Genres/Ratings: Conspiracy, Friendship, Romance. (T)

Characters: Raine, Lysithea, Linhardt.

Summary: After hearing of the so-called true enemy after the battle in Derdriu, Lysithea hadn't hesitated a moment to shed off the mask of pacifism to leap headlong back into the war. She had hidden herself away, pretending that the research she was helping Linhardt with when he had come calling on her all those years ago in her territory could take precedence... but no more. She knew it wasn't what he wanted, and she had apologized for it, but if those who had ruined her childhood, had taken away her hopes for a future, were truly one and the same with the enemy that now the Alliance and Kingdom were ready to combat... She had no right to sit on the sidelines any longer. Their fight was her fight, too, and she would see them end it even if it meant giving up her life in the process.

Verdant Rain Moon

Garreg Mach (Knight's Hall)

Noontime

"Professor? May we have a moment of your time?"

Raine glanced up from the book she had been reading at the unfamiliar voice calling for her, and she blinked twice when she saw that both Linhardt and Lysithea were standing respectfully at the entrance of the hall, watching her closely and with equally grave expressions. The shorter of the two mages was standing taller and straighter, proof that her look was not simply for show, but Linhardt's arm was masked behind her back, and Raine had a sneaking suspicion there was a guiding and reaffirming hand gently holding Lysithea's firm posture up. She quickly pulled herself up from the bench she had been laying on for her reading, a rare reprieve in the last few days, and marked her place with her bookmark before she forced herself up and to her feet.

This was an unusual visit even for her, and she tilted her head as she looked her two guests over closely. Claude had informed her already that the two of them had been absent from the fighting for the better part of the last five years, with Lysithea returning homeward to keep her family out of the war as best she possibly could despite the heavy pressure House Ordelia faced from those within the Empire. Linhardt had gone with her, and only when Derdriu itself had faced the full might of the Empire had the two of them returned from solitude to help hold the line until the Kingdom's reinforcements had appeared. She had held no judgement of them, knowing full well they had matters of import to attend to that was far more dire than the war, at least to them, and she would never call someone choosing to retreat from fighting a coward.

Still, when Lysithea had joined her voice to Lorenz' after the ending of the fighting that moon, claiming she would join with the rebellion, it had caught Raine by surprise. She had fully expected for both her and Linhardt to return to House Ordelia to continue their work, but Lysithea would hear nothing of it. She wanted to fight, wanted to bring the battle back to the Empire, and though she would not explain her reasons, Raine had known better than to question them. Linhardt, for his part, made it clear that wherever Lysithea went he would follow, even if it meant back to the battlefield, and Raine had directed him to the infirmary to ensure that at least he would be comfortable exercising his magic in more humane ways than offensive ones for the time-being, outside of the research that the two were clearly continuing on the grounds of Garreg Mach.

Now though, to be visited by the two in person... Raine gestured to the door behind them, and Linhardt closed it without a word before the two of them took seats at the table. Raine joined them quickly, eyes slightly narrowed with both curiosity and suspicion. She had heard whispers, but other than Professor Hanneman, no one had come close to discovering what the two mages were up to, and they were closely guarding their work. Only the former professor of the Golden Deer seemed welcome in their studies, and Dimitri had made it clear that they were not to be bothered on anyone's account. They had already given themselves over to the rebellion, and whatever they wished to do with their free time was not a concern of anyone else's. Raine had followed suit easily, not at all interested in prying into their personal affairs, though she had a sneaking suspicion that she already knew what it was they were doing, and why.

"Professor... I believe there are several things that you need to be made aware of. Until what happened to Fort Merceus, I admit that I was unsure of whether or not I could... trust you with the information that I have. No, forgive me, trust is not the word I want to use... Rather, I was unsure of whether my information would be of use to you." Lysithea spoke up first, her voice calm and steady, though her pale violet eyes were uncertain as they stared down at the table rather than at the woman she was addressing. It was a rare show of a shake in confidence, of that strong, unbreakable facade she always was wishing to project to her peers, but Raine didn't mind it as she continued to find her words, "But, after learning the truth behind Fort Merceus, and also the truth of those behind the Empire... I believe that keeping my knowledge to myself would hurt your efforts in the war. There is a reason why I returned to the battlefield after being made aware of what was truly happening outside of my parents' territory... I am not here for the sake of the rebellion. I am here to put an end to the supposed "dark robes" that you, yourself, are hunting, because I believe your enemy, and my enemy, are one and the same."

Raine narrowed her eyes, wondering at the cryptic words as well as the hesitant way Lysithea had begun her speech. She also wondered if this was in any way related to the secrets that she already had been made aware of, likely against the young woman's consent, and the thought made her shoulders heavy with guilt, and with exhaustion. She had never intentionally wished to pry in the lives of even her own students, and to be cast into the lives of those she had never taught had made her feel exceptionally filthy. It didn't matter that the topic of discussion that day hadn't been her, but another, but the secret had been spilled all the same, and the puzzle pieces had fallen easily into place afterwards. With that thought in mind, Raine raised a hand to gently stop any further speech, and she folded her hands on the table in front of her before she explained plainly, "Lysithea, forgive me for the interruption, but... I will be blunt with you. I believe some of this information you wish to share is information that I already know. I won't pretend otherwise, simply to save face. If you intend to be honest with me, I will show you that same courtesy, and show you my hand as it is now. Are you speaking of your second Crest?"

"You... You know?" Lysithea sputtered, clearly caught off guard as her eyes widened and her pallor suddenly grew white. She looked to Linhardt, who was clearly as surprised despite his usual ability to dull his expressions, and then back to Raine as the surprise quickly gave way to anger. She had told only a small handful of people of her secrets, and only one had found out through a different means. While he was giving her his aid now openly, or at least as openly as he could considering the grounds they all now were being forced to occupy, Lysithea could not help her knee-jerk reaction as she began heatedly, "Did Professor Hanneman-"

"No. Your professor did not tell me this. Seteth did." Raine quickly shook her head, breaking away the tirade she could well imagine would follow for the assumption of a betrayal of trust. This, however, didn't seem to be as reassuring as it had looked, as Lysithea's anger gave way to horror, and Raine had to scramble to continue on firmly before the situation could spiral even more quickly out of control, "It was not a discussion concerning you, but rather Edelgard, Lysithea. You are not the only one with a secondary Crest, and when this knowledge was released with my generals, you were raised as an example of this not being an isolated incident. Edelgard carries both the Crest of Seiros, and the Crest of Flames. At the time, such a thing was thought to be impossible. Professor Hanneman however had proved this not to be the case, when he was given a sample of Edelgard's blood to examine. He never once spoke of you. Seteth however did... I can only assume this is because Seteth was aware of Professor Hanneman's research with you and Linhardt."

"And yet he left Professor Hanneman alone...? Knowing full well that such research is heresy to the church?" Lysithea asked with narrowed eyes, and she looked to Linhardt again, only to see that the older mage was cupping his chin as he looked to Raine thoughtfully. His eyes were alight with curiosity and thought, his mind clearly spinning away in that way of his that was almost impossible to break through unless he was physically snapped out of it. Realizing she would get no help from him, she instead looked to Raine again, who was watching them both sympathetically, and that expression only hardened her spine as she ground out through gritted teeth, "Why did he say nothing? Was he intending to capture us all in the act, now that we are all here?"

"Professor Hanneman is aiding you in your research now, and that fact is well-known even if the object of your study is still a secret to those uninvolved. If Seteth wished to bring down charges of heresy, I doubt he would have waited this long to do it. If he was aware of all of this when you were merely a student, then I am more inclined to believe he allowed it to happen, and is continuing to allow it to happen, because of the importance of your research." Raine answered diplomatically, though a small part of her admitted that she couldn't say so with complete certainty unless Seteth was there to speak for himself. Still, she did know the man well enough to muse of his thought-processes if nothing else, and this allowed her to relax just a little as she asked somewhat pointedly, "The object of your research... Isn't it to remove your Crest, or at the very least, find a way to live with it in a manner that won't cause your body harm? Even as little learned as I am in Crestology, the idea of two Crests existing in one person cannot mean good for them. Even one Crest can cause ill-fortune and ill health, despite the "gifts" it can give to an inheritor. A second one must have repercussions I cannot even imagine."

"No, you can't possibly begin to..." Lysithea agreed darkly, but she felt her heart beginning to calm within her chest at the realization that Raine was completely right. At least, here and now, the work she, Linhardt, and her professor were doing had to look relatively harmless in comparison to Edelgard's work. It would make sense that Seteth would not consider it harmful to the ideology of the church, and that he would even permit it to continue, if he knew enough of the details concerning what was occurring. And considering how far his reach extended into the monastery, it was very likely that he did know everything that her professor was doing, and was likely helping to keep it a secret so that others, who would not be so broad-minded, would not know of it. Still, she admitted somewhat tiredly, shaking her head as she glanced upwards thoughtfully, "I cannot believe that Seteth knew all of this time, and... did nothing to interfere. Professor Hanneman had even gone so far to suggest that if his research was known, that he could be executed for aiding me."

"These are different times... and different circumstances. But, I think we've leapt ahead of ourselves here for a moment." Raine allowed, and she settled herself down a little more comfortably in her chair as she looked back and forth between the two before focussing back on Lysithea. The younger woman seemed a little more relaxed, though she still clearly was ill at ease, and Raine hastened to give her both comfort and an opportunity to take charge of the conversation as she began, "Tell me everything you wish for me to know. I'm sorry for starting this off on the wrong foot, but I didn't wish to take advantage of what I already knew and keep that a secret from you. It's only fair to show you my hand before you show me your own, especially when you've joined your cause to ours."

"That's kind of you, Professor... and I appreciate it, even if you did give me a bit of a start." Lysithea allowed after a long moment, but her lips quirked upwards at the unexpected display of kindness. She had not quite understood why Lorenz and Marianne both spoke so passionately of the rebellion's cause at first, and though she had realized that Raine had clearly done something to win their loyalty, she couldn't quite imagine what it was. Now, it was painfully simple and clear. Raine's honesty and kindness had won them over, and after so long of being used, hiding and acting as pawns on the board of someone who did not care for their well-being... It was easy to understand why they would support her so passionately. She almost envied them, for getting a chance to know this woman that she had never really learned much about due to her choice to isolate herself during both her school days and the years of war. "Very well... I will begin then. But be aware that it likely is not a story you will wish to hear, and it is long... Do you know of the Insurrection of the Seven?"

"The attempted coup in the Empire... Yes, I am aware, though admittedly I do not know of the more intricate details."

"Then I shall tell you that House Ordelia was also involved... Aid was given to House Hrym upon request, and because of that, we were also implicated in the coup... The impact of that is still far-reaching, even now. Edelgard claims that her war is for the improvement of the world, yet... I know better." Lysithea explained with a slow, tired shake of her head, and she reached into her pocket, revealing a yellowed envelope that she set down on the tabletop between her and Raine. Her gaze was sharp, if somewhat sad, and she explained as she saw the realization dawning in Raine's eyes at the sign of the Emperor's seal, "I, too, received a missive from Edelgard, shortly after she left Garreg Mach. At first, I didn't understand. Edelgard and I had never spoken, and we most certainly were not friends... but when I read her missive, I came to realize what she wanted. She knew of my past, because she knew of House Ordelia's involvement in the insurrection. She was reaching out to me, because she believed herself partially responsible for my condition. Of course, with all that has happened now, I realize how trite such a gesture was. She had no qualms abusing Ferdinand, despite the fact that he was never involved with his father's hand in the insurrection, or even in the governing in Hrym... and it led to his father's death. Even then, she was picking and choosing who to make her allies, and who to punish for the hurts she suffered. I would not be a party to such a thing. Especially with the knowledge that she was aware of who I was, what my house had suffered, and only when she could make use of me did she dare to say admit it aloud."

Raine was silent, eyes narrowed as she recalled that sombre, guilt-ridden look that had haunted Ferdinand's face not long after the Alliance's troops had been absorbed into the rebellion's forces. He had only told her that his father had passed away in the war, not willing to give her any other details, and she had not dared to push for more. He had told her before that while he had no love for his father as a politician that he still did care for him as a man, and his torn loyalties between his home, his position, and his love had been the worst of his sufferings. He had not known what had befallen his father after his escape from the Empire's grasp, and she imagined that learning of his death had shaken him more deeply than anything that had yet happened to him. Now, though, with the knowledge Lysithea was offering, she could understand his guilt ran far more deeply than she had guessed, and it made her wince with sympathy for the poor young noble.

