Month of Verdant Moon - An Adjunct Assignment

Chapter 11

The air was already warm and muggy, a clear denotion that today was going to be a miserably hot one. The sun was already well on its journey to its zenith and I had already been up for several hours training. Seteth stood on the ground in front of me frowning as he yelled out instructions to me and Zu.

"Alright that's good, now have him stretch his wings."

I gave my wyvern the signal to have him flap his wings. The wyvern clawed the ground, snorting but did as I commanded. My mount began beating his wings vigorously, the reddish pink webbing beat a heavy gust of wind causing small debris to fly around as small tornadoes in the otherwise stale morning air.

My green haired instructor nodded up at me as I rode the wing beats smoothly. "I must say, I think you both are ready. Be careful to..."

Seteth's warning was drowned out as I gave a shrill yell of delight. I didn't wait for my flight instructor to give me any more advice as I kicked Zu's sides twice lightly, a signal for take off.

My wyvern must have been waiting for the signal, as he wasted no time in voicing his own opinion. He unleashed a deep roar that rumbled thru my entire core and charged off to take a flying leap. As my wyverns powerful hind legs pushed over the ground I felt my heart drop suddenly and I was fighting the upwards momentum as I leaned lower in the saddle. Zu leaped into the air with a powerful beat of his wings. I let my wyvern have his head as he launched off the ground for our first proper flight. Then, we were flying skyward.

I managed to sit up properly in the saddle, the heavy gust of wind buffering me as I looked out at the wide blue sky before me in awe. The entire sensation of flying, on my own wyvern was absolutely thrilling. I scanned the mountainous landscape with unparalleled glee. It had been a lot of work getting to this point, working with my temperamental, neglected wyvern was no small feat.

The euphoria of it all pounded in my veins. Having all the hard work, effort, blood, sweat and tears, built up to this, was phenomenal. I breathed in the deep clean mountain air as Seteth rose into the air on his wyvern alongside us, calling out encouragement.

"Alright, now that you're off the ground try an easy lap around the monastery. Oh, and Lilianna, do try to keep him from landing anywhere that might scare your fellow students."

I nodded to my flight instructor, hardly able to contain my glee."Understood! No unexpected landings! One lap around the monastery!"

He waved as I turned Zu around in a tight, happy, circle and flew off to follow Seteth's instructions. Under the steady rhythm of Zu's wing beats I felt my worries drop away. Everything to do with my classes, my house problems, my crest, the ongoing headache and visions, everything that had been bothering me just fell away.

I wasn't sure if it was the success of working with Zu for months now to get him ready for this moment or if it was just the satisfaction I felt to be flying again. Sure, I regularly worked sky patrol alongside my classmates, but I hadn't been doing them with anyone but Seteth for several weeks now, and using a borrowed meek and common mount wasn't nearly the same as it was when I had to deal with Zu.

I leaned over in my harness, pulling the straps taught in order to watch the small figures milling about the monastery grounds under me as I flew Zu in a lazy circuit around the church towers. The metal plating of my wyvern's flight gear glinted and reflected off the hot sun. The brilliant golden orb stood out against the clear blues of the hot summer day, I let out an uncontrolled peel of laughter.

My feelings of worry and concern faded to just enjoying the moment, the freedom of the skys. I patted Zu's neck as I laughed, getting a sudden idea. With an easy tug on the reigns I directed him to the bridge that connected the church to the rest of the monastery. My directions sent him into a shallow dive, aiming for the wide expanse between the ground and the bottom of the bridge.

My wyvern followed my directions, folding his wings in to execute a perfect dive under the bridge. The blood rushed to my face as the shadow of the bridge loomed closer. I followed the shadows approach, tilting my head up to check at the distance between me and the top of the bridge and was shocked to see the entire Golden Deer house standing on the bridge watching my dive.

In the middle of the group was my cheerful house leader. Claude was grinning ear to ear watching me fly underneath him as he leaned over leaning on the partition while Leonie cheered alongside him. Raphael was holding Lysithea up on his shoulder as he yelled out, holding a skewer of meat in the other. I managed to catch sight of Ignatz sketching something, a pad of paper held tightly in his hands while Marianne stood nervously towards the back of the group watching with hooded eyes that betrayed the fact that she still felt out of place in the group. I even caught sight of Lorenz on the bridge. He was drinking tea, a decorative tea pot sitting on the partition on the other side of Claude and he stared down at me with an aloft gleam in his eye.

My entire housemate's faces were the last thing I saw as Zu flew under the bridge.

The world around me was dark for several heart beats, the sound of Zu's wings and the darkness of the shadows around me were all I could see in the immense shade. Everything was hidden from view and then, we hit the other side. My wyvern followed my lead as I pulled up, and we were climbing again into the bright sunlight. I hazarded a quick backwards glance and saw everyone had moved over to the other side of the bridge cheering me on as I continued on my flight.


When I landed in the padlock some hours later I was exhausted. After finishing the warmup flight around the monastery Seteth flagged us down and ran us through our conjoined paces.

I quickly learned doing advanced flying maneuvers for hours was extremely demanding, and I hurt in a lot of strange places I didn't know could hurt. I dismounted once Zu shook himself and gave a mighty roar of success. I slid down my wyvern's side and touched down on the ground with a wince, my legs feeling more like jelly as my core protested. Zu snorted and shuffled his feet, buffering me as he moved towards the stables. I was unprepared for his moment, having been leaning against his side for support as I winced and tried to remember what walking felt like. My giant wyvern didn't notice as he easily knocked me over into the grass in pursuit of food and a place to nap.

I heard Seteth land behind me with a light chuckle. "Not being used to flying will do that to you. Be careful dismounting in the future."

My wyvern's giant head swung around as I groaned. He looked momentarily confused as to why I was sitting on the ground. He came back to me, putting his muzzle down and snorted roughly, as if telling me to get up.

When I continued massaging my legs, Zu growled and buffed me with his snout, as if to reiterate I needed to get up. Unable to see anything but the bottom of my wyvern's head, I reached up and scratched under his chin. I found the secret spot I knew he loved and giggled as my mount started to curl up around me with a happily keening sound.

Seteth dismounted off his wyvern and came over. My protective guardian's happy mood dissipated. Jerking his head over top of me he growled threateningly at the advisor's approach..

I ducked my head under him and grinned sheepishly as Seteth shook his head in disappointment. "Still a bit testy with company I see. That is a problem, but he does appear to be tolerating me in the air so I suppose we will just need to work on it some more."

"I think he's just warning you," I shrugged and crawled out from under my mount. Zu snorted and began uncoiling himself as I reached up and grabbed ahold of one of his horns. My wyvern didn't seem to mind my weight as I pulled myself up next to him. "And you're right, walking feels like a chore right now."

I caught the corner of Seteth's mouth twitch and creep up into a hint of a smile. He fought it for a second and then relented. "Be that as it may, your job is to now get him cleaned up and taken care of before seeing to yourself."

I nodded shakily, my calves and core killing me as I managed a small bow.

"Understood sir!" I grabbed Zu's Halter and began half leading, half being dragged back to the stables.

