This chapter is for all of you that commented that you missed Dimitri. For the Claude chapters I felt like they were a little bit too much dialogue heavy and now I written a chapter with almost no dialogue. It is super letter heavy and I hope that they way I wrote this chapter isn't too confusing.

I also didn't plan this and last chapter very well, so I had to retcon when Byleth leaves Derdriu. She's not longer leaving on the Twelfth of the Horsebow Moon but on the Thirtieth instead. It doesn't really change anything, but I thought I would just let you know if you are someone who's aware of such inconsistencies.

Ages:

Dimitri: 14

Dedue: 16

Felix: 15

Ingrid: 15

Sylvain: 17

Verdant Rain Moon 1178:

It took Rodrigue two weeks to arrive in Fhirdiad and by the time he had arrived the issue that had called him back, a minor rebellion, had already been settled. Upon his arrival he had learned that both Prince Dimitri and his son, Felix, had distinguished themselves in battle. While the rebellion wasn't good news, he saw it as the perfect way to present the prince with a little gift.

Finding the prince was no longer a challenge after the supposed death of Byleth as he was always in the training yard if he had no other work to do. Rodrigue had hoped after suppressing a rebellion he would not find the prince so soon in the yard, but he knew that the young man had his own way of coping. Pushing his feelings aside, he walked over to the prince that was inspecting a lance with his retainer.

"Your Highness," he called when he was close enough. Prince Dimitri turned to face him and gave him a grand bow as a greeting. He pressed his lips together at the gesture, ever since the tragedy the casualness that the prince used to greet with was gone. Empty blue eyes stared up at the Duke and he sighed through his nose. The last little bit of light that the prince's eyes held, vanished when Byleth had "died".

"I heard you had distinguished yourself in battle," Rodrigue said, ignoring his feelings on the matter.

"Yes," the prince said, and there was a tautness to his voice that the lord did not like.

"For your achievement, I have brought you a gift." He held out the envelope and the prince looked at it for a moment before taking it. Rodrigue could not help the smile that was growing on his face.

Prince Dimitri hesitantly took the envelope and inspected it. Written across it was his name in a handwriting that he did not recognize. He glanced up at Rodrigue and was puzzled by the smile. Opening the envelope revealed a neatly folded piece of parchment and again he looked at the older man. When he unfolded the letter, he stole one final glance at the Duke.

Upon reading the first two words, the prince's eyes widen. Like a wyvern taking flight, his head shot up to look at Rodrigue properly. The Lord was smiling widely at that point and nodded. Dimitri's eyes flew to the end of the letter and his hands began to tremble. Slowly, he looked back up.

"She is alive," Rodrigue said. "I saw her at Derdriu."

Dimitri had let go of the letter in fear of tearing it. His eyes drifted towards the floor as Rodrigue's words sank in. Tears began to blur his vision, but he wouldn't let them fall. Despite the immense joy he was feeling he knew he couldn't show such a sight to anyone and yet…

"She misses you greatly." That was the final straw and he sank to the floor weeping in pure joy.

After some time, he had gotten a hold of himself to stand up. The wonderful news, the best he had ever heard, and it felt fantastic to one again be able to express his emotions; he had suppressed them for so long. He smiled his first real smile in years.

As he came down from his high a thought occurred to him. He reached out to grab Rodrigue but stopped himself short of doing so. "Why did you not bring her with you?" he asked and struggled to keep his voice steady.

Clenching his fists Rodrigue looked away. "She had informed me that the King Regent had banished her."

Gritting his teeth, Dimitri clenched his fists so tightly that the gauntlets, he wore, were starting to strain under the pressure. "I would gladly offer her my protection!"

Rodrigue continued to still look away. "She is aware of the rumor surrounding her."

Small parts of the prince's gauntlets began to fall apart with how tight he was clenching his fists. That rumor angered him the most. Despite how much he hated the rumor about Duscur causing the tragedy, he could at least understand how people could believe it but the rumor surrounding Byleth was the most maddening. He could not, nor did he want too, understand how anyone could believe that a fifteen-year-old girl caused such an atrocity because she was growing impatient for power?! Those who could believe such a thing made him sick.

"You met her in Derdriu did you not?" Peaking the Lord's interest, he looked back at the prince. "I will go there." Dimitri motioned for Dedue to get ready, only for Rodrigue's powerful voice to stop them.

"You know full well that the King Regent would never allow for such an impromptu leave of the Kingdom, especially after what just happened."

Gritting his teeth and once again clenching his fists so tightly that the larger pieces of metal started to pop off his right hand, Dimitri glared daggers down at the floor, before him. She was alive and so close. If he was to leave right then and had little breaks, he would arrive at Derdriu by the end of the Moon. He could see her again! And yet he was so helpless. Nothing had really changed since he last saw her…

"Write her a letter," Dedue spoke and he grabbed everyone's attention. A little flustered at being the sudden focus his voice was a little weaker as he spoke again, "If that is okay?"

Dimitri's eyes flew to the Duke, who had closed his. "Yes, that is most likely your best bet," he paused to open his eyes and look at the prince. "You will need to do it in secrecy as the King Regent had forbade her from having any contact with anyone in the Kingdom."

Dimitri bit his tongue before he could say something that would get him in trouble. Was the rumor such a threat that they couldn't even send a letter to her? He had to spend two years of his miserable life thinking that he killed his best friend and it was all because of a damned rumor and his uncle's cowardness!

