Chapter 1: I’m always running from something, I push it back, but it keeps on coming
Summary:
Selena goes with Lady Camilla and Beruka to hunt some Faceless in northern Nohr. Yet, something about them is wrong, and Selena is thrown back into Severa. Claiming they must run, she tries to talk Laslow and Odin into running away with her to spare the Nohrians fate.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Life in Nohr had been… Rough at first. Selena hadn’t adjusted great, and, well, none of them had. Calling each other different names was strange at first, but now she found herself forgetting her old name every once in a while (she could never truly forget, but some nights she’d wake up and struggle to remember who she had once been). She, Laslow, and Odin had now completely adjusted, and it was almost as if they’d never lived any life but this one (Ylisse still haunted all of them, and she knew that well. She could see it in the bags under Odin’s eyes, or in the way that Laslow refused to let anyone out of his sight during battle).
When Corrin chose not to choose a side, things got... rough. Selena was unsure about anything after that, and there were a lot of brutal battles (she'd almost gotten Lady Camilla killed once, and after that, she refused to let Lady Camilla protect her. It should be the other way around, she claimed, but in reality she was scared to lose Camilla like she'd lost so many others before). But now that the war was over, there wasn’t much for Selena to do. She still spent her days as Lady Camilla’s retainer, though she had much less work than before. Xander had taken up the role of King, and peace had been forged between Nohr and Hoshido. She liked the peace, but she didn’t like sitting still and doing nothing. Which, unfortunately, peace brought a lot of.
“Lady Camilla, you wanted to see me?” Selena asked, knocking on Camilla’s door.
“Yes, Selena, come in,” Camilla’s voice replied.
Years ago, Selena would have hesitated to enter Camilla’s room, even with permission. Now, it was something so normal she never bothered to stop and think about it.
Camilla’s room was the same as it had always been. Selena closed the door behind and watched as Camilla turned away from her mirror.
“Is there a reason you asked for me?” Selena asked.
“Yes dear,” Camilla smiled. “I just got out of a meeting with Xander.”
“Is everything well?”
“There’s been reports of Faceless to the north,” She replied. “Xander requested I take a few people and go take care of it.’
Selena nodded. “We leave tomorrow, Lady Camilla?”
Camilla smiled. “Correct you are, my dear retainer,” She replied. “Would you mind preparing our supplies?”
“I would like nothing more.”
----
Dispatching Faceless after the war was not odd. There was no one creating them anymore, yet few stragglers found themselves gathering to attack villages and travelers around Nohr. They weren’t strong, they never had been, but it was a bother to have to take care of them. Selena wasn’t looking forward to the Faceless part, but the battling part was something she was more than fine with. She'd only ever lived in war, and as odd as it was, she found comfort in battles. If nothing else, battle was a way to pass the time.
The village they were headed towards was far north in Nohr, somewhere in the mountains. Selena had never been this far north before, and it was cold (Ylisse wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t known to be this cold, nor was Plegia or Valm. She was glad; she hated the cold). During the war, it wasn't unusual to visit all sorts of strange places, but they'd never gone this north. There was almost nothing up here anyway, besides this village and a few others.
A loud roar drew the attention of Selena, and she drew her sword. Next to her, Camilla brandished her ax from atop her wyvern, Beruka doing the same. The few Nohrian soldiers behind them followed suit.
The village was burning. She could smell the fire before she saw the smoke. It wasn’t unheard of for Faceless to burn a village, though it was usually as a result of knocking over one too many torches. Yet this seemed different. The fires were huge and the farther they marched, the more bodies they found. There were no survivors yet, even though they were well into where the village had been. Faceless… They could never organize an attack like this. Especially not now since they had no leader.
Selena turned quickly as a roar sounded from her right. She held her sword high and charged, slicing the Faceless clear in half. It shuddered, and then, it dissipated in a cloud of purple smoke. Faceless don't… that’s not how they die. She stood straight once again and looked over at Lady Camilla, who was fighting a Faceless. No, not a Faceless, something much worse. Something with red eyes and an iron mask.
“These aren’t faceless,” Selena’s whole body filled with dread as she realized. These weren’t faceless at all. These were Risen. They were doomed. “He’s here.”
She was lucky that Camilla and Beruka were far enough away not to hear the way her voice shook, or to see how her steps faltered. They were too engrossed in the battle to see how Selena struggled to stay on her feet, how she struggled to keep fighting. If these truly were Risen, just as she feared, then Ylisse was… gone. Everyone she knew must have died fighting him. He had moved onto Nohr, and she was almost sure he was looking for Laslow and Odin. The last two possible wielders of Falchion, and the only hope in ever defeating him.
“I’m going to be sick,” Selena muttered, and promptly threw up on the ground, right where the Risen had fallen.
She waited for a few moments, catching her breath. She gulped and gripped her sword tighter. She had to see this battle to the end. She couldn’t falter more, no, she wouldn’t die before warning Laslow and Odin of the fate that they had tried so hard to avoid. She had to warn them. They had to know that they couldn't stay in Nohr any longer. That death was coming for them once again.
A pair of red, glowing, eyes met hers, and Selena felt herself getting pulled back into Ylisse. Into Severa. She charged again. She couldn’t afford to lose herself now, no, she’d save that for later, when she was alone and safe from the very Risen that haunted her sleep some nights (she could never forget the countless battles she’d fought against them, the countless lives she’d seen lost to their rampage). She'd save the terror for when she had no one to worry over her.
The rest of the battle was a blur. She couldn’t remember how many she’d slain, but she knew it wasn’t enough (it had never been enough. He could always make more with the people he killed. If there was a body, there was a Risen to take its place). She knew that even if they won today, things would not get better. This was the first of many battles, battles that Selena didn’t want to fight. Battles that, in the end, they would stop winning. He would win, and he'd kill everyone.
“Selena,” Beruka said. “The battle’s over.”
Selena hadn’t realized her sword was still clutched in her hands. She also hadn’t realized that Beruka was standing next to her, and that Camilla was a few feet away, talking to one of the only survivors.
Her shoulders untensed and she lowered her sword. “Right,” She shook her head. “Right.”
Beruka stared at Selena for a long, silent, moment. “Are you…” She paused. “You are not feeling well.”
“I’m fine, Beruka,” Selena snapped. “Just ready to leave already.”
Beruka nodded and turned away, walking towards Camilla. Selena sighed and looked at what remained of the village. The burnt remains reminded her of a village in Ylisse, not far from Ylisstol. It was the first village she and a few others had stumbled upon that was beyond saving (there were countless bodies strewn about, from children to elders, dogs to horses. Nothing remained of that village, and it was the first time of many Severa had found herself puking at the sight of something so horrid). It smelled just like burning flesh, Risen, and death. If she was any more aware, she might puke again, but right now, she was gone enough not to feel nauseous.
She shut her eyes tight and tried to picture something, anything, else. She tried picturing Odin and Laslow laughing at dinner, but all she could see was the Risen behind them, creeping closer and closer.
“Selena?” Camilla’s voice broke her stupor. “My dear, are you alright?”
“Fine, Lady Camilla,” Selena replied instantly, her eyes snapping open. “Ready to go home.”
Camilla hummed. “Of course,” She replied. “Let’s go then, shall we?”
----
Selena didn’t spare anyone else in the castle a second glance. She refused to. She needed to find Laslow and Odin. Now. She’d barely even gotten a word out to Camilla before sprinting off in search of the only two people who would ever know the significance of Risen. Realistically, she knew she wouldn't die before telling them, but she was paranoid. If she didn't tell them now, then she may never get the chance. Assassins in Nohr were unlikely, but never impossible.
She grabbed Laslow’s scruff roughly and started to drag him away from whatever poor girl he was pestering now.
“Selena!” He grumbled. “I was in the middle of—what’s got you all freaked?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Lady Camilla touch your hand?”
“I have no time for your stupid games,” Selena shot back. “We need Odin. Now.”
Laslow paused. “Odin? Why do we need Odin?”
“You will know when we find him,” She replied. “Have you seen him?”
“He is most likely with Lord Leo, I’m sure,” He grinned. “His duty insists on it.”
Selena grunted and turned down the hall that led to the library. “Can you be serious for one second?”
“I’m always serious, my dear Selena.”
Selena hit him in the shoulder. “Do not call me that.”
“Why, can only the wonderful Lady Ca—mmph!” Selena’s hand covered his mouth before he could finish his sentence.
“Stop talking.”
Laslow grinned at her, but he did listen, and his mouth shut for the time being. He followed her as she stormed down the hallway, right towards the library door. Selena threw open the door to the library, causing it to hit the wall with a loud banging, startling Odin and Leo, who were both sitting at a table reading. Odin's book snapped shut and he grinned at his friends.
“My friends!” Odin exclaimed. “What brings you to visit the great Odin Dark in his favorite place?”
Selena grunted. “Free your schedule. Now.”
Leo raised his eyebrows. “Do you forget he is my retainer, and that you have no say in what he does?”
She huffed. “It’s urgent, Lord Leo,” She replied. “I do hope you’ll… forgive my hastiness.”
He smirked. “I don’t mind. We were just finishing up anyway,” He replied. “You’re free to go, Odin.”
“Many thanks, my Lord!” Odin grinned. “Well then, my friends, adventure awaits! For Odin Dark, Laslow of the Azure Skies, and Selena—”
“Don't you dare,” Selena snapped. “Let’s go.”
She dragged the two of them to the storage room they frequently met up in. It’s where they celebrated holidays of their homeland, and where they talked about things they never dared say in front of anyone else. It was meant for secrets and fears, nothing more, and nothing less. The room was their little secret, as were the words they traded here.
“Alright, what’s the big deal?” Laslow asked. “I’ve never seen you this strung up. Not since, well, you know.”
“I went with Lady Camilla to fight some Faceless,” Selena started, pacing the short length of the room. “I went with her to fight some Faceless, but they weren’t Faceless.”
“Weren’t Faceless? My dear Selena, you must be more specific than that.”
“It’s—it’s the Risen,” She looked down. “The Risen are here.”
“They’re—no, you cannot be serious,” Odin paled. “We could not have been followed; it has been years.”
Laslow looked down. “The sword. They follow the sword,” He replied. “The only thing that can stop them—stop him.”
“We can’t stay,” Selena said. “I can’t—I won’t let Nohr face him.”
“Run? Surely, you jest,” Odin replied. “We can’t run! We are heroes, and the only thing able to save them is something we possess! Something only we can use!"
“If we stay, they’ll die.”
“If we go, they’ll still die,” Odin rebuked. “With an army like ours, even the mightiest of dragons stands no chance!”
“Laslow, you have to agree with me,” Selena turned to the only one who hadn’t spoken on it. “We can’t stay here.”
