It's back to school for me again…I won't have so many papers to write this time at least but there I will have a lot of reading to do…
Just a little reminder that I changed Byleth's birthday to the Sixth of the Verdant Rain Moon.
Oh, and I realized that it's actually Verdant Rain Moon and not Verdant Moon, I will have to go back and fix that when I have some time.
Ages:
Byleth: 18
Claude: 15
Verdant Rain Moon 1178:
Sixth of the Verdant Rain Moon:
It took two weeks for Byleth and Claude to arrive back in Derdriu and they had arrived just in time to celebrate her birthday and for the first time in years, she was actually looking forward to celebrating it. There was just one little problem and that was Claude presenting his gift to Duke Riegan. It was an incredibly important event to him, she understood that, but that didn't mean she wasn't disappointed. He didn't even wish her a happy birthday before rushing off…
She tried to not let her disappointment get the better of her as she wondered through the city alone. The city seemed to be alive with cheer or maybe it just seemed that way to her as she was just glad to be back in Fodlan. Food Stalls filled the air with delicious scents, and she decided that she was going to treat herself to a good meal, until she remembered that she was strapped for gold.
With a heavy sigh she dragged her feet to the tavern, hoping that she could find a job there or at the very least find out about where she could get one. Her feet felt heavy as she dragged herself through the city. Without the sacred weapon she no longer had a source for seemingly endless amount of energy and now she wondered if her exhaustion was catching up to her or if it was just something else. She sure hoped it was something else because she wouldn't be able to afford a doctor or even a hotel room to pass out in for a few days.
The tavern was just in sight when someone grabbed her arm and forced her to turn around. She was barely able to make out the flash of blue before she was pulled into a tight embrace. It took her a second to register what was going on and she tried to fight against, whoever it was.
Eventually, her captor got the picture and let her go. She glared up at the man, but it quickly vanished as her eyes widen. Her mouth hung open, but no sounds slipped through it. With shaky hands she raised them up towards the man, but she stopped herself before actually touching him.
The person did what she stopped from doing and cupped her face and she stared into his blue eyes. "L-Lord Rodrigue…?" she finally found her voice to ask. With misty eyes, he nodded and pulled her in for another hug and that time she returned it.
"I…we all thought you were dead," he said so quietly that she nearly didn't hear him. She pushed lightly against him so that she could look at his face.
"What do you mean?"
"After Lord Rufus released you from the castle, it was discovered that a battle had take place just behind the castle…and there was so much blood…We all had feared the worse." He pulled her back in for another hug.
She rested her head against his chest as her mind was swirling with so many thoughts. She was assumed dead? Her eyes widen at the fear that Dimitri must have thought she was dead as well. Burning her face into Lord Rodrigue's chest she tired to imagine what Dimitri must have thought or experienced after learning such a fact. Gripping the lord's tunic, she whispered a silent apology to Dimitri. When she had faced death, she had taken a small comfort in the fact that Dimitri would have never known and would never experience the nightmares of her death; her only comfort became another nightmare for her beloved friend.
With thoughts of Dimitri flooding her mind, she pushed Lord Rodrigue a bit so that he would release her enough to allow her to look up at him. "A-Aster?" she asked quietly, and he pressed his lips together.
"Forgive me, but I am alone." She tried to mask her disappointment but failed miserably. He said nothing as he patted her head.
She gave into the comforting act and allowed her mind to settle. When she had calmed down some, she looked back up at him and so many emotions flooded her. Taking a deep breath, she wanted to say something but had no idea what to say or even do.
He looked away for a bit to stare up ahead. "It is the sixth of the Verdant Rain Moon is it not?" He glanced down at her and she nodded. "Happy birthday Byleth."
Her eyes widen. "You remember?"
"Of course," he smiled at her, "For so many years Felix and His Highness would beg me to try and find some kind of job that would bring the Jeralt Mercenaries over so that they could celebrate your birthday." She smiled at the thought. "…King Lambert had even asked me one time too…" With her reunion with Lord Rodrigue, it made the thought of King Lambert more painful, but it was also welcomed as she could once again talk to someone, who was familiar with him.
"I miss him and Glenn." He said nothing and brought her in for another hug. "I am sorry for your loss." It was something she heard people say after the death of a loved one. She heard her fair share of it after the death of Muharib and she hated it, but she felt like it was something that needed to be said. He said nothing and squeezed her a little tighter.
The faint scent of sandalwood lulled her into a sense of peace that she had long forgotten but it didn't last long. The fear of their reunion of being just a dream constricted her heart and she squeezed him in fear of waking. When he began to pull away, she reluctantly let go.
"We need to celebrate your birthday." She opened her mouth to protest but he didn't give her a chance, when he turned away to address the two knights behind him; alerting her to their presence. "Cancel all my plans for today."
"But Milord-" a knight started but was interrupted by his liege.
"It is the birthday of a dear friend that I have not seen in years." The knight pressed his lips together and bowed.
"I don't want to ruin your schedule," Byleth lightly protested on the knight's behest. While she didn't want to set back Lord Rodrigue, she couldn't deny that she really wanted to spend the day with him.
"It is no trouble. I wish to catch up with you." She smiled at that. "Besides, King Lambert would give me hell when I see him in the next life, if I did not treat you well on your birthday."
The birthday celebration started off with a nice lunch and she tried really hard to not show her gratefulness for having a free meal. She would have been perfectly fine with street food, but he had insisted on eating at a high-end restaurant. While she wasn't a picky eater, she could not deny that the taste that from high quality food was superior to many of the meals she normally ate.
