The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 19 – Dawn Draws Near
Author's note: And here hope I would take less time to release the new chapter because it was in the game itself… real life has a way of sucker-punching you in ways you never expect. I just couldn't write for a time, with neither the time nor the mood for it. Anyway, it's in the past. I hope you are getting through the actual crisis without too much loss or problems. Thank you very much, pt1oef, for taking time and energy to beta-read, even though you have your own problems to face. Now, on to the reviews.
Demonic Hellfire: Thanks you for your support!
Guest: I agree that in other circumstances, Lora and Selena would get along as friend. But in here, there are obstacles, notably the chain of command, much more rigid than in Ylisse, and the fact that they simply don't have the time or will to interact with each other. At least, for now.
Pheer: Well, Camilla comes off as deliberately disrespectful, and that Lora does not appreciate at all. On the other hand, she does improve Selena's swordsmanship, at the measly cost of the latter's pride.
Guest: I'm glade you like it! Though I love conflict in stories, having good things happen is something I really like too!
pt1oef: Corrin will not be exactly stronger, but rather, she will reach her peak much sooner. Ah, Flora is a topic I keep for later. Lora cannot really fight like a ninja, and yes, that's why Corrin is surprised by Kaze's techniques. Lora's interaction with Rinkah will be a subject for later.
Oogaa boooga: Thank you for your support! No, I won't include anything of Bloodborne, or any other Fromsoft franchise. As this point not only would it make the story a mess, but it would make the story something I don't want it to become.
Imperial Warlord: Thank you for your continuous support.
Spartastic 4: I try my best to make it cleaner and cleaner. That interaction will certainly happen, but I keep it for a special occasion. As for the path, if you are asking the question, I think it means I'm doing a good job! Thank you for reviewing!
Guest: Selena did survive that… alongside a small army of other extremely skilled peoples. I'm not trying to downplay her achievements, but the Iron Golem would certainly kill her.
Dracus6: Sorry, but no. I'm not interested in Shield Hero in the first place, and I can't see how to make it an engaging story, for me or from a general standpoint.
With all that said, enjoy the story. Thank you again for your support, and remember that reviews are always welcome.
Corrin blinked when she entered the canal illuminated by lamps all along the waterside, trying to look at everything and everyone at once. It didn't smell of smoke like she feared, and it was so bright compared to the tunnels! Already she could heard voices from everywhere around.
"Won't it be pretty for mom?"
"But it was half that price last time!"
"Give me some of this stew."
Corrin couldn't help the large smile she knew was on her lips. All those peoples, all those little shops, she finally was seeing them by herself!
"Can't you lower those prices?"
"Can't help it, the season was bad..."
"Come back here you!…"
The constant brouhaha making her pointy ears twitch didn't seem to bother Elise, who was holding her hand and walking forward as quickly as she could. Her little sister offered to show her the part of the city she knew best, the market, and Corrin had immediately said yes.
"Please Lady Elise, not so fast. I must remain before you at all time."
"I concur! Who knows what sort of trouble you might run in without us!"
Or rather, Elise made her walk as fast as their escort allowed them to… Of course, such a visit could only be done under the vigilant watch of their retainers. Behind them were Jakob and Felicia as rear-guard. And just in front of them were the two retainers of Elise. About whom Corrin found herself wondering if Jakob's… own special way of retainer-ing was contagious.
"If anything happened to you, I tremble to even imagine the dishonor that would befall us! Even being eaten by rabid dogs would be a better fate!" Said the large blond knight in blue and red armor.
"It's just a visit to the market! Gosh, Arthur, I'm not a child anymore!" Pouted Elise.
"Since less than a year, Lady Elise."
"Not you too Effie!" Lamented the youngest princess as her second retainer denied her.
The petite, pale-haired woman didn't answer, attentively watching the people move aside to leave the small escort space. Some of them bowed, those wearing palace maiden's and servant's outfits, while the townspeople were mostly minding their own business. And they went to so many different stores and places. A potter selling beautiful plates, a draper with so many colors on his fabrics… Oh right, there was that smithy Mother highly recommended, she had to go there too! But Elise wanted to show her something first, and they made quick strides up to a modest flower shop, held by a vigorous matron.
"It's here! Wohoo, nanny!"
The large woman in apron looked up from her goods before smiling widely. Her stall was barely larger than her, just in front of her house, with two rows of colored flowers.
