Summary: Timeline- rewind- between taking Fhirdiad and helping the alliance with Deirdru
Notes: long chapter but i don't want to split it up
-wanted to give some time to my other lions as well- enjoy
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text 29Dimitri was a bundle of nerves when he watched her leave at Rodrigue's side. He wanted to go with them, but there were things he had to take care of before they left. If all went well, they would be back in a few days. Byleth would be able to pulse to keep everyone safe and that was the worst worry that he had. He didn't want another comrade dying if he could help it. She left Guren there to guard him, much to the wolf's protests. Her argument had been that she had pack to protect her, but he had to get a nest of snakes out of the den before it was truly safe to call it home. Guren relented and said he'd drag out as many as he could.
Gilbert was helping him with the tasks and preparations. Thankfully because of everyone's hard work the night before most of the more mundane tasks were complete. She had written most of the letters that were being sent out that he had dictated to her and had him sign. It was difficult to know she was far away and in danger, but she could take care of herself. He had grown used to her being there beside him, at least if they didn't see each other in the day they had the night together. He found that he couldn't sleep. His thoughts kept drifting to her. There were two options, he could go do more work or he could train. Considering training was his better source of stress relief, he opted for that option. He saw Yuri in the hallway talking with someone.
"Thank you. If you hear any more whispers, please come find me. Cornelia hurt one of my friends and I intend on making those that sided with her pay." Yuri said before he turned his attention to Dimitri. "You know, roaming the castle at night is not the safest thing for someone in your position to be doing. "
Dimitri pointed down to Guren. "Anything I can't handle, he should be able to."
Yuri chuckled. "It is interesting to see a wolf walking around. Can't sleep, I take it?"
Dimitri nodded.
"There's a lot of responsibility we carry when we take the mantle of leader, the weight that comes from knowing that people depend on us, and the bonds of those that we don't want to lose at any cost. Then there are the ghosts of the ones that we fail to protect. Those wounds always cut the deepest. She'll come back to us. She's too stubborn to get herself killed." Yuri said.
"That notebook you write in. What you said that day was very insightful. I had been harboring the burdens and regrets of the dead as an obligation to them. As the one left behind, I felt I had to do something, but it became too much and I lost myself to it." Dimitri said.
Yuri paused. "I can see how it would happen. The best thing you can do is move forward and make sure that their deaths helped accomplish something. It might be somewhat selfish, but it's better than the thought that they died in vain."
Dimitri nodded. "Thank you Yuri."
"Anytime, friend. Where you headed so late at night?" Yuri said.
"Training grounds." Dimitri replied.
"I am one for needing my beauty sleep, however I get the feeling that you might not want to spar alone. I know I'm not her, but I can make it a good fight at least." Yuri said.
"Thank you Yuri, I'd appreciate that." Dimitri responded.
"Just try not to aim for my face alright?" Yuri said before turning around to head for the training grounds.
"I think I can manage that." Dimitri said. He tried to keep himself from smiling. It was nice to have someone not put up their barriers with their words. Yuri was treating him as an equal, as a friend and that meant more to him than he realized. Sylvain had finally started to relax and call him by his name. Felix would still call him boar, but that was alright with Dimitri because he was the only one that Felix would give a "pet name" to.
He knew by her calculations they should be almost at Arianrhod and he had excused himself from the council and started pacing in his room. There was more work to be done, but it could wait a few moments. He felt it like a burning sensation in his heart when it happened and his head burst into a headache. His breath came in pants as he kneeled on the floor. She had just used a pulse. The battle had started. Guren had come up to him with a worried expression.
"The goddess that let you speak, she connected Byleth's power to me. The battle has started." Dimitri said.
Guren nodded and laid in his lap as he let Dimitri pet him. The wolf wouldn't admit it but the pets soothed his nerves and he knew that Dimitri was worried too. It was mutual and welcomed. A second pulse came about fifteen minutes later. A third shortly after that. Dedue had knocked on his door. "Would you like something to eat your highness?"
Dimitri sighed. He hadn't eaten since she left. She would scold him if she knew. "Yes, come in Dedue." The door opened before Dedue brought in a tray. He placed a plate with a single piece of meat down near Guren's nose. The other plate and bread he handed to Dimitri.
"She will come back to us Your Highness. She has always had an uncanny way around the battlefield. Rodrigue couldn't be in better hands. Gilbert is looking for you. I told him after you eat I will tell you to meet him in the office."
"Thank you Dedue." He was about to pick up the bread before his head rang again. Goddess….
"Are you all right Your highness?" Dedue asked.
"Headache. It will fade shortly." Dimitri replied, picking up the food and stuffing it in his mouth, just so Dedue wouldn't worry more. That was four. It was after five that she started to fatigue. He should have went with them and left Rodrigue here….. no he had to trust them. He couldn't do everything himself.
Dedue pet Guren as he licked up the plate. "He's extremely well behaved." Dedue noted.
