Chapter 18: The Calm before the Storm
Author's notes: Hi all! Thank you for continuing to stay tuned to this story! I've just moved halfway across the USA, so hopefully once I settle in I can write more. Again I'm taking liberties here and there to change things up especially with the support discussions. Just in case you were wondering I've switched Ingrid and Mercedes from cooking to Pegasus flying.
Guest review replies:
Jessie: Thank you for your review! :D I hope you will continue to enjoy the story!
Rahzel and Ryu: I've been good, I hope you guys are doing well! Oh, I agree that Mercedes may be finding more about Edelgard, as well as her brother. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the cat rescue!
NyanCat: I'm sure there are more kitties and doggies to come in future chapters. Indeed Dorothea will have the unique position of being the bridge between the Blue Lions and Black Eagles, though we will see how her transfer will affect Edelgard.
Krystal501: I'm glad you like the idea of Dorothea joining the Blue Lions. I needed a little change up in the usual line up to spice things up.
Rean-Belle: Lols, I figured this wouldn't have been the first kitty rescue attempt! And thank you for the review, it's lovely to hear back from you again :3
Osheana259: Thank you! It's lovely to be back and to hear from you too! :D I've definitely got some schemes for Claude as more people realize they are falling for the Professor. Poor Papa Jeralt!
CielCial: Thank you for the welcome back! :3 I'll definitely be working on more cat scenes, maybe some dog scenes too. Should I make Jeritza a secret Disney princess? XD
"I wish to transfer to your class," Dorothea had stated confidently, but now the young songstress began to baulk at Byleth's unyielding stare.
"Come," the Professor indicated calmly with a nod. "Walk with me," the young woman added as she led the songstress out of the courtyard and along the silent cobblestone pathway. "Tell me about yourself," Byleth softly prompted after a couple minutes of silence.
"Well," Dorothea began in her melodious voice, "As you know I am not of noble or royal birth, nor do I even have a crest." The songstress noticed how Byleth gave her a side glance as she tilted her head, cueing her to continue.
"My mother was a lady-in-waiting to an Imperial noble in the Adrestian Empire, she was quite enamored by him and I thought he...cared for us," Dorothea's musical voice lilted. "When it became apparent that I didn't bear a Crest, my mother and I were promptly kicked to the curbside."
Dorothea's jaw clenched and she cleared her throat in order to continue. "Mother took care of me as best she could, but I think...I think she was heartbroken," the songstress's voice grew somber, before it gained a sharp steeled edge as she spat out the rest, "over that rotten lout."
Dorothea shook her head as she sighed deeply, "Then my mother died, and I continued to survive on the street…" Suddenly there was warmth upon her shoulder which shook the songstress out of her troubled past as she looked to see Byleth's warm hand resting there. The Professor shot her a silent glance, and her dark blue eyes had softened with understanding.
"Um, thanks Professor," the songstress smiled with a small nod to which Byleth reciprocated before taking back her hand. Again Dorothea cleared her throat, she didn't understand why she was being this truthful to the Professor.
"But, I didn't mean to sullen this conversation with such sadness!" Dorothea peeped up, her voice growing stronger with every word. "As you surely know, I became the head songstress of the Mittelfrank Opera Company in Enbarr, and as time went on, I became known as the Mystical Songstress."
There was sudden neighing of horses as they drew closer to the stables and the pair halted in their steps to watch as two ivory winged pegasi took to the bright blue sky. The riders were Ingrid and Mercedes. Ingrid looked like a natural, who held herself straight with a confident poise, Mercedes on the other hand...was less so.
"Actually I know Ingrid very well," Dorothea added as the riders took off around the monastery. "She speaks highly of you, Professor."
"Hmmmm," Byleth murmured before she peered into the stable yard.
As the two young women took off into the sky, Ashe returned his attention to the stable work. But his momentary distracted gaze did not go unnoticed by his partner.
Sylvain had been watching the young man keenly as they silently shoveled hay into the various empty troughs. The red-head didn't know much about Ashe other than he was a Blue Lions classmate and a commoner by birth though he was taken in by Lonato Gildas Gaspard. From what Sylvain noticed, Ashe was quiet, shy, and generally kept to himself.
