Hey there guys and girls. There's plenty more to come over the next few chapters. So don't worry from time to time if elements of this story feel a little one-sided toward a certain girl. Both our lovely ladies will get their time in the spotlight. As those of you who've read A Night with Corrin know, I'm no stranger to balancing these romantic tales. I can however, promise you this much. Dorothea and Hilda will be the main heroines throughout the story. No unexpected additions this time around.

I also want to thank everybody for the support. Your feedback and thoughts on where the story's going mean a lot. Let's get started shall we?

Misfortune

Daybreak - a time of peace and tranquillity for most. I never have a hard time rising in the youthful hours of morning. I sleep fairly well, all things considered, but it's proven harder the last month or so. Climbing out of bed, I give my aching body a stretch and shuffle to the mirror stiffly. Oh yes - the person staring me back (in the reflective glass) is in definite need of extra rest. My long black hair is a mess; there are dark rings forming under my eyes. And Dorothea was right - I look pale. Doubtless because I've been doing so much for Hilda recently.

Ah well. It can't be helped. More pressing matters require my attention. I've been ignoring the steadily increasing pile of letters on my writing desk for long enough. There's even of them now; each one is addressed from home. They began arriving slowly at first, but the last four were passed to me by the monastery postmistress with increasing haste. The poor girl looked tired of stopping by my dorm to deliver them.

After dressing, I brush a hand through my hair and grab the handful of letters. The first three of the bunch start off plainly enough; they're simple greetings from Father. He wants to know what I'm up to, and how things have been going since I arrived at Garreg Mach - simple stuff really. The latest letter of the bunch paints a darker picture. My heart sinks as I skim through; for two very important reasons.

Ye haven't written home in a while, so I hope these letters find you well, Son. I hate being the barer of bad news, but what I've gotta share's real important. Your Ma fell sick at the start of the month; Crimson Fever. Now, she's alright, so ye need not go stressin, but it cost a lotta coin to bring healers from Lord Goneril's estate. I hate to say it, but we ain't got the money to keep ye at Garreg Mach much longer. Maybe till the end of yer current semester. Sorry, Son. I know you'll understand, given time. Write back once you make plans to return home, and keep doin' us proud all the same. Best wishes - Pop.

Mother was sick and I didn't even bother to break the seals on these letters; let alone write home. So much has happened; I've been so self-absorbed. All I cared about was training and reaching my lofty goals. I breathe a deeply frustrated sigh. None of it will matter soon enough. It's like Pop said, the money's gone. My time here's running short. There's a month to the end of this semester. Four, maybe five weeks at the most.

"What should I do?"

I stare into the mirror for answers. The exhausted young man staring back mocks me with glum silence.

The Certification Exams are coming up next week; not to mention we're taking a class mission to Zanado to slay a band of troublesome marauders. Maybe I should focus my attention there? I dunno. Strange how a single instant can leave you feeling lost all over again.

On the bright side, Mother's alright - I should thank the goddess for her mercy. But... what happens to my dream when I return to Goneril? Will all I've strived for over the past few months be snuffed out like a candle on the wind?

No. I can't let it end like this. I won't.

"You've gotta push ahead, Rolan."

Even if I have to leave soon, there's no way in the deepest pits of hell I'm gonna go down without fighting. A month is more than enough time to help Hilda pass her Axe Exams, and thank Dorothea for all her kindness. All I can do is move on. I'll double down; I'll work twice as hard. I'm not just some lowly commoner. I can do better - if not for myself then for those whom I care about.

I have a job to do; I won't rest until it's finished.

For three days straight I've dedicated most of my time to studying with Hilda. Between my exams and training, I scrape a few hours of sleep a day. That's enough to get me by. Sleep is for the weak. I'll sit here as long as it takes for Miss Goneril to pass her test paper with flying colors. Between Professor Byleth's lessons and my help, she's finally starting to get a grasp of things.

It's past midnight. I shouldn't be in Hilda's room at this hour, but she insisted. Apparently she studies better outside of the classroom.