"Honey, how kind of you to visit! And you brought company with you! Who is this lovely young lady?"
"Yeah! It's my big sister, Corrin! Corrin, it's Cassita, my nanny!"
"Oh, hum, nice to meet you." Stammered Corrin, who didn't think that was what Elise wanted to show her. "You, hold this shop alone?"
"Yes, I do! There are many flowers around the city if you know where to look. Is there something you like?" Asked Cassita.
Corrin looked at the colored petals, surprised to see flowers sold in the city. There were fields of flowers in the very South, or Cheve and Nestra, but those were unlikely to come from there.
"They are pretty…" Whispered Felicia. "I have never seen so many colors of flowers."
"They are growing all around the city, on the surface. Did you know Elise helped me gather them before? She had the bad habit of sneaking out of the castle to get out in the underground city, so I had to occupy her!"
"Cassita! Please, that's embarrassing!"
"I'll take some pink flowers. And those yellow ones." Said Corrin, containing a laugh at her sister's pouting. "Can you carry them Jakob?"
"Of course, Lady Corrin."
It didn't take long for Jakob to be charged with the small pots before they said their goodbye to the old wet nurse. Smelling the small flagrance of the plants, Corrin turned toward Elise, who was humming a small tune.
"Did you really go out in the city on your own? You never told me that before."
"Well, yes. That's how I met Arthur and Effie! Wait, you mean I never told you? Never ever? I'm so sorry, I thought I did!"
"Don't be. I never asked you either." Reassured Corrin. "Why not now?"
It took them scouring through half the market for Elise to explain how confined she felt in the castle and how many times she managed to slip away, mostly under the pretense of playing hide and seek with the castle's other children. During those escapades she met Arthur and Effie, the first defending her against a drunkard, the second being one of her older playmates, then best friend until Elise simply couldn't leave the castle at all. They both became part of the city guard, then castle soldiers until Elise met them again, and by that point the little Princess made them both her retainers.
"Mother let you take them as retainers? Just like that?"
"I assure you, it was no easy task to impress the Queen. But our perseverance and the justice of our wish to protect Lady Elise allowed us to win over her approval!" Proudly declared Arthur.
"And what did you have to do for that?"
"Nothing too much. Queen Lora simply ordered us to protect Lady Elise against everything she would throw."
"Nothing too much? Effie, she sent fireballs and axes and spears at you! Your shield was cut in half by the end! Arthur's hairs almost burned away!" Protested Elise, pointing at the still very short hairs on Arthur's head.
"Just an unfortunate accident, really. Effie deflected the flames with her shield just when I had to stop a javelin on her side. I'm certain the Queen didn't intend for it to wound us gravely and was merely testing our resolve."
"Yes… I'm sure too." Said Corrin, Felicia letting a nervous laugh escape while Jakob displayed a strained smile. "Why don't we go to that jeweler over there?"
Camilla never missed an occasion to remind how "brutally and unfairly" the Queen subjected Beruka and Selena to various trials and tribulations. Corrin was sure she exaggerated sometimes, but she couldn't deny that Mother was very… Demanding. And because of that, she feared the punishment to come. Would it be a patrol in some remote part of the country, like her older siblings have done many times? Corrin couldn't find a chance to talk to Mother or Father at all during the last two days, since the… battle, at the throne room, and had been told she would be called in due time when she insisted. Perhaps was it too a part of her punishment?
"Are you daft? This isn't ruby, it's some cheap spinel! No way I'm paying that much!"
That voice! Corrin ran in the shop. She glimpsed at long, brown-reddish twin-tails before seeing – and hearing – the full figure of Selena, quarreling over a necklace.
"With all due respect, milady, it's a perfectly appropriate price for a product of such quality. Look at the finish of the chain, the fineness of the engravings…" Pleaded the shopkeeper.
"Grrr, fine… but that stone is still rubbish! I'll take it for 20 gold, top!" Shouted Selena.
"No less than 50 gold, milady. Haven't you yourself recognized how it would enhance your beauty?"
"You won't get me with that sale pitch! Although, I suppose I can go up to 30 gold."
"For your most gracious figure, I accept to descend to 40 gold. Less and I would sell it at a loss."
"Hey, I said!… Ugh, fine. Put it with the rest."
"Thank you so much for your patronage. And what can I do for you, noble lady?" Asked the man to Corrin without missing a beat.
