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Fire Emblem: Three Houses of Hope
Roar of the Lion – White Clouds
Great Tree Moon
Chapter 7 – Familiar Scenery – Part 1
The icy winds of the Oghma Mountains have begun to scatter, and the verdant fields once again spring to life across Fodlan, heralding the start of a new year. As they celebrate the dawning year, the people pray they may realize their full potential, just as a tiny sprout hopes to one day grow into a great tree.
For two young sisters, this is too a new beginning, and also the new beginning of things to come…
27th of Great Tree Moon
After the both Shez and Byleth had made their decisions, both of them went their separate ways, but they both knew they'd still see each other in the Academy and Monastery grounds; that and apparently the Academy had a system of occasionally rotating professors in order to help classes in certain subjects.
But for these girls it was a brand new day…
Shez's POV
After choosing the Blue Lions she was escorted towards the classrooms and to her surprise she found all the classes' students waiting for her.
Dimitri greeted her first, "Ah, Shez. Professor Manuela just told us the good news! Welcome to the Blue Lion House. I'm excited for us to learn and grow together, but for now, please, make yourself at home."
"The whole house has been buzzing since we heard you were the one getting assigned to us. So we're going to treat you to a welcome feast tonight! Assuming you're okay with the fancy offerings at the dining hall that is." Ashe told her.
"On behalf of the Blue Lions, can I just say we are honored to have such a lovely young woman join our ranks? I mean that." Sylvain putting on the charm like always.
"Sylvain honesty must you always quip whenever a female is around?" Mathilda said slightly annoyed.
"What can I say, I'm just being honest is all." Sylvain did not deny her accusation.
"Enough with the chatter. You're a mercenary right? How's your swordsmanship? If you're trained by the best merc in Fodlan and the boar here gives you top marks you must have some skill in battle?" Felix went straight to the point as well in his own way.
"And there you go again. Please Shez, don't listen to the man-child, he'll fight anything that can carry a sword." Bernard warned.
"Felix, Bernard you're both being rude. But I still can't help but be curious as well, rumor has it you're a skilled fighter." Ingrid added.
"Haha, I'm happy to spar with any of you. Frankly, this brings me back to the days I first started with Jeralt's band. Those were the days…" Shez said fondly.
"Trade blows if you must, but please try not to injure yourselves too badly." Mercedes said caringly.
"Yes please, Professor Manuela has already been asking for volunteers to help students with training injuries." Amelia replied.
"The training grounds are a bit hard to find. Ooh! Why don't I show you the way later?" Annette offered. "Trust me – I'm speaking from experience. One wrong turn and you're in the library staring at the tallest stack of books you've ever seen."
"I must say to have such a relationship that you have with both the Blade Breaker himself as well as the one called the Ashen Demon. You my friend are quite the mystery." Reynold said his voice full of curiosity.
"Even so, I think we're all getting off track." Arthur tried to steer the conversation back.
"Yes, if you have any trouble settling in just say so. You helped his majesty. It is the least we can do." Dedue replied.
"As he said please come to any us for assistance, we are truly in your debt." Madeline said.
Then suddenly the door opened and in came Jeritza, the weapon instructor as he spoke to Dimitri, "Remember your upcoming mission?"
"Yes, next month we will be heading out to deal with the remnants of the Iron King's Thieves. If I may Instructor, it seems a bit… much for a first mission." Ingrid replied.
"Even so, the bandits were said to have been scattered after the encounter in the forest so there probably might not be many remaining." Mathilda said.
"Correct, their leader Kostas has been dealt with. If the Instructor is going to be with us then I trust his judgement." Dimitri stated.
"Good, make your preparations by then." And with that Jeritza left. Quick and simple.
"Of course, Instru… And he's gone." Shez said surprised by his abruptness.
"Yes if anything the Instructor is a very… how can I put it… stern yet simple man. He does or says what he needs to and that's that." Arthur said.
"Yeah, he's not much of a talker, or easy to talk to for that matter." Annette agreed.
"But no one can't deny his ability. He is quite the accomplished warrior in his own right, I think the only people who could match him would be Lady Catherine or, perhaps your sister Shez." Mathilda stated.
"Even so I'm certain you'll get used to him. He is curt, but he's not a bad person at heart." Mercedes said.
"Still to be bandit hunting as our first real mission? This'll be quite the challenge." Ashe worried.
"After the events in the mountains I hesitate to put His Majesty in any further danger." Dedue said defensively.
