Chapter 7: A Deer At Heart?
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Balaiya opened her eyes slowly, the sun's bright light demanding she wakes, or was it the annoyed voice that reprimanded her?
"Wake up! I am awake, and so you must be too!"
Looking around, she discovered she was in her room, with a rather angry looking Sothis staring down at her. She groaned. "What happened?"
"You passed out like the fool you are because you failed to use my power when you should have, and when you finally used it you used too much at once!" Sothis shook her head. "Utterly foolish!"
"I don't… I'm sorry."
Sothis sighed, and waved her off. "No matter, what is done is done."
"How did I get here?" Balaiya asked, confused. The last thing she remembered was seeing her brother...
"Your brother carried you the rest of the way. You've been out for two days already."
She sat up. "Two days? Ugh." She got out of bed, and pulled on a loose white blouse, and black pants. She turned to Sothis as she tucked in her shirt. "Do you know what day it is Sothis?"
"Yesterday when your brother visited he said it was the fourth day of the Garland Moon. So I can only assume that today is the fifth."
"The fifth? Hmm." Why did she feel like there was something she wanted to do today? She walked over to her bulletin board, and inspected it carefully. Didn't she make a mark for today? She ran her hand over the calendar pinned there till she got to the small marker she had put there. "Oh, it's Sylvain's birthday… should I get him something?"
"Why not?" Sothis said with a shrug.
"Hmm…" She held the side of her face in thought, on her desk she noticed a note from her brother.
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'Bala,
Rhea wants you to go see her when you wake up. Don't go right away though. Eat something first. If I'm not in my room when you wake then I'm most likely in class. Don't worry about your classes, Manuela and I have been covering for you. I'd rather you let me go with you to see Rhea. I'd like to be by your side when you go up those stairs, just in case you have a dizzy spell or something.'
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She folded the note, and placed it in her pocket. Now that she thought about it, she was terribly hungry. She grabbed her jacket from it's folded place on her desk then slipped it on. 'Guess I'll check to see if Leth is in. He's probably not though.' She walked outside, and knocked on his door, just like she thought he wasn't in.
She made her way toward the dining hall, only half aware of her surroundings. So much so, she didn't notice Sothis was floating beside her until she spoke again.
"So? What are you going to get the boy?"
"Hm. I don't know? Maybe I co-" She paused, and did a double take. "Sothis?" She whispered. "You're following me?"
The girl scoffed. "Well of course I am. I am not bound to your room. I just thought I'd see what you did on a daily basis."
"But, don't you see, and hear what I do?"
She waved her off. "Yes, but the experience is more authentic this way! Don't worry no one but you...and I suppose your brother can see me."
"Hm. Okay, if you insist." She shrugged, and kept walking.
"Well?"
"Oh, I don't know. I can ask someone in the market later."
"How boring."
She crossed her arms, and looked over to her. "Well, what would you have me give him?"
"Hmm…"
"See? You don't even know."
"Well perhaps I would know if you spoke to him more! Having favorites is not good you know."
"What? I do not have favorites." Now even Sothis thought that? What must she be doing to give off that impression in the first place? She turned to look at the girl but she was gone.
"Teach! You're awake!" Claude stopped in his tracks when he noticed her, spinning on his heels to face her completely. "How are you feeling?" He adjusted the books in his arms to his side. One of them stood out to her, a light green journal that she knew didn't belong to him.
She tilted her head, 'What is he doing with Ignatz's class journal?'
Claude looked around dramatically, the small braid framing his face smacking his cheek with the movement. "Who were you talking to?"
Shoot, she couldn't exactly tell him...
She looked around as well then back at him. "Um, what?" She hoped she looked as confused as he did.
"... Nevermind." He rubbed the spot where the clasp had hit him. "You're awake! It's great to have you back! It felt like you were gone for ages! Class is so boring without you." His grin was quickly replaced with a more serious look. "How are you feeling? He asked again, more worry settling in his features.
She bit her lip, flashes of her… moment resurfacing. "I'm fine." She suddenly had the need to get away, and motioned for the dinning hall. "I'm hungry… so…"
His eyebrows rose. "Oh, right. Of course, do you need anything?"
She crossed her arms tightly. He probably reported her. Could that be why Rhea wanted to see her? Then again he didn't say anything about her that very first time… But this? This was on a whole different level. She felt ashamed to even look at him. Surely he must feel some sort of revulsion towards her.
She suddenly felt jolted, and she jumped back, only to realize it was because he had placed a hand on her arm.
He held his hand up in a 'surrender' like position. "Oh, sorry… I just." He sighed, and raked a hand through his hair, messing it up more than it already was. "You know, If you ever want to talk...I'm here to listen. Anytime, anywhere, for any reason," he fixed her with a steady gaze, "your secrets are safe with me."
She regarded him quietly for a moment, then sighed heavily. There really wasn't a point in keeping her inquires to herself. "Did you...um…"
He shook his head. "Stop right there, Teach. I'd never."
"What?" She felt more than confused, how did he even know what she was going to ask? "What do you mean?"
"I respect that you wouldn't want to talk about certain things." He shrugged. "Everyone's got a secret. That just makes it more fun for me when I finally figure them out. Why would I want to share that achievement with anyone?" His usual demeanor returned, and he gave her his signature wink.
She blinked at him blankly, a few moments passing before she relaxed. "Ha...right." She fished for a change of topic, and her eyes landed on the journal in his arms again. "So um...why do you have Ignatz's journal?"
He tapped his chin then grinned. "Oh, this ol' thing?" He motioned to the journal. "No reason~." He readjusted the books so the journal was hidden from view.
She rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Knowledge of his apparent secrecy had done a number to comfort her. "As long as you're not cheating…"
He gasped, a playful gleam in his eye. "Teach, I'd never stoop so low."
"Isn't slipping something in an enemies drink before a battle considered as such?" She challenged, she found herself repressing a smirk. Despite wanting to refrain from certain topics she found it difficult to avoid falling into the familiar banter they'd participated in as of late.
"Hmm, I reckon you don't really believe that yourself, do ya Teach?"
"Well, it's not honorable."
"I'd wager I'm the most honorable amongst all your students." He gestured to himself with his thumb. "None can compare."
She shook her head, amused. "More honorable than that of a Knight? Or even a Prince or Princess?"
He winked playfully. "Oh if only you knew, Teach." His voice carried a quiet laugh that only spread to the mirth that warmed his eyes.
Him and his secrets...
She placed her hands on her hips, and rose a brow. "Anyways, where were you heading off to?"
"Well, my room to drop some stuff off. Then my archery class."
"Who's teaching that again?"
He shook his head. "Sheesh, Teach. You don't know who's teaching my favorite subject yet? How long have you been here again?"
