I'd like to take a moment to refer to some awesome fanfics that have helped inspire my own
/works/21488632/chapters/51213193 this is the one that got me starting to think about the rewind, and it's an awesome read- still in progress
s/13518103/1/A-Beast-That-Is-Loved - a beautiful extension of Byleth's and Dimitri's S rank conversation and wedding- one shot
I did put this up on /works/22986058/chapters/55482154
Notes: Timeline Rewind- between the valley of torment and the great bridge-
because Gilbert and Dimitri's support conversations deal with Gilbert's anger at Dimitri for wanting to die it had to get changed with his mentality now- consider this the changed converstation
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text 20When they got back to the monastery Rodrigue took Dimitri, Gilbert, and Byleth to the common room.
"I was going to show you this back in the valley, but the two of you took me by surprise. The armor belonged to Loog, the First King of Lions and I hope it will protect you as well as it did him during his fight with the Empire."
"Thank you, Rodrigue. I am truly grateful. I will try it on later, but I think after the heat of the valley of torment all of us could use a bath and some relaxation. Gilbert we need to send a letter to Claude to let him know that we're ready."
Gilbert nodded. "We'll move as soon as our spy spots the Alliance members loyal to the Empire make their advance to Claude's location."
Byleth stretched. "A bath does sound nice. Dimitri, I'll meet you later in the dining hall for lunch if you'd like to join me with the daily assessments afterward."
Dimitri smiled at her. "You know that I would."
Byleth smiled back before exiting the room, leaving Dimitri with Gilbert and Rodrigue.
Rodrigue sighed. "Dimitri I will be frank with you. There is something I wish to discuss. You had mentioned that you think that Cornelia is part of the tragedy of Duscar, but have you given any thought to Patricia being a part of it as well?"
Dimitri's face twisted to confusion. "Why would you ask such a thing?"
Gilbert's face contorted as well. "Rodrigue! This is not the time for wild accusations."
Rodrigue sighed. "I can tell by both of your tones that you're still not ready to discuss it. My apologies."
"You can't just bring up a question like that and leave it alone! She wouldn't do anything like that so why would you even suggest it?" Dimitri's fists were shaking.
"Because there are still parts that don't make sense. When I went to survey the scene myself Patricia's carriage was the only one left alone, everyone and everything else was attacked. You were riding with her in the rear caravan. Did you notice anything with her demeanor? I just want answers and you always turned too violent to reason with when it came to that day. I was hoping that, perhaps, we could finally unravel this mess." Rodrigue said.
Dimitri sat down. He was expecting Rodrigue to perhaps corner him about Byleth again and what conduct rules had been broken, but he didn't expect this. "Byleth had been making notes about what details I could give her. She found it suspicious that Cornelia had the miracle for the plague to get her at such an esteemed position. For Duscar to have occurred there would have had to been someone close to the king to know his movements. Cornelia was keeping a girl captive during the time Patricia was with us. She knew me by the fact that we have the same exact mannerisms, choice of wording and she even knew Patricia's name that she held in the Empire. Apparently Patricia had visited Cornelia several times. She didn't know the name of her capture but we had only recently confirmed it by another person Cornelia had experimented on."
"Byleth?" Rodrigue asked.
"That is the Professor's name. I'm still not sure why everyone uses it now that she's no longer professor here, but she asked me to call her by her name a long time ago and I obliged her request." Dimitri answered.
Rodrigue rubbed his chin. "I see, so her theory is against Cornelia?"
"Yes, There is a group that has been performing heinous experiments and have replaced people they kill with their own members. They are working with the Empire. As far as Duscar itself. I really don't know what to tell you, Rodrigue. I remember the door opening and Patricia pushing me through the other side. I saw her flee through the flames, the screams echoing around me, the sound of fighting, I saw them….. I saw father die, and my world went dark for a little while. When I recovered everyone was dead. I'm still not sure if the words I heard screamed that day were real or imagined. I am sorry, but I can't be much more help than that. I don't want to revisit that pain anymore I've finally moved past it and unshackled myself from it so why…..why do I…." Dimitri covered his face as the tears fell.
Rodrigue came over and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Dimitri. I didn't mean to bring you pain, but we are at least closer to finding answers. This girl you mentioned Cornelia holding hostage. Do you know who and where she is?"