"You worry too much, Dedue. Besides, we have a trustworthy new ally coming with us. We are sad that your sister didn't also want to be our Professor, but I'm sure she's comfortable where she is and that you'll still see and work together." Dimitri said trying to relieve Shez of any stress.
"Yeah it sucks… but like you said I'll be fine." Shez said. "Besides I've given plenty of bandits a dirt nap before, I'll do it again."
"Heh, with confidence like that, I am wholly convinced." Bernard stated.
"I second that." Sylvain agreed.
"I won't let you down." Shez replied.
"Then for the next few weeks we should make our preparations. For now though, however, we ought to prepare for your welcome feast later tonight. Classes are still cancelled so everyone in the monastery has free time to do what they want." Dimitri explained. "Oh and please invite your sister and Jeralt if you want, despite their positions a friend of yours is a friend of us."
"Yeah, I'll remember that." Shez agreed with a nod.
"Well I think for now we all ought to just do our own thing for now. The mess hall staff already know of our request." Arthur said.
"Very well then, alright then everyone we shall reconvene later tonight." And with that Dimitri and everyone left leaving Shez on her own.
"Well that band of associates you've befriended is quote the group. All of them are… unique in their own way." Arval said.
"Yeah, you said it. It's like their all independent, but they're all on the same rhythm." Shez replied.
"Well even so, we seem to have some free time on our hands, shall we walk around the monastery and see the sights? Don't worry I'll guide you to make sure you don't get lost again." Arval said with a cheeky smile that Shez knew he had.
"Oh… shut up." Shez said annoyed and with that she headed out to walk the grounds.
Earlier with the Black Eagles…
Byleth POV
Byleth made her way to the Black Eagles classroom, she'd already remembered where they were and while she worried her sister wouldn't she had faith…
Upon entering she say the class arrayed to greet her with Caspar the first to speak, "Wait, so you're the new professor!? Didn't see that one coming." He said.
"Easy. Caspar. Aren't you being a bit rude?" Dorothea corrected him.
Lindhardt spoke up, "You know it's a waste of time to expect politeness from him. It'll be a pleasure learning from you Professor. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take a nap."
And with that he promptly left.
Byleth's gaze then shifted to Bernadetta, "Ah! Don't look at me like that! Oh, and… please don't talk to me too much either." And with that Bernadetta turned her back on Byleth.
"I'm sorry for the chaos you've walked into." Dorothea apologized, a forgiving look on her face.
"I hear we and your sister are close in age, Professor." Ferdinand said. "I hope you do not mind if we treat you like one of us. In our class, we try to treat each other as equals, despite any differences in age or status. Personally, I would love to include you in that inner circle."
"Haaaah… does that one just love to hear the sound of his own voice? I could go to sleep just listening to him!" Sothis complained.
"Don't yell at me about it…" Byleth replied in her head to the goddess inside it.
"I don't mind at all." Byleth replied to the students this time.
"You have a gut, Professor. I will take great joy from your teachings." The Brigid exchange student, Petra Macneary said.
"I see she still has much to learn in the way of the common language of Fodlan…" Byleth thought to herself.
Dorothea corrected her classmate, "Petra, I believe you mean to say that out professor has guts. That's a bit different from having a gut. You can't go around saying someone so slim and attractive has a gut! Including your sister, of course."
Petra realizing her mistake, "Oh? Please take my apologies. I have not yet mastered this language."
Edelgard finally spoke up, "Professor, I want you to know that it's perfectly acceptable for you to treat me as you do the others. I may be the Imperial princess, but here at the academy, I'm just another student. That said, know that I have high expectations of you, and high hopes. But I'm certain you can lead the Black Eagle House to greatness."
Caspar then cut-in, "Sure, sure. Now, let's break the ice with a training session! I want to see our new teacher in action."
"Why will the ice be broken? Is this a custom I have missed in my studies?" Petra innocently inquired.
And so chaos ensured as everyone was in their own little conversation; in the background was Linhardt's snoring.
"Zzzz…" He could be heard.
Huber finally speaking for the first time merely chuckled, "Looks like your first job will be to quiet down this racket. I don't envy you."
Edelgard sighed, "Ugh, they're not normally this… rowdy. But I do hope you can manage, Professor. And to add on, I wish your sister luck in the Blue Lions, but know that I will not hold anything back."
And with that introduction out of the way, the students went on their own paths leaving Byleth on her own.
"Well it would seem that we finally have some time on our hands. Despite the fact we searched this place before, but now we have more time so let us be off…" Sothis suggested.