Seteth called out behind me, a clear hint of amusement coloring his voice as he shouted back to me. "Just so you are aware, I will be around to inspect him later when you're finished!"


By the time I got Zu feed, cleaned, and settled it was well past time to eat dinner and I found myself scurrying for time in order to meet with Cereza for a study session. My thighs screamed in protest as I ran through the stable yard to grab food.

Not surprisingly, the dining hall was about empty as I ran through it in a hurry. I managed to persuade the chefs into giving me a sandwich and then bolted for my room to grab my studying supplies and my hated homework packet.

Stuffing the sandwich into my mouth and trying to eat it as I ran, I pulled my keys out of my bag. I hastily unlocked my room and began gathering my supplies, eating the remains of my sandwich as I packed. A few books along with the half eaten box of cake Lysithea had gifted me the night prior were shoved unceremoniously into my bag in an unorganized heap. Finishing packing, I locked my room back up and made a beeline for the Black Eagles commoner's dormitory.

I managed to make it to Cereza's room only a little bit late. The veiled Brigid native answered my knock in a guarded voice. "Who is it?"

I managed to catch my breath as I leaned against the door. "Hey Cereza, it's Lilianna. I am sorry I am late."

Her voice went up a few octaves as I heard thumping behind the door. "Oh! Oh! It is you! You can be coming on in!"

I raised my eyebrows at the noises but gripped the door handle. With one more breath to steady myself I opened the door to her room and looked around.

The first thing to catch my eye was the small ornate tea kettle that was warming under a small flame on the back of her room. The next thing that caught my eye was the array of tiny glittering gemstones beads in an array of colors and sizes that sat exposed in a seashell bowl surrounded by a bed of small animal bones. To the right of the bowl sat a grinning skull and the rib cage of some small creature.

On the other side,glass was reflecting the small flame that was heating the teapot. My eyes wandered over to see an arrangement of colorful glass bottles and potions that resided on the shelves just above her bed. On Cereza's desk, more strange skulls and other hunting ornaments decorated the area along with strange patterns, feathers, and yet more candles. It appeared to be a shrine of some sort, and I made a mental task to ask her about it later. The red and black rug and curtains completed the room's aesthetic. The black eagles and royal reds did not surprise me, as the house colors denoted that my friend belonged to the Black Eagle house.

However, as I scanned the floor and bed I noticed Cereza was missing.

I shrugged as I put my books down on the floor, looking around for my study mate. "Cereza?"

The door slammed shut behind me as she shouted. "Boo!"

I turned around, my eyebrow further raised in question, and saw my study mate hanging from the rafters upside down.

I was unimpressed and was willing to let her know it. I put a hand on my hip and glared at her. "Boo?"

Her large eyes blinked at me as she grinned as she hung down from the rafters. "Is you not scared? A fright I meant to give you."

"No, I am not scared." I coolly informed her, in no mood for jokes at the moment. "However, if your goal was to determine the line between surprising me and seeing how I would react might, I remind you I used to work as an archaeologist studying old ruins and as a caravan escort that are prone to surprise attacks?"

I rolled my eyes as she continued to grin innocently down at me, not taking my warning all that seriously.

A lock curly purple hair freed itself artfully from her tight bun as she continued to hang there like some kind of small humanoid bat while I vented my displeasure. I rolled my eyes again and gave up in order to continue unpacking. Pulling out a small feathered quill, I got a sudden idea and I smirked up at her and threatened her with the said feather. "If you don't behave, I just might have to use this."

Cereza's face scrunched up at the threat, a small crease in her brows forming as I waved the feather under her nose. A second later she dropped artfully onto the floor on all fours.

"Shussshhh." My study mate motioned for me to be quiet as I set my homework packet onto the floor.

"Remember my first reaction if I am surprised is to aim and fire." I ignored her frantic shushing and settled down on the floor, not wanting to stand a moment longer. I reached over and began flipping through our homework assignments, trying to decide on what I wanted to work on first.

I missed the warning signals in Cereza's eyes as she quickly covered my mouth with both her hands. A hushed whisper came from right next to my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

It took everything I had not to slap her away.

Her alarmed voice soft cautioned me. "Shhh, the evil can you be hearing?"

I resisted the urge to pull away and went silent. After several seconds, I heard nothing but a set of light footsteps outside her room. My confusion and silence lasted for several minutes, and my curiosity had me dying to know why my companion was so worked up. Finally the footsteps faded and Cereza loosened her hands from around my mouth.

She knew what my question was before I even asked it. Her eyes frantically flicked around the room, watching for any signs that her stalker might come back. In a quiet voice she answered my unasked question. "Hubert."

I sat back on my hands and spread my legs out with a low groan. I angled my head back a bit to look at my study mate as she eyed the doorway suspiciously. "Sooo, what your saying is Hubert is evil huh?"

"The evil can hear minds." She explained carefully as she started to creep towards the door.

Ok that got me.

"Hearing minds?" I gave her a quizzical look as she grabbed the door handle and poked her head out the door.

"Indeed." She nodded as she scanned the parameter, her face so serious that I figured it wasn't a joke.

I lounged on the red carpet in thought, Cereza's caution worrying me a bit. "So let me get this straight, you think that Hubert can read minds?"

Whatever she was looking for outside must have disappeared as my friend pulled her head back inside with a sigh of relief. She stared straight at me with a straight face and a since fear. "The Fodlan men can be hearing minds."

The term she was looking for dawned on me and I sat up, crossing my legs with a pained groan and clutching my stomach."The term I think you are looking for is read. Ugghh, what makes you think...Fodlan men can read minds?"

If anything the conversation was at least amusing. I thought as I pulled my gloves off and set them to the side.

She attempted to explain, and it was easy to remember why we had these study sessions a few times a week. In honesty she could probably use a few more. "The reading, they be knowing many things before I be knowing."

I raised my eyebrows at her as I massaged my calf as it cramped. "I am not sure I am following."

"They read minds. Act before I be acting." Cereza frowned as she struggled for the words she wanted to use.

With a sigh she gave up and slid a history book towards me. "Can you be explaining this passage here?"

I let the matter drop, I knew several people at the academy that were good at manipulating people and thinking several steps ahead. Hubert was well known for anticipating Lady Edelgard's needs and based on my conversations with him, it's entirely possible he kept tabs on everyone at the academy.

There were a few others that came to mind as well, Linhardt liked to play a lazy noble but I knew he was highly intelligent when motivated. Several discussions on crests and how they helped establish Fodlan's nobility made me keenly aware the researcher was just following his own drum.

Hilda was also very skilled at manipulating people. I saw her almost daily playing her delicate flower card on the guys at the academy, taking advantage of them in order to get them to do her chores and extra assignments.

At the same time Sylvain was just as likely to use his charms and good looks to play the field. Rumor had it he had several different girlfriends and he traded them out every week. It had to be a lot of work keeping track of all of them, and his spell work told me the redhead wasn't exactly stupid either.

I leaned over and read the requested passage. It was a segment on Fodlan's history.

As interested as I was in her theory on why Hubert could read minds, and my analysis on my classmates, I looked up at her through my bangs and rolled onto my stomach with a groan.

"Sure, what part is confusing?"

