Even with my newfound station and freedoms at Garreg Mach, I couldn't initially shake off the feeling of unease that managed to worm its way into the pit of my stomach. I should have been happy with my new life even if I was looked down upon by certain individuals, but within me dwelled a hunger that I had yet to comprehend. I know now the root of the problem and have cut my ties from those influences, but back then I didn't realize how manipulatable I was when someone dangled a little bit of promise in front of me. I should have known better after everything I had experienced up until then.
I woke up the following morning with no strange feelings coming from Sothal, though I did tread a bit more carefully that day with my senses being on higher alert, though it proved for naught. The days melded into one another as my schedule of running the clinic, attending staff meetings, and hosting weekend seminars. It all blended together and my worries from Edelgard and Sothal began to fade away as Edelgard seemed more friendly towards me than most others, though rarely staying long enough to engage in conversation, though her retainer Hubert still held high suspicions of me. He's suspicious of everyone though so I don't feel offended.
In the following weeks, the houses were sent out on their very first assignments since the mock battle. In a place that endorses piety, peace, and prosperity it is a bit strange that teenagers are sent out to kill bandits or other dirty work that usually is reserved for seasoned knights, but I suppose my cultural biases get in the way of that on Fodlan. I grew up in a society where people's biggest problems were their boss at work or the traffic on the freeway. Here, there are people starving because crops are dying or brigands are terrorizing the countryside because there are no alternatives left. People pushed to desperation and necessity to survive rather than the comfortable living on Earth that I had experienced and my part in Fodlan, as I am a stranger in these lands I've yet to experience true poverty or survival in the sense many do here. Not saying my introduction to this world was preferable, quite the contrary. I've experienced my own personal hell in this world, but I'm slowly being able to call it home and care for it and the people that struggle here.
I look up from the journal that I received from Hanneman thinking of what to write about myself as my seminar class is quietly finishing a proficiency exam I had prepared for them earlier in the week. The students have changed slightly in the weeks I've hosted the seminar with Lysithea, Hubert and Mercedes being the returning students each week. I haven't seen Marriane since the first class and Lindhardt is pretty hit or miss on whether he shows up or not. Today the class is the 3 staple students, Annette, and oddly enough Felix who seems to be taking a break from swordsmanship to practice reason magic.
"Alright class, that's time. Bring your exam's upfront. You can receive your grade next seminar or drop by the clinic next week and I'll have it available. You're all dismissed," I announce as people begin to rise from their seats.
From a quick glance, it seems everyone was able to finish my questions as it deals with the fundamentals of magic and battlefield awareness. Granted it's not ironclad or extremely sophisticated in the tactics, but the magic part is fairly thorough considering I'm pulling from a lot of the knowledge I learned from the academy and elsewhere.
The students begin their shuffle out of the classroom since the seminar is now over and it's close to lunchtime as I file away the exams into folder. The clerics I've been training in the infirmary have been doing a wonderful job in adapting into my more modern techniques and supplemental magic to treat sickness and disease in that I'm usually only working on really serious cases now and have been relegated to supervising my small team of about 5 people. With the exams now to look over, I have something besides reading to do in my long amount of downtime at the clinic.
With all of my materials packed up neatly, I look up preparing to head out, but still, in the class, I notice Lysithea hasn't left yet and seems to be waiting patiently for me. Feeling a bit guilty that I didn't notice her stance earlier I ask, "Sorry I didn't notice you, what can I help you with? Is it a question about the exam?"
Lysithea shakes her head, "No, that was fine. I was wondering if you offer other tutoring hours."
"I do, usually clinical work if that interests you. Some of the clerics interested in healing magic and faith spells have taken up jobs in my clinic as nurses," I offer but that doesn't seem to bring any joy to the young girl's face.
"No, I was more interested if you had private tutoring hours. In the 2 or so months I've been here and all the instructors I've talked to, it's you who seems to be the most knowledgeable on magic as a whole."
A bit taken back by the impromptu compliment, "Why thank you Lysithea, but I'm sure there are many other candidates just as viable. My skills and background give most people pause, and for good reason."
"That isn't an option. I know what the authorities say about you, and while I completely agree that the information is probably right, there is also a strange lack of actual evidence to be found against you. I may not like your actions as a person, but if the church is willing to house you there must be something else to the story. The fact remains is that you are the most competent mage around Garreg Mach and I need knowledge," Lysithea reasons as she crosses her arms.
I narrow my eyes replying, "I see you've done your homework on me. You are suggesting a dangerous partnership. I'd urge you to reconsider."
"That doesn't sound like you are turning me away, Doctor?"
I sigh, "No. I shouldn't be the one to stand in the way of someone trying to achieve their goals, but I am curious, what do you hope to accomplish with pairing with me?"
Lysithea's eyes widen a bit and her expression becomes more somber, "I wish to not be a burden on my family. That is why I persevere," and under her breath, I can barely make out her mumbling to herself, "It's not like I have a lot of time…"
"You don't have a lot of time for what?"
"Ah! Uh, don't worry about it. My question is will you let me study under you?"
