This right here is my first attempt at building a worthwhile connection between Rolan and one of his Golden Deer classmates. I realized that, while the story is going well, I did very little to show the friendships he'd formed while in Byleth's class. I hope you enjoy this one, and I hope it serves to build a real emotional connection in the routes where he leaves the Golden Deer for another house.

This chapter slots in nicely between chapter four and chapter five, well before Rolan decides where his loyalties are focused. Think of it like a support conversation between him and Lysithea. Also let me know if you'd like this little story arc to continue.

And without further delay, let's begin.

A Magical Conundrum (Lysithea)

I perch at Hilda's bedside with a worried frown. It's dreadful seeing her in such intense discomfort.

Where I'm dressed in my uniform and ready to escort her to class, my noble sweetheart is laid in bed with the covers pulled up to her shoulders. Wearing a long and frilly nightgown with her pink hair loose, she hugs her legs to her chest beneath the sheets and whines.

Where she's usually so bouncy and upbeat, today she's drained and pitiful. Like a puppy left out in the rain.

My displeasure building the longer I see Hilda weak and woeful, I kneel at her side and rest my hand on her exposed shoulder.

I have to help somehow. I'll feel awful all day if I don't.

"Can I get you something... for the pain?"

My offer gets Hilda smiling, but she shakes her head. "I'll manage."

I'm not convinced. Goddess does she look fragile. "How about a healer?"

A second shake of Hilda's head. "There's no need."

"You're sure...?"

"I'm sure, but it's sweet of you to care, Rolan." Hilda chuckles. Merely doing so makes her wince.

My stomach dips. "But I hate seeing you like this."

"And as worried as you are, silly goose, there's nothing you can do about a girl's time of the month."

"O-Oh..." My eyes widen a touch, realization hitting me like a hammer. So that's what it is - womanly business. Truly the one thing I can do little to help a lady with, no matter how much I might want to. I'm no less concerned for her, regardless. "Are you sure there's absolutely nothing-"

Hilda reaches from under the sheets and puts a finger to my lips. Shushing me, her strained smile widens affectionately. "You're a real sweetheart... But no. In fact, most guys would stay out of a lady's way at a time like this - and here you are wanting to help. You're a keeper, that's for certain."

I too heard the same things from other men in the past, usually customers who visited our shop and started chatting away with my dad. Me, though? I've never understood the thinking behind it. Surely if you cared about someone you'd be there for them during their time of need.

"I promised I'd serve you, Hilda. That includes making sure you're okay at times like these."

Especially after the other day; the kisses we shared by the water fountain. My lips tingle just thinking about it.

"You'd do anything for me?" Hilda asks, her compassionate eyes glinting hopefully. "Anything at all?"

"Without question." I answer shortly and diligently. "Anything you ask."

Leaning closer, Hilda winks. "There is one way you could help, if you're feeling super dedicated." Our noses touch, the girl brushing her lips against mine. Her cheeks pinken to the same shade as her hair. "And I'd appreciate it more than anything in the world right now. How about it? Hear me out..?"

I nod, rendered silent and my heartbeat thundering.

"Good..." Hilda pecks my lips, drawing back and licking my taste from hers. "You could go out into town after class and buy me a huuuge chocolate bar."

"How large are we talking?"

"The biggest one in the old lady's sweet shop."

In my mind's eye I picture the place Hilda is talking about. We visited it the other day during her shopping spree. It's a quaint little store owned by the most precious elderly woman. The sort who wears thick rimmed spectacles and calls everyone 'dearie'. Glass jars line the shelves behind the counter and there's an outstanding sugary aroma from all of the candied fruits and such. A scent so inviting that it even gives my family's bakeries a run for their money.

"You sound just like Lysithea right now, you know that, right?" I tease. Hilda's hopeful expression is a welcome change, heart-warming even.

A soft giggle leaves her, the girl leaning in and kissing the bridge of my nose. "And what's wrong with a girl liking chocolate?"

"Not a thing. I can't really complain, given my folks' livelihood and all."

"So you'll get a bar for me?"

I've always wondered about this kinda thing - ladies and chocolate, I mean. When my sister Leena suffered with her womanly troubles she too would eat a small sackful of chocolate and drink crazy amounts of tea. Whatever the case, if it helps Hilda feel better I'll do it for her.

"It'd be my pleasure, Miss Hilda. I'll go as soon as classes are finished."

"Thank you so much! You're a real gem!" Hilda draws back and carefully sits upright in bed.

