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mommymooze · 3 years

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A Cleric and a Prince

Dimitri x Reader

Cannon typical violence, deep splinters, personal threats

Being a healer at Garreg Mach is a challenging job. Working with Manuela in the infirmary is a mixture of emotions. Happy to help others, sad that she has so many personal issues, anxious when someone arrives with serious wounds, hilarious when the students tell you exactly how they become (not seriously) hurt before arriving in the infirmary.

You have not yet been instructed regarding the fine points of battle. If the students need healing battalions, you are part of the Seiros Sacred Monks, helping Mercedes. Your group frequently accompanies the Blue Lions in battles as well as working with them in the monastery, being available to heal them after rough sparring sessions and general needs.

Eventually, a few members of your battalion are assigned to specific members of the class. You are assigned to Dimitri and Dedue. You cannot handle Felix’s antagonistic personality. Sylvain, well, he was given a male healer so that he will focus on what is hurt versus being Sylvain.

After a few battles Dimitri and Dedue realize that you are their assigned healer. It is not announced to the troops, however they notice the same healers heading to assist the same team members. Dimitri asks you to sit with him and Dedue during meals quite often. Dedue speaks with you frequently during your time together in the greenhouse. Healing herbs don’t plant themselves.

You’ve become good friends with both of them. Cheering them both on when they enter the lance tournaments. Joining them in the training grounds, healing their injuries, or the injuries of their opponents more likely, after a long sparring session.

Things fall apart after the battle that occurs in the Holy Tomb. Dimitri is acting strange and distant. Dedue shields you from him at times. Dimitri’s health is suffering, you can tell that he’s not eating and sleeping properly. You help Dedue mix other herbs into the prince’s tea, hoping to get him to sleep occasionally. You find out about Dimitri’s ageusia and load up on the sleeping herbs. Dimitri is a big guy and there are enough herbs in this batch to knock out a horse. He finally sleeps for a night, Dedue cannot force the tea on him every day, he gives it to him as often as he can.

The battle when they lose the Professor is devastating. Dimitri is seriously injured, you keep him from the brink of death. As soon as he is mobile, Dimitri disappears with Dedue following him.

Remaining with the Knights of Seiros you are trained to fight like everyone else. Nearly five years are spent searching for Rhea, fighting Imperial troops, and thieves. Returning to the monastery after the anniversary of the millennium festival, the place is a mess, in worse condition than when you marched away with the rest of the Knights. The Blue Lions return. Dimitri is with them, at least the shell of him is here.

You attempt many times to speak with him while he keeps his vigil at the base of the shattered statue of the goddess.

“The Dimitri you once knew is dead, only this repulsive blood-covered monster remains!” he screeches at you as you enter with a tray of food from the kitchens.

You have learned to bring things that can survive his rage. Any food or drink you bring near him is immediately upended or thrown against the wall. In times of true hunger, the Boar forages, grabbing the chunk of sausage or meat skewers, now stale bread and raw vegetables from the floor.

The times that he is lucid are few. Infrequently, the Professor can have a partial conversation with him. If you catch him while he sleeps or as soon as he wakes, he may let you approach to clean a few wounds and heal him.

Felix scoffs at you, telling you that you are wasting your time and effort on a beast, a worthless animal. Yet Felix is there, every day, just like you, watching over him.

The army heads for Ailell, obtaining additional troops and Rodrigue joins them. Rodrigue can have a few conversations with Dimitri, however Dimitri’s anger still controls him. It is only when they take over the Great Bridge at Myrddin that a change is sparked in him, when Dedue rejoins the Blue Lions.

Now, when food is brought, it is handed to Dedue, who will not allow his highness to throw the trays. Dedue directs the prince not to use his rage upon those that come to aid him. He even convinces Dimitri to remove his armor, a few pieces at a time, to be cleaned and repaired. Dimitri allows the Professor or you to approach, assisting with cleansing his wounds, healing, and clearing his infections.

The army marches for Gronder Field. You stand amongst the troops in his battalion, waiting for the order to proceed. Suddenly it is time to advance. Dimitri and Dedue sprint far ahead of their battalions, they are immediately surrounded by enemies. The battalions fight their best, you alongside them. Perhaps nobody will notice if you cast physic on Dimitri. Dedue is a brick wall, or at least is made of stone, he does not get injured often. The Blue Lions fiercely move forward, Dimitri is determined to reach Edelgard and end her life.

Dedue assists by clearing the last armored Imperial fighter in Dimitri’s way as the leaders of the opposing troops battle. You are fighting Edelgard’s battalion members, preventing them from attacking Dimitri and Dedue. A sudden roar comes from Dimitri as Edelgard is warped away by Hubert. His prize taken from him, Dimitri lashes out at her remaining battalion members, crushing heads and ripping off arms, rending flesh.

The sounds of battle dissipate. You are called to the medical tents to assist with healing. Suddenly the word spreads around camp that Rodrigue has fallen. You cry, not just for Rodrigue, but for Dimitri, whose rage was calming due to Rodrigue and Dedue’s work, and for Felix, who is now alone.

Dimitri solemnly returns to Garreg Mach, Dedue at his side as they escort the body of his dear departed friend.

After the funeral, you march to the Cathedral, arms full of bandages and cleansing cloths. Dimitri would not let you treat his wounds after the battle, during the march or the service. Dedue convinced Dimitri to bathe for the wake. You approach them both as Dedue helps you undress Dimitri from the waist up. As you clean his wounds to avoid further infection, heal him, apply salves, and bandage him, Dimitri looks at you for the first time in forever.

“I am sorry for your loss. I know Rodrigue was like a father to you.” You tell him softly as you wrap a bandage around his left arm.

“He told me I should live for my ideals.” Dimitri swallows, his voice trembles, “Rather than stay shackled by the ghosts of the past.”

“Learn from the past, live for the future.” You smile at him, smoothing some salve to his left ribs. “I know you can do it. Rodrigue believed in you. I do too.”

“My apologies for any problems I have caused you.” He says then hangs his head.

Tying off the bandage on his chest you hug him. “All is forgiven. Rest easy.” You whisper.

He’s not sure what to do, he lifts you into his lap and surrounds you with his arms lightly touching your back, fearful of his great strength. He sobs into your shoulder as you softly whisper comforting words to him patting his back and rubbing his shoulders.

When his tears end, you ask Dedue to get a small towel wet. You place it on Dimitri’s face to cool his forehead eyes and nose. While pressing it to his face, you cast a faith spell to reduce the pain and swelling from crying. After a few minutes you peek underneath the cloth over his good eye.

“How’s it going?” You softly ask.

His blue eye looks at yours. “Better.”

You climb from his lap and he stands, taking a deep breath. “I should probably speak with Byleth.” He coughs into his hand. “Thank you.” He says bowing.

“I’m always at your service.” You smile.

The battle in Fhirdiad is awful. You had not been to the capital of Faerghus too frequently, it is painful to see so many lives ruined, buildings and homes demolished. The citizens are rebelling against the Imperial army, doing their best to help. Although the commoners are brave, you cannot help but feel grief-stricken when they are killed. The people are not trained fighters, however they feel so heart strong for their land and kingdom.

The battle against Cornelia is harrowing, under the tactical eye of Byleth and strong will of Dimitri, the Blue Lions are triumphant. Bells ring throughout the city proclaiming the victory. Citizens are jubilant, dancing in the streets. A celebratory feast is held in the castle.

You are in the infirmary, healing and patching up anyone that comes for treatment. Working long hours into the night, you collapse into an empty infirmary bed for a well-deserved rest. The morning comes quickly. Dedue arrives asking for assistance with Dimitri’s wounds. The serious injuries for soldiers have been addressed, ensuring that the soon to be King is healthy is the next item on the priority list.

“Thank you for coming to my aid.” Dimitri humbly addresses you as you enter his room. “I did not see you at the feast. I was told you were working with the other clerics, healing those that could be helped. I feel guilty asking for your assistance.”

“We need you to lead us.” You smile. “It makes no sense to let you become ill from infection.”

As you treat his wounds and bandage him, you tell him stories of his brave people. How they worked together to aid in the fighting, putting out fires to save buildings, pulling other citizens away from the battles, and how all of them support him.

Dimitri again lets his thoughts go back to when he was lost and out of control. You reassure him that the people have forgiven him. They cannot lead themselves, not yet anyway. Everyone can heal together. Rebuild the city, rebuild the people. Put people into place that are good rulers, good people to look up to and respect.

The conversation goes on, you did not realize that the two of you are talking for hours. It is quite late, he should probably be asleep.

“Come Dimitri, it is time for you to go to bed. Get dressed and I will tuck you in and tell you a story.” You grin at him. He holds you to your word. He calls to you after he is dressed in his nightclothes and under his covers.

You gently tuck him in and blow out all the candles but one. You tell him a fairy tale about a boy, magic beans, an evil goose, and a giant. Your hand is on the bed next to him. Gently he places his on top of yours before the story is done. You take his hand in both of yours, rubbing it warmly between yours as you tell him another story about silly animals that think they can sing and their adventures. When you know he is asleep, you take the candle with you as you leave.

The rest and recovery time in the capital is short lived as the army heads out to Derdriu to assist Claude, the city is under siege. Byleth leads the troops just in time to rescue them. The army turns south to head to Enbarr. One last attempt in negotiating for peace is held with Edelgard, however neither side would give in. Battle is the only way to finish the war.

The battle goes through the streets and heart of the city. So many dead, so much blood everywhere. Everyone gave their all. Edelgard refuses to stand down and her life ends. Dimitri, Byleth, and the rest of the army claim the final victory in the war.

You hound Dimitri for thirty minutes before Dedue steps in, helping remind him that he is injured from the battle and needs treatment. Taking him to a quiet and safe room inside the castle you cleanse his wounds, stitching what he would let you and healing him. You then force him to drink water.

“May I finally return to my duties?” He grumbles.

“Yes, now that I feel like you will not fall over in the middle of them.” You answer. Turning to Dedue you instruct him, “Do not let him stay up all night. He needs to try to eat and sleep.”

“As you wish.” Dedue nods as he follows his liege.

“Wait, you have not been healed as well. Sit and show me your wounds.” You direct him to a chair. Soon Dedue is allowed to follow Dimitri to the multiple destinations on the agenda for the evening.

You head to the temporary infirmary, healing and tending to all the injured, be they from your army or citizens of Enbarr.

Finally, the army leaves for Fhirdiad at the beginning of the Verdant Rain Moon. Everyone is happy to be in the cooler temperatures in the northern part of the continent. You settle in the castle, working in the infirmary, staying in the residence for the healers. In your spare time you volunteer healing the hurt and ailing citizens, working alongside them to help rebuild and recover.

Dimitri’s coronation is a grand affair and a healing event for the city. It is a celebration that proves things are well and that prosperity is just around the corner. You sneak out of the infirmary to watch Dimitri be crowned as King. The cheering of everyone brings tears to your eyes. Their hopes and dreams are now resting on his shoulders.

Finishing work, you arrive at the celebration long after the food has been served, someone had been kind enough to send trays of food to the infirmary and it was shared with the patients that remain there as well. Even the spirits of those still suffering injuries are high and in a celebratory mood.

You clean up, wearing clothing proper enough for a meeting with the king, not really fancy enough for a royal party, it is enough you think as you arrive at the festivities that are ongoing. Dancing, singing, drinking and toasts will most likely continue for the entire night. You look over the crowd, finding Dedue is not difficult, he towers over everyone. You wind your way through the other happy celebrants to stand by his side.

“Good evening, Dedue. Is everything going well?” You ask him.

Dedue leans toward you, whispering. “I am well. His Highness has been quite swept up in the events of the day and should move to retire soon.”

“I agree. It looks like he is being cornered by quite the crowd of potential dance partners, let me see if I can intervene.” You answer with the slightest bit of a grin.

Walking up to the King with an air of authority, you bow and wait for the opportunity to address him. Dimitri appears happily surprised at your presence.

“I am pleased to see you are able to join us. Is there anything I can do for you?” Dimitri smiles, but it appears to be a bit weary.

“My King, as your personal physician, I must remind you that your health is quite important and request that you retire. Your schedule is full of meetings tomorrow and will need your complete attention.” Your attitude and stance are such that nobody wishes to question your authority.

“My apologies, ladies. But I must leave the festivities for now, healers orders.” Dimitri smiles sincerely as the women surround him groan in disappointment and disburse, looking for another noble to taunt.

Escorting the King to Dedue, the three of you leave the venue, proceeding toward the King’s residential area of the castle. Once the three of you are far enough away, he stops.

“Thank you so much for rescuing me.” Dimitri gasps. “I felt like the last piece of meat at a butcher shop.”

“Living up to your name, Di-meat-tri.” You succumb to the terrible pun.

He laughs as you head to his quarters. You excuse yourself as you reach his door.

“No, please, come in.” Dimitri opens the door for both of you. He heads straight for a chair and holds his leg up for Dedue to pull his boots off.

“Ahhh!” Dimitri gasps. “My feet are killing me! I have been on them all day.”

Pain? He has pain?! We can’t have that. You procure a stool and sit at his feet. Grabbing a leg you place the king’s foot on your lap and massage it, noticing the slight swelling at his ankle from being on his feet all day. Using a bit of faith magic and expert fingers, Dimitri is content. You turn and take his other foot in hand for some healing and muscle manipulation. When you are finished, you look up to see one very asleep Dimitri.

Dedue smiles and you let yourself out the door as he takes Dimitri to his bedroom.

The castle calms down over the next few days, a comforting routine takes over. Dedue unexpectedly calls you to the King’s quarters, there was an accident in the training grounds when Dimitri was sparring with Felix. Dedue advises you of the situation and you bring the necessary tools to come to the King’s aid.

Entering his room, you find Dimitri seated by the window at his desk, looking over paperwork.

“My apologies for having to summon you. It is a trivial matter, however Dedue is concerned about infection.” Dimitri looks embarrassed. He is in his undershirt, his left shoulder and upper arm covered in dark streaks, debris, and blood. Imbedded under his skin are many long and deep splinters.

“This doesn’t look like it came from a weapon.” You observe.

“No, Felix knocked me over and I fell into the wall. I did not know the wood had weathered and well, here I am.” Dimitri says sheepishly.

“A steady hand and some antibiotics will take care of this.” You nod, unrolling the pack of sharp tools and tweezers.

Beginning with a bit of faith magic to numb the area, you take into hand a sharp scalpel, cutting along the length of some of the deeper splinters to make it easier to remove them. A tool in hand with a needle like point lifts the imbedded wood while the other hand manipulates the tweezers pulling at a large piece of wood. The easier pieces to remove are no problem as you place splinter after splinter on a piece of cloth on the table. Next it is time to work on some that are deeper in his flesh.

“Come on, nice and easy. You can do it. Mmmmmm” You softly say, coaxing the splinter from his shoulder. “Yessssss.” You mutter with satisfaction as it comes out in a single piece.

Laying the bloody wooden spike on the cloth you look up at the King, rubbing his forearm. Dimitri listens raptly to your chatter as you work. You are talking to splinters, but some of the words and how you say them are…sultry.