Laslow shook his head. “I don’t know,” he finally said. “I think they—Camilla, Xander, Leo—need to know the truth. We can’t run from this, but we shouldn’t stay and fight. Not without telling everyone.”
“Refuse to choose a side, like always,” Selena grumbled. “I don’t care how you feel. I will not stay and fight this. I’m not losing anyone again.”
“We must fight!” Odin exclaimed. “We have the sword and the army. We can avenge them, like the legendary heroes we will be! Laslow, Odin, and Selena, slayers of the Fell Dragon!”
“Be quiet!” She hissed. “And have you forgotten the sword is useless without the Awakening ritual. Even if Laslow wields it, he will stay.”
“We will go home, then. Awaken the blade there,” Laslow replied. “We have to fight, Selena. You know that.”
“We can’t go home! Have you forgotten?” Selena snapped. “That portal is gone! We didn’t choose to be here, and we can’t choose to leave!”
Laslow sighed. “We’ll figure it out. I’m—I’m with Odin, we are not running from this.”
“It is our duty!” Odin said. “We must fight and prove victorious over our enemy! Avenge our fallen comrades and family and bring peace to the world. It will be no problem for ones such as us!”
Selena shook her head and reached for the door. “I’m not staying. I can’t do this again. Figure it out yourselves for all I care. I’m not watching you idiots die.”
Notes:
so in this au Anankos didn't ever talk to the trio and they did not get the mission to help Corrin. They still end up as retainers though because the plot needs to plot my friends. instead, as hinted at near the end, they travel through a portal to get to Nohr. They're from a future where they don't go back in time to try and stop Grima, and one in which Lucina just kind of disappeared. They kind of deserted their world for this one but they also would've died if they stayed so you know. Small victories or something
also important: this is after revelations, and all three kingdoms are on good terms. also I entirely make up how the Outrealms work here and I'm not apologizing for it.
chapter title is from Free by Florence + The Machine (it's my current fav song u guys it's so good)
Chapter 2: I didn’t want to have to find out from someone else (that you were leaving)
Summary:
Laslow has a much-needed conversation with Lady Camilla. Selena yells at Laslow and Odin little more and then fails to run away. Camilla has... feelings about that. Also, Xander should really get some sleep one of these days.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Laslow wasn’t stupid. He knew that Lady Camilla would never let Selena leave, and he knew that she would be the only way to get Selena to stay in Nohr. She was too stubborn and narrow-minded for her own good, and Laslow had grown used to dealing with her by now.
Realistically, he and Odin might not need her help in defeating Grima, but she had actually fought the dragon, unlike everyone else in Nohr. She couldn’t wield Falchion, and she couldn’t seal the dragon away, but she could fight. Back in Ylisse, Selena had made a point to make sure everyone knew Grima’s weak points. She made it a point that everyone could hold their ground against the Fell Dragon, if only long enough to run away. Laslow didn’t remember most of the lectures she gave, but he was sure she did. He was sure that she could recite each weak point of his, each pause in the battle where you’d have the best chance to run away.
Finding Lady Camilla proved difficult. Laslow hadn’t been able to look for her right away, as he had tea with Xander first. And after that, he had to take count of the training weapons to ensure they had enough for the army, and then he could look for Lady Camilla. By now, it was late into the day, and dinner had already passed. He hadn’t been able to locate her at dinner, but she often spent time walking the castle afterwards.
Luckily for Laslow, he found her alone. He hadn’t wanted to risk Selena, or even Beruka, hearing him talk to Lady Camilla. Beruka wouldn’t have been the worst, but he couldn’t dare mention Selena running away in front of Selena herself.
“Lady Camilla,” A grin found Laslow’s face easily. “You look wonderful as always.”
“Dearest Laslow,” Camilla smiled. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Well, I…” He trailed off. “Is there somewhere more private we could discuss something?”
She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, private?”
He paled. “Oh, I assure you it’s nothing scandalous, my lady,” Laslow replied.
“Your reputation would say otherwise,” She smiled at him again. “What might this be about?”
Laslow glanced around. “It’s about Selena,” He replied, his voice low. “And I’d rather her not have the chance to overhear, my lady.”
Camilla nodded, the smile falling from her face. “Follow me then.”
Laslow followed Camilla down a few hallways before they ended up in front of Camilla’s door. She ushered him inside and closed the door behind them, locking it. He hadn't had the pleasure of being in her room before, at least not recently, but he had no interest in studying the room. It felt... weird to be in here anyway, and he'd feel even weirder if he looked around for an extended period of time.
“Speak,” She said.
Laslow nodded. “Selena… she means to run away soon,” He said. “I’m not sure when, or how, but I know she doesn’t intend to stay much longer.”
"She'd tell me if she wanted to leave," Camilla replied. "She's said so herself."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you don't want to believe me, Lady Camilla, but somewhere in your mind you know I'm telling the truth. Selena's going to leave.
“She… she really wants to leave?” Camilla asked, her voice nearly breaking. “Are you sure?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” He looked down for a moment. “Odin and I have no intention of leaving, and we don’t want her to go. She’s… being stubborn about it.”
“Oh, Selena,” She whispered, sitting down on her bed.
“I do not mean to upset you, my lady,” Laslow replied. “But I think you’re the only one who can get her to stay.”
“Thank you, Laslow,” she said. “I think I would like to be alone now.”
“Of course,” He bowed and turned to the door. “Please, talk to her. I won’t get through, and neither will Odin.”
----
Selena couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t odd for her to face a restless night, but tonight, it was worse. She saw him in her dreams for the first time in years, and she saw Lucina for the first in even longer. She saw her sister, Cynthia, die. Her friends, Yarne, Nah, Noire, Brady… All of them, she saw them die. Over and over and over until Grima was satisfied with how they went.
She found herself walking the castle halls. When she first arrived in Nohr, she’d spend countless hours wandering in the middle of the night, as her sleep had been plagued by nightmares. Things had been better, she could sleep until the morning most nights, but the Risen had changed that. He had changed that.
Selena shuddered. When she closed her eyes, she saw six, red eyes staring back at her. It was an example of what was to come: death and destruction. The Risen wouldn’t stop until he did, and here, he couldn’t be stopped. Red eyes glowing in the dark meant that she couldn’t stay here (if she could, she’d take Falchion and run, but she couldn’t use it without Laslow or Odin. She could only clutch onto it as he crept closer and closer).
One footstep echoed behind her. Selena’s body tensed and she drew her sword, turning to face whatever was chasing her. Whatever was there to kill her.
“Selena?”
Selena paled and lowered her sword. “Lady Camilla?” She asked. “What brings you out so late?”
“I heard you leave your room,” Camilla replied, eyeing the sword Selena still clutched in her hands. “You’re very precious to me.”
Selena furrowed her eyebrows as she sheathed her sword. “I know, Lady Camilla,” she replied. “Is there something you need me to take care of?”
Camilla sighed. “Are you sleeping?”
“That… doesn’t answer my question, my lady,” Selena replied. “Yes, I am sleeping.”
“Are you sleeping well?”
If this was anyone else, Selena would’ve snapped at them already (but this was not anyone else, it was Lady Camilla, and Selena feared what might happen to her if she even raised her voice at her liege).
“I’m sleeping fine, Lady Camilla,” She shook her head. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes, there is,” Camilla replied, reaching her hand to Selena’s face. She stroked Selena’s cheek. “Something is bothering you.”
“Nothing’s bothering me,” Selena said as Camilla’s hand dropped. “Would I ever lie to you?”
“Usually when you say that you mean it.”
“I’m—I’m sorry?”
Camilla sighed. “You’re lying to me,” She replied. “And once again I find myself fearing that you’ll leave.”
Selena paled again. “I said I would give you a warning if I ever had to leave.”
“But you’re lying to me now,” Camilla protested. “How can I know you haven’t always been lying?”
“I promise you, Lady Camilla, I have no intention of leaving, nor would I ever lie to you,” The words tasted sour in Selena’s mouth.
“Then tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I…” Selena sighed. “It’s just some old memories, my lady. Nothing you need to worry about.”
“Hm,” Camilla hummed, reaching out to stroke Selena’s cheek again. “That’s all?”
“Yes,” No . “That’s all, Lady Camilla.”
----
Selena didn’t sleep for the rest of the night. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but she still tried. But when she closed her eyes, she saw the six red eyes that had haunted her for years. So, it was safe to say she was exhausted the next day, and really, she was barely going through the motions.
Laslow and Odin didn’t seem to be faring much better. Odin didn’t speak like he normally did. The enthusiasm in his voice was gone and replaced by something hollow. She hadn’t heard him like this in a long time, no, not since he was Owain, and not since they’d been running through Ylisse searching for Lucina. Laslow wasn’t flirting with anyone. He kept his head down all day, and the mischievous glint in his eye was missing, instead replaced by an emptiness that Selena had always hated (when Laslow was down, something was seriously wrong. He’d been some of the heart of the Shepherds, and if he wasn’t able to smile, then all hope was lost).
Sometime in the afternoon, Laslow dragged Odin and Selena back to their storage room. He had disappeared for most of the day, and when Selena walked into the room, she understood why. He’d laid out a map on the small table, marked up with all sorts of notes. Upon closer inspection, she realized he had been recording information on all the strange portals that had ever appeared in Nohr and Hoshido. Beneath the table rested Falchion, still wrapped up in the white cloth they’d put it in all those years ago (Selena had refused to look at it because it reminded her of Lucina. Laslow couldn’t stand it either, and Odin had wrapped it in the white cloth so none of them had to see it. Laslow had kept it hidden in his room ever since they’d become retainers).
“I think we can fight this,” Laslow said as Odin and Selena studied the map. “Every portal that’s opened up is near a gate. The Outrealm Gate. If we can find a portal to Ylisse, we can Awaken Falchion.”
“Are you stupid?” Selena hissed. “Ylisse is destroyed. There will not be a way to awaken the blade, he’ll have killed Naga and destroyed the Fire Emblem!”
“You can’t prove that,” Laslow replied. “You can’t give up hope, Selena.”
“You’re going to get everyone killed.”
Odin sighed. “We don’t know that,” He replied. “We’re fighting this, and there has to be a way to win.”
“There’s not a way to win, you idiots!” Selena yelled.
She immediately slapped her hand over her mouth as footsteps started to get closer to the storage room. Laslow scrambled to roll up his map, and Odin crouched to the floor, making sure Falchion was covered. Selena grabbed the lantern and put it in a box, covering it with the lid.
“I thought I heard…” Lady Camilla’s voice trailed off.
The three retainers froze, staring at the door. There was no lock, so if Camilla decided to open the door, then they were screwed. Well, maybe they wouldn’t be screwed, but their secret room would be revealed, and they’d have to find somewhere else to discuss this.
Camilla’s shadow was visible under the door. “Selena?”
