Author's Notes: Keeping this thing rolling. I am generally expecting about 3-4 chapters per in-game month, at least as far as the first half of the series is concerned. I have... plans... for adjusting the second half to make it fit my timeline a little better. Hope you all enjoy!
Reviewers:
Takedo - Glad you like it so far. The commas and quotations thing is probably going to be sporadic and inconsistent, though I am going to go back and try to fix it up. It's a habit I got into a few years ago because there was a phase where people were complaining that it broke up my writing too much. I just got used to it and Word/Google don't correct it. Cheers!
ovrwrldkiler - Hope you enjoy it!
25th of the Month -v- Dimitri -v-
Professor Eisner spent the first two days entirely in the classroom. His inexperience showed in the studious, mechanical way he approached the learning courses offered by Professors Casagrande and Essar, grinding out every detail of them until even Dedue showed the faintest hint of impatience. Student introductions were handled in length, walkthroughs of the monastery were conducted with agonizingly long lectures on the various places and services available. There were no corners cut, no excessive details glossed over. He tackled the lesson plan as if it were his religion.
It was, in a word, dull. Depressingly dull.
For two days, Dimitri listened and watched the newly-minted professor, studying how he responded to the students and those around him. How he absorbed the most insignificant motes of information and could regurgitate them flawlessly hours, or even a day, later. It was clear that Byleth Eisner was a sponge for knowledge. The question that gnawed at Dimitri was how well that sponge could be squeezed to let knowledge out.
Were he to be honest, Dimitri was not terribly confident of the decision to have Byleth Eisner as their professor. In Byleth's own words, he had no qualifications other than worldly experience. Certainly in that regard he was years, if not decades, ahead of the class. Though about the same age as them all, he carried himself with the maturity of one far older.
And there was no dismissing his skill with a blade. Dimitri had seen it firsthand in Remire village. Byleth had cut though a half-dozen bandits like a knife through butter, leaving the stunned house leaders with readied weapons but no enemies to fight. His speed was inhuman. His skill superb. Dimitri was certain that if Byleth entered one of the tournaments in Fhirdiad, he would at least reach the semifinals.
And that was the source of his primary excitement for having Byleth as a professor. It was clear that the classroom would not be the young professor's strength. The training grounds, the dueling and certifications, that would be where Byleth excelled. And so for the past two days Dimitri waited for the announcement that they would be brought to the Knight's Hall for initial weapon certifications. He had full confidence that his abilities with lance and sword would be commended. More than that, he looked forward to utilizing their battle-hardened professor as a training partner.
With the mock battle between his class, Edelgard's, and Claude's on the horizon, they would have to have those certifications established. Though he did have to wonder what they would do for the students who specialized in magic casting. Surely they would not have the students actually hurling lightning bolts at each other.
His attention snapped back to the blackboard, following the squeak of chalk as their professor finished writing the schedule for the day. The first time-block that stood out sent a shiver of delight rushing through his veins.
10:00 – Weapon Qualifications
That was what he had been waiting for.
"Finally."
He heard the soft, whisper-quiet mutter from Felix at his back. Ever since being utterly trounced by Byleth, Felix had chomped at the bit for a chance to cross blades with the professor again. It was to be expected; he only cared about growing stronger. Each time he found someone stronger, he threw himself at them until he reached their level, and eventually beat them.
Across the aisle, the inseparable pair Mercedes and Annette cooed over the schedule, but for an entirely different reason.
14:00 – Duty Rotations
The duty rotations had been explained in painful detail. The first came from an hour lecture espousing the various expectations and chores they would undertake, a supplementary task designed to broaden their experiences and ensure they kept their heads under the clouds. While they were students at a prestigious academy, they were as human as the laborers that worked in the monastery. That was the point of it, at least. There was some leeway allowed; they could trade duties or even hire other students to take on their duties if needed. The only restriction was that some student had to complete their assigned tasks.
Some of the duties sounded downright abysmal. Working in the stables was all horses and apples in theory, but if Dimitri had learned anything from his time campaigning with the Royal Army, it was that horses pooped. A lot. And stable duties including taking that poop and removing it, freshening the hay, cleaning the horses, and a host of exhausting chores.
Other duties were less strenuous. Delivering and collecting books from the library. Assisting in the kitchens. Being on standby for errands requested by the monastery.
He knew right away that Mercedes and Annette were excited for kitchen duties. The morning of the second day of classes they came in to find a whole platter of treats just inside the door, and two very sleeps students dozing at their desks. Judging by the others' reactions, most notably Ingrid's, they were quite delicious. It made him a little guilty when Mercedes asked him what he thought. So he lied and told her they tasted delicious. Well, it wasn't a lie. He knew they tasted delicious. He just couldn't experience it himself.