Just like with her posture, Byleth's eating etiquette was perfect and she was sure if Claude saw her, he would be testing her knowledge and questioning her background. Easily slipping into old habits felt so natural and right and she couldn't help but hope that that meant she could return to Dimitri's side, someday. While there was no denying the taste of expensive food, the small portions never did satiate her appetite, but she didn't want to trouble Lord Rodrigue anymore than she already was, so she pretended to be satisfied with what she already had.
Their little meal was finished relatively quickly, and they just sat around enjoying their tea. She had noticed that he had been watching her carefully and she didn't know how she was supposed to act. Starting to feel a little nervous under his constant gaze, she struggled to maintain her little smile.
"Byleth," he finally spoke, and his smile left his face. She sat stiff as a board in her seat. "May I ask as to why you never contacted any of us?"
She blinked at him for a few seconds before her gaze dropped to her teacup. "Lord Rufus said I wasn't allowed to have any contact with any influential people in the Kingdom." She stole a glance at him and saw his lips pressed together and looked away. Her fingers rubbed against her cup and her sights returned to it. "I always wanted to send someone a letter at the very least, but I was afraid what would happen to them if it was discovered that they had some kind of contact with me." Her voice was barely a soft whisper.
A few seconds passed before he returned his gaze onto her and she gave him a small smile. "You are growing out your hair?" Surprised at the question she ran her fingers through her hair that now reached her mid back, as if bringing it to attention would help her understand.
"Yes," she said quietly. Long hair was truly a hinderance in battle and despite her father's insistence that she cut it, she couldn't bring herself to do it. Lady Patricia would always pass through her mind whenever she reached for a pair of scissors. She would tie up her hair up into a ponytail before she went into battle, but it didn't really do much and she just learned to accept that.
"It suits you." She blushed slightly. "I am sure that His Highness would agree." She wished she could have been told such a thing from Dimitri, himself.
"Thank you," she mumbled.
"You are eighteen now, correct?" She looked up at him and nodded before the information set in. "Your father must have been dreading this day for a very long time, now that you are of marriable age." She stared at her cup as it finally set in that she was turning eighteen. "Byleth, what is wrong?"
"I…" She took a deep breath. "I made a promise to Aster that when I turned eighteen that I would become his knight…" That promise had been the first promise she ever made that didn't involve her returning to see him and it was the first promise she ever broke. She wanted to laugh at just how fitting that another one of her first was taken by Dimitri again.
"I had gotten so caught up in our reunion that I have only now realized that you are not with your father." She looked up at Lord Rodrigue as she could tell he was trying to fix the mood with how overly jovial he made his tone. She decided that she wouldn't ruin their reunion with her sorrow. "Where is he? Surely, he would want to celebrate such an important birthday for his daughter."
"He's in the Kingdom helping several villages."
"And you did not go with him?"
Her eyes drifted back down to her teacup. "I have been banished from the Kingdom." When she heard a low growl come from him, she glanced up and saw that his fits were tightly clenched.
"Byleth…," he started but stopped after a sigh. "I am surprised that he left you on your own. Sir Jeralt is such an overprotective father."
"He didn't want too." She turned her gaze to the windows and watched a young boy grab and older man's arm and point at something. It was only then that she realized that it had been six months since she had last seen her father and she was starting to miss him; Claude managed to do a wonderful job at distracting her from many things. "I begged him to go to the Kingdom, as I couldn't. I wanted him to help in my stead."
"Byleth…" His eyes widen before his face settled into a soft smile. "I am so pleased to discover that you are still a sweet, wonderful, young woman despite…" He decided to let that thought die.
They were content with spending the remainder of their time, in the restaurant, in a comfortable silence. When the tea finally ran out, they left and spent the remainder of the day wondering around the city. She had wanted to bring up the topic about Dimitri and the others but Lord Rodrigue hadn't mentioned them and she was wondering if she could. It wasn't until they passed a blacksmith that she finally decided to ask.
"How…How are Aster and the others?" She asked as she inspected a nice Silver Sword. Lord Rodrigue didn't say anything for some time. She was about to return the sword to its proper place when she saw him hand the smith some gold coins, and she was unable to protest when the sword was given to her. For only a second she pouted but was quick to thank him, when she realized her pout would change nothing.
"Everyone is doing well," he finally said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. She didn't realize that he was a terrible liar before. Putting on her own fake smile, she decided to not say anything.
Evening began to settle and though she did not want to part; she knew full well that if he had been staying at a hotel it would definitely be in one that she couldn't afford and she didn't want him to waste any more gold on her than he already had. They stopped in the city's square and both were clearly avoiding something; but it had been something that the both of them had been doing all day. It took her some time, but she managed to work up the courage to say goodnight only for him to destroy it.
"Byleth, do you wish to return to Faerghus with me?" With wide eyes, her mouth hung open but not a single sound escaped her. Her lower lip began to tremble as her mind raced. When her vision began to blur with the tears, she wouldn't be able to shed, did she cover her mouth to hide the little sobs she knew that would be following. He reached out to hold her but her shaking her head stopped him.
"I can't," she finally choked out though it was incredibly quiet, and she wondered if he even heard her. He said nothing but watched her carefully. She pulled her hands away so when she spoke, he could hear her better, "Lord Rufus-"
"Forget him!" She was surprised to see the fierceness in his eyes. "You are welcome to stay in my domain; he has little say in my land's affair."