"House Ordelia suffered mightily at the hands of the Empire after the insurrection was quelled... and the Alliance's leadership at the time looked the other way, to avoid confrontation. I believe they thought we brought upon ourselves... If they had known the truth, maybe they would have stood up for us. I cannot say, but I will tell you honestly that I care nothing for the petty power squabbles that are currently occurring now." Lysithea continued in that same calm, flat voice but her eyes were quietly simmering with a wrath that was as deadly as the spells she could fling into the enemy's ranks and leave not a single man standing if and when she chose to show off her proficiency with magic. Her smile was dark, sardonic, and she shook her head as she mused bitterly, "And if Claude is to leave the Alliance, then I will happily see the back of him. For a man who wishes to dig deep into each and every secret that is not his to know, and drag it out into the light, he seemed quite happy to remain ignorant of the sins of the country he was leading... Yes, I blame both the Empire and the Alliance for what happened to my family. But more than that... I blame the ones who killed my siblings, my cousins, and all of the other children of age that those dark-robes experimented on in order to pave the way for Edelgard's use of a second Crest."

"Many high-ranking officials in my parents' house were killed following the ending of the insurrection. The Empire sent replacements, men in dark robes, who ruled as they would. And we were powerless to stop them." Lysithea continued her explanation in that same even tone, as if she was merely reciting something from a book she had once read and not an experience she had lived through, but her expression betrayed the practised calm in her voice. It was haggard and worn, ancient despite her youth in testament to the tragedy she had experienced and witnessed, and she looked down at her folded hands as she continued on without pause, "They took children, as many as they could gather, and performed experiments upon them with their magic. As you can imagine, they were attempting to find a way to implant a Crest, either one to someone without, or two to someone who had already inherited one through birth... I am the sole survivor of these experiments. The side-effects of course, I imagine were not to their liking, and as quickly as they had swept through House Ordelia, they abandoned it, and my family was left to pick up the pieces that remained."

Raine said nothing, her eyes narrowing and hands curling slowly, but tightly into fists in her lap with each passing moment that Lysithea spoke. Outrage and disgust made her both burn and cool, but she did not permit it to rise to her face just yet. Lysithea still clearly had more to say, and to show her expression would be as well as interrupting, and she did not want to make the process of divulging these ugly secrets any more painful than it obviously was. Lysithea was clearly practised at reciting the truth, she likely had been forced to relive in many a time for the research she was now undertaking, and explain it even moreso in effort to find even one tiny, insignificant detail of her horrific time in the hopes that it may be what she needed to unlock the curse that had been forced upon her.

"My hair was not always this colour... and my growth has been severely stunted, physically speaking. But more than that, my lifespan has been reduced dramatically... I will die very young due to this process. This, of course, I decided to take in stride... If I was to die young, then so be it, but at least I would do what I could in my short lifetime to give comfort to my mourning parents. That was what I set my mind to, before... before entering into Garreg Mach." Lysithea's voice wavered for the first time, and she bit her lower lip, eyes narrowing even further as she struggled visibly to continue. Linhardt moved for the first time since they had sat, once again reaching out in silence to press his hand into the small of her back to keep her posture from slipping. His hand was warm, surprisingly strong despite how slim and frail his body truly was, and she appreciated it more than she could put into words as he gave her what she needed without prompting, or care for such trite things as permission.

After all, he was far too singular to ever really care about anything but what his focus currently was, and Lysithea had been both astounded, and extremely flattered, to learn that his interest in her had never been purely academic. When he had arrived in House Ordelia's territory, almost four years ago, he had told her outright of his decision to find a cure for her condition, and regardless of whether she wished for it or not, he was going to pursue his studies to the ends of the earth if he had to. He had escaped the conflict in the Empire, and with Caspar's aid, had made his way to her, and by her side he had stayed ever since, silently supporting, constantly studying, and always within arm's reach when it became too much for her to bear.

She was sure it as only because of him that she could say the things she was saying now to the professor's ears, and she was also sure that his influence had inspired her to stand tall for herself and throw herself back into the fray when she had realized what a chance had been laid at her feet. Vengeance, while always stirring deep in her gut, had never been the thing that had drove her. She mourned her family, mourned her own loss, but she had set it all aside in pursuit of giving her family peace and freedom from the weight of their titles and territory. House Ordelia would end with her, one way or another, and when it did, she had convinced herself that at least her parents could finally live calm and quiet lives for the rest of their days.

Yet now...? To reach out, to strike back, things she had merely only dreamt of because of how futile it had seemed to discover the truth of it all on her own... It was within her reach now. She had stumbled upon it without meaning to, as she had never once intended on stepping into the quagmire of war between the three territories if she could actively avoid it, but this was went far beyond their battle now. Her pale eyes glinted, and her expression was firm and fierce as she met Raine's gaze and told her firmly, "Those who ruined my family are those who Edelgard has been drawing her strength from. In her letter, she alluded to the idea that she, too, was a victim of their machinations, such as I was. I believe her, as our similarities seem too close to dismiss, but... I cannot forgive her for what she is now doing. She suffered, her family suffered, just as mine did... But now she looks the other way, as they continue their evil unchecked, underneath the flag of the Empire? She reasoned it was the only way, to make use of their power until she could turn it against them, but I will not be as naive. They are monsters. And anyone who would take their bloody hands in pursuit of even further strength to accomplish their goals... is also a monster. So I will fight. Them, and her... To end this once and for all, and find justice for my family. For myself."

"... She admitted to being a subject of these experiments in her letter?"