The class fell silent as Byleth turned to face them.
"We have three days of classroom before the mock battle. Today I will be evaluating your preferred weapon and one alternate. As I explained yesterday, the certifications you achieve during this year will allow you to draw specific weapons from the armory when undertaking jobs and in training. This holds less interest for some of you than it does others. I understand that. Consider these certifications something to strive for, if you would like. An optional challenge to push yourself to."
Felix, predictably, raised his hand.
"Professor," he started, the word grinding past his teeth like a blade on a whetstone. "What if we do not need an alternate weapon?"
"If you do not need an alternate weapon" Byleth replied, "then you are an extraordinarily lucky individual. Weapons break. In a battle, you may very likely find yourself having to scrounge for another weapon."
"Then I find another sword."
"Because your opponents will only wield swords. Of course."
The professor's expression did not change, but Dimitri could have sworn he detected disappointment in Byleth's flat gaze. Felix must have felt it too, because the argumentative student fell silent.
"Once weapon qualifications are finalized, you will be dismissed for lunch. Your break is extended by an hour today. On returning to the classroom, I will announce the duty rosters for next month. Two hours are allotted for you to explore those duties and familiarize yourselves with where and who you will be reporting to. Finally, the day will end with introductions from the other House professors. Does anyone have questions?"
Ingrid raised her hand. "Professor, may we request specific duties?"
The blonde noble had a love of horses and was not afraid to dirty herself. More than likely, she would ask for that.
"You may in the future. The first month will be determined by myself and Professor's Casagrande and Essar. Since you are to be conducting these duties alongside your neighboring classes we will monitor and make changes as requested or needed."
"Understood. Thank you, professor."
Her lips curved up just slightly, the only indication of how excited she was. Dimitri eyed her for a moment, wondering at how Ingrid had changed in the last years. It felt like a lifetime ago they had been small children, dashing about the gardens with sticks and toy swords. She had blossomed into a fine young woman.
"Other questions?"
No one else spoke up. The students had more or less figured out what to expect from their professor in these first days. Some of them were afraid of drawing out an exhausting lecture, others understood that he was uncommunicative in ordinary conversation.
"Then take out A History of Crowns, opening at page seven. We will begin reading there."
Dimitri hoped that Byleth would prove more interesting once they broke out into actual lessons.
-v- Ingrid -v-
Professor Eisner led them all to the Knight's Hall at the appointed time. On the way there they passed the Golden Deer class. The students of the Leicester Alliance struck her as a rambunctious lot. A short-haired girl with orange hair and matching eyes paused as they passed, her gaze boring fiercely into Professor Eisner as if she could gut him with her eyes. Her professor ignored the intended challenge, though Ingrid could not help but watch the orange-haired girl huff and stomp off to rejoin her classmates.
"Who was that" Sylvain muttered, also staring after the departing girl. "She looked more eager to pick a fight than Felix."
"That's Leonie" a helpful voice answered. Ashe rubbed the back of his head as the Golden Deer students disappeared into the reception hall. "I met her yesterday. She knows the professor, I think."
"Knows him?" Sylvain shot Ingrid a sly look. "So she might have some knowledge of him?"
"I didn't ask, sorry."
"Well, we can find some time and ask her." Sylvain's confident grin widened at the thought of digging up dirt on their professor. Not that he had bad intentions. But the more they knew about the mysterious young man who had been put in charge of them, the better.
Ingrid herself did not feel a terrible urge to go digging into the professor's past. He had made it clear the first day that he had little intention of sharing. She understood the value of keeping one's past private. Besides, they were not here to learn about their professor, but rather to learn from him.
They shuffled past Professor Eisner and spread out around the sand-covered training pit that occupied the near half of the Knight's Hall. Past that, further to the left, stood a fireplace with couches and reading tables, a small library of tactical primers and combat diagrams, and even a rug-covered area for post-workout stretches. It was a cozy place. Not terribly bright after the sun went down due to the narrow window slits, but the fireplace was broad enough to keep the whole place lit, and vents in the ceiling allowed for a cooling breeze to flow overhead.
A pair of Knights of Seiros stood in the center of the training pit, appraising the students without a hint of their thoughts. The sand had been freshly raked, hiding the mark of the past two classes.
Her back subtly stiffened as one passed their attention over her. A thrill filled her chest, tightened around her heart as the professional warriors judged them. That was what she aspired to be. That is what she wanted to be.
A soldier. A warrior. A knight.
"Students from Faerghus." The first knight uttered the word with a slight inflection of warmth. He wore his full armor despite the elevated temperature in the room. With so many bodies packed inside, it was only natural for the room to heat up. Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead, but he paid them no mind. "And you are Professor Eisner?"
