Chapter Thirty-Six

1.

"You didn't look this nervous when we were going on our mission," Lysithea accuses.

"I'm not nervous," Leonie replies instantly. Pulls her gloves up once more. Realizes after that she did another unneeded action, and so presses her hands on top of the wall overlooking the marketplace, forcing herself still. The woman doesn't feel nervous. More on edge. Stabby. As though she's hanging on a cliff, ready to swear vengeance if no one pulls her up. "Just, excited to see how they did. To hear how it was being under the guidance of the Ashen Demon."

"You are so nervous," the younger Deer rolls her eyes. "Don't worry, they'll all come back in one piece. Hubert won't let anyone die. It would stain Edelgard's reputation."

As though she senses blood in the water, Hilda appears on Leonie's free side, "What's this about Edelgard's reputation?"

Leonie's still unsure why the pinkette hates her dormitory neighbor so much, but at this point really doesn't care enough to question it, "How bad would a House Leader's reputation tank if a main class student was brutally maimed or killed?"

"By tank, I'm assuming you mean how bad would it drop in the eye of the public?"

"Exactly."

Hilda jumps up to sit on the wall, her back to the marketplace, "It depends on who it happens to. While it would not be great if someone was maimed, Edelgard would fine as long as it didn't happen to her. Now, if an heir like Ferdinand was to die rather than… let's say Dorothea, then the Adrestian Empire's next Emperor would face enough noble opposition to bury her."

For a moment, Leonie considers correcting Hilda about the greater mess Dorothea's death would cause. Except, the woman remembers in time that no one here knows about Claude's cousin. The older Deer shakes her head like she's not keeping another massive secret from her classmates, "Yah, I don't get it. Sorry. I'll leave politics to you guys. My personal opinion is that any death or maiming of a subordinate should be looked into very carefully."

"Agreed," Lysithea speaks up. Holds a hand out for a high-five because she's the best student here. Leonie smacks the girl's palm with a laugh. "I would rather not be someone's pawn, thank you very much."

Breaking into a coughing fit, Leonie gets a few stares. She waves them off, struggling to swallow the humour of knowing what this world plays like as a game. When she can breathe again, the woman smiles up at Hilda, "So, I know why I'm here, and Lysithea's here because she's procrastinating-"

"I am not!" the girl crosses her arms. "I'm here so you don't get bored waiting for the Eagles."

"I can always talk with Sir Gatekeeper," Leonie looks over her shoulder and waves when he glances their way. She gets a smile and nod in response. "But anyways, Hilda. Why are you here?"

"One of Claude's pranks got him caught, so he's currently getting reprimanded by Seteth," Hilda rolls her eyes. "Since someone of leadership rank for our House has to show and greet the Eagles, here I am."

"What did he do this time?" Lysithea grumbles.

For all Claude's played tricks on other Houses, Leonie's rarely heard about what he's done. Part of it comes from him not getting caught often, while the other part comes from her not caring enough to ask. When Seteth or another Church official rolls around asking, the woman uses her ignorance as plausible deniability.

Last time her House Leader did get caught, it was in the middle of swapping flowers for weeds in the chapel vases. Leonie could have sworn he still had some gardening lessons to attend before marking that punishment as complete. Brave of him to strike again with a community service backlog.

"Did you know the Black Eagles have several specialized Reason magic tomes in their classroom?" Hilda asks dryly. Leonie did not, mostly because she's never actually looked through the other Houses' classrooms. "Because Claude found out and had the brilliant idea to swap those with Professor Hanneman's collection of Faith beginner tomes. Rumour has it that Ingrid took one look inside and fainted."

"Do you think I could get away with copying those tomes?" Leonie wonders.

"Please don't," Lysithea clings to her arm, as if to keep her from running off. "I have an idea of what is in them, and they are not worth the effort."

"Exactly," Hilda kicks her legs through the air. Reaches out a hand to grab a bit of Leonie's hair. Lysithea's arms tighten. The Deer Vice Leader grins at the reaction, and then her smile grows wider as Leonie let her run fingers through the orange strands. "Besides, if you want real magic tomes, I bet we can convince Lorenz to get some from his family library."

"Let's leave that as a last resort," Leonie offers as a bit of mercy to the Gloucester heir. The woman doesn't ever feel like she owes people things, but for now Lorenz gets some leeway for his help keeping her grounded in the armoury. If he can't deal with his magic aversion a few months into the year, then she'll have to make sure Lorenz matches her in lance rank. Someone has to keep the team alive, after all, and he's Manuela's current favourite for Faith magic. "Oh, the Lions must have just gotten out of class."

So have side and extra classes for the Eagles. Student begin filling up the marketplace, everyone waiting for the return of last month's final mission. Soldiers up on the walls start hurrying around, indicating Byleth and his class are incoming.

"Do we have to go greet them?" Hilda whines, tugging on Leonie's hair.

"You don't have to do anything," the woman catches her housemate's hand with a smile, "but I am going to brave the masses to check on them."

"I agree with Hilda for this one," Lysithea grumbles. It's adorable how she squeezes like she can keep Leonie in place with strength alone. "We should wait back here for them. It is not like anyone can sneak by, and Professor Byleth has to come this way to report to the Archbishop."

Hilda laces her fingers through Leonie's, holding it to her chest like she's taking a hostage, "Exactly!"

With a second of debate, Leonie nods. She'd rather disappoint Dorothea and Bernadetta than Lysithea, "Fine. I'll wait here. But the moment they're in sight, I'm going to go say hi."

"Fine with me." Hilda then releases Leonie's hand, only to drape herself along the woman's back.

