Chapter Twenty-Two
1.
For some rather obvious reasons, Leonie wasn't invited to the it's a girl reveal. The fact that Godfrey was hoping to not tell Claude until they were back in Riegan territory was a wrench in the new father-daughter relationship that took all the girls arguing for the man to agree his nephew be told as soon as possible. Claude is going to be the last person let in on the secret, though. Dorothea decrees that if she can't tell anyone until Oswald's passed, then the Church and Officer's Academy has no business knowing.
Leonie thinks she's touched by how trusting Dorothea is of them, but it was all scrapped when they got into the how did you two meet conversation.
If Dorothea didn't like Lorenz before, she's not happy with his family now.
Focusing on the present, Leonie knocks, "Hey! Your uncle said you wanted to see me?"
Through the door, she hears, "Come in."
Leonie's wide push turns into sharp closing motion when Claude doesn't look up, head bowed between hands steadying him against a top bunk. The door clicks shut, and she asks, "Are you okay?"
"Yes," he says and pushes away from the bed. Between one blink and the next he's in front of her, and Leonie goes stiff as he initiates a hug. Then she wraps an arm around him, her free one patting his back. "Try to keep the Deer from falling apart without me?"
Leonie's heart thuds hard for a moment, surprise flashing and fading because that is a lot of trust to be placing in her. She doesn't understand the hug, doesn't get why he's saying that to her when there are absolutely more qualified people to keep an eye on their House, but he is her – still unofficial – House leader. It isn't like he's asking much, "Yah, sure."
He's probably already asked Hilda and Lorenz about keeping them inline. It's hard to think he's joking when he's still hugging her, cheek by her ear, a seriousness practically radiating from him. Leonie scrambles to come up with a reason why, and ends up with maybe it's a test.
It would make a bit of sense. The Church doesn't officially test Authority until classes are set, and with Claude gone to the Roundtable it would be a perfect time to see who steps in to lead them in warmups and exercises.
B̶u̴t̷ ̷w̷h̵y̶ ̶t̵h̷e̷ ̴h̷u̸g̶?̴
If Godfrey asked him to ask her… Leonie smiles her best when Claude steps away, and pretends she isn't imaging petty revenge against his uncle, "Feeling better?"
"Maybe," he smirks, slinging his bag over a shoulder. "I was looking forward to training, but the old people want to shout some more at me."
Leonie makes a face at the thought of being the youngest in the room in addition to being the mediator. Nothing she can do about it, besides encouraging the next generation to get along. Too bad Hilda's brother has already gone and graduated years ago.
Seeing his bag does remind her, "Well, if you get bored enough, here's some light reading." Claude's eyebrows shoot up at the fair-sized book she pulls from her bag. He's flipping through the pages, unaware as she goes for the door. "I made a copy for myself, so feel free to keep it. Burn it. Throw it at someone… Just make sure Seteth doesn't find out."
He stuffs it away, "I will leave it at the manor."
Leonie pauses, hand on the doorknob, glancing over her shoulder and giving into a bit of curiosity, "Don't you have a castle?"
He laughs, smile reaching his eyes for a moment, "I will one day."
Leonie shrugs, uncaring if that's doublespeak or not. If she ever gets enough interest, she can go check out his heritage sites. "Have fun with the upkeep. If you don't need me for anything else, I'ma go hunting." She pauses again because, ugh, she might just enjoy his company enough that leaving without a farewell – proper or not – is stirring up a bit of anxiety. He's a leading side character, no need to feel this way. Except, this time, it's not her leaving for an undefined amount of time.
It almost reminds her of-
"Hey Claude?"
-worrying.
"Stay safe, you hear?"
It doesn't feel the same, but her thoughts are on if he'll be okay while away from the Deer rather than if the world will be okay if he doesn't make it back. A shift in focus that's offset by how disappointed Leonie feels, knowing she won't be there for the family-secret reveal.
"I hear you," Claude throws her slang back, and she can't help the laugh. He ruffles her hair on the way by, taking the door. "You should be more concerned about yourself. Maybe I should write a note to Lysithea reminding you to eat."
"I eat!"
"When you remember," he teases. "With all the wonderful people you're going to look after for me, there's a high risk it might slip your mind."
There's that bit of surprise again. A string in her plucked and slowly vibrating down. A lot of trust for a person he knows so little about.
Test or no, Leonie will do her best.
2.
"And… here," Leonie holds up the last necklace. "Just remember, you shouldn't wear these when we're being tested. The judges will have a hard time scoring you if you do."
"Thank you," Bernadetta puts it on. Aurora and Dorothea both give it an approval. The purplette takes it off and they can focus on her again. "Ah! It's gotten really late, hasn't it?! I'm so sorry, Leonie, I-"
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be," Leonie interrupts before the teen can spiral. They've come a long way from Bernadetta blaming herself with every sentence, Leonie almost feels proud of the girl's growth. The fact she doesn't run from drills anymore is probably the biggest milestone. Bernadetta can handle people yelling now as long as she can hide behind an ally's back. "Anyone silly enough to go after me in the dark clearly doesn't value a long life expectancy. It's a short walk across the field. I will be fine."