Dimitri nodded. "Yes and she's here at the monastery now. She doesn't like knights so I doubt she'd talk to either of you. I'll talk to her later if you wish, but for now I'd like to leave."
Rodrigue bowed. "Of course your highness. Again I apologize for any grief I caused you. I still hold Glenn close to me and Lambert was my closest friend. I want to know what happened."
Gilbert released a sigh. "Don't we all. I am sorry that I was running so far behind the caravan. I still regret that day. I should have been there to protect you both."
"You probably would be a victim yourself Gilbert!" Dimitri roared. He didn't like this feeling. He had thought that perhaps he was past all of this anger and despair, but still it lingered.
"I was late because I went to visit my family and took too long. I did not fulfill my duty as a knight." Gilbert ground out.
Dimitri's fists clenched at his sides. His whole body shaking. "You were still the one that rescued me! If not for you I would be on that same ground they died on until I bled my last. I have only gratitude for you, no blame to speak of. If you had been there from the beginning and you had died as well there would have been no survivors. Your family not only saved your life but enabled you to save another in return. I'm sorry if it's not the life you wished you could have saved…"
Gilbert came to him. "Your highness no, please don't think that way. I adored and respected your father. He was the best king a knight could ask for, but that does not mean that I regret …that I was able to save you... is my only sense of salvation. You have become a great man that I respect as well. I know the Professor has played a big part in that, but seeing how the two of you have made here at the monastery has been a wonderful experience and I would not trade it for anything."
"Gilbert….." Dimitri bowed his head as it felt like another chain binding him unlocked.
Gilbert opened his arms. "Your Highness, may I?"
Dimitri nodded as Gilbert came forward and embraced him. "I watched over you from the day you were born. You are like a son to me Dimitri. In you, I see so much of Lambert in you and it does remind me of my failure as a knight, but it also reminds me how much good you will do in his stead. You are the future of Faerghus. I am glad that I've have witnessed all of your accomplishments since I found you that day. You have made this old man very proud."
Rodrigue chuckled. "I don't think I could have said it any better myself. I look forward to serving you, Your Highness. House Faldarius will always remain loyal to the kingdom, and my sword will always be ready to strike down your enemies."
Dimitri tightened his grip on Gilbert. "Thank you… thank you both… I.. I don't think I could ever repay the two of you for what you have done for me all these years."
Rodrigue clapped him on the shoulder. "Just be happy and live well my boy. I have to say you have quite a catch there with Byleth. I look forward to the future you both will carve."
Gilbert let go and bowed. "Indeed. Now we have kept you here long enough. You had mentioned a bath. I'll go and make sure one is prepared and the area is safe. Once you've composed yourself it should be ready."
Dimitri shook his head as he found the gesture to remind him of Dedue's mother henning. He was looking forward to seeing Dedue again. Gilbert left the room to complete his tasks.
Rodrigue stayed behind a moment. "I am not sure what happened those five years you were missing, but I find myself wishing that I had done more for you. If something had actually happened to you during that time….. I don't think I would be able to forgive myself. Every word Gilbert said rings true for me as well. I may not be a great a man as your father, but please don't hesitate to come to me if you are in need of help or advice."
"I will, Also may I be frank with you a moment?" Dimitri asked.
"Of course." Rodrigue replied.
"I know you and Felix have had a difference of opinion for a while now, but perhaps you should talk with him. I don't know if Felix will feel the same, but I know with what you two have shared. It feels like a burden has been lifted."
Rodrigue sighed and nodded. "I'll give it some consideration."
As Byleth got some casual clothes for replacements, she was greeted by the other girls that had been with them at Aeilel.
"Seems you had the same idea we did Professor. Ugh, that heat was oppressive, I felt like my armor was going to melt onto me." Ingrid groaned.
"I have to agree. I'm all sticky and gross." Annette piped in.
"I'm just happy the baths are working. We'd have to use the river otherwise." Byleth said.
"Like you and Dimitri did on the Millennium Festival?" Mecedes asked. She giggled at Byleth's blush.
"We haven't really had the chance to talk. Where have you been all this time, professor?" Dorthea asked.
"I was hurt badly after that fall and unconscious for quite some time. I'd rather not talk about it." Byleth replied.