"My class is present and accounted for." The mercenary-turned-professor nodded respectfully.
"You're Jeralt's son, yes?"
He did not answer. Eyeing the knight sharply, Professor Eisner gestured for the man to continue. At his side, the other knight wore reinforced trousers and a padded hauberk. Her body was slick with sweat, though it appeared more from exertion than the heat. Despite that, her eyes gleamed brightly as she stepped forward and addressed the students.
"I am Kendra, and this is Torres. We will be conducting your official weapons qualifications, and participating in further weapon certifications throughout the year, Goddess willing. For starters, I want you to gather based on what weapon you would consider yourself most familiar with. Swords in that corner, axes over there, lances there, bows over there."
Ingrid strode directly over to the corner for lances. Dimitri and Sylvain joined her there. Felix took the sword corner by himself. Ashe stood sheepishly by himself beside the rack of bows. Dedue and, surprisingly, Annette, stood side-by-side next to the training axes. Only Mercedes remained undecided and gazed from corner to corner.
"Do you have a question, miss?" Kendra's voice was patient, kindly.
"Oh, I just… I have never used a weapon before" she admitted, entirely unashamed of the declaration. "I don't quite know where I should go."
The knight took her unexpected answer without blinking. "I see. That is fine. You are Ingrid or Mercedes, then?"
"Mercedes, Lady Kendra."
Torres snickered.
"You don't have to call me 'lady,' miss. Just call me Kendra. I can assure you I am not a lady. Well then, we will have to qualify you for something before we leave here. For right now, watch your classmates and wait for some inspiration."
"Yes, La… Kendra. I shall."
Smiling brightly, Mercedes retreated to the side of the hall to watch.
One by one, the knights called out students to the training pit and walked them through basic forms. There was little striking, to her disappointment. Just walkthroughs and very simple maneuvers. The knights approached this seriously, which she appreciated. They did not talk down to the students or treat them like children. Rather, they carried themselves as instructors. Perhaps they were instructors, within the ranks of the Knights of Seiros.
Regardless, Ingrid could not complain as the armored Torres had her walk through several forms, stopping her after each step and checking her footwork and grip. He seemed pleased, though it was hard to tell. Not quite the expressionless wall that was their professor, he nevertheless kept his opinions to himself.
After making their way around most of the students, they came to Annette. The petite girl looked entirely overwhelmed by the large two-handed training axe in her hands. The determined expression she wore told everyone that she had no intention of letting the size of it defeat her.
"Are you sure axes are your thing" Kendra asked.
"Well, I've cut wood before" she answered. "The axe wasn't quite this big."
"Cutting wood is… a start." The knight glanced at Torres, who shrugged and stepped forward to teach Annette some of the most basic axe strikes. It became clear very quickly that, though surprisingly strong for her size, she did not know the fundamentals of balancing her weight and handling a weapon. Her movements were awkward, clumsy. Her motivation was commendable, but her skill left much to be desired as she waved the axe around like a drunk waving an empty bottle.
After finishing with the other students, Kendra and Torres turned to Mercedes.
"Something strike you" Torres asked her.
"Um… well, I really don't think I would feel comfortable using a weapon." She clasped her hands in front of her waist, a vaguely defensive posture that reinforced her unease. "I'm sorry, but I really don't think I could make a decision."
"You attended the School of Sorcery, did you not?"
"Yes."
Ingrid watched Kendra with approval, noting how the weathered knight turned the conversation away from Mercedes' visible distress. The knight had a good way about her; she seemed very kind and noble. Just the kind of knight she wanted to be.
"If you are in a fight, you would rely on your spells."
"If I had to, yes."
"Then you'll be in the back. Tell me, Mercedes, have you ever hunted?"
"No." The seriousness in the peach-blonde's eyes was almost comical.
"Well, let's try you out with a bow. It's a useful skill even outside a battle. Would you try that for me?"
"Yes. Thank you." Mercedes curtsied gracefully and hurried into the training pit. Torres stepped out to fetch a training bow, leaving Kendra in the sand with their bubbly classmate.
"All you have to do is string the bow and hit the target."
"That doesn't sound so hard."
Mercedes accepted the bow and the quiver of training arrows. She struggled for a minute, fumbling with the bow and string. It was clear she had never done such a thing before. Ingrid watched in silence, allowing her gaze to flick across her classmates from time to time.
They all watched earnestly, the two knights' having sufficiently drilled in the importance of what they were doing. There was an air of sanctity about the Knight's Hall. It was a quiet place, really. Quiet and focused. This was not where people came to hang around and loiter. It was almost like a tiny monastery for the knights, just as a regular monastery would be for monks and nuns. A holy place for training their bodies and minds.