"Okay," Bernadetta takes deep breaths. "Okay. You will be fine. Okay."
"That a dear," Leonie pats her shoulder as she gets up for the door. She stretches, using her arms to hide her face as she blinks.
Three are fraying, two from Lysithea, and one threadbare from Yuri's, but more are there.
Blink.
According to a book she pilfered from the Abyss library, while rare, people with the Crest of Indech are more common than the other four saints. It's implied that very few people have not walked by someone who can create the bonds, meaning Bernadetta likely has the fewest people in her corner than every other Crest-bearing noble here. Even with an underdeveloped Crest, others may be cruel to her because they can subconsciously feel the effects of a Crest that conflicts with their bond.
"Have a good night!" Leonie calls. Aware of her surroundings, her footsteps are soft as muscle memory guides her out of the building while she allows lingering thoughts catch in bursts.
Restoring a Notice-Me-Not.
There's a new moon in a few days.
Given all she's gone through, Bernadetta's body is healthy even if her Crest is metaphysically weak.
The grounds are a lot darker with no moon in sight. The stars are far away, and she has no idea what other planets exist in this solar system.
Edelgard was born with a Crest, Lysithea was not.
Leonie can't even create a makeshift flashlight without raising red flags. There are very few torches and knights patrol with candles, if they do nightly patrols at all. Can the Crest Stoners see in the dark?
Edelgard comes from a territory known for its magical prowess and she uses an axe as a weapon. Lysithea comes from a place known for its archers and hunters, and she's the most magically inclined person in this academy.
She sees no one on her walk. Senses no one moving about.
The orphans are dying from whatever gave them the Crest, constantly being rejected inside the silver blanket.
The Golden Deer rooms are quiet. A mix of empty spaces and everyone already being asleep.
Lysithea can see Bernadetta even with the charm.
Leonie pauses outside her door, hand raised to knock.
Blocker stops Crest energies from touching. Diverter changes their direction. Notice-Me-Not convinces the brain to look away.
One of these things is not like the other.
Leonie knocks and quietly slides inside. Lysithea, still awake, waves on her bed, The book of things the Church banned is propped open on her lap.
The Crested will be taught how to manipulate their abilities best they can.
How much of a Crest is integrated with the subconscious?
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Leonie mutters, stripping down to dress for bed.
"I need to talk with you." Lysithea flicks her eyes and then looks to the ceiling. "About the thing in here. You found this after I mentioned it."
"Complete accident."
"Sure." It sounds like Lysithea doesn't believe her. When Leonie is being truthful, even. The teen sits up, "How much do you know about the black water?"
"Whatever's in that book," Leonie replies. She sits down, her roommate looking over.
When there's no follow-up, Lysithea huffs. Stares at her hands and the scars no one can see unless they look closer, "Did I ever tell you how my siblings died?"
Leonie stills, some cold and simmering feeling drops through her body, "No. Just that you had some."
"A lot," her voice cracks. Presses her hands to her eyes. "I had a lot of siblings. Older, younger, adopted and not. My parents loved children; my mother birthed at least eight that I know of. Apparently the whole Alliance was jealous, even though most of us never had any Crests."
In the pause, Leonie moves to the other bed and wraps her arms around the crying teen. Lysithea does not choke, nor sob, and takes shallow breaths until she can speak again. Steady in voice even as she breaks remembering, "They brought the black water into our castle. Filled a large tub to see if it was possible to swim in. They didn't put me near it. Not when it proved to kill or poison all who were around it or touched it."
"I," Leonie says, clear and precise, with promise and a burning in her that is reminiscent of cold rage, "am going to kill all of the people who destroyed your family."
Lysithea hiccups, "I will make sure to leave some for you."
"Sounds good to me." Leonie thinks, I'd raze this world if it meant they wouldn't haunt your memories anymore.
And then the orange haired woman realizes what that means.
This is the closest to caring she's gotten in a long while. Probably brought on by Claude's request, nowhere near what it felt like in her last life, but Leonie wants Lysithea to be happy. She might not be able to show it in the way of real empathy or deep and lasting friendship, but maybe she can start deflecting any thoughts of stabbing Lysithea onto stabbing the people her hurt her ally.
Maybe.
Leonie still wants to drive a fist into anyone who touches her personal things, so she's not the best at breaking bad mental habits.
"I dreamt a bit more," Lysithea mutters, sleep keeping her eyes closed as she struggles against it. "We were somewhere hot. Marianne was telling us a story."
"She is a good storyteller," Leonie hums, settling the teen under covers and taking books away. "Has that tone of voice. The one that makes you trust her no matter what she says; at least until you really think about what she said. Like Mercedes."