"Oh, I was just looking for my friend over here." Said the princess.
The red-head made a complete turn on herself, staring at Corrin with complete surprise.
"Corrin? I thought you were, no forget it, can you help with my stuff? I just had the best deal in weeks, and there's much to take!" Instantly asked Selena.
"Sure. Wait, why are you here? Is Camilla here too? I thought she was in Cheve!" Asked Corrin with hope.
"Nope, it's just me. Now pick these, will you? We can catch up while we keep shopping togethe-"
"Absolutely not." Interrupted Jakob, who had stepped into the jewelry shop. "You are free to hoard as much as your compulsory shopping addiction makes you, but I won't allow you to load Lady Corrin like a package mule."
Camilla's retainer sent a death glare to Corrin's retainer who took it without blinking. Oh no, not again. Thought the Princess immediately, glimpsing Elise and her retainers still outside with Felicia, the small inside making it impossible for them to come in.
"We were here to visit the market and maybe buy some things in the first place, right? Jakob? We can just have Selena join us. I'm sure she doesn't have much to carry anyway."
"Uh… Nothing much, yeah, really!" Reassured the redhead, taking her… multiple sacks under the very satisfied eyes of the shopkeeper and those, disproving, of Jakob.
One sack contained nothing but pots. Another was full of tunics. And she didn't have the will to look into the rest.
"How much did you buy for?" Asked Corrin, wondering how much gold did Camilla leave to her retainers to use.
"Does it matter? I'm on a roll today!"
It finally took Jakob and Effie together to carry everything without risk. Felicia couldn't really be trusted with any fragile thing, and Arthur… Elise just told her that she never gave him anything she didn't want to see broken. They passed through two other shops before Corrin remembered what she wanted to ask.
"Selena, why are you here, in Windmire I mean? You said Camilla is still in Cheve?"
"Oh yeah. She wanted to go back to see you, but it's getting real bad there." Explained Selena with a frustrated voice. "There have been at least two guys Beruka killed before they could do anything. I didn't want to leave Lady Camilla but she insisted I went to see you. You're damn lucky she likes you so much, you know?"
"It's not her fault! She didn't ask Lady Camilla to make you come. I'm sure Lady Corrin would have told her to let you stay." Protested Felicia loudly before Arthur put a hand on her shoulder.
"Please don't work yourself up, my friend. There is no way Lady Corrin could be at fault in here, no matter how the vile words of some may imply otherwise."
"Why are you making ME the bad guy here?" Shouted Selena, her cheeks slowly taking the color of her hair.
"Because you are a big meanie!" Retorted the maid.
"All of you, please stop! Can't you see you are bothering everyone?" Snapped Corrin, showing the street with a large hand wave.
The people around the market moving aside the commotion, worry plastered on their face and in their moves while others seemed to observe from a safe distance. Even some outside stalls were empty, their owner having retreated inside the safety of their shops. Shame and embarrassment colored the faces of Selena and Felicia… It was supposed to be a simple market trip… thought Corrin guiltily, feeling she could have prevented all this by speaking sooner.
"Look, I'm sorry, ok? I didn't mean it that way. Really. And sorry to you too, Princess Elise" Mumbled Selena.
"It's alright. Let's just finish the market tour." Said Elise, taking Corrin's hand and holding it with all her strength.
It took a few minutes for them to cover what was left of the marketplace, the people going back to their activities once they looked sure nothing would happen. Despite that the rest of the trip felt sour, until the group finally arrived at the stall of the master blacksmith Lora told Corrin about. It was bigger than most other, with a few men watching vigilantly or presenting the various products. To the princess' surprise, it was mostly mundane objects: nails, razors, chains, hammers and other tools. When Corrin approached to look at the items more closely, an old man went out of the forge and hailed her deferentially with a raspy voice.
"Princesses. It's an honor for me to meet you, in my modest shop. Would you like to come inside, that I may show you products more deserving of your standing?"
Jakob immediately put himself before of Corrin, likely to avoid her running inside on her own again. Looking at the man, who was most likely the master smith given his age and hands who looked like they had been burnt multiple times, she decided to accept his invitation, while Elise and Selena decided to stay out.
"Master Brion, isn't it?" Asked Corrin, her eyes accustoming to the dark interior barely lightened by the hearth and a single old lantern on a metal table.
