The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 28 – Lost in Thoughts
Author's notes: Well, I hoped to post that chapter at the start of the month, and then I had to rewrite more than two-third of it… Well, that, and I finally found a job! Less writing time, but I'm finally employed! Anyway, another long chapter, I'm hesitating making them smaller so I can pump them out more regularly. You can tell me if you would prefer that or if you don't mind waiting. As always, thanks to pt1oef for beta-reading.
Now, let's answer the reviews.
BlackHorus: It has updated indeed, I'm still alive! Thank you for your enthusiasm!
kukuhimanpr: It is indeed more of a Fire Emblem story than a Dark Souls story. I can understand if you would prefer it the other way.
Spartastic 4: Thank you for your encouragements. As on the subject of routes, the story will lean on Conquest first then branch more toward Revelation, but the events will be quite different, especially as I progress deeper.
pt1oef: Why paying extra attention to Takumi? Because quite frankly, he is an interesting character whose role is sadly a bit too heavy-handed as a contrarian. Azura does recover much better thanks to the ring of sun princess Lora gave her. And yeah, Mikoto deserved more with her daughter, but tragedy is never merciful. The battlefield isn't for this chapter yet, but it's coming fast!
Imperial warlord: Thanks. I hope you'll keep liking it.
Kazuka746: I followed your advice, quite frankly I should have done that from the start, thank you very much for motivating me to do it at last.
And that's that. Please leave a review if you liked it or if you have a comment you whish to make, I always answer reviews and it keeps my motivation up!
Enjoy the story!
Azura POV
Azura was carefully dancing. Her complex dance was following the rhythmic sound of the large drum. The last dance repetition imposed by the chief priest stopped right at the time when Azura's barefoot touched the ground.
"This should be enough. Princess Corrin must be waiting for us in the garden. Would you please help me stand, Princess Azura?"
Azura nodded and took the old man's trembling hand. The songstress had more strength than her delicate frame would suggest. She easily raise him up until the chief priest could use a cane to support himself. Together they left the dojo, leaving the assistants behind as their steps took them on the path to the garden.
"Careful," Azura said, holding lord Zenma firm as his foot almost missed a step.
It was a slow walk, they kept a careful pace to not overextend the waning strength of the chief priest. Only the legacy of his vigorous past as a Hoshidian warrior gave him the luxury of walking still, despite reaching almost a century of age.
"Thank you, Princess Azura. If only my disciples could acknowledge your kind nature."
"Frankly, I do not care."
"I admire your strength of spirit, but you should care" Insisted lord Zenma, before sighing in fatigue. "I am afraid it is also my fault. I never realized how much my fellows disdain you still, despite Queen Mikoto's decree to treat you as if you were her child."
"I was taken from Nohr. They have all enough reasons to be wary." Bluntly said Azura.
"You are a child of Hoshido, just as any of King Sumeragi's children. They should take heed of your example instead. Rarely have I seen such diligence, such dedication to their training in my long time. Before you succeed me, I will have them show you proper respect." The priest stopped walking for an instant, his small bout of emotion having visibly drained him.
"You flatter me too much, lord Zenma." The songtress said lightly, yet despite her tone, Azura was truly glad for the chief priest's supportive attitude.
When Ryoma asked her to become lord Zenma's disciple, Azura had been intrigued, and wary of the underlying motives that could hide in such a proposal. Yet she had sensed no dishonesty from the old man, and he has exerted his authority strongly enough already to ensure she would not be hindered or sabotaged despite the obvious jealousy and suspicion she received from the rest of the priests. The old man truly viewed her as having received a gift from the gods, something that, in a way, was true, and in the two days he trained her the chief priest showed her nothing but respect…
"I only speak the truth. Thanks to the gods, the sunless land has not left its curse on you. What a horrible loss would have it been…"
Yet, the way the priest disparaged Nohr was insidiously more disturbing than anything Azura had heard before. He spoke of them not like an enemy country, but of creatures not even worthy of being called humans. Creatures sustained by malice and corrupted intent, wretched and dangerous not only by nurture but also by nature. It was something beyond hate. The princess understood hate, even born from ignorance. This… she wasn't sure how to react. And so she didn't answer, content to simply guide lord Zenma forward. The garden was resplendent, a welcome refuge from the tragedy that had taken place outside of its sweet-scented alleys, water running and fishes swimming in joyous ignorance of the conflict brewing outside. Longing the water, they found Corrin, sitting near the current. The white-haired princess was looking in their direction, having certainly heard their approach from afar.
"Hello, Corrin."
"Hello, Azura." Said Corrin, fidgeting with her hair in obvious discomfort. They haven't seen each other in two days, between Queen Mikoto's death and now.
"It is an honor to finally meet you in person, Princess Corrin." The priest bowed low with the help of Azura. "Are you ready for the ritual?"
"I suppose… Are you sure it will be safe? Last time, I…"
Azura didn't miss the way Corrin almost moved back when she came forward, just a single step. Taking off her veil, the songstress gave it to Kaze who had silently come forward to support lord Zenma in her stead.
"It's all right, Corrin. You weren't yourself at the time, and Kaze is here with us. If anything happens, he will protect us."
"The circumstances of your awakening were traumatic, Princess. No one can reproach the pain and rightful fury you must have felt." Supported the Chief Priest, setting down his small drum. "Listen to your heart, your blood. They will guide you justly."
Azura inhaled the garden's warm scent, finding her best footing on the uneven ground, mentally preparing the space she would move in unimpeded. The drum started his rhythm, following the indication she gave the chief priest beforehand. Raising her right arm, the blue-haired girl listened. To her mother's voice, the song she would never forget. Opening her eyes, Azura looked at Corrin who was finally standing, still looking unsure.