Dorthea looked away. "I'm sorry we left you there, professor. We did look. Felix had to knock Dimitri out just to get him off the battlefield because he refused to leave when we needed to retreat. The moment he found out that you were nowhere to be found, it was like dealing with a rabid dog that would turn and try to bite you just for being near it. I was afraid of what we would find when we got here if he was still alive."
Byleth sighed. "What's done is done. He's gotten better thankfully. It was ….difficult in the beginning. Paranoia and guilt are demons that aren't easily conquered."
"You do love him, though, don't you, professor?" Mercedes asked.
Byleth tilted her head. "Is it not obvious? You all know how I don't emote usually, but with him, it's like I can't seem to help it."
Annette smiled. "Yeah, it's kind of hard to miss."
They entered the split off bathhouse and she could hear Sylvain talking through the wall on the other side. Complaining would be more apt. Byleth heard Felix's groan on the other side.
"Would you shut up already? Yes, I didn't like it either, but it's over and done with." Felix said.
"Are you going to be alright with your father here?" Sylvain asked.
"It's not like he's here for me. It's the Boar he wants to dote on." Felix said.
"You really shouldn't keep calling him that Felix." Ingrid said irritably.
"Oooo the girls are here." Sylvain's voice had a jovial tone to it.
"The bathhouse wasn't like this before, was it?" Byleth asked trying to remember.
"No, this is only a temporary wall. It's enough to separate the boys from the girls until everything can get back to how it was. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we can take a bath in peace." Dorthea said.
"The Professor's here too?" Sylvain asked.
"Yes and Dimitri will probably be joining your side later. Everyone that was at Aeilel will want to get rid of the ash and grime that battlefield created." Byleth said.
"And with that, I'm out. Professor, after lunch can I challenge you to a duel?" Felix asked.
"After I go over the assessments, yes I can meet you at the training area. And Felix, give him a chance, he's talked about wanting to improve on his swordsmanship so you might consider him worthy enough of a challenge to spar with. He does still consider you a friend." Byleth said.
There was no response from the other side. Byleth sighed. She had tried at least.
"I'll give it some consideration." Felix finally answered before she heard his footsteps leave.
The girls started talking about shopping and how bustling the market has been. Byleth just scrubbed off the grime when she heard Sylvain greet Dimitri.
"Why are all the echos so loud in here? I thought all this was supposed to be done by now?" Dimitri asked.
"It is something we'll have to take up with the builders. They shouldn't have to have their hands held. We told them the facilities took priority. It's nice to have it up and working, but I can imagine it getting uncomfortable for some people." Byleth answered.
"Byleth?" he inquired.
"Yes." She replied.
Then she heard Sylvain's laughter echo off of the bath walls. Byleth rolled her eyes, wondering what expression Dimitri had that would get that kind of reaction from Sylvain.
"Case and point." Byleth said. The girls were snickering on her side too.
Dorthea came over to her. "Professor I've never seen you do anything with your hair. Petra was showing me how to braid hers, would you mind if I tried practicing on yours? It might end up looking kind of cute."
Byleth shrugged. "I would cut it if it got too long and impaired my vision. It suited me so there was no reason to do anything with it. You welcome to try it Dorthea, but I can't stay too much longer. There's plenty of things that need taken care of before we head back out for the bridge. It'll take the messenger getting to Deidru and then the time it will take Claude to get his lure in order, but after that we will have to march out to fight again"
"You never take time to relax do you?" Dorthea asked as she ran a comb through Byleth's hair.
"There's too much work during the day, its only the nights I can usually relax." Byleth answered.
Dorthea chuckled. "I'll bet he makes you relax in all kinds of ways doesn't he?" she said low enough that the girl's would hear but not enough that she thought the guys would.
She smiled fondly."That he does."
Dorthea smiled and shook her head as she went to work on Byleth's hair. She had wanted to tease, hoping to get a cute blush out of the professor that they didn't get to see very often, it ever. "I hope I can find someone as good to me that makes me smile just as happily someday."
"Everyone deserves someone to love. You just have to find the right person that will love you back. You all have wonderful battle partners on the field. Start with the trust you share to have each other's back in battle and ask yourselves can you see yourself wanting to spend time with them off the battlefield. If the answer is yes, extend your hand and ask. It doesn't have to be romantic or special. Sometimes it's the little things you notice that only endear them more to you." Byleth said.
