Oh boy, there's a lot to unpack in this chapter. Plenty of you have been telling Rolan to hurry up and choose a girl. So this next chapter should prove interesting; a shove in the right direction. I pride myself on building original characters who compliment the worlds they're a part of. Not only that; there's a little easter egg for my regular readers hidden in here. See if you can spot it.

I've even opened a fresh poll. Team Hilda or Team Dorothea? Cast your votes now. If there's enough demand I might even give both girls a storyline - kinda like a visual novel.

Lets begin shall we?

Visitor

I cannot continue being afraid of causing pain. Both Dorothea and Hilda have been straightforward and honest. They've even given me time to put my affections into perspective. Not many women would be so kind in their pursuit of another. If this were Leone she would've told me to man up and decide already. if it were Lysithea? I shudder to consider the spooky hexes she'd throw on me for wasting her time. With dawn's first light as witness, I've gotta make up my mind. If I leave things any longer it'll only hurt more.

A sudden knock at my bedroom door sets my heart to racing.

Hilda stirs in her sleep. My skin burns with fearful heat. We can't be seen together so early in the morning!

"Wha- What is it?" she mumbles; her face buried against my neck.

I shush the girl. "You'd better hide under the covers. I'll keep the candles out while I check who's there. Stay quiet."

"Kay then," she says in a slurred mumble. Does the gravity of this situation not phase her?!

I haul my tired body out of bed, scooping up my discarded shirt from its resting place beside the dresser. Hilda hunches into a ball, pulling the covers over her head. Alright. It's the best we can do in this situation. So long as my unexpected visitor doesn't peer beyond the door we should be fine - hopefully.

Again there's a knock - this one a tad stronger than the last. I slip on my shirt and release the deadbolt on the door. Okay, Rolan. You can do this. Keep calm and collected. Take a deep breath in. And out.

My heart thumps at double speed as I pull the doors wide.

"Good morning, Rolan." Striking blue hair. Wide sapphire eyes. A tall and collected lass with a powerful aura.

"Professor? It's really early," I yawn. "Can I help at all?"

"Sorry to bother you at this hour, but you have a visitor," she informs me. "Your father. He rode almost two days straight to see you. Lady Rhea has offered him a room in the second floor dormitory, on account of his short-notice. He wishes to talk with you as soon as you're able. It's urgent."

What in the world?! Pop's here?! He didn't mention anything about this in his letters. Everything was going fine (aside money) last I'd heard. I take a breath in a vain attempt at staying composed. "My old man's really here? Did he say what for?!"

Miss Byleth's calm expression falters. She bares a tiny frown. "It concerns your mother's illness. He said you'd know the rest."

Oh goddess no. My throat tightens. I feel sick all of the sudden.

"T-Thank you for letting me know. I'll get dressed properly and go see him."

"It's for the best," answers Professor. "And Rolan... before I go. A question. Worry not. I won't keep you."

"What's up?"

"Have you spoken with Hilda since our little talk? Some of the knights say she's acting strangely."

"Strange? How so?"

"She petitioned Lady Rhea late last night; something about making a large donation to the church. Has she mentioned anything?"

So that's why she turned up so late! I'll bet this donation is a goodwill gesture to help my cause. I'd better keep coy. "Sorry, Professor - can't say she has. We met up after class, but she didn't say much."

"Alright. I merely wondered; that's all." Professor retreats from the door a few steps; she bows her head politely. "I hope all is well for you at home. I'll see you later today for the garrison check. Oh... and one last thing." She holds a finger to the side of her neck. "I'll pretend you don't have lipstick marks smeared all over. But do make sure they're washed off by the the end of the day. Are we clear?"

Dammit! I should've been more careful.

"Yes ma'am. Perfectly."

"Good... I'll see you later, Rolan."

I breathe a sigh of relief once Miss Byleth is out of sight. Right! I'd better go see what father wants. If he's come all this way, I can only wonder how everything's going in Goneril. I push the doors shut and slide the deadbolt into place.

"Rolan?" Hilda throws off the bedsheets. She eyes me with concern. "Are you okay? You look scared."

I sit beside her. We share a short hug. I'm beyond grateful for her comfort right now. It's best I keep a brave face. "I'll be fine. My pop's come all this way, so I'd better check in with him. I'm sure it's nothing bad; he's probably here to tell me mother needs longer to recover."

Hilda squeezes me against her chest, kissing me lovingly on the cheek. "Whatever happens, I'm here for you. It's a promise."

"Thank you, Hilda."

I should get on my way. But first? I need a handkerchief to get rid of this lipstick.