"Hmmm, Alright. I can show you more than just lectures and some demonstrations, but be warned that magic is volatile in nature and-" Lysithea cuts me off and adds, "And is dangerous to those that underestimate its power. I've read that book too you know, so don't treat me like some child."
I shake my head and chuckle, "This will be interesting. I'll see what I can do to help improve your skills, though don't be disappointed if nothing much comes of it. You are already quite talented and skilled."
"Perhaps, but you even said in your lectures that you have only been studying magic for a few years, and yet you have achieved what many mages can only dream of. I want to learn your secret to success."
I grab my bag from the floor quietly commenting, "Careful what you wish for, secrets are secrets for a reason."
I look back up to see Lysithea has an odd expression on her face, somewhere between curiosity and confusion. I quickly try to reassure her, "Don't mind me, it's been a long morning already with me treating a few of the knights in the infirmary who have the flu. Go get some lunch already."
"Very well, I am famished. I think today's special is pheasant roast with berry sauce paired with peach sorbet. Are you coming to the dining hall as well?"
I shrug my shoulder, "Eh, hard pass. I have patients to check on and rations back at the infirmary. Besides, I don't really care for sweets."
"What. How?!" Lysithea shouts and continues to ramble, "It's a perfect blend of savory and sweet with a soft yet creamy dessert, how can you be so against such a decadent meal?"
I put my hand up in defense, "Whoa there, didn't realize you were so spirited about food. I just said it wasn't my preference, that's all."
Lysithea huffs while turning her back to me and crossing her arms, "Very well, I'm off then. What day should I see you for instruction?"
"Tuesday or Wednesday works as those are pretty slow days. Time your visit for the evening since that's when I'm usually freer."
She nods to me replying, "Good. Good...just one last thing. What do you think about crests? Considering, what I've heard you do in Faergus…"
I deeply exhale, "Not the biggest fan to say the least. I've been treated terribly because of mine, and I've yet to see the social benefit of them. Only that it grants people power and that has gone well. Pretty sure the Goddess would disapprove if she saw how they were handled today."
Lysithea smiles at me and nods, "I see. I'll be seeing you next Tuesday, Dr, Capetillo."
I wave at Lysithea as she exits the room towards the dining hall. I manage to push in some chairs before leaving the lecture room myself and head in the opposite direction towards the infirmary to see if the clerics are holding the fort down for me, and I have an appointment with Manuela in the afternoon for my therapy session so I want to be prepared for that as it will probably include a large amount of alcohol.
As I'm walking down the corridor I hear a soft voice from behind me call out, "Excuse me, Santos."
I turn around and try not to cringe as I see Byleth approaching me, wearing a student uniform of all things which I suppose is a step up from her usual strange attire, but still doesn't make much sense. Byleth has mastered the art of being socially awkward, and ever since a few other brief encounters and that horrible lunch meet up paired with a hallucination I've been trying to avoid her like the plague. Mix that all with Sothal's ominous warnings and the way I felt when I first saw her my gut instinct is telling me to keep my guard up.
I fake a smile and reply, "Ah, professor Eisener. Interesting seeing you here."
Immediately Byleth digs through her pockets and presents me with a pair of black leather gloves asking, "Are these yours?"
"No, I'm certain they are not considering I don't need two gloves."
Byleth nods in understanding, "Ah I see. I forgot you were a cripple."
Dropping my friendly facade I tartly respond, "So nice of you to notice. Now, if this is all you are going to ask-" Byleth immediately puts the gloves back in her pocket and brings out another item asking, "Is this yours?"
I look at the artbook in her hands and shake my head, "No. Now if you have anything else to-"
"How about this?" Byleth asks as she hastily pulls out a sack filled with rocks. I glare and reply, "You're kidding me, right?"
"I figured with your lack of muscle they might not be yours, but I had to make sure. Now, how about these-"
I grab Byleth's hand with my own and growl, "I'm not going to play Pictionary with you all day. Don't we have a lost and found?"
"Not that I know of, that's why I'm tracking people down and asking them," Byleth states as she maintains her eerie neutral expression.
"Okay, then here's an idea. Make one. I'm sure Lady Rhea and Seteth will be thrilled by your thoughtfulness."
Byleth tilts her head to the side for a moment to ponder my idea before responding, "That...is a good idea. Thank you, Santos," Byleth immediately turns on her heel and marches off towards the direction of the cathedral as I watch in bewilderment. Even when I'm rude and giving off body language to show disinterest she continues on like some kind of social inept bulldozer.
I watch Byleth disappear out of sight just as quickly as she seemingly appeared and mutter to myself, "Manuela better be willing to share the bottle later…"
I can't explain why, but seemingly every time I see Byleth or she talks to me it feels like bugs are underneath my skin and an irrational bout of impatience and resentment towards the warrior. Granted she hasn't done much herself to earn such scorn from me, not that she has noticed, but I can't explain it. We mix together about as well as oil and water.
"Can you believe that he had the gall to call me old? Me? Old?" Manuela rants as she finishes off her bottle of red wine.