"He is more intelligent than he seems." Dimitri said. He ate the rest of the food, expecting another pulse. He had noticed that when he was close to her, it wasn't this bad. It might be because he was caught within the spell. With their distance, that might be why it was affecting him so. As more time passed he found himself relaxing. Perhaps they had found victory. He rose to go find Gilbert.
Byleth didn't want to admit how much leaving on a mission without him bothered her. She had gotten used to him being a constant. She took a deep breath. She couldn't daydream on the battlefield. She had put gauntlets on, not only to protect the ring, but to keep her hands warm. The turtleneck covered her arms chest and midsection. She had also been offered black pants to wear over her usual attire, which she had accepted. The horse beneath her was a dark grey and followed Rodrigue with a quick canter. It felt different compared to the rides she had had before, the terrain here in Faerghus had a lot more rocks and rough patches.
Ashe, Ingrid, Sylvain, Felix, Lysynthia, Linhardt, and Petra had all agreed to come with them. Most of them were all on their flying mounts. Ashe and Linhardt followed on their war horses. Felix had argued that unlike the others he wasn't a mounted unit, but she had insisted because she would need someone at her speed to stay near her as the others advanced. She also hoped this would be a time for Rodrigue to acknowledge how much his son had grown and his prowess for battle. He had asked to wear his normal attire rather than the dancer's outfit. It never seemed to bother him before to have it on, but she wouldn't argue if it meant having his company. He was on a horse for the time being to keep pace with the others. She had debated on taking Yuri, but even though Abyss was a different kind of kingdom he would still be useful to Dimitri. Also with his sources of spies in the kingdom would be able to find traitors in their mist faster than anyone else.
Byleth caught Rodrigue, glancing at his son from time to time. He had been quiet for most of the journey. "I'm surprised that he would let you out from his sight so readily." Rodrigue finally said.
"Knowing him, he's fretting over my safety while he's trying to concentrate, but he would worry more if I wasn't here." She said.
"Why is that I wonder?" he asked her.
"When have I ever led a battle where my allies haven't come back home?" Byleth replied.
Rodrigue chuckled. "Yes, you have an uncanny knack for that. The battle at the Valley of Torment, we weren't even needed. You had guided everyone spectacularly. Every battle that we've shared with you has been a wonder to watch."
"You heard Seteth. The goddess is on our side. She hasn't steered my intuition wrong yet. We both want every ally we care about to make it home and bring us closer to peace." Byleth said.
Rodrigue nodded. "Yes, I had found that conversation interesting, but it wasn't my place to pry."
"The reason Rhea chose me is that Sothis has attached herself to my soul for lack of a better explanation. I can use her power sometimes, but as you saw, it came with a price." She said.
"I see. Well, it is good to hear that the Goddess is on Faerghus' side. As a person, I'm glad she chose you. I still need to thank you. I've never seen His Highness like this. From my understanding, you kept the promise I gave to his father while I wasn't there to do it myself. For that, I am grateful." He said.
"I did it because he deserves it, not out of obligation. He's always been plagued by doubts and fears. I wanted to free him of those chains." She said.
"None the less, I thank you. I hope it's not too presumptuous of me, but since you lost your father as well you may come to me if you ever have a problem." He said.
Byleth gave him a sideglance. "How are you so good with other people yet anytime you and Felix go near each other it seems that a fight is inevitable?"
Rodrigue sighed. "I've always been too hard on him. It doesn't surprise me that he resents me. He does look so much like his brother that it hurts, but he has the complete opposite attitude that his brother does. He doesn't understand what being the Shield of Faerghus means."
"Felix may not show emotions all that often. He often seems untouchable. He usually isn't happy unless he holds a weapon in his hands because he lets his weapon do the talking for him. Watching him Sylvain, and Dimitri at the monastery, it has been nice seeing how close they've gotten again. He doesn't mince words and he's got a calm intellect that I trust. Abrasive as he can sometimes be he is an ally that I will always trust at my back." She said before giving a smile to Felix who was behind them riding with Ashe and Linhardt. Felix narrowed his eyes at her.
"You will make a wonderful Queen Byleth. I am happy to be able to know you. Please keep taking care of both my boys." Rodrigue said.
Byleth nodded before twisting the reins to join the others.
"You and my father have been chatting happily." Felix noted.
Byleth shrugged. "Simple conversation really."
Linhardt nodded. "It is really amazing how easily people open up to you, Professor. I also haven't had the chance to ask you about the power you displayed at the bridge. Was that power from your crest?"
Byleth sighed. She might as well bring everyone together for a meeting so she didn't have to keep repeating herself at this rate. "No it's part of the Goddess's gift that I received at the Sealed Forest. Her power and influence has only gotten stronger in the past years."
Lindhard nodded. "I see. While I don't want you to push yourself because of the toll it takes, I would love it if you'd let me run some tests with that power to determine how strong it truly is."