"...Archery is your favorite subject?"
"It might be."
She crossed her arms. "I thought you prefered the tactics classes?"
"Why? because you're teaching it?"
"..."
"Only teasing! I love all your classes, Teach." He winked again.
She sighed, and moved her gaze away from his face, settling instead with something just passed his shoulder. "Answer the question already."
He laughed shortly, it was a sound she didn't hear from him often. A light, and musical thing really. "It's Professor Hanneman."
Her brows rose. "Oh, right of course…" She bit the inside of her cheek. That must have been mentioned during one of the meetings when she first started here. The ones that she had tuned out of.
He laughed again in a similar fashion. "You had no idea who I was going to say, did ya?"
She looked back at him with narrowed eyes. "I did." She huffed, and pursed her lips, she had no reason to lie, and judging by the smug look that seeped into his eyes he obviously didn't believe her.
"Whatever you say, Teach."
"So, is the class easy for you?"
"Yeaaah. It's kind of boring sometimes too easy actually." He looked around then brought his finger to his lips, voice falling to a whisper. "Don't tell him I said that. I just need something more challenging ..."
He suddenly got such a wide grin on his face that she felt uneasy. "What?"
"You should teach the class!"
"...I'm already teaching three besides the homeroom."
"Yeah...but I'm sure you could handle a heavier schedule, right Teach?~"
She pursed her lips together, it was as if he recorded everything she said to him in a book somewhere. "Well, I can't just take a class from another Professor."
"Well… what about a weekly seminar? Ooor private lessons?" He winked again.
She sighed heavily, and rubbed her temples. "Maybe"
He silently cheered.
"But, you have to do me a favor."
"Ooo, in need of another scheme?" He smirked. "Who's our next target? Oo I hope it's Lorenz. Maybe we could dye his hair gray or something..."
"Hey!" She looked around quickly. "Hush! I told you if anyone gets suspicious. I know nothing, and I did nothing."
His smirk oozed into his words. "You love to wound me don't ya, Teach? Gonna let me take the fall all by my lonesome?"
"That's right."
It was part of the agreement!
He stared at her, his gaze suddenly serious. "You wouldn't."
Her eyes widened slightly. Once again images of the hollow look in his eyes resurfaced. She felt a chill run down her spine when she saw him cough up blood in her memory.
He'd asked her if she wanted to know something. Whatever could that have been? Did it still apply to her now in this moment, despite those words only having been spoken in a past that happened only to her? She'd seen countless lose their life in her field of work, she'd even caused the loss of said life at times, and though she'd even lost past comrades to the violence of battle, none haunted her the way his death had. Was she haunted by this because she had nearly lost the chance to save him? Or was it the memories of those lost in her past, whom she could do nothing to save that haunted her?
Or maybe because... She'd never just watched the life drain from someone's eyes like that.
Regret pooled in her stomach for all those lives lost she had been powerless to do anything. Or had she been? Could she have turned back time in years past to save the lives of her fallen comrades? The ones of her troop whom had been her father's close friends? Whom they had traveled, and laughed with? Much like she'd done with the Golden Deer.
She felt her throat tighten, when she spoke next her voice had softened to nearly a whisper. "As long as you aren't in any real—" She paused when she noticed the smirk reappear on his face, and she shut her mouth with an audible click. He was teasing her again! "You little—!" In a huff she kicked a small rock his way.
He cackled, and easily sidestepped the thing.
She crossed her arms tightly. "Anyway, I just want to know something… What should I get for someone's birthday?"
"Huh? A birthday?" He tilted his head and the clasp on his braid caught the light. "Well it depends on who it is, how old they are...blah blah blah."
"It'd be for Sylvain."
His eyebrows flew up. "Sylvain?"
"Yeah."
"Uh…" He scratched the back of his head. "Why don't you get him some makeup?"
She stared at him blankly, waiting for him to laugh or something but he only stared back.
After a few moments she sighed dramatically. "Really Claude? I'm being serious."
"Me too! He loves to give gifts to the ladies. Makeup is perfect."
"You want me to give him something he'd only give away? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?"
"Nah, I think he'd love it." He smirked again.
"I don't think that's how this works…" She pursed her lips. "Be serious."
"I'm really not sure what he would want."
"Well, what would you want as a gift?"
If his eyebrows could go higher they definitely did. "What would I want?"
"Yes."
"...as a gift?"
She crossed her arms. "Now who has the parrot disease?"
"Wh-What? Oh, Haha! Good one! You catch on quickly." Curiously, he started twirling the braid beside his face around his finger. "...Um, how about a board game?" He glanced to the side.
"What kind?"
"Something that's challenging."
She thought about it for a moment, then nodded to herself. "That's a good idea. I'll get him a board game. Thank you. Um...Good luck with your lesson. I'll see you later. I'll be in tomorrow, for homeroom."
His face fell. "Huh? Oh... right."
She waved, and quickly left for the dining hall.
After she finished her food she decided it was a good time to go see Rhea. She might as well see what she wanted, now that things were cleared up she figured Rhea just wanted to ask about the mission. She had considered looking for her brother since he requested to accompany her there, but she felt good on her feet, and went by herself. There really wasn't a need to interrupt his schedule.
Rhea was in the Advisory Chamber when she arrived to the second floor. After a simple knock on the door frame she was invited in by her soft voice.
"Please come in."
She entered slowly, glancing around the room to find the Archbishop sitting at her desk looking over some papers.
Her voice was soft, and melodic when she spoke "Ah, it is good to see you awake Professor. How are you feeling this afternoon?"
Balaiya couldn't help but feel relaxed at the care that was evident in not just her words, but her voice as well. "Oh, I feel fine, actually. Maybe a little sore but it's nothing."
The Archbishop's brows furrowed. "Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Have you gotten the chance to see Professor Manuela?"
She shook her head. "No I haven't, but I wasn't planning on it. It's really nothing."
"Well, if you are alright with it," she set down her quill, and stood, "may I have a look at you? I understand you do not feel the need to seek medical attention. However, I can not help but feel at fault for whatever illness—whether real or no— you may have taken. It was me who sent you on that mission after all."
"I guess so." Balaiya said with a shrug. As far as she was aware she didn't have any physical injuries, and if she did there was really no harm in allowing Rhea to once her over.
"Thank you." She smiled kindly, and stepped forward, her hands glowing the softest white she'd ever seen. The aura almost pulsing. Rhea slowly guided her hands over Balaiya's body, from the top of her head to her feet.
A warmth flowed through her unlike any she'd experienced, she couldn't help the shiver that passed through her.
"There. All finished." Rhea smiled, and took a step back. "Thank you for indulging me Professor."
