The Dawn of Silver Snow.
Story Summary: Byleth, a girl with no heartbeat and Daughter of Jeralt, a mercenary, finds that Sothis has Awakened inside of her; soon, changes begin to occur to Byleth while Sothis, the Spirit who guides Byleth, remembers everything of her Past life. Will the World be Ready for the Goddess to walk with the living once again? Who are the mysterious Argathians? This is a Rewritten Silver Snow route with a couple of significant twists.
Chapter Summary: Byleth and Jeralt learn the truth about Sitri and, at the same time, Byleth and Class Professor while Jeralt becomes a combat instructor and a seminar leader.
Chapter 2: Truth Revealed
Great Tree Moon
The frigid breezes of the Oghma Mountains have started to dissipate, and the verdant fields bring spring to life across Fodlan, proclaiming the beginning of another year. As they commend the unfolding year, individuals supplicate that they may understand their maximum capacity, like a bit of fledgling desire to develop into an extraordinary tree one day.
The landmass of Fodlan, said to be secured by a worshipped Goddess, has existed since the days of yore. Three decision controls currently control the land. Since a long time ago, the south lies in an area held by a thousand-year-old dynasty, the Adrestian Empire. To the freezing north, past its lines, is the home of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, governed by the imperial family and its knights. Finally, toward the east, a group of aristocrats that regards no lord nor head rules what is known as the Leicester Alliance. Once devoured by a storm of war and strife, Fodlan and these three strong powers currently exist in relative harmony.
Forest Outside Garreg Mach Monastery
Great Tree moon 21 Imperial Year 1180
As the Group walk in the dense forest by the monastery traveling up the largest mountain in the Oghma Mountain range which is the tallest mountain range in Fodlan. Byleth notices that a large canyon in the distance with what looks like a very large city in complete ruins.
'Sothis, do you know what those ruins are in the distance' asked Byleth as she saw Sothis floating around in front of her
'That is well Zanado where your ancestors were massacred in cold blood' Answered Sothis in a very somber tone she was struggling not to cry but she didn't wasn't Byleth to see her cry for Sothis believed that she needed to show her reincarnation to not make the same mistakes again. After all she was one of the few remaining survivors of the Nabatean race in Fodlan plus, she needed to show Byleth how to properly use her power if Byleth was going to survive if she discovers it on her own.
As Jeralt was walking with Alois trying not to cringe at his jokes, but to Alois it was all smiles and laughter. The boy in the blue cape walked sideways and forward to get closer to Byleth. He decided to stop getting closer when he saw the discomfort in her face.
"This will be your first time at the monastery. I'd be happy to show you around." Said the boy in the blue cape
"It really is Fodlan in a nutshell. The good and the bad." Said the boy in golden cape
"Like it or not, we'll be there soon enough." Said Edelgard
As the group continues to walk on the path up the mountain with thick trees on both sides of the path. Eventually the trees turn into snow covered shrubs as the path became snow covered in ankle deep snow that fell on the mountains last night. Byleth holds on to her father to help warm her up. While Edelgard and the other boys looks at her with a curious look. Byleth unlike her father had never liked the cold according to Jeralt she got that from her mother Sitri but after seeing Sothis and hearing her words when she threw herself in front of an axe, she was no longer certain of that.
Byleth looks forward and she sees two large towers with on both sides of the path. She notices archer loops that allow an archer to fire from cover, on both towers. When they pass the towers, she notices this has barbican which is an exterior defense protecting the entrance of the monastery. It was designed to confine an approaching enemy to a narrow front, leaving the attackers in the open, and offered an easy target for the defenders should the monastery ever be attacked. It was also designed to confuse any attackers. She notices that the towers were part of the exterior walls, and they were more towers spread out by half a kilometer each. And each tower had a crow's nest so that a knight can get a birds eye view of every potential attack to the building behind it. On the ground Byleth could see sealed trap doors that are designed to slow down the enemy.
"There it is. Garreg Mach Monastery" said Edelgard
Inside the monastery there was cathedral where sermons were held. The cathedral was large enough to house over four-hundred people inside. Attached to the cathedral there were separate rooms for the children to learn the lessons of the progenitor goddess with lessons designed for children. Each room was for a child of different ages. And they were eighteen of them. There was also a nursery for the youngest of children to go to while their parents were attending the service.