"Not in so many words, no. I think, even for her, admitting to it outright even to me was something she was unable to do." Lysithea answered with a slow shake of her head, but despite all of her anger... She admitted that this, at least, she could understand, and would not fault the other woman for. How could she? It had taken long, too long, for her to be able to stomach the pain and the guilt and the sheer mind-numbing horror before she could put it to words. And only practise, long, long years of practise, had allowed her to speak of it as she did now. Edelgard was a woman of secrets, of solitude and pride, and even if she intended to reach out her hand, her other would always be clasped to her chest, a shield and sword at the ready in case she had need of it at the worst. "But I am not wrong, Professor. I would stake my very life on it. I have studied long and hard, and there is no other method in the entirety of this continent to implant a second Crest into a human being. Edelgard and I are the same, both victims of these dark-robed mages that have been pulling the strings behind so many of this continent's woes. Yet, she thinks to use them, so she can end them. At least, that was what she wrote. That... was what she offered me, when she requested I join her in the Empire."

"I see... It must have been tempting." Raine spoke without judgement, though her stomach twisted cruelly and made her body both tense and cold. Part of her wished she could be astounded by what she was hearing, and yet the larger part of her was numb to it all. She and her brother had long since known that Edelgard was a puppet, and likely also a victim of Thales and his men, but she couldn't quite reconcile the idea of standing shoulder to shoulder with anyone who had caused so much tragedy and horror, even if it meant positioning herself so that she could slide a dagger into their backs when they finally turned it. But perhaps that was what separated her from Edelgard, her inability to proceed in any other manner but blindly forwards, and discarding subterfuge because that road simply was too long and dark to take. "May I ask what it is in the end that solidified your choice in rejecting her?"

"There were many reasons, but... I suppose, in the end, it was pride. I couldn't fathom sitting at the side of those who had tortured my family, even if it meant getting an opportunity one day to end them once and for all. And though Edelgard phrased it as a promise... What reason did I have to believe she was sincere?" Lysithea answered after taking a moment to think and organize her thoughts properly, and she was careful with her words as she felt Raine's eyes on her like a steel suit of armour. Heavy, suffocating... but she well understood the older woman's need to have this question answered. It was her right, after all, after she had been approached like this. And she was wise, kind, but wise, to the cruel realities of the world. "Edelgard has supposedly been biding her time, amassing power, and yet... Truthfully, I have seen nothing to prove to me that she truly is capable of destroying them. All she could offer me in her missive was a promise... and a promise was not enough for me to turn my back on my family, and join hands with the Empire."

"And yet now you'd put stock in our strength, in our promise, that we can destroy this threat. Why is my offer so much more appealing?"

"Because you have the power to fulfil it. It is truly that simple, Professor. And moreover... Even if you were to fail, at least you would fail in open defiance, not pretending to be a pawn. I can respect that about you." Lysithea's answer came firmly, honestly, at Raine's pointed question. She understood well why she would ask such a thing, and why she would be wary... and she was completely frank with her thoughts, which was also something Lysithea respected of her. She softened her features, allowing a small, wry smile to grace her lips as she continued, "You are unlike anyone I have ever known, and I mean that in the most respectful way possible. Claude has always claimed himself an outsider, but we're all aware by now that such a thing is only true at the surface level. The true outsiders have always been you, and your brother. You care nothing for nobility, for politics, or even for ideology. You have tethered yourself to the Kingdom, to their war, and so you fight... and you will continue to fight to the last, regardless of whether you will win, or lose. You have done so from the outset, even when the odds were stacked horribly against you... If I am to throw my lot in with anyone, for good or ill, I would prefer to be at your side in this war at the end of things. At least then, if I am to die in battle, I can say I died fighting to the last, in defiance of the path that was put before me, rather than cowering in the shadows, waiting for a chance that may never come."

"I'm hardly an outsider... I've been drawn in as deep into this conflict as you have, even if our reasons for fighting are different." Raine disagreed with a small shake of her head, but her lips curved upwards all the same at the unexpected compliment. She hadn't thought she would ever hear such words of deep respect from a student outside of her own house, and yet there was no lie whatsoever in Lysithea's eyes. She meant everything she said, and she was deeply flattered by her belief. Still, there was also a small part of her that twinged with guilt, and she admitted with another slow shake, "This is all quite personal to me, too."

"You speak of Captain Jeralt, and your ties to Lady Rhea, of course. This is understandable. I, too, am quite curious to know why there are so many things entwining you so deeply with this conflict." Linhardt spoke up for the first time, drawing both women's eyes to him in surprise, but he didn't seem at all bothered by their stares. He had lowered his hand back down to the table, and his expression was placid despite the sharp look to his gaze when he looked to Raine and continued almost errantly despite his stare, "I am afraid I must disagree with Lysithea when she uses the word "outsider" to speak of you... That simply does not fit with all that is currently known of you. For one reason or another, this powder keg did not go off until you were involved with Garreg Mach. Of course, we are already aware that Edelgard had been planning this coup long before you even knew of the monastery, and yet it wasn't until your appearance that everything began. One might call that coincidence. I do not believe in such things."

Raine was silent, taking in Linhardt's appraising eyes and wondering even as part of her bristled instinctively. It was same damned curiosity that she had seen in Claude's gaze, but despite herself, she did not feel as prodded as she had when Claude had been demanding of her secrets. Perhaps it was because of the clinical language Linhardt used, or the fact that despite his curiosity being clear and open, there was nothing else stirring under the surface. He simply was aware of the facts and wished to know more for no other reason than to finish the puzzle that had been laid out before him, and Raine was aware already that if he was denied the pieces he needed, he would not be overly bothered. He would simply move on to become preoccupied with other mysteries, and that made her relax, if only slightly, as she questioned him, "Then what is it you believe?"

"That you, like Lysithea, have been used. For what purpose, I cannot say, but it is clear you were never willing to be as you are now. You, your brother, and Captain Jeralt were all brought to Garreg Mach against your wishes... and you were forced to remain, also against your wishes. The Church of Seiros' hold is strong, but it was not the Church of Seiros that held you. It was Lady Rhea herself who did." Linhardt remarked, and he tilted his head, once more touching fingers to his chin as he looked Raine over carefully. Though he had not been her student, he couldn't help but be fascinated by her changes, and by her ever-evolving circumstances. "These things, your being at the monastery, Lady Rhea's interest in your family, your abilities... They are all interconnected. You are fighting a war of your own, not just one against Edelgard's Empire, and her ill-found comrades."