Selena gulped and scrambled behind one of the boxes in the room. Odin ducked under the table and pulled a chair in front of him, while Laslow jumped into a box (he chose a box with a lot of nails, and in a normal situation, Selena would’ve laughed at him until she turned blue).
The doorknob turned and Selena held her breath. Camilla’s head poked in and she looked around. Selena saw Odin clutch Falchion tighter, his breath also stopping. There was a rustle coming from the box where Laslow was hidden, but he made no other noise. You could've mistaken it for the wind, but then again, there is no wind inside a storage room. Maybe a rat could make the noise, though.
“I must’ve imagined it,” Camilla mumbled, closing the door behind her.
The three retainers let out a breath at the same time. Camilla’s footsteps echoed down the hall, and soon enough, they were alone again.
Laslow shook his head as he climbed out of the box. “Next time, Selena, keep your voice down.”
“I was trying,” Selena huffed. “But like I was saying, we can’t Awaken Falchion. He’s destroyed Ylisse. That’s why he’s here now.”
“Stop,” Laslow replied. “You’re acting like we’re going to die.”
“We are.”
"Severa," He snapped at her. “I’m not letting you snuff out all hope for us. For Nohr. There is a chance, maybe it’s small, but it’s a chance, that we can defeat him. I know Ylisse might be gone, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to get what we need.”
“I told you I’m not staying,” Selena replied. “Do what you want, but I’m not watching you die.”
“And I’m not going to let you walk away from this,” Laslow replied. “Do you think your mother—”
“I don’t care what my mom would think,” She snapped. “I am not my mother, and I’m not Severa anymore. If you even want me to think about staying, you better have a better plan than whatever the hell this is.”
Odin and Laslow shared a glance.
"We will," Laslow said. "We'll have a solid plan, and you'll have to stay."
"I don't have to do anything," She replied, grabbing the door handle. "Stop trying to convince me to watch you commit suicide."
----
Two nights later, Selena made her move. She’d been avoiding Odin and Laslow since they’d almost been caught by Camilla, and she spent her days planning where she’d go. After studying countless maps, she decided that Cyrkensia was her best bet. The place had been all but destroyed near the beginning of the war, but the rebuilding efforts had gone well, and the town was almost as it was before. They’d have ships sailing out, and Selena needed to catch one. If she left tonight, she’d be there in a few days, and hopefully they would have a ship leaving a few days after that.
Everything she needed fit into one bag (it was a bag that had once been Lucina’s, but it became Selena’s after Lucina decided she didn’t need it anymore). She only brought the things she needed, though it hurt to leave everything else behind. She had so many clothes, accessories, and even some weapons she would love to bring along, but she couldn’t carry it all, and most of it wouldn’t help her in the long run. She did keep the bracelet she bought with Beruka, the one that was part of a pair with one of Camilla’s bracelets. She didn’t wear it, but it was safely tucked into her bag (Selena didn't like to think herself a sentimental person, but the bracelet and her mother's ring proved her otherwise. It was rare she went anywhere without at least one of them on her person).
It wasn’t unusual for someone to be walking the castle this late. Guards patrolled the halls, and Selena often ran into them, but other than that, the halls were empty tonight. It was better that way; it made it much easier for her to slip away in the night without anyone noticing. There were a number of exits to the castle, all guarded, but Selena knew which guards worked tonight, and she knew which ones wouldn't bat an eye at her leaving. She used to do late night missions for Camilla anyway, and had permission to come and go from the castle as she wished, though she rarely took advantage of that privilege.
It should have been easy to sneak out. There shouldn't have been any guards in this hallway, but as she approached the exit, footsteps echoed behind her. They were loud, and fast, and Selena knew who they belonged to immediately.
“Lady Camilla,” Selena gulped, turning around. “What brings you out here so late?”
“You,” Camilla replied. “You’re running, just like you said you wouldn’t, and just like Laslow said you would.”
She paled and looked away from Camilla. “I can’t stay here anymore.”
“Tell me why,” Camilla snapped. “What is making my dear retainer so miserable that she can no longer stand to stay here?”
“It’s not that simple,” Selena replied. “Ask Laslow. Or Odin.”
“I’m asking you.”
Selena’s grip on her bag tightened and she looked down. “I don’t want to put you in danger. My duty is to protect you, and by leaving I am protecting you from a terrible fate.”
“By leaving you are failing to protect me,” Camilla said. Her gaze softened, turning from anger to concern. “Darling, what is going on?”
“I’m not sticking around to watch everyone die again!” Selena snapped.
She stared at Selena. “Again?”
“Just let me go, Lady Camilla. Please.”
“I once told you I would cut off your legs if you were to leave me,” Camilla replied. “I find myself almost considering it.”
Selena looked at Camilla. Her eyes weren’t watering, but they were close. She didn’t want to leave. Serving Lady Camilla was more than enough, but it wasn’t safe anymore. She looked away, her eyes shutting tight. There was a moment of silence, as if Camilla wanted Selena to speak. Selena didn't dare say anything else, she just kept her eyes shut.
“I’ll let you go,” Camilla finally said. “But not tonight.”
“You’ll—thank you,” Selena let out the breath she’d been holding. “But when?”
“You, Laslow, Odin… You have to explain why,” She replied. “Tomorrow. And then I—I’ll let you go, Selena.”
She smiled sadly. “I—thank you, Lady Camilla. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
----
Camilla was no stranger to people leaving. She'd had her fair share of retainers come and go—hell, she'd even seen siblings come and go too. She'd watched Corrin leave, and she'd watched her mother leave, too, though that had been a little different.
To an extent, Camilla had let them leave. She hadn't fought for them hard enough, and in turn, she'd let them go. She regretted it every day, letting some of her old retainers leave. Now she had Beruka and Selena, though, and they were the best retainers she could have ever asked for. They were loyal, strong, and perfect in almost every way. She could always tell that Selena itched to leave, but her loyalty and duty as Camilla's retainer had always stopped her, and Camilla thought it would ensure she'd stay for a while longer. Her talk with Laslow had changed that thought, however. When he said she was going to leave... Camilla was angry at first. She was angry and she didn't believe Laslow. But she knew he wouldn't lie, not like that. He had always been an honest man, especially when it came to Selena or Odin.
The night after Laslow told Camilla, she thought she found Selena running away, but a quick conversation revealed Selena had no intention of leaving. At least, not that night. Tonight, three nights after Laslow told her, Selena tried to make her move. Camilla was ready for it and had intercepted her. But what Selena had said—the reason she was leaving—worried Camilla. Selena had always been loyal; it was to a fault, however. Every time Camilla was in trouble, she would swoop in and save her, even if it meant she would get injured or nearly killed. She wasn't a runner, no she never ran from a fight, no matter the disadvantage she might be at. The Selena who was running—that wasn't the Selena Camilla knew. That wasn't her retainer, it was someone else entirely (somewhere in the back of her mind, Camilla knew she was still the same person, the same Selena she'd grown to care so fondly about. But for her to run from a fight... She didn't like the implications of that, and she liked the death Selena implied even less).
She saw Selena back to her room before she turned to find her brother, Xander. A normal person would be fast asleep at this time of night, but Xander wasn't a normal person—he was a king with a lot of political problems, and Camilla often found he was awake late into the night. Thankfully, tonight was no different, and he was sitting in his study, surrounded by stacks and stacks of papers.
"Camilla?" He mumbled, looking up. "What brings you here so late?"
She sighed. "I would like to request a council tomorrow," she replied. "With the entire family."
Xander raised his eyebrows. "A council with the family? What for?"
"It's about some of the retainers," Camilla replied. "They aren't in trouble, but they must tell us something."
"Hm," Xander paused, then nodded. "Very well. I'm not sure if we can get Corrin here by tomorrow, but I can make sure everyone else is present."
"Thank you," She forced a smile. "You should get some rest, dear brother. It's late."
"Are you heading to sleep?"
"...yes."
"I don't believe you," He replied. "But I'll let it be. I'll rest when I'm done with this work."
Camilla sighed. "Alright, Xander. Don't stay up too much longer."
With the council sorted out, Camilla found herself wandering the castle once again. She'd done this the past few nights, trying to catch Selena sneaking out, but now she did it because she was restless. She wasn't scared of whatever Selena seemed to be running from, no, she was scared for Selena. She had been very tight lipped about whatever 'terrible fate' she'd meet if she stayed, and that was strange. Selena had never been the most open book, but she rarely kept secrets from Camilla. The last secret she had kept was... Actually, Camilla couldn't remember the last time Selena had a secret (realistically, she must've had a lot, but they never seemed to come up until now).
Camilla stopped in front of her retainer's door. She'd seen Selena back to her room, and there was no way she had slipped out again, but she still stared at the door. She wasn't going to risk waking Selena up, though she wanted to. She wanted to break down the door and demand Selena tell her everything, starting with what fate she was going to meet if she stayed. Starting with where she'd come from, why she was here, and why Laslow and Odin didn't want her to leave. She wanted to yell at Selena for lying to her over and over again. For lying to everyone.
But she didn't. She didn't let her anger take hold, and she just stared at the door. She wondered if Selena was asleep, and if she dreamed. She wondered if Selena thought about leaving for a long time, or if it was something she'd decided in only a few minutes. Camilla had always wanted to know more about Selena and all the secrets that she kept, but she wanted to know now more than ever before. She wanted Selena to let her in (months ago Selena had told Camilla she used to have trouble sleeping, and that this hadn't been her first war. It was the closest she'd ever gotten to talking about her life before Nohr. Camilla hadn't thought much of it then, but now she wanted to know everything about that war and why Selena couldn't sleep).
In the end, Camilla walked away from Selena's door. She walked back to her room, and she tried to sleep, but her mind kept telling her that if she slept, even for a few minutes, Selena would be gone.
She was the first person to breakfast the next morning. And if anyone noticed that she wore extra makeup under her eyes, they didn't mention it (if they had, she might've beheaded them then and there).
Notes:
the first scene with Laslow was not something I had originally written, it was only implied to have happened, but I kind of wanted a different POV so I wrote it out just for funsies. The Camilla part was also not planned, but then I wrote the summary for the chapter, and I was like wow, Camilla has feelings about this. Maybe I should write that part.
And yes, there is going to be romance eventually, but I think the most important relationship is the chaotic friendship between Odin, Laslow, and Selena. I'm trying to hash out that they all have different views on how to solve problems and how different their characters are, but also showing how even though they're very different, they're really good friends.
also also this is my first time really writing most of these characters so if they seem oddly clunky or odd that’s def my bad lol
chapter title is from Coping Machine by City Mouth (I am spreading the City Mouth agenda I love them)
Chapter 3: tales from another broken home
Summary:
The Ylisse gang comes clean, and Selena gets mad again (seriously she needs major anger management. Girl can't go two minutes without yelling).
