Dual Wielding

The church was on the very southeastern edge of town, ironically opposite the spirit glades, and the festival was primarily being held on the other side of Straetum, so Corrin had a short walk to get to his meeting place with Wyn.

Wyn… What would he say to him? Countless possible ways he could approach it, but none of them seemed to convey the message he wanted to convey. It should be so simple right?

Will you go with me? I want you to come to Taravast too.

It was a conversation he was already dreading, in part because he thought he already knew the answer. Still, he had to tell him. More than anyone else, he needed Wyn to know.

Around him, people had begun to trickle out of their homes. Considering the town only had perhaps 50 or 60 families, along with some individuals and orphans, the streets were unusually busy.

“Hey Corrin!” A familiar voice called out from behind him.

Corrin only slightly tensed up as Khaeli Vystrin, apprentice to the town librarian, walked up behind him.

The first thing anyone ever noticed about her was her flame red hair, contrasting–in his mind beautifully–with her emerald-green eyes, and in this case, her casual blue yukata which almost matched his own. Her hair wasn’t looked on particularly favorably by some of the townsfolk, as it was a sign her family wasn’t originally from Straetum. It was a ridiculous prejudice to him, as she’d grown up in the town, as had her parents. But her grandmother was born to the southwest, in the burning isles.

In that way at least, they had related growing up. Though nobody knew Corrin’s parents or where he’d even come from, his ash white hair was decidedly not normal. He’d beaten up most of the kids that made fun of it back then, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t happened. Thanks to that shared experience, they’d actually been quite close, though he hadn’t seen her nearly as much since the advancement ceremony, as she’d been busy getting settled into her own apprenticeship.

“Hey Khaeli,” he said a little too casually. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it has been idiot,” she laughed, lightly punching his shoulder, “Wyn comes to the library at least once a week you know.”

“Ah… I’m sorry,” He scratched the back of his head, “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

She suddenly looked a bit worried, waving her hands placatingly. “Oh no no, it’s fine. I haven’t reached out much either, you’ve probably been adjusting just like I have. So uh, how’s the guard duty going? Wyn says it’s been going well.”

“Honestly, it’s kind of boring,” he laughed, breaking the tension in the air.

“I heard you two are the most talented swordsmen Straetum has seen in centuries. Is the work too easy for you oh master swordsman?”

She teased him so easily, but it never stung like others may have. If anything, it only embarrassed him.

“I wouldn’t say that. I mean it’s… how’s your apprenticeship coming?” He changed the subject.

Khaeli giggled a bit, putting her hands behind her back as they walked. “It’s fine I suppose. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been there,” she hung on that part for a moment, “But the library is not too large, so the work isn’t bad. Though, Eldress Ornum mostly has me doing menial tasks like sweeping and dusting.”

“Sorry to hear it,” Corrin said honestly.

She sighed, “It is what it is. But really, you should stop by sometime, it might make it a little more fun. Plus, maybe I can pick out some books for you. I’m sure you haven’t read everything about the dungeon, or the outside world. Besides, you owe me for skipping out the last few months.”

Corrin’s smile came easy, “I suppose I could stop by and keep you company.”

Khaeli smiled as well, “That’d be nice.”

They chatted for a bit longer before reaching the area of Straetum where the festival was being held. Wyn was already waiting for him at their designated meeting spot, and he smirked at Corrin as they walked up.

“Hey Khaeli,” He waved casually, “Thanks for the book recommendation the other day, I’ve just about finished it, so I’ll have it back soon.”

“No worries if it’s a bit late,” She smiled, “Miss Ornum is particular about a lot of things, but people earnestly reading may be the one thing I think actually makes her happy. You’re probably her favorite customer.”

“Glad to hear it, and gladder still to see you and Corrin talking. Weren’t you just saying the other day how much you missed having him around?” Wyn joked.

“Ah yes well,” She blushed, her face turning almost as bright a red as her hair, “He just finished asking me to dance later tonight, isn’t that right Corrin?”

Corrin stiffened like a board, “Yeah…” he chuckled awkwardly, “I definitely did.”

