Dimitri woke first. He held her tightly and nuzzled into her neck. He wanted so much to just stay here with her, but he knew that work had to be done. Going forward, he would stay by her side during the battle as well. He was determined not to be a burden to her, and he wouldn't let her take all the weight of command herself this time. He wondered how many times she had to watch her comrades die. How she still stayed so strong and loving. There had to be a fear that one day she would need to rewind so many times that she wouldn't be able to save them, like Rodrigue. He knew that she regretted that as well. With her wounds and the drain, she had put on from saving everyone so many times. She had even taken the hits herself instead of rewinding to make sure that all of them got out of harm's way. He wouldn't let her do that again.
It was hard to leave her warmth, but he wanted to let her sleep a little longer. Getting her off his arm proved a bit difficult without waking her. When he was free she grumbled and grabbed the pillow closer to her. He slipped off the bed and started putting on his clothes than armor. Tying back his hair, he let part of it hang down in the back, enough to keep it off and away from his face, because even though he had gotten used to having it up, it still felt odd having his neck uncovered.
"That actually seems to suit you better than having it all tied back." He heard her say behind him.
He looked behind him to see her watching him from the bed, still curled up within the sheets. "You think so? It's just a bit past dawn based on the sunlight if you wish to rest a little longer."
She sat up, the sheets falling to her waist as she stretched. "I slept well enough. I like the feeling of your embrace. No, I think I have that mare with me to help you again by showing the stallion no harm comes from either of us or the saddle it might help settle him down more. That will take a bit of extra time. Gilbert took care of most of everything that morning. We are going to have to do something to thank him for his service too. On both timelines, I'm not sure where we would be without him."
Dimitri thought on that a moment. He agreed, but the old knight didn't really have a preference for much and was always so stoic. He still hadn't properly thanked him for saving him from Duscar either. So many wishes and atonements he held, but he never knew how to gift them.
Byleth lit up after moment. "He always enjoys his wood carving. I'm pretty sure that his tools are old and worn by now. He probably wouldn't think to replace them in the middle of war, but I can see what Anna might be able to get her hands on for us."
Dimitri smiled at her. "That's a wonderful idea. You always have the best answers to everything, don't you?"
She shrugged before getting up out of the bed to get her own clothing. "As a teacher here, I took extensive notes to see how best to motivate you all to improve. Gifts were the best, food secondary, and just spending time with you all, so I took note of your likes and dislikes pretty early to make sure I didn't do something stupid. It also helped me to learn to distinguish yourselves from one another. That does remind me. Cheesy Verona Stew was the one you had said you liked the most. If you couldn't taste it, was it the texture that you liked about it?"
He laughed softly and hugged her to him. Of course she'd remember small things like that. The fact that she paid close attention to those around her was one of the things that had initially gained his admiration. "Yes, but it's also the memory. I couldn't taste it, but I remembered how much I enjoyed it as a child, and that thought helped as well. What about you? I know you like sweets, but as far as meals, what do you prefer?"
She smiled up at him before she went back to getting her clothes and armor on. "We sometimes couldn't get our hands on much we didn't hunt for so I wasn't able to learn to grow up being picky. I ate plenty of fish that my dad caught and we hunted plenty of game and those were the larger meals we could share. The rest was mainly tavern or inn food. If I had to name a favorite….I'm not certain I have one. I've tried everything on the menu they have to make sure everyone had their preference and it all tasted good, but it was always the company I enjoyed more than the meals themselves."
"I see." That didn't really help him figure out what to suggest to Ashe. Ashe had asked him if there was anything that he could make for her that she'd appreciate.
"There is something. Ingrid did have a wonderful thought when we were eating with Sylvain about going around the region and just trying the different food of the different cultures. It did sound like a lot of fun. I think its more of the experience than the possible taste of things, but that's a thought for later. I do want to try some of that Duscar food that Dedue and Ashe are known for making." She mentioned as she snapped her chest armor into place.
She attached the sword of the creator to her waist. "I am looking forward to seeing you in that armor again. Don't get me wrong, you look …" she bit her bottom lip….. dashing in your current set, but that white armor….. it does suit you well."
He opened the door for her and let her pass before grabbing her waist and kissing her neck. She gave a surprised squeak of laughter before they left hand in hand.
The other horses were being prepared for the march, armor placed on the horses, and the battalions getting ready. There was a stablehand in front of the stallion's stall that kicked the door.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Dimitri called out.
"That damned horse bit me!" the man shouted before he realized who he was talking to. All of the color drained from his face.
"I gave specific instructions that no one else try to touch it, didn't I?" Byleth said beside him.
The stablehand bowed his head. "Yes, you did Professor, but the mare shouldn't be in there with him. I was trying to get her out when the stallion got angry with us."