Balaiya stared at the woman for a few breaths, 'Lady Rhea must be a master of Light Magic, if I could learn some myself… then perhaps…' Images of her wounded students flashed through her memory, and a pair of eyes that should have never lost it's light. She shook her head. Curiosity once again pushing her forward. "Can you teach me?" It dawned on her suddenly that she could just talk to Manuela if she really wanted to learn Light Magic, and yet… "Oh, um...I'm sorry I didn't mean to—"
"Oh, I'd love to!" Rhea smiled, and clapped her hands together. "I really am glad you asked me. I would have to review my free time with Seteth but I'll let you know as soon as I can."
Balaiya nodded, eased by her acceptance. "Thank you Lady Rhea, I appreciate it."
Rhea nodded, and smiled. "Of course. Oh, about your mission to Zanado…" She walked over to her desk, and grabbed a folder, skimming it again quickly. "The report you wrote says everything went smoothly, and yet… I can not help but be concerned. You passed out before you made it to the Monastery. Your students were very worried about you. They still are in fact."
Balaiya thought for a moment. She couldn't tell Rhea about what had, or hadn't transpired in the canyon. Turning back time seemed so outlandish, even to herself still! Yet, she had to say something…
"Um, yea. The mission went smoothly. There were more bandits than the Knights had reported, but we were able to handle them easily enough." She held the side of her face, mentally grasping for something to come to her. "After we finished rounding the bandits up we stopped at a village to celebrate. I don't have much memory after that...I did try some food I'd never seen before. Maybe that was it?"
Rhea nodded slowly. "I see. I am glad that you are alright considering everything. I will have to make sure the Knights are more thorough in the future. I pray that the bandits you've captured will see the wrong in their ways, and embrace the church fully. Their actions suggest they were up to something more than pillaging the village. Some of your students suggested the bandits were targeting them directly. Until we know more, I ask that you support the students, and relieve them of any unnecessary worry."
Balaiya nodded. "I will do all I can."
"Good, I have high expectations of you." She smiled, "will you be resuming class tomorrow? Do not feel rushed, we can provide a substitute for your class if you need more rest."
Balaiya shook her head. "No it's alright. Thank you Lady Rhea."
"Of course. Oh, by the way. How was your time overall in Zanado?"
"It was certainly a beautiful place." Balaiya answered truthfully, though she refrained from voicing the strange feeling she felt when thinking back on the canyon.
Rhea nodded slowly. "Legend has it, in ancient times, a goddess alighted upon this world in that very canyon." She looked off to the side. "For a goddess of the heavens, Zanado could only have been a temporary haven. "
Curiosity filled her, what did Rhea mean? "A temporary haven?"
She smiled again, her voice softening. "Long ago, the Divine Serios received a revelation from the goddess. A gift, to help guide the lost. The goddess is always watching over Fódlan from her kingdom above. However, in ancient times, the goddess graced this world with her presence, and offered salvation to the people here. She is the mother of all life," she placed her hand on her chest, "the arbiter of every soul."
Balaiya felt mystified, she'd never heard such a tale. She'd always been drawn to the unknown. "I didn't know." She silently wondered why her father had never mentioned such a story. Whether it was true or not. It certainly made for a good bedtime story. He'd been a knight at the monastery before her birth, surely he knew the tale?
Rhea's face fell, and she looked down. "I see…" She closed her eyes briefly, and looked back up. "During your time here, I pray that you come to devote yourself to the teachings of Serios."
Seteth walked in suddenly, a stern expression on his face. "Uh...Lady Rhea, I am sorry to interrupt. There is something I must ask about in regard to those bandits…"
"As you wish." Rhea looked back at her with an apologetic smile. "We shall continue our conversation when next we meet."
Balaiya nodded, and said a quick goodbye before leaving the room.
On her way down the hall she decided to stop by her father's office. If he had returned since she'd been out, he most likely would be in there.
She knocked on his door, peeking her head in. "Father? Are you in here?"
Jeralt was sitting at his desk fussing with some paperwork when she spoke. He stopped immediately though to look at her and stood quickly after. "Bala, your awake!" He moved over to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "How are you feeling? Is everything alright?"
She nodded. "Yes Father, I'm fine."
"Positive? Your brother was worried about you."
"Yea. I think I might have eaten something off or something…"
"Really? Hm. That's what the Riegan boy said."
Her eyebrows rose. "He did?" What were the chances that he had used the same explanation she had without her even telling him? Great minds think alike Teach! He'd said to her in the library once. It could have been a lucky coincidence.
"Yeah, I questioned him. He didn't crack." He crossed his arms. "Next time I'll have to be more direct."
She frowned slightly. "What do you mean Father?"
"Eh, the boy slipped out of my grasp like a snake in the grass. Somehow got me stuck talking to Leonie for an hour…" He sighed, and shook his head. "Be careful around him sweetie. He's...well I don't quite trust him."
Balaiya frowned deeper. Claude was many things, most of which she was still trying to piece together. Like a jigsaw puzzle whose pieces had been thrown about the room. Besides only having a small corner of that puzzle put together she knew one thing. A snake did not feel like the right thing to compare him to. For whatever reason, Claude was trustworthy. To her at least.
"I understand your concern, Father. However, I feel the need to say this. Being difficult to understand does not necessarily mean one is untrustworthy. I think Leth and I are good examples... Though I'll keep your advice at the forefront of my mind, I myself don't have a reason to doubt him."
Her father looked surprised for a moment. "Hmm, as long as you always remain cautious."
She nodded. "Of course."
He gestured down the hall. "So, you spoke with Lady Rhea already? What did she say?"
"I did. She just wanted to know if I was alright. She also mentioned she would make sure the Knights are more thorough next time."
"Hmm... alright. I'm sorry to ask this of you but be careful around her too. We don't know her intentions."
She nodded, filing this alongside his warning of Claude. Her father was a guarded man. Many times in her life he'd given her a vague response to a question she had, leading her to seek her own answers. She would just have to see for herself if Rhea was trustworthy. "Yes Father."
He sighed and squeezed her shoulder, giving her a little shake. "And don't go passing out like that on us again. You had us both worried... considering everything…"
Balaiya frowned and sighed, taking a step back. She knew what he was referring to. Her strange condition. Subconsciously, she placed a hand over the left side of her chest. "I am fine Father. I am not incapable nor am I weak. Need I remind you that I am faster, and more nimble than Leth could ever hope to be?" She crossed her arms.
He held his hands up. "Alright, alright. I know. I can't help but worry. You know this."
She sighed then moved to the doorway, before she left she turned to look over her shoulder. "Don't forget, Leth and I worry for you too."