In fact they had barely spoken to one another since starting their assigned activity. Sylvain snuck a glance at his partner, who seemed singularly focused on the task. 'Well, nothing like the present to get to know the guy, and figure out what his intentions are.'
"So, Ashe…" Sylvain began as they moved onto the next stable. "You want to be a knight?" The red-head kept his voice light and friendly as he leaned against the half filled trough.
Ashe paused in his shoveling and gave his classmate a surprised looked. Sylvain barely spoke to him and if he did never was it for a casual conversation. So the fact that his red-headed classmate opened up a conversation was unanticipated.
"Oh, sorry," Ashe quickly murmured upon realizing that he had been gawking at his classmate; as if Sylvain's hair had suddenly changed color all on its own. "Yes, that is my plan. I want to be a great knight; gallant and virtuous," Ashe's lime green eyes nearly sparkled with determination.
"You can't be serious?" Sylvain scoffed as he ran his hand through his carefully crafted yet seemingly nonchalantly disheveled hair. "That sounds like it's right out of those fairy tale kid books. You know it won't be like that in the real world, all knights get their hands dirty...one way or another."
The red-head watched his classmate's expression keenly, expecting the young man to back down, maybe even cower. So it was with great surprise when the complete opposite happened.
"That's not going to be me," Ashe remarked, voice hardened and the task at hand forgotten as he frowned towards his flippant classmate. "I'm going to be a proud knight. A knight my brother and sister can look up to; that the common folk can trust and believe in."
For once Sylvain had no comeback or cheeky remark. Instead he was taken aback by burning conviction in Ashe's eyes; a quality Sylvian had not expected in such a shy soft spoken guy.
Suddenly a hoot and the flapping of feathered wings caused the two students to break their stare as an owl swopped into the horse stall, dropping a letter upon Ashe. Quickly the student grabbed at the delicate letter before it fell onto the ground. Ashe's lime green eyes widened in recognition of the handwriting and he gave Sylvain a questioning gaze.
"Hey, no worries, I can finish off the rest," Sylvain indicated with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders as he picked up his rake.
"Thank you," Ashe replied with relief, then gave his classmate a soft smile.
"Yeah yeah," Sylvain shooed his classmate away as if it was no big deal. He silently watched the ashen-haired young man retreat to the courtyard so that he could read his letter in private.
'Gallant and virtuous, huh?' Sylvain mulled over in his mind as he snuck a peek up to the sky above as two pegasi zoomed overhead.
Meanwhile, Dorothea continued to walk alongside the Professor, again in silence until Byleth's calm voice asked, "Have you spoken to Edelgard about this?" Her sideways glance appraised the sudden blush creeping upon the songstress's cheeks at the question.
"Oh, no...but Edie wont mind. She wants what is best for me," Dorothea replied simply as she adjusted her hat, giving herself a moment to think before she added, "Edie wont feel like you were stealing me away."
But under Byleth's continued stare, Dorothea finally relented, "I'll be sure to talk to her about this."
The professor finally broke her gaze as she nodded in response. The pair silently continued their walk before they paused again, this time near the greenhouse. Inside Annette and Felix were appraising the garden situation as neither spent much time here, nor had a green thumb.
"Ugh," Felix groaned as his keen eyes took in the diverse stock of plants from common rugged vegetables to exotic colorful blooms. "I'll just go fill these up from the pond," The swordsman announced as he gathered up a couple of watering cans and trudged out, leaving Annette alone in the warm greenhouse.
"Hmmm," the young mage pondered as she tried to identify the various plants. Did they all need the same amount of watering? What about fertilizer? "This would be easier if I had Fodlan's Botanical Encyclopedia," Annette mused aloud as she recalled exactly where that heavy book was located in the library.
"Ohhhh, books and plants, one gets moldy, the other covered in ants!" Annette sang as she skipped around merrily from plant to plant. "I've got to admit, I have quite the knack, and in the end you will all end up as my snack!"
He should have announced his return rather than let Annette prance about the greenhouse thinking she was still all alone. But, Felix was rooted to the greenhouse's entrance as he watched the petite mage continue her little song about books and plants. It was quite...cute.