Her fingers itched at the thought that they stood in such a respectable place. She would spend as much time in here as she could in the coming year. Though, she wondered how much access they would have. The Knights Hall belonged to the Knights of Seiros after all. She doubted that students would be allowed in freely.
Sh-plink.
A training arrow smashed into the stone wall just beside the target.
"Good, but not quite there. Did you watch how Ashe drew and aimed?"
"I did. He makes it looks so easy."
Ashe blushed faintly at Mercedes' praise.
"Try it like that." Kendra stood beside Mercedes, attempting to aid the girl as she drew another arrow from the quiver. "Relax your arms. You are holding the bow too tightly. It makes your shot jump when you release the arrow."
"Like this?"
Mercedes tried again, but her fingers loosened too much. The bow leapt in her hand, shaken by the force of the arrow's launch, and the arrow came nowhere near the target.
"Not quite." Kendra's smile grew tighter. "Here, let me see your hand."
The knight attempted to aid her several times. Each time, Mercedes' shot went wide, or the bow jumped in her hands. Though the knight showed remarkable patience, a dozen shattered training arrows began to clutter the far wall beside the untouched target.
After emptying the quiver, Mercedes stood clutching the bow in both hands, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I really don't know why I can't get it right."
"No, it's fine. Some people aren't meant to fight. That's what us Knights are for, after all." Kendra brushed off the girl's shame with a laugh. "Though, I do have to qualify you with something. Let's try one more time."
The knight stopped and turned as Professor Eisner stepped into the training pit.
"If I may?"
Kendra eyed him for a moment, a calculating shadow coming across her face. After a brief hesitation she nodded and stepped back. "All yours, professor."
"Try it like this."
Professor Eisner handed her a single training arrow. He nudged her feet to the proper position with his boot, took her left arm and lifted it to the correct height, then slipping behind Mercedes, he wrapped his fingers over the hand holding the bow and squeezed gently.
"This amount of strength. Can you feet it?"
"I… uh… yes, professor." Mercedes' eyes were wide as she stared at his hand.
"And you pinch the arrow here, like this."
His other hand covered the one holding onto the arrow, placing his thumb and pointer finger over hers. Guiding her arm up, he placed the arrow and drew her arm to the ready position. Mercedes trembled slightly, allowing the professor to walk her through step-by-step.
"Bring the fletching to your cheek" he said, his voice lowering slightly. "Breathe deeply, slowly. See your target. Release."
Shh-thunk.
The arrow slammed home on the edge of the middle and outer rings of the target. From an experienced standpoint, it was a terrible shot. Mercedes stood about twenty paces away from the target and had missed the center entirely. But for a novice, it was not bad.
"I did it" she cried, a dazzling smile exploding on her lips. "Professor, I did it!"
Professor Eisner stepped back, and Kendra slapped him jovially on the shoulder. Their professor shot the knight a sidelong glance, but said nothing.
"Excellent! Good to have a teacher who knows their way around a bow. Our true bow expert is not on hand at the moment, or she would be the one helping out today. Mercedes, you have to hit the target three times to qualify. Think you can do that?"
"I think so."
Using the professor's guidance, Mercedes let off three arrows. Her movements were slow, methodical, walking through each step as the professor had shown her. None of her shots came close to the center of the target, but they all hit.
Kendra did not seem keen on insisting she hit the center.
Once they finished with the primary round, she had everyone pick a secondary. The exemption from this was that students who could cast spells were allowed to choose that as their secondary. For that purpose the knights set up shields for Annette and Mercedes to sling slashing wind and fireballs. It was entertaining, and inspiring, to watch the two girls draw their spells and hurl magic as naturally as Ingrid wielded her lance. Their faces were set grimly as they drew the power, channeled it through pure will, and sent it crashing outwards.
Ingrid had never seen magic used in combat before, just in training fields. She could scarcely imagine how terrifying it would be to fall on the receiving end of it.
At the end of the qualifications, they had without exception passed. It only made sense. A basic qualification required minimal talent. They were not expected to be sent right out hunting bandits or battling monsters, after all. In her walkthrough of the sword with Kendra, the knight praised her for her motivation and determination. To hear an accomplished knight offer such confidence filled her with satisfaction.
Once they returned to the circle, they looked to their professor for instruction. Professor Eisner had remained beside the entrance with his arms crossed for the entirety of the time, with the exception of assisting Mercedes. His unreadable gaze swept once over the students before resting on the Knights of Seiros.
"Gratitude for your time." He inclined his head slightly.
"We have some time left over" Torres announced. "You have until the noon bell. Now, I would wager that you students are aware of your professor's storied heritage."
A ripple of understanding spread through the class. Ingrid eyed her professor. The young man gave away nothing, but he would be a fool to not see where this is going.