A Knight of Seiros leads the way to my old man's room. Right. I can do this. Whatever he came all this way for, I'm ready. There's no reason to let my worries get the better of me. You're in control of your emotions, Rolan. You are the boss.

"Pop, it's me," I start with a light tap on the door. "I'm coming in."

Prepared for anything, I head inside.

One of my father's most prominent features is his big old grin. He's brighter than sunshine most've the time; A stocky brute of a fellow, built thick with muscle and sporting a portly belly from way too much pastry. He's the heart and soul of the room most days. Except today.

"Hey there kiddo," he forces a thin smile, running a paw-like hand through his messy greyish-black curls. "We've gotta talk. It's about yer mother."

Oh no. Dad, please don't say what I think you're gonna say. I'm not ready.

"Is she," I nearly choke on my words, "She okay?"

Pop jabs a thumb toward a simple wooden chair by the doorway. He snags a clear glass bottle of wine from atop the bedside table once I'm seated, followed by two crystalline drinking glasses. Goddess, he's so terribly stony and serious compared to usual.

It's scaring me. I'll vomit if my stomach churns much longer.

"They say you ain't supposed to drink in a monastery outside of ceremonies," father scoffs, taking up the chair beside mine. "But that Geralt fella has a damn good go regardless. Figure I'll follow his lead after the couple 'a days I've had gettin' here."

He pours the two glasses full, sitting the empty bottle down on the floor. He offers one of the drinks my way. I gently refuse with a shake of the head, even if it does smell pleasantly fragrant and fruity. "I shouldn't - students aren't allowed to drink outside celebrations. Lady Rhea's rule. She's strict with it."

"But yer almost nineteen, Rolan. Figured ye'd be guzzlin' this stuff down by now."

I get the feeling you're stalling, Father. You always do this when there's something important afoot. I wish you wouldn't. If the air were any thicker in here you'd be able to cut it with a knife. "Pop, I'm fine. So, please... Tell me what's going on. Is mother coping well? What did the healers say when you brought them in? It's gotta be important for you to ride almost a hundred miles..."

The old bear's face falls into a deep frown. He necks both glasses of wine one after the other, gulping hard.

A shiver of dread crawls down my spine. I can't take this pressure anymore. Please, just tell me already!

"Father. Would you-"

And at that moment, his entire aura shifts. He grins proudly. "Ma's just fine. She's cured. The fever's beat."

My eyes dampen. A wave cooling relief washes my fears clean. Without thinking, I throw an arm around the Old Goat's back. A reluctant sob falls outta my mouth. I crunch my eyes shut in a vain effort at stopping my emotions getting the better of me.

It doesn't work. My tears fall free.

"Oh praise Sothis... Dammit, Pop. You made it sound like she was getting worse... You have idea how worried I was. "

Father smacks me on the back in supportively. "Aye, ye wouldn't think it," he bellows with laughter, "Considering ye've not answered a single bloody letter since ye got here. That'll bloody teach ya fer not keepin' in touch. It's why I came here like I did. Yer Ma kept frettin'; she doesn't need it in her condition. Poor gal was fearful somethin' might 'a happened."

Well darn. He's travelled all the way here because of me. I couldn't feel worse if I tried. Yeah, I've been selfish, with everything; no doubts about it. Two wonderful lassies are fawning over me, and my folks haven't heard a word from their only son in months.

I look away shamefully. "Sorry, Pop. Honest truth? I've been reeling over your most recent letter for a while now. It's all I've thought about, to the point of obsession." If I'm gonna tell him how I feel, I'll tell him face-to-face. I lift my head, prepared; come what may. "I don't wanna return home if I can avoid it. I'd rather stray at Garreg Mach."

He's going to be annoyed with my reason for not writing home. It's inexcusable. I know-

"It's alright, Son, I get it," he answers with a sigh, patting my shoulder. "Trust me - I'd keep ye here if I could afford it..."

Well, I wasn't expecting an answer like that. But I'm relieved all the same.

"Thanks. I mean it. I didn't wanna to stress you, or mother. Sorry..."

Father chuckles warmly, waving away my apology, "It's all forgiven, lad. But at least ye owned up to being a bit of a selfish bugger." He snorts with laughter. "Aye, yer just like yer old man sometimes... Us Gesalts aren't a perfect bunch. I tells ya, I'm lucky to have a woman like yer mother in my life, given where I began in life."

Like father like son. Therein lies my jigsaw puzzle of a problem. While it's good knowing everything at home is fine and dandy, I have to sort my feelings with Dorothea and Hilda. It's not fair I hesitate any longer. Now I think about it, father's a married man. He's been with my mother for almost twenty years. If there's anyone who can aid with putting matters of relationships into perspective, he can.