"I suppose that's true enough. I want Thales' dead more sorely than Edelgard at this point, but that is a personal grudge... but there is anger to be had for Rhea, too, for her involvement in all of this. Still, that's not a matter for discussion. Her relationship with my family is something I would prefer to keep to myself." Raine spoke firmly, but not unkindly as Linhardt nodded in understanding, completely at ease and unbothered by her iron refusal to permit him access to further knowledge. Only Lysithea looked bothered, eyes narrowing with concern, and Raine was reminded of how sharply, and with such heated concern, Lysithea had reacted when she had finally been released from sleep to return to her day-to-day life after the changes that had taken place in the Sealed Forest. It brought a small, sad smile to her face, and she remarked with surprising gentleness as she looked to Lysithea with new, appreciative eyes, "So you were scared for me, then, five years ago after what happened... Forgive me. I didn't realize why you were so concerned, and put it from my mind in the chaos. It means a great deal that you would worry over me so."

"Well, I... I couldn't very turn my eyes away, if something had happened to you as it had happened to me. It is true you changed, and perhaps that change came without your consent, but... You seem well, even all these years later. I want to believe that change isn't always a horrible thing, and that we can make the best out of our circumstances. You are an example to aspire to, in that." Lysithea replied clumsily, and she felt heat rushing into her cheeks despite herself at Raine's gentle words. It felt strange. Some part of her wanted to bristle, instinctively disliking that feeling of being pitied or looked down upon, but the honesty was in Raine's face. There was grief for her, sympathy, but nothing remotely approaching pity. Raine had suffered on her own journey, had her own losses, and that experience coloured her reaction... Which made Lysithea feel guilty she had held back for so long from a potential ally.

Coughing to clear her throat, Lysithea ran a hand awkwardly through her hair as she stiffened her posture and tried her best to return to a look of professionalism. She could almost hear Linhardt's silent amusement as he sat next to her quietly, as always waiting to follow her lead, and she both thanked him for it as well as wished to slam a heavy tome over his head for making her so sharply aware of him. She swallowed both desires down hard, once again looking to Raine before asking calmly, clearly, "Professor... I am aware that after the capture of Enbarr, you wish to continue on, in search of this so-called Thales, who leads the dark-robes... If this is true, then I wish to join you, there, too. I have little to offer, beyond my magic, as my house has no soldiers or resources to send... but would you accept my going?"

"I would, if you would be doing it of your own will." Raine answered with a nod, and a fleeting glance to Linhardt, who was still watching Lysithea with calm, caring eyes proved she did not need to ask what his opinion was. He would follow her as he had followed her back to her home, and she didn't doubt he would quit now. Even if it meant wading back into battle, one more time. She appreciated their willingness, their loyalty to one another, but it made her frank as she folded her hands together, "However... I can't promise you that this will end quickly... Taking Enbarr, while being a matter of course, will still not be easy. We will lose men, and resources. Those who have supported us from the beginning are nearing the end of their rope. And many others are simply too spent to continue on. I can't hold anyone to press farther than they are capable. This likely means our hunt will be long, and our forces small. Those who can't, or won't, join us will set about to rebuilding. Rooting out Thales may cost us even more than taking down Edelgard will, and may be twice as long of a struggle. Are you truly willing to tie yourself to that?"

Lysithea paused, and glanced sidelong out of the corner of her eye to gauge Linhardt's reaction. He was still watching her, expression neutral and eyes calm, and she did not need to ask him to know what he intended to do. Even with Raine's cautioning, he had already promised that he would follow her and her only. No one else would command him against his will ever again, be it the Emperor, his own father, or the leader of the rebellion. Still... She smiled sadly, looking down to her hands, small and frail in comparison to the callused and strong ones of the former mercenary before her as she admitted, "I am willing, but... It's very likely I may not survive the venture simply because my energies will fail me. If you would still have me, despite that, then I wish to join you. I wish to see this through, to the absolute end."

"If that's your will, I won't deny you... Everyone who's approached me thus far, promising me their weapon in this crusade, has had similar conviction. If I didn't refuse any of them, I have no right to refuse you." Raine finally spoke after a long moment of silence, and she leaned back in her chair as she thought of her students, who, to a man, had all sworn to continue this war as far as she chose to take it. None of them would quit so long as she continued to fight, and even if it meant leaving behind their homelands, leaving behind the start of peaceful lives... They wished to stay beside her, and aid her, for as long as she had need of them. And even those who were not her students, who had territories to defend, lands to rule, pieces to begin to pick up, had also made such vows. She couldn't in good faith turn anyone away, whether it be for pragmatism on their behalf, or guilt on her own. "I suppose the only thing is I am surprised how many have chosen to fight, at the end... but I shouldn't be. Everyone is a victim. Everyone has lost something, or someone, to this war. It's only natural to want to finish it out to the very end."

"All the students here have joined you, then? I've expected as much."

"Quite the opposite. Most of the Golden Deer intend to see out the end of the rebellion, but then they will return home to begin rebuilding efforts. The Alliance suffered mightily, and their scars still run deep. Lorenz will have a lot on his plate, once the war is over." Raine answered with a shake of her head, and she smiled despite herself at the thought of the poor young noble who had realized that his dream, and his obligations, had effectively shackled him from giving her the aid he so dearly believed he owed her. "From my knowledge, Hilda and Ignatz intend to return to House Goneril to aid Holst in rebuilding. Lorenz will be bound for Derdriu, alongside Marianne, to begin leadership of the Alliance... Claude and Leonie intend to remain, but Claude is no longer tied to the Alliance, so counting him seems unfair. The only two Golden Deer to put their weapons to mine are you and Raphael. Though Raphael can't really be called a Golden Deer, all technicalities aside."

"Truly? Well, I suppose it makes it sense, but... I can't say that I am not disappointed to learn that they will not stand by you. Yet, they have all been fighting wars of their own thus far, and as I have been told, the Alliance is on their last legs in terms of military strength as it is..." Lysithea mused, and she thought sourly to that damned roundtable conference she had not attended, but had heard many stories of. Hilda was still righteously incensed by Claude's heavy handed attempts at ending both the Alliance and his leadership in one fell swoop, and his actions had been a hammer blow to the entangled armies and nobles. Lorenz had his work cut out for him, repairing all of the bridges Claude had so self-righteously burnt, and even with her former words weighing on her, she admitted quietly, "I do hope Lorenz will have the strength and support to turn the Alliance in a better direction..."