I look around the messy quarters that Manuela lives in for any other source of alcohol, but I see none to my own avail. I figured that when she suggested using her quarters it'd be more private than the infirmary and a good place to ask questions and vent out a little bit about my disdain for Byleth and to see if I'm just being irrational. Unfortunately, Manuela has taken it upon herself to hi-jack the session into more rants about failed romantic ventures.
"Oh. Well, that's just not true. Clearly you found another person who can't appreciate your values. So sad," I lament as I rest the side of my face in the palm of my hand as Manuela bumbles around looking for another bottle, which she miraculously pulls from a dirty pile of clothes. Despite the room looking like it survived a category five hurricane Manuela still looks pristine with her make-up perfectly contoured, a fragrant smell to her and clean clothes.
"Exactly! Ugh, why does it have to be difficult? I should have never waited this long," Manuela grunts as she forcefully uncorks the new bottle of wine.
"I've suggested this before, and hear me out, perhaps play the long game and don't dump your life on the person on the first date? I certainly wouldn't…" I advise while greedily eyeing the wine bottle that Manuela is handling.
"Oh yeah? How would you do it hmmm? Since you seem to be the expert on dating,"
"Well...it's small talk and stuff. And I never said I was an expert," I rebuttal but Manuela downs another swig of wine while wagging her index finger.
The retired songstress catches her breath and chastises, "Oh I disagree. Each time you seem to offer your sage advice, yet I don't see anyone knocking down your door to ask you out. I already know you are single so stop trying to hide it with fake wisdom."
"Well, maybe if this wasn't the fifth session about your problems I wouldn't keep offering the same advice," I retaliate in a voice a bit harsher than I intended and I can see Manuela stop in her tracks with watery eyes and quietly remark, "So that it. You actually don't care about my problems…"
"That's not what I said-"
"I knew it. Just like all the other men you get bored and don't listen. I'm old, unattractive, and also apparently a bore. What did I do to deserve this?" Manuela whimpers as she nurses the now ¾ filled wine bottle.
"None of what you said is true. You're still attractive, you have an incredibly interesting life, and I doubt you are a day over 29," I try to reassure her as Manuela seems on the verge of a breakdown and I can't think of anything more eloquent to say to end the matter quickly. All I wanted to do was to talk about some of my issues and get some feedback, and yet here I find myself being an emotional firefighter.
Manuela perks up immediately grinning, "Is that so? You find me attractive? That's so sweet."
"Uh, yeah. Your welcome, anyways-" I begin but Manuela stands up abruptly with a slight wobble and cuts me off, "You know what I think? As your therapist, I order you to find a date before our next session. Use some of your own advice, and if it works I'll try it out myself. Just like I tell my students; hard work and results are irrefutable marks of s-success," Manuela hiccups a bit as her face turns a pale shade of red.
"Perhaps you have had enough to drink and you haven't thought this through," I offer but Manuela puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head, "I have. You have a week to get a date. That's your assignment. And then you'll report back to me with how it went."
"How is a random date supposed to help me?"
"I'm sure it'll help your emotional growth since you barricade yourself in the infirmary so often. Also, it'll help me, so it's a win-win."
"Couldn't we just go on a date?" I plead to the buzzed professor but she rolls her eyes and responds, "Flattering, but how would I know your advice works properly? I need data that doesn't include myself to see that it works. Are you afraid to ask someone out?"
"I don't remember, definitely not recently. I've usually had something else on my mind," I note as my mind begins to think about Earth and my experiences and memories that dredge up feelings of remorse and sadness.
Manuela begins to giggle like a woman possessed, "I knew it! You're scared! Someone with your reputation as such a big criminal is scared of a little date! Hohoho, this is fantastic."
I put my hand out as if to mentally stabilize myself, "Whoa, hey now. I never said I was scared. That's not it-"
"Liar. You even said I was attractive, so I know you do feel attraction...unless you were lying?" Manuela dramatically pauses to take a swig of her bottle of wine, "So what is it? Did you lie to me to try or are you just running away?"
"Stop. No, I'm not running away and I didn't lie to you. I'll go on a date...just relax okay?" I plead to Manuela while motioning her to sit back down, but she remains standing confidently in the middle of the room.
"Good. With that now out of the way, how about sex? When was the last time?" Manuela casually asks to which I only babble out, "What?"
"Sex. You're a doctor so I don't think I have to explain it."
"I know what it is, but why you invested in knowing my sex life?" I defensively reply as Manuela goes on the offensive, "Because you choose me as your therapist and I need to know how you are handling yourself in all aspects. Socially, emotionally, and physically."
Not seeing any way to refute her drunken logic I respond, "I, uh, it's been a while."
"How long is 'a while'?" Manuela replies while intensifying her curious gaze on me, only making me feel more uncomfortable.
I begin to count on my fingers the years and ask her, "It's 1180 right?"
"Oh my god….You've been dry for five years?" Manuela nearly shrieks which I recoil into my chair from the sudden outburst and whisper out, "Actually it's closer to 6, I think? I ran out of fingers to count on…"
Manuela's jaw is wide open in shock, and for a few moments doesn't move a muscle before exclaiming, "That's...just sad."
