Been a while hasn't it? I added up the poll results along with the reviews. It was a very close vote. At one stage Hilda was ahead of Dorothea. But in the end the Black Eagle songstress won it by a very small number. That said, we're going for the Black Eagle storyline first. Stay tuned all the same. Because we'll be writing Hilda's route afterward.

You know, it's funny. At one point I considered making Petra an option in this story. Maybe another time, perhaps?

Test (Black Eagles I)

Sunset. Father steps out of the gates of Garreg Mach. I can't thank him enough for the help he's given me. I suppose it's true what they say. This is what family is all about; they always help you in a bind. Well, my folks are dependable at the very least. I can't (and nor would I want to) complain. My lot in life is my largest trouble, not my family themselves.

"You take care 'a yeself, kid. And bloody well write home!"

Pop cracks a grin before walking off down the pathway, escorted by a Knight of Seiros for protection. I should thank Lady Rhea for extending the churches' hospitality with very little notice. Few people are so selfless these days. That said, I'd better stick around here for a few minutes until I know the old goat's safely on his way. It's a long road back to Goneril from the monastery.

"I will, Pop! See you soon!" I wave him off. "And thank you," I continue at a whisper.

Over the passing minutes father becomes naught but a speck in the distance. I turn my back to Garreg Mach's township and breathe a big sigh. Well, talk about relief. I'd say I survived this unexpected visit fairly well. I'm no worse for the ware. I didn't end up with a boot up my arse, either. A success.

My only hope is that Pop lets me know he's visiting next time.

Now comes my next task. I have to finish preparing for tomorrow's march to Zanado. Going to battle is stressful for some. Me? I'm feeling excited. When I'm in a combat situation I'm useful. I'm proving my worth. A man can't ask for anything more. After all, you're only so good to people as your abilities.

"Alright, Rolan." Ready to progress, I return inside the monastery walls. "Let's do this."

First things first? My garrison for the battle ahead. A band of Goneril Sellswords will do nicely. Given my family's ties I should have no problems commanding them. We Goneril-born folks are fairly tight-knit when push comes to shove. Duke Holst treats us well enough when he's not focused on keeping the Almyrans at bay.

As for my weapon? I'll stick with the old faithful. There's nothing more reliable than a well-crafted steel shortsword. It's more durable than a katana blade from the eastern islands, and it's way easier to keep in the hands than one of those fancy silver weapons a lot of the nobles use. Lorenz is especially fond of them. They're powerful of course, but you need a balance between power and grip.

"All done..."

With my equipment prepared I'm free to stop by the training grounds for a few hours. It's important I stay on top form for the day ahead. Can't afford to stumble against bands of bloodthirsty marauders after all. Bandits might not be the most organized louts, but they make up for it twofold with savagery. Word round town is they sometimes drag away survivors of their raids kicking and screaming. Women especially.

Those sorts make me feel sick to the stomach. I've been troubled of late with matters of the heart, I'll admit it. But no scumbag should ever lay a hand upon a woman. Commoner or noble. Rich or poor. A denizen of Brigid or a priestess of the snowy north.

My hands quake with rage just thinking about stuff like this. I'd better get to my sword practice and vent properly. Upon returning to my dorm room to collect my things I notice a scrap of paper folded tucked neatly into the gap beneath my door. Unfolding it reveals an invitation I was far from expecting at this time in the evening. The sun will be down in a matter of minutes.

Hello, Rolan. I hope today finds you well. Would you be so kind as to meet me at the Training Grounds just before sundown? I'd like to talk with you about something important. Do take care and enjoy the rest of your day. Much love, always - Dorothea x x x.

A note I cannot refuse. I was heading in that direction anyway.

I'm met with quite the surprise when I arrive at the training grounds. It's just about empty, save a handful of Black Eagle students. Dorothea is chatting away with Lady Edelgard, and Miss Petra is busy practicing sword form.

It doesn't take Dorothea long to notice my arrival. She rushes over with Edelgard in tow.

I bow to the both of them, as politely and respectfully as I can be. "Evening, ladies. How are you both?"

Edelgard greets me with curiosity, "Hmm..." Her lips rise. She smiles welcomingly, "You are Rolan, correct? Dorothea told me we could expect you here before the day's end, so I waited. It's good to finally speak with you in person."

"Hold on. You've been waiting here... for me?"

