Chapter Text
Dawn was just beginning to creep over the nation of Fontaine when Clorinde found herself waking up in her apartment. As much as possible, she was never up this early but whenever she had a duel lined up for the day, she always found herself waking up much earlier than usual. And unfortunately, since she had a string of duels lined up from the past few days and beyond, it goes without saying that she’s been waking up earlier than usual for a while now.
It was always like this since she started her career as a duelist. Initially, she thought it was nervous energy and maybe at first, that was what it really was. But now, with a few years of experience under her belt, it was likely just a habit at this point.
Resigned to her early morning fate, Clorinde got up and changed out of her nightwear and into a warmer set of clothing consisting of trousers, a shirt, and a coat. It was far more casual than her usual uniform but she’s not needed at the Quartier Lyonnais for a few hours yet. Instead, she’s going on an early morning walk, like she always does before a duel. Maybe pick up some breakfast on her way back.
As Clorinde laced up her boots, she heard a quiet whine behind her. Immediately, she stood and went to the other side of the bed, smiling when she saw that her companion had merely shifted and shivered from the cold.
Immediately, Clorinde gently brought the blanket up to cover Navia’s shoulders once more, taking a moment to brush some of her blonde locks away from her face. For a moment, Clorinde just kneeled there and watched, amazed that the woman she loved was in her bed once again. It was both fascinating and hard to believe.
Progress on returning their relationship to what it once was had been slow since they reconnected. It was only recently after a few dinners together that Navia and Clorinde began to speak to one another as friends once again. So, it’s no surprise that Navia hadn’t been spending the night at her place like she used to. Clorinde didn’t mind that; slow and steady wins the race, after all. And she’d rather take things slow on the way to repairing what was broken between them than rushing and irrevocably damaging whatever they had left.
But then the incident with the Primordial Sea happened and Poisson was almost destroyed by the violent waters. Navia lost Silver and Melus to the waters that day while evacuating the locals and with the loss of the last of her family, she found herself alone, with only the rebuilding of Poisson to keep her occupied.
Clorinde…couldn’t handle that. She couldn’t leave Navia alone to her grief. So, the Champion Duelist began inviting her to her home, even though she was expecting her to refuse. Surprisingly, Navia took her up on it. And now, here they were; with a new routine that was both familiar and foreign at the same time. Sometimes, Navia would stay in Poisson but oftentimes, she would stay at Court with Clorinde.
Of course, nothing had been happening between her and Navia. In fact, today, they had merely stayed up late talking in Clorinde’s apartment and the Champion Duelist had refused to let her go home so late. Instead, she offered her shelter for the night, intending to take the guest room for herself as she’s been doing whenever Navia stayed over.
It was almost deja vu back to the first time they made love, really. Especially when Navia walked out of the bathroom, freshly showered and wrapped only in a towel. Unlike the first time, however, Clorinde held herself back. They had just started making their way back to being friends and she didn’t want to do anything that could jeopardize that. However, just before she could make her way to the guest room, Navia had told her to just sleep (and only sleep) next to her in her own bed.
“There’s plenty of space for the two of us anyway.” Was Navia’s reasoning. Reluctantly, Clorinde gave in, leading to where they were just a few minutes ago.
But if Clorinde had to be honest, the whole ordeal nearly drove her mad. Her beloved was so close but she still felt so far away. She wished desperately that things would go back to the way they were. But Clorinde also knew that if such a wish stood a chance, she’d have to let things take their time and run their course.
Gently, the Champion Duelist stroked her lady’s hair with featherlight touches and in a bold move, she leaned down and pressed a short yet sweet kiss to her forehead. Separating from her, Clorinde spoke.
“I…sweet dreams, Navia.” She whispered as she straightened up and began to walk away.
‘That was too close.’ Clorinde told herself as she grabbed her coat and keys. She yearned to say those three precious words to her beloved again. But at the same time, she knew she couldn’t say it. Not yet.
Not until she’s sure that Navia loves her as much as she does.
Not until she’s sure that her heart won’t be hurt and broken all over again.
Navia was not a morning person. As much as possible, she’d like to avoid waking up early unless she had an important case to handle for a client. Last she checked, she didn’t have any for today so why is she feeling someone waking her up?
“Navia…Navia, wake up. Wake up, cherie .” She heard someone gently implore her while stroking her cheek. With a whine, Navia slowly opened her eyes, finding Clorinde staring down at her with an equally gentle smile on her face. Suddenly, Navia remembered where she was and she found herself returning the smile.