“How are you doing Dimitri? Need me to take a break?” You look into his blue eye that is staring at you, not paying any attention to his papers.

“I’m…I’m fine.” Dimitri stutters as he grabs a paper, holding it up to read, hiding his blush from the enticing words you are using to help coax out the splinters.

You nod, getting back to work. “You naughty thing, stabbing our King. Right there, yes, come out.” You beckon the splinters out as you dig them from his shoulder. Giving a happy sigh you place another large piece of wood onto the cloth.

“I’m going to tear apart the training grounds and find every splintery piece of wood and give them a piece of my mind.” You grumble as you go after a smaller splinter. Moving Dimitri’s shoulder and arm, you place his hand on your knee, giving the right flex to his arm to get to the next splinter.

Dimitri turns his head and coughs a few times. “Ahem.” He is quite embarrassed. He tries very hard not to think about his hand and where it is. Papers…supposed to be reading papers, right.

“Are you feeling okay?” You lean forward to rub circles on his back. “You’re not coming down with a cold, are you?” Your voice is terribly concerned.

“No.” Dimitri shakes his head trying to clear his thoughts. It’s hard to think while his back is being rubbed. “You can continue.” He holds the paper closer to his face so you cannot see the pink tint return to his cheeks.

You continue to verbally coax the splinters from his arm, occasionally giving a squeal when you successfully remove a piece without it breaking. Applying an antiseptic salve, you rub it into the wound.

“I don’t want to heal it quite yet. I’d like to check later and see if anything is left in there. I’ll bandage it for now and check before you change for bed.” You announce as you pick up his arm and place his hand on your shoulder.

“Hold it right there so I can bandage you.” You demand as you begin rolling the bandage around his arm several times to keep the salve on his wounds and prevent it from soiling his clothes. You sit down and slowly move your hands down the rest of his arm, lightly massaging it as you go. Massaging the center of his palm you are satisfied that you have removed them all.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Dimitri?” You stand and slightly bow to him.

He clears his throat, “No, that is all.” He says in his normal deep voice. Then adds a soft, “Thank you.”

Later that evening you knock on Dimitri’s door, beckoned in you see both Dimitri and Dedue looking at the King’s already unwrapped arm.

Dedue stands behind his arm as you approach. Dimitri is seated in a chair pulled close to a large candelabra providing sufficient light. Dedue points out two areas that are redder than the rest, some deep hidden splinters as you had feared. Dimitri’s shoulder is a bit warm to the touch, another sign of an infection brewing. You hand Dedue your tools, there is no table nearby. Casting numbing faith magic, you take your scalpel and cut a small slit into one area that is bright red. Holding the flesh apart with the scalpel and edge of the tweezers you see a black bit that must be another splinter. Quickly you grasp the end with the tweezer and pull out an inch long piece of wood.

“That would have festered into a terrible mess. Let me flush it with some antiseptic.” You pour some liquid from the bottle onto the wound, wiping the excess with a cloth to not cause a mess.

The second irritated spot is more difficult to see. Changing the angle of Dimitri’s arm helps, you take his hand and place it around your right hip.

“Keep your arm there, Dimitri. Don’t move while I have this knife in hand.” You warn as you cut into another deep area where you’ve already removed some splinters.

Dimitri doesn’t move, he’s frozen to the spot. So close, his arm is wrapped partly around you and your hip.

You hand the scalpel to Dedue as you carefully pull with the tweezers. This splinter is not as long, but already showing signs of infection, a pocket of pus surrounding the bloody wood. Pouring antiseptic in again to flush it clean you dab the spot.

“I hope you don’t mind a couple stitches.” You announce to Dimitri as everything happens at once.

Felix slams the door open to the King’s chambers, asking the boar if he ever got the splinters out.

Dimitri panics as his arm is around a woman when Felix enters the room, thus he stands up, pulling his arm into you knocking you backwards. Dimitri and Dedue both lean forward to reach for your falling form at the same time, smacking their heads together, hard. Dedue stays on his feet. You fall onto your back onto the carpet, followed by Dimitri who falls crosswise across your chest grabbing his head and preventing it from hitting the ground.

Felix stands with his mouth agape as you ask him, “Did you get any splinters, Felix?” looking up at him from underneath Dimitri’s prone form.

“Tch. No. But you may want to check to see that he didn’t hit his head as well.” Felix grumbles as he backs out of the room, closing the door behind him.

After a moment you heartily laugh at the whole situation. Dimitri and Dedue join in as everyone scrambles to their feet. You make them take a seat as you feel the bumps on their heads. Healing their heads first then stitching and healing Dimitri’s arm you ask if there is anything else needed this evening.

“No, that will be all.” Dimitri says with a soft smile.

You smile widely back at him. “Thank you for letting me serve you, my King.” You bow and leave the room.

The next day you are up early in the training grounds with two carpenters and their wood planes, smoothing every visible piece of wood in the grounds. Returning to the infirmary you continue healing those injured in mishaps around the castle. A young page knocks on the door and hands you a note and a bouquet of flowers. You are invited to tea with Dimitri this afternoon. You advise the page you accept the invitation.

The infirmary workload is light today. Things are slowly settling down after the coronation. Visitors have left and reconstruction is not as desperate as before, thus less injuries. Leaving the infirmary you head to your room, changing into a nice dress and fixing your hair a bit. You are eager to find out what business the King wishes to speak with you about. Heading to his personal wing of the castle, you knock at his door.

Dedue answers, inviting you in. As you enter, Dedue exits, closing the door behind him. Dimitri is dressed casually, no coat or jacket, simply in his shirtsleeves. As you enter the room, he stands to greet you.

“Please, join me.” Dimitri smiles, holding out his hand as he sits at one end of the settee, a large table with a tea service and sweet treats piled high on a tray. You take a seat on the other end, Dimitri pours tea for you.

“I believe Bergamot is a tea you favor, is that correct?” He smiles as he gently and carefully hands you your cup and saucer.

“Yes. It’s my favorite.” You return the smile as you reach for the honey, letting some drip into your cup, leaving the tea on the table as the contents are still too warm to drink.

Dimitri clears his throat. “I suppose I should get straight to the point. I am sure you are wondering why, out of the blue, I have suddenly invited you to tea. Things have been quite busy with ending the war and then plans for the coronation and the coronation itself. Of course, things are always busy as one is trying to set up the government again after so many years of chaos. It seems like there is a never ending list of meetings and consultations and conferences. And I’m rambling, aren’t I?” He coughs into his hand and swallows, taking a deep breath.

You reach out and touch his hand that is sitting on the settee between you. “Dimitri, we have known each other for years. We have fought together in a war. I have seen you at your worst. I am so happy now seeing you at your best. You can tell me what is on your mind.” You smile at him warmly.

Dimitri relaxes a little and takes a deep breath. “Yes. We have known each other quite some time. You have been by my side, helping me and supporting our efforts. You were there when I was so terribly lost. I thank you for that very much. You believed in me when I needed it the most. Now…” He takes your hand, softly as he can between both of his, staring at you intently, his hands begin to tremble.

Time stops as you look at each other in silence. His voice is soft and low as he speaks, “Would you…would you allowmecourtyou?” He sighs heavily, searching your face desperately for your answer.

First you smile, then you nod, he still looks at you. Figuring he wants to hear your answer you lean forward a bit.

“Yes.” You gasp, bringing your other hand over his hands that still hold yours.

“Yes? Oh yes! Thank you.” He grins happily. If he were a puppy his tail would be wagging hard enough to knock everything off the table. He had been expecting a no, so the yes took a few seconds to register. His cheeks are red, his eye sparkles and he laughs a bit with glee. “I’m just so happy. I don’t know what to do with myself. I had been worried and fretting over your answer, I had no idea what to think if you actually said yes.”

“Well, right now we can sit and chat and have some tea. Perhaps you can tell me of some things that you would like me to do to help you. Your day is filled with doing everything for the country. Perhaps some time can be carved out for doing things for you.” You reach for your teacup, taking a sip.

“Going outside sounds amazing. I’ve been cooped up inside the castle every day. I want to get on a horse and ride. To no place in particular, just feel the wind on my face and sun on my back.” His look is far away with a relaxed smile.

“If it is a nice day, we can take tea together in the gardens. The King should have the ability to make time for a ride at least once a week, if it is a nice day. If they give you too much trouble, I’ll ask your clerics to write a note prescribing a required amount of sunshine for your health.” You smile then take another sip of tea.

The next few days both of you take tea in the gardens together. You are happily surprised when he identifies several different plants.

“My interest in plants came from Dedue. He is always gardening in his free time. I insisted that we include some flowering plants from Duscur in the gardens. I would love to see plants from all over Fodlan here, growing together, just like the country.” He holds out his hand so that you can take his. He is still too cautious of his strength to touch you on his own.

The Harvest Festival calls for the city to be decorated in oranges, reds, yellows, and gold. Many displays and booths line the streets to celebrate the great harvest now that the land is at peace. Dimitri invites you to the event and you arrive alongside him in the royal coach. The path before you is cleared by soldiers surrounding the king for his protection.

Dimitri graciously offers compliments and accolades to all that have worked so hard providing food for everyone. His eye goes wide at the size of some of the pumpkins entered in a competition to see who could grow the largest. Often the two of you stop to admire a street performer entertaining the crowd. One of the rear soldiers drops multiple gold coins into each of the receptacles of the performers.

Suddenly you hear a shriek followed by a wailing cry. You dash off into the crowd, your medical instincts taking over. At the base of a tree, you find a woman crying over her son. The rambunctious six year old had climbed the tree, much to his mother’s dismay, to have a look at the King as he walked past. Unfortunately, the boy did not know the branch he was standing on was weak, it broke sending the child tumbling to the ground. Mother and child are crying as you kneel next to him.

“What is your name, young sir?” You ask him calmly.

He stifles a few tears enough to answer. “Jakob.”

“May I see where you are hurt?” You smile a bit, holding out your hands.

He points to his arm, his wrist is already swelling. He tries to lift it and lets out a wail.

“Shhhh. Hold still.” You hold the arm and wrist in yours as faith magic works into his injury. You hold his arm straight and begin ordering anyone nearby to provide splints and bandages. Immobilizing and wrapping Jakob’s arm, you give instructions to his mother. As you stand, you notice Dimitri is at your side.

“King Dimitri, may I introduce you to my newest friend, Jakob. Jakob, this is King Dimitri.” You smile.

Jakob has the biggest smile across his face as he stands and bows before the king. “It is my pleasant honor to meet you King Dimitri.”

The King bows to Jakob, “It is my pleasure to meet you as well. I suggest you heed your mother’s warning when it comes to climbing trees.” He smiles as he ruffles the boy’s hair.

“Yes sir, King Dimitri sir!” Jacob stammers.

“Please bring him to the castle tomorrow morning so I can check his arm.” You tell his mother. She thanks you several times.

You return to walking along the street with the King, admiring the displays and visiting with the people. A street vendor hawking his booth loudly calls out your direction.

“Oi! Your Kingship! Have a try at me booth! Just one throw is all I ask!” The man’s voice calls out over the crowd as he stands juggling coconuts.

You bump your shoulder into his and giggle as Dimitri shakes his head and concedes. “What is it that you ask of me?”

The man bows so deeply his head nearly touches the ground. “Ahh, Your Kingship! So wonderful to be graced by your presence. I only ask that you throw one of these coconuts at the stack of milk bottles at the rear of my booth. Should you knock them all down, you win!” The showman raises his hand to the target with a practiced flourish then both hands in the air as a sign of victory.

“Go on.” You nudge him again. He looks so cute when he’s put on the spot.

“Very well.” King Dimitri takes one of the offered orbs, staring at it for a moment, then hurls it at the stack. Milk bottles fly in six different directions, most of them landing far from the booth as the target is destroyed, the coconut breaks open on the rear wall of the booth and falls to the ground, shattered.

“What an arm! Your Majesty! Congratulations!” The showman scampers over to a special box and removes a beautiful hand crafted stuffed blue lion in all its majesty. A collar around its neck proudly displays the shield of Blaiddyd. “Me wife crafted it herself, she did. She said if you see the King, you must gift it to him, she said.” He bows as he offers the regal stuffed beast.

King Dimitri bows and thanks him for the beautiful gift, handing it to a nearby soldier to monitor while he continues his stroll. At the end of the lane where the festival ends, the King gives one final wave, thanking his people for their faith and hard work.

Returning to the castle, Dimitri must attend meetings, leaving you to your own business. Taking the stuffed lion in hand you dash to the servant’s quarters, asking for a few specific items. You then head to the infirmary to notify them to find you when Jakob arrives tomorrow so that you may personally check on his wellbeing. You trust your replacements in the infirmary, you had chosen them yourself, however Jakob is a special patient.

Returning to your quarters, which now are close to the King’s own rooms, you find the requested items. With a bit of assistance, you complete the project and request it be delivered to Dimitri’s chambers.

Joining the King and the current guests in a large meeting room, representatives of the former Alliance region are here to discuss their budgets and new laws for the expanded Kingdom. There is a break for dinner followed by discussions continuing until late in the evening. The conversations finally wind down and you know that Dimitri is quite exhausted.

“I believe everyone has made great progress today. Let us all sleep on this and take this up again in the morning.” You announce.

Everyone in the room nods as you escort Dimitri to the exit. Walking down the hallway, your hand in his, Dimitri yawns not once, but twice from exhaustion. Dedue opens the door for the both of you. Following you inside the three of you sit and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, a lovely habit you have incorporated to get him to wind down before bed. You must leave soon, his eyelids are getting heavy, you hope he sleeps well this night.

“Come with me.” You smile as you take his hand and lead him to his bedroom. Dimitri blushes and looks quite confused as you lead him inside the doorway. You point at his bed and then he notices the stuffed blue lion. It is adorned with a small crown, eyepatch and a cape that resembles his.

“It’s adorable!” he exclaims as he puts his hands on your cheeks and plants a sudden kiss on your lips.

“Come again?” you gasp, your eyes wide.

Dimitri stops and blushes in his sleepy stupor as you pull on his collar and place a brief sweet kiss to his lips. Dimitri’s cheeks are a bright red as you step back and bow.

“Good night, my sweet.” You tell him before leaving the room.

“The tea was lovely, thank you Dedue.” You announce as you leave the king’s quarters, walking normally. This is a normal pace? Right? Sure it is. You see yourself out the door. Running into your room you fall on your bed and scream into your pillow. He finally kissed me!

The next morning you stop Felix on his way to bang on the King’s door wishing to drag him out for a morning spar. You require his assistance in accompanying you on a trip to the harvest festival area. He complains the entire trip switching between arguing that he is wasting his time doing this and you must stay closer to him, any madman with a blade could try to attack you. Once your mission is complete you purchase three heavily spiced meat sticks for him to enjoy while you head back to the castle.

Upon your return you are delighted to meet with Jakob and his mother in the infirmary. Jakob chatters the entire time that he is bragging to all his friends that the King had messed up his hair and he is going to grow up to be a knight to protect King Dimitri. Changing his bandages, you are pleased with his healing progress, he can take the bandages off in two weeks as long as he behaves. Before they leave, you had a large basket to his mother, filled with fruits, smoked meats, bread, and cookies.

