Month of Horsebow Moon - Tea With The Archbishop

Chapter 13

After battle in the Black Tower Byleth pulled us all back to Gautier estate for a bit in order to recover and speak with the Margrave. Sylvain's father spoke with Byleth and his son at length while I relaxed comfortably up a double room with Ingrid. I spent most of my time at the cold northern estate napping and taking it easy. Some of my favorite pastimes involved raiding the library for books and sneaking into the kitchens to talk up the kitchen maids.

I learned some interesting facts about the Gautier estate while enjoying some of the northernmost cuisine I had ever tasted. The cooking was rather rustic, lacking all but the barest hints of seasoning that reminded me heavily of what I consumed on the road for years. The simple dishes were enjoyable and more than a bit nostalgic for me. Even more enjoyable than the nostalgic food was the entertainment I had while eating. My meal times were often accompanied by watching Ingrid chase Sylvain around the manner with a pointed training spear.

Much to 'almost' everyone's relief, the skirt chasing redhead had resumed his normal everyday activities the day after we made it to the Gautier estate. A living testament of Mercedes's excellent healing capabilities. However, my back was still raw and tender even a few days later. Another statement to what Mercedes had warned me of, that I had been far more grievously injured then Sylvain. So, in between collecting gossip from the maids, raiding the Margrave's rather impressive library for anything pertaining to crests and relics, I lay in my temporary bed resting.

It was one such night when Ingrid came back into our room, slightly out of breath and looking more than a bit harassed. I lay sprawled out on my stomach on my single-wide bed surrounded by a small, ever growing, hoard of books. I looked up as I went to stuff a jam bun I had coerced from a cute kitchen maid earlier into my mouth and thought better of it. "Something the matter Ingrid?"

The blond sat down at the edge of her bed and started rummaging through her travel bags roughly. "Ugh! No, it's nothing."

I suspected it wouldn't take much to get her to talk about what was bothering her and decided that the conversation was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I marked the page in my book, the certain passage I was reading was interesting. The topic contained limited information about Fodlan's crests and how the ten elites had used the relics gifted to them by the Goddess Sothis to rescue the human race. "If it was nothing you wouldn't be upset about it. Can I take a gamble at what's irritating you?"

She sniffed agitatedly as she grabbed out a well worn book from her bag.

"It's either Felix or Sylvain, one or the other isn't it?" I pushed a little more, judging her reaction to my comment with interest. Ingrid's jaw tightened and her entire body tensed.

"Wrong!" Ingrid snapped and clenched her fist as if imagining some scenario. "It's both of them! Ugg! I keep lecturing them but neither one of them listens to me!"

The blond turned to me as I rolled onto my side, intrigued at what the pair had done this time.

Ingrid dropped her fist and let out a defeated sigh. "The two of them are just impossible. Neither one of them are taking care of themselves."

She flipped her heavy french braid over her shoulder. "So what's it like in your house? It can't be all that worse can it?"

I popped the jam bun into my mouth and chewed the sweet carefully, considering my words before replying. "It feels like we are forever arguing, and that there is strong distrust among some of us. I'm not entirely sure, seeming as I have been distancing myself from them recently."

Ingrid set the book on the night side table and reached down to pull off her boots. She got the first one off without any problems, but the second one's lacing knotted and it took her a second to undo the tangle. "That's right, I thought I heard a rumor that you were planning on leaving the monastery. Are things really that bad in the Golden Deer House?"

I looked away from her uneasily. "No, I just like to keep my distance with people, that's all."

"Well, you seem to be doing a pretty good job getting along with us. Have you ever considered switching houses? You might be happier if you did." The pegasus knight was quick to the point as I held out my plate of jam buns across the small alley between our beds.

"No, I can't say I have considered switching. I joined the Golden Deer Class out of, call it a gut instinct, but I don't regret my decision. Though, don't get me wrong I did heavily consider enlisting when Dimitri offered it."

Ingrid finished unlacing her boot and straightened up. It took her a second to notice the plate of sweets I was offering. She looked about ready to cry as she reached out for the treats. "So, why do you want to leave Garreg Mach then?"

"Let's just say I have some...personal business to attend to." I smiled at her as she liberated not one, not two, but three of the fresh jam buns off my plate.

Ingrid shrugged at my comment and began eating the sweet treats with evident relish. Perturbed as I was about her eating half of my plate of sweets, it was fun watching her wolf the food down. Her total enjoyment at eating the snacks kind of reminded me of Lysithea.