"I think your students would love a practice duel" Torres challenged. "Show them what a real sword master can do."
They all turned to await the professor's response. Professor Eisner closed his eyes for a moment, pondering the challenge. Ingrid was not the only one who held her breath in apprehension. They had all seen how he had disarmed Felix. One could argue that the element of surprise was the deciding factor there, but there was no denying that he had incredible skill. Would this be their opportunity to see it?
She was vaguely aware of Dimitri's overpowering aura beside her. The young prince had a furious intensity spilling from his body in a wave, his eagerness to see the professor in action matching Felix's. To see their professor go up against a Knight of Seiros would be a fascinating experience.
Professor Eisner opened his eyes, aimed unerringly at Torres.
"Perhaps another day. Students, we are returning to the classroom. Knights Kendra and Torres, we thank you for your service."
Disappointment spread through the room, a rush of water extinguishing the fires of anticipation.
-v- Annette -v-
"Stable duty? For Dimitri?"
Annette clutched the duty roster for the Harpstring Moon, shielding it from the others as they clustered about, eager to see their assigned duties.
"Looks like Professor Eisner wants to make sure your head doesn't get too big" Sylvain chuckled.
"I do not mind" Dimitri assured them. "They have a splendid stable."
"He won't say that when he's covered in dung and flies" Sylvain muttered, a cheeky grin on his face.
"I wouldn't laugh too hard" Annette scolded, eyeing him with a mischievous grin. "You are on kitchen duty. Twice a week for dinners."
"Absolutely no one will be laughing over that" Ingrid grumbled. "Let's hope they limit your assistance to peeling potatoes."
Her sniping comment brought a few chuckles from the others. Annette snickered herself before resuming her study of the list.
"Let's see… Ah! Ashe, you are on library duty the first and third week of the month. Mercedes, you will be on standby for… gosh, Archbishop Rhea herself!" Annette's voice faltered as she reread the line. "Goodness, I didn't think we were going to be working for anyone that important."
"The archbishop?"
Even Felix made a face at that news. All eyes turned to Mercedes, who shrugged helplessly. "I guess I will have to do my best, then."
"I can't think of a better choice" Dimitri assured her.
"What duty do I have" Ingrid asked, eager to know her task.
"Ingrid… Ingrid…" She scanned the document. On seeing the blonde's name, she hesitated. "Weeding detail. One day each week, at the cemetery."
"Oh." Ingrid's shoulders sagged slightly, disappointed by the mundane and unappealing task.
"Well… don't worry. It shouldn't be too hard and that will leave plenty of time for your training" Annette reminded her. She grinned fiercely at Ingrid, putting as much encouragement into the expression as she could. "And, I'm sure you won't have to worry about it the next month. Professor Eisner will give you something really good. I'm sure of it!"
"What did he give you, Annette?"
"Um, Dedue and I will be working in the greenhouse. I have the second and fourth week, you have first and third."
The tall and imposing Duscur student nodded solemnly. "I will enjoy that."
"Flowers are the best, aren't they?" She giggled with delight. "And that leaves Felix. Felix, you will be on armory duty. Looks like once a week."
"Oh, come on!" Sylvain offered a good-natured complaint. "I get kitchen duty and the mopey edgelord gets to play with swords. How is that fair?"
Felix glared murderously at Sylvain, but said nothing. His gaze returned to its normal grimace when he looked back to Annette.
"If that's all, I'll go talk to the armorers. See you tomorrow."
He turned on his heel and stalked out of the classroom. Annette watched him leave with only a slight bit of disappointment. Most everyone in the class showed interest in learning more about each other. She had been just about ready to suggest they all eat together at dinner to celebrate achieving this milestone.
"Oh Felix." The sigh escaped before she realized it was there. "Well, Professor Eisner told us we should go check in with the person we will be reporting to. Does everyone want to meet together in the dining hall for dinner? I think it would be lovely to have a meal as a class."
"I can rope Felix in for dinner, I think." Ingrid put on her most determined face. Annette beamed at her, certain that the dutiful young woman would carry through with her promise. Her initial impression of Ingrid was of an incredibly strong woman, not just physically but mentally. It was the kind of strength that Annette aimed for. To not just excel in knowledge, but in character. Give it a few months and Annette was sure that Ingrid might become her very own idol.
"That would be amazing, Ingrid! You're the best!"
The blonde smiled, unable to resist Annette's cheer.
"Well, Professor Eisner expects us to be back here in two hours." Ashe glanced at the others. "We should probably go ahead. The other classes are all doing these duty rosters too, so we can figure out who we will be paired up with and set up our plans for how to share the workload."
"I was wondering why they had so much time allotted." Dimitri rubbed his forehead. "That's clever, Ashe. It had slipped my mind that we would be working with other classes."