Pulling down the covers a little, she hugs her arms around her middle for comfort. With the sheets drawn back I see her cleavage bulging slightly from the confines of her nightgown. Already damn-well-endowed (one of the biggest lassies in the academy, even) today her breasts are swollen and sore.

Averting my eyes and clawing back poise, I rise from my knees and stand.

The morning bell rings out across Garreg Mach's grounds. My alertness ramps up with it. I need to go, but at the same time I don't want to leave Hilda.

I fold my arms, brow raised. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Nothing a little extra rest won't fix," Hilda assures me, touching her fingertips to my hand. "Go ahead. There's no sense being late because of me."

I shudder, imagining Professor Byleth's emotionless eyes boring into me if I'm the last to step through the classroom doors. A fate even the sturdiest of men would struggle to weather. "You have a point..." Leaning in once last time, I kiss Hilda's cheek. Drawing back, I turn and make for the door. "All things considered, I'm guessing I'll be back by sunset. Get some sleep, okay Hilda?"

"Will do. And, Rolan?"

"Hmm?" I glance back, my hand stalling on the door handle. "What's up?"

"Good luck in Magical Application. I'm rooting for you!"

A nervy twinge grips my stomach. "Thanks. Goddess knows I'll need it..."

"You'll get it this time, I'm sure you will!"

"Hopefully." I sigh. "Hopefully."

I'm not confident. Magic and I have a very... complicated connection.

Opening the door, I step out into the hall and close it once I'm through.

A couple of students dart past. A pair of young ladies. Blue Lions, judging by the lapels of their blazers.

"Come on, Maria!" I hear one of them shout from the other side of the corridor.

"I'm right behind you!"

I'd better follow their example, as much as I hate Magical Application.

"Class time."

I skid to a stop outside the Golden Deer homeroom, my breaths hefty and heaving.

Looks like everyone else is only just taking their seats.

Talk about a relief. "Made it."

Ready for today's lesson, I head inside.

I'm free to sit somewhere else since Hilda isn't here.

My poise regained, I cast my eyes over the room.

I'm drawn toward the front row - to a petite young miss with a fair complexion and long snowy hair.

Lysithea von Ordelia. Our most hardworking student. Sharp-tongued at times, but otherwise kind enough to those who make an effort with their studies. We've shared a desk once or twice beforehand. I figure I'll do the same again today, especially for this class. If she'll entertain my company, that is.

I step back so Ignatz might pass me, and then make my way to Lysithea's desk. She glances up from her open textbook, giving me a half-hearted wave of acknowledgement. She wants to continue reading, clearly. "Hi, Rolan. Can I help you with something?"

"Morning Lysithea." I greet her as kindly as I'm able. "Mind if I sit with you this morning?"

"I don't, provided you listen well and do your best." Permission granted, she scoots down the bench with her book and continues reading.

"Thanks." I sit down next to her and take the satchel bag off my shoulder. First things first, my notebook comes out. I left some useful scrawlings toward the back; tips for crafting magical spells. Here's hoping today is the day I finally make some reasonable progress.

I notice Lysithea peeking over at my notes from the corner of my eye. She's quick to look away once I meet her gaze, her attention returning to her own book with double the pace. She's probably embarrassed that I caught her looking, I'm guessing.

"Something up?" I ask in a low voice.

Her cheeks flaring up, Lysithea again looks over and steals a peek at my book. "I wanted to see how you're progressing, that's all. I mean, you're rather dreadful when it comes to magic, Rolan. Probably one of the worst in our whole class, even."

Her bluntness is like a knife straight into my chest - brutal and uncaring. "Straight-talking as always, Lysithea," I comment with a hint of pain, nudging the left-hand page of my Magical Application notes into beneath her eyes; her deep pink orbs. They begin trailing over the written words, scrutinizing everything I've penned with brutal and almost genius-level attentiveness. She doesn't stop for anything, not even Professor Byleth taking her place at the podium.

"And today, class," our teacher begins, "We're taking the methods we learned during our previous two lectures and increasing them. I want you to choose a study partner and practice spellcraft as a pair. You can do this in the classroom, or outside in the sunshine. I don't mind which."

Grateful sighs and light chatter fill the room for a moment, dying down when Professor claps sharply.

"Do keep in mind that this isn't an excuse to dawdle. There are some of you who excel in this class, and others who struggle somewhat. I would like to see our more magically-inclined aid those of do not, if at all possible. Now, choose your partner, and report your progress, if any, in the next hour."