North of the cathedral was a large room with sixty coffins this was the holy mausoleum. In the rear of this room was a single coffin that was raised higher than the rest in this coffin sat the sword of the creator a sword made from the bones of Sothis, but nobody knew that to everyone else this room has the bones of Serios on of the patron saints.'
South of the cathedral there was a large bridge and attached to the bridge was the reception hall. This room is lined with forty very long tables that can fit forty people on each side of every table it was in this room that the officer's academy uses for academy wide announcement's as well at ceremonies like the ball that will be housed here later in the school year.
East of the reception hall was the classrooms of the officer's academy where there were three rooms for the seniors of the academy each room represented one of the three nations of Fodlan, each of these rooms can fit up to thirty people. These rooms were designed to be smaller than the other classrooms because not everyone made it this far into the academy every year of the academy at least fifteen students of each year were either kicked out or they dropped out for various reasons. Besides the three main room were thirty-seven larger rooms for underclassmen these rooms each can hold up to eighty students.
To the east of the officers' academies classrooms was a building that was four stories tall and had rooms on the outside and inside of the building this was the student dormitories. South of this building was the greenhouse and a pond used for fishing. To the north of the pond was a large cafeteria designed to hold hundreds of people in it, it was bound to have the occasional trouble.
East of the cafeteria there was the entrance hall which was just a giant hall that had the stairs to the second floor and several doors one to the stables, one to the cafeteria, one to the reception hall, and one that leads to the main gate were just inside of the main gate was where merchants gathered to sell their merchandise to the knights and other citizens of Garreg Mach.
On the second floor was the offices of Hanneman and Manuela two of the teachers of the officer's academy. The office of the captain of the knights, as well as the office of Seteth. There was also the library which had the largest selection of books throughout Fodlan however each book was carefully selected, and some books were even censured by the church in particularly books related to Fodlans' history and the history of other nations outside Fodlan. The church wanted to keep the information censored so people can continue believing the history has told by the church.
"Rhea's here" grunted Jeralt
Byleth looks up and sees a tall woman with long lime green hair that is covering her ears and a beautiful white dress. Standing outside of a balcony on the third floor which is an area only accessible to the archbishop and company.
"I wonder... Did the flow of time bring you here?" said the woman
Audience Chamber
When they arrived at Garreg Mach Monastery, Alois was escorted to the second floor of the monastery, where Alois promptly left to get Archbishop Rhea and Seteth. Byleth and Jeralt took this time to talk to one another while they waited for Rhea and Seteth.
"It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place. To be forced to see her now." Jeralt whispered softly underneath his breath so Byleth would not hear it.
"You've been here before?" Asked Byleth, who heard him anyways.
"I underestimate your hearing," said Jeralt. "I've never spoken of this to you before, but many years ago, I was the captain of the knights here. I reported to Archbishop Lady Rhea."
"Lady Rhea?" questioned Byleth
"As you know, many folks in Fodlan are devout followers of the teachings of Seiros. The leader of that extensive organization is the Archbishop, Lady Rhea." disclosed Jeralt
Immediately after Jeralt said that sentence, a man with green hair styled carefully to cover his ears, green facial hair and green pupils. As well as the woman from earlier who was wearing a white dress with long lime-green hair walked into the audience chambers.
"Thank you for your patience, Jeralt. My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to archbishop Rhea." pronounced Seteth
"Right. Hello," replied Jeralt.
"It has been a long time, Jeralt. I wonder…was it the will of the Goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?" said Rhea
"Forgive my silence all these years. So much has happened since we last spoke," replied Jeralt.
"So, I see, the miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. That is your child, is it not?" asked Rhea
"Yes...born many years after I left this place. I wish I could introduce you to the mother of my child, but I'm afraid we lost her to illness," said Jeralt
"I see. My condolences for losing Sitri, but I am afraid your daughter was born in the monastery. We can talk about that with both of you in private later meet me on the third floor when we are done." said Rhea "as for you…I heard of your valiant efforts from Alois. What is your name?"
"My name is Byleth," replied Byleth while bowing to the archbishop.
"A beautiful name indeed," responded Rhea. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for saving those students of the Officers Academy."