"That's right," Dorothea chimes in cheerfully. "Edel here's drafted up a test for you. Isn't that right?"

"Correct," the future empress looks over her shoulder. "Petra, could you please come here?"

"But of course. I will be coming over quickly," answers Brigid's princess.

"A test?" I ask. I hadn't heard anything about this beforehand from Dorothea. "What kind of test? And now? It's very sudden."

"Indeed," nods Edelgard, flicking strands of white hair away from her eyes. "I've decided to approve your scholarship for the Adrestian Military, but on one condition. I want to see how capable you are first-hand... without preparation."

Petra offers me a training sword. Her lips rise into a fiery smile. "We are to be sparring together. We will fight. And if the victory is yours... you will be join- be joining the Black Eagle House without delay. I feel much of the happiness to face you again in the combat, Rolan," she continues with fizz and vigor. "Our exchange of swords during the mock battle was of much enjoyment to me..."

A rematch... with Petra? Right now? Okay, Rolan. Keep it together. This your one chance to join the Black Eagle House. If you get this right; you're in. All of your worries are gone. You'll be a student here; you'll be beside Dorothea.

I can't screw this up.

"Alright." I accept the sword. Petra leads me to the arena at the room's centre. "I'll do it."

The two of us take up position. Dorothea stands on the side-lines with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. Her hands are held over her heart. Hold on... She's praying. She's praying for me. "You can do this," she silently mouths my way. "I believe in you..."

Edelgard stands between us at the middle of the combat area. She eyes Petra, and quickly snaps her focus back to me. "Twenty passes of the blade. No more and no less. The test ends when one of you falls to the ground. Are you both ready?"

Petra grips her weapon tightly. The corners of her mouth lift into a cool and controlled smirk. "I am prepared. I will use none of the restraining in this bout."

Okay Rolan. Breathe. One foot ahead of the other. Remember your stance. "Ready," I reply. "Let's go."

"Very good." Edelgard steps away, taking her place at the side of Dorothea. "Begin."

Petra screams a warrior's scream and lunges. Her first swing of the sword is fearsome and calculated. Wood collides with wood, sending my feet back several inches through the sandy underfoot. Brigid's future leader is smaller than me. But it does nothing to detract from her power. I've gotta be careful here. Real careful. Another strike like that and I'll be on my backside.

"You will not take this victory home with the footwork so clumsy," insists Petra with a vicious snarl.

It takes almighty effort to sidestep. She gets quicker with every strike. Her focus is to be admired. There's gotta be something I can do to level the field. Are all women of Brigid so darn skilled? From what age do they first learn to fight?

Think Rolan. Think.

A memory of our previous battle rushes back. I jump out of Petra's reach with a second to spare.

I've got it. The arc of her sword swings; they're too wide. All I've gotta do is slip to Petra's left-hand side after an attack. It's risky, but my best option. Hopefully I can knock her off balance and send her to the floor. Either way, I can't stay on the back foot for much longer.

I wait for Petra's next strike. As expected, she brings one foot ahead of the other and swings her blade outward in a wide slice.

"Got you."

Moving to her side proves easy. But the next thing I know, my feet tangle with Petra's. She wobbles unsteadily and takes a tumble, grabbing and taking me with her on the way down. My back slams against the ground. The edges of my vision fogs. Atop of me is Petra; she's red-faced and panting for breaths. Tiny beads of sweat trickle down her forehead. I'm half-expecting an angry response.

Far from it. She's smiling.

"These battles we share I enjoy with gladness. I should hope for the testing again soon."

Petra is quick to climb off and pull me upright. We're both given a round of applause.

"I am pleased, for the most part," says Edelgard. "Now... about your scholarship, Rolan..." She holds a hand out for me to shake. "I think you will be a fine addition to our class, providing you and Petra continue sparring to improve your footwork."

I shake Lady Edelgard's hand and bow my head respectfully. "My thanks. It's an honor. Truly it is."

"The honor is mine. I am always looking for talented individuals to strengthen Adrestia. Welcome Rolan. You are officially a Black Eagle."

Barely a moment passes before Dorothea sweeps me into her arms. "I knew you could do it," she laughs warmly. "I just knew it. This is fantastic! Now you don't have to leave. We can stay together like this..." The songstress drapes her arms over my shoulders and hugs me closely. "This is lovely. I've never been happier..."

There's a tear in her eye. I wipe it away. Dorothea's beautiful when she shows her feelings at their fullest. So beautiful I could kiss her.