"This part here." She pointed to the entire chapter and I realized it was going to be a long night.

I reached over and grabbed my box of cake and opened it. I offered my study mate a slice and then began explaining the prior chapter's overview between bites.


The next week saw me flying daily for hours on end in exchange for not showing up for in person classes. In the peak hours of the summer sun, Seteth drilled me on every basic fighting maneuver between the ground and in the air. By the end of my training, I was both very tan and very exhausted.

My morning training also persisted. My day often started off with me waking up in the still cool hours of the dawn in order to train in the courtyard alongside the Blue Lions. Then I would slide into the dinning hall briefly, inhale a meal and then run to the stables for morning flying practice. A short break at lunch would have me inhaling more food and then I would jump into the fishing pond in my full training uniform for relief from the heat. Seteth would come collect me when he was done eating and then we were back up in the air until the dinner bells ran. After a long day of flight practice I would feed and groom my temperamental wyvern, tend to any bruises or bites I had received during training and then I would take a quick scrub in the showers before changing into my officers uniform. After that it was a frantic dash off to the library to finish my homework packets.

I began to notice a trend though, in my frantic days that it was pretty much only the commoners in my house that would come speak to me to give me homework. Lysithea would often study near me in the library, but she always remained a few tables off. Neither of us were really ones for talking though, so that didn't surprise me that much. What did surprise me was that she would start leaving me small treats, like some wild animal in which to tame.

If that was her plan it worked really well, because I would in turn drop her off sweets that I found on the weekends while I explored the town. I grew to really enjoy the sweet treats she brought to me. However Lorenz, Claude, Marianne, and Hilda all seemed to almost be avoiding me. I wasn't sure if it was by design, or if it was something I was doing internally. Frankly I was glad of the peace and quiet to some degree.

Some days Ignatz and Leonie would sit down with me to study but for the most part my study group was just me and Cereza. Linhardt, Ashe, Ingrid all loved to roam the shelves, but I took to planting myself on the more quiet upper floors that normally only were reserved for quiet studying.

On the scheduled study days I had with Cereza she took to teaching me the native language of Brigid while I worked on helping her with her studies. It was pretty clear strategy, logistics, leadership, and heavy armor weren't her strong suits, but she did really well in anything involving magics and archery. She amazed me even further when she exceeded my expectations when it came to spears. Fodlan history and basics like writing also caused her extreme problems, but we both muddled through it and her grades improved with time and effort.

Which was why I was shocked the one day when Dorothea sat down at my table, and started studying. The songstress normally wasn't someone who sat down at my table, but Cereza shrugged and said she thought it was a good idea.

Thus I started to gain more connections in the Black Eagles. Cereza would occasionally invite her friends along, a few times I managed to control myself when Ferdinand showed up, and out of everything wanted to discuss crop reports with me. Bernadetta would hide in the corner near us, and if I was careful to not make any sudden movements she would stay in place.

It was one of the study sessions on a particularly warm summer evening that Cereza and I were pouring over books that Dorothea dropped in for a visit.

Seeing that she had no study materials I figured she was just there to socialize. I sighed as I placed a marker in my book as she looked over at me.

"What's the heavy sigh for?" The beauty inquired pleasantly as she shook a small vial of nail paint.

I rolled my eyes as she started to paint them. "You're clearly here on a social visit, what do you want?"

"You are not very social are you?" Dorothea looked up from doing her nails as I leaned on my chin on my hand and looked at her expectantly.

"Is there a problem?" I countered back at her as Cereza looked up from her reading confused.

Dorothea pushed her long brown curls out off her shoulders and smiled sweetly."No, not particularly. I just can't help but notice you don't spend a lot of time in the company of others, and when you do you choose the most particular company."

I wrinkled my nose at her. The only thing that I could think of was the past weekend when I was out exploring the town markets that she must have caught me accepting a dinner invitation from Sylvain. I relented after several minutes of him pursuing the topic mostly because I was hungry and light on coin. "What did you mean last weekend when I ate dinner with Sylvain? I train with the Blue Lion students regularly, so that shouldn't be a surprise."

She admired her nails with evident interest. "Well one does question why you choose to have dinner with a noble like him, but I suppose my interest lies in why you seem to shun nobility in general?"

Well that's an interesting question.

I thought internally and had to re-evaluate my assessment of the songstress. Slowly I answered the question, guarding my words carefully. "Because I can't stand the idea of being seen as anything less than who I am."

She drummed her nails on the tabletop in thought. "Care to elaborate on that?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, unsure of her game. "No, not particularly. While we are on the subject though, why do you chase after them so much? You clearly look unhappy by your pursuits."

She shrugged, like it was no huge secret. "Well I came here to find a husband after all. I was a songstress in the Mittelfrank Opera Company, but I know my looks and voice won't last me forever."

I managed to withhold my disgust and tried to keep my voice pleasant. My dry analysis of the situation only assisted in supporting her suspicions that I wasn't very good with dealing people."So you're searching for some noble to cozy up to in order to keep your later life from being helpless and poor."

"Excuse me?" Dorothea's temper flared as she stopped painting her nails and straightened up. "I don't know who you think you are saying things like that! What is so wrong with looking for love?"

I shrugged as if I didn't care about the matter either way. "Nothing wrong with looking for love I suppose. It's not like I don't think about what I will do after I finish school here, but truthfully I can't see myself settling down and being a trophy some noble puts on his mantle to just bare crest babies and look nice at balls and such."

"Just because you can't doesn't mean others cannot! When you have nothing, you can't afford to be too picky!" Dorothea defended herself, a hint of anger flaring to life on her cheeks.

I held my tongue on what I wanted to say and folded my fingers together. I still wasn't sure what her game was, I had nothing more to offer her. Instead I tried to offer some sage advice. "Dorothea, I think you're well aware that you're a diva whose beauty rivals that of the goddess herself and in truth I kind of envy your looks. So let me just say, I don't think you need to rush into any relationships during or even directly after school. I am sure that someone of worth will come sweep you off your feet soon enough, long before you grow old. Take your time, and try to enjoy appreciate yourself a bit more."

She sat back in her chair looking down at her nails looking distraught. "But will it be too late?"

"Look, judging by how many admirers you have it shouldn't be a problem for you to find someone who adores you. Not just for your looks, but for you." I ruffled my hair with my free hand and sighed. "Uggg, all I am saying here is that I don't think you need to be rushing things. That's all."

Dorothea sniffed regally and looked up at me. The sharp glint in her eye denoted I had made some kind of error in my support and I struggled to figure out what I had said wrong.

"How can you say such things like that so casually? You have nothing either! We found you on the road traveling with caravans as a mercenary! There are even rumors saying you're going to drop out of the academy and go back rooting around old musty tombs for a living! Really what kind of life is that? What is remotely interesting about risking your life for that?"

"It had its own set of problems." I admitted as the songstress leaned forward and whispered.

"Is it true that you're going to drop out because Elly rejected your application to join the Black Eagles and the Golden Deer simply isn't suiting you? You know a lot of people question Claude's leadership, is it perhaps because of him?"

I slammed both of my arms onto the table and stood up so abruptly that my chair fell over. "What?!"