"Jeralt. You already know what it is I wish to say, do you not?" asked Rhea
"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, don't you? I won't say no, but I am more curious about what you need to talk about and how did you know she was Sitri's daughter," said Jeralt
"Your apprehension stings. I had expected that Alois would have already asked this of you. I must ask you to follow Seteth and me to the third floor for a private conversation about Sitri." said Rhea.
With that, Jeralt and Byleth followed Rhea and Seteth to the third floor. to continue the conversation there.
Rhea's Quarters.
When the group arrived in Rhea's chambers, Flayn followed them in. She was curious why Rhea allowed Jeralt and Byleth entry into her room. Rhea' then signaled them to sit by the table to talk.
"Jeralt, why did you start the fire all those years ago? Why did you run away from us and fake your own daughters' death as well as your own?" asked Rhea
There was a moment of silence as it took a while for him to debate whether to tell a lie or tell the truth in front of Byleth and Rhea before Byleth began to speak, "dad, can you tell the truth. Ever since I was a child, you were always careful to avoid churches and the monastery, but that is not like you. I know you have been hiding stuff from me for a long time. I want to know the truth from your mouth. I have read your diary before, so I know you have been hiding stuff from me; please, dad, come clean and tell the truth."
"Fine, no use hiding anything from you now," Jeralt said before he sighed and continued, "Truthfully I left because I think you did something to both Sitri and Byleth. I was not there when she gave birth, but when I arrived, Sitri was dead, and Byleth did not cry or make any noise; on top of the fact that she had no heartbeat, it terrified me. I was scared of you, and I thought the best way to escape this situation was to flee, so I created a diversion to flee. I became a mercenary and brought Byleth up in that environment as well. I regret that I brought Byleth up in a situation where she couldn't make any friends or talk to people her age. But I was terrified of you, and I was scared of what you may have done to Sitri and Byleth."
"Jeralt, your fears, although there justified, are not; your actions are not. Can you let me tell you the truth? but first, you must promise me that you both will keep everything I say in this room," said Rhea
"We will," Byleth and Jeralt said in unison.
"Okay, you know me as Rhea, and Seteth introduced himself as Seteth, but that is not what our true names are. I am Seiros, and Seteth is Cichol...," said Rhea
"And am Cethlean!" interrupted Flayn.
"Cethlean behave yourself, let Seiros talk," said Seteth.
"We are a race of Dragons called Nabateans, and Sitri was my daughter," said Rhea. " When Byleth was born, Sitri was already weak before having met you. She was in Zanado sleeping and recovering from her injuries during the War of Heroes. See Jeralt, when we sleep, we heal our wounds, but it takes time. If we sleep for an extended period, we have issues we wake up weak that were the situation that Sitri was in, so when she was pregnant with Byleth, she passed away, and Byleth was dying she had Nabatean blood and a human heart. Her human heart that she was born with could not beat, so I took my mother's Crest Stone and carefully gave Byleth my mother's heart. When it worked, I knew I had saved my Granddaughters' life the reason why I couldn't tell you anything was that if anyone knows the truth about us, we could be targeted again."
Jeralt was taking a while to process what he had just heard; on the one hand, he couldn't believe it, but on the other hand, it made sense given that Sitri had pointed ears, and when she bleeds, it was green. Byleth was not as lost for words as her father was but was thinking decisively about what to say but unbeknownst to everyone, but Byleth, Sothis was the one who told Byleth to ask a question. 'don't just sit there and say nothing, my little dragon asks them more about your Nabatean side.' said Sothis
'Sothis, I thought you were asleep. you have great timing.' Byleth said sarcastically in her head to Sothis. Before asking Rhea, "What do you mean by a race of dragons, and if Sitri was my mom, that makes you... my grandmother does it not?"
"Yes, Little one, it does, and I mean exactly that you are a part dragon. Like me, my brother Cichol, and my niece Cethlean you will eventually gain a second form linked to your crest; you are around twenty-one, so you should start to notice significant changes to yourself. If you have any questions, tell us we will be glad to help you but remember, call us Rhea, Seteth, and Flayn and cover your ears with your hair that is for our safety some wish to harm us for what we are." Replied Rhea
"Lady Rhea, I am sorry that I misjudged you. I believe you are telling the truth, but I have a proposition for you. I heard that you needed a teacher for the officers' academy. Can you allow me to fill that role?" asked Jeralt.