"He earned the vote, though from what I know it was split due to the actions of his father... but his loyalty to his homeland is true. He wants to see this war through, and if he weren't bound to tend to his new role, he would follow me. He has said as much. But his cause is as dire as my own, and he must attend to it if the Alliance is to trust him to lead them into a new future." Raine shrugged, and she was slightly amused to see that even though Lysithea had spoken so negatively of politics that some part of her still worried for her old classmates. It made her gentle, though curious, and she leaned forward as she suggested carefully, "I know that this is not of my business, but... Considering the change of leadership, I would think heavily of telling Lorenz what befell your house, Lysithea. He may not be able to do much for your parents as he is right now, but if he was aware of what his own family allowed to happen... He would do all he could to make amends, regardless of how late it is."

Lysithea tilted her head to the side, both somewhat caught off guard and yet immensely curious by the idea. She had never considered telling anyone of what had transpired to her home, and her mistrust of the bloody hands of nobles had made her less than willing to cooperate. And yet... She admitted Raine had a point. Lorenz, as clumsy and foolish as he looked, was at least honourable. He had defied his father openly for his ideals of nobility and honour, and he had saved both his men and Marianne from further bloodshed in the Empire's name. He would not stand under the boot of a tyrant, and he would work to change the ways the Alliance functioned if he could manage it. Hadn't he already passionately said so, when the time for voting had come within the ranks of the remaining faithful Alliance lords had gathered?

She spoke slowly now, thinking deeply as she wondered at the opportunities it would open up, if she were to fail in her end goals, and leave her family with nothing to speak of but another child to bury. She had nothing of note to leave behind as a corpse, and though she had already decided the end of her house would come with her, there was good logic to what Raine was saying, and she admitted it as she mused, "I wish only for my family to be taken care of, once this all is ended. I have no desire to rule House Ordelia. I wish to see my title end with me, but not if it means making my parents suffer. If he would be amicable to making that a reality, then perhaps I could speak to him... but I am not yet ready to trust my family with a newcomer to the table. I do not mistrust Lorenz, and please understand this... I just... I am here because here and now, there is something I can do. To think much farther is beyond me."

"That is more than understandable. You've done enough coming to me to speak of this." Raine answered with a small, comforting smile, and she was heartened to see Lysithea return it after only a moment of hesitation. Still, there was that quiet, nagging feeling that she could not completely ignore, and though she knew it was beyond her bounds... She tightened her hands in her lap, expression turning quiet, pensive, before she spoke again, "Lysithea... If there is anything that I can do to help your efforts, your research... Do not be afraid to ask it. I know this is all far beyond me, but if I can do anything to ease the burden, or speed along the process... I hope that you will tell me. Even if it's something as insignificant as keeping others from snooping. I want to help."

Lysithea didn't answer immediately, instead watching Raine's expression closely to see the empathy and the earnestness in her eyes as she spoke. She meant every word, and not an ounce of it came from pity. It was genuine kindness, kindness mixed with that helpless urge to interfere in situations she was not involved in, and the younger woman had to wonder if being dragged into the problems of others had become so routine to her that now she was seeking it out actively herself. Still, she couldn't very well shake away a helping hand, especially one with such influence and power at her fingertips, and she accepted with a low chuckle, "I cannot think of anything we have need of at the moment, but if something arises... I will come looking for you. Thank you for your offer."

Raine nodded, glad to hear that her offer was not spurned, and even more happy to see Lysithea looking so at ease. The younger of the two began to stand, clearly ready to make her leave, but she paused as she saw Linhardt remaining firmly seated. The mage's eyes were glued to Raine, expression painfully neutral and calm, and both women paused in understanding that he was not quite done yet. Raine shifted slightly in her seat, eyes narrowing somewhat as she asked carefully, "Is there something else, Linhardt?"

"I would ask a question of you." Linhardt spoke bluntly, not knowing any other way to speak as he folded his own hands calmly on the table and met Raine's stare. He could feel the tension rising in her, as if she was anticipating his probing, but he did not mind. He had never fully understood her, nor her ability to commit herself so passionately to the war effort. Her growing empathy, and her budding emotions had been fascinating for him as a student, but now he was weary of war. She seemed capable of carrying a mask in her pocket for any occasion, hiding her humanity when the time came for her to draw her blade, but he knew it was only a facade. She had too much kindness in her now, had grown too caring, and it made him question her now without preamble, "This knowledge that you now have... Does it change your opinion on the war?"

Raine watched as Lysithea closed her eyes, momentarily wincing in pain as she slouched in on herself, and the expression was more than enough to tell her she had not put him up to such questioning. It also was a warning, a warning of torture, of horrible deeds, and nightmares and fear, but she knew such things intimately, too. Linhardt, for his credit, did not know her as he knew Lysithea, and it was fair of him to question her without being aware of who and what she was. Still, she didn't intend to meet his bluntness with kindness, and she asked him pointedly in return, clarifying his words with an edge to her voice, "You mean to ask if I sympathize with Edelgard, now?"

"If that is how you wish to phrase it... Yes." Linhardt answered her promptly and clearly, and he remained firmly seated, his fingers interlaced as his eyes refused to flicker away from her own. He did not look the least bothered despite the palpable tension that had risen inside of the room, and Raine was not sure whether she hated or admired him for it. His single-minded pursuit of knowledge, his razor sharp focus on whatever it was that caught his interest did not allow for him to feel fear or doubt when he was faced with an obstacle. And he held firm and steady, speaking clearly and calmly as he reiterated his question so there was no room for misinterpretation, "Do you sympathize with Edelgard, or her cause, now that you are aware of what may be driving her?"