Once she was back outside she decided to head to the market to pick out a gift for Sylvain. On her way she felt Sothis stir within her.
'I have been thinking about what Rhea said. She spoke of a goddess… yet I have no memory of her.'
Balaiya thought for a moment before responding quietly. "Should you?"
'I'm not sure… Then again I have no memory at all! Oh how bothersome! It is as though I know… and yet I don't.'
"What about Zanado?"
'Hmm… Perhaps Zanado was my home back when the goddess walked the land. If so… What does that make me now? A ghost?'
"Greetings Professor!"
Balaiya gasped to herself at the sudden greeting from the gatekeeper as she passed by. She nodded her head in acknowledgement, and gave him a wave. Once she was out of earshot she responded to Sothis. "I don't know."
'Hmm...No. That cannot be. I am most certainly alive.'
"But aren't ghosts spirits that haunt people, and things?"
Sothis scoffed. 'That is ridiculous! I cannot be a ghost! I am not haunting anyone!'
"..."
'No! Do not say it! I am not haunting you! Do you feel haunted?'
"Well...no."
'Of course not! But...that does leave the mystery of why I'm here with you. Is it somehow connected? Perhaps some past regret is stopping me from moving on, and now I'm forced to stay with you instead…'
Balaiya frowned in confusion. "Like a ghost?"
'No! Why are you so insistent on such a ridiculous idea? That cannot be it! I can't believe in such a meaningless existence! I...I…'
Balaiya stopped to see if Sothis would continue but she was only answered with a dramatic yawn.
She sighed, now at the market square she moved through the various stalls, and around shoppers with ease.
As she viewed the inventory of the few merchants she had a sudden thought. 'Should I get something for the few whose birthdays I missed since I started here? Perhaps I can make it up another way.' She quickly counted her earnings for the month, and quietly walked up to one of the merchants that had quite a few goods on his table. "Excuse me, I'm looking for a challenging board game."
The merchant turned to her with a welcoming smile. "Afternoon Miss! You've come to the right place! Is there a specific one you're looking for?"
She shook her head. "Not a specific one, just something that isn't for children."
The merchant turned to his table and skimmed it quickly. He shook his head then reached behind the table. "How about this one?"
She tilted her head curiously, the box was neatly painted with imagery that resembled a canyon, a bright ray of light touched the horizon where a winding river grew from. "That's really nice…" She stepped closer to it, images of the canyon at Zanado bombarded her. "I'll take it."
The merchant grinned, and handed the box to her after placing it in a thin paper bag. She paid him and held the bag against her chest.
"I thank you Miss! Please come again!"
She nodded, and walked off, not really paying attention to her destination.
'Why is it that you keep on thinking of that canyon?' Her voice was groggy from sleep.
She paused briefly when Sothis spoke, "I'm not sure...it just feels. Familiar?"
'Hmm. I wonder why it is that you recall that place. Whatever it is, I too am fascinated by it. But, as far as I can tell, that was your first time there.'
"What about you? Have you been there before?"
'I must admit I am unsure. I daresay it would be impossible to have forgotten such a place, and yet… Beyond the name, and this strange feeling of familiarity, I can't seem to remember anything about it.' Sothis sighed heavily. 'And yet…a great depth of emotion is tied to that sense of familiarity. Like joy, and sorrow. Pain and love. And all things in between...If I was somehow here before, I wonder what took place…Perhaps it has something to do with the goddess Rhea mentioned?'
Balaiya frowned slightly, the solemn tone that Sothis had taken on had made her feel sad for her. "I'm sorry…"
'Hmm, do not worry over it. Know that time reveals all things. One day, I will remember that which I have lost...Oh by the way. I didn't get to tell you before, but it seems you've earned my gratitude. The thieves who had disturbed the canyon will no longer be able to soil those lands. '
"Um... why are you…"
'I am not sure myself, yet I am grateful all the same.'
She nodded. "Well, you're welcome."
Sothis's voice had lifted in tone, and Balaiya was sure there was a smile there. 'Yes, thank you.'
"Hello Professor! Fancy meeting you here!"
She tightened her grip on the bag in her arms, and turned to face the newcomer. Her body instantly relaxed when she saw who it was. "Sylvain! You have perfect timing."
He smiled easily. "Do I?"
She nodded. "I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I understand birthdays are special to most here." She held the bag out to him, doing her best to smile.
"Aw Professor! You really shouldn't have! You wake up from a coma, and the first thing you do is buy me a gift?" He took the bag but kept it closed. "As much as I'd love to tear into this right now-" His face grew serious. "I have to ask you first. Are you doing alright? Everyone was really worried about you." He tucked the package under his arm, and placed his hands on her shoulders and slid them down her arms, his fingers just barely ghosting her skin until he had a hold of her hands.
Balaiya tensed, the action was very reminiscent of the gesture Claude had done in Zanado. Was it something nobles did? Like a gesture of reasurance? Before coming to the monastery no one had been so gentle with her. For some reason she felt more guarded than anything with a tinge of awkwardness. It must have been because she was so delirious in the canyon that she didn't feel this way before. "I'm okay Sylvain. I wasn't in a coma either. I was just um… Sleeping?"
He laughed. "Sleeping? You don't even sound convinced. That's so cute Professor." He grinned, and tried to twist their fingers together.
She took the chance to pull her hands away then crossed her arms over her chest. "Uh, aren't you going to open it?"
His eyes widened, and he grinned. "Oh right! Don't want to keep you waiting, do I?" He grabbed the bag from under his arm, and peered into it. "No way! I can really have this?" Something she could best describe as excitement filled the earthy tones of his eyes as he pulled the box from the bag. "How did you know I loved these Professor?"
Balaiya laughed slightly. "I really didn't know, all I did was ask— oof" She was cut off suddenly as she was pressed tightly into his chest, his arms crushing her into him.
"Wow you're the best, Professor! I've actually wanted this one for a long time! I could never find it in the market though!"
She stood there for a moment, shocked by the sudden embrace. She'd definitely never been held like this before—wait— was he lifting her up?
Sure enough her feet suddenly lost contact with the ground.
Her eyes widened, and she squirmed. "Sylfain! Lef go off me." Her voice was still muffled terribly due to her face's current position smashed in his chest.
He released her quite suddenly, and she stumbled back. "Haha— Whoops. I'm sorry Professor! I was just so happy!"
She frowned, and took another step back. "Sheesh Sylvain, with that behavior I nearly thought you were Raphael. What with that bear hug and all."
He rubbed the back of his neck, "Ah, please forgive me! I meant no disrespect!"
She narrowed her eyes at him, and he quickly turned his gaze to a spot over her head. "Well. I suppose I can let this pass…"
"Bala? There you are, I've been looking for you."