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Camilla had arranged for Odin, Laslow, and Selena to have an audience with the entire royal family of Nohr, and even Corrin was there, even though they were now the ruler of Valla. How she had managed that in one night Selena didn’t know, but she didn’t want to ask. She wanted to get this over with and get out of Nohr as soon as she could.
“I’ll talk,” Laslow offered.
“It’s the least you can do after telling Camilla,” Selena grumbled.
“What was I supposed to do, let you leave?”
She glared at him. “Yes.”
Laslow sighed and looked at Odin. “Is your brand uncovered?”
Odin showed his left arm, where the Brand of the Exalt rested. Selena hadn’t seen it in a long time, as he and Laslow always made sure to cover theirs.
“And yours, my friend?” Odin asked.
Laslow nodded. He brushed his hair off of his forehead, and right above his left eye, the brand showed. His had always been more visible, so Selena had taught him how to cover it using makeup, and how to make sure it wouldn’t reveal itself in battle (not that anyone in Nohr knew what it meant, but still, she was paranoid, and they allowed her to be).
Selena stared at the door. “Let’s get this over with.”
“The three brave heroes conquer their past,” Odin announced, reaching for the door. “And today they will reveal all.”
Selena sighed and stepped into the room. “Save the dramatics, Odin.”
The room was a large war conference room which Selena had sat in before. But today, it was set up differently. No longer was it set in a circle, rather, it was a half circle, and there was a place for the three retainers to stand. The entire royal family sat, and to Selena’s surprise, there were no retainers present. Not even Niles, who was rarely seen out of Lord Leo’s company these days.
“Now that they have arrived, Camilla, care to explain why you called this meeting?” Xander asked.
“Last night I found my dear Selena attempting to run away, courtesy of information from Laslow,” Camilla replied and Selena looked at her feet. “She claims if she stays, we will face a terrible fate. I promised that if they could explain themselves, then I would allow her to leave.”
Laslow’s jaw hung open and he stared at Selena. “You didn’t say that—you didn’t tell us you were still going to leave.”
“It’s not important,” Selena snapped. “Just start talking.”
“Right, right,” Laslow sighed. “As you know, we are not from here. We do not know how we ended up here—well, we do but it’s rather confusing and improbable.”
Odin nodded. “Engaged in a terrible battle we were separated from our comrades and stumbled upon a glowing portal,” He continued. “Being chased by the Risen—terrifying beasts no different from the Faceless—we stumbled in and woke up here, in Nohr.”
Selena rolled her eyes. “It doesn’t matter how we got here,” She huffed. “Back in our home, there is a—” She frowned, her eyes shutting tightly. “There’s…”
“Back home there is a Fell Dragon named Grima,” Laslow finished, his hand now resting on Selena’s shoulder. “And he has killed… Almost everyone. We are among the last survivors of our homeland, Ylisse. In Ylisse, we have a ruler. The Exalt. My sister was the current one, yet she disappeared shortly before we ended up here, leaving only our father’s sword behind,” He lifted his hair up, revealing his brand. “This brand is proof of my heritage. If I were home, I would be the Exalt of Ylisse.”
“And I, Odin,” He lifted his left arm, “am next in line, as the cousin of my dear friend In—er, Laslow.”
Almost the entire royal family of Nohr paled.
“You—you are royalty, Laslow,” Xander stammered. “You are royalty and have spent years as my retainer.”
“And you, Odin,” Leo added. “You are also royalty and my retainer. Had I—we known, we—”
“Do not worry about it,” Laslow shook his head. “We are not royalty here. We are barely royalty back home, even.”
“And you, Selena,” Camilla started. “Are you—?”
“No, I’m no one important,” Selena replied.
“Do not humble yourself, brave Selena!” Odin smiled. “She is the daughter of two noble Pegasus knights, one the strongest captain Ylisse had ever seen!”
“Do not talk about my mom, Odin,” Selena snapped. “That is not what we’re fucking talking about.”
“I, er, I apologize, Selena,” He grimaced. “Alas do not fret over who we are. It does not matter, we agreed to work as your retainers, and we have enjoyed our time here, truly.”
“But, er, something’s… happening,” Laslow’s hand fell from Selena’s shoulder and rubbed his forehead. “That mission that you took Selena on, Lady Camilla. The one with the Faceless.”
“Yes, I do remember that,” Camilla replied. “They were… Odd, for Faceless, but acted nearly the same.”
“Those aren’t Faceless,” Selena shook her head. “Those are Risen. From our home. The soldiers of—of…”
“Grima, the Fell Dragon,” Odin finished. “And if they have found their way here, that only means that our homeland is… finished. They chase the legendary sword, Falchion, the only thing that could ever hope to seal Grima again, in hopes of killing the last available wielders so that he can destroy all life forever.”
Selena reached for Laslow’s hand, seeking comfort. “He killed our families, our friends, everything. If we stay, surely Nohr, Hoshido, Valla… They will face the same fate.”
Odin frowned. “Yet if we go there will be no hope for them and Grima will kill them anyway.”
“You don’t know that Owain!” Selena shouted. It had been years since she’d used that name. Since she’d used any of their real names (Owain slipped up the most, but now it was only in private, in moments like this when they argued or remembered things they wish they hadn’t). “He doesn’t want them, he wants us! If we leave, they won’t die.”
“You won’t see them die, you mean,” Laslow said, squeezing her hand. “Grima wants death. You know that. He’ll kill them no matter what we—what you choose.”
She let go of his hand and turned to the door. “Whatever. Seal your fate. I’m not staying to watch you die, Inigo.”
“Severa—” Laslow tried, but she was already gone. He sighed. “Stubborn fool.”
----
Selena didn’t leave immediately. As ready as she was last night, she hesitated today. Her mind was decided, she would not stay in Nohr, but she didn’t know where she’d go now. The entire continent would be within reach of the Fell Dragon, so she’d have to flee it altogether. Ships left the continent often enough, and that was her plan, but still, she hesitated. What would come after that?
She knew she should have a plan for after, but she found that she wasn't worried about it. Things didn't always go her way, obviously, but she had hope that she'd be fine. It would be the first time ever she'd be without Odin and Laslow, but she could live with that (maybe her heart sunk, and her stomach flipped at the thought of leaving them behind, but she'd never acknowledge that. She'd never tell them she was regretting her decision, if only a little).
“I was worried you’d already left.”
Selena looked up from the bridge. “Lady Camilla,” She replied. “I’m sorry for running, but I…”
“There’s no need to explain, dear,” Camilla sat down next to her, smiling softly. “Laslow and Odin finished explaining. Well, Inigo and Owain, I suppose. They said they don’t mind us calling them what we always have, but…”
She shrugged. “I’m used to Selena,” She replied. “Doesn’t matter, though. I won’t be here much longer anyway.”
Camilla sighed. “There’s no way I can convince you to stay, is there?”
“I’m not watching you die.”
“I can handle myself,” Camilla replied. “You know that.”
“I also know what he is capable of,” Selena looked down at the streets below.
Camilla paused, looking at Selena. She tentatively reached for her (kind of former) retainer’s hand, gently taking it in her own.
“We’re contacting King Ryoma too,” She started, tracing lines on the back of Selena’s hand. “We’re not going down without a fight.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Selena mumbled. “He’ll—he’ll kill you. I can’t—I won’t do this again. I’m not watching someone I care so much about die again.”
Camilla sighed. “We’re pretty sure Laslow’s right. That no matter what, Grima—” Selena flinched at the name. “—he’s going to try and destroy our world. And I know you aren’t going to stay, but I want you to, dear Selena.”
Selena rested her head on Camilla’s shoulder. “You can’t die,” She whispered. “If—if you want me to stay you have to promise you won’t die. Not before me.”
She kissed the top of Selena’s head. “I won’t,” She whispered as Selena’s face turned bright red. “Neither of us will die, Selena.”
Selena took a moment to recompose herself. “You can’t guarantee that.”
“I can try.”
She sighed. "You could come with me."
"I can't leave Nohr," Camilla replied. "Not if the situation is as dire as you say it is."
"It was worth a shot," Selena mumbled.
"Please," Her voice broke. "Don't leave."
Selena looked down at her hands. "I..." She frowned. "I can't do this all again, Lady Camilla."
"It's going to be different, I promise," She replied. "I'm not letting anyone die."
"Promise?" Selena asked.
Camilla smiled softly. "Promise."
"Okay," She whispered. "But if anyone dies, I'm gone."
----
Seeing Selena reenter the war conference room felt like a weight had been lifted off of Odin’s shoulders. He had spent so much time with her, fought countless battles, and being so far apart from her was a terrifying thought. The last time he’d let someone walk away, she had died. Well, he liked to think she was still alive somewhere, fighting for Ylisse, but he knew it was unlikely. Deep in his heart, he knew Lucina was dead, and that Grima had won in Ylisse.
Selena didn’t say a word. She just took her place between Laslow and Odin, and Camilla returned to her seat. Nothing was said about her running out, and it was as if it didn’t happen (Odin wouldn't have it any other way. Selena hated being called out for anything, and she hated the spotlight on her even more. She might be competitive, and she might want to be the best at everything, but she didn't do it for the attention).
Corrin looked at Laslow again. “So, you believe the Outrealms hold the answer to defeating him?”
“Yes, I do,” He nodded. “We landed close to the gate when we first arrived, and I think that one of the portals there will lead back home.”
Odin grinned, though he hardly felt happy enough for it to be real. “And once we brave heroes arrive home, we will search high and low for the Fire Emblem and locate the five jewels, granting us the power to seal the Fell Dragon away for good!”
“For a thousand years,” Selena corrected. “He’s only sealed for a thousand years.”
“Er—right,” Odin nodded sheepishly. “In any case, my friends, we must search the Outrealms for the answers we require.”
Xander nodded. “I’ve had word sent out to King Ryoma,” He replied. “Once he and his retainers arrive, we can discuss the Outrealms further.”
“So what, we just sit around and wait?” Selena grumbled.
“We sit around and plan,” Leo corrected. “Running headfirst to the Outrealms is an idiotic move at best. There are strategies and plans we must discuss.”
“Obviously the three of us will venture into them first!” Odin exclaimed. “Only we know what Ylisse looks like, and once we find it, I’m sure we’ll be able to return here once again.”
Xander raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say the portal you came through disappeared?”
He paled. “Er—maybe.”
“In any case, we’ve got much to discuss,” Xander replied. “For now, we’ll break, but once King Ryoma is here, we’ll discuss our plans further.”
Laslow smiled. “Well said, my lord.”
“I don’t know about you, my friends, but I am starved,” Odin said. “The great Odin Dark requires sustenance!”
Selena shot him a look. “You sound like an idiot.”
Laslow grinned wider. “Well said, dear cousin!” He exclaimed, patting Odin on the shoulder. “Shall we venture forth to the dining hall and eat to our hearts content?”
