Chapter Seven: The Monastery
Author's notes:
Okay, with these awesome reviews I just couldn't wait for the weekend! I really hope you enjoy this chapter, it was alot of fun write, especially with Detective Dimitri!
lychee-ran: Ding ding ding! You are right! Now to see how it plays out!
Steelrain66: Aww yeah! Buckle up 'cause we are in for a ride! Thank you for the review, you're awesome!
Sparks101: Thank you Sparks101 for your kind words. I really hope you will enjoy this chapter too!
Fantasy Fan 223: I am blown away by your review! Yeah, expanding Jeralt's presence is going to be bittersweet, but we'll enjoy the time they share. I agree with everything you said...now I need to figure out how to fit in Dimitri's thirsty duel with Duedue and Felix...hmmm.
"My name is Byleth," the young woman finally revealed to her enrapted audience.
"And where are you from?" Edelgard prompted curiously.
"I…" Byleth began then paused thoughtfully as she realized, "I don't know…"
"Well, which country has your allegiance? The Adrestian Empire, Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, or Leicester Alliance?" Edelgard questioned further.
"Neither I suppose," Byleth realized. Never had her father described any country as 'home' or declared an allegiance to. Never before had she pondered about her place of birth...until now.
"A strong, mysterious, and independent young woman? I quite like that," Claude gave Byleth a roguish smile before spotting the Black Eagles leader's expression.
"Claude," Edelgard began with a frown forming upon her smooth porcelain face. "Are you actually incapable of keeping quiet, or is your lack of self-awareness a condition of some sort?"
"Come now Edelgard, you too seem very interested in our new friend here. I wonder why that is?" The Golden Deer leader retorted with a knowing glance.
"I am just politely curious," Edelgard rebuked with a sniff, though the shade from the canopy above did not hide the faint blush upon her cheeks.
"Rightttt," Claude needled with a mischievous grin.
Dimitri keenly watched Byleth's profile as the two leaders traded more barbs. Throughout the whole conversation, not a change was made upon her face, no curl of the lip in humor, nor wrinkled brow in displeasure at the discussion. It was almost as if she was unable to react with an emotion.
'No...that can't be,' surely the prince was thinking far too much about this, and yet he couldn't help but be intrigued...and if he was honest with himself, frightened.
"Oi!" Hollered Alois from the front, "Here we are, Garreg Mach Monastery!" The trees cleared to reveal a wondrous sight before them. Byleth's eyes widened at the architectural marvel nestled upon the mountain.
Beyond a series of high stone curtain walls was a giant fortress. It was made up of several turrets and towers that seemed to pierce through the passing clouds, while massive keeps were enclosed by another huge stone huned curtain walls topped with battlements. A large cathedral was at the center, while a bustling village flourished at its base.
Byleth could tell that this place wasn't just built for worship, it boosted several defensive structures that could probably weather any type of assault. For such a structure to have been built, it must be protecting something incredible valuable.
So...how was it that she and Jeralt never happened upon this enormous city before?
As the group crossed into the heart of the monastery Jeralt suddenly remarked in a low tone, "So, Rhea is here."
Curious, Byleth followed her father's gaze upwards to see a lone woman watching them from a high stone balcony. Dressed in a soft robe of ivory white and dark blue, with swirls of golden embroidery. The woman wore an ornate golden crown with dark blue tassels and white lilies tucked into her seafoam green hair. Her expression was calm and peaceful, but her seafoam green eyes were keenly watching them. Suddenly, the woman stepped back and disappeared from view.
"Who was that?" Byleth asked.
"An old...acquaintance," Jeralt cryptically answered; leaving Byleth to wonder what lay deep underneath his words.
"Well, this is where we part ways for the moment," Alois informed the group. "I must see our House leaders off and I am sure Rhea would like to see you again Jeralt." Alois said with a nod before ushering the three leaders onwards as if they were his baby chicks. The three leaders kept sneaking back glances so Byleth waved them a farewell before following her father.
They entered through the great double doors and into a bustling great hall. Youths in uniform mingled with silver armored knights and individuals clothed in white robes. Interested gazes watched the pair as they walked through and whispers took to the air like dandelion seeds.