Ingrid was giving her an odd look. "Professor, besides a lecture or briefing. I think that's the most we've ever heard you talk."
"Words can always be misinterpreted. Meanings found where there are none. Actions always speak louder, but I have found myself opening up more after I woke up again." Byleth replied.
"There that should do it." Dorthea said.
The girls studied it. "It's not that it's bad work but it doesn't really suit her all that well."
Dorthea stared at her a bit. "Yeah you're right, what about Marriene's look?"
Byleth sighed. "I've tied it up to spar, put a headband on, and that's about it. Down is what works best on me. I appreciate the bonding but there's work to do."
"Ooo maybe we could try curling it next time, it would look pretty all wavy." Annette said.
Byleth grabbed her clothes and shook her head. "Sometime in the future you can doll me up all you want and I'll wear it for the entire day, then the next person can get a chance, but I have work to do for the moment."
"Do you really mean it Professor?" Mercedes asked.
Byleth sighed. "Yes, just go easy on me alright. I usually go for practical over frilly and flashy things. There are things said for moderation."
Annettee giggled. "ooo I can't wait."
Byleth went to go find Petra. It might not suit her as well, but she thought that having their hair match might please the foreign princess. She could also humor her students for the day. They had fought well and she had been spending most of her time at Dimitri's side. She might suggest a shopping trip into the town or something. Dimitri wouldn't mind, maybe suggest he do something with the male students as well… she had to quit thinking of them as her students. They were no longer the inexperienced children, but if not her students, what were they to her? They were allies, but the connection went farther than that. Guren had called a group who fought together a pack, but she thought people might give her weird looks if she started calling her students her packmates. She didn't love them like she did Dimitri, but there was warmth within the bonds she shared. Would family be the correct term? Her father used to call his mercenary band his family in arms. Perhaps that's what their group was. She nodded as she smiled at the thought. Yes and she would always protect those she considered family.
Petra was not in her room. Byleth wandered the monastery and finally caught sight of her and Ferdinand talking in front of the stall Dimitri left his horse in. She was surprised when the stallion took an apple from Ferdinand's hand and let him pet it.
"We took out a group of bandits that were terrorizing the roads and found him chained up inside a small building. Dimitri was the only one able to calm him down enough to bring him here." She said coming closer.
"I'm just happy to see him safe after the fate his rider suffered. I had thought about buying this horse myself, but I already had a good horse at my family's old estate. From what I understand, one of the Empire general's took command of him. They were heading north to help fortify the silver maiden. Last we heard they had been ambushed and most of the company killed in their sleep. Both their horses and supplies were all stolen." Ferdinand said.
"The horse has taken a liking to Dimitri. Based on what you're saying, no one has a claim on it since the owner is dead, correct?" Byleth asked.
Ferdinand nodded. "That sums it up. I also thought about your offer Professor. I want to stay here and fight with you. We can try to reason with Edlegard, but I fear there is no hope of a good outcome."
Byleth smiled and threw her arms around him. "Thank you. I've had so many nightmares where I turned my blade against you and I don't want to accept that as my reality. I can't live with myself, knowing that there was a chance I didn't have to resort to violence."
"You were always a good person Professor," Ferdinand said.
Byleth let him go and turned to Petra. "What do you think Petra? Dorthea did it for me."
Petra hugged her. "It brings me much joy to be matching with you, Professor!"
"I'm glad you like it. It's almost time for lunch and I have a few more errands to run. I'll see you both later." Byleth said.
"You've always been a hard worker. It is an excellent quality to have. Would you perhaps permit me to brew some tea for you sometime?" Ferdinand asked with a bow.
Byleth smiled. "Yes, I would like that."
Dimitri still felt like he had eavesdropped on a conversation that he wasn't supposed to hear. Byleth was correct. They would have to make the bathhouse one of the main priorities to get completed. It's not like anything bad was said, quite the opposite in fact, but he was still sorting through it all. Anna waved over and called to him. She couldn't possibly have it already could she?
"Oh, your highness, I think you'll be pleased with what I was able to find for you." Anna said.
"That was faster than I expected," Dimitri said.