Dorothea purred with satisfaction. "Oh there's an interesting reaction from you finally."

The rest of the library patrons glared daggers at me as a few others shushed me. I laughed gingerly and ruffled the back of my hair. "Ahaha, sorry."

I picked my chair up as Dorothea smirked like a cat that had just captured a mouse.

I coughed nervously as I sat back down. "It...has nothing to do with Claude, or any of my classmates for that matter. I am simply having a hard time adjusting to these gossip mills and the rules that appear to govern this...errr land."

"Well you grew up with them right? Shouldn't you be used to the way nobility acts?" Dorothea waved her hand to me, trying to figure out what I meant.

I snorted, and glared at her haughtily. "Contrary to everyone's apparent belief I grew up in a noble house. My adoptive father was a historian. He...is the reason I enjoy exploring architecture so much. He was always delighted when I brought my findings home that it turned into a bit of a passion...but…"

Dorothea reached her hand out and put her hand over mine. "I apologize, this is obviously bothering you but excuse me, you were a noble? Shouldn't that mean that you know what it means to act like a noble then?"

I yanked my hand away. The unwanted and unwarranted touch made me flinch away from her. My voice was frigid as I answered her question."What I am telling you is that it doesn't matter your background, money and riches mean nothing and you can lose it all in an instant." I closed up my books and started packing them away. "Being rich or famous doesn't make anyone immune to life events and tragedy."

I stood up done with the conversation. I started packing my bags up. "Think about that for a bit before you decide that bedding a noble will magically solve all your problems. Good night Dorothea, Cereza."

"Good night." Dorothea called out from behind me as I disappeared into the stacks of books.


The next morning as I was grooming Zu before our morning flight as Byleth walked up and leaned on the stall door. My eyes drifted to the impressive sword she wore on her hip, the one Claude had called the Sword of the Creator. My professor's hand rested casually on the hilt as she called out to me. "Lilianna, do you have a minute?"

My stoic combat instructor waited as I ducked under my wyvern's neck and moved to meet her at the stall doors. "Yes, professor. What can I do for you?"

My eyes tried to read Byleth's body language, attempting to gauge what trouble I was into this time.

The professor's blue eyes scanned the stable, her body language alluding a cool air as she spoke calmly. "We just received an urgent message from the Gautier region. The message states that bandits have attacked the region and Lady Rhea has decided to dispatch the Blue Lions to go deal with the problem."

I waited, not saying anything, wanting to see where she went with this

She waited for me to speak, and when I said nothing, she shrugged and continued. "I thought since you have some tension and wanted to get out of the monastery for a bit that you might want to join us?"

Zu leaned over and looked her in the eye. It felt like he was analyzing her, obviously satisfied he snorted and turned to rub his snout on me. I chuckled and rubbed under his chin, taking his sudden display of affection as an excuse to think. I chose my words carefully, trying to figure out why she had sought me out personally. "Professor, I appreciate you taking your time out to come seek me out, but shouldn't I stay here at Garreg Mach with the rest of my house?"

"Think of it as an extracurricular exercise, and it would get you out of the monastery for a bit. I have already cleared my request with Professor Hanneman." Byleth explained calmly, waiting for my answer.

The fact she had thought to clear everything before asking me did not escape me. I knew Byleth was a skilled tactics and strategies instructor, and her forward thinking to get permission was a clear indication that she was expecting me to accept the offer.

I frowned as I thought her proposal over, still confused to why she had sought me out for this particular assignment. "Professor, I am more than happy to join you, but can I ask you a question?"

I put my hand on Zu's neck as he huffed. I moved to continue scratching him and he curled up on the floor contently.

Byleth shifted her weight and stared at me. "What is it?"

I looked down at the wyvern who was dozing on my feet and wondered how I was going to move after this. "Professor, I know we spar a lot during our morning sessions, and that you have been teaching me for a few months now, but I don't recall ever telling you that I was restless."

She blinked at me, a flick of emotion crossing her normally stoic face. "It is easy to see from my position. I can tell you are distancing yourself from your classmates and skipping classes to the degree where we are forced to put together note packets for you weekly. Several conversations over tea with Dimitri reveal that there are plenty of rumors floating around as well."

A hint of concern flicked over her eyes, about as far as a frown that I had ever seen on her. "Rumors that you're unhappy that you choose the Golden Deer house, so I figured you might like a chance to join the Blue Lions for a mission. Call it an opportunity to get out and stretch your wings."

She continued leaning on the stall door, allowing me time to consider what she had just said. I mulled over her proposal, irate yet more rumors were cropping up that I was unhappy with being in the Golden Deer house. At this point it was insulting to me, I couldn't imagine how it was affecting my house mates.

I mulled over what I wanted to do and didn't hear Byleth asking the first time. It took her reiterating the offer for me to realize she was still talking to me. "Is he fit to fly?"

I continued thinking about what I was going to do about the rumors as I replied. "We have been practicing daily, but I won't be taking him into combat just yet. Seteth seems to think we need a lot more training before we are ready to take on that challenge."

She shrugged again and turned to leave."Well, if you are interested we move out in four hours. Meet us at the front gates if you choose to come along."

I looked up to watch her leave, her blue hair swaying as she trotted towards her professors quarters. "Understood Professor, I will be there."

"I am glad to hear it." She paused and turned back around, her eyes glittering. "Lilianna, as your professor, I want to tell you I am concerned about the rumors going around. You might want to have a talk with your house leader before you leave."

I gulped as Zu shifted to open his eyes. My mount lifted his head and hisses at her. Showing not one iota of fear, my professor came back and stuck her hand into the stall. Zu continued hissing at her until she stuck her hand on his snout. My wyvern got to his feet and charged the doorway. The heavy wood and steel reinforced doors shuttered as his chest slammed into the frame. Byleth jumped back well in time as he snarled and snapped at her.

I winced and hurried forward, trying to calm my temperamental wyvern and pull him away from the door.

"Think about what I said." Byleth cautioned as she stood just out of reach, watching with narrow eyes as my wyvern snapped at her.

I tugged my wyvern's head back into the stall as he growled at me. Shaking his head to free it he tossed me to the ground. I attempted to stand back up as his head whipped over head and slammed into the wall.

"She could have been planning any number of things and chose to come ask me to accompany her." I realized I didn't have time to consider her motives as I started ducking under Zu, unclasping the saddle straps with alarming speed.

"Ahh, I have to find Claude and let him know I am leaving!"


I flung the door to my room open and started frantically throwing clothing and supplies onto the bed. "Clothes, weapons, bandages, bedroll…"

I hurried to clasp my belt and noticed my hands were shaking. I pulled the strap tight and paused. "Huh, funny…."

"What's so funny my minty sweet delight?"

"Ack!" I yelled in surprise as the sudden voice from my doorway startled me out of my thoughts.

Taking no time to identify the threat I leaped away from my pack and unleashed a blade of wind and light in the direction the sound came in. My zephyr spell carved its way into my open door frame without a moment's hesitation.

Sylvain's eyes widened as he ducked under the spell just in time for the green and white blade of wind gouge heavy slices into the wood and stone frame. "Whoa! Hold on! I just came by to see if you needed a hand carrying anything. Professor Byleth said you might need a hand since you were coming along on such short notice."