"No, Jeralt, I rather have you be a Combat instructor alongside Jeritza. I want Byleth to be the Class Professor." Replied Rhea
"I accept, lady Rhea," said Jeralt.
"Rhea is it Okay that I call you Grandmother, and I do accept," said Byleth.
"Byleth, you can and thank you," replied Rhea. "Now, any more questions? If not, I suggest that the two of you attend a meeting in the audience chamber tomorrow before class begins."
"We will see you there, Lady Rhea," said Jeralt
"Byleth, I recommend that you meet with all of the students today to get an understanding of the students you will lead for the next school year as well students that are not in your class. But you may need to guide them, hence why I say it's better to get to know all the students. The class leaders will be your best source of information. They are Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri," said Seteth.
Reception Hall
As Byleth was walking down the reception hall to get a bite to eat in the cafeteria, she spotted Edelgard standing between two tables to the left of her. Since Edelgard is already there and Seteth told her, Edelgard will be her best source of information, Byleth decided to talk to her.
"Hello Edelgard, was it? I hope I said your name right, but I will be a professor here, and I was told that you, as a class leader, will be my best information on the students in your class. Do you mind if you give that information?" asked Byleth.
So, you've accepted a teaching position here. Pity. I was hoping you would lend your strength to the Empire. I never properly introduced myself, did I? My name is Edelgard von Hresvelg. I am the princess and heir apparent to the Adrestian Empire. I wonder if you'll be tasked with leading the Black Eagles... I hope you've had a chance to meet everyone. Would you like to know more about any of the Black Eagles? " Asked Edelgard.
"Edelgard, that is exactly what I am asking you. I need information on everybody, including yourself," replied Byleth
"Okay, I will start with myself and go from there. Well, some think I'm a bit distant. Arrogant, even. But there's little to be done. One day, I must rise to become Adrestia's next emperor. What else, we may have similar personalities. Hubert is the heir of Marquis Vestra. He has served me since I was a child. You may think his blood runs a bit cold, but... Heh, that's rather accurate. Still, if you can get past that, you'll see he's quite astute and reasonable. Ferdinand, for some reason, thinks of me as a bitter rival and is always trying to challenge me. It's irritating. His house is Duke Aegir, which produces Adrestia's Prime Ministers. That family is perhaps too pleased with its status. Linhardt He's remarkably intelligent, but he only wishes to apply himself to tasks that particularly interest him and nothing else. He's also fond of...well, napping. If he had any work ethic or sense of duty to speak of, I suppose he would be destined to become an official of the Empire. Caspar He's the second son of Count Bergliez. He has no inheritance in his future, which is perhaps why he's always so eager to prove himself. He's overly energetic and rushes headfirst into any battle. If he ends up in your care, be sure to keep a close eye on him. Bernadetta is Count Varley's only daughter. I suppose you could say she's a bit eccentric, but she seems like a gentle soul. I believe she's shut herself away in her quarters and doesn't care to leave, but...don't worry. I'll make sure she finds her way to class. Dorothea Few commoners have joined the Black Eagle House, but Dorothea is an exception. She's a songstress from a famous opera company in the Empire. I'm not entirely sure what brought her to the Officers Academy. Petra is from an archipelago to the west of Fodlan called Brigid. Petra is the granddaughter of their king. Brigid is a vassal state of the Empire, which is how she came to be enrolled here. She's brilliant and an intellectual. " Said Edelgard.
"Thanks, Edelgard, for your time," said Byleth
Hallway of the Officers academy Classrooms
Byleth left the Reception Hall and entered the hallway where the officer's academy; standing in front of the Blue Lions Classroom was Dimitri, who she spotted first in front of the Golden Deer classroom was Claude. Byleth decided it was best to talk to Dimitri first, then Claude later.
Hello Dimitri, I will be a professor here, and I was told that you, as a class leader, will be my best information on the students in your class. Do you mind if you give that information?" asked Byleth.
"Please accept my apologies for the other day. You came to our aid, yet I hadn't even the courtesy to properly introduce myself. I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, crown prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. Of course, at the academy, I am simply a student. And I've heard word that you are to become a professor here. Delightful news. I still have much to learn, but I'm confident I could benefit greatly from your guidance. In any case, welcome to the monastery. I hear you're investigating the different houses."
Byleth "Dimitri, I need information on everyone in your class, including yourself.