Lysithea's already gone to sleep.
Leonie hesitates before going to her own bed. Pulls out a journal and makes a few notes. Says a voiceless farewell to her last day with free time and gets to work prepping for teamwork exercises.
3.
"Good morning everyone!" Leonie calls, relaxing her stretch now that all but one of the Deer are there. "Come on, guys! Circle up! Just because Claude isn't here doesn't mean we do this by ourselves!"
There's a bit of grumbling from the not-a-morning people but they all form a circle. Lauza sneers, "Who put you in charge?"
Leonie makes sure her clenched fists are hidden as she rocks on her feet, smile maybe a bit too wide. Can't punch her lights out. Wish she'd go back to refusing to speak with me. "Didn't see anyone else stepping forward. Alright folks, same warmup sets, but this time we'll be taking turns calling out the count!"
"Why?" Gregory questions, but not maliciously.
"Teamwork. Get us used to shouting out orders. Equal leadership time for all of us? I'll go first, then Hilda."
"If I must," the pinkette sighs from her place a few feet away from the woman.
This, Leonie thinks, I can handle. No odd feelings in a workout. Just glistening sweat and rippling muscles abound.
4.
"Look, I know you don't like me," Leonie is a cool cucumber who hides any tension by playing a subconscious montage of all the ways she could escape the Monastery if things go sour. At least the Golden Deer she's spoken to least isn't baseline angry or condescending, and it's the last housemate she has to speak with. "I also know you have some friends in the other classes. Right now though, without Claude, the non-heir Deer are the bottom rung of the social ladder. We don't have to do anything together, don't even have to be seen speaking to each other, just let me know if you need anything. Anyone I need to run interference with, any supplies we need. Any. Thing."
"Why?" Penelope swallows, eyes shifty and wanting something but always aware how interacting with a commoner puts her at a disadvantage with the allies she's made.
"Because at the end of the day, our housemates are the only people on our side," Leonie lightly taps a fight into a flat palm. "We're going to be targeted a lot more these coming days. We're also the minority in the school. If we start tearing each other apart, there's going to be less people from the Alliance in the years to come. I really don't want someone going home because this place couldn't put a stop to bullying or harassment."
Lauza and Winston don't believe her. Tristan laughed before spitting at Leonie's feet and telling her that he won't have a problem in the Academy. Gregory got quiet; told her he'd do what he could for misdirection but wouldn't go against any of the other Houses. Linden nodded and took her up on the offer for tea.
It's very telling, how they reacted vs. how the future main class students did. Lysithea helped refine the plan, offering her presence at the table as an incentive for those who would refuse tea time. Hilda jumped on board quick, refusing to do any work for imports but promising to feed information on the House situation. Lorenz – after initially refusing to believe they were free game with one person gone – approached Leonie after the group run to agree to a few tea times throughout the week; she still isn't sure what changed his mind. Marianne didn't agree to tea, but her eyes glinted hard and she promised to keep eyes out and ears open. Ignatz and Raphael got sad looks, both agreeing to tea time alone with her and their best friend, all without knowing the other was also offering to help with any imports.
Penelope is the last, disagreeing to being seen with others lower than her noble rank but lifting her head with a resolve Leonie hasn't had the pleasure to see yet in the younger lady, "I'll do what I can to dissuade it. Is there someone else I can talk to about this…?"
"Hilda," Leonie's grin is grim. "She won't give you any lectures. Can't promise that if you go to Lorenz."
"Alright," Penelope proves smarter, bolder, than most, even if hesitating as she normally does. "Are you taking material requests now?"
With Claude gone, no one in the Deer has permission to order anything. A very big oversight, and maybe Seteth could order for them if it was considered an emergency but he is supposed to be a guest speaker in the Officer's Academy at best. If he were to pass material orderings in place of the House Head or House Teacher, then it would add fuel to the argument that the Church has too much oversight on the Academy. "I am. What do you need?"
"Licorice root and nettle tea."
Leonie pauses, but that's the only reaction she has, "How much are you taking, when do you need it by, and are you sure you want nettle tea? Raspberry or ginger would work as well."
Penelope hesitates, "I- raspberry?"
"I mean, it's not for everyone. Different teas work with different people because not everyone is the same or has the same symptoms. Do you know what causes you the most problems?"
"N-no?"
Leonie hums, unaware that her question was taken in a different meaning. "Well, we can always try a few things. I'll have to double check which teas help with what, but I can see about getting you them as long as you promise not to overdo the doses."
"I need it by Sunday," Penelope hunches her shoulders.
Leonie hums; its not that she thinks Penelope would have done well testing on her best regardless, but she'll have it ready for the teen, "I'll give Hilda a price to tell you tonight. If it's too high, you two can work something out; I promise I'll douse her food this time if she tries to scam you."
Penelope covers her mouth to hide a giggle, "Thank you, Leonie."
"We're Housemates, it's the least I can do."
