I figured it was about time I dabbled in some Three Houses fanfiction. This story is simple and ever so slightly romantic. I put it together in a couple of hours. Let me know if you enjoy it or you'd like to see more. I decided to focus on creating a simple protagonist and focusing on interactions this time.

Oh, and if you're looking for an epic Fire Emblem Fates tale to read, why not check out A Night with Corrin - another story of mine focused on a Hoshidan swordsman and the dragon princess. Anyway, let's begin. Shall we?

Songstress

The world is bound by a fragile peace between three mighty kingdoms. I never believed such trivial matters would ever mean anything. After all, I'm nobody important - just a common-born lad of the Leicester Alliance. The son of common parents and humble birth. My ma's a simple dressmaker and my father's a baker. He makes bread for the kitchens of House Goneril. I imagined I'd follow in the footsteps of my old man and take up the family trade. So you can well imagine my surprise when he one day slapped a big old bag of gold on the table at dinnertime.

"Son," he told me with a proud smile. "It's your eighteenth birthday. Me and yer mother have been talking for a while now. Fer years we've been setting aside money for the day you came of age. And we've come to a decision. You deserve a better than we ever got. We're sending you to the fancy academy at Garreg Mach Monastery. You've always been happier with a sword than a rolling pin. Aim for the skies. Goddess willing, laddie. Become a bodyguard fer a noble. Live well. Above all else... Be happy."

Father's dearest wish is for me to be whatever I choose to be; to grow into a man unbound by the ways of class. Now don't get me wrong. I appreciate it 'n all, but since arriving in Garreg Mach I've always felt outta place. It ain't my classmates making me feel this way. Oh not at all. Sir Claude's a welcoming fellow; always easygoing; a fantastic schemer to boot. Not to mention our professor Byleth - she's an encouraging and friendly enough lady.

I dare say my heart thunders just looking at her.

But I just... don't feel like I belong in a place like this. Most of the students at Garreg Mach are noble sorts. Heirs and heiresses. They're either born and raised bluebloods, or devout followers of Seiros. I'm neither of those things.

I'm a lad who's spent too much time training with the soldiers at Goneril barracks when I should've been kneading bread for the ovens. I've not made a single friend since arriving here. And I'm one of the oldest first year students too. I dunno. I don't wanna let Pop down after all he's done for me. But maybe... Maybe I ain't cut out for this. I feel out of my depth.

I need to get out of my room; a walk will clear my head. Taking a deep breath, I rest my sword on the rack beside my door. It's usually calm by the lake this time in the evening. Might be a good chance to squeeze in a spot of fishing before the monks call curfew too. Heck, it's a finer idea than sitting here and feeling sad for myself. I ain't the sort who enjoys getting weighed down by my feelings. It's a problem I've never been good at solving.

Sunset's lovely orange glow makes the surface of the water sparkle. The fish swim and flop about. And a cool breeze works wonders in steadying my thoughts. There are plenty of nice things here in the monastery if a fella knows where to look. The waterfront is one of them - without a doubt.

Taking in the lovely scenery for all it's worth, I let my troubles fritter away. "Sorry father... I'll do my best 'n make sure I don't Ma down."

I've gotta keep on here and do the both of them proud. Even if I am a commoner among nobles - even if I don't have much in the way of friends. A man needs to keep his pride intact of nothing else.

A girl's sobbing carries over the breeze. She sounds well and truly heartbroken. I look off in the direction of the sound. And that's when I see her with my own eyes. A tall lass with smooth, curly brown hair and a gentle, snowy white complexion. She gazes tearfully into the sunset, holding a black cap to her chest. Her skirt uniform and leggings appear scruffy and creased.

Has she been hanging around her all day?

It's not my place to go prying into her business; but her crying is utterly breaking my heart. I've always hated to see a woman wrought with anguish. My older sister poured her heart out for weeks on end when her husband to be went off to fight the Almyrans; poor fella never came home. If I can do something to ease this lassies' pain (no matter how small) I gotta try.

"Excuse me, Miss," I begin softly, heading on over. She dries her eyes hastily as I join her; she looks pretty darn panicked to see me. I do hope I didn't intrude. "Is everything alright? I simply couldn't bare it; hearing you so beside yourself..."

Her lips rise into a weak smile, "I am now," she replies. "B-But don't let my problems bother you. I'm just lost in my head again... It's a habit of mine." The girl puts her cap back on, dabbing away the tears with a handkerchief from her coat pocket. "T-Thank you for checking on me all the same."

The girl bows politely in thanks, "My name's Dorothea. I'm part of the Black Eagle House - the only commoner. But I'm sure you've heard of me before. Most around these parts have."

Dorothea? I rack my brains and give her name some consideration. My mind runs a blank no matter how deeply I think.

"Sorry Miss," I shake my head, "But no. Can't say I have. I'm just the son of a baker. Spent most of my life tucked outta the way in Goneril. My old man serves Miss Hilda's family as a baker..."

I don't know why I went and blurted out so much of my family life. But I had to say something. It feels mighty silly coming over to a young lady as demure as this one without much to say. Last thing I want is to sound like a blithering idiot.

"O-Oh... Is that so?" But to my surprise, Dorothea chuckles. She reaches out and clasps my hand. She's soft and warm. Reminds me of a girl I once took to the fair back home. "Color me surprised. You haven't heard of the Mittlefrank Opera Company at all?"

"Can't say I have. Focused most of my time on swordplay and baking bread as a young lad... My life was fairly quiet until I got here."

"Tell me," Dorothea continues, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "What's your name? I haven't seen you around before... You'd think I would've. Strapping fellow like yourself, with such a sharp face and wavy black hair. Gosh... I've been missing out on the good ones."

My heart kicks in my chest. It's been a real long time since a lady's said something so sweet to me. And especially one so darn beautiful.

"Rolan. Rolan Gesalt. A Simple and boring name, I know. Got it from my grandfather."

"Well then, Rolan..." Dorothea brings my hand against her cheek. She smiles warmly and flutters her eyelashes; I feel hot under the collar. "You've been a real sweetheart... There aren't many men who care about my feelings instead of my looks. Your concern means a lot to me."

I can't help but get lost in Dorothea's eyes. The longer I look at her, the harder it gets to pull away. I could stay with her like this until the midnight moon rises high into the sky. Even so... I have to keep my senses. "Why were you crying, Dorothea? I've never happened upon a lady so wounded before..."

"Don't fret over little me," she answers softly, inching closer and closer. "I just worry, that's all. Will an urchin girl like me ever find her place in this big old world? I ask myself too many scary questions. It gets me down sometimes..."

I should speak from the heart. I should reassure her, stranger or no. "I think a lady like yourself should strive for whatever she wants. You shouldn't cry... whatever troubles darken the day. It's a terrible waste. You're kind. After all, you could've ignored me when I came over. But you didn't."

"I-I'm kind," Dorothea whispers. She coils her arms over my shoulders; cuddling me tightly. I breathe in her perfume; my head swims at the peak of delight. "It's nice of you to sweet-talk me... but be careful who you trust. If you knew the real me, Rolan, you wouldn't be so nice. I might break your heart."

I couldn't care less, "I'll politely refuse, from one commoner to another. Hardly anyone's given me the time of day since I arrived at the monastery. So- I suppose what I'm saying is-" I pause nervously, "I'm grateful to have bumped into you out lhere. I won't forget it. Even if don't cross paths again in my time here. Thank you for talking with me tonight; for being my friend."

Dorothea holds on tightly; it's almost like she's afraid to let me go. For the longest time we stay together like this, joined as one. Who would've thought the first person I felt truly drawn to would turn up so suddenly? I should thank my lucky stars.

"I could kiss you for being so sweet, Rolan." But despite her words, Dorothea backs away. She gives me a respectful bow and bids me farewell. "But maybe- Just maybe... Let me pose a question; a little game of sorts," she continues, turning to face me one last time. She winks teasingly.

"If I weren't attractive... would you still welcome me? Even if I were plain and boring would you listen to my problems? Am I more to you than a pretty face?"

I don't need to think twice to find my answer.

"That's three questions," I smirk "I would. And of course you are, Dorothea. A person's looks aren't the be all and end all. My Ma's a seamstress; she was lovely enough to be a noble consort when she was younger. And she married my pudgy old father. The two of them adore each other."

Dorothea blushes at my words, "I prayed you'd say something like that. Men like Lorenz and Sylvain could learn a lot from a gentleman like you. Have a good evening, Rolan. It's been a pleasure meeting you." She blows me a kiss. "Take care..."

Without another word, the mysterious girl turns and heads off in the direction of the dorms.

I'm left alone in the moonlight. And for the first time in so long, I feel strong and hopeful.

There are some kind people here at Garreg Mach after all.

"I hope I see you again, Dorothea..."

Something about her makes me light-headed.

The poets say chance meetings awaken new perspectives. After tonight? I'd have to agree with them.

Being here at Garreg Mach is my one chance to change things. I doesn't matter if I don't belong. All that matters is I succeed.

To be continued...

There you have it. Another tale comes to a close! Did you like it? Would you be interested in more stories in future? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts. Until next time, keep on supporting Fire Emblem. See you again soon!