Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Hound of Siorus
Chapter 4: Nightmares of the Past and Present
Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem Three Houses. All rights go to Nintendo.
DAY 4 OF GREAT TREE MOON, IMPERIAL YEAR 1180
After taking a bath and taking care of Bronze, Konnor decided to head for his dorm to go to sleep. As usual, Konnor would let Bronze sleep with him on his bed for the night, unlike the other animals in the Monastery who had to find different places to sleep. On his way there, Konnor ran into Han, who had clearly taken a bath as well.
"How'd training go for you?" Konnor asked his friend, assuming he had done so as he had.
"It went well," Han replied. "I met one of the Academy Professors, Hanneman, during my magic training. He informed me that one of the professors who was supposed to be here was killed, so the Academy is looking for a replacement as we speak."
"Just what Dimitri told me," Konnor brought up. Han's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing the name 'Dimitri'.
"You met the Crown Prince?"
"Met him?" Konnor replied with a smile. "I trained with him. He…he really is as great as I thought he'd be."
Konnor was definitely not disappointed with his first meeting of Prince Dimitri. He showed himself to be a courteous, polite and caring young man whose strength easily outmatched Konnor's. He looked forward to spend more time with Dimitri, in and out of training.
"Well, I'm very happy that you met him," Han said. "Did you win any of the spars?"
"Ha, not a one," Konnor replied with a smile. "He won every single round. But you know what? I'm okay with that."
"That sounds close to my sword training today," Han brought up. "I trained with one of the Black Eagle students, Ferdinand. He was pompous and rather full of himself, but he definitely knew how to handle a lance."
Konnor wasn't surprised. Han's specialty was magic, not swordsmanship. He only learned enough to be able to defend himself should his magic at any time fail. While Konnor didn't say it out loud, he thought that almost all the students who preferred martial prowess over magic would be able to beat Han in training.
"You seem rather happy," Han brought up. "Mind if I ask what has you so?"
"You remember that girl from the dorms earlier?" Konnor asked. Han's smile quickly died. The girl who he saw flirting with another man before he and Ashe had left Konnor after exploring the Monastery.
"Please don't tell me you met up with her," he replied.
"We went out for tea," Konnor responded with a smile. "And I'm telling you, she's such a charming woman. She loves to tease me, but she's very charming."
Konnor had quickly grown infatuated by the beautiful songstress, Dorothea. She was charming, lovely, polite and fun to be around. Never throughout their teatime did a moment feel so dull that he wanted to leave. In fact, he wished the teatime had lasted longer.
"Konnor, I have a bad feeling about her," Han spoke. "She strikes me as a gold digger. She could be using you."
"Oh, give it a rest," Konnor groaned. "You haven't even spoken to her. How could you possibly know?"
"Trust me, Konnor; I know," Han assured. "I'd highly recommend you keep your distance from her."
"Sorry, but no," Konnor refused. "I want to get to know her better. If she is as you say and she's only interested in my status, I'll keep my distance from her. But for now, I'd like to spend time with her."
Han personally hoped that Konnor was right about Dorothea, knowing of the various women who had turned him down. As his friend, he didn't want Konnor to go through that pain again and again and again, so he felt it necessary to be cautious of Dorothea.
The Hound of Siorus understood Han's concerns. If Dorothea was only playing with his heart, then he'd understand the need to distance himself from her. However, if she was genuinely interested in him, then he'd at the least give her a chance. He truly hoped it was the latter and that they could have a chance of having a true relationship.
"Well, good night, Han," Konnor bade.
"Good night, Konnor," Han replied. The two friends then parted ways, Konnor to his dorm and Han to the library.
Konnor laid there awake in his bed while Bronze slept at the foot. He had a great first day at Garreg Mach. He had met up with one of his oldest friends, Ashe Ubert, met a beautiful young woman who he hoped to know better, and met Prince Dimitri, who he was quickly coming to admire.
However, as much good lingered on his mind, so did much bad.
While he and Han were here in the safety of Garreg Mach Monastery, his family and people back home were struggling to survive. The harsh climate, the near infertile land and the rise in banditry were all making things very difficult for the people in the Kingdom. It had become very hard for the nobles in Faerghus to control and secure their territories.
