Month of Wyvern Moon - The Golden Deer's Party

Chapter 27

I set down my quill with a sigh and cracked my hands as classes for the day finally came to an end. Pliable excitement covered the class in an almost tangible blanket. The fast filtering news of a birthday party had made our afternoon lectures and extra strategy simulations drag on. Most of the class was ecstatic. Pre-party plans, speculations, and talk ran rampant through the student body as I listened to the rumors with a slow growing dread.

The conversations only escalated in absurdity as the rumor mill chugged along at full speed, fueled by exaggerated stories of the most recent student parties. Several escapades about Claude's past event planning whirled around with the rumors, and I wasn't all that surprised to figure out that he knew how to throw them.

"Figures he would know how to plan these things, when isn't he planning something?" I muttered as I gave a ball of paper a healthy toss over Raphael's head and watched with satisfaction as it smacked the rim of the blackboard. A second later a training bow took out a flying apple overhead. Leonie threw me a quick thumbs up as she hurried to tuck the training bow under her desk as Professor Hanneman turned around to face us.

As the professor turned to begin lecturing us, I quickly put my head down to make it look like I was taking notes. In truth I was looking at a note Hilda had just passed me.

Hey Lilianna, since tonight's your birthday party - we have been wondering just how old are you? We want to know!

I paused and looked down at the note, biting my bottom lip for a second in thought before scribbling an arbitrary number that I thought could make sense.

22

I scratched the number onto the scrap of paper and folded it back up carefully before tapping Ignatz's artist adjusted his glasses as he accepted the note in secret. We both looked back down at our notes as Professor Hanneman trapped the lecture in a vain attempt to get the class back on track. Both Ignatz and I both looked up, making an appearance that we were paying attention to the lecture. A short while later I caught the archer carefully passing the note down the row to an overeager Hilda.

I smirked knowing the chaos that was going to erupt from the contents of the note and causally leaned on my fist to watch the show. Something twisted deep down inside me as I watched the pink haired tank open the note. Hilda must have had to read the note twice, because she continued to stare down at the number.

My supposed age must have taken Hilda by surprise, because a few minutes later she looked back over at me in awe. The second in command's perfectly manicured look, glittered with actual surprise as I grinned back at her to confirm I was serious. Hilda looked back down at the paper shaking her head in disbelief before folding it back up.

I waved cheekily to her as she tucked the note away into her notebook.

Oh - if you only knew the truth.


With a final scratching flourish of my quill on parchment, I set my writing utensil down and glanced up at the clock. It was a lot later than I expected. The exam for my advanced certification had taken a lot longer than I had originally planned. Not that the exam itself was that much of a challenge, just very time consuming. I looked back down at my exam paper and stretched, satisfied with my answers I gathered the veritable stack of papers into a pile and got up.

"Have you finished?" Professor Byleth glanced up from her desk where she was busy grading. She looked over the top of her glasses waiting for my answer.

I nodded to my stoic exam proctor. "Yes, I'm done."

I shuffled the papers in my hands as Byleth got up to collect my exam from me. As I traded my papers off to her I winked. "Have fun grading that."

Byleth shrugged in response as she scanned over the top page. "You're not the first one to take an advanced certification exam. I have been grading them all week, so this isn't anything new."

Her comment caught my interest as she flipped the first page over and started reading the back. "Oh? Anyone else taking the wyvern exam?"

Byleth's sea blue eyes flicked to me and I found myself mesmerized by the swirling windows of her soul. "A couple of students have and others have expressed an interest but have not yet taken it."

I leaned forward, unable to help myself. "Interesting, everyone's trying to squeeze the advanced certifications in before the battle of the Eagle and Lion I presume?"

Byleth nodded solemnly before looking back down at my exam. "I have been pushing the Blue Lions to complete their certifications. My house is expressing an intense determination to win."

I turned back to my desk feeling a bit more apprehensive. Trying not to let it show, I began to pack my bag. "Well, we will see about that. The Golden Deer House has a few tricks up our sleeve, we want to win too."

Byleth shuffled the papers back together and started to walk back to her desk. "That is good to hear. I look forward to seeing what progress everyone has made these past few months."

I vaguely recalled hearing about a mock battle that took place a few months before I entered the monastery. "You're referring to that mock battle from the start of the school year, right?"

She nodded as she sat back down at her desk, filing my exam under a small pile of papers to grade a little later tonight.

I thought about it, but since that house battle took place before I arrived at Garreg Mach I wasn't exactly privileged as to what had occurred during the battle. "That took place before I got here, who won?"

The professor pointed to a blue brooch attached to her shoulder as she picked up her quill.

I glared at the deep sapphire blue and silver brooch moodily, unsurprised by the revelation. "So, the Blue Lions won, huh? Well I'm going to do my best to make sure you don't have such an easy victory this time!"

Byleth looked back up from her papers. A tickle of a smile glimmered in her eyes, informing me she enjoyed the idea. "I look forward to the challenge."


Finishing the short exchange with my professor, I looked back up at the clock and froze. The hour was drawing late and I hurried to finish packing up. In my haste I succeeded at spilling some of my ink on my hand as I capped my inkwell, but I rubbed it off on my black skirt as I tossed it into my bag. Finally, ready to leave, I threw a quick wave to Byleth and left the exam room.

I held onto my bag as I threw it over my shoulder and pushed the heavy wooden doors open to enter the courtyard. Twilight was already behind me as the torches lit the pathways, illuminating the ancient stone archways. I turned to close the door and caught Dimitri leaning against the nearby wall.

The tall blond hung back in the shadows of the hallway, a haunting haggard expression on his face. It was a stark contrast from the polite and concerned expressions he typically wore during our morning sparring sessions. Seeing such a distressed, painfilled, expression on the prince's face caused me to pause, and I couldn't help my own curiosity from getting the better of me.

The prince, caught waiting outside Professor Byleth's office for an after hours meeting in conjunction to Byleth showing up more and more often at our morning sparring sessions, was too much of a coincidence for me to ignore. I had originally assumed that the professor showing up to our morning sessions was just when the Blue Lions had agreed to train, however, with his highness brooding outside the doorway I began to wonder.

Deciding to investigate, I approached the crown prince of Faerghus with a cheerful nod. "Good evening your highness, is there something I can do for you?"

Dimitri looked up from scowling at the walkway and stared at me. The full force of the prince's haggard, sleepless, cobalt blue eyes hit me as he nodded to me in welcome. "Oh, good evening to you as well Lilianna. What might you be doing here so late at night?"

I threw my thumb over my shoulder indicating to the welcoming lights of the office behind me. "I just got finished taking a certification exam, what might you be doing out here if I may be so bold to ask? Are you unwell?"

The Blue Lion pinched his nose and waved off my concern. "I am quite alright; I must have wandered back to the classrooms subconsciously. I have been thinking."

I adjusted my bag and nodded out into the darkening courtyard. "It seems like a good night to ponder. Any thoughts you would like to share?"

"Nay, they are just simple thoughts of my childhood, nothing more." Dimitri dismissed my offer quickly, waving me off as I cocked my head to the side curiously.

The rate in which the prince rejected my offer made me think he was hiding something, however the toll of the monastery bells told me I was running dangerously behind schedule, so I did not press the issue. I nodded back to Byleth's office. "Well, I believe the exam room is empty now. Professor Byleth is just settling down to grading papers, I am sure she could do with some company if you don't feel like talking to me."

"Professor Byleth was your exam proctor for this evening?"