It warmed her heart to hear such a thing, but she knew it would not be so easy. "I-I know about the rumor," she said with a shake of her head. Upon learning that she was thought to be dead that little hop of returning blossomed within but then she remembered that Miklan and his lack of surprise upon seeing her alive, had her doubting if that rumor had died; and based on Lord Rodrigue's pressed lips and balled fists proved her theory.
"It is nothing more than a baseless rumor created by power hunger fools." That maybe true but that fact changed nothing and they both knew that. "I will protect you." She had no doubt that he wouldn't be able too and that was why it made it so hard for her to refuse him.
"I-I can't have you do that. Taking me in would only damage your reputation and with the Kingdom in the state that it is in… It would be far too harmful for you…" She was unable to finish that thought before a sob slipped through and she was once again covering her mouth to help fight back the next one.
"Byleth," he called her name softly and reached out for her, only to have his hand smacked away by an angry teen.
"Get away from her!" The dark-skinned teen shouted with a fierce glare. He stood between the two. In his anger he forgot to mask his accent.
"Meadow," she was able to say once she had calmed down some. He maintained his defensive stance but looked at her from over his shoulder. "He is a dear friend of mine." Reluctantly, he stepped to the side but stayed close to her, and his eyes flickered between the two constantly.
"I want to go with you so very much," she paused to suck in a deep breath, "I desperately want to see everyone again." She closed her eyes as another sob slipped through. "But the price you would have to pay…" She shook her head and briefly paused to let herself gain some control over her voice, "I don't want to be a hinderance."
Claude grasped her right hand and ran his thumb over it. It was a comforting act and she choose to focus on that instead of her sporadic breathing. When she had calmed down some, she gave his hand a small squeeze as a small thanks and he returned the gesture.
"Byleth," Lord Rodrigue whispered and for a second he closed his eyes and opened them to look her right in the eye. "It pleases me to see that you have grown into a fine woman." Not sure what to say to that she only nodded.
One of the knights pulled the lord aside momentarily to converse and Claude took the opportunity to check on her. While her eyes were still misty, she had calmed down greatly and she had tried to assure him of that. She could tell that he wasn't completely convinced by his frown and refusal to let go of her hand. Glancing over at Lord Rodrigue she noticed a frown work its way onto his face.
With a stern scowl he returned to the children. "As loath as I am to say this, but I must part ways with you." Her eyes widen and she sucked in a deep breath; she wasn't ready to part. "Only for tonight as I must see Duke Riegan tonight." She released a sigh of relief while Claude watched him closely. "Will you be staying in Dredriu for a while?"
"Yes, I will be staying in the Lazy Deer Inn," she lied as she didn't want him to worry but she didn't even know if she could afford a room there.
He nodded with a small smile. "Then would it be alright for me to ask to see you tomorrow?"
"I would very much like to see you again."
With a bow the Duke gave into his knight's instances. When he finally began to reluctantly leave, did the knight finally relax. The two remaining people watched the Duke leave in silence.
"Who was he?" Claude asked once the older man was out of sight.
"He is Lord Rodrigue, Duke Fraldarius from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus."
His eyes widen. "You are good friends with a Duke?!" She gave him a little smile while his eyes narrowed. "And you say you are not a noble?"
"I know it sounds unbelievable, but I swear to you that I am a commoner with a very unique situation." His expression did not change. "I may have kept some secrets, but I have never lied to you."
"I believe you," he sighed. "I have been in a situation all my life where, I cannot trust anyone and yet when it comes to you, I have never doubted that you were telling the truth." He gave her a small smile and she returned it with one of her own. "So, I guess your history with him is part of your secrets then?" She nodded and he sighed. "You know, you have some incredibly interesting secrets." She only gave him a small smile.
He dropped the topic with a little shake of his head. With the hand that still held hers, he pulled it slightly towards him. Smiling widely, he slipped a golden bracelet onto her arm. She pulled back her hand to inspect it and a great deer had been carved onto it. Finished with her little inspection, she looked at him.
"By, I am incredibly sorry about forgetting your birthday…"
"It is alright. You had something very important to do." He frowned.
"But still!" He shook his head before mumbling the rest, "To forget my first friend's birthday…"
She glanced down at the shinny piece of jewelry, it certainly stood out compared to all the grey of her clothes. It was also an impractical item. She shouldn't keep it as it would only get in the way of battle or take up much needed space in her pack, but she didn't care. She looked at her little gift with love, until a little thought occurred to her.
"Meadow," she drew out his nickname, in ordered to grab his attention, "you have gold?"
He looked away sheepishly. "No…" She leaned towards him with eyes narrowed. "Okay, I have a bit of gold but only after I traded something for it. I am sorry, I know I have been one giant financial burden." Smiling, she patted his head.
"It is alright." He gave her a dubious look. "I do not regret anything I have done with you." Blushing, he struggled to contain a smile. "That being said you are going to help me find a job tomorrow."
"You need gold?"
"I did go through most of my saving since we have arrived." Most of it went to purchasing the tickets for the ship but she decided to keep that to herself. "I don't even think I have enough for a hotel room."
Fate had been kind to them with the rest of Byleth's gold and the little bit Claude had managed to acquire they were able to afford a single bed room in the Lazy Deer Inn. She had promised her father that she would stay in Dredriu until he arrived, but she wouldn't be able too, unless she got some gold soon. She hoped that she would be able to find a job that allowed her to stay close to the city.
Claude had fought with her on giving her the bed, but she refused and settled for sleeping on the floor with her bedroll. Even when she had thought that the argument was done, he continued until she had agreed to share the bed and even laid down next to him and in a flustered panic he gave up and she got the floor. For an hour after that he was unable to look at her and kept his back to her as he read one of the two books, he snuck out of the manor, on the bed.