"Hilda!" Lysithea squeaks, letting go and taking a step back. It leaves Leonie room to maneuver Hilda into a piggyback.

"There. Now you can do my job for me."

Leonie snorts, "I thought you had to be the one to greet the Eagles?"

"If Seteth wanted it done properly, then he shouldn't be keeping Claude busy."

"And this isn't uncute?"

"Of course not," Hilda scoffs, shifting until she rests her cheek on the top of Leonie's head. "Oh, don't pout, Lysithea. If you wanted to be carried, you should have asked first."

"I do not want to be carried like some kind of child," the youngest Deer hisses, but doesn't meet Leonie's gaze when the woman looks over. "Why don't you act your age, Hilda?"

"Hey," Leonie speaks up before this can devolve into an actual argument, "does anyone know where our housemates are? Is it really just us here?"

That quiets them for a few moments. Hilda offers, "Marianne is meeting with Dedue in the greenhouse."

"Don't look at me," Lysithea snaps when they do. "I don't keep track of everyone."

"Just Leonie," Hilda taunts.

Before Lysithea's temper snaps, Leonie cuts in, "How'd you find us, Hilda?"

"Claude saw you earlier. Even with his instructions, I almost missed you."

Lysithea rolls her eyes, "How could you miss us? We're barely a dozen feet from the main staircase."

Hilda's arms tighten over Leonie's shoulders, "Well, Lysithea, as you can barely see over the wall-"

"I'm not that short!"

Leonie sighs and finally resigns to letting them bicker.

2.

"Well now," Dorothea chuckles when the Deer stroll over, "this is surprising."

"What's so surprising?" Leonie laughs, adjusting Hilda higher so the teen's chin can rest on her head. Makes sure her smile reflects the intensity of the something swirling in her lungs, "Glad to see you all in one piece."

From up on the stairs, Leonie had counted. One, two, Edelgard and Hubert. Three, four, Ferdinand and Bernadetta. Then in the back, Caspar, Linhardt, Dorothea, and Petra.

Five, six, seven, eight.

"There were a few hits," Dorothea admits, eyes drifting to the people who had been walking with her, "but Linhardt's magic healed all of us to perfection. Would you mind checking in with him later?"

"Of course," Leonie takes it to mean he had to kill someone. The green haired Eagle does look paler than normal, but that could be from all the exercise. "How'd it go with Bernadetta?"

The brunette in front of her goes a bit too still, green eyes blanking in a split-second, far-seeing stare.

Lysithea catches it instantly, "What's that look for?"

Dorothea opens her mouth. Closes. Tries for a polite, "Leonie, Lysithea, you have trained with Bernadetta, correct?"

"Yep!" Leonie perks up, ignoring how Hilda plays her hair again. "And I think Felix helped a bit? I know she's seen me spar with Dimitri, at least."

"Oh," the Eagle hums. "That makes much more sense now."

Her response is vague enough for Leonie to get curious, "Why? What ha-"

"Leonie!"

Bernadetta sees Hilda on the woman's back at the last second. Instead of going for a hug, she crashes into the Deer with a scream that draws everyone's attention. Leonie laughs, ignoring Hilda's complaints. The woman holds the pinkette with one arm and hugs the smallest Eagles with her other, "Hi Bernadetta."

"I'm sorry Hilda!"

"It is fine," the Vice Leader scoffs, patting Leonie's shoulder until the woman lets her down. "There, see? No harm done. Now, I have to go greet Edelgard, so I will leave you all here. Go on my own, this way, all by my lonesome."

"I will go with you," Lysithea sighs, a critical eye roaming over the incoming Eagles. "Do not cause a scene while we are gone, Leonie."

The woman mock gasps, "I would never."

"I don't believe you."

"The distrust I have to deal with," Leonie fakes a swoon, winking at the Eagle peeking up from her chest. Bernadetta manages a smile. "Hi Petra! How did the mission go for you?"

"Wonderful," the youngest Eagle grins. "We had a very successful hunt."

Dorothea closes her eyes and seems to pray. Bernadetta groans quietly at the terminology. Leonie matches Petra's grin, "That's awesome!"

"Oh good," the soft voice of Mercedes comes from behind Leonie. With her are Annette and Ashe. Bernadetta takes the distraction to leave the hug, ducking behind Dorothea. "We didn't miss your return."

"You are right on time," Dorothea relaxes, and for a moment all she looks is exhausted. Like she could sleep for a week and still not have recovered any energy. It brushes away fast, but how much work did the teen have to put in for this mission? Not just for the fighting, but keeping her House from falling apart before, during, and after it? "How were things while we were gone."

"Oh!" Leonie's back straightens as one of her goals comes into view. "Sorry to cut and run, but I need to speak with Professor Byleth. I'll catch up with you all in a bit!"

She waves goodbye and rushes through the people to where Byleth assists with unpacking supplies. Or, at least he goes through it to claim some for himself. His hair looks longer, tied back for now, and his jacket sticks to his shoulders instead of being buttoned up across the chest.

Leonie can feel her mind itching from a memory she can't pull up. Ignores it with ease as she steps next to him, "Hi, Professor!"

"Leonie," he says, voice not as deep as it was last month. He doesn't stop rummaging through a crate of weapons. "What is it?"

"I just wanted to say welcome back and report that Jeralt's been fine while you were gone."

That makes Byleth pause. He looks up, blue eyes steady, "No overdrinking or fights?"

"None! In fact, I think he started personally training a few Knight squads."

"Interesting," Byleth tilts his head. There's a flash of green behind him, but Leonie's eyes don't flicker to it. Must be a trick of the light, no point in looking. "Thank you for checking in."