"Oh, it's… I guess I am just used to it" the silver-haired boy stammered, anxiously waving his hands.
"You don't have to be so modest, Ashe." This time it was Sylvain who stepped in to praise the boy. "But you are right. We need to be back for the other professors to swing by. You'll all know where to find me."
He waved and headed for the doors. One by one, they confirmed where they were to report to and scattered into the monastery. Annette grinned up at Dedue as the pair walked down to the greenhouse. He was a quiet young man, very serious and honestly a little frightening in the intense way he carried himself. But he seemed nice, and Annette knew he had only good intentions.
"So you like gardening, Dedue?"
"It reminds me of home."
"…" She bit her lip, acutely aware of what was left unsaid by his simple response. Shame burned her throat and she hastily tried to find a different path of conversation. "Do… um…"
"You don't have to apologize."
"Eh?" She flinched, startled by the unexpected declaration.
"For Duscur." Dedue glanced down at her as they walked. "It was not your fault, and you were not involved."
"Well, I know that." Unable to hold his gaze, Annette looked at the grass under their feet. They were crossing in front of the student dorms. Here and there they passed students hurrying off to their respective duty locations, or perhaps sneaking back to their rooms to nap. "Still, I did not mean to bring up…"
"I cannot live my life avoiding the past." He did not appear to be disturbed in the slightest. "As I said, gardening reminds me of home. I have found a few plants that are native to my home here, though this is not the right climate and they have fared poorly. My hope is to help them grow, thrive even. In doing so, I can honor my family and my people."
"Oh. They have flowers from Duscur here?" Her eyes brightened. "You have to show them to me. I've never seen those before. And you've got to let me help take care of them. We have alternating weeks, so I can look after them the weeks you aren't there."
"That is kind of you."
A handful of students from the other classes and houses stood outside the greenhouse, whose doors were currently closed. Annette smiled and waved at them all, noting by the trim on their clothes which house they belonged to.
"Hello, gardening buddies!"
-v- Mercedes -v-
"You may enter."
The archbishop's garden was a beautiful retreat. No wider than two dozen paces across and just as long, it was decorated with an ankle-deep pond on one side and a bed of gorgeous flowers on the other. Neatly trimmed shrubbery lined the edge of the garden, hiding the sturdy railings that prevented and accidental fall from the dizzying height overlooking the entirety of Garreg Mach. Even though she stood at the entrance, a fair distance from any of the edges, the realization that she stood on perhaps the highest point in the entire continent left her dizzy for a moment.
Taking a moment to steady herself, Mercedes swallowed back the faint trepidation tingling on her spine and stepped further into the garden. Setting her gaze on the elegant raiment of the Archbishop, she approached in silence. She had yet to meet the archbishop. Few had the honor, even in her home of Garreg Mach. It was not as if Archbishop Rhea went down to the dining hall for her meals. Other than seeing her in the services, the archbishop by and large remained aloof and separate from her people.
Mercedes was not sure how she felt about that, but understood the monumental task that being an archbishop required.
"Mercedes Martritz" she announced, stopping a respectable distance away to curtsy. "My lady."
"Mercedes…" The archbishop turned slowly, revealing a hauntingly beautiful face. The heavy robes and ensemble of her outfit cloaked the archbishop like a tortoise shell, yet even their bulk could not make her movements ungainly or awkward. Her perfectly executed turn combined the poise of a dancer with the grace of a fey. And yet the overpowering aura of solemnness, of sacred duty, suffocated any sense of amusement at the lady's poise. It was impossible to mistake the archbishop for anything but a woman who had achieved the pinnacle of her self-worth. It was like staring into the face of the sun, and her heart faltered before such a woman.
A gnawing sensation of unworthiness clawed at Mercedes as she basked in the beautiful light of her archbishop. Keeping her head low, she set her eyes on the holy woman's delicate shoes.
"Yes, my lady."
"Please, raise your head. You have no need to fear me, my child."
The archbishop extended a hand. She had crossed the distance between them, her steps silent as the night wind. A gentle hand brushed against Mercedes' cheek, drawing her head up until their eyes met. For a long second, Mercedes could hardly think, let alone reply as she held Archbishop Rhea's solemn gaze. Her lungs burned from holding her breath, but it seemed so inconsequential she dared not poison the air with her own meager exhale.
"Your mother resides in Galatea, does she not? She is a nun."
"She… she is, my lady."
"I have met your mother, Mercedes. She is a wonderful woman."
The archbishop's warm smile soothed the fear and trepidation plaguing Mercedes' heart. Gradually, she relaxed in the older woman's hand.
"During the coming month you are to wait on me, is that correct?"
