This is going really well isn't it? How about another chapter? This time we're gonna turn the focus to the Black Eagle's lovely songstress. I hope you like it. While this story will be shorter than my norm I still intend to make it really enjoyable. Are you Team Dorothea or Team Hilda?

Let's begin shall we?

Dorothea

It's been tiring running so many errands for Hilda these past few weeks. I've hardly had time to myself between making deliveries in town. and cramming practice for my Myrmidon certification exam. Professor Byleth says I have some of the strongest potential of students in the Golden Deer House when it comes to sword skills. So, I've doubled down on my practice - between keeping my promise to Hilda. The only problem I have is quite the human one - there's hardly enough time in the day for a wink of sleep.

Ah well. It doesn't matter. Right now I should be heading back to Hilda's dorm; she needs to know I've delivered her laundry before sundown. I've gotta give her the foot massage she asked for, too. Wouldn't want to keep her waiting; my place as an aid to House Goneril rests on her shoulders. I'll treat her well and do as I'm asked - even if it proves tiring at times.

Alright. I'm back at the main marketplace. Now, to grab a quick snack from one of the vendors before heading back to the dorm.

Wait... hold on a second. I take pause. Dorothea is beside one of the stalls. She having a discussion with Sylvain from the Blue Lion House; a heated one too. She's pointing no end of accusing fingers. I better wander on by and listen. Not to be nosy, of course. But I must confess to thinking about Dorothea between my chores for Hilda. It's been too long since we first crossed paths. I hope she's alright.

Being tactful, I take up a spot at the armory stall beside Dorothea and Sylvain. I'm leaned in just the right position to listen to what the two of them are saying. And given Dorothea's passive-aggressive tone, it doesn't sound pretty.

She gives Sylvain a pat on the shoulder, "I'm sorry... But I kindly refuse. After all, what good is a girl like me for someone as dashing and charming as you?" Dorothea narrows her eyes; smirking, "I have a great idea... How about you tell all of the other girls you've invite to lunch about me? Even better - be honest with them. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to know you asked me to the ball."

Sylvain's cool and playful facade shatters like glass. "M-Maybe I should be going... Would you look at the time? Y-You take care, Dorothea. And let's keep this chat between ourselves, hmm? No need to tell the ladies in town about it. N-Not that I'm taking any of them on dates or anything..."

"Of course you're not," Dorothea scoffs, grinning like a cat with a big bowl of cream, "How could I think so little of you? You wouldn't do something so roguish and cruel, would you?" She waves off Sylvain cheerfully. "Bye for now. You enjoy your evening."

I've never seen Sylvain retreat from the company of a lady with such a spring to his step. He's up the steps, past the gate guard, and through the entrance hall in a matter of moments. Heck, he's almost tripping over his feet to get away. Once he's out of sight, Dorothea grins victoriously; she looks my way, hands on hips.

"You heard some of that, didn't you Rolan?" she winks playfully. "Not that I mind or anything. Now I suppose you know what I deal with most days." Dorothea joins me by the armory stall, taking my hand into hers. She's forcing her sunny cheer; it's obvious. "Anyhow... Enough about my silly problems. Men like Sylvain never learn. Where have you been?"

A strange question for certain. One Dorothea IS asking as though she's been looking for me. I'm taken aback by how sad she sounds all of the sudden. She holds my hand just a little bit tighter, caressing my fingers gently. "I stopped by the Golden Deer homeroom yesterday, hoping to find you. Claude said he hadn't seen you since sunrise. I came by this morning, too. But the girl with pigtails... Lord Goneril's daughter; Hilda - she told me you were busy in town."

W-Wait? Dorothea went out of her way to find me? Now there's a surprise I wasn't expecting. I bow my head in apology. Here's hoping she didn't spend too much time searching me out. "There's a good reason you couldn't find me," I begin, ready to explain. Not that I need to justify myself, but it's rude to make a lady wait - that's what Pop always taught me. "I was in town at sunrise; visiting a laundry lady."

Dorothea looks a tad confused, "O-Oh," she pauses, "You don't wash your own clothes? Isn't it expensive to hire someone?"

"Oh no, it's not for me," I correct her. "It's for Miss Hilda; they're her clothes - mainly socks. I was busy delivering them for her; i had to pick up a new pair of shoes she ordered as well." And buy her perfume, and collect some trinkets, but no one else needs to know about the full list of today's tasks. "It's no bother really."

"Wait..." The beautiful brunette stalls; she looks a bit shaken by what I've told her. "You're running errands... for a girl? A noble girl at that? Dorothea's cheeks heat, glowing a soft shade of pink. "Can she not do it herself? Are the two of you a couple or something? You must know the Knights of Seiros frown upon that sort of thing, unless you swear a Vow of Companionship."