“Share the cookies with all of your friends and neighbors.” You remind him as you wave goodbye.

The visitors with the king leave after a final meeting, heading back to warmer territory as quickly as possible before the snows cover the land. Certainly, it is not today as the sun is warm and the weather is beautiful. You work on a few projects when there is a familiar knock at the door. Dedue has arrived to fetch you for lunch.

“It is so nice out, I thought Dimitri would want lunch in the gardens today.” You mention.

“His Highness said he prefers to have it in his chambers today.” Dedue answers. He opens the door so that you may enter, then closes it behind you as he remains outside of the room.

Dimitri is immediately on the other side, looking a bit flustered.

He reaches for you, ever so lightly placing his hands on your shoulders, his eye searching yours. “Tell me, I cannot remember if it was real or a dream. Did we k-kiss last night?” His face flushes red.

You nod as pink dusts your own cheeks. “Yes.”

“May I kiss you again?” He asks as he pulls you close. His voice is so deep, with your chest pressed against his, you’re not sure if it is the vibration of his words or the shudder of a thrill racing up your spine.

“Please.” You beg him, your hands sliding up his chest around his shoulders pulling him down to meet your lips. It is a bit awkward, slightly messy, and the best kiss you’ve had since the night before. You hold him tight to your chest as he slowly wraps his arms around you as lightly as possible, resting his cheek on your forehead after the kiss. You sigh happily into his chest.

You try to step back, however he has no intention of letting you go.

“We should eat a bit.” You suggest.

“I am hungry for your lips.” He mumbles into your hair.

“They are not very nutritious.” You tap him on his back.

“You would deny a starving man who has just had a small taste of the most delicious thing he has ever had in his life?” He chuckles.

“You are always negotiating. Would you agree to lunch then perhaps kisses for dessert?” You look up at him and grin.

“One now, then lunch.” Dimitri brings his lips to meet yours once again.

After the most hurried lunch you have ever eaten, you find yourself on Dimitri’s lap exchanging kisses.

A knock on the door alerts the both of you to Dedue’s presence. “Your highness, you have a meeting to attend.” He announces.

Dimitri sighs heavily, “The duties of a King are never done.” He bemoans.

You giggle as you clamber from his comfy lap. “Let me get a comb to make you more presentable.” You offer. After combing his hair and straightening his clothes, you send him off to be bored for the remainder of the afternoon.

Things are busy rebuilding the kingdom. There is always another emergency, an urgent need or any excuse for a meeting. He has been in meetings from early dawn, only returning now very late in the evening. He eats little, his head is pounding from the stress of the day. He hesitates to call you, however he has another meeting filled day tomorrow and must try to get some rest.

You ask Dedue to please prepare tea for the three of you this evening. Directing Dimitri to sit on the couch, you stand behind it and apply gentle faith magic to relieve some of the pain in his head and jaw from being so tense. You then place the footrest at the far end of the couch, coaxing him to lie back and place his head in your lap.

You ask for his right hand and massage the point just above the thumb where the index finger would be carried down. Applying pressure first, then rubbing circles with your thumb in each direction. Placing his hand on his chest you do the same with his left hand.

Next you squeeze the spot on each side where the bridge of his nose meets the bridge of his eyebrows. Applying steady pressure there, then releasing and repeating. Finally reaching around to the base of his skull in the parallel hollow areas between the two vertical neck muscles, you press upward to the top of his head briefly release and repeat.

Removing the hair tie from his hair you run your fingers through it, gently scratching his scalp. You watch his face visibly relax and a soft smile is on his lips as you continue to card through his hair.

“Better, sweetheart?” You softly coo.

“Mmmm, yes. Thank you.” He relaxes.

Dedue brings in the tea service, placing the cups and saucers for three at the table.

You tap Dimitri on the nose. “Diiiimmaaaa. Tea time!”

He sighs then sits up. “Whatever you did was amazing. My headache is gone and I think I should be able to sleep some tonight. Thank you.”

Dedue pours tea for everyone.

“Thank you again Dedue, for a wonderful tea.” Dimitri smiles.

“You’re welcome, your Highness.” Dedue answers.

You take a cookie, taking a bite. “Oh, did you make these Dedue?”

“Yes, I had the time this afternoon.” Dedue nods.

“They are delicious. Hmm, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, ginger, clove, molasses. An amazing group of flavors mixed in with love. Thank you so much, Dedue.” Your appreciation shows in your smile and warmth toward the man.

Teatime is very much enjoyed. Dimitri looks like he is relaxed enough to go to sleep peacefully and without a headache. Dedue looks away so you can give Dimitri a sweet good night kiss.

Sunday is the lightest day of work for Dimitri. No meetings if there are no visitors in the castle. The weather is beginning to cool a little more every night. It won’t be long before snow covers everything. Dimitri wishes to take a long horseback ride and invites you to join him. You’ve never really learned the skills of being on a horse, Dimitri is more than excited to educate you. Lifting you up straight into the saddle, he climbs up behind you. Accompanied by a few knights on horseback everyone rides out past the city and into the countryside. His destination is a small area of woods that has a cliff overlooking some of the lands of Fhirdiad. Dimitri discussed the location with Dedue, this spot would provide some privacy, enemies could only approach from one side and the guards could stay far enough away, yet still protect their King.

Dimitri dismounts, lifting you from the saddle. He then unties a picnic basket from the back of the horse and tethers the steed to a tree. Spreading out the blanket you unload the basket to find a delicious lunch, complete with sweet tea.

“This is beautiful, sweetheart.” You smile at him as you place food on your plate. “A gorgeous view and beautiful scenery too.”

Dimitri blushes once he realizes the compliment. His mind then heads straight to places it should not go at such a lovely scene. “I am a beast. I have done horrible things. How can you trust yourself to be alone with me?”

Placing your food on your plate you reach out to cup his cheek. “I have seen you at your worst. I have seen you at your best. You are not a beast. You have come so far making amends for what was done and you will continue to improve. I will be here for you as long as you wish, to help you become the best you can be.”

“Why? Why would anyone want to help me? Some days I feel so useless, that I can’t be the King everyone expects me to be.” He is trembling under your touch.

“I help you because I love you. I know you are a great King, Dimitri. We all know.” You smile, using the thumb that is close by you wipe a tear from his eye.

“You…love me?” Dimitri is shocked.

You fold your hands into your lap and look at them. “I must not be doing a very good job of showing you that I do.”

“Wait! Please, take my hands.” Dimitri begs you. You reach out to hold his hands in yours.

You look into his eye, confused.

“I never thought I could be loved. You have always been there since we met, haven’t you? I have been a monster to you, yet you still came to feed me and heal me. When I had asked permission to court you, I thought you would decline. Every day I wake up and think you would reject me this day. I can’t believe you are still here, with me.”

Dimitri bends forward and pulls you close. Placing a sweet kiss on your lips. Your lips are barely touching his as he whispers. “I love you.”

The next few kisses are not as chaste as the previous one. Plates and food are scattered about the blanket as you hold each other close.

Dimitri’s stomach growls loudly, causing you both to laugh.

“I think we should finish our picnic before you begin digesting your internal organs.” You laugh.

“Can that happen?” Dimitri innocently asks with a look of surprise.

“No. Just joking!” You laugh.

“You are a cleric and an expert on those things. I suppose my sense of humor needs a bit of work.” He smiles sheepishly as he helps you straighten out the food. Finishing the picnic lunch, he packs the basket onto his mount.

“Wait. I need to get on this thing without your help.” You announce.

Placing your foot on the stirrup you attempt to hike yourself up onto the horse. Mentally you remind yourself you need to do a lot more squats. The third hopping jump you manage to jump/haul yourself up and stand with your left foot in the stirrup, you haul your right leg carefully over the horse and sit crookedly on the saddle, gently moving and wiggling yourself to center while trying not to upset the steed. Dimitri’s long legs are great for having the stirrup low, but then you had to overcome the length of your legs versus his. Maybe if you had a horse of your own it could be shorter. Maybe a pony? You suddenly notice a snickering man next to you.

“What?” You snap at Dimitri.

“Nothing.” He smiles at you, easily getting up and into the saddle as if he flew on wings.

You turn around to look at him again, he still has that silly grin on his face. “You look like the cat that ate the canary.” You frown.

“It is just that when you have your mind set on something, you can be very stubborn.” Dimitri whispers in your ear. “It is very endearing, my beloved.”

Those two words at the end send a shiver down your spine, followed by a second when he kisses the top of your ear peeking through your hair.

Winter in Fhirdiad is cold, nobody can deny that. Early winter the snow falls, then melts and this repeats as the weather has not quite made up its mind. By the end of Red Wolf Moon, the snow is here to stay for a while. Wagon wheels get stuck, so sleighs are used to cart things around in the northern parts of the kingdom until the snow is too high to move anything.

Although it is cold outside, with enough warm blankets, perhaps a warming box under the seat filled with live coals to keep your feet, legs, and posterior warm, you agree to go on a sleigh ride with Dimitri. Wearing your fluffiest warmest winter hat and coat, you are surrounded by blankets and your boyfriend as Dedue drives the horse drawn sleigh through the city and countryside. Dimitri entertains you with stories of snowball fights and building forts and snow houses with his friends.

Dedue even joins in, sharing his experiences growing up. With the water surrounding Duscur, the snow would be so deep that they had doors on the roof of the house so people could get outside and carry on business or shop or just leave the house to play. Winter is also a time for handcrafts, baking, soups and savory stews. Before the end of the ride, he promises to make a Roasted Root Stew for dinner in the next day or two.

The sun sets quickly in winter, the moonlight giving a bluish tint to the snow as it sparkles all around. The trees look like they have their own coats of white covering every branch. A rabbit scampers across your path, its fur turned snow white to help with camouflage. The most amazing thing about snow is the quiet. Not many birds stay around in the winter. Once it is night everyone goes inside as the little bit of warmth from the sun is gone. The only sound is the horse tromping through the snow and the swwishhhh sound of the sleds sliding across the snow. The quiet is peaceful, beautiful and filled with the air of calm.

The snow piles higher and higher around the castle. Time marches along as the citizens and lands rest, healing from the war. The King is healing as well. His nightmares are not nearly as frequent, he does not seem on edge and full of angst by the end of the day.

Dimitri’s birthday is tomorrow and a small celebration is planned. Several of the other Blue Lions will be attending, easily able to traverse the snow. Dedue is pouring chamomile tea as you review what has happened today.

“I was called to the kitchens again this morning,” You dribble some honey into your tea. “The cook’s new apprentice burnt her fingers again. That is the third time this week.” You frown.

“Perhaps you can provide her some training?” Dedue offers.

“I would like to sew gloves permanently on her hands!” You chuckle. “Perhaps we can set up something to develop her awareness.”

“The meetings were light today. Not too many complaints when people have difficulty making it through the snow.” Dimitri muses.

“Tomorrow is the big day, not everyone will have problems getting here tomorrow, I hope.” You smile taking a sip.

“Felix and Sylvain will have no trouble whatsoever. Mercedes and Annette will arrive with them.” Dimitri’s eye shines brightly as he goes through the list. “Ingrid will be on Pegasus, so no issues there. Of course, Ashe is a knight here, so the only concern would be Byleth’s arrival in time.”

“Am I spoiling you if I want to be the first to give you a birthday present?” you ask him just before he must go to bed.

“Sometimes, my beloved, I have noticed that you are not the most patient of women.” Dimitri grins. “I will allow this, only for you.”

You happily pull him to his bedroom door and open it so he can see it.

Normally the proud kingly lion sits in the center of his bed, awaiting his return. Tonight, he sits opposite a beautiful female lion. She is adorned with a circlet of flowers around the top of her head and ears, long ribbons down her back and a clerical cape like yours. The lions face each other, touching noses.

“They are adorable.” Dimitri smiles.

You bend down to the bed patting the lioness on the head. “Oh, what is this? I think she has a present for you.” You softly say as you get down on a knee to reach and obtain a box that is sitting between her front paws.

Dimitri comes closer to join you, only for you to stay on one knee and turn to face him with the box in your hands.

“Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, will you marry me and make me the happiest woman ever?” You ask, your eyes welling up with tears.

Dimitri gasps and falls to his knees in front of you. “What? Oh yes! Of course, yes!” He declares as he takes you in your arms and kisses your lips and face urgently. Eventually, the two of you have to break apart to breathe.

“You definitely have an impatient side to you.” He laughs, placing his forehead against yours.

“What? I have the patience of a saint.” You giggle. “Saint Cethleann was very impatient.”

“I suppose you are entitled to this.” Dimitri walks to his desk and opens a drawer. He brings a small box to you. “Just to be certain, will you marry me?”

“Let me think.” You chuckle. “Yes. Without hesitation.” Pulling him close you kiss him again.

The day of Dimitri’s birthday is a joyous event for everyone in the castle. Guests arrive and are settled in their rooms. Felix, Sylvain, Annette and Mercedes make it without incident.

“Come on Boar, spar with me. We have time before dinner.” Felix grunts as he shoves Dimitri in the shoulder

You have a cup of tea and cakes with Annette and Mercedes in your parlor, catching up on the latest gossip. You are relieved that they are wearing gloves, you have not had much experience in the high circles of society. It is cold in the hallways, and they certainly help.

“Teaching at the School of Sorcery full time really keeps me busy.” Annette says as she places her teacup down. “It is fun to see the wide eyed new faces get excited about casting their first spells.

“Annie, that is so sweet.” Mercedes laughs softly. “Things are going very well at the new orphanage we started in Fraldarius. We have a huge building and a room for each individual child. We really appreciate the help from Dimitri and Felix. The children are going to write thank you letters soon. I hope you get to see them.”

“That is wonderful to hear. I am sure Dimitri will be well pleased with the news.” You thank them. “Getting the country back on its feet and prospering is his main goal, of course. I hope to see some of these places myself when it warms up in the spring.”

“That would be awesome if you can come visit!” Annette gasps excitedly. “We could have the students show off their talents. Many are working hard to take existing spells and making them useful in every day life.”

“Can someone look into a spell to cast on ordinary items that resist breaking?” You giggle. “I know someone that would appreciate that spell for sure.”

The table erupts in laughter. Girl talk continues as Ingrid joins you. Byleth’s arrival is announced, and everyone heads to one of the comfortable dining rooms that is prepared for the lavish feast the cooks have prepared.

Dinner consumed, the reunited Blue Lions retire to the King’s wing of the castle in a parlor fitted with plenty of furniture to accommodate everyone comfortably. Chairs, lounges and couches are scattered about the room as well as bowls of fruit, trays of cheese and sausage for snacks. A well-stocked cupboard carries glasses, wines, ciders and hard alcohol.

Sylvain makes himself right at home pulling out a large bottle of brandy and filling a few glasses. Annette picks out a fruity wine made with blackberries and between the two everyone has a glass.

