What had begun that morning as a mild niggle in the back of Lorenz's head grew slowly into full-blown irritation and annoyance after he joined with Ferdinand for lunch and discovered that Edelgard and Hubert were also missing from lesson's.

'I honestly don't see why it is that Claude chose Hilda of all people to accompany him.' Lorenz stated, his nostrils flaring slightly at the insanity of it all.

'Hmm, what do you mean?' Ferdinand asked, noting the rising colour in his friend's cheeks. Lorenz was normally far too well-bred to allow his emotions to show quite so obviously on his face.

'Ferdinand, we have spoken enough times for you to realise that von Riegan is a nobody.' Lorenz huffed. 'He is merely his Grandfather's last-ditch attempt for his family to keep a hold of the leadership of the Leicester Alliance.'

'I mean, obviously, the House of Gloucester has the weight of history and nobility behind them and their leadership should be at least considered following the old Duke's demise...' Ferdinand placated quietly. This was a discussion that they had on a very regular basis, although Ferdinand for himself actually quite liked Claude. 'I fail to see why you are so unsettled by Hilda's absence this morning, though.'

'I would have thought that obvious!' Lorenz blustered. 'Von Reigan is showing blatant preference to House Goneril by taking her along as his second-in-command! It should be I in his position, yet he does not even do me the courtesy of naming me his deputy!'

Ferdinand raised a single perfectly groomed eyebrow in consternation. 'I think you might be looking at this in the wrong way, Lorenz.' He said seriously.

'Oh?' Lorenz snorted. 'How do you think I should be looking at it then?'

Ferdinand cleared his throat nervously. 'Well, you should consider that Edelgard has taken Hubert with her on whatever this event is, and I have heard from Sylvain that Dimitri and Dedue are also absent...'

'Your point being?' If anything, Lorenz was looking even angrier.

'Hubert and Dedue are vassals to their Lord, Lorenz – not second-in-command's.' Ferdinand chuckled nervously. 'Of course, Hubert speaks to the rest of us with the authority of the Princess behind him, but he is, in essence, a glorified babysitter. My father has called him such - more than once – and directly to his face.'

'Your father is a brave man!' Lorenz looked a little stunned.

'My father is the Prime Minister.' Ferdinand reminded his friend. 'I may not see eye to eye with him on many issues, but his position and his importance in the Empire cannot be disputed.'

'Quite right.' Lorenz agreed.

'Dedue also fulfils the role of an extremely competent bodyguard. His efforts in the care of Prince Dimitri's wellbeing mirror those of Hubert's to Edelgard in that respect - no matter how informal Dimitri tries to be.' Ferdinand was on a roll now. 'So it could be surmised that Hilda was chosen for a similar reason by Claude since he could hardly expect a luminary such as yourself to be designated as his protector.'

Lorenz's brow knitted for a few seconds as he considered Ferdinand's assessment. 'You really believe that Claude might be that aware of the nuances of nobility?' He asked.

In truth, Ferdinand was more of the opinion that Claude had based his actions on a desire to get up Lorenz's nose – but he'd be damned if he would admit it. 'Of course!' He replied supportively.

'I have to admit that Claude does have a good head on his shoulders at times.' Lorenz said thoughtfully. 'It has surprised me that he is often willing to listen to advice and judgement without rancour. While his introduction to the Alliance has been shrouded in mystery and rumour, that is more the fault of his Grandfather rather than his.'

'I note that neither of you seems to be even passingly interested in where our esteemed leaders have gone...' Linhardt spoke up suddenly, surprising both of the others who had thought him asleep at the table.

'That is not our business.' Lorenz stated stoically. 'I am sure we will be appraised when we need to be.'

'It is odd, though.' Ferdinand added. 'I was requested to go and persuade Bernie to return to class earlier when she found out that Seteth would be teaching us for the day. She said on her journey back to her room to hide, she saw Professor Byleth and Jeralt leading our missing peers to the sauna! What earthly business could they have there of all places?'

'The sauna, eh?' Lorenz chuckled in amusement. 'Do you think they are having a bonding day at the spa?' He tittered at his own wit. 'I'm sure that would go down well with all involved. There is a noticeable tension between the three House Head's at times!'

'Perhaps they needed Sir Jeralt in attendance to break up the inevitable fights that develop!' Ferdinand grinned back.

'Ah, my friend... I can always rely on you to bring a calming equilibrium back to my mind and soul.' Lorenz chuckled, putting a grateful hand on Ferdinand's shoulder.

'I should hope so!' Ferdinand coloured slightly. 'A true compatriot is always a boon in our endeavours to safely negotiate the winding path's that we nobles are forced to walk.'