“We shall!” Odin grinned back. “Will you join us, brave Selena, on our journey to find proper nourishment for our bodies?”
“I hate you,” She grumbled. “But fine. As long as you stop talking like that, Laslow.”
“As you wish, my dear Selena,” Laslow winked at her.
Selena sighed and Odin smiled to himself. Things would be okay. They had the jump on Grima, and that was enough. It had to be enough.
Notes:
okay guys this will be less Selena focused soon i promise but her trying to run is so plot relevant rn
also i literally can’t wait to write Odin more he is so fun i love him so much. he’s just like me fr
title is from the best green day song ever (argue w the wall) jesus of suburbia
fun fact. the next chapter i had no plans for and then i got home from work and was like. wow i think i’ll write for a little while. and then i wrote for literally three hours. then I went to bed and woke up and. wrote even more.
also also. another fun fact. Cordelia's wiki page says she sighs the most in the Shepherds, and I like to believe she passed that habit down to Severa/Selena so she sighs. like a fuck ton tbh
and unfortunately updates will be getting more sporadic because I am inconsistent, and I have another fic I'm working on about Severa & Cordelia and. It's so fun to write. the first chapter is up rn if y'all wanna check it out (i shamelessly self-promo and I will never apologize for it) But, I have no intentions of abandoning this fic updates will just be a little less common bc I unfotunately have a life outside of ao3.
Chapter 4: traveling so far to get there (all just to be here again)
Summary:
King Ryoma arrives, the Ylissean trio leaves for the Outrealms, and Selena thinks Laslow and Odin smell. Also, Odin has shit direction, Laslow nearly gives Xander a concussion with a high-velocity hug, and Camilla makes threats.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Xander sighed, his shoulders sagging. Relations with Valla and Hoshido’s leaders were fine, but relations with nobles and commoners were not. The citizens of Hoshido were enraged that Nohr was now their ally, and small militia groups took it upon themselves to attempt to attack Nohr. It was frustrating, and the amount of normal townsfolk that he had to put in jail was absurd (he knew that letting them free wasn’t an option, but still, he wished they could go home and live a normal life as they once had). Even when he cleared the papers, more appeared. Complaints from nobles, trade prepositions, anything a king might have to deal with ended up in the never ending pile on his desk.
Then, there was the matter of Laslow, Odin, and Selena. He’d always known they weren’t from Nohr, or Hoshido, but coming from another world entirely was absurd. Yet, they couldn’t be lying. How they talked, what they felt… It was too real for it to be an elaborate hoax (and there was the matter that Odin and Laslow were both terrible liars, and Selena wasn’t much better. They couldn’t have organized a lie like this). Xander found his mind wandering to Grima often, though he tried not to let it bother him. Even if the dragon was here to kill everyone, he had duties that he had to attend to before that happened. He was the king now, and he couldn’t let anyone know he was worried. After all, what good is a kingdom if their king can’t give them hope?
“Milord,” Laslow said, bowing. “Are you busy?”
“Not particularly,” Xander replied, looking up from the paper in front of him. “Is something the matter?”
“No,” He smiled. “I just wished to share a conversation with you.”
He nodded. “And what did you wish to talk about?”
Laslow shrugged, plopping down into the chair across from Xander. “We haven’t gotten the chance to talk since we—Selena, Odin and I—came clean about our past.”
“Are you here to ask me what I think about it?”
“I suppose, yes,” Laslow nodded. “You aren’t mad that I wasn’t honest about my origins, are you?”
“Not angry, no,” Xander shook his head. “I would say I was surprised, but you being a prince wasn’t all that surprising, the more I think on it.”
“It wasn’t?” He asked. “Truly?”
“No,” Xander leaned back in his chair. “You always knew proper etiquette, even if it was something only royals might know. You don’t speak like a prince, but I suppose you do act like one sometimes.”
“Aw, you’re making me blush, milord,” Laslow grinned. “I thought I hid it so well.”
“I don’t think I would’ve figured it out on my own,” He said. “But now that I know, I can’t help but see all the signs. It now makes sense why you can almost best me in combat.”
“Almost? I’m sure I could beat you if I really tried, milord.”
Xander smiled. “If I didn’t have so much work, I might offer a duel.”
“I thought you said you weren’t busy,” Laslow replied. “If I had known you had work, I wouldn’t have bothered you.”
“It’s alright, Laslow,” He looked back at the paper in front of him. “It’s just conflicts within Nohr, nothing I haven’t dealt with before. I was looking for a break, anyway.”
“Looking for a break?” He grinned. “How about tea, milord?”
“Tea sounds wonderful.”
----
It took days before Ryoma and his retainers made it to Nohr. Their travel had been fine, or so Selena had heard, but it was a long journey, and one they had not long to prepare for. And one day after they arrived, everyone met in the biggest war council room they had. Each royal had their retainers join them (since the war ended, Silas had become one of Corrin’s unofficial retainers, so he was here as well), and it required explaining the whole situation again. Selena was tired and she all but forced Odin and Laslow to explain it all again.
“...and that’s our story,” Laslow finished lamely. “And also why we need your help, King Ryoma.”
King Ryoma nodded. “I understand,” he replied. “And I’m sorry about your homeland. I cannot imagine the grief you must hold.”
“It’s fine,” Selena grumbled.
Laslow nodded. “We cannot afford to lose ourselves now,” He added. “We believe the Outrealms may hold the answer to our problem.”
“The portal from whence we came was near the Dragon’s Gate, and we believe that somewhere another portal will lead us home,” Odin said. “We will need more time to prepare, but the three of us plan on venturing forth and seeking out that portal for ourselves.”
“Just the three of you?” King Ryoma asked. “That doesn’t seem entirely safe, not if these Risen are as strong as you say.”
“I assure you, my lord, that we will survive just fine,” Laslow smiled. “But we do want to ask you to stay in Nohr for a short while, at least until we return.”
Xander nodded. “Since the first attack, the Risen have made a point of destroying villages throughout Nohr. We aren’t sure when they might move on to Hoshido, or if they will—”
“They will,” Selena interrupted. “They will move onto Hoshido.”
“—we believe it would be valuable for you to see these creatures for yourself,” Xander finished, sending a look at Selena. “Of course, if you have urgent matters in Hoshido, we do not mean to keep you from them.”
“If I may, my lord,” Saizo said, turning to King Ryoma.
“You may, Saizo.”
The ninja nodded. “We have no urgent matters,” he started, “however we cannot stay long. King Ryoma has duties to attend to in Hoshido, and being away too long may jeopardize the peace we have fought for.”
“I understand,” Xander replied. “And I appreciate your cooperation. We will discuss these three’s journey to the Outrealms next. If they successfully find a portal to Ylisse, then we can talk about what happens next.”
King Ryoma smiled. “Wonderful.”
----
The journey to the Outrealms was… endlessly frustrating and long. The Dragon’s Gate was not far from Nohr, and it only took a few days to get there, but finding a portal that could’ve been Ylisse was awful. They spent days hopping into portals, trying to find anything familiar, but none of them were Ylisse (they did see some strange things, however. They included, but were not limited to, a giant dragon being hit by a weird magic javelin, a small orange bird that seemed strangely aware, and another giant fucking dragon being killed by some dude with orange hair and a sword). Selena was tired of portal jumping and it didn’t help that they all were starting to stink. She wanted to call it and head back to Nohr, but Odin and Laslow refused.
“One more for the day,” Laslow said, pointing to a portal in the distance. “And then we will rest.”
“Ugh,” Selena groaned. “Will you ever give up?”
Laslow sighed. “We have to find Ylisse, it’s the only way.”
Odin nodded. “We will find our dear homeland, my friends, and we shall return to Nohr with good tidings!”
Selena just shook her head and walked towards the portal faster. Gods kill me now, I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
The portal itself looked no different from the rest. They couldn’t see through it, but it seemed to function like all the others had. Odin grinned and stepped through, dragging Selena and Laslow with him. They spun for a second, and then there was the bright light there had been with the other Outrealms, and they fell. Hard.
Selena groaned loudly when her body hit the grass below.
“Holy—guys,” Laslow said, pushing himself off the ground. “Guys!”
“Shut up, Laslow, my body hurts,” Selena mumbled, her face buried in the grass.
“Selena,” he kicked her. “Look up.”
“Why do I need to—” Her words got caught in her throat.
In the distance was a city surrounded by walls, one with a palace in the center. She knew those walls well, and that palace even better. Her heart soared and a small smile found her face.
“We’re home,” Odin laughed wildly. “We’re home, my friends!”
Selena stood quickly, brushing the dirt off her pants. As soon as she was steady, Odin swept her into a hug. Laslow laughed and wrapped his arms around both of them, spinning them around.
“You guys stink,” Selena grumbled, but she made no moves to leave the hug.
“We celebrate today!” Odin exclaimed. “Come, we must go to Ylisstol!”
Laslow grinned wide. “Yes, yes, we must!” He laughed again. “Drinks on me.”
“We have a mission,” Selena reminded them. “We can’t stay long.”
“Let us indulge ourselves, if only for a short while,” Laslow replied. “We haven’t been home in so long, Selena, and I would love to just wander for a little.”
She sighed. “Only for a little while.”
----
Ylisstol was… strange, to say the least. Selena hadn’t ever seen this many people alive and well here, and she’d never seen the city so alive. It was obvious this wasn’t their home, but still, the three of them enjoyed being somewhere close enough to where they grew up (the Risen were absent, and joy was abundant in the city. It was something none of them had seen in Ylisse, at least, not in a long long time).
They found themselves in a tavern, after a while. It had been shut down in their homeland, but here, it was open and very busy. It smelled of ale and sweat, but Selena found she didn’t mind it. She wouldn’t admit it, but she was happy, for now. Being in Ylisse, even if it wasn’t theirs, felt right.
The three didn’t talk. They sat in the tavern and each nursed a drink, just listening to the conversation around them. Most people talked about their own lives, but Selena found comfort in it. She was happy knowing that people here didn’t live in fear.
Most of it was meaningless conversation. People complained about their jobs, their families… Anything they could. But they also seemed to complain a lot about Plegia. Like, a lot about Plegia.
“All this Plegia business,” A man huffed. “You’d think they’d be full of warriors with the way they keep picking fights. Just a bunch of cowards, they are. Can’t even fight us fairly.”
“I hear you,” Another man replied. “Fucking dark mages ambushing us at the border. Even when the Exalt croaked they couldn’t show basic decency and let us be for a few days.”
Laslow turned to Selena. “What Exalt?” He whispered.
“Emmeryn, obviously,” Selena replied. “She died when the second war with Plegia was just starting.”
Odin nodded in agreement. “It was a rough time, mother always told me. Uncle Chrom was… not himself.”
“Exalt Emmeryn’s too young to win us a war,” the first man grumbled, and Selena’s head snapped towards him. “Can’t believe they let her rule.”