"No matter what, I will see you as who you are." The songstress whispered, and as Corrin's ears straightened, Azura sang. "In the white light…"
Corrin POV
"… a hand reaches through."
A familiar feeling rushed through Corrin's body and mind, the singing was resonating within and without, as if her veins and bones themselves vibrated with the air, as the beating of the drum slowly resonated in unison with her heart's. Droplets followed Azura's slow movements, rising in the sun in cerulean streams, a gleaming waterfall of serene beauty.
"A double edge blade cut your heart in two. Waking dreams, fade away, embrace the brand-new day…"
The pendant was shining. A blue yet warm light, soothing and inviting, melting worries and tension away, bringing a new sensation from within… a shiver coursed down Corrin's back, and the princess looked at her arms. Scales, growing slowly but surely, her white robe seemingly merging with the newfound hardness, her legs and waist already elongating, something weighing on her head. It felt right, so right, and yet she could see her hands changing, her fingers sharpening into claws, those claws that…
"Sing, with me, a song, of birthright and love. The light scatters, to the sky above."
Azura was looking right at her, never ceasing her dance. Looking into her eyes without fear, without judgment. Corrin lowered her arms, stopped to fight the transformation. Her hands reached the ground as the princess adapted seamlessly to her changing balance. The tip of her tail skimmed the humid grass, her wings unfurled and flapped, and she reached high above with her long neck as if to touch the sky, relaxing her body as if she just woke from a long sleep.
"Dawn breaks through, the gloom, white as a bone. Lost in thoughts, all alone..."
Everything was so vibrant. Everything was so sharp. Corrin could see the birds high up in the sky, smell the scent of sweat from the dojo afar, hear the wind turning far away in the clouds, feel each blade of grass pressing against her fingers, and taste the Dragon Vein flowing in the ground. As if she had just woken up for the first time. As if she had always meant to be like this.
"You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek. Life beyond the shore just out of reach."
Corrin looked down. Azura was approaching slowly, enveloped by a veil of droplets as she kept dancing to the tune of the drum. The princess balked, her massive yet slender frame coiling back. Yet she couldn't move away from Azura's intense golden gaze, from her quiet resolve and unshakable faith.
"Yet, the waters ever change, flowing like time. The path is yours to climb…"
The songstress's hand rose up, higher, and higher, before gently touching Corrin's hardened chest, her song ended on a long and hopeful note.
"I told you. I know you wouldn't hurt anyone if you could avoid it."
Corrin growled softly and swept her tail on the ground, both reassured she felt so lucid and disapproving of the way Azura had approached when they were supposed to stay at a distance from each other.
"Are you pouting?"
The dragon didn't dignify with an audible answer, instead laying down on the ground so she wouldn't tower above her friend, instead being head to head with each other. It was strange to be so big and yet so comfortable in a body that should be foreign. Corrin moved her head, and caught Kaze moving closer. The princess heard him so clearly she had thought him to be the priest, who was still sitting in the grass.
"Lady Corrin, how do you feel?" Asked the ninja, cautious.
"She is fine, I would say." Answered Azura in her stead. "I think she is trying to get used to her new body."
Corrin saw her friend with her back turned and couldn't resist the opportunity. Using the long antler-like horns she now had, the princess lightly bumped into the tree branches near, provoking the fall of many leaves on them both which covered Azura's clothes and long hair.
"Corrin!" The dragon turned her long neck to the side and settled down on the grass as if she had no idea what had just befallen Azura. "Don't play coy with me, I can see your tail wagging." Said tail promptly stopped moving at the remark, which prompted an exaggerated sigh "I'm going to clean myself. Please, do not fly away or eat Kaze in the meantime."
Now that was an image she didn't want in her head, though Corrin as she eyed the white dress disappeared further in the garden. Though flying did seem like an enticing prospect. The princess had dreamed so many times of being able to fly and to think she may be able to do so soon. Flexing her wings tentatively and feeling the calm breeze caught in their leathery membrane, Corrin tried to imagine herself alongside Camilla riding her wyvern, or Hinoka on her pegasus. Would it be a dream… a good dream, but still a dream, wasn't it? They would never see eye to eye. Maybe Camilla, maybe, but Hinoka… Hinoka, who had already left to rally the pegasus knights and the lords for the war, the war that would soon begin, that had already begun, that would see so many deaths, so much violence. Seeing her brothers and sisters fight each other, hurt each other, and die, die, die, die, die…
"-cean's gray waves…"
The song cut through the thick fog that had obscured the princess's mind, waving away the visions of gloom like a pure torrent. Corrin realized abruptly her tail had risen, her claws were plowing the soil, and her jaw was open in a low, animalistic growl she stopped immediately. Azura was back, some leaves still staining her as she hugged the massive scaly side, the pale blue stone at her neck gleaming brightly. Letting herself flow with the soothing light and song, Corrin felt herself shrink and change. Her world shrunk. Her limbs lightened. Soon the princess was hugging the songstress back, her hands, her human hands holding her friend tight.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Princess Corrin, Princess Azura." The chief priest approached as he spoke, supported by Kaze who had visibly carried him a greater distance away safely while Corrin had been lost in her own mind. "Something was troubling you, did it not?"
Corrin and Azura separated, their hands trailing together before leaving their hold as they faced the chief priest, approaching with the help of Kaze.
"How did you know, lord Zenma?"
"A suspicion. Perhaps in your divine form, your emotions are… heightened. Without Princess Azura by your side, controlling them must be difficult, especially in the current circumstances."
