princess answered, keeping an eye on the green-haired man who she noticed had already started to move slightly, only to stop at her answer.
"Corrin?" He repeated, staring at her so intensely which made Corrin feeling uneasy. "No, it doesn't matter. I'm Kaze, a ninja of Hoshido. Show me what you can do."
This Hoshidian dashed to the side. At the same time, the four other men charged behind the Flame Tribe's warrior. They were trying to encircle! Corrin drew into the Dragon Vein, but instead of taking the energy in, she pushed it through the ground with a shout. With a resounding crack, the stone ground under the approaching Hoshidians exploded upward in a shower of blue energy. The woman dodged by jumping forward but the rest weren't as quick and were tossed around like rag dolls.
Corrin dodged to the side to avoid the axe swing then counter-attacked with the curved blade in her right hand. The shining purple sword almost pierced the flank of the tribeswoman but only grazed her forearm. The princess almost pressed her assault but instead jumped away, her instinct screaming. With a wave of her arm, Rinkah sent her blood where she had been and the crimson liquid ignited into flames.
"We of the Tribe are blessed by the god of Fire!" Shouted the dark-skinned women as she stained her axe with her blood, covering it in flames.
It's like Flora and Felicia! Thought Corrin as she caught the ninja approaching fast. When the tribeswoman attacked she dashed herself low, deflecting the flaming axe with her own fiery sword before cutting deeply into Rinkah's shoulder, the magic blade piercing through flesh effortlessly. The half-naked warrior roared in pain, her wound was cauterizing immediately before her left hand let out a fireball. Corrin gritted her teeth as the burning projectile hit her chest and spun on herself, disarming her opponent and slashing the leg, making the tribeswoman fall before jumping away from the running ninja approaching.
Corrin rolled on landing, avoiding narrowly a dagger that would have hit her had she stood up too soon before jumping on her feet, facing the green-haired ninja with his second dagger in reverse holding. The man slightly crouched, as if waiting for her. Corrin had no idea how to fight a ninja, and so she approached slowly, keeping her guard up… Were the guys she knocked down earlier standing up? She sent a glance…
When did he move?! Was all she could think as she slashed away at Kaze who had struck with a speed she didn't expect. The ninja dodged her blow then threw his dagger to Corrin's surprise. By reflex she parried it and her left wrist was grabbed by the man. Then her right was grabbed too as he tried to unbalance her. With a growl she headbutted Kaze and kicked his groin, freeing herself from his grip before shoving the pommel of one of her weapons into his temples, throwing him stunned on the ground. The other guys were still knocked out. The tribeswoman tried to stand but failed, barely managing to stand on one knee with her axe too far away to be used. It was over.
"Phew. This was tougher than I thought." Corrin whispered as she looked at the defeated Hoshidians.
Feeling her burns acutely, Corrin approached the fractured ground where she made the Dragon Vein erupt and grabbed some of the flowing energy to heal herself.
"What are you waiting for?" Asked the Queen, freezing Corrin in place.
"Mother… they're beaten." Corrin said, anxiously feeling where it was going.
"Yet they still live."
"You want me to execute helpless prisoners!?"
"What other fate would you see them meet?" Asked the Queen, leaning toward her on her throne.
The princess hesitated. She didn't know. No, she knew death was likely the only possibility for spies, but it just didn't feel right. It never felt right for her to have someone killed…
"I wish to have some time and interrogate the prisoners by myself before making a decision."
Lora looked at Garon, then nodded. The King turned toward Corrin and spoke.
"Very well, Corrin. You will have-"
"Behind you!"
At the shout, Corrin spun. Her left blade intercepted the brass sword. Her right blade thrust. Pierced through the breastplate. An iron scent took her at the throat. Her hand was covered by something sticky, warm. The Hoshidian's eyes went lifeless. His body fell, splattering red on the floor. So quickly. So easily. So…
"Corrin. Move aside."
The voice of Garon cut through her thought, and she obeyed without thinking, moving away from the remaining downed soldiers and the corpse. The corpse of the man she killed. A shiver ran down her spine, and she instinctively looked up at the throne. At the same time, the king released his magic, burning livings and dead with a fiery conflagration. Taken out of her stupefaction, Corrin could barely muster a whisper at the sight of the charred remains.
"Gods. Father, why…"
"Let it be a lesson for you, child. Some enemies will only be stopped by death." Said Garon firmly and distinctly. "As for those two…"
Without thinking Corrin dashed between the surviving Hoshidians and the throne, making her father quiet. He had his hand still raised, palm open, no doubt about to unleash another spell. But the princess didn't think about it. Nor about how what she did was insubordination. All she could think of was a single thought: No more death. Please, no more… After a tense second the hand became a finger, pointed at the ninja behind her.
"You, Hoshidian. Why did you help my daughter?"
Confused as she turned around, Corrin suddenly realized the shout that had warned her didn't come from Xander, Jakob, or any of the guards. The voice that had yelled was that of the green garbed ninja, who stood on his knee before answering.
"I couldn't stand to see her die dishonorably, King Garon. That is all."
Garon stared at the ninja, then at the Fire Tribe's warrior, a pensive look upon his traits, then put back his hand on his throne armrests.
"Fine. Gunter, bring those two back to their cell, with a healer. And fetch servants to clean up here."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Acknowledged Gunter before the guards moved at his order, taking the two wounded Hoshidians away.
"As for you, Corrin, you are dismissed until further notice."
"Right. Thank you, Father." Said Corrin, remembering to bow admits her troubled thought.