I nodded, not quite sure if the Blue Lion had heard more than a few words out of my mouth. I clasp my hands behind my back and leaned forward. "That is what I said. Look it's none of my business, your grace, but I don't think you should be wandering around in such a state alone. Under normal circumstances I would be more than happy to stay with you, but I have alternative obligations I must attend to."

Dimitri cast a hopeful glance at the light behind me and I was pretty certain I knew why the prince was preoccupied. "Ah, you must mean the commotion that is going on in the dining hall. I passed it on my way here."

So, he wasn't as oblivious as he appeared to be.

I thought as Dimitri coughed to get my attention. I looked up at him and managed to catch the faint glow of a blush on his cheeks. "Would you care for an escort my lady?"

The princes' offer came off as overly stiff and completely formal as he hesitantly held out his arm. The concept of the crown prince of Faerghus escorting me to a party was laughable enough, but the resolute way he had offered made me think I was going to die of laughter.

Struggling to keep a steady, unwavering voice, I let Dimitri down gently. "It is an honor your grace, but I do believe that you have come here for a purpose other than to escort me. Perhaps it is your mind trying to tell you something?"

Dimitri put his hand on his face and shook it gently. "Perhaps you are right. I am not myself tonight."

Concern raced through me, and I wondered if I had made the right decision to reject his offer. Hesitantly I reached out a hand. My hand nearly touched the prince's heavy armored bracer when I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. The audible clicking across the stones altered me and I hurried to put my hand down as I turned to face professor Byleth. "Professor, I am sorry did we disturb your grading?"

Byleth's flat expression flickered in the torchlight as she answered. "No, I came out here because I thought I heard something pertaining to me."

The professor's flat eyes raked back down me, studying me in a way that made me squirm. I shifted my weight to my other foot as her blue gaze shifted from me to Dimitri who looked like he was drowning. "Oh, Dimitri, is there something you need?"

Feeling the utmost urge to flee the area, and not quite sure why, I took a quick step backward. "I really must be going, good night professor, your highness."

"Have fun at the party." Byleth waved as she closed the gap between her and her haggard looking Blue Lion. As the professor's hand settled on Dimitri's arm, I beat a fast retreat into the moonlight courtyard. I wondered what business the pair of them could have together this late in the evening, and I loathed to leave Dimitri when he looked so haunted, but I trusted Byleth would sort him out.

She had strange ways of making people feel more secure and calm around her, and besides, I had to get moving. I had my own things to attend to.


As I stepped out from behind the garden hedges, I was amazed at what I saw. Students filtered around the edges of the gardens as the lights inside the dining hall twinkled and glowed with a welcoming light. From the looks of things, the party had started without me.

A wave of relief washed over me as I joined in, walking along behind a small cluster of students, taking in the festivities. I held back as the group I was following laughed and opened the door to enter the dining hall. A boy with short brown hair I couldn't place held the door open for me and I shook my head unsure if I dared to enter. The boy shrugged and let the door go, and I hurried to keep it from shutting completely. I held the door open and peeked inside, curious as to what was going on, but not quite willing to enter the chaos.

The first thing I noticed was that someone had managed to swindle an entire casket of ale into the room along with several firkins of what I assumed to be wine. Platters of half-eaten food and treats lined the tables next to the glasses as the drinks were poured liberally into mugs. The next thing that caught my eye were the streamers and banners that depicted golden deer along with our black, yellow, and white house colors. Some of the streamers and banners were already starting to fall as a large group of students crowded around the middle of the hall, which had been cleared out for, of all things, wrestling.

Gathering my courage, I pulled the door open a bit more with every intention of entering as my eyes caught Caspar making a desperate lunge for Raphael. The huge Golden Deer brawler easily pushed the smaller Black Eagle away with his superior reach, not even remotely deterred by his opponents swinging fists as he calmly ate kabobs off a stake.

I held onto the door a bit longer as I investigated my surroundings a bit more. On the back wall there appeared to be several larger betting boards that were under Claude and Hilda's direct supervision. The pair worked in unison as Hilda handed out money and took down names while Claude stood on a small wooden crate marking off points.

Several of my other classmates got up and joined in the loose ring around the combatants yelling heartily, beer mugs overflowing as they either drank or cheered in response to the match proceedings. Other students sat at tables, talking or playing games next to giant cheese wheels, fresh bread, and a dazzling array of cakes.

On a quick analysis it seemed almost everyone from the officer's academy had shown up, and the sight rather surprised me. I even managed to spot Lorenz and Linhardt among the crowd. The former was enjoying a cup of tea in a quieter corner of the dining hall along with Cereza and Ferdinand, while also being in a strategic position to keep an eye on Claude and Hilda. I caught the latter of the pair dozing off in a corner next to Lysithea, Annette, and Mercedes who were sampling treats while proceeding to stack crackers on the sleeping mage's head.

I started to back away out the door, uneasy about the proceedings and uncertain on entering the festivities when someone's hand reached out and situated itself next to my head.

"Hey there princess, going somewhere?" Sylvain's huskily murmured in my ear as I slowly shifted my eyes up towards him. Just as I turned around, I felt a sudden, warm, fleeting sensation on my cheek. "Happy birthday cutie, care to join me for the festivities? Or perhaps would you rather join me in the gardens for some more personal alone time?"

"..." My mind froze as I craned my head back to look at his, my mouth slightly agape as I was caught completely off guard by the enterprising redhead behind me.

My eyes only grew wider as Sylvain continued his blatant flirtations. "You know those green eyes of yours put even the finest of emerald to shame. I could lose myself in the verdant forests for eternity."

Sylvain's caramel-mocha eyes caught the light as he hinted at the intensity of his pickup lines and I found my mouth going paper dry as the redhead hovered over me questioningly, searching for some kind of response to his advances.

I didn't wait for him to make the next move. I reached up and grabbed both sides of the lanky redhead's face while staring earnestly up at him. "Sylvain, do I look like I would make a good conquest to you?"

The noble was taken back as I held his face tenderly between my hands, whist glaring up at him resolutely. Sylvain flashed me another sly grin as I felt his hands start to circle around my waist. In response to the strangely tender arms encircling me, I squished Sylvain's face together and scowled at his lack of restraint.

As my scowl deepened, the redhead leaned toward me, pulling me closer to him so I could fit snuggly up against his side. "Never! I would never dream of trying to conquer any woman! However, if you were will-"

Absolutely dreading where that sentence was heading, I held up a single finger to cut the philanderer off before he could complete his sentence. "No. No you don't get to finish that sentence."

Sylvain's eyebrows knitted together as he opened his mouth to protest and I found myself spurred to act in the heat of the moment. The knight's arms held me close, a light squeeze told me something between us was changing. The desperate need for something more filled the small space between us and I found myself acting more on instinct then on logic. Before I even stopped to consider my actions, I arched my back up and planted a gentle kiss on the knight's protesting lips.

I allowed my kiss to linger for a heartbeat, molding Sylvain's lip to mine in a brief touch as the knight's brown eyes danced with encouragement. The warm earthy tones of his eyes drew me in, captivating me as I whispered softly into the charged air between us. "However, you can have one of those in return for not finishing it."

Sylvain rolled with my advances, giving the no strings attached approach as he praised my provocative boldness with a delighted grin. "You sure do know how to treat a man. I kind of like it."

The air between us thickened as I dragged my tongue across the bottom of my lip. My lips felt strange and unfamiliar with this uncommon use. "I am sure that half of the class is also enjoying the show just as much as you are."