Taking a deep breath, he then exhaled through his nose to calm himself. The justifiable anger wasn't going to help him, and he knew that. As much as he wanted to rush over to the Alliance to just get a peak at Byleth, he would wait and control himself. A letter would d have to do for now but when everything had settled, he would go find her and bring her back to him. Two years ago, he had stopped believing in the goddess but he sword to her that he would one day have Byleth back at his side again.

Giving Rodrigue a bow, he excused himself so that he may finally read his letter in private. Before he and Dedue could leave Rodrigue had pulled out another letter and handed it to Dedue. The retainer pressed his lips tightly together as he stared at the envelope.

"She is staying at the Lazy Deer Inn in Derdriu but even she did not know for how long, so I suggest you write back to her as quickly as possible."

One last farewell was exchanged before Dimitri raced back to his room. He did not wait to see if Dedue was close at hand as he just wanted to read the letter as quickly as possible. Once in his room, he was swiftly sitting at his desk and he spared no attention for any possible, little distractions that might try and disturb him.

Dear Aster,

He paused briefly from his reading to cover his eyes. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagined to ever be called by that name again. Wiping away his tears, he continued to read once he was confident that none would fall and damage his precious letter.

I'm not really sure what to say or how to start this letter. There is so much I want to say and yet…I guess I should start with that I am not dead. I have written that several times already and it is still weird to write. I am so sorry that you had to believe that I was for two years. Had I known that you believed that, I would have done something to let you know that I was alive, even if I was forbidden from doing so. I never wanted to bring you such suffering.

I should explain what happened that night. After Lord Rufus had released me from the castle, I was attacked by three masked men. I hadn't been attacked by them since the Wyvern Moon in 1174 and yet some how they knew to attack me when I was at my weakest. I want to suspect something, but they have such strange magics that maybe they just know where I am at all times?

Dimitri had to stop reading to take a deep breath. Those people that had attack her, had attacked at such a convenient time and that was far too much of a coincidence for his liking. Dark Shadows covered his face as he stared at the wall before him. Were the people that attack her the same ones behind the Tragedy of Duscur? He took another deep breath, those thoughts he decided that he would save for a later time as for now he wanted to just rejoice that she was alive.

It is only thanks to the kindness of Lord Rufus that I am alive. If he hadn't informed my father when he was releasing me, I would have died. Actually, I will be honest, I should have died that night or, so I am told. It was only by a miracle that I survived.

Dimitri sat back to stare up at his roof. He owed his uncle an apology as he had lashed out at the older man, blaming him for her death, even though Dimitri knew that he would have been the one responsible. His belief in the goddess was still questionable but if by chance she did exist and did save Byelth, then he whispered her a silent thank you.

I don't really have anything else to say on that matter so I guess I will have to move onto the next topic…I was hoping that this letter would be easy to write but it is not. I much rather say all this to your face. To see you with my own eyes and know that you are okay.

Maybe that's what I should write? Are you okay? Do you still have nightmares? Are you eating properly? I know you once told me that you could not taste anything and I, too, was the same. I wonder if that is still the case for you? It was only recently that I got my sense of taste back so if it hasn't returned yet, I am sure it will soon.

I really wish to know if you are okay. Lord Rodriue said you were but…he's a terrible liar. Aster, I am so sorry. I am so sorry for failing you. You needed me most and yet, I only made things worse.

As hard as Dimitri tried to prevent his tears from falling onto the parchment a few still managed to slip through, but they did not disturb the ink at least. He imprisoned her, practically tortured her, and yet she was the only apologizing. She deserved all the apologies and then some and yet…His throat constricted as he tried to fight back his tears. He didn't deserve to be happy but to learn that not only was she alive but that she still cared about him was far more than he deserved.

I am sorry that I am unable to become your knight. I never wanted to break that promise. Please forgive me.

He had to pause again to take a moment to recollect himself.

I should probably stop with all that for now. I can fill pages with all my questions about asking how you are and then some. As for the apologies I much rather say those to your face and I'm sure you understand. You have always been such a sweet, caring boy.

I guess you might want to hear more about how I am doing. I can't really say that my life has been all that exciting. I have officially joined my father's mercenary's company so now I am finally fighting along side him. Though he doesn't let me leave his side during battle. I have gotten a lot stronger and now those masked people no longer really pose a major threat to me. I finally have the strength that I have been seeking and yet…

Dimitri noticed that the T in yet had been hard pressed as if she was struggling with what to say. He noticed that she just decided to just drop the idea all together. He knew that she wanted more than physical strength, but he didn't know what and he got the feeling that she hadn't found it yet either.

I have just now realized that this is my first ever letter to you. I always remembered you begging me to write to you, but I never did because there would have been no way for you to send me one. And yet I'm doing just that. It is nice though, I wish I wrote to you when I was younger.

As of this year I realized that all those etiquette classes have been engraved into me. I still sit, walk, and eat like a "proper lady". I thought such manners would have fallen off, but they didn't so maybe when I see you again, I won't be such an embarrassment. Though my speech is still terrible. I refuse to draw out and say unnecessary words when I speak and not even you can change that.

Besides being a mercenary and learning that I still have "manners" there hasn't been too much going on in my life. Oh wait, there has been one recent development! I met a boy and his name is... you know what I won't tell you his name so as to not spoil the surprise; as I'm sure you two will meet some day, if everything goes according to his plan. When you two do meet, I'm sure you two will get along fantastically! He's really great and I wish I could be the one to introduce you.

