Bardsong's First Test-Drive Meme!

[dm_screen]

The Bardsong Test-Drive Meme!




How to Use:

Please take the time to review the premise, the FAQ, and locations to get a feel for the setting!

Make a toplevel with Character Name, Canon, and Class Names in the title. The class page is right here!

Tag out, mingle, and enjoy! We'll announce the opening date soon!

---

It all began when you fell from the skies above, wreathed in flame. When you landed, you learned that you weren't alone: So many others, each from worlds entirely different from yours, have found themselves in his predicament, and know about as much as you do! The locals greet you with a cautious friendliness, welcoming you to the town of Concord. They tell you that the world was broken apart mysteriously not long ago, and are trying to devise ways to step far beyond the town borders to find where the rest of the globe went, get to the bottom of things.

But your arrival is nothing short of a blessing. Perhaps you, the Starfallen, are the answer to their prayers. They explain how live presently works in Concord, they give you that tour of their guilds, and even give you a place to stay at Concord Crossing, where you're randomly assigned roommates. You hope your roommates are amicable...

In the days following, after shaking off the shock of your current situation, you find yourself beginning to integrate into Concord life. But while you await word from the local researchers among the many guilds dotted through town, each looking for new members to bestow their teachings, you need to fill your pockets with precious, precious sol. You'd also heard that there was to be a celebration very soon, and everyone is invited. A little partying never hurt anyone, right? Besides, free food!

Now, where to begin...?


I. More Than This Provincial Life

Concord, the large city that it is, hosts many opportunities for work. Between the multiple quarters and their specialties, just about anyone can find a job. With the isolation from the rest of the world, employers eagerly welcome the Starfallen with part time or temporary work (Apparently, all full time positions are taken and employers conspicuously nudge people out the door if they spend too much time on the clock) to coincide with the life of an adventurer. For those who wish for something to do and a source of income outside of quests, there's always an honest day's wage to be made! With the exception of a few tasks the South Quarter may have to offer, but those aren't the kind of jobs spoken of too loudly.


I-A. Magicka Cleanup Detail

The Concord Magic Academy, between bright-eyed students trying their best and young nobles whose admission was paid in cash, sees quite a few accidents in its halls. Alchemy experiments, wayward fireballs, testing theories given by their Occultist friends, anything can come up and make a mess of a lab or a classroom. As such, the academy welcomes the brave and the patient to the field of custodial engineering, especially those with strong stomachs and combat experience. It wouldn't be the first time stains fight back or gravity ceased to be, so on top of keeping to their own personal hygiene standards, employees are expected to be thorough in their cleaning and expect the unexpected.

I-B. Amazing Paperboy Deliveries

The Concord Truthogram is dedicated to bringing the truth right to the doors of paying customers as soon as the next issue is ready. They're looking for delivery workers and runners equally dedicated to I bringing the truth to subscribers! Runners will need to deliver newspapers all across Concord before dawn breaks. Subscribers are all throughout the city, so runners are encouraged to find an optimal route and coordinate with their co-workers to bring the truth the world in a timely and orderly manner! This job favors the agile, as early Concord mornings are filled with people bustling through the streets and occasional hazards to trip up the distracted runner. Try not to make too many mistakes, as unsatisfied customers will unsubscribe and deny themselves the gift of the Concord Truthogram. Watch out for stray dogs and the occasional grim reaper.




II. O Valley Of Plenty, Whoa-oh-oh!

Working at a coffee shop or helping to organize a wizard's dusty study isn't for everyone, and the people of Concord understand. Every world runs on some currency, and here, it's known as the 'sol'. For those looking to do a 'dirtier' work, the citizenry helpfully direct the Starfallen to the Men-At-Arms Guild, your source of monster-busting work!

Lit by the glow of lanterns, the following work is looking for takers, posted on a large board outside the guild:


II-A. Rabites!

"We need someone to handle the Rabite problem! A couple that chooses not to be named found a pair and decided to raise them as pets, but they have since bred out of control into feral, very bitey colonies. They may look cute and cuddly, but you may need to bring a friend to be on the safe side."

Reward: 50 sol per pelt

II-B. Bumps in the Night!

"We need graveyard shift relief for the town guard posted along the outskirts of Concord. Lately, the guards have been reporting strange noises through the night, and have seen an influx of ghoul sightings coming down from the nearby hills. Take care care not to get bitten; it won't make you like them, but it will make you sluggish and leave you as easy prey."