Byleth nodded. "I'll think about it. I have a question for you, Linhardt, about the crests. The goddess showed me something the other night that might help in your research."
"Do go on." Linhardt said, bringing his horse up to hers. She had his attention now.
She debated on how to word it. "Nemesis killed Sothis and took the power of the crests. They were never given. Every relic is made from the bones of her and her most devout that she gave her power to." There that kept her children out of it, while still being efficient enough to get the information across. It wasn't a lie either. Her children worshiped had her after all.
"Hmmm, now that is interesting. That would explain why the crest of flames was dormant for so long. If Nemesis was the one that killed her and took the power it would make sense that only the one touched by the goddess herself would gain that crest. This is a groundbreaking revelation professor. The other crests then, if Nemesis gave that power to his elites than that would mean…..why would the Church say that they were gifts when they were stolen?' Linhardt asked.
Ash nodded. "Yeah that does seem odd doesn't it?"
Felix tsked. "So even the system itself is rotten at its core."
"Did you see perchance how Nemesis obtained this power?" Linhardt asked.
"Yes, but for my safety and the other crest bearers I must keep that secret Linhardt." Byleth replied.
Linhardt nodded. "Sorry, yes that does make sense. So the noble system was meant to protect those that had the power then?"
Ashe pondered on that a moment. "Well even though it was stolen after it was gifted, the crests still came from the Goddess's power. I imagine that the first rulers of the church felt that those who carried it were still blessed because they could use it or something to that variety."
Felix nodded. "I can see the church doing something like that."
"Thank you. It's nice to discuss this with a group." Byleth said.
Ashe smiled at her. "You don't have to carry the burden alone Professor. It's an honor that you trust us with those kind of secrets. What is she like, the Goddess?"
"That outfit I wore is hers. Her hair is a darker green than mine, but her frame is that of a child's, her temperament like that sometimes too. Snarky would be an apt description, but she cares deeply. I probably look like an older version of her if that gives you any idea. She does remind me of a certain someone. She'd fall aleep often in the beginning right in the middle of a conversation." Byleth said.
Linhardt huffed at that. "Yes, well, I can't help it. Speaking of sleep, we're getting close to our destination, but it's going to get dark soon."
Byleth nodded before she turned to Felix. "Know any good spots around here to make camp?"
Felix raised an eyebrow at that. "Why ask me?"
"Because you know the area and I trust your instincts." She replied.
Felix looked away, Byleth could swear there was a small blush across his face.
"It may have been better to take the Silver Maiden before Fhirdiad, based on its location, we are actually closer to Garrag Mach than you think." He said.
"I had given some thought to that plan, but we needed to get rid of Cornelia and seize power there so they didn't send their remnants north instead. Taking the Silver Maiden shouldn't be a problem. Hubert was injured at the bridge so we shouldn't have to worry about him, and because we dragged Gwendal and his men to the Valley of Torment it shouldn't be as manned. Edelgard was also hoarding all of her troops in Merceus. If she is sending reinforcements, we should be able to get there, take it, and get the knights of Serios as well as what's left of House Rowe to protect it. Ashe, can I trust you to get the minor lords of Gaspard on our side as well?" Byleth said
Ashe looked at her wide-eyed. "I'm only his adopted son. They won't listen to me."
Byleth turned to him. "You have the King's name behind yours. I'm not sure if he's told you yet Ashe, but Dimitri planned on asking you to make a choice between becoming part of the Lionguard or take Lenato's place as Gaspard's lord."
"But professor, I don't have a crest, I'm just a commoner." Ashe protested.
Byleth gave him a small smile. "A commoner with one of the best hearts we know. You should know by now that neither he nor I care about your birth or anyone elses for that matter. To him people have three categories. You are a friend, an enemy, or someone he has to be civil to. "
Felix snicked at that, but looked away the moment he noticed she caught him. She turned back to Ashe. "Would it be wise to rest in Gaspard's territory?"
Ashe nodded. "I think so. Also would it be ok if I checked up on my siblings?"
Byleth nodded. "Yes you may Ashe."
It was easy to get the minor lords under their banner. Without a leader, they didn't have a chance against Cornelia's men and with house Rowe defaulting to the Empire's side they had little choice in the matter. The fact that Dimitri was in Fhirdiad and that this small force had been sent to take back what was the only empire force in the Kingdom gave them hope. They knew that punishment was for allowing themselves to be strong-armed into this position, but they were willing to accept those consequences. They stayed in Lenato's old mansion for the night. Byleth had noticed that Ashe seemed more off-put than usual, but his demeanor had changed after he had talked and made sure that what was left of his family was alright.
She had found him in the kitchens later making the meal for everyone. If there was one thing she knew about Ashe is that he liked to cook, but it was also his comfort zone. Like Felix and the training ground the kitchen was Ashe's place to go.
"Would you like some help?" Byleth asked.
Ashe jumped. "Oh Professor, um yeah, that'd be nice."
