Disclaimer: The Fire Emblem series belongs to the Nintendo Company, Intelligent Systems, and all its respective owners. I only own my OC/SI.
Review Shoutout!
FireEmblemMaster101 – Well it would be safer to say this story is actually from my SI's perspective, but I will be including ones from Byleth's POV as well when that comes about.
As for Shez… I have a surprise in that regard.
Herolegend10 – Thanks for the support; I hope I'll continue interesting you in my story in the chapters to come.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses of Hope
Roar of the Lion
Chapter 3 – Moments Like This
19th Day of Great Tree Moon
You always had that feeling of utter despair when you finally realize something you should've?
Well that day was today for me. It had only been two weeks since we all had started classes for this semester. There was only one day until Byleth Eisner would show their face at the Academy.
I can't help but still think of the ramifications…
What if they don't choose the Blue Lions as professor? Does that mean we lose because we don't have their support?
Will our own classmates leave our class to join another? I know Byleth's abilities and "charisma" early on gets plenty of students attention. I would know since in my old life I would always recruit about half of the other houses' students when I played.
But that's still scary to me, and even after I resolved myself I can't deny this feeling of dread…
Would I have to fight my own friends? My family like Annette? Or even… Ingrid?
But… there's still a day left. So… I'll just have to accept whatever comes; that's reality and I'll just have to dance around it.
But on with Academy life I suppose…
As I had said before it had been two weeks since we started classes and weapons training that the professors now had a grasp of the various strengths and weaknesses of the students. That also included any goals we had for ourselves and what experience we already had.
That second week in particular was what professors thought we could have expertise in. For example; say someone who wished to be a Dark Mage would have their training be made exclusively in dark magic under Reason training.
Such a class only needed someone to specialize in a particular magic type. This contrasted with say someone who wished be a cavalier or any mounted class for that reason.
One would need to not only master any compatible weapons but would have to train just as arduously in either Riding or Flying.
But the results would be just as sweeter when one could be later certified and pass the exam.
Given mine and most of the students in the Blue Lions are either the children of nobles or associated as such like in the case of Ashe with Lord Lonato or Dedue as Dimitri's vassal we all took our training rather seriously.
As for myself however I was told that despite my main strengths being in lances and riding; that I could have potential in wielding at least basic magic. I had to confess that I did indeed spent some time at the School of Sorcery back in Fhirdiad, but unfortunately the Tragedy had forced my father's hand to make me return back to Dominic territory for fear of reprisals.
And so with those facts in mind they had told me that not only could I perhaps have a path as either a Cavalier or Paladin that perhaps I could master being either a Dark or Holy Knight if it suited me.
But besides from our normal classes and as we all know the Academy offered others to learn through seminars. They were only offered on the weekends and most only focused on specific topics; one I remember was Manuela's seminar on both magic topics.
For me there was one in particular that caught my attention… Riding lessons.
Or at the very least for our short time into the Academy this would be an introduction to riding. Of course as a seminar anyone from any of the three Houses could participate and learn together you didn't necessarily have to be from the same house.
And don't get me wrong I've loved all the animals and mounts there are to see in Fódlan. The majestic pegasi and they're as they soar the skies with their massive wings and even the mighty wyverns who dominate the skies with their brute strength and fiery breath.
But there was just something more to love from my view about horses. There were just as majestic one could say, and they were as loyal and intelligent as the others.
I shook with excitement as I made my way to the training grounds and was surprised to see the crowd that had gathered near the racing courses. From what I heard some were encouraged to go while many others went to try something new.
As I entered the room I saw a familiar face; it was Sylvain and of course before the lesson had even begun he was flirting again. Hah… when will he learn?
But I also spot some other faces in the crowd; from the Golden Deer I spotted both Leonie and Lorenz with that bright head of purple hair in the crowd. And I also saw Ferdinand and to my surprise Petra was also there.
"Oh hey, is that you Arthur?" I recognized Sylvain as I turned to see him approaching me with the same two girls he had been talking to before by his side.
"Sylvain; ladies…" I said with a bow and a few giggles from the girls. "I never expected to see you out here. I thought you'd be relaxing all day."
"Well don't tell anyone but Ingrid kind of forced me to be here. I did something and now I'm… paying the price." Sylvain replied.
"That 'something' wouldn't have to do with what you're doing right now huh?" I inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Uhhh… no?" He said with not much confidence.
"Haah, fine I won't say anything but I'm saving you if she catches you again. Got it?" I offer.
"I owe you one. Well then ladies let's meet up later on after this for a spot of tea and some snacks?" Sylvain said putting on the moves.
They giggled and ran off as it was just me and the Gautier heir left.
"Well now that was… interesting. So Ingrid made you come to this seminar cause she found you flirting again? A bit harsh in some ways." I said.