Dimitri has no right to be jealous and yet he couldn't help himself. He wanted her to make friends and yet do they have to be other boys? Could she just not make more girl friends? She needs more of those.

Laughing softly to himself a smile worms its way onto his face. For two years he was numb to everything and in the span of just reading one letter from her he had gone through so many emotions; and that was just like her to make him do that. It was wonderful to be able to feel such things again.

I must end my letter shorter than I would like as Lord Rodrigue is leaving sooner than I expected. Maybe I shouldn't have saved yours for last? but I knew yours would be the longest and hardest to write…Aster, I miss you so much! I wish to see you with every fiber of my being! I don't know if you want to see me…But I never knew I could desire something so much…

I have never been religious. I do not even know if I believe in the goddess or not but if praying to her will allow me to see you again than I will gladly pray to her every day. I just hope you are okay with allowing me to see you at least one more time. Please be well!

Byleth Eisner

Dimitri chuckled quietly as he covered his eyes with one of his hands. How could she believe that he didn't want to see her? She was all he wanted to see, to hear, to feel, to hold…

He looked over the letter one more time, his heart swelling at times and constricting at others. It seemed so unreal. Like a beautiful dream, even though all he had anymore were nightmares. And despite all his doubts he knew it to be real.

Setting the letter down he took in everything. A smile danced on his face as his eyes looked over the letter again. He suspected that he was going to be reading it a lot. A tinge of blue caught his eye from inside the envelope and he pulled out a pressed flower that he instantly recognized as an Aster flower, the gardens used to be filled with them until he had all of them and the jasmine flowers removed, after her supposed death.

Carefully folding the letter, he placed it back in the envelope but kept the flower out. He was about to open the top drawer of his desk to put the letter way but stopped as his focus landed on the last drawer. He had not opened that drawer in years. Momentarily, he forgot about putting the letter away and opened the last drawer and inside were but two items: his first ever gift from Byleth, the leather patch, and her dagger.

Hesitantly, he took out the items. After her death he threw them into the drawer and had not be able to bring himself to look at them ever since. He ran his thumb over the little leather patch and smiled at the familiar wear and tear of it. It had been once considered his lucky item, until he had discarded it in shame. It felt so right to be back in his hands.

His eyes landed softly on the dagger and he picked it up. He rested his head against the cool scabbard. The dagger had been given to him along with the horrible news of her murder and he grew to the hate the dagger because of that but now he would look at it with excitement because one day, he would get to return it to its rightful owner.

Carefully he placed the dagger and the letter in the top drawer and pocked the leather patch. Twirling the pressed aster flower between his fingers he left his room in search of Dedue. It had been a long while since he had a little pep in his step and he quickly became the talk of the castle as he made his way to his friend's room.

When Dedue didn't answer after the third knocking attempt, Dimitri dared to peek inside. Sitting at his desk was Dedue and he was starting down at the untouched envelope. Dimitri made his way over to Dedue, who had yet to become aware of his liege's presence.

"Is something wrong?" Dimitri asked once he was beside Dedue and watched in amusement as his friend leapt out of his seat.

"Your Highness?!" Dedue said at a much higher octave than he normally did. Dimitri would normally try to correct him on the title, but he had found the whole thing to be so amusing that he forgot to do so.

"You have not read the letter yet?" Dedue's sight returned to the envelope and he frowned.

"I am underserving of such a thing." Dimitri watched his friend carefully.

"I disagree." The taller man pressed his lips tightly together.

"But I'm the one-"

"By, is not one to hold grudges." The prince looked at the wall. His smile widened as he could easily imagine Byleth brushing aside Dedue's attempts to apologize. "I do not believe that she would blame you, just as I have not." Dedue said nothing and stared at the envelope. "I will not push you to read it, but I would like for you to at least consider reading it." The taller man still said nothing but nodded his head at the very least.

"In the meantime, I do have a request, if you do not mind." Dedue looked at his liege.

"Of course. If I can be of service than I will gladly do all that I can."

"My task is nothing so grand." Dimitri held up the pressed flower to direct Dedue's attention towards it. "If it is alright with you, my friend, I would like to fill the gardens with aster and jasmines again."

Dedue smiled at the request. "Of course. It would be my pleasure."

"May I request another flower?" His retainer nodded. "May we also add lilies?" Dedue looked at the prince, who's smile began to waiver a little. He understood asters and jasmines but not lilies. Byleth was alive, he couldn't understand.

Sensing his friend's confusion Dimitri spoke again to add clarity, "Though, I may have been numb to it that does not change the fact that I had stole lives during the rebellion." He remembered finding a locket of one of the men killed and he was ashamed at the indifference he felt then. He swore to himself that he would always remember that locket and the man to make up for his sins.

Dedue nodded. "It will be my pleasure to plant them, though I am afraid that I will have to wait until spring as it is to late in the season to do so now." Dimitri nodded in understanding, but he couldn't help but frown. "Is something wrong?"

"No…I…," Dimitri sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "I guess I would just like to do something sooner for those that have died in the rebellion."

Dedue nodded again. "If I may," he paused to wait for permission before speaking again, "in Duscur we have a tradition of cooking a meal and leaving it out for the departed."