She came into the room, rolled up her sleeves, and washed her hands. They had worked in the kitchen many times before. She was usually her chosen cook for the monthly meals. They didn't need to speak. He would put items near her cutting board and she would just wordlessly start chopping up what he gave her.
"I hope I didn't seem ungrateful earlier professor." He finally said. She hmmed, and he took a deep breath. "It took me by surprise was all. I've always dreamed of being a knight, and the Lionguard are the ones closest to the king. Usually, only elite nobles are allowed to join and are traditionally known as the sword, the shield, and the lance of Faerghus. I don't even wield any of those weapons and I'm just a commoner. I'm not worthy of such an honor."
Byleth heard the crack in his voice and saw the tears that he didn't let fall in that last sentence. "Your birth does not determine your worth Ashe. It's your actions that speak for you. He respects you just as much as you respect him." She smiled. " Plus I can see the stories now, Ashe the bow of Fearghus, able to snipe His Majesties enemies at a distance before they can bring him harm. If you'd rather stay here in this mansion, I can imagine you giving everyone that lives here a wonderful ruler to follow."
Ashe started crying then, and Byleth sighed. She still wasn't sure if these were happy or sad. It was so rare to see a frown on Ashe's face, but to see him cry…. It shook her a bit more than she wanted to admit. Of all her lions, she had to rescue him the most on the battlefield. His aim was second to none and he was able to take down any enemy he put his mind to, but he was also the most vulnerable with his low defense. He was her best bow knight, but more than that he was her sweet grey lion. Between him and Annette, they were always able to put a smile on everyone's faces.
She wasn't used to touching anyone before Dimitri, but because of him, she knew how much comfort it gave. She put a hand on Ashe's shoulder. "You aren't alone, Ashe. You're strong and kind. I'm happy to know you, and we will help you make your dream come true. All you have to do is keep being the wonderful person you are."
Ashe looked up at her then, before wiping his eyes and giving her a wide smile. "Thank you professor. It… it means a lot coming from you. I'm sorry you had to see me like that."
She gave him a small hug. "Just don't go using more honorifics on me, please. I've gotten used to Professor. It's almost an endearment coming from all of you. I'm not looking forward to the whole how are you doing your grace, makes me wonder how they'll refer to me at the court. I am not looking forward to that."
Ashe gave her a small smile. "You know Dimitri asked if I could call him by his name, but it always seemed disrespectful to do so, but maybe there's more to it than that. Only his friends are the ones who would even say his name. Everyone would just use the title. I imagine it gets annoying after a while, to feel that you're only worth the title people call you by….may I call you by your name professor? I'll try to do the same with Dimitri too."
Byleth nodded. "Yes Ashe, I'd love that, and so would he."
Ashe's smile got even wider. "Well then Pro..Byleth, let's get the rest of this food made and served. We have a busy day tomorrow." The blush made his freckles stand out and she chuckled.
"Just be sure you try to call Dimitri by his name too. If he finds out that you are using mine but not his it will deflate him by quite a bit. That's all he's ever wanted from all of you, to be treated as a friend." Byleth said as she went back to her chopping.
Ashe looked down then, disappointment crossing his face. Byleth cursed silently. This was why she would generally stay silent and let people untangle the thoughts in their minds by speaking with her.
"I think we all knew that, and yet it's drilled into our heads to respect the ones above us. Ingrid was complaining about how she had already had a drink when you two came back, and she used his name instead of his title. She was embarrassed over the slip and despairing about it while we worked, like it was the worst sin she could have committed." Ashe said before returning to work, taking the ingredients she had chopped and starting to put them in a large pot as he turned the heat on.
"He wouldn't make a big deal over it. It's not his way, but I imagine it had made him happy." She replied.
Ashe nodded. "I will try, but I can't make any promises."
Byleth smiled. "Just do what you feel is best. That has never steered you wrong before."
They made the rest of the meal with small chatter. He had asked her about the proposal, saying that the girls wanted to hear the story and she said she'd talk about it over food if they were all interested, but she couldn't fathom why. Sure enough, the moment everyone was gathered at the table for food they started peppering her with questions. She had shook her head as she closed her eyes and went over the wording Dimitri had used with a smile. The girls were smiling and nodding and Sylvain was surprised at how well Dimitri did.
"I think I lost my appetite over all the fluff." Felix grumbled.
Byleth grinned at him. "And how would yours be any better? It would probably start with how you don't want to lose your sparring partner. I bet I would even have to force you to make you say I love you."
Felix slammed his hand on the table as he rose up, glaring at her, a blush creeping over his face as Sylvain burst out laughing beside him. "You!..." He turned to Ashe. "Do they have a sparring area in here?"
Ashe nodded. "Yes, second floor across from the baths."
"You and me second floor now!" Felix seethed back at her.
"Food first and then sure. I could use a spar to tucker me out before sleep." Byleth said, taking another bite.
Felix's jaw twitched before he sat back down and went back to his plate. "Fine."