Once he presented his gift to Duke Riegan she was sure that he would have been staying in the manor, but it seemed like the Duke needed more time accepting things. She never said it to Claude, but she was glad that the Duke needed more time as she was sure once Claude was in the manor, she wouldn't get to spend much time with him, and she wasn't ready for that. Selfishly, she wanted the Duke to take a long time, or at the very least wait until her father arrived.
A knock at the door broke the little quiet that the two had found themselves in. The two glanced at each other for a bit before she went to the door. The one, who knocked was Lord Rodrigue, who appeared to be greatly troubled.
He glanced at Claude briefly before giving her a deep bow. "Forgive me for disturbing you at this hour," he said after arising from his bow, "but something has happened in the Kingdom and I must return immediately."
With wide eyes, she reached out for him but stopped herself before touching him. "A-Aster is he okay?!" she said and though she had tried to maintain an air of calm, panic still slipped through her voice.
He grabbed one her outstretched hands and held it in his own with a firm grip. "He is fine." She relaxed at that. "It is not that serious of an issue, but it does require me to return home." She searched his face and she couldn't tell if she found anything. Earlier, he had been a terrible liar and she didn't know if he had just slipped then or if he was still one and she just wanted to believe him this time.
She gave him a firm nod and he released her hand. She chose to believe him as she knew there was little she could do otherwise. "I understand you are in a hurry, but can I ask for you to spare a few minutes so that I may finish what I was doing?" He gave her a nod and she rushed over to the little desk in the room.
Lord Rodrigue waited patiently in the little room. He glanced at Claude, who had been laying on the only bed, reading and munching on a piece of jerky. The older man scowled at the boy, who then sat up straight because of the intense stare.
"Do you have a room of own, boy?" the Lord asked, and Claude opened his mouth to speak but Byleth spoke first.
"No, we are sharing." Her eyes never looked away from her work, so she missed the pleading look from Claude or the disapproving one from the Duke.
"And may I ask why?" Lord Rodrigue turned his gaze back onto the teen, who once again tried and failed to speak first.
"It's cheaper that way." A glare from the older man caused the boy to shrink into himself.
"Byleth," the stern call of her name caused her to flinch, but she dared not to look at him. "You know full well that your father would not approve of this." She knew that but she didn't really have a choice. "You are now of marriageable age; you need to start thinking about your actions now." She said nothing and just starred at the quill in her hand.
"It is my fault sir," Claude interjected as he got off the bed to bow. "We are low on funds because I needed to make an expensive purchase." Lord Rodrigue narrowed his eyes on the boy, who didn't flinch under the intense stare.
With a heavy sigh the Lord dropped the issue. Byleth quickly finished what she was doing and rushed over to the men with several envelopes. She gave Claude's arm a quick squeeze as thanks as she held out the envelopes, towards the older man.
"I know, I am not allowed to have any contact with anyone in the Kingdom but…" Lord Rodrigue pressed his lips tightly together. "But surely it is alright for me to write them a letter letting them know that I am not dead, right?" Her voice began to tremble, and Claude held her free hand while the Duke took the letters.
"I will see to it that they get delivered without King Regent Rufu's knowledge." Unable to find her voice all she could do was just nod. He pulled her in for one final hug. When he pulled back, they both looked at each other, neither one of them wanting to say farewell.
Prolonging the goodbye just a little longer, Lord Rodrigue gestured for one of his knights to step forward and hand him his bag to which he shuffled around inside of it. After a quick moment, he produced a small bag and handed it to her. She gave him a quizzical look for a second before peaking inside and her eyes widen at the amount of gold, he was giving her.
She opened her mouth to protest but he was quick to silence her. "With your father helping the Kingdom, it falls onto my shoulders to make sure that you are take care off." She still wanted to protest but realized that it was pointless, so she decided to thank him.
He smiled at her and they both knew that they had to part, when his knight began to clear his throat. Only simple farewells were given as both refused to say goodbye. They promised that one day that they would meet again.
Ninth of the Verdant Rain Moon:
They both knew it would be foolish to be expecting to hear from Duke Riegan so quickly after presenting the gift and yet they still kept hope; well Claude did at least. When evening came on yet another day of no word, Byleth decided to treat Claude to a nice dinner to lift up his spirits. That seemed to cheer him up some and he was quick to express his thanks.
Night had fallen and they walked together back towards their inn. Thanks to Lord Rodrigue, she now could afford two rooms and then some; She thought it was a waste of gold to get two separate rooms, instead of one with two beds. Her reputation was already ruin given her scars and mercenary background, so those wo care about reputations were not going to spare her a second glance; but Claude seemed to care so she got the second room.
When they were just shy of reaching their inn two men appeared from the shadows of the nearby alleyway. Her blood ran cold when she saw their mask and she stood protectively in front of Claude. He tried to push past her, but she wouldn't allow it. After all the years of them attacking her she had gotten quite skilled at handling them and even her fear of them had started to diminish but with Claude with her, she wasn't so sure.
"By? What is wrong?" Claude asked. Once again, he tried to push past her, and she grabbed his arm and he stopped upon her death grip. He looked up at her, but she just stared ahead.
When she was sure that he wasn't going to move, she released his arm to grab her sword's hilt. She didn't unsheathe it right away and instead choose to watch the men a bit more. Their quiet laughter chilled her to the bone and she finally drew her blade.
Their laughter roared as they drew their daggers and it nearly drowned out the small cry Claude made. Forgetting all about the men before her she turned back towards Claude and her eyes widen at the horror she discovered. A third man had grabbed Claude and held a dagger to the boy's neck.