Reward: 800 sol a night + 100 sol per head




III. Like One of Those Music Videos

While typically only those following the paths of their departed founders and enduring Masters of the Manor are granted entry to the Glistering Estate, the Guild of Steel and Lace nonetheless occasionally open the gates to outsiders. Oftentimes, this is simply to showcase a performance at the theatre, or to offer a chance for newcomers to join their ranks; today, however, is a special occasion: the anniversary of the Estate's groundbreaking. For the evening, the entire Estate grounds have been made available to the residents of Concord, and an exquisite buffet has been prepared for all who would raise a glass to their Founders. Many who come may be tempted by the lavish wealth on display, but aspiring thieves and troublemakers must be warned: Behind the gold and silk lies a house packed to the brim with the likes of veteran Paladins and entrapping illusionists.


III-A. Black Tie...?

Before one is permitted entry to the Estate proper, they must be willing to show a modicum of due deference and wear the proper attire. For an open-door event such as this, simple and tasteful formalwear will suffice; a collared dress shirt or modest blouse, at the very least. Fortunately for those who cannot afford- or, as is sometimes the case, simply forgot- such fineries, the Guild of Steel and Lace happily provides attire of the sort worn by their own members on the estate grounds, and their stocks accommodates all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, their standard attire inevitably takes the form of service attire such as maid outfits and butler uniforms. They have even provided booths to change in private, so please, don't make a scene.

III-B. Upper, Upper Class High Society!

Once inside, the guests have freedom to enjoy the manor's full facilities; the Guild of Steel and Lace have spared no expense in setting up food options from their in-house chefs ranging from terrestrial crab legs and tropical fruits to... erm... unfamiliar flora or fauna that are unidentifiable, but thoroughly delicious. At least, to the locals who have already acquired the taste. Additionally, The theatre is hosting an ongoing series of performances from the Guild's bards, though they're not above letting the Starfallen have their turns at the microphone. Nonetheless, from ballroom to gardens to bathhouse, the entire estate is open to visitors, so why not have a look around...?

Comments

[unzeal]

"I— " she hadn't intended for the words she thought had been locked away in her heart to fall from her lips so easily. The ease with which she was able to say them seemed to catch even Schala by surprise, as she tried to recover herself. "I..." Her green eyes fell from the sky, focusing on her long sleeves. Her own hands. The hem of her dress... anywhere where she wouldn't have to meet the other lady's gaze.

"Have a... duty. To my family." It wasn't a lie, though someone that seemed as genuine as Corrin did deserved much more than just that. Slowly, the grim reality of her situation crept back into her heart with her own half-truths. Her mother's madness, the insatiable appetite of the Mammon Machine, the banishment of the Gurus... Reason and sense had left the halls of Zeal some time ago.

"You mentioned your family as well. Surely..." and after a pause, she added quietly, her voice swimming in sorrow: "you understand what it might be like."

[bladeofconquest]

"Oh, Schala..." Corrin frowns in concern, smooching a bit closer to the other woman. Her words give Corrin pause, and she momentarily looks away, as she considers them, her heart wilting at the overwhelming sorrow in Schala's voice. "I think...I think I do." Corrin agrees, thinking of her own struggles to stay alive in the halls of the False King. But Corrin had her siblings, and retainers, and the loyalty and support of those who chose to follow her, that helped keep her grounded, and to not collapse under the growing weight of her own sins.

What did Schala have?

The other woman's pain after her earlier fierce joy is hard for Corrin to see. So she reaches out, slowly, gingerly towards her...

And pats her head. Corrin has been told many times before that she gives very good headpats, so she hopes this comfort might Schala. And her hair is so silky.

"You aren't alone here." She offers, continuing the headpats. "And I'll always help you anyway I can. So don't hesitate to ask, okay? I promise you won't ever be a bother."

[unzeal]

Her heart could have cracked; hearing the concern in Corrin's voice. That someone who was still a relative stranger would be willing to lend their ear to a pitiful soul like her... the smothering weight of it all could have buried her alive, she thought, eyes shut and almost visibly cringing...

Until a hand came down on her from above— and the heaving suffocating heaviness of it all... just lifted away.

Schala's shoulders released their tension as she opened her eyes to see the headpat in action... Then sniffed back her sadness, coating over it with a laugh. It was forced— but the tiny light in her eye suggested that the gesture was appreciated more than she let on.