Ingrid finished her first jam bun and flopped down on the bed across to me, grabbing the book from the bedside table in the process. "Personal business huh? I know that feeling."

She sighed heavily and opened the battered book to the blue marker. Judging by the binding that was falling apart and the wrinkle of the pages it was clearly a well loved book. I tilted my head in question as she paused in shoving the second jam bun into her mouth.

She chewed as I tried to read the battered title on her book.

Finishing her second bun, Ingrid took a deep breath. Releasing it slowly her voice began to sound overly perturbed again. "My father has some high expectations of me as well, it's kind of infuriating."

"Oh?" This was news to me, I reached over and plucked another treat off my plate and waited to see where Ingrid was taking this conversation.

"Yup, the fact that I have the crest of Daphnel means there are a lot of expectations for me. Sylvain and Felix are in the same boat honestly." She shoved the last jam bun into her mouth and rolled onto her side to face me.

"I keep hearing they are a lot to live up to." I carefully chose my words as Ingrid huffed.

"Just another burden of living in a noble house." She narrowed her eyes and looked at me questioningly. "You are aware that the ten noble houses carry crests correct? Having a crest means you're highly sought after as a marriage candidate. Plenty of the houses will continue having heirs because the crest lines are so thin."

I put two and two together. "So your father wants to marry you off, probably to the highest bidder."

She snorted, nodding to confirm my suspicions. "That is correct, I get to deal with yet another marriage proposal when we get back."

"That sounds totally unappealing honestly." I admitted roughly, turning my head to look out the window to see the setting sun.

She followed my gaze. "I just want to be a valiant knight, like the ones you read about in stories. Oh, and a word of warning, you shouldn't bring up crests to Sylvain."

I snorted, having already fallen into that trap once. I wasn't about to repeat the experience anytime soon. Still, I appreciated Ingrid's warning and wished it had come a little sooner. "A little late for that, but I want to know a bit more about Fodlan's ruling systems and how crest's play a part in it. Got any leads?"

Ingrid rolled onto her other side, giving me her back. A sign the conversation was coming to an end. "Talk with Dimitri, he is the crown prince of Faerghus after all."

"Fair point, maybe on our ride back I'll see what he has to say."


A few days later I returned to Garreg Mach Monastery along with the rest of the Blue Lion's house only to be called directly down to the archbishop's personal chambers shortly after storing my things and getting cleaned up. I was escorted out onto a small terrace by a scowling, impatient Cyril, who I thanked as he trotted off to continue working on his chores.

Rhea stood out on the terrace looking down at the monastery grounds. Accompanying her divine beauty on the private terrace was a small garden and several shallow ponds. A small elegant table set complete with chairs was arranged elegantly next to the intricate white lily ponds, giving me some indication of what I had been called here for.

Unsure of what I had done recently to warrant the attention, I tugged on the edge of my skirt as I walked forward. Fidgeting, I tugged my uniform into place. The freshly pressed black and gold material was stubborn and rough, but it felt good to be back in my school uniform. "You called for me, your grace?"

Rhea turned around almost immediately, a soft smile gracing her delicate features as she appeared genuinely happy to see me. "Ah, yes thank you Lilianna for joining me on such short notice. I am aware that you have only just arrived back at the Monastery, but after hearing the professor's report I wanted to check for myself that you were well."

She gestured to the tea set next to the ponds, indicating she was indeed inviting me to tea. I could see the steam coming off the teapot and the magnificent array of snacks on display as I followed behind her.

The elegant sight caused me some hesitation however, but Rhea was not to be dissuaded. "Come, join me for some tea."

She drifted over and pulled out a chair and offered it to me before sliding into her own seat with grace only she could have managed.

Realizing I was about to enjoy a cup of tea with the archbishop of Fodlan was no small task, but I braced myself and marched over rather stiffly. I attempted to remember my long forgotten manners as I attempted to sit down in the seat with some semblance of grace.

I did not miss the slight chuckle from Rhea as she proceeded to pour tea for both of us. "You can relax, there is nothing to be afraid of here."

She reassured me as I held out my hand to accept an elegant tea cup decorated with yet more white lilies from her. "This is my favorite blend, Crescent-Moon tea. I do hope you enjoy."

I took a tentative sip. The tea had a distinctly soothing aroma that smelled kind of light and flowery. It also possessed hints of refined noble-ish tastes, and I had to question how I felt about it. My first sip had me thinking that the tea was not particularly to my liking, but it was not terrible either. I took another sip, trying to decide how I felt about it.

