(The text is adorned with neat writing, I's dotted with hearts, and a picture of a fawn at the bottom)

Holst,

Quit being such a grumpybutt, I'm fine. It's been busy here so I haven't had a chance to write. Clearly you don't have much work to do at the border if you can send me five letters in a week. Just what kind of rumors have you been listening to? As if me, your delicate little sister, could face down a giant demonic dragon thing and live, please. Rumors of my valor have been greatly exaggerated. You can bet I ducked and ran behind a tree at the first opportunity.

But the professor, she stood her ground. She deserves all the credit, honestly. You'd like her, all action and no talk. Well, not no talk, but very little talk. She's actually quite sweet in how much she cares about all of us, she just shows it in different ways. Also, she could totally kick your ass in a fight. She killed a giant monster by herself practically!

So yes, to answer your incessant questions in your letters, I am fine. Claude is fine. Marianne is fine. We are all fine. There were no deaths, just some broken bones. You'll be horrified to know that I, Hilda Valentine Goneril, got a bruise on my butt. Took a little stumble as I was backing away. It hurts and I need lots of care and attention and presents from my dearest brother.

I'm glad to have the mock battle behind us. It all ended in a catastrophe like you heard, but the general consensus was that the Eagles are the winners. Poor Prince Dimitri got attacked from both sides as Claude and Edelgard seem to have both assessed him as the biggest threat on the battlefield. He got taken out of the combat before the beast raced in (though if you believe the rumors, and I do, they say it took a dozen Eagles to bring him down. Sounds like you may have a rival!). Claude's plan had been to pick off the Lions and distract Edelgard while the professor and I came from the other side and hit them in a pincer. But that didn't happen and Edelgard smashed Claude's force. Apparently they did better than she expected, but it wasn't enough.

So sorry to ruin your legacy, dearest brother, savior of the Alliance, protector of the border, fighter of legends. But yet again the Deer fail to live up to your reputation. Guess being a once-in-a-lifetime general means never having a rival. So I guess you'll have to get married to some old hag and have lots of children and busy your time with giving me plenty of nieces and nephews to spoil.

And, may I add, Marianne has been doting on me all week. It's adorable. She's so concerned about my well-being (something a certain older brother would know nothing about, right?) and has told me she won't leave my side in battle again. Isn't that just so sweet? Ugh, I might just be in love. After we graduate, I'll introduce her to you. Not that I care about your approval, but she's the type to be shown off. You'd understand if you ever courted someone.

Okay, serious time, I'm sure you also heard the rumor of the beast turning back into a man, right? It's no rumor. We saw it at Conand Tower when Miklan Gautier stole the Lance of Ruin. Baron Ochs apparently turned into a monster when he held some strange gauntlets (some new Relic? No one is sure) and reverted after his death, just like Miklan.

Relics tie these two together. The professor has told us that Rhea told her that using a Hero's Relic without a Crest turns someone into a monster. The Church is saying that the transformation is a result of this new fabricated Relic. That is a lie. This is not a new occurrence, this is something they've known about.

Perhaps Claude is rubbing off on me, but secrets like this make me not trust them. Don't trust them either, Holst. The Eastern Church might be a joke, but they're an extension of the Central. Be careful, I'm wary of Rhea. What else could they be hiding?

Be careful, dearest brother of mine. For once I say that without sarcasm (odd, no?). I know you've always preferred a sword over an axe, but do not use Freikugel. I know you have a Crest, but I worry. These weapons, they feel alive. There is a presence to them. I felt it when looking at the Lance of Ruin and I recall the same feeling from Freikugel. I've spoken to Lorenz about this and he thinks there are more to the Relics than we could know. Claude and the professor agree. They're all scouring the library quietly, looking for anything. Should I hear anything, I'll relay it to you.

But please, I don't want to lose you.

Give my love to pops,

Hilda

(The writing is rigid and cold, betraying the writer's emotions)

Father,

With circumstances as they are at the monastery, I can no longer ignore that something odd is happening here and in Fódlan at large. I hereby request my birthright, Thyrsus.

Do not think that this is myself being some petulant child hung up on power. The Deer were outmatched at the mock battle and we have disgraced the Alliance. There is talk of a redo of the fight on the eve of graduation and I would not see us trodden on again.

As well, what better way to show up Claude than to show everyone that the future Lord Gloucester holds his Relic and uses it with ease?

I hope all is well with you and that we can agree upon this.

Lorenz

(The words are squished together, written from a hand that barely can keep up with the mind)

Mother,

Forgive me for not writing sooner! It's been an awfully busy few months, that's for sure. I've transferred classes and it's been a much better fit. But I'm not writing about that.

I've met someone. Romantically, that is.

She's so sweet, strong, and beautiful. You'd like her, I think. And I can't wait to introduce you to her once I've graduated.