My heart punches in my chest at the very suggestion. My eyes shoot wide. "Me and Hilda, together? Goddess no." I'm quick to answer, shaking off Dorothea's suggestion before she goes way too far. "A Vow of Companionship, me? A promise like that's second only to marriage. I'm Hilda's assistant, training to become her bodyguard. Nothing more."

Dorothea sighs deeply. She's gifts me a bright smile. "How silly of me; and here I thought- Yes, very silly of me." She's flustered; if her cheeks were any redder she'd glow. Truly, she's the most gorgeous blushing violet I've ever had the pleasure of gazing upon.

"Are you okay?" I ask Dorothea kindly. "You're looking a little hot and bothered there."

"O-Of course, I'm fine," she answers quickly. "Say... How about we share a bite of dinner together tonight? Just you and me; at nightfall. Before the kitchens close. I'd love to get to know you a little better, Rolan. And it'd be a shame to miss out on spending time with a real gentleman for once..."

"I'd love to, but it'll have to be around nine, just before curfew."

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to go sooner, but I'm to tutor Hilda after class. Her Brigand certification exam is coming up; she has terrible marks so far - even with Professor Byleth giving her extra sessions in class. Granted, my grades aren't much better when it comes to axe proficiency, but they're at least passible. Now that I think about it, not many of Hilda's grades are even close to pass marks.

"Nine it is," Dorothea agrees. She sweeps me into a friendly hug, holding me tightly against her chest. I treasure our moment while I can. Her rosewood perfume is something of a comfort. Honestly, I could hold her like this all day if I didn't have somewhere to be. There aren't many girls like her; so welcoming and kind of heart. "I'll see you tonight, Rolan."

The two of us part ways for now. Dorothea enters the monastery and fades from sight; I'm left grinning like an idiot.

Dinner with such a lovely lady; I've fallen on my feet.

I should get on my way to the Golden Deer homeroom. That's where I promised I'd meet Hilda. First? I'll swing by my room to collect those old books on axe strategy. Goodness knows I'm going to need them. The next few hours are going to be very colorful indeed.

Studying with Hilda took longer than I thought.

"Well... That was utterly draining."

Being the last to leave, I lock up the homeroom door tightly, sliding the key into the pocket of my jacket. I'll pass it along to Professor Byleth in the morning before classes begin.

Never before have I seen a girl give up so frequently as Miss Hilda. She buries her head in her hands and whines whenever something becomes too complicated. A question she can't answer? She'll pass it off. A theory of Professor's she doesn't understand? She comes back to it later. Worse, she jumps at every chance to make me fill out parts of her practice paper; not that she doesn't reward me with ample hugs for the chore. But that's beside the point. How is Hilda ever going to succeed if she doesn't try harder?

The more I see her, the more I spend time with her; the more determined I feel to push her.

She's not a waste of space. She's not useless either.

Sighing exhaustedly, I gaze to the pale evening moon for answers.

"She's kind at heart, if a little lazy. And she's sweet, too."

Maybe that's why her attitude makes me a little mad.

"I'm breaking my back to stay at this academy, and she's coasting along like her studies aren't important..."

My exhaustion twists to frustration. I steady my breaths to calm down. It isn't polite to speak ill of a lady.

I have more important matters to focus on, too. It's almost nine according to the courtyard moondial. I'd better meet with Dorothea. It wouldn't be fair to make her wait. The last thing I want is to upset her.

"Just relax, Rolan," I tell myself with a yawn, unbuttoning my coat. "Go enjoy dinner. Forget your troubles."

The dining hall is a relaxing place; this late in the evening it's especially calm and peaceful. A handful of monks are putting up chairs and clearing away the mess from tables. Only a few candles are lit; making for a lovely, almost romantic atmosphere. A late night hymn in honor of the goddess echoes from the cathedral; it makes for a soothing mood.

Dorothea looks especially lovely. She's taken off her cap; her smooth chocolate-brown hair flows freely down her back.

I should feel on top of the world with such pleasing sights and sounds all around me. But I can't distract myself from Hilda's idleness - among other equally pressing things; sleep being one of them.

"Rolan..." Dorothea sets aside her plate; she gives me a worried glance. Reaching out, she places her hands atop of mine. "You barely touched your food. I was worried your omelette would jump off the plate if you kept jabbing it with your fork. What's the matter? Am I not good company? Is my talk of the opera boring you?"

"It's nothing of the sort," I reply groggily. If anything, learning of Dorothea's past as a diva for an opera company makes for refreshing discussion. I hope she'll tell me more about it in future. "My mind's wandering; that's all. It's my fault."

"More errands?" Asks Dorothea with a hint of coldness, "Are you running around after Hilda again? You were worn out when we met earlier; now you look like you're falling asleep. You're pale against the candlelight..."

I hoped Dorothea wouldn't notice how tired I am.