"You got it," Leonie mock salutes, not that Byleth notices. He's already sorting through weapons again. "Congrats on your first mission here, professor! See you around!"

He doesn't wave, doesn't look or acknowledge Leonie as she walks away, so the Deer doesn't glance back. In the heart of the crowd waiting to congratulate and talk with the incoming Eagles, Leonie looks for someone else to greet. Pauses, however, when she sees a head of light purple – practically lilac – hair in one of the alleyways. Following Yuri's sight, Leonie's eyes land on the group of Eagles and Lions she had left.

Interesting, the woman hums and shakes off the curiosity. It's not like he remembers her, so no way she can ask and get a straight answer as to why all the staring.

It's not like he's part of a main class of students. Not like he's spying on the Deer. Not her house, not her problem.

But maybe she'll bring up potential stranger danger at the next tea with Dorothea and Mercedes. Just to be safe.

3.

Arms crossed atop the wall between the training yard and bridge to the chapel, Leonie watches the pegasus and wyvern riding Knights fly in patterns through the air. Tracks their guard route and makes note of the people on duty during the academy's free day. Her sight zooms in and out with Eagle Eye, a small headache coming and going if she turns it on and off too fast.

Below them all, two of the locations where Jeralt could die. The third one was crossed out after seeing it in person. Too close the Abyss, and too many cracks in the ground to be stable if a bunch of monsters rampage on it. At least it makes for an easier path to sneak into the underside of Garreg Mach, so the trip wasn't a total failure. There's even a precarious tunnel leading to the Monastery's lower village. If Leonie's fast enough, she doesn't have to pick between seeing one set of orphans at a time.

With a sigh, the woman pushes back from the wall. Lets her gaze drift up and into the distance, sight normal as she gazes at the picturesque view. Mountains and valleys and rivers, oh my.

An emotion closer to melancholy is hitting her today. Not strongly, but enough to look at the remembered future and feel tired. The real plot's starting, and reality has its own problems mixing in with fiction. It hasn't been announced yet, but the Black Eagle's will go after Ashe's father next. Whatever reply Hilda received from her family has her furious. People are starving, injured, dying in different areas around Fódlan. Edelgard's going to turn the entire continent into a warzone.

Leonie has to send a letter back home with gifts for the kids, and has no idea what to get Sylvain for his birthday.

Lysithea's going to die young if she keeps her Crests. Claude might end up murdered trying to protect the Alliance from the Eagles, or missing from whatever Rhea's path throws his way.

The fabric of Leonie's fingerless gloves fray as she tugs too hard. She lets go, the uncomfortable tension easing as her hands drop back to her side. With it, the attempt to put forth more than surface care about any issue, fails. They are blips on her radars, acknowledgements and things to pass time over as she waits to fulfil her main mission. The one thing she cares strongly about.

Her one job.

Keep Jeralt alive.

"Leonie?"

"Hi, Professor!" Leonie turns a beaming grin on Byleth. Potentially lady Byleth, because the person before her absolutely has the female protagonist's figure and clothing. Leonie's not going to assume pronoun changes yet though. Doesn't even blink at the new appearance. "How are you?"

"Well, thank you," that's definitely not the voice Byleth was using yesterday. "You don't appear surprised."

"At what?"

She gets a long stare. Leonie thinks someone cackles, but she doesn't flinch. Not even when something brushes past her diverter with the force of a bus driving through its designated stop. Byleth's head tilts, eyes narrowing.

"Oh!" Leonie winks and finger guns. The professor doesn't seem to know what to make of it. "I love the new outfit, by the way. Are the tights specially made?"

"Yes. They have added defensive magic to them."

"So cool! Oh, hey, do you still go with he/him pronouns?"

"She/her."

"Good to know! Thanks, professor. So, what are you up to on your free day?"

"Paperwork," if possible, her eyes narrow further. "What are you doing?"

"Admiring the riders," Leonie motions to the open space on the other side of the wall. "The Deer have stable duty this week, but Manuela's putting off teaching us how to ride anything. I'm hoping if I watch long enough, I'll pick something up."

Byleth hums, glancing over to the Knights before laser-focusing back on the student, "Do you want to be a rider?"

"I want to have some skill at it, but no way would it be my main job," Leonie puts her hands behind her back, rocking on her feet. It's exciting, having a conversation like this with the protagonist. Now, if only Byleth's Crest wasn't trying to sucker punch her. It feels weird how the fist-like threads slide over the diverter, and then do it again as they pull back for another hit. When the professor motions her to go on, Leonie has an instinctive, half-thought debate on lying. It doesn't last. Byleth's whole life has been as a mercenary. Why would the Eagle Professor inform anyone if Leonie doesn't want to join the Church or a noble house after graduation? "Someday… Well, I'm studying here so I can be the best there is, just like Captain Jeralt. Do you think I've got it in me to be a top-tier mercenary, Professor?"

A pause begins. Leonie throws in a wink, opening her mouth to tell the professor something about taking pointers. Byleth, however, responses before she can with a, "You really want to bring the money in, huh?"

"I do!" Leonie laughs, only half-lying. Money would be great, but if she ever makes it as a mercenary then a lot would probably go back into the village. Keeps them alive, and her from starting a weapons museum in the middle of nowhere. "Though, it's about so much more than being rich. It's about honour."

The last word tastes a bit like ash, but it's true. Becoming a church or noble's permanent toy has never been the plan. Leonie's existence revolves around one goal. When the day finally comes, the timeline beyond it will end up the Professor's problem.

Does Byleth plan to leave once the year's up?

Would Jeralt convince her?

"I have people counting on me," Leonie grins and looks once more to the fliers. Side-eyes the protagonist, "so I'm going to work hard to become the best I can be!"