"Please don't remind me. I'm open to the idea of dating and other relations, but it just hasn't come up, you know?" I stammer as I can feel an icy chill wash over my skin.
"Well, tonight we fix that. It's still early enough so we are going to the tavern in town. As your therapist and friend I can't let you live on like this," Manuela declares as she begins to bumble around looking for a clean overcoat to wear.
I now stand up and plead, "Aren't you being hasty? With your blood alcohol level, I doubt you are making a rational decision. Please reconsider."
Manuela lifts her gaze from the pile of clothes she is sifting through and replies, "I believe I heard you hadn't been intimate with anybody in over five years, did I hear that wrong?"
"Well, no but-"
"Then it's settled. I've never seen a man try to cockblock himself so hard. If this is what Faergus and Adrestia are afraid of than they severely overestimated you. All they have to do to stop whatever you are doing is send a beautiful woman your way and they'll reduce you to this," Manuela remarks as she gestures at my entire body in a dismissive way.
Feeling like I'm going to regret the answer I'm looking for I build up what courage I have left and ask, "What are you getting at?"
"I'm saying that you are afraid of commitment and a coward cause of it. Stop trying to keep yourself from a chance at being happy."
Ouch, that one hurt a bit. This is the truth deep down I've kept buried since seeing my former fiance not recognize me back on Earth. I literally got wiped out of existence to everyone I knew and loved, and in a sense, I gave up on it all after that. I didn't care when I was at the gallows in Fhirdiad and I've thrown myself into my work at the church to keep myself from really branching out, and it took an unfiltered Manuela of all people to point that out to me and make me look at myself. Even though being face to face with the reality of the situation still doesn't me any less scared or apprehensive about the whole idea of going out tonight.
"Okay. You win. I'll go out to the tavern with you, just don't pressure me too hard. I'll talk to people, but please don't force anything for me. Don't make it more awkward than it has to be," I express in a defeated tone and Manuela tilts her head from side to side, "We'll see. I want to see real effort out there, not you just drinking alone in a corner expecting something to happen. Now get your shoes on and go wait outside. I need to change."
Manuela shoes me away and I quickly get up and leave the cluttered mess of a space Manuela calls her room and wait in the torch-lit hallway quietly. I look around notice nobody is out and about walking so I decided to check my pocket watch for the time. 9:23 pm. I begin to pace around to help soothe my nerves. There isn't anything guaranteed to happen tonight yet I feel uneasy and like I'm sweatier than I should be.
I stop pacing after a few minutes and take a seat on the floor next to Manuela's door. I close my eyes to focus on my magical energy to help keep my attention somewhere that's not the conversation I had with Manuela. I begin to get lost in harnessing my focus, and while in my meditative state I feel something tap on my shoulder. I open my eyes and hear an authoritative voice ask, "Might I ask what you are doing on the ground outside professor Manuela's quarters at this time at night?"
"Evening Seteth, how are you?"
Seteth looks down at me with his hands neatly clasped behind his back giving him a rigid posture. His expression seems to be impassive with a hint of disappointment as he replies, "I am doing well, but do not evade the question, Mr. Capetillo."
"Manuela has taken it upon herself to take me into the town tonight." I lament, and in a knowing tone, Seteth responds, "I see. Do take caution then. There are many things you must keep in mind while out representing the church, and anything negative will reflect negatively upon Lady Rhea."
"I know. I appreciate what Lady Rhea has done for me, rest assured."
Seteth suspiciously eyes me, "I'll pray that you do. Farewell."
As Seteth makes his exit I call out, "Hey Seteth, one last thing."
He partially turns around and asks, "Yes?"
"Get some rest. I can see the bags under your eyes. You're no good to anyone when you're running on fumes."
Seteth pauses and turns back around to reflect for a moment before stating, "I appreciate your concern, Doctor. Thank you."
Seteth continues on his way through the dimly lit passage until he's out of sight and I go back to meditation. I refocus on the mental flame in my mind that represents my magical ability, something that's become second nature to find and attune myself to at this point. It's another thing I can't entirely explain as I never thought I would ever use magic in my life before this world, and now I have trouble thinking about how I would get by without it.
Being lost in my meditative trance my concentration is finally broken by the door next to me swinging open and Manuela singing out, "I'm ready! Let's go!"
I take a quick look at my pocket watch and see it read 10:12 pm. I look at Manuela who seems quite chipper, though definitely not completely sober judging by her cumbersome gait. It seems that she swapped out her usual green dress attire for an equally form-fitting white and red variant that shows off her generous assets while being paired with a thick and fluffy red scarf that covers her neck and is draped over her shoulders instead of the usual white overcoat she wears. Her make-up seems swapped out as well as going more traditional with strictly black eyeliner and red lipstick. Her hair meanwhile seems to be untouched.
I stagger to my feet and reply, "Alright, I'm ready if you are."
"I am and thank you for being so patient. I had to find the right garment for going out on the town."