"I will be fine," Claude assured her, but she did not register it. She took a slight step forward and heard a playful tsk coming from behind her.
"No sudden movements," said one of the two men from behind. She didn't see who said it, nor did she care as her entire focus remained on Claude.
"Without your daddy here to protect you. You won't survive this," said the other man from behind.
Gritting her teeth, she dropped her sword and it clanged loudly in the night's air. "It's my life you want. Let him go!" Byleth said with clenched fists.
"You are in no position to be making any demands." She felt both of the men's daggers being pressed into her back and were being twisted back and forth, tearing at her clothes but not her skin.
She continued to glare at the man that held Claude captive and he returned it with a sickening smirk. A flash of steal momentarily caught her eye and she discovered that Claude had produced a small knight from somewhere. The two locked eyes for a moment before acting.
Claude plunged his small weapon into the man's stomach, who cried out, and sliced the teen's neck as he fumbled back. Byleth grabbed Claude before he fell and shoved her hand into the man's face for a point-blank fire blast. Cradling Claude's head, she focused all her attention onto healing his wound. A sigh of relief escaped her when she discovered it to be a fairly shallow cut.
"Byleth!" Claude screamed out as two daggers plunged into her back.
Thrusting one hand behind her, she released a small blast of fire to push the men back. They stubbled back and she chased after them. She grabbed an arm of each man and channeled much of her energy into them as Thunder magic. When she was done, both men collapsed with not a single sound escaping either of them.
Once she was sure all threats were cleared, she rushed to Claude, who was slowly rising to his feet. She tried to go about fussing over him, but he wasn't going to have it and started to drag her inside the inn. The innkeeper barely spared them a glance as they rushed towards their rooms.
Inside her room, she stared to burst into a coughing fit that had her collapsing onto her bed. The fit seemingly had no end and at some point, she started to cough up blood. Before her consciousness slipped away, she tried to make sense of it as her wounds were pretty shallow.
It was several hours later when she finally came too. As she regained consciousness her body felt incredibly heavy. Claude was quickly at her side and helped her drink some water. He gave her a comforting smile as he helped her lay back down and he returned to his seat at the side of her bed.
"What happened?" she asked and speaking hurt her dry throat.
"Those men who attacked us used poison," he explained, and her eyes widen. The masked people had attacked her in many underhanded ways, but poison was a first. "It is a good thing; I am familiar with poisons."
She stared at him a bit. "So, I guess that's your specialty you were talking about when we first met?"
He gave her a strained smile before looking away. He stared at the cup in his hands. The strained smile soon fell away when a sigh escaped him.
"I guess you are disappointed in me, huh?" He still couldn't look at her. "It is not very heroic to mess with poisons…" Reaching out for him, she got him to finally look at her.
"You created an antidote, did you not?" With pressed lips he gave her a small nod. "I am alive because of you then. That's pretty heroic if you ask me." His eyes widen. "Thank you for saving me Meadow."
His eyes dropped to his knees and he fists clenched. "I…I was so afraid that you…" His voice was trembling as he spoke before he stopped all together. She rubbed his arm and when he looked up at her she was able to see the tears ready to fall at any moment. She gave him a small smile.
"I promise, I will not leave you." He gave her a genuine smile.
Fourteenth of the Verdant Rain Moon:
A few days after the attack Claude was requested to at the Riegan Manor. Byleth was content with just waiting for him to finish whatever business he had there but he had insisted that she come along. While she was hesitant to once again to find herself embroiled in another country's nobility, but she knew that it was to late once she discovered Claude's heritage.
Claude stood proudly in front of the doors to the manor and gave a charming smile to the guards that had threaten to violently escort him away last month. Even though, she did not want to be there she couldn't help but smile at her companion's antics. There was a mini standoff until one guard admitted defeat and opened the massive doors, with an unneeded, overdramatic bow Claude entered but when she tried to follow, she was stopped.
"The invite was only for the…grandson," one of the guards said with a hint of bitterness in his tone.
"I am sure that my dear old gramps, would love to meet the woman that has brought him his long, lost grandson," Claude retorted back, and she sighed. The guards glared at him and he glared back. Rubbing her temples, she contemplated on whether or not she could just slip away unnoticed.
"Oh," said an older woman and the guards flinched at just the sound of her voice. The woman had long brown hair and blue eyes and the pantsuit she wore proudly displayed the Alliance's colors. She had a commanding presence and Byleth liked it. The woman than turned her sights onto to Claude and even he flinched under it.
"You must be the boy claiming to be Aline's son?" Not sparing the guards the slightest glance, she walked over to the boy and stared into his eyes. Standing back to her full height she smiled. "I know those green eyes anywhere. There is no doubt that you are Aline's son." Claude was practically beaming at that.
She walked inside and he was about to follow, when once again the guards stopped Byleth. Claude was about to challenge them again when the woman intervened. "What is going on here?"
"This woman is trying to enter the manor without permission," a guard was quick to say.
"And I told you she is my dear friend! She is the only reason why I was able to make it here!" Claude shouted back and she felt like he was laying on the compliments a bit too much, as she was sure he would have gotten recognized without her help somehow.
The older woman walked over to Byleth and it was the mercenary's turn to be sized up. "You look like you are pretty skilled with that sword of yours."
"Yes," Byleth squeaked as she was not expecting such a compliment. "My father has trained me well." The woman smiled at that.
"What is your name girl?"
"Byleth," she hesitated on whether or not to give her last name," Alexandre." Unsure of how far the rumor about her extended she decided on using her fake name. She ignored the look Claude was giving her.