"Kindly pardon me; it's hard to open up on the spot, wouldn't you say? I'm apprehensive my story has not been a lovely one... I do trust that doesn't shade your perspective on me. However, I comprehend if that would not benefit from outside intervention. Dedue was brought into the world in Duscur and had been dependably working in my administration for as long as four years. He's moody; however, when you become more acquainted with him, you'll see he's a sort and genial youngster. Felix is the heir to House Fraldarius. However, he has a nasty tongue; don't let that fool you. Where it counts, he's a hero. He floats towards talented individuals. Maybe you would appreciate a friendly rivalry with him at some point. Ashe is the adoptive child of Lord Lonato of Castle Gaspard, yet I hear he was born a commoner. He has a heartfelt character, so I'm sure he will move toward your talks with extraordinary energy. Sylvain is the heir to House Gautier. He is a capable person who highly values his friends. That said, well, he's always been a bit of a... ahem, skirt chaser. Pardon my bluntness. I speak with him often, but it doesn't seem to help. Mercedes, I hear she was born to Imperial nobility, but a twist of fate brought her to the Kingdom. She may seem carefree on the surface, but she's a kind soul who pays careful attention to everyone around her. Annette is Baron Dominic's niece. She is a talented student who scored extremely high marks at the Royal School of Sorcery. She's cheerful and hardworking. Brilliant. However, she can be a bit oblivious at times. I hear she caused an explosion in the kitchen last night...Ingrid is Count Galatea's daughter. She is also a childhood friend of Felix, Sylvain and me. She is diligent, industrious, and conscientious. In truth, she is knightlier than most knights you will ever meet." said Dimitri
"Thank you very much, Dimitri; I am going to talk to Claude next nice to talk to you," said Byleth
Byleth then walked to the end of the outdoor hallway. To meet with Claude, who was standing at the end of the hall. When she approached Claude, Claude began to speak before she could say anything. "Well, well. I scored a teaching gig here, did you? Talk about a great first impression. I guess that means I'd better introduce myself properly. I'm Claude von Riegan. I'm from the ruling house of the Leicester Alliance, but don't worry too much about all that madness. I'm guessing you don't know which class you'll be teaching yet, do you? I bet you'd like ours. We're not as...difficult as the other two. Have you met the folks from the Golden Deer House yet? Care to know more about anyone?" he said
"Yes, in fact, that is what I came here to do. How did you know what I was going to ask?" questioned Byleth.
Claude chuckled and said, " I was eavesdropping on your conversation with Dimitri, but anyways. As luck would have it, I'm curious about you as well. But what's life without a bit of mystery? Let's just spend the next year or so learning about each other, little by little. Lorenz is the heir of Gloucester territory. If you haven't already picked up on it, he's a bit arrogant and fancies himself a lady's man. That said, deep down, he's devoted and honest... Though I wouldn't mind hearing him talk about his noble obligations ever again. Raphael comes from a merchant family, but his parents died in an accident. It seems like he's had a rough life. Despite all that, he's just about the most cheerful guy you'll ever meet. His passions are training, eating, and... That's about it. Ignatz He's the second son of a merchant family. Since his brother will inherit the business, he's training to become a knight. But it doesn't seem like he truly wants to be a knight... He's probably just doing it to please his parents. Lysithea is the daughter of Count Ordelia and is probably the youngest student here. But watch out! She gets angry if you treat her like a child. As for me, I do it on purpose. You must make your fun in this place, you know? Marianne is Margrave Edmund's daughter...and that's pretty much all I know about her. She doesn't interact much with other students, so I wouldn't be surprised if many folks here have never even heard her speak. Hilda is the only daughter of Duke Goneril. It seems her father and brother coddle her quite a bit. If you look up lazy in the dictionary...her picture won't be there because she never got around to submitting, it. Not too unusual for a noble, I guess. Leonie enrolled because she wanted to be a mercenary. I think she said that her father is a hunter. She's pretty blunt and as stingy as they come. A habitual saver, too. I think she's hoping to repay her village for helping to send her here."
"Thank you, Claude, and please don't eavesdrop on my conversations ever again," said Byleth
A/N: As always, I appreciate any comments given about the story. I read every comment and try to reply to all
A/N: Discord link is here is you want to talk use the writing resources, share artwork, it fairly active and all around a fun place to hang out /9XG3U7a