Rodrigue glare at Felix. "Felix, that is no way…."
"It's alright, Rodrigue." Byleth Interjected.
Rodrigue gaped at her. He opened his mouth to say something then set it in a firm line before continuing to eat.
Byleth finished eating as Felix continued to glare as he finished up his. She noticed his agitation. He might look calm to the others but she knew the signs.
"Thank you Ashe. It tasted lovely." Byleth said before she grabbed a paper out of her bag. "Tomorrow we head to battle in Arianrhod. Getting inside might be the tricky part but once there we should be able to take it fairly easily. Felix you'll be staying near me, as the only two units on foot we will need to watch out for each other. Sylvain and Ingrid I'll want you both to go north. Lysinthia, Petra, and Rodrigue to the south. Ashe and Linhardt will be staying in the center with us so we can send you towards the north or south as we need you for a quick hit or a heal. Take a look and memorize the map before we go. Rodrigue, depending on the amount of enemies I may send you elsewhere, but because of the fliers we should be able to cover the best range of attack."
"Understood Professor." Ingrid had said.
Rodrigue had nodded. "It's a sound good plan."
Byleth nodded and started walking towards the stairs. "Are you coming Felix? It was your challenge after all."
He had stood up and was going over the map. "I'll be right behind you."
Byleth turned as she heard Sylvain start snickering. Felix growled something at him before he turned to follow her. She chose a training sword and waited for Felix, taking a few practice swings and stretching. Felix came in, picked a sword, tested it, and faced her.
"Why the boar of all people?" he snarled as he swung his sword. She could tell the anger he was holding back. She had sparred with him enough to know.
"That isn't what's bothering you." She said as she blocked his hit.
Felix gripped the hilt of the sword tighter. "I'm irritated at how on the mark what you said is. You are a good sparring partner. If I did think about a future with you that would be the biggest reason that I'd want to keep you. You know me better than anyone else. I want to stay near you, but I don't want to be a knight. I'm not my brother. And the Boar when he's with you…. I can't even protect you because he has been that good to you."
"And yet I'm trusting at my back tomorrow, not as a knight, but as our friend. He is not an enemy Felix. I've been working with him to try to tone done on the bloodthirst. I won't fully suppress it, that rage needs an outlet. I saw what you warned me about Felix. I know the beast that lurks inside him, but I tamed it as best I could and the more we trust the more it calms. " Byleth said.
They exchanged hits in silence for a few heartbeats. She could tell that his concentration wasn't all there. He was thinking about what she said.
"And yet knowing what he is you still accept him." Felix said, not as a question but as a fact, his voice was calmer. The sharp edge she was used to. Everyone always said they got along so well because they both weren't good with emotions. Felix had them, it just took someone who paid enough attention to know. When he wasn't being a jerk, he knew how to be nice.
"That's what being someone's partner means." Byleth said. She parried another hit, dodging underneath it to attempt to get a blow to his side. He twisted and blocked and then they were on again, exchanging hits as the sound of wood echoed in the room. She caught him off guard as he was lost in thought and took it. Her blade at his throat. "I do love him, I will be busy with my job, but I am always happy to spar with you Felix." She said, retreating the blade and stepping back.
"I am tired of losing people. All of this time spent getting stronger, only to duel a corpse. Every time we spar, it reminds me of my spars with my brother. I was never able to beat Glenn, not once."
"You finally have your answer then?" Byleth asked.
He looked at her then. "I suppose I have, but now it's more than that. I have someone else I can aspire to and I don't want the boar taking you away from himself. I want to get stronger so I can protect you too. You and everyone else. You had said that night that we were your family in arms. Gah, I can't do all this mushy crap, it's not me I'm sorry."
Byleth giggled at him, a wide smile spreading across her face. "I wouldn't want you to. You start doing that and I'd better find Manuela for you." She teased.
He looked away with a huff, but she could see the blush creeping on his face. He did care, he cared about all of them, even if he didn't want to admit it. She raised her sword and got into her stance.
"Ready to try again? This time with a clear head, it's no fun fighting you distracted. No matter what path you choose Felix I can always make time to spar with you and help you get stronger and achieve that goal of yours."
"You're on." He said, advancing.
Tonight he was finally going to beat her in a match. He would keep getting stronger. She had earned his respect and that alone was worth keeping her safe for. The boar had gotten better with her around. He was still vicious on the battlefield, but it was no longer the reckless abandon he used to have. He moved his blade with purpose now. He listened. As much as Felix didn't want to admit it Dimitri was shedding that Boar persona more and more and becoming more like the King of lions that he should be. How much was she going to change and influence them all?
Like Sylvain, he had wanted to throttle Count Klieman for insulting her, and that was more of one of the Boar's thoughts. It wasn't like him. He hadn't even thought of proposing to her, but the scene she had painted with her words hit too close to home. Was he that afraid to open up that he would have to force the person he liked to pry those three words from his lips? His mind stopped wandering as her blade got too close to smacking him again. He wasn't one for being sentimental, so what the hell was wrong with him?