"Hey... You mind if I ask your advice on something? I'm in a bit of a state right now. It involves women."

My admission gets father roaring with laughter. It's always a good day to get showered with spittle. I'll need a cloth by the time we're done. "Sure ye can, Rolan," he says with a devious smirk, "Ladies, eh? I hope ye've been behaving yerself."

Okay. Here goes nothing. I'll tell him everything - from start to finish. My time spent with Hilda and Dorothea; their attempts at helping me stay, all of it. "Behaving? Of course! But you'll need another bottle of wine to get you through. It's a long story."

Pop's eyes light up at the suggestion of more alcohol. "Hah! Tempting, but I've had enough. Tell you what, how about we grab some breakfast before ye tell this epic yarn? The archbishop's a kind woman. She said I could make myself at home 'till I hit the road back to Goneril." He pokes my stomach playfully. "Yer lookin' a little thin there, lad. C'mon now. Food first. Problems later. How 'bout it?"

This is a good opportunity for some quality time. I might not see my folks again for a while, depending on how everything turns out.

"Sure, Pop. Breakfast it is."

There are so many people in the dining hall at this hour. I'm almost caught off guard by how busy it is. The line to get your portion from the head chef is at least fifteen people long. There aren't many spare seats at a glance, either. I checked the time on the dusty old grandfather clock as we headed inside. It's just gone eight, which leaves most students around an hour until the professors hold combat checks for Sunday. In short? We're gonna have a nice long wait getting ahold of some breakfast.

Shame too. Buttery potatoes and over-easy eggs are two of my favorite things to tuck into on a busy morning.

"'Ey kiddo," Pop prods me in the bicep, "We're gonna need somewhere to sit." He points to the furthest corner of the room. "See over there? There's a few empty places. You get our food - I'll cover the rest."

"Sounds fine to me."

Father slaps me on the back; he heads off on a mission to secure seating.

Waiting in the long line of students is taking forever.

Thankfully, Raphael's standing ahead of me. Listening to his upbeat humming lifts my spirits some. "Oh boy," he drums his stomach. "Eggs over easy! Now this is my kinda breakfast. Could do with a little meat to buff my muscles, but other than that? Food fit for a king!"

I might try talking with the guy when I'm less occupied with family. They say he's a gentle giant. Given how nice he is to people in class, I'd say there's weight to those assumptions. He apparently has a younger sister; thinks the world of her, too.

Once I've picked up our food I return to father. There's barely a second between his plate touching the table and a declaration of battle against his eggs. He's always had a hearty appetite. I smile at his enthusiasm, digging in as well. Being able to enjoy a meal with the old man like this is nice.

I didn't realize how much I missed it until now.

"Hey Rolan," he glances over between forkfuls, "Mind passin' the salt shaker?"

"Salt shaker coming up."

"Thanking ye."

Very little beats a good meal. I've become too content with eating alone.

"Well hello there Rolan," Dorothea calls from behind. I was so busy eating I didn't notice her coming my way. She puts down her plate and pulls out the chair next to mine. Sitting down and getting comfy, she gifts me a wink. "I was hoping I'd find you."

"Morning Dorothea," I answer. Shuffling aside, I make space. "Here. Plenty of room."

My father clears his throat. He focuses on the songstress with intrigue. "Now then, Son... How about you introduce this polite young lass?"

Dorothea's eyes widen excitedly at Pop's rather tactless entry into the conversation, "Ah, so this is your father, Rolan?" Dorothea bows her head, gifting the old bear with her kindest smile of greeting. "My name is Dorothea Arnault, sir. A pleasure to meet you. I'm fondly acquainted with your son. In fact," she links her arm with mine. "Some would say we're courting."

Pop laughs heartily at Dorothea's open and bold admission. "A pleasure to meet ye, Miss Arnault. I go by the name Kojiro. Foreign name I know, but it's what I was born with. 'N might I say it's a right-old honor. I've heard all about ye. Who 'round these parts doesn't know of Mittlefrank's golden gal?"

"Why thank you," Dorothea replies merrily, "Are you here visiting, sir?"

"Aye lass. Ye'd be right." Pop shoots me a glance. "Came all the way from Garret Township in Goneril. Cuz a certain son 'o mine has a habit 'a not answerin' his letters from home. His ma was mighty worried, so I figured I'd beat some sense into the lad."

Pop and Dorothea are getting along like a house on fire. She's asking questions aplenty about my family life, especially how things are for us as a baking family by trade. Father being as outgoing as he is? He indulges the songstress gladly, without a care in the world. Dorothea's fixation on my home life is really quite sweet. She has a fondness for the simple things despite her life on the stage.