Dimitri nodded along as Dedue spoke. "That sounds like an old Faerghus tradition where we would go hunt in the departed's honor and then eat the hunt for them. Would you mind terribly if we were to combine the traditions?" Dedue shook his head. "Then my friend, would you care to join me for a quick hunt?"

"Gladly."

It was well into the night when Dimitri and Dedue finished the rite. The food that they left out for the departed was hidden in a seclusive section of the gardens so that no one would find it. Honoring such "traitors" would call into question the prince's character and thus the two did the rite in secret.

After wishing Dedue a good night, Dimitri rushed back to his room. In a great haste he dug around his desk for some parchment and ink as well as for Byelth's letter. He needed to write his letter as quickly as possible as he didn't know how long that she would be staying in Derdriu and well, he was also just excited at the very idea of just writing her a letter. Even though he was excited to write it, he knew he would have a difficult time writing it, just as Byleth struggled with hers.

Dear Beloved,

Bright red, Dimitri quickly scribbled that out and tossed the piece of parchment away. He let out a quiet groan as he buried his face into his hands. It had been so long since he thought about his feelings for her and now, they were coming at him in full force, making him way to bold for his liking. Byleth might have wrote some powerfully romantic stuff near the end of her letter but he was sure, she didn't mean it that way and he was over here declaring his feelings. Groaning he rested his head on his desk and stared at the new blank parchment. Did Byleth even remember his confession?

Sitting up properly, he shook his head to dislodge the negative thoughts. He didn't have time to dwell on such negativity, nor did he want such feelings ruining his letter. She had been worried about him and he didn't need to make her think of the worse.

Dear By,

Words can not expression the absolute joy, I feel at learning that you are alive and well. I wish that I could verify it with my own eyes, to feel your warmth against my skin and truly know that you are alive. Alas I will unfortunately have to make do with a letter. Do know that even just a letter was enough to brighten my dim life. Thank you ever so much for writing it.

By, I am so sorry for putting you in such a situation. I never meant to endanger you or to cause you such suffering. What I did…

His hands began to tremble, and he had to stop writing before he could mess up the letter. Those words shouldn't be said on paper or so he believed but at that moment it was the best he could do, and he hated that. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down enough to finish writing.

…it was inexcusable so please do not blame yourself. You have done absolutely nothing wrong. I am the one that should be begging you for forgiveness. Such words deserved to be said to your face. I should be prostrating myself at your feet and yet my uncle would rather coward behind a wretched lie and prevent me from doing so. Forgive me for not being strong enough to do anything about it. I swear to you that I will someday be strong enough to protect you!

I am doing fine, please do not worry about me. Just focus on taking care of yourself as your safety means far more to me. As for not being my knight, well I will not lie just as you did, I am a little disappointed but not because I wanted you as my knight that was always just an excuse. I just want you by my side at all times. I do not feel complete without you.

Dimitir's face reddened again as he read, what he wrote. He couldn't tell if he was being too forward again, even if what he said was true. Even before his feelings for Byleth blossomed, he always felt a bit empty when she was gone. Ultimately, he decided to leave it in as he was sure she wouldn't see any deeper meaning into it; and that irked him a little.

I am beyond delighted to discover that your sense of taste has returned to you. Mine, has yet to return but if yours has returned than maybe mine will one day too. I do very much miss the taste of food, especially when I was eating with you.

Yet again he wondered if he was being to forward and once again, he realized that she wouldn't even noticed.

I know you always wanted to join your father's mercenary company, but I must confess that I am not excited to hear about it. I do not want you getting hurt. I know you father is strong but…Will you promise me that you will be safe at least?

It angers me greatly that those vile masked assailants are still attacking you! I wish I could run to your side right now and keep you safe! To wrap my arms around you and know that I would not let any foe lay a single finger on you!

Okay, maybe that was being to forward. His quill hovered over the sentence, ready to scratch it out, but that would make the letter messy. He knew he could just rewrite the letter, but he already poured so much emotion into it. In the end, he decided to leave it in. He may not know how Byleth felt about his love, but he didn't want to hide it, especially when she had mentioned about meeting another boy.

I am delighted to finally be able to write you a letter, even though this was never how I imagined to be doing so, but still, it excites me as well as the thought of you returning the letter with one of your own (only if you wish to write one). The fact that you have retained proper etiquette is amusing. I wonder if such engraved habits can be broken. I certainly have not tried but then again, I would never hear the end of it if I attempted to do so.

Dimitri frowned down at his letter. He reached the point where it was time to comment about the boy, Byleth mentioned, and he didn't want too. Byleth deserved to make friends but he wasn't to pleased with her new friend being some unknown boy.

A sigh escaped him as he couldn't figure out what to say. He had no right to be jealous but…why was she so excited about that boy? And why did she decided to keep his name a mystery? And he was going to meet that boy one day because of his plan? How would they meet? And what kind of plan did the boy have? The questions irked him, and it didn't help that he had realized that Byleth had just turned eighteen and was surely even more beautiful than last he saw her and was probably having men throwing themselves at her.

A groan escaped him as he rested his head against his desk. Did she still remember his request? Will she still wait for him, even though he had so much to do? His head shot up as a terrifying thought entered his mind, did the mysterious boy's plan involve marrying Byleth? Where they engaged?! Was that how they were going to meet?! His heart sank as he deflated into his chair, until another thought entered his mind and that was if they were engaged would Byleth really refer to her fiancé as boy? Slowly his confidence returned as he realized that the mention of the boy sounded like a bit of an afterthought. Feeling much better he began to imagine the boy as nothing more than a young child.