5.
While no one would like to admit to a hierarchy of culture, Fódlan does have one. It is part of the reason why children are encouraged to learn multiple table manners, especially if they plan on dealing with other territories. It begins with the Church on top; they do things simple and concise. It is expected that any Church official is to go first in all things, with rank and age determining who goes first amongst themselves.
Funny, Leonie thought when she learned it. There was some kind of quest about Rhea and tea. According to the rules, the only people allowed to ask the Archbishop to tea would be another Archbishop, her family, or the Goddess. On the flip side, Rhea could ask whoever she wants. The real issue is that Rhea is supposed to pour tea for everyone because she is always the highest-ranking member.
Right now, Leonie sits at a table with four other Alliance nobles, vaguely amused that the highest-ranking-to-pour rule is the only one the Alliance kept from the Church for tea time.
The Empire, being practically the shadow of the Church, is the next highest ranking in the mannerism hierarchy. Whenever there's an Empire citizen abound, everyone conforms to them. In terms of tea time, the person who sent the invitation is expected to pour while the person invited is expected to bring snacks. This last fact is shared with the Kingdom and Alliance, while the Church brings their own. People from the Empire don't send out a lot of invitations, leading to a bit more stand-offish of a feeling from the largest territory on the continent.
In the Kingdom, the lowest ranked person in the room is expected to pour in tea time. Normally servants, but it causes for some intense subtle insulting when there's two nobles in a room. Is the Master of the Household served first? The leader of a disgraced house in higher status vs. the lower status but perfect standing? The King and Queen are always first, but what about their relatives?
The Leicester Alliance slides into last place, not because it's the youngest but because being the only republic on the continent doesn't make the place look strong. A lot of resources go to building and maintaining a wall instead of geocoding the attacking neighbors, a move that to this day doesn't still well with a lot of people in the other territories. If the Alliance hadn't adopted a mesh of practices in its culture, it's likely they wouldn't have been recognized at all. The discourse of the Roundtable always makes it into the rumor mill, but when push comes to shove the nobles have each other's backs.
If they didn't, the rest of the world would eagerly swallow them up.
Lorenz finishes by pouring his own tea, setting the worn pot back into the center. As the lowest ranking at the table, Leonie takes the first sip. Tea time – not to be confused with teatime, a term that doesn't exist in this world as it is always time for tea – in Fódlan is always one of the biggest power plays. From what kind of tea to poison testing, slights can be made everywhere if one is not careful. When Leonie doesn't collapse on the ground after a few seconds, the others take it as safe to drink while Lorenz basks in their expressions.
"Very nice," Hilda nods, Lysithea raising an eyebrow but not upset. The fruity blend has Linden struggling not to make a face, but he succeeds in mustering a smile when Lorenz turns to him.
When the teacups settle, it's the host who speaks first. Leonie sighs and idly taps her chair legs a few times, feeling the concealed weapon coverings press on her skin, chanting in her head that she told Claude she'd do this. Can't thank Lorenz for the tea until they are all ready to leave, but the pleasantry does itch at her throat. "Alright housemates, how bad is it? Lorenz?"
It is odd, seeing him look serious like this. Tea time, outnumbered women to men, is something that normally would have taken precedence over other matters. It must be worse than he expected, given how white his lips thin to before he speaks, "Several knights laughed after my invitations for tea were refused. That was a… new experience."
Hilda snorts. They all look over, Leonie giving her the floor by lifting her own cup and announcing, "Hilda?"
"That's nothing. Three of my network started treating my like I was a child. I had to drag over some knights to break up a couple of nobles who were beating Gregory. Oh, and I've also been told that it would be in my 'best interest' to move into the Empire classes, lest I get stuck with the 'outback rabble'."
The ugly snarl on Hilda's face has everyone but Leonie rearing back. The woman smiles full of teeth, "Do you have any names?"
"I've got them handled," the sneer turns to a grin, pink eyes darkening inside the inner circle as a Crest strand snaps out from Hilda's slip in control.
"Say the word if you need anything. Linden?"
"…Nothing that extreme, but a few Empire and Kingdom students have been trying to recruit Tristan and Lauza. Penelope and Winston have been staying away from trouble. I… haven't seen Marianne around. Is she alright?"
Hilda raises a hand, "She's fine." Lowers it.
"Right then. Raphael has some refuge because of his rank in Fight Club, and Ignatz has been making connections in the Art Club. Lorenz, Lysithea, and I have been escorting them to meals, so any commoner haters have been staying away. That's it for now."
"Thank you, Linden. Lysithea?"
"Seven people have given me marriage proposals," an aura of hate emanates from the youngest. Her two Crests clash, one agitating Lorenz, as they spread out at her cruel thoughts. "Does anyone want to reject them for me, or do I wait for Claude- the person they were supposed to pass by first."
"Give them to me," Hilda smiles cruelly, hand up to talk. "Leonie, would you be open to working with me if the letters prove a bit corrupt?"