“May I propose a toast?” Byleth spoke up and everyone shushed. “Happy Birthday to Dimitri, King of United Faerghus. May he have many happy and peaceful birthdays to come.”

Sylvain let out a whoop, most others give a respectable cheers! Everyone settles into little groups chatting amongst themselves. You lean on the arm of a comfy sofa, talking with Byleth about what is going on in the monastery.

“The rebuilding and repairing is going well.” Byleth shares. “The classrooms are functional, and all of the dormitories are repaired. We are rewriting the curriculum to teach mathematics, reading, writing and other necessary classes for the public. We want it to be a school for the children to learn, leading into better careers than just becoming knights or fighters.”

“That is wonderful to hear!” You excitedly clap your hands together. “A well educated people is a boon for everyone.”

Dedue is on the left side of the room with Ashe and Mercedes discussing recipes. Ingrid, Felix, Dimitri and Sylvain are discussing some recent merchants that arrived in Fhirdiad offering impressive and finely made weapons from Dagda and Brigid, the styles of weapons being the main topic of conversation.

Mercedes sits next to you for a while, speaking with you and Byleth about a recent idea you are testing. Setting up healing clinics in the city in several areas to assist in keeping the people healthy. Byleth approves of the idea and may test some clinics in areas around Garreg Mach.

Sylvain has been keeping everyone’s glasses full. He notices that he really hasn’t had to fill your glass much, however the glass of water next to your wineglass is nearly empty. Leaning over the back of the couch he starts massaging your shoulders.

“Hey.” Sylvain bends over and speaks softly close to your ear. “If you don’t like the wine we have other drinks. Loosen up and have a good time, beautiful. Get relaxed. “He grins at you and then winks.

Before you can turn your head to tell him no, Dimitri marches over and sits next to you on the couch removing Sylvain’s hands.

“Refrain from manhandling my fiancée.” Dimitri growls at him. He then gently places his hand on top of yours that is sitting on the couch cushion between the both of you.

You blush at him as several gasps utter in the room.

“Fian- you’re getting married Dimitri? Congratulations!” Sylvain nearly shouts, slapping him on the shoulder. “Didn’t know you had it in you! When did this happen? Tell us all about it!” He runs around to the front of the couch to take a seat in the chair directly opposite Dimitri so he can watch his friend’s every move.

“I-well. It just happened. We aren’t quite ready to announce it, but then Sylvain…” Dimitri hangs his head down, shaking it while blushing profusely.

You decide to swoop in to save him. “You see Sylvain, when two people like each other and get to know each other well, spending time together, sometimes something special happens. We have been courting for quite a while you know.”

“I know, yeah. But he’s Dimitri! He has no idea how to flirt or capture ladies’ hearts. Has he even kissed you?” Sylvain looks quite shocked.

Dimitri’s face is red all the way to his neck. You take his hand in yours and squeeze it tightly.

“We have kissed. He kissed me first and everything else is our business. Change the subject.” You give him your evil eye look.

“Wow.” Sylvain laughs. “Wah-hah-how.” He stands up and walks to the alcohol cabinet. Felix gives him a punch in the shoulder.

“Shut the fuck up, idiot.” Felix mumbles.

“Felix, do me a favor.” You smile slyly. “Take Sylvain to the training grounds with you early tomorrow morning and give him a good workout. I’ll even tell them to lock you two in there so he can’t escape.”

“It would be my pleasure.” Felix gives a courteous bow and Sylvain a side eye.

“Speaking of sparring,” Byleth says loudly. “I have a few new swords I’ve brought if you want to have a look at them Dimitri. Fantastic workmanship. I hear this weapon maker has some amazing materials that are being shipped in from Dagda.”

You get up to move about the room, talking with Ingrid about improving farming techniques in their territory.

“We always thought Galatea had poor soil because certain fruits and vegetables would not grow well there.” Ingrid sips her wine. “We kept fighting with the land, trying to make it grow what we wanted. Finally, we’re growing what the land wants, what grows in our type of soil in the first place. This is the third year for cranberries and the bushes are loaded. Rethinking our ways has improved things a hundred fold.”

“I love cranberries.” Annette croons. “They make a really tart sauce that is great with bird meat.”

“I like the juice for breakfast, it certainly is an eye opener!” You add.

The conversation quietly moves to anything and everything except for the engagement. Annette heads over to speak with Felix, Ingrid heads to Ashe to discuss something.

Sylvain stands close, but not too close to you. His grin is full of mischief. You dread what is going to come out of his mouth.

“So, when you planning on having kids?” Sylvain not so innocently inquires. “The council has been dogging him about heirs since the day after his coronation.”

“One more word from you and I will have Felix take you to the training grounds now, followed by Byleth, Dedue, Ingrid, Ashe and myself. Am I making myself perfectly clear?” You give a smile through gritted teeth that makes him cringe down to his toes.

“Yes Ma’am.” Sylvain whines as he backs up and heads to the farthest side of the room, only to find Dimitri there, so he splits the difference and heads to a corner furthest away from the both of you.

Sylvain stays in his corner. Ashe approaches him, asking a question. As he opens his mouth you stare at him. Sylvain dutifully closes his mouth and only answers by nodding yes or no. His voice is not heard throughout the rest of the evening. It is a fine party indeed for Dimitri’s birthday.

#fe3h #fe3h fanfiction #fire emblem three houses #fe3h x reader #dimitri alexander blaiddyd #blue lions #fe16

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mannatea · 2 years

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me going to singing practice at the cathedral and who shows up but annette and felix together LOL. idiots

anyway... story

that faCE that cORneLIA maKES hghghhhh

also damn her boobs rival tittystrap666 and for that i am truly scared

damn seteth that crit animation tho 👀

the golem things chased byleth everywhere she went so i just had her drag them around while the rest of my army beat cornelia’s face in

by which i mean ingrid got her in one lucky critical hit

okay but does everyone love dimitri just cause they’re like...”welp he’s better than cornelia”

aight so we suspectin arundel of being the mastermind

you’d think with all these people that “suddenly changed” everyone would be like 👀👀👀 fuck remember monica-who-wasn’t-monica???

dedue x felix B = felix is an idiot and it’s a shame this doesn’t seem to go anywhere else lol

ingrid x sylvain A+ = sylvain...........are you twitterpated over ...makeup... or are we meant to think it’s messing you up cause you think she’s doing it to get w/ someone who isn’t you? eh. “it was just a joke.....unLESS...” honestly this was....not great i think. you can do better, ingrid. feel free to fight me over this folks maybe u have a better, more charitable take on these two?

rip to me cause that took WAY longer than i wanted it to and now it’s time for me to get to bed. i’ve played this game for like, 45 hours? jfc and i’m not even done with one route let alone multiple.

if i have time tomorrow maybe i’ll type up some more thoughts i’ve had about the game so far... ones that aren’t particularly useful to type live since they’re just random considerations/opinions/etc.

#manna plays fe3h

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purgatoryo · 3 years

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Dimitri Alexandrovich Blaiddyd

Dimitri is a sincere young man who seems like the embodiment of chivalry, but a shade of darkness lies beneath his cheerful demeanor {x}

FULL NAME: Dimitri Alexandrovich Blaiddyd ALIASES: ‘The Boar Prince’, ‘The One-Eyed Monster’, ‘Dima’, ‘Sasha’

BIRTHDAY: 20th of the ethereal Moon, Imperial Year 1162 (December 20) AGE: 17 years old (at the Officer’s Academy), 23 years old (during the war)

GENDER: Male ( he / him )

OCCUPATION: House Leader of the Blue Lions and Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Faerghus AFFILIATIONS: Blue Lions, The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, Garreg Mach Monastery PREFERENCE: Bisexual

KNOWN LANGUAGES: Common tongue (likened to Latin), Adrestian (likened to Germanic languages), Faerghus’s language (likened to Slavic languages)

APPEARANCE: A young man in early in his youth with golden hair, light blue eyes, and a tall and broad build. He often seen sporting the trademark blue of his house and kingdom with a lance and sword strap to his side. Though charming and seemingly sincere to a fault, the holy prince is capable of violence and carnage if pushed too far… CHARACTERISTICS: ( + ) compassionate, chivalrous, selfless ( - ) wrathful, stubborn, foolhardy Keep in mind that His Highness has experienced a lot of tragedy in his life and was forced to grow up too fast. He easily forces himself into the mold of perfect knight, being humble and courteous, for the sake of pleasing others and keeping appearances. But he holds a lot of hurt in his heart, twisting him into something else if such hurt is left unchecked.

SKILLS: Skilled in fighting with lances and swords, proficient in horseback riding and authority. Is able to wield the relic, Areadbhar.

[ T I M E L I N E ]

1163 - Under the Pegasus Moon, Queen Irina succumbs to the plague that has been ravaging the kingdom for over 3 years. Young Dimitri falls ill but fortunately survives.

1171 - King Lambert remarries a foreign noble woman from the Adrestian Empire. Queen Patricia of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus treats Dimitri as her own son.

1174 - Prince Dimitri unknowingly meets and befriends the Imperial Princess, Edelgard von Hresvelg. The two grow to be fast friends and the young prince harbors a harmless infatuation and admiration for the Princess. Their relationship, however, changes when it is revealed they are in fact step siblings.

1176 - The Tragedy of Duscur. Nobles of Faerghus are slaughtered by the dozen, including that of King Lambert, Queen Patricia, and Glenn Fraldarius. Dimitri, thought left at death’s door, is the only survivor. Duke Rufus, His Highness’s uncle, is made the boy’s regent.

1178 - Dimitri gains some renown for quelling a rebellion at the borders of Faerghus.

1180 - Dimitri enters the Officer’s Academy at Garegg Mach Monastery. He placed under the tutelage of a mercenary-turned professor and flourishes under them.

The following months, his stepsister, Edelgard declared war against the Church of Seiros. Faerghus came to the Monastery’s aid. The Church ultimately failed.

1181 - As the Adrestian continues to unify Fodlan under its rule, Cornelia attempted to usurp the throne of Faerghus and the House of Blaiddyd is overthrown. Dimitri is thrown in jail until his vassal and companion, Dedue gives his life to free him.

1182 - The crownless prince began to attack and murder Imperial soldiers and generals who dare attempt to further invade the Kingdom. People only heard rumors of this and dubbed him ’ the one-eyed monster ’.

In the year 1185, when Garreg Mach is supposed to be in celebration, his old professor, Byleth, found the usurped prince. Faerghus is ready to wage war once more and the Prince is hungry for revenge.

headcanons // threads // misc.

#*dimitri ( about )#*dimitri ( hc )#*dimitri ( threads )#*dimitri

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avy-avy-allaway · 4 years

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White, Yellow, Red (Ch. 1)

A/N: Did I fall in love with Hanahaki Claudeth? Yes. Yes I did. Also does Suyen sound like a good name for a wyvern?

@smallestbrown it’s evolving into a 10k word fic. help

Paring: Claude x F!Byleth Fandom: Fire Emblem 3 Houses Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki, some blood, minor death (later) Includes: PINING, unrequited love Rating: T Next Chapter Here

Where was she?

That question had been tugging furiously at Claude’s mind since Teach had disappeared during the battle at Garreg Mach. It had been a month, now, and the Monastery had already fallen, Edelgard bringing the war to the Kingdom soon after. By then, he had already returned to the Alliance to help his grandfather with the Roundtable conferences and what to do about the Empire.

It was divided in two, three of the nobles wanting to keep neutrality and avoid the fighting. The other three - himself and his grandfather included - wanted to launch a preemptive strike against the Empire before they could make the Kingdom fall.

But despite all the arguing, scheming, planning and paperwork, Claude’s mind still ran with questions, the most prominent one being, where was Teach? It was a question that always snuck up on him, hit him on the back of the head with the flat edge of a sword. Claude expected that she would be back by now, ready to help lead him and the Deer against the Empire before either the Alliance or the Kingdom fell.

And yet, she hadn’t returned.

He had searched for her, managing to convince his grandfather to send out small search parties near the ruined monastery, but they all came back empty-handed. For a while, he considered going to search himself, but then several things hit him at once. First, Dimitri had died, and that Cornelia had taken over the western half of the Kingdom. That meant a few days to mourn, then arguing. Next, his grandfather grew weak, ill, and Claude found himself having to go in his grandfather’s steed more and more often. A few more months passed, and he had died. More mourning, more arguing.

But just before he did, the final thing - and perhaps the most concerning of all - were the little white flower petals he had started to cough up. Still, there was still arguing at the Roundtable conferences, and Claude soon found himself trying to tie the Alliance together so it didn’t fall apart and split into two. That left him with no time to figure out what the hell was with the flowers.

While he waited for a chance to get to the library, the coughing had started to grow slightly worse. It was few, and far-in-between, but each cough was laced with a few flower petals, sometimes with small drops of blood laced in. It was worrying, but amidst all his new responsibilities, he didn’t have much time to think about it, though carrying a small handkerchief had become part of his routine. The other nobles wouldn’t know he was sick if they never saw anything, and he didn’t need any more cards stacked against him.

When he finally did have some time to himself, the first place he headed was the old library near the outskirts of Derdriu. It was quiet, and only a few people were inside. He had rarely been to the library, and it sent off a discordant sound in his chest about how much it looked like the Monastery’s old library.

Then he shook his head. Whether he wanted them to be or not, his days as a student were long gone. Not even Teach, as amazing as she was, could fix that.

That discordant note rang inside Claude again, louder this time and accompanied by another stretch of coughing, which he had managed to muffle most of with his sleeve so as to not draw the attention of the few people inside. It was something he’d learned to do very well in recent months, but what was new was the number of petals that came with this one. It was quite a few more petals than what it normally was, and the amount of blood seemed to have raised as well. His throat felt scratchy, and there was a certain tightness to his lungs he hadn’t felt before.

So he moved fast, searching for and finding a book on flowers near the back. He flipped through the pages, checking each picture of the flower with the few he had carried with him from his fits. Finally, he found one that seemed to be a perfect match; white carnation.

Claude frowned. He hadn’t seen many carnations since his time at the Monastery, when he’d seen them growing in the few times he’d visited the greenhouse. It was one of the gifts Teach had liked to give out to people, and even though he’d never gotten a carnation, from the few flowers he had gotten from her, he could see the love and care she put into taking care of them.

His eyes scanned the page, looking for anything that might tell him why he was coughing up carnations.

Standing for sweetness and loveliness, innocence and pure love, the white carnation is the historical good luck gift to women. That was what the description had said when he read it. At first glance, it wasn’t useful. But after reading through the entire page on it a second time, that description popped out at him, a nagging feeling he didn’t like at all. He just couldn’t place his finger onto what, nor did it help him understand why the hell he was coughing them up in the first place.

Sighing, Claude tucked the book under his arm, then started searching for any books on medicine or white magic. He had a feeling that the fewer people who knew about whatever illness this was, the better it would be for him. Sure, he could go to Marianne, but he rarely saw her, and he knew that she was busy helping out her family. Besides, he didn’t want to worry her. For all he knew, this was just some small sickness that he didn’t have the resources to fix yet.