His quill returned to the parchment and he scowled. While he decided that the boy was just that of a young boy that posed no real threat, he couldn't shake his fear completely, so he didn't know what to write. In the end he just chose to not talk about it.

I guess it's about time that I tell you how I am doing.

His quill hovered over the parchment as he tried to figure out what to write next. Should he tell her that he could still hear the voices and that they only got louder after he thought she was dead? No, that was something he didn't want to trouble her with. He then wondered if he should talk about some of the troubles plaguing the Kingdom and about the rebellion that he had to suppress. As much as he would want to hear such comforting words fromm her to still his troubled mind for taking a life, he didn't want to worry her anymore. Ultimately, he decided to just lie.

I am doing just fine, especially learning that you are alive, so there is really no need for you to worry about me. My training with lances has gone splendidly that I think I might pose a real challenge to you. I hope we can meet real soon so that I can demonstrate it to you. As for my strength, I have gotten better at managing it; I have not broken anything in a while.

Being a prince has kept me busy but Dedue has been a great help. His Fodlanese has improved greatly that I am sure you would be most proud of him. Now that your sense of taste has returned, you will need to try his cooking. I might not be able to taste it, but I have heard nothing but high praise for it. If Dedue was a woman I am sure that Sylvain would have fallen for him because of how good his cooking is, but then again Sylvain falls for every woman he meets.

Just as you have struggled with things to say so am I. I have so many things I wish to say but writing them is not enough. I need to say them to your face. To see your reactions and to hear your immediately reply. I know I am being greedy, but a letter will never satisfy me.

By, I so very much wish to see you. I want to hold you, and whisper so many things to you. I hate how powerless I am. I beg of you for your forgiveness for being unable to protect you! I know I do not deserve your forgiveness as it is my own fault and cowardness that nearly cost you your life but I…I miss you ever so much!

Please be well! I swear that I will one day come for you and protect you! This I swear!

Love,

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

P.S. Thank you for the flower. And I will figure out a way to get your letter in secret so do not be afraid to send me one.

When Dedue returned to his room, he stood next to his door for a bit starring at the letter on his desk. He didn't believe he deserved to be written one, not after what he had done. He was the one, who informed the knights to Byleth's presence two years ago. Prince Dimitri had forgiven him, stating that he did not know any better and that he was only trying to help her. But it would have been because of him that nearly gotten her killed, not his Highness; not that the prince would have accepted that.

Slowly, he walked over to the desk and put his candled down on it. The dim light illuminated the envelope and drew his attention more to it. Sucking in a deep breath he sat down and brushed his fingers over it. Finally, he worked up the courage to open the letter; if she had taken the time to write him one then the least, he could do was read it. After opening up the envelope several pressed flowers spilled out of it and carefully, he moved them to the side so that he wouldn't accidently crush them.

Dear Dedue (I really hope that's how you spell your name as we never did go over that),

I'm not dead! I have written that several times and it is still weird to write. I am sorry that I made you believe such a thing for so long, I only wished I knew sooner so that I could have tried to do something about it.

How are you doing? Do nightmares still plague you? I hope you and Aster were able to overcome them or at least are able to help comfort each other. How are the castle staff treating you? Decently I hope; though I won't hold my breath. I hope that some of my tricks on dealing with them have helped. Forgive me for not being able to do more for you.

Finding stuff to say in a letter is hard…I have so much to say but none of it feels right to write. I guess, I'll just write that I am doing well and that there is no need to worry about me. I just want you and Aster to worry about each other.

Dedue, may I ask a favor of you? I know that is selfish of me to make a request out of the blue, especially when I can't even return it, but can you please watch over Aster in my stead? I know I am asking for a lot. You surely have your own worries to focus on, but I have no one else to rely. You are the closest to him, I am sure of that. So, will you please indulge in my selfish wish? Of course, I do not want you to do this at the cost of your own care. Please take care of yourself, ignoring your pain will do no one any good; we are both aware of this.

I have but one more thing to ask of you, do not worry it is a small request, but would you like to be my friend? I know we didn't get to meet in the most ideal situation, but I would still like to be your friend, if that is alright with you. And if you will allow me to be your friend, may I call you Oak? You are so strong that I believe that is a fitting name for you but if you would like to a flower than I can think up a better name. Please be well, my friend!

Byleth Eisner

P.S. I gave everyone a pressed flower based of their name but giving you a stick or leaf seemed weird so I hope you like the flowers as I couldn't decide on just one to give.

Dedue sat back in his chair staring at the letter. He was the one swimming in guilt and the one that needed to apologize and yet she was the one apologizing; asking for forgiveness because she felt like she was putting too much work on him, when all she asked was for him to look after her friend. A small smile grew on his lips at the memory of her. It was true that they did not meet in the most ideal way, but her kindness shined through those darkened days and she helped him to find the desire to live.

He truly understood why his lord cared for her so much.

Dear Poppy,

There's so much to say but I guess I should start with the fact that I am not dead. Surprise! Let me tell you writing to someone that you are not dead is weird. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you sooner, but I had no idea that everyone thought that I was dead.

I don't know how much my circumstance is known so I will give a brief summary. There is a rumor stating that I am some how responsible for the Tragedy of Duscur because of that I have been banished from the Kingdom by Lord Rufus, partially for my protection. I have also been forbidden from having any contact with any of you.