"Gladly." One more person before they can all take a sip of tea. "Lysithea and I cleaned up our room so nothing valuable was left out, which turned out to be a good choice because someone destroyed everything in there. We've reported it to the Church, but apparently nothing can be done about it. In completely unrelated news, Hilda, if I were to give you a few more names to those who've slighted our House, would you be open to a bit of revenge?"
"Absolutely. We can speak on the way to the dorms."
Lorenz raises a hand, frowning harder, "Will you two be safe tonight?"
"Unless you're offering Claude's bed, there's nowhere else we can sleep besides the floor. We're working on a magical solution, but I'll be sleeping in front of the door tonight."
Linden raises a hand next, "Would you two feel safe sleeping in a room with more men?"
"Lysithea?"
The teen waivers, pink eyes looking at her teacup.
"Hey," Leonie softens best she can, waiting until the girl looks up. "You know I can protect us both. Staying in a room with the guys would just be an extra precaution. If you're not comfortable with it, then it defeats the purpose."
"It's not- I do trust them. I do. W-what would take to redo their room like ours?"
"A couple hours."
"Then not tonight." Lysithea takes a deep breath and turns to Lorenz. "If Raphael and Ignatz agree to it, then tomorrow night we'll move in. I'll take Claude's bed."
Lorenz raises his hand and nods, a little bit of colour returning to his lips, "I will ask them, though I do not see why they would refuse."
Hilda raises her hand, "How are we going to make sure the Church doesn't catch this arrangement?"
"Easy," Leonie shrugs. "The wards around the building only count how many people are in the room via our uniforms. As long as Lysithea and I don't wear them when we walk out of the room, it will still register two people in ours- what?"
Hilda is too well-mannered to forget to raise her hand, "How do you know this?"
"Lysithea and I have been studying the wards. Is that… weird?"
Said teen snickers and motions Leonie to take her cup. Leonie does, the other nobles scrambling to pick up theirs for a sip. Soon, the organization is about to break into roundtable chaos, as many Alliance tea times are to do. Leonie smiles pleasantly with them all and tastes the fruity liquid once again.
Finally, let's have some tea.
6.
Leonie finishes pouring tea, counterclockwise, and Ferdinand is lifting his to drink just as she's seated. He hums, smile shining as the cup lifts higher in praise, "Very nice."
Leonie presses her lips tight to keep from saying a word, smiling and nodding back. Bernadetta fakes taking a drink like she was taught, smile hitching a bit brighter when Leonie sends her a wink. Lorenz, the tea supplier, takes a long drink from his.
Lowest rank at the table, Leonie drinks hers last. Empire citizen and highest rank at the table, Ferdinand begins the conversation. Lorenz quickly keeps it up, Leonie only piping in when asked. Bernadetta manages to hurry out an opinion, relaxing when she isn't spat at for it.
All in all, a nice tea time.
Now, if only Ferdinand and Lorenz would stop commiserating about being the seconds to their respective leaders. Whenever Claude and Edelgard go off for their important heir things during the year, Leonie's decided that – if she's still around – she's putting all the missing House Leader's work on the next highest rank noble. See how they like dealing with the mess she's been holding together by a thread.
7.
Hilda doesn't even hide her peeved expression while Leonie keeps up a string of curses in her mind. The orangette is smiling like nothing's wrong, an expression mirrored by Edelgard and Dimitri while Hubert and Dedue trade underhanded glances at one another.
Why me, Leonie despairs as Hilda stands and begins pouring. Nobody says anything, not until both Edelgard and Dimitri go to take the first sips. Hubert bristles like an angry cat as Edelgard throws a double-facet barb about how they are all students here, after all. Dimitri smiles pleasantly as he takes the time to throw back his tea, not even flinching though it must be scalding, and apologies if he has overstepped. Dedue smiles as the shadows around Hubert grow darker.
Edelgard smiles and repeats softer, "We are all students. You have said to your class that you wish to be treated as an equal, have you not, Dimitri?"
Leonie doesn't even hide her turn to Hilda. The pinkette is smiling now, enjoying herself. Skipping all decorum, the commoner woman grabs the delicate, priceless teacup and pretends to have a sip. Pretends, because not even a foot away and she's hit with the overwhelming smell of mint.
Take no prisoners, do you Hilda?
Edelgard just about drops the cup when she tries it. Hubert's face scrunches up. Dedue twitches just enough to be considered a flinch.
Hilda smiles wider and chugs hers back, "Some more, Dimitri?"
"No, thank you," he looks apologetic. "It is very nice tea, Hilda, but I will wait for it to seep a while longer."
Her eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but Hilda is nothing if not a masterful actress, "Then let me know when you are ready."
"Leonie," Edelgard disguises her cough by taking lead in the conversation. "It is a pleasure to see you. If it were not for meals, I would have thought you disappeared. Have you been busy these last few days?"