"You know me. I aim to be the best in the business and nothing is better than a happy customer. So first, that was a pretty mundane request. I got you the best quality I could get my hands on for the carving tools. Now for the other, I actually got a good deal on a set so I'll let you choose the one you like the most and just sell the others to those that might want them. Good for you and good for me." Anna said, taking out two boxes.
The first had been the carving tools, which looked nice. The second box is where a decision would need to be made. Four rings laid on the pillowed box. One ring was an intricate silver band and a blue stones, one was its match but with green stones instead, and the other two he didn't really see himself getting. He had always been drawn to the blue because it was his country and his family's colors. If this ring was meant for her…. The green reminded him of her hair and eyes as they were now. There was sometimes he missed the violet she used to have. He had gotten used to the green, and after seeing Sothis himself he understood that the change was taking her appearance outwardly after the merge.
Sylvain's low whistle almost made him jump a foot, he was so lost in his thoughts.
"Be glad I'm not the Professor, who I just saw at the stables just now. Little note your highness if you're going to be looking to buy an engagement ring, make sure the intended isn't close." Sylvain turned to Anna. "Anna you're looking lovely today!"
She crossed her arms. "Flattery does not buy you anything. You still owe me Sylvain, and you won't be able to buy one more thing from me until it's paid, with interest for the loan."
Sylvain rubbed the back of his head and laughed. "As soon as we get wind of more bandits in the area I'll have a bullion for you to take what I owe out of it."
"You'd better. Now Your Highness which one do you want? I think either of these two would do well. The gold and the red stones don't really seem like either of you." Anna said, turning her attention back to Dimitri.
"I'll distract her and make sure she doesn't come this way. The choice is simple. It's whichever you would like to see her wearing every day." Sylvain said. Sure enough, not even a few moments after Sylvain left he heard Byleth's voice above him.
"While it's interesting, I'm not sure that hairstyle suits you." Sylvain said.
"Dorthea took the time to do it so I'm at least going to leave it like this for the rest of the day. Now I see why Dimitri was getting so annoyed with all of you the first time I put his hair up. Is it really so shocking that it requires everyone to comment?" Byleth asked.
Sylvain laughed. "Nah, you're still beautiful no matter what you do."
"Sylvain…." Byleth warned.
"I don't mean that as I'm trying to flirt Professor. You've always been a beautiful person both inside and out, and I'm sorry I was such a jerk to you before this war started. Dimitri told me about your nickname for me and it was right on the mark. I am scared. I don't want to be a trophy for someone who only wants me for my crest." Sylvain said.
"Sylvain you are full of yourself and a complete goofball sometimes, but you are reliable. You are always thinking of what you can do to help your friends. The only thing you lack is drive. You are brilliant. You are not only my wyvern master, but you are a dark knight as well. You can switch flawlessly for whatever situation I need you for. For those who have your heart you give unwavering loyalty to. You could be my red lion, Sylvain, only if you step up and leave your fear behind. Toying with hearts will get you nowhere other than a road to heartache." Byleth said.
"Professor, he's lucky to have you. Thank you for talking with me." Sylvain said, his eyes on the ground as he thought about what she had said.
"We are a family in arms and as annoying as you can be, you are a part of that family too. I'm glad I have you to depend on Tomcat." Byleth said, throwing him a teasing smile.
"You keep up with that kind of stuff, Professor, and you just might make me cry. Trust me that's not easy to do." Sylvain said. His voice was cracking a little.
"I'm just saying what I think of you, did I say something wrong?" she asked tilting her head.
Sylvain chucked. Oh his naive Professor. If he hadn't seen how happy she was with Dimitri he might try to steal her away for himself, but she was, and it was so easy to see how she stole Dimitri's heart. It did give him hope. The Professor was one of a kind, but there would be someone for him too. For now he would just bask in her radiance a little longer. "Not at all. People do sometimes cry from joy and I haven't felt that feeling for a long time, so thank you professor. I'm glad. All of you are good family to have."
Notes: I had always wished that they had made unique rings for the house leaders, red for Edelgard, gold for Claude, and blue for Dimitri at the very least, some different markings would have been neat too. So the question becomes which ring would you prefer- green stones the one we see in game for all nobles or blue since she is his and it is his colors?