"Focus Felix, jealousy will get you nowhere." She said.
Him jealous, of the boar? After Glenn's death when it was only Dimitri that came back he could barely stand to look at him. His father had doted on Dimitri, comforted him, treated him more as a son then Rodrigue did Felix. Then when he saw the pleasure on Dimitri's face that day when he cut through that battle it had made him sick. His brother had died for an animal, and his father wouldn't believe him if he tried to tell him about it. Everyone had loved the little prince and ignored the beast lurking behind the mask. During the academy days he could see the lust that he tried to hide behind that puppy dog gaze Dimitri would give the Professor. He could hear the animal in his room some nights trying to be quiet, but those grunts and moans were unmistakable, especially with walls that thin.
When Dimitri had snapped at the Holy Tomb he had shown everyone the beast lurking beneath. Then he had seen the marks on Byleth that day and it took every ounce of his will to march to the training grounds and obliterate the training dummy in front of him, wishing he could smack the boar around for hurting her instead. Then the battle at Garrag Mach happened and he had to knock the boar out to get him to retreat. Until they reunited five years later that had been the last time he had seen him. The boar he knew now, as much as he hated to admit it, Dimitri reminded him of Glenn. He had enjoyed the comradery that Dimitri, he, and Sylvain shared now. Felix had found less reasons to be snappy towards him.
He parried her blade and for once it was him who had it at her throat, finally, a victory for him. "I finally got one."
She smiled at him, panting from the training session. "That you did. Just means I'm going to have to keep my guard up."
"I look forward to the next match." Felix said.
"For now try to sleep. I need you sharp tomorrow." She said as she put the blade away and went out the door, towards the rooms Ashe said they could use.
Dimitri glared at all of the paperwork stacked on his desk. Based on when the report came in Byleth, and the rest should be arriving back tomorrow morning. He wanted to finish what he was able so he could spend some time with her. There was a part of his that still felt bad for sending her out with just that small group. It had all gone well, but if they needed to fight, he would be beside her the next time. He yawned and stretched.
"Now there's a rare sight." Byleth said from the door and he jumped. Guren came up to her with a wagging tail. She bent down and laid her forehead against his for a moment before rising back up.
"You aren't supposed to be here until tomorrow." He relaxed and rubbed his face. "I think all of this work is just catching up to me. Just pretend that yawn never happened. I need to thank you for taking Arianrhod for us. Rodrigue praises that you were exceptional. It seems that after taking back Arianrhod, many things are changing within the kingdom. Specifically, the lessor lords around that area have pledged vassalage to the kingdom. I hear that it's no small part on you and Ashe for that. The knights they now possess can be added to the kingdom's army and if that happens I'd like to leave them in your capable hands. Also ah my apologies, I seem to be throwing one report after another to you. Sorry, it's been a rough couple of days. I hope your experience was better."
"Yes, you must be overdoing it. I haven't even gotten a welcome back kiss from you yet." She teased, coming over to him.
He chuckled at that. "Perhaps. It is true that I've been stuck in my quarters lately, dealing with more official business and other such tasks then ever before, but it is something I have been putting off for far too long. Though it is exhausting, filling the blanks of five years and several months must be done. I am going to tackle them all one by one. That is one small part of my atonement for my actions. So.. I've been doing all the talking and yes you are correct in my neglect. I've missed you and I need to discuss why you had to pulse four times. You had me worried and the effect was not a pleasant one either."
Her eyes went wide as she sat on his lap. "Did that magic hurt you?" she asked.
Dimitri kissed her before he pulled her away and stroked her cheek. "I will not lie to you. Those headaches were no fun at all, but if it meant that you were able to save someone, I will bear it gladly."
"Does it do that to you normally, or was it the distance that was the factor?" she asked.
"No, it's not that bad when I'm beside you." He said
She breathed a sigh of relief. "Besides just wanting to see you, I did come for a different reason. Rodrigue asked me to steal you away for a victory celebration."
He shook his head. "Steal me away? That seems rather unnecessary… Hmm.. a victory celebration you say? You know this reminds me of that time that I dragged you to the dining hall. Do you recall?"
"Of course I do. I was delighted to get an invite." She said.
"If memory serves that was after the mock battle between the houses… it was a wonderful time. We had just finished our mission and were invited to join the celebration. You know every once in a while I do long to be part of the group as well. But do you think that is acceptable? For…"
She put a finger over his lips. "Do not overthink it Dimitri. You are part of the group, no matter what title you hold. They want you there, and I do too."
"Alright then let's go. Together." He said.
She straddled his lap. "I get you to myself first a few moments. You're too tense. You have been working too hard." She pulled at his hair to get at his neck with nuzzles, kisses and licks. She heard his intake of breath as his arms wrapped around her.
"I missed you Byleth. I'm sorry you had to do that without me." He said as she loosened her grip on his hair and he was able to kiss her.