"It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place," Jeralt sighed again as they turned a corner and began to ascend a flight of stone stairs.
"You've been here before?" Byleth asked as they reached the top flight.
"You...you were born here," Jeralt finally decided to reveal before entering what appeared to be an audience chamber. He then realized that Byleth was no longer at his side, and turned back around to gaze at his daughter.
'I was born here…' Byleth repeated in her mind as her brain soaked in this momentous piece of information. This place had once been her home, yet Byleth had no memories of the monastery.
Her father was now standing in front of her, with an apologetic look. "I'll tell you more in due time, I promise." He stated.
"Jeralt," a musically serene voice called to him from the audience chamber ahead. The two proceeded towards the woman they had seen earlier. Upon seeing her up close, Byleth couldn't shake off a sense of familiarity about her. She smiled warmly as the pair approached.
"Lady Rhea," Jeralt replied with a solemn bow. Taking the cue from her father, Byleth bowed alongside him.
"It has been a long time, Jeralt, and Byleth," Rhea stated as her gaze shift from the warrior and onto the young woman. "My, how you've grown," the woman added with a soft smile. "And what a warrior you've become, news of your valiant efforts have already reached me." Rhea placed her gentle hand upon her heart and gave an acknowledging nod of thanks as she spoke, "You have the thanks of the Archbishop of the Church of Seiros, for keeping our three students safe,"
A man with dark green hair and eyes exited a side chamber and joined them. His stately robe was of the same color arrangement as Rhea's. And again, Byleth felt an odd feeling of familiarity about him, even though she was sure she had never met him in her life.
"Ah Lady Rhea, I see you are already talking to the prospective professor," The man began in a confident well modulated voice. "My name is Seteth, I am the advisor to the Archbishop. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. As our new professor we shall be collaborating on many occasions," Seteth extended his hand to Jeralt, who looked taken aback at this news.
"Seteth, it is actually the young lady that I would like to invite to consider the position of professorship at the Officer's Academy," Rhea corrected, causing Seteth's hand to go limp at his side.
"Her? Lady Rhea, I would have thought that a jest, but I know you rarely joke. You can't be serious." Seteth now had the same surprised expression that hung upon Jeralt's face.
"I am sure this is the will of the goddess that this meeting has chanced. I sense a great promise within this young lady before us. The position of Professor will not only unlock more of her talents, but allow her to become an invaluable asset to our Academy." Rhea then paused, "Of course, that all depends on if Byleth chooses to accept my proposition."
Now all eyes were upon the young woman. Never had Byleth felt such dread at answering a question. Usually she was quick, brief, and blunt. Indeed her skill at brevity had become somewhat well known. But what was being asked of her now was beyond anything Byleth was prepared for.
Rhea must have felt Byleth's apprehension as she gently added, "Here, you must be weary from your travel and the battle earlier today. Please take some time to rest. Cyrill will show you to a guest room where you may rest. Then at your leisure, peruse the grounds and meet with the students. Afterwards, let me know of your decision. In the meantime I must speak with your father."
An eager child with olive skin and dark hair was suddenly at Byleth's side. He wore a shabbier set of mute brown clothes that the young woman had noticed on quite a few individuals tending to the grounds. "If you'll follow me ma'am." He beckoned formally.
Byleth exchanged a questioning look towards Jeralt. Maybe it spoke to the depth of their bond as there were many times she needn't even utter a word to discuss a matter at full length with her father. This time Jeralt gave her a nod, then a knowing look that said, 'Just be careful.'
The young woman bowed to Rhea and Seteth before silently striding after the child."Wow, Rhea must have taken a shining to you to suddenly offer you a spot as a professor," Cyrill started as he led Byleth back down the stone steps.
"I suppose so," Byleth answered. She had no idea why Rhea, or anyone in that case, would offer her such a position. Then again...she had been born here. Was it something planned long ago at the time of her birth? Trying to not overwhelm herself with the puzzling matter, Byleth turned to Cyrill as they reached the first floor. "What do you here?"