Sylvain leaned forward, touching his forehead to mine. The noble's sour breath ghosted over my skin as his voice dropped. "Oh, you look at you princess, being such a tease. Say just whose attention are you trying to get with this little act?"

I chuckled dryly as Sylvain squeezed me a little tighter. Emboldened I poked my nose up towards his ear.

Obediently the heir of Gautier brought his ear down closer to me so I could whisper sweetly into it. "Who knows, perhaps it's you?"

Sylvain snorted, his arms pressing me into him as he leaned down to return the favor. I felt Sylvain's hot breath on the edge of my neck as he murmured. "Hmm, if I had to guess you're not after me mint spring."

Realizing the game was going too far I hummed a soft warning. "Mmm, did you know that you reek of beer Sylvain?"

One of Sylvain's hands moved to brush my hair away from the nape of my neck. "I'm not nearly as dumb as I act sweetheart. We could be having a much less public session had you just accepted my offer to go for a walk."

"Hmmm…" I made it seem like I was contemplating the idea as I tapped the side of my cheek. "And why would I do that? So, I could end up like the dairy maid and the shopkeeper's daughter early today? So, I could be just another notch in your belt?"

Sylvain pulled back with a grimace as he pulled his head up to look me in the eye. Obviously, my statement completely ruined his mood. "Should have known you knew about those huh? Don't worry, if I had you, I'd forget all those other women in a heartbeat."

I rolled my eyes at the noble's sweet talk. "I am sure that's what you tell every girl who falls for you. I believe I told you I wouldn't even consider you until…"

Sylvain interjected over top of me. "I became more respectable. Ya, ya I heard you the first time. Who said anything about considering anything? Maybe I just want to make a special girl satisfied on her birthday. As a one-night treat, I can be all yours."

Alarm bells went off in my head as I hastily began untangling myself from him. "No, just no. Just how much have you had to drink Sylvain?!"

"Haha, finally caught me huh?" Sylvain let me pull away as he gave me a heartbreaking smile. It was easy to see how practiced he was at this game. "A couple? I lost count trying to keep up with Ingrid."

I shook my head at his confession, now realizing what the sour scent from earlier had meant. "Why does this not surprise me?"

The knight began to pout, his personality flipping a second later back to his normal chipper self in a way I envied. "Awww, but I am so cold and lonely. I could totally use the company. Oh, I know! Here let me show you around. Can I get you a drink? How do you feel about cheese, or maybe I can interest you in some cake?"

I rubbed my temples, already exasperated by the drunk redhead. "You are impossible."

Sylvain chuckled lightly as he bowed to me. "What? Can't I enjoy the company of such a smart, talented woman on her name day? To treat her like the emerald princess she is, the complete ruler of my heart?"

"With as many lunch dates as we have had, one absolutely has to question your motive here. An "emerald princess"?" I snorted at the absurdity of his comment. "Since you're obviously not in your right mind, could you maybe not hit on me? You might say something you don't intend to and break my poor maiden's heart."

The knight winked as he moved up next to me, his hands sliding towards my waist once more. "I would never do that! Well not intentionally anyway, but hey you are the one who kissed me. To show you just how much I appreciate the gesture, I feel compelled to treat you like the sovereign ruler you are and show you the true depths of my love."

I ducked out of his way as the redhead's hands caught my arm, scowling. "A puddle has more depth than your affections at times like these."

I shrugged off Sylvain's touch a second time, and he got the message. The Blue Lion pouted as he held out an arm. "Ouch, alright I get the message. All I am trying to do is show you a good time."

I shook my head defensively as began to entertain his idea of getting a drink.

Sylvain attempted to lead me towards the drinks while I examined the room to see just who just witnessed our heated exchange. As soon as Sylvain looked away from me, he made eye contact with another classmate whose name escaped my tired brain. The philandering knight quickly left off escorting me and chased after the next beauty that caught his admiration. Rubbing my temples again, I made my way towards the nearest barrel of liquids. It felt like if I was going to stay here for any length of time, I would need to secure a drink.

Possibly several at this rate.


As I neared an open casket, I caught sight of Felix, who was leaning against the nearby wall watching the brawling session in the middle of the room with fierce eyes. I reached out for a clean mug as the swordsman turned to me. "Say, you're here now. Spar with me."

"I sparred with you just this morning and got my ass handed to me, Felix." I snapped plugging a fresh glass into the ale casket, noting the casket was already more than half drank.

"It doesn't matter. You're not drunk yet and watching these fools fight is a bore." Felix sniffed as he watched me drain my first mug eagerly.

As I finished my drink, I drug the back of my hand across my mouth, satisfied. I reached in and pulled a second drink, swirling it as I raised my eyebrow at the swordsman's persistent offer. "What's in it for me besides more bumps and bruises?"

Felix glared at me in annoyance, as if I should be delighted that he offered to spar with me in the first place. "Tsk, nothing that's what."

I shook my head at the swordsman's shortness and took a sip of my ale. "You should probably work on that salesmanship then. I have zero interest in doing anything but relaxing for the rest of the evening."

That caused the Blue Lion to scowl fiercely at me before growling reluctantly. "Fine, if you spar with me, I'll buy you that new battle axe you have been fawning over."

My eyebrows raised, mildly surprised Felix even knew I had been eyeing a new battle axe in hopes of using a steel one in the upcoming battle of the Eagle and Lion. I shrugged and figured it must have been Sylvain's work. "Oh! Now there's an interesting prospect. Anything else you can toss in the sweeten the deal?"

"No, that's my only offer." The swordsman's finely honed temper finally snapped as I tested the depths of his nonexistent patience.

"Tempting offer, but not worth the pain." I chuckled to myself as I took a deep drink from my tankard.

As I drank, I heard Felix's heavy sigh from behind my mug. "What do you want?"

Interested in the fact that Felix was being rather reasonable, I lowered my tankard and looked him dead in the eyes while smiling wickedly. "I want to see a match between you and Sylvain."

The swordsman snorted, unimpressed by my negotiation skills. "Is that what you want?"

I shrugged as I leaned against the table. "No, but I have never seen you two spar. I thought it would be interesting to watch."

Felix snorted a second time and then reached behind the casket to grab his own drink. The swordsman's sour expression did not change as he took a deep drink out of his own mug.

Semi-used to Felix's silences and abrupt behavior I waited to see how he would respond to my proposal as Raphael finished eating his last meat skewer. There was a gasp from the crowd as the huge Golden Deer brawler easily picked Caspar up and slung him over his shoulder. The cheering from the Golden Deer faction increased in intensity as Raphael walked over to the edge of the ring and dropped Caspar onto the ground, instantly disqualifying him from the match for being out of bounds.

With the winning move decided, Claude stepped into the center of the ring as Caspar came back swinging. The fired-up brawler roared at his sudden defeat. "Let me at him! I'm going to beat him to a pulp!"

As Casper raised his fist Dorothea grabbed the back of his wrinkled white shirt and held him back with a wink of encouragement. "You can get him next time; I am sure of it."

Raphael lifted his fist in victory as Hilda stepped into the ring to offer the victor with his winnings, a fully plated pheasant.

Beaming, Raphael tore into his prize while Claude lifted his arm in victory. "Wahoo! Let's hear it for Raphael everyone! That was a thrilling match!"

There was a roar of applause from the crowd as I set my drink down to join in the applause. As I grinned at Raphael's obvious enjoyment, I caught Claude scanning the crowds. My grin slipped as I noticed his gaze stop and landed squarely on me.