"No, I don't." Raine felt the answer escape her lips before there could be a moment to pause to think about it, but as she spoke, she was well aware that it was the truth. Part of her ached in sympathetic pain, but there was no surprise to have drawn it to the surface. A puppet was a thing to be created, not born, and all logic pointed to the fact that in her own way, under her own secret circumstances, Edelgard must have suffered, and suffered greatly, in order to become the woman she was. However, Raine had already come to terms with it, and discarded it. Her expression was cold, her eyes fierce as she answered bluntly, "I have sympathy for those who've suffered, and if your theories are correct, then I will agree that she's among many who have had their lives irrevocably twisted by these monsters... but it doesn't excuse the actions she's taken thus far. Nor does it change our current course. Her suffering matters little, compared to all of the horror she's wrought in response to it. The actions taken against her do not give her the right to continue the cycle."

"And yet we go to war due to the actions the Empire has taken against the Kingdom and Alliance. Is that not also continuing the cycle?"

Raine bit the inside of her cheek and fought a smile at the reply, and she wondered if he was brave, or just that thirsty for knowledge. She hadn't been tested like this since her schooling days, and she admitted it was rather refreshing to be met with such opposition. Yet, she knew deep down why he was asking such questions. At his heart, Linhardt was a pacifist. War, blood, suffering... It all terrified him. He wanted simplicity, a life where he could be unbothered with his research and loved ones, and he did not understand those who felt differently. It was unfair to judge him as a soldier, because he was not one. He hadn't the heart or the stomach, but he was here all the same, because Lysithea had come.

Shaking her head slowly, Raine relaxed her posture back in her seat. The young Imperial mage was an intelligent man, and he was only pointing out the flaws in her argument because they were there to be pointed out. He wasn't on Edelgard's side, and he never would be. He was simply taking the chance to dissect her mind and her beliefs because he was there, and that much she would allow him. It wasn't as if his curiosity was driven by arrogance, or would be followed by judgement. He only wished to know, and he would remain where he was regardless of what she said. That knowledge softened her anger, and so she agreed with him openly as she replied, "It is. I won't deny that logic. And ending this war won't stop the cycle, either. Edelgard has her sympathizers, and those who believe fervently in her ideals. Taking her from the throne won't end that. There will be conflict even when the war ends, and who knows for how long it will rage? No one can answer that... All we can do is respond as it comes, and hope to shape a better world, one step at a time. It will be long. It will be full of missteps, accidents, and setbacks. But it's still a path worth treading."

"And that is why the two of you will never cease fighting. Edelgard cannot see a path laid out that long. Or, if she can, she will not settle for it. She needs a quick end. Something she can do with her own hands, while she still has the use of them. You are not overly bothered with the idea of change continuing on without you. Your ideals, your mindsets, will always have you two at opposite ends." Linhardt mused with a small, curt nod, and he titled his head as he reflected on the letter he had tossed aside, along with Caspar, all those years ago. To say he had been disinterested in her plea from the start would have been an understatement. He hadn't cared for her writing any more than he cared for the rich parchment she had wrote her words upon. It was all meaningless drabble to him... but he was only one man. One man unbothered and untethered to the tenants so many others lived their lives by. "Your war with Edelgard will end in Enbarr, but the struggle will not. I will continue my research regardless, so I shall stay here. You will have me as an ally, for as long as this fight will remain... I will not part from Lysithea. Where she goes, so shall I."

Lysithea flushed sharply, and she cleared her throat loudly before reaching over to jerk the taller man up from his seat without preamble. He followed her guidance without complaint, merely looking at her curiously, but she pushed him in the direction of the door unceremoniously. She could feel Raine's stare on her back as keen as a blade, and she knew that the professor was smiling, and the thought only made her ears burn hotter. She still didn't understand how he could so flatly and calmly say such things, and in front of other people, to boot, and she stumbled over her words as she continued to push her partner to the door, "All right, I believe we have taken up more than enough of the professor's time! I apologize for the intrusion, Professor, and we shall speak again later! Now out, Linhardt! Out, out, out!"

Raine struggled to not snort with amusement as the two mages made their exit, with Linhardt protesting the rough treatment with bemusement, and Lysithea hotly scolding him with every step. Wise and put-together as she was, it seemed she still was quite unused to Linhardt's clear shows of affection and commitment, but Raine admittedly couldn't blame her. Linhardt spoke so simply and factually that it would bring anyone embarrassment, and Lysithea floundered far too much for the older Imperial mage to not take notice, and likely take advantage when it suited him.

Still, as the sounds of the two faded away, Raine pushed herself tiredly to her feet as her mind continued to spin itself in tireless circles. It was all confirmation, of course, of what her worst suspicions had told her, but she admitted she didn't think her answer to Linhardt's question was wrong. Nowhere in her could she find a shred of sympathy for the Flame Emperor she stood to face in Enbarr, and she wondered if that made her cold, or simply numb. Lysithea hadn't gone into detail, but she didn't have to. Raine's imagination, combined with Lysithea's pained expression, could fill in the blanks easily enough... and Raine let out a tired sigh as she moved for the exit herself and began to walk for the training grounds.

'Families upon families torn to shreds in the name of power... Mine, hers, Dimitri's, Lysithea's... and yet what have any of us gained? What have they gained? A second Crest for the majority of a lifespan? That much power clearly wasn't worth the drawbacks, if they quit their experimentations in Ordelia... Or perhaps they did deem it worthwhile, at least for Edelgard?' Each thought drummed deep in her head, drilling down into her brain with each of her footsteps, and she wondered at all she had been told, as well as her own lack of a reaction to it all. She had buried the Flame Emperor long ago, and she had nothing left to give for her, even if some strange part of her told her it was wrong. Too much time had passed. Too many sins had been committed. Both of them were too far gone for such details to matter any longer... Their paths were set in stone.

'Without knowing the precise timing, all I have left to me is guesswork... and even then, it's not as if it changes anything. It's only confirmation of what we suspected. Puppets are made, not born... Am I to feel sympathy? Had she just came out and spoke all those years ago, perhaps I would have then. Now... Now it just feels too late.' Raine's hand reached for the hilt of her blade, fingertips running carefully across the cracked and worn hilt of the ancient sword that had more and more come to feel like another limb rather than just a weapon. Her thoughts drifted to Sothis, as they always did when she handled the Relic, and another sigh left her lips as she murmured aloud, "I wish more than ever I had your guidance... You told me to carve out my own path, regardless of anything else. Would you be disappointed by my lack of empathy now, or would you encourage me to see this through to the end...? It's not as if there's really any choice now. She left me without one the moment she picked up her blade alongside them... The moment she donned the mask in the name of her utopia."