Enough about that. How are you? Are you doing alright? Everything must have changed after the tragedy but I'm sure you have been a strong pillar for everyone? You were always so dependable for that. Thank you for that. I wish I could help. I'm sure it must have been incredibly stressful, please don't ware yourself out. I know the pressure to be someone's strength is incredibly difficult and can be all consuming but please don't forget to take care of yourself as well. If you collapse it will do no one any good, I had to learn that the hard way.

Poppy, I have met Miklan a few months ago. He seemed different. Much more hateful and the people he was traveling with were dangerous. Are you alright? He isn't still hurting you, is he? Poppy, it is not your fault! It is not your responsibility to take his abuse! Please take care of yourself and know that you are more than just your crest.

I want you to know that I miss you very much! Please be well and could you please watch over the others for me? I know that is a lot to ask but you are the only one I can really count on. But again, do not push yourself to hard! Do not mask your pain for the sake of others, it will only eat you alive. Please be well, my friend!

Byleth Eisner

Sylvain leaned back into his chair, one of his hands covering his face. He sucked in a deep breath and tired to fight back his tears. The tears fell regardless, and his smile twitched. Giving into his emotions, he pulled his hand away to attempt to look at the letter with his blurred vision.

"By, you know men are not supposed to cry. Ladies do not really like it…," he said with a shaky voice, not even believing his own words. "Ah hell," he sat back in his chair and covered his eyes with one hand again. "For you, it is alright to cry. I am sure you would be telling me that anyway."

Dear Daisy,

I'm alive! I have written that before and it is still weird to write. I hope my supposed death did not trouble you to much, and if it did, I apologize. I wish I knew about my supposed death sooner so that I could have done something to alleviate your sadness.

I am so sorry about Glenn. He was a great man and I miss him terribly. As cruel as this may sound, I hope you were able to move on from his death. Glenn wouldn't want us to linger on his death; he would want us to move past it and find a new happiness. I write this and yet it is something I am struggling to do… But I believe in you, you are a strong and bright girl. I can't wait to see what a fierce knight you have become when next we meet. I hope we can meet soon!

How are you and your family? I hope everyone is well. I am fine. I have become a mercenary. It is a hard job and I've come to understand why my father is so exhausted at times, but I enjoy the work. I have helped people that society has turned their backs on as well as meet interesting people. I get the feeling that maybe you would like the job, but a knight fits you far better so keeping working towards that. A knight's job is honest work and you will be far more respected than any mercenary.

I will admit, I am lonely without you all, but I am doing fine at least. Please do not worry about me. I miss you all so much, I hope that you all will support each other in my absences. And don't let those boys walk over you. Show them what a strong, female knight is capable of!

Byleth Eisner

"Ingrid why are you crying?" a young man asked peeking into Ingrid's room. Ingrid was slumped over her desk crying and at the sound of her brother's voice she perked up.

Rising to her feet, she stumbled over to her brother. Wrapping her arms around him she continued to cry and mumble something incoherent. When her point didn't get across, she pointed at her desk.

Getting a little annoyed, her brother gently shoved her off of him so he could walk to the desk with ease. He gave the letter a quick glance over before looking back at his sister. She had calmed down some, but she was still a mess, in his opinion.

"Byleth is alive!" she cried.

Felix was the last to receive his letter and Rodrigue had been almost as excited to give it to his son as he was for the prince. Just like with the prince he found his son in the training grounds. The father's steps broke the stillness of the air and his son, stopped his swings to stand straight but didn't face him.

"What do you want?" Felix spat but never looked at his father.

Rodrigue fought back a sigh and smiled. "I heard you distinguished yourself in the recent battle," Rodrigue said and his son still didn't spare him a glance.

"Of course. It was kill or be killed and I refuse to die a foolish death like some knight." The Duke frowned but made no comment to that.

The father coughed into his hands before he spoke, "I brought you a gift in celebration." Finally, his son glanced at him from over his shoulder. The envelope was held out and Felix flickered his eyes between the envelope and his father.

Without uttering a word Felix snatched the envelope and opened it with his back towards his father. A smile formed on the father's face when he heard a gasp escape from his son. Felix finally faced his father and the scowl that had planted itself on his face for the last two years, struggled to keep its hold.

"She is alive. I met her in Derdriu," Rodrigue happily said. Without saying anything, Felix pushed passed his father and left the area and a sigh escaped the older man.

Dear Canna,

I am not dead! Shocking I know! …Joking about it doesn't make it any less weird to write. I am sorry that I went so long without correcting the misunderstanding, I had no idea that you all were under such belief that I was dead; but I fear that that is not a satisfying answer to hear. I am sorry, I had been forbidden from having any contact with any of you but maybe I should have taken the risk.

I am so sorry about Glenn. I don't even know where to start. He was a wonderful person. He was someone I truly admired, and I wish I could have gotten to know him more. The pain I feel for his loss is intense…I can't even imagine what you must be feeling. I wish I could be there for you. I am sorry for being so weak and helpless.

This might be cruel to say but don't linger on his death. Glenn wouldn't want that. He would want us to be marching forward and remembering him fondly… I feel like a hypocrite for saying that, when I seem to be struggling to move on. But you are strong, and you knew Glenn far better than I, so I am sure you have already made him proud and marched forward.