Edelgard clears her throat, "Now now, you two." She snaps us out of the moment. "In love you may be, but need I remind you both that you are still both representatives of Adrestia. You especially, Dorothea. Behave well, please." She pats me on the shoulder before heading for the door with Petra. "I'll be speaking with Professor Byleth in regards to your transfer tomorrow. It may be best to bid farewell to your classmates before joining us. Again, I look forward to having you serve, Rolan."

Petra bows, "I am having much enjoyment knowing you will be a member of my house. We must do the sparring again soon."

"Sounds fine by me," I answer. "I'll look forward to it."

Brigid's princess and Adrestia's future empress depart shortly thereafter. Dorothea and I have time alone at last.

"We did it," Dorothea's eyes well with blissful tears. She pulls me into a heartfelt cuddle. "I can hardly believe it. I was worried I'd lose you for a time, Rolan." She sighs with relief, resting her head of brunette curls against my shoulder. "Now nothing will tear us apart."

I've never felt so relieved. For weeks I feared that my dream would come to an end. Finally, I can rest easy in knowing my place here is secure. I'll be able to see the world at long last; see Enbarr up close. They say it's a mighty city that never sleeps. A fortress with winding streets; cheerful taverns, and a grand opera house. Well, books would have you believe as such. I wonder if I'll enjoy the fast-paced life of a capital.

And that's when I'm struck by a realization.

"If I'm moving to Embarr... where am I going to live?"

All of my family call the Alliance home. There's nobody in Adrestia I can turn to for lodging.

I run my fingers through Dorothea's locks and breathe the lavender scent of her shampoo. She gazes into me with love and compassion the likes of which I've never seen before. She's appears so calm; so content. "A silly question, don't you think?" The songstress chuckles with warmth. "You can stay at my house. I wouldn't have it any other way."

I feel hot and bothered by the suggestion. LLiving together with Dorothea? I've never shared my home with a girl I've courted before. There's heat to her gaze; a sense of longing. It's different to the nervous expression of a girl held by youthful infatuation.

"You have a place of your own? Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes. Of course..." Dorothea replies, holding her palms to my face. Her cheeks are flushed a tender shade of pink. "I have a tiny room overlooking the Enbarr River. It's just big enough for two. I can't wait to show it to you. It's small and cosy."

I'm not talking to a giggling village lass who's looking for harmless fun. Nor am I trading flirtatious words with an in keep's daughter. This is different. Very different. The truth shines through clearly. Dorothea wants a future together - with me.

And I think I'm ready for it.

We share a kiss away from those who would whisper. I revel in the sweetness of Dorothea's lips. Being with her like this is intoxicating. I know now just how dearly I treasure her. I'd fight the world if it would keep her safe from harm. Whatever happens now, I know that she's the one for me. While I care for Hilda, my heart years for the songstress of the Black Eagles in an entirely different way.

I'm short of breath when Dorothea separates her lips from mine. If she keeps this up much longer I might lose control.

"Rolan..." She whispers in my ear. "Will you accompany me to my room?"

I shiver against Dorothea's words. I'm eager and nervous in equal measure. My heart pounds intensely.

"Don't be nervous," says Dorothea softly, taking note of my expression. She gives me another peck upon the lips. "I'd never ask a gentleman for anything he's not ready for. I'm not that kind of girl..."

"It's not that," I answer honestly. "I worry I might take leave of my senses if we continue. I find it hard to resist you, Dorothea."

Her lips curve into a smirk as I confess. "Oh really?" Again she kisses me, this time upon the nape of my neck. She trails downward to my collarbone, nipping at my skin. I shudder within her embrace, a wilful prisoner to her advances. "I'm happy to hear it, Rolan..." She continues with seductive charm. "I'd want nothing less from the man I wish to spend my future with."

Again Dorothea nips at my neck; this time harder. The edges of my vision haze against her passionate attack. I can't hold back any longer. Rasping for breath, I bring the hand I'm holding against her back lower and lower, resting it against her thigh.

"Let's go," I speak in blissful surrender. "...To your room."

My mind is made up. I'm a Black Eagle. And I want to spend this night beside the woman I truly love.

Hand in hand, we depart the training grounds.

I care not who sees us together from this day onward.

I'm the luckiest man in Fodlan to have such a loving and supportive partner in my life. As long as were together, I'll achieve my dreams.

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