"That sounds admirable," Byleth says, face smoothing and tone bland. "Have a nice day, Leonie."

"Hey, Professor!" the orange haired woman steps close before she can be brushed off again. The Crest attack gets worse, but it's nothing compared to a Hero's Relic. "You didn't hear this from me, but the sauna's coming back starting next week."

"The… sauna?"

"Yah," Leonie leans back, nodding. "See that building at the top of the staircase? Right next to the trailing hall? That's the sauna. It's finally repaired; feels like it's been broken forever."

"…Thank you for informing me," Byleth does a slight nod of acknowledgement back. Then walks away without another look.

Leonie shrugs and looks to the sky. The bell should be ringing soon, which means she should start heading over to the room her group booked for band practice. No need to show up late in the beginning, and only start if Avinna proves to not actually care about working together.

4.

The lid of the piano slides up with a soft thunk.

"I'll put things away," Leonie had told Avinna and Kaveran. Like the nobles they are, neither had questioned it and left.

The woman lifts the piano bench up, and then sets it down just far enough away she can still reach the pedals.

It would be so easy to ruin them. Put their things away untuned or mark up their instruments. Tell Flayn before next class, because there would be no other proof they didn't damage their things. Certainly someone would have heard the screaming match between the teens. The only people who know Leonie showed up and stayed are her untrustworthy bandmates. It would be so easy.

Instead, after returning the room to how she found it, the Deer plays music. First a couple scales, her fingers re-remembering the correct positions and movements. Then, a few times repeating a song opening until memories of the correct notes take form from the piano. She completes it twice before going to find some sheet music. Keeps herself busy, relaxed, learning a song reminiscent of a final boss's theme music.

The Eagle's Crest strands – weak and desperate – aren't subtle as they reach from the doorway. Edelgard waits until Leonie's done before commenting, "That was beautiful."

"Better than my singing, for sure," Leonie smiles and doesn't feel much of anything. Dealing with Avinna for an hour has used up most of her patience, so there's a lot more candor with her question, "Where's your shadow guard?"

"Pardon?"

"Hubert. It's rare that he isn't looming in your shadow."

Edelgard takes the rudeness with grace, "He is running errands today. May I… come in?"

Any other time or person, the hesitance might be cute. Leonie turns around on the piano bench to face her completely, "Sure. What's up?"

The princess grabs a chair, pulling it over until she sits across from Leonie. The woman watches, silent, settling in for a conversation she probably doesn't want to have. If this were earlier in the day, she would want to ache for the teen before her. Might even care to draw parallels between what happened with Lysithea and Edelgard's past and how they're reacting now.

Lysithea doesn't have the power to win a continent-spanning war. If she did, well, too many factors exist to say if the youngest Deer would have turned out like Edelgard.

Lilac eyes meet orange ones, and Leonie thinks no, Lysithea wouldn't wait to burn those expecting great things from her.

Edelgard takes a deep breath before saying, "I heard that Avinna has been treating you rather unfairly."

"Is this something I need to bring Claude in on?" Leonie asks. "Because if this is an official talk-"

"It is not," Edelgard cuts in with a shake of her head. "Seteth has already dealt out punishment, so I am acting independently in this. Nothing more than a concerned acquaintance, especially as Avinna and Kaveran's fight was heard by several people."

"Yah… it sounds like Kaveran has a lot going on and her criticisms finally pushed him over the edge."

The princess is slow to respond, "I will discuss with them both in private. As for now… I would like to apologize to you, Leonie."

The woman's smile lessens a bit, her eyebrows going up, "What for?"

"You were correct when you said I only ever approach when I want something from you. I did not realize it was beginning to happen with even a few members of my class. With all the students coming to me for assistance, I have been letting connections I want slide past me."

She had Leonie until that last bit, "And I'm a connection you want?"

"If possible, I would like us to be friends one day." Edelgard's either a really good liar, or actually wants to have a support with Leonie. The Deer's not buying the latter option. "You have had tea with several of my classmates, have you not?"

"I still do." The Deer starts wishing she had gone to get Claude. Just because New Leonie doesn't respect the social hierarchy, doesn't mean she's unaware of how much worse her life can get if she defies the princess with no one backing her. That Hubert's not here can only mean Edelgard has something really dangerous up her sleeve.

"Have tea with me, please," the Black Eagles House Leader requests. Looks earnest and young, and like she really wants a new friend. It's suspicious. "Or, we could go to a restaurant in one of the lower villages. Even if it's just once, I would appreciate getting the time to chat with you again."

"I'd be okay with tea," and not being poisoned or risk getting framed. "And, to confirm, you just want to chat?"

"Yes."

"No requests to make you something or help you get closer to Dorothea?"

"Yes- pardon me?"

"Then okay!" Leonie's grin comes back in full force. "Unless Manuela surprises us with something tomorrow, I should be free on the sixth or seventh if you can do tea time then."

"The sixth will be fine," Edelgard replies a little shakily. Recovers well from the mention of her crush by standing and fixing a smile on her face. "Thank you for accepting my request, Leonie."

"Yah, sure, I forgive you and all that." Honestly doesn't care if Edelgard only shows when she wants something. It's certainly easier facing that then this kindness, even if annoying how Hubert always expects people to drop everything for the princess. "And hey, Edelgard?"

The teen stops halfway to the door, turning to lock eyes once more, "Yes?"

"I can't remember if I said it, but congratulations on completing your mission."

Once again, Edelgard looks so very young as she replies, "You did say it. Thank you again for the praise."

"None of you died. I think that achievement is worth all the praise you can find."

"That… Thank you for saying so, Leonie."