"We put her in there, and I will be riding her today. I do not appreciate you turning your anger at the animals. Lashing out at the door like that only proves to it that there is something to be frightened of." Byleth said, coming up to him.
She clicked her tongue and both the stallion and the mare came to the door and she offered the apples that she had them grab from the greenhouse on the way here. Dimitri gave a glare to the stablehand before coming up to pet the stallion. "Did the mare belong to anyone specifically?" he asked.
The stablehand shook his head. "No Your Highness. Because of her temperament, she was mainly used as a training horse for beginning riders."
He looked to Byleth and she nodded. "Yes, she will do well for me." She answered.
Dimitri stepped inside the stall and Byleth fell in behind. Neither horse fought against them today, but the stallion was keeping his eyes on the stablehand. Byleth was ready first and took the mare out and the stallion followed close behind, snorting at the stablehand. Dimitri leaned forward and pat his neck.
Byleth turned the mare around. "As you can see, the stallion has taken a liking to His Highness and seeing how it was our team that brought it here to the monastery, it is our right to claim ownership to him. If I catch anyone treating any of the horses like you just had they will find themselves without a job. If no one has any objections, I'll be taking this one for my own."
The stablehand bowed low. "Forgive my temper, Professor. Consider her yours, I'll make sure that both of them are taken care of from here on out."
"Is your hand alright?" she asked.
The stablehand clutched it to him. "It will heal."
"Let me see it." She said, holding out her hand.
The stablehand reached up with a shaking bloody hand. She took it in hers and flared a bit of faith magic. He pulled it back amazed. "There's no pain. It's truly an honor. I am sorry for acting so rashly."
"Animals need a caring hand. They don't understand emotions like we do. Remember that as you move forward. We are going to take a perimeter lap around the monastery. After that we should be prepared enough to march."
"Yes, Professor, Your Highness." The stablehand bowed before the two of them set off.
The stallion didn't seem to like the stairs, but followed the mare, taking tentative steps. Dimitri was patient with him. When they crossed the marketplace, they were met with bows. Dimitri wasn't really sure about all of the attention and he could tell Byleth wasn't as comfortable with it either, but she did nod towards the crowd before spurring the mare forward. The gate was opened for them and they went to the outside.
"I don't want to tire him out too much, but I'm going to see what his speed is like." Dimitri said turning to her.
Byleth nodded, knowing that the smaller mare was meant more for casual rides. His horse was more built for war, strong muscles that could take both the weight of its own armor but a fully armored unit above it. He spurred it forward and she loved seeing the smile on his face as the wind flew past him. She hadn't seen him smile that wide since the academy. She spurred her own horse forward as he was circling to come back. They circled each other when they met in the middle, his boyish grin making her smile.
They turned to do the perimeter lap. His horse was barely breathing hard and seemed to be in high spirits. It held up its head high and she wondered where precisely those horse bandits had taken this horse from.
"He's extremely well behaved once you get him out from the stalls." She commented.
"I know I was thinking the same thing. Someone has to be missing him. Steeds this powerful are hard to come by. He had an experienced rider. I'd say a high ranking noble at the very least, based on how he carries himself." Dimitri answered.
"We'll deal with it if someone comes to claim him, but for now he had seemed to have taken to you. I know why you said you wanted to take them today to conserve energy, but where are we planning on keeping them while we fight at Aeillel?" she said.
"Right before the climb up to get into the valley, there was a river that we can set up camp by before we get into that extreme heat again. Since we know what we're expecting this time, everyone should get a chance for water. It will be a good place to organize the troops and weapon supplies if need be." He responded, keeping an eye on the surrounding forests.
She nodded. There was a part of her that wanted to say she was proud of how far he had come, but she didn't want him to feel like she still thought of him as a student rather than a partner. She thought a moment of the wording she wanted before she moved her horse closer to his and placed her hand on his forearm. "I'm proud to know you and be able to call you mine, Dimitri. Your journey has not been an easy one, but you've come so far from the man I met when I first woke up at the Goddess Tower. There is still more ground to travel, but I'm happy I get to walk it with you."
His gaze had turned to her. "Byleth…" He took his hand off of the rein and pulled it back till it reached hers. He brought her hand to his lips. "I don't know what I did to earn your love, but I am grateful for it."
They reached the gate all too soon, the sound of it opening for them intruding on his thoughts. The inner corridor was filled with soldiers. Gilbert was at the front giving orders.
"Ah Your Highness. It is good to see you. It is also good to see you as well Professor. Preparations are almost complete."
Dimitri nodded. "Thank you, Gilbert."