"So," she yawns, jabbing a particularly troublesome question on her test. "In this section we're supposed to detail the stances involved in axe combat, right? I think I get it now... Technique first; then stances. Wow..." Hilda grins proudly, giving herself a pat on the back. "I get it. I actually understand!"

I shush her, placing a finger against my lips. "I'm happy for you, truly I am... but try your best to keep quiet. We'll be in serious trouble if we're caught together this late at night; studying or not."

Hilda smirks playfully; she pushes aside her test, linking her arm with mine, "If a monk comes knocking I'll stash you somewhere. You can hide with my stuffed bears. Don't worry... we'll be fine."

As if tempting fate, a thunderous knock at the door freezes me to the core.

"Excuse me, Miss Goneril? It's past lights out. Do you have company in there? Forgive me, but I must enter. You know Lady Rhea's rules."

Oh seven hells! A knight of Seiros! Why now of all times?! If I'm seen here, my short time left in Garreg Mach will become even shorter! I move in a hurry, crawling under Hilda's dusty bed. It's hard to breathe down here! The dirt is so thick it makes my chest hurt. Does this room ever get swept unless I'm doing it for her?

"Coming!" replies Hilda, swinging the door open for the insistent sentry.

I curl into a protective ball, wracked by terror at the sound of platemail boots. The knight stops right beside the bed, humming with deep-rooted suspicion. "I could have sworn I heard something... It must've been my imagination."

"Yep," answers Hilda nervously, "N-Nothing in here. See?" she leads the knight over to her desk in a hurry. "I was cramming some late night study time before my test next week. I'll try to keep it down in future."

"See that you do," answers the knight sternly, "Goodnight, Miss Goneril."

"Night!"

I exhale deeply as Hilda brings the door closed, sliding the deadbolt into place. She motions for me to return from my grubby hideaway. Stifling a cough, I emerge from beneath the darkest depths. Climbing to my feet, I brush the layers of dust from by trousers and blazer jacket. I won't breathe right for a while - but it's worth it to avoid being caught.

"That was close," whispers Hilda. "I thought we were goners for sure."

Thank our lucky stars we weren't seen. "Next time," I grumble, "We study in the classroom." I perch beside Hilda's desk. A bigger problem looms; one with gravity enough to set my heart athunder. The guards will be twice as vigilant now. "How am I going to return to my room? The commoner dorms are halfway across the monastery..."

My revelation gets Hilda blushing; her lips curve into a sheepish smile. "Y-You could sleep in here. It's not like you have a choice..."

A lump forms in my throat at such a suggestion. My heartbeat becomes a war drum. It's hot all of the sudden; I feel a sweat coming on. Flustered, I pop the buttons of my undershirt, fanning my face with desperation. "M-Maybe I could sneak out."

"You'll be seen right away," counters Hilda. I swear, there's a hint of thrill; of excitement to her voice. "Do you have any idea the trouble I'll get into if Lady Rhea writes home to my brother? If he hears I've had men in my bedroom... I'll be scolded so hard."

"Duke Holst," I fall queasy at the very thought of Hilda's elder sibling, "The strongest general in the Alliance."

"You'll have to stay here, Rolan... with me. I'll go on ahead when classes start in the morning. You'll have to follow later; sneak past the guards. It's the only way. We can't be seen leaving together."

"It's not so simple." I can't stay here - for one very important reason in particular. I point nervously across the room, "There's only one bed."

"I know." Hilda holds her gaze to the floor, anxiously tapping her shoes together, "But we can share... There's room for two."

No way can I do something like that. If my dear mother were here, she'd be beside herself. I wasn't raised that way! The most I've done is kiss a girl. "I'll sleep on the floor," is my nervy reply. "N-Need I remind you we're in a monastery?"

"N-No, it's fine by me. I-I don't mind," replies Hilda hurriedly, her hands clasped together, held tightly against her lap. "It gets bitterly cold in the early hours of morning. We should share - cuddle close; I'll keep my smallclothes on."

My skin is sizzling. I feel a little dizzy all of the sudden. I take off my jacket, clutching it between shaky fingers. Hilda edges closer, taking it from me; she tosses it against the footboard of the bed. She's just as warm as me, it seems. Her face glistens, "I'm going to take off my skirt. Look away, would you?"

I do as I'm asked in a hurry. My imagination runs wild with the rustling of fabric. Hilda's breaths become hefty pants. I wish I could turn around. I'm awful; I know. But a part of me yearns to see all that my lovely classmate has to offer. It wouldn't be the first time I've peeked at those wide child-baring hips of hers as she saunters the halls.

"Done," she says quickly. "You can look now."

I turn around to find Hilda snuggled beneath the bed linens. Wait! Her shoulders - they're bare. She isn't wearing a bra. I thought she was going to keep her smallclothes on! And the way she stares at me; it's as though I'm being beckoned; lured. She pats the empty space in the bed, smiling shyly at me. "Come on over... but you might want to take off your shoes first."

Right! Shoes! I'd totally forgotten! I unite my laces and slip them off right quick, "And maybe your shirt too," Hilda continues, "It's... easier to share warmth that way. O-Only if you want to, of course."

"M-My shirt?"

"Yep. Your shirt."

I get to work with fumbling fingers, clumsily bringing my buttons free one by one. I don't know how or why, but it's as though Hilda has command over me; I want to abide by her every word. Bringing the item of clothing loose, I slide my arms free, casting it to the floor.

Hilda's eyes widen at the sight of my toned chest. "Those muscles. Oh wow..." Beads of sweat crawl down her forehead. Flushed, she desperately shivers for reprieve. "I'm impressed." She folds back the covers. With an arm draped around her beyond-ample chest (a thread-bare protection of her modesty) the pink-haired lass draws me closer with a giggle. "C'mere."

An offer I can't refuse. Her voice is like music to my ears.

We wrap up warmly together beneath the sheets; Hilda wriggles nearer with every passing moment. Our noses touch. Her minty breath tickles my cheek. I'm losing myself in the fullness and sincerity of her gaze. I-I want to reach out and hold her; I want to brush my fingertips against her perfect skin. I want her lips against mine.

"Rolan," Hilda utters near-silently; her face beet-red and sweaty. "I've gotta know," She reaches out, stroking my cheek tenderly, "Do you like me? B-Because..." Miss Goneril brings her arm away from her chest, exposing her bosom to the gift of sight. "Because I like you... I mean it; I really like you... a lot."

A guilty twinge squeezes my stomach. Why did you say that, and now of all times? I-I'll be leaving soon. I don't have the time to solve matters of affection. I can't give you or Dorothea the love you deserve. All I can do is show my gratitude for all of the warmth and concern the two of you have shown. After that, I have to go away - there's no choice.

The truth shakes me to the core. I can't deny my feelings, even if they cut my skin like the sharp of a blade.

"Of course I do, yes," I confess, resting my finger against Hilda's lips, "I care about you. You've a heart of gold when you take things seriously. Why do you think I stick by you? You're going to achieve great things Hilda... I just know it."

Hilda brings my finger away "We," she corrects me, "We're gonna do great things, together. With you here... I feel stronger. I wanna try my best. That's why," she leans in, pressing her lips to mine with vigor. I'm left enthralled by her taste; her scent, too. She rests her head against my chest when we part. "I'd like you to attend the ball at the end of the year with me. Let's go together, as a couple..."

The agony of a knife plunges into my chest. Her request is one I can't abide, and not through a lack of want.

But she's so hopeful. I-I don't know what to do. Either way, I'm going to shatter someone's fragile affections. Hilda's. Dorothea's. Mine. And so, I avoid the question. I kiss Hilda with heat; with passion. She whines into me, bringing her arms around my back. Sticky and clammy, the two of us drown in the moment. Nothing else matters.

I don't have the heart to tell her or Dorothea about the problem I face. The best I can do is stay beside them; both of them - until the day I return to Goneril. At least that way, the two of them will think of me with fond memories. I'm destined to become a baker's son. Hilda is a noble. Dorothea is an opera diva; a celebrity. I cannot follow the road they walk. The chains of my common birth; my fate, forbids it.

To be continued...

There you have it. 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. I'm grateful. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter! Thanks again!