This is going pretty well isn't it? Glad to see so many of you are enjoying it so far. It's about time we raise the stakes a little. I have plenty more planned for the coming chapters. Not to mention it's been really fun writing a character who compliments Hilda and Dorothea.

Let's get started shall we?

Confession

I awaken to chirping birds. Strands of sunlight shine through the windowpanes, lulling me into a sense of safety and security. Hilda is already out of bed and dressing. I remain quiet and watch her fasten the buttons of her shirt. She doesn't look in the slightest hurry. I clear my throat to let her know I'm up. She flashes me a wink, swiftly fixating upon the mirror thereafter.

"Morning you," she chimes, grabbing one of many ornate hairbrushes from the dresser, "Class is starting soon, but I'm taking my time. Did you sleep well? You seemed cosy when I woke up; you were snoring."

"I'm good... But my lips are sore." I run my fingers over them. Yep, they're stinging alright. Well, I have nobody but myself to blame. I suppose that's what you get when you stay up kissing for hours on end. Not that I'm complaining; Hilda is quite the kisser. I wonder - does she have past experience?

Hilda giggles, fixing her pigtails in the mirror, "You're precious. There's salve on the dresser; I'll pass it over when I'm done."

For a while I sit back in bed and enjoy watching my classmate prepare for the day. There's far more to a woman's morning ritual than I imagined. Fixing one's hair alone seems long-winded; a mission of sorts. Makeup and perfume follow afterwards. I'm honestly surprised she feels so comfortable with me being here as an observer. She could've hurried along and been ready to leave long before I awoke.

"How long have you been up?"

"About thirty minutes," Hilda answers plainly. "Would've gotten out of bed quicker, but it was nice listening to your heartbeat while you snoozed. You're a peaceful sleeper; it's kinda comforting."

Hilda moves from her dresser and picks up her blazer. There's a huge purple bruise on the side of her neck. She can't go out with something so lewd on show. It'll stir gossip aplenty. "Errr... Hilda? You might wanna double-check in the mirror..." My cheeks flare just mentioning it, "Y-You're neck..."

She smiles cheekily at my words of warning, resting her fingers neatly upon the marking, "It's alright - I saw it earlier. No worries," her smile rises into a heartfelt grin. "I'll wear my scarf to class today. No regrets; I had fun last night."

I bow my head all the same, "Sorry 'bout that. I was a bit too rough."

Hilda winks, "Rough is fine... Now, where did I put my- Ah! There it is." She scoots around the bed to recover her scarf from its resting place beside the bookshelf. Draping the item artfully over the love bite, she gives a twirl for the mirror. "Looking nice. Okay!"

The noble lass swings by the dresser and grabs a small (brown) ceramic pot. She places it in my lap on the way toward the door, gifting me a peck on the cheek. "Okay. Salve for your lips," she says, giving me second peck on the forehead. "I'll head down to the dining hall. Best I stick to my usual routine. It'll raise fewer eyebrows. I'll see you in class."

Miss Goneril stalls before she leaves. Blushing and beautiful, she holds her fingers and thumbs into the shape of a love heart. "Thank you," she utters under her breath. "This is the first time I've slept beside someone; it's nice."

She hurries on ahead, heaving the doors closed as she goes. I'm left with my thoughts - with stillness; with very chapped lips. Alone, a cold feeling of loneliness grips me. This is likewise my first time sleeping beside another. I like the warming sensation of snuggling up with someone; my worldly problems seem smaller. I wouldn't trade such a feeling for anything.

Sadly, these moments will come to an end soon.

No... I've gotta stop thinking about it! You have a goal, Rolan. You need to stick with it!

Once I'm done applying salve, I climb out of bed. My waking ritual will be far quicker than Hilda's. Slip on my shirt. Grab my jacket. Recover my shoes from their place down by the foot of the bed. I'll be out of here in no time. Probably for the best, too. I'll skip out on breakfast in place of sword practice. Can't afford to miss the morning training. There's plenty of time for food later.

Classes go by smoothly enough. Hilda and I sat at different benches today, to be on the safe side. Nobody paid much mind to her scarf; either. Well, there was Lysithea, now that I think about it. But she complimented how nice it looked and asked to stroke the fur. So, our plan went off without a hitch. Although, I think Professor Byleth was surprised to see us sitting separately.

Sunset brings with it more tasks.

As usual, I've been sent into town on errands with the end of the day drawing near. Hilda wants fresh bread from one of the market stalls we visited last time we came out here. Now, I don't mind or anything; I'm just mighty hungry. My stomach's been growling all day. Raphael looked my way more than once during our lectures. I swear, the big fella has a sense for those kinda things.

With the town square firmly in sight, I decide to stop and catch my breath. Okay, it was reckless to skip out on breakfast this morning. I'm feeling mighty sluggish right about now. My legs are heavy; and with each groan my stomach feels all the more hollow. Granted, I'd normally be able to solve the issue, being in town and all - but I carelessly left my coin purse in Hilda's room in my hurry to train.

I'll have to man up and make do. I won't spend the gold Hilda's given me on a little extra bread for myself - not without asking first.

"Right, get up, Rolan." I spur myself on, shaking my fatigue clear. The quicker I get this done, the quicker I get back to the monastery; the sooner I can invade the dining hall like an Almyran charging Fodlan's Locket.

Arriving by the bread stall, I place my order. The aroma of fresh baking is comforting on two fronts. One? My empty stomach is screaming for it. And two? It serves as a fond reminder of home. As soon as the food up is bagged up, I retreat in a hurry; my willpower won't hold if I stand around gawking at loaves until sundown. "Job done," I breathe a sigh of relief. "Okay... Now it's about time I head b-"

"Hey there! Rolan! Is that you?"

My heart jumps in my chest. I turn back - looking once - looking twice. "Dorothea."

My favorite songstress hurries over from a jewellery stall across the square. She holds a tiny paper bag between her fingers. She's the last person I expected to see today - but I'm far from displeased. "How are you doing, Rolan?" She slips the bag into her jacket pocket "Running more errands?"

I swear, there's a sour note to her voice.

"Kinda. Hilda asked me to pick these up."

"Of course she did." Dorothea smiles sadly, "But let's not talk about her. I'm far more interested in you. How've you been?"

My stomach groans, answering her question rather gracelessly. "I'm a bit on the peckish side."

Dorothea brings a hand to her mouth, lauging softly, "I can tell. When did you last eat?"

I'm almost afraid to fess up. A little white lie won't hurt. "This morning..."

"Nope, you didn't," I'm shot down. The brunette narrows her eyes; concerned. "No way. You're looking faint. Are you running yourself ragged again?" She rests her hands upon her hips like a concerned mother. "I'd say I have a grasp on who you are by now. I'm a good judge of character - women's intuition."

"Alright... You win." Bested, I avert my eyes, "I grabbed a quick sandwich yesterday afternoon."

"Yesterd- Goddess help me. No wonder you look ready to fall down in a heap."

"I've been busy," I reply with desperation, "Can't stop. There's always too much to do."

I raise my eyes, meeting with Dorothea. She's fraught with worry.

"Too much for food?"

Time isn't on my side. I have to focus. The more time I spend helping others, the better I'll feel when my semester in Garreg Mach comes to an end. It hurts keeping my struggles bottled up, but I have no other choice. "Too much for food."

The brunette rolls her eyes sharply. "That settles it then. C'mon... We're going to the teahouse." She flashes me a stern gaze, "I fancy a spot of cake all of the sudden." Dorothea leads the way, "It won't sit right with me if you starve."

When this young lady sets her mind on something she doesn't back down.

How painfully ironic.

I follow as quickly as I can manage. Stacks of bread work wonders at slowing you down.

A teahouse isn't where I expected to spend the end to my afternoon - but small mercies are nice enough. This establishment is quaint and friendly. Small tables adorned with frilly white tablecloths. A wonderfully polite serving girl with the shiniest blue eyes; an aroma of exotic blends I've never whiffed before. And then there's the sweet selection - goodness the sweets. They're my shortcoming; the drawback of growing up around a father who rolls dough and crafts pastry for a living.

Unfortunately, I'll have to go hungry while Dorothea joyfully cuts into her cream cake with a silver fork. "I can't get anything I'm afraid."

"You don't have any money? How did you buy the bread?"

There's no way I can reveal why I'm without coin of my own. Think Rolan. Think. She's good at seeing through you.

"It's an allowance Hilda gave me," I explain. "I left my coin purse in my bedroom this morning. My fault. I was in a rush to make class in time."

"You should take better care of yourself." Dorothea sets down her fork. Reaching across the table, she clasps my hands. "Honestly, Rolan. You're not eating right. You're constantly tired. Every time I pass the training grounds you're there; day or night. Do you ever take a rest?"

My guilty conscience calls home. my willpower is pushed to the brink of snapping. I can't keep smiling anymore; just like I can't keep pretending everything's alright when it's not. I have to tell somebody how I feel. And I doubt there's anyone more considerate than Dorothea. So long as I'm straightforward with her, she should understand. "I'd rest if I had the time. Sadly, I won't be here much longer; at Garreg Mach, I mean."

My admission floors the songstress. Her shoulders tense and her eyes widen. She swallows a lump in her throat, looking so horribly downcast, "O-Oh? Really?" She gives my digits a supportive squeeze. "This is the first you've mentioned about going away."

"Because I didn't want make a scene of things," I answer gloomily. "I only found out a few days ago. My mother was sick. Pop spent lots of gold getting decent healers. She's fine now... but I don't have the money to keep attending. I mean, we make a good living supplying food for House Goneril's banquets... but the tuition fees here are insane."

"I see..." Dorothea exhales. "When do you leave?"

"End of the semester. A month from now; give or take."

"A month..." She whispers. There's a glimmer of hope in her eyes - though it may be sadly misplaced.

"Would you stay if you could afford it?"

I don't need to think twice.

"Without a doubt. I'd see the rest of the year out. Maybe even work over the summer months to raise the coin for my second year. Why'd you ask?"

"N-No reason..." Dorothea deflects my curiosity with a nervous chuckle. Her smile returns full force. "You know... I really need to thank you, Rolan. It's only right, given you're heading out soon. I'm happy to have spent time with you; it's been a pleasure."

This precious songstress need not be so kind. I owe her. She helped me believe in myself when I ran short of faith. She's shown endless amounts of consideration; even as I've stubbornly pushed time and again beyond the point of collapse. I could never begin to return the favour. "Honestly, there;s no need. Anything I've done pales when I think of how nice you've been."

"Oh stop being modest. Honestly... you helped me see clearly. What you said over dinner; it left a mark. I've not been able to stop thinking about it. M-Maybe it's time I be brave; let go of my fears, and live my life." She puts all of her heart into her confession. Leaning over from across the table, she kisses me on the cheek. "I know it probably rings hollow, since you're worried and all... but it's how I feel."

My breathing hitches. I bite my lip, fighting back tears from welling. "I'm not afraid," I respond with empty strength. What makes you think I'm scared? G-Going home isn't too bad."

Dorothea shakes her head. "We're truly two of a kind after all. It's okay to cry, you know. Real men aren't afraid of showing their feelings."

Her words push me to the brink. I rise from my chair, giving a polite bow. "'Scuse me for a sec. I-I need some air."

Making a hasty retreat, I depart the teahouse. The orange sunset greets me anew as I step outside. Most of the traders have packed up and left by now. The streets are still. Strange, I've fixated on the sunset frequently as of late. It's been a form of comfort.

Today? It doesn't provide any such solace for my aches and pains. I'm cold; empty.

Dorothea joins me outside. "Rolan, are you okay?" she asks kindly. "You don't look so good."

"No... I'm not." Unable to hold back any longer, I cave. My eyes mist. My vision blurs. My throat pulls tight.

Silent tears cascade down my cheeks. "I'm not ready to leave. There's no future for me back home."

Dorothea takes me into her arms, cradling me. She runs her fingers through my hair. Her kind gesture calms my fractured heart. I breathe her flowery perfume, falling further and further into my own little world of solace. I'm tired of hurting; just as I'm tired of pretending everything will be okay. I'm not gonna live my life as nobody."I'm afraid," I confess with a whimper, "I'm afraid of my talents going to waste... Most nobles don't give a damn about us commoners. Unless I make myself useful nobody will care for me."

"That's not true," Dorothea replies. "I care about what happens to you. You're important." I lose myself in her eyes. She's crying too. "Rolan... You're not worthless. To me? You're special... What I mean to say is- I think- I'm falling for-" Dorothea's lips rise into a frightened smile. "No. It's too late for that. I- I'm in love... and it scares me. I tried to ignore it... but I can't. All I can do is hope you feel the same way too."

I cling to Dorothea with all the strength I can muster. I shouldn't lie to her. She deserves better. "But Hilda and I-"

She rests her finger against my lips, "You feel for her, I know... I figured it out already."

"How?!" My stomach flips. "You knew?"

Dorothea sniffles, laying her head upon my shoulder, "It's was obvious - not that I mind. I-I'm no better. I spent too much time teasing the boys before we met. So let's call it even. Just open up - be honest with me; with yourself - especially if we'll part ways soon. Rolan... Do you love me?"

The day I met this girl my perspective shifted. I never would've felt a sense of belonging at the monastery if it weren't for her. My answer is clear.

"Yes Dorothea... I do. I love you."

"I-I'm happy to hear you say it. I feared you wouldn't want a girl like me..."

"What are you saying?"

"I grew up an orphan before joining Mittlefrank." The songstress clings to the lapels of my blazer. "But now? I'm not alone. I have you."

She edges nearer; our lips collide. We're joined as one; our hearts entwined. The sunset feels comforting and vibrant again. Yes. I love her; as dearly as I love Hilda. I want to treasure every moment we share; I yearn to learn more of her life growing up in Adrestia. A few weeks ago we were strangers. Now? We're so much more. And it's because I love her that saying goodbye will prove such a woeful task.

"I'm won't watch you walk out of my life," declares Dorothea with dedication as we part. "I'll find a way for you to stay. Consider it my promise."

Again we kiss. I revel in the softness my beloved's warm embrace.

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 some feedback and share your thoughts. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again!