"Woefully so," Leonie tries for a bit of dramatics. "Last minute training, snooping around the library, and running errands for a few people. I barely have time to myself."
"It's true," Hilda reaches over to pat Leonie's arm, "we have even begun a schedule to remind her to eat. Today's my turn, if you can't tell."
"I'm fine- tch," Leonie cuts off at Hilda's pinch. So maybe she's lost a bit of weight again, but it isn't that noticeable. "I mean, it is so kind of everyone to look after me. Oh what would I do without all of you."
"What indeed," Hilda beams her charming smile at the onlookers. "Your turn. Has the week been well for all of you?"
Edelgard and Dimitri share another look, this one calculating who should speak first. Edelgard nods and looks away first. Dimitri spreads his arms out like really higher-up nobles are taught to do instead of shrugging, "There has been no change that I am aware of. More of my housemates are doing well with the exercises. How are the Eagles?"
Leonie can hear Hilda grinding a heel below the table. She's surprised no one else can hear the stone becoming dust as they chat about how well their housemates are progressing and how easy this week is compared to the last.
The price of staying silent, Leonie thinks and answers their inquiry of how the Deer are coming along with a smile that might have a few extra teeth, "I think we're doing quite well. I do miss Claude, though. Runs haven't been as much fun without his catchy running songs."
"Catchy… running songs?"
"Things to keep a beat to," Hilda adds, standing to pour more tea and let blood start to flow again after her white-knuckle grip. "It helps us keep together. Since there are so few of us Deer."
There is an acceptance from the group and the conversation moves on. Hilda gives Leonie a pointed look at the untouched tea and snack plate.
The woman does a silent huff and gets to eating. Swallows the tea and enjoys the burning zing through her senses once she's sure she won't need to taste for anything poisoned. Leonie tries to figure out why me as they chat about everything from the new professor to the scenery back home.
Lorenz would have been a better choice, Leonie thinks, certain of this fact. However, Hilda chose her, so she'll do her best to not screw up.
8.
The gross thing eating the wards of the library had given Leonie an idea. Earlier in the week she timed her pass by Seteth's office to be when he was in but no one around for a guard change. Leonie slapped the magical equivalent to a needle into the wall as she pretended to stumble and greet him, walking away like nothing happened. It was still there the next day. Testing if she could move it was a success. While his wards do not appear to have any heart or center to them – instead more lines or a solid encasing – they do weave continuously that one upset will trigger a calamity of safety features and alerts.
A dilution wouldn't be possible, nor a transfusion because she doesn't have the Crest of Cichol. Leonie is hoping this works as more a drop of freshwater into a saltwater ocean. Yesterday, she put a drop of magic-filled saliva on the door, painstakingly careful in order not to trigger the alert wards while also removing the magical needle afterwards.
Leonie is so busy that she doesn't have time to wonder why Seteth might be holding off talking to her if he knows about the whole thing. He's either noticed or he hasn't, and if he has, Seteth isn't the type of person to sit on the information, Crest-specific or not.
If he doesn't notice this, then Leonie's in the clear. She's pretty certain she's in the clear regardless – what with no way to track people via photo imaging and no Crest to leave a thread – but better to never be confronted than lie through her teeth.
On her way back from the library, no one else around, Leonie presses a hand against the office door.
Nothing.
She smiles and touches the doorknob.
Still nothing.
Leonie's magical signature has been accepted by the matrix. As long as she's covered in a constant field of her own magic, she can come and go with ease. It even locks and unlocks at her touch.
Next step, to figure out where Seteth hides the confiscated booze. Something for another day, though.
Leonie walks away before the guard shift change completes, feeling a bit lighter at the accomplishment. Unlike Crest stands, getting a magical signature has to be something willingly given. It's why – Leonie's discovered – she can't restrict her room access to only certain people, no matter if she can identify them by feel or not. It isn't something that can be tricked and, according to the curriculum, learning how to sign things with a magical signature is only for those with Crests or an A+ rank in Faith or Reason magic.
There's only a few more days before they all head out to the contesting area. Leonie is still trying to dig up information on how much she'll need to fake her skill level. It appears that curiosity and a lot of free time has led to her being advanced in the application of several skills taught in the Officer's Academy. Her bow and maybe some lance skills are supposed to be her strengths, coming from the Leicester Alliance. She can pass off a couple other skills by being taught by a former Captain of the Knights of Seiros.
Advance theoretical applications of Faith and Reason magic with a helping of ward making, not so much. Good thing she and Lysithea have been 'taking out' those books for studying if Leonie slips at all during testing-
"You with the orange hair."
Leonie stops. Looks over at the group of three teenaged girls she was about to pass in one of the many, nearly-empty hallways of Garreg Mach Monastery. Lifts up a hand to point at herself.
"Yes, you." the taller lady jerks her chin over, pointing down. "Pick those up."