"Well Miss Alexandre, you may call me Judith Von Daphnel." The name Daphnel sounded familiar but Byleth couldn't recall from where. She did like how the woman didn't bother with all the overtop introductions and bows that nobles normally liked to do. "You will be my guest so come along."
"Lady Daphnel!" the guards shouted in unison, but she merely dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
"I don't want to be a bother!" Byleth said and Judith smiled at her.
"With how well behaved you have been acting, you certainly will not be. The boy could learn a thing or two from you," Judith said and patted her head. "Now come along we must not keep the Duke waiting any longer." And with that she headed inside.
The mercenary looked at the guards, who gave her small glares back. Unenthusiastically, they stepped aside so that she may pass. Claude gave them an obnoxious goodbye as he followed the women.
Judith guided them through the manor, and she had talked about various things. Byleth tried very hard to pay attention but Claude was making that almost impossible with his stare. Unable to keep her composure going forever she caved with a tiny sigh.
"Alexandre?" Claude asked, seizing on the slight let down of her guard. She said nothing and continued to look ahead. "What is your real name? Alexandre or Eisner?"
"Eisner," she answered in the same whispered tone that he was using, but she never looked at him.
"Why the lie then?" She did not answer. "Does this have something to do with your secrets revolving around the Kingdom?" She was surprised to discover that he figured out that all her secrets revolved around her stay in the Kingdom; though, she guessed it was only natural for him to reach such a conclusion after meeting Lord Rodrigue. With her eyes locked on Judith's back, she nodded, and there was a bit of silence between the two.
"I will not press further then." She glanced at him. "I will respect your boundaries." She smiled at him and whispered her appreciation. "But boy do you have some very interesting secrets."
Outside of the manor, she had liked the feel of it more than Castle Blaiddyd but inside was a different story. Inside was gaudy or at least it seemed that way to her. Every hallway had at least one extravagant painting as well as, she imagined, was an expensive piece of furniture to go with it. It was clear to her and all that House Riegan was determined to show off its wealth. It seemed way to excessive to her but given how the Alliance was a popular country for merchants to work in, wealth was probably common, but she did much more prefer the subtle hints of wealth that Castle Blaiddyd engaged in.
The grand tour came to an end in a massive office, where the size would put King Lambert's office to shame. In that room the number of expensive items were at their greatest and she believed only the Duke's bedroom could rival it. Mounted on the wall behind the Duke was the sword that she and Claude had found; she had learned from Claude that it was called the Sword of Begalta and was once used by Claude's ancestor before Saint Macuil took it back. She glanced at her friend, who gave her a small smirk.
"Judith, you have arrived earlier than I was expecting," the old man at the massive desk said. He was a pale old man, with only white, thin hair on the sides of his head and tired looking hazel eyes. His clothes were made of the finest material and were clearly unaffordable to Byleth even with all the gold that Lord Rodrige had given her. While the man looked nothing like Claude, he had to be the Duke and thus the teen's grandfather.
"When you sent word that a boy claiming to be Aline's son showed up, I just had to meet him right away," Judith said with such casualness that it was a complete surprise to Byelth as she had never seen such a thing before from other nobles (she knew she was a great oddity with the level of casualness that she was allowed to share with Dimitri). Lord Rodrigue was King Lambert's best friend and there was a casualness between the two, but the Duke always addressed his King with great respect. Byleth couldn't tell if Judith was just incredibly close to Duke Riegan or she just didn't care for all the noble necessities but Byleth had to admit she was liking the Lord more and more.
Duke Riegan turned his sights onto Byleth and narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? I do not recall sending for a stranger." She flinched under his harsh gaze.
"She is the woman, who brought your grandson to you. I thought you might appreciate meeting her," Judith said with a casualness that still surprised the young woman. The Duke looked away from Byleth to look at Judith.
"So, you believe he is my grandson?"
"Come now, you knew he was your grandson all along. All you have to do is look into his vibrant green eyes."
He closed his eyes for a brief moment before snapping them open to look at his grandson, who stood perfectly straight. He said nothing as he looked over the boy. After a few seconds of nothing happening the Duke leaned back into his chair.
"Tell me," he paused for a second, "Claude, is my daughter doing well?"
"Oh yes! My mother's ferociousness knows no bounds. She does not let anyone walk over her. She is both to be feared and respected," Claude said with a large smile. A small smile wormed its way onto the Duke's face.
Horsebow Moon 1178:
Eighth of the Horsebow Moon:
Thanks to Lady Judith, Claude had been recognized as Duke Riegan's grandson. And for her help in brining the family together Byleth was allowed to work as a guard at the Riegan's Manor and was even give a place to stay as well. Just as she feared, she had become a hot topic for rumors amongst the staff and no one was satisfied that she was just a mercenary that Claude had hired to escort him.
The eighth of the Horsebow came and with it was the celebration of the Leicester Alliance's founding. She had been tasked with guarding Claude during the festival and everyone knew it was just an excuse for the two to have fun together. Claude saw to it that they would see everything that the festival had to offer.
The Alliance's founding celebration didn't have a massive tournament to celebrate like the Kingdom did and so she was a bit disappointed. But unlike the Kingdom it did offer many more merchants selling their wares as well as many games that were more than just contest of strength. It was different and thus made it more enjoyable to her.
Claude was more than happy to drag her through the town trying out various games and then relied on her reflexes to win them. She couldn't tell if he was testing her out or just goofing around; regardless she had more than enough prizes that she didn't even know what to do with. By her seventh game she had started to amass a following of kids that were in awe of her skills. Being the center of attention of a large following was something that she still wasn't fond of.