I noticed his voice seemed a little unsettled, but I racked it up to the fact I had just nearly beheaded him. The redhead recovered quickly, straightening back up and giving me a casual smile. Sylvain began behaving as he usually did so I thought nothing of it after a moment's analysis. I began rolling through a mental list of things I needed to grab. "Umm, hold on Sylvain I just started packing."

"Wow, you really don't have much in here do you?" He whistled from the doorway as I frantically stuffed clothes into my pack.

"I am used to traveling light." I retorted, feeling distracted by the huge to-do list in front of me. Excited as I was to have a chance to escape the monastery grounds, packing and getting my affairs in order was tedious.

Sylvain entered my room and looked around in amazement as I pulled quills and paper out of my bag and threw it absently onto my desk. "Na, Lil this is more than just traveling light. I think the only thing I see in here is library books and study materials. Oh and that one seashell over there that is strangely out of place."

He pointed to the small seashell Cereza kindly kept filled with healing balm. The shell resided on my bedside table, within an easy arm's reach of my bed as it was used frequently.

"Good point, I should probably pack that too." I reached over and pulled the shell off the shelf stuffing it promptly into one of the many pockets of my travel bag.

Satisfied I made a mental inventory and looked around my room one last time. With a final nod that I had grabbed everything I needed I tossed my bag over my shoulder, grabbed my tent and bedroll, and finally clipped my ax to my belt. "Alright I am ready to go."

"Is that seriously all you're taking?" Sylvain ruffled his hair, standing in the middle of my room surrounded by books looking amazed.

I did another quick evaluation of the room, pretty certain I had grabbed everything I needed. "Yes? Do I need anything else?"

Chocolate hued eyes scanned the room in ongoing wonder as he gave a nervous laugh that didn't convince either of us. "If you say so. Man, you never really unpacked never did you? Man, you must have really been considering leaving then."

I walked up next to him, unshouldered my backpack and handed it over to him. "Huh? You can't tell me you really believed that rumor too did you?"

His eyes sparkled as he threw the bags easily over his shoulder. "Na, of course not mint sprig. You wouldn't really consider leaving me would you?"

I rolled my eyes as he hit on me. "This is what I get for going out to lunch with you isn't it?"

The redhead smiled and set his hand casually on my shoulder. I quickly wiggled out of it and unloaded my tent and bedroll on him as well, not denying or confirming his question. "Can you please take these to the supply wagon for me?"

Sylvain caught the extra bundle with a wink."Sure thing sugar, it won't be any problem! Care to join me on my adventure? "

He is being insufferable, well two can play at that game.

I thought as I shook my head and put both my hands on Sylvain's chest and leaned into him. "Hmm, I think I'll pass this time. I have some other things to take care of before we leave, but I would really appreciate you taking care of it for me please."

I fluttered my eyelashes for extra measure, just as I had seen Hilda do on more than one occasion. I didn't wait for his response as I gave him a more then firm push towards the door.

The measure must have caught him off guard because he staggered and took a step backwards, towards the door.

"Hey, hey, watch where you're putting your hands!" My visitor's stumbled out the door, grinning, obviously enjoying himself despite my trick.

While Sylvain caught his balance I took the opportunity to lock the door behind us cooing. "Oh, I am sorry, I thought you didn't mind women touching you? Or was it that it was too sudden?"

He laughed, a fresh peel of laughter echoing through the mostly empty courtyard."Well, no I don't mind, but I must say I normally prefer them to be a bit gentler."

I l rolled my eyes heavily, he leaned over and put an arm on my door, pinning me under him. He gave me a rough wink and he leaned down to look me in the eye.

I found it hard to swallow. I pressed myself up against the door and started looking for an escape route, realizing I might have instigated a bit too much to be safe.

"I - I umm...Next time I'll make sure to be more gentle then." I promised as Sylvain flashed me a mischievous grin that made my heart pound.

"Why wait until later, how about right now? We have a little bit of time before Byleth comes searching for us, you can totally make it up to me." He purred in a suggestive voice, his nose nearly touching mine as he waited for the signal to proceed..

Still trying to gather my wits, I placed a soft hand on his chest. I even casually flicked open another button on his white dress shirt in my own teasing suggestion.

Sylvain sheltered me for a second each one of us waiting for the other to make the next move. I managed to get my free hand up between us and I winked at him, feinting play, as my other hand moved down to the next button on his shirt. "Alright how's this?"

"Mmm, what do you think?" His encouragement was less then reassuring and I scoffed.

"Tsk, you are insufferable. How about you back off before you spice things up a bit and I cast a fireball at point blank range and incinerate you?"

Sylvain's breath ghosted over my lips as he spoke softly. His suggestion lay somewhere between serious and flirting. "Hey, if that's what you want to do to spice things up, have at it."

I closed my eyes and held my breath, no longer able to hold back the trembling in my voice. "Umm, please move Sylvain. I really do need to go report to Claude before I leave."

The sound of my house leader's name on my lips caused Sylvain to pull his head back. His warm brown gaze eyes my hungrily as he smiled. "Ah, I got it. So you're going after Claude huh? Seriously? For the record, I don't mind playing sharing."

I opened my eyes and noticed Sylvain and created an opening for me. He didn't make any move to stop me as I ducked out from under his arm. My hands shook a bit as I glared up at him. "You are being insufferable today, you know that right?"

He shifted the weight from my packs and grinned down at me. "What makes you say that? I am just as charming and insufferable as I normally am."

I eyed him crossly, not sure if I was willing to start this again. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"SYLVAIN! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING?!" Ingrid's infuriated shout rang down the courtyard and the standing redhead went pale.

Sylvain immediately changed tactics and he attempted to reassure the raging blond."Oh Ingrid! I didn't see you there! I was just asking Lilianna if she needed any help with packing..."

Ingrid knew exactly what she had just witnessed. The blond yanked her spear free of her own travel pack and pointed it at him menacingly. "You are hitting on her!"

"Well I was doing that too…" Sylvain laughed and ruffled the back of his hair in nervousness. He casually dropped my pack down to his side and held up his hands innocently.

I sensed the impending danger and grabbed my bag back from Sylvain as Ingrid flushed bright red and charged.

I watched the sweat drop run down the side of Sylvain's face as he nervously tried to calm his fellow housemate. "Come on Ingrid, I was just…"

Ingrid snapped as she swiped her lance in a high arc between us using herself as a barrier to separate me from Sylvain. "I don't care! I am so done with you!"

The redhead was backpedaling and he slowly backed away from my dorm room. "Can't we just talk this over Ingrid? Lilianna, you'll back me up here right?"

I shook my head and waved at him with the same cheerful attitude he had used on me earlier. "Nope, sorry Sylvain you're on your own. Ingrid, he is all yours."

Ingrid nodded to me and began chasing Sylvain around the courtyard in earnest. The north lander yelled in a panicked protest as Ingrid lectured him at spear point.

I shrugged and watched the comical antics for a second before shouldering my pack. I thumbed my bottom lip in thought. "He sure is acting a lot more tenacious than normal today. I hope he is alright…"

I watched Sylvain dodge another swipe from Ingrid's lance as she kicked out at him. The redhead dogged just barely and launched himself into the nearby hedge in order to escape.

