More Songstress anyone? I'm going to be real with you guys. I really enjoyed writing this chapter. A lot. I enjoyed it so much that I'm seriously thinking of seperating out Lysithea's tale into its own standalone story and making it into one of Songstress' routes. If you guys would be interested in reading it, leave a comment at the end and let me know. And do enjoy the read, of course.
Lets begin our latest chapter, shall we?
Sweets and Swords (Lysithea)
The way Lysithea gleefully admires the rows upon rows of glass jars on the sweetshop shelves is a heart-warming sight all of its own. Despite how abrupt she is when it comes to studies, it seems even she has a softer side when it comes to sweets and candy.
What's more, the fruity aroma in here is simply delightful. In some ways it reminds me of my family's bakeries back home.
"Take your time, dearie. I've another hour before I need to run my errands across the street," the old lady owner informs Lysithea from her spot behind the counter. She gifts her a chuckle too - as if to punctuate the point and help her feel at ease.
Our kind shopkeeper might have an hour, but my companion and I need to be back in class by then. I let out a muted sigh.
Lysithea folds her arms and whines. Very much like a child, ironically. "Goodness this is such a hard decision," she laments, pouting.
I fold the brown paper packet containing Hilda's chocolate, slipping it into my satchel while I wait. My choice was quick and simple, as was Hilda's request. She wanted the largest bar of chocolate in the shop, and that's exactly what I bought for her.
It's best I help move things along, otherwise we'll still be standing here at dusk. "Lysithea," I speak up gently.
The girl glances back from her candy heaven to me, a brow raised. "Hmm?"
I gesture toward her pocket. "Do you have the time?"
A nod from the mage. Reaching into her blazer's front pocket, she takes out a small silver pocketwatch and flips open its face with the push of the top button. Her eyes widen a touch as she checks, a subtle hint of panic overtaking her. "It's quarter-past Noon. I-I should probably hurry up, shouldn't I?"
Considering it takes five minutes to pass the guard post out of town, and another twenty to climb the hill back to the monastery, I'd say so. Thankfully, I have just the thing to get Lysithea moving - to get any of my classmates moving, in fact.
"You wouldn't want to be face Professor Byleth's blank stare for being late, would you?" I inquire with a chuckle.
Lysithea visibly shivers at the thought, slipping away her watch. "N-No! Absolutely not..." Swinging back to face the counter, she rises onto her tiptoes and points toward the middlemost of the five top shelf jars. "I'll have half a bag of lemon sugar candies, please."
I knew that would work. As attractive as she is, Professor's empty stare could terrify the undead back into their graves.
"Lemon sugar candies today, is it?" the old lady double-checks with Lysithea, for clarity.
"Yes please, Misses Rand," my classmate answers with an enthusiastic nod.
"Right you are, dearie. Half a bag of lemon sugar candies coming up. Now let me fetch my step ladder."
The top shelf is easily within my reach, being taller than both ladies by at least a half-foot. "I'll help, Misses Rand," I offer, pushing off from my perched position beside the doorway. I can't let an elderly citizen wear herself out - work or not. It wouldn't sit right with me.
"How kind of you to offer, Rolan," the shopkeep comments, stepping back toward the window so I can join her behind the counter.
Reaching up, I grab the jar of lemon sugar candies and carefully put them down on the counter. "There you are." Job done, I take my place next to Lysithea. She smiles gratefully in light of my good deed, and I return it in kind. And just then, my world slows to a crawl. Pauses.
A boyish flutter overtakes my stomach. Lysithea has really pretty eyes, something I hadn't noticed until now. They're like two pinkish-red gemstones, soothing and serene. Goddess preserve, just looking into them is making my heart thump.
"Is there something wrong, Rolan...?" Lysithea asks hesitantly, sparing me quick look. Her cheeks are pinkening to match her gaze.
"N-Not a thing, don't worry," I answer in a hurry, looking out of the window and into the street outside in deflection.
"...Alright."
The atmosphere between us is heavy all of the sudden, and my cheeks are burning. I shouldn't have stared like that. It was stupid of me.