The sound of lancework echoed to her ears from inside of the arena, and Raine was heartened to know Warin was exactly where she expected him to be. She shouldered the doors open, eyes drifting carefully to find her brother alone, running through his drills as casually as ever. He paused at the sound of her approach, shoulders tensing momentarily before he turned his head, and his navy eyes softened at the sight of her before he flipped his lance casually back onto his shoulder. He greeted her with little more than a nod, appraising her expression with wary, careful eyes, and she nudged the doors shut behind her with her boot as she glanced about to see if they were well and truly alone.

He likely was waiting for Shamir, as he didn't look overly tired, and though she didn't want to interrupt what she knew was his version of intimate time with her... She needed him for the moment, and she didn't know who else to turn to immediately with what she had been told. Dimitri would need time and delicate wording that she wasn't yet capable of making, but her brother had never been the type to want or need such things. His view on the war, on Edelgard, was well in line with her own, and he would understand her frustrations, and her suspicions, much better than anyone else would. She spoke without preamble, folding her arms about her waist as she satisfied herself with the knowledge that it was just them for now, and she could speak openly and without hesitation, "I need to speak to you. I've just had a rather... enlightening conversation with Lysithea and Linhardt that I think bears repeating. I want to hear your perspective on it before I share the details with anyone else."

"That sounds foreboding." Warin remarked with a raised eyebrow, but he rolled his shoulders back and placed his lance idly by the wall before reaching for his pack. He shifted about for a moment before finding his flask, and he took a deep draught of water before looking back to his sister carefully. Her eyes were flinty, her body language tight and coiled, and he could already well imagine where this conversation was to take him. He had been the one, after all, to speak to Hanneman of Edelgard, and it hadn't been difficult for him to realize that his connections with the Golden Deer had left him far more open to the idea of a second Crest than any in his circle would otherwise be. After all, if the Father of Crestology was unsurprised by the existence of the Crest of Flames existing side by side with the Crest of Seiros in one body... It only meant there had to already be a set precedent.

His sister's wariness was well-earned, and he could see that she was clearly torn inwardly with whatever she had learned and what it now meant. He already was aware it likely would do nothing to him, that his thoughts, his choices, would not waver an ounce, but he was not his sister. She cared for Dimitri, even if she disagreed heavily with his wishes to give sympathy, to try and understand, the enemy that would not allow for them to ever truly understand her. Her wishes to cede to him, to give him closure he sorely needed was at war with her pragmatism, and if she was turning to him rather than to her lover now with this new information, it only proved that she was not yet ready to share it with him. It would impact his view of Edelgard, likely deepen the prince's sympathy for her, and the thought made him smile grimly.

Sympathy did not exist in his heart. He had buried it alongside his father, and there it would lay until the bodies of all of those involved in his death were buried along with him... Edelgard included. He cared nothing for whatever she had suffered, and he would continue to refuse to care no matter what he was presented with. He did not need to know her, understand her, or feel for her. Such things would only cloud his judgement, would slow his lance, and that would bring undue risk to those that would be fighting alongside him. She was an obstacle to be removed, a burning flame to be put out, before she could choke and smother the rest of the world in her manic desire for change and control.

He leaned himself against a nearby pillar, crossing his arms over his chest as he met his sister's stare head-on and without flinching. His expression was neutral, though he knew his eyes were glinting with cold, detached amusement. So much left to unravel, to reveal to the world, and yet he felt nothing as secret after secret came to the surface. None of them interested him. None of them were secrets that he yearned to know. He was still biding his time, waiting for the knowledge that would impact him rather than the war he was fighting, and though he knew it selfish... He didn't mind the moniker. This was not his war, even if it was his sister's, and his voice was calm and flat as he urged her, "All right... Let's talk."

AN:

Lysithea is an interesting character, and her ties to Edelgard, especially depending on route and recruitment, are things that aren't really brought up all that often in a bubble. Usually, her stance as an object of support or friendship to Edelgard is all that is spoken about when she's brought up, and not what her reaction would be if she remained in opposition to the Empire throughout the campaign, as she did in Verdant Wind. (Which allowed for a revelation or two to be made to Claude, but it's never really touched on much again afterwards, and that's a pity unto itself.) Of course, her sheer usability as a unit means that she's almost always recruited regardless of the route, (and I am guilty of this myself!), but here I wanted to demonstrate what her character could have been like had she both not been recruited to Edelgard's side, and had been able to "sit out" the conflict as she wished she could in order to tend to her family, who she is incredibly and passionately devoted to above all else.

Still, here, I wanted to explore the idea that though her and Edelgard have many similarities, they also have quite a few differences that would (and in this narrative, did) put them at odds. Lysithea shows nothing but hatred and outrage for the enemies responsible for destroying her family in canon, and while she is happy for the chance to put an end to them if she is a member of the Black Eagles, in any other route, her focus is not on vengeance, but rather in ensuring her parents can live a peaceful life when hers comes to its early end. This, of course, can be attributed to ignorance of the "real enemy" that she only gets to see if she is recruited in CF, or is lightly touched upon in VW, but I have always been rather curious about what her reaction would be as an outsider to Edelgard's conflict, and being made aware of the conspiracy in a roundabout manner rather than a direct one.

Of course, this really is just an experiment on characterization, so I can understand if this particular take on Lysithea isn't really a popular one. However, her pride and her care for her family are core tenants of her personality and her future goals, and having them put at odds against her very-real, but put-aside want for vengeance was a concept that I just had to explore. She is a real interesting foil to Edelgard in many ways, but unfortunately she never gets the chance to shine much in the game's narrative... Which is what fanfiction is for!

Anyway, writing's been hard as always, but I am slogging through one piece at a time. There is just so much content to cover, but I am enjoying what I am doing, so long as I'm not pushing it overly much. I've got a lot more ahead of me, and am eager to get there. So, as always, thanks for reading thus far, and please drop me a review should you feel the need. I'll see you again soon!

Mood: Amused.

Listening To: "Digital Love" - Daft Punk

~ Sky