Once breakfast is done, Dorothea politely excuses herself and heads out for the day.

"How do ye have it rough will a gal like her holdin' yer arm?" asks father. "It's in her eyes. She adores ye."

A fair question. But one I can't answer here. Not in a room surrounded with people. Dorothea is content to share her feelings at this point, but my issues with the bigger picture remain unresolved. "Once we're back in the room I'll explain everything."

Away from those who would gossip, I prepare to tell father everything. He pops the cork on a fresh bottle of wine, sitting down at the foot of his bed. I wait for him to pour a fresh glass before getting started.

"Honest answer? She's not the only one I've been seeing."

"Another lass, eh?" Pop takes a sip of drink, carefully curious. "And who might this second one be? Gotta know you're not doin' anything too silly. Can't have my lad gettin in too much trouble."

I inhale and exhale; desperate to keep my composure. If my heart pounds any harder it'll shake my skull.

"Hilda. Lady Hilda Valentine of House Goneril..."

My father sprays his wine all over the velvet carpet. His eyes are wider than saucers. "Bloody hell, Rolan..." His lips lift into a nervy smile. "Dunno if I should be proud, or give ye a smack 'round the head fer being foolish." He leans nearer so that he may whisper. "Lord Goneril's only daughter... Duke Holst's precious sister? You wanna be real careful. Piss off a highborn and we're in trouble."

"I love her, Pop. I've not told her flat out, but I do. She promised I can serve as her bodyguard; she even petitioned Lady Rhea and asked if I can keep studying until the end of the year..."

The old man scoffs, "Bodyguard to a noble. It's what ye've always wanted. But what about Dorothea?"

I hold my head in my hands, sighing exhaustedly. "That's why I'm in a tight spot. I dunno what to do. I've been a real bastard."

"Language there, lad." Pop ruffles my hair reassuringly. "Looks like ye could use some advice from a bloke that's been here before. Ye know I weren't born in Fodlan. Name like mine makes it plain. 'Bout time I tell ye how I got here. Swore to yer mother I would one day, anyway."

Father's expression turns stern and serious. He pulls his hands away and swipes the wine bottle; he starts chugging. The whole damn thing's empty in a few blinks of an eye. "Right... I'll keep it quick. Long story short, Rolan; I was born in a distant country called Hoshido. For generations we'd been at war against a rival kingdom - Nohr... Dark times befell the land. Their king was a tyrant."

"Hoshido? Nohr? I've never heard those names before! Are they faraway nations like Brigid?"

"Lemme finish, lad."

"Okay... Go on."

"I found solace from the fightin' in the same gal as my brother - she was a beautiful shrine maiden called Kasumi. Thought the world of her, I did. So much so that my brother and I came to blows; it brought dishonour upon the family. I was young... stupid; I couldn't bare seein' them happy while I felt miserable; it cost me everything. The number one rule in Hoshido? Ye don't turn on yer family. In the end? Kasumi married my brother; she bore a young boy called Keiji. And I was exiled - stripped of me sword and cast through an otherworld gateway... It's how I ended up here."

I had no idea father's exotic name bore such painful beginnings. Dammit. The Old Goat looks like he's gonna cry.

I've gotta cheer him up.

How do I begin to respond to such an almighty revelation?

"Rolan..." Pop continues in a sharp breath. He thumps my arm strongly. "Reason I told ye 'bout that? You gotta be a man at a time like this. Stand tall. Do what I couldn't. Choose the girl yer heart beats for, and don't regret it. Stay strong; own yer choice. Ye hear me?"

He's right. I can't turn away from the matter at hand any longer.

"I appreciate you telling me about your home, Pop. And I'll do it. I'll do the right thing..." Best I lighten the mood from here on out. The last thing either of us needs is for the day to feel cloudy and overcast. "Will you be staying long?"

"'Till tomorrow mornin' I reckon. Why? Ye got somethin' in mind?"

"I'd like to show you around the monastery, if you're interested."

"Aye, that sounds a damn fine idea to me." Father stands tall - his usual cheery self again. "But on two conditions. Whichever of those lovely lassies you pick; bring 'em over for dinner sometime. And for goddess sakes boy; let me know if yer stickin' round for a while longer. Write home once in a while."

Both of those requests are fine by me. I need to better by my family.

"You have my word."

"Alright then! Then it's a deal. Off we go!"

My path ahead is clear. I've given dad my word, as one man to another.

I'll decide where my heart belongs tomorrow – after I return from Zanado.

Today? I'll make the most of family time.

It's the least I can do to thank Pop for helping get my head together.

To be continued...

There you have it! Another chapter comes to a close. Did you like it? Would you like to see more? 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!