Your husband won't be pleased, though. She has no title or money. I will not resign myself to seek such material gains, but I worry about you. I am your daughter, not his. But you are his wife and I don't wish to make things harder for you.

I'm at a loss as to how to approach this. He is not an unkind man, but he is focused on his goals. And as I am here on his gold, I fear that it will anger him. Not fear for myself, he could never do anything to me with Byleth at my side. But it scares me that he might take it out on you in some way.

I have prayed to the Goddess for guidance and I feel that she is urging me to speak with you and he about it. At least, that is what I believe to be right. She values honesty, so honesty shall be my policy. But I am still selfish, so I come to you first for advice. I hope She does not look poorly on me for that.

Your beloved daughter,

Mercedes

(The text is in native Almyran, appearing like scribbles to those not fluent)

N,

Sorry for the lack of communication, Silas is onto me. Last time I visited him, he threatened that if I disobeyed him he'd reveal our connection. Better check dad's agents in the capital, one of them is a traitor.

There haven't been any new developments with our plan, but I am confident in the foundation I am creating. I came here to find allies and I have found friends. It might sound the same, but having people I can trust is a benefit I had not expected, to be honest.

I already know what you're thinking. No, I haven't told any of them anything. While I don't think they'd betray me, I am not throwing caution into the wind.

I'll be in touch more. Your last letter proposed a plan to deal with Silas. I'm considering it.

C

(The words are deliberately written, as if great thought was put into their creation)

Felix,

Meet me atop the Goddess Tower. I want to talk.

Sylv

(There's a fold in the center of the note from being slid under the recipient's door)

Professor Eisner,

As per your request, I've looked into the whereabouts of Baron Ochs. According to his staff, he hasn't been the same since his daughter originally vanished. There were erratic trips and meetings he participated in with varying levels of secrecy. Some things he took greater care to hide than others.

Some of my associates are looking into it, but I can already tell you my suspicion. And granted, I do not speak for everyone in the Church, but I suspect that someone within the Church is responsible for Monica's disappearance. She went missing on the grounds of Garreg Mach. I will not pretend to guess at a method, but the depths of Garreg Mach are deep. It would not be difficult to contain someone in them. I trust you remember our previous conversations to which I mentioned someone to watch out for. I suggest you consider them a possibility. But my associates will get back to me soon, in which I hope to confirm my suspicions. Better an enemy you know than one you don't.

As for the Relic, of that I have more info. A vassal, of sorts, that serves me identified them as a fabricated Relic, one he could use. Seteth has them locked up, so that does not help us, but it is confirmation. He called it Vajra-Mushti, something that was passed down in his family. According to him, its creation predates the Kingdom. I have sent people to investigate its origins, but I'm not hopeful. Were there a means to create weapons like Relics, then that organization would conquer Fódlan. That's far too tempting for any group to hide away.

Hopefully those answers shed some light on your questions. I am ever at your service to help.

Aelfric

(The letter is crumpled into a ball, shoved behind her desk to never be seen or finished)

Alister,

I will not be returning after graduation. Hilda has invited me to stay at Goneril for as long as I desire.

I understand this will anger you, but I do not care. I shall speak to Claude and renounce my title, abdicating any and all rights as your heir. I do not desire to be Margrave, I never have. Nor do I desire to be a pawn in your schemes.

I shall not tell anyone of your plans. I do this in faith that you will not seek revenge. You and I both know we share no love for each other, but I have learned from you. You once told me, 'Never give something for nothing, Marianne.' You told me this when you let the poacher go and then shot him in the back with your crossbow. Do you recall that memory?

I asked you why you let him go. Your answer was, 'He will never poach from the grave.'

I give you this assurance as I disobey you. Do not pursue me and I shall not take action. I need not remind you of my closeness with the heirs to Riegan and Goneril, your two biggest allies.

I deserve a family that cares—

(The bottom of the letter is marred with dried teardrops)

(The paper is expensive and folded carefully in its envelope)

Mother and Father,

I hope you and the girls are well! It's been so busy here as the year is coming to a close. Everyone in my class seems like an entirely different person than the one that began to year.

My professor told me a few days ago how much I was impressing her lately. She told me that I have what it takes to be a knight with my determination. So, in short, I've been well.

I believe I told you about Shamir in my last letter? Well, she and I are taking a trip with the Princess of Brigid to go out hunting. It's apparently a tradition for her to take promising archers out to hunt wolves. I'm excited, if a bit nervous. We'll only be gone for a few days and I won't be in any danger with Shamir around, but I'm concerned with disappointing her. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations of me.

As for Petra, I think you'd like her. She came and visited me when I had a small injury (nothing to worry over) and told me about Brigid. I think I'd like to travel there, someday.