It took him about an hour to finally find a book on medicine and healing, and when he finally did, he flipped through the pages. The page he was looking for was in the back of the book, in the Rare Diseases section of it. When he did, he felt another stone settling into the ever-growing pile of stones in his gut.

Hanahaki disease: A mysterious, rare disease caused by unrequited, true love, where flowers start to grow in the recipient's lungs when they suffer from one-sided love. If the disease is left untreated, or the person does not return the recipient’s love, they die from choking on the flower petals. Neither white magic nor traditional medicine has yet been able to cure it. There are, however, three solutions.

Solution One: The recipient falls out of love, which is what happens is most cases with younger recipients. Solution Two: The person the recipient loves returns the love, at which case the flowers will stop growing. Solution Three: The recipient gets surgery to remove the flowers. This is the last choice, usually saved for when the recipient is in the last stages of the diseases and hasn’t fallen out of love or the person the recipient loves doesn’t return their feelings. However, the surgery is dangerous, and if it’s successful, the recipient’s feelings towards the person disappear; and in some cases, forgets most, if not all, memories attainting to the person.

Claude frowned, rubbed the back of his neck as he read through the rest of the page. The few other bits and pieces of information about the disease were pretty much useless to him, and what little information he had gained about it didn’t make him feel any better.

Another coughing fit seized him, more flower petals spilling forth from his lips and into his sleeve. One it was over, he looked around to make sure no-one had heard him, before picking the petals off his sleeve and putting them into his pocket.

Unrequited love, huh? He mused, taking the two books and walking over to one of the desks. He took out one of the flower petals from his pocket, looked it over. Carnations. True love was one of the things they stood for, and here he sat, suffering from an illness that was a result of one-sided love. If he hadn’t been so worried about the fact he might die from choking to death on flower petals, he would’ve laughed at the irony.

Sighing, Claude frowned, leaned forward on the table and opened up the medicine book again. Unrequited love. As far as he could tell, there wasn’t anyone he loved, at least not enough to develop this mysterious disease. He had a few friends, like Hilda, Lysithea, Marianne, and...

Eh, Lorenz is alright. I’ll count him in, Claude thought, then shook his head. Still, Lorenz barely made the cut, and he was sure that he didn’t love any of the girls. At least, not enough to get sick over it, and he barely had enough time to do his work and keep the Alliance from splitting, much less fall in love with someone in Derdriu.

A name tugged at the edge of his mind, then, incessant and nagging. Byleth. His old friend. Claude tried to push it out of his mind - it couldn’t be her. She was his Teach, his friend, not someone he loved. Besides, even in the slim case that he did, she was nowhere to be found. None of his contacts or search parties have found her, and his spies have said that - unless Edelgard was being incredibly careful or sneaky - Byleth hadn’t been taken prisoner.

But if her body hadn’t been found, and she hadn’t been taken prisoner, where the hell was she? It had been nearly a year and a half since she disappeared, and there was still no sign of her. It bugged him more than he cared to admit. Some part of him wanted to rush out to the monastery and look for her himself, but he just didn’t have the time.

Sighing, Claude closed the books, stood up, returned them. As much as he was like to take some time off for himself for a while longer and solve this mystery, he still had work to do. He could figure out who he loved later.

The next few months flew by, filled with arguing and paperwork and politics and flowers. The fits grow worse, and he finds himself coughing up more and more flower petals each time, and he starts to wonder what would kill him first; the Empire, the flowers, or politics.

Near the end of the third year since the fall of Garreg Mach, he had coughed up his first full flower. For a while, he tried to himself that it was just his eyes playing tricks on him; after all, coughing up full flowers couldn’t be a good sign. He had come to accept that Byleth was, in fact, the person he fell in love with. But with the fact they were still missing, he didn’t know what to do next. After all, it wasn’t like she could return his feelings if she were dead.

Claude realized what he was thinking, then, shook his head. Even though he couldn’t find her, he refused to believe she was dead. Flowers or no, there was still so much he had to say to her, and he wanted her to see his accomplishments. He wanted her back, wanted her so he wouldn’t feel so alone and overwhelmed. If she were there, this war would be close to ending, possibly even over already.

But she wasn’t. And that hurt worse than he could put into words. He wasn’t sure which hurt worse; the flowers or the loneliness.

Another year passed by, and there was still more paperwork. Count Gloucester was slowly shrinking his borders as the Empire continued to fight against what remained of the Kingdom. Rumors had started to spread of someone going around and killing Imperial officers, generals, and commanders. For a while, he had hoped it was Byleth. But the reports said that the murders were vicious like they’d been killed by a monster, rather than human hands. Besides, if it was Byleth, Claude was sure that she would’ve come to the Alliance, searched for him, and if not him, then the other Deers. Surely she couldn’t be the one going around doing all this, right?

Still, there were no answers. Still, she hadn’t been found, though it did make Claude wonder; if Teach died, would he still be coughing up flowers? Would they still grow, or would the wilt and die, and would he be free? He didn’t know; he didn’t know if he wanted to. If it was the latter, and the coughing did stop, or the flowers wilted, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to live with it. Living with the flowers was bad, but living without Teach was hard already. At least this way, he knows that she could still be alive. He didn’t know how, he just knew. It was what he’d been telling himself since she disappeared, that she was alive.

Besides, Claude figured as he signed off on a request to deliver more soldiers to House Ordelia, if anyone could cheat death, it would be Teach. He’d seen her cut a hole in the sky with her sword and step out from... wherever the hell Solon had put her. Surely someone like that wouldn’t let herself fall to the sharp end of a blade so easily.

Only a year remained before he and the Deer were scheduled to meet back at the Monastery. Millenium festival or no, Claude would be going; he had made a promise, and he was going to see it through. He could only hope that everyone else could make it, too. Even Teach, wherever the hell she was, doing whatever the hell she was doing. Especially Teach.

Claude almost chuckled at that; if he hadn’t coughed up more flower petals, he just might’ve of. Even now, four years after he’d unofficially graduated, two years after he realized he loved her, he still called her Teach. It slid off his tounge as easily as schemes and promises and lies did. He wouldn’t be surprised, though, if - when they all met - the other Deer still called Byleth professor as well. Because that was what she’d been to them; a professor, a mentor, someone they could trust and turn to.

Even when the monastery was in the midst of betrayals and lies and death, he and the Deer still trusted Teach with all their hearts. Someone like that couldn’t be dead; he wouldn’t accept it, not yet. If she returned to the Monastery in one year, he might be able to start working towards the dream he had held onto all these years, and maybe he could bring her with him. If she didn’t, well... he shuddered to think about it.

So, he held out hope, catching the petals that fell from his mouth and nose all the meanwhile.

The next year passed by both fast enough that he couldn’t savor it, and yet slow enough that he was in agony, waiting for the promised day of the Deer’s return to Garreg Mach.

Claude had kept up the search parties while he waited, hoping he wouldn’t have to resort to Teach showing up at Garreg Mach in order to know he was alive. But he started planning as well, wasting what few hours of sleep he got concocting schemes and plans against the Empire. That way, if Teach did show up, he might be able to launch an attack against the Empire before Edelgard tested his mettle as a leader. Return or no, Claude still made up schemes, still planned to go after the Empire before they could go after him.

Sure, having Teach there would help him considerably more; if he could convince Teach to lead the Knights of Serios in Rhea’s place, that meant he could have more soldiers fighting for him. But either way, he was going to fight, for not only the dreams he’d spent so long working on but for his friends. He couldn’t bear to see them fall. His first plan was to regain control of Garreg Mach. That way, he could have a base that much closer to the Empire. Not only was it in a strategically-great location, but he held many fond memories of it as well, and that adventurous part of him longed to walk the halls of it once more.

The attacks had grown worse, however. Claude had started coughing up flowers at an alarming rate, more blood spilling from his mouth each time, the petals growing in number. He coughed up two full flowers two days in a row, with a few more scattered in the mix. If the other nobles at the Roundtable hadn’t already noticed the fact he was excusing himself from the conferences more often than not, they would soon. The Millenium festival couldn’t get here soon enough; he didn’t need the other nobles thinking he was incompetent.

Finally, though, there was less than a week before the Millenium Festival. His mind had started to turn away from politics and arguing as the festival drew near, occupied with schemes galore. And yet, despite knowing that there was a slim chance that Teach was dead, he felt... almost happy. The fits seemed to ease, too, and he was surprised the first time he made it through a conference without excusing himself to hide his attack. He felt like he could breathe, like that large gap between him and his dream had shrunk.

Claude could only hope that it lasted, though. He didn’t want his good mood to be ruined by Teach not returning.

The day before he was festival, Claude made a trip over to the kitchen and, with the help of some kitchen boys, made Teach’s favorite food; Pickled Rabbit skewers. It was one of his favorite foods, and he’d often seen Teach having it when eating at the dining hall. He hoped - no, he knew - that they could share the meal, just like they did when they were students. It would make it seem like there was at least something right.

He spent the rest of his day with Nader, prepping him for all the shit the other nobles would throw at him while he was away, then packed his bags. Once night fell, he went out to the stables, where Suyen, his wyvern, waited for him. He attached his bags to the wyvern, then climbed on.

A coughing fit seized him as he did, and he doubled forward, hands shaking and red-splattered petals falling onto his hands. Luckily for him, no-one but Suyen was around, and the wyvern made a noise that sounded like worry. Once his fit had stopped, Claude reached forward and rubbed the wyvern’s head with his clean hand, shaking off the petals stuck to his glove. They flittered to the ground, and Claude sighed, grabbed Suyen’s reins.

Soon, he thought to himself as he took off, the sound of beating wings loud in the silent night. Soon, I’ll see Teach, and then I can get rid of this damn illness. Then, he could start towards his dream, Teach at his side. She was alive, he knew it. He could feel it in his bones, in his heart. All he had to do was survive long enough to tell her.

#fire emblem fanfiction #fire emblem three houses #three houses #fanfiction #cc writes stuff #my writing #claude von riegan #f!byleth #hanahaki #claudeth #f!byleth x claude #claude x f!byleth #fe3h claude #fe3h byleth #fe3h

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ship-ambrosia · 5 years

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I’m in an Ashe x Annette mood so here’s some HCs

- Ashe knew Annette was a noble almost instantly. Being from House Rowe’s territory, he’s used to stick up nobles who look down on him. He was instantly shocked when all the Faerghus nobles didn’t. Annette was instantly friendly with him and he felt comfortable around her very quickly.

- Annette is very impressed by Ashe’s goals to be a knight, as well as his skills with a bow and all the stuff he’s good at because he was a thief, like sneaking around and lockpicks. Ashe tried to hide that he used to be a thief from everyone but especially her.

- Ashe admires her studiousness. He works really hard to be just as good as her. They’re both some of the smarter students in the class, though Ashe struggles with theory while Annette struggles with application. They study together a lot.

- Annette was the first to comfort him after Lonato died. First she squeezed his hands reassuringly, and asked if he wanted a hug which he accepted. Annette helped him come to terms with what happened, and along with Dimitri and Byleth probably, reminded Ashe that it was okay if Lonato was still his inspiration for being a knight, because I feel like Ashe would really worry that he was going against the church by feeling that way.

- Ashe and Annette work together really well on the battlefield. Ashe is always there to take out an enemy that might be sneaking up on her, and Annette has taken out heavy hitters who go after Ashe while he’s picking locks.

- After Miklan’s death, Annette showed Ashe her crest. She expressed how she sees why people value them but also thinks Ashe and Dedue are great examples of why people don’t particularly need them to be great knights.

- Ashe and Annette were both spooked by the rumors of the Death Knight going around town. If one of them had to walk around the monastery late, they go to get the other and walk around together, and sometimes with Mercedes (but Mercedes will also sometimes enjoy scaring them on purpose)

- They both find each other pretty adorable and have expressed romantic interest, Annette to Mercedes of course and Ashe to Ingrid. Ingrid and Mercedes discuss this at their tea get-togethers, but don’t interfere just cuz they find it cute.

- When Ashe learns her father is the legendary Faerghus knight Gustave, he fangirls quite a bit. He admires Gustave. This brings up some painful memories for her, and though Ashe feels bad and assures her she doesn’t have to tell him, she tells him anyway because they’re pretty good friends. She also tells him about how finding her dad was her goal to get into the academy.

- Annette teaches Ashe to dance for the ball during the Ethereal Moon! Omg this literally kills me. She makes him promise to dance with her at least once. Though he’s extremely embarrassed, they end up dancing for most of the night together.

- If anyone tried to put Ashe down by bringing up his status as a commoner or that he was adopted by Lonato, Annette would be the first to stick up for him.

- If anyone made fun of Annette, Ashe is the first to stick up for her and then he calls Mercedes

- Sylvain tries to give Ashe dating advice when he overhears Ashe and Ingrid talking about Annette. Ashe blushes a lot and tries to forget everything Sylvain tells him though he appreciates the thought.

- They like to do target practice together.

- Ashe cooks for Annette a lot. He also lovesss to listen to her sing. Kinda similar to Felix I imagine he really likes her goofy songs but teases her less than Felix does about them.

- After learning Edelgard is the flame emperor, and learning that there is going to be a war, they reassure one another in the weeks leading up to it. Both of them and Mercedes all express their distaste and their concern for Dimitri, but want to be there for their classmates all the same.

- After the monastery falls, Annette goes back to Fhirdiad and Ashe joins the knights of House Rowe, but we know he leaves as soon as House Rowe joins Cornelia. Ashe joins Gilbert in the resistance and becomes his protege (?) And does a lot of stealthy work for the eastern lord resistance

- The first time they reunite, Ashe is sorta tongue-tied by seeing how she has matured and gotten very pretty over the five years. Annette is salty how tall he got (yes, based on the fanfic I’m obsessed with LOL). She’s also kind of jealous how her father has trained him, but happy all the same for him because she knows Ashe looked up to him and is well on his way to accomplish his dream.

- Annette’s sunny personality definitely causes timeskip Dimitri to snap at her a bit (like when she suggests they clean the monastery up a bit and can reminisce). Ashe will stand his ground against Dimitri when he does that even if Dimitri threatens him.

- I love their A and A+ supports so much. He is so brave!! For her!! He is so scared of ghosts and he goes back into that creepy tower to get the doll for her because he knows how much she wants to hold on to things from her father. Ashe’s bravery in getting them out of the tower, and then going back in to get the doll makes Annette realize that her little schoolgirl crush on him might have blossomed into something more.

- Mercedes and Ingrid are definitely involved in getting them together. I don’t know when it happens but I think it might be before the war’s end, honestly. I personally think Ashe would confess first, and when Annette reciprocates he’s so happy he kisses her first, then gets embarrassed and apologizes and then immediately asks for permission to kiss her. She then just giggles and kisses him back and listen my heart is just melting typing this out.

- Once they’ve confessed they both become exponentially more protective of one another. You attack Annette? Ashe is aiming between your eyes. Go after Ashe? Annette is breaking out the Sagittae immediately

- Ashe is so nervous to tell Gilbert that he loves Annette. Though he doesn’t think he really has a right to judge the significant other Annette has chosen, Gilbert could not be more relieved that it is Ashe lol

- After the war when Ashe is given Gaspard Castle, a bunch of young lords immediately try to take advantage of him. Annette tries to help him but ends up just wanting to fight them all and Mercedes has to intervene.