Leonie blinks, slow, thoughts cutting away as she looks at the papers scattered on the ground. Absolutely certain she didn't do anything, Leonie asks the girl a slow, "Are you okay?"
That takes the lady aback. "I- Of course I am!"
Leonie looks to the group. "Are all three of you incapable of bending down, gathering those, and then standing up with them?"
"Of course we are capable!" the lady snaps, and Leonie starts taking mental notes of their names.
The woman doesn't give the teen a chance to continue, already done with this sad attempt at bullying the commoner Deer by these three Eagles. Yesterday's attempt to push her off the docks by some Lions would have caused much more harm than this. Even with her improved mood, Leonie knows better than to do what they say to make them ignore her. Give them an inch, they'll go the mile, "Then do it yourself, Avinna Usurla."
She walks away, making her back a wide target. Apparently, the use of her full name wasn't enough to stun the teen long, "You are no better than dirt! How dare you refuse your better!"
No need to feed the crazy, Leonie walks on swallowing words and keeping fingers inside fists. Forces her thoughts away from imagining blood on the walls and back to figuring out how to seem less than what she's trained years to be.
9.
"You look terrible."
Leonie doesn't have the energy to sass Dorothea back, drops into her chair without meeting their eyes, "I've had a total of twelve hours of sleep these past five days." The hysterical edge has Leonie flinching. Deep breath through her nose while grabbing the already full teacup. Even with two hands she's shaking a bit, and so sets it down with a slow exhale out her mouth.
"I am sorry," Dorothea looks like she honestly means it. "Has there been anymore attempts to break into your room?"
"I sleep in front of the door," in order to keep a Notice-Me-Not on it. She's not taking any chances, thankful that at least no one has put anything inside the room during the day. "No one's tried opening it, but there's more people traversing the halls then I thought there'd be."
Also, her new roommates tend to snore. Between that and the flopping, Leonie's having a hard time sleeping because she can't put up the usual alert wards with another spell extending through them. Can't tell anyone that information though, because one is a Golden Deer secret and the other is more advance curriculum she shouldn't know about.
Mercedes lowers her cup, "Has the Church found any leads?"
"I think they've stopped looking," Leonie forgoes all tea party decorum – not that it matters with these two, they're all allies here – and runs a hand through her hair. She's never wanted that sauna more, but apparently there's trouble getting the parts to fix it. Ugh, focus. "Seteth wants us to report any suspicious behaviour, but no one is really being sneaky about hating on the Deer."
The ladies flinch, Mercedes wondering aloud, "Why are so many people targeting your House?"
"It is a power move," Dorothea answers. "Try to get the nobles supporting other Houses, remove the best commoners. I have some protection by being friends with Edelgard, but we've already lost one to the Lion's heckling. If, say, Lysithea were to join the Eagles, then she would be more likely to support her friends in the Empire when she is older. If Leonie dropped out, then the Deer lose a strong player in mock battles and the Alliance a competent fighter or possible future Captain.
"Not that you have to worry about attacks from the upper echelon, Leonie. Whatever you've done to help Linhardt, now has Caspar a ride-or-die supporter for you. Ferdinand has stopped a few people from talking bad about you, and I think Bernadetta has started putting thumbtacks under people who bully the Deer. I don't actually know if its her because no one sees who does it. Now that I think on it, it started after Petra was stopped from stabbing a person who called you some very nasty slurs. I should probably make sure they and Aurora aren't all working together."
"Aww," Leonie wonders about the warm-cold, heart pounding feeling that's making her smile for real. Hopefully it isn't serious. "I'll be sure to thank them. Are you and Mercedes alright?"
"I am fine, thank you," Mercedes smiles, eyes squinting at a thought she doesn't share. "Ashe has done a wonderful job warding off any problems for Annette and myself with his presence, and Dimitri and Dedue spend time with us every now and then as well. I do have plans in motion if it at all becomes a problem in the future, but for now we can continue as been and pray the Goddess admonishes those who use their power for evil."
Dorothea isn't sure how to respond to that, but Leonie nods, "If you need any help bumping along the ah- admonishments, just say so."
"You need to sleep," Dorothea denies, quickly jumping on a topic Leonie would rather she not. The brunette even pushes a bowl of sweets over. "And eat. I'm telling Raphael if you don't finish this meal."
"Snitch," Leonie sighs and begins nibbling, hating the tremor as her hands buzz with exhaustion. "Do I need to talk with any Golden Deer?"
"They have all been very quiet lately," Mercedes hums. "I do not believe they need any words of advice, except on how to rebuke verbal spars."
"Yah, I've noticed that too. Doesn't help that the Knights don't turn a blind eye when we snap back. Unless we get proof, no one is going to believe us without Claude there to back the claims. We tried a Hilda-Lorenz combo and the most that happened was a stern warning about crude language in a Holy place. We're keeping track of the incidents, though. Once we get assigned a Professor, we're going to make sure they're on the lookout, so it shouldn't be this bad again."