"Felix!" Annette squeaked as she came to a sudden halt, nearly causing her to stumble into a patch of sprouting onions. "You...you've just been standing there staring!?" The mage asked, quite appalled as the color drained from her already fair face.
"Well, I wanted to know if you were going to eat the plants, and the books," Felix sniggered. He watched as the petite young woman's expression morphed from shock to fury.
"Ohhhhh!" Annette fumed as her small hands curled into tight fists. "You...your evil Felix!" Annette stammered before she dashed past the swordsman, nearly causing him to drop the heavy watering cans.
Stunned into silence, Felix watched Annette stomp off to goddess knows where. Now he was all alone and left with the task of tending to the greenhouse. The swordsman sighed deeply as the weight of the watering cans pulled down his arms. "Girls," Felix huffed as he turned back and strode further into the greenhouse.
"Meow," came a voice in agreement and Felix looked down to see that the obsidian feline from early must have followed him into the greenhouse.
"Too bad you can't help me water…Loog," The swordsman said aloud. It felt awkward, but then the kitten squeezed its vibrant orange eyes, as if pleased to be addressed by his new name.
"Hmmmm…" Felix murmured as he placed the watering cans down. "You can stay here for now. Just don't get in my way," the swordsman remarked. Excellent, Felix was now reduced to talking to a cat after Annette stormed out.
Outside, a little distance away, Dorothea was gawking in surprise for she didn't know that Blue Lion's mage had such a cheerful melodious voice. In fact, with a bit of tutelage, Annette's voice could enrapt an entire crowd. Though it appeared the feisty mage already had a fan. The songstress smirked, before she realized that Byleth had continued down the cobblestone pathway. "Oh! Professor!" Dorothea pleaded as she hastily caught up as they made their way to the northern courtyard.
Crouched in the grass of the courtyard were Dimitri and Dedue, both carefully tugging out weeds. Dimitri's bright blue eyes appraised the variety of green herbs as he paused for a moment. "Say Dedue," the prince began as he rubbed his chin in contemplation.
"My Prince?" Dedue asked evenly, though his attention did not stray from the task at hand as he carefully plucked dandelions and clovers.
"You are quite knowledgeable in Fodlan botany," Dimitri remarked as he continued to look thoughtful.
"Yes," the Dascarian replied, feeling inwardly proud at Dimitri's words. It wasn't often that Dedue was recognized for a skill set that wasn't associated with battle. Though Dedue did not mind that the only person to ever praise him was his Highness.
"I just realized, there must be a variety of weeds here that are actually edible," Dimitri remarked in sudden realization.
Now Dedue paused in his work to look flatley at his lord. The mere image of Dimitri seating out here in the courtyard munching on handfuls of weeds made the retainer cringe inwardly. Yet, with calm and enviable poise Dedue simply replied, "Highness, please do not eat the weeds."
Nearby and out of sight stood Byleth and Dorothea. "You made Prince Blaiddyd pick weeds?" The songstress whispered, feeling quite shocked to see royalty doing chores like a commoner. Dorothea surreptitiously snuck a peek at the silent Professor, noting that she had been checking up on each student from a distance.
Byleth shifted her gaze away from the northern courtyard. Now having finished checking upon her class, the young woman turned her dreamy eyes upon the songstress.
Suddenly something clicked inside Dorothea's mind as she realized that during this whole time Byleth had been interviewing her, determining if she would be a good fit for the Blue Lions. The brunette's heartbeat quickened as she hastily added, "Professor, you've seen my abilities during the Mock battle, you must be aware of my capabilities. I will become a powerful officer in my own right."
But Byleth staved the songstress off with her hand held up, indicating for Dorothea to pause. "It's not a question of prowess, what you truly seek...is a place to belong." Byleth wasn't keen on archery, but in this case her arrow struck true as the songstress's verdant green eyes widened in surprise.
"I do not train lightly," Byleth stated, her eyes unwavering.
"Understood," Dorothea replied strongly.
"I will push you past your limits," The young woman added evenly.
"I didn't expect anything less Professor," Dorothea remarked, her eyes sparkling like emeralds as this must mean she was practically accepted into the Blue Lions.