She turned in the direction her brother's voice had come. "Oh! Hello Leth."
He stopped beside the pair, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh, hello Professor Byleth!" Sylvain said happily.
Byleth glanced at her. "What happened to your hair?"
Balaiya reached up to feel her hair, discovering it to be sticking up. She shot a glare at Sylvain, and briefly ran a hand through her locks to sort it out. "Oh, I dunno." She shrugged.
Byleth stared at her for a moment, then turned to Sylvain, narrowing his eyes again. He looked ready to say something to the redhead but said redhead interjected suddenly.
"Oh! Professor Byleth! Guess what?" He quickly held the box between his face, and her brother's face, like a shield. "Professor Balaiya got me a gift!"
"...Why?" Byleth asked, sending a suspicious look towards his sister.
"Um, because it's his birthday today?" She held the side of her face. "You did not know Leth?"
Sylvain slouched his shoulders. "Nah, he didn't say anything all day today." He threw a hand up to his forehead, and sighed. "I felt so very unimportant today!"
Byleth pursed his lips. "Happy Birthday Sylvain…"
The redhead straightened immediately. "Oh thank you so much Professor Byleth! You really are too kind."
"How old are you anyway?" Her brother asked as he crossed his arms.
"Me? Oh, today is the mark of my twentieth year!" He grinned then winked at Balaiya. "And you've made it oh so special~. Thank you for that."
"You're welcome." She said.
"Bala, did you go to see Rhea already?" Byleth asked, turning away from Sylvain.
"I did. I didn't want to bother you since I felt fine. She just asked about the mission."
He sighed. "Alright… "
"Hey! Since it's nearing up on supper wanna dine with me Professor?" Sylvain asked her. "It'll put a wonderful close on my birthday."
"No thanks."
"Sure, why not?" Balaiya stared at her brother when he answered alongside her. She frowned at him. "Why not Leth? Teachers are supposed to display an active interest in the well-being of their students."
"No it's alright." Sylvain said. "Professor Byleth has been working hard all day. He probably wants to go lay down or something. It'll just be you and me then~."
"I guess I should go… Just so I can supervise you."
"Haha! Please Professor! You're killing me with the jokes!"
She sighed, and moved ahead of them to the dining hall. Otherwise they'd stay there until sunset.
As soon as she took a sea,t Sylvain had managed to claim the seat beside her. Byleth hadn't looked too happy about that but ended up sitting right across from the redhead.
The next few moments turned into a whirlwind of voices, Raphael's familiar voice rose above the crowd in an enthusiastic shout.
"Guys look! Professor Balaiya is awake!"
Next thing she knew, she was surrounded by students not just from her house but her brother's house as well.
"Professor! We were so worried about you! What happened?" Rang Hilda's voice.
"I can't believe such a simple mission knocked you out for days." Felix muttered behind her.
Dimitri sent a frown towards his classmate. "Felix! You cannot judge if you do not know the whole story."
"Shut it boar."
"Bark! Someone's in need of a chew toy." Sylvain laughed loudly.
"Professor! I heard you had food poisoning!" Raphael bellowed, drowning out Felix's retort. He must have thought she couldn't hear him.
"Professor! I am so glad you are well! Please tell me you'll be able to resume class tomorrow." Lysithea said as she wormed her way to the front of the crowd.
"Professor! How could you make Captain Jeralt worry? That's unacceptable!" Leonie admonished her with a frown.
"Raphael, please don't shout in my noble ears!"
Balaiya shook her head, typical Lorenz. She stood up, and waved her arms around to get everyone's attention.
"Guys! I'm fine. I'm sorry I worried you. I will be back tomorrow for class."
"Um, I'm glad you're okay Professor." Marianne said quietly, her hands clasped in front of her chest.
"I too am glad no real harm came to you Professor." Somehow, Ashe appeared in the chair beside Byleth.
Balaiya sat back down with a sigh. "Don't worry everyone that won't happen again. Now let's all settle down. We shouldn't be so rowdy."
"Aw it's okay if they have a little fun Professor!" Sylvain said with a grin. "They have two things to celebrate today. Your return and my birthday! Though I certainly enjoyed Professor Manuela subbing for you, I'm glad your back!" He winked at her.
"Please Sylvain, their excitement has nothing to do with you." Ingrid said.
"Oh I know! We should sing Happy Birthday for Sylvain!" Ignatz said happily.
Ingrid pinched the bridge of her nose. "Oh, goddess no. He doesn't need his head to get any bigger."
Dimitri spoke next. "Ingrid, we should all be supportive. Twenty is certainly a big milestone."
A slew of more chatter followed before the students gave in and sang Happy Birthday to Sylvain in one of the rowdiest displays she's seen as of yet at the monastery. In the confusion of it all she actually lost track of her brother and figured he had escaped the ruckus. As for herself, she chose to stay throughout the event. She found she quite liked seeing everyone so happy. Some members from the Black Eagles even joined in and the volume increased tenfold.
Caspar enthusiastically challenged Raphael to an arm wrestle, and she couldn't keep the smirk from her face when he failed miserably. This sparked a rather intense game which Dorothea had described perfectly.
"This is all just a ridiculous attempt to validate one's masculinity." She gestured to Raphael. "Look at him! You poor souls couldn't dream to compete with that."
"No!" Caspar shouted. "Someone needs to avenge me!" He desperately looked around the crowd. "C'mon you weaklings!"
Sylvain laughed and motioned at Dedue. "C'mon you challenge him next! Prove to everyone that the Blue Lions are the strongest ones here!"
"What? No!" Caspar looked around at his fellow housemates. Besides himself and Ferdinand, only Petra and Dorothea sat with them. "Ferdinand!"
Ferdinand shook his head. "Sorry, Caspar. I'm not going to participate in your ridiculous game."
"Wow! I bet Edel-"
Ferdinand sat across from Raphael with his arm on the table."Alright Raphael, I'll beat you for if my name isn't Ferdnand von Aeir!, on three!"
Despite his determination Ferdinand had done little to budge Raphael from his spot as the current champion.
"I am having much enjoyment with this game." Petra laughed.
"Gah! When is it our turn?" Leonie yelled.
"Oh no," Dorothea said. "Why would you want to get into that?"
"Right! It's much more fun to watch them." Hilda added happily.
"Come oooon Dedue! You got to knock those pesky deer off their high horse!" Sylvain yelled.
Dedue had simply stared at the redhead before turning away in silence, this did little to discourage Sylvain and he swung an arm around Dimitri's shoulder.
"Your Highness! Make Dedue challenge Raphael!"
"Sylvain, please. I can't make him do anything. Dedue can challenge our friend here if he wants to."