'I couldn't agree more!' Lorenz nodded.

'The sauna...' Linhardt murmured to himself. 'A good place to nap if you don't mind the heat...'

'Well then, we should get back to class.' Lorenz lamented as the bell marking the afternoon session began to toll. 'Would you care to take tea with me after lessons this evening?' He inquired.

'I have to spend an hour or so at the stables, but a little later would be extremely pleasant.' Ferdinand agreed happily.

'Wonderful.' Lorenz nodded as they set off back to their studies, leaving Linhardt sat at the table.

'Curious place, the sauna...' Linhardt murmured quietly to himself, as some rather interesting thoughts began to take shape in his head. '... It is guarded for completely unknown reasons under the guise of signing people in and out. Guarded in fact for twenty-four hours a day...' A sly smile broke over his lips. 'That has got to be worth some investigation, I'd wager...' He stood up slowly, his impressive brain working overtime as he considered his options. 'I should probably take a look at that.' He decided decisively. 'In the interest of research of course...'

~0~

Now that the ice was broken, Jeralt was quickly led off to a meeting room to talk over the bandit situation with Yuri, which left the student's and Byleth staring silently at the other Ashen Wolves rather uncomfortably.

'Well, then!' Balthus eventually announced. 'I guess it's up to us now to show some actual hospitality!' He focused in on Byleth's wince as she took her cape back from Edelgard and attempted to put it over her shoulders. 'Here now, sweetheart!' He exclaimed. 'I'd clear forgotten that you got hurt in our little rumble. Let me see if I can help with that.' He moved towards her and gently took a hold on her right arm.

'It's fine. I'll live.' She protested.

'Hmm... you are both burned and cut.' Balthus reported as he ran his hand lightly down her arm's full length, issuing forth a warm burst of healing magic.

'Thanks.' Byleth stretched and twisted her limb carefully. 'That's much better.' She admitted nodding her head at him.

Balthus chuckled. 'Gotta say, your skills were damned impressive... err... Professor.' He told her, patting her shoulder.

'It's Byleth...' She said quietly. '... And you would have overpowered me eventually. You move fast for a man of your size and physique.'

'And you are bloody strong for yours!' Balthus admitted, rubbing at the side of his face where she'd punched him. 'I wouldn't mind getting the chance to learn a few of your moves.'

'I'm sure that could be arranged.' Byleth smiled at him very slightly. 'I'd like some instruction from you as well. Honestly, when I kicked your stomach, I think I hurt my own feet more than I hurt you!'

'Um... Might I suggest that we could start things rolling by introducing ourselves?' Dimitri stepped forward slightly. 'I note that we have not yet officially attended to that formality.'

'Right you are lad. Good idea!' Balthus turned to face him and bowed extravagantly. 'I am Balthus, the undisputed King of Brawling.' He grinned back at Byleth cheekily. 'Except it may be disputed a bit by the Ashen Demon!'

'Balthus? Oh, my! Balti? Is that really you?' Hilda pushed her way towards him and stood, staring up into his face, her eyes wide. 'I knew you looked familiar!' She declared dramatically.

'Eh?' Balthus gazed back at her, puzzled. 'Do I know...hmm... Hilda?' His jaw dropped open. 'No bloody way! You can't be Holst's baby sister, you are like... ten or something!'

'Well, I probably was about that agethe last time I saw you.' Hilda's piercing gaze was roaming over him rather appreciatively. 'What the hell happened to you?' She demanded. 'Holst was frantic when you suddenly went missing. He's been looking for you for years!'

'Ah, well...' Balthus rubbed the side of his head sheepishly. 'I got myself into a bit of trouble and a bit of debt... had a few unsavoury people looking for me. I needed to disappear for a while and get myself sorted out.'

'Why the hell didn't you come to my brother for help?' Hilda queried loudly. 'He would have sorted you out. You were totally his best friend, after all!'

'He was just making a big name for himself at the time.' Balthus replied stoically. 'He was becoming the great General he was always destined to be. The last thing he needed was a deadbeat like me dragging him down...'

'Goddess... how thick are you?' Hilda launched herself at him and threw her arms as far around his chest as they would go. 'We've missed you, you great oaf!'

'He is extremely thick...' Constance agreed as Balthus blushed crimson and patted Hilda on the back awkwardly. With a sniff that was probably derision - but might also have been sappy emotion at the reunion of sorts - Constance turned away from Hilda and Balthus and regally inclined her head to the gathering before her. 'As I have already stated, I am Constance von Nuvelle. Mage of extremely wonderous talent and exceptional, undeniable beauty.'