5.

"Just like that!" Leonie shouts with a wild laugh. Raphael moves faster, smiling as his next strike with a lance is blocked. "That's it! Now try for a feint!"

Around the training yard, all of the main class Golden Deer are finally getting a chance to spar with each other. Hilda's showing off axe techniques to Marianne and Lysithea, while Lorenz and Ignatz mock fight with bows. Claude goes between groups, his turn on watch with Jeritza looming in the shadows as the designated Church official monitoring them.

The group has been at it for nearly two hours now, switching who gets to fight and who gets to learn something. In Leonie's case, with a base skill in everything, she's doing a mix of both. She's also the only one who hasn't had a break yet, and expects her turn when Claude finally brings the next round to a close.

"Time's up!" their House Leader calls. He motions everyone over to one of the steps, and then crosses his arms behind his head.

"Good work," Leonie gently elbows Raphael's arm.

"Thanks!" the tallest Deer laughs and wraps an arm over her shoulder. "This is so much easier than Professor Shamir's instructions."

"I think she's trying to teach us how not to break things first," Leonie leans into the touch so she can meet his eyes. "What I had you trying there is an easy way to burn through lances if you're not careful."

"Good to know!"

"There's only a few minutes left until our time is up" Claude tells the group once everyone's returned from putting things away. Leonie glances at the sky, confirming his statement with how a star or two appears in the darkening orange sunset. "I propose we have one final spar that everyone else can watch. What do you all say?"

"I'm good for another round," Leonie speaks up over Lysithea's groan and Ignatz's pained whimper. If she doesn't have to rest yet, then there's no point in missing out on more training. "Anyone else want to go?"

"No thanks," Hilda denies, slumping on Marianne. "I am going to lay here until I can feel my arms again."

Marianne at least looks a tiny bit sorry for being used as a pillow over sparring. Lorenz looks like he's going to say something, but then Raphael sits on his free side with an arm over the Gloucester heir's shoulders. As Lorenz sputters, Raphael smiles and looks at their leader, "You should face Leonie, Claude! You're the only one who hasn't gone against her today!"

Claude's teeth sparkle as he grins her way, "I'm game if you are."

"You're on," Leonie crosses her arms. "Bows or swords?"

"Oh? Letting me have the advantage?"

"The class needs to learn something from this, don't they?"

He mocks a gasp, walking backwards towards the swords display, "Are you saying they'd learn nothing from my skills with an axe?"

"Nope." Leonie jogs past him. "I'm saying they'd learn nothing if we did any magic."

"Got me there," Claude's arm brushes hers as he passes by. He picks the least scratched up training sword from the bunch, tossing it between his hands as he waits. "I'm on this side."

"Whatever makes you feel lucky." Leonie jogs over to the other side of the sparring area, a more well used sword in her hand. Takes a few swings to get used to the weight. "So, what are the rules?"

"Why not give everyone a teachable moment, Leonie?" he smirks, having the gall to point his own weapon at the ground. "Start with something easy."

"Oh?" That's how he wants to play it? Leonie switches her grip. Spreads her feet evenly and does a slow swing. "If I slash at you like this, should you block, evade, or strike back?"

She's rushing forward on the last word. Claude finally readies his stance, calling out, "It depends on the distance you attack from."

Leonie's first strike comes far away enough for him to step back out of range. Her next, copying the first swing, gets blocked. She lets Claude push her back. Repeats her swing a final time, too close. Claude manages to duck and turn from the arc, his sword coming around to slam into Leonie's chest.

Her Faith shield takes the brunt of it, no pain getting through even as the force pushes Leonie back a few steps. The woman smiles. Shakes her head so the hair clears from her vision, "Your turn, Claude."

He matches her grin, green eyes darting to their audience for a moment as he returns the question, "How should you block an attack?"

He doesn't leave her time for a verbal response, moving fast. Under her House Leader's barrage of swings, Leonie just manages to get her sword in position to take each hit. She hears the metal beginning to weaken; feels the slight give begin.

On the next hit, one of Leoni's hands comes up and lies against the flat side of her blade. This time, Claude doesn't pull away.

"How," he asks aloud to the class, "does one get the upper hand in this position?"

Leonie feels one of his boots slide past hers. The woman's eyes widen as she guesses what he's going to do next, Danger Sense finally picking up, "Claude, don't you dare-"

He jerks her ankle forward, ruining Leonie's balance. She yelps as she falls, careful not to change weight and instead focus on the Faith shield. First her back, then head, crash into the stone floor. The sword's still in her hand. When Claude goes to point his at her, she flicks her wrist up and lets go.

The teen yelps. Both swords clatter to the ground.

"And that," Leonie informs everyone, getting back to her feet, "is how you make someone drop a weapon."

Hilda moans from the sidelines, "How are we supposed to throw a sword like that?"

"Practice! I'll show you some wrist exercises that can help!"

Claude laughs, picking up the fallen weapons. Holds Leonie's back out to her, "You ready for a real spar now?"

"Apologies for interrupting," Jeritza strides towards them. "Your private hours are now up. Please return everything to their rightful place. You may stay for public training hours, but must wait the required thirty minutes before participating in a spar."

"You heard him," Leonie takes the weapon with a nod of thanks. Walks with Claude back to the rack as the other Deer begin to leave for dinner. "I'm always good for a spar, though. Just let me know when and where."

Leonie's eyebrows shoot up as Claude wraps an arm through hers. When she doesn't protest, a subtle tension leaves her House Leader's shoulders. He grins at her, green meeting orange as he promises, "Next time we have the training hall booked, our spar will be the first one."

"Whatever you say, boss."

6.