"C'mon, we all know that if you-" Sylvain gasped dramatically. "Your Highness! you challenge him!"
Dimitri's eyes widened. "What?"
"Yeah!" Raphael stood up suddenly, the whole table moving with an obnoxious screech. "Dimitri! you have to challenge me! If anyone here can give me a challenge I know it's you!"
Dimitri frowned. "Why do you say that?"
"Aw, don't be shy! I heard about what you did!" Raphael yelled with a grin.
"What are you talking about Raphael?"
"I was down at the market earlier and I heard some folks saying you lifted a whole wagon on your own! They said you made it look easy too!"
"What!? Did they say he lifted it over his head!?" Caspar yelled, slamming his palms on the table.
Sylvain smirked and elbowed Dimitri in the ribs. "I don't know, but he might have done it with one hand. Right Your Highness? Say, how many ladies could you hold on your arm anyway?"
Balaiya had to repress a laugh. Poor Dimitri looked overwhelmed with all the attention that had suddenly been directed to him. She wanted to help give him an out so she waved off the three men. "Okay okay, calm down you three. You shouldn't pressure him into playing along if he doesn't want to."
"Aw but Professor!" Raphael frowned. "I want to test how far I've come!"
Dimitri sighed and moved into the seat across from Raphael, a roar of excited cheers followed.
"Dimitri you know you really don't have to entertain them. They are doing a fine job with that already." Balaiya said, she glanced at the group and shook her head. The way things were going, she was definitely reminded of the rowdy men in the mercenary troop. And there wasn't even alcohol involved! Who knew nobles could be so-
"You all are so undignified!" Lorenz said mournfully. He grabbed his tea from the table and walked off.
Balaiya laughed slightly, that was definitely a way to put it.
"It's alright Professor. I appreciate you trying to help." Dimitri offered her a slight smile and rolled up his sleeve. "I don't mind. Besides I'd hate to disappoint anyone."
It was certainly strange to see the very tall and muscular Raphael break a sweat against such a slight man. A silence fell over the group as they watched Raphael and Dimitri battle it out in an intense match of arm wrestling of all things. Balaiya eyed Dimitri's arm curiously, in comparison even Sylvain seemed more built than the Faerghus heir. Even so, the resounding crack that echoed throughout the hall when Raphaels knuckles slammed into the wood was nothing when compared to the howls of victory and defeat that the young men had released.
Dimitri's eyes widened. "Oh! are you alright Raphael? I didn't mean for your hand to-"
"Yeah! I'm...I'm fine." Raphael grinned widely and flexed his hand a few times.
Balaiya winced when he did so, his knuckles were definitely badly bruised if not broken. "Raphael? Maybe you should go see Manuela."
"NO! I'm fine! Haha!"
"Raphael, that actually lo-"
Sylvain slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest and whispered in her ear. "Shh, it's okay Professor. Let the poor guy be. He'll run off to the infirmary after he's sure none of us are looking." With his free hand he held his palm out to Caspar and opened and closed it a few times. "Pay up little eagle."
Caspar groaned and slapped some gold in his hand.
A shiver ran down her spine from the sudden close contact and the heat of his breath against her ear. She frowned and grabbed his hand from her shoulder and squeezed it roughly. "If you're not careful Mr. Gautier I'll have to send you up to Manuela as well."
He hissed in pain suddenly and twisted away from her. "Ow! Haha… ha. Uhh…" He scratched the back of head. "G-got it Professor."
She rolled her eyes and started getting everyone's attention. "Alright guys, it's really late. Time to clean up and head to bed."
Most had complained but did little to actually resist and had the place cleaned up rather quickly.
Balaiya waited till everyone had left the hall before she herself left. It was so late in fact that no one was outside. Her ears were still ringing from all the yelling that had been going on throughout the evening and well into the night. Even her own throat was sore from constantly raising her voice inorder to be heard. However, she had fun with everyone and was glad she stayed. She did feel like something was missing but she wasn't sure what it was. Was it because her brother had left early? Though she had wished he'd have stayed she wasn't sure if that was what was causing the feeling.
Once she got to her room she knocked on her brother's door. He answered it after a few moments.
"I didn't wake you did I?" She asked quietly.
He shook his head. "No."
"Good, I wanted to talk to you...c'mon." She nodded her head towards her room, he followed her silently.
She lit a few candles and sat on her bed. "You should have stayed. We all had fun." She said idly while she got settled in the room.
"Eh, it was too much for me."
"Well...you should stay next time. You might actually enjoy yourself too."
He nodded in silence, a choir of crickets filling the space before she exhaled loudly as if to drown them out.
"So...about what happened… my mission actually went really wrong."
Byleth frowned and sat in the chair at her desk. "What do you mean?"
"We were actually ambushed in the canyon, the bandits were expecting the knights. Everything went alright until their backup came at us." She took a deep breath and bit her lip. "We had split up, I figured it'd be a good opportunity for them to learn. By the end of it half my class was seriously injured and one of them…" she closed her eyes and lowered her voice. "One of them...died…the reason why everyone is okay now is because Sothis allowed me to turn back time."
When she looked at her brother again his brows were raised on his forehead. "Is that why you passed out?"
"Yeah, Sothis told me this morning it was because I used too much all at once."
"Are you sure you feel okay? This sounds serious."
"I'm positive Leth." She sighed, and leaned forward with her elbows on her knees, her face in her hands. "Please don't coddle me."
"...So the students don't know?"
She shook her head, no.
"Hm… you know what? I did have this strong sense of deja vu that day…"
"It must be like what happened in Remire." Balaiya said. "You said you saw me get hit with the axe."
Byleth nodded. "Yeah...just try and be more careful out there okay? I won't be there to watch your back."
She reached over, and placed her hand on his arm. "I will, as long as you promise to be careful too. I can't fight properly if I'm worried about you."
"Don't worry, I'll try and look out for him."
Both the twins jumped and turned to look at Sothis who had appeared suddenly.
"You two must be weak of heart if I scare you every time I speak."
Balaiya sighed and offered her a smile. "I'm sorry Sothis. I didn't expect you to appear like that."
"Well, you must get used to the sound of my voice!"
She nodded. "What do you mean by that? How will you watch out for him when we are separated?"
Sothis shook her head. "I do not know… I only know that even though you are not together I am still aware of his presence. It's strange."
"You know...I have heard a voice now and again speak to me. It was always quiet and subtle but it has always been enough to catch my attention." Byleth said looking between the two women. "Perhaps that was actually you Sothis."
"You know I believe that to be true even though I do not have memory of that of which he speaks." She sighed. "All of this not knowing is quite infuriating!"