"… I think you're right. Once Azura was away, I had a hard time focusing." Said Corrin, unwilling to expand upon what she had been thinking.
The old priest hummed, leaning on his staff.
"Maybe it would be preferable to have you both live together from now on."
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I heard your nights were… agitated. It would be wise to have Princess Azura stay by your side until you gain better control of your powers, so we could avoid having to wait for her to reach you in times of need." Patiently explained Zenma.
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry, I wasn't sure to understand what you meant." Said Corrin, flustered. "I mean, if Azura…"
"I don't mind." Casually answered the songstress.
"I will make sure to have you settled comfortably, lady Azura. I'm sure lady Corrin will find your presence most welcome" Promised the Hoshidian ninja with a perfectly straight face.
Fortunately for Corrin's embarrassment, they took the road back to the castle shortly thereafter, the old exhausted priest was still needed to oversee the castle ceremonies for the war start, Azura was seeking some rest while Corrin wanted nothing more than some time alone to think. Climbing the long steps of the stairs leading to the castle entrance, the white-haired princess felt her ears twitch as something familiar reached them. Chirping? A bird? Why was it catching her ear like that, it wasn't like she didn't hear birds in Hoshido before… looking behind and on the sides, the princess finally noticed a small bird flying above them. As if it noticed being seen the bird came down, circling around Zenma and Kaze before going to Corrin, who noticed the bird had a singular and beautiful blue and red plumage.
"Don't I know you from somewhere?" Mused the princess, before suddenly it came back to her. "Are you the bird I nursed!?"
"What do you mean, nursed?" Asked Azura, curious.
"Oh, it was when I was still in Nohr, a long time ago. I found a bird just like this one with red and blue feathers. It had a damaged wing, so I took care of it for some time until it could fly again… that really brings me back."
The bird chirped enthusiastically as if answering her while it circled the group, seemingly flying at random before going back to Corrin, settling down on her shoulder.
"Lady Corrin, I don't think I have yet told you. When I came back to the Bottomless Canyon, I only found traces of fighting at first. I only discovered you near the cliff because a strange bird guided me to you, one that followed us until we reached the capital. A bird looking exactly like this one." Reported Kaze with a strange, cautious tone, which made Corrin's ears stood up.
"Are you saying it's the same bird?" The princess looked at it closely, stroking its plumage carefully and trying to look for disparities from the one in her memories, finding none. "It might be… do you think it wanted to repay me?"
"I'm not sure it is a mere bird, lady Corrin… What do you think, lord Zenma?"
"…" The priest said nothing at first, looking down on the bird with a sharp, appraising gaze. As if on cue, the bird chirped once more before jumping. The old priest held his palm open and the bird settled in, chirping all the while. "The gods work in mysterious ways, young Kaze. Will you allow me to take care of it for now, Princess Corrin?"
"Of course, if you want to." Answered Corrin, still baffled by the thought she might owe her life to this strange and beautiful bird she helped so long ago. How strange fate could turn out, and how small things could lead to such important moments…
Elise POV
"Effie, why are you slowing me?
"Milady, you must pace yourself. King Garon won't grant you audience if you just barge in reclaiming it."
"But I need to see him! If I wait, Father will be even more busy!"
The small princess and her retainer strolling through Castle Krakenburg were missing the usual third member, Arthur. To Elise's dismay, her friend had been burnt by a maid accidentally losing her basin of steaming water upon him, forcing the poor guy to run toward the castle's infirmary because Elise had left her staff of healing in her apartments. This had cost them a lot of time and now the princess was fearing her father would be far too busy with the court to see her.
It's been so long since she last could play or speak with him, Elise was getting frustrated! And every time she tried to approach him, those stupid guards blocked saying stuff like "The King is occupied" or "You shouldn't bother your Father" and "bla bla bla". But this time, Elise had a secret weapon. She prepared with Effie and Arthur! Father will be so proud, and… her feet weren't touching the ground!
"Effie! Put me down, please!" Whined the little princess, her feet were uselessly kicking the air.
"Not until you calm down, milady."
"I am calm! It's just that it's almost too late! I have to run!"
"You don't want to hit someone like poor Arthur hit that maid, don't you?"
"It's different! Arthur is just, huh, often unlucky!"
"Lady Elise, I promised the Queen I would protect you. If anything happens, how would I be able to face her?"
"I, huh… Ok, I get it." Said Elise, dejected she couldn't find an argument for that.
She would never forgive herself if, by a stroke of bad luck, she accidentally made her friends lose their place. They worked so hard, they even fought Lora herself! When her feet touched the ground again, Elise walked normally, trying to reign in her desire to run. It was so late! What if they reached the gates of the throne room and the guards said it was empty? What if Father decided again to retire to his apartments, asking that no one could bother him? And Lora wasn't even here to help her reach him…
"We are here, Lady Elise."
"Uh? Already?" The princess looked up, and for sure they were almost at the gates of the courtroom, half open with people coming in and out. "I didn't even realize!"
"You were looking at the ground so much you almost didn't make turns three times." Informed Effie.
"Whoa. Is that how Leo doesn't see he put his collar upside down?"
"Maybe," Said her friend with a small laugh. "Remember your secret plan, Lady Elise."
"Yeah! I will! I'm going. It will work."
Elise puffed herself up, passed her hands on her hair, breathed hard and deep a couple of time, then walked toward the door at an exaggeratedly slow pace, just like she had seen very important grown-ups do. The guards didn't stop her this time! The princess almost jumped with joy before remembering she still wasn't done. Now she was in the throne room, with Father on the throne. A lot of people were talking around while others made a queue toward the throne, which she joined as quickly as her snail speed could.