“Good morning.” She greeted her.
“Morning.” Clorinde softly greeted her. “I have something for you.”
Slowly, Navia sat up, leaning against the headboard while she did so. Navia won’t lie, she’s somewhat excited to see what Clorinde has for her. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long…
Because there, in Clorinde’s hand, were three freshly cut rainbow roses.
Navia did her best to not let her surprise show. Instead, she made the effort to show Clorinde that she was genuinely delighted with her gift.
“Clorinde, they’re beautiful.” She exclaimed, taking one and holding it up to her nose to take in its sweet scent. Clorinde, for her part, took one of the roses and gently tucked it in her hair.
“I brought us some breakfast too.” The Champion Duelist said as she dragged a large tray closer. True to her word, a breakfast for the two of them consisting of eggs, bread, meats, and cheeses were placed on the large tray.
“You’re sweet. Thank you.” Navia said before they began to eat the bountiful spread. They ate in companionable silence, both women content in the other’s company. Still, Navia couldn’t help but think…
Clorinde’s gestures weren’t lost on Navia. She knew that all her actions weren’t just her way of keeping Navia company in her grief after Silver and Melus’ deaths; they’re also her subtle ways of courting her. To show the love and devotion that she’s always had for Navia was still there.
Navia had to admit it; she loved the attention Clorinde gave her. It was almost like things were going back to the way they were. Before everything went so wrong and Clorinde had to kill her father in the ring. She would be lying if she said she no longer felt anything for Clorinde. In fact, she had only admitted to herself recently that she was still very much in love with the Champion Duelist.
Now they were stuck in this unusual limbo, where one woman wanted to make a move on the other but couldn’t…or rather, wouldn’t.
But even though Navia had admitted her feelings to herself, how could she ever admit that to the woman in question? Hell, Navia was having a hard time believing that Clorinde even had feelings for her still. After everything she’s said and done to her for the past three years since her father died, how could Clorinde still love her? How could she still have any sort of feelings for her beyond friendship?
Maybe…it would be better if Navia just kept her feelings to herself. That way, she wouldn’t be hurt by a possible rejection and they can still remain friends instead.
“How are you feeling today? Do you have any plans?” Clorinde asked before taking a sip of her coffee. Navia swallowed the piece of bread that she’d been chewing on and responded.
“I don’t have anything lined up for the day. Maybe I’ll just take a walk around the city. You have a duel today, don’t you? Against who?”
Navia saw the frown that immediately came upon the duelist’s face upon being reminded of her opponent for the day. She remembered that look; Clorinde only gets that look when her opponent was someone truly unpleasant. Immediately, Clorinde shook her head and scoffed.
“A merchant named Michel Gauthier.” She answered. Navia’s eyes widened. Michel Gauthier was an arrogant yet very wealthy merchant who was recently arrested for rape and murder. Navia should know because she assisted the victim’s family in finding the evidence that pointed to him.
To be honest, Navia herself has had a few run-ins with Michel Gauthier and the most generous description she could think of is that he was an absolute sleazeball who thought he was Celestia’s greatest gift to women. She heard that he had chosen a duel despite all the evidence pointing to him, not to prove himself innocent but simply to prove that he CAN get away with his crimes scot-free. Reports of The Steambird didn’t portray him in the most sympathetic light as expected, especially after word came out that he bragged about the sexual assault while he was in his holding cell. Allegedly, he even had the audacity to smirk and tell the girl’s father that she was asking for it.
Needless to say, if Clorinde did wind up killing him in the ring, Navia wouldn’t be surprised if the country threw a week-long ball in her honor.
“I see. Have you chosen your second?” Navia couldn’t help but ask.
“The Traveler volunteered.” Clorinde responded, a hint of amusement in her tone.
“Seriously?” Navia asked in surprise.
“Yes. They’d heard about the case and offered their services as my second. Though I do suspect it’s just an excuse to see how involved they could get in a duel without actually becoming a Champion Duelist.” The dark haired woman said.
Navia could only nod in response. It would be a lie to say that having The Traveler there close to Clorinde didn’t put her mind at ease.
“You’ll be careful, right?” Navia sheepishly asked her. “I know you’re this all-powerful Champion Duelist that can’t be untouched but still…you can’t be too careful…”
Navia was fully prepared for Clorinde to brush her off or at least, tell her that she’ll be just fine and she didn’t need to worry about her. To her pleasant surprise, the Champion Duelist merely moved closer and took her hand in her own.