"At your service, Princess."
"How did you know I was a princess? I could have been any member of the nobility."
The old man laughed, a sound like someone was scraping leather with a stone as he displaced a large chest in a surprising display of strength.
"Apart from Princess Elise, who visited this market enough for all to know her? I may be old, young lady, but there are things a man never forgets about his life. The sight of your mother coming in my forge, wearing this exact same armor you have, is one such memory."
"You know Mother? Queen Lora?"
"Know is a bit strong, but aye, from when she was still general. Peoples don't call me the Queen's smith for nothing."
With a hum of satisfaction, the old blacksmith took out a few items and put them on the table, close to the lantern. Despite how curious she was now about how much the blacksmith knew of Lora, Corrin examined the items. Two silver daggers, absolutely identical in their plain appearance. Ovoid pommels, straight guards, gray-silvery blades. Had they been in any armory, she wouldn't have looked at them twice over some other. She took one of them, feeling its weight, moving her wrist a little with it, grazing the edge with her thumb. It was perfect. Light in hand, heavy on the hit, so sharp she almost cut herself. Jakob visibly reached the same conclusions if his focus was anything to go by.
"You have made them? They are incredible." She asked, making the old man smile.
"Aye. My apprentices aren't bad, young Tim especially, but for some pieces I'm still in charge. I may be old, but my eyes and hands are still strong."
"But why make them so plain? Something so good should be more beautiful, more ornate… I'm sorry, it's not that they are bad looking, sorry if that's what I'm implying, it's just…"
Her apologetic tirade was interrupted by another laugh from Brion, who held to the table to avoid bending over with the intensity of his laugh.
"Are you mocking Lady Corrin, old man?" Menacingly asked Jakob.
"Hahahaha! Please, I'm not so rude as to insult the daughter of my most appreciated benefactor and client. It has simply been so long since a youngster asked me this." Assured the blacksmith, containing his amusement. "Princess, let an old man teach you this: with the exception of those legendary weapons like the King's blade Siegfried, the best weapons are always plain-looking. All those flourishes you see on a fancy blade do nothing good. It only makes the weapon unbalanced or unpractical, or worse, a target for thieves and enemies. The horror I've seen!"
The old man took the remaining dagger, admiring it in the lantern's soft light.
"This beauty, on the other hand, will never let you down. It will pierce through and straight without breaking or twisting. It's easy to look after, and just as easy to conceal. Anyone looking at it will think you wield a common blade incapable of hurting them, and with that you can take the occasion to pierce through the chain mail covering their groin or armpit."
Unease crept on Corrin's back at the mental image brought by that last sentence but she quickly pushed it back. Fascinated, the Princess gazed upon the masterpiece in her hands with a new outlook.
"I'll buy them both, master Brion. And thank you for dispensing me your wisdom."
"Wisdom, hah! That's a sweet lass. You're welcome, Princess."
"Don't worry about the price, Lady Corrin. I'll arrange things myself." Said Jakob.
The blacksmith handed Corrin the sheathes for the blades. Noting they were just as ordinary as the blade themselves, the princess couldn't help her curiosity.
"How much do you know the Queen? She told me to come here should I have the occasion, but nothing more."
The old man's wrinkles deepened as he seemed to think for a moment.
"Not much, for sure. Found her weird at first, always coming with absurd demands. I'd lie if I said I took her seriously when she asked me those javelins she insisted were arrows the first time. That arsenal on the other hand… I don't think I've ever seen half of those designs before. Wasn't badly maintained either, though I'm still asked to look at it sometimes. She never said where she got all that, but you must know more about that than old me…"
Corrin shook her head. Tales of Lothric were her bedtime stories for a long time, but her mother flat out refused when she asked about most weapons.
"Too bad. Well, I did everything she asked of me, up and after she acceded the throne. But some things always bothered me when I think about it."
"Like what?" Asked the princess, making the blacksmith snicker.
"Well, apart how my own daughter looks older than the Queen does? I've seen all sort of people come to my forge. I'm no seer, but it's pretty easy to tell what they're made of once they look or hold at the blades. I've even heard of some mad lads taking the weapons of a dead friend and using it as if he was still with them. But the Queen, that's something else. The way she looks and treats some of hers, you'd swear she is taking care of a relative…" The master blacksmith shook his head, rising his old body. "Ah, I really must be going senile to say all this to you. Thank you for your patronage, and give the Queen my humblest thanks."