“I know!” the other man replied. “Truly is a damn shame the old Exalt croaked. Could’ve led us to victory.”
“Exalt… Emmeryn?” Selena murmured, glancing back at Laslow and Odin.
“She’s not dead,” Laslow muttered back. “She’s just become Exalt, which means…”
Odin gasped, his eyes widening. “My mother was just born!”
“Your mother was just—holy shit!” He hissed. “We’re—Gods, we’ve gone… back in time?”
Odin frowned. “I’m… not sure if that would be the correct terminology,” He paused. “We have journeyed to the past, yes, but we did not do so with time travel…”
Selena groaned. “Can we not do this right now?”
“I agree,” Laslow grinned. “We can debate all the technicalities we want later, Odin. Tonight, we drink!”
She sighed. “I wish you would take things seriously, sometimes,” Selena grumbled. “We can’t stay that much longer.”
“You don’t want me to change,” Laslow took a sip of his drink. “You’d miss me too much.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” She smiled faintly. “Just one more drink, then we’re done.”
----
They spent one night in Ylisstol before heading back to where they’d entered the portal from. Laslow had kept buying drinks (Selena saying one more drink hadn’t been listened to at all ), and soon enough, they were too drunk to even attempt a trip home. Odin had been coherent enough to buy them a room at an inn, and the three had promptly crashed inside. The next morning, one hangover cure and bath later, the three were on the road again. This time, they headed for Nohr, with good tidings and joy (at least on Odin and Laslow’s part, that is. Selena found she was too tired to express the same joy as them).
The trip to Nohr seemed much faster than their trip to the Dragon’s Gate. Maybe it was Odin and Laslow’s contagious happiness, or the fact that they no longer smelled like shit , but Selena found herself actually enjoying the trip (she would never dare admit it to either of the others, no, she knew they’d never shut up about it). Traveling back through the portal was a pain, however. Selena wasn’t sure what happened, but she spun for a few minutes before finally landing back in Nohr. Odin and Laslow hadn’t had the same trouble, and they’d landed almost immediately, but Selena had been stuck spinning between worlds for a whole six or seven minutes (if she ended up throwing up after she landed, no one was going to mention it).
Odin pointed towards Castle Krakenburg, though you couldn’t see it from this far away. “Back to our lieges we must go!”
Selena sighed and pointed his arm in another direction. “That’s the direction we’re headed, idiot.”
He chuckled. “I knew that!” He exclaimed. “I was testing your navigation abilities, of course!”
“I thought that years of travel would make you more aware of where you are,” She shook her head. “But you’re still a fucking idiot, Gods.”
Laslow laughed. “Let him be, Selena. He has us to guide him, after all.”
“I could make it back on my own!” Odin protested. “The great Odin Dark, legendary dark mage, has an impeccable and incredible sense of direction!”
“You wanna bet?” Selena smirked. “If you can make it back to Castle Krakenburg on your own, I’ll give you anything you want.”
“Er—we must arrive home at the same time, must we not?” Odin stammered. “Our lieges will be disappointed if we split now, I’m sure.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Alright, fine. I can still say you have shit direction, then.”
Odin sighed and started walking in the direction Selena had pointed, aka, the correct direction.
----
Odin was ecstatic (or, more specifically, he was feeling a grand happiness he had not felt in ages, and he also wanted to scream and shout and let it all out). Seeing Ylisse, being in Ylisstol in its prime… He couldn’t imagine anything more exciting! The blood in his veins urged him to wrap everyone he knew in the biggest hug he could manage. He wanted to celebrate well into the night, eating and drinking and enjoying simple conversation with his closest comrades. He wanted nothing more than to invite everyone, from each kingdom, to feast and enjoy each other's company.
They first, however, had to inform their lieges of their return and their discovery of a Ylisse that held the legendary items they needed. And to find their lieges, well, to find them was a journey in itself, one that appeared to annoy Selena to no end.
“Where are they?” Selena grumbled for what Odin figured was the fifth time since they arrived in the castle. “Are they hiding from us?”
Laslow shrugged. “If they aren’t in the dining hall, or any war council room, or the training grounds… Maybe they are out.”
Odin shook his head. “I do not think they’d leave their stations unless absolutely necessary,” He glanced around. “Hey! Excuse me, guard!”
The nearest guard turned towards them. “Yes, what—oh!” he exclaimed. “It’s wonderful to see you three back!”
“We have missed here, I assure you,” Odin replied. “Where might King Xander, Lady Camilla, and Lord Leo be?”
The guard paused. “They just returned recently, though I’m not sure where they went or where they are in the castle, I’m sorry.”
“Do not fret!” Odin smiled. “We will continue our journey. Many thanks!”
Selena sighed. “Shut up, Odin. Being loud won’t help—”
A voice boomed from down the hall. “Laslow, Selena, Odin.”
Odin’s head whipped towards the voice, and he grinned. “King Xander! Lord Leo! Lady Camilla!” He raised his arms. “We are back!”
Laslow took off down the hall. “Milord!” He exclaimed. “We bring the best of news!”
“That’s—”
Laslow nearly toppled Xander over as he embraced him. He laughed wildly and spun his lord around.
Odin’s eyes widened and he looked at Lord Leo.
“Don’t you dare,” Leo warned.
“Just this once, milord!” Odin begged.
“I—fine.”
Odin laughed and embraced Leo in a tight hug, but he did not spin him as Laslow did King Xander (Leo did not particularly like hugs, but sometimes he made the exception for Odin, and as much as he wanted to, Odin wasn’t going to push it). He glanced at Selena, who was still standing rather awkwardly.
“Selena,” Lady Camilla said.
“Yes, Lady Camilla?” Selena asked.
“Come here.”
Selena didn’t even pretend to hesitate as she walked over and embraced Lady Camilla. Odin knew she liked hugs, no matter how hard she tried to hide it behind her prickly nature. He’d spent too many years at her side not to notice how she longed for a hug sometimes (especially from Lady Camilla, it seemed, but Odin always left the teasing to Laslow. He didn’t fancy a dark purple bruise on his arm).
“I—Laslow, you can let go now,” Xander mumbled.
“Er, right, sorry milord,” Laslow replied, stepping back from Xander. Odin did the same, but Selena didn’t move from Lady Camilla’s arms (upon close inspection, it appeared Lady Camilla was not letting her leave. Odin would let Laslow tease Selena about that later, and maybe he’d take part. As long as he felt he could dodge her punches).
Xander smiled. “It’s alright, Laslow,” He said. “You said you brought good news?”
Odin nodded. “Yes, King Xander!” He exclaimed. “Us three brave heroes found ourself a portal that leads to our dear homeland, Ylisse. ‘Tis not the homeland we knew, but alas, it is still our homeland nonetheless, and shall have the legendary items that we seek.”
“That is wonderful news,” Xander’s smile grew a bit more. “And just in time, too. King Ryoma was set to leave tomorrow.”
“Would you like me to set up a war council now, milord?” Laslow asked.
He nodded. “I would.”
“Er, right now?” Selena asked, still stuck in Camilla’s embrace.
“Is something wrong with that?”
“I believe that after our adventure Selena is rather… tired,” Odin replied.
“Or she’s still hungover,” Laslow added.
“I am not,” Selena grumbled. “I’m fine. There’s no issue, King Xander.”
Camilla mouthed something to Xander, though Odin could not make out what it was. Xander’s face paled and he gulped, turning back to face Laslow.
“We’ll have it after dinner,” he said. “You can inform everyone, but make sure you tell them after dinner.”
Laslow looked at Camilla, then back at the king. “Of course, milord. I’ll get on it right away.”
“Leo, I would like to discuss some things with you as well,” Xander said. “If you would join us, Odin.”
Odin nodded “Of course, my lord.”
He didn’t mention how obvious it was that they were trying to leave Camilla and Selena alone, but he did channel Laslow long enough to wink at Selena. She mouthed some very foul words at him as her face turned bright red. He just grinned back.
Notes:
man, u guys these next two chapters are so dialogue heavy I'm sorry.
Anyway, I like to imagine that Camilla said something along the lines of 'if you even attempt to hold this council now, I will castrate you and then make you watch as wolves eat your dick'. And then Selena probably called Odin a 'fucking awful cunt'.
The chapter title of this one is from Feel Good by Matt Maeson. I love his music and u guys should too it's all so good. but it is all kind of sad.
I am so excited to finish the next chapter though. There is a lot of dialogue as I mentioned but Laslow has some moments that just make me giggle. Miscommunication is funny as long as it doesn't make people angry. Unless the angry person is Selena bc she's just always angry tbh.
Chapter 5: you talk about the world like it's someplace that you've been
Summary:
Selena gay panics just a little, Laslow gets the exact wrong impression, and a lot of discussions and explanations about Ylisse occur.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Selena wanted it to be known that she did not want to end up in Lady Camilla’s quarters. She wanted it to be known that she tried to argue that she’d be fine in her own room, and that she’d rest, but no matter what she said, Lady Camilla was not having it. It made Selena’s cheeks flush with both anger and embarrassment, but she didn’t dare question or argue with her liege further.
She was no stranger to Camilla’s room; she’d spent hours there. Sometimes it was for tea, other times she would brush Lady Camilla’s hair and braid it (it was rare for Lady Camilla to let anyone touch her hair, but Selena had been the exception for a long time. Selena couldn’t even pretend to know why she was the exception, but she was nonetheless).
“You can relax, dear Selena,” Camilla said, patting the empty space next to her on the bed.
“It feels… improper, Lady Camilla,” Selena replied as she awkwardly stood between the bed and the door. “I’m still your retainer.”
“I never reinstated you after I said I’d let you leave.”
“You never really uninstated me in the first place, my lady.”
Camilla hummed. “I suppose,” She sighed. “But you still need some rest, darling.”
Selena shook her head. “I’m perfectly fine, Lady Camilla.”
“Selena,” Camilla’s tone shifted into something close to anger. Frustration, maybe. “Lying isn’t a good look. Especially not on you, my dear.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry.”
Camilla stayed silent, but her eyes looked over Selena. She shrunk under Camilla’s gaze, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other.
“Allow yourself to rest, Selena,” Camilla finally said, her eyes and tone softening.
Selena looked away. “Lady Camilla…” She sighed again. “Is that an order?”
“Yes, it is.”
Selena nodded and took off the belt that held her sword, leaning it gently against the wall. She undid her gauntlets and laid them on the bedside table. She took her hair out of the ponytails she always wore and let it flow down. It was well past her shoulders now (she kept telling herself she needed to cut it, at least a few inches shorter, but she’d never found the time or the energy to actually do it). She hesitantly took a step toward the bed.
“Are you sure I should stay here?” Selena asked. “My room is more than adequate.”
“I insist,” Camilla smiled. “I’d feel better if you were here.”