"All sorts of stuff, practically making sure this place stays at its best for Lady Rhea!" Cyrill replied. His admiration for the archbishop was practically palpable. "Well, here is the guest room," Cyrill showed off a respectably sized bedroom with a comfortable bed, empty book shelf, desk, and a calendar that hung on the wall, which appeared to highlight the schedule for each day at the Officer's Academy. "I hope you rest well, I've got chores to get back to so, bye!"
Once Byleth bade farewell to Cyril and closed the door, she threw herself onto the inviting bed with a weary sigh. "And what do you think you are doing!" Chided Sothis's voice from nowhere.
Byleth jumped up to stare at the empty room, and was utterly confused that Sothis was not in sight, and why she could hear the little girl when she was not dreaming?
"I am within you! And I am not a little girl! I already told you I am Sothis, The Beginning… Anyways, you have a job to do, no lazying about!" Sothis stated.
'But I'm tired!' Byleth thought in protest as she fell back onto the bed and tightly shut her eyelids.
"And night time is for sleeping, but the day is for living! Now come, I wish to see more Garreg Mach Monastery! And since I have no body of my own, you must do so for me," Sothis's commanding voice practically vibrated her skull.
Byleth sighed, but acquiesced. It was a good thing Byleth was rather stoic for if she was more expressive with Sothis chatting away in her head, people would think she was crazy!
While Byleth conversed with Sothis, news of her presence began to spread like wildfire. A mysterious young woman touring the grounds may be a prospective professor. Dimitri couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Yes, Byleth was a remarkable tactician and swordswoman. Dimitri had no doubts about it after seeing her prowess upon the battlefield, but to put the Ashen Demon in charge of shaping the minds and hearts of the students at the Officers Academy!? The prince decided to take matters into his own hands. He would follow Byleth and decide if she was truly worthy of such a position.
And so the prince began his spying, though he would never call it spying per say as it sounded too unsavory. Instead, Dimitiri began his 'surreptitious evaluation of Byleth, the prospective professor'. 'Yes...that was much better,' he mused as he tracked her down to the greenhouse where he peered through the window pane to see her chatting with the garden keeper who seemed to be explaining how they go about gardening in the monastery.
He then watched Byleth reach down behind a pot and hold up a few assorted seeds in her palm. The young woman stuffed the seeds into a small pouch dangling from her belt. 'Hmmmm,' Dimitri mused to himself before quickly ducking down as she passed by.
From the green house Byleth went over to the pond and tested out the various finishing poles as the fishkeeper explained the process to her. Dimitri hid behind a few stacked barrels, adorned with lounging cats, before following her up the steps and into the dining hall.
As the delicious scents of various savory and sweet foods met the princes's nose, he spotted Byleth talking to Raphael. Sneaking behind one of the pillars, he watched as the burly fair haired young man shared a sweet bun with the young woman, all the while eagerly discussing the importance of good food and working out.
From the dining hall Byleth continued to the classrooms. Her first stop was with the Black Eagles. Edelgard seemed quite eager to talk to the young woman. Hubert, a pale skinned young man with short tousled raven hair, hovered about the two looking like a displeased bat.
Byleth then entered the Blue Lions classroom, where she was approached by two young ladies. The first was Annette, who was bubbling with excitement at the sight of Byleth. Annette was a petite lass with soft cantaloupe colored hair tied into two looped pony tails that hung just below her ears. She swept her straight cut bangs from her steel blue eyes as she greeted Byleth.
The second Blue Lion student was Mercedes, a calm soft spoken young woman with long creme colored flowing hair loosely tied across her left shoulder. Her smile reached soft cornflower blue eyes as she spoke to Byleth in turn.
Then Ingrid, another Blue Lion student joined the conversation. She had long straw blonde hair that was loosely braided down her back. Ingrid had emerald green eyes that were framed by straight bangs as well as cascading side bangs. She was soon joined by Sylvain, a male Blue Lions student with vibrant tomato colored hair that was short and tousled for he had a habit of raking his fingers through it. Sylvain's warm cider brown eyes held a mischievous glint at the sight of the young woman.
Ashe had held back, unsure at first, but now joined the group as well. He was a lanky pale skinned lad with short smokey grey hair and crisp earnest lime green eyes. He immediately warmed up to Byleth once they began to converse.