Siorus territory was no different. Ever since the Tragedy of Duscur, Konnor had helped the knights in maintaining order and security in their territory. Things had become very hard and Lord Siorus was always preoccupied with his own problems, so it was often up to Konnor and Lord Siorus's lieutenants to handle the external problems.
Han had assured Konnor that by being here, he would be helping the people of Faerghus by preparing himself to take over when Lord Siorus passed. He couldn't feel it now, but he was certain he'd feel it in time.
"I wish you were here, Garreth," Konnor spoke quietly as he started to drift off to sleep.
Konnor woke up to the sounds of screams, blades clashing, feet trampling, blood being spilled and dying shouts. The Hound shook his head as he tried to recollect where he currently was. As he looked around and at himself, he realized that he was no longer at Garreg Mach.
Instead of sleeping clothes, he was in full armor with a lance in one hand and a shield in the other. Instead of being in his dorm, he was on a battlefield, surrounded by soldiers fighting each other. Two banners stood out, one being the banner of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the other being the symbol of a white bear.
"Hold on," Konnor spoke. "I know that symbol. That's…that's the symbol of the rebellion!"
"Konnor!" a Knight of House Siorus called out to him. "You must hurry!"
"What is it?" Konnor asked.
"It's your brother," the Knight informed. "His flank has been overwhelmed by the enemy! He's been cut off from our forces!"
"No…I'll save him!" Konnor assured. "Tell Bardon to take command! I must save my brother!"
Konnor whistled loudly and North Wind ran up to his side. The Hound then leapt onto his horse and rode off to find his brother, Garreth, before he was overwhelmed by the enemy soldiers.
"Run, Konnor! Run!"
"Save your brother! Save him!"
"Ride hard! Ride!"
Konnor rode forth as quickly as he could, charging and cleaving his way through enemy soldiers in a desperate attempt to save his brother. He plunged his lance into many enemy soldiers that stood in his way, not caring how many he'd have to kill.
"Why didn't you save him!"
"He was your brother!"
"He needed you and you weren't there!"
"I can save him!" Konnor shouted. Suddenly, a large rock shot from a trebuchet landed near their position. The impact caused North Wind to throw Konnor off him and toss him to the ground.
The Hound's ears rang from the loud sound of the impacted rock. It left him barely able to hear the bloodcurdling screams of the soldiers who had been grievously wounded by the impact. They cried out in agony for their comrades and for themselves, trying in desperation to stay alive even though it was obvious they were going to die.
"Konnor!"
"Garreth!" Konnor shouted, hearing his brother's voice clearly despite the ringing not being gone. He quickly grabbed his lance and carved his way through the enemy soldiers in the direction of where his brother was.
"He needed you!"
"Why couldn't you save him when he needed you the most!?"
Konnor swung his lance wildly, desperate to reach his brother before he was overwhelmed by the rebel soldiers. He fought more like a beast than a soldier in his desperation.
"I'm coming, Garreth!" Konnor shouted as he fought his way to him.
When he got there, it was too late. Garreth, easily identified by his armor, black hair and broad build, laid on the field with a lance piercing his chest, surrounded by the corpses of enemy and ally soldiers. Konnor dropped his weapon and slowly started walking towards Garreth until he reached his blood-stained body and held it in his arms.
"I'm sorry, brother," Konnor wept…just as Garreth's eyes popped open. Konnor screamed in fear.
"You didn't save me," Garreth growled in a very frightening voice. "You didn't save your own brother."
"I tried!" Konnor pleaded. "I did what I could! I tried to save you!" Garreth then laughed maniacally to mock Konnor's words.
"How does it feel to be heir to House Siorus, to hold the position that should've mine? It would've been had you saved me instead of letting me die!"
"Garreth, please!" Konnor cried out. "I tried to save you!"
"Like you tried to save me?" another voice asked. Konnor turned around to see another familiar face, a man with red hair and green eyes. Blood flowed from his mouth, eyes and a wound in his torso like a waterfall. Before Konnor knew it, his hands were drenched in blood.