"Thank you, Corrin," she couldn't cry here. Not now, while the warmth from her companion's hand felt so nice. "You know you're quite diplomatic... Could it be you've had practice in dealing with unfortunate souls?" A bit of levity, perhaps— could chase the shadows of her mind away again.

[bladeofconquest]

Corrin smiles in relief when Schala laughs. It's not entirely genuine she knows, but this girl is definitely of noble upbringing. Control of one's emotions at all time, and to break down, especially in front of strangers, which Corrin concedes she still is for the most part, was considered a major breach of etiquette. It seems that's as true of Schala's home as it is in Nohr. But the look in her eyes is genuine, and the sight of it causes a slight flutter in Corrin's heart, which feels both sweet and...confusing.

Blinking a little to try and clear her head (the Sea of Stars is probably just getting to her, she thinks), with one last stroke of Schala's blue locks Corrin withdraws her hand, the headpats having served their purpose. "You're welcome, Schala." She chuckles. "Well, I may have solved a diplomatic crisis or two in my time." She says with a wink, crossing her legs, and resting her arms in her lap. "But mostly I think it's just if I see someone hurting I want to help them. Always have, really." Her siblings expressed both admiration and frustration at this drive, depending on the situation. Except for Elise who was pretty much firmly in the same camp as her big sister on this. Kindness wasn't always pragmatic, or smart, but Corrin judged that just made it all the more important.

"And I don't think you're an unfortunate soul, Schala. I've got a good feeling about you, and I trust my instincts."

[unzeal]

"Well... Maybe not so unfortunate, anymore." Her voice was soft, maybe even a little timid. Perhaps being transpoted to this place, and the boundless possibilities it represented was nothing short of a blessing, she thought. If the young woman's instincts were as trustworthy as she claimed— maybe she'd even dare to hope.

Even though the hand atop her head withdraws, Schala shifts on her knees, feeling them getting stiff, and angled herself closer towards Corrin to settle again. "Not today, at least."

There was another far off gaze, as she afforded Zeal one last prayer for the moment, swallowing down a bitter taste, and sifting through the snacks to replace it with something sweeter. Like the thought of a noble Corrin standing tall for those who couldn't stand for themelves.

"However, if you tell me you genuinely enjoyed mediating politics I may have to question your tastes."

[bladeofconquest]

She chuckles. "It can have its moments, but it isn't my passion." She did like helping people, but her current position did not afford her many opportunities for that.

You didn't help the Chevois though, did you though? The treacherous thought rose out of the depths of her mind. Are the Kitsune better off for having met you? You know what's still to come in Hoshido. Schala may not be an unfortunate soul...but you certainly are, aren't you? What would she think if she knew what you really were? King Garon's attack dog who claims to want peace while she fights and spills blood for the cause of tyranny.

It passes through Corrin's mind in a moment, with only a momentary clenching of her jaw as an indication of her discomfort. It's wrong; she knows that. But it still troubles her to think of.

"Actually though, something I'm really fascinated by is...well, maybe this sounds silly." She laughs awkwardly. "Architecture. I...I think that might be something I want to study more. Maybe actually do if I should be lucky enough." Corrin rubs the back of her neck. "That's probably not much more exciting than mediating politics I know, but I just really like the idea of building something. You know? Something useful, that...helps people. I really like that idea." Her cheeks redden again. "If that makes any sense."

[unzeal]

Slowly, Schala turned towards her once she tried to denouce her interest as 'silly.' She wasn't sure what to expect as Corrin continued on but architecture hadn't been anywhere near the top of her list. Actually... that sounded downright wholesome, which is why she can't help her expression softening as the young woman went on to explain, cheeks turning an adorable shade of red in the process.

With a tight smile, she looked to the sky again. "I think that sounds just wonderful," How might she think of Zeal? Schala thought— the geographic magical wonder that it was. "Tell me, what sort of building would be your dream project?"

Dreams had never felt more close-by than they had in this new world, after all. Not even Enhasa could compare to the limitless Sea of Stars and the untold futures that lay beyond.