- Annette still goes to teach at the school of Sorcerery and Ashe becomes one of Dimitri’s knights and all of Annette’s students literally die over how cute a couple they are

- I love the idea that Annette writes stories about him after Ashe passes away?? Oof my heart. But she doesn’t leave herself out she also writes about her own experiences with him

- Ooh and they also probably have one or two kids and god those kids are gonna be just as cute as their parents are

- Also the first time Ashe’s brother and sister meet Annette and Mercedes they instantly love both of them and tease Ashe mercilessly about Annette

#random post from bree #bree rambles #favorites by bree #bree writes #headcanons #fire emblem headcanons #fire emblem three houses #minor three houses spoilers #bree ships things #ashe x annette #ashette #fire emblem ships #every time i tell someone i ship them theyre like #this pairing is so cute it should be illegal #ship the two biggest cinnamon rolls its a great idea #long post

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foreteller-ava · 2 years

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Blooms [Chapter 2]

AO3 | FFN

[Chapter 1]

Summary: Summary: At the start of every year, individuals across Fódlan suffering from unrequited love develop an illness known as Hanahaki disease, where they cough up flowers symbolizing just who they had feelings for.

Or, a Dimigard Hanahaki AU.

It had been a year since Edelgard had launched her attack against Archbishop Rhea, and with the disappearance of Professor Byleth, there had been opposition to her advances but nothing the empire’s armies couldn’t handle. At first, Faerghus had been a thorn in her side, but the death of Dimitri and instatement of Cornelia had managed to at least temporarily reduce her problems from three to two. Admittedly, she regretted the fact that Dimitri had to die, her feelings for him had not managed to lessen since she’d learned he had been her childhood best friend, but he had made his choice that night on the Goddess Tower, and she couldn’t let some petty childhood feelings stop her plans.

There was no room for childish sentimentality or his naive views of the world, not anymore. Not so long as the Church of Seiros still stood.

So she’d done her mourning in private and moved on, which brought her to the next phase of the war: quieting the Leicester Alliance and their dissent. She looked over the reports Hubert had brought her with mild interest, noting down which lords she might be able to use to help tear the alliance apart faster. Perhaps she could talk to Claude as well, their goals were similar, and he might be willing to…

As her mind busied itself with thoughts of the war, she felt a tickle in her throat, letting out a light cough.

Perhaps she was growing ill. Edelgard shrugged and returned to her research, not giving anymore thought to the cough beyond a note to catch some rest.

Perhaps if she had, she would have noticed the small blue anemone petals that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere on the table.

-x-

“Lady Edelgard, I have the books you’ve asked for.” The past two weeks had been nothing but hell for Edelgard as Hanahaki season had once more come into full bloom. For the first time in her entire memory, she had been afflicted by the terrible disease. And none of it made sense.

She was sure the only person she had any feelings regarding whatsoever had been Dimitri, which given the wide array of blue flower petals that had been expelled lined up with her theory, but as far as she knew the object of your affection had to be alive in order for your unrequited love to be a problem. As far as she knew, he was dead.

Which was why she’d requested Hubert bring her books on Hanahaki disease. She coughed after accepting the book, releasing some blue rose petals. “Thank you Hubert, you’re dismissed for now.”

Hubert hesitated for a second, as though he wanted to say something more. “Very well.” He placed a small vial on the desk, next to the book that Edelgard was reading. “Ferdinand suggested I bring this to you, he remembered a stall near the monastery that sold it, and how it used to help Dimitri with his illness.” At the mention of Dimitri’s name, Edelgard coughed up more petals, this time those of a daffodil. “Lady Edelgard–”

“I’m fine, Hubert.” Edelgard raised her hand before looking over the small amount of potion. “I remember he used to take this. He mentioned it to me when he mentioned he was suffering from the affliction.” Deciding she could at least use a few hours where bloody petals wouldn’t erupt from her lungs, she downed the medication. “I appreciate your concern. Tell Ferdinand I say thank you.” The noble was still a pest, but at least he had his moments like now.

“As you wish.” And with that, Hubert left, leaving Edelgard to her research as she started pouring over the books.

-x-

It had taken three days for Edelgard to finish going through all the available research on Hanahaki disease, and in those three days it became more and more clear there was only one explanation for what was going on with her.

The facts had been simple, it was only possible to show symptoms of Hanahaki if the subject of your unrequited love was still alive.

Meaning after all of this, Dimitri was still alive.

Whether she was disappointed by his survival, or relieved that things between them may not have been completely pointless, Edelgard couldn’t say, but she did know that regardless of her feelings on Dimitri living she had to find him and deal with his survival herself. And so upon the realization she had loaded up her travel bag with as many vials of the Hanahaki suppressant as possible, and set off across the continent for evidence of wherever Dimitri may have been hiding.

For a while, it had seemed like chasing down rumors of what had happened to Dimitri might as well have been a wild goose chase. The overthrown king had either done his best to vanish entirely, or had his three close friends doing a better job than she could have ever imagined when it came down to hiding him.

It wasn’t until one night, in a town not far from the Adrestian Empire’s borders, she heard rumors of an abandoned building no men dared to settle in due to the beast that wore a man’s face hiding within that Edelgard decided she had finally found the lead she was looking for. Clutching Amyr tightly in her hands, Edelgard emerged from her horse and into the building in front of her.

The sight she saw tugged at her heartstrings, and in spite of the medication she had taken, she felt the resounding urge to cough as vines clung to her throat, begging for the petals to escape.

For in front of her was the former King Dimitri. His once well maintained blond hair had grown out considerably in the year since she had once seen him, starting to fall towards his chin. Something had likely happened to his eye in his escape from Cornelia, as he now covered it with an eye patch. A ragged breathing shook his blue cloak that he had huddled underneath. He looked absolutely horrible, but that wasn’t what had almost made Edelgard wince in shock at what she saw.

What broke Edelgard was the single eye that was not covered by the eyepatch. Those weren’t the eyes of the living, they were the eyes of somebody already dead. Dimitri may have been breathing, but inside he had already died.

For all she could tell, Dimitri was staring right through her, seemingly uninterested in the cloaked figure that was standing in front of him, but as she stepped closer he’d gripped his lance, pointing it at Edelgard. “Do not take another step closer if you value your life.”

It was likely, judging by the threat, Dimitri had expected her to stop, perhaps to flee. But if there was anything her shortened lifespan had taught her, it was that Edelgard wasn’t bothered by the idea of her own death. “Dimitri.” She stepped towards him, watching him stiffen.

“Edelgard?” He stared at her in shock, as though trying to reconcile her under her cloak with the woman who was well on her way to becoming the empress of all of Fódlan. For a moment, she saw the boy she remembered from the academy, but it hadn’t lasted long before the bitter tone that he’d threatened her with earlier returned. “No, you’re just one of the phantoms haunting me, all because I couldn’t save you from the dark path you’d left me for.”

His words stung. Edelgard couldn’t deny that as she took another step closer. “I’m not a ghost coming to haunt you.”

At her answer, Dimitri barked out a laugh. It was uncomfortable, so unlike anything she’d have thought him able to make. “Of course you’re not.” For the first time, she got the feeling that he was actually looking at her. “You couldn’t be satisfied with me out of the way forever, is that it, finally decided to put me out of my misery.”

Perhaps that would have been a kinder fate then leaving him alive, given his state. She swallowed down another cough, unwilling to show any sort of weakness. “No. I have not Dimitri.”

“Then I suppose it’s the opposite then.” A grin crossed Dimitri’s face, a deranged grin that left Edelgard worried for her own safety. “If you’re not here to kill me, then that must be a sign that it’s time to separate your head from your neck.”

“Dima–”

“You have no right to use that name anymore.” The sting of the rejection from her former friend hurt, not just emotionally, but she felt a burn in her chest as she began coughing once more, letting out a mass of anemones, even in spite of the suppressant that still should have been doing its job.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. For both of them, it had just become painfully clear why Edelgard had decided to show up and find him.

She wouldn’t let him stop her from forming a united Fódlan, but that didn’t stop her from loving him even now.

Suddenly Dimitri was laughing again. Unlike the first, which had been aggressive, this laugh made her feel tense, like Dimitri had finally lost the last threads of his sanity. “Of course it would be something like this. So many years of enduring the Hanahaki disease only to finally be rid of it to see the very person I was in love with suffering from the same affliction for me now.”

“I’m painfully aware of the situation I’m in, Dimitri.” She didn’t need his jeers or laughs. They only made things worse, in her opinion.

“If you were looking for some form of heartfelt confession, you won’t have it.” Dimitri looked almost disgusted that the petals expelling themselves from her lungs came from her love for him. “I feel nothing but hatred and disgust for you.”

“I understand that you disagreed with me about the war, b–”

Once again, she was cut off. “The war? You think this is about your forsaken war?” The sheer anger in his voice convinced her to keep her mouth shut aside from some coughs and scattered petals. “Fódlan could burn for all I care about its fate. This is about getting revenge so they’ll finally be at rest.”

There it was again, the second reference to those dead as though they were still with him. “What are you talking about, Dimitri?”

“You were responsible for the Tragedy of Duscur. You and the rest of your empire of monsters.”

Oh.

She gripped Amyr tighter to her, wanting to be prepared in case Dimitri lashed out again. “I had nothing to do with the Tragedy of Duscur.”

“Lies! You’re the Flame Empreror. It could only be you.”

She had only one shot at this. Had he not believed her, had he proven himself to be the King of Delusions as he showed himself to be right now, then she would have no choice but to rid the world of him once and for all. “What you say is true, I am the Flame Emperor, but while I am working with those who orchestrated the events that transpired at Duscur, I was not the cause.” Dimitri remained deathly silent, as though waiting for her to continue. “Dimitri, think back to that night we last spoke on the Goddess Tower.”

“What about it?” He hadn’t attacked her yet. That was good.

“Dimitri, during the Tragedy of Duscur I was still undergoing the experiments to give me a second crest.” She summoned the Crest of Flames to her hand once more, watching his reaction as recognition of the moment she was talking about flickered across his face. “I couldn’t have anything to do with its planning.”

“Yet you admit to working with those very same people. You expect me to believe you’re better than them?” Loathe as Edelgard was to admit it, Dimitri had a valid point. Thankfully, one she was prepared to go against.

“I don’t,” she said simply. “But they’re simply tools. Once I’ve finished taking down the church I plan on taking them down as well.” The truth was, she had no way of confirming that her uncle had anything to do with the Tragedy of Duscur, but she couldn’t put it past him to have had something to do with it at least. “They’ve controlled all of this from the beginning, and hurt both of us. Some justice must be served, but they are also powerful. To not take advantage of them would be drawing out this war for no reason.”

Dimitri remained skeptical, just as he had all those years ago. “What do you gain from telling me all this?”

Well her life, for one, but she didn’t say it out loud. “Ignoring the fact that I’m unable to get rid of my...feelings for you, you’re a powerful fighter. If we worked together, we could stop them for good.” She extended her hand out. She’d placed all her cards out on the table. If he was still interested in killing her, she’d have to take him down like the animal he had become, both to stop the flowers from consuming her lungs and out of mercy for what he had become.

He was silent, as though weighing his options before grabbing her hand. Edelgard let out an inaudible sigh of relief. “I will serve at your side until my revenge is complete.”

In spite of the fact that he wasn’t trying to kill her anymore, it was clear that for the moment revenge against Those Who Slither was going to be the only thing keeping Dimitri around.

But that was okay. It was a step up, and for now, that was enough.

0 notes

mommymooze · 3 years

Text

Anxious Restraint

Sylvain x reader

Warning: war, death, destruction, sad families, blood, injuries

Its a beautiful day during Great Tree Moon. Your nose is filled with the mixed scents of the flowers that are blooming everywhere, their petals catch in the winds and scatter across the cobblestones. You are strolling quietly through the pathways of the school having just left one of your classes and heading to your next when you are suddenly joined by a fellow student, interrupting your thoughts about the upcoming battle.

Apparently, you have caught the eye of the school’s skirt-chaser, the notorious Sylvain Gautier. “Hey beautiful, how are you doing today?” He smoothly slithers up to your side, brushing his elbow up against yours.

“I’m fine, Sylvain” you respond listlessly, wishing this conversation was already over.

With his ‘every girl wants a piece of a guy who smiles like this’ look plastered on his face, he continues, “Want to grab some dinner with me today? Such a beautiful day would be even better if we shared a little time together, eh?”

Eyes straight ahead, you keep walking as if he’s not even there. “No thanks, I have to work on my magic and I was going to practice after grabbing a bite in the dining hall.”

“What about tomorrow?” He pushes.

“Tomorrow I have a test.” You just want him to stop. Mother taught you not to be rude, but he is testing every bit of your patience.

“And the next day?” He sounds desperate.

“Working with Felix on my sword skills. And improving my Pegasus riding so I can be a dark flier. I really have to get going.” Your voice getting louder as you run at top speed to anywhere before you lose your temper.

Sylvain is left in the dust, again. You’re in the same class as he is. You haven’t known him long, but Ingrid fills you in on his life history of philandering. Classes keep everyone busy. You have to study fairly hard, but you are rewarded with great grades. Sylvain is smart, but doesn’t apply himself, he tells you he shouldn’t have to bother to be the best because no matter what, his dad’s just going to make him take his place someday. Seems like every time you see him he has a different girl hanging off his arm. He still asks you out once or twice a month. More out of a force of habit than anything else.

Time flies by with unusual problems happening quite frequently at the monastery. The Church sends the students out to fight their battles for them on a regular basis. Classes are taught, battles are won, then suddenly war is declared. The battle of Garreg Mach leaves everyone numb. You head home to find it is gone, the whole village burnt to the ground. Everyone you knew is gone, you’re unsure as to who lived and who died. You become part of a mercenary group, continuing to fight and develop your skills and battle techniques. Your group will take any job that will take down Empire soldiers or people allied with them. Yuri hires your group a few times. Most of your jobs are in the Kingdom and Alliance territories.

Five years pass and you find yourself back at Garreg Mach, wondering if your friends will be there for the reunion planned so long ago. You are completely shocked when Byleth appears, fighting alongside a battleworn and feral Dimitri.

Once the battle ends the Blue Lions light up the stove in the kitchen, salvage what they can and cook up food that doesn’t quite go together but gets something in their stomachs for the night. Sitting around a table in the dining hall they each tell their stories of what they have been doing the past five years. Most of them protected their territories, saving their people. Byleth was sleeping, Dimitri is absent, everyone draws their own conclusions on what his time was spent on.

Sylvain finds you alone one afternoon sitting on a bench after having spent the entire day organizing and cleaning the library. “So you became a mercenary? You could have come to Gautier or even Fraldarius. Felix and I would have helped you. You didn’t have to be alone.” He said, sounding sad.