"Bardon…" Konnor wept. "Please…"
"You could've saved us both, but you weren't strong enough," Bardon taunted. "You are heir to House Siorus. You must be so happy-"
"I'm not!" Konnor cried out. "I'm not! I'd give anything to have you two back! You were my brother and my best friend!" Bardon laughed mockingly as he raised his left hand in the air. In it was a large knife, one Konnor recognized and filled him with terror.
"You are nothing, Konnor," Bardon grinned. "You have nothing." Bardon then drove the knife into his torso.
"NOOOOO!"
Konnor let out a loud shout as he woke up from his nightmare. He felt some pain in his right arm, so he looked over and saw that Bronze had gently bitten him to wake him up from the terrible nightmare. When the greyhound was certain Konnor was awake, he released his mouth from Konnor's arm and started licking.
"Thanks, buddy," Konnor spoke with a gentle voice. He petted Bronze's head, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Are you okay!?" the voice of Dimitri called out. "I heard a scream!" Konnor got out of bed and walked over to the door, where the Crown Prince stood with a worried expression on his face.
"I'm okay," Konnor assured. "It…it was just a nightmare."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Dimitri said.
"What're you doing up this late?" Konnor asked. "I thought everyone was in bed by now."
"I got some extra training in before I turned in," Dimitri explained. "Call it an odd habit, if you may."
"I see," Konnor replied. "Well, thank you for checking up on me. It was just a nightmare, nothing more."
"In that case, good night," Dimitri bade as he left to go to his dorm, presumably on the second floor. Konnor closed the door and sat down on his bed, unable to go back to sleep. Bronze walked over to him and laid down, placing his head on Konnor's lap. The Hound of Siorus smiled and petted his dog's head again.
"Let's hope I can get some sleep," he chuckled, hoping he could.
"Hold on," Kostas, a large and brutish bandit asked a masked a mysterious robed figure wearing a white and red mask. The two of them were currently in the canyon of Zanado in the mountains north of Garreg Mach.
"You want me to kill some noble brats?"
"Specifically, the House Leaders," the figure answered. "They'll be easily identified by the red, blue and yellow capes they wear. Kill whoever you please, but the House Leaders must die."
"Why do you want the House Leaders dead?" Kostas asked. "And why would I help you?"
"Because I can pay you handsomely for your services," the figure replied. "But I will only pay you once the job is done."
Kostas raised an eyebrow. He knew he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he wasn't a fool. Why would he accept such a blatantly dangerous mission from someone he barely knew? To kill the House Leaders of Garreg Mach would mean to kill the future leaders of the continent. Maybe he'd get a major payday, but the other hand, if he were to be caught, he'd be a wanted man in all three Fódlanese countries. There'd be no safe place for him anywhere.
"I…No," Kostas refused. "I'm not doing it. I've got nothing against killing, but you want me to kill kings and emperors. I'll be a wanted man!"
"Not if you make sure to leave no witnesses," the figure suggested. "Think about it. Where do you think a man like you is more likely to thrive: in a continent ruled by government or in one that has no laws?"
Kostas couldn't object to that. He loved his lifestyle, but if the Empire, Kingdom and Alliance were all properly governed, then people like him would struggle to survive. But if Fódlan was in a state of chaos and anarchy, Kostas would be able to do as he pleases. He'd be able to pillage and loot to his heart's content.
"I gotta say, you make an enticing offer," Kostas admitted. "But if you want me to kill some kings and queens, you gotta pay big time."
"You will receive your reward AFTER you have killed the House Leaders and not before," the figure stated. "I ask again: do we have a deal?"
"Yeah, you got a deal," Kostas agreed with a sadistic smile. "Just tell me when and where and I'll get it done."
"Set out for Remire Village. They'll be leaving in two days for training exercises near the village. You must get there within the week."
"Remire Village!?" Kostas gasped. "That's south of Garreg Mach! I'd have to cut through Alliance territory to get there in time!"
"Then I'd suggest you start heading there," the figure spoke before disappearing in a purple flash of light.
DAY 5 OF GREAT TREE MOON, IMPERIAL YEAR 1180
Konnor was still asleep as the morning sun crawled into his room. He had struggled to get back to sleep after his terrible nightmare last night, so he definitely didn't want to crawl out of bed. The only reason he would wake up was because Bronze was standing off the bed, whining to be fed and let out to go to the bathroom.