[bladeofconquest]

Corrin feels herself going even redder as Schala praises her dream. "O-Oh. Um, thank you." She manages, looking down suddenly at all the snacks and picking up an apple that she hopes she currently isn't the same shade of red as at the moment. But she can't stop herself from grinning. "You're actually the first person I've told about it." She admits. Not even Azura, her confidant, support, and fellow conspirator, has heard about Corrin's dream of becoming an architect after the war. "I was a little worried I might get laughed at, wanting something so...mundane, I suppose. But I just...I really like the idea of building something up." She expects she'll have had her fill of tearing down when she returns home to the Hoshidan front. "Adding something to the world, that's worthwhile. Yeah, I think I'd be very happy doing that." Schala's not all people of course, but her support is unexpected, and very welcome.

Corrin thinks for a moment, musing over the question posed to her, idly playing with the apple between her fingers. "I guess...a library." She decides finally, then spreads her arms wide. "But a big one, full of books from all over the world, available to anyone who wants them. Anything you want to find, it's in there." But that's more of a job for the curators after Corrin's done putting the building together.

She brings the apple back and finally takes a bite. "Books were my major escape when I was young." She explains once she's finished chewing. When I was feeling lonely, I'd go to the library where I lived and find a new book to read. I could read a story and imagine I was there too, on some grand adventure or even just learning about a faraway land or people. I'd like to be able to give something like that to others. So, yeah. A library. That's what I'd leap at."

Wow, that was a lot to just drop on Schala, though she had asked and was genuinely interested. Corrin just hadn't expected she'd have so much she'd want to say. It really must be something about this place that lends itself to introspection. Something in the air...so, the stars, probably.

"Hey, what about you though?" She asks with a grin. She's much less red now. "If you could do what you pleased, what would that be? Anything at all."

[unzeal]

As Corrin reminisced, so too did Schala, thinking back to the endless sea of books in Kajar. The towering shelves, the spiral staircases... and so many books you couldn't hope to read them, even in a lifetime. Her feelings were aligned with the young woman's tales, and though she looked towards the sky above, Schala nodded in understanding.

"If the libraries I've been to are any indication, I certainly don't see how anyone could call it mundane," she encouraged. "Turning the page on a fantastical tale in the afternoon's warm sunlight..." she mused aloud, "I'm sure with precious memories like that, your library will be a marvel."

She was content to entertain that wholesome thought for awhile longer, but Corrin's question has her mind going blank in search of an answer.

"Ah... me? I—" her lips pressed together, as her green gaze fell to her hands. "I never really thought about it, to be honest."

Never afforded myself the opportunity, more like.

[bladeofconquest]

"Yes, exactly!" Corrin says excitedly, leaning forward despite herself. "I loved afternoons like that!" Well, as sunny as the northern reaches of Nohr ever got, which wasn't much. "I think something like that would make lots of people happy. But I have a lot of studying to do before I'm ready. And I'll need to cut my teeth on some other projects first." Nohr has plenty of fortresses, armouries, and garrisons, but in Corrin's mind what it doesn't have nearly enough of are places of healing, where the sick and infirm can be cared for, or the dying made comfortable. Or schools where even its poorest citizens can receive an education beyond the military instruction of a soldier. Or enough homes for its citizens that aren't neglected and falling apart while the treasury flows ever into pointless wars of conquest. Those are the things she judges Nohr will need in the years ahead. Of course, there may be a shortage of physicians and teachers so they won't come overnight, and not without significant reforms. But Xander is exactly the king to bring those reforms, with Corrin's and the others' support. The iron crown will suit him well.

But first...

Turning that aside, she watches Schala struggle and fail to come up with an answer to what desires of her own she would pursue. She simply smiles reassuringly. "Well, that's no problem. After all, look where we are now. We've got nothing but time, it seems. Maybe you could devote some of it to figuring that out. I think we've both earned the chance to decide a few things for ourselves for a change."

[unzeal]

Although the cool breeze reminded Schala about the chill— the enthusiasm of her companion warmed her to think about. "It might take a lot of work, but the future holds... untold possibilities, right? Just look at all of this for example," she beamed, referring to both the endless sky all around them, and this strange new world in general.

Re-adjusting again, she sat on bottom, drawing her knees into herself, cradling them. "Tales just the likes of what you might have read about. Adventures in far off places, treasures beyond imagination. Good friends to laugh under the skies with along the way..." her honest words had more of a musical tone to them, as she gazed somewhere far off.

Perhaps even the story of sky pirate's adventure... taking off like a firecracker with a brave warrior princess— and a boy from a fishing village.

[bladeofconquest]

Corrin looked back at the starscape that surrounded them. "I still can't believe a place like this exists." She agrees with a giggle. "It's like something out of a dream." A very, very good dream.