"I'm fine," I insist, weakly waving away her worries. "Soon as I get some rest, I'll be right as rain."

"No," Dorothea frowns. She gets up from her spot across the table. Pulling out the chair beside mine, she sits down, folding one leg over the other. Her deep blue-green orbs glimmer against the soft orange hue of the candles. She furrows her brow; alive with concern. "Just what does this girl have you doing? I'd heard rumours she was spoiled, but... goodness me."

I'd feel swept up; overwhelmed by the kindness of the songstress, if only I could focus. My entire body feels kinda heavy. All of the sudden I'm weak - it's a chore just sitting in this chair; my eyes are sore. All the same, I'd better defend Hilda. She's not a bad girl, and she promised I'd be her guard. That alone is reason enough to stick by her. "Nothing much... I just deliver her clothes, pick them up; collect her shoes; tidy her dorm room - that sorta thing."

"I hope to the goddess you're joking..."

Dorothea's tone of disgust makes me shiver. She looks angry; extremely angry - her shoulders stiffen with frustration.

"It's not as bad as it sounds," I counter with a thin smile. "Hilda treats me well enough for helping her out. She bought me a new blazer jacket the other day, and she paid for my lunch at the weekend. Don't worry about me... I'll be fine."

My assurances do little to quench Dorothea's flames, "No, stop being dismissive - this isn't right," she huffs; her face is beet red. "You shouldn't run around after her like a servant. She's a grown woman; and highborn to boot. She'll have you massaging her feet next."

Hilda's only asked me to massage her feet once; not that I'll tell Dorothea. She'd probably have a meltdown. I really do appreciate her concern, but this is the fastest way to reach my dreams; my sure-fire road to casting aside the shackles of being a baker's son. "I can cope with this; I mean it. It's best you focus on yourself, Dorothea. I'll bet a lady as talented as you has far bigger dreams than me."

"You don't get it, do you?" Dorothea's voice cracks. She sounds tiny and hurt; her eyes quiver with emotion. Her hands tremble as she rests them within her lap. "Listen to me, please... Rolan, if only you knew why-" She sighs deeply, "Okay... I'll put it this way."

The songstress collects herself with a raspy breath. "There are so many men in this monastery without a respectful bone in their bodies; the kinda guys who treat innocent maidens lower than dirt. It's taken me a long time to find somebody nice; somebody kind... A man I want to call my friend. And he's being kicked around like a lapdog; by a noblewoman no less."

She squeezes her skirt between trembling hands. "I made the right choice being kind the day we met by the lake. I didn't flirt with you or act the tease... I'm glad I didn't; because you're naive as anything." Dorothea leans in and pecks my lips. We're joined for but a single breath-taking moment. My heartbeat thunders like a drum; my lips tingle. I don't want it to end.

The brunette retreats from my personal space in the blink of an eye; already on her feet by the time I've regained my senses.

"Why allow her order you around?" Pushing in her chair, Dorothea turns her back to me; her shoulders sag under the weight of her sadness. "Do you feel something for her deep down? Is it because she's your upperclassman? You're letting her play you for a fool."

I've not had time to tell Dorothea much about myself in the short time I've known her. Nevertheless, there's no denying how concerned she is for my wellbeing. I owe her honesty on this matter, at the very least.

"Hilda is-" I stall; it's best I choose my words carefully. "She's my chance at following my dreams. Before I came here, I was destined to become a baker." Even now, admitting it makes me feel fed up. "I was nothing; nobody. Now I can choose my own path. Miss Goneril gave her word; if I serve her while training for my swordsmanship exams, she'll take me on as her bodyguard."

I half expected Dorothea would walk away upon hearing my reasons. Far from it. My confession stuns her to silence.

She faces me anew; her eyes misted with tears. "We're more alike than you realize," she says sadly, "It frightens me, and yet it's comforting. I'm not the only one who's scared of where she might end up." Dorothea dries her eyes against the sleeve of her jacket; she smiles painfully; a hand against her heart. "Good to know... I'm very happy to have met you, Rolan."

The songstress gives a heartfelt bow, as though she's closing a performance on stage. "You get to bed soon. Sleep well; I'll see you again before long. It's a promise - count on it." She blows me a kiss. "Goodnight."

I'm left alone in the dining hall; the head chef gives me a pitying glance from behind the dinner counter.

There's no reason to stay here any longer. I should get some sleep.

The walk back to my dorm room is a long one. A cool evening breeze nips at my skin. It's so cold; my breaths fog in front of me. I take out my keyring and unlock the bedroom door. The hinges squeak as I nudge the door wide.

A small pile of unopened letters from home sit atop my plain wooden desk. I'll check them later.

It's been very; very long day.

To be continued...

There you have it. Another chapter comes to a close! Did you enjoy it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts. Share this story with other Three Houses fans too.

As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem! I'll see you in the next part! Thanks again!