“I guess I needed to find myself after everything I knew was gone. I felt like I had to crawl my way up from the bottom. I refused to give up. I hadn’t planned on being a mercenary. I knew I wanted to keep fighting, keep working to be stronger, needing to make a difference for the right cause. Waking up every day knowing that I would work to improve the lives of the people, sure it didn’t win any major battles. But it made a difference to them. I gave them hope. Stealing supply wagons from the Empire and taking them to those that were starving or had no way to protect themselves kept me moving forward all of this time. I may have lost all of my things, but I gained a true purpose.

The next few days are filled with finding places to sleep, hunting and gathering food, repairing rooms and critical buildings, and greeting others that have returned such as Seteth and Flayn with the Knights of Seiros. You work with Byleth, offering to train anyone in reason magic.

Sylvain comes to your classes. You notice that he behaves himself, having grown up somewhat, and actually studies and gains better control of his magic. He finds you in the training grounds late one night, working with the new recruits and decides to lend a hand, helping them with their incantations, manipulation of runes or simply being encouraging.

Finally, the last student leaves. You wave as you grab your tomes and notes. Sylvain takes a seat on a nearby bench.

“You have your spellcasting mastered. I can really see the improvement since we were students.” Sylvain genuinely smiles.

You have a look of shock on your face. That has to be the sincerest compliment he has ever given you. “Um…thanks.” You weakly smile.

“I’ll see ya tomorrow.” He says waving as he turns.

You stumble after him quickly. “Sylvain, thank you very much for helping me tonight. If you hadn’t, I could have been here until morning. That was really sweet.”

He flashes a grin at you and heads out the door. You are confused. The Sylvain you remembered from before the war was always flirting and shirking work. Now he’s helping with working and training. He actually volunteers. Maybe he really is growing up.

Battles come and battles go. Being the eye in the sky, you are always watching out for your friends. After surviving for this many years of war, it would be heart wrenching to lose any of them now. You throw a Thoron into a group of archers that are terrorizing Felix. You guide Ingrid to help Ashe when someone is sneaking up on him. Always, always you have one eye on Sylvain, making sure he doesn’t get himself surrounded or run through on an enemy’s lance. The fights are all the same, only the names of the places change and the numbers of scars on everyone ever increases.

Reclaiming the Capital is a painful battle. Everyone’s heart breaks seeing the city in such ruin. The people are hiding from the soldiers on both sides. Titanus running amok cutting down everything in their paths. You fly quickly, attacking the Empire from the air, then leading innocent citizens to safety and hauling the wounded back to the rear of the lines to get healed. Fire and smoke is everywhere. Your Pegasus is breathing hard and needs a break. You leave it with the other beasts not currently in the fight and run in on foot to see where you can assist. You scurry back to where you had seen the heaviest fighting just in time to see the last Titanus fall with a thundering crash. Dimitri, Dedue, Felix and Sylvain are dashing towards Cornelia. As soon as you are in range you hit her two closest archers with Swarm-z, slowing them down as well as injuring them. Felix and Sylvain defeat the enemies quickly. Dedue and Dimitri are facing Cornelia. Angered by your magic, she casts Luna Λ at you. Normally you have a fairly high magic resistance, however this is a dark magic spell that doesn’t care what your resistance is, it’s going to hit and hit hard. Your last thoughts before you lose consciousness is that your friends can finish this easily and you are glad you’re on the ground and not falling off your Pegasus.

Waking up on a hard cot in the makeshift infirmary of the palace you hear the sounds of people walking softly and whispering all around. You mentally take inventory, wiggling toes and twitching fingers. Opening your eyes you have to blink a few times before you can finally get them to focus. At first you only see oranges and blacks, then you can focus a bit and see Sylvain and Annette standing at the foot of your cot. You see her point your direction and he turns to face you. He was frowning but when your eyes meet his, his face relaxes.

Kneeling down at the head of your bed he says softly, “Hey, welcome back. Think you can take a drink for me?” pulling a waterskin to your lips and lifting your head a bit, helping you take a few sips.

The water is cool and feels amazing on your parched throat. “Mmmm. Thanks.” You whisper as you smile up at him.

“Let’s see. What did you miss? After Cornelia hit you with that spell, she was easily taken down by Dimitri and Dedue. The fighting was over soon after that, we just had to take out a few pockets of enemy soldiers here and there. As you can tell we took over the royal palace. The people rallied outside and demanded Dimitri to present himself to them. They’re accepting him as king and happy to have him back. Your Pegasus is in the royal stables, Ingrid was able to coax her in there. I had no idea she hates men so much, I almost lost my right hand, gauntlet and all.” Sylvain chuckles softly.

“Sorry. She was probably mad at me for leaving her in the first place. Glad I did.” You take another drink, the fog in your head lifting a little more.

Sylvain looks up at Annette, who is getting some bandages together for another patient. “Do you think she’ll be able to make it to the party tonight?”

“If she behaves. She’ll have to take it easy.” The shorter redhead points at you. “No dancing the night away.”

The cavalier pats your shoulder, “It’s nothing big, just the Lions hanging out together, to relax a minute before the next battle. Gotta take a break sometime, right?”

“I will try to make it. I haven’t even tried to sit up yet.” You mumble.

“When you’re ready we’ll sit you up. If you want to eat we’ll get you some food.” He begins, “After you’ve settled a bit we’ll try to get you walking around and show you to a room so you can clean up and change. I’ll come by before the party and help you get there if you want to go. Sometimes these corridors can all look alike. Wouldn’t want you spending half the night trying to find your way there.”

“Sitting up sounds like a good start.” You propose, knowing that magical wounds take time you recall. There’s only so much healing magic and potions they can pour into you. You weren’t sliced open and didn’t lose blood. Mostly once you wake up, you could go about your business, just treading a bit more carefully.

The cavalier is tall and agile, stepping over a few empty cots with his long legs he grabs a wooden chair and sits it down at the head of your bed. Before you can start to turn to stand up, he picks you up and gently places you seated in the chair.

“Wow.” You gasp. “Um..thanks.” a tinge of red warms across your cheeks.

“I grabbed one with arms so if you’re still tired you would have something to lean on. Are you feeling alright so far?” He has the tiniest upturn to the corners of his mouth.

He looks adorable, you think to yourself. Wait. Sylvain. Adorable? Um…hey brain, are you going to answer him? “My head is a bit fuzzy.”

“I’ll check on you in a while, in time for lunch, ok?” the redhead says as he pats your hand while he walks past and leaves.

You sit looking around the room. Soldiers mixed with citizens. A woman with her baby is holding hands with a man that looks like he was badly burned. You can see the strength and determination in her face, she is being strong for him. A young boy sitting by the cot of an older man that is sleeping. The clerics are checking bandages, stopping to talk to every patient and giving them words of encouragement. The physical fighting here has ended, now everyone is gathering themselves together, healing, and getting ready to rebuild and make a better world.

You start moving yourself, getting your blood flowing and stretching, kicking your feet for a while then holding them up in the air. Soon you feel brave enough to try to stand up. Putting your feet on the ground you use the chair to help you stand on your own feet. You don’t feel like falling over, no affects so far except for some anxiety. You spy a chair 15 feet away and decide to go the distance. Your first few steps are taken gingerly, but you gain a bit of confidence and make it the last few steps fine. Sitting down your legs gave a bit so you came down a bit hard, but it felt good to move. Now you realize that you are in a simple gown and socks. Not exactly the best clothes for heading out of here, hopefully someone will be by soon to tell you what to do next. After taking a careful stroll back to your original chair, you spy Annette coming down the row of cots, checking on patients. You take a sip of water and wait for your turn.

“How’s your head? Any signs of a headache? Any pain anywhere?” Her bright and cheery smile always makes you smile back at her.

“I feel pretty good. Whoever worked on me did an amazing job. I just have a tiny headache. I’ve even been taking a few steps back and forth between the chairs here. So what should I do next?”

Annette reaches under your cot for a small bundle. ”We have a change of clothes and boots for you.” She shows you to the bathroom to change. You nod happily, “I would love to get real clothes on. It gives you the mental kick like you’re getting back to normal.”

“You have a great attitude! I’ll bet you’re fine in no time.” The redhead bubbles, walking with you to the powder room.

Clothes changed, washing your face and hands, you feel like a gold bullion. No mirrors in here, probably so the recovering wounded are not shocked about how they look after battle and keep concentrating on healing. You feel much more confident walking back to the chair by your cot. Observing the healers running around, you feel quite useless and guilty for not being able to help them. Before you spiral too far into a frustrating mindset, Sylvain arrives.

“Look at you, all ready to go!” He smiles. “They said if I take it easy with you, we can get you to the dining hall. Ready to give it a go?” He stands next to your chair, his elbow ready for you to grab it for support if needed.

“Sounds wonderful.” You stand up and place your hand on his forearm letting him lead you out of the infirmary.

The first few times he spies a bench he checks if you want to rest or keep going. The continued movement is a little tiring, but also feels really good getting your heart pumping. Once you really begin to feel tired you are already at the dining hall. Felix, Ingrid and Ashe already at the table with their food.

“Welcome back!” Ingrid smiles, waving with a roll in her hand. Felix does his usual nod in your general direction. Ashe waves excitedly as he tries to chew whatever he has in his mouth faster.

“Great to see you!” Ashe begins, switching to recalling his view of the end of the battle. “I saw Cornelia hit you with that spell, it was so scary. You were taking out her archers protecting her and then Bam! This ball of black and purple hit you and you go down. Dimitri and Dedue took her out and when Felix and Sylvain finished her other archers they put you on Sylvain’s horse and he took you straight back to the healers.”

Sylvain returns to the table with a tray full of food. “So I wasn’t sure what you were in the mood for, so I brought a few things. Doesn’t matter because whatever you don’t eat, Ingrid will finish for you.”

“Hey!” Ingrid puts her hands on her hips, pouting for a second. Then she changes her mind. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

You decide the soup and a soft roll may be a good place to start. Everyone chats about things that happened in the fight, trying to concentrate on good things that happened such as saving a child or protecting a merchant.

“Oh Ingrid! Thank you for taking care of my Pegasus and getting her stabled.” You happily pat her hand in thanks.

“It was nothing. She was being feisty and knucklehead over there tried to grab her reins and she didn’t take to it too kindly.” Ingrid grinned at the cavalier. “they are not the same as horses!”

The redhead puts his hands up, “I get it! I get it!”

Lunch ends and before you get a chance Sylvain grabs everyone’s dishes and piles them on his tray to take back.

You raise an eyebrow at Ingrid, she shrugs her shoulders. Felix and Ashe are already out the door talking about some training they are interested in. Ingrid says she will check on your Pegasus and let you know this evening how things are. You assure her you’re going to try to make the gathering tonight.

Sylvain returns, placing his arm at the ready, you grab on and as he escorts you, talking about his history here, having grown up frequently visiting the palace, how he would chase Ingrid, Dimitri and Felix down the halls until they would get in trouble and their amazing snowball fights in the courtyards. He leads you down the corridor to your room. Annette and Mercedes are staying in the room next to yours.

“Who am I bunked up with?” You wonder.

“Nobody. This is all for you. The room is huge with a sitting area, a grand fireplace, a huge bed with multiple fluffy pillows and a bathroom with bathtub big enough to swim in. You spy your bags set on tables next to the dressers.

“I am so confused.” You don’t realize you are speaking out loud. “Why this special treatment? I’m just like everyone else. I don’t understand?”

“Remember when we were up against Cornelia?” Sylvain explains. “The person she looked at, the one she needed to stop first wasn’t Dimitri, wasn’t Dedue, it was you. You’re the most powerful mage we have. Sure, Annette is pretty amazing, but she can’t do the damage you do. Cornelia saw it. I know you can dance circles around me. You’re pretty terrifying. We’re thrilled to have you on our side.”

You’re absolutely flabbergasted. You never compare yourself to anyone else. You go out, do your job. You feel a blush to your cheeks even though you find this hard to believe.

The redhead continues, “Then there’s the fact that you do this while flying on your Pegasus. We’ve seen you do maneuvers on that animal that shock Ingrid. You make some seriously fast dives, then stop. The wind force from its wings is stronger than some of Annette’s spells. I’ve seen enemy archers rolling over backwards from it.”

You could be knocked over by a Pegasus feather. You’re just a regular person in the army and he’s put you up on a pedestal…wait. This is Sylvain you’re thinking about. But it’s not his usual flirting escapades. Where is that flirtatious attitude anyway? You have spent a lot of time with him today and walked past plenty of pretty ladies, but you can’t recall his saying hello or paying a compliment to any of them.

“I think I should get a nap.” You say, not sure if you’re overwhelmed or tired or both.

“I’ll let you rest then. I’ll be back for you to get you to the party in plenty of time. See you in a few hours!” Sylvain smiles widely as he heads out the door, closing it behind him.

You sneak over to the door, hearing his footsteps going off into the distance. You peek out to watch him head down the long hallway. You watch him walk past a few female fellow soldiers without a hitch in his step. He comes to the end of the hallway where a cute maid is dusting a portrait and he just keeps going, not even giving the maid a sideways glance. Who is this guy and what have they done with Sylvain? You’re not sure, but you need to find out.

You decide a bath then a nap may clear your head. There are wonderful smelling soaps with flowers imbedded in them and something that smells fresh and relaxing for your hair. Cleansed and warm, it is definitely nap time. You comb your hair out, braiding it a bit and surround yourself by the fluffy pillows. You are asleep as soon as your head hits the pillows.

Several hours later you wake up, glad to see it’s not dark outside yet. You dress in a soft blue tunic and black slacks with your boots. You let your braids loose so your hair can dry. You head next door to visit Annette and Mercedes.

“Knock, knock, anyone home?” You chuckle.

“Hey! Come in!” Annette’s bubbly voice calls back. You enter, hmm, their room is much smaller than yours. You frown.

“Merci’s in the bath right now. Do you feel well enough to join us tonight?” Annette is looking at two outfits she has laid out on the bed, trying to decide which dress to wear.

“I’m about ready. I need to fix my hair a bit, that’s all.” You pause. “Annie, if I ask you some questions will you answer me honestly?”

“Pssshhh. Of course. We have no secrets.” The blue eyed woman smiles from ear to ear.

You want to ask her the right way, not fishing for compliments, because you don’t want that. “So. I’m just one of the many mages in the army, right? I’m no different than any other Pegasus rider. Just a regular old normal person.”

“Well…” Annette scrunches her eyebrows and puts her finger to her chin. “For Faith magic, nobody can beat Merci. Reason magic I’m pretty good, but you’re better than me, and Byleth too. You’re the only one that can cast Dark magic. Byleth does call on you frequently to do some very tough jobs, being out on the front lines where normally mages are not.”

“You can be quite scary!” Laughs Mercedes as she emerges from the bath in a short tunic and her slips. “A bolt of darkness coming down like a demon on the dark wings of your steed.”

“I guess I’m just confused by Sylvain. Did Byleth tell him to watch over me or something?” You look so flustered.

Mercie puts her hand over her mouth to hide a giggle.