"There you are!" The ladies look up, Leonie turning and struggling to focus as her thoughts switch at this surprise conversation. Linden stops for only a moment, "Claude just got back."
Leonie slumps with a relieved groan. "Thanks for the notice, Linden."
She hears him leave, but is more wrapped up in how her shoulders loosen. As though a weight has been lifted, but it doesn't feel like relief.
Dorothea clears her throat, and when Leonie opens her eyes it's to seeing a blank look, "You are not going to see him?"
"I'm going to have a nap," Leonie stresses. "You can see him first. I'm sure you'll have more to talk about."
"Would you like some company?" Mercedes asks Dorothea.
The secret Riegan shakes her head, "Thank you, but this is something we need to discuss on our own. Claude did not seem like an unreasonable individual…"
"He isn't," Leonie answers the unspoken questions. "You should probably be as straightforward as you can. He can get mean when he feels pressured or like you want something from his status rather than his person."
Mercedes' smile turns into something more real, "You sound like you know him."
"Eh," Leonie grabs something else to nibble on, hard shutting down the thoughts which stir an emotion she can't pinpoint as she wonders how Claude will react to how the Deer held together while he was gone. "I like to know who I fight with and for."
Who I could live and die for.
10.
Leonie wakes, slow and groggy at first, and then with an involuntary yelp as she lunges forward in a roll. Knife plucks from boot, appearing in hand during the spin to the entranceway. She doesn't attack, the wards not triggering even as a breathless scent comes and goes through the air.
Before she can register who's paused halfway in the room, the person speaks, vaguely horrified, "Were you sleeping against the door?"
"Claude," Leonie groans, sheathing the knife into her boot. Her straightening isn't graceful, sleep tugging – begging – on her to the deep unconscious she hasn't had since before he left. He asked a question. "Er, yah. I was. Uh, welcome back?"
He comes in, kicking the door shut. Slow movements; Leonie's eyes struggle to keep track of what he's doing even as he takes her elbow. Gently guides her to a bed- her bed. "You look terrible."
Leonie covers her yawning mouth and scoots off, sinking down further so her head can rest on the terrible mattress, "You aren't the first person to tell me that." She leans far enough back to see the dark smudges under his eyes. "What happened to you?"
"A couple of assassination attempts," Claude sits on the ground next to her, Crest constantly twirling around her. "I didn't feel all that safe at the housing this time. Do you mind if I nap here too?"
"Don't mind," Leonie grunts, getting to her feet. "I'm sleeping in front of the door though. Just- wake me up if you need to leave."
Claude watches her go, his Crest practically tapping on her as she settles. Leonie opens her eyes and lolls her head when it gets stronger, Claude silently moving to sit next to her, arms touching. He blinks, green eyes not missing a thing, "Why are you sleeping in front of the door?"
Leonie huffs, a small laugh, head resting back on the door and eyes closing. For a moment, she's concerned it isn't actually Claude. It feels like him, and from the little bits of blood, skin, and hair she's managed to get into the ward registry he's biologically accepted as Claude. She hangs her head forward, slitting her eyes with a blink.
No stone.
Blink.
"You haven't been completely caught up," she concludes, head going back against the wall once more. She rests in the feel of his presence, the conversation waking her up a bit more even as his Crest irritant changes into something calmer. "Remember what you asked me before you left?"
"Keep the Deer together?" he sounds curious. "Everyone's still here, which is honestly more than I expected. Did you… patrol the halls while I was gone?"
"Nah," Leonie sighs. She'd be passed out after seventy-two hours if she had stayed up patrolling every night. "After our room was ransacked, Lysithea took your bed and I slept in front of the door. I don't know how you sleep through all the snoring."
Claude's very slowly tensed, leaning more on her. "What."
"Hope you don't mind," Leonie thinks she sounds nonchalant. Maybe too breezy, sleep puffing up in the darkness. Claude's Crest has stopped tapping and started making a wave, not forcing around her diverter wards as everything always tries to do. Almost like a lullaby, a hypnotic brush up and down. "Only a few Deer know about it. So, you know, shh."
Claude breathes, evenly yet a subtle hitch before he asks the open air, "What did I miss?"
"I'll give you the book later," Leonie rasps. "Sleep, Claude."
He shifts around, "Which one's your bed?"
Leonie flicks a wrist to point. She peeks an eye open a slit as the Crest feeling fades. Claude drops on her bed and is asleep in seconds. She huffs and tries to get some more herself before dinner.
She'll hand over the book of grievances against the Deer tomorrow. He can read it when they stop for the night. The rest of them have to figure out how they're going spend the time before the placement exams.
Wonder if Hilda managed to ask Godfrey about any Alliance supporters in the guard, Leonie thinks.
A problem for another day.
A/N: Leonie drinks a lot of tea with a lot of people and forgets to be offended for slights against herself while she's fighting the slights against her housemates.
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