A Night With Corrin

Chapter XXXII (Pledge)

Windmire. The Nohrian heartland. A bustling city in the centre of a deep crater, circled by masses of fortress-like walls for protection. You never believed in your whole life that you'd venture this far into the belly of the beast. This is the capital of King Garon's brutal campaign for domination. Trekking across its length and breadth is staggering. This whole place is a sprawling urban maze.

You're resigned to follow Charlotte as to not lose your sense of direction. Her navigating every winding corner and gloomy avenue is impressive.

"She's most definitely a native of this city," you reflect.

If it weren't for her guidance you would've likely ended up missing hours ago, even with Camilla's sizable army marching up ahead.

Your travels have taken you through several vastly different districts. From bustling dirty slums not all that different to Bleakvale; to well-guarded cul-de-sacs ringed by opulent stately homes. The sorts of residences with front porches and servants quarters. The contrast between those who have and those who have not indeed remains striking.

Frowning, you consider what Charlotte said in Bleakvale a few days prior.

"We're not in sunny warm Hoshido. The trees aren't blossoming and the birds sure as hell aren't singing. Folk are poor, dirty 'n angry in hovels like these. They work? They eat. They fall sick? Most die."

"There's no middle ground here," you contemplate solemnly. Stopping to catch your breath, you flash a thin smile Flora's way. She walks over to you and leans against you for support. The lassie looks absolutely worn out from all of the walking. "How are you faring?"

"My feet hurt," tha maid answers with a sharp breath. "Fear not though, I can keep going just fine."

You shake your head, narrowing your eyes out of concern. "I'll carry you if you'd like?"

Flora averts her gaze amidst your offer, her cheeks reddening. "I-I'll be fine. Don't be concerned with my wellbeing, Keiji."

"It's not that simple," you counter, bringing your arms around Flora's middle and drawing her close. You cuddle her softly, for comfort. She nestles against you, contented within your embrace. "Your sister cares for you, Flora. As do I. I'd rather I do all I can to help."

Flora sighs exhaustedly, burying her face against your chest as though she'll lose you if she lets go. "I don't deserve you, really I don't," she utters, shuddering with empowered emotion. "Not after the horrible things I put you through. All of the lies..."

You frown, believing full-well Flora is being too harsh with herself. "You still blame yourself for our situation, I see."

"Yes, as I should. Because I got us both into this whole mess."

You kiss Flora's head. The girl shivers within your embrace. "Worry not about that, as I said before," you reassure her. "I promised to look after you, did I not?"

"Y-You did," Flora answers gently, rising her head and gazing at you caringly. "...Though I still don't feel deserving."

"Whether or not you deserve my care matters not; you'll have it all the same. Because you're important to me, Flora."

"Fine, fine," Flora sighs, Defeated. Her eyes quiver, watery with gloom. "But I still feel you deserve far better than this."

You swallow the quiet displeasure toward Flora's mood and give a small, weak smile.

"And even if I do, this is the path I chose, so I'll stick to it," you state resolutely. You force a stronger smile thereafter, more to comfort Flora than yourself. "Pray, think me not a victim in all of this. Honestly, I've few complaints now Camilla has guaranteed your safety."