“You should have seen him when he saw Cornelia hit you with her spell!” Annette is leaning so far forward off the bed she’s going to fall over any minute. “You fell over and he tried to run over there. Felix nearly pulled his arm out of his socket. He had to stay and finish the archers. Sylvain insisted on getting you back to the healer’s tent as fast as possible.”

“Why am I in a big room at the end of the hall all by myself? Shouldn’t I be bunked with someone?” You are grasping at anything trying to make sense of today.

“That could be from me.” Mercedes advises. “I did tell Dimitri that you need peace and quiet, healing from a magic injury is impeded by stress like loud noises or bad roommates.”

You shake your head a bit. Maybe you’re just tired and after a good night’s sleep you’ll be better in the morning. You remind yourself not to stay up too late at the party.

The three of you chat a bit, getting into gossip and girl talk. Dimitri and Byleth have been getting closer now that he has been feeling much better. You elbow the red-headed mage sitting next to you on the bed, teasing her about a certain dedicated swordsman. She refuses to admit if they have kissed yet, but by the redness on her cheeks, there is something going on there for sure. Mercedes admits to having a few cooking dates with Dedue. He is showing her how to make some dishes. She’s always felt comfortable baking desserts but not cooking main courses and side dishes.

The two ladies corner you asking if you have your heart set on anyone. Sheepishly you have to shrug your shoulders. You haven’t had time to do much beyond teaching the new mages and their battalions, being sent on a few covert missions, and working with the Pegasus knights training, working the stables and working out with your own steed. You see Ingrid the most of the group, frequently Dorothea would be hanging out nearby waiting for her.

Suddenly you notice the time and need to get back to your room to finish getting ready. You wave goodbye and will see them in a little while. There is a lovely vanity with an adjustable mirror. You take a seat and decide to braid your hair in one of the more intricate braids like Petra had shown you in recent months. Tying it with a white ribbon you leave it on your right shoulder. Dusting your cheeks with a light rouge and dabbing your lips with a bit of color you’re done. This has probably been the closest you’ve been to being dressed up since the war started.

A knock on the door brings your attention back from staring at your face in the mirror. You walk quickly to the door to find Sylvain there, smiling brightly.

“You look…like you are feeling much better. Did you get to rest?” he asks.

“I feel great, I’m sure tomorrow I will feel even better.” You smile as he steps back to let you exit the room and he closes the door behind you. You grab the crook of his elbow like you had done earlier and he leads you to the parlor where the gathering is taking place.

“It is great to just hang out together for once. It has been exhausting.” Sylvain announces.

“War takes so much out of you. We have come so far, just a little bit more.” You sigh wistfully.

“The end is in sight.” The tall redhead says quietly. After a pause, he asks, “So have you thought about what you’re going to do after the war?”

“I don’t know.” You slow your pace, trying to gather your thoughts as you walk. “I’ve been so busy with the war, its hard to think about it being over. There is still going to be a million things that have to be done. Setting up government, rebuilding, trying to get everyone to work together. The work never ends.”

“Well, let’s not think about all that work for tonight.” He says as he pauses outside the room. “Let’s relax for just a bit before it all starts over again tomorrow.”

Inside the parlor is a large table with many chairs. Tables loaded with foods, fruits, savory treats and desserts. A large circle of comfortable chairs, couches, loveseats and settees with small tables scattered between them is the right, a few seats already occupied by Dedue, Dimitri, Byleth and Ingrid.

Everyone stands and greets you as you enter. You hug them all, so happy to be back together with everyone. Sylvain holds his hands out hopefully.

“Of course, you didn’t get one yet either.” You smile as you place your arms around him for his hug as well. He smells good. He hugs back ever so gently, his touch is feather light.

Byleth returns to the settee that she is sharing with Dimitri and asks you to sit next to her. You take a spot on the loveseat and chat with her about what happened during the battle from her point of view and she shares how proud she is of everyone. The rest of the Blue Lions filter into the room. Sylvain hands you a glass of water with lemon slices in it then walks over to talk to Felix who has found the spicy meatballs.

Once everyone has a drink in hand, Dimitri offers a toast thanking them all for their help in taking back the Kingdom capital. Plaudits of the attendees fill the room.

The conversations are lively. Ashe sits next to you for a while, talking about some new books he has ordered and offers to let you read them after he is finished. Annette also sits next to you for a while, talking about all of the different and delicious desserts. You prefer the peach tart, however you agree that the strawberry cheesecake is simply divine. The redhead then joins Felix on the couch on the other side of the room. Sylvain stands between you and Byleth, talking about differences in armor quality and comparing different blacksmiths. You invite him to ‘take a load off’ has he likes to say to others, as you move to let him sit next to Byleth and you sit on the other side of the seat, patting the loveseat for him to sit himself. He nods and smiles as he takes a seat and continues his conversation with the former Professor. Mercedes bustles through the room, taking your empty plate and another that Annette had left on the side table.

Sylvain finishes his conversation and looks out into the room. You tap him on the hand to get his attention.

“What have you been up to today?” You ask him.

“I had to work on repairs for my saddle, one of the cinching straps had become frayed. I don’t need it breaking and falling off in the middle of battle. I also had to make sure my horse is in great shape, trimmed her hooves and then took her out for a ride. I used to ride a lot out here with Dimitri. It was good to feel the wind through my hair, the sun on my back and simply ride just for the sake of riding.”

“That sounds delightful.” You think wistfully. “Just going for a ride to be riding. Can’t wait to be able to do that again.”

“Any time you are up for it I would be happy if you would like to join me.” Sylvain smiles.

You gently wrap your tiny hand around his much larger, calloused hand. “Sounds great.”

Another hour of chatting with your friends goes by until a yawn suddenly escapes your lips.

Sylvain immediately notices. “Looks like you have had enough fun for today. I should take you back, okay?”

“Mmmm. I agree. Mercedes will tie me to a cot if I don’t rest.” You giggle

Mercedes laughs, “I have ways of making you sleep.” Her voice is much deeper, lower than normal as she squints her eyes menacingly. She wiggles her fingers in a creepy taunting manner at you, making you laugh even more. Sylvain stands and offers his elbow for you to take. Both of you bid goodnight to everyone as you head back out to the corridors of the palace. You are silent as you both walk back to your room. At the door he is preparing to take his leave.

Placing your hand on his shoulder you stop him from moving. “I would like to talk with you, that is, if you want to speak with me as well.”

He gives a slight smile and follows you into your room. You move to the sitting area. You take a seat on a soft cushioned char, he sits on an identical chair next to you.

“First, thank you so much for all of the help you have provided to me today. Bringing water, helping steady me in the hallways, and making certain I was not lost wandering the palace looking for the party.” You say this with all the sincerity you can muster, placing your left hand on your chest to show your heartfelt thanks.

“It was the least I could do. You have given of yourself over and over, it was wonderful being able to help you today.” A tinge of red covers his cheeks. “You really should get some rest.”

You really want to talk to him but he is right, you can barely keep your eyes open. He opens the door to leave, but you hold your arms out to give him a hug goodnight. He gently wraps his arms around yours as you press your cheek into his chest, exhaling with a sigh. You wave as he steps through the threshold and closes the door.

The early morning war council is held in one of the palace’s meeting rooms. Dimitri shares a message delivered to him earlier this morning. It is a plea for assistance from the alliance, Claude asks for help in Derdriu. Everyone agrees to make the detour to the city then head on towards Enbarr to finish the war.

Arriving at the coastal city, Claude has done an excellent job preparing the city for the fight with the Empire. The battle zone has been evacuated of the citizens and merchants. They only ones involved in the fighting are soldiers. The Kingdom’s army is motivated and strong, overtaking the Empire forces in record time.

There is a meeting between Dimitri, Byleth and Claude. Claude announces he is headed for his own future and wishes everyone well.

The Kingdom marches for Enbarr. The final battle in the war. Edelgard does nothing to prepare the citizens, they flee in the streets as the fight rages around them. The fight is long and bloody. There is no surrendering by Edelgard, she and Hubert fight until their last breath.

You volunteer to stay behind, but Ashe, Ingrid, Dorothea, Linhardt and Caspar remain to start the repairs and healing from the war. The rest return to the north. Sylvian and Felix return to their territories to check on everything and keep their lands going.

Back in the Kingdom capital, your days are filled with rebuilding, not just the buildings, but the mind and bodies of the citizens. You are always amongst the people, one day clearing rubble, the next helping in the orphanages, another day watching a mother’s children so she could take care of business. You explain you are doing this for king and country. If there is anyone to thank, it is Dimitri.

Soon everyone is gathered here again, this time for Dimitri’s coronation. The ceremony is long. Byleth being the archbishop has the honor of placing the crown upon the king. There are so many speeches and the lords of every territory must approach the king and promise their allegiance.

A grand ball celebrating the coronation is held in the evening. King Dimitri is seated at the head table, next to Archbishop Byleth. Felix is next to Dimitri as his chief advisor, Dedue next to him as his Vassal. Ashe and Ingrid are knights, standing guard behind them. They insisted on working, reveling in the honor of being among the first to protect the newly crowned King.

You sit with Annette, Mercedes, Dorothea, Caspar, Linhardt and Sylvain. The conversation is never ending, you haven’t seen several of them for months, so everyone has to catch up. Mercedes and Dedue are engaged. Annette and Felix are officially a couple, as well as Caspar and Linhardt. You have been busy helping restore the school of sorcery. They have been begging you to become a teacher, you are still considering your options.

The orchestra on the opposite side of the ballroom begins to play. The king and archbishop take the floor, starting the dancing for the remaining couples. Sylvain had been seated next to Dorothea and they spoke quietly with each other several times during dinner. You would look up and smile at him and he would always return the gesture.

After the first song ends, it was time for the rest of the couples to dance. You are shocked when he stands and walks over to you, asking you to dance with him. He takes your hand and leads you to the floor. The first few minutes you smile at each other. Then you hear him sigh. You catch his eyes and he smiles at you.

“I’ve missed you.” Sylvain whispers softly in your ear.

“I was hoping you lived close enough that you could come visit here more frequently. Maps can be quite deceiving.” You frown briefly, “How are things in Gautier?”

Sylvain seems to stiffen a bit. “My father is going to step down, leaving me to take his place.”

You try not to frown, “Is that what you want to do?”

He hesitates as the song is ending and he asks you to step outside with him. You stroll through the gardens together, the smell of moist earth and roses fills the air. You stop far enough away that the brightness of the party no longer blocks the light of the stars on this perfectly clear night.

He seats you on a bench, taking a the spot next to you. He leans back and looks up at the stars.

You can’t look away from his face, so you simply watch him watching the twinkling in the skies.

He gently takes your hand in his. “I never wanted to take my father’s place. I never wanted to be like him or like he wanted me to be. I was always such a rebel. I wanted to ruin the world around me, pay it back for all the pain that I had been through. There was nothing that I was looking forward to, being forced to fit in the mold that my father made for me. When they had announced that Dimitri would be executed it made my father physically ill. The kingdom had fallen that day to him. He had no hope left. He stopped pushing me to get married. He couldn’t arrange anything, not knowing who would come out victorious. He didn’t know if he would be keeping his position or would the Empire trample him into the ground. He stopped leaning on me that I would have to be the next margrave, not having any idea how long he was to be the current one. I no longer had anything to defy, to rebel against. I pulled back. I had to learn how to take care of myself properly. Then we came back for the reunion. I had been feeling sorry for myself, then I found out you had lost everything. I saw how strong you had become. Even though you had nothing you had such passion to help everyone else to be better. It was so beautiful. I had never seen anything so beautiful. It wasn’t just a smile, a pretty face, it was radiating from so deep within you. I wanted to be near you, that’s why I had offered to help you, just to be near you. I knew I wasn’t worthy of you. But if I helped you at least I could be close to you. When Cornelia hurt you, I went mad. I thought you were dead. Felix brought me back, telling me we had to finish what you started. I wanted to talk to you after you were recovering, but then we were pulled into Derdriu and went to Enbarr right after that. And then I had to go back to Gautier. After the war, when I went back I thought my father would lord over me, make me continue to do everything his way. But he’s become tired. My parents are going to move to the coast to spend the rest of their days. Managing Gautier is left to me to handle as I see fit. I’ve been working on reaching out to the Sreng, to see if we can find peace between us. Everyone is so tired of the fighting. I know I am. Maybe I could be the Margrave, but I can’t do it alone. I’d like you to help me, teach me to be a good leader, to do right by my people. I would do anything and everything for you.”

You squeeze his hand. “At the reunion I noticed a big change in you. I wanted to talk to you about it but the war never let us have five minutes to ourselves. I noticed you were behaving differently. I wanted so badly to talk to you after we won back the capital, but the war jumped between us again. Maybe the only way I can have an opportunity to speak with you for any length of time would be to go to Gautier with you.” You grin at him.

“I really don’t deserve you.” He puts his arm around you for a half hug. “I know you are so good with the people. Everyone here loves you.” He rests his cheek on the top of your head.

You’re beginning to become flustered. At the moment you miss the old flirty Sylvain. He’s acting..shy? Inviting you to Gautier sounded like a business transaction more than inviting a woman over. “Are you seeing anyone right now? Have you decided what you want to do for yourself?” you ask.

“Uh. No. I haven’t really thought about it for a long time. Its like once the pressure was off from my father, I just didn’t need to do that anymore. But yeah, I want to get married to a woman that I love, maybe have children, and shower them with as much love as I can muster. Make peace with the Sreng. Make the people of Gautier happy too. What about you? Are you seeing anyone? What do you want?”

“Well, I’ve always wanted to get married and have children. Now that the war is over that certainly is a possibility.” You begin. “And you know I like to help people, help them help themselves. I am seriously considering a job offer that I feel I am qualified for. I’m thrilled to find that someone I have been interested in for quite a while is currently single. So things are looking pretty good.” You look up at his face smiling.

Sylvain looks down at you smiling, but unsure.

Your hands slide up his chest, going around his neck and you pull him down toward you, finally he gets the idea and bends down to kiss you gently.

“That took you forever.” You gasp smiling up at him.

“I thought I had already missed my chance. I thought at least if I could be near you that would be fine.” He smiles, kissing you again.

“Ever since I saw you at the reunion, I could tell you were different in the best sort of way. You weren’t hiding behind a mask, you were acting like yourself. As long as you be your true self with me, I will always want to be near you.” You hold Sylvain tightly under the stars.

*****Epilogue

The wedding is the following spring. Both of you frequently travel all about Gautier territory, constantly talking with the people and responding to their needs. You find some people that speak Sreng and learn the language and culture well enough to be able to parlay and work towards a peace agreement. You give up some of the Gautier lands that the Sreng say are important to them. In turn they pay for this property with many rare minerals and jewels that are from their lands. You use this money to improve the roads and lives for the people of Gautier. Sylvain does spoil you rotten. You have at least 8 children and have no idea if any has a crest, not that you care. The Lance of Ruin is given to Byleth to do whatever she wants with the horrid weapon.

#fe3h x reader #fe3h #Fire Emblem Three Houses #fe16 #sylvain jose gautier #my stories #sylvain x reader

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