"It's alright. It's just like you said, Time reveals all things." Balaiya said.
"That is right." Sothis smiled and turned to Byleth, giving him the 'shoo' motion. "Off with you now, it is late and I am sure your sister is tired. I know I am."
Balaiya stared at her, amused. "But Sothis, all you do is sleep."
Sothis shook her head, and pointed a finger at Balaiya. "Don't start with me."
The twins couldn't help but share an amused laugh at such a parent like gesture. Byleth stood and moved to the doorway. "Good night Bala, Sothis." He offered them a wave and exited quietly.
Balaiya stood from the bed and blew out the remaining candles, she too whispered a quiet Goodnight Sothis and went to bed.
.
Balaiya couldn't help but feel relieved when she walked to the front of her class the following day. The feeling surprised her, it was not very long ago she had felt so out of place standing at the front of the class and now it nearly felt natural. Certainly enough for her to feel a sense of normalcy. Could it have been because she did not have to worry over the safety of her students in the confines of the classroom? Whatever the case she certainly did not feel regretful. It could also have something to do with the familiar exhaustion that weighed her down, something she often felt after a night spent with the jovial celebrations of the mercenary troop. Only this time it was a rather fun night celebrating with her students.
Carefully she read through the notes that were left for her by Professor Manuela and her brother regarding the class. When she was finished she surveyed the room slowly, her eyes fell on Sylvain sitting at the front of the class where Claude usually sat, in the desk to her right. Where was he anyway? Now that she thought of it he hadn't been in the dining hall last night either!
Confusion instantly filled her and she reviewed the notes again to see if she had missed anything about class changes or reassignments. Why would they transfer him out of the class? Did her father have something to do with it? He wouldn't go that far would he? Could they even do that with House Leaders?
She looked back up at Sylvain, and rose a brow. "Um, good morning?"
He grinned widely and winked. "Good morning Professor!"
"Uhh...what are you doing here?" She hoped she didn't sound rude, she just didn't know if there was another way to phrase her question.
"Well, you see. After last night I thought to myself. It'd be great if I could be in your homeroom class! Of course, it's not like im going to drop my classes for my Lance training, but I'm decently skilled with that already." he shrugged. "I thought it would be a great idea if I had you as a homeroom teacher. You're so much more perspective than most I'm sure you'd be able to catch my mistakes quicker, and help me build up my weaknesses faster, and more proficiently."
"Oh, Is there some sort of process that needs to be done to switch classes like that?"
"Yeah, but it's not too strict. I already submitted my paperwork to Seteth, I just need you to say yes, and of course sign your lovely signature on this." He held up a piece of paper.
Balaiya walked over to him and took the paper from his hand, she scanned it quickly then peered back down at him. "Is there a seat limit for a class?"
"Nope."
"Does my brother have to accept too?"
"Nah, he can't hold me hostage."
"...And, you won't be replacing anyone?"
"Perhaps figuratively."
"What?"
He laughed, and shook his head. "Nothing, nothing."
She sighed, and reviewed the paper a few more times, at the corner of her eye she caught sight of Claude walking in, and she felt her body relax. He looked like he hadn't slept too well, and when he noticed Sylvain his brows shot up on his forehead. He looked ready to say something but shut his mouth, and took a seat in the back.
"So, whatcha say Professor?"
She looked back down at Sylvain, and sighed. "I...guess so?"
He grinned and threw his fist in the air then handed her a quill. She sighed again, and signed the paper for him.
"You better not turn in any late assignments."
"Oh don't worry about that Professor. I'll surely be one of your best students."
"Well...I'm going to have to give you a test at the end of the day so I can gauge exactly where you are at."
He winked. "Not a problem."
She shook her head, and returned to the front of the classroom.
"Ugh! What is he doing here?" Leonie yelled once she caught sight of him.
"He's going to be joining our class everyone." Balaiya said. "So… Play nice."
"What?! Is that even allowed?" She fumed.
"Relax Leonie, I've always been a deer at heart anyway." Sylvain said with a smirk.
Much of the class groaned at his remark then erupted into loud chatter, and Balaiya had to knock on her desk loudly to quiet them. The rest of the class went by relatively smoothly. Since her class now consisted of an odd number of students, she assigned some new weekly goals and assigned Sylvain into a group with Lorenz and Hilda.
"Okay, we're going to break for lunch and we'll meet again afterwards. If anyone has any questions you're welcome to stay after class."
The students filed out of the class talking among themselves. Lysithea had stayed briefly to clarify a few questions she had before she joined Hilda and Marianne by the door. The latter being held there by Hilda.
"I wanted to thank you again for accepting me Professor." Sylvain said with a smile. "Promise I won't let you down."
She nodded. "You better not."
His smile split into a wide grin. "Ooo, feisty, I like it."
She rolled her eyes, and pointed out of the class. "Get out before I take those papers and burn them."
He laughed and left quickly, clutching the signed papers to his chest.
She sighed heavily and rubbed her temples. 'Was that a good idea?'
"Soo, when did that happen?"
Balaiya looked up to see Claude leaning on the desk closest to hers— the one he usually occupied but hadn't thanks to a certain redheaded.
"Today actually."
"Hm."
She eyed him warily, up close he definitely looked like he hadn't slept well. He had dark circles beneath his eyes and his hair seemed a bit messier than usual. She frowned. "Did you sleep alright?"
He stared at her for a few moments, she could practically hear the gears in his head turning. Why was such a simple question cause for so much consideration? Was he debating on whether or not to tell her the truth?
"I was up for most of the night."
She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Why?"
"I was in the library."
"Why wer-"
He cut her off suddenly. "You seemed pretty transfixed by the canyon, Teach. Then that strange behavior…" He pushed off the desk and stepped closer to her. "Then you were avoiding me on the entire trip back. Plus I could tell you didn't really want to talk to me yesterday either." Something strange flashed across his eyes but it was gone just as quickly. "Why?"
She frowned and stepped back to maintain the distance between them till she felt the back of her desk stop her. This was exactly why she had been avoiding him, she didn't know what to say! She briefly considered turning time back to avoid this conversation, but that seemed like a waste. She'd most likely only add logs to the fire by leaving the class before he got a chance to speak with her. Plus, using Sothis's power for something so trivial seemed careless and juvenile. Then again, she'd never had anyone stare at her like he was before. Forget bending her ear, he was picking her apart without a word! Though he stood far enough that she could slip past him, she still felt rooted to the spot. Much like in the canyon, it was as if he was daring her to move but somehow there was more intensity.
She exhaled slowly and shrugged stiffly. The truth always hurt less anyway. "I just. Didn't know what to say."
"About?"
"Everything?"
"You mean about the bandit?"