Elise almost whined at the queue's length. It was so late, she would never have a turn! She tried to distract herself with the conversations around, but it was all boring grown-up stuff like taxes, soldiers, harvests… and the line was still so long! Father's booming voice sent another lord away, and Elise made another little step, trying hard to not take Effie's hand for comfort. It felt cold here. No one was saying what they really thought, their smiles were creepily fakes, their movements calculated and threatening. She hated it here. And still, so many before she would get a turn! Tiptoeing to better see, the little princess glimpsed an overly make-up covered man groveling before being pushed away by the guards.
"Oh dear, he should have known better than show such pathetic display." Commented someone further down the line.
"Simply dreadful. I cannot imagine him being welcome for much longer." Approved another.
"If I recall, doesn't he have a son? A brave young man, this one. Responsible as well. Perhaps he will finally step up after today."
"How lucky for us to have our future secured with capable descendants. Wouldn't you agree, Princess Elise?" "Asked the noble lady waiting a bit ahead of the princess.
"Oh? Uh, of course! Big br- I mean Xander, will be a great king, just like Father!" Replied Elise with enthusiasm. "He is strong, and smart, and understands everyone!"
"Oh, I knew behind this cold exterior was a man of dreams… would I ever catch his gaze one day?" Sighed the lady with a longing tone before waving with her fan at Elise "My issues are not so urgent, Princess. Take my place in the queue, if you would."
"Really? Thank you, uh…!"
"Please, call me Alice. Perhaps you can present me to your brother in the future." Said the lady with a smile before leaving the queue.
The small princess almost ran to the lady's place. Elise was almost at the top of the queue now! Just a bit longer, and she would be speaking to Father! She waited as a few more people complained before the throne, trying to stay prim and proper like big sis Camilla.
"The smiths' request is denied. Price of iron from the royal mines will not change."
The booming, harsh voice of King Garon cut through the room chatter, making Elise shiver. Almost missing the herald's signal to move forward, the small princess carefully made the number of steps she was allowed before curtsying, her trembling hands holding the soft fabric of her dress like a lifeline. Looking above the stairs, she felt so tiny, the severe visage towering above almost frightening. Elise didn't like Father when he was like that. It was somehow even worse than how he was when she did something stupid, at least he didn't look at her like that.
"I, uh, I…"
The little princess wavered, her earlier confidence vanishing. Everyone was looking at her. Everyone was listening to her. Her heart pounded, so loud, so quick, her hands sweaty, she rubbed them against her dress but it didn't help, she almost looked down, no she had to look somewhere, not around, she wouldn't be able to bear seeing if they were laughing or mocking her, she looked up, looked at Father looking down at her with a stone-like face… he leaned a bit forward as if to listen better. Elise took every bit of courage she could from that, she hoped was interest, she just saw, standing as straight and tall as she could, and spoke the words she repeated with Arthur.
"Father I would like to speak with you in private."
The little princess panicked. She spoke too fast, she didn't insist enough, she should've been more something else, he was going to say-
"Very well. The court is adjourned for today."
"Uh?" Elise gasped, not believing herself. Did he accept? Just like that?
"Come, my child." Commanded Garon, descending the stairs of his throne as the crowd dispersed.
"Yes, Father! Thank you Father!" Said Elise with relief, following hurriedly. "See that, Effie? I did it!"
"You did, Lady Elise. Do you see where you can go when you put in the effort?"
"Oh my gosh, Effie, you sound like Leo! I do efforts, lots of them!"
The little princess tried to make the same face she has seen some of the people in the court to show disdain, with her chin and lips up, but couldn't hold it for long despite trying really hard, how did those ladies do it? She settled for the silent treatment instead. Which Elise quickly realized was more of a punishment for herself instead because Effie had no problem with having no conversation at all! Stupid ex-castle guards, having the most boring job in the world made them immune to boredom. That's it, she would pout! Wait, not now, on the return to her room. In the end, Elise simply trotted behind her father until they were in the royal apartments. But when Father sat in front of her, he was again looking at her with those cold eyes that made her hesitate, and Elise wasn't sure what to say.
"Well? You wanted to speak with me." Reminded Garon with a growling voice that made Elise shift uncomfortably in her seat. "My time is precious. Do you realize how much I have to do? Tell m-"
"Father stops, please. You're scaring me!" Blurted out Elise, shielding herself with her arms.
Elise shrunk in her set, before looking through her barely parted fingers. Father had stopped speaking. He simply sat, looking at her, puzzled, and the little princess spoke again.
"You're always alone on that throne and never take rest, I barely see you in the corridors sometimes, you don't even eat with me anymore. I only see you sometimes in the corridors and you never speak, when I see you… you always look angry, impatient and scary and cold, and you always send everyone away." Elise was crying now, she was biting her cheek and wiping her eyes to try to keep it in but it didn't work. "With that stupid war no one is here anymore and you didn't want me to go and I'm so alone. I want the old father back. The one who gave me piggyback rides, the one who smiled when I said sorry, the one who read me bedtime stories. I just wan-ent t-to be with y-you. I'm-m so al-alon-ne."
Elise choked on her tears, all thoughts of looking cool and proper and ladylike washed away, saying out loud everything she had been ruminating about all days long. Father stood up from his chair, and moved to her. The little princess closed her eyes by reflex… before strong arms took her up and Garon embraced her, resting her head on his shoulder and stroking her head tenderly.
"Father?…" Elise asked in small, mouse-like voice before returning the hug, holding Father with all the strength her small arms could muster. She didn't care about anything but that moment.