Under the scrutiny of my house leader's guarded green eyes I felt the hair on the back of my neck raise slightly as a chill ran down my spine. To counteract his unsettling fixed glare, I hid my face behind my drink as Felix lifted his glass alongside me.

It took another few minutes for the room to quiet down as Claude waited in the middle of the room. As the crowd dispersed for drinks and more food the Golden Deer called out. "Alright everyone, make sure you see Hilda for your winnings! I'm going to open betting on the next match! You know the drill by now, in the meantime let me introduce you to our next act of the evening!"

Claude bowed elegantly, his golden cape fluttering out behind him as his hand extended out to welcome the Black Eagle Songstress to the center of the floor. "Miss Dorothea, the floor is all yours."

I missed what else was said as the temperamental swordsman next to me growled. "You go and get us signed up; I'll inform Sylvain that he will be sparing with me. On second thought…"

Felix's eyes shifted to mine, his hostile brown eyes narrowing in thought. "How about we d 1, that should make the fight more interesting."

"Sounds a little unfair to Sylvain, considering he's drunk." I cautioned as Felix growled.

"Serves him right."

Shaking my head at Felix's lack of compassion, but dearly wanting my new axe I finished my ale and nodded resolutely. "Fine fine, you still have to buy me the axe regardless of if I win or not."

The sour swordsman put his hand on his weapon and huffed. "Tsk, whatever."

My match settled; I made my way over to the event boards to register. Claude was busy as he accepted bets from Annette and Ignatz, so I approached his pink haired partner in crime. Hilda was twirling a lock of hair as she looked down at her clipboard, jointing down quick notes.

"Hey there Hilda, question for you. What's the roster looking like for the evening?"

Hilda's pink eyes flicked to mine as she coyly continued to twirl her hair. Her perfect pink lips pursed briefly as she thought. "Oh, let me think. I think it was Lysithea vs Linhardt?"

I couldn't stop my eyebrows from raising in amazement. "A match with Linhardt? For real?"

"Yes! I think it had something to do with some argument about napping vs studying, but I am a little unclear about the details right now. Either way, they are set to do a magic show out on the docks after this one. Whoever's display is better, by crowd vote, wins." Hilda beamed at me as she shifted from one foot to another.

"I bet Linhardt is going to throw the match." I clicked my tongue wondering what had motivated Lind to join in on a competition in the first place. It wasn't really like him to expand the effort for starters, let alone enter a show based on majority vote.

I looked over at the still sleeping mage, wondering what had inspired him to join in on the festivities as Hilda followed my line of sight.

"So does everyone else. That's why almost all the betting is on Lysithea. Opps, I wasn't supposed to tell you that!" The second in command stuck her tongue out at me and leaned over to whisper. "Oh well, guess you're an accomplice now!"

I froze, getting a sudden bad feeling that I was going to be roped into working at my own party. Hilda's pink eyes glittered as she winked at me, her fragrant, floral perfume was a little overpowering at such a close distance.

"I think the only one who bet on Linhardt was Hubert." Hilda's soft whisper teased in my ear. My eyes narrowed at the news; Hubert wasn't one to take chances unless he could win. I clicked my tongue as I gingerly brought out my coin purse.

The precious few gold coins that lived in the bottom of the purse jiggled sadly as I extracted them. "I'll bet 5 gold on Linhardt."

The pink hair tank stepped away from me, shaking her head and holding her hands up. "Oh no, I don't deal with placing bets! I just give out people's winnings. Keeping track of the odds is entirely too much like work. You'll just have to talk with Claude over there."

I groaned, realizing I would have to talk with my house leader sooner rather than later. "Of course you don't deal with placing bets. Oh, that reminds me I need to schedule a match."

Hilda sniffed lightly at my comment and pointed. "Still need to speak with the Golden Deer himself. He's in charge of all event scheduling as well."

I grumbled and folded my arms as I waited for Claude to finish talking with Leonie.

Hilda giggled at my disgruntled disposition and then gasped in surprise as Marianne fluttered out from behind the shadows of the chalkboard. "Oh, Marianne! There you are! I have been waiting for you!"

Without a word of warning or regard, the tank pushed her clipboard into my chest. "Here take these for a moment please? I'll be right back, I promise!"

My sudden shock and lack of air had Hilda begging for my assistance. "Pretty please Lilianna? Will you look after these for just a little bit?"

I didn't even have a chance to protest as Hilda grabbed Marianne's hand and pulled her towards Dorothea's performance.

"Hilda! Wait-" I tried to call out as the songstress's voice started to sing her song.

I was forced to fall silent as the performance started in earnest. Reluctantly, I looked over the paperwork that had been thrust upon me. Not to my surprise, I now possessed the entire night's betting ledgers. As I scanned over the numbers, the talented songstress's voice rose and fell in the most majestic way, filling my thoughts with a romantic love ballad between a knight and a young lady rather than the raw numbers in front of me.

The song entranced me, distracting me from the fact the ledger was actually rather long, given the extent of the party. Trying to concentrate I observed that most people had been betting on the activities to some degree.

Sylvain had a win-lose streak that took up several lines. The redhead started out strong, placing normal bets and having modest winnings at first. The further down the line I looked, the riskier and more ludicrous his bets became with major losses and very few wins. Next to Sylvain's black and red streak was a surprising name in inky, chilling black. Hubert, as it appeared, was betting for both him and Edelgard. The ominous second made only very strategic wins and no losses. On the second page I spotted Leonie's spending habits and I assumed she was extremely drunk. The red lines informed me that the huntress bet on whoever she felt like at the time of the wager. The next line down, I forced myself to look away from the numbers, putting a rapid halt on analyzing people's spending habits. I wasn't here to do paperwork or to analyze anyone's behavior, I was here to relax and enjoy the party.

Which I was finding it hard to do now, given my sly-eyed, scheming, house leader was standing only a few feet away from me. Claude had since finished his conversation with the drunk huntress and was now crouching down, writing towards the bottom on the second chalkboard. I watched his hand flicking up and down, writing down odds and tallying up wagers behind the board with ease. I bit my lip as I took a second to read the front of the board he was working on, trying to settle my nerves. I wasn't sure why I was so nervous but the hammering in my chest made me painfully aware that I was. I attempted to gather my courage as I scanned over the event chart.

Maybe it was something about the look Claude had given me while he had been in the center of the room, or maybe had something to do with our conversations over the past week. My mind mulled over my thoughts and the possibilities, and came to a standstill when I simply settled on the idea that I was nervous because now that I was at the party I was able to see how much time and effort he had put into actually planning out this event, only to have me blow him off and show up late out of spite.

The guilt ate away at me and I finally mustered up enough of my courage to approach the Golden Deer. Uncustomarily wary of my house leader, I cleared my throat and called out. "Hey Claude, looks like I finally made it."

"Hang on a second Lilianna, I am in the middle of adjusting these numbers." Claude's voice was crisp as he waved me off, continuing to scribble off numbers in a messy, chalk covered hand.

There it was - thinly veiled warning.

A subtitle clue that something was amiss. Claude was using my full name and not a pet name. I shifted my weight from one heel to the other, as my eyes shifted uneasily to the swinging gold bead on the end of my house leader's braid. "Umm, I actually need to place a wager and schedule a match."

"You and Felix, right?"

That was another hint, a carefully veiled remark that he had been watching me.

I cleared my throat once again, not accustomed to Claude treating me so coldly. "2 vs 1, Sylvain and me vs Felix actually."

The Golden Deer stood up rubbing his chin as he went over the front side of the board and wrote down the match without making eye contact with me. "Right, you guys will be up right after the magic show. Hmm, odds on this match…"

Claude stroked his chin as he gazed at the board.