Rhea was studying my reaction with evident amusement as I let the tea linger on my tongue. "Ah, you are making such an amusing face. Come, surely there is no reason for you to worry. I simply would like to speak with you."

I allowed her to think it was me worrying, rather than admit I wasn't sure if I liked her choice in tea. "I thank you for taking such an interest in me, your grace. If I am to speak frankly then, may I ask why you are so interested in me? Knowing that bit of information would help ease my concerns quite a bit."

She took her time sipping her own tea. The archbishop's serene green eyes gently glanced around the garden as she considered her words. When Rhea began to speak it was with the air of soft admittance. "We are family. Seteth, Flayn, yourself, and of course our dear professor are much kin to family. As you both have been away from the monastery I find myself pondering what has become of you. When Professor Byleth mentioned that you had been injured in the battle, I found myself needing to see how you were doing with my own eyes."

Her concern and confession caught me off guard. I had suspected that my admittance here had some kind of trick to it, but to hear it from the archbishop that she thought I was family was equally endearing and disheartening. "Your grace…"

Rhea interrupted me by holding up a quick hand. "Call me Lady Rhea, it sounds less formal."

I stumbled for words, my heartbeat speeding up and I attempted to start again."Lady Rhea," I fumbled for words, trying to get the attention off me and my bloodline. "Surely there are others of greater importance than me that are in need of your time? I do not believe I am worthy of such attention."

"It disheartens me to hear you say that. I do wish you would consider my offer." Rhea selected a small sandwich off the impressive tray of confectioneries in front of us and set it onto her plate.

I considered what she said, setting my elbow on the table in a knowing breach of etiquette, just to test how the archbishop would react. Waiting to see what would happen, I rested my chin on the palm of my hand.

My behavior did not seem to bother Rhea as she took a small bite from her sandwich and then sipped her tea.

"The idea of family is intriguing," I admitted reluctantly, carefully selecting my word lest my entire position at the monastery came under threat, "but if I may ask, why?"

Rhea let out a shallow sigh as she set the tea cup gently back in its saucer with nary a sound. "I suppose it may be time to inform you. Let it be known I do not offer this information lightly. It is with great trust that I admit this."

My curiosity had me at the edge of my seat. Any unease I had dissipated as I waited on pins and needles for Rhea's response.

"Back when you first appeared before me I had a hunch that you and I were similar. When you approached me right before the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth, and fainted in the audience chamber I became more certain."

I recalled the panic that I had felt knowing about the possibility of an assassination attempt on the archbishop's life and looked down at my tea with dread. I recalled the blood testing and the crest review with professor Hanneman and realized where this was heading.

"As you are aware we ran your blood samples and confirmed that you are in possession of a crest. However what you might not be aware of is that we also analyzed your blood structure." Rhea looked as uneasy as I felt, but her somber eyes told me she was trusting me with a great deal of information. "We found that your blood is very similar to mine. Thus with those conclusions I can only determine that you are indeed part of my family. However distant a relation you might be."

Rhea's smile seemed to radiate warmth and confidence as I shifted uncomfortably.

"So, come tell me what is bothering you." She encouraged softly, alluding an air of confidence that I felt the same.

I stopped leaning on my elbow and rubbed the back of my neck uneasily. Rhea's confession had opened up a whole new world of possibilities I didn't think was possible. Sure I had speculated, but it was one thing to hypothesize and another to hear it from someone like Rhea.

My mind buzzed as I attempted to connect more leads, my mind swirling with crest information.

"That...that's a lot to take in at once." I admitted as I hurried to sip my tea, attempting to buy me time to think. The teacup rattled in the saucer as I tried to pick it up.

"It is alright, you're safe here." Rhea reassured me once again as I let my unruly green locks drift down in front of my face.

The tea cup continued to shake as I gripped the handle with an unsteady grip. "My late father always told me to keep my crest hidden, but I never knew why."

"Ah, the crests are indeed very valuable here in Fodlan. Your entire fate can be changed simply by just possessing one." Rhea sniffed and took a sip of her tea. I detected a hint of disdain in her voice but I was unsure why.