Seeing no other options, Byleth headed out to the Monastery to walk the grounds and see the sights more clearly, but first she headed for her dormitory…
Now back to our hero…
Arthur POV
Now in my room after greeting our new classmate, I sat alone thinking about all that had happened.
"Shez joined us, but her sister joins the Black Eagles… troubling indeed." I said to myself.
I know for Byleth the original timeline had it where she could either side with Edelgard depending on some time sensitive events or with the Church after the events in the Holy Tomb. But all in all, that depends based on what happens after our mission…
It seems our mission will take us to snuff out the bandits in Rowe territory, but that fortress is also being used by Those Who Slither In the Dark, specifically Kronya where she has Monica held in captivity.
Given that Kostas' side of the job has failed much more then originally intended, it will be hard to predict what Edelgard will do after Monica's rescue has been achieved.
But even so those events too are out of my control… what to do, what to do? That is indeed the question isn't it?
But I can't just lay here for now though I should take my mind off things and simply relax, we don't have classes and we still have several days before they restart.
"Well might as well walk the Monastery and see who's where I suppose…" And with that I get out of bed, fix my hair and head out.
Walking down the path, I catch sight of the greenhouse, but as a surprise I see the one and only Dagdan mercenary and Knight of Seiros, Shamir Nevrand seemingly pondering on her own.
I was walking by when suddenly the both of us looked directly at each other she was the first to speak, "Your eyes…"
"Huh?" I said confusingly.
"Hm, nothing. There was just something about them…" She replied.
"I could say the same about you then. Your eyes definitely speak to you being an archer, so pointed as they are." I said with a smirk which seemed to get at Shamir.
"You from Faerghus?" She asked.
"Yes, from Dominic territory." I replied simply.
"Heard you guys are said to be trained in weapons before you read a book. That true?" She asks me. Well I didn't expect a full-on conversation from talking about our eyes, but so be it…
"Well there is a smidge of truth to it. I remember learning… a lot really given my position as the next Baron Dominic. Swords, lances, bows, riding… the works. Of course then came magic, but that's another topic." I explained.
"You Faerghus lot really do excel in the military arts." Shamir replied.
"Well considering it's where the Blade Breaker, Jeralt himself first started as a solider and rose to be Captain of the Knights of Seiros, I'd like to think there's some teeth behind what we do." I replied in kind.
"Willing to prove it?" Shamir inquires with a small smirk of her own.
"Archery contest?" I offer, she nods in agreement.
"Alright to the training yard it is then." With that both Shamir and I head for the range where we ask for two practice bows and some arrows.
With our targets before us, we alternated as Shamir went first, then I'd go next.
As Shamir stood up at the line, I watched her in her environment as she focused on nothing but her target, her body was steady with not a wobble in sight. She nocked her arrow, pulled back…
With a twang of the bow and a quick thud afterward, Shamir's arrow hit the target true, dead in the center.
"Show me what you got." She said moving aside for me. While the lance was my primary weapon, I'd grown up with marksmanship and horse riding drilled into me.
And so after nocking the arrow, I get into my stance and despite some wobbling with my aim, a deep breath later…
A whoosh races through as my arrow hits the target but sadly it was in the targets shoulder, while that's to be expected given my experience, but still could be better.
"You have issues with balance. Learn to center yourself before you aim and your stance would be imbalanced. Your accuracy is great, but until you've centered yourself, that kill shot you'll need in a situation won't be coming to save you." Shamir went into her "teacher" mode.
She really is a great teacher, no wonder she's the one later put in charge of archery seminars.
After a few more trading barbs, we returned the bows and the arrows to the quartermaster and made our way back.
"I got to admit, you Kingdom folks aren't all talk. Name's Shamir; you kid?" She asked me.
"Arthur. Arthur Edmure Dominic." I replied as we both went in for a handshake.
"You ever looking for an archer, call me." And just as simple as that she walked off.
"Shamir Nevrand… an interesting woman to say the least. And a powerful ally if she could be persuaded to assist our class with future assignments."
Heading past the docks I head upstairs as the market was still blocked off due to some construction efforts that were currently going on. I passed the cafeteria and then to my surprise I saw a sight I could never forget.
An unattended Flayn standing by the lunch counter she seemed rather… unhappy by the look on her face.
"Oh, Flayn are you alright? Are you on cooking duties today?" I ask her.
"Indeed I am, but I have been trying for some time to finish this meal, but the only thing is…" Looking behind her, the obvious creation… is obvious. A plate of burnt grilled herring stood behind her.