Apologies for the shorter letter, but there hasn't been much to say. I'll write you again after our hunting trip.

Ignatz

P.S. The drawings enclosed are for the girls.

(The letters are smashed together as if they were written in the dark)

Shamir,

If you never want to see me again after that, I understand.

Catherine

(The letter is written on the fourth piece of paper, previous drafts discarded)

Mother,

I'm sorry, but I need more time to decide. In my heart, I have always been a Gaspard. You and Lonato have raised me and my siblings from the goodness of your heart. Christophe was the older brother I never had. Know that my choice isn't made out of distaste for family or anything as absurd as that.

I want to discover the truth about what happened to Lonato. I fear taking up a noble mantle might inhibit that. I need more time to decide, to figure out what I need to do.

I'll come visit soon. I miss you and the others.

Ashe

(The letter does not have an addressee, as if its recipient knows exactly who it is for)

One of the most important lessons I learned in my childhood was that ignoring something or doing nothing is seldom the right move. Bullies don't lose interest, problems don't solve themselves. You want something to change, you go out and make it happen.

Prepare to go forward with our plans. Damn you all to the Eternal Flames, but we root the Church out. They would ignore their problems as if that would make them disappear.

Prepare to begin marshalling the troops as we discussed. I shall work with your agent to assist with her mission.

(As above, so below; the bottom of the letter lacks a name)

(The slip of paper is barely big enough to fit the words on it)

Catherine,

You're avoiding me. It was stress relief, it doesn't have to be any more. Get your head out of your ass and be professional. Sex doesn't mean attachment where I'm from.

Shamir

(The writing is the messiest in existence, with only his daughter having the ability to decipher it)

By,

I know you've been a bit down since the mock battle. What say you and I go on a little fishing trip your next free weekend? I found a small lake to the north that looked calm. Might be the next big one in there, huh?

Leaving this note on your bed. Goddess, you run around so much lately that I can't even find you. Don't you go leaving your old man in the dust now.

Daddy

(There is a chocolate stain in the bottom corner and the words curve around it)

Mother and Father,

I spoke to Edelgard. She is willing and would welcome you in open arms, should you decide. If not, she says she understands.

Things have been…stressful, lately. Some of the other students from Leicester are rather cold to me, but I continue down my path. I believe that joining the Eagles was the correct choice, I've learned far more from Edelgard and Professor Hanneman than I would have in the Deer. If a cold shoulder is all I must deal with, than I do not think that is much to worry about.

I'm sure you heard of the monster that attacked. I'm fine, don't worry. In fact, I helped play a role in bringing it down.

I'll be home to visit soon, once the year ends. It will be nice to see you both, I've missed you terribly.

Lysithea

(The script is entirely alien from any Fódlani language, written with haste from a stressed hand)

Grandfather,

I received your letter. I can't believe you risked sending me something like this. Had the Empire caught your messenger, the both of us would have been doomed.

Still, your concern moves me. But you need not worry, I am safe here.

But since you will still worry, let me be blunt, do not try to save me. Brigid has a leader in you, do not throw away your life and our people's to come rescue me. If I am captured or used as leverage against you, let them kill me.

I know this is not what you want to hear. And it is not what I want. But a ruler thinks of her people first, you taught me that. You also taught me that an heir rules before she takes a crown or throne. Let me make this choice, for our people.

If the Empire attacks, bring the fury of the Flame Spirit down on them. Stand resolute like the Wood Spirit. But most of all, bring home our people safe like the Water Spirit does each day. Do this as a request from me in case the worst happens.

I love you, grandfather. As much as the circumstances are dire, I have found friends here. Hopefully I can be selfish and ask their help should war come.

Petra

Your messenger traveled fast and was not caught. He was lucky. Don't risk anyone else's life to bring me a message, you know what the Empire would do if they had read your letter.

(The words are unintelligible, written in a cipher)

Solon,

Proceed as planned.

Author Notes: *I post this story on AO3 as well, which allows for greater formatting choices than FFnet. I consider that version of the chapter to be the best version. I tried to work around FFnet's limited editing options, but there wasn't a good way to do it and not be cumbersome. In that draft of the chapter, Hilda refers to Byleth by her name and scratches it out and writes 'the professor' instead. As well, her line about Holst courting someone is scratched out. Those were the only two changes this time, but in the future there might be more if I continue writing letters. Please refer to my author notes if I do so where I will mention any changes that had to be made.

We getting experimental here. Felt like we ought to expand the world a bit with some letters. My original plan was just to write Hilda's letter and continue into a normal chapter, but I forgot how much I enjoyed a good letter. So here is our first Intermezzo chapter. We'll have more, and they'll focus on more experimental writing like this. But not for a while, next time back to normal.

Editing Notes
4/15/2021: Reversed the italics vs. regular font for easier reading. Minor grammatical adjustments.