She sighed and nodded slowly.
"What about before the battle? You seemed fine but then you broke out into a cold sweat."
Images of the chaotic mess that she had prevented assaulted her again. "I um…" She tore her eyes away from his and settled them at his feet. For a few breath she counted the scuffs and creases in his boots. Then in a whisper she said. "I had a vision…"
"Really? Is that how you knew we'd be ambushed?"
She winced, Of course he'd catch that. "Yes…"
"Interesting. Has that happened before?"
She bit her lip and crossed her arms. She couldn't tell if he was taking her seriously. "Not really."
"Hmm. What about the canyon? You were looking around pretty intensely when we got there. Or was that because of what you saw?"
"Uh. It actually seemed familiar to me."
"Familiar?"
"Yeah."
"Have you been there before?"
"No."
"Hmm...maybe it has something to do with a past life?"
"I'm not sure." She tensed up more the longer this went on, he was asking her so many heavy questions in rapid fire she was starting to find it hard to think."
"If you've never been there before it couldn't have been a childhood memory…"
She shrugged. "Maybe I forgot?"
" Do you remember what you saw in the vision?"
"...No."
"Well, if you don't remember. I guess there's nothing else to say about it… You know, I'm actually pretty interested in the place myself."
She looked back up at him curiously. "Really?"
"Yeah, I mean it's called The Red Canyon, but nothing there was actually red."
"So… You were looking for books about it in the library?"
He winked and snapped his fingers. "Bingo!"
She blinked and laughed slightly, shaking her head. It certainly amazed her how easily he seemed to be able to alter the tension in a room. One minute her pulse was screaming in her ears and quite literally with a snap of his fingers she felt the room's atmosphere shift and her muscles relax. "Were you successful?"
He shook his head. "I didn't find anything worth reporting."
"I see." Now that she was no longer glued to the floor she moved over to her desk to collect her papers.
"Maaybe you could help me look later today?"
"Sur-oh." She sighed. She forgot she'd already told Sylvain he could take his test at the end of the day. "I actually got to give Sylvain his test later today."
His brows rose. "Huh? Oh. Right. What's with that anyway?"
"What?"
"Him wanting to join our class."
"Oh I don't know. He thinks I'd be able to help him learn better."
"Uh huh."
"What? You doubt my ability?" She crossed her arms, not really offended but she wanted to know why she detected disbelief.
He laughed and started walking backwards toward the door. His words were quick and bunched together. "Oh no, ofcoursenot. Anyway. I gottagetgoin'." He grabbed his books and gave her a salute. "See ya Teach."
Balaiya sighed and stood there for a few moments after he left. When she had gotten her bearings, she left the class herself.
The rest of the day had passed on quickly much to her relief and when it came time for Sylvain to take his test he'd finished it quickly and without hassle. Something that surprised her. Apparently he wasn't all talk. When she finally closed the classroom's double doors for the night she was joined by her brother. The first question that left his mouth would have surprised her if it had been anything else.
"Why'd you let Sylvain join your class?"
She sighed and pushed the keys in her pocket. "Why not?"
"..."
"He seemed pretty serious and I don't mind the extra work."
"I wish you wouldn't h-"
She cut him off. "Why? Going to tell me to watch my back Byleth?" She felt irritation gnawing at her. Why were her father and brother so invested in her safety specifically off the battlefield?
"No I-"
She held her hand up. "Please, don't. I know what you were going to say." She started walking away.
She heard him sigh and follow her.
"Bala, why don't you join father and I on our next off day in the training field?"
She still felt the irritation burning her lungs. "So I can watch?" She snapped.
"No."
"I'll have to think about it."
He sighed again. "Okay, have a good evening Bala."
She glanced over at him and crossed her arms. "Good night."
He nodded and left.
She waited until he was gone before making her way to the greenhouse. She wanted to check on her flowers, it had been awhile since she'd been able to tend to them. Besides the peaceful atmosphere always served as a good way for her to relax.
When she walked in the greenhouse she spotted someone she only saw a few times a week, sometimes even less than that since she always skipped her class. Carefully she walked over to the skittish girl, taking note of the flower she was drawing. Balaiya waited until she had put the pencil down to speak in case she got scared. She didn't want to be the reason her drawing got messed up.
"Bernadetta?"
"Eep! Wh- oh! Professor! Is this your spot? I'm so sorry!" Bernadetta slapped her book shut and moved to stand.
Balaiya held her hand day out and shook her head. "No, wait. Your not in my spot. It's okay. I just wanted to say hi."
"Oh! I see. I'm sorry Professor!"
Balaiya held her finger to her lips. "Shh, if you keep shouting people will find my hiding spot."
The girls eyes widened. "Oh I'm sorry." she whispered. "You...um… you hide here too? I mean! Um…"
Balaiya sat beside her but left a comfortable distance between them. "I often come here when I feel overwhelmed." She sighed. "Sometimes being around so many people can be a bit much."
"I know what you mean." Bernadetta said with a sigh. She bit her lip. "I didn't know you felt like that Professor…"
"Oh please don't tell anyone. I don't want students to look down on me."
Bernadetta gasped. "Oh I won't. I um...I feel the same. I'm always so nervous around people."
"It's okay to feel nervous. Many of us do actually. Another one of my students often. Feels similar to you." Balaiya said thinking of Marianne. "If you like, I can introduce you two. Maybe you'd enjoy each other's company? You don't have to if you're not comfortable, but it might be nice having a friend."
Bernadetta nodded slowly, her feet kicking out in front of her. "I'll um...think about it Professor."
Balaiya nodded. "That's all I ask." She glanced down at her notebook. "Were you drawing earlier?"
"Oh I uh...maybe."
"I'd love to see it. If you want of course."
Bernadetta chewed her lip for awhile then slowly opened her notebook up.
Inside was a fairly good sketch of the flowers in Balaiya's plot. She felt a smile form on her lips when she realized it.
"That's beautiful Bernadetta. I really like it."
She smiled and looked up at her timidly. "R-Really?"
"Yes, I'm honored that you chose my flowers to draw."
"These are yours?"
Balaiya nodded. "Yup, and thanks to you they'll be remembered forever."
Bernadetta looked down and tore the page from her book. "You can have it Professor. I really want you to have it."
"Oh, are you sure?"
She nodded so urgently her hair bounced around.
"Alright. I'll hang it on my wall in my room then."
"Oh, Professor?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry for skipping your class so much… I'll make sure I go to them from now on!"
"I'd appreciate that Bernadetta. Oh but if you ever feel like you can't make it. Could you at least tell me beforehand?"
"I will."
Balaiya placed her hand on the girls shoulder and squeezed it gently. "Thank you."