I raised my eyebrow as Ingrid jumped into the hedges to follow after Sylvain. I rather admired her raw determination, but doubted the effects of her lecture. I was pretty sure Sylvain wouldn't take the lesson to heart. With a shrug of my shoulders I headed off towards the classrooms in search of my house leader.

"I'll make sure he is still in one piece after we get on the road."


As I trotted along the stone corridors in the summer head, my mind worked furiously. My feet cut the familiar path towards the Golden Deer classroom, my first guess on where Claude might be given the time of day.

Class was just letting out, as students dissipated around the courtyards to break for an early lunch I realized my time was running exceedingly short. I speed up to a light jog, searching diligently for the fluttering of a familiar golden cape. Not seeing the gold cape anywhere in the green courtyard I turned to enter my classroom. Luck was not with me as I ran into the last person I wanted to speak to.

"Good morning Lilianna, are you going somewhere?" The smooth voice greeted me as I poked my head into the classroom.

I searched the mostly abandoned classroom as the violet haired noble carefully poured tea into a fancy teapot adorned with roses. "Errr good morning Lorenz, I am rather in a hurry, have you seen Claude?"

Lorenz finished pouring his tea and carefully picked up the teacup. He slipped the tea slowly, clearly savoring the moment.

I attempted to wait patiently, aware that Lorenz was normally one of the first people to keep tabs on our house leader.

Lorenz opened his eyes and nodded towards the courtyard. "Why yes, I have seen him. Quite recently in fact, he departed here not long ago, perhaps he is still around. Why do you ask?

I shook my head and already began backtracking. "I need to speak with him, urgently. Could you be more specific on where you think he could be heading?"

"I am afraid I do not keep consistent tabs on his every movement. While I am quite certain of his schedule and find myself to be rather knowledgeable on his coming and goings, one must have time to oneself to relax and enjoy one's tea once in a while." Lorenz brushed his bangs back and then took another long sip of his now cooling tea.

Somehow the nobles response did not surprise me. It was just a more eloquent way of saying he didn't have time to follow Claude around all the time. I tried to hold back my growing exasperation, I should have known better.

I pursed my lips as I stopped at the doorway, unable to resist my parting shot. I would be gone for a while regardless, so it doesn't really matter how Lorenz reacted. I flicked my own hair back over my shoulder and shrugged nonchalantly. "Here I was thinking you would be keeping a detailed record of his schedule. Ah well, if you don't have any ideas, I must be going. I really would like to inform him of the situation before I leave."

The shock that crossed the noble's sharply refined features was exactly the reaction I had been hoping for. A mixture of indignant surprise and insult mixed almost comically on Lorenz's face as he sputtered into his tea cup. He quickly dug out a pure white handkerchief and dabbed his lips.

Recovering with more grace than I wanted to give him credit for Lorenz took a deep breath to steady himself before speaking. "I have heard the rumors that you were planning on leaving, but are you really planning to leave us so suddenly?"

My eyes turned to scan the courtyard once more. My roving eyes flickering from face to face in the effort to locate the Golden Deer at the same time as I tried to strain my ears for the sound of his voice. The action dug little at my subconscious, as I realized that it had been a while since I had heard Claude speak. I winced at the thought as I answered Lorenz.

"While I am departing momentarily..." I directed my attention back at him. "Hang on, before this gets any more out of hand. Let me address these rumors before I leave."

My sudden impulse decision had my heart hammering, but I somehow knew what I was doing was the right decision. I dropped my pack off at the door and took a running jump up onto the nearest bench in the courtyard.

All eyes were on me as I stumbled to catch balance, my boot heel missing the edge of the bench in my sudden leap. I adjusted my footing as a few chuckles broke out among my fellow classmates, but I stood up and braced myself. "Alright, listen up everyone!" I clapped my hands and waited for everyone to quiet down. There were a few more giggles and then the courtyard went silent.

"It has come to my attention that there are many unfound rumors floating around about me. Some of them might even be true, while others might be inherently false. Today I don't plan to dispel all of those rumors, but I will answer a couple of them. If you have any other concerns come see me when I return."

I waited building up the suspense for a moment while I caught my breath, inwardly thinking my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. There was a rippling of whispers and I cleared my throat. "As of right now, I currently have no immediate plans to leave my current house and I don't intend to halt my studies by leaving the Monastery."

I gave another short pause and checked the crowd to see if Claude was among the people I was speaking to. I could not locate my house leader among the masses as several more students and staff members crowded into the courtyard to see what the commotion was about. I took another breath to steady my nerves and began."However, you should be aware that I am being dispatched as an adjunct to the Blue Lion's mission this month to make up for my missing classwork. As such I would really appreciate it if you all could stop spreading rumors that I am leaving or abandoning the Golden Deer! That is certainly not my intention. My recent schedule changes are due to purely personal reasons, and are not related to anything any one person has said or done. That is all thank you."

I wrapped up my speech and promptly hopped off the bench holding my heart. I raced for my bag feeling my cheeks starting to flush as reality of what I had just did set in.

As I grabbed my pack I turned to race down the hallway only to be intercepted by Hilda.

The pink haired noble sat daintily on the stone ledge as she watched me from afar. As I got closer she folded her legs and clasped her hands together in praise. "Oh, well said! That was so very brave of you! And so eloquently put too! Gosh I wish I had half of your skills when it came to speaking."

"Thanks Hilda?" I paused for a second, wondering if it was worth my time to ask her if she had seen Claude. Marianne flittered around the corner and I guessed Hilda had been rather busy.

"I also wanted to say I am very impressed. I have been sooo worried about you!" She put her hands up to her chin, displaying her perfectly manicured nails a flattering shade of pink. "Though I must say, they are making you do extra work with the Blue Lions, that totally sounds like a pain. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your return though!"

"You do that!" I flashed her a quick thumbs up as a flash of yellow caught my eye in passing.

I sprinted towards the flicker of yellow, scarcely daring to hope. "Take care Hilda - Marianne!"

I raced after the flash of gold and managed to catch up with it a few minutes later only to be disappointed. The flash of gold that had caught my eye in passing turned out to be a monk of Seiros who was carrying the golden banner of the Leicester Alliance away for cleaning. Feeling cross and cheated as the sun almost reached it peak, I ducked into the study hall to check over the inhabitants with a quick glance. I bit my lip in apprehension as my perception revealed that Claude was not in the study hall either.

I walked though the middle of the long rows of tables, carefully doubling checking the faces and uniforms while thinking about where else Claude might have disappeared off to.

"Worrying is on your face." Cereza caught me scanning the students in the study hall in passing, walking next to her Brigid hailed me and grabbed my arm to get me to notice her "You has a concern yes?"

My eyes darted from doorway to doorway as I unleashed a defeated sigh. There was no way I could locate him in such a vast space in such a short time, there were just too many places to cover alone. He could be down in the green houses, at the stables, in the library, in the dining hall, back at his dorm, the possibilities seemed endless.