"Here are your sweets, Lysithea," says Misses Rand, her kind voice filling me with a sense of relief. I tear my eyes from outside and look to the old lady, doing my best to appear upbeat and not like I was caught gawping. "That'll be five silver coins, if you'd be so kind."
"Of course," Lysithea replies, dipping a hand into her blazer's right-hand pocket. A moment or two passes. She brings out the money and places it onto the counter. There are six coins, total. "Have one extra, my treat." The mage bows her head for her elder. "Thanks again. I'll be back tomorrow."
"I'm sure you will, my dear. Safe travels up that steep old hill." Misses Rand looks to me with warmth. "You too, Rolan. Take care."
I bow my head respectfully. "You too." Then I turn and make for the door. Lysithea follows, and we depart together.
Goddess help me; I shouldn't have stared like I did.
Partway up the hill toward the monastery, Lysithea stalls and holds out her open sweet bag to me. "Would you like one?"
An offer I can't refuse. "Yes, please." I dip my hand into the bag for a candy. "Thanks." I take one and pop it into my mouth.
The sweetness of the sugar and the lemon's tartness go together perfectly. When I bite down it's as though I've found true bliss in food form.
"Enjoying yourself?" Lysithea queries, raising a hand to her mouth and giggling. Adorable.
I finish the sweet. "Without a doubt. I've a love for anything lemony, truth be told." I resume walking, my classmate and I staying in step.
"You too? That's good to hear. But then again, you strike me as the candy-loving type, Rolan."
Being a baker's son is quite the giveaway, clearly. I smirk. "Oh really? What gave that away, I wonder?"
"I wonder..." Lysithea pauses again, offering another sweet. I take one and we resume our uphill trek. "I've visited your family's bakery before, the one in Ostro, in Ordelia lands. The apple-filled cake they make is lovely, the best I've eaten, truly."
It's a personal favorite of mine, too. Pop makes one for me every birthday "A family recipe," I tell her. "My old man teaches all of our new bakers how to make it before they start with us - travels across the Alliance each time, too. He learned the secret of it in some faraway country when he was young, I'm told."
"Right. Right. Oh, I almost forgot!" Lysithea snaps her fingers spiritedly, as though recalling something. "How many shops does your family own again?"
"Five, though we were thinking of opening a sixth before-" I pause. Recalling Pop slapping that huge bag of gold on our dinner table has me feeling guilty. It's not the first time, either. I take a breath to compose myself before continuing. "Before my parents paid out the cash to send me here."
Lysithea exhales deeply, folding over her sweet bag and putting it away in her blazer pocket, "I didn't say anything out of turn by asking, did I? You seem... disheartened. If so, I meant no offense."
The two of us reach the top of the hill together, and I shake my head. "Not at all. I just don't feel as though I've tried hard enough in my time here, especially in some of my classes. The tuition here is insane, and I don't want to let my folks down. Time often flies before you know it."
My words earn a short but no less audible gasp from Lysithea, as though I've struck a chord. "And you don't want to waste the time you have, I assume?"
She's on the mark. "Right. Like I said in class, there's no sense messing around. If I'm to become a noble's bodyguard, I've gotta work at it."
"Then that settles it," Lysithea declares boldly, eer eyes radiating seriousness and determination. "Let's make a deal, Rolan."
"A deal?" I wonder what she has in mind. "What sort of deal?
"The kind of mutual gain to us both," Lysithea clarifies. "Now, for starters, you're dreadful at conjuring magic, aren't you?"
I wince at my classmate's verbal gut punch. "A little harsh, don't you think?"
"Harsh but true," Lysithea states sharply, undeterred by my open displeasure. "And as much as I hate to admit it..." She lowers her eyes away from mine. Her grip upon my hand tightening, she frowns bitterly. Breathing in and out, she collects herself and locks gazes with me once more. "And as much as I hate to admit it, Professor Byleth is right... I'm lacking when it comes to swordsmanship - a trait you excel at, Rolan."
I think I know where this is going. "Are you suggesting we double down on helping one-another, Lysithea?"
"Precisely," the mage nods. "Nobody's saying we need only help each-other during class. I'm willing to coach you in magical theory after class too, provided you return the favour when it comes to swords."