I open my mouth to retort that it took nearly an hour, but I stop myself and just shake my head slightly as if might help evict the idea from my brain. I look to Manuela who comments, "Good answer. Seems you're learning."
"I've always been a quick study," I shoot back at her which manages to get a chuckle from her, "Okay Santos. We'll see if that bravado holds up."
We depart from the monastery grounds quickly enough passing a few guard patrols, to which a few turn their heads back to look at us. I know for a fact those gazes aren't for me as I look at Manuela's confident face that has a small smirk upon it. The woman knows how to rock her style that's for sure and certainly knows how to grab attention.
We arrive at the same tavern I had visited before with Alois and the crew of knights several weeks ago, and from the noise level, I can tell it's a bustling Sunday night at the bar. Manuela takes the lead as we wander into the tavern to notice most tables are filled with folks of all sorts. I can see knights of Seiros, merchants, common folk and a few others I can't quite pin their origin on as I scan the packed room.
Manuela nudges me and beckons me to follow her to the bar, so I do so while squeezing past a few drunk patrons. We arrive at the bar and Manuela points rapidly and makes a few hand signals to the bartender that I can barely follow, to which he nods and immediately springs into action.
"What did you order?"
"Something strong to start off the knight. Get your coin purse ready. It's rude to have a lady pay for the drinks," Manuela comments as she turns her back to the bar to observe the room.
I begrudgingly get out my coin purse replying, "Somehow I'm the one paying for the drinks when I didn't even want to be here in the first place. I feel like I've been bamboozled."
"Of course you have dear. You wanted to argue with a woman, who is also your therapist. You were destined to lose, so consider this punishment for the evening."
"Cause being here isn't punishment enough?" I loudly comment as I try to voice my opinion over the noisy tavern chatter.
"Hush now, just accept your defeat with some dignity. Oh, our drinks are ready!" the saucy songstress remarks as she grasps one of the large double shots and downs it one gulp. I grasp mine and mumble, "Bottoms up."
The drink was indeed strong. If one were to combine 190 proof Everclear with the taste of portobello mushrooms and body odor, you'd have this nasty concoction. I barely manage to choke the drink down and shout, "What the fuck was that?"
"Something to wake you up. Now, let's find a good table to begin chatting at," Manuela shouts back over the loud background noise. We both begin to look to see if we recognize anybody at the tables or see an open one, and before I can make a decision Manuela grabs my robe sleeve on the side of my body missing a limb and begins dragging me into the masses.
As we shuffle past people my eye catches a table where I swear I recognize a young red-haired man chatting up a pretty brunette girl, yet I can't quite remember where they seem familiar. From the looks of it, he's really trying to put on the charm as the girl seems enraptured by every word that falls from his mouth.
While being pulled past people and in the midst of my distraction I don't realize who is at the table until I inadvertently bump into it and grunt, "Ow."
I look at the denizens of the table and notice in the center is captain Jeralt looking like he's having a good time smiling and laughing. Seated next to the muscular former mercenary is the merchant Anna I remember from the last time we had drinking games, who was nice enough but a fairly money-hungry woman if memory serves me right. On the other side of Jeralt, I visibly frown as I spot Byleth sitting quietly and listening intently to the conversations around. The last 2 people I don't recognize on the ends is a fairly bulky man in worn combat leathers and shaved head seated next to Byleth, and next to Anna is a tall lithe woman with rich ebony skin, short black hair in several elaborate braids while dressed in lightweight red combat gear with a bow and quiver next to her leaning against her chair.
"Room for two more captain Jeralt?" Manuela seductively coos to which Jeralt motions to the seats replying, "Of course, join us for another round. We were just catching up about the old days."
"Yeah, didn't know boss here was a churchy guy," The big bulky dude bellows out as he takes a swig from his pint of mead.
"Yeah yeah, laugh it up. Oh, you two probably don't know everyone here, let me introduce you," Jeralt expresses as he points to the bulky guy first, "That lug over there is Victor," Then Jeralt points to the woman, "And that fine lady is Iomna. Both used to be part of my mercenary band with my daughter before I got brought back to the church."
"Yup, but the boss was kind enough to get us in contact with Anna to be caravan guards!" Victor roars with his drink in hand that sloshes about as he raises a fist in the air triumphantly.
"Well with such a good recommendation I would be foolish to turn down such quality employees," Anna comments while taking a sip of her brew.
Byleth and Iomna simply nod at the assertion, allowing for Manuela to interject, "Well that's quite fascinating. Jeralt, I'm sure you and your former companions have some interesting stories to tell. Care to share some?"
"Yeah boss, do it! How about the one in Kupala when you-"
Jeralt quickly cuts off Victor sternly saying, "A story certainly beats the talk we had earlier about the Western Church, I could use something more light-hearted and not politics. Definitely not the Kupala mission one in front of my kid. I do have standards, Victor. I was thinking about the one in Sreng about 3 years back."
"Yeah! Also, I'm empty," Victor sadly announces as he holds his mug upside down with an exaggerated frown.