"Yes, my lady."
"You need not address me so formally. Please, at least use my name. Call me Rhea, and I shall call you Mercedes."
"I apologize, but I believe the best I will feel comfortable with is Lady Rhea." She had to lower her eyes again. There was an earnestness to the archbishop's warmth, almost as if it was straining at the leash, ready to overpower and devour her. It frightened her, despite the woman's promise of meekness.
"Then I will be satisfied with that, Mercedes. Come, join me."
The archbishop strode back to the edge of the garden. Mercedes followed, hands clasped before her waist. The view was…
Tears formed in her eyes at the indescribable vista laid out before her. Like the whole world had been laid bare for her, she could see all the way to the distant coastlines. The tiny, near indistinguishable speck to the north was Fhirdiad, the capitol of the Faerghus Kingdom and her home just a month ago. To the east lay the lands of House Galatea, and in those struggling lands her mother lived peacefully in the monastery. She could see the whole world from here.
"This is my favorite place in all the world" Rhea informed her, speaking softly as if afraid to shatter the view with too loud a voice. "From here I may look upon all my children and hear their pleas."
"It is beautiful."
They gazed out over the land in silence for some time. Every so often Mercedes stole a peek at the archbishop, wondering if she should perhaps say something but deciding that the silence was more important. She did, however, notice the sudden sharpening of Lady Rhea's gaze, the unmistakable shift of her attention when her eyes picked out something that garnered closer inspection.
Following the archbishop's gaze, she spotted the swiftly moving shape of her professor crossing the yard in front of her classroom. Lady Rhea's adjutant Seteth accompanied him.
"He is young, isn't he?"
"Lady Rhea?"
The archbishop smiled softly, a wistfulness creasing the corners of her lips. "So young. You are in his class."
"Professor Eisner? Yes, I am his student."
"And what do you think of him?"
"I…" she hesitated, unsure what she should say. Was the archbishop requesting a performance review? The archbishop had made the decision to have the young man be a professor on extremely short notice. Perhaps she wanted feedback. "I think he is strange, if I may speak honestly. His mannerisms, his personality… they are all so different from what I would expect. He is not at all like the teachers I had at the School of Sorcery. But I believe he is determined to be the best professor he can. He is truly pouring his heart into it."
It might have been her imagination, but Mercedes thought she saw the archbishop's breath catch at the word heart. The moment passed too quickly, and she dismissed it as a fanciful play of her mind.
"That is good to hear. The decision was not made lightly and has inspired some concern in my advisors. To have a student offer confidence is reassuring."
The fact that her words offered comfort to the archbishop filled Mercedes with a pleasant heat. Certain that her cheeks had reddened, Mercedes looked back at the flowers in the archbishop's garden.
"May I ask, Lady Rhea, what will you have me do this coming month? Should I expect to write letters for you, or deliver parcels?"
"The former, I should think." The archbishop offered a near silent laugh. Her laughter was sweet as candy, musical and intoxicating. "Do you know the one thing I lack, Mercedes?"
"No, Lady Rhea."
"Someone to talk to. A… friend, if you will."
Mercedes' heart skipped a beat at the revelation. For a horrifying second, she processed the implication of the archbishop's words. Did the archbishop mean what Mercedes thought she meant?
"Every day I am beset by sycophants, petitioners, and servants. They all come to me looking to see what they can gain from me. None of them care for me. They care for my position. It is… lonely, at times. Due to recent events I have found myself seeking a sympathetic ear."
"I am not sure I understand, Lady Rhea. Are you asking me to…?"
"To be a friendly ear." Lady Rhea placed a hand on her shoulder. Mercedes stiffened. She felt the dizziness spread through her belly and reflexively reached out to grab the railing. "That is all that I would ask of you. Perhaps once or twice I may need some small thing delivered about the monastery. But I have a young boy who is quite attached to me who would take offense if I gave such jobs to another. No, Mercedes, I would like to use you as a companion for the next month."
"I am at your service!"
"Know that I am not demanding this as the archbishop. Your mother loves you quite dearly and has spoken highly of you, and I am sure that any request I make of you may be misconstrued as an order. Please, Mercedes, I would like your honest response. Would you do this for me?"
"Yes. Yes, of course, Lady Rhea." Mercedes practically burst with pride. Never in all her years had she imagined such an opportunity.
"I am afraid that I may foist my grumblings on you. And I would like to have reports on your professor. It is important to me that he succeeds, and that you all receive the education this monastery boasts of. Should you desire, however, you will be granted access to my council. I doubt I am mistaken in the belief that you see the church in your future. You could learn much from attending."
"That would be wonderful."
"Excellent. I knew that you were the correct choice." The archbishop lifted her hand again and caressed Mercedes' cheek. "May I trouble you then to request you join me for tea at this time next week?"