He dismounted and gave the reins to Byleth. "I'll be right back, can you watch him for me? I'm just going to go stop by Anna's stall before we go to see if she might be able to get what we talked about this morning."
She nodded and pet the stallion's nose. It stayed beside her and didn't even tug at the reins. He breathed a relieved breath that she wasn't suspicious and that the horse didn't protest. He would ask Anna about the carving tools for Gilbert, but there was one other thing he was going to request that she acquire for him.
They reached the Valley of Torment and it was just as horrid as he remembered. He agreed with Sylvain. They were used to the cold of Faerghus, and going any further south into hotter territories was never great for any of them.
Gilbert began his talk about how the valley was created and Yuri interjected. "There's been some reading that I've been researching. There are still some elders that live in Abyss that lived in the monastery before Aelil was destroyed. There's book that collaborate what they've told us, but apparently what they called Javalins of Light had tried to hit the monastery, and it ricocheted off of some protective barrier and hit Aelil instead. You say the Goddess's rage created this place, but it sounds to me more like it was created because of her protection. This poor village was just a casualty of whoever was dumb enough to attack the monastery."
"Slither has that kind of magic?" Byleth asked wide-eyed.
"You're talking that group of mages that's been causing trouble for you, yes?" Yuri asked.
Byleth nodded. "Considering that black spell he trapped me in, our enemy is much more dangerous than we thought if that's true. It also means that this battle between them and the church is not a new one."
"There's a book down in Abyss that I think you will be interested in, friend." Yuri said.
She nodded. "If you'll please show me later it would be appreciated."
"Of course. Our plan should be taking shape shortly, there on that ridge. Looks like they took the bait." Yuri said.
"That's house Rowe's banner. It's the Grey Lion that leads them." Gilbert said.
"Thank you Yuri. This takes him and his army out of Arienrhod." Byleth said.
"I know that they were our countryman, but they lost their rights the moment they turned their backs and welcomed the Empire in." Dimitri said.
Yuri pulled out his blade. "It was my pleasure to assist you both."
It was knowing how the enemy would move that worked so well to their advantage. Byleth's commands were spectacular as they cut down the enemy. He did as she asked, letting her take command of all of the troops. She didn't even have to use the pulse once. When Rodrigue's troops got there it was only the Grey Lions force.
"Yuri would you like the honor?" Byleth asked.
"Yeah, it's time I finally shut the door on that part of my past." He said, switching to his Leviin sword.
Gwendal's horse stomped. He looked at Yuri with contempt. "So. You've chosen to turn your blade against the count. Heh. Never thought I see the day, mongrel."
Yuri took his sword stance. "And yet you are seeing it, aren't you? Say what you will. I know your true feelings for me. Sure you watched my back by order of the count. But you cared too. You were the only who treated me as an equal."
Gwedal raised his lance. "That is all in the past. This is no time for misplaced sentimentality. I must do what I came here to do."
Yuri struck. "As do I!" Lightning arced behind him as Gwendal fell from his horse. "Thank you, old man, for teaching me what you did. Rest in peace."
"Thank you for finally giving me a place to die, on …the .. battlefield." Gwendal said, breathing his last.
The other four knights were taken out around the same time. Nothing had remained of their enemies and Rodrigue was already nearing them.
Dimitri picked her up and twirled her around. "You were glorious!"
"Yeah! Three cheers for the Professor for leading us to such an absolute victory!" Sylvain shouted.
Their armies voices roared in her ears, but she ignored them as soon as Dimitri's lips met hers. Rodrigue cleared his throat and Dimitri put her down, but kept her next to him.
"It is good to see you well, Rodrigue." Dimitri said, embracing him.
Rodrigue looked startled. "It's been too long, Your Highness. To see you in such high spirits too, I have to admit I'm surprised."
Dimitri let go and clapped him on the shoulder. "There is no telling when one might die in war. You have not changed one bit."
Rodrigue sighed. "Don't let looks deceive you. I've had a rough go of it ever since I crossed blades with those traitors in Fhirdiad. When I heard you'd been executed, I rushed there as fast as I could, blind with fury. When I got there, I was fed some garbage about not being able to see your body. The next thing I knew, I was gripping my blade and... Gilbert, you have done well to locate His Highness. I am truly grateful."
Gilbert nodded.
Rodrigue turned to Byleth. "I have you to thank, as well. It seems you and His Highness have become quite close. I haven't seen someone so enamored with someone since Lambert and Elincia. I am happy for you both."
Byleth smiled and took Dimitri's hand. "He's a good man, and we were all fortunate to have him with us."
Rodrigue smiled. "Well, we are in your debt. I will repay you for this someday, I swear it. And you, Felix... You have also done well to bring His Highness here."