I hope you are doing well. I am doing fine, do not worry about me. Because I am unable to be there for you all, I hope that you are able to help each other. Don't abandon each other because life is cruel, but it is easier with others that is something I have only learned recently.

Be well and know that I miss you so very much.

Byleth Eisner

Felix stared down at the letter and smiled. Things had been going horrible as of late, but that letter helped to settle him a bit. His eyes were misty, but he didn't shed a tear.

"I knew you were alive," he said to no one. "There was no way you would die in such a pathetic way."

Horsebow Moon 1178:

Sixteenth of the Horsebow Moon:

It had been a little over a month since Dimitri first got a letter from Byleth and two weeks since he mailed his and he had been eagerly waiting for her reply. Everyday his walk had a little pep in it and all the servants and knights were happy to comment on it. His smiled seemed to be permanently engraved on his face and he was completely okay with that.

When he received letters from Sylvain and Ingrid sharing the news of their letters, he had become even more ecstatic. He didn't receive a letter from Felix, despite being completely sure that Byleth wrote him one. He knew that something had happened between him and Felix during the rebellion, but he didn't know what; he hoped that in time their relationship would return to the way it once was.

Another day was coming to an end and the maid, who he had asked to assist with his letters, had yet to share any news about receiving a letter. He knew that he was being impatient as two weeks would be pushing travel on just arriving in the Alliance, let alone its capital, but still, he couldn't help himself; it had been so long since he was excited for something.

Dimitri sat in his room with Dedue reviewing some documents about the rebellion that had happened a few weeks ago. Disappointment was etched on his face for several different reasons. With a heavy sigh he sat back in his chair and looked at Dedue, who was brewing some tea. Watching Dedue pour the tea reminded him of the tea parties he used to have with Byleth and how he missed them; he laughed when he realized how his younger self would be appalled at such a thought.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" Dedue asked as he brought over a cup of tea and Dimitri frowned at him.

"Yes," Dimitri said and looked back at the documents. "My name is Dimitri, not 'Your Highness'." From the corner of his eyes, he saw Dedue squirm a little. "Relax my friend." The taller man did not, and the prince sighed.

"My issue is with these." Dimitri gestured to the various papers spread across his desk. "The rebellion only happened because the people are displeased with Lord Biseon's inability to provide support from all the recent bandit attacks and it didn't help that their harvest last year was poor and that the lord didn't plan for such a thing." He sat back in his chair and scowled at the roof. "The rebellion is understandable and yet Lord Biseon goes unpunished."

Dedue placed the cup of tea down on the table, grabbing the prince's attention. "If we can't punish the lord can we at least send aid to the people?" Dimitri smiled at his friend as he sat properly.

"That is what I am trying to do but so many fools are claiming that the rebels should be punished." With a sigh, Dimitri rubbed his tired eyes. "Do those fools not realize that they would only cause another rebellion?"

Dedue opened his mouth to speak, when a knock at the door silenced him. The two exchanged looks before the older man left to open the door. Once the door was open Rufus walked in with a scowl on his face. Dimitri was quick to get onto his feet and greet his uncle.

"Dear uncle it is late. To what do I owe this pleasure too?" Dimitri asked with years of etiquette drilled into him.

Rufus said nothing and presented a piece of parchment to his nephew. With a quick glance, Dimitri's eyes widen when he recognized the handwriting on the parchment. He reached out to grab it only for the older man to pull it away from his grasps.

"That is mine!" Dimitri shouted in a panic and Rufus narrowed his eyes on him.

"How long have you been exchanging letters with her?" Rufus asked and Dimitri gritted his teeth.

"I have only sent her one," Dimitri admitted after a moment of silence.

"Good that should be enough for you then."

"What?"

"I have already sent her a letter reminding her of our agreement."

"Why? What is so wrong for us to be exchanging letters?!"

Rufus glared at his nephew. "You will do well to not raise your voice at me again." Clenching his fists tightly, Dimitri bite his bottom lip to silence himself. "As for your question, you know exactly why. Having any contact with her will only damage your reputation."

"She had nothing-"

"You do not need to remind me. I saw just how far her idiotic devotion to you will go." Dimitri bit his lip so hard that he could feel the warmth of blood spilling into his mouth. "You have tormented her enough do you not agree?" The prince couldn't say anything to that. "Leave the poor girl alone." Dimitri hung his head and was no longer paying attention to his uncle, so Rufus handed the letter off to Dedue.

The door shutting rang loudly in the still room. Dimitri didn't budge from his spot as he glared at the floor. He was only vaguely aware of Dedue standing by his side.

After two years, he finally got a bit closer to her, only for her to be ripped away from him again and in just a span of few weeks too; he couldn't even properly enjoy the renewed hope. Why was fate so cruel to him? But maybe his uncle was right, maybe it was best for Byleth that he didn't have any contact with her. After all everything terrible that happened in her life could be traced back to him. He believed that but he didn't want to accept it. He still wanted to see her, despite everything.

"You robbed us of our lives and that is not good enough?" he could hear his stepmother's voice in the back of his head. "Must you try and ruin another life? So selfish!"

"You do not deserve such happiness!" It was Glenn's turn to mock him. "Byleth should have been with me. I would have done a much better job at taking care of her than you have."

He sank to the floor and covered his ears in a desperate attempt to drown out the next voice. "Byleth should have been my child instead of you," sneered his father's voice. "She would have already given us our revenge, unlike you, you pathetic coward!"