"I also want to put down 5 gold on Linhardt winning the best of show." I admitted reluctantly, wondering what I could do to make matters right with the Golden Deer.

Claude's calculating green eyes slid towards me as he extended his hand. Nervously, expecting some backlash, I dropped my coins into his waiting palm. The Golden Deer made the gold coins disappear into his jacket a breath later. "Nice odds, any reason for betting on him?"

"No reason..." I held up the ledger clipboard that Hilda was supposed to be looking after and he just shook his head.

"That's good old Hilda for you. Pawning her work off on others." The Golden Deer shrugged and shook his head despondently. "That's also what we call insider trading. It's kind of illegal but I like it. After all we are all just friends here right?"

"..." I rubbed the back of my neck uncomfortably, not missing Claude's typically playful tone's dark edges and snide remarks. I shifted my weight again, really wishing I had behaved more appropriately or hidden my birthday a bit better.

"Umm, thank you for arranging this. I am sure you worked hard to get the place ready and set up. It looks like everyone is having a good time." I struggled to get the words out, nerves and guilt weighing heavily on me.

Claude raised an eyebrow, apparently still unimpressed with my behavior. "Ya, well it might have been better had the guest of honor arrived earlier, but you know studies and all that."

I felt my gut twist as my nervousness turned more to irritation that the Golden Deer wasn't considering how I felt about such a social display. I pursed my lips and stuck my tongue out at him. "Well excuse me your grace, I thought you would be thrilled to have another game piece up your sleeve for the upcoming battle."

Claude let my comment roll off him, his eyes flickering with a malicious glint as he nodded. "True, I am not one to complain about having options, but you could have taken the certification any other day, so I assume you are just out to sabotage me."

"It's payback for not letting me in on your schemes sooner." I snapped, my tempter bringing a healthy blush to my cheeks as I realized he was actually succeeding in getting under my skin.

"It was supposed to be a surprise party, Lilianna. That's how these things work, you know?" Claude shook his head exasperated as I put my hands on my hips huffing.

"I don't enjoy surprises Claude, and I enjoy social parties even less!"

"Thus, the reason this is more party and less socializing. Look, I told you just this morning instead of simply escorting you here like I wanted to, and yet, despite the early warning, here you are. Late." The Golden Deer leaned towards me, clasping his hands behind his back expectantly. "I didn't even have to send someone to fetch you."

At this point I knew he was just trying to vex me, and to my regret, it was working. I snorted and leaned towards him threateningly. "You and I both know that if I didn't want to be here, I would make myself scarce and no one you sent after me would even have a chance at catching me."

Dorothea's song was concluding in the background as we glared at each other. We stared threateningly into each other's eyes as the final ballad concluded. Dorothea weaved a tragic ending to the tale as the final verses had the two young lovers committed suicide when they were forcefully parted by their families. The tragic song in the background made it difficult to even consider having a meaningful conversation with my house leader, let alone staying angry at him.

"Then I would have just had to come personally." Claude winked at me and leaned back with a hearty chuckle.

My house leader's comical threat caused me to throw my hands up into the air in exasperation. "Like you have the time or ambition to be watching my every move."

The Golden Deer nodded as he watched me lose my cool, normally composed disposition with amusement. "True, it would have been a bit of an inconvenience reorganizing my schedule, but I also bet it would be pretty fun. I might even learn which passages you're using to get to and from class all the time."

I felt the corner of my mouth twitching, and, despite my best efforts, I lost the battle with the cheeky smile that tugged the corner of my lip up.

I should have known he knew how I was getting to and from places nowadays.

Knowing when to cut my losses, I turned to leave.

"Petal wait! Before you run off…!" Claude reached into the front of his jacket.

I raised my eyebrow in surprise and tilted my head in curiosity as Claude scowled and tried another pocket. As he searched around for something, I found myself absently wondering just how many pockets his long jacket possessed.

The question popped out of my mouth before I was able to hold it back. "Just how many pockets do you actually have in that jacket?"

"Not nearly enough in my opinion. Ah, found it! Here, hold out your hand." I tilted my hand to the other side as he located whatever he was looking for with a dry laugh.

Despite my growing suspicion something was going on, I found myself drawn in. My curiosity grew by the minute as Claude's mischievous smile had me shifting all the papers to one hand.

"Don't worry it won't bite. Promise." Claude encouraged and, despite my nerves and concerns, I tentatively held out my free hand. My curiosity in knowing what the Golden Deer's game was outweighed my apprehension.

"Now close your eyes." Claude instructed teasingly; his light tone of voice made the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter.

Narrowing my eyes, completely uncertain as to if I was going to regret trusting my house leader, I made the mistake of warning him. "You better not put anything gross and slimy in my hand or I will freak."

Claude's laughter changed to a breezier tone as he continued to tease me. "That takes all the fun out of it. No peeking."

I bit my bottom lip and tried not to imagine what kind of expression I was making. I held my breath as the last thing I saw was the Golden Deer grinning mischievously back at me.

"You can breathe." My house leader teased me mercilessly as I felt him take my hand. I let out a slow, uneasy breath as he chuckled. Several heart beats later I felt a weight in the palm of my hand. I opened my eyes warily to see Claude's grinning visage cupped casually in my hand.

My house leader's cheeky grin caused me to flex. I lightly pushed his cheeks together as I questioned what he was doing. "What...do you think you're doing?"

Claude's response was warmer now, and he winked as he taunted me. "Messing with you of course."

My heart skipped a beat as I squished his face together with a bit more force. He chuckled as his braid bounced against my wrist and I went to comment as a small glitter near his bead caught the light.

Considering this new development, I examined the strange reflection of light further. I leaned forward, interested in this new development, and discovered a small golden chain now ran around my gloved wrist. I raised an eyebrow as the small golden stag hung down at the end of the chain.

"The bracelet was Hilda's idea, she thought you could use more jewelry." Claude shrugged as I felt my mouth hang open. My house leader straightened up, leaning back on his heels as I pulled my wrist in closer for inspection.

"It's beautiful, thank you." I felt the blush start to creep on to my voice. "Claude...you really shouldn't..."

"Have. Ya, I know what you're going to say, but I did it anyway so now it's yours." Claude waived me off, and I was caught off guard by my house leaders' actions once again.

The crowd was starting to move now that the song had concluded, and I found myself faced by a deluge of last-minute bidders. I didn't have much to consider Claude's actions over his words as I was stuck trying to field questions about winnings, betting odds, and ledger statuses despite the fact that Hilda still had all the coins.

As I fumbled to pick up the slack Hilda managed to appear out of thin air up short while later, just as the bidding came to a close and we started to migrate people outside toward the dock.

I handed the clipboard over to its gushing owner with a sigh of relief and quickly nipped off to find a seat. Out on the docks someone had moved Linhardt's chair and the Black Eagle mage continued to yawn sleepily, unperturbed at his sudden change in scenery. On the other dock the Golden Deer's elite sweet tooth mage stood with folded arms, tapping her foot impatiently as the proceedings started.

Claude was making another impromptu speech on the docks while I stared down at the small trinket on my wrist. I leaned on the railings leading down to the docks muttering as I jingled the small golden deer back and forth, watching it catch the light.

"Trust me." I muttered softly as the backlighting from the dining hall bounced off the gold charm. "I think that's what he is trying to say? Maybe I am just looking into it too much."