"Good," Byleth replied with a nod. "Come," she indicated as the young woman lead the songstress back into the main building. And Dorothea soon found herself in front of Seteth's desk.
The dark green haired advisor was preoccupied with furiously scribbling away at a large leather book, his long feathered quill whipped about as he made no indication of acknowledging the two young woman. Though Byleth noted his nose flare ever so, as if he smelled them.
"Seteth," Byleth spoke gently into the quiet office. "Dorothea has a request."
Seteth's feathered quill pen came to a sudden halt as he looked up from a large accountant ledger to survey the Blue Lions Professor and her impassive expression. Then his verdant keen eyes slowly shifted towards the Black Eagles student, who smiled brightly in return. With a nod, he prompted Dorothea to speak.
"I would like to transfer to the Blue Lions," Dorothea stated aloud with all the confidence she could muster as she gave the advisor here winning smile.
Seteth's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed into a slight frown as they settled back upon Byleth; as if the advisor was trying to figure out what rouse the young woman had utilized to entice a student to transfer so early in the school year.
No one was privy to another pair of ears that had been listening in the hallway, until Rhea gently stepped into the office. "Are you not happy in the Black Eagles house?" The archbishop asked in a warm, but concerned tone.
"I just...don't fit," Dorothea remarked once she spun around and gazed over at the serene Archbishop. "But, I believe...I know I will in Professor Byleth's class."
Rhea's calm seafoam green eyes appraised the student thoughtfully before she remarked, "Well, you are in good standing."
"Archbishop, please, Professor Byleth is far too new in her employment to be entrusted with more students. Surely this transfer can wait for another two months at least."
Dorothea felt her mouth go dry at the advisor's words. 'Another two months?'
But before Seteth could voice more objections, he was halted by Rhea's gracefully held up hand. "What does Professor Byleth think about all this?" Rhea inquired with genuine curiosity.
Suddenly all eyes were upon the young woman, who blinked as if she was just shaken out of a lovely daydream. Could Byleth handle another student? Seteth wasn't wrong for his point was valid. Byleth was still settling into the role as Professor. Gaining another student would upset the even numbered class size, not to mention add more paperwork to grade and a new skill set to mold.
But, what about the Dorothea's well being? Byleth felt something stir softly in her chest. Again she had an opportunity to help someone, and it wasn't through blood and violence.
The young woman took in a deep breath and held a steady gaze as she began strongly, "I noted Dorothea's exceptional potential during the Mock Battle, she would do well in any class." Byleth paused before her voice softened. "However, it should be a class that she feels comfortable with in order to fully grow. Thus, I accept her into the Blue Lions."
Rhea smiled warmly at her granddaughter's words; while Seteth frowned. Then the advisor sighed, he recognized defeat and waved his quill about, "Very well, very well," Seteth remarked.
Dorothea beamed brightly as she followed Byleth out of the office.
Seteth waited for the pair to make their way further down the hall before he turned his attention to the Archbishop. "Really Rhea, you think this is wise?" The advisor was now realizing how often he was beginning to use that statement this year.
"Just as the students are learning their potential, so must Byleth," Rhea answered mysteriously before she bade herself out of Seteth's office.
The advisor watched as Rhea glided soundlessly from his office, knowing full well that he was being kept in the dark...again. "When did we become so distant, sister?" Seteth whispered into the silence of her wake.
Nearing the end of Byleth's meeting, Dimitri rose to his feet and streatched out his back. The prince felt very satisfied with their weeding, but slightly worn out as a dull ache radiated from his low back. Dedue had left his side a few moments ago to retrieve water, leaving the young man alone with his thoughts. Dimitri felt a twinge of guilt that he had enjoyed the momentary freedom from his retainer.
But his guilt was short lived when a strong and very familiar voice called out to him.
"Hey kid!" Captain Jeralt barked. "What did you see?!" He demanded as he stomped quickly across the courtyard, making his way right at the prince.
Oh goddess, did Manuela tell Captain Jeralt that he had nearly, and completely accidentally, seen Byleth bare her..."I didn't see anything!" Dimitri yelped, his feet rooted into the grass.