"Morning Cereza your right I do have a concern, but not a lot of time to chat." Deciding to risk wasting the time, I asked the pair if they had seen my house leader. "Err, by any chance have either of you seen Claude recently?"

Cereza's wide eyes narrowed and her expressive, petite, features formed into a tiny frown of concentration and shook her head. "No, I have not been seeing him today."

Petra, next to her, appeared to be a bit deeper in thought as she pursed her lips and tucked her hand under her chin. Her words seemed more hesitant and I tilted my head to the side in interest. "I have not been seeing him either..."

Any glimmer of hope I still possessed of finding Claude immediately evaporated. I sighed heavily, my mind still going through all the places he might be. There were just too many places for me to check, the odds of me finding him were remote at best. I resigned myself to hoping Hilda or one of my other classmates would pass along my message from earlier.

I kind of regretted that was how he was going to find out I had left.

My internal thoughts were pushed to the side as Petra nodded to me, as if deciding to disclose some critical information. "You should be checking the gardens."

I focused back on Petra, confused by her statement. "Excuse me?"

The Brigid native nodded again, reassuring in her statement and tone. "The tall trees in the directions of the setting sun, you should be checking them?"

"Why is you telling her to be checking trees for deer?" Cereza inquired looking just as confused as I felt.

Petra chuckled as I felt my patience waning. "I really do not have time for games Petra. Please, if you have seen him I really would like to know."

Petra stopped giggling and shook her head. "I am not jesting, Claude, he has been... a, napping, in the trees."

Cereza quickly hid her mouth behind her hand, attempting to stifle her giggles. I narrowed my eyes at my friend and folded my arms over my chest. She obviously knew more about this then I did. "Oh, yes! I too have been seeing the deer in the trees! You should be seeing for your own eyes."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I think you both just told me Claude's hiding out in trees to take naps in."

"Indeed." They both nodded in unison. Petra smiled, further confirming my growing exasperation. "Claude has been much improving, showing much improvement, when he climbs."

I shook my head, I never would have guessed to check the gardens for my house leader. I also expected that Lorenz probably wouldn't either. I massaged my temples, planning my route out in my head and how much time I could afford to waste before Byleth decided to leave without me. "Uggg, I am hoping he isn't in the pines…"

"Ah, we have told him pines are not good for climbing. Much sticking this time of year." Petra tried to reassure me, but it did little to help me.

I sighed again and decided on my course of action. If Claude wasn't in the trees with the girls suggested, I would just meet up with the Blue Lions and hope word reached him via some reliable means. I quickly thanked my informants and and trotted off towards the gardens just outside the monastery walls to the west.


Once there the sounds of the typically bustle of the monastery life faded to the peaceful tranquility of nature I felt my stress levels decreasing. Maybe it was the possibility of my impending journey finally kicking in but I felt relieved. The cheerful songs of local birds called out in praise to the sun and trees, while others cried out in warning of my almost silent passage. I managed to spot several small critters darting between the branches and around the forest floor as I traveled a well worn path towards the loggers clearing.

At this point I couldn't tell if Petra and Cereza were just joking with me, but I trusted Cereza enough that wouldn't intentionally give me bad information when I needed it. My leather boots made next to no sound as I trotted along the path, past the first logging point where Cyril was chopping firewood.

Shaking my head, knowing that it would be almost impossible to sleep while the servant chopped firewood, I continued my journey a bit further into the forest. I keep a care eye peeled for any signs of yellow, or any human-like movement in the treeline.

A second, less used clearing came into view a bit further in. Someone had taken the time to cultivate flowers in this area at one point, and within reason it looked like it was still tended somewhat regularly.

I checked around the clearing, thinking this was a plausible spot for a nap. Surrounded by the buzzing of bees and the calling of birds, this seemed like a rather ideally secluded spot to nap and escape the hustle and bustle of monastery life.

"Claude? Are you around here?" I let my voice waiver in the air, putting out the question as I stood in the middle of the path between the flower beds.

A distinct shout returned my call as it echoed around the clearing, distorting the point of origin for a second. "Yo, Lilianna!"

"Claude? Where are you?" I called out again, looking for the source.

The huge expanse of large and leafy boughs made the trees in this clearing appeared to be great for climbing, but rather terrible for spotting anyone up in the trees. The leaves and trees masking most of the noise as a clearer voice called out to me.

"Over here!"

I turned around and around seeking the source of the call, and managed to spot a rope dangling down from a far off tree. Curious, I trotted over my discovery, still shouldering my pack.

The rope dangled from one of the denser trees in the area, making it an ideal hiding spot if the rope had been pulled up. Perhaps it had just appeared there once I called out, I couldn't tell. I grabbed the tail end of the braided cord and peered up into the leafy canopy hesitantly.

"Claude?"

My house leader peered down at me from a capable looking branch with a sly grin. "Hey there Petal, I'm surprised you managed to find me."

I looked up questioningly as he messed with something out of my line of vision. I gave the rope a small tug to see what it was attached to and set my pack down at the base of the tree.

The rope held fast as I dropped it. I put my hands on my hips as I called up to him. "Claude, do you have a second? I kind of need to talk to you."

He must have caught sight of my pack as it rested under the tree. He continued messing with something on the other side as he called back down to me. "Hang on then, I am coming down."

I snorted, already short on time I didn't have the patience to wait any longer. Now that I had located the golden deer himself, I needed to say what was on my mind before I lost my nerve. " No, you can stay up there. I'll climb up."

"Hey wait!" My house leader protested as I grabbed the first branch that I could reach and pulled myself up.

It took me a minute, but shortly thereafter I poked my head up next to the golden deer who was hastily shoving papers into his textbooks.

He tried to play it cool as he hid something within the confines of his long uniform jacket "So, now that you're up here with me, to what do I owe this sudden pleasure to?"

I pulled myself up onto his branch and straddled the branch in between us for support. I didn't realize how nervous I was becoming as I came face to face with Claude for the first time in nearly a month. "Ah, err…." I scratch the side of my face wishing I had given a little bit more thought to what I wanted to tell my house leader, rather than just locating him. "I -errr- I wanted to talk to you."

I cast a hesitant glance at the green eyed male, and fell captive to the noble's cold, calculating, gaze. I tried to summon moisture to my mouth as I continued. "I-I think I need to apologize first. I have reason to believe that I have caused you a lot of hardships recently."

I tried to look away from Claude as he toyed with the small braid that dangled from the left side of his face. "I normally wouldn't pay rumors any mind, but my recent behavior this past month seems to have caused you some unnecessary hardships, and for that I need to say that I am sorry."

I was simply forcing the words out now, hoping that he somehow got the message. It wasn't nearly as confident as my sudden speech in the courtyard but I felt the need to share my personal feelings with him. "It's - its's not anything you have done! So, um, I wanted to let you know that."

Claude grinned easily, extending his arm to rest on his knee comfortably, while his other leg swung in a lazy circle under us. "Can't say I expected such a heartfelt confession from you Petal, but I wouldn't look into it that much. I was just letting you have your space you know, so it's no big deal. I am used to it. Tell me though, did my plan work?"