Mechanically, she walked outside the throne room, barely noticing Felicia and Jakob by her side, finding herself in her apartments before she fully realized it, sitting on a chair. I just killed someone. The thought was looping on her mind. Her hand, her entire forearm was bloodied, even after she removed her gauntlet. She had felt her sword pass through his body without resistance, his last smelly breath, seen his eyes lose their light. Then why, why, why…
"Milady, here is some tea."
"Thank you, Jakob." Whispered Corrin, taking the cup and burning her tongue with the hot liquid.
Why was she feeling nothing?
"You were hurt! How are you now? Oh gods, why did you have to do this. Why couldn't we help out?"
"Please Felicia, I don't think Lady Corrin needs any blabber right now."
"I'm sorry! I just…. It was horrible."
Corrin stared at her empty cup. Jakob poured more, and she drank again. Jakob never missed his tea. Just the right amount of sweet and bitterness. It was a good tea. But once again she found herself staring at the cup's empty bottom, and she almost missed the guard entering and kneeling.
"Princess, Prince Xander wishes to speak to you." Said the guard with reverence.
"Oh. Just a minute. Felicia, please freeze my head."
"Uh? I mean, right. On my way." Said her pink-haired friend under the worried eyes of Jakob before touching her cheeks ans sending a cold wave through them.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch, it's good, it's good, stop! Thank you. Tell Xander he can come."
The guard nodded and left. A few seconds later Xander came alone through the door, an uncharacteristically worried expression on his face. He must have left his retainers at the door.
"I came as soon as Father let me. How are you?"
"I'm fine." Automatically answered Corrin, but Xander shook his head.
"You aren't. Please, tell me what's on your mind."
Corrin paused, then put her teacup down. With her ideas clearer, she tried to put words on them.
"Killing should feel wrong, right? It should be horrible. It should make you feel bad. But it doesn't. It's just… There. I killed someone. I just did. And I feel nothing about it! What is wrong with me?"
Xander said nothing at first, then his frown softened and he sat down.
"It's something you will have to come to term on your own, little princess. Being a prince or a princess means giving death when you have to. And sometimes you won't be able to find a justification other than that it must be done. It weighs on your heart, but you must stay strong, for the good of the kingdom and your own."
Corrin nodded with a heavy heart, incapable of arguing with her brother's words.
"Thank you, Xander."
"Don't thank me. It's simply how it is." Stated the prince before accepting the tea brought by Jakob. "If it can ease you, neither the Queen nor Father are angry at you."
"They aren't?"
"They were worried about you. As noble as it is, your compassion almost cost you your life, and you will likely receive some sort of punishment for putting yourself in such danger."
"I know." Sulked Corrin, wondering what sort of punishment it would be.
"But, you proved yourself to Father's eyes. They know you didn't argue to escape your responsibility, but because you thought it was right. In consequence, your punishment will surely be light." Added Xander, smiling for the first time in the conversation.
"That's great." She said, smiling in response the best she could.
"There, a smile suits you better. Why don't you rest for now? I'm sure you will be called again soon enough. And I'm worried about letting Laslow or Peri alone for too long."
The admission taking a giggle out of her, Corrin drank her tea, appreciating its taste again. Yes, resting sounded good. Maybe after that, she would come to the throne room and apologize, maybe ask to see the surviving prisoners: The warrior from the Fire Tribe and the green ninja did pique her curiosity…
Lora watched as the fractured ground was repaired thanks to Garon's power over the Dragon Vein, stone finding itself back on its original position as solid ground. The ashen remains of the Hoshidians soldiers have already been moved away. What happened had been far from what she envisioned. For Corrin to show mercy was expected, no, she had been certain it would happen. But not that it would put her in mortal peril so quickly.
"Your worries are showing, my queen." Said Garon, once more reading her like an open book.
"Corrin must learn to kill, and to do so without hesitation. Otherwise what happened today might repeat, without a helpful soul to help her." Frustratingly replied Lora. "She is too kind for her own good, and I don't know how that first kill will affect her."
"There are fangs hidden beneath that kindness. She will be fine."
Fangs… Lora was genuinely wondering if she wanted to see her little princess manifest this side of her. For all of Corrin's naivete and gentleness, she also had rarely seen the girl angry. And always it has been quickly burnt out ones, born of frustration or overshadowed by sadness. What if the fangs she would bare were those of an uncontrollable beast… According to the tales found in Nohr's tomes, those in whose the dragon blood was too strong suffered terrible fate once it awakened…
"The Fire Tribe's warrior is close to what I expected. Scarcely different from the Ice Tribe, only less accepting of the outside world." The Queen said, moving aside the useless guessing.
The way this Rinkah had been brought to Krakenburg was a testament of that in an out itself. Apparently, she traveled all the way from Hoshido, and started multiple incidents in different towns she traveled. Certain deriving from her revealing attire attracting ill attentions, other from her violent reactions to minor provocations. All culminating in the local lord to capture and ship the tribeswoman to Krakenburg to be judged by the king.
"The chieftain's daughter, no less. She deserves a proper meeting once her wounds are healed. But the ninja is another matter. It would be better for Corrin to never speak to him again." Somberly said Garon.
Unsaid was something no ears should hear. He might have understood who Corrin was. And if it was the case, his action to save the princess from his countrymen was much easier to understand…
"He did save her life nonetheless, and for that, he deserves to live. Let us have him escorted to the frontier."
The King nodded in approval. Hoshido likely knew already the sheltered princess never seen in court was their kidnapped royal child. For them to learn the girl was alive and well may open new paths to negotiations. Even if between the Hoshidian raids and the Faceless attacks done in answer the countries were on the verge of open hostility, the treaty they signed years ago was still valid. And with it being some time since the last incident, maybe a peaceful solution could still be reached…