I spent the next half an hour watching a variety of spells glitter and amaze me as they shot over the water. Much to everyone's surprise Linhardt took the lightshow out from under Lysithea's feet, using a mix of reasoning and holy magic to create a fantastic display that made the entire lake shimmer like liquid gold. Upset at being outclassed, and in a fit of rage, my vertically challenged, white-haired housemate fired off several spells at Linhardt who calmly deflected them into the shore with a yawn.

The rest of us were not so calm. Several students ran and ducked for cover while other mages took the opportunity to nullify the spells being redirected at them. Mercedes simply laughed as she and Annette continued a lively conversation like nothing was amiss, while Hubert got in front of Edelgard and silenced Linhardt. Suddenly deprived of his magic Linhardt was forced to make a strategic retreat, and ran from the dock ducking the ghostly afterimage of the death knight created by a very peeved Lysithea.

The commotion died down a short while later as Hilda stepped in to calm Lysithea down with a fresh slice of cake. Sensing an opportunity when he saw it, Linhardt promptly found solstice in an empty barrel, subsequently avoiding being seen as a moving target. I left the chaos to go get my training axe and change into my training clothes while others cleaned up the dock. As I left, I jumped over fragments of broken bits of barrels and crates that littered the stairway, and I passed several scorch marks on the docks that had not been there this morning.

When I returned it had been decided that the party was going to continue outside. Somehow Claude had managed to put together a small team to get the festivities moved outdoors, with several tables and chairs being set up on the overlook that lead down to the docks. While an ale casket and the food were being moved, I began preparing for my fight, hefting my wooden training axe and losing up my muscles as Sylvain leaned over the top of the overlook.

"Hey there minty freshness, Felix just informed me that you entered me into a duel?"

I caught Sylvain appreciating my form as I halted my pattern dance. I leaned my axe up against the wall as I tried to gather my unruly hair up into a short pom in the back of my head. "I did. It's payback for stealing that kiss earlier."

The redhead's warm brown eyes widened in shock as I grinned maliciously up at him. "So, it's for real then? Wait a minute, I have had way too many drinks for this!"

I shrugged as I gave up on tying my hair back. Several strands promptly fell out of the pom and tickled the nape of my neck. "Are you really going to leave a poor defenseless woman like me to fight Felix on her own…?"

I pouted and he straightened up. "I couldn't do that. A knight has to protect his lady you know."

Sylvain stepped right into my trap as I beamed up at him. "Aww thanks' Sylvain, that's so nice of you!"

I took a leaf out of Hilda's book and gushed the praise, not bothering correcting Sylvain's comment about me being his lady.

I shook my head, still grinning sweetly as he threw me a unsteady salute. "Right, I just need to find a lance and I'll be ready. You can count on me!"

I chuckled as the redhead wandered off only to be sidetracked by the flutter of another skirt. "Oh, we are so going to lose."


True to my prediction, our match was over before it even started. Felix broke through Sylvain's half mustered defenses with ease, probably honed by years of practice and sparring with the redhead to know his weakness.

I had already anticipated using Sylvain as bait for the swordsman to attack first, but the rate in which my partner was knocked flat on the ground was a pretty good indication that I was on my own from the start. Still, despite knowing I was doomed I mustered what defenses I could against the ruthless swordsman.

"You know you are getting better at this." Felix growled as I parred his attack and dodged out of his way. "Your footwork is definitely improving."

I shook my hair out of my eyes as I braced for his next attack. Despite my best efforts, the speed in which Felix attacked drained my stamina. The duck and weave began to wear on me the swordsmen knew it. "You just need to work on your endurance now!"

Felix lunged again and I didn't have time to bring my weapon back up into position. The sword's impact sent my axe flying out of my hand. My axe spiraled into the air behind me as I lost all feeling in my left arm.

I didn't dwell on the pain filled numbness as the swordsman brought his weapon back in a reverse crescent. I ducked under the blade as I lunged for Felix's center mass. I tackled my opponent to the ground using a technique Casper liked to use on me. In the mad shuffle I managed to get ahold of Felix's sword arm and I pinned it down as we landed roughly on the ridged stonework.

"Hmph, very clever." Felix scoffed as he flexed his arm, wrapping his legs around me in an instant and twisted. The more experienced combat hound artfully threw me kilter with a well-placed thrust.

In my haste to avoid getting smacked with the wooden combat sword, I had neglected to remember that not only was Felix stronger and faster than me, he was also more practiced in brawling. Minus the surprise, I was forcibly slammed into the stonework in the next breath.

Winded and seeing stars, it took me a second to realize the wooden sword point was posed directly above my throat.

Felix's eyes demanded total submission as he growled menacingly. "You lose."

All the tension in my body left as I closed my eyes. "Can't even let the woman win at her own party, huh master swordsman?"

"No." Felix's voice was as cold as ice pushed off the ground. "But it was a good match. Making use of the redheaded shield there was a smart move."

"Owwww, owww, oww that really smarts." Sylvain pulled himself up by his spear haft with a pain filled groan.

"You know kiddo you can be really mean." My partner groaned in defeat as he directed the comment to Felix who just shrugged as I continued laying in the dust.

"Until next time. Keep training." Felix walked away as Cereza came forward out of the crowd and stared down at me in concern.

"Defeated you have been."

She held out a hand as I groaned in my own pain. "Yup this is definitely what defeat feels like."

She giggled as I let her assist me in getting to my feet. "You are having the purples?"

"I will definitely 'be having the purples' in the morning." I confirmed as I twisted and felt a sharp pain run down my spine in response.

Cereza shook her head in amusement as she opened her shoulder bag. She dug around in the bag for a few seconds and then with a look of triumph exclaimed. "You can be having this."

She held out her hand as I rubbed the back of my neck in exhaustion. My eyes narrowed warily as I held out my own hand. Cereza gave me an encouraging grin as she dropped a small clam shell into my palm.

My friend nodded as I flicked the wooden clasp open curiously.

Cereza's wide purple eyes flickered with concerns as she explained. "To help with the purples."

"The purples huh?" I sniffed, smelling the strong herbal ointment. A combination of scents assaulted my nose and I was able to identify a mixture of arnica, frankincense, turmeric, and rosemary along with a few others I wasn't sure of.

Cereza attempted to say bruise but the word did not form correctly, and she blushed fiercely as I threw an exhausted arm around her shoulder. "We'll work on it."


The party concluded with Claude yelling for us to scatter a few minutes later. I jerked my head towards the door of the dining hall as several knights broke into the dock and mess hall areas, attempting to apprehend students as we raced to follow directions.

Students scattered in every direction trying to avoid getting in trouble for partying on monastery grounds. I assessed the situation along with the girls from Brigid and the quick consensus resulted with all three of us slipping silently into the water next to the docks. We calmly treaded the dark water under the docks waiting for the commotion to die down.

As more guards rushed in, I watched Sylvain frantically searching for a place to hide. Taking pity on my wounded sparring partner as he limped towards the other side of the docks, I called out softly. "Psst Sylvain, down here! Come into the water!"

The redhead searched around for a second and then located the group of us hanging out under the docks a breath later. Sylvain's brown eyes displayed his bewilderment as I motioned for him to climb down into the water.

"Come on Sylvain!" I urged him as I watched a group of students being captured on the other side of the docks. Sylvain tensed as the guards rounded the corner as I swam out from under the dock and half pulled myself back up onto the dock towards him.

"No - I'll just…" Sylvain's protest was cut off as I reached out and grabbed his knee. The knight's protests were cut short as I gave his leg a hearty yank. Without any more time to protest, the redhead forcefully followed me into the pond with a distinct splash a second later.