A tempting offer, but I'm not entirely sold just yet. "I've no objections, but-"
"But what?" Lysithea questions, easily reading my apprehension. "It's a fair exchange, no?"
"It is. But I've not even started showing you swordsmanship technique yet, and you're already willing to extend a hand. Kinda feels unfair, being honest."
Lysithea huffs and pulls away from me. "That's not the case at all. But if you'd rather not bother then don't waste my valuable time." Her position stated, she storms over to the monastery's outer gate and waits there, arms folded.
I follow, and wait beside her in stifling silence.
The guards get to work opening the way for us, and the creaking gates are add to my tension like you wouldn't believe.
Lysithea exhales deeply, her shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry, Rolan, I'm not unhappy with you. If anything, I really just want us to study together - because you've treated me with respect so far," the mage explains, her expression turning gentle and sincere. Apologetic, too.
To say I'm surprised is putting it mildly. I blink. Once. And twice. "Hold on. This is all because you want to study together...?"
"Right. You see, I know many here mean well, but they treat me like some sort of expert. They think I'm naturally talented, when really, it's all hard work."
I can honestly see why Lysithea is annoyed with folks viewing her like that. I know I would be in her shoes. "You'd think that much would be common sense," I say, folding my arms behind my back and straightening my posture. "You're the first one to class in the morning, and the last out in the evening. I see you sitting with piles of books in the library, too. You're probably the hardest worker in the entire monastery. Isn't it obvious to people?"
"Unfortunately not," Lysithea grumbles, one of her hands balling into an irritated fist. "Many of our classmates have this frustrating idea that it's all natural talent. You're one of the first to acknowledge otherwise, in truth, and I'm grateful." Her expression easing, the girl bows for me. "Which is why I'd very much like us to be study partners. Please work with me, Rolan. If you do, I'll pay you in cake. Lots of it."
The bow, I wasn't expecting. At all. Well, I'll never say every noble disrespects us common folk ever again.
It's only fair I return the politeness, too. I bow for Lysithea. She has a deal. "Consider it done. We're study partners from here on out, Miss Ordelia."
"Wonderful," Lysithea chimes, rising from her deep bow. The monastery gates opened before us, she snatches my hand again. "Then let's hurry along to our next class, shall we? I'd say there's about ten minutes left until Professor Byleth's at her podium. And we have more Magic Theory this afternoon, too."
I'm pulled along before I can muster a reply, but far from unhappy with Lysithea's enthusiasm.
Our classroom door is shut and bolted when we arrive, a small piece of white parchment paper stuck to the front.
"A note," Lysithea observes, taking the paper. I lean over her shoulder to catch a glimpse as she reads. It's composed in Professor Byleth's signature curly handwriting. Very distinct and artsy handwriting for a former-mercenary, I've always thought.
'My apologies, class, but today's afternoon lesson is cancelled. The Archbishop has need of me for an important task. Feel free to study as you see fit for the next few hours. However, I don't want any of you forgetting about our Swordsmanship and Magical Theory tests coming up in a short while - especially you, Raphael. Now, use the rest of your day productively, all of you. We'll resume tomorrow, - Professor Byleth.'
"Well, that settles it, then," decides Lysithea, sticking the note back on the door. She looks to me expectantly after doing so. "What say we head to the training grounds for a while? I'd be more than happy for you to give me a first lesson on sword technique, Rolan."
I'm content with the idea, so I shrug. "You'll hear no objections from me."
"Very good. Then let's be on our way." Diligent as always, Lysithea begins across the field and toward our destination at a brusque pace.
I follow her lead. "Yes ma'am." In some ways she's a noble, alright. Assertive and to the point, even if she doesn't realize it.
And yet, I'm not against the trait by any means. I'm smiling, even.
Lysithea spares me a sideways glance. "You're looking cheery, despite class being cancelled."
Shit, I made it too obvious. At least she hasn't nailed my reason. Dial it back a notch, Rolan. "You really think so?" I drop the smile.
The mage stops and leans close, boring into me with an intense stare. "Hmmm..."
My heartbeat's kicking up again. I recoil a step and hold up my hands, two steps even. "There a problem...?"