"I know right? I was just talking to them was all I had barely gotten a few sentences in, and she went all like; 'Sylvain, how uncouth must you be!?'" Sylvain said in his best Ingrid impression.
Unable to help it I chuckled at said impression, "She does seem like a… stickler at times. But if I remember right you and her are childhood friends right?"
"Yeah, whenever we would be together it would always be her, me, Felix and his Majesty either playing war games, taking care of the animals or just plain goofing off sometimes." Sylvain explained.
"So why Riding?" I inquire.
"Well not only do the professors say I have a natural talent for it; I don't know I've just always loved that rushing feeling whenever I'm on a horse. To have the wind at your face and the thrill of galloping across the countryside. At lest that's how I would always dream it." The Gautier said with a look of reminiscing.
"But instead it was mostly just me having to train under my Dad's instructions. As the heir to House Gautier I have to one day wield the Lance of Ruin as you know and with that responsibility I have to be the best knight I can be." Sylvain continued.
"I can relate in some fashion. Our country has always put martial prowess above all other things. Of course, the saying is children in Faerghus learn to fight with a sword before learn from a book." I replied.
"Yeah… but for now enough with all that. I'm pretty sure we came to learn more about Riding so… let's get on with it." Sylvain said as the both of us joined the main group.
And so for the rest of the lesson we learned from the instructors the basic of mounting and dismounting. Simple.
Then the class began dealing with the how to deal with the stresses of mounted combat. Such as how it was advantageous to actually dismount in combat.
That with such weapons as horeslayers and rapiers were meant for dealing with enemies on horseback it would be best to dismount and fight an opponent traditionally.
With so many weapons meant to counteract certain classes one had to be observant on the battlefield. Eventually the instructors had all of us go in pairs and mount our horses and go along with a basic course that had set up.
For the rest of the day we had many students pair up and compete to see who could complete said course in record time.
Of course Sylvain and I as the main riders of our class were the ones to compete together and wouldn't you know… a photo finish. Or just tie since that's not a thing in this world.
But as we talked about before people from Faerghus learn to fight and ride before anything else. So in a way it's second nature.
After the seminar was over I joined Sylvain in the mess hall as he and I rejoined the girls from before.
"So Arthur tell me; is there any girl you're interested in?" Sylvain inquired.
"Come on Gautier, we've barely been here 2 weeks how should I know?" I replied with slight disdain in my voice.
Flashes of William's teasing when I got here echoed in my head.
"Well come on, you should at least have a type or know what kind right?" He asked again.
"Ugh fine… I guess if I had to say and even though it's cliché… I'd want to meet a girl who's honest, straight-forward, funny, smart… I don't want to just meet A girl Sylvain… I want to find THE one for my life. Someone I can share my whole life with." I answered.
"You know… I understand that sentiment. But even so you can't know who this ONE is unless you actually talk to girls here." Sylvain pointed out.
I mean I can't disprove his logic. At the end of the day I still have to actually talk to the girls and ladies here.
Besides sure maybe, just maybe I have a shot with one of the more familiar cast, but maybe that's not my road in life. Maybe I'll find a maiden or even an understand noblewoman to marry later in my life.
Anything can happen right?
"Yeah… thanks Sylvain. I'll think about it." I reply.
"Good, now if you'll excuse me… me and the ladies have some business to take care of ~" Sylvain led off with his smooth voice.
With that I sighed and left the table. Now I know why everyone both likes and dislikes him.
(Afternoon - Library)
As the day went on I finally found myself going to the second floor and finally perusing the library. Although I don't expect to be here that much given the presence of a… certain someone I still want to see what this place has to hold.
As I perused I found the usual suspects; noble house registers… various journals of travelers… guide books on the various countries outside of Fódlan…
But to my shock I found several books mostly on the most important events in history. Some on the War of Heroes, the Faerghus rebellion, the Crescent Moon War…
"Well I'm going to be here for a while now…" I found some books to sate my curiosity for the time being I found a table and began reading.
About an hour in and I was invested until I heard a stern voice speak to me, "Hey, you're Arthur Dominic aren't you?"
I recognized that impatient voice from anywhere I look up from my reading to see myself greeted with the presence of the one and only; Felix Hugo Fraldarius or Mr. Fight Everything as I liked to call him in my old life.
"What Fraldarius? I'm busy now…" I say irritated.
"Train with me. I heard from Ingrid and the Boar prince you have some skill with a lance. Show me." Felix insisted.
To be honest I didn't feel like putting up with his shit, so I simply replied, "No."
"What did you say?" Felix replied sounding indignant.
"I think I just said 'No' to your request Fraldarius. Go tape a sword to a tree branch or something. I'm busy." I replied as I got back to my perusing.