I continued, something about Rhea's confession and confirmation that we were a family of sorts, made opening up and confessing my own circumstances a bit easier. "It wasn't until later I made the mistake of showing a noble, a crest researcher of little standing, my crest that I realized why I should have heeded his words more. I thought I was doing something useful, trading the crest studies in exchange for elevated privileges during our travels. Turns out a few months after we returned from our explorations to do research on our findings in the library, several mages of questionable origins showed up to take me away. Father was killed while we fled the estate while I managed to survive with little more than the shirt on my back. Navan found me not long after barely alive and half frozen to death on the edges of the Sreng border."

Rhea reached out and carefully selected the topmost confectionery. An impressive yellow buttercream cake topped with crystallized fruits was set on my plate. "That must have been very traumatic, I can now understand why you find fitting in to be a bit difficult, but please do not allow me to interrupt your story. Please go on if you are able."

I picked up the small dessert fork next to my teacup, the tightness in my chest unraveling as the chiming of my teacup went silent. My voice was darker, somber as I related the next leg of my journey. "I wandered around Fodlan with Navan for years, never staying in one place for very long. I have reason to believe that the mages that killed my father continued actively searching for me up until we managed to secure a passage across the Locket."

"I see, that is greatly troubling news. However it is not surprising, your tale is very similar to Seteth's and Flayn's. They have lived in secret for years, wandering the countryside prior to me finding them on the roadside." Rhea's gentle eyes took on a concerned, motherly gaze, and I felt myself opening up as she consoled me. "You can rest assured that the mages you fear will not find you here."

I used the edge of my fork to cut into the sugary treat and brought a small bite up to my mouth. The gentle, sweet taste combined with the pungent taste of the crystallized fruit. I suddenly found it hard to swallow. My emotions threatened to overtake me as I set my fork to the side and tried to get a handle on my emotions.

Rhea caught onto my change in demeanor. "May I inquire as to what you were doing wandering Fodlan?"

"Nothing particularly enlightening, we took odd jobs where we could find them. My work normally centered around researching, unearthing treasure and trading it for money so we could move around more." I took another sip of tea to help hide my nervousness.

Rhea took my confession in stride, as if learning what I had been up to for several years was of little consequence to her. Perhaps she really did not care, or maybe she was just interested in me now. I wasn't sure, but I felt like my guard was slipping as my emotions started to run rampant.

I struggled with attempting to contain my emotions while Rhea kindly switched topics.

The archbishop's voice was even softer as she switched from asking about my past to my plans moving forward. "Have you made any decisions on if you will be leaving? I am aware that Professor Byleth took you along on her mission hoping it might persuade you to stay."

The idea that Byleth had been talking to the archbishop about me was unsettling, but as a new professor I should have expected that she would be concerned about her students and would seek out advice. My behavior recently would hardly be considered normal.

I thumbed my chin in thought, my other hand tensed on my lap while I considered how to answer Rhea's questions of the future.. "I decided before departing with the professor that leaving was not an option for me. While it's true I am having trouble fitting in and getting used to people, I won't run away. There is too much to learn here, too much opportunity for me to turn away from."

She gave a light chuckle, satisfied with my answer. "I am glad to hear you say so, I was curious to see what you would do."

I picked up my tea cup and swirled the contents. The pale yellow liquid reminded me of a crescent moon with a strangely soothing aroma of flowers. Wondering if this was indeed the archbishops favorite tea, or if she was attempting something more underhanded then a simple conversation, I took another sip of my tea.

A thought struck me and I blurted it out without much hesitation. "If you please Lady Rhea, I do have a question."

She seemed a little surprised as I turned the conversation away from my current plans. "Oh?"

I leap at the opportunity. If what Rhea was saying about us being similar, it meant she probably knew more about crests. Which meant she could tell me about the Relics and the connection to crests. Which also compounded with the hush order that Byleth has issued to all members of the expedition.

"I received an order just before I arrived here from Professor Byleth instructing us not to discuss what transpired in the tower with other students. You're not another student, so may I ask you about the Relics? Why did Miklan turn into a raging monster?" I leaned forward my questions falling from my mouth at a rapid pace as I jumped at the opportunity to get more answers.

I watched Rhea's smile freeze, and while she did not outright frown at my curiosity, it became blatantly clear by her tone of voice that she was not keen on this topic of conversation. "To wield a Relic is a great responsibility, one such position that you might even find yourself in one day."

There was a tension in the air and I wondered if my enthusiasm and quest for knowledge had upset the archbishop.

Rhea relented with a heavy sigh as she closed her eyes. Tension rippled through her jaw as she hissed. "Therefore I suppose it will do no good to hide it from you. The black beast that appeared was indeed the traitor Miklan. The heathen decided to use the Lance of Ruin's power for his own selfish reasons when he was not qualified to weld it. The power was too much for him to bear and it consumed his body and soul."