"You've a strange quirk or two, Rolan," Lysithea informs me matter-of-factly. "First you're all evasive at the sweetshop, and now you're smiling like a dolt."
Oh crap. Did she catch me looking earlier?! I'd better keep it calm. "I've not a clue what you're talking about."
Deeper and deeper Lysithea stares. Seconds bleed by. If my heartbeat gets any quicker I'll faint.
"Fair enough," my classmate relents, easing away and backing off. "But I stand by what I said, you're quirky." Looking on ahead of us, she continues on her way. I again keep pace with her.
The rest of our journey continues in silence. We arrive at the training ground's doors before long, trouble-free. The heavy iron doors are closed at the moment. I heave them open so we might enter, but not without standing aside to allow Lysithea inside ahead of me.
"Ladies first." I bow politely, as Ma always taught me I should when opening a door for a lady.
"Thank you," Lysithea says gratefully, passing me and heading on in.
"My pleasure." I follow her inside.
It's deserted in here, likely because most classes are still in session. The archery targets are untouched, the sand-filled arena floor is unbloodied from the usual petty injuries, and all of the training weapons sit neatly in their appointed storage rack off to the side.
"Perfect," I declare excitedly, slipping off my satchel and putting it down by the arena-side. "A whole arena to myself, and no Petra in sight."
"You two don't get along?" Lysithea walks onto the arena sands with me.
"Oh no, it's nothing like that," I answer flatly, grabbing a couple of swords from the rack. I offer one to my classmate.
"Then why the relief at her not being here?" Lysithea takes the sword from me.
I chuckle shortly. Gripping my weapon in both hands, I assume the correct swordsman's posture and place one foot ahead of the other. "Because she's been after a rematch since we crossed blades at the practice battle earlier this semester. It's getting hard to shake her off, between you and me."
Heck, I fear if I refuse much longer she'll drag me to Brigid while we're on break and make my duel her.
"Perhaps she just wants to be your friend?" Lysithea suggests.
"Maybe. But either way, I'm holding off on that one, at least for now."
"It might be for the best. I hear Petra can get a little... intense." Lysithea does her best to emulate my stance, but looks flustered while trying. "Hey, Rolan," she starts shortly, likely well-aware she's missing the mark. "Am I doing this right?"
Best I be soft about it. I don't want to be thought of as a brutal teacher. "Not quite." I'm being extra gentle about it. Her posture is dreadful. "Let me help you." I take up my place behind Lysithea and straighten her back. "Stand tall, like this, and put one foot ahead of the other slightly. I use my right, but you can go with whichever is best for you."
"Like this?" Lysithea puts her left foot forward.
She's got it. "Perfect. Now grip the sword's hilt tightly with both hands."
"Right." My student does as she's asked to the letter.
I step out from behind Lysithea and take up my position ahead of her again. She's standing correctly and holding her sword properly. "Good," I praise her. "Now, take a forward slice, and keep your grip tight with both hands. Like this." I demonstrate by performing the most straightforward forward cut possible.
Lysithea slashes. It goes fine, but her posture is hunched again when she's finishes. "How did I do?" she asks hopefully.
"Good," I start. "But straighten up. Poor posture leads to back trouble when brandishing swords, especially heavy ones. Remember that."
"Oh, right." Lysithea straightens her back, looking slightly irked with herself for the mistake. "Sorry."
"You're fine. We all start somewhere," I reassure her, brushing off the mistake with a wave of my hand. "Now, I want you to repeat those sword swings ten times, and then we'll see how you cope on the offensive."
"Understood." Ever the well-mannered pupil, Lysithea begins her sword swings. I count them out in my head as she goes.
One. Two. Three.
Looking good so far.
Four. Five. Six.
Her posture's still good, but she needs to be mindful of staying in stance.
"One foot ahead of the other, to maintain your balance," I instruct.
Lysithea corrects the issue and continues.
Seven. Eight. Nine. Annnd ten.
"And we're done."
Exhaling, Lysithea fans her face for a second. "This is more tiring than it looks."
She'll get no argument from me there. "It is. Which is why I train almost every morning. Have done since I was seven."