"And why exactly will you not fight me?" Felix angrily inquired.
"Because I don't have to obligate you with my time, and I also don't feel like practicing with a petulant man child like yourself. Go find our prince if you want an opponent. You always seem keen on beating him." I countered.
"I couldn't find the boar prince and I don't really want to. And you're the only one I've seen so far so I'll say it again. Spar with me." Felix again demanded.
"And I will repeat myself though I have no wish to; I will not do so, and you will watch your mouth about insulting Prince Dimitri." I said with gritted teeth.
"Aah, so the boar has another lapdog isn't that fun." Felix's attitude had turned.
"Yes, at least this 'lapdog' has a reason to fight for our future king. Unlike the petulant child in front of me who stands for nothing." I replied.
"What did you say?" Felix said with same the same gritted tone.
"What're you hoping to accomplish with all this practice Fraldarius? Hmm? Protect Faerghus? Protect Fraldarius from its enemies and govern as the next Duke? No, you spit on everything we in Faerghus stand for." I reiterated.
"Hah, please. All those antiquated ideals… Justice, honor… chivalry. All of them lead people to their deaths trying to be heroes. All for nothing." Felix explained with venom in his voice.
"To you perhaps Felix, but for some of us we have something important to protect. It's not about some suicidal want to charge headlong into an enemy spear. It's about protecting the one's we love; the people who look to us for guidance and to lead those who have pledged their service t us." I explained as I got in the Fraldarius heir's face.
"And what good does it do if all you are is a mangled corpse at the end of it all?" Felix countered.
"Then I go to my death knowing I stood for something I believed in and that I protected those under my care to live another day. But I guess at the end of the day I'm just another lapdog, right?" I said with a bit of sarcasm.
"…" Felix says nothing.
"I was enjoying my peace until you deigned to act like a child. But know this Fraldarius… if we do meet in the training grounds… I will crush you." I said.
"We'll see." Felix replied as I left the library.
With my afternoon ruined with my confrontation with Felix I decided to head outside back to the first floor. Walking the grounds to clear my head I walk down the main path at the dormitories and take a detour to the greenhouse.
Perhaps smelling the flowers will soothe my anger…
As I reach the greenhouse I come to find that there's another Blue Lion already inside. And I come to find it's Dedue. I do seem to remember that he did have a love of gardening on top of his likes for cooking and sewing.
"Dedue, is that you by chance?" I call out to the Duscurian.
"Hmm? Oh my apologies, you must be Arthur Dominic correct? Annette's cousin I have heard about?" The large man asked.
"Yes, and your Prince Dimitri's retainer as I have heard from His Highness myself many times. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Arthur said as he reached out with his hand to shake Dedue's, but the large man did nothing.
"I apologize… but you must go. To be seen with a man form Duscur especially from Faerghus draws nothing but scorn and rumor." Dedue stated.
"Oh please, do not do this Dedue. Prince Dimitri even told me of this bad habit of yours. I have no such hatred for the people of Duscur; neither do my own friends from the west." I replied.
"Even so, that the whispers will come, and they will stick to you as well. Please, I ask that you not associate with me." Dedue once again reiterated.
"Hahaha…" I laughed suddenly.
"W-what is so funny?" Dedue said surprised more than angry.
"You remind me of His Highness. You're both stubborn to a fault. But I will reiterate again Dedue. I have no care for what others will say of me. I have had to live that life since I was born. And to be honest I and many of the western lord's children believe in the innocence of the Duscur people. Mathilda especially." I once again explained.
"Yes… I have heard she ran a small orphanage on her own with the help of some Duscurians who found refugee in a small remote village." Dedue said.
"She abhors her father's greed and villainy. She hates her own family name, but she has vowed to do right by the Duscur people. But even she knows that some in Duscur also hate her. Hate is… a two-way road. When one hates another it only comes back around." I replied.
"I see… You have given me much to think on." Dedue said with a soft tone.
"By the way Dedue, what're you doing here?" I inquired.
"Oh, I was given greenhouse duty, but despite completing our task I stayed behind while the others left to cultivate the seeds and harvest any vegetables or flowers from previous harvests." Dedue explained.
Wait so that meant he stayed over after everyone left just so he could water and harvest all the remaining crops on his own?!
Although thinking on it Dedue is just as dedicated whenever he starts doing something. Just like any of the Blue Lions. I guess in a way… we all share that in common just in different hobbies and likes.
"Well then… I shall assist you. Besides I haven't gotten my hands dirty since I was back home tending to the gardens at my home in Dominic territory." I explain.
"You… garden as well?" Dedue asked once again shocked.