They continued to play some more games and grow an even larger collection of prizes that the kids were now staring at her for. The little parade came to an end when a girl with long, pink hair draped down her back and pink eyes walked over to them. With a charming, little smile she clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward towards Claude.
"Say, are you Claude?" she asked and both Claude and Byleth arched an eyebrow.
"It is rude to ask for someone's name without first introducing oneself," Claude said, and he rested his hands behind his head. Byleth took the opportunity to distribute her prizes amongst her little followers and then sent the kids away.
"Oh! You are right, do forgive me, okay?" The girl batted her eyelashes at Claude. Byleth had seen such actions directed at Dimitri numerous times and it always irked her then but now it didn't really bother her, and she had no idea why. The girl stood up straight and pulled at the sides of her dress and curtsied. "I am Hilda Valentine Goneril."
From the corner of her eye Byleth could see Claude freeze so she stepped forward. "I'm Byleth Alexandre," she said with a bow. Claude might have been recognized as Duke Riegan's grandson, but it hadn't been made public yet, so it was clear that the girl was someone important. If Hilda cared that Byleth, introduced herself first she made no show of it.
"You are right, I am Claude," he said as he snapped out of his thoughts. He folded his arms across his chest and eyed Hilda suspiciously.
"Good," Hilda said, "Let us be friends." She clapped her hands together in front of her as she gave him an innocent smile. He glanced at Byleth for answers, who merely shrugged her shoulders in confusion.
"Excuse me?"
"I was told if I met you that I should get along and try to become your friend." The two friends shared a glance before looking at Hilda. "Honestly, trying to buddy up to you is going to be too much work so why not be a dear and just say were friends okay? That will make my dad happy and get him off my back." Claude once again glanced at Byleth, who just repeated earlier confused gesture.
"Why do you want to be my friend?"
"I will be honest I do not care if we are friends or not, but my father does." He arched an eyebrow. "Look, being Duke Riegan's grandson means you have a high chance of becoming the heir. House Goneril has always had close ties to House Riegan and my father wants to keep it that way, but it is such a hassle."
Claude broke out laughing. "I like how you do not beat around the bush. Alright, I will be your friend."
The two laughed some more as they chatted. Byleth watched them in silence. She had to jump through so many hopes to become Claude's friend that she couldn't help but feel a little annoyed at how easy it was for Hilda.
"Hiiiillllddddaaa!" A large, muscular man wit the same pink shade of hair and eyes shouted as he rushed over. Either ignoring Claude or he just didn't see the boy he grabbed Hilda in a tight hug, who had an annoyed expression. "My wonderful, baby sister you cannot just leave without telling me!"
Once again Claude and Byleth exchanged looks as they watched Hilda fight off her brother. It took clearly too much effort for the younger girl's liking to get her brother off. With a bit of scolding the brother began to settle down and act like a proper brother.
"Forgive me, when my dear sister was no longer by myside I panicked," he explained, and she rolled her eyes. "I am forgetting my manners," he paused to bow, "I am Holst Adalwin Goneril." Claude froze again. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Byleth introduced herself again to allow Claude some time to recover but when she finished, and he was still not ready she tried to stall for more time. "I have heard tales of your feats," she said. What she had heard, had painted Lord Holst as a great man with much skill to his name. She had always wanted to meet him and maybe even challenge him to a friendly match, but she never imagined him to be so young; he had to be only a few years older than her. And he was quite handsome too; if it wasn't for that strange interaction with his sister, she might have taken a greater interest in him.
"General Holst," Claude started with a bitter tone but quickly switched to a lighter one before the siblings noticed but Byleth wasn't fooled. "You must be quite the warrior to defeat those vile Almyrians." Byleth looked at him but he didn't acknowledge her.
Lord Holst frowned for a moment before forcing a smile. Between all her friends, Byleth was aware of that fake smile and she was ready to dub such a smile as the "noble smile" as she only seen it worn for an act. The jolly air around him gave away to a stoic professional one; if she hadn't seen it happened right before her eyes she wouldn't believe anyonr if they told her that he was the same man.
"Yes, I take great pride in defeating those barbarous liars." Claude's fake smile became even more strained.
"You don't believe that, do you?" Byleth asked and all eyes flew to her. "That Almyrians are barbarous liars?"
Lord Holst stared at her for a bit in silence, while both Claude and Hilda watched her. Lord Holst finally tore his eyes away from her to look around and though there were many people around no one was really paying attention to them save for a few girls, but it was clear that they weren't listening to the conversation. Slowly, he returned his attention onto her.
"No," he said quietly, and she knew it wasn't because he was ashamed to say it but feared who would hear it. He was the defender at Fodlan's Locket and given her experience she knew nobles wouldn't hesitant to attack him and try to weaken his influence if they could gain an advantage.
"I often battle against Nader the Undefeated," Lord Holst started to speak louder once he became more comfortable. Byleth noticed that Claude had perked up upon hearing the name Nader. "He is a powerful man. A true terror to face but he is also kind and honorable. In our last fight an unknown woman had wondered into the battlefield and he stopped to help her. A barbarian would not do such a thing." Claude's smile became more genuine the longer that Lord Holst spoke.
"As for liars, well I am sure that the Almyrians can say the same thing about us. We have broken our fair share of agreements as well."
A comfortable silence settled over Claude while Hilda had asked for more explanation. Byleth elbowed Claude slightly to get his attention and when she did, she gave him her trademark, little smile. He gave her a small smile as well and whispered his appreciation.