"And how old are you now, Rolan?"
"Eighteen."
Lysithea's eyes widen a touch. "I don't have eleven years..." Her statement seems oddly sombre, beyond that of simple sulking.
I laugh grimly, if only to lighten the mood. "And neither do I to learn magic, but I'll keep at it if you do."
Perking up, Lysithea smiles thinly. "Of course I will. Now, what's next?"
The hard part. The interesting part. "I want to see how strong you are, physically, I mean. Run at me and attack head on."
A look of abstract horror overtakes Lysithea. "...You want me to attack you...?"
"Correct. Run at me as best you can and take a swing."
"And what if I hurt you...?" A hesitant question from the mage-turned trainee swordswoman.
"Then I guess I'll be sporting a nasty bruise or two for a while."
Lysithea lifts her sword and sets her eyes dead ahead, narrowing them. "Alright." She breathes in and out sharply. "Here I come."
I tighten my focus as my student sets off dash. My concentration a tightly coiled spring, time slows the slightest bit. I steady my breaths as best I can, keeping my thoughts clear and my mind as calm as my hand. Exactly as I was taught to by the Goneril soldiers who sometimes tutored me as a child.
Closing the gap, Lysithea lets out a shrill yell and takes a surprisingly fearsome two-handed overhead swing.
I brace for impact. Our swords clunk together, and I hold firm. A slight shove with my shoulder sends the girl thumping backside-first into the sand beneath us. Dazed, she's blinking at me with bewilderment. It only lasts for a second, replaced by fire thereafter - flames intense enough to shake my composure.
"Again," Lysithea demands. Climbing to her feet and getting back into position, she shakes her head clear.
I'm distracted. It's her eyes again, and not just their unique, gorgeous color. There's determination within them: the desire to advance no matter the cost.
What's more, they render me powerless to refuse her request. "Fine then," I consent, preparing myself for the scuffle ahead.
Lysithea attacks. I push her back. She attacks a third time, and I again push her back. This cycle continues for a while, and she grows in confidence the longer we go on. Within a few minutes I'm retaliating with sword strikes of my own. Her eyes are constantly on me. She's watching me, studying me, emulating my style and technique as we go. Her strikes and form are a bit untidy, but she has the basics.
Breaking off from one another after several minutes more, we're both panting for breath.
Red-faced and sweaty, Lysithea tosses her sword and unbuttons her blazer. Her undershirt is damp with perspiration, and her petite chest is positively heaving. "S-So," she starts, sucking in a much-needed mouthful of air. "How did I do for our first session? Did I meet your expectations?"
There's no sugar coating it. I'm impressed. "Hell yes. You were beyond outstanding." I toss my own sword. Closing our gap, I pat her shoulder in congratulation. "It's almost like you were copying me on the fly and just making it work. Honestly, Lysithea, you did a seriously good job."
"It's like I said," she continues between breaths, taking off her blazer and throwing it over her shoulder. "There's no sense being half-hearted about things. I need to give my all in everything I do. And besides, you would expect the same from me in my magic lessons, I'm sure."
Sitting down by the arena, both Lysithea and I have taken some time to cool off and compose ourselves.
My classmate is happily eating sweets from her little paper bag, a reward for her hard work.
I've been lost in thought, on the other hand. About the differences between Hilda and Lysithea. The former has a massive amount of potential but always hesitates when it comes to using it. The other throws herself at every task like it might well be her last day alive.
And being honest, I'm impressed with Lysithea's approach to things. She and I are alike, if I go by today, at least.
The sweet bag is put in front of me, breaking me from my train of thought. "Last one," Lysithea informs me with a hint of cheer. "Want it, Rolan?"
I peer into the bag to find a single lemon sugar candy left, true to my classmate's word. "Thank you." I take the sweet and pop it into my mouth.
"My pleasure." Lysithea folds the empty bag and puts it down. She pauses, as though pondering, and nods to herself. "Can I ask you something?"
I give an approving thumbs up, unable to speak properly while enjoying a candy.
"Alright, here it goes." Lysithea clasps her hands together, breathes in and out, and looks me square in the eyes. Hers are trembling with feeling. "If you had only one day left to live, what would you do with it? How would you spend it, I mean?"
