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 at Garreg Mach.
I awoke early this morning for combat practice before Professor Byleth's lecture. There's nothing more gratifying than the burn of adrenaline swordplay brings. 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 a swordsman; a warrior taking slow and careful steps toward my dream of becoming a noble's bodyguard. And should I stay focused, I'll one day find my path.
Tending ovens my whole life is the last thing I want. In some ways I admire some of the highborn students here: because they have control over their lives. They aren't bound by tradition, either. They're free to do whatever they please without issue. There's no greater gift in my eyes.
"I have to concentrate," I tell myself sternly. 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 has been kind to me witiin 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. 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. We're merely aquainted through childhood. Mother and Father did a lot of work at the Goneril Estate when I was younger: 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 thing 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. I have something to keep me busy tonight.
Although 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 waits out in the corridor of the noble dorms for me. "Rolan. You came! How sweet!" she hums gladly at the sight of me.
I nod, folding my arms. "Of course. I said I would, didn't I?"
"You sure did! Reliable as ever."
Hilda then rushes over and snags my hands. Brimming with enthusiasm, she leads me into her room. "Now I know I said it was a teeny-tiny favour," she continues, kicking the door shut behind her, "buuut my room's a bit messy right now. It might take a while to find those tomes.
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 from 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.
"Would you pretty please tidy up in here?" Hilda pleads with big puppy dog eyes. "You'll be the biggest darling in the world if you do. And I'll totally put in a good word for you with my folks back home, too. I'm sure 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?"
I'm bribed with Hilda's sugary-sweetest smile. Helping her for the best. I'm sure Pop could do with the trade. And house Goneril always pay well; very well.
"Consider it done," I agree 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... Can you at least tell me where you last had your tomes?"
"Hmmm," Hilda ponders, tapping a finger against her chin. "I know they were on my desk last I checked..."
I glance back to the desk. There are no tomes in sight.
Sighing silently, I roll up my sleeves. "...I'm sure we'll find them."
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 and rest 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 graciously. Finished painting her nails, she plops down upon the floor and sits 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, as worn out as I am. "Anytime Hilda. Anytime."
"Say..." Lord Goneril's 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 tell her plainly. "I'd rather be a swordsman, as dangerous as it sounds. I'd rather serve the nobility, or become a bodyguard. So I suppose you could say I'm settling in just fine."
"Is that so...?" Hilda hums, sounding unconvinced.
"It certainly is. Why the inquisitive look?"
"Because you always look so lonely, Rolan."
A weighty pang grips my chest. She's got me there. "...I've been a little secluded at times, I'll admit."
"Just a little...? You've barely spoken to anyone in our class since you turned up last semester."
"Because I've been busy with training," I tell Hilda resolutely, looking into my open palms and squeezing them shut.
"But what about making friends...?" Hilda asks, her voice laced with concern. "Whenever people approach you after class, you always leave."
Hilda has a very good point. Yes, I'm lonely. But my goals matter far more than my wellbeing, however. "It's because I have to focus," I reason, looking to my childhood friend. "My parents saved everything they could to bring me here. I have one try, Hilda. One shot at changing my fate."
"Oh really...?" Hilda quesions glumly. It's almost as though she's worried by my way of thinking.
"Really," I resolve with a stern nod. "Baking bread for a living would be a waste."
"But Being a baker's easy, Rolan. 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 for a guy who's so quiet. 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."
"So you don't care for what others expect of you...? Hilda gasps. "You truly aren't bothered by what others 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," Hilda remarks, her expression one of quiet adoration. Then how about this?" She then wraps her arms around my shoulders and she squeezes me into a tight cuddle. Her perfume makes my head spin wildly. "You become my part-time helper after class. Do that, and pass all of your swordsmanship exams too. If you do, I'll send a letter to my father singing you lots of praises. And I'll even ask he take you on as my personal guard."
My heart skips a beat - two - three. I have no idea if Hilda means what she says, but the prospect alone is amazing enough.
"Y-You'd do that for me...?" I ask in a tiny and hopeful voice. "You're serious?"
"You bet I am, Rolan," Hilda answers, gifting me a squeeze before easing away. She then rises from the floor and sits eagerly at her desk. Reaching for a quill from the nearby inkwell, she grabs a 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 becoming 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 if you want, but it's our secret."
I kiss Hilda gladly, being as gentle as I can. She blushes in the aftermath of my lips brushing against her soft, lotioned skin.
"It's an honor to serve you, Miss Goneril," I pledge.
"And I'm happy to have you, Rolan," 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.