"Okay, Bronze, I'm getting up," Konnor said, knowing his dog would whine more and eventually start licking his face. The knight got up, got dressed up in his uniform and then opened the door to let Bronze out.
"Well, hello there, handsome~" a female voice greeted Konnor as he walked out of the dorm. He looked to his right to see a beautiful blonde young woman looking right at him with a flirtatious look.
"Morning," he greeted. "Doing well today?"
"I am, thank you," she replied. "So…what's your name?"
"Konnor. Konnor Siorus." The woman's flirtatious face quickly dropped as she realized who she was talking to.
"Oh, I see. Never mind then." She then walked off, leaving Konnor with Bronze alone. He groaned in annoyance before walking with his dog to make sure he only peed in the grass and not on the stone. When he was done doing his business, Konnor got Bronze's food and water ready in his dorm, having gotten the necessary items yesterday.
"Konnor Siorus?" another female voice was heard talking outside Konnor's dorm. He quietly approached the door of his dorm and looked outside to see two girls talking.
"Yeah, he's that orphan Lord Siorus took in," the other girl brought up. "I mean, seriously, why was he even allowed here? Well, I guess he has to make do considering Garreth was killed. At least he had a Crest." The two women were then heard walking off.
Konnor's blood boiled and his fist was closed up tight. He knew sooner or later, people would know who he was: a child adopted into nobility who lacked both noble blood and a Crest. Just like the blonde woman earlier, as soon as they learned who he was, they'd leave him without a second thought.
"Dorothea, please don't be like them," Konnor hoped. He went back into his dorm
"Are you okay?" Han asked Konnor at the door of his dorm, seeing how upset his friend was.
"Just more proof that I'm not 'favorable' among nobles," Konnor groaned.
"You mean those two women who were talking just now?" Han asked. "I heard them. It's truly a shame that they judge you on something beyond your control. However, I'm certain in time you'll prove them wrong."
"Han, I've been proving them wrong for years and it's still not good enough," Konnor spoke. "No matter what I've done in the past, for my family and my country, some of these disgusting nobles won't look past the fact that I don't have a Crest."
"Konnor, let us put those thoughts aside and go get some breakfast," Han insisted. "It's not healthy to start the day with negative thoughts."
"I know," Konnor agreed. "Breakfast does sound good." Konnor then let Bronze walk around the Monastery while he and Han started making their way to the dining hall for breakfast. As they walked, Han looked over at Konnor and noticed that he was struggling to stay awake.
Han knew that ever since Garreth's death, Konnor had nights where he struggled to sleep due to nightmares. It appeared it had happened again.
"Another nightmare?" Han asked. "Perhaps after breakfast, I could go into town and find an herbalist. Ashe told me of some herbs that help with keeping people asleep."
"I'd appreciate that," Konnor replied as he rubbed his eyes. "Thank you, Han."
"Any time, my friend," Hanraoi replied.
"Konnor! Han!" Ashe called out from behind the two of them, running up to them. "Off to get breakfast?"
"We are," Konnor answered. "Would you like to join us?"
"That sounds great," Ashe agreed. The three friends then started on their way to the dining hall.
"You're a knight now?" Ashe gasped as he, Han and Konnor sat together for breakfast.
"I was knighted two years shortly before the rebellion broke out," Konnor informed. "My lance and sword were gifts at my knighting ceremony. Lord Siorus had his best smiths forge them for me."
"Konnor, that's amazing!" Ashe congratulated. "I've yet to be knighted myself, but I hope I can be so soon."
"I'm certain you will," Konnor assured.
"That's not the only thing that happened," Han smiled. "Konnor met Prince Dimitri yesterday."
"What?" Ashe gasped. "You met His Highness!?"
Konnor explained that after the three of them parted ways yesterday, he decided to go and get some training in with Bronze. During the training, Dimitri appeared and sparred with Konnor, who proved to be no match for the Prince of Faerghus.
In that short time, Dimitri proved himself to be kind, polite, courteous and refreshing. Konnor had quickly come to admire the Prince during their training. Though he didn't bring it up, his respect for Dimitri was solidified when he checked on Konnor after his nightmare.
"I hope to meet him as well," Ashe spoke. "I can't believe I missed him yesterday."
"You'll get your chance," Konnor assured.