She frowned and sat down on the bed. “Are you worried I’ll leave, Lady Camilla?”
“I know you won’t,” she said. “But I do worry.”
Selena laid down, turning away from Camilla. “I’m sorry,” She mumbled.
Camilla hummed, her hand now running through Selena’s hair. “It’s alright, darling,” There was movement and Selena felt the bed dip. “Let yourself rest.”
Selena closed her eyes and tried not to think too hard about the implications of sleeping in Lady Camilla’s bed. It was going fine, and she was almost asleep, until she felt her lady’s arm snake around her waist.
Selena promptly lost her shit and turned bright red, all exhaustion leaving her body at once (she was actually, quite literally, about to die. Lying on Camilla’s bed, with Camilla’s arm draped around her waist, she was going to die).
----
Finding everyone and informing them of the war council was tiring . Laslow had been running around since he’d gotten back, searching for every lord or their retainers. It had taken him so long to locate King Ryoma, and when he had, Saizo had appeared and asked him what his business was. It was like he wasn’t even allowed to approach the king, which annoyed Laslow to no end (he was a king too, technically! He should be able to talk to King Ryoma without Saizo foreboding or overseeing it).
And finally, when the council was starting, Selena and Lady Camilla were nowhere to be found. Beruka wasn’t there either, but she’d been sent out on a mission just as soon as Selena got back, so that wasn't unexpected. But considering Selena was needed for this council, Laslow was sent to go fetch her, and in turn, fetch Lady Camilla as well.
Selena wasn’t in her room when Laslow knocked. He hadn’t even heard her snoring, so there was no way she was sleeping in there (it was a sensitive topic, and Laslow and Odin never told her, but Selena always snored when she slept, though it was usually soft enough that you could mistake it as just regular breathing). So, he had moved on, first to the training grounds, but again, Selena wasn’t there. He spent a few more minutes searching for her before deciding he’d get Lady Camilla first. She’d know where her ‘dearest retainer’ was.
He knocked loudly on Lady Camilla’s door. “Lady Camilla?”
Laslow heard someone stand up, presumably from the bed. He heard hushed whispers and furrowed his eyebrows. Who was in Lady Camilla’s room?
The door opened just a crack. “Yes, Laslow?” Lady Camilla asked.
Laslow’s jaw nearly dropped. Lady Camilla’s hair was very tousled. The part was fragmented, and her hair didn’t fall into curls as easily as it normally did. Her eyes shone oddly, as it was an emotion he’d never seen on her. She wore nightclothes that were wrinkled, a vast difference from her normally very put together armor.
But what really made him go silent was the lump on Camilla’s bed. The lump that had light brown hair and suspiciously similar red highlights to Selena’s hair. It didn’t help that the gauntlet’s on Lady Camilla’s nightstand looked identical to Selena’s, or that what was definitely Selena’s sword was leaning against the wall.
“Laslow?” Lady Camilla repeated.
“Er, sorry,” His eyes looked away from (possibly) Selena. “I was trying to find Selena for the war council, and I figured you might know where she was… Now I see that you definitely know where she is.”
“Oh, of course!” She chuckled. “I completely forgot! Selena and I will be there shortly, I promise.”
There was a groan from behind Lady Camilla. “Whas goin’ on?” Selena mumbled.
Laslow fought back a laugh. “I’ll, uh, leave you guys to it,” He scratched the back of his head. “I’m just gonna go tell them you’re, well, on your way.”
He all but sprinted away from the door, his face bright red. And finally, when he was far enough away, he allowed himself to laugh. What started as a small chuckle evolved into barks of laughter that echoed through the halls.
“Oh, that was glorious,” He mumbled, wiping tears from his eyes. “Selena’s never hearing the end of that. She comes home from Ylisse and immediately bones Lady Camilla. Gods.”
He couldn’t wait to tell Odin, and he couldn’t wait to tease Selena endlessly (he was going to be absolutely insufferable, and he was going to enjoy every last minute of it).
----
Lady Camilla and Selena entered the war council room only a few minutes after Laslow himself got back. He’d taken a few minutes to compose himself (laugh about Selena’s weird priorities and relationship with Lady Camilla) before heading back, so he wasn’t all that surprised when they were only a few minutes behind him. Lady Camilla looked as composed as she normally did, though Selena did not . Her hair was still down, something that rarely happened, and she didn’t wear her gauntlets, either. Her sword rested on her waist, but her belt was crooked and twisted (she looked so disastrous he was surprised she left Lady Camilla’s room like that).
He wiggled his eyebrows at her, and she glared right back.
“Now that everyone’s present,” Laslow grinned, ignoring the daggers Selena was sending with her eyes. “Shall we begin, my friends?”
Odin nodded. “As we have already told our lieges, we have found a portal in the Outrealms that leads to Ylisse,” He started. “However, the Ylisse we have found is about twenty years before our time. So we don’t exactly know where all five gems we need are.”
“Gems?” King Ryoma asked. “I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.”
“Idiots,” Selena mumbled only loud enough for the three of them to hear. “Falchion, a sword which only Laslow and Odin can wield, must be Awakened before the Fell Dragon can be sealed away. To awaken it, we need an artifact called the Fire Emblem, and we need five gemstones to complete the Fire Emblem.”
He nodded. “I understand now. I assume you knew where they were in your time, correct?”
“Mostly,” Laslow replied. “Of the five—Argent, Sable, Gules, Azure, and Vert—we were only unable to locate Azure, which had been lost to time.”
“We know Argent will be Ylisse, as it is kept in the custody of the royal family, along with the Fire Emblem itself,” Odin continued. Much like how Gules is kept in Regna Ferox.”
The entire room looked lost. Selena sighed loudly from next to them.
“Odin, your map,” she said, reaching her hand out. “Laslow, you too.”
“Oh, yes! Right!” Odin handed his map to Selena. “I apologize, I forget that you are all unaware of our vast homeland and its neighbors.”
Selena placed the two maps on opposite sides of the room, allowing everyone to view one, though not everyone could see well. Laslow noted that they should buy more maps once they return to Ylisse, just so everyone could have one, or at least enough so they could have one map for every two or three people.
“In the bottom right of the map sits Ylisse, our homeland, obviously,” Laslow said. “North of us is Regna Ferox, where Gules should be. Directly to the west is Plegia, which is where Sable, another one of the gems, should be.”
“Is Plegia in charge of keeping that gem safe, then?” Xander asked.
“Er, no,” He sighed. “They… stole it.”
Odin nodded. “Plegia is home to the Grimleal, who are devout followers of Grima himself. They stole Sable to ensure that their master could not be sealed away upon his return. Fortunately for us, they have had the same base since ancient times, so it should not be hard to find.”
“These Grimleal…” King Ryoma paused. “How dangerous are they?”
“They practice incredibly strong and incredibly dark magic,” Selena replied. “They’re very dangerous, milord.”
“Grimleal aside,” Laslow started. “The fourth gemstone, Vert, and the final one we know the location of is kept in Valm, which is the continent to the west of us. We are not quite sure which of the small countries currently houses it, however.”
Xander frowned. “Would a scouting mission help to find the exact location?”
“It may, milord.”
“If I may offer my retainers to help,” King Ryoma started. “I fear without exact locations I will not be able to go. I will be gone too long from Hoshido.”
“As would I,” Xander added. “Nohr could not survive without a king for so long. Not in the state it's in now."
Laslow glanced around the room. “We could lead small scouting groups. Three total groups, with no more than six people each. That way we could travel effectively and efficiently.”
Odin nodded. “The three of us know Ylisse like the back of our hands! There is no doubt that we will be able to discern the location of the final two gemstones.”
“As I said, Kagero and Saizo are yours to take,” King Ryoma said.
“Peri is at your command,” Xander added.
“I will join you, Odin, as will Niles,” Lord Leo said. “Camilla, I assume you and Beruka will join as well?”
“We will,” Lady Camilla smiled. “Though Beruka won’t be back for another day or so.”
“That’s fine,” Laslow replied. “That means we have… seven, besides ourselves.”
“I can go!” Elise exclaimed, speaking for the first time since the council started.
“Absolutely not,” Lady Camilla responded.
“But—”
“No,” She shook her head. “That is final, Elise. It’s too dangerous.”
Elise frowned. “That’s not fair. I’m old enough to go.”
“She’ll be okay, Camilla,” Corrin said. “She was fine throughout the war, and she’s plenty strong enough to handle herself.”
Camilla and Corrin stared at each other for a few moments, neither saying anything. Camilla narrowed her eyes, and Corrin just frowned back.
“She can’t go on the scouting mission,” Camilla said, and Corrin’s frown deepened. “ But maybe she can come on the mission after that.”
Corrin nodded. “I can agree to that,” they replied. “We can see how dangerous Ylisse is for ourselves.”
Xander paled. “Corrin, surely you don’t mean to leave Valla unattended for so long…”
“Oh, of course not!” Corrin shook their head. “Silas and Kaze will go in my stead.”
“So, then we have nine,” Laslow said.
“That’s more than enough,” Selena replied. “We each lead a group of three.”
Xander nodded. “Let us break for now,” he said. “We will resume this tomorrow.”
“Well said, milord,” Laslow replied. “Selena, Odin, and I will discuss our next steps and bring our plan to the council tomorrow.”
Notes:
chapter title is from Broadway by the Goo Goo Dolls (I am a music nerd and I believe that whole album is actually goated)
anyway, this chapter really fought me, and I am not super happy with how it turned out, but no matter how many times I rewrite it, it doesn't turn out quite perfect. I am a perfectionist at my core, but I am getting better. I will actually be milking Laslow's misunderstanding of Selena and Camilla's relationship, so expect a lot of teasing and miscommunication (but in a funny way, y'know?)
I promise that soon this will be less Selena/Camilla focused, but Selena is pretty important right now, and I needed a reason for Laslow to tease her endlessly, ergo, we end up with Selena and Camilla sharing a bed and Laslow thinking they definitely boned (I'm not sure if boned is accurate to the fire emblem universe or time era but I'm going to say it is because I think Laslow would say it a lot). And hopefully the next few chapters will not be as dialogue heavy. I like writing dialogue enough, but sometimes I find it really hard to keep everyone in character when I write them talking for so long.
The next chapter might be up soon-ish but I am not sure. I did recently post a one-shot about the Niles being suspicious of Odin, Selena, and Laslow when they first ended up in Nohr, so if you're interested in that kind of thing maybe u should go check it out (again, I will continue to shamelessly self-promote my fics even if it kills me)
life is so crazy u guys I hope y'all are having a good time (i just got prescribed Lexapro, soooooo that's how I'm doing)
Chapter 6: and when the seasons change, will you stand by me?