Corrin listens intently to Schala speak, and laughs lightly. "Hey, maybe you should consider trying your hand at being a storyteller." She suggests. "Or a songstress. You've really got the voice for it."

The breeze brings Corrin's attention back to her earlier realization that Schala must be feeling the cold and after a moment, a solution hits her, and she feels somewhat foolish for not thinking of it earlier. Her cape is tattered and frayed in places, and it's not particularly heavy, but it would still offer some protection against the wind. Reaching up, Corrin tugs the cape off from around her shoulders and offers it to Schala. "Here, why don't you wrap yourself in this?" She offers. "I'm sorry, I should have thought of this sooner. You must be cold."

[unzeal]

There was a sudden rush of red to her cheeks at the compliment. Schala seemed to shrink just a little, hiding behind the angle of her bangs shyly, with a tight smile. She'd considered perhaps writing a book about her experiences some day, but— time had never been a luxury, until now.

"Oh, I—" she turned, looking down at Corrin's cape. Not because it was torn and tattered, but because it was such a simple, heartfelt offering. Her mild surprise softened, melting into gratitude with a simple, "Are you certain you won't be cold, instead?"

[bladeofconquest]

Corrin shakes her head, continuing to hold the bunched-up cape out to her. "Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine." She assures Schala, which might seem difficult to believe given the rather...bold design of Corrin's armour. And having unhooked the cape her right arm above the elbow, including her shoulder is pretty much completely exposed.

Wearing her armour for an excursion like this may seem strange, but she's grown used to having it on even off the battlefield, being in an almost constant state of danger (Hoshidan ninja are experts at infiltration and assassination, though so far Corrin has proven to be just a tad better at surviving). The idea of changing out into something more comfortable honestly never even occurred to her. After all, there might have been monsters about, and even with her dragon powers sealed and Yato gone, she's still an incredibly proficient swordsman, along with the first of her new abilities.

"Trust me, it would have to be a lot colder than this for me to start feeling uncomfortable." She explains. Corrin knows she's exaggerating a little there, but given the sheer joy Schala has experienced in the short time they've been here, Corrin is loathe for her to have to leave any sooner than when she wants to. "Go ahead."

[unzeal]

Nothing could have been stranger than seeing the blonde woman run around in only fur undergarments— but Corrin's fashion choices are certainly eye-catching. They also have her just slightly doubting that insistance, so...

"Then..." Schala reaches for the cape, handling it with care as she spread it wide, sprawling it behind her shoulders and Corrin's, motioning for her to take the opposite end. With that, she moved in close, so that her shoulder pressed against the her companion's bare one, and peeked out from behind her hair, still beaming.

The scent of a fresh morning's rain washed over her in that moment, and she couldn't help but tug on her side of the cape, burying face in it just briefly— and discreetly.

"I'm not sure I could ever grow tired of a view like this. Even if it was one I could see every day."

[bladeofconquest]

Well, she wasn't expecting that, but Schala is quick to make herself at home next to Corrin within the now shared confines of her cape. Well, far be it from her to refuse. "Oh, here. Let me help you with that." She reaches up with one hand to help adjust her side, fingers brushing against the blue-haired woman's as she does so. They're still cold...but hopefully this will help. This is fine, right? She and Elise have done something similar on clear nights when they went stargazing from the top of the tower, although that was with an actual blanket. In the northern wastes, away from the lava fields it could get quite cold at night.

Of course, it's been a few years since they did that, and Corrin doesn't recall being quite so aware of Elise's presence next to her as she is with Schala's, the feeling of her robe against the bare skin of Corrin's arm. But of course, Elise was smaller of course back then. And Corrin has worked very hard under Xander's tutelage to hone her awareness of her surroundings and people, both on and off the battlefield as befitting a royal. And as Corrin further recalls that she and Elise had mugs of hot cocoa to focus on too on those nights. Yes, all those reasons that she thought of in quick succession explain the difference quite nicely.

...Hot cocoa would be good right now, she thinks, for both of them.

She skooches a bit closer and turns to say something as Schala looks up from something (must have been looking at the snacks), catches a scent of lilac from off her hair, and something else...something a bit harder to place. It's something Corrin is certain she's smelled before, but from where isn't coming to her. She'll have to think on it. For now, however, she pushes that aside, as Schala settles in next to her. "There. Comfy?" She asks quietly.