"Why do you keep bringing things to me?" Leonie complains to Cocoa. The human drops a magic-looking book and tattered overcoat into the lost-and-found box. At her feet, the cat purrs and weaves in between her legs. "Seriously, just put it in here yourself."

He purrs louder. The woman gives in and pets him until he decides all human-required needs are met. When another Deer arrives, Cocoa rushes out the door.

"This is where you were?" Lysithea complains, watching the cat run off. Then she pulls out her book to scribe something to the others. Leonie gets her own orange covered one out, wincing when she realizes the class has been searching for her again. "Why weren't you at breakfast?"

"I was," Leonie protests. "Just, earlier than usual." Between seeing Jeralt – and Shamir and Catherine as the latter heads out for a mission – and finishing Sylvain's gift, she needed to go through her exercises before dawn. "I didn't realize it was going to be a problem. Next time, I'll leave a note about it."

"You know how Claude gets when he doesn't see one of us at meals."

The eldest Deer winces, "Ah, right. How bad was it?"

"Not his usual twitchiness," Lysithea puts her things down and begins arranging them to take up more of the shared table; a sure sign she's not happy this morning, "but certainly not relaxed. What are you doing here before class?"

"Dropping off some things," Leonie tosses a thumb over her shoulder at the lost and found area. Walks over to take her seat in the front corner. "Whoever lost the book must be smart. I couldn't make heads or tails of half the explanations in it."

"Heads or tails…?" Lysithea mutters. Then shakes her head, "Can I see the book?"

"Already put it in the box, sorry. I'll let you know who grabs it if I see it."

"Can't you flip the pages at least?"

"Nope. Stuck in the position it goes in."

Lysithea makes a face, and Leonie knows she's in for another lecture on the poor design. Thankfully – unfortunately – for her, Hilda throws open the classroom doors singing, "You are in so much trouble Leonie!"

Marianne trails behind her, closing the doors and ducking her head to hide a smile.

Leonie protests, "What did I do?"

Hilda plants her hands on the part of the desk not occupied by Lysithea's things, "Even some of the Lions were worried when they didn't see you for breakfast."

"I literally ran past Dimitri this morning!"

"He was in the greenhouse with Dedue during breakfast," Marianne says, laying her things on her desk. When the bluette looks up, she yelps as everyone's eyes have turned her way.

Very well cared for nails tap on the corner of Leonie's side of the desk. Hilda asks sweetly, "How do you know that, Marianne?"

"I- um, passed them this morning?"

"Leave her alone," Leonie stretches a foot out and taps Hilda's closest one. The pinkette grunts, stomping on it. With a sharp breath as her Faith shield takes some damage, the woman smiles instead of following through on the take a pencil and stab-stab-stab thoughts. "Did you tell everyone I was okay?"

"Felix said to trust you had whatever was keeping you handled," Hilda pouts. "But yes, all is fine. Bernadetta overheard and didn't freak out, which was a miracle in itself. Why do they both trust you so much?"

"They know I wouldn't go down without making it everyone else's problem."

"Yah, right," Lysithea grumbles.

Before Leonie can ask what that's supposed to mean – and how does Lysithea know Leonie's lying – the rest of the Deer enter with only a few less dramatics than Hilda.

"Good morning everyone!" Leonie grins wider and tries for some damage control. She may not feel bad about making them worry or care about a scolding likely prepared for her, but it doesn't mean she wants them to go through it. "Sorry I missed breakfast with the class. I had an earlier one and went to meet Jeralt after."

"That's fine, Leonie!" Raphael grins and waves back. "We didn't plan anything, it just happened we were all there at the same time."

Ignatz waves and wisely gets out of the incoming social bomb with a, "Good to see you, Leonie."

"Can you at least try to remember to check your book?" Lorenz scolds, setting up his desk for the day. "For the Goddess' sake, you were the one to make it."

"I'll try and get better at," Leonie laughs and scratches her neck. Danger Sense isn't pinging from her House Leader, but she doesn't like how he's silent and purposefully leaning against the closed doors. "I do feel when you guys at me, so feel free to spam that if you need my attention."

Claude smiles, and it doesn't meet his eyes as his Crest tries to target her specifically, "I'll be sure to do that next time."

"Trouble," Hilda sings quietly and leaves for her seat.

Manuela arrives before anyone can say more. In Leonie's focus on the teacher, she yelps in surprise when Claude manages to ruffle her hair. The eldest Deer student turns in her seat, asking an exasperated, "Really?"

"If you don't want me to sound the alarms," he points a quill her way, "then don't break routine. I wouldn't do this if you let me know you're alive in the morning."

"Quiet now!" Manuela calls, so Leonie just gives him a nod. Turns back to their professor. The former songstress hops on her desk and crosses a leg. "Today I will be giving the details of our next class mission and teaching you what will be expected to know for it. In the Empire, the Wistiva nobles have recently fallen in rank and their territory absorbed by those around them. In their house is a relic that must be escorted back to the Church, and we have been chosen as the protection detail."

It takes Leonie a moment to remember if anyone in the Monastery comes from the mentioned family. When it hits her, Leonie swallows a groan and resists putting her head in her hands. She continues writing notes as though her ongoing elective situation didn't get another wrench thrown into it.

At least there's some good news as Manuela promises, "After you finish this week of stable chores, we will begin animal management classes and assessing your riding capabilities."

7.

"Did Edelgard not give any orders?" Mercedes wonders.

Dorothea shakes her head, dipping a biscuit in her tea, "Professor Byleth was in full control over the battle. Our professor certainly has quite the set of lungs in addition to famed sword fighting prowess."