Her hatred was almost pliable as I reflected on the archbishop's words. The idea that the raging beast had been Sylvain's power hungry brother was not outside the realm of possibilities, but it was concerning. All that more concerning considering what Sothis had said about my crest and its current state.

Could a Relic be the key to fixing my crest?

"So...you believe that I have a Relic?" I offered tentatively, hesitantly, knowing I was treading of a dangerous path.

The idea of possessing a Relic both intrigued me and disgusted me all the same.

Rhea's anger abated a bit, causing the tension to seem a bit more distant. Further intrigued, I studied her more closely. Studying behavior was almost a requirement for being able to peddle wares at a market, and I put the skills to good use. Not that I had a lot of experience with dealing with archbishops and their behavior, but if I were to look at her from a closer perspective...

The idea caught my interest. I had not been lying when I said the concept of family intrigued me, and maybe if I was to use that close relationship...with that in mind, I perceived that Rhea's anger was not directed at me or my questions but rather something directly related to the Relics or crests themselves.

Rhea did not allow my mind to wander down that trail long. She slowly reached out and picked up the teapot, pouring herself another cup before answering my question. "I have ever reason to believe that you may very well possess a Relic, but where it is currently located is a question for a later date."

Rhea's answer was not encouraging. Sothis said I needed to locate my heartstone, she probably meant my Relic. I scrubbed my hair in frustration. Nothing was ever that easy.

Struggling for topics while I tried to remember anything at all that might answer where my Relic might have disappeared to I blurted out. "Will I turn into some black beast too then?"

My question caught the archbishop off guard. She stopped stirring her tea and gave me a stern stare that somehow also betrayed her level of surprise. "You do not need to fear wielding your Relic my child, for you will surely be worthy of wielding it should you happen across it someday. Look at our dear professor, she wields the divine Sword of the Creator and does not transform into an abomination."

I had entirely too much to think about now. I got up from the table feeling slightly less bothered, but also a bit more disturbed that combined with a strong sense of urgency. I glanced down at my plate, my cake and half drank tea abandon as I tensed.

"Is there something else the matter?" Rhea's green eyes followed me as I tugged back on the hem of my skirt.

"No, I just have a lot to consider at the moment." I muttered, feeling the blush on my cheeks as I stumbled to thank her. "I, umm, I thank you my lady for inviting me to tea and for listening to me."

"My door is always open." Rhea reassured me as she stood up and offered to walk me to the door. I turned to leave, our footsteps clacking on the worn building blocks in silence as Sothis's words came back to haunt me.

Rhea held out a hand to stop me as I wandered towards the door lost in my thoughts. "I also would appreciate it if you would keep our conversation here private." She waited a moment and then continued. "Please feel free if you have any other concerns to come talk to me, when you meet with me here you are speaking to family, not to the archbishop. My door will always be open to you."

Honored, and quite understanding the need for secrecy, I bowed my understanding. I was still trying to connect the dots on what had just transpired. I flashed her a small smile, one that I did not have the confidence to wear as I thanked her once more. "Thank you Lady Rhea."


Author Corner:

Yay for chapter 13! Ok in reality is that this chapter is like half the size of the others because of such a large mood shift that just would be questionable with the next few chapters as Lili returns to normal school shenanigans(Oh and there will plenty). Anyway in this chapter I finally wrap up the Black Tower arc and drop a lot of heavy lore content. Several of you have already been guessing about Lili's race, and lore would now tell you your correct in your guesses! Nice job picking that up! For those who are not so savy on the lore - don't worry I certain plan on expanding on it! It just won't be for a while yet - the core of this entire conversation is to confirm with Rhea that Lili is indeed 'family' of sorts and that explains why Lili gets away with a lot of the stuff she does(As well as her spontaneous sponsorship.)

There are hints that Lili might have a Relic floating around - but Lili herself is unsure so she has been researching. This is due a large part to her backstory and how those weapons are made. She's just now aware that it has become mission critical for her to learn more about them and get her hands on it if possible.

So I hope you look forward to those incoming chapters and didn't mind this much shorter one! Hit that follow button if you don't want to miss a chapter release and a favorite helps tell me if your enjoying the story! See you again soon!

Minor gushing -We are heading towards some of my favorite chapters to-date - omg I am so excited! September is packed full of goodies!