She looks back up towards the impossible starscape that stretches out above them and before them. "I know what you mean." She agrees. "I can't believe it's just us out here. You'd think more people would come here to just...relax." Can something like this really become so common-place? She hopes that's not the case.

It looks like they might be settling in for a long haul, but that's fine. Like Corrin said, she came prepared. "What did you settle on, by the way?" She asks, nodding towards the foodstuffs. "Personally I'm feeling the salted pork right now."

[unzeal]

"Quite," she answers simply; contentedly. It had been a long time since she had had any opportunity to enjoy life's simplicities like this, and how lucky she was to have met someone such as Corrin so quickly was nothing short of a blessing. It was so easy to be swept up in such a sweet moment, leaving all of her troubles behind for awhile.

"Hmm, how about—" she leaned forward, but maintined her closeness with the movement. Honestly, the comfort from Corrin herself was doing more than the torn cape was, even if it felt nice and lent itself to the atmosphere. "I'll have one of these," she reached forward, plucking a biscuit out from the assortment.

"We may have to build up some energy stores for the hike back down, I suppose," she added, light-heartedly.

[bladeofconquest]

It is rather nice and cozy wrapped in her cape as they both are. For a moment, Corrin closes her eyes and counts herself lucky to have made Schala's acquaintance so early during her time here. Something about her resonated with Corrin, felt familiar; Schala's joy at seeing new sights, and the relishing of her "freedom", to do as she wished, go where she pleased, spend time with who she wanted, well...Corrin can't say she's unfamiliar with those sensations (or indeed not still experiencing them herself). And she has such a lovely smile and an infectious laugh.

She waits for Schala to retrieve her biscuit, mindful of the movement against her, before reaching over to take her own claimed snack. "Mm, this is good!" She enthuses. "Much better than the rations I'm used to." Nohrian rations were most certainly filling after a long march, but rather dry to be sure. She surveys the snacks still untouched. "That's true, but if you get tired I can always carry you the rest of the way on my back." She teases lightly. "But anyway...I'm not in any rush to head back to town yet." She sighs contentedly. "We have all day, and we haven't even touched our chocolates yet."

[unzeal]

"Rations?" she asked, mindful to speak only between bites. "Something like the might use in a military, you mean?" Corrin certainly seemed quite battle-sure of herself, and Schala didn't think all that armour was just for show, especially with the easy confidence the other lady seemed to exude.

There's a rush of air as the princess stifled a chuckle, a warmth resonating in her chest at the idea that she might have a piggy-back ride down a mountain. "What a troublesome companion I'd be to have you carry me down," she was teased in return with a smile, her humour a bit self-deprecating, it seemed. But something told her Corrin was genuine in the offer. How wholesome...

[bladeofconquest]

Midway to grabbing one of the glass bottles of water she'd brought with them, Corrin stops for a moment, her face falling as she realizes her slip-up. "Rations", that was something soldiers said, wasn't it? And she technically is a soldier, in the Nohrian army, along with all her siblings. Everyone fights in Nohr, even the leaders, especially the leaders.

And Corrin is who King Garon put in charge of the Hoshidan invasion. A foolish command to give; she lacks Xander's formidable experience, and she isn't half the tactician Leo is. Xander is Crown Prince, the heir to the throne, by all rights he should be the one leading the army...but Hoshido is where Corrin—no, Kamui—was born. It's where her birth family still resides. It's where her mother died defending her from a trap set by King Garon; a trap that used an unwitting Corrin as bait.

He put her in command because it hurts her, and because to refuse, or not give the absolute appearance of doing everything she can to win this war for her adopted father, will result in her death, and the deaths of everyone who follows her. Maybe even some of her siblings. Maybe all of them. And because this way her plan, her stupid, foolish plan, has a chance of working.

But there will be so much death before then. To give up means death, but to succeed means damnation. That's the person she really is, the person Schala, sweet, caring Schala doesn't know about yet. She'll have to though one day, Corrin knows, if they are indeed going to be friends. She owes the other woman that. What she's done, and what she will do. Of course Schala won't want anything to do with Corrin after that, how could she? Corrin knows in her heart of hearts what a monster she actually is.

But not yet. Corrin enjoys her company, she has already decided, and she would savour it, that smile and that laugh as long as she can.

All this passes by in a few brief moments as Corrin collects herself. "Uh, oh...yes, like a soldier." She admits. "I...it was my father's wish that I serve, so for now I will. But it's not, um, it's not...what I want to spend my entire life doing." She takes the bottle, uncorks it, and takes a drink.