The siblings parted not long after that conversation ended. While Claude might have been in a good mood, he was no loner in the mood for games, which was okay for her. They enjoyed a nice, festival meal and watched people. The evening was settling nicely to her until the music started playing and he gave her a mischievous grin.
He quickly got out of his seat and stood before her, the grin never leaving his face. She refused to get up from her seat, so they just stared at each other and he was not backing down. Pointing at him, she made it clear that she would not be joining him. Ignoring her wishes, he grabbed her finger and pulled her onto her feet and continued to ignore her protest as he dragged her to the city's square, where all the dancers were gathered.
She glared at him as he put both of their hands in their proper location. He flashed her a brilliant, innocent smile, while she stuck to her scowl. A new song began to play, and he started to lead, and she instinctively followed.
"Meadow, you know full well that I hate dancing," she sighed, and he just kept up his smile.
"Well, I like dancing with you, so I guess we have a little problem," he said. She refused to blush and give him such a satisfaction. She never thought it was possible for someone to be more charming than Sylvain.
Pulling her in close, he got rid of their little distance. The little blush she was fighting won thanks to the unexpectedness and he smirked at that. He brought his face close to hers, where only a few inches separated them.
"Come now, how can you not like dancing with me?" His warm breath tickled her face on that chilly night. Her eyes widen as she hadn't been that close to a boy in such a long time, and it felt different when she was fifteen with Dimitri. "You said it yourself, I am a breath of fresh-" He never got to finish that thought as he was violently pulled away from her by his collar.
Mustering up his fiercest glare he looked up to see the person that dared to ruin such a moment and instantly the color drained from his face. The intruder was a terrifying, large, muscular man with honey brown hair and eyes, and if looks could kill, Claude knew he would have been dead ten times over. At the mercy of the man, Claude could not even think of doing even the smallest actions that might defuse the situation.
"Dad!" Byleth shouted with glee, while Claude repeated it in horror.
The man finally tore his eyes away from the defenseless boy. While his expression did soften, his anger remained, and he still kept his tight grip on the boy's collar. The glare eventually got to her and she started to squirm under it.
"Kid," he said, and both children flinched at his tone. "I said no boys!"
"Meadow isn't a boy," she started, and her voice grew weaker as he narrowed his eyes, "he's a teen…"
"Byleth!" She flinched even more. "You knew exactly what I meant!" She could only nod weakly to that.
"He is my employer so at least put him down." Giving the boy one more final glare he put him down and looked back at his daughter. "Though, he did see my chest…" The father's ferocious glare instantly returned with much more ferocity and Claude wished he could just shrink away.
"You-you showed me your chest!" Claude shouted, and in his panic, he was unable to mask his accent. Instantly he understood that that was the worst thing he could have said. With a loud cry, he rushed to hide behind Byleth, the only place he knew that he had a chance to be safe in, even if it angered the terrifying man more.
"A-Are you trying to get me killed?!"
"Consider this pay back."
"For making you dance?!" He gripped her arm and she smirked at him.
"Do you have any idea how much gold, I have spent on you?!"
"Because of gold?!"
"I am a mercenary."
"Let go of my daughter!" Jeralt finally spoke and other strangled cry slipped from the teen and he began to shake her as he mumbled so many different apologies.
"Be nice to him dad, I like him," she laughed the father froze. Slowly, he turned to face her and was finally then that he noticed her little smile. Without uttering a single word, he pulled her into for a tight embrace.
"Oh Byleth, you are smiling again," his voice trembled as he spoke, and she rubbed his back.
"Yes, and it's all thanks to Meadow."
Thirtieth of the Horsebow Moon:
It was finally time for Byleth and Claude to part and both were very reluctant to do so. He was sporting his usual smile, but she could tell he was struggling to maintain it. Pulling him in for a hug she could feel him giving into his emotions as he gripped the back of her cloak.
"I do not want you to go," he whispered.
"I'm sorry," she said and that didn't sit well with him as he squeezed her tighter.
He held her for a few seconds longer before taking a few deep breaths and letting her go. With a strength she wasn't expecting, he looked her in the eye. She noticed that he was trying to maintain a strong front, but his trembling lip was giving him away.
"Did you not promise me that you would not leave me?" She pressed her lips together and he was the one to look away. "I am sorry. I know when you said that you did not mean for a situation like this…" He took a few deep breaths before he looked at her again. "Do you not have a good job as a guard here?" She gave him a small, sad smile and he frowned.
"You know of the people that attack me." He scowled at the memory of the little attack and she rubbed one of his arms to calm him a bit. "And I know, you've already guessed it, but I have had some bad experience with nobility, and I would like to limit my interactions with them." He frowned. "Of course, you are an exception."
He said nothing and was no longer able to maintain eye contact. "Hey," she called but he didn't look up, "this isn't the last we will see of each other." He sorted of looked at her. "I promise we will see each other again." He finally looked at her properly.
She pulled out a piece of parchment from her pocket and handed it to him. He glanced at it briefly before looking back at her. His fingers fidgeted with it, but he never commented on it.
"On that paper is the address of the base my father's mercenary company uses so if you want you can send me letter." He perked up greatly and she noticed that he was not treating the piece of parchment incredibly gently as if it was a sacred item. "I can't guarantee that I will be able to respond to your letters in a timely manner, but I promise to always respond."
His eyes fell onto the little item again before he found his conviction to look back at her. "By, I will not say goodbye because you are right, we will see each other again!"
She nodded. "I hope I can see you again real soon!"