'And overwhelming humility...' Hapi added under her breath.

'You are a daughter of the late House Nuvelle?' Edelgard asked pointedly. 'I was told that none of the family was still alive, although there were rumours...'

'Quite obviously, I survived.' Constance cocked her head to the side, a cold gaze boring into Edelgard. 'I must assume that you are the Imperial Princess.'

'Edelgard.' She nodded. 'My companion is Hubert von Vestra.' She added. 'Excuse me for prying but... how did you end up in a place like this?'

'Where else could I go after...' Constance shook her head. 'I am merely gathering myself in preparation to retake my House and lead it back to its former glory.' She stated grandly.

'I see.' Edelgard murmured.

'Coco has some big idea's.' Hapi took a hold of her friend's arm warningly. 'I guess it's only to be expected when you are disposed of your nobility. Not that I'd know anything about that. My name is Hapi and I hail from a tiny village in Faerghus that I can guarantee that none of you has ever heard of and rightly so.'

'I am sure that I will have...' Dimitri bowed at her gallantly. 'I am Dimitri. He added. 'My friend here is Dedue.'

'Oh yeah.' Hilda was grinning like a loon. 'I didn't think to introduce Claude.' She jabbed a thumb in his direction. 'He is Duke Riegan's heir, and I suppose that makes him my lord and master.' She snorted in amusement. 'He's alright though, for an idiot.' She added.

'Thanks for the glowing recommendation Hilds.' Claude grouched, but he bowed to the party.

'I don't get what you are doing down here, Hilda?' Balthus mumbled. '... And why are you lugging around that enormous axe? Does Holst know you're getting up to this kind of stuff?'

'I'm a student at the Academy, you donkey.' Hilda sniffed. 'Although obviously, I am still a delicate flower.' She smirked up at him.

'It's bloody lucky we didn't fight all of you.' Balthus added. 'If you had gotten hurt your brother would have killed me!'

'Flower my arse.' Claude snickered. 'She wields that mighty weapon like a valkyrie. Don't let her fool you!'

'Claude!' Hilda stamped her foot.

'So... um... what happens now?' Dimitri stepped in to diffuse Hilda's ire.

'Yuri-bird said to show you around.' Hapi replied slowly. 'You may need to split up into smaller groups for the tour though. What I said earlier is true. We don't get visitors from above down here, and a large group is going to make the natives restless – it's been pretty hard on everyone having the bandit's sniffing around and causing problems...'

'I can understand why it would put you on edge.' Byleth nodded.

'Most of the folks here aren't able to defend themselves.' Balthus frowned. 'Everyone has their own reasons for living in the Abyss, but that doesn't mean that they are necessarily martial by nature. There are people who have lived underground for most of their lives, even born and raised children here - safe of whatever it is that they are hiding from.

'We are largely made up of the elderly, infirm, orphans... lost souls.' Hapi agreed quietly.

'Dealing with threats, and these bandits – well, it falls to us mainly.' Constance added. 'We protect those that cannot protect themselves, and in doing so, we also safeguard our home. To that noble end... I hope you will lend us your support.'

'I'm sure Yuri will make a good argument for aid to Sir Jeralt.' Hapi consoled her gently.

'Jeralt is a fair man.' Byleth nodded. 'I doubt he was particularly impressed with your inventive introduction but...'

'Yeah, sorry about that. We needed some reassurance that the Church wasn't just fobbing us off or undermining the town. Our usual liaison is away at the moment, which isn't a comfortable state of affairs for us either.' Hapi was once again the voice of reason.

'Don't worry too much, I reckon we get where you're coming from.' Claude spoke up. 'Trusting people blindly is a bloody stupid thing to do at the best of times. A bit of healthy scepticism and a little dose of mistrust is entirely reasonable to my way of thinking.'

Hapi shrugged and nodded at him.

'Should we get on with it then? Take a look around?' Edelgard suggested. 'My Teacher,' She glanced at Byleth respectfully. 'Are you comfortable with us exploring? We are under your guidance after all.'

Byleth paused and took a long, hard look at the three Abyssian students.

'I will be keeping a close eye on proceedings.' She stated blankly. 'Establishing open communication is an effective way to begin working together, so I believe we should put our faith in you all to attend to our safety while we visit your town. I simply request that you also put a little faith in the fact that we desire to seek an understanding of the situation here to be able to better offer the requested aid you seek.'

'That's pretty terrifying...' Balthus chuckled winking at her. 'I know I'll be on my best behaviour if you're planning on watching us!'

'I'm not entirely sure that fills me with confidence.' Byleth smirked back at him.