"I'm so sorry to have scared you. Oh, Elise, my child." Garon held her gently, slowly rocking back and forth like when she was younger. "You are right. I should have taken some time for you."
"Y-yeah, you should have! I, I… why do we have to go to war? Why can't I have gone with my big brothers? Why can't I have gone with big sis Camilla?… Why can no one tell me where is big sis Corrin… will they really come back?"
Father exhaled slowly, putting her down as carefully as if she had been made of glass, sitting her back on the chair while he sat on the low table, closer to her and to her height.
"My child… no, you are not a child anymore. Elise, let me ask you something. Do you know why there is war?"
"Well… big brother told me it's because Hoshido has everything they want but don't want to share. And that they attacked us even if they said we would not. That we have to conquer them so there isn't more war… but if we attack them, they'll attack us because we attacked too, and if we take their stuff they will want it back, right? Why can't we just all sit and solve problems together?"
Garon smiled, a… proud smile? Sad smile? Elise wasn't sure which ever it was.
"Life is not as simple as the tales I have read you, Elise. Even now, there is a part of me that wishes I could simply see the Queen of Hoshido and arrange everything with her. But that will never be possible. She will never accept peace, and neither will her countrymen, and this war is the only thing I have left."
"But why?"
"Because I made a mistake, one I have spent the last decade regretting." Father sighed, closing his eyes in reminiscence. "At the time, I received words the King of Hoshido would visit Nestra, with only a handful of soldiers. I thought it the occasion to at last forge peace, to finally make a bridge between our countries. I thought, that despite everything, we could still find a way to make amend and shake our hands."
"Oh… oh. It didn't work, right? Why? Was he too angry at you?"
"He was. But I am the one who truly fell prey to anger" Admitted Garon with a bitter tone. "I approached him by ambushing his convoy, the only way, I thought, that would force him to listen to what I had to say. But he had someone else with him, someone whose presence I ignored, and he had resolved himself to protect that person. He rejected my words and my attempt to make room and speak, no doubt thinking it a ploy to capture or kill him. And when he refused, when he trampled over my honest intentions and words…" Father's gaze turned sour, sourer even than before. "I couldn't support it." He made a quick gesture of two fingers against his own throat. "Rage overcame me, and I murdered him, defenseless as he was, as he shielded someone I didn't know was there."
"Father, you…" Elise was stunned. She couldn't imagine Father did something like that, so unfair and un-knightly. But he just admitted it to her, so it must be true… "But didn't they ask for peace after?"
"They asked for a truce, not peace." Corrected Garon. "And even then, they sent raids on the frontier, killing many people over the years while claiming they had nothing to do with it. A king is supposed to protect his subjects, and now I can only protect them by conquering Hoshido and ensuring there will be no more conflict at all."
"I still don't like it…" Pouted Elise, even though she got that the problem was a lot more complicated than she could understand. "But why can't I help my siblings? What if they get hurt?" The small princess could bring herself to say what she was really fearing. "I'm an adult, now, I can do something!…"
"You are not ready for war. You are yet too naive, your head too full of heroes and tales. It is best you stay here, safe and sound, no matter how difficult it is. Do not worry, Elise. Your siblings are strong. They will come home, you can be sure of it."
"But… what about Corrin? She hasn't come home. And no one wants to tell me…"
Father seemed to evaluate her, his hand coming to his belt as if to find something before coming back to his knee.
"Corrin is alive."
"Really? But where is she? She would have sent a message, or come back if she could! Where could she be?"
"She is in Hoshido… She has returned where she came from."
"UH?" Exclaimed Elise, completely flabbergasted. "Big sis? Hoshido? How? When? What?"
"I told you the late King of Hoshido had been protecting someone. That someone was Corrin, so young, who had been traveling with him. Perhaps he had wanted to show her Nestra, as I did with each of you… I took her back with me, and raised her like my own child."
"But I really thought she was my big sis! Even Xander and Camilla and Leo called her sis! Do they know?"
"They do. I didn't expect Corrin to ever be captured by Hoshido, but it appears something went wrong with her mission. Now, she is with them, certainly back to her family of birth."
"Oh…" Said Elise, a weird mixture of dejection and relief inside. "But if she is with Hoshido… perhaps big brother Xander will find her and make her come back? I mean, it's…" It suddenly dawned on her. "They are her family too…"
"Elise… let me ask you something important. What will you do, if Corrin decides to side with Hoshido?" Garon was looking her right in the eyes, his large hands on her shoulders holding her up. "What will you do if Corrin decides to fight against us?"
For a moment, Elise was at loss. How could she answer that? Imagining big sis Corrin on the other side against family, was so unthinkable, so weird, so impossible for her.
"I won't do anything. Because big sis Corrin will never do that!" She stated with absolute certainty, her heart set. "I'm sure she will find a way to make things better. And even if no one listens to her, then I will! Because that's the big sis I know and love!"
"…" Father gazed at her intensely, before taking his hand off her shoulder and stroking her hair again, smiling. "What strong and warmhearted daughter you are. If you are truly ready to assume your words, then I will not stop you."
"Of course I will! She will come back, I'm sure of it!" Replied Elise with enthusiasm. "She is my big sister after all, and she loves us as much as we love her!"
Garon seemed speechless for a moment at her declaration, before he did something incredible. He chuckled! He chuckled for real!
"You are truly your mother's child, aren't you. Never leaving truth unheard." He looked away for an instant, as if he could see something far away, or imagined something far away, before patting her head. "It is late enough. Take your dinner and go to bed."