Byleth's instructions delivered, I look back to Lysithea. She's still reading, her eyes devouring the second page. Her focus is unreal. It's both amazing and unnerving watching her like this. "Are you done yet?"

Lysithea pauses, holds up her to quiet me. "Not yet. Be patient."

A little rude of her, but not unexpected.

The rest of our classmates are getting up, most of them pairing up and going outside. Apart from Ignatz and Raphael at the desk behind, Lysithea and I are the only students left in the classroom before long. It's quiet, apart from a bit of idle chatter between the merchant's son and the kind-hearted carnivore.

Much quieter and you'd hear a pin drop.

Finally, Lysithea leans away from the book. Passing it back she shakes her head and sighs exhaustedly.

My unrest turns to misery in a second flat, my eyes falling upon my scruffy handwriting. I look to the girl, her disappointment clearer than the morning sunshine out in the yard. I swear, if she were my teacher I worry I'd never reach her lofty standards "How bad is it...?"

"Quite bad," Lysithea clarifies, folding her arms and huffing at me. "But not hopeless, given a lot, and I mean a lot, of work. Tell me Rolan, honestly, too. You sat with me today because you want help with passing this class, don't you?"

Figures she'd work out my intentions. Lysithea's razor-sharp as they come. "Got it in one. How'd you guess?"

"Your notes, of course, stupid," she snaps. "They told me all I needed to know."

My eyes widen, surprise kicking within my chest. "You figured it out... from my notes?"

"I certainly did."

"But they're just splashes of ink on paper." And useless ones to anybody but me, I'm willing to gamble.

"No, they're not. Not if you read them carefully, anyway."

"Come again...?" I feel thicker than a sack of grain right now. Lysithea sees it too. Her twitching brow is all the proof I need.

"It's clear you want to succeed. The attention to detail is clearly here on paper." Lysithea jabs a thumb against the page, as if to underline her point; bold it too. "You grasp the basic principles of magical conjuration well enough, but the execution is all wrong. Typical of a swordsman, sadly."

"Now now, Lysithea," Byleth cautions. Her voice faintly assertive, she looks up from the stack of papers atop her podium with the smallest of frowns. "Everybody has their strengths, and I believe you and Rolan will lean from one-another... should you cooperate. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is swordplay not your weakest subject - one which you've expressed a desire to hone and improve countless times?"

Humbled by worldly wisdom, the young mage shrinks into her seat with slumped shoulders. "You have a point, ma'am."

Byleth's lips rise, a faint expression of encouragement. "I meant no disrespect. In fact, I think it will be a good for the two of you to work together in this class." She looks from Lysithea to me. "And you could likewise do to make a new friend, Rolan. What do you think?"

"Fine by me, Professor." I'm all too eager to learn more about magic, even if I'm terrible at it right now. I turn to Lysithea with a smile and offer my hand. "I've always respected your smarts, Lysithea. And I tell you what, you help me get to grips with spells and I'll help you with swordsmanship. Deal?"

Lysithea stares at my extended hand with extreme concentration. Humming, she ponders the idea.

Five seconds pass. Fifteen. Thirty. A whole minute.

Lysithea takes my hand into hers. Her dainty fingers knotting with mine, she squeezes to seal the agreement.

"Fine, but on one condition."

"Name it."

"You'll go into town with every lunchtime after this class, to the sweet shop, and the bookstore."

"Deal. Funny you mention that, too. I'm already planning to call in at the sweet shop today."

"You are?" There's a hint of glee to Lysithea's voice, but she collects herself pretty darn quickly. "I mean, you are?"

"Right," I answer, withdrawing my hand from hers. "For Hilda."

"Speaking of Miss Goneril," Byleth interrupts, her voice the slightest bit stern. I shift eyes from my classmate to my teacher. "You usually walk with her to class most mornings, Rolan. Almost all of them, upon reflection. Would you be so kind as to tell me why she's absent from this lesson?"

"Sure thing, Professor. Just a moment." Best I be subtle, given the nature of the problem.

I take out a quill from the inkwell next to Lysithea and jot down Hilda's plight in the corner of my notebook page. Issues of a womanly nature.

"Here you go." I tear out the page corner, getting out from the desk and handing the professor the makeshift note.

Reading it, Byleth nods understandingly. "Ah, I see. Very well. Thank you, Rolan, for being respectful about this matter. I'll pay her a visit later."

"Not a problem." Situation dealt with, I return my attention Lysithea's way. The quicker we get started, the quicker we can both begin making some real progress with our shortcomings. "I'm ready to get start when you are, Lysithea. Want to study in here, or outside?"