I hung onto the noble as he fumbled for a second and then broke the surface of the lake, coughing up water. I motioned for him to follow and we swam back under the docks as Seteth stormed out of the dining hall shouting more orders.

Sylvain whispered in irritation as all four pairs of eyes watched Seteth from under the docks. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"We are being hiding. Is it not normal?" Petra whispered from my other side as I watched Hilda and Marianne making a run for the gardens.

Not far off from the fleeing girls I witnessed Raphael grabbing Ignatz. The huge brawler casually tossed his childhood friend up to Leonie who had made it up onto the rooftops. A second later I saw a familiar barrel start racing across the dock. Linhardt's sleepy head poked up from the barrel he had crawled into earlier as Caspar lifted the barrel up with an ear-splitting yell. The Black Eagle's shout drew the guard's attention and they all began to surge toward the pair in unison.

Laugher from the rooftop caused me to look back up to see Claude and several of the other Golden Deer laughing as the knights chased after Casper. The Black Eagle held onto the barrel for dear life as he ran for the edge of the docks with Linhardt still along for the ride. I guessed what was going to happen next and struggled to stifle a laugh as Caspar started to run out of dock. With the guards amassing behind him, I watched in amusement as Caspar threw Linhardt's barrel into the water. In comedy continued as the youngest son of house Bergliez let out a victory shout and promptly jumped on top of the sleepy scholar.

"This is going to be a delight to explain to Seteth up in the morning." I giggled helplessly as Caspar started padding away from the docks, just barely escaping capture.

Next to me Sylvain shook his head in despair. "I can only imagine what Professor Byleth and his highness are going to say."

Petra interrupted our conversation to nod over to the other side of the lake. "Come, we can be swimming for the east most pond side. Over there should be free of guards, yes?"

"Sounds like a plan because I am cramping up. This water is freezing." I muttered as the four of us swam out from under the docks. Four dark figures slowly swam in the moonlight for the opposite side of the lake without a sound.

We crawled out of the lake just behind the monastery green houses, all four of us shivering and dripping wet as torches and guards started to patrol the area. Petra headed for the nearest tree and the rest of us followed suit a heartbeat later.

"This is going to be a long walk back to the dorms with all these guards. Geeze did Seteth turn out half of Garreg Mach to catch us?" Sylvain and I watched from our tree as two guards passed below us on the garden pathways.

I nodded in agreement as Petra signaled from the tree across from us. "Our dorm is nearest. We will be alright. Best be traveling in small groups."

I nodded as I watched Cereza's tree branch shiver violently. I caught a few soft-spoken Brigid curses about the cold from the small shaman as both her and Petra climbed expertly out of the trees. The island natives split from us with a nod of good luck, leaving just me and Sylvain alone in the trees while another group of guards moved in to start patrolling the area more heavily.

My eyes studied the flickering torch lights blending with mage lights as more magic users became involved in the search for students breaking curfew. I watched Petra and Cereza slowly slink along the shadow edges, just out of torch light as they cut between the green houses. A pair of guards entered a greenhouse across from my tree as I heard a hushed whisper from below.

"Hey, on the bright side at least we are finally alone." I looked down at Sylvain as he winked at me. Another patrol passed right under our tree as he beamed up at me. "Say gorgeous, why don't you just use that little teleport spell and pop us back to your dorm room?"

I scowled down at Sylvain as a bead of water dripped off my nose down onto him. "Between you and me, isn't seeing me dripping wet with pond water enough of a tease for you for the night?"

Sylvain's chuckle was the only thing that was dry in the entire situation. "Hey, a guy can always dream right?"

I rolled my eyes as I caught sight of several of my classmates still moving along the rooftops or skittering between guard watches. "True, but again, I don't desire to be another notch in your bed frame either."

"Oh, come on. It could be fun. I know how to please my lady's and you could, you know, loosen up a bit." The philanderer offered a flirtatious touch to my calf as I yanked my leg out of his reach.

I folded my leg up under me unsure if the shiver I felt was from the cold or something more and growled. "I'm not sure if you're trying to insult or convince me, but either way the odds are looking less in your favor and a lot more like I'm going to kick you out of this tree."

The noble's pleading brown eyes begged for forgiveness as I shivered violently against a gust of cold wind swept through the treetops. "Alright, alright that was pretty shallow of me. Will you forgive me oh goddess of stealth and help me get back to my dorm room?"

I studied the guard patrols, clicking my tongue tartly as the lights flickered across the other side of the lake. "Why should I?"

Sylvain smoothed his hair back as his other arm came to a casual rest on my main support branch. "Because I am charming, have great looks, and a crest?"

I popped my head over the side of my tree branch, and despite hanging upside down I could look Sylvain in the eyes. "I would assume you would be a little more experienced in sneaking back to your dorm room, so do you have to offer me in return for my services this fine evening?"

The waterlogged redhead smirked as he reached out and threaded his fingers through my hair. "I can offer you anything you desire, myself and services all included."

"I feel like that's much too shallow an offer." My breath hitched as Sylvain's head dipped to meet mine.

The redhead's charm was running full throttle as his nose nudged up against mine. "Aww come on Lilianna, I'm begging you here. I'm cold, wet, and in dire need of your warmth."

My brain clocked into overtime as I pulled back a few inches to gain space as I scowled fiercely. "I could do without the last part and a bit more sincerity."

Sylvain inched forward again, his pleading puppy dog eyes begging me profusely and with much more sincerity then his smooth words resonated with. "It is sincere! I am absolutely freezing down here."

I was unimpressed by the redhead's approach but as we both shuttered against another chilly gust of Wyvern Moon winds, I realized there wasn't much of a choice. I could either leave him here and…

My brain turned off as I felt a gentle breath on my lips. The warm sensual sensation lasted a split second, my body barely had time to register it before a gentle sensation cut off my air supply completely.

Sylvain's kiss was hesitant, as if he was uncertain if he was making the right choice and as I failed to respond he pulled away.

"I thought you were just playing hard to get, tell me am I right?" The normally suave redhead pulled away with a questioning look that made him almost appear innocent.

I hung onto my tree branches, dumbstruck by the recent turn of events. My mouth hung open completely flabbergasted as I tried to formulate some kind of response, any kind of response, to the knight's advances. It took me a few tries to formulate a coherent sentence and when I did, I still felt confused.

As the shock of the moment wore off, I snapped back to reality.

"Stop that." I commanded coolly glaring daggers at the redhead whose grin was stuck somewhere between apologetic and pleased.

Sylvain's fingers teased my hair as he brushed his thumb against my cheek tenderly. "Aww come on Lilianna, when you glare at me like that you remind me of some warrior princess. I can't help myself."

My response was flat, and it felt like I was dissociating from the situation at hand as I tried to figure out how to handle Sylvain's intoxicated advances. "If you're looking for a warrior princess, I suggest you try Petra or Edelgard, I'm not anyone special."

My mind blanked out as I released my hold on my support branch in order to drop down next to Sylvain. The wood shuttered for a second and I used the drop momentum to swing down to the next branch underneath him.

I paused on my descent to hazard a look back up at Sylvain. I scowled darkly as I growled a warning. "I am going to forget about this, and you will too."

I went to go climb down to the next branch as a hand touched my shoulder. A large, warm grip held my shoulder firmly in place as I heard Sylvain's voice tighten above me. "Really do you not feel anything at all? I'm really trying hard to be genuine here and all your doing is sending me mixed signals."