"If you need assistance I would be more then happy to help. I love cooking really." I said.
"Really, then if you would, could you assist me? I do not know what it is I am doing wrong." Flayn told me.
"Well then let's get in the kitchen shall we? Oh by the by, my name is Arthur Dominic. I don't think we've had the pleasure." I introduce myself.
"Not at all, as you seem to already know me, but to be courteous I am Flayn, Seteth's little sister." She replied.
"Alright then, let's get cooking shall we?" Prepping all the ingredients for Grilled herring we were conscious enough to wash our hands off before starting. Despite the medieval standards of this world, the idea of hygiene was very much more controlled then how it would've been in the real world.
After doing so, we first turned on the oven to let it get warm; then we prepared out herring; rinsing them off first thoroughly and then patting them dry. Fileting the fish to open it up, we season the inside and outside of it with salt and pepper.
"The most important part when it comes to cooking Flayn is to always pay attention to how long you're letting it cook. Too little and it'll still be raw; to late and it'll be burnt." I explain to her.
"I see… I suppose last time I left the fish on for quite to long believing it wasn't enough." Flayn responds.
"Cooking is all about balance in a sense. For grilled herring, the skin should be a little crisp and should be tender when done. Now we're going to make a sauce for it. Could you chop the vegetables for me?" I ask her.
"Of course! Oh, this is always so much fun!" Flayn said excitingly.
I have to say just being around Flayn and cooking here is a ton of fun. To be able to see her infectious smile really does put one on your face.
I just hope Seteth doesn't see us and gives me some stern warning…
And so while the fish wash baking, we'd already sent the vegetables to roast ahead of time and after some time…
"Done!" We plated the herring first and then surrounded it with our roasted vegetables. We plated them, but then I saw when there were three plates I was confused.
"Flayn, why are there three plates?" I asked.
"I wanted to give one to my brother Seteth, this time he will see the culmination of my cooking lessons. Arthur, I want to thank you for helping me with this endeavor." Flayn said with a smile and a bow.
Oh, Flayn… don't do this to me…
"I hope he enjoys it and he acknowledges your new talent. Good luck." With that she heads out with two of the plates where to my surprise Seteth was already at a table; he must've just arrived while we were cooking.
Well… I hope he's impressed.
After taking my own plate, I ate my own portion and have to congratulate myself. Given how close to the coast Dominic lands are one our largest industries is fishing and trade with Albinean merchants who mostly sell us their fish and produce they've coast along their own coast.
And so after that quick and hearty meal to tide me over I head out once more to talk a walk and work it off.
But as I was enjoying my walk, lo and behold before my eyes were the sister pair of our heroes of this world, both Shez and Byleth were talking together. Well, I was curious how this all came to be, can't help but ask I guess…
"Shez, Professor; what're you two doing here?" I introduced myself.
"Oh Arthur, we were just talking about whether or not we wanted to eat something before the big party to tide us over. I haven't really had much since we got here, breakfast was fine but…" Shez's stomach then growled causing the purple haired mercenary to blush.
"Haha, I can tell now." I said with a chuckle.
"She's always had an appetite, that's what makes her cute." Byleth said teasingly with a smile.
"Shut up…" Shez said embarrassingly.
"I was just wondering how did Shez come to join you and Jeralt's band in the first place? I don't think I ever heard that story." I inquired.
Shez didn't seem uncomfortable with the question and Byleth nodded probably as a way to encourage just to be sure.
"Well I used to live in a little mountain town in Ordelia territory in the Alliance, my adoptive mom and I lived in a hamlet she'd lived in for a long time it felt like. She never really talked about her past, but she always did her best for me. Taught me reading, writing, math; nearly everything I know except a sword." Shez began.
"I see…" I let her continue.
"One day I heard that really famous mercenary was passing through and cmpaing in our town for the night. So… I snuck and headed down the hamlet to meet them and that's when I met Byleth; at first she was so quiet I didn't know what to say, but when I aid 'Hello' all she said was 'Who are you?' and I told her." Shez continued.
"What she left out was that she'd tripped coming down the rocky path leading up the mountain, I had to carry her back because of her injury and that's when she met my Dad. She was really star struck in the moment; though Dad wasn't too happy about it." Byleth added on.
"Yeah, I still remember all the times he called me 'pipsqueak' and 'squirt' that night. But he seemed to warm up as I asked him about his life as a mercenary. I always wanted to go out and see the outside world, but my mom… wouldn't let me. I always felt though she had a reason for it." Shez's look became a little sad.