"Here darling, let's go get you something a bit stronger," Manuela suggests which Victor dumbly nods and follows Manuela to the bar.
Jeralt and Anna watch with amusement at the exchange, while Byleth seems to be watching with curiosity, though Iomna seems much less than enthused as if almost frustrated as all she says in a thick accent, "Barbarian."
Jeralt and I chuckle at the woman's comment as Iomna continues to stare down the pair at the bar as they laugh and exchange words. Jeralt looks at me and explains, "Iomna is from a warrior clan on Morfis. She doesn't really speak the common tongue. I've picked up a bit of Morfese, but it's still dodgy. Still, she's great with a bow, an excellent tracker, and was my crew's cook for the past 3 years."
"Yes, the leader is right," Iomna confirms after taking a few moments to process the sentence.
"I think she's great. She's the most reliable mercenary I've ever hired outside of Jeralt," Anna comments as her eyes dart between all of us at the table.
"We have returned with drinks courtesy of Victor!" Manuela announces as she puts down a larger pitcher of ale on the table with a few extra cups and victor puts down a tray of shots.
"Yes, bahahaha!" Victor cheers at his slight achievement as Jeralt, Anna and I share a knowing glance.
"Alright, alright. Where to begin...so it started with a goat and a naked peddler…" Jeralt begins as the story starts to unfold itself. The story of his crew's antics fills me and everyone else at the table with great joy as he details how his mercenary crew had to capture a large sea lion that had been stealing jewels from passing merchant caravans. Victor added his two cents in every now and again through the story and Iomna simply nodded through most parts while Byleth remained seated and smiling at her father getting excited and elaborating about the adventure. Jeralt, as it turns out, is an excellent storyteller with his rugged gravelly voice that holds an air of gravitas that gives the story an extra feel of epicness.
With everyone drinking heavily through the first story we urge Jeralt to do another, which is kindly obliged and tells us of the time he traveled to the land of Albinea and had to win his stolen sword back in a game of poker. Just like the previous story, Jeralt is the life of the table by drawing everyone in with his unique perspective and careful pauses. The abundance of alcohol is making the story progressively harder to follow, but I'm finally enjoying myself.
The night seems to linger on as the tavern's patrons thin out a bit as Jeralt wrap up his last tale and says, "Alright, that's all you're getting out of me tonight kids. This old man has to work early in the morning. Say hi to Kayhr for me Anna, hope he gets over that sickness soon," Jeralt stands up and gives us a brief salute before walking his way toward the exit of the building.
"Oh, he's such a baby. I swear he just has the sniffles, yet he insisted on seeing a healer and I quote 'getting a full night's rest before active duty'. I told him that he should wear a face mask if he's going to fly his pegasus that fast," Anna sighs to which Iomna snorts and snickers, "Kayhr is a baby-man."
We all burst out laughing, even Byleth seems to crack a small smile and I barely manage to choke out, "Please stop, I can't laugh anymore."
"I am sorry, but it's true," Iomna responds so I quickly reply back, "Think nothing of it, still funny though."
The table immediately becomes quiet and I look around asking, "What?"
Everyone looks between each other and finally Manuela pipes up, "You didn't tell us you spoke Morfese? What a surprise?"
Thanks to Sothal I still can understand all spoken languages and reply in kind, though it doesn't feel any different when I talk. Magic still makes no sense to me most of the time, and times like this do not help my comprehension. My buzzed brain manages to get me to respond, "Well, naturally I do. I'm quite a decent scholar from what people tell me."
"That's putting it lightly. I'm pretty sure they don't even have a written language in the clans, but I could be wrong," Anna responds with a quick wink and continues, "Maybe you could come work for me instead of with the church. I could use a translator for international trade!"
"Eh, I appreciate the offer but I have responsibilities at the church I can't abandon," I reply to which Manuela quickly reaffirms, "Indeed. I can't have my top physician running around with a bunch of mercenaries and merchants. That'd be more work for me! Hahaha!"
Victor manages to laugh a bit too loudly at Manuela's comment as he's the most far gone of the group. Iomna looks at me and asks in her native tongue, "Where did you learn to speak it?"
With my drunk brain in full control, I playfully respond, "That's a secret so shhhhh," I place my finger in front of my lips to mimic shushing someone briefly and then chuckle to myself.
"Looks like poor Victor isn't the only one a little too far gone. Why don't you go outside and get some fresh air?" Manuela suggests with a wink. I nod and stand up from the table and clumsily make my way towards the exit leaving the loud banter of the surrounding denizens behind.
As I stumble into the outside where I can see some people hanging about chatting in the street I take the opportunity to stretch a bit and look up at the stars. Looking up at the stars still makes me wonder if maybe in some weird way the Milky Way galaxy is still out there somewhere floating through space as I can't see any constellations like the Big Dipper or Orion's Belt in the sky. I take up a spot leaning against the building to embrace the cold air and stare at the sky in wonderment.
As I'm lazily looking at the sky I hear a stern yet feminine voice next to me comment, "The stars are something everyone can understand. In my clan, they are said to represent our ancestors looking over us."