"Well despite what you may hear Dedue those of us in Faerghus have hobbies as well. It's just our own dirty little secrets we never tell anyone. To be honest I prefer work such as this. I like to cook, garden, train and I dabble here and there in sewing and embroidery if not for Annette." I explain once more.
"Ver well then, I appreciate your assistance." Dedue says thankful with a small smile on his face.
With the two of us we get to work as I cultivate the plants that had been just planted today and Dedue harvests the yield from the week before.
Working efficiently we both get our respective parts done and with a small bit of pay from the greenhouse keeper even though I wasn't on official duty today.
We parted ways as I looked to the sky and saw the sun was in that spot where it was coming close enough to the horizon that it was a peaceful orange lit sky. Looking out from the pier I watched the sun come near the horizon.
Just then a boisterous voice yelled out, "Arthur! Cousin!" I turned to see that it's Annette my cousin and… she then proceeds to glomp me as she nearly takes me to the ground, but I catch her and keep my balance.
"A-Annette be careful next time!" I chastise her.
I'm sorry but when I saw you all alone and not doing anything finally… I had to take my chance to say hello. I haven't been able to talk to you not one bit since the semester started." My cousin whined.
"Oh Annette… I'm sorry I probably shouldn't have been overworking myself already. I'm sorry I haven't been giving you any time I should've greeted you the first day of classes; not even that the moment I got here I should've found you." I attempted to assuage her sadness.
"You should've when I heard from uncle that you were coming I was over the moon. I told everyone about how you and Madeline were coming to the Academy. They immediately wanted me to tell them all about my cousin who's going to be the next Baron Dominic." Annette explained.
"I hope your kept in professional and kept any… Ahem… embarrassing tales to yourself." I subtly warned her.
"Oh well… I am umm…" But now Annette's stuttering tells me otherwise.
"Haaah… you know what I can't even be mad. Hey Annette, I have some of my favorite cinnamon apple pie tarts… want to have some and enjoy some tea I have to?" I offered.
"Yes, yes of course! I haven't tried one of your apple tarts in forever. I had dinner but I just want something to finish it off and they didn't have any sweets I was interested in so let's go already!" And then she ran off ahead.
"Hey wait! You don't even know which is my room… Annette come back!" I ran after her as I finally got her to my room.
Finally making it to my room we shared some tarts and tea like we used to do as children. Together we always played and enjoyed sweets together. Though usually I was the taste tester, and she was the one baking.
But after I made my own cinnamon apple tarts Annette told me I had a talent for baking and in turn that also got my interest in cooking as well. They were even a hot with some of the students at the School of Sorcery.
Even Mercedes loved them when we finally shared them with her one day. We gave her a copy of the recipe and that was history.
"So how's uncle doing?" Annette inquired.
"He's doing fine. But I know he's not getting any younger." I answered.
"And Simon? Have you heard from him?" She inquired once more.
"…" I went silent at the topic of my brother. It was… still such a raw topic for me even though it happened when I was a child.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have brought that up. You looked up to him for such a long time, and then he… left. Mother told me about it and even she was shocked at how Simon acted." Annette tried to sympathize with me.
"It's fine Annette. He made his choice… and I have to acknowledge that. It's just after he left… nothing felt the same anymore. Father retreated in his work and mother… she cried for days and days just hoping he'd come back like all the other arguments. But when he didn't she almost lost it…" I remember how distraught my mother was after it had been weeks and Simon hadn't been spotted in some time.
She cried and cried as I said as she feared the worst for him as he was on his own and the situation he had left himself in didn't seem like many people would be… forgiving anytime soon.
"But even so… I don't think he's a bad person. Maybe one day… just maybe he'll come home. Even if it's not for long… just have faith in him." Annette said trying to cheer me up.
"Yeah… thanks Annette. Hearing that from you… I may have no choice but to believe he could. Your optimism is just as infectious as Ashe's." I said with a tease.
"Oh stop it…" She said with a slight flush.
"It's good to see you again Annette."
"You too Arthur."
We both got up and hugged. Finally reunited with the one person who always could make me smile when the times were tough.
And just for that moment… I felt at peace despite knowing that tomorrow was a fateful day indeed.
AN #1: Welcome everyone to the fourth chapter of Fire Emblem: Three Houses story, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Roar of the Lions". In this chapter Arthur meets the last of the Blue Lions roster and finally reunites with his cousin, Annette.
However with the fateful day of the appearance of Byleth just around the corner Arthur will have no choice but to steel himself ahead in the days to come.
But it would also seem fate will play it's own hand as well…
Next time join the Blue Lions in the next chapter, "That Fateful Day."
AN#2: As always it's you guys that keep me going and I hope you hear from you with any constructive criticism. So remember to favorite, follow, and most importantly review so I can hear from you guys.
Author of Mystery, out!