“Oh really?” Wyn raised his eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Good for you.”

“Thanks…” Corrin managed.

Khaeli looked back and forth between the two of them, “Alright well I’ll leave you to your plans then, see you later Corrin!” She smiled before walking off, leaving the pair alone. Dusk fell on Straetum, the light fully fading over the mountains and a curtain of darkness spreading across the town as the last embers of day burned themselves out.

Several seconds passed between the two as they held their breaths, waiting for what came next. But apparently Wyn couldn’t wait any longer.

He snickered, “I thought you weren’t dancing?”

“Shut up.”

“Did you at least tell her she looked good in her robes?”

Corrin didn’t respond.

“I am best friends, with an idiot!” Wyn complained.

Along the street, hundreds of moonstones, set up specifically for the event, lit up simultaneously, bathing the town in a soft, golden glow.

A cheer went up among the townsfolk as the festival began. But Corrin was silent. All he’d gotten was another reminder of someone he’d have to leave behind.

***

The festival really was quite nice, Wyn supposed. The rumors about the fireworks were the icing on the cake. Something like that seemed to him as something they only did in big cities like Taravast or Ord, but he was quite looking forward to it.

He’d elected for a more traditional look in contrast with Corrin, intricate black robes underneath sleeveless, white haori. Wearing lighter clothes like Corrin during summer festivals was tentatively accepted by the older generations, but it certainly wasn’t proper. Of course, he said as much to Corrin about it, but they both knew he didn’t really care.

The festival had been set up along the main road running through Straetum, dozens of stalls were erected among the decorated shops and buildings. The moonstones lining the road—which had been soaking up the sun all day—gave the town a much grander feel than usual, battling back the night so that its residents could enjoy the festivities. For such a small town, this was a grand affair, and the street was packed with people. The town was only this lively a few days each year, during similar festivals, so the sight was always a novel one.

Shortly after arriving, they met up with Fenfreth and Corrin’s siblings, as well as Wyn’s mother and younger brother. Due to how much time the two oldest siblings spent together, Wyn’s younger brother Elry had grown up with Corrin’s siblings and they’d become friends as well. As the children ran around and played, Fenfreth walked alongside the two new adults, squinting over Wyn’s shoulder as if looking at something, but he seemed to shake it off and refocused on the two of them. Wyn checked behind himself but didn’t see anything other than a few light spirits meandering through the air.

“How are you boys enjoying your day off?” Fenfreth said.

“It’s been nice,” Corrin said, “But we usually get done pretty early anyways.”

“So I’ve heard. It makes me a little nervous, are you sure you’re actually clearing it and not just slacking off?”

Corrin grumbled. “We’re just that good, what can I say?”

“Is that so?” Fenfreth raised an eyebrow, “Well I suppose if Wyn is with you it must be getting done properly. I trust you’re keeping Corrin in line?” He directed the last part at Wyn, prompting Corrin to gasp in offense.

“Oh, don’t tease him too much, Corrin’s a nice young man,” Wyn’s mother laughed softly, “You could stand to be a little more caring in your approach.”

Now it was Fenfreth’s turn to pull back, a look of betrayal on his face as Corrin glared at him smugly. “Thank you, Ms. Reyna, it’s nice to see someone appreciates me.”

“Of course, Corrin. By the way, we would love to have you over for dinner sometime this week. It’s been far too long.” She paused, a smirk creeping onto her face. “I’ll bake a redberry pie for dessert.”

“I would love to!” Corrin said.

Fenfreth meanwhile, paled, “This invitation is extended to me of course… right?”

“Hmm, I’ll consider it. Treat me to some of the food here and we may be able to come to an arrangement.” Reyna winked.

Wyn rolled his eyes, tugging Corrin’s sleeve to go check out some of the stalls.

***

He and Corrin walked along the streets for hours with their families, enjoying the numerous games and foods that had been prepared for the event. Rare desserts and pastries from across Aeora had been baked or bought from merchants. Wyn tried a few, including a fluffy pastry filled with sweet cream that was delicious, even if he didn’t have nearly the same sweet tooth as Corrin. They won a whole handful of prizes from the numerous games around the stall, though they were mostly just trinkets and the occasional stuffed animal. In the end it would all just end up going to their siblings. All that really mattered was that Wyn won more games than Corrin.