Felix scoffed at that. "It wasn't my idea, but yeah he has gotten more tolerable, and annoying at the same time. The boar I know how to deal with, but this," he pointed to the two of them. "I saw it coming from miles away, but it's still odd."
Dimitri raised an eyebrow at Felix. That was more than he had responded to them before. "We've kept up with the situation in the Kingdom. We've promised Claude that we will take the great bridge of Mydrin to eliminate the threat of the Empire forces moving north before we take Fhirdiad. We know that Cornelia has it and is calling it the Faerghus Dukedom or some nonsense."
Rodrigue nodded "If you know that much, then the rest won't take long. Enemy or not, it's undeniable that Cornelia's plan was nothing short of genius. After seizing power, she invited the Imperial army to Fhirdiad. There, she reorganized her troops and then sent soldiers to hunt me down. Because of that, we were forced to act defensively. And now we're being forced into a difficult battle. She's been controlling the situation all along."
"We think that she's part of the same organization that caused Duscar. That witch has multiple crimes to pay for." Dimitri answered.
"If you have already promised your aid to the Alliance to get their support in this war, then we must fulfill that promise. You are my king. Our king. Wherever you lead, we will follow. It brings me great joy that you have plans to rescue Fhirdiad from its tyranny. I want the Empire defeated so much I can taste it, but it is our home that would suffer the most if we left it behind for revenge. Lambert would be proud of you. Right before he left for Duscar he had said that even if something happened to you, he believed that you would follow the right path. I promised him to look after you and lead you if you strayed. I am grateful that I had no need to worry."
Dimitri sighed. "I had strayed so far, until kind words and a guiding light led me down the path that I needed to be on, not clinging to the shadows of the dead. I miss them, I will honor them, but I won't be their puppet to their burdens that I don't believe in." He put his arm around Byleth and she leaned against him.
Rodrigue looked upon the pair with a smile. "Ah, I nearly forgot. Take this, Your Highness. The time has come for it to be wielded by its true master."
Dimitri felt the relief as soon as his eyes touched it. He knew now why Byleth had been so anxious when Seteth still held her father's diary. "Areadbhar... The Hero's Relic once wielded by my father."
Rodrigue nodded. "The very same. I managed to steal it back from one of Cornelia's underlings in Fhirdiad."
Felix ran his hand through his hair. "Understated as ever, Father. It must have been a true struggle to get it back."
Dimitri took the lance in his hands. "I am grateful, my friend."
Rodrigue bowed. "Gilbert, Professor, Your Highness. May I request something of you? I wish to fight at your side."
"Senile already, old man? Who will protect our territory?" Felix asked.
"I expected it would come to this, so I left those matters to my younger brother. He has my complete faith. Now then, Your Highness. Let's destroy the Empire together once Fhirdiad is free. My men and I will spare no effort." Rodrigue stated.
The group left for their camp. After collecting the horses and supplies, they rode back to the monastery. Rodrigue rode with them to talk and Byleth pulled back to give them some time together. She stayed silent, listening to their banter. Dimitri's happiness right now was more than she could ask for. Whatever may come, was worth giving him a second chance for.
"I hope that you will both consider me on the guest list for whenever the wedding happens." She heard Rodrigue say.
"When it does, I would like you to participate. You've always been a father figure to me Rodrigue. I haven't talked to her about it yet. The war needs to be ended before we can participate in such an event." Dimitri said.
"I suppose you are right. It is highly irregular. Gilbert told me that you both have retired to the same room every night. People are probably already talking." Rodrigue said.
"I don't care about their chatter. Yes, if there had been no war I would have courted her properly, as it is… I really don't know what I would do without her Rodrigue. I was so lost in hatred and regret. I know I lashed out at her multiple times and yet she has been forgiving and patient. I love her and I know that she loves me, not for my crown, nor for my crest." Dimitri answered.
Rodrigue turned back to look at her. "May I have you join us Professor?" he called.
Byleth spurred her horse forward a little more to keep pace with the two men.
"I would like to know what your intentions are. He is the future king, and while I do respect you this is…" Rodrigue started.
Byleth cut him off. "There will be plenty of people who question our motivations and relationship, Rodrigue. All I know is what we feel when we are together and how it feels when he's not within my sight. I know that he will probably have to return to Fhirdiad and I will have to stay in Garrag Mach while we both attend to our duties to our respective positions at first. I don't need power, I don't need to be Queen, but if that is what comes with loving him, I will do so and I will support him however I'm able because I know he will do the same. That's what being partners means."
Rodrigue nodded. "I see. Forgive my doubts. I am glad that it was you who led the Blue Lions house Professor."
Byleth smiled up at Dimitri. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