“You have my word, Demoiselle. I’ll be careful in today’s duel.” Clorinde responded with a small smile before planting a gentle kiss to her knuckle to seal her promise. Suddenly, Navia remembered something…
“I have something for you.” She said, moving the tray away as she did so. Clorinde was utterly confused when she moved her body to open the drawer on the nightstand next to her and fished out a black cloth. Upon further examination, Clorinde saw the thorny yellow rose so elegantly stitched onto the fabric. Gently, Navia took her hand and laid the cloth on her palm.
“It’s a token. I figured you can take it with you into your duel. For luck. Wear it around your arm or anywhere else, really. You don’t have to take it, mind you. It’s stupid. I just thought-”
“I’ll take it.” Clorinde hastily cut her off. Though her expression looked as stoic as ever, Navia saw the joy that shined through her eyes as she continued to look at the token Navia gave her. “Thank you, Navia. I’m glad I’ll have your token as I fight today.”
Suddenly emboldened by Clorinde’s gratitude, Navia did something that shocked even herself: she propelled herself forward, held her hand, and pressed a kiss to the Champion Duelist’s cheek. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she felt Clorinde freeze where she sat. After a second or so, Clorinde blinked rapidly as she stood.
“You should eat. I need to get ready.” She said as she slowly let go of Navia’s hand, each missing the other’s warmth already. “I’ll see you tonight?”
Without a word, Navia nodded with a smile, remembering their dinner plans for tonight. They planned it to serve as a private celebration for Clorinde’s guaranteed victory in today’s duel. They knew it was a bit early to call it that but hey, Clorinde isn’t Fontaine’s strongest Champion Duelist for nothing.
“It’ll be alright. I’m sure of it.” The blonde thought to herself as she too got up to get ready for the day.
Navia had every confidence that Clorinde would come out on top in today’s duel, even if she was once again feeling the nerves that she’s always felt whenever Clorinde stepped into the ring.
Truth be told, Navia wasn’t planning to go watch Clorinde’s duel today. Initially, she planned to walk around Court and do some window shopping before heading to the Spina di Rosula headquarters in Poisson. But she really couldn’t shake the feeling that she should be there to watch the bout.
Navia didn’t want to admit it but she had a bad feeling about today’s duel.
So, here she was. On a bright and sunny day, sitting at the audience benches of the dueling ring. She opted for a second row seat. That way, she can be as close to the action as possible. The seats were slowly filling up with people who wanted to watch the Strongest Champion Duelist put down such a despicable man and Neuvillette made his appearance by sitting on the throne on a private seat on the benches. Clorinde and the defendant, on the other hand, were standing in front of one another in the middle of the ring, both their seconds standing next to them.
“Monsieur Michel Gauthier, you stand accused of the crime of rape and murder. In lieu of a trial, you have opted for a duel to defend your honor. This is your final call.” Neuvillette declared after a few tense moments. “Do you back out and opt for a trial? Or would you rather push through with the duel? Make your decision and speak now.”
With an arrogant smirk, Michel Gauthier shook his head and spoke.
“I will proceed with the duel. Unless of course, Champion Duelist Clorinde was so affected by my charms that she would rather back out”
At his words, the crowd was incensed, jeering and booing the defendant.
“Murderer!
“Rapist!”
“Death to Gauthier!”
For her part, Clorinde said nothing, merely keeping her steely gaze on Gauthier. Instead, she pulled a familiar black cloth out of her pocket and held it out to Lumine.
“Traveler, if you may…please wrap this around my arm.” She said, her voice as cold as ever. Lumine wasted no time in doing as requested and once done, she stepped aside to show the spectators the favor that was now perched on Clorinde’s arm, the Spina di Rosula’s symbol in full view. Murmurs were heard from the crowd but Navia paid them no heed. The defendant merely smirked once more.
“I see you hold the favor of Spina’s lady then.” He said. “Who knows? Maybe if I beat you here, I’ll take that favor for myself. Great chance for us to be acquainted, don’t you think?”
If Clorinde was not one to show her emotions in the ring, clearly the lecherous gaze that Gauthier turned to Navia as he spoke triggered something within her. Because within seconds, he was stumbling backwards from the forceful shove Clorinde gave him. She clearly would’ve marched forward and knocked his block off too if it weren’t for the Traveler holding her back. Gauthier’s second, apparently one of his closest friends, pulled him back.