"I think the professors are supposed to ease back on orders in future missions," Leonie speaks up, glancing around at the other tables of students having tea time. The only other Deer is Lysithea, who sits at a table on the outskirts. She appears to be in a very heated conversation with Linhardt. "Or maybe we'll only get a chance once our authority grades are high enough."

"Speaking of missions," Dorothea starts. The Eagle smiles and relaxes at the hope they'll stop recounting the killing bandits fight, "do either of you know what yours is for the month?"

"Escort a relic back to the Church," Leonie shrugs, hands coming around her teacup to absorb the warmth. "Hey, did you know Kaveran's family lost their noble status?"

"Oh yes," Dorothea's smile turns forced. To Mercedes' inquiring hum, she answers, "He is one of the students in my House's side class. I take it your mission has to do with his family?"

"They have the relic we have to bring back," Leonie debates on asking how he's holding up with the change, but ultimately only cares enough to want information about the mission. That will require tact when interacting with Kaveran next.

"Unfortunate," Dorothea sighs. Then, as if to ruin Leonie's plans before they can form, tells the ladies, "Kaveran has chosen to leave at the end of today to support his family with the move out of his childhood home."

"That's nice of him," Leonie says. There goes her plan. It would be kind to see Kaveran off. Show that someone cares if he doesn't have a big farewell, or that at least Leonie is okay with him. None of that will happen, though. Leonie's too busy and feels mostly neutral about the only trumpet player in band. No time to act as support to someone who's never coming back. "Hey, how about you two? Do you have class missions for the month yet?"

"We will be delivering books to a Church in the Alliance's territories," Mercedes sips her tea. "According to Professor Hanneman, there was a mass of burnt books discovered in Tritiston village. We will go there to update their collection."

"Interesting," Leonie wonders who actually did the burning. The Church, or Those Who Slither in the Dark? "Hope you enjoy it in the Leicester Alliance. Dorothea, what are you guys up to?"

With a sharp breath, the Eagle teen turns to Mercedes. Carefully, quietly, tells her, "We are to assist in the defeat of the resistance built by Lord Lonato Gaspard."

Mercedes slowly puts her cup down. She stares back, unblinking and voice breezy, "Lord Lonato is Ashe's father."

"…Yes."

"Does he- no, no he must not know," the blood drains from the woman's face. "Goddess above, what is to happen to Lord Lonato?"

Leonie tucks her hands under the table, pulling at her gloves as Dorothea hesitates to answer. Before Mercedes has to ask again, the Deer says, "The Church wants him dead, don't they.

Dorothea treats it like a question, "He has already killed the Church-aligned priests there, in addition to attacking anyone who goes near his territory. I'm sorry, Mercedes."

"He was such a nice man," Mercedes mutters, head bowing in prayer or grief. "When is your mission, Dorothea?"

"We leave on the twenty-nineth."

"Plenty of time to tell Ashe. May I ask for your assistance in this? I do not want him to learn this news through someone else."

"Of course."

When Leonie gets a hard look from Mercedes, she replies, "Sure, yep, I can help too. Just let me know how."

"Thank you both," Mercedes nods. Gets to her feet. "Then let us not waste any time."

Oh joy, Leonie thinks with a sigh. The game version of this world brushes over the impact of the Kill Ashe's Dad mission a lot like it does for the Kill Sylvain's Brother mission. She is not looking forward to seeing Ashe get this news in real time. At least he gets to stay in the academy after, surrounded by the supporting friends in his House.

With Kaveran leaving, that means Leonie and Avinna are stuck together in a group with no one willing to try and buffer their personalities.

8.

"I am sad to announce one of our members has left the Officer's Academy today," Flayn says as evening band practice begins. "Kaveran will be missed. With his departure, we will have to restructure the groups. Apologies to those who have spent so much time practicing already. Gustaf, you will working with Avinna and Leonie from now on."

"No fair, professor," Meravi whines.

Leonie, meanwhile, feels her shoulders loosen. The only thing worse than working alone with Avinna would be working with her and Rhianna. From the way Vernan relaxes beside her, he likely has the same thought.

"If the groups are not working by the end of the month, then we shall have a complete reshuffle," Flayn tells them all in a very calm tone, but at least Leonie knows it for a threat. If this doesn't work out, then Avinna's not going to have a chance to earn forgiveness. "For today and Saturday's class, the last half will be devoted to one-on-one time with myself and a group. Today it will be Avinna, Gustaf, and Leonie. The rest of you are free to leave once we practice the scales and songs we went over last class."

Vernan nudges Leonie as people begin taking out their sheet music, "Do you want me to stay after class?"

"No," Leonie mutters back, smiling and thinking that she'd see him off if he ever decides to go back home early. "Thanks though. Do you need me to stay for next class?"

He shakes his head, and they lift their bows to ready position at Flayn's instructions.

9.

Leonie takes the long way back to her dorm and, through subliminal thoughts or happenstance, sees the farewell happening after a chat with Sir Gatekeeper. Kaveran doesn't have a large group like when classes go on missions, but it's obvious he has some good friends who don't care about his noble status anymore. How long that lasts, well, out of sight out of mind, right?

A large meow pulls her attention away from the group and to Cocoa. The cat drops an entire leather bow sheath at her feet with no one around them blinking an eye.

"I don't even want to know how you got this past security," she tells him, dropping it in her storage.

He meows in response. Scratches and ear before looking at the farewell group. Leonie follows his gaze, and almost groans when she sees Kaveran, alone, staring dejectedly at the ground.

"Why would he even want to hear something from me?"

The animal's Crest slides around her diverter ward, but she can still almost hear a scolding in it. Something like, everyone wants to hear they matter.