"It was necessary. I missed you too." She said as she took his face in her hands. "Come my love you probably haven't eaten anything yet today have you?"
He looked away sheepishly.
She shook her head. "I haven't, and neither have any of the ones that went with me since this morning. We wanted to get back as soon as we could. They are probably waiting. Once we make our appearance, eat, and mingle a moment I expect you to carry me back up to your warm bed and we are both going to sleep in each other's arms. Sooner we leave the sooner we get to be in the privacy of a bedroom."
He liked the sound of just dragging her to the bedroom now, but if she hadn't eaten either he wanted to make sure she was taken care of before they retired for the evening. "Lead the way beloved."
The celebration had already started. It wasn't extravagant by any means but there was plenty of food for everyone. Sylvain chucked. "Awe did you really have to make me lose my bet? We figured that you'd retire to the bedroom immediately and not grace us with your presence."
"Food is a necessity Sylvain." Byleth answered.
"You know we would have just brought up something and left it by the door." Sylvain said.
"And get out a perfectly warm and comfy bed to go get it? No thank you." Byleth replied, grabbing a plate and stacking some food on top.
"And what's your excuse, Dimitri?" Sylvain asked.
"It's what she wants? Who am I to deny her request?" Dimitri answered.
Rodrigue clapped Dimitri on the shoulder. "You were right to send her with us, she was spectacular! We had a few close calls, but her quick actions saved the day."
Dimitri nodded. He was happy that everyone was back safe. Byleth took his hand and sat him down at one of the table where two bowls of warm cheesy Verona stew sat and her plate of meats, bread, and cheeses that she had grabbed as well. She handed him a spoon before digging into her own bowl.
"Good evening Dimitri. How has everything been progressing?" Ashe said as he sat down.
Dimitri hesitated on his bite. Him and Ashe had talked about this. He hadn't been able to convince Ashe to drop the honorific, so why…..
Byleth smiled. "See not that that hard is it?" she asked.
"It's still odd, but yeah, it is nice, Byleth. It's as you said the world will call you by your titles, but your names should be reserved for friends, and that's what I want to be. So I'm going to try. I can't guarantee it will last, though." Ashe said.
"How do you manage to do that?" Dimitri asked.
Byleth gave him a sly grin. "Do what?" she said in a teasing tone before taking another bite.
Dimitri shook his head before he took a bite himself. At the same moment and rubbed his knuckles with her fingertips in a motion that surprised him. His mouth exploded with the flavor more intense than he remembered.
"Distractions do work my love, it's plain by the look on your face. Stop punishing yourself and enjoy it." She said.
He took her hand for a gentle squeeze, looking between the bowl and herself. He took another bite, the texture warm the taste dulled back out, but it was still lingering on his tongue. He almost wanted to be disappointed, but like the darkness he had been wrapped in, it would take a long time to undo nine years of habits. She continued that motion on his hand, a featherlight touch. He was able to take a few more bites with a hint of flavor as she continued and that alone was more than he could ask for. He still wanted to know what she tasted like. There had been ghosts of a taste when it came to her, but nothing substantial.
Sylvain sat down at their table with a broad Cheshire grin on his face. "So are you going to tell Dimitri what happened between you and Felix or should I?"
Byleth paused. "Yes I irritated him with what I said, but all we did was spar afterwards, so what are you talking about?"
"Shut it Sylvain! Yes I shouldn't have lost my temper like that, but we worked it out. There's nothing that needs more discussion." Felix growled from his table.
Dimitri looked between them with a puzzled look on his face. "I'm missing something here."
Syvlain chuckled. "Felix was mad that you poached the professor and made a better proposal than he would."
"That is not! I will murder you in your sleep if you keep up with crap like that!" Felix growled.
"Awe, but you love me too much to do that. You'd miss me." Sylvain said.
Byleth gave Sylvain a glare. "I think all of us are a little sleep-deprived. There is nothing romantic between Felix and I Sylvain so I'd appreciate it if you don't act like there is. He's always been one of my favorite sparring partners, so please don't piss him off enough where he wants to avoid me."
"And him throwing himself in front of that axe for you means nothing either." Sylvain said, his tone changing.
"Why do you think I wanted someone that was not mounted at my side? That is what that shield of his is for after all. It gave me a clean shot." Byleth answered, swirling the bread into the soup before taking a chomp. "If you want to talk about stupid actions I have a bone to pick with you about that stunt you almost pulled."
Sylvain flinched. "Point taken. Thank you, Ashe for the rescue by the way."
Ashe grinned. "Not a problem. Happy to help. I'm just glad Byleth warned us in time."
Sylvain gave him an odd look. "Since when?"
"Since we had a heart to heart in the kitchen making the meal. I was talking about how I am not looking forward to the your grace or whatever other name they're probably going to give me. Its as I told him, Professor is almost an endearment coming from all of you, but I do like to hear my name sometimes and not just from one person." Byleth said with a huff. "Plus I haven't been your teacher for a while now." She said sobering, still bitter about the years she had lost while she was healing.