"I will do." Nodded Corrin, puzzled by what the man had told her.
Leaving the smithy, the princess found Effie and Elise watching Felicia and Arthur in an animated conversation. Her little sister immediately noticed she came out and jumped at her.
"Is everything alright?" Asked Corrin, taking her sister's hand again.
"Yes! I'd never thought they would get along together that much!" Joyfully said Elise. "Hey guys, Corrin's out! Ready to go?"
"Yes, of course! Dear Felicia, I would be most happy to speak with you again." Said Arthur.
"Oh, thanks! I'll keep your tips in mind." Replied the maid, blushing a little.
"Where is Selena? I thought she was still with you."
"She said she had to make a report first. Ah, and that she would see you next!" Remembered Elise.
They finally left the marketplace, returning in the tunnels leading to Krakenburg. They navigated through the maze up to the lower levels, then reached the main corridors and stairs, at which point they started the long escalation to their respective rooms, and after some time they reached the place where they would go on their separate ways.
"That was fun. I hope we can do this again sometimes."
"Yeah! Next time I'll show you flower spots at the surface." Said Elise with a large smile, before some realization seemed to dawn on her. "Oh! I must go now, or I'll be late for my lessons! Later sis!"
The small princess sprinted, Arthur bolting behind to avoid leaving her alone while Effie stayed behind and bowed at Corrin.
"Thank you for indulging Lady Elise's wishes. It's been a while since she was so happy."
"It's nothing. Thank you for being her friend and for protecting her."
Effie bowed again and left, leaving Corrin alone with Felicia and Jakob as they came back to her apartments. Corrin promptly sat on one of the sofas, once again astounded by the idea that servants were running up and down in the entire castle all day and night long. Felicia brought her a cup of warm, sweet water she accepted with gratitude… Only realizing with Jakob dispirited stare it was likely supposed to be tea, but Felicia had probably been too much in hurry to think about the leaves. Deciding to not mention it, she drank it all.
"Thank you, Felicia." She said, putting the cup down. "It was all I needed."
"You're welcome, Lady Corrin." Giggled the maid, happy to see she did good.
"Come closer. And you too, Jakob. I have a gift for you."
"You don't mean..." Started the butler, before shutting up when she put the two daggers on the table. "This is too much. Milady…"
"Don't try to Milady me, Jakob. Just take it. You too, Felicia. It's for everything you are doing for me." Shushed Corrin, her ears twitching in annoyance.
Jakob resigned himself and accepted the gift, muttering something about gold and spending. Felicia took the weapon too, unsure at first, and then unsheathed it. Her attitude changed completely as she weighed up the blade, then started to juggle it. With two hands, then one, before throwing the sheath in the air at the same time, making the blade fall exactly into the sheath before catching it back.
"Incredible. How did you learn to do that?" Asked Corrin, in awe.
"T-thank you, Lady Corrin." Blushed Felicia, almost hiding the weapon and her hand behind her back. "It's just something I trained to do alone. It's a lot easier with this blade, it flies so well!"
"I still can't believe you manage both that and breaking half the plate you have to carry…" Muttered Jakob so low only Corrin heard it, but before she could say a word someone knocked at the door.
Jakob took the occasion and went to see. He quickly came back with Selena, who seemed to be… Preoccupied? That wasn't the usual Selena she knew.
"Can I sit down? I'll be quick."
Corrin nodded. That was really not like Selena.
"I have been charged to tell you. You'll be convoked by our Majesties in three days to learn what punishment awaits you."
Three days! Worry and hope blossomed together again in her chest. But the way Selena said it sounded more way too ominous to be just that.
"Is there something else? You really seem under the weather."
"What, it's that obvious?" Snarled Selena, looking away. "Urgh, I'm just a total mess today, isn't it?"
"No, that's fine. I'd be upset too if it happened to any of my brothers or Camilla."
"How can you always be so damn nice?… But thanks. I'm worried sick about you and Lady Camilla. If anything happens to you while she's away, I don't think she'll ever forgive me or herself." Admitted Selena.
That, Corrin had little doubt about. She'd just have to hope for the best.
"Lady Corrin, it is time." Announced the guard in front of the throne room's gates.