"Wha?" Jeralt questioned with a perplexed expression. "What are you talking about, Seteth said you saw everything?"
Seteth even knew about it?! Dimitri felt faint. He was going to die young wasn't he? "It...it was an accident, I didn't mean to continue looking!" The Prince stammered, feeling slightly woozy. Hopefully it was just dehydration.
"But I thought you were the one who said it was on purpose? The boulder that came crashing down on you guys in the canyon and that one knight was missing from the group. Didn't you report that to Advisor Seteth and Archbishop Rhea?" Jeralt explained as he crossed his muscular arms across his chest.
"Oh," Dimitri's overworking brain suddenly came to a screeching halt. "That, yes, yes I did report my suspicions on what had happened." The prince felt awash with relief.
"Wait, then what did you think I was talking about?" Jeralt asked as his warm honey eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Yep, Dimitri was going to get skewered. "Oh...nothing...nothing at all." The prince tried to look innocent, though instead he looked as if he was about to syncopize.
Silence hung thickly between them as Jeralt's gaze pierced through the Prince, before the Captain sighed wearily. "Look kid," Jeralt began. "Byleth…" the Captain added as his voice softened at his daughter's name. "I've tried my best to be a good father, but with how we lived and all, I ended up sheltering her a bit much," Jeralt honestly confessed to the wide eyed prince. "She has a good heart, even if it doesn't show."
The older man didn't quite know why he was confided this to the noble brat. Maybe because there was something trustworthy in the lad, or at least his gut told him so, and Jeralt's gut had been pretty spot on for more than a century.
"But sir, it does show," Dimitri remarked fevently before catching himself.
Jeralt frowned at the young man, noting that his fair cheeks were now blushing. But the Prince seemed to gain more courage as he continued in a stronger tone. "She's brave, compassionate, and patient."
"Hmmmm," Jeralt murmured, recognizing the note of respect, and the other obvious emotion the father was just not ready to accept as he rubbed his worn bearded face.
"I...I mean that in the upmost respect to my Professor, ofcourse!" Dimitri quickly reverted back to stammering underneath the weight of the Captain's gaze.
"Of course you do kid," Jeralt sighed as his eyes narrowed...yep he just wasn't ready for this. Byleth was his precious baby girl and he still had the urge to shiv anyone with impure thoughts about her, even if they were of royalty. But the Captain needed someone on the inside to be another pair of eyes for him, and Prince Dimitri was the perfect candidate, especially based on his report. Jeralt didn't trust Rhea and his wariness extended to Seteth. It wasn't that he believed Rhea would harm her granddaughter, but that she lacked the ability to effectively protect her. The Captain was sure dark agents were within the walls.
"Look, it's good you respect my daughter, but I've come to you on a different matter," Jeralt paused, reassured by the prince's attentive nod. "I believe your report kid...I think we've got some double agents on the inside, and I need extra look out eyes. Can I trust you on that?"
At first Dimitri was shocked into silence. Here was Jeralt, the famed Blade Breaker and Captain of Seiros's Army, stating that he not only believes Dimitri, but wants his help in keeping an eye out for the people of interest. The prince gulped, and summoned his courage, "You can count on me sir."
"Good," Jeralt replied with a firm nod, before he added in a lower more meaningful tone, "Also, know that should anything 'unsavory' fall upon my Byleth, I have diplomatic immunity across all of Fodlan, as well as Brigid, Almyra, and even Sreng. Don't be shy in spreading that tidbit around." And with that Jeralt patted the prince, a tad bit heavily on the shoulder, before he walked off in search of his daughter.
Dimitri swayed slightly on the spot. It was clear that it would be an early grave for the prince...might as well go pick out a nice tombstone...
More rambling notes from the Author:
Working on Ashe's and Sylvain's slowly developing friendship. Sylvain's going to be quite surprised once he discovers Ashe's thiving past…
Also, I am not 100% sure how Seteth and Rhea (Seiros) are related, so for purposes of this story they are siblings, making Flayn Rhea's niece.
Oh yes, I had to tease Dimitri! But I do hope you like the idea of Jeralt and Dimitri working together.
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Ninetendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.