I look over to notice Iomna has taken a spot next to me against the building with her arms crossed and looking up at the sky. Now that I can see her standing up she is easily around 6 foot 2 or 6 foot three with a lean body that one would see in an Olympic sprinter or high jumper. A bit taken back by her sudden appearance I reply, "That's interesting. I like that thought. That your family and loved ones are watching over you. I hope mine is."
Iomna nods and hesitantly says, "You are the first person in these lands to speak my language fluently. It is strange hearing it from an outsider."
"I'm an outsider here in Fodlan too, so I understand that more than you know. Communication is essential if you want to make it anywhere from what I've learned. At least the right communication."
"Yes. I agree that we understand what it is like to stand out and be on the outside in this land. Communication is key, but there are more ways to communicate than simply talking with one another," Iomna comments and I simply nod my head and agree, "Ey truth to that."
"Follow me back to camp and I'll show you," Iomna suggests, yet my muddied mind can't quite place the lilt on her voice so I reply, "Sounds good, lead the way."
Waking up I feel the immediate effects of a massive hangover. The second thing I notice is that I'm strangely cold. I look around my immediate surroundings to notice that I'm naked in a large tent with blankets thrown about and a large sleeping mat. I look around and notice some basic gear and camping gear stuffed in the corner, and next to it I notice my bundle of robes and shoes. I shakily stand to my feet and walk over to my pile and begin the slow arduous process of getting dressed with a throbbing headache.
As I'm sifting through my gear I dig out my pocket watch and look at the time. 7:34 am.
"Well, shit. Looks like I'm late to the clinic," I muse to myself as I hurry my pace a bit.
I get my clothes on pretty quickly and exit the tent and notice I'm not too far from the monastery and just outside the village grounds. I look around and notice many other carts, wagons, and carriages in the area with many different assorted goods from metal to produce. More directly in front of me is a campfire with Anna in front of it trying to warm her hands as the cool spring breeze isn't quite forgiving in the mountains.
I approach the shivering redhead and ask, "So, uh, how did last night go?"
Anna jumps slightly at my sudden presence and turns to me with a look of amusement, "Oh it was fun. You don't remember much do you?"
With the mischievous face, Anna is giving I groan, "Okay, what did I do? What happened?"
Anna shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly as she begins to pace around the fire commenting, "Oh nothing really. I stayed and had a few more drinks with the rest. Byleth scurried off soon after you left and I carried Victor back to camp in a wheelbarrow. Good times."
"Yeah, but how did I end up naked in a tent? I need to know what kind of damage control I need to prepare for with my blackout," I desperately ask which only seems to fuel the sprightly merchant's ego.
"Ah, of course. That. Well, when I came back to camp you and Iomna were here just finished making a fire, and then you both went back into her tent. And, being the curious person I am decided to take a peek."
"I have a feeling I'm going to dread whatever you're going to tell me next."
Anna's smirk becomes more pronounced as she continues, "Oh it was interesting all right. Both of you naked on the ground, huddled close together, with her teaching you sign language."
"Okay listen- wait. what?" I reply as I don't know how to process that tidbit of information, but Anna nods to confirm, "Yup. She was teaching you her tribe's sign language. She's taught me a bit as well."
"That's...nice. But why were we naked?"
"She sleeps in the nude, duh. As for you, I think it's because you spilled alcohol on your robes and were so far gone you didn't care," Anna explains as I take a tentative sniff of my robes and instantly recoil from the putrid aroma. Yeah definitely spilled something on my robes, and I'm pretty sure it's that alcohol Manuela got me at the bar last night. At least it's dry now.
"Ah okay, that's good. I should be getting back to the monastery. The clerics at the infirmary are probably wondering where I'm at so I'm just going to go if there's nothing else…"
"Sounds good, see you around!" Anna shouts with a wave as I make my way out of the merchant's camp while occasionally looking over my shoulder only to see Anna's smiling face look back at me. Maybe drinking and therapy with Manuela needs some further thought on my end, and perhaps some self-restraint is in order too considering the damn near nuclear potency of some of the alcohol around here.
About 30 minutes later I'm back in Garreg Mach in a fresh pair of undergarments and robes about to enter into my infirmary about an hour late from when I would usually enter, and I didn't even stop by the dining hall to grab breakfast. Emergency rations it seems is my go-to again.
With the door open I stride into the room and see two clerics on duty with one going over a knights symptoms with what appears to be a cold and the other is doing inventory. The younger girl doing inventory, I think her name is Naria, and she quips, "Oh, you've returned, Doctor Capetillo! I trust everything is alright?"
"Mhmmm. Sorry for being tardy. Did I miss anything?"
The brunette girl taps the quill she's holding against her lips and drawls, "I don't think so. We are a little low on some herbs, but I sent Sheila on her way to the market to retrieve them just like you told us to do on the inventory sheet if it gets too low. Oh! Seteth came by earlier asking for you. He came to fetch you to see Lady Rhea."