Her heart almost missed a beat. At last. With Jakob and Felicia behind, she inspired one big time, then expired. No point in worrying. Just go with the motion. Reaffirming her resolve, Corrin walked into the immense room. Once again, she was stricken by how empty it was, safe for the royal guards and a few people near the elevated thrones. There was Xander, his retainers Laslow and Peri, Selena, Gunter, and also a knelling young knight she didn't recognize. Reaching the limits of her allowed closeness, she bowed in front of the King and Mother.
"Corrin, you have put yourself and others in unacceptable danger by showing mercy to an opponent you should have eliminated." Declared Garon, regal and impassible. "But at the same time, you have proved yourself worthy of the power you wield as part of the royal lineage, and ready to assume the responsibility of your acts. For this, you will be granted some leeway."
"What do you expect of me, Father?" Asked Corrin, concerned.
"There is a fortress near the Bottomless Canyon, on the Hoshidian side: Fort Blackmaw. You are to travel there and inspect if the Hoshidians respect the border treaty around the area of the fortress. This will be done under the flag of truce. No fighting will be allowed. Even if the Hoshidians are breaking the pact, you shall not engage them. You must come back. Do you understand?"
"Yes Father. I understand perfectly."
Corrin felt the knot in her throat untie itself. She had been too much worried. The mission was simple, and didn't involve having to kill anyone. But the next words, coming from Mother, hit her where she didn't expect.
"This will be a test, but also a punishment. Your retainers shall stay inside Krakenburg, and at no point they will be authorized to join you in this mission."
"What?" Exclaimed Selena, expressing the exact thoughts that has come to the princess. "That's ridiculous! Why shouldn't Lady Corrin have her retainers with her?"
"This is test intended for the princess, and her alone. Therefore, any assistance would muddy the results." Hissed a haughty voice.
Corrin looked aside… and finally noticed the figure of a sorcerer, face half-covered with a golden mask, in the shadow of the thrones. The royal sorcerer, Iago. Corrin never had contacts with the man beforehand, but everything she heard from Mother painted him as a disagreeable figure at best.
"As one of King Garon's advisor, I have been entrusted with the coordination of this mission. If the King says she does not need her retainers, then she will not bring them. For such an easy test, without even need for fighting, why would she need them?"
"Hold on! You're saying she won't be having anyone with her, right at Hoshido's doorstep? No way in hell! If she can't take her own retainers, then I'm going with her! Lady Camilla would approve!" Vehemently insisted Selena, to the obvious displeasure of the sorcerer.
"Father, I have to agree with those words. I vouch for Corrin's abilities, but going all alone is pure folly. Since she volunteered, I wish to at least adjoin Selena to her protection, and if possible that of my own retainer Laslow. I assure you, they will not interfere with Corrin's test." Added Xander.
Warmth coursed through Corrin hearing the pleas of her friend and older brother, but when she looked at Father and Mother, she could see it was not going to work, before the words even came from Lora.
"Your proposition is rejected, Prince Xander. Know that she indeed will not go alone, as her leadership is one her skill we wish to see tested. To this end, she will be accompanied with a squad of soldiers and servants selected beforehand. They shall be the only forces at her disposition to accomplish her mission. Is that clear?"
"… Yes, I understand." Accepted the eldest prince reluctantly.
"However, Corrin. Should you do well, you will be granted a boon." Added King Garon, pointing toward the kneeling man near Xander. "This young knight has recently proved his determination and skill. Once your mission is over, you will be authorized to take him as retainer, should it be your wish."
Puzzled, Corrin looked at the young man more attentively. How would it be a boon? He was tall, wearing a typical black knight armor. She couldn't see his face well because he was kneeling, but… Something piqued her memories when looked at him. Those grayed-blue, unruly hairs going up like a wave… No, could it be…?
"Silas?… Is that you?"
The knight raised his head, showing his figure clearly. It wasn't just the hair. His face was almost the same too. With barely a hair down his chin, it was as if he decided to just become tall since he left. Then he smiled. That smile she last saw when he took her to picnic. She ran to Silas, making him stand to look at him more closely, barely containing herself to not hug him right now.
"It's really, it's you! How did? When?" Asked Corrin, barely managing to get the words out.
"'I'm glad to see you too." Said Silas, his voice jolting even more memories inside Corrin. "After I was banished from the fortress, I tried to find a way to see you again. I figured the best way would be to enter your service directly, so I trained to become a knight and retainer."