"T- t- tea?" The dizziness swept her senses away. She was vaguely aware that she was stumbling, keeling over in shock at the offer. A pair of strong arms caught her, pulled her back to her feet and held her steady as she recovered. Lady Rhea was much stronger than she appeared. Somehow, that seemed just right to Mercedes.
"I would hope that you do not find the idea of sharing tea with me so repulsive" the archbishop murmured.
"Wh… Oh, my! I am so… I apologize, Lady Rhea! No! I do not find the idea repulsive at all. I was… it was just so surprising."
The archbishop chuckled softly, and ran her fingers across Mercedes' forehead to smooth aside a few errant strands of hair. The motion was so… motherly, that Mercedes felt her cheeks burning again.
-v- Rhea -v-
The door to the balcony closed harshly, thrown with a little too much force as the exhilarated student made her escape. Rhea listened to the latch click into place. Her hearing extended, senses pushed beyond mortal limits, and waited for the soft footsteps to patter away into silence. Once sure that the young Mercedes had truly left, she exhaled softy and turned her head to the tall planter just beside the door. It was a large piece, two meters tall and half a meter wide. Perfect for its intended purpose.
"You may come out" she whispered, knowing full well her attendant could hear her.
A pale skinned, dark-haired woman slunk out from her hiding place behind the planter. Positioned there for nearly an hour, she had faded into the background so thoroughly that Rhea could forgive herself had she forgotten of her presence. The woman had a masterful ability to hide herself. Had she been an assassin, Rhea could see the knight making it close enough to strike before she detected the blade.
There were many warriors in the ranks of the Knights of Seiros. To all but one, the holy church was the pinnacle of their faith, their lives. Holy warriors that operated at her behest, protecting the land and doling out wrath to those who challenged her, they were a peerless fighting force. It was said that if all the Knights of Seiros formed up as a single army, they could best any standing force in Fodlan.
But even in her precious knights, there were outliers. Outliers like Shamir, a Dagdan mercenary who had pledged her life to Rhea some time ago. Shamir did not believe in the church, and that was fine. Shamir believed in Rhea, and Rhea put the former mercenary's considerable skills to good use. Whether as a scout, a warrior, a thief or even an assassin, Shamir had proven her worth more than most Knights of Seiros. And she was not even a believer.
Faith must always remain important, but sometimes faith itself was not enough.
Rhea produced a letter from her sleeve and offered it to the waiting knight.
"There is a monastery in Galatea. Find the woman Esperanza Martritz and give this to her."
"As you command." Shamir accepted the letter and slipped it into an oiled leather container on her belt.
"If she asks, inform her that I would like to introduce myself. I will be passing through House Galatea's lands next month, and would be honored if we could have tea."
The little white lies were the easiest to commit, but often the hardest to maintain. While it was true that Rhea had heard of Mercedes mother, and read the detailed commendations delivered by the abbot at the monastery where her mother lived, the two women had never met face to face. Rhea knew nothing of the woman save her name, and her child. That, and her mother had proven to be a dedicated servant to the church. If the child could become like the mother…
"Any other questions should be answered by the contents of the letter."
The mercenary-turned-knight blinked. It was impossible to tell if she thought Rhea was rambling, or if she was committing the message to memory.
"And if at all possible, I would have you back by the mock battle. Do you have questions?"
"No, Lady Rhea."
She smiled and gestured for the knight to leave her in peace. If she left now she could reach the monastery by nightfall tomorrow. Assume a day of recovery at the monastery, then two days to return, and Shamir would be ready to assist with the mock battle between the House elite classes. She wanted as many trusted eyes as possible there.
Again, she waited for the door to close, for the footsteps to recede.
Returning to the edge of the balcony, she stared down at the small figure of Byleth Eisner. He was crossing the bridge to the chapel, and encountered the peach-blonde student as she hurried off to her next task of the day. The two stopped for a moment, exchanging words too distant for Rhea to hear.
The corners of her mouth curved just slightly in vindictive pleasure at the sight. Had she believed in omens, that one confirmed she had chosen well. It was… providential. That was the only way she could look at it. For such a beautiful young woman of such stock to arrive at Garreg Mach at the same time that Jeralt and his son resurfaced. That Mercedes Martritz had such deep faith only made it the better.
"She will do nicely" Rhea murmured, voicing her thoughts aloud.
The student hurried onwards, leaving the professor behind on the bridge. Beside Jeralt's son, Seteth stiffened suddenly. As so often happened, her gaze could not linger without his notice. Casting his gaze back and upwards, he found her watching them. A hint of confusion, and a healthy dose of suspicion, clouded his expression.
"Yes… she will be perfect."