Now that is an extremely deep question. I bite down on my candy, chew a few times, and swallow. Tapping a finger against my chin, I ponder. "What would I do...? Damn, one day isn't long." But honestly, knowing myself, I have an answer. I nod resolutely. "As silly as it sounds, I'd train and train until my body gives out. I know it's crazy, but I'd be happiest going out that way. The baker's life didn't suit me, and my parents knew it. What about you, Lysithea?"
There follows a long stint of silence from my classmate, and after a while she gives me what has to be the most tragic look I've ever seen. "I don't need to worry about those kinds of things," she tells me somewhat sadly, a hand raised to her chest. "I live every day like it's my last anyway, so it's really no bother to me one way or the other, so long as I spend the days I have productively." Lysithea nods, as if appeasing herself with the answer she's given.
"That's a pretty admirable way to live," I express earnestly.
"The only way," she asserts firmly, with absolute seriousness.
I can't say I aren't floored by a viewpoint so forthright. The more we talk, the more I like Lysithea's way of thinking, I really do. I place my hand atop hers - a caring gesture. She gasps and flinches at the sudden contact, but doesn't draw away from me. "I've really enjoyed our study day today, more than most days since I started here, even," I confess earnestly. "And I'd really like for us to be friends, if you're okay with that?"
To my surprise, Lysithea takes her hand into mine and ties our fingers. Her face is beet red all of the sudden. "I feel the same way, Rolan, A-And I'd love for us to be friends, truly I would, but, you see..." Lowering her head, Lysithea closes her eyes and sighs. "It might be best you don't get attached to me."
Now there's a strange thing to say, I can't say I was expecting it. "And why not, exactly?"
"Because-" Lysithea pauses, and re-opens her eyes. She looks mighty conflicted, like she wants to open up, but can't. "Because you're only here for a year..." She looks to me again, gifting my hand a squeeze. "And I wouldn't want you feeling let down when I'm not around anymore..."
As for her concerns, I've a simple answer. "Way I see it, if I become a noble's bodyguard it might not be goodbye altogether. With your help I might just do it in the time that I have." I'd rather keep the conversation upbeat if I can. "Which is why I'll gladly enjoy the time we have, as friends."
My positivity earns a giggle from Lysithea, and goodness is she surprisingly cute about it. "You make a fair point. Alright then, Rolan. We're friends from now on, on one condition."
"Name it."
"I want your word that you'll always work hard, and that you won't treat me like a child, either."
A fair deal. Although I can't resist the chance for a little jape. "Fine by me, but isn't that two things, Lysithea?"
The mage levels a mock frown my way. "Being smart, eh? Well... I guess I don't need to share anymore sweets with you, do I?"
I bow my head submissively, playing along. "I'll be good."
Lysithea snorts with laughter, and I'll be damned if it isn't the most darling thing in the world. "You'd better. And... Rolan?"
"Yeah?" I answer, noticing her cheeks are reddening.
"Thank you, for being kind. It means a lot... to someone like me."
Again with downbeat tone. I swear, she talks like her world's about to end. "Don't mention it." I squeeze Lysithea's hand.
She squeezes back.
After a few moments more she frees her hand from mine and stands, picking up her coat. I stand too.
"Anyway, I need to bathe," Lysithea informs me, turning and running for the door. Perched in the doorway, she twirls around one more time. "Now, you'd better be bright and early for tomorrow's class, you hear? I don't tolerate time wasters." Her piece said, she sets off and rushes down the outside steps.
Raising a hand, I wave the girl off.
I'm grinning like an idiot, I know I am. And I could care less, either.
I've forged a friendship today. Although I could really do without getting captivated by Lysithea's eyes.
Oh who am I kidding? She has really pretty eyes.
I lower my hand to the side again. That's when realization hits me. Like a stone to the face.
"Hilda's chocolate!" I blurt aloud, setting off on a run out of the training grounds and down the steps. "She's going to be annoyed..."
Worse, she might make me carry all of her textbooks as punishment for keeping her waiting all day.
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. And as always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again!