The dance was held in the square, and as expected, Corrin ended up dancing with Khaeli, who seemed to keep all the other girls at bay. Wyn almost wished the same had been true for him, but apparently, he and Corrin were now some of the most eligible bachelors in the small town, and he ended up dancing with several of the other girls around his age. He didn’t mind really, but they just kept asking one after the other. He really wanted a break.

Finally, the dance ended in preparation for the firework show. Wyn and Corrin had already decided to go get a better view, so they left the rest of the group and headed out of town towards what they figured would be the best spot: the Spearwood.

They walked in silence for a good while. Night had fallen hours ago, but the walk to the Spearwood was one they’d both taken many times now, and the tree was literally visible from town, so it was impossible to get lost.

Even with nothing said between the two of them, the evening air was filled by the harmonic chirping of crickets and familiar humming of minor light spirits, little specks of light lazily floating around in the air, most were only visible at night unless they were oddly colored. As they drifted, they would occasionally let off quiet trills and hums, often synchronizing with others nearby to form natural melodies.

Unlike most spirits, which only manifested irregularly, minor light spirits became visible every night, a thousand pinpricks of light providing the world with just a bit of illumination to stave off the darkness.

Wyn felt the melody forming, and he began to hum quietly along with the spirits, quiet enough that only he could hear, but humming, nonetheless.

Just as they reached the base of the tree, Corrin took a deep breath before speaking, he seemed a bit nervous about something: “We didn’t spar today.”

“Yeah, I guess not…”

“The fireworks shouldn’t start for a bit.”

“I don’t know about you, but I didn’t bring my sword, '' Wyn joked.

“Afraid I’d beat you hand to hand?”

Wyn sighed, settling into his stance. “Not a chance.”

The spirits seemed to quiet in apprehension as the two began, the only sound the rustling of their robes as they exchanged strikes. To Wyn, it didn’t seem either was really trying to win, though neither was just going to lose. Wyn knocked aside a punch aimed towards his side before stepping forward and jabbing towards Corrin’s midsection only to have that jab blocked as Corrin brought his knee up, transitioning seamlessly into a front kick.

Wyn spun towards Corrin, letting the kick graze past him as he instantly retaliated, using the torque generated by the spin to accelerate the back of his fist towards Corrin’s head. It whisked harmlessly through the air as Corrin crouched low to avoid it.

Their attacks flowed into each other, a dodge here, a glancing strike to the side there. They’d fought so many times by now that, in moments like this, they could basically predict the other’s moves. Under the branches of the enormous tree, in this world known only to them, they danced. Even the fireworks would not break them out of their trance; as the night sky was lit up with a thundering boom, the two boys hardly even noticed.

Finally, after the fireworks had long since faded, they collapsed onto their backs, exhausted, breathing heavily as their muscles ached. Wyn could hardly move, content to lay on the soft grass and observe the stars.

Corrin finally broke the silence: “Hey Wyn, do you remember why we started training in the first place?”

“Of course I do. An event like that isn’t one you just forget,” Wyn breathed in the night air deeply, closing his eyes for a moment to remember that day. Even now, the memory was transfixing. The way the man effortlessly protected them, that strength, and the sheer beauty of it was something that he still dreamed about.

“There’s really some incredible stuff out there huh. I mean, nobody in Straetum can even touch us. But compared to him, we’re just as powerless as we were back then... Do you think there’s more like him? Maybe even people stronger?”

“I don’t know,” Wyn said thoughtfully, “I would assume so though. The world’s a big place.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. To me, that feels like it was just yesterday, the memory is so vivid. But at the same time, it’s like I can barely remember it at all.” Corrin hesitated, “Do you remember the promise we made?”

Wyn felt a pang in his chest, “To become spirit knights… We aimed high, didn’t we? It would’ve been fun though, I’m sure.”