"Fine," Leonie hisses. Plasters on her best smile and leaves the cat. "Hey! Kaveran!"

"Leonie," he blinks, looking shocked by her appearance. "Hi."

"Glad I could catch you before you take off," she lies with ease. "Wanted to wish you luck on your future endeavors. And, hey! If you're ever in Gloucester territory, maybe I'll see you 'round my village sometime."

"Oh," he shuffles on his feet. "I don't think I'll be going there any time soon."

"No worries! Good luck on your journey, and Kaveran? I'm glad I got to meet you."

"Er, same," his lie is obvious, but he's smiling now. "Take care, Leonie."

"You too!" Leonie waves as she jogs backwards. When she flips around, her smile falls into something unimpressed as she asks Cocoa, "Happy now?"

The cat purrs and runs off.

Leonie shakes her head. Glances up at the sky, and then hurries on her way. If she's late to a Deer meetup again today, it's her who's going to be the next person with a babysitter rotation.

10.

Leonie feels Claude's eyes like daggers in her back – pun intended as Danger Sense picks up – the moment she steps into the dining hall. She waves as she passes him and makes a beeline for the Lion-favoured table. When she drops into the seat next to the Gautier heir, it's Felix across from her who begins glaring. She ignores all of it to drop her card on the table, "Happy birthday, Sylvain!"

"Leonie!" he grins, boyish and causing several people the room to swoon. "Thank you! Where's my gift basket?"

"I'm not that predictable," she slides over the card. "Your gift's inside."

He takes it like he's unfamiliar with cards. Tilts his head a bit and reads the cover, "Every birthday needs a celebration…"

When Sylvian opens it, his grin drops. Bits of shock smooth out his features, free hand carefully taking out the thick pieces of paper with tassels knotted on one end.

"They're bookmarks," Leonie explains as he reads the note inside. She tried to make it personal, but it's hard to pull well wishes out on the spot, never mind when she doesn't care much about what happens to him. "The one with the blue strings is based on your House, and the red strings one has your favourite food drawn on it."

That knocks Sylvian out of his stupor, "You know my favourite food?"

"I asked Ingrid."

"Why bookmarks?" Felix asks. He looks a lot less threatening. Almost pouty.

"Everyone needs a bookmark, especially with our textbooks," is the easy answer. She has no idea if Felix knows about Sylvain reading smut books in the library from time to time. Leonie won't snitch on her fellow redhead. "If you want some, now you can ask Sylvain for them."

"What?" the birthday guy asks with a laugh. "You won't make Felix any for his birthday?"

"It would ruin the surprise if he knew to expect it."

Sylvian laughs again, tucking his new things away. He catches Leonie's shirt before she can get up and leave, and across the room Claude's Crest blasts at her chest.

"Can I ask for a birthday favour?" Sylvian grins again, this one more friendly than charming.

"Depends," Leonie shifts so she's straddling the bench, back to Claude's gaze. "What do you want?"

"Can we go see the orphans again some time?"

"Sure! You know you can go by yourself though, right?"

"I know… I'd just feel better if you were there as a buffer once more."

"They aren't that scary."

"That's because they all like you."

Leonie grins a bit more real and hashes out a time and place with him. Says her goodbyes to the Lions; makes her way over to sit across from Claude, asking her House Leader, "What was that all about?"

He'd play innocent very well, if it weren't for his Crest practically trying to smother her in an attempt to find purchase on her diverter ward, "What do you mean?"

She points a bitten off apple slice at him, not accusing, just informing, "I was just wishing Sylvain a happy birthday, and you looked like you were about to drag me over here."

"Wouldn't have dragged you over," under the table, Claude puts a foot on her boot. "Next time though, leave your tray here before you go see someone."

Leonie hums, eyes narrowing. She doesn't understand his goal, but he has been more protective of the main class since June – Garland Moon – started. "I'll try to remember to do that. Hey, Claude?"

The corners of his smile lift, still not meeting his eyes but more relaxed, "Hey, Leonie?"

She huffs a laugh and taps his foot with her free one, "How are you holding up?"

His expression falters for a moment, confused, before he's smiling again, "I am fine. Why are you asking?"

"New day, new feels."

"New- was that even a sentence?"

"Hey, as long as we don't have to present in front of the class, I can speak as relaxed as I want."

Claude makes a face at her choice of words. Steals a pear slice off her plate, "Don't jinx it."

She grabs toast off his plate. With a sparkle entering his eye, Claude retaliates by taking her bowl of oatmeal. Leonie grabs his small one of jam, and from there breakfast descends into a thieving contest only broken when Lysithea arrives to scold them about acting like children.

A/N: Oh hey look, the Black Eagles are alive!

Thank you for reading! A really big thank you to ShadowWolf223, Dalan777, xenocanaan, AryaZEvans, Guest, DestructionDragon360, StarShow, Hong-Meirin, SchattenSoldat08, Guest, EmpirePlayer, Netmould, Awkward-03, UDtimburrhog, kyurega, and Guest for reviewing! The support truly means a lot!

Next chapter should be out on (if not around) this story's birthday! It shouldn't be nearly as much a cliffhanger as the last.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

(Fun fact: Writing this chapter brought back memories of my first playthrough, where I decided to save before the S-Rank decision and replay the ending until I got all the S-Ranks I could in the support book before moving on to New Game Plus and the next House Leader. Edelgard's route was the first I did. I replayed the Black Eagles ending so many times that I figured out which tiles triggered Dedue's plan and managed to stay far enough away to defeat him before it triggered. I still like the "secret" ending for him it shows post-battle more than the one between Edelgard and Dimitri.)

I hope everyone is well and has a fantastic day! Please take care