"You did! That's… I thought I'd never see you again."
"Hum, hum, hum. If the princess would focus on the task she has been given. King Garon's time is precious, and you will have ample time to reacquaint yourself with that boy once you have completed your mission."
The moment was ruined by Iago's acid speech. Ignoring the furious stare of Corrin, the court sorcerer bowed deeply toward the throne before leaving.
"I conclude you are sufficiently motivated for your mission now." Assessed the Queen with a smile, one the princess barely caught before it morphed back to regal coldness. "Gunter will serve as your officer in second for this mission. He will relay your orders, but you shall be in charge of everything once you leave Windmire. Is it clear?"
"Yes, Mother." Nodded Corrin.
"Then you shall depart before the sun set. All preparations are done, what is left is only for you to take the lead."
"So soon? But…"
She had just found again her oldest friend, after so many years, and was forced to leave him yet again. Corrin looked at Silas, then at Xander, who nodded slightly toward the thrones. So this is part of the test too…
"Alright. I'll start my preparations right away."
"Don't worry, Corrin. I won't get anywhere until you come back. I swear." Assured Silas, kneeling and kissing her hand to the embarrassment of the princess.
"Ah, youth." Whispered Gunter before kneeling to the throne. "Your Majesties, may I take my leave with the princess?"
The King nodded, and the old knight stood up. Resigned, Corrin followed him, already thinking what she would have to bring. For she could already tell, without Jakob nor Felicia, it was going to be a very different journey than that from the Northern Fortress to Krakenburg…
"This frigging suck!"
Laslow's ears rang at the shout. Selena really didn't restrain herself when she was that mad. Especially when they were in the city's outskirt, officially patrolling, unofficially taking enough distance to have a private conversation.
"You know, you look sweeter when you don't shout like that. I'm sure there are some birds in the sky that missed your voice."
"You shut up! Why didn't you help more? I was kinda all alone arguing against that She-Walhart!"
"Please, you make it sound like I could do anything. Lord Xander tried to help and it didn't work. What should I have done, challenge the King to a duel?"
"Good idea! No, even better, you should have danced for him! I'm sure they would have laughed so hard they would have agreed!"
"Now that's going too far! Why didn't you ask for a duel with the Queen yourself, uh? Since she's Walhart to you now, maybe for once losing won't make you feel like you lost to your mother!"
"YOU!…" Exploded Selena, but at the last second she stopped herself from escalating and decided to rant. "I'm just so mad. We've managed to be close of Corrin for years, and just now, when she goes right into danger, we can't go!"
"Calm down, would you!" Hissed Laslow. "You know we can't do a thing about it."
Selena looked at him, then groaned and sat on the ground. Laslow sat too, looking at the stormy sky. Silence enveloped them for a moment, as glimpse of the stars sometimes pierced through the clouds.
"Don't you wonder where everyone is? All our old friends, I mean…"
"Why are you bringing this now? I bet having a blast, not having to suffer your philandering."
"Haha, now that's the Selena we all know and love! I was just reminiscing. It's been so long after all. Don't tell me you never thought about them."
"True… though I'm not sure how to feel about it. I mean, we pretty much left without warning, or goodbye. Not that they'd understand, but still."
"As is often the case with fate, but it has a way of surprising us mere mortals. Particularly when it come to matters of the heart." Said Laslow with a smug smile.
"Are you really flirting with me at a time like this?! You immature jerk!" Said Selena, punching him jokingly. "...Haha, but I guess that's my lot in life, eh? Thank you, Laslow. For being here with me."
"Anytime, Selena." Winked the young man, earning another light punch. "Anyway, at least the princess has Gunter with her. Is it not a comforting thought?"
"Oh, yeah. For an old man, he's pretty hardcore. I'm sure he could give Frederick a run for his money."
Laslow shivered, and it wasn't from the cold wind. The mere name of the overzealous protector was enough to bring back some… Terrible memories.
"He surely would. In any case, I think we can rest easy. If stress keep eating at you in the inside, we could ask Odin to divine the location of the princess when he comes back with Lord Leo."
"Ah! Knowing him, I'd sooner trust you to actually show your dance moves to someone!" Laughed Selena, winking in turn.
They shared a knowing laugh, the weight of their task a little lighter on their shoulders. The wind was chilly, but for now they were content to be, alone with one of the only two persons with whom they had no need to lie nor hide…