The rest of their breakfast carried on rather well. The three friends spent more reconnecting with each other, though at times, it became solemn at the mention of heavy topics, such as Garreth and a man named Christophe Gaspard.
Christophe was Ashe's older adoptive brother and Lonato's only son. Ashe greatly respected him, viewed him as a great knight and a wonderful older brother who had enrolled in the Blue Lion House before Ashe did. Sadly, their bond ended.
After the terrible Tragedy of Duscur, Christophe was accused of being involved and was handed over to the Church for execution. Lonato pleaded and begged for them not to execute his son, but his pleas fell on deaf ears and Christophe was executed as an accessory to the Tragedy of Duscur and murder of King Lambert Blaiddyd.
Konnor knew of what befell Christophe, but had avoided bringing it up as he suspected Ashe avoided bringing up Garreth. Konnor didn't know how badly Christophe's death had affected Ashe, but he knew had badly Garreth's death had affected him.
"So, Ashe, have you found any lucky girls?" Konnor asked his friend.
"I'm not really focused on finding romance right now," Ashe replied. "I'm more focused on attaining knighthood. After that, maybe I'll pay more attention to finding someone."
Konnor hoped that Ashe wasn't facing the same situation as him. As an adopted son of nobility himself, Konnor would understand that Ashe would be considered unfavorable in the eyes of nobles. He had given up on finding a noble bride, but perhaps Ashe would have better chances than him.
After breakfast, Han grabbed some gold and started walking to town to find herbs to help Konnor. Ever since the day his brother died, Konnor had been haunted by it, suffering nightmares every now and then. On the nights he had them, it became very difficult for him to fall back asleep.
He had been like this for two years now and Han was trying to do whatever he could to help him. However, it never felt like enough.
Konnor would one day have a lot of responsibilities when he became Lord of House Siorus and he had to be able to handle them. Considering everything Konnor was feeling and had endured, it had left Han questioning if Konnor would be ready for leadership when the time came.
It didn't help that Konnor had given up on finding a noble bride who bore a Crest. By no means did Han think the Crest System was perfect, but it was the reality they lived in. If House Siorus's line was to continue, Konnor had to find a Crest-bearing wife and bear a Crest-bearing heir. It was a matter where responsibility had to come before personal feelings.
Again, it wasn't helped by the fact that Konnor had become infatuated with the girl, Dorothea. She was certainly beautiful and had made a great impression on Konnor, but he couldn't shake the negative feelings he had about her. There was a voice in the back of his head nagging to him that Dorothea was possibly only playing a game with his dear friend.
"I really hope Konnor understands what I'm trying to do," Han spoke. "I…I know he's frustrated, but that doesn't mean he can simply throw away his duty as heir. I'm certain there's a noble woman who can see Konnor for who he truly is."
Having grown up with Konnor, Hanraoi knew his friend to be a good man and a strong warrior. The people in Siorus territory loved him and those in his father's circle respected him as a knight and as a leader. There were many who believe he'd make a good lord once he inherited the position from his adoptive father.
It was truly a shame that many nobles couldn't see that simply because he didn't have a Crest. While the Kingdom revered knighthood and warriorship, which Konnor excelled as both, they idolized the Church of Seiros, which meant they also revered Crests as well.
"You saw him?" a male student asked a female student on the pathway Han was taking to town.
"Konnor Siorus?" Han immediately halted, standing far enough not to be noticed, but close enough to hear the conversation.
"Yeah," the girl confirmed. The male student laughed mockingly.
"How can a Crestless orphan make his way here into Garreg Mach? He should've stayed back home. Or better yet, go back to the dirt where he came from." The two students laughed in mockery of the Hound of Siorus.
"I'd ask that you refrain from mocking my friend," Han demanded, walking up to them.
"Why?" the male student asked. "I don't understand what Lord Siorus saw in him, why he even adopted him. Even his knighthood won't hide the fact that he's just some Crestless orphan."
"That 'Crestless orphan' has done much for his people and his country," Han stated. "I doubt you've done even HALF of what he's done…and he did all that WITHOUT a Crest."