And then there was Dedue. The towering dark skinned muscular student, who hung silently back away from the clamor, but his keen teal eyes watched the group with interest. Dedue had snow white brows and hair that was pulled back into a very short ponytail at the nape of his neck. A golden ornamental earring of the Duscar culture hung off his left earlobe.
Dimitri felt a sudden swell of pride as the Blue Lions class avidly chatted with Byleth. Of course his house would be the best…'No, I must stay impartial upon this matter!' Dimitri chided himself as he watched Byleth continue on into the Golden Deer classroom. Claude greeted her warmly and introduced each of his classmates to her. At the sight of this, Dimitri slightly felt that he was not performing his house leader duties, but then reasoned to himself that this evaluation of Byleth was more critical.
Nearly lost in thought, Dimitri almost lost sight of the young woman, before spotting her wander into the fighting arena. There she greeted Felix, the last of Blue Lions students who had an obsession with swordsmanship. The lean student had messily pinned up his shining dark midnight blue hair into a bun, though strays of hair managed to escape and fall into his sharp tiger orange eyes. Dimitri was very curious as to how this conversation would go. However, for once, Felix did not seem outright bored with a conversation. The young man was interested at the sight of her and the sword strapped to her side. In fact it was the most animated Dimitri had ever seen Felix. Byleth finally bowed and took her leave.
Dimitri followed her into the small secluded courtyard and hid behind the stone gateway. Byleth stood inside the courtyard, as if rooted to the ground and transfixed at a lush tree that towered over her. The prince could not fathom what about this tree held the young woman's attention, unless there was another cat stuck upon it again.
"You've been following me," Byleth finally spoke up making Dimitri's heart nearly leap out of his chest.
"Why?" the young woman asked, now looking towards the prince's hiding spot.
Calming his racing heart, Dimitri mustered together his nerves, and walked into the courtyard to face her. "I wanted to evaluate your candidacy for professorship," Dimitri replied honestly and directly as he came to a halt before her.
Byleth blinked at his words and then finally cocked her head to one side as she appraised the prince yet again, but as if she was looking at him with a new perspective. "The other two leaders are practically begging me to be there professor, and here you are, being critical and questioning me." She paused as her dark blue eyes fell to the cobblestone. Then her eyes snapped back up to look at him. "I have made my decision," she stated in a serious tone and her eyes were alight with fiery determination. She began to walk towards him, and in a second Dimitri was unsure of what to do. A brief frantic flight or fight response hijacked his mind before he resolved himself to stay absolutely still and see what was to come.
Byleth...reached out her hand towards him. "I will teach the Blue Lions all I know, but in return I hope to learn from you and your classmates." Her hand was outstretched for a handshake.
Dimitri soaked in Byleth's words before grasping her hand with equal determination. "Yes, we can learn from each other," he stated with a confirmatory nod.
Her hand was nice and warm, even through her leather glove, Dimitri could feel a calming warmth radiate into him. He continued to hold her hand...until realizing that he was still holding onto her hand! "I…" Dimitri felt absolutely flustered as he suddenly let go of her hand with a flurry of apologies. "I...was lost in thought, please forgive my action...Professor," he added with apologetic smile, hoping that addressing her by her new title would bring about a sense of respect in spite his untoward behavior.
Byleth simply shook her head, "I haven't made it official. Please take me to Archbishop Rhea so that I may make it so." Dimitri bowed, maybe a little too wholeheartedly before turning away and leading Byleth onwards.
The young woman didn't realize she was cradling her hand in the other. An...unfamiliar fleeting feeling had engulfed her back in the courtyard, and she could not make sense of it. Instead she pushed it out of her mind and focused on the task at hand as Sothis had instructed.
They turned the corner of the second floor of the main keep and Rhea could be seen waiting up ahead. Dimitri watched Byleth continue on, then he turned to return to the classroom. As he left, the prince had a thought, for someone to have such warm gentle hands...their heart must not be so cold...right?
More rambling notes from the Author:
I hope you like the chapter! And thank you again for the reviews, it is a pleasure to read your thoughts on the story and interact with you!
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Ninetendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.