“Speak of my lady in that manner again and I’ll run you through with my blade before this duel has even started.” She spat at him, her voice taking on a venomous tone. To the crowd’s annoyance, Michel Gauthier wasn’t even fazed. Instead, he had the gall to laugh at her face.
Navia was shocked, however. She’s never seen Clorinde that angry. Sure, there were times when Clorinde defended her honor from…less than savory characters…when they were courting but she’s never seen her lose her temper like this before.
“Enough!” Neuvillette demanded as he stood, banging his cane on the stone floor to demand silence from the audience and order from the duelists. “Seconds, separate the duelists and inspect the weapons! This duel will commence once the equipment has been found satisfactory.”
At Neuvillette’s demand, Navia saw Lumine lead Clorinde to one side of the ring. Then she took Gauthier’s weapon from the member of the Garde, examining it all the while. She even took the extra step of cutting her palm to determine whether or not the blade was poisoned. Satisfied at her inspection, Lumine returned Gauthier’s blade to the garde. Gauthier’s second was also satisfied with Clorinde’s weapon and handed it back as well.
The combatants were handed their blades and then…
“Let the duel commence!” Neuvillette declared.
After years of watching Clorinde duel, Navia could confidently say she knows her tactics to win. Patience was one of Clorinde’s strongest suits. It’s helped her win countless duels and Navia expects it to help Clorinde win now. So, as always, she refused to make the first move. Instead, she and Gauthier continued to circle one another, trying to anticipate. Navia could see the gears in Clorinde’s mind turning, waiting for him to strike.
Lucky for her, she didn’t have to wait long.
As predicted, Gauthier was not one to wait too long, launching himself forward to thrust his blade upon the Champion Duelist. Clorinde blocked his attack with no effort, forcing his blade away from her before proceeding to shove him away once again. Navia and the audience could see the rapid rise of displeasure in Gauthier’s eyes after seeing that Clorinde will clearly be more than his match, after all.
He attacked once more, wildly swinging his blade with no coordination. That was how Clorinde knew that she had gotten under his skin. It was very easy to parry each and every one of his swings and even easier to give him several cuts to whittle his endurance down. Before long, he was bleeding from numerous cuts and with each cut Clorinde made, the crowd only grew wilder and cheered her on louder.
It was in moments like these that Navia was glad that she wasn’t there to see the majority of Clorinde’s duel against her father. She only arrived just in time to see her deal the killing blow. If she was there, Navia didn’t think she’d be able to stand such a sight as this. It would only bring back so many memories.
Once more, she focused her attention on the fight. Gauthier was losing what little steam he had left. Eventually, Clorinde deftly slid her blade against Gauthier’s own, managing to land the tip on his hand and forcing him to drop his rapier. Without any preamble, Clorinde drove the butt of her sword into his stomach, forcing him on his knees, bleeding from his cuts and coughing from having the wind knocked out of him.
Navia watched as Clorinde grabbed Gauthier by the hair, forcing him to look at her as she aimed his sword at his neck. The crowd cheered upon seeing that their premier duelist might end the life of such a despicable man. Navia, however, couldn’t share their enthusiasm.
Something felt…off. Very off.
“Do you yield?” Clorinde asked him through gritted teeth. Everyone expected Gauthier to throw himself at her feet and beg for mercy. Instead, however, he began to giggle uncontrollably before speaking.
“What’s the matter?” He asked, blood staining his lips. “Too afraid to take another life? Like you took the life of your lady’s father all those years ago? No, I will not yield. I never yield. So, you might as well end me here and now. Let’s see how tough Fontaine’s Champion Duelist really is.”
Navia saw the flash of murderous rage overtake Clorinde’s features for a moment. When Clorinde moved her blade, it really did seem like she was more than ready to stab him. At the last moment, however, she shook her head and let him go, merely holding him up by pointing the tip of her blade under his chin.
“Death is too good for criminals like you. And I will not give you the satisfaction of getting away from paying for your crimes through your death.” She spat at him. “Keep your life. But you will rot in the depths of the Fortress of Meropide for the rest of it. I will personally see to it that the Duke gives you the punishment you deserve.”
Sheathing her blade, Clorinde began to walk away from him, approaching Lumine and Paimon to retrieve her pistol and other effects. Neuvillette’s voice began to resound throughout the ring as the gardes began to approach Gauthier, who remained kneeling on the stone floor.