"We were there for an assignment to guard some of the outlying villages due to bandit issues plaguing the territory. Although I wasn't fighting then, I was still training and that's when she asked me to teach her to use a sword." I grin, that was probably funny.
"I got my butt beat, over and over again. It wasn't fun…" Shez frowned.
"Haha, I don't know it was kind of funny how you'd keep proclaiming you'd beat me every time I beat you." Byleth said with a giggle.
It really is a sight to see an open Byleth like this. I guess Shez being with her so early in her life really did open her up. I wonder though if she ever awoke Sothis earlier then expected?
"But yeah, that's how we first met. Real trip of fate that one..." Shez said fondly.
"I see, that really is quite story. Apologies, I guess my curiosity got the best of me. If I could, I'd like to hear more stories about your mercenary adventures if you have the time that is?" I ask.
"Yeah sure, anytime just find us and we'll answer. I got to say though Arthur you're a really mysterious guy." Shez points out.
I'm a little surprised by that, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know really; even though you're a noble and all that you really seem like… a normal guy." Shez replied.
"I think what she's trying to say is that you're interesting. In your own way. Even though we're in different classes, don't hesitate to talk to us." Byleth replied.
"Well, thank you… I suppose." Looking at the sun in the sky we could tell that dusk was approaching which meant the party was fast approaching as well.
"Well I guess it's that time, Byleth if you want we're holding a party for Shez. Do you want to join us?" I ask her.
"Sure, she'd already told me about it and I agreed, so shall we?" Byleth said as the three of us headed for the dining hall. Already waiting there was all the Blue Lions, even Felix to my shock and awe was there waiting.
Dimitri stood up as drinks were passed about, "Well, well looks like the honored guest has arrived. Everyone, I propose a quick toast to not only our new compatriot, but her sister as well and wish them good health and merry as they study and learn alongside us. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses.
Looking around the room, nearly every Blue Lion was here, and to my surprise even a few Knights of Seiros were here as well Shamir, Alois probably to see Byleth and Shez, but sadly no Jeralt. To my real shock a few Black Eagles had come to the festivities Ferdinand, Dorothea, Petra and Caspar were here. Sadly, no Bernie probably hiding away in her room.
And so for the proceeding hour we all made merry and talked together about times of the past in our childhood, while the knights spoke of their many deeds and achievements. All the while I myself had never been one for crowds so I was away near the wall watching the rest enjoy things.
Then I saw out of my peripheral vision, Dorothea approaching, "Arthur, I must say while you standing her solemnly makes you look rather handsome, you must come and enjoy the moment don't you think?"
"I'm sorry Dorothea I think I'd just ruin things with how stiff I am. Despite being a noble, I was never one for great parties before." I answered.
"Aah, well even so I still would like to get to know you one of these days. If you don't mind giving me some of your time?" She said with her usual pretty smile.
"Ha, very well then." I nodded.
"I'll hold you to that ~" She said with a wink as she walked away. As the party went on many passed me by with a wave or a simple greeting. Eventually however, out of the corner of my eye I saw a figure near the doorway leading to the gardens. Leaving my cup, I headed outside.
Sitting at one of the tables was female student, but in fact she wasn't. She was an… "associate" of mine who was hired to keep an eye on things for me and receive information.
She slid a piece of parchment in front of me it was blank of course, but before opening it I inquired, "Have you read it's contents?"
"No, as per your orders my lord." She replied.
"Good." I replied simply. Opening the parchment all I read was one sentence…
"The snakes in the west coil… but do not slither as of yet." I then tore the letter and with a little fire magic it was now ashes.
"You've done your duty. Good job." I nodded to congratulate them.
"Thank you my lord. I always stand to serve, no matter what." She said with a bow.
"You're dismissed." With that she left and I was left to ponder.
"And so… it now begins…"
AN #1: Welcome everyone to the seventh chapter and the start of the White Clouds arc of my Fire Emblem: Three Houses story, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Roar of the Lions". In this chapter Shez and finally met their respective classes and begin their new life at the Officer's Academy.
With their first mission coming up next month with the Mock Battle cancelled things will already be getting set in motion.
But for now, life at the Academy begins for all.
Next time join as they make the two sisters continue to settle in to Academy life in the next chapter, "Familiar Scenery – Part 2."
AN#2: As always it's you guys that keep me going and I hope you hear from you with any constructive criticism. So remember to favorite, follow, and most importantly review so I can hear from you guys.