"Ok." Said Elise, jumping out of the seat. "Father… will you play with me sometimes? Just a bit? I know you are busy, but…"
"I will find the time. I promise, I will make it so you don't feel left aside again." Confirmed Father, which made Elise jump with joy.
"Hooray! Thank you Father, you are the best! I promise, I'll go to bed in time and work very diligently!" Elise ran to the door, almost squealing with happiness.
"Elise." The little princess stopped, and turned back to her father. "Remember this. I love you. My children, all of you, are very precious to me. No matter what you choose to do… I will always support you." Garon smiled at her. "Good night, my child."
"I love you too! Good night, Father." Elise blew a kiss at him and left.
Yeah, she felt so much better now! Even though, big sis Corrin was from Hoshido, she would have never guessed! When she came back, the small princess will be going to ask her so many things! And if Corrin found trouble, Elise was sure there was something she or her big brothers and sister would be able to do something! After all, they were family!
Corrin POV
Earth was reddened by fleeting life. Men and beasts alike were screaming in a cacophony of suffering. River engorged of festering corpses. Steel against steel, blue lightning crashing against dark waves, sisters, brothers, fighting, killing, each oth-!
"nO!" Shouted Corrin. Waking up abruptly.
She almost fell down, barely catching on to the table for support and knocking away the scroll she had been reading. Her heart was beating fast and loud to her ears, blood surging to her head and sweat dripping down her neck.
"Nightmare?" Asked Azura, putting the scroll she caught mid-fly back on the table.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I fell asleep…" Apologized the white-haired princess.
"You need some rest, Corrin. Nothing good will come out of exhausting yourself like this."
The princess barely suppressed a yawn in response. Fortunately, there weren't many other occupants in the castle library. Or rather, besides the archivist, the only current occupants were Corrin, Azura, and Kaze, and given the archivists' advanced deafness she hoped he hadn't noticed.
"I know. I'm sorry, I hope I didn't startle you." Corrin apologized again, noticing the scroll in Azura's hand was different from before. "Did you find something interesting to read?"
"The Bedsheet Scroll. It tells the musings and inner thoughts of a court lady from three centuries ago."
"So it's a diary?"
"Of sort. She never intended to have it published, until a guest discovered it on her table and presented it to the king. The court was so impressed by her literary talent she had no choice but to offer it to the royal library."
"Woah. It must be incredibly good." Said Corrin, trying to imagine how a simple diary could have brought so much appreciation.
"Are you alright, Lady Corrin? I'm ashamed to have been absent." Said Kaze as he dropped off a small plate with two fuming cups of tea on the table. "Sugar?"
"A spoonful. Just a nightmare, nothing to worry about."
"If I may, you should take some rest. I understand your drive, but…"
"I know. I know, it's just… it is too much, there must be some clues somewhere…"
Even though the sun was still high in the sky, it was well past the afternoon and they had spent quite a lot of time in the library already. So many scrolls had been perused in vain, and so many books left aside once it was clear nothing she searched was inside: a trace, a clue, anything, that could explain the origin of the mysterious invisible soldiers. They had attacked twice, at the Bottomless Canyon and Dragon Plaza, and twice they left a trail of dolorous deaths. Gunter, her soldiers, and Mother… Corrin had enough. She needed to know where these people came from, what they wanted, and why. Well, not that she didn't have people with an opinion completely set in stone on that…
"Are you still certain these invisible soldiers couldn't come from Nohr?" Asked Azura, putting down her scroll.
"They can't possibly come from Nohr. No matter what Ryoma think he knows." Insisted Corrin, picking up another scroll Kaze brought and wincing at the title What is Dreamt by Lakeside. Another cryptic book full of incomprehensible ramblings, she could smell it already.
"One might say their actions are aligning with Nohr's agenda. If not exactly proof, would it not be the most credible sign they are indeed Nohrians?"
"If they were Nohrian, the Barrier would have stopped them. I was told what the Barrier did to people, they wouldn't even be able to plot any aggression while in Hoshido."
"What if they were soulless monsters, like the Faceless? You have seen how those creatures acted. Unspoken, unblinking, and disappearing when stricken down."
"Their leader was not like that. He laughed. He enjoyed the carnage. And he was the one who made this… this devastation. It wasn't some sort of monsters, it was a man."
"Perhaps it was a man from outside Nohr, who was recruited for this very deed. The Barrier only stopped Nohrians." Pointed Azura, her voice even.
"That could work, I guess-Ouch." Admitted Corrin, almost burning herself when she tried to pick up the teapot too soon.
"Ninjas also sent reports that Nohr was mobilizing its armies before it happened. It would be a great coincidence for them to prepare such a massive force if not for knowing they could use it."
She couldn't deny that Nohrian armies were certainly crossing the Canyon as they were talking. But…
"Even if they could, I know they would never have sent those to kill me at the Canyon. Neither Garon, nor Lora would have." Said the princess with resolute confidence, her eyes were firmly looking into Azura's. She knew, she knew as something deep in her soul screamed, that those invisible soldiers could not have come from Nohr.
"…" The yellow iris maintained their gaze under the crimson stare. "I, too, would prefer to believe they have nothing to do with it. All I can do is remind you of the facts."
"No, it's all right." Corrin broke off the stare, fingers sliding on the scroll's rough and used surface. "I know it sounds far-fetched and that feelings alone aren't proof. But still…"
Her last conversation with Ryoma, before he left with the gathered Pegasus Knights, had not been a good one. She had tried to have at least him listen to her doubts, if only to maybe try reason before going to arms, and they ended up exchanging words she was still regretting. More than three days later, she still found nothing to support her conviction in the many scrolls of the library, despite hours of research. And those nightmares, those visions from that time she sat on the Throne of Truth haunted her more and more… her thoughts were distracted by a servant entering the library and bowing face to the ground before their table.