“The victor of this duel is Champion Duelist Clorinde! Monsieur Gauthier, as per the terms of this duel, you are hereby declared guilty for the crimes of rape and murder. You are to be escorted to the Fortress of Meropide post-haste. Do you have anything else to say?”
From her seat, Navia could see Gauthier furiously shaking where he kneeled. Clutching his head in his hands, he spoke.
“No…not like this. Not like this. I don’t deserve to be punished!” He began to cry out. “I shouldn’t be punished!”
It was in the midst of his tirade that Navia saw it. The reason why her instincts have been feeling off for a while now.
“His sleeve…” She uttered as she stood. Just as she did so, Gauthier brought out the tiny pistol from the sleeve that Navia had observed. It was a small thing, able to hold just one bullet. But with a proper aim, any shot would be fatal.
Like her, the audience was shocked when he pulled out the gun. However, it seemed their worries for their beloved duelist were unfounded.
Or at least, that’s what it seemed like at first.
As soon as the crowd began to exclaim over the gun’s surprise appearance, Clorinde turned as she whipped out her own gun. Within seconds, the trigger was pulled and a bullet imbued with electro soared through the air. It hit its mark on Gauthier’s hand, causing him to drop the weapon entirely.
“Gardes! Arrest him immediately! And find his second!” Neuvillette roared out in command. “He’s the only way Monsieur Gauthier could’ve been given a pistol in the ring!”
Immediately, two gardes came to arrest the finally defeated man as he whimpered while clutching his arm. Another set of gardes ran off to find Gauthier’s second. Navia let out a breath of relief upon seeing that everything ended well, turning her gaze to Clorinde. She gave her a small yet happy sign upon seeing that her gaze was returned.
But her smile didn’t last long.
A few seconds after they locked eyes with one another, Clorinde’s expression first became one of realization, then pain and eventually, she brought up her hand, face remaining stoic even at the sign of her own blood staining the white glove. Navia’s eyes trailed down and she was unable to hold in her horrified gasp as she saw Clorinde’s blue corset gradually turn darker as blood pooled around the right side of her stomach.
Much to her surprise, Clorinde still tried to walk towards her, hand held out almost as if she was reaching for Navia. She didn’t get far, however, because she eventually collapsed on the stone floor of the dueling grounds.
Navia didn’t hesitate to scale the stone railing that blocked the audience from the fighting just to run to her duelist. Lumine, on the other hand, who had been speaking to Neuvillette immediately ran off with Paimon to get help.
“Clorinde, stay with me. Stay with me.” Navia begged as she cupped her face in her hands. Her skin was quickly taking on a sickly pallor and Navia could do nothing but try and staunch the bleeding with the favor that she had taken from Clorinde’s arm.
The same favor that she had given her for luck.
It was as if history was repeating itself for Navia. The last person she had given her favor to was her father and he died in the dueling ring the very next day.
The very same dueling ring that Clorinde may very well die from.
It was as if fate was showing her that her favors were curses instead of blessings.
“Clorinde, stay with me.” She begged once more. “Don’t die. Don’t leave me. Please. Not you too.”
Navia was sick and tired of fate taking the people she loved away from her. Fate took her mother from her before she could even open her eyes and then her father in the dueling ring years later. Fate took Melus and Silver away from her when they were trying to save people from the Primordial Sea and now…
Now, would fate be so cruel to take her knight away from her too?
As she continued to try and stop the bleeding, Navia felt another hand rest on her own. Slowly, that hand traveled up, gently stroking her cheek with her knuckles. Navia dared to look at Clorinde, unsure of what to feel upon seeing that gentle and serene smile on her face.
“Navia…my sweet, beautiful Navia…” Clorinde said as blood began to leak from her lips. Navia could only grasp her hand in her own, pressing kisses to the gloved skin as she begged Celestia not to take Clorinde away from her as well.
To not let this be the last time she beholds her beloved’s shining eyes.
“Clorinde…don’t leave me…” She implored her once again.
“Navia…” Clorinde called for her once more.
“What is it? Stay awake for me, cherie . Please.” Navia said, trying to keep the tears at bay. Nothing could ever prepare her for the next words that would come out of Clorinde’s lips. The words that might be the last ones she ever utter.
“I love you…”
With the words she’s wanted to say for so long now said, Clorinde closed her eyes and the hand that Navia held in her own slowly went limp…