"Outside would be better." Lysithea comments with a hint of cheer, collecting her things and getting up. "You can't beat spell practice in the spring sunshine."

"A fine idea." I follow suit, slinging my satchel over my shoulder and shuffling out from the bench. "Outside it is then." I step back and gesture politely toward the doors. "Ladies first. You can choose our study spot. I'll be right behind you."

Though only for a second, I swear Lysithea blushes. Taking the lead, she brushes past in a hurry. "Come on now, hurry up. We mustn't waste time."

"Right behind you." I follow with a spring in my step. Something we both agree upon, by the looks of things. Time sure is precious.

The last thing I expected was for Lysithea to choose the woodland clearing at the edge of Garreg Mach's grounds as our study spot.

And study we have, relentlessly. My body aches and my legs feel as though they're going to collapse.

Breaths ragged and my vision foggy, I fall against a mighty tree for support. Eyes shut, I listen to the tweeting of birds and inhale the crisp woodland air. My heartbeat is thundering in my ears like a drum. If I don't collect myself I worry I might pass out.

I feel the magical energies coursing through my body... but I can't conjure an actual spell for the life of me.

More than that, I feel as though I've wasted my classmate's time.

"Apologies, Lysithea." I open my eyes. The young lady is watching me with hands against her hips and a hint of concern to her expression. "We've been at this for over an hour and still nothing. I'll understand if you'd rather we get going to the classroom."

"No, not at all," the mage dismisses, folding her arms and smiling approvingly. "Sure, you're not very good, but studying with you has been fun. You don't whine or complain - or waste time. You knuckle down and try your hardest, even though it's exhausting for you. Persistence is an admirable quality."

"Seems like we've both learned something, then," I add. Lifting my back from the tree and standing tall, I brush down my trousers. "Folks in our class make out like you're really scary to study with, that you're super strict and impatient. I'm not seeing that at all, Lysithea. You're actually very supportive."

"Hmph. That's because most of our classmates don't appreciate the value of hard work." Lysithea unfolds her arms and smirks, smug and confident. A lonesome finger snap sends a mass of blackened energy swirling to life within her opened left palm. Talk about skilled. "And then they whine like babies when I criticize them over it. You're not like most of them, so I've no need to scold you like a child."

She's right. We're here to learn - to hone our skills for the future.

It's the reason I drag myself out of bed at the crack of dawn every morning for swordsmanship practice before most students are even out of bed.

"Not gonna lie, I completely agree with you."

Lysithea appears pleased, her smirk widening. "Do you now?"

I nod, reclaiming the spell book from atop my satchel bag. Flicking through to the page I was reciting earlier, I'm ready to try one last time. "I do. And unlike the rest of you, my family can only afford me one year's tuition here. If I don't make the most of the time I have, I'm going home empty-handed."

Extinguishing the spell in her palm, Lysithea pauses. There's a subtle sadness to her deep pink eyes, as though she's lost in thought.

Did I say something wrong? I sure hope not.

Setting down my spell book again, I take a step nearer. "Is everything alright?"

Closing her eyes and exhaling, Lysithea nods. "I'm alright, yes." She re-opens her eyes again. Her smile has returned, though it's smaller and weaker than before. "You know something, Rolan? I feel like you and I are going to get along just fine... provided you keep working hard, of course."

The monastery bell rings, claiming our combined attention for the moment.

Once the chiming stops, Lysithea picks up her books from their spot by the tree I was leaned against.

I follow her example and set about doing the same.

"And it's lunchtime," the mage comments, and with far greater spirit. Picking up her book bag and twirling around to face me, Lysithea's mood has brightened like sunshine. "You are still coming into town with me, aren't you? I really want some sugar candies from the sweet shop."

Even if I weren't already going there for Hilda, Lysithea's hopefulness would leave me powerless to refuse.

"I'm a man of my word." I nod. "Of course."

"I'm glad," Lysithea says approvingly, snatching my hand into hers and taking the lead. "Let's get on our way, then!"

And so, I'm pulled along by my shorter companion. Not unwillingly though. The fiery determination in her eyes is impressive, if a little scary.

I guess it's true what they say. Lysithea von Ordelia sure does have a sweet tooth.

As for me? I'm just happy to have made another friend outside of Hilda and Dorothea.

Here's hoping that my time in Garreg Mach is colored by plenty more nice moments; memories to treasure just like this one.

To be continued...

There you have it! Our first support conversation chapter has come to a close. Did you like it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter!