Turns out you guys and girls really like this, huh? I suppose I could make a short story out of it. And I know just where to start. If you enjoy my Fire Emblem stories then be sure to check out some of the others. I have plenty of stories for just about every occasion. Now then. Let's get started shall we?


Hilda

No way can I let doubt shake me again. I know what I want; I'm happy as a student of the monastery.

I awoke early this morning for combat practice before Professor Byleth's lecture. There's nothing more gratifying than the burn of adrenaline brought by swordplay. It helps clear my mind and senses alike. When I'm here at the training grounds I'm more than simple Rolan, the baker's son. I'm taking slow and careful steps toward my dream of becoming a noble's bodyguard. If I stay focused I'll one day find my path.

Tending ovens my whole life is the last thing I want. I see the highborn students here and in some ways I greatly admire them. They have control over their lives. They aren't bound by tradition. They're free to do whatever they please without issue.

There's no greater gift in my eyes.

"Have to concentrate." I stand tall and swing my blade; it cleaves the air like a hot knife through butter. "This is my chance to become more than I'm destined to be. I can't stop; I won't stop. No matter what... I will succeed."

The chime of church bells signals an end to my peace and quiet. I slip away my sword and prepare for a new day. Classes await; we have Group Tactics Studies this morning, followed by Magic Theory this afternoon. A busy schedule for sure. I truly hope I cross paths with Dorothea again too. Our moment by the lake filled me with gladness. She's one of the only people whom I'm acquainted with in this large and sometimes lonely academy.

"Gotta get going, Rolan."

I heave open the sturdy wooden doors of the training grounds. Morning sunlight warms my face. It's time I get to class. Nobody enjoys being the last person to a lecture. Well, unless you're happy having everybody stare. There are some at this academy who prefer being the centre of attention.


Professor Byleth jots down theories on the chalkboard. Most everyone is listening intently, but I swear I saw Raphael sneak a bite of sandwich when Teacher's back was turned. He wants to be careful to not get caught. Granted I don't have much room to complain. My grades outside of Single Combat Practice and Duelling Theory aren't exactly the best. Not to mention I'm just a first year. He's been here far longer than me.

A note finds its way across my table. I wait for Professor to turn her back before sliding it under the bench. Hilda flashes me a wink from the other side of the table, gesturing for me to read. I unfold the scruffily folded note:

Hey Rolan, it starts. I was just wondering if you could do a girl a teeny-tiny favour. I had all of my tomes nicely organised on the table in my room, but I knocked them off reaching for a perfume bottle this morning. It's gonna be such a pain fixing them; too much work. And you're a strong fella. Mind stopping by my room after classes and fixing them up? I'd ask Raphael, but he's going into town with Ignatz for dinner. It'd be real sweet of you. Hilda x x x.

This is the first time Hilda has spoken to me since I arrived at the monastery. I wouldn't say we're friends or anything of the sort. But I'm acquainted with her. Mother and Father did a lot of work at the Goneril Estate; dressmaking; baking bread for formal dinners and the like. They took me along most of the time. More often than not I ended up doing chores for Hilda while they went about their jobs.

Not that helping out a noble girl was the worst job in the world. Heck, she once gave me a hug for my trouble; I was even paid a few gold coins. Now, don't get me wrong - I don't want money for my troubles. But maybe a little work after class will stop my thoughts from wandering to Dorothea.

As silly as it sounds, I keep thinking of her. I kinda miss her.

I take out my quill once I'm sure Professor isn't looking my way. For such a beautiful woman, she has a scary stare.

Alright, she's back to the chalkboard again. I'm free to write without being landed in hot water.

I'd be happy to, Miss Hilda. I'll meet you by the dorms at sundown - as soon I've grabbed a bun from the kitchens. I was so busy training this morning; I skipped breakfast. See you later, and it's nice to hear you haven't forgotten me. Rolan.

Now all I have to do is get through today's classes, and I'll have something to keep me busy tonight. I'm fairly sure Hilda's simple request will end up with more and more 'teeny-tiny' jobs piled on top. Not that I mind too greatly.

I pass the note along to Hilda. She gives it a read and flashes me a wink of thanks. We're all set.


Sundown. Classes are done. I breathe a sigh of relief. Professor Byleth's lessons are insightful but tiring.

Hilda is waiting out in the corridor of the noble dorms by the time I get there, "Rolan. You came! How sweet." She rushes over and snags my hands, leading me into her room with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. "Now I know I said it was a teeny-tiny favour... buuut - my room's a bit messy right now. It might take a while to find those tomes. I know they were on my desk last I checked..."

I knew it. I was right. The tomes Hilda mentioned are nowhere in sight. Her writing desk is stacked high with parchment paper. The sock draw has been pulled out of her dresser and stockings are strewn all over the rug. Then there's her bed - goodness her bed. The linens are bundled messily by the footboard; the pillows are on the floor; and a collection of stuffed animals are scattered over the mattress.

I'm bribed with Hilda's sugary-sweetest smile.

"Would you pretty please tidy up in here? You'll be the biggest darling in the world if you do. I'll totally put in a good word for you with my folks back home. I'm sure my brother will give your father lots of business baking bread for the troops if he hears you've done me such a big favour. Pretty please?"

It's for the best. I'm sure Pop could do with the trade. And house Goneril always pay well; very well.

"Consider it done," I answer with a nod, bracing for the task ahead. "I'll clean up in here for you - but I can't stay too long. I've not had much in the way of food today." I take off my jacket and set it toss it over my shoulder.

"Ohhh don't you worry," Hilda assures me with a pat on the back, "I'm sure it won't take too long. I'll even pull up a chair; keep you company. It's the very least I could do. It's not often someone lends me a hand on such short notice."

"Most appreciated, Miss Hilda. Now then... Where to begin?"

The task as a whole takes far longer than I ever dreamed. The deeper I delve into the room, the messier it gets. Once I've fixed the writing desk and tidied up the bed, I get to work pairing and putting away Hilda's socks. Dusting and sweeping follow soon after. All the while Hilda paints her nails; humming cheerfully as I labour. The moon is high in the sky by the time I'm done. Orange candlelight provides the light I need to finally recover the lost tomes; they're buried beneath the deepest depths of the bed. I finish up by putting them in a neat pile at the foot of the bed.

Exhausted, I drop to the floor, resting my aching back against Hilda's desk, "Done," I exhale deeply; my heart thumps loudly in my ears. "All clean. Sorry it took me so long. There was," I wheeze, "More than I expected."

Sword training isn't as tiring as this. Heck, entering a swordsmanship contest would tire me less.

"Thanks for helping me out," says Hilda. Finished painting her nails, she plops down upon the floor, sitting beside me. She gives me a pat on the head, ruffling my already messy black hair. "You saw this through until the end; you're a real trooper, Rolan."

It's best I smile and be polite. "Anytime Hilda. Anytime."

"Say," the Goneril daughter gives me a curious glance. "How are you settling in here?" Her lips rise into a thoughtful smile. "I'll admit I was surprised when Professor announced we had a new student joining us Gold Deers; and I was even more surprised when I saw it was you. I always imagined you'd join the family business and bake alongside your father."

Hilda's innocent words make my heart sink. "That's not really the life I want, Hilda. I'd rather be a swordsman, as dangerous as it sounds. I'd rather serve the nobility, become a bodyguard. So I suppose you could say I'm settling in just fine."

"But you always look so lonely, Rolan. You've barely spoken to anyone in the house since you turned up last semester. Ignatz wanted to greet you, but he decided to leave you be. Whenever people approach you after class, you always leave."

Hilda has a very good point. Yes, I'm lonely. But I hadn't realized I was the cause. As much as she's concerned, I have an important reason for being the way I am - even if it brings me down. "It's because I have to focus. My parents saved everything they could to bring me here. I have one try, Hilda. One shot at changing my fate. I don't want to be some baker's son..."

"Oh really?" Hilda continues with intrigue. It's almost as though she's surprised by my way of thinking. "You're willing to put in all that work for something so risky. Sounds like too much of a hassle to me. Being a baker's easy. It's safe too. Why put yourself in harm's way?"

My answer is easy - I've no doubts.

"Because I won't be happy until I make a change for the better. I'll happily take on danger and stress; especially if it means I'm proud of myself when all's said and done. I'm not too bothered by other's expectations, but I know what I want for me."

"Wow..." Hilda's eyes turn wide as saucers. "You're actually pretty strong-willed behind the mask you wear. I had no idea... So, tell me something," she continues, taking my hands into hers. "It's your dream to serve a noble, right?"

"Yes it is."

"And you'd do anything to fulfil your wish?"

"Most things. I wouldn't question my superior, so long as I'm not forced to do anything cruel."

Hilda gasps, "So you don't care for what others expect of you? You're not bothered what they think?"

Again, my answer is very simple. "Not really. I've always stayed true to the things I want. I've known my dream ever since the day I first picked up an old training sword in the garden of my family home. I feel I could do good in battle - more than I could kneading dough..."

"Amazing... You sound so serious... Then how about this?" Hilda wraps her arms around my shoulders; she squeezes me tightly in a cuddle. Her perfume makes my head spin wildly. "You become my part-time helper after class. Pass all of your swordsmanship exams with flying colors too. If you do, I'll send a letter to my father singing you lots of praises; I'll ask to take you on as my personal guard at the Goneril Estate."

"Y-You'd do that for me?" My heart skips a beat - two - three. I have no idea if Hilda means what she says, but the prospect alone is amazing enough. I can hardly believe my luck. "You're serious?"

"You bet I am, Rolan." After giving me a big squeeze, Hilda eases away. She rises from the floor, sitting eagerly at her desk. She reaches for a quill and ink, bringing out a fresh piece of paper. "In fact, I'll write the letter now. So long as you help me out, and keep training, I'll send it off as soon as the school year ends. You can live at my house; protect me when Brother makes me march the troops; you name it."

Hilda is already writing the letter before I have so much as a second to make up my mind.

Who am I kidding? There's no way I can turn down such a huge chance.

Until today, I'd always been sceptical of the goddess and Saint Seiros. Now, I find it hard to remain closed-minded with such good fortune falling at my feet. First I met Dorothea; now Hilda is offering the biggest gift of all - an opportunity to serve the nobility.

"So, Rolan," Hilda blows dry the ink on the page, sliding the letter across for me to read. It's real. It's here. My doorway; my way to become somebody of worth. "Do you accept?" She asks softly, holding out her hand to me. "If so, you need only honor House Goneril tradition. Give me your promise with a kiss on the hand - In fact... let's not be so formal." Hilda leans nearer. "I suppose you can kiss my cheek... but it's our secret."

I kiss Hilda gladly, being as gentle as I can. She blushes as my lips brush against her soft, lotioned skin.

"It's an honor to serve you, Miss Goneril."

"No problem at all. I'm happy to have you." Hilda chuckles. Folding the letter, she slides it into an envelope. "It'll be worth it. I promise!"

Come tomorrow, my role as an aid to nobility begins.

I also hope to see Dorothea again soon, too.

To be continued...


Another chapter comes to a close. Did you like it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to leave your feedback and share your thoughts. It's always both interesting and enjoyable to hear from my readers.

Until next time, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter.