How are you guys and girls doing? Ready for another chapter of Songstress? We're going to focus on everyone's favorite Black Eagle with this one. And speaking of which, Dorothea has yet to be added to the character list for the Fire Emblem section. I'm surprised nobody's requested her at this point. She's one of the favorites. Anyway! Lets get started shall we?

Hope

Thursday. Only a couple of hours to go until classes are done. The clock at the back of the classroom keeps on ticking. Professor is busy with her lecture on Unified Strategy. Honestly, I've not been paying much attention. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bored by the topic. It's merely a case of having more pressing matters to hand. More specifically, a certain songstress of the Black Eagle House.

And then there's Hilda. True to her word, she swapped benches the morning after learning of my not so distant departure. We've barely talked unless there's a group project in class. Even then, she tries her best to partner up with Claude or Ignatz. Every time I glance her way she gives me a terribly sad smile and turns her attention to Professor's lecture.

Does she hate me? Is she angry I didn't speak with her sooner about my family?

No! I can't think like that. I should focus instead on Dorothea. Specifically, her unexpected visit this morning.

It all started at the crack of dawn.

I awoke to a knock at my bedroom door. The sun had barely risen and I was far from ready to face the world.

Sleep prevented my head from leaving the pillow. And so I kept ignoring the gentle tapping. But it didn't stop. It kept going and going.

"Whoever it is must urgently need my attention," I thought at the time.

I first wondered if it was a knight or a monk.

"No, it couldn't be," I groaned groggily, "Just go back to sleep, Rolan."

Lady Rhea's supporters don't usually come knocking unless a member of the church needs to speak with you directly. And not being the most devout believer, I don't have much in the way of business with them. I'm here to train; not indulge matters of faith.

I was about to climb out of bed and answer the door, goddess knows the noise had gone on for long enough. Fortunately, it stopped as I pulled back the covers. A small folded note slid under the crack in my doorway not long afterward.

Upon getting up for the day I checked the note. Distinctly curly handwriting upon the back of the piece of paper told me all I needed to know. There's no mistaking the way Dorothea writes. She's slipped me notes a couple of times now - usually when classes finish.

Curious as to what she wanted, I lit a candle and started reading.

Morning Rolan. Sorry I stopped by so early. I have some good news. I've been talking with Edelgard and I think there's a way you can stay at the monastery. Stop by my dorm after classes finish at six. It's the one three doors to the right of yours. See you then. P.S. Do you like travelling? Dorothea x x x

The message's contents have been on my mind all day. It's why I keep glancing with such eagerness toward the clock. If Dorothea truly has an idea then I'd like to hear it. I've gotta try anything and everything to stick around. No way am I going to back out after coming this far. I've learned so much. Not to mention I've made two very deep promises with two very special ladies.

"Alright, class," Professor Byleth's calm but assertive voice grabs my attention. I snap my eyes forward. She brings her textbook closed, sitting atop her desk at the front of the room with one leg folded over the other. "Expect a short practical test on Monday. You'll need it for Zanado. That'll be all for today. Tomorrow we're focusing on spear combat."

Church bells chime. The end of the day is here. I'd better get on my way to the dorms.

"Rolan," calls Professor as the room empties out. I stop just short of stepping out of the door and turn back. She gives me the faintest smile - almost so tiny it could be mistaken as a flutter of the imagination. "Could I have a minute, please? I'd like to pose a question."

"'Course, ma'am. Give me a sec."

Setting down my satchel bag, I head over to the front of the classroom. By now everybody else has piled out. I'm alone with Miss Byleth. She pulls out a chair from beside her desk, offering it to me. "Have a seat."

My stomach twitches nervously. It's not often I'm called back like this. Whatever the case, I sit down as requested. Am I in trouble? It's always hard to tell what Professor's thinking. Outside of lessons she's a woman of few words. Kind, yes. But also very subtle when showing her emotions.

"I'll get straight to the point. I'm worried about you and Hilda, Rolan."

True to her nature, she's not messing around.

My nervy stomach almost flips. I fight to stay steady with a short breath through the nose. "What do you mean, Professor?"

I'm given an uneasy frown by my teacher. "Everyone in class knows the two of you are fast friends. Lately you've been side-by-side; inseparable, even if you answer few questions in my lectures. I was happy to see the two of you working together. But this past few days you've both seemed very... withdrawn. Does this have something to do with Hilda moving benches the other day?"

"N-Not really," I answer, trying my best to avoid the issue. Professor is busy enough. She doesn't need dragging into my problems. "Everything's fine. Honestly."

"Forgive me, but I don't believe you, Rolan." Miss Byleth brings her hands together, presenting me with a faint but welcoming smile. "You're more than welcome to speak with me if there's a problem. We're close to the same age, so you needn't feel intimidated. I see you Golden Deers as much my friends as I do my students."

"Thanks, Professor. But nothing's wrong. You can count on it."

"Fair enough," she replies with a hint of disappointment, "But may I at least give you a hint of advice? More as a comrade and less your teacher?"

"Sure thing. Always happy to listen."

"Don't have fallings out with your friends. These battles we fight on behalf of the church are dangerous. Not that I intend to let harm befall anyone, but still... Regrets are terrible things. Respect those you care for. It's a lesson I've held close since joining this monastery."

Trust you to always have insightful advice, Miss Byleth. If Hilda comes around I'll do my best to talk with her again. She means more to me than you'll ever know. I'd rather keep her close. I hate feeling so far away from her.

"Thanks, Professor." I rise from my chair and give a grateful bow. "Mind if I go now? I've got places to be."

"You're quite welcome to leave," she answers. "Go ahead and enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

Alright! No time to lose. Dorothea should be waiting by the dorms.

Yep. I called it; the songstress is right on time - three doors down from my room. She waves me over; sporting a cheery grin. I feel fresh and optimistic seeing her like this. Here's hoping her news is good news. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I hurry along and join her.

"Nice to see you looking so happy, my lady."

"I've found it; a way you can stay," Dorothea declares brightly, "Come on inside." She nudges open the doors to her room. "Make yourself comfy and I'll explain everything. I think I've outdone myself, if I do say so."

Kind and confident. That's my lovely lass to a tee.

Dorothea's living space differs a little to my expectations. A snug single bed with velvet sheets is tucked in the corner nearest the doors; sat at the footboard is a large mannequin sporting an absolutely divine ballroom gown with fine Adrestian-style trim. At the back of the room are a varnished dresser and a makeup table with a gold trimmed mirror. Everything is clean and perfectly spotless to boot. Damn - I'd be embarrassed to show her my plain and untidy abode by comparison.

"Sit on the bed, it's quite alright," says Dorothea, bringing the doors closed.

I do as I'm asked. She's quick to sit with me. We share an affectionate cuddle away from prying eyes. Her closeness soothes me after such a tiring day of classes. Her rosewood perfume is a comforting scent. I'm lucky to have her; I'd like to stay like this for a while and forget my troubles.

Dorothea links her fingers with mine, giving me a comforting squeeze. "It's nice being with the one you love, don't you think?"

It's almost as though you're reading my mind, Miss Arnault.

"You bet it is."

We enjoy the peace and quiet for a time, content in little more than being together.

My folks said before I left home that life's simple pleasures were often the sweetest. They'd cuddle up beside the fire when I was little, or they'd hum songs together out on the porch on starry nights. Younger me never really understood the purity of their love, but now I see it clearly. Pop's a simple man, and mother shied away from her chance to become a consort and married from the heart.

I place my lips upon Dorothea's cheek. She returns my gesture gladly. We're much the same, simple people with dreams.

"Did you give what I asked in my note some thought, Rolan?"

"Which part in particular, dearest?"

"About travelling. How would you feel if a chance to see the world fell into your lap?"

"I've always viewed travel as par the course if I'm to become a bodyguard. I'm open to the idea. Why'd you ask?"

I'd go wherever my charge travelled. It's one of the many reasons why such a dangerous job appeals to me. I could depart Alliance lands; visit sights and cities beyond Goneril. Not as a mercenary, of course - as the sworn protector to a lord or lady. I'm proud of where I come from. My budding skills are worthy of nobility. All I need is extra time to improve them.

"I talked with Edelgard," answers Dorothea. "I told her of your plight, and she asked to know more. Your skill with a sword was her key interest. It's no secret you're very good; as good as Petra, even."

Color me surprised, "Miss Edelgard saw my duel with Petra?"

The Battle of Eagle and Lion - Professor fielded me as a counter to Brigid's princess over in the Black House. It was a good fight - I have a lotta respect for Miss Petra. We fought to a narrow draw, and I was knocked down later by Dedue of the Blue Lions. The fellow's a brute - but I admire his loyalty to Faerghus' crown prince.

"Not quite," Dorothea chuckles, "But Bernie certainly recounted the tale. Oh yes. After fleeing to safety she told Edel all about our warrior princess crossing swords with a well-mannered and dark-haired Golden Deer student. She promptly fainted afterward..."

No way?! Really? Granted, my exchange with Petra has been of my most enjoyable moments as a student - but I thought it would be forgotten after the battle reached its end. "Are you making this up to lift my spirits?"

"No, I certainly aren't. Regardless of how quiet you are, you've gained a reputation as a skilled swordsman for the Golden Deer. Why do you think I warmed to you when first we met? I was curious, Rolan Gasalt. I wanted to learn more of the kind of person you are."

"Let me get this straight. Dorothea, you knew who I was the whole time?"

"Indeed. I most certainly did."

How foolish it was to think I didn't belong. Students in my house and others were interested in me from the beginning. If only I'd gotten over my fears before meeting this lovely lady, I could've made more friends. Such a revelation warms me.

But it doesn't solve my current issue. There's no sense in being cheerful if I can't stay much longer.

"As grateful as I am, love... I've gotta wonder. Why are you telling me this? Heaping praise upon my skills and talking of travel."

"Oh I wonder," she teases with a wink. "Maybe I put in a kind word with the future empress of Adrestia..."

Good Goddess! Is she saying what I think she's saying?

"Y-You what?"

"Yep," Dorothea hums victoriously, squeezing me against her chest. She pecks my cheek with glee. "I told Edelgard everything over tea and biscuits. How I fell for you; how I want to stay by your side, and your money troubles. She understood perfectly."

I have no idea if I should be honored or afraid. Most nobles don't care about commoners! "You brought my simple woes before Edelgard Von Hresvelg? And she actually gave a damn?"

"You sound surprised. Edel's a lovely girl when you get to know her."

I gaze into Dorothea's powerful eyes of brown - desperate for answers. "How did she react?"

"You, my darling," the songstress frees up one of her hands and boops me gently on the nose, "Are being considered for an Adrestian Military Scholarship. If you're accepted, you'll be allowed to stay until the end of the year; all expenses paid. In exchange, you'll join the Black Eagles and study beside us. All to prepare you for training in Enbarr over the following summer."

I can only stare in amazement. "I- Wow! The Adrestian capital? Dorothea! I-I-"

"A thank you is all I'm after, Rolan."

"Thank you... Thank you!"

Dorothea brings our lips together; we join in perfect harmony. She nudges me back. I fall against the bed.

My songstress slinks atop of me, wrapping her arms around my middle. "Hold me," she asks desperately, "Please?"

"It'd be my pleasure."

I embrace Dorothea with compassion.

"I'm relieved," she confesses blissfully, resting her head of chocolate brown curls against the nape of my neck. "So long as Edel approves, you'll get to stay. We'll be together until graduation day... and beyond."

"Beyond?"

"Why of course. You're stuck me with now, Mister. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

More days like these, with Dorothea at my side? I'd be the luckiest man in Fodlan.

At least one of the women whom I cherish wants to fight for our love.

I'm not angry with you, Hilda. Really I'm not. But in my heart of hearts I'd hoped you'd stick by me.

Sadly, I was mistaken.

So, here I'll stay, with the most beautiful girl in the Black Eagle House...

...even if I miss you dearly, my childhood friend.

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. The support for this one continues to be overwhelming. I really didn't expect it to go anywhere. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again!