"Princess Corrin, Princess Azura. Lord Zenma humbly requests your presence."
"I guess I spent enough time here for today…" She stood up, Azura following. "Alright, guide us there."
She had barely been in the castle shrine before. Hinoka made her visit, and she went with Mother to deposit offerings after her memory returned, but that was it. Kaze stayed at the entrance per usual, leaving only Azura and Corrin to enter. She walked in the middle of the entrance by the priest's instruction while Azura bowed and walked on the side of the entrance, before proceeding to the purifications. The chief priest was inside, sitting with a long package wrapped in fine white wool.
"Ah, thank you for accepting my invitation, Princess Corrin, Princess Azura." He bowed while they sat down, as best as his old limbs allowed. "How do you feel?"
"We're fine, thank you. Why did you want us to come here? I didn't think the shrine was, hum, a place for meetings."
"I do agree, usually. Though, the circumstances are quite, unique."
A chirping echoed around, the blue and red bird flying from above to land on the priest's shoulder, chirping almost impatiently.
"Please, let this old man muster the energy he no longer has in drove." Said Zenma to the bird with a respectful, yet slightly annoyed tone. "Never before have the gods sent me such a forceful messenger. Princess Corrin, please. Have a look."
Corrin looked at Azura, who simply shook her head in ignorance, before watching intently the priest unwrapping the wool. Slowly the cotton tissue was undone, revealing a golden, metallic reflection in the shrine firelight. Corrin's breathing quickened, her eyes widening at the sight of the magnificent sword, the blade mounted with four red gems. Without thinking she extended her arm, and as if alive the weapon jumped from the priest's grasp to her palm, the hilt fitting her grip to perfection.
"We need no further proof. The divine sword Yato has chosen you as its rightful wielder, Princess Corrin."
"Wait, this is the Yato?" Asked Corrin, dumbfounded at how familiar the weapon was in her hand already. "I thought it was lost…"
"Prince Takumi found it within the remnants of the statue that once adorned the Dragon Plaza, guided by a strangely intelligent bird." Zenma picked up the blue and red-feathered bird slowly, stroking its feathers gently and leaving no guesses as to which animal he talked about.
The sword of peace… Corrin's gaze glided along the weapon's edges as if something would reveal the path she was supposed to walk. The weapon whose wielder was supposed to save the world by ending a great war. Was it really there, the war the legend mentioned?… That bird, whom she was definitely sure now was not a normal animal at all, and the way the sword felt like a prolongation of her own arm, how it flew to her hand just a moment ago. Why? Why did it choose her? What did it want her to do?
"I understand if you feel overwhelmed, Princess Corrin, I truly do. This is both an immense honour, and a tremendous responsibility you have been given…" Gently said Zenma, before stopping as Corrin heard someone approach from behind.
The chief priest who welcomed them in stepped on the side, carrying a small plate of seafood. Fresh prawns in sake, by the delicate fragrance reaching Corrin's nose. Without a word, he bowed down and set the bowl, leaving the princess perplexed at the elegantly prepared plate. Weren't offerings supposed to be left in the shrine for later?
"I believe it is an offering for you, Corrin. Not the shrine." Said Azura, looking a the food.
"What? But…"
"You can always leave them."
"…"
The princess looked at the plate, which she could tell has been made with great care. It felt wrong, both to refuse and to accept. It wasn't the first time either. Yesterday morning Kaze found at her door a bowl of rice and high-quality sake, left by some official according to what the ninja gathered. Offerings, for her. It all seemed too absurd, Corrin was scarcely believing that people were looking at her like she was some divine icon. And the awed look more and more of the servants gave her… it was almost frightening.
"You may share it with Princess Azura, if it eases you. She has this right." Offered the chief priest, and Corrin turned to Azura.
"I'm not that hungry, but I can eat if it helped you feel better."
"I would. Thank you." Corrin said, putting down the Yato.
The two ate silently, finishing the small plate quickly. The princess couldn't entirely savour the delicious food, her mind still reeling in from the situation she was in, but Corrin still made sure to appreciate each bite, in respect for the one who made it.
"As I said, I understand how overwhelming this must be for you. Please, take all the rest you need." Pleaded Zenma. "It would dishearten the people to see you tired and doubting, and things always look better in the morning."
"It's certainly not a bad idea." Corrin looked at the Yato, resting before her. "Should I?…"
"Of course. It has chosen you."
Slowly, the princess took the weapon again, the smooth grip feeling as if it welcomed her fingers.
"I imagine I will have to wield it on the battlefield, sooner or later." The perspective clenched her heart, the nightmare was playing in the back of her head again.
"…" For the first time in the conversation, the old man's expression seemed to harden. "I would rather we avoid such possibilities. Besides, you and Yato's presence are needed here. I cannot, for your own good and that of the kingdom, have you risk yourself outside."
"Why? How is staying locked in the castle supposed to help bring this war to an end?" Asked Corrin with more indignation than she wanted to leave out in her voice.
"There are many ways to win a war, Princess Corrin. You are the living proof of the righteousness of our cause against the cursed lands of Nohr, and the Yato choosing you further the justness of our acts. You will be the rallying banner behind which the rest of the world will unite, and give us the peace we deserve after a thousand years of needless sufferings and conflicts from the sunless lands."