I shrugged and put my hands on the branch in front of me. It was beginning to feel like I couldn't breathe and I felt the flush on my cheeks. Luckily my voice held steadier than my heart. "I don't know. I do know that I have been a pain to everyone by distancing myself like this. I don't know how things are going to work out when I get back, but I'll try harder to work more as a team."

That caught him off guard. The easy smile changed, like it wasn't quite meeting his eyes anymore. "So you really are leaving me then huh?"

My grip on the branch tightened to the point it was starting to hurt. "Yes, I am leaving with Professor Byleth and the Blue Lion's. It's kind of the other reason I wanted to talk with you."

Claude's eyes flashed as he sat forward.. "What does Teach have to do with any of this? Why are you leaving with the Blue Lion's group?"

I worked on loosening my grip on the branch in front of me. I took a couple of deep breaths as my house leader waited for an explanation. "Professor Byleth asked me to join her as an adjunct student for an urgent mission in the Gautier region. It seems like there is a capable bandit group that is causing problems in the region. They have challenged House Gautier directly."

Claude leaned back against the tree trunk and released a slow breath. "I see. Well if Teach is asking you for help, I don't see the problem. I'll look forward to your return then! It would be great to see you getting along with everyone."

He flashed me a bright smile and I rolled my eyes. "I said I would try. It would be so much easier if some of my classmates got off their high horses and treated us equally…"

"Equality is something to strive for." He agreed readily as he watched me pick a couple of leaves off the branch in front of us. His head tilted to look at the monastery wistfully. "It can be hard to find sometimes though."

"I have been to a lot of places, and it's all the same! Nobles thrive while the common folk get caught up with their politics and wars." I clenched a leaf in my hand, crushing it in my frustrated grip and gritted my teeth. "But, if I can't learn to adapt to this world and learn more about it, how can I hope to change anything?"

Claude continued looking at the monastery, but I caught a flicker of green studying me out the corner of his eye. "Haha, that's certainly one way to look at it."

I shook my head and let the crumpled leaf fall to the ground. "Anyway, that's not why I came here. I wanted to let you know I was leaving and I wanted to check in with you before I departed."

He shifted uncomfortably and went to say something as the whole branch lurched as he leaned a bit too far over.

"Woooohh!" I yelled as I grabbed onto the branch next to us and reached out for Claude's jacket.

I managed to steady us as Claude's face turned a little paler. I gave him an awkward smile that he attempted to return as a clattering crashing sound had me looking back down. Whatever Claude had been attempting to hide at his side had been unbalanced in the crashing to the ground. I watched with interest as a quiver of arrows scattered through the branches and a wooden training bow caught in the trunk of the tree.

"Uh huh, I see what you did there." I shook my head as he laughed sheepishly.

"Looks like you caught me."

I studied the rope next to us as it dawned on me, what Petra and Cereza had been giggling about when they said Claude had been learning the climb trees. From the general look of things it appeared that the crafty archer had been using his skills to shoot a rope up over the branches.

Well that explains the rope. I thought as I studied the simple pulley system a bit longer realizing it was an interesting solution to the problem. I chuckled as I plucked a few arrows off the branches below me.

"Well, anyway I just wanted to tell you myself, since, well it feels like we have been avoiding each other."

"Na, I just have other things going on." Claude reassured me as he reached out hesitantly to pick a few of his arrows of the branches that were within his reach. I watched my house leader shaking a bit as he leaned over and collected the arrows, interested in that piece of information.

I decided not to ask him about it though. "It must be hard being a leader. Everyone wants a bit of your time."

The golden deer gave me a dry chuckle. "Haha, exactly. That's why I come out here sometimes, just to get away from it all."

I took his statement literally, that he wanted to be left alone. It didn't bother me, I was running short on time anyway. Besides it appeared Claude wasn't going to give up anymore of his secrets this exchange, so there wasn't really a point to stay. Byleth had promised me an adventure after all.

My duty and heart thus lightened, I flipped my leg over the branch and descended down one level. "Whelp,alright then I'll leave you to whatever schemes you were planning in peace and head out then. I'll try to collect your arrows and that on my way down, sorry to have disturbed you."

He leaned over and watched as I scaled down the tree, plucking arrows off the branches as easily as I normally picked fruits off the trees. "Na, I needed to know that information. Thank you for seeking me out and good luck on your mission!"

I dropped to the ground and set his arrows and bow on the ground next to the tree. With a short wave as I grabbed my pack and headed off towards the front gates of Garreg Mach. "See ya later! Take care Claude!"

A distant call rang down from the branches as I raced for the gates. "Take care Petal!"


Author Corner:

Welcome to the end of chapter 11! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and seeing how Lili handles the repercussions of her actions from the last chapter. She as been distancing herself from her classmates for the better part of a month, buying time to processes her thoughts and think about her best choice of action. She has encountered more then a few moments that have shown her that her classmates are still trying to support her, in their own ways - which is making the rumors of her leaving all the more irritating and unsettling...almost as if someone doesnt want her there.

If nothing else Lili is very much attempting to pick her own path, and the rumors that she is leaving go directly against Rhea's wishes as well as some internal rationing of her own. She is very much wavering between the two options before her, but still has enough of an interest to want to stay - which sparks the question who and where did those rumors start?

However - the fact that Lili is distancing herself from her classmates remains and it is a problem as Byleth picks up on. The stoic younger instructor rightly realizes that Lili is clearly becoming restless. Being confined in a single city and the church for several months has the traveler about at wits end, and acting a little more rashly then she probably intends to. That's probably why the crafty professor requests assistance with helping clear out bandits in Gautier territory - a proposal Lili realizes can and will cause problems but she has entirely to much wanderlust to refuse.

Rushing to pack and get everything ready - Sylvain pops in to see if she could use some assistance. The playboy is definitely hitting on her hard enough for Lili to be flustered, trying to play the same game but genuinely feeling a bit like the moment is neither the correct time or place. Ingrid certainly doesn't think so - and Lili needs to nope off to find Claude before she leaves. She is lead on a wild goose chase, and trys to address the rumors head on as she's short on time - manages to somehow by some stroke of luck(She doesn't normally have to many of those does she?) to locate Claude...up in a tree. While not entirely comfortable with Lili talking to him up there, he willingly hears her out and admits that he has been avoiding her on purpose, letting her have her space. After a rather sudden and heartfelt confession, Lili leaves and heads down to the Blue Lions group.

As the result of Lili accepting Byleth's offer to join the Blue Lions students as an adjunct, she uses the the professors request as an excuse to help assess the rumors she is leaving. It should be clear that adjusting for the Blue Lions does not mean she is leaving her house, but is simply enlistment into the Blue Lion's as a temporary support unit for the rival house.

At this point we see Zu and her are now flying together, but Seteth is certain it will take a bit longer before the pair is ready for any real flying. So at this point Lili is still a priest class - what are the odds of Byleth recruiting her not only for her wanderlust but also because she wants a secondary healer in the group? What lays ahead in Gautier territory? Find out next week(ish) - but make sure to follow if you don't want to miss figuring out what's got Sylvain so hot under the collar and Byleth worried?

Also if your enjoying the story/chapter a like and/or a comment/feedback that you look forward to the next chapter is also greatly appreciated!