“Why’d you give up on it?”

Wyn turned and raised an eyebrow at his friend, “Oh and you haven’t? You headed off to Taravast tomorrow then?”

Their eyes met, and Wyn felt a chill down his spine. He’d never seen Corrin look so earnest. He wasn’t joking, not even a little bit.

“Well,” Wyn started, “Every kid wants to be a knight when they’re growing up. Who wouldn’t want to fight the monsters, save the girl, and become a hero? But I mean, life happens right? When we were kids, it was so easy, it seemed so obvious, but that’s true of everything. Khaeli wanted to be a princess back then, but it was never going to happen. That’s just how it goes. All things considered; we’ve got it pretty good. I guess… I just grew out of it. Besides, we still get to do at least one of those things.” He smiled dryly.

Corrin turned away, looking back at the sky. He reached his hand up before closing it into a fist. “Yeah. But don’t you want more? Do you really want to spend our entire lives here? Don’t get me wrong Wyn, Straetum is home, and I’ll always love it. But it’s just so… small. You said it yourself, the world is so much bigger than this valley. There are so many people to meet, things to do, and places to see.”

“I mean what’s the other option Corrin? Abandoning everything? Our calling, our families, our friends? Someone has to protect them.”

“Protect them from what?”

Fire so hot it burnt his skin. Smoke that choked his lungs. And death… so much death.

The memories of that night forced their way into Wyn’s mind before he shoved them back down.

“I–” He couldn’t respond.

Corrin sighed, slowly sitting up. He turned to face Wyn, the same unwavering look within his eyes.

“Wyn, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to Taravast. I will become a spirit knight …” He hesitated, his expression finally betraying some doubt as he held out a hand. “Will you please come with me?”

Wyn could only stare. For what felt like an eternity, they were frozen there, until he finally summoned the courage to speak. He had to look down though. He couldn’t meet those eyes. “Corrin… I can’t.”

“Yeah. I figured you’d say that.” Corrin chuckled sadly. “I had to ask though, right?”

“You’re serious then? You’re going to go? Just like that? What about Khaeli, or your siblings?” Wyn asked.

“I have to.”

So it was that simple then.

Wyn forced a smile onto his face. “Then—Then I’ll help you. We’ll need to clear the dungeon. As your friend, I can’t just let you leave on bad terms with everyone. If we clear the dungeon, you can leave without burning all the bridges left here.”

Corrin smiled too, “And what about you?”

“I don’t know, maybe I’ll join the guard. Maybe I’ll follow in your footsteps and become the town bum.”

Corrin laughed, and after a moment Wyn found himself laughing as well. It could’ve been worse. He’d been able to tell Corrin wasn’t entirely happy for a while now. Even if he didn’t have the courage to leave, at the very least Corrin could live that dream for them both. They’d clear the dungeon, and Wyn would just enjoy the time he had left.

“Let’s head on back man,” Wyn said, “We’ll want to get an early start tomorrow.”

Corrin nodded, standing, and then helping Wyn to his feet, his hand was trembling slightly, which surprised Wyn. What should he say in this moment?

“Hey Corrin. Don’t feel bad, ok? Worrying is only for people who don’t have important shit they need to do. You’re going to go to Taravast and become a great spirit knight. The very best. So don’t worry about the small things here. If you do, I’ll kick your ass.”

Corrin paused, his eyes widening slightly before he let out a faint chuckle, “You couldn’t if you tried.”

Wyn held out a hand, and Corrin clasped it firmly. Then, he pulled Wyn into a tight, brotherly hug. “Thank you, Wyn, for everything.”

Wyn’s eyes began to sting, but he smiled, putting his arm around Corrin briefly before pushing him back. “Dumbass. Save it for when you’re actually leaving.”

Corrin laughed again, “Yeah. You’re right. Let’s go, things are going to get busy from now on.”

They began walking back. The night had grown a little darker, but there were plenty of light spirits left to guide the way home. Their journeys would diverge in time, but for now, they walked the same path. If his best friend could be happy, then Wyn couldn’t ask for more.