"Are you? Because all I can tell is, you're trying to make out with me in a tree." I snapped and shook Sylvain's hand off my shoulder, promptly climbing down out of reach again.

Sylvain's voice was even more tense as he offered a solution. "Would you prefer the ground?"

I rolled my eyes as I selected another branch. "I think you are missing the point here."

The redhead took the hint and the Blue Lion started following me down out of the tree pleading. "Come on babe, I am totally pinning for you. Are all you really going to give me is…"

My feet touched the ground before he could finish that sentence. "What Sylvain? What would you have from me, hmm? I have no money, no title, nothing of value to you at all. Even if I did give you my heart, you're just going to break it. Just like you do all the other girls you flirt with."

I didn't wait for him to get to the ground before pointedly digging into him. "You chase skirts like it's a complete game to you, a way to pass the time! Well excuse me if I am not going to just roll over and give in just because we may have kissed a few times!"

"So, what, do you want jewels? Money? Expensive dresses? I can give you all that." The noble swung down and landed next to me with a sweep of his hair.

I glared at the tall knight next to me, not responding as the Sylvain took a second to recover from his drop. When I didn't move, the philandering male took the chance to wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me into the security of his arms.

Part of me told me this was happening because Sylvain had been drinking, and that was the part I focused on as he slowly brushed my wet clinging locks of hair out of my face.

My breath hitched as he softly declared his status. "I can give you any kind of material things you desire. I am the next Margrave Gautier after all, my lady's wish is my desire."

I felt myself trembling. Not because of the cold, or because the emotions Sylvain was invoking with his honeyed words, but in a rage. I tried to calm myself, but as the redhead's arms tightened around me, I realized he wasn't taking no lightly for once. "Well this lady's wish is for you to let her go before she beats your ass into next week. Really Sylvain, what has gotten into you?"

I pushed myself away from him, my jaw clenched tightly as I trembled with an unaccustomed rage.

Sylvain shrugged as I left the confines of his arms, his head tilted to the side slightly in confusion. "You wanted me to be sincere and honest, well what do you think?"

I backed away shaking my head in disbelief. "I think someone slipped something into your drink and that you're delirious. Come on, I know a way back to the dorm area."

"Oh, a secret passageway! Sounds like fun!" The redhead tipped his head in excitement as I realized I needed to set some ground rules.

"If you so much as utter a single word, I will leave you stranded without any hesitation, understand?" I threatened darkly as I grabbed Sylvain's hand and towed him towards the nearest underground entrance.

"Understood dear!"


Sylvain didn't make so much as a peep as I led him on a merry maze of passageways, utilizing a combination of servant's passages and a couple of my own underground passages to pop up near our dorms.

Our journey ended as I opened a trap door that opened into an abandoned supply closet. Dust had settled on the empty shelves, as the dark room revealed nothing more than a few abandoned brooms.

I sniffed as the dust rustled and opened the door to head outside as Sylvain climbed out of the passage. The redhead let out a low whistle as I closed the passageway and closet door up behind us, revealing the well-lit entrance to the Blue Lion Dorms.

"You're pretty talented at this." Sylvain commented airily as I dusted myself off, satisfied that we had made it back to the dorm area without getting caught.

I pulled a cobweb out of my hair as Sylvain's hand came up under my chin and tilted it up. "Thanks for getting me back to my dorm, say how about a good night kiss for your reward?"

The hair on the back of my neck immediately stood on end as I pulled away from him shaking my head profusely. "No."

I crossed my arms and glared up at him, wondering if Sylvain was remotely in his right mind. The redhead beamed down at me as I shook my head again. "Just no Sylvain. Good night."

I turned to walk off, suspecting something wasn't quite right with the whole situation but uncertain if it was just the alcohol.

"Well good night then my delightful enchantress of the pond." Sylvain called out sweetly as I ducked down into the greenery of the hedging heading towards my own room.

As I lurked in the shadows, avoiding the patrolling guards, I considered the events of today as a whole. As I climbed in through the windows of my dorm room, I decided I had not the slightest idea about everything that had happened.

The last thing I recalled was setting my uniform out for tomorrow, my new charm bracelet sitting snugly in the center of the black and gold uniform.


Author's Corner:

Hello again everyone! It's a long time no see - I profusely apologize for the lack of updates this past month. There have been a lot of family emergencies (entirely too many trips to the ER and funeral homes in my opinion) this past month and that's, without sugar coating it, a majority of the reasons why I am so far behind.

Those emergencies only added to the stress of trying to edit a massive chapter that required more polishing than normal - and I really really wanted to give you guys a good chapter(Story) with character development and several character interactions. There are a lot of moments in this chapter and I hope you enjoyed them - I think the party was probably a whirlwind for Lili and several others involved.

That being said - let's look a bit more into the chapter:

The chapter clearly starts off with some heavier tensions, with Lilianna clearly unhappy with all the attention she is receiving. She's scrambling to find ways out of attending her own party - but has enough of a conscience to feel guilty about being late or not showing up at all. (Her boundless curiosity also factors into this, as Claude well knows.)

But despite that she still insists on antagonizing the Golden Deer by prioritizing her Advanced Class Certifications for the Wyvern Rider Class. Probably because she is as vexed with the Golden Deer for putting this on as much as he is vexed with her on showing up so late. Still - it seems that Claude is running the activities, and the party is a less stuffy nobility type event and more of an entertainment for all/everyone type of party.

To add to it he even gives her a traditional gift - The Golden Deer bracelet is gifted to Byleth, by Claude, in the game by Byleth's birthday. (In this scenario Byleth obtains the Blue Brooch from Dimitri, because she leads the Blue Lions.)

Speaking of Byleth and Dimitri, I wonder what's haunting the young prince and why he's waiting outside for the professor? Hmm, seems suspicious and it's strange enough for Lilianna to pick up that something is happening. She jolts that mental note away and then proceeds to at least be decent and make an appearance at the party - which leads us to the red headed elephant in the room.

Sylvain is a major player(*cough* contributor) to this chapter and it shows in several ways. The three kisses that are scattered around the chapter are, well, confusing to Lilianna. She's uncertain and unwilling to take Sylvain's flirtations at face value, and he's aware of this. However she's conflicted because she enjoys the loose relationship he is tempting her with. So when things start heating up and Lili discovers he's intoxicated she chooses to back off. She backs off, not appreciating his advances either, and in fact,a tiny bit malicious in her plans to bring him back to reality. And while normally Sylvain would hands down respect a hard no from a woman (even successfully compiling at the start of the chapter) He comes back later and presses for answers and attention.

Part of that is Lili's fault - she is sending mixed signals while he's not in his right mind - but there's something in a bit more going on here. I'll let you speculate - but it might have something to do with an irritated, maybe more than a little jealous, aspiring chemist. (Or maybe it doesn't? We don't know yet - ) Either way - Something isn't right at the end of the chapter and Lilianna, while not quite understanding what's going on, is super confused about the whole night...and her growing emotions/attachment to her classmates.

Anyway that's all for right now - We proceed onward toward the battle of the Eagle and Lion in the next chapter so please look forward to seeing what happens next! Also a shout out to all of you who followed, favorited/kudo'd or commented during this difficult time. I would like to say thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart and tell you it means the world to me to know you're enjoying the story and looking forward to new content! (I wanted to cry with some of your guys's comments thank you so so much!) I hope you all continue to enjoy the story and again I hope to start picking back up with my weekly releases here soon!

Until then - if you are enjoying the story or want to support me, please consider favoriting/kudos/following the story and dropping a comment - until next week!