Once she's had her fill, she puts the bottle down and grins; this time, her's is the bit that is slightly forced. She'd rather get away from this topic if she can. "You absolutely would not be." She chides gently, and the sentiment is true, even if her cheer isn't entirely. "I'm stronger than I look you know! And I happen to have it on good authority I give very good piggy-back rides, too." She nods assertively at this. "My little sister's standards are quite high in that department, I'll have you know." Then she laughs, more genuinely now. Thinking about Elise helps; thinking about all of them eases the pain. It was Corrin's love for her siblings, and theirs for her, that had kept her in Nohr after all. That's the one thing she has never gone back on; the one thing she doesn't think she's capable of going back on. She may be a monster, but there are people waiting for her who genuinely love her. And despite it all, that is a comforting thought.

Don't forget the fear, you coward. her mind hisses at her, through her best attempts to ignore it.

[unzeal]

From the corner of her eye, Schala could see that face-fall. Immediately she wondered if she had unknowingly touched upon a sensitive subject, and pressed her lips tightly together at the thought. At the initial explanation, a heaviness manifested in her heart, relating all too well to the wishes of Corrin's father, and perhaps the obligation she must have felt having to fulfill such expectations. Schala, too, had a similar experience... which is why she thought changing the focus of the conversation might be best. She didn't want to have to see that pained attempt at a smile again, not in a place as beautiful as this.

Turning her head just slightly, she offered a small smile of her own, listening as she shared a tale of her younger sister. Ah, yes, having someone to hold onto like that, both literally and metaphorically... Schala could understand that well, too.

"Is that so?" her voice was soft, on the verge of a giggle herself upon hearing about the young girl's piggy-back standards. The way that Corrin seemed to light up talking about this member of her family warmed her heart.

"Will you tell me more about her? Your little sister, I mean."

[bladeofconquest]

Privately, Corrin breathes a small sigh of relief as Schala further directs the conversation away from her work as a soldier. They both have duties to their families and it seems Schala might find hers as unpalatable as Corrin does her own, given how quickly the subject changes. For a brief moment there's a surge of hope in her chest that Schala might understand Corrin's predicament if her own situation is similar...but that's a selfish, silly thought. And something she doesn't wish to think more on now.

It's true that talking up her family, or at least her siblings, never fails to lift her spirits though, and her smile immediately brightens. "I'd be happy to, but you'd better be careful. I can talk about my family all day if you let me." She teases. "Her name's Elise, and she's just the sweetest ray of sunlight. I don't think I've ever met anyone else so overflowing with positivity as her." Coming from someone like Corrin, that may seem a touch unbelievable.

"Bar none, she's the best at healing magic among all of us too. She likes to help people, likes everyone to get along. She's been reading a lot about how to make peace, too. I think if Elise ended up in the diplomatic corps she'd do a lot of good there." Corrin chuckles fondly. "But right now she's more or less the backbone of our medical squad. If it were me, I don't know if I could handle it, all that pain and suffering, but it doesn't seem to affect her one bit. I don't know how someone so young is so strong. I know I'm not." And yet Elise had been worried she was the one slowing the rest of them down. How could she not see that?

Corrin pulls her knees up, wrapping one arm around them, her eyes half-lidded. "Honestly? She's been kind of my rock. I've...the last few months have been kind of...all over the place for me, and my other siblings, well they had duties of their own to look after. But Elise stuck with me almost immediately, and she's really helped keep me grounded. I'm her big sister, but lately it seems like she's the one who's been looking after me. I'd expect her to gripe about that, but...she always makes time for me and never complains. She really does enjoy spending time with me when I feel down. Elise is my hero, no two ways about it. I don't think I'd have handled things nearly so well if she hadn't been with me from the start."

Corrin sighs, wistfully but also happily. She keenly feels her sister's absence but thinking about her is still comforting. Resting her head on her knees, she looks towards Schala. "Enough about me, though. What about you, Schala? You have any siblings? Anyone close? Tell me about them, I really wanna know."

[unzeal]

"Haha..." she tittered softly, "if you wanted to talk about them all day, I'd be happy to listen." It was evident how much Corrin must have loved her family, just gauging from her expression as she talked about Elise.