"Can the rest of us call you by your name then too?" Sylvain asked.
"Only if you all start trying to use Dimitri's name too. It's not fair to him if you do it for me." Byleth answered, finishing her plate.
Dimitri shook his head. So that's what brought it on. Byleth poked his arm and pointed to his almost finished bowl. Knowing what she wanted, he grabbed a piece of bread to help finish off the remnants of the soup. Then he stood and lifted her up out of her chair. She leaned her head against his chest.
"You did a wonderful job. You deserve some rest." He said.
"Oh Annette, I don't think I got to thank you for that nightgown. It fits nicely, and it's warm, so thank you." Byleth said as Dimitri passed her table.
Mercedes chuckled. "We thought you might."
Annette nodded. "That is good to hear. Rest well Professor."
"We will." Byleth responded.
Dimitri looked down, she was already starting to nod off. He was exhausted too. Mercedes followed him up. "Also Dimitri I'm not sure how much she brought with her, and I know you're tired tonight, but I did grab some more of those herbs she's been putting in her tea. So if she needs it, just tell her to come have tea in my room." She said when they were out of earshot of the others. She opened his door for him so he could carry Byleth to the bed.
"Thank you Mercedes." Dimitri said.
"Not a problem. I am happy for you two. Don't hesitate if you need me for anything." Mercedes said, shutting the door.
Guren had jumped up on the bed beside her, happy to be in her presence again. "We both missed you Ashen. Please don't worry us like that again."
"I'll try not to." She replied sleepily.
Dimitri started to slip off her boots. "Guren I'm going to get her into her nightgown."
The wolf nodded before heading infront of the fireplace with his head facing away from them. Dimitri continued to strip her of her clothes. They were still bloodstained and dirty from the ride and battle. She didn't have any wounds and that made him thankful. He didn't see any bandages on anyone else either. She seemed to have difficulty staying awake, not giving much resistance to him.
"Sorry, seems that everything is catching up with me." She said pulling herself up to him and laying her head against his chest.
"I don't see anything, but are you hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No it's the drain from the power I used. Ashe, Sylvain, Felix, and Rodrigue. I had to use it four times. We got there just in time. Enemy reinforcements were starting to trickle in but we were able to beat them back. It's part of the reason I pressed everyone so hard to get back so quickly. I didn't want them to have to deal with me like this. It took more power than usual."
He kissed her forehead and held her to him. Then he slipped away only to grab the nightgown for her. "Stay awake a little longer for me."
She nodded and he brought the gown and socks over to her as he helped her get them on. "Your safe and back with me. You can rest for a bit." He said.
He laid her back down and changed into his nightwear. He was surprised to see her sitting up on the bed, fighting the sleep as she started to nod off. He got onto the bed. Then he dragged her to against him as he pulled them both under the covers. She breathed a sigh of relief before relaxing against him. Guren had jumped back onto the bed to lay against her back.
He was hoping that she'd wake up in the morning. If she did they would need to reshuffle the new troops, and in two days time they would head out for Diedru. He hated the thought of how much he was making her push through when she wasn't fully healed yet, but there was no way around it. She was too stubborn to stand aside and war waited for no one. The best he could do was for them to pick their battles wisely and try to avoid a situation where she had to use her power.
Dimitri wondered how the alliance would have fared if the Empire had attacked after Gronder in the old timeline. Right now the Alliance was holding on their own until help arrived, but Aurendel was proving a tricky opponent. Based on Byleth's calculations she gave him before she had left, they should still get there on time if Claude has played his cards well. They would leave Rodrigue here to help with matters of leadership. They both trusted him and they didn't want to leave the kingdom in the hands of anyone else. They would figure out who would stay to guard him later. For now he just wanted to hold her. These past few nights had felt empty without her.
"Missed you Dimitri." She said in a soft murmur.
He nuzzled into her, pulling her closer to him. "I missed you too. Now sleep."
"Only if you do." She murmured back.
He huffed at that and kissed her forehead before settling against her. He had missed her warmth. One thing that was for certain, whatever Sothis had done when she had connected them during their first rewind she had meant for them to be together when Byleth used that power. He almost doubted if Sothis knew what she had done. He couldn't let her continue to risk herself this way. He didn't care what the circumstance was, he didn't want to leave her to fight without him again. Just having her here with him was already doing wonders on his nerves.
Notes: was able to finally pull Dimitri on FEheros after spending all day collecting orbs XD my boy is finally home, and god I adore his voice actor. I had to youtube for the silver maiden paralogue text since paralogues are not included in the extras. As far as what is happening with the pulses when Sothis bound them for the rewind so he could go back with her, being able to see into the rewinds became a perk, however with that bond the magic is still trying to reach out and link him but with the distance, it doesn't quite reach that far thus fatigues her more and affects him negatively as well