Corrin nodded mechanically, unconvinced and uncomfortable. Perhaps it was a logical conclusion, and that it would be much safer for her, and yet all she could see was how the castle would become more and more of a cage, how it would become another Northern Fortress. Or perhaps even worse… the silence was broken by the bird, who jumped from the priest's hand to Corrin's hair, nesting for an instant and chirping in what almost sounded like an encouraging sound before flying away.
"May we take our leave, Lord Zenma? I think it would be best for Corrin to heed your advice and take some rest." Declared Azura,
"Of course. Be well, Princess Corrin, Princess Azura."
The old priest bowed and they left the castle shrine. Kaze joined them and raised an eyebrow at the sight of the divine sword, but otherwise made no comment, for which Corrin was grateful. The situation was complicated enough, and there would be enough people gawking at the sight not to add those she was closed off… not that there were many left in the castle. Ryoma, Hinoka, Takumi, and even Sakura all left with their retainers, each with their respective destination to help the war effort. If it wasn't for Kaze and Azura, Corrin would be so terribly alone, alone with those nightmares…
"Hello, Lady Corrin, lady Azura, Kaze."
Azura caught her and prevented Corrin from bumping into someone with how deep she was in thought. Getting back to reality, the princess found the scarred visage of Reina looking at her, a sad smile on her lips.
"Oh, hello Reina. I'm sorry, I didn't see you."
"I can imagine it, with that sword in your arms." Said Reina, glancing at the Yato. "How do you feel? If there is anything I can do for you, please do tell."
"Thank you, but I'm alright. Did you want to see me, or…"
"Yes, I did." Confirmed Reina, guilt in her voice. "I wanted to ask for your forgiveness. I should have been present that day. I should have been the one taking the blow for Queen Mikoto, not on a patrol at the outskirts. I have failed her, and I have failed you."
"It's not your fault. You couldn't have known, and so many people were there and died still…" Despite her protests, Reina shook her head.
"You are too kind. Please, do tell me if you need anything."
Corrin almost told her she needed nothing again before a thought went through her mind.
"Actually, there is something." She admitted. "I have been having nightmares recently, but they don't come from that day. I first saw what they have shown me… on the Throne of Truth. And I wonder if there might be more to it than just visions."
The Kinshi Knight listened, a flicker of recognition crossed her eyes.
"Orochi might be able to help you. She should still be in her workshop, if you want."
"I'd be grateful." Nodded Corrin. "You're sure you don't want to do something else, Azura? You're not forced to follow me."
"I don't mind. I've been curious about those visions myself."
With no further protest, the group took the direction of the royal divination chamber. As expected, the diviner was inside and quite surprised to see so many enter the room. Yet her mischievous attitude immediately ceased when Corrin explained her vision, the battlefield ever-present in her dreams.
"Really, I would've told you it's stress if it wasn't for the fact you had this vision on the Throne of Truth first…" rambled the diviner as she searched her tools. "Do you know anything about sooth-saying, Lady Corrin?"
"Nothing, I'm afraid."
"I thought so. Well, usually predictions come in very indirect manners. We diviners interpret signs in different things: stars, cards, magical herbs, and other elements, to discern what destiny holds. It's very difficult and it's easy to get it wrong, which is why the profession doesn't have the best reputation… aha!"
Taking out a deck of cards, she placed it on the table at the center of the study, letting everyone take a look. They were… certainly unique. All of the drawings were, for a lack of better term, bleak, dark and twisted.
"Isn't that the deck Kagero drew for you? I always found her way of doing fascinating."
"Of course it is, Reina. Let me focus a bit…" The deck was shuffled and cut many time before Orochi spread them face-down, presenting it to Corrin. "Pick a card."
The princess flipped a card a random and showed it to her.
"Hum…" Hummed Orochi, as she looked at the picture with suspicion. "Draw another." Corrin complied. "Another again."
"I'm sorry, but how much cards do you usually draw?" Asked Azura, curious.
"It depends, really, one is usually enough… well, the cards look formal, and I don't like it." Sighed the older woman, slumping on her chair. "I do predict a great conflict, one where you will have to make a choice. If you can't, you will lose something dear, though I can't tell when or what it will be at all."
"I see…"
"Honestly, I'm jealous that you had such a precise vision. If it's accurate, and my cards seem to say it is, you're rivaling with only one other person in the world, one known for having perfectly accurate predictions."
"You speak of Archduke Izana of Izumo." Deduced Kaze.
"Yes. The man is a supposedly descendant from the purest lineage there is from the gods. I'm not surprised if some inbreeding's the price for this ability."
Corrin twirled a bit of hair, thinking, her thoughts becoming clearer and clearer on what her possibilities were. There was no doubts Ryoma, and Zenma, would rather see her stay safe in the castle, far away from danger, far away from Nohr. And every fibers of her being revolted against the very idea, against being imprisoned once again even if the bars were a beautiful golden, against being chained by the frightening worship growing around her. She would not yield, never, never to that, never like that. If her vision was real, then she had a very, very precise idea of where it would be happening, and even when it would likely happen.
"Lady Corrin, would you care to share your thoughts?" Asked Kaze.
"I think I do need a night of rest, to process everything."
"On that, I agree. Don't act too rashly, alright? Predictions are never an exact science. Too many lost their mind on mirages." Warned Orochi.
"Of course. Thanks Orochi, and thanks Reina."
"Anytime, Lady Corrin."
The Yato weighted on both her mind and her hand, and strangely, she took confidence in it. Even though she was still unsure of many things, a new conviction was forming in her mind. Corrin would not let herself be caged anymore. She would find the truth, and prevent that vision from coming to pass. And for that to happen, she would need to leave this place. She would need to escape Castle Shirasagi.