"You know—" Schala pulled away just a little, enough so that she could shift herself back into their huddle again, bumping Corrin's shoulder with her own in chiding. "I may have just met you, Corrin but— I get the impression that you're quite strong. I bet Elise would say the same thing, too." She glanced towards the other girl, a growing fondness in her eyes.

Here, in the new warmth she'd discovered in this world, Schala felt a crack in the well-crafted walls she kept her heart behind.

"I'm a big sister as well," there's just a bit of pride in her tone. "My brother and I... we've always been very close especially since—" our mother abandoned reason for madness? "our father passed away." A simple truth, with much more buried along with it. "But that was some time ago. He's ten now, and I keep thinking... someday soon I'll miss the days when wanted to follow me around everywhere."

She looked out into the wilds of sparking space, visibly brightened talking about him, too.

[bladeofconquest]

"Be careful what you wish for." Corrin winks at Schala with a grin. "You might just get it." She waits for Schala to finish adjusting, noting the particular way their shoulders keep touching, and the feel of the fabric of Schala's robe against her skin. It's...interesting. "I...she has, actually." She admits once that's done. "Physically, I suppose that's true. She asked me to help her get stronger so she could help out more, so I designed a physical training regimen for her based on my own experiences. It's been a fun bonding activity for us, and it is doing her good. But I envy her emotional strength. I don't think I really have that." She admits. Corrin feels the pressure of everything she has to do, everything she's done and all that's depending on her, and she can already feel herself cracking under the weight of it all. It's abated slightly, here in Concord, but it's a temporary reprieve at best.

She's not sure she'll survive the successful completion of her plan to unmask the False King and end the war, but...her life to save Hoshido and Nohr? That seems a small price to pay.

"Really?" She perks up, her ears twitching in interest. "I'm glad we have that in common. What's his name?" But her smile fades a bit when Schala talks about her father's passing. After a moment, she reaches out and takes the other girl's hand in her own, giving it a small squeeze. It feels a bit warmer now. "I understand. My mother died not too long ago." Despite the trauma of it triggering her first transformation when it occurred, with everything that happened immediately afterward and her return to Nohr, it still hasn't completely hit her; that she met her real birth-mother only to lose her a short few days later. She hadn't even truly come to accept the truth about Queen Mikoto until she was dying in Corrin's arms. Grieving for her is a luxury she still can't afford, not when she knows she's being watched for any sign of perceived disloyalty. And her father's pet sorcerer Iago has many eyes. "I relied on my siblings to help get me through it too."

She nods along at Schala's concern, keeping the other woman's hand in hers for the time being. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It's already starting to happen with me and Elise. Hey, can I give you some unsolicited advice, one big sister to another?" She cocks her head. "When he starts getting older and having his own life and responsibilities, find one thing you both share, that you're both really passionate about, and see if you can make that your special thing. With me and Elise, it's music; I studied the piano, and she's the best violinist I know." The only violinist perhaps but Elise is legitimately skilled. "So now we play together, when we can. Put on little concerts, practice songs, improve together. That's our thing, and it helps keep us connected. My little brother Leo and I have our gardening; I keep my flowerbed next to his tomato patch. We spend time tending them together whenever we're free. My big sister Camilla is teaching me how to sew and embroider. And my elder brother Xander, well...we still keep up our practicing together even if my training has more or less concluded. That way, you'll always have something the two of you share, that's just yours. It'll help when he gets older. Trust me on that."

[unzeal]

Knowing that Corrin had such an honest and open relationship with her little sister was endearing. Schala's eyelids fell half way down as she pictured what such a wholesome moment between the two of them might have been like.

Her eyes almost close— until she felt the other girl's hand wrap warmly around her own, with a reassuring squeeze. Looking down at it, Schala's heart swam, but ached at the same time. Here was Corrin relating something so personal to her bare-bones truth of what she'd shared about Zeal. It felt... a bit wrong to omit so much, when the Nohrian was being so open. But— it was all she could bring herself to share, for now.

Instead, she kept her words focused somewhere she knew wouldn't be painful: "Janus," she offered, "his name is Janus. And I think that's very good advice." How well-rounded Corrins skills were, she thought, hearing all of that. And so many siblings! Quietly, she wondered, would she ever have the chance to hear Corrin play a song?

"I'll have to think of something we can share like that," you know— aside from living under the iron fist of an unfeeling shell of their former mother. "I'm afraid his only other friend these days is his cat," she joked, clearly happy to reminisce about such a scene.