He squeezed his head and yet the voices persisted. A light touch on his shoulder managed to break him out of his torment. Dedue said nothing and just presented the letter to his liege. With shaky hands, Dimitri took the letter. Desperately, he tried to drown out the voices by focusing on the letter.

Dear Aster,

To receive your letter, brought me a level of joy that I didn't know I was capable of feeling. Thank you ever so much for that. And thank you for forgiving me. You begged me for forgiveness when there was no need to do such a thing, but since you forgave me, I shall do the same. Though, do know that I will always forgive you!

I will not lie being trapped in your room was horrible, but I no longer blame you. I understand your actions and I might have done the same in your position so please do not trouble yourself with guilt over it anymore. I would do the same, if I had to again, though I might change a few things if I could.

You can rest easy; my father makes sure that I am safe in every battle. It is almost annoying with how much he worries over me, but don't ever tell him that I told you that as he is weirdly sensitive, but I wouldn't have him any other way. And thanks to all the battles that I have participated in, I've grown to be quite a fierce fighter but if you are still up for a challenge than I will gladly face you when next we meet, which I hope is soon.

Don't you worry about those masked people, I have gotten better at dealing with them. I will be fine, I promise. And that is a promise I will keep!

I am so happy to learn that you are doing well. I had started to fear the worse when Lord Rodrigue lied but maybe I just misread him? And here I thought I was getting better at reading people thanks to my new friend. Oh well, I shall have a lot more to learn and that was something that I was glad to be wrong in. That is an exciting thought, it has been quite awhile since I have been excited about something. And thanks to these letters that we can exchange, it seems I will always be excited!

I am glad to hear that you and Dedue are getting along greatly, that was the one thing I didn't worry about as I knew you two would become great friends. To hear that he might be a great cook is surprising. I hope I get to try his cooking real soon. You know I love a good meal.

As much as I love being able to write you a letter, I must admit it has not dampened my desire to see you. Just as you desire to verify with your own eyes that I am okay, so do I feel the same. Having to settle for letters is so frustrating but I guess it is better than nothing.

When Lord Rufus had informed me that I would not be allowed to have any contact with you or our friends I was devastated, but if my letters are becoming harmful please do let me know. I will stop writing them and I won't complain. I do not want to be a burden. I will understand so please do not trouble yourself with my feelings.

I know it has only been a few weeks, but I still hope that you are well, and I still miss you.

Love,

Byleth Eisner

Dimitri punched the floor so hard that cracks formed, and he didn't care. Tears of frustration fell from his eyes as a curse slip through his lips. Rising onto his feet he turned away from Dedue and silently clenched and unclenched his fists. When his anger still remained, he threw a punch at the wall but stopped just short of actually connecting.

"It is not fair!" he shouted as he sank back down to the floor.

Twenty-Ninth of the Horsebow Moon:

Byleth walked into the Lazy Deer Inn smiling. Ever since she got her first letter from Dimitri, she had been in an excellent mood that had confused Claude because she wouldn't tell him as to what caused it. Reuniting with her father had only added to her joy. Her joy seemed to have no end until it was time for her to part with Claude and she wasn't looking forward to tomorrow because of it. She did feel a bit guilty that she was still excited for possibly receiving another letter from Dimitri before she left Derdriu.

The innkeeper gave her a lazy nod before handing her an envelope. She tried to contain her excitement by trying to nicely grab the envelope, instead of snatching it. She gave the innkeeper a gold coin as thanks before joining her father at a table, who was enjoying a nice breakfast.

She barely acknowledged her father as the envelope held her full attention. Across the envelope was the words, "Miss Eisner" in a handwriting that she did didn't recognize. The smile slipped away, and she carefully opened the letter.

Dear Miss Eisner,

It pleases me to know that you are alive. I wish to make it clear that I never had any intentions to send you to your death that night. Had I known such assailants had been lurking around, I would have waited for your father before releasing you. Regardless, I am still an unwilling participant to such an assault and for that you have my deepest apologies.

For my lack of insight to the attack, I am willing to overlook the fact that you have broken our agreement and sent a letter to my nephew. This will be the only time I will forgive such an offense. If I discover another one of your letters I will respond accordingly.

Other than that, I wish you well. Move on from the castle and Prince Dimitri, your friendship was something that should have never happened, and my brother was cruel for fostering it. You two live in two completely different worlds and in the end, you would only have gotten hurt. My words may be cruel, but I speak the truth. You will be much happier if you live your life free from the castle's shackles and misguided hope.

Sincerely,

Rufus Bain Blaiddyd

Byleth quickly tore up the letter as well as the new letter she had just written to inform Dimitri to send future letters to Remire village. She glared at the shredded pieces of parchment in silence. She didn't acknowledge her father when he tired to figure out what was wrong. She couldn't understand why fate would allow them the chance to communicate only for it to quickly isolate them. Was it really such a cruel mistress?

The reason why Byleth started some of her letters with a joke about being alive was because of Claude. He believed it would help break the ice.

Smash Bros actually stole an idea that I was going to play with in later chapters…I'm not to sure how I feel about that.

How do you guys feel about Byleth being added in Smash? I will be honest I did not want Byleth. I would have liked almost anyone over another FE representative, and I would have much preferred Dimitri or Claude over Byleth as I feel they would be more original to play as but oh well.