"Was it a 'you're in trouble' or a 'we just want to check in' kind of vibe?" I nervously ask my assistant who recalls, "Hard to say with the holy advisor. He's a difficult man to read, but he did say that you should report as soon as possible."
I nod and concede, "Well I don't want to keep the boss waiting. You two have it under control until I get back? Also, how's the sign coming along?"
"Oh it's going well, I'm almost finished!" My other clerical assistant replies as she fetches a portrait off the counter that depicts the pink-haired girl from the Golden Deer house on it with a big circle and slash through it. She's tried to skip out on training more since her initial attempt to hide, and had gotten smart about avoiding my hours in the clinic so I decided to put out a wanted poster so that my newer clerics wouldn't be fooled.
"Good. Get that up as soon as possible. Also, if she does come in please tell me her reaction," I say with a wry smile as I make my way out the door and hear both medical assistants cheerily reply, "Understood doctor!"
Happy with the progress and autonomy the clerics have had under my relatively brief tutelage is welcoming, though the next event does worry me slightly. I'm usually never called to meet with Rhea, at least never on an urgent matter. I'm far from the top of the food chain when it comes to advising so I can only surmise one thing from the ordeal. It's going to be troublesome, and if I'm lucky it'll just be for the hour tardy to the clinic this morning, yet my instincts tell me that's purely wishful thinking.
A/N: AHHHH! DLC is currently out and I'm grinding it like I'm on fire to see what I need to supplement my outlines and future chapters with. Spoiler: It's good so far and I'm definitely using elements from it in the story, and it's just in time too, considering where we are at plotwise. Also, the new characters are great! Favorite so far is Yuri, which shocked me, but he's a lovable scoundrel and I really dig his sarcasm. Hapi is a close 2nd, but I think they are well written and have great designs. In all I've completed the DLC side story and right now I'm trying to finish support conversations :D
As for this chapter I was looking to expand a bit more into character depth as I can tell it doesn't really push the plot forward too much, but it's a setup for a mini-arc coming soon which will be a mix of intrigue and action. So stay tuned for that. This fic is in it for the long haul as I have plans for quite a bit before, during and a bit after the 5-year skip and war arc. Goes without saying I'm excited and I doubt anybody is going to guess what I'm cooking up.
Another big update! Stolen Remedy now has official artwork in the thumbnail! Great thanks go out to chabibit/NineMuzes (author of the webtoon comic Beloved Unloved) for designing it! Now, some of you may have some questions about the implications of the picture, and trust me when I say, it's 100% plot-relevant. It may or may not be spoiled yet ;)
That's all the major announcements, so onto your feedback!
Review Response:
Greyjedi449t: Thanks for the continued support. I appreciate it. Anyways, I was hoping that'd be a surprise. Always the 4D chess game going in the background to secure better pawns...
VGBlackwing: Interesting thoughts as a mid-boss/support, which I would agree. I was just using Hanneman/Manuela's stats as a comparison since they are both magic casters and teach. A solid point though. And yeah, magic jammers (i.e. runes which I've highlighted use before in prison cells) are definitely a thing. If giant pillars of light can nuke people from orbit, then I fully believe that magic should be mutable in some sort of way. I spent way too long debating how to tweak the magic system while staying true as possible to source material back when originally drafting this. Fun stuff.
Guest: Alright, let's break this down and see if I can lay to rest the complaints (assuming you've read this far into the story and just now have a gripe). People of Fodlan have a legitimate reason to hate the MC, Santos, for what he's been accused of and done. Using position and liberties to practice sketchy blood magic to teleport across dimensions and return...has consequences, to say the least, and I'm not just talking about all the people he turned into demonic beasts in the backlash of the spell. The common rabble doesn't think too highly of that behavior, especially when it's played up by the nobility. Plus, he feels guilty for his actions. He knows what he did, that's why he's accepting the hatred. That's just my primary example, so hopefully, that explains some of my thought processes when writing this character. Anyways, thanks for the critique and hope that the rest of the story has been enjoyable for you!
SyncroX: I was hoping it would be a surprise! As for Edelgard being alone late at night...remember that she has nightmares and can't sleep? This alludes to what you can discover via Black Eagles route and the supports she has with Byleth. As for the reasoning behind the assault? Use your imagination, but an answer in the later chapters will come :)
Warlord of Chaos: Ha, indeed! Allegiances are definitely murky here as people position themselves for a power grab. Solon has his role to play here with his new interest. As for a relic for Sothal? Now wouldn't that be interesting, hmmmmm. As for stats, he has shown he's a magical nuker and versatile healer but has some physical drawbacks that holding him out from being the true #1 in terms of viability. He's got his niche, and I wouldn't consider him weak (at least not magically lol). Thanks for reading and your English is fine!
Alright, that wraps up this week! Lastly, I'd like to thank the readers as this story now has over 200 followers (lol what?)! When I planned this as a challenge to myself to improve my writing I didn't think it'd grow in the way it did initially. So, thanks again for those who read silently and to those who give supports and/or critique. I take it all in stride.
Next Chapter: 2/21-2/23
Have a wonderful day!