The two students still weren't amazed at Konnor and only proceeded to mock him. Han tried to refrain from lashing out of anger, but the two students' mockery of his friend fueled his rage towards them. He saw that words would only be a waste on them…so he took out his spell tome and cast a wind spell, sending the two students flying back to the Monastery.
"I hope you don't have an easy landing," Han shouted as he proceeded into town.
While Han was heading to town, Konnor found a quiet spot to sit down while Bronze laid down next to him. He was currently writing, a favorite pastime of his when not training or fighting. Whether it was writing notes for his stories or writing the stories themselves, Konnor enjoyed it all.
"Let's see?" Konnor wondered as he contemplated what to write. "Maybe I should put the setting in Almyra. Then again, I don't really know what that place is like. It'd definitely be sandy, that's for sure. I doubt any Golden Deer students here have been to Fódlan's Locket and fought Almyrans."
Perhaps Adrestia could work for the setting, considering all of Fódlan was ruled by the Empire before the Kingdom was founded and later the Alliance. It'd have to be placed before Imperial Year 751, the year when the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus was founded by Loog, the King of Lions.
"Dorothea, please let me take you out to dinner," a male student asked. Konnor turned around to see Dorothea talking to a male student. The songstress giggled and winked at the young man.
"I'll see you tonight, then~" Dorothea replied. The student then walked off, leaving Dorothea by herself.
Konnor turned back to his paper and lowered his head. He shouldn't be upset at what he just saw, but a part of him couldn't help it. He and Dorothea weren't a couple, so he had no right to be angry at her for going out with other guys. Still, it hurt.
He hoped Dorothea wouldn't notice him, so he made sure not to turn around again. Unfortunately, he was given away when Bronze lifted his head and looked at Dorothea.
"Hey, Konnor," she greeted. Konnor let out a quiet sigh before putting on a brave smile and looking up at her.
"Hey, Dorothea," he reciprocated. "Slept well last night?"
"I did, thank you," Dorothea responded. "And you?"
"Not really," Konnor replied. "Sometimes, I just have a hard time getting to sleep."
"Were you dreaming about me~?" she teased. Konnor quickly turned his head and blushed heavily. He was dreaming, but not about her…though now that she mentioned it, he wished he had.
"That's ridiculous," Konnor denied. "We just met. I mean…I had fun last night, but still, we just met."
"Yeah, we just met," Dorothea repeated as she sat down next to Konnor. "And I said I'm already finding you interesting." Bronze started panting at the songstress, who started petting his head as he laid it on her lap.
"So, what are you working on?" she asked. "A report or something?"
"No, I'm just writing," Konnor answered. "It's a pastime of mine when I'm not training or have stuff to do."
"What do you write about?" Dorothea asked curiously.
"Usually historical fiction or fantasy of the sort. I've been doing it ever since I was ten years old."
"You've been writing ever since you were ten years old?" the songstress asked. "Wow, you must really enjoy writing."
"Yeah, I'd say," Konnor confirmed. "So…would you be up for another tea date sometime? Maybe tonight?"
He wanted to see how Dorothea would react since she already had a prior commitment tonight. Maybe it was selfish and suspicious of him, maybe even outright senseless, but he wanted to know if Dorothea was simply playing a game or not.
"I'm sorry, but I already have a date tonight," Dorothea turned down. She then smiled flirtatiously.
"Although…I don't have any commitments tomorrow. What do you say we meet up for lunch?"
She didn't deny it. Maybe it was because he wasn't used to dating, but it gave him some relief that she wasn't denying that she was seeing another young man tonight. That and she offered up an alternative for Konnor for them to meet again.
"That sounds nice," Konnor agreed. "I'll see you then."
"I'm not leaving right now," Dorothea brought up, clearly flirting with him. "I hope you're not either~"
This time, she was more direct in her flirting with Konnor since he admitted to having troubles with women. It would certainly explain how he's terrible at knowing when someone was flirting with him. Hopefully, he'd catch onto it and realize that she wanted to spend time with him.
"I have time," Konnor replied, putting his papers and quill down. Dorothea smiled. She didn't know if he picked up on her flirting, but she was glad he wasn't going anywhere for now.
Author's Notes: Hope you're enjoying the Hound of Siorus so far! If you have constructive criticism to share, please PM me or leave a review! Keep writing, my fellow writers!