Summary:
Laslow talks with Camilla again, Selena chases him, and Odin makes a discovery.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Selena,” Laslow grinned from ear to ear as he shut the door behind him. “ Selena! ”
Selena crossed her arms. “What, idiot?” She grumbled. “We’re supposed to be planning our—”
He bounced up and down, letting out a very unmanly squeal. “You and Lady Camilla!” He exclaimed. “Come on, spill!”
“Me and—what the hell are you talking about?” Selena asked, her face flushing slightly.
“Yes, Laslow, what are you talking about?” Odin butted in. “What has our fearless friend done with the, er, scariest member of the Nohrian family?”
“Come on , Selena,” Laslow said. “You were in her room. In her bed! ”
Odin’s jaw dropped. “You were what!? ”
“I—It wasn’t like that!” Selena’s face turned completely red. “She just wanted to make sure I was getting rest!”
“Oh, sure ,” Laslow shook his head. “Is that why Lady Camilla looked like she’d just been f—”
Selena’s fist connected with Laslow’s shoulder. “Shut up! Gods, that’s not what we’re supposed to be talking about!”
“Ow! Geez!” He rubbed his arm. “Fine.”
Odin looked between the two. “So… Vert and Azure…” He said awkwardly. “Uh, any ideas?”
Teasing comments from Laslow aside, the next few hours were rather productive for the three Ylisseans. Though they didn’t have much of an idea about Azure, they could at least eliminate places Vert was most likely not kept. A lot of the small countries were unlikely to house it, along with any of the newer countries. It was likely that the Shepherds had come across it during their travels, so any Valmese countries they hadn’t visited were out of the question (of course, they didn’t have a complete list of where their parents went, so that wasn’t entirely useful criteria in narrowing down possible locations). The two most likely places, they figured, were Rosanne and Chon’sin. Rosanne because Lord Virion, who was a member of the Shepherds and Kjelle’s father, was a Shepherd and for a time ruled over the area, and Chon’sin because Say’ri hailed from there and was also a Shepherd. They didn’t know much about Chon’sin, as it was almost completely decimated in their time, but it was still a viable option.
Azure was much harder to track down. None of them had any idea where Chrom had gotten it from, and they didn’t know where it had ended up after Grima was summoned, either. It was as if the gemstone didn’t really exist, though that wasn’t at all possible, not with the number of historical texts that mentioned it by either the name Azure, or by its older name, the Starsphere.
Odin frowned. “If only we had the ancient texts themselves,” he said. “Then maybe the location of Azure would reveal itself to us.”
Selena huffed. “The ancient texts that you memorized?”
“Well, yes,” He sighed. “I do have some memorized, in fact, I could recite them for you now.”
“Do not .”
“I won’t,” Odin shook his head. “But truly, I am at a loss. There is no location that truly makes sense for Azure to be. Marth entrusted it somewhere, but I cannot fathom where he had left it.”
“And it might not even be where he left it,” Laslow added. “It has been hundreds of years.”
Selena grunted. “Can’t we just call it a night?” She asked. “We’re all tired.”
“You’re tired?” Laslow raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were ‘resting’ with Lady Camilla today,” He grinned, tapping his finger to his chin. “Oh wait, you weren’t resting, were you?”
“I am going to kill you, Laslow,” She glared at him. “Count your days.”
----
Selena may have teased Laslow, and sometimes even downright bullied him in the past, but he thought of her as a sister, nonetheless. Her and Odin were the only siblings he had left after Lucina had… Gone. And as the slightly older brother, Laslow had a duty. He had to make sure that Selena wasn’t going to get hurt. Which meant for the second time in the last week, he had to have a conversation with Camilla.
“If you keep trying to talk to me alone, people will talk, Laslow,” Camilla said, closing the door behind her.
Laslow paled. “Er, that is not my intention, milady.”
“Oh, I know,” Camilla smiled. “But do tell, Laslow, what is your intention?”
“I should be asking you that, milady,” Laslow replied. “Your intention with Selena, that is.”
“My intention with…” She chuckled. “Laslow, dear, I think you have the wrong impression.”
He crossed his arms. “I assure you, I do not,” Laslow said. “Again, I must ask you, milady. What are your intentions with Selena? As her self-declared older brother, I must protect her. You understand, I’m sure.”
“I do understand, Laslow,” Camilla sighed. “And I promise I have no intention to hurt my dear Selena.”
“Hm,” He hummed. “I’m sure you know that is not clear enough.”
“What is it you want me to say?”
“I want you to say that you are not using her, milady,” Laslow replied. “I cannot, in good conscience, allow you to pursue her if you intend to use her.”
Camilla furrowed her eyebrows. “Pursue her…?”
“I am not as blind as most would like to believe.”
“Of course,” She nodded. “I do not intend to use Selena in any way, Laslow. I can promise you that.”
“Should you ever hurt her, I will have no qualms with striking you down.”
“Careful, Laslow. Threatening a member of the royal family… Surely you know what might await you after that.”
“If you forget, I am royalty myself, milady,” He shook his head. “In any case, do tread carefully. Odin and I will not take it lightly if you hurt her like Luc—” Laslow coughed. “Like I know you could.”
Camilla huffed. “I will not hurt her, Laslow. Now, please get out before I throw you out.”
“Er, of course, milady.”
And with a bow, Laslow scurried out of Lady Camilla’s room.
“Er, Laslow?” Selena stared at him. “Were you just—”
He paled. “It’s not what you think, my dear Selena,” She scowled at the term of endearment. “Please, pay me no mind.”
“What did you do, Laslow?”
“I did nothing, Selena! I assure you; everything is as it should—”
“What. Did. You. Do.”
Laslow glanced around. “Oh, well, look at that! Lord Xander needs me! Goodbye, Selena!”
“Get back here, Laslow!”
----
Odin chuckled to himself as Laslow sprinted by, screaming, followed by a shouting Selena. No matter how much time passed, or what they went through, they were still Inigo and Severa at their core. When they were younger, Inigo would flirt with her for hours, and she’d huff and chase him around, trying to get him to shut up. Now, while Inigo was more mature, he still flirted, and while Severa had grown too, she still chased him around. It seemed that even in the face of the end of the world, the two were still the same, and Odin was glad. Things felt… Normal, and it helped him forget about their duty.
He sighed and turned the corner. While his two sort-of-siblings were off chasing each other, he was trying to locate Azure. They had called it last night, but Odin couldn’t rest. He might not have the research he needed in Nohr, but he had tons of texts from Ylisse memorized, and he could pour over them in his head (back in Ylisse, he’d started to memorize texts because when they lost places to the Risen, the books and ancient texts went as well. There was no way to tell how many things they lost before anyone realized what was happening. Odin and Laurent had been the two that memorized the most texts, and the ones who tried to get everyone else to memorize some as well. While Laurent had done it from an academic perspective, Odin had done it because he wanted to find new names for weapons).
Odin pushed the library door open and scanned the room. This was one of the many libraries in Castle Krakenburg, and the only one that he spent his time in. It was the most barren library, and people rarely came here to study, which meant Odin could be left alone for hours at a time. He slumped into his usual seat and took out some of his papers. When they arrived in Nohr, he wrote down the texts he had memorized and hid them in his room, as he knew they wouldn’t stay fresh in his mind for long. He’d forgotten some parts of them, but a good chunk of the knowledge never left his mind. Sometimes when he couldn’t sleep, he’d pour over what he remembered and reminisce about the hours he spent with Laurent.
Odin couldn’t be sure how long he spent in the library pouring over the ancient texts he had. He knew he’d gotten far into his research, but not far enough as to where he could ascertain where Azure was hidden. He had pages and pages on Marth, but they did him no good if the pages themselves couldn’t reveal where the last gemstone was located.
“Odin.”
His head snapped up, and his eyes met Leo’s. “Milord,” He replied. “What do you require? A heroic deed, perhaps? A grand adventure?”
“Nothing of the sort,” Leo said. “I dismissed you from your retainer work for the time being.”
“Well, yes,” Odin nodded. “But sometimes you have to go back on your word.”
“I suppose,” He paused. “You’ve been in the library for a while. Last anyone saw you, it was Laslow as he screamed through the halls a few hours ago.”
“Has it been that long?”
Leo smiled. “Yes,” He replied. “Come on, dinner is about to be served. I’m sure after all your research you must be hungry.”
Odin winced as his stomach grumbled. “Er, yes, the great Odin Dark is rather famished.”
“Then join me,” Leo requested.
“That I will, milord,” Odin smiled and stood up. He shuffled with his papers for a moment before he stood up.
“You’re still trying to locate the last two gemstones,” Leo started. “Have you had any luck?”
“None, unfortunately,” He sighed. “We’ve narrowed down two possible locations for Vert, but we have no luck for Azure. I think the legendary hero Marth must have entrusted it to someone, but all his allies have been dead for a long time.”
“Hm,” Leo hummed as he pushed the library door open. “Could it be with their descendants, perhaps? Like the sword Laslow has, er, Falcon?”
“Falchion,” Odin corrected. “And it could, but it’s near impossible to track bloodlines that long. Anyone can claim to be a descendent of Minerva, or Abel, or…”
Odin stopped in his tracks, his mouth falling open.
“Or?” Leo asked.
“Tiki!” He exclaimed.
“What? Odin, are you alright?”
“Milord, I have figured it out!” Odin exclaimed. “The manakete that fought beside Marth, Tiki! She is still alive, and she fought with my parents! Alas, she would know the location of Azure. I must find Selena and Laslow! They will be delighted when they hear of the great Odin Dark’s incredible deduction!”
“Er, right, Odin, but can you do that after dinner?” Leo asked. “I’m hungry, and I know you are as well. Perhaps you might even see them at dinner, as well.”
“Fair point, milord!” Odin grinned. “Let us venture forth to fill our stomachs and converse with our dear comrades!”
He sighed. “Odin, you are a valuable friend and retainer, but I do wish that sometimes your language would be a little less… colorful.”
“You wound me, milord,” Odin clutched at his heart. “Alas, I will not change so easily. Onward!”
As Odin started to march off, he heard Leo’s laugh behind him. He grinned again. Grima… He didn’t have anything on them. They had friendships, laughter, and joy. Not to mention a way to defeat him once and for all.
Notes:
The Selena, Laslow, and Odin dynamic is literally my favorite thing EVER. they're my silly little guys with silly little mental illness and found family.
it's also really funny bc it took me longer to find a chapter title that it did to write this chapter, i think! anyway, it's from Mind Over Matter by Young the Giant which is a good asf song.
In the next chapter probably, they will return to Ylisse, and it will be a chaotic bunch of idiots stumbling around a few decades before they were born. I cannot WAIT for you guys to see some of the stupid plot lines they'll cause and what chaos they'll make. I am going to be leaning heavily on that humor tag for a while. This may be a serious-ish au but by god am I going to make it funny.
as always, if you enjoy, you should maybe check out my